[IC] Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

”You wanted to see me, sir?”

The chair turned around slowly, the person in it coming into Audrey’s line of sight. Of course, as they would, something the latina would notice right off the bat was it definitely wasn’t Philip Anderson, the Principal of Beverly Hills High School. The person in the chair wasn’t a 50something-year-old man with mostly a bald head where hair should be. This person wasn’t a white male with the appearance of a grandfather. This person wasn’t even a male. In his stead, was someone more aesthetically-pleasing to the eyes.

”I’m afraid I am not Philip, though I’m pleased to see that you thought I was.” Adrianna gave Audrey a smile, gesturing her to take a seat. ”Please, Miss Huntsberg, take a seat.” Adrianna said, bearing a calm, non-threatening smile.

Once Audrey had taken Adrianna on her offer to take a seat and once she became situated, the mother of Alexandros observed the girl. Her hazel eyes took in every feature that was on display for this young woman. She found her intriguing. Not like the usual brand of women that her son tended to associate himself with. Most of his conquests - as Ava put it - were either minimal in hispanic appearance or were caucasian. This one, however, was further from being white, this much was clear to Adrianna. Her round cheeks made her stand out. Usually full cheeks like that don’t necessarily attract handsome young men like her son, but Audrey makes it work for her. There was also a confidence about her that Adrianna felt was very similar to her own.

In taking the time to analyze her, Adrianna had been eerie quiet for a few minutes, though she smiled, making a sound of approval. “I do apologize, I should explain.” Adrianna offered an apologetic smile, “Philip owed me a huge favor for my last donation to the school, so I asked him to bring you to me so we could talk,” She stated, “I wanted to know exactly what it was about Arthur’s daughter that had such an effect on my son. You aren’t like most girls, so perhaps you could enlighten me how it is that my Alexandros, despite you clearly cutting ties with him, won’t let go.” She mused, giving Audrey a curious look.

[Grim327]

Placing here for DPL, since she didn't have internet-access to post.

---

---

There was a moment of silence and hesitation in the office after Audrey spoke. The moment Principal Anderson’s large leather desk chair turned around, the young woman was immediately stunned. Sitting on the chair was not the middle-aged man she’d seen from time to time, but an elegant-looking woman in her mid to late thirties. Her features were beautiful and exotic: sharp, strong jaw, astounding hazel-colored eyes, sharp nose, and a pair of luscious lips that women these days went to such great lengths to have.

The woman behind the desk spoke to instruct Audrey to take a seat, her voice velvet and confident with no sign of a threat. Then there was silence. A nagging feeling now in the back of Audrey’s mind told her she’d seen this woman before. There was something familiar about her features, something the brunette couldn't quite place. It was in the smile.

As the woman carefully examined every inch of her with those searching hazel eyes, Audrey couldn't help but feel... Exposed, in a way unfamiliar to her. Her clothes weren't at all revealing -a pair of light wash skinny jeans with a tight red tank top, wedges and a beige cardigan- but she felt as if she was sitting butt-naked in front of the older woman. It was a feeling similar to the one she’d felt back at Alexandros’ house before, when the covers of his bed had been removed to expose her face to Ava.

What the hell does she want from me?!

As if reading her mind, the woman smiled and spoke again. She began by explaining that she was there due to Mr. Anderson owing her a favor. Okay, that was good enough, but it still didn't explain what the hell she was doing there and why she had summoned Audrey.

The dark-haired woman continued to speak, but it was not until the words ‘my son’ were said aloud that it dawned to Audrey exactly who she was speaking to. Although her face remained impassive, she felt a pang in her stomach: she was sitting across from the mother of Alexandros Mossos.

In a strange occurrence for what was going on at the moment, Audrey felt relief. She was glad it had been Ava and not this woman who had caught her in such a compromising position a few days ago. It certainly would have provoked a different type of first impresssion for today.

The Latina waited a few seconds to mull over the woman’s unspoken question before replying.

“First of all, I’d like to start out by saying it's a pleasure to meet you.”Audrey began, offering the woman a small, closed-lipped smile.“Secondly, I would like to apologize for the way I stormed out of your home last week,especially since it was so rude of me to not even acknowledge your husband and yourself as you were walking in. See, your son and I had gotten ourselves into a little… argument, for lack of a better word, and at that moment I wanted nothing more than to be out of the premises as quickly as I could. I understand this might have been seen as rather distateful first impression, so my apologies.”

The young woman’s French-mannicured nails began to play with her cardigan, trying to play off her slight nervousness. The nerves did nothing to diminish her confidence or eloquence, though.

“As for why your son ‘won’t let go’ as you say, I honestly have no idea. I hardly think that's the case now, anyway. It’s been a few days since the incident, so I figured he would have found a replacement by now. He's very good at that.”

Audrey silently cursed herself. No matter how hard she’d tried, there was no way to keep the bitterness out of her voice. That last sentence, though it could easily be taken by Mrs. Mossos as somewhat of an insult to her son, she could also take it as a clear indication of hurt. She hated to expose herself like that.

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

If there was one thing that Adrianna could say about Miss Huntsberg, it was her ability to remain composed despite being in front of the mother of a young man whom she was involved with - even if just for a brief time. With that being said, there was this air of uncertainty that she felt coming from the latina. Adrianna couldn’t quite place exactly what it was, but something in her eyes and overall mannerisms were hinting at something she wasn’t letting on. Perhaps that’s where Adrianna should focus on.

“There’s no need to apologize to me. If anything, I should be the one to offer my condolences to you. My son, as I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, isn’t the easiest of men to be around. As much as I love him, he is his father’s son. For better or worse, those two are most certainly, if you’ll forgive the euphemism, two peas in a pod.” She nearly winced at the thought of what her son could’ve done to get this lovely young woman to come to his way of thinking.

Much like Adrianna was herself, Audrey made it very difficult to get a clear reading, not to mention how she handled herself. Audrey reminded Adrianna of herself when she was this young woman’s age. So full of life and grace, yet had the tendency to fall for those that were the complete opposite. Of course, Adrianna wasn’t sure if she had fallen for Alexandros, but the reverse certainly was the case. Had her Alex not been in such a state to where he seemed almost saddened by what transpired just a few days ago, Adrianna wouldn’t have bothered and she’d let her son do whatever he needed to ensure that he got over her.

Audrey’s last comment brought an unexpected laugh to emit from Adrianna’s lips. “Well, yes, I am sure he is. My son is, if nothing else, consistent.”

Her mind went straight to how Baltazar was in pursuing her. Granted, their tale had a bit more on the line than just their reputation, but it had a lot of the same elements. Baltazar had a reputation that followed him and Adrianna was drawn to it by her curiosity alone. They didn’t particularly like each other in the beginning, but his charm and subtle silliness got her addicted to him. Difficult as it might’ve been for them, the power of their love seemed to outweigh the very real dangers of their families being at war with one another. In fact, when it all came down to it, they chose each other over their respective families.

Something that Adrianna could see was carried over to Alexandros and Audrey. Though, they did seem to be in the first stages of finding out each other.

“You strike me as a young woman who protects herself. You seem like the kind of person that doesn’t let her guard down easily, yet you were drawn to my son. As I have said, he is very much like his father: charming, persuasive, and has a certain allure that most cannot resist for very long.” Adrianna said, smiling. “He must’ve done something that took you by surprise. Whether it was a simple gesture or something overwhelming, I’m sure you weren’t expecting it to happen.” Adrianna recited her own experience with Baltazar. “When something as rare like that happens, it can prove to be a bit much. And anything that might ruin such an euphoric high could send you running in the opposite direction.” She leaned forward, “what Ava said, I’m sure, was shocking.” She continued on. “Despite what my son thinks, he is not perfect. He makes mistakes. I’ve not a single doubt in my mind you’ll find yourself questioning him like you are now. Who knows? Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that you’re done with him, but I have to imagine that, since you’ve given me this much time, that maybe you’re not truly over him as you say you are?” Her back was against her chair, arms crossed, and eyes on Audrey. “Know that, whatever you say here, no matter how insulting it might be to Alexandros, will not leave this room. Everything is 100% confidential.” Adrianna assured her, offering her a smile.

After a moment of silence, Adrianna would offer the girl the floor with a hand gesture towards her.“Now, speak as your grandmother would. Hold nothing back.”

[Venus]

---

Audrey listened to what Mrs. Mossos had to say in silence, her face betraying nothing. There was some truth to her words, especially in the way she described her. And even though the young woman wanted nothing more than to unleash her inner Miranda Priestly, there was something holding her back.

“It's just…” Audrey began, but ultimately hesitated. Although she wanted to keep her feelings under wraps, there was something about Mrs. Mossos that inspired trust in the young woman, as if the two were more alike than she led on. Then there was the fact that she had been swallowing these thoughts for a while, unable to speak to anyone about it: the A-team girls despised Alex and Leslie was so proud of Audrey dropping him that even mentioning she still thought about it would cause an argument. They didn't understand her, but it felt as if Mrs. Mossos did. It was because of this that, once she decided to speak out, the words began to flow as if a floodgate had been open.

“I like Alexandros, I really do. As dumb as it makes me sound, he pretty much swept me up my feet from the moment our eyes locked together. When I saw him, I wasn't able to think about anyone else. All I could think about was being with him. But then the games started, with him using at least three other women -and those are the ones I know- to get my attention. And i don't mean talking to them to get me jealous, but fucking them. Like, who the fuck does that?! Only a fucking asshole does. I wanted to fucking slap some sense into him. The fact that I played hard to get does not give him the right to do that to me, in my opinion. That's when I gave him the first ultimatum, and he made it seem as if he was truly interested in me and making an effort to swallow up that enormous pride and ego of his. That's how we ended up… You know…” she gave Mrs. Mossos a sheepish, embarrassed smile. Then the scowl that had dominated her face took its place again.

“Anyway, the morning after was when Ava exposed Alex. Sitting there hearing all the things -more like all the women- he’s done, it made me feel so stupid. There I was that morning, thinking that just maybe it was the start of something, that i was different enough that maybe, just maybe, he could see me as something more. But then as Ava spoke I realized I'd fallen for his games just like the others had, and I was bound to end up as just another one in his list. So I put an end to things and bolted before he could have a chance to hurt me.”

Audrey sighed, biting her lower lip. “Okay, so maybe you’re right and even if I said I was done I’m truly not. I just wish things could be different, you know? But he's got a nasty reputation I'm not ready to deal with, And after all these stunts I don't really trust anything he does or says.”

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

Adrianna had told Audrey to be completely honest with her despite her being Alexandros’ mother. And as she predicted, Audrey didn’t disappoint. As she was sure the young woman never disappointed in anything she did, she spoke from the heart - the scorned heart from where Adrianna was sitting from. Honestly, her son meant the world to her, but sometimes she wondered why he did the things that he did. Why did you play with these paper hearts, Alexandros? Don’t you see that cruelness wasn’t the way to go?

His father wasn’t like this, not one bit. He played his games, sure, but he did it for his own entertainment. He didn’t do it to be cruel. Sometimes Adrianna wondered where she went wrong with Alex. Was she too lax in raising him? Did she allow him to have too much freedom. Should she have been a bit more strict rather than let him figure himself out as soon as he became a teenager? Or was there something else at play? Perhaps this was divine intervention for the things she did.

Whatever it was, Adrianna knew it didn’t matter now. As she looked in front of her, this strong woman, despite how awkward or embarrassed it might’ve been for her, she bared it all out there. This girl, no matter her relation to Alexandros, had won Adrianna’s respect. If anything could be taken away from this meeting, that would be it.

“I won’t force you to do anything. Lord knows, my son is quite difficult, but up until what Ava let slip, he treated you respect - well, as much respect as a boy like my Alex could. I mean, he never gave you the impression that he was just using you, right? Putting all of the games he played with you and the other women he used to get to you, during your short time with him, was there ever a moment that you felt used?” Adrianna asked her, eyes fully intent on taking in every word.

[Venus]

---

Once again, Audrey was thoughtful and giving careful consideration to the last words spoken by Mrs. Mossos, especially that last question. A nasty memory came back to her: that of Alex and that whore Janice Nelson. If that wasn't considered a disrespect to her, then Audrey didn't know what was.

“Okay, so during that one night we spent I never once felt used. Even though I didn't feel like that at the time we were intimate-” Although this would make anyone cringe, there was no use in pretending they hadn't been, and Mrs. Mossos wasn’t naive enough to think Alex and her had done something innocent like kissing after spending a night together. “BUT, I definitely have been disrespected before. There was this particular incident with a woman... Alex and I had just had a heated moment, but were interrupted. I remember inviting him to my party, to which he said he would consider attending. A few hours later, he shows up at the party, all right… As does my friend, who after taking me away for a minute shows me a video of him fucking someone else’s brains out a mere half hour after what had happened between us.”

‘Oh God, please, no…’

But it was too late. Along with the feelings flowing, tears began to well up in Audrey’s brown eyes at the memories, rolling down her cheeks before she could stop them. She remembered how angry she’d been after seeing that video, how dirty she’d felt, how stupid and humiliated she thought she’d been. How she’d been too angry to cry, choosing to let out the feelings by hurling the glass vase against the wall. How the only thought in her mind that night was to get revenge on Alex for hurting her so, and the promise that he would never allow him that power over here. But yet, here she was: sitting across his mother, wearing her heart on her shoulder like she’d never done before. Not just that, but she was crying like a loser because even after that bullshit, she’d still been naive enough to sleep with Alex and entertain the laughable idea that she would be different from all the others.

Where was the guarded, cold-hearted Audrey who closed herself off to things like this? Where was the independent, strong young woman whose only focus was dancing, her friends and her grades? What had Alexandros done to melt all that determination away and turn her into this sobbing mess of feelings?

She felt fucking pathetic

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

She felt for this girl, she truly did. A victim of her own feelings and unfortunate actions taken upon from her son. She cared for him, Adrianna knew this much but saw that the young woman was conflicted about the feelings she had. Pride and love don’t always go hand-in-hand with each other. Adrianna knew this and Audrey no doubt knew this as well. But what seemed to be the deciding factor in it all was this Janice Nelson that Audrey had mentioned. Apparently, Alexandros had fooled around with her and it had made its way back to Audrey through the form of a friend taping the entire ordeal.

“I see,” Adrianna simply said, pondering about how horribly her own son had treated Audrey.

A mother’s love was unconditional, but at this moment, she was siding this the Huntsberg girl. But all that aside, as soon as she would spot the tears starting to come, Adrianna would hold off whatever thoughts she had regarding her son and Audrey. Immediately, she reached into her purse, pulling out a handkerchief as she reached over, and handed to Audrey. When the Hispanic girl would look up, Adrianna would just give her a nod, saying nothing in return.

After a few moments of letting Audrey get control of her emotions, letting her do whatever she needed to ensure she was okay, Adrianna would reach into her purse once more. This time, she pulled out her business card. “This is my card. It has my business number.” She flipped it over, and grabbed a pen nearby. She wrote her cell phone number on the back. “If you ever need to talk about anything, you can reach me at either number. If my assistant says no, tell him that I personally gave this to you.” She handed Audrey the card. “I like you, Audrey Huntsberg. What my son did to you is a terrible thing.” She gave the young woman a warm smile. “Whatever you choose to do, regardless if you give him another chance or leave him in the past, know you have my complete support.” Adrianna got up, grabbing her coat and purse. “Please, take as long as you need. And I meant what I said: if you need anything, I’m only a call away.” She proceeded to round the table, stopping beside Audrey. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Audrey Huntsberg. You are by far the only person my son has…met that I can honestly - and without any bias towards him - has earned my respect.”

[Venus]

---

Audrey heard Mrs. Mossos mutter something, but she couldn't catch it. She looked up in between sobs and noticed the older woman was handing her a handkerchief, which she took gratefully and used to wipe away her face. She wouldn't dream of using this item to blow her nose. That was done with a tissue picked up from a box nearby.

It took at least five minutes of Audrey bawling until she was finally feeling okay enough. She began to calm down by taking slow, deep breaths, calling back the composure inherited from her grandmother. The young woman

“I’m sorry about that.” said Audrey, offering Mrs. Mossos an apologetic little smile. “I don't usually fall to pieces like this. I guess it was a long time of swallowing my feelings too much that ended up erupting like this. My apologies that you had to witness this.”

While Audrey was speaking Mrs. Mossos had been rummaging through her bag, ultimately pulling out a card. She declared that it was a card which provided the numbers of her business and even her personal one, and that the young woman could talk to her about anything. As if this wasn't enough to make the Latina feel touched, a rush of gratitude and pride rose inside her when Adrianna Mossos -as the card read- praised her, offered her support, declared that Audrey was the first woman Alex had been with that had earned her respect and sided with her. Talk about an eventful conversation!

Audrey stood up as well. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Mossos. It really was a pleasure to meet you as well. I'm grateful for your kind words, and very much appreciate that you took the time to come speak to me about this manner. Whatever my decision about your son, I will most definitely be keeping in touch. I would like for this not to have been our only conversation.”

She heard the bell signaling the end of the period, and was almost out of the office when she turned around to add: “Also, I'll make sure to return the handkerchief to you once it's cleaned. I could feel from the fabric it's a very expensive item.”

With a warm smile and a nod in Adrianna’s direction, Audrey walked out of the office and into the hallway. Now mixed in between the crowd, the brunette couldn't help but breathe easily. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off her her shoulders, leaving her feeling light and happy. Her talk with Mrs. Mossos had resembled a sort of psychiatrist or counseling session, and a conversation like that was definitely what she had been needing for a while. Her mind was clearer than ever, as was her initial determination to not be involved with Alexandros any further. Life goes on... Without him.

And when Alex was heading in her direction, she didn't even turn the other way like she had been doing before. Instead, she held her head high while her hips swayed from side to side, walking right past him as if he was nothing more than a speck of dirt on the wall. It felt good to have her confidence and resolve back.

Alexandros Mossos was so yesterday.

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

The week had been rather dull and boring for the Mossos Clan. After Adrianna had her meeting with Audrey and heard everything she had to say, the matriarch of the family decided it was in everyone’s best interest not to divulge everything that she found out by having a heart-to-heart with Audrey. Of course, she told her son a few things that would satisfy him. She promised him that she would try and see what she could do. As far as Alexandros knew, that’s exactly what she did. And what she told was that Audrey was hurt by his actions and that, if he wanted any chance of having a real shot with her that wasn’t just about the physical attraction, he’d have to take a real, hard look into the mirror, and decide how much he cares about her. She knew he had that side in him, but it would be up to him if he wanted to embrace that side or if he wanted to keep sleeping around with whichever girl would have him.

And she told him that in the evening she had the meeting with Audrey. Since then, Alexandros didn’t quite seem like himself. He had an Alexandros-like demeanor, of course. At school, he kept up what people expected of him. Those he had become friends with hadn’t noted any drastic changes, but the one thing that he did seem to be lacking was a desire to mate with anyone. It wasn't as if he had quit cold turkey. There had been offers and he had been dating girls, but whenever he’d bring them to a private place, there wasn’t exactly any passion thrown into it. He did them just out of necessity and to hold up appearances. But what seemed like a deeper issue, Alexandros felt nothing but it being something he had to do, not something he wanted to do. Kind of empty, Alexandros more or less drifted through the week and much into the next week.

The following week had been Thanksgiving Break for those at Beverly Hills High School. Some had plans to fly out to Hawaii and other such locations, but the Mossos’, a day before break even started, had been invited to Thanksgiving Dinner by the Huntsberg. It came as a shocker, of course, but Adrianna made it known that they were going. Despite Ava’s protests, she put that to rest. No matter what the kids had to say about not wanting to go or how it might be awkward, Adrianna firmly reminded them it was an invitation from a friend. Not only would it be rude of them to decline the offer, but she had already told Arthur that she would go and her family would accompany. Anyone who knew Adrianna was, whenever she committed to anything or anyone, she went in full measure.

Thanksgiving Day had arrived and it was an early morning for the Mossos’. After a family breakfast at about eight in the morning, everyone would shower and get ready to head out. They would travel all travel in two separate cars. Adrianna and Baltazar decided to take Baltazar’s gold Lamborghini while the four kids - Alexandros, Ava, Elias(Eli), and Georgios - would ride in Alexandros’ Red Ferrari. Both cars, of course, were licensed for in-city travel despite being predominantly-racing vehicles. All the necessary adjustments were made to ensure no law enforcement would give them any hassle. Of course, if they would, the Mossos’ were known for being quite generous with the LAPD, so there was a bit of leeway for them; plus it was Thanksgiving. People tend to be a lot less strict on a criminal family like the Mossos Family.

“I say we just go somewhere else. Even if mom or dad get butthurt, we can just say we got lost.” Ava suggested.

“But I want to meet Audrey’s Grandmother!” Georgie whined, “do you know how rare it is to see Miranda without her many assistants at her side? This can be my only chance to get her to notice me!”

Ava rolled her eyes with a scoff, “honestly, Georgie, what is your fascination with the Huntsbergs?”

“It’s not all of them; just Audrey and her grandmother.” He stated, trying to justify his reasoning for wanting to attend the Thanksgiving dinner they were invited to.

“Just shut up, will you?” Eli chimed in, annoyed. “It’s bad enough they’re making us go; your complaining isn’t making it any easier.” He let out a sigh, eyes falling to the site of the Huntsberg house. “So, this is where she lives huh?” Eli asked Alex, looking to his brother.

“Yup,” Alexandros said rather simply. He more or less had nothing to say about the matter.

“And to think, I’m usually the quiet one. She must’ve really done a number on ya, huh Lexi?” Eli knew that would get under his skin. It always did in the past.

Alexandros chose not to say anything, surprising everyone in the car. Though, before they could get a single word in about how their brother was acting unusually passive, they had rolled up to the house that, while wasn’t nearly as expansive as the Mossos Estate, it still was respectable in size. Given the professions of Audrey’s parents, it wasn’t surprising to either of the Mossos children nor the parents who had pulled up to the driveway just a few minutes before they did how admirable it was. At the least, they could respect the achievement of having such a home without the use of…questionable funds.

When they all got out of the two cars, the six of them stood in the driveway for a moment just to admire the home and, of course, to make sure everyone would remain on their best behavior. Georgie wasn’t a worry nor was Eli. the two of them, unlike their brother and sister, could behave themselves; it was Alexandros and Ava that could be troublesome, so Adrianna would make sure they understood that her demands were crystal clear.

“Do not embarrass this family. Understand?” Arianna’s tone was a general in the army, making sure their will was clear.

After a forced nod from the two of them, the family made their way from the garage and towards the front door. Adrianna knocked on the door and as it would open, the sight of the over-dressed Mossos Clan was greeted by a suspiciously-cheerful Audrey, who seemed not to notice who it really was at the door because she went from a gleeful smile to what seemed like something less-enthusiastic.

For a moment, there was this awkward atmosphere between the Huntsberg teen and the family. They looked at each other, unsure if someone should say something. Eli simply shrugged, not really caring one way or the other; though Alexandros looked to Ava not to say anything while Georgie was in fangirl mode, so he wouldn’t offer anything useful. This led Adrianna and Baltazar to melt the ice, though before Adrianna had the chance, her husband beat her to it.

“We brought champagne!” Baltazar said, holding up the extravagant bottle of Krug Clos d’Ambonnay. It was his attempt to break the ice between Audrey's grimacing gaze with the Mossos family.

[Venus]

---

Before Miranda Priestly’s famous New Year’s Eve Ball in New York, there was another important event: Thanksgiving dinner. The occasion -which reunited the Huntsbergs, Duclercs, Rodriguez and Priestly families- was celebrated every year at the home of a different family member. This year, the Huntsberg Villa was the place to be. Guests had begun to arrive since the early hours of morning. And now, nearing five in the afternoon, music had began to play, the present guests snacked on hors d'oeuvres and conversed with each other while waiting for the last ones to arrive. Dinner would be served at seven.

Audrey’s family had a rather curious fact: all of her cousins happened to be girls. There was tiny 16 year-old Delilah Christine and her older sister -23 year-old Heather Christine- from her father’s side, while on her mother’s side there was badass 21 year-old Romina Valeria. As it often happens in all-girl families, a sister-like trust in each other was vital. And as expected, each and every one of Audrey’s cousins was familiar with the story of Alexandros Mossos before the current day. The unanimous sentiment was that he was an asshole who didn't deserve her, and pride for. What they didn't know was the conversation she’d had with Adrianna Mossos, and the Latina was eagerly waiting for Delilah and Heather to arrive so she could share this new chapter of her soap opera.

It was because of this reason that, when the bell rang, Audrey shot up from her seat in the drawing room and ran to the door as fast as her heels would let her. When she’d reached it, she swung it open with an excited: “Hiiiiiiiiiii!”

But when she realized who was waiting outside, her smile was comically wiped from her face, transforming into a grimace while her eyes widened in shock. Standing by the door and waiting to be let it was none other than the Mossos family, both parents and four kids included.

The awkward silence that issued as Audrey stared in disbelief at every one of their faces seemed to drag on forever. Her wide brown eyes scanned every single face: Adrianna’s expressionless one, Alexandros’ uncomfortable one, Ava’s resigned one, Georgie’s excited one, and another young man’s bored one. The young woman’s gaze lasted a second longer on this stranger’s face, trying to remember if she’d seen him before, but ultimately failing. She was about to open her mouth to break the silence, but was stopped by Mr. Mossos shouting they had champagne.

Ah, Baltazar!” Arthur exclaimed cheerfully, making his way across the foyer to greet the guests and unknowingly sparing his daughter from further embarrassment. He shook hands and exchanged a quick embrace with the older Mossos male, then turned to Adrianna with a welcoming smile. “And looking wonderful as always, Adrianna.” He took her dainty hand and kissed the back of it gently. Then his green-eyed gaze fell on the four children standing behind their parents. “And the children as well! It's a delight to meet you all. Welcome to our home! Please, come on in! We’re just getting started.”

When the family had entered, the cheerful Arthur wrapped an arm around Audrey. “You guys have met my Audrey, I see.” he said, squeezing his daughter’s arm. Meanwhile, the young woman’s expression was stuck on a closed-lipped grimace.

However, something had just registered with the brunette, who had been standing stiffly next to her father while silently witnessing the exchange between him and the Mossos family. “Wait just a second… ‘as always’?!” Audrey repeated, looking questioningly at her dad. “You mean you guys have met before?!”

Arthur looked surprised. “Why, yes! Remember the story of that couple we met while on honeymoon in Athens?” Audrey’s face was blank, so Arthur continued. “Well, this is them! We kept in contact over the years, and since this is their first Thanksgiving here in Beverly Hills, I figured they would enjoy spending it with old friends.”

‘Well, you thought wrong, and this was a stupid idea’ Audrey thought angrily.

She merely nodded with a fake smile. “Awwww! How thoughtful of you, Daddy. It's nice to meet you all, then.”

Pleased, Arthur turned back to the guests. “Come along, now. The staff was just bringing in the hors d'oeuvres.” Smiling, he looked at Audrey. “Darling, would you mind being a sweetheart and showing our younger guests the way?”

Once again, Audrey offered her father a fake smile while she nodded. After kissing the top of her head, Arthur gestured for Balt and Adrianna to follow him on his way out of the room.

When the adults had finally left, Audrey immediately dropped her fake smile. Frowning, she turned back to her guests, saying something to each as she pointed her index finger at them.

“We don't know each other,” she told Alexandros, then pointed at Ava. “You have never seen me before in your life,” she pointed at Giorgios. “This is your first time meeting me,” and finally to Eli. “And you have nothing to do with this, so I'm gonna do you a favor and keep you out of it.” She turned on her heel in the direction of the party, but ultimately turned back and addressed the unknown male. “I'm Audrey Hunstberg, by the way. I don't think we had met before. Nice to meet you.” Her eyes went back to the group as a whole. “Now, follow me.”

Leading the group, Audrey sauntered across the hall, her white skirt dancing at her every step. Finally, the group arrived into a wide and spacious drawing room, where the guests were. Giving them a nod, Audrey excused herself and went straight to the seat she’d left next to Romina.

“A ver, a ver, a ver… Y quien demonios son estos? ” Romina asked bluntly, pointing her jaw at the Mossos family. She spoke in her native Spanish, hoping the newcomers didn't understand her.

“Esa es la familia de la que te hablaba, y ese-” Audrey discreetly pointed at Alexandros. “Es el chavo de la bronca que te decía.”

“Ay NO MAMES!” Romina exclaimed in a low voice, eyes like saucers. “No mames, Audrey! Me estás jodiendo?!”

Audrey sighed más shook her head. “Ya quisiera.”

Although she felt for her cousin’s misfortune, Romina couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle. “Ay, primita. Tienes una suerte de la chingada.” she murmured, patting Audrey’s shoulder with a smile in place.

Audrey shot her a look. “I'm glad my never-ending drama amuses you, Romi.” she said stiffly, switching back to English now that nothing sensitive was being said.

Romina chuckled again, squeezing her younger cousin’s arm. “Oh, but you know me! I love myself a little drama, especially when it's not mine.”

Audrey rolled her eyes, but ultimately cracked a smile. “I guess it runs in the family, then.”

Romina smiled as well. “Well, since we’re talking drama, let me give you an inside scoop about my newest conquest: Patricia Westbrook.”

Soon enough, Romi and Audrey had forgotten all about the rest of the guests as they swapped stories of the most recent occurrences in each other’s love lives.

---

Translations for the Spanish dialogue:

• A ver, a ver, a ver… Y quien demonios son estos?- Well, well, well… And just who the hell are they?
• Esa es la familia de la que te hablaba, y ese es el chavo de la bronca que te decía.- That's the family I was talking to you about, and that's the guy of the drama I was telling you about.
• Ay NO MAMES! No mames, Audrey! Me estás jodiendo?!- Oh, you're shitting me! You're shitting me, Audrey. Are you fucking with me?
• Ya quisiera.- I wish
• Ay, primita. Tienes una suerte de la chingada.- Oh, little cousin. Your luck is shit.

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

There was quite the awkwardness as the Mossos family and Audrey of the Huntsberg family stood in the doorway. It was almost as if she was expecting anyone else but the Mossos’ to arrive, though as the matriarch and patriarchs of the respective families would start to engage in some kind of small talk, effectively taking Baltazar and Adrianna Mossos inside and away from the kids, Audrey had completely made a 180. She went from saving face to revealing her true feelings about the Mossos’ children, specifically Ava and Alexandros.

“Understood.”

“Fine.”

“But…”

However, as she landed on Eli, she had a different tune to play. She didn’t know him, so she had no real reason to say anything specific or act a specific way towards him. However, he knew her and who she was. He knew what she represented and that was everything that he hated. However, as much as he hated those types, there was someone he knew would be bothered by what he was about to do.

“Maybe we should change that,” Eli brazenly suggested, eying Audrey from head to toe, all the while ALexandros was giving him a subtle, yet scathing, glare.

And even as Audrey went back to her “saving face” mode, Eli seemed to be up to no good. Alexandros more or less confirmed this as he saw his brother watch Audrey as she led them into the house. Specifically, Eli was watching her ass sway side-to-side. Lord knew that Alexandros still felt a type of way about her. And Eli knew that, so what he was thinking was just to spite him.

As they would stop in a room where the other guests were, Audrey would leave them be.
Alexandros took Eli by the arm gently, glaring at his brother. “What are you doing?” Alexandros whispered to Eli.

“What? You two are over, right?”

“Yes..” Alexandros reluctantly admitted.

“Good, then everything’s fair game, brother.” Eli simply stated, taking a drink from a passing waiter and left Alexandros to his devices.

Despite knowing that Audrey and he were no longer involved, it still got to him and Ava seemed to notice it as she approached him. “You’re not seriously going to let him steal your woman, are you?”

“She’s not mine anymore.”

“Well still, you can’t let him do that.”

Alexandros turned around, scowling subtly. “You’re the one that made it possible for Eli to make some kind of move.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault she couldn’t handle the truth.” Ava shrugged, s she following Eli’s suit as she took a drink and would go mingle with the guests.

Meanwhile, as Audrey had been in some kind of conversation, Eli had taken the bold approach and joined her with what looked like someone she was familiar with. He more or less ignored Audrey’s friend(cousin?) and directed all of his attention on her. “Well, aren’t you quite the rude host. I was in the middle of saying something and you didn’t even bother to give me an answer.” Eli said, feigning a hurt pride, interrupting whatever conversation that Audrey and her equally-attractive friend/cousin/relative/guest were having.

[Venus]

---

Romina and Audrey had been deep in conversation about life when, out of the corner of her eye, the Huntsberg girl spotted the Mystery Mossos heading in their direction with a drink in his hand. She instantly knew this wasn't exactly good news, but the curiosity to see what he wanted overpowered anything else. Soon enough, he was standing next to the cousins and boldly interrupting their conversation to address Audrey. He jokingly called her a rude host -to which the Latina let out a cynical laugh- and suggested she’d ignored a question of his. Honestly? If he really had said something to her, Audrey hadn't heard it.

The two young woman sat in silence for a second, exchanging looks. Eventually, Romina shot the newcomer an annoyed, disbelieving glare. She was about to open her mouth to snarkily say something about how he was the rude one for interrupting someone else’s conversation, but a look from Audrey held her back. So instead, she got up from her seat. “Ahí te las ves con el güero este,” she told her cousin before wandering away.

Audrey patted the open seat next to her in the couch, gesturing for Elijah to sit down with an inviting smile. She began to speak in a way that people wouldn't be able to read her lips, and she kept a flirtatious look in her face as to deceive any onlookers of the real topic of conversation going on.

“Listen, I know exactly what you're trying to do. I can tell I'm not really your type, and I can also tell you're just doing this to play around with your- whatever Alexandros is to you. However, I am willing to follow along. BUT, if you’re going to do this, you have to make it believable. Okay? Good.”

In her heart, Audrey knew this stunt was a petty thing to do. It was a shit move, especially when it looked like her and Alexandros were both moving forward with things. But, deep down, the need to be the one to come up on top of the situation was overwhelming. And here, without planning it, was a chance to get to Alex: an opportunity to make him feel as wretched as she did when his sister had exposed his true intentions for her. No matter how petty, Audrey was still going to take it. Turning the other cheek was not a thing the brunette would ever do.

She shot the young man an irresistible smile along with a playful wink to signal the start of their act. “So, you said you would like to change the fact that I don't know you…” At this, Audrey leaned into his ear to whisper. “Then please, tell me your name, Mystery Mossos.”

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

She said she knew what he was doing and that she had no problem with it. Either this chick was way more petty than Elijah gave her credit for, or he was missing something between the lines. It didn’t matter either way. To him, it didn’t matter if she was going along with whatever was happening just to spite his brother(much like he was doing) or if she was genuine in getting to know him. Honestly, his reasons, though similar to hers, wasn’t just to spite Alexandros. Despite what people thought about him, he wasn’t that heartless. That being said, it was a bonus to get under his brother’s skin, so why not?

“You want my name, huh?” Elijah took a sip of his drink, looking around the room. He saw Alexandros give him a subtle glare from across the room. He also saw Ava give him a not-so-subtle glare. Though he clearly saw them see how he was cozying to Audrey, they had no idea what was happening. For all they knew, he could’ve said something to her. “I’ll do you one better.”

Elijah, though he refused to give his name, would instead plant one on Audrey’s lips, not at all giving two rats ass about what it’d make her look like. After about ten seconds passed, he slowly broke the kiss, and he looked over to Alexandros, who would simply walk off in a direction with Ava not far behind.

Cocking a satisfied smirk, Eli’s cold, steel blue eyes met with Audrey’s chocolate-coated orbs. “Contrary to what everyone might tell you, my parents gave me the godawful name of Elias, but you may just call me Eli.” He informed her simply.

[Venus]

---

For the first time in a while, Audrey Huntsberg was #shooketh.

It had all started innocently enough. All Audrey had wanted to know was what his name was: no more, no less. Instead, she found herself locked in the middle of a heated kiss with this stranger right at the midst of her family gathering. Even though shock was the predominant feeling, her body’s response was instant. The young woman’s eyes closed, and she kissed the young man back with the same enthusiasm he was giving her. Her pulse was racing, and a familiar warmth was coursing through her body. This felt good . But before either of them could deepen the kiss or get too carried away, it was over.

After the smooch had been broken, Audrey could only stare at the young man sitting in front of her, her mouth and eyes wide open. She was still struggling to process what had happened, looking for the reason as to why the mystery Mossos had chosen to start out things like this instead of just answering her question. Founding none, she simply resorted to silently will her pulse to normalize while panicking about if anyone had seen them. The brunette risked a look around and breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed no one in her family had noticed the compromising scene. However, Alexandros and Ava were nowhere to be seen.

Audrey bit her lip, starting to feel uncharacteristically guilty. Was this really a good idea, after all? Did she really want to go down this path? Before she could answer these questions, the mysterious young man finally revealed himself as Elias -or Eli, for short. This brought the Latina’s attention back to him.

“Oh, um, so-” Audrey stuttered, unable to organize her racing thoughts or get the words out in coherent sentences. Her eyes were locked on Eli’s, with that same beautiful blue that seemed to characterize the family. It took her a few seconds to finally stammer: “So, um, how exactly are you related to the Mossos? I don't think I've ever heard about you before.” She hoped that by asking him things and making him talk it would give her time to settle down.

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

You mean she didn’t know? Oh, this is just too perfect.

Eli tried to hide his amused laughter, but honestly, that was something Alex would do; that wasn’t how Elijah Mossos rolled, so he made it known to her that he found this entire situation, from her being rendered utterly speechless to the awkward “uh, um, so” bit. Some may call it being a dick, but hey! The Mossos men were well-endowed, so if she was expecting some prince charming like Alex, then best park it at the gate, sweetie.

But as for her question, how did he answer that? The easy route(not to mention less-complicated) would be to say he was Alexandros’ brother. It was a believable answer, especially considering how Eli arrived with them at this gathering, but that wasn’t necessarily the truth, now was it? At least, according to what Baltazar and Adrianna told Eli to say, it wasn’t. So, then what? What could he possibly say? Should Eli save face and go with what Audrey assumes or should he cause trouble once more?

Don’t embarrass the family.

Those words echoed throughout his mind. Adrianna sure didn’t want people to know the dirty little secret. She didn’t want it to be known that the great and almighty Baltazar who had pledged himself to Adrianna DiVale was, as they all thought he was, a cheating scumbag. But Eli wasn’t that vindictive, was he? Maybe not, but entertaining the thought was worth leaving poor Audrey in suspense.

He leaned back in his seat, eyes somewhat locked on Audrey, though he occasionally glanced around to see if his family was anywhere nearby. When he didn't spot them, he gave Audrey the rest of his attention. “I am what you call a distant relative.” Well, that wasn’t a lie, at the least. “Or at least that’s what they told me to say whenever asked.” Eli sneakily placed his fingers on Audrey’s lips, “so mum’s the word, got it?”

[Venus]

---

At Audrey’s question, the young man sitting in front of her let out an amused laughter that suddenly made her feel uneasy. The flustered feeling she’d experienced had now made way to discomfort. He waited a few seconds to look around -God knows with what purpose- before answering that he was a ‘distant relative’. However, this definition was put into doubt when Eli confessed that it was ‘what they told him to say when asked’. His touch on her lips still gave her goosebumps, but this time it wasn’t the good kind. Audrey gave a nervous little laugh, looking around her family members for a chance to escape. This Eli guy was getting sketchier by the second, and the Now if only there was a way to-

“AAAAAUUUDREEEEEYYYY! HIIIIIII!”

Out of nowhere, a blue-clad, petite figure had thrown herself in the space between Audrey and Elijah. She landed directly into the brunette’s lap and wrapped her into a tight embrace. It was the famous Delilah Duclerc: Audrey’s youngest cousin and confidant.

Perfect timing.

“Honestly, Delilah, let the poor woman breathe. I’m sure you’ve already managed to wreck the eardrums of every guest here with your obnoxious screeching.”

This last statement had come from another woman who had arrived with Lila. Heather Duclerc stood near the crowded loveseat, shaking her head in disappointment at her younger sister. However, when the teen wasn’t looking, she shot Audrey a knowing wink and a kiss. Their parents Marietta and Christopher were already busying themselves saying hi to the guests, ignoring their youngest daughter’s overwhelming greeting to her cousin.

Delilah frowned, sticking her tongue out at her big sister while still perched in Audrey’s lap. “You’re just jealous becauseI like Audrey more than you.”

Heather rolled her eyes and shrugged, giving Eli a dismissive -but low-key curious- glance before turning her eyes towards her sister and cousin. “Whatever. I need a smoke. That car ride with Mom, Dad and Lila can make even the most avid non-smoker crave a fix. I’ll make the protocol salutes in a bit.”

“I’ll come with you.” Audrey quickly added, sliding Lila into the space next to her and getting up. Heather gave her cousin a questioning look, but shrugged again before walking away. “If you’ll excuse me, Eli…”

Taking complete advantage of the Duclerc sisters’ interruption, Audrey excused herself and hurried away into the hallway behind Heather as fast as her high heels would let her. Where the young woman turned at the hallway in the direction of the garden, the Latina continued her own separate way. As if fate was on her side, she found the missing Mossos children in the first place she searched. Alexandros and Ava were back in the foyer, huddled together in what looked like deep conversation. Such was their concentration that they didn’t notice Audrey’s arrival until the young woman spoke up.

“Um, Alex?” the brunette called out, biting her lip. “Could I have a word?”

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

What in the holy hell was that?

If Eli hadn’t seen it for his own eyes, he’d swore what he just heard was a colony of mice letting off death screeches much like how the mice in Wanted did before they all had been blown up. Of course, as he had seen the origin of that unforgiving noise, it was revealed to him(and everyone else digging into their ears to make sure their hearing was intact) as a tiny teen in a blue dress. The only thing Eli had to say in response was the following.

“How?”

Yes, how could someone so tiny and so petite have such a shrill scream that put heavy metal singers to shame? It was almost inhuman how she could project her voice in such a way that, no matter who was in the room, what they were doing nor how important it might’ve seemed, as soon as her voice cracked a few of the glasses(an overexaggeration), their attention was on her, the little, hopefully-legal brunette with a smile that most certainly drew more attention than her lack of front — and as she turned around — back curves.

Well, now everyone knew what that voice was compensating for. Though, Eli did have to admit he was intrigued. He wondered what this girl’s story was. Did she simply have such high energy that it demanded her to scream at the top of her lungs? Was she only like this for Audrey?

Eli had more questions but seemed to be interrupted as she had propped herself on Audrey’s lap(much to the further annoyance by the older brunette). It was interesting to see how these two seemed to look a lot alike. If Eli were a man who knew about genetics, he’d swore the two of them were sisters. They certainly could pass as such, but their personalities were, if nothing else, polar opposites. One had displayed a snotty cheeriness and the other was more lax. Chill. She seemed way more interesting than this Delilah was.

And, as Audrