Chapter 69

Chapter 69

The following day, my mom and I were sitting outside on the swinging bench. She was telling about her time with Jeremy and how fond of him she was. They planned to go on more dates after we get this decision tomorrow. I knew if they met, this would play out exactly how I planned. It made me happy that my mom was getting back to being herself again. If we had it our way, we would have our dad back. That wasn't possible, so I'm glad she could make new memories with someone like Jeremy.

As great as it was, I'd been dying to ask my mom something since she was here. The experience already happened now, so there was no going back. However, it still intrigued me how she got me selected for this. Farrah was very adamant about me filling a role. I've filled it nicely, if I do say so myself. That didn't explain how I was selected. Compared to the other girls, I didn't have any attributes that stuck out. I wasn't a model or inspiring fashion designer. I'm from Greendale, one of the poorest cities, and I work in a small bakery. None of that screams candidate for a wealthy bachelor. So how did she get me in here?

It was a bit nerve-racking asking, but now it was better than ever. Besides, what's the worse that could happen? We could get into a little argument, but that was normal. We'll get over it at some point; now I needed answers.

Clearing my throat, I looked at my mom, trying to figure out how to ask this. "Mom, you'll be honest with me, right?"

She looked at me, knowing we would have a serious conversation. "Why, what's going on?" She was worried.

"Well, I wanted to know how I got into this competition, to begin with?"

My mom wasn't expecting me to ask her that. Honestly, I didn't want to, but it's been pondering on my mind for the best eight weeks. It was essential for her to win, and I secured the victory. However, this seemed impossible to me. I shouldn't be the one Cyrus was going to end up choosing. There were so many deserving women, and it felt like I took up a spot from someone else.

What Jay said also made sense. If there were going to be a lot of press, Farrah would want to ensure she looked good. Being inclusive was always a part of receiving good publicity. That's why Jay's words rang true when my mom answered my question. He was right, and I should never have doubted him.

"Nothing that wasn't true. I was as honest as I could be about your job, where we lived, and the events that happened in our life," my mom said, surprising me.

My eyes widen, hearing her speak to me. So that whole thing at the first dinner, she already knew about my life? Why would she make us go around the table sharing information on ourselves if she already knew? That was a bitch move if I ever saw one. The woman didn't like me from the minute she saw my application. Cyrus was never meant to fall for me, but much to her dismay, he did. It hurt knowing that if it weren't for the fact his mom was using me, I wouldn't be here. I would never have met Cyrus, Jay, or the girls. I couldn't be too mad that Farrah was looking out for herself because it led to many incredible things.

That didn't change the fact that my mom made me go to this thing without considering my feelings. We needed this opportunity for sure, but it still didn't change the fact that we could've talked about it. Before she entered the bakery that day, I didn't even know a competition was happening. I barely knew who the Hadids were. She sent me to a stranger's home without regard for what could have happened to me. It was reckless, and yet, I was thankful.

I shifted in my seat, uncomfortable with the whole thing. "You could've asked me before throwing it on me," I say, pursing my lips.

My mom sighed, "I know, dear, but you would have said no." She argued.

"And? That beats being sent away without knowing a thing about these people!" I yelled, "Anything could've happened!"

"You're being dramatic!" My mom yelled back at me. "If it weren't for this, we wouldn't be able to have the life we're going to have now."

Though she was right, it still bothered me that she was so willing to send me here. Either way, Summer would benefit significantly from all of this, which mattered most—giving Summer the life she deserved after years of insufferable misery. Jeremy was going to treat her well, and there was no doubt they'd get along once they met. At least, I hope that's the case. Summer is a little hard to please at times.

I hugged my mom, not wasting time on this argument anymore because I was happy that she decided to send me here. I met two men I would never forget, even if I tried. My girlfriends were all fantastic people doing extraordinary things. This was the first time I could say that I had true friends. I wouldn't trade this in for anything in the world.

"Thank you, mom," I say with a smile.

She smiled, hugging me back. "I knew you would love it here."

I laughed. "I didn't exactly love it here, but I did love the people I've met." That part was genuine.

"Are you ready for tomorrow? Or are you still thinking about you know who?" She was talking about Jay.

My heart sank every time he was brought up. I still can't believe the way he left me with a note that told me he loved me. I was unclear how I would've reacted if he had said it in person. The joy that would course through me would be through the roof. Jay meant more to me than he realized. We argued over the stupidest things, but when it came down to it, we shared something neither expected. Who would've thought we would end up like this when I saw him at the party? I certainly didn't.

I sighed with the memories flooding back to me. "Mom, I'll always think of him. I'm happy I have Cyrus, but Jay will always be a missing piece of my heart."

"Of course, he will, and I know he'll come back fighting." My mom smiled.

Laughing, I stood up, ready to go back inside. "Let's see what Jeremy will make us. I'm starving."

****

Later that night, there was no place I wanted to be more than in Cyrus' room. I probably should have stayed away until tomorrow, but I couldn't help it. The man was like a drug, and things were less than stellar the last time we were together. My feelings for Jay were going to be tucked away until the time was right. Cyrus was here, and we had a big day ahead of us. One last night of fun wouldn't hurt anybody.

Knocking on his door, I patiently waited for him to open up, only to be concerned when I saw someone walking out of his door. Jenna saw that it was me and smiled like everything was ok. The last time I checked, he couldn't stand her, so why was she walking out of his room? The jealous feeling I got was unmatched. My instance told me to pounce on her, but I refrained. Someone had some explaining to do, that's for sure.

"Oh, hi Autumn, I was just leaving," she smirked. "I got him all warmed up for you."

