The proposal

I blinked, rubbing my eyes in disbelief. Was I seeing double, triple, or was my mind playing tricks on me? During my argument with Molly, I caught a glimpse of her, but I never expected what I witnessed next.

Right before my eyes, they became a couple.

It felt like a punch to the gut. Why did it bother me so much? I couldn't deny the unease settling within me. Without thinking, I pulled out my phone, only to be confronted with their video being shared on the blog and Instagram. Dammit! Frustrated, I dialed Steve's number, desperate for a distraction.

"Where are you? I'm about to leave!" I asked impatiently when he finally answered.

"Oh man, Caesar wants to have a quick talk, and I still have a meeting with Distro. I have my stuff with him, remember?" Steve explained, his voice filled with urgency.

"Right. I'm heading home. Just... bye!" I hung up, not wanting to dwell on the situation any longer. I made my way to the staff exit door, knowing that being a senior prefect gave me the privilege to leave without obstacles. But just as I thought I had escaped, I bumped into Principal Morgan. I thought I had left him behind in the meeting hall, but fate had other plans.

"Well, well, well, Mr. Theodore, not so fast. Let's walk together," he said, his cockiness oozing from every word. I despised his arrogance at that moment. We walked side by side, heading towards the staff parking space.

"I hope everything is in order," he started.

"Very orderly, sir," I replied, trying my best to sound composed.

"Great. I would hate for anything like what happened before to occur again. We almost lost our chance to be shortlisted among the schools for the gaming event. Do you realize how damaging that would be to our reputation? The mother of the victim even contacted me. She was furious and almost withdrew her child. That's not good for us. Luckily, I had everything under control. Hemsville High is known for its prestige, refinement, and brilliance. I advise you to get your colleagues in line. Discuss it by tomorrow morning!" Principal Morgan's tone was stern, leaving no room for excuses.

"I assure you, sir, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again," I assured him.

"Good. That's what I like to hear, Dayle. Put in more work, young man. By the way," he unlocked his car with the controller, his hand firmly gripping the handle of his classy Hyundai. "Your father, an alumnus of this school, was the valedictorian for his graduating class. You should learn a few things from him. I was summa cum laude, after all!" Principal Morgan chuckled, trying to force a smile. "We want you to follow in his footsteps and be the valedictorian for this year's graduating class!" he added before stepping into his car.

"I'll do my best, sir," I said, mustering a smile to bring this conversation to an end. I was furious about what happened, but at least it seemed like everything was resolved now.

"Ahem! That reminds me, do you have someone in mind to recommend for the position of female senior prefect?" Principal Morgan asked, taking off his glasses.

"Not yet, sir. I'll take a closer look from now on. But couldn't the assistant take over?" I suggested, thinking of Amber. She would be capable of handling the role. Recommending Molly was out of the question due to her involvement in the sex tape incident. I had managed tokeep my double life hidden from the staff, and I didn't want to jeopardize that by recommending her.

"Yes, we'll look into it thoroughly in the next two days and assign a new prefect to fill the position. I'll see you soon, young man, and give my regards to your father. I heard about the upcoming wedding this weekend!" Principal Morgan said, and I nodded, acknowledging his words. He closed the car door and drove away, leaving me with mixed emotions.

Yeah, my dad was getting married in just a few days, and it was only Tuesday. I had avoided meeting the new family he wanted us to meet yesterday, citing boredom as an excuse. I told him it would be fine to go ahead since the weekend was just around the corner. I hurried to my car, desperate for some rest after the long day.

The thought of Chrissy dating my best friend still sickened me. It was a twisted situation that only made me feel worse.

As I was about to start the car, a text notification popped up on my phone. It was from Lauren.

*Don't you think we should meet?* she asked.

A smile crept across my face. It was time for her to fulfill her obligations to me. I had put myself out there for her, gone above and beyond. The least she could do now was give me what I desired.

*Why not?* I texted back, anticipation building within me. I waited anxiously for her response, and soon enough, it appeared on my screen.

I know a place! I'll share the details in an hour's time! Kisses!!!!!

Her words filled me with excitement. I had to honor this invitation, no matter what. I deserved it, and perhaps even more than that.

Sorry, Steve, but she's not into you. She's into me, I told myself, a surge of confidence replacing the frustration that had consumed me earlier.
I started the car and drove off, eager to embark on this new adventure.

~

Egan had texted, suggesting that we meet up along with Steve at 6 pm. I agreed without hesitation. Steve had mentioned that he had some things to discuss with me, and I knew it was important. I posted in our group chat, informing everyone that we would have a meeting first thing tomorrow morning. I couldn't afford any more troublesome interruptions in my leisure time. The time I wasted talking to Principal Morgan could have been better spent with a girl giving me an honest blow job, bringing happiness instead of headaches. With a smirk on my face, I let go of those thoughts.

A few hours later, I spotted Uncle Festo chatting with Dom near the fountain. As I approached them, I knew Dom must have despised this moment.

"Little One, come here, boy!" Uncle Festo called out, and I lazily made my way to him. "We were just discussing Yolanda's plans to attend the wedding."

"Great. You wouldn't have to be..." I blurted out carelessly, almost revealing my true thoughts. Dom's warning gaze made me pause, and I shrugged, playing it off.

"What did you say?" Uncle Festo's face tightened, not wanting to believe what he thought he heard.

"I said you wouldn't have to worry. You'll get over the separation and all that stuff!" I quickly came up with a lie, and he seemed to buy it, for now.

"Yeah, that's true! It's good to know that you care! Well, make sure you're back home before 9 pm. Your father and I want to discuss a few things with you!" Uncle Festo said, and I nodded, agreeing without any other choice. I grinned atthem and walked away, knowing that I couldn't escape whatever conversation awaited me.

~

Lauren had taken the keys to their cabin house on the outskirts of the city, about a thirty-minute drive away. We wasted no time as soon as we arrived. We started making out on the couch, the longing between us palpable. She clung to me, confessing how much she missed and needed me. But the truth was, I didn't need her. I was here to satisfy my desires, nothing more. The passion intensified, and we moved to the bedroom. She straddled me, her moans echoing in the spacious room.

Just as we reached the peak of our encounter, my phone rang. I groaned, annoyed by the interruption, but I answered it nonetheless.

"I'll be there before you know what's up!" I muttered, hanging up without waiting for a response. I tossed the phone aside, gripping her butt cheeks as we continued our passionate escapade.

"Ahh... Ahhh... Dayle, fuck me more..." she pleaded, lost in the moment.

~

When I finally arrived, I saw Egan and Steve sitting together, sipping wine. I joined them, grabbing Steve's glass and taking a sip. He pouted but quickly recovered.

"You're one hell of a ladies' man, Dayle. I salute you! Did you know that?" Egan began, sarcasm lacing his words. I knew something was up, and I shifted my gaze between the two of them, waiting for an explanation.

"Know what?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Oh, just that you're a master at playing the field. You never cease to amaze us with your remarkable skills!" Steve chimed in, pouring himself another glass of wine. They both wore mischievous smiles.

"Cut the crap, guys. What's going on?" I demanded, growing impatient with their teasing.

"Relax. It's not a big deal," Egan assured me, though I could sense there was more to it than he let on.

"Did you know that Cindy has been dating Caesar? Or should I say, she has been dating him for quite some time?" Steve revealed, and I simply shrugged, trying to appear unaffected.

"Is that why you interrupted my session? Damn, I was being served. Well, beacons don't lie," I nonchalantly replied, brushing off the revelation.

"We know, and that's why we said it's not a big deal..." Egan trailed off, leaving his words hanging in the air, a cliffhanger that left me wondering what they were hiding.

"Enough with the games, okay? What's really going on?" I pressed, growing increasingly impatient to know the full story.

"The guy is really upset, Dayle. That's why he wanted to talk to us. Little did I know it would be about Cindy... I almost missed out on Distro!" Steve says, and we laugh it off.

"He's got to be kidding me! I already pissed her off, and now she's with someone else. Now, I'm onto Jess! My bad!" I tell them, and they laugh it off.

Steve mentions that he has two more to go, but he couldn't because he got caught up helping Lauren. If only he knew that she called me just to use me, it's really sad.

Egan still has one left on his list, but he promises to get it done, although I doubt he will. He's officially dating Chrissy, after all.

"Have you slept with her yet?" I ask him, not smiling at all.

"Why does it bother you?" He asks in return, and I scoff lightly.

"Just answer the question, alright? Besides, she's on my list, so I have the right to know. You know the rules, man, don't act dumb!" I scowl, and he cringes.

"No comment!" Steve says, taking a sip of his wine.

"Well, Mr. She's on my list, she's my girl now, and we'll sleep together later or tomorrow! Just learn to accept that! Besides, you slept with someone else's girl..." Egan says coldly.

I've slept with two at the moment, but I can't justify it right now.

"Just play your part, that's how the game goes!" I remind him.

"Wait, I thought you hated her?" Steve interjects, stirring things up, and I'm speechless.

I just gulp down Egan's wine.

I think I actually like her, and I'm jealous that she's with someone. To make it worse, he's my friend.