I furrowed my brows, trying to understand what she meant. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked furiously.

"Why don't you go find out?" She laughed, walking away from me.

Well, I wasn't going to stand out here for much longer. I walked into Cyrus' room to see him sitting on his bed, looking at me intently. Closing the door behind me, the anger in his eyes was unmatched. I'm not sure what Jenna told him, but he was unhappy. I couldn't tell if his anger was directed at me or if it was directed at Jenna. It was hard to assess the situation I wasn't here for. The way he looked at me, though, it seemed as though he was upset with me. This could only mean one thing.

My mouth wouldn't open because I feared what would come out. This would be our worst argument to date, and it would be right before the big moment. Jenna was very slick with what she was doing. I should have known she would open her big mouth at some point. Trusting her to be nice to me was a stretch, but I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. Regardless, I was going to lie through this because I didn't want to mess us up. Cyrus was everything to me, and I don't know what I would do if I lost him too.

"Jason said it wasn't true, but I want to hear from you," he began to speak. "Did you kiss him?"

I gulped the tears welling in my eyes but held them back. "What are you talking about?" I asked. "Why would I kiss him?"

He stood up, the anger radiating off of him. "I don't know, Autumn; Jenna said she saw you guys kissing and that something was going on with you two."

"So you're going to believe her of all people?" Anything to get me by.

"Answer the question, Autumn." He was so angry with his voice so stern. I don't think I have ever seen him get this upset before.

I knew messing around with Jay would turn into a bight mess. However, I wasn't counting on Jenna telling him this now. It's better she did it now than tomorrow in front of everyone, though. At least now I could save face and conceal my feelings for Jay. He was gone now, and Cyrus had nothing to worry about. That couldn't be said to him, but it was true. This would bite me in the ass later, and I'm fully prepared for it. I was not prepared for Cyrus to start screaming at me.

I shake my head. "I-I don't know what you want me to say." I stuttered, feeling nauseous.

"You don't know what I want you to say?" He questioned, walking towards me. "I want you to tell me the goddamn truth! Tell me you didn't fucking kiss him!" He screamed at me.

My nerves were shot as I started to cry from him yelling at me. "I-I didn't kiss him," I say, scared shitless.

"Bullshit!" He yelled before throwing his phone against the wall.

I shake my head violently. "It's not!" I yell back through tears.

"Then why are you crying?" He continued to question me while yelling.

"Because you're scaring me," I say as the tears spilled.

Once I said that, his face fell as he looked at my crying face. That was the first time I'd seen him get so angry. If I told him the truth, there's no telling what he would have done. The man threw his phone across the room. The phone was shattered, and I doubt it worked anymore. Jenna played a shit game, and if it weren't for the fact that he scared me, I would have had to tell him the truth. Usually, this wouldn't be a good thing, but thank goodness I'm such a fragile girl. I don't think I could ever handle an angry Cyrus. We've had arguments before, but he never reacted like this. This was like something out of a movie.

Gaining some composure, Cyrus quickly walked over to me, engulfing me tightly. My body was shaking still, and I couldn't think clearly. The day when he found out the truth was going to be brutal. If his reaction is like this over a kiss, wait until he finds out what is happening between us. It made me scared for Jay's safety and mine. Cyrus would not be able to handle it, and I'm praying that day never comes. I will take this secret to the grave if I have to.

"Shit, I'm so sorry, A; please stop shaking," he looked at me, wiping my tears away. "I'm such an idiot; I would never hurt you. I-I was angry hearing that. I don't know what came over me."

It was understandable. Anyone would be upset if the girl of their dreams were messing around with their best friend. We needed a minute to collect ourselves. It was a lot to take in and process. I sat down on his bed, coming back to my senses. Cyrus was doing everything in his power to ensure I was ok, but I wasn't. I was lying to him and hurting him. He was so distraught looking at him made me sick. Autumn, you are the worst person to have ever walked the face of the earth.

"Are you ok?" He asked me, rubbing my thighs.

"I'm fine; I promise there's no need to worry," I say. "Are you ok?"

He sighed, resting his head on my knee before looking back at me. "I will be I-I freaked out because I didn't want to lose you." Now he had tears in his eyes. "I thought this was happening again, and I lost my shit because," he stopped himself.

My eyes widen, wanting him to say it. "Because what?" I asked with anticipation.

"Because I think I love you," he said with a tear rolling down his cheek. "Scratch that; I know I love you."

Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around him, connecting our lips. Cyrus told me he loved me. He loved me! After all these weeks and all this drama, it was worth knowing how he truly felt. Our connection was growing daily, and this was the icing on the cake. It was a valiant effort on Jenna's part, but she could never come between us. We were meant to be since the moment he came out to comfort me the first night. He was my knight and shining armor that I never knew I needed. Everything with Cyrus felt complete, and nothing was going to ruin that.

Breaking the kiss, I smiled, resting my head against his. "I love you too, Cy. So much," I said, catching my breath.

He nuzzled his nose against mine feeling as much joy as I did. "I'm glad I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same."

I caressed his cheek as he kissed my hand. "Of course, I feel the same; that's why I was so scared."

Cyrus kissed my cheek with remorse on his face. "I'm so sorry, babe; I didn't mean to scare you. I feel like such an idiot."

I laughed, shaking my head at him. "I told you it's fine. Why don't we do our favorite thing and spend the rest of the night together?" I ask him.

That made him smirk as he went to turn the water on. There was nothing like a hot shower to make things better. Still, it was a close call that he didn't listen much to Jenna. The bitch had what was coming to her soon. For now, my lips were going to stay sealed. I'm not sure how long I could keep this secret, though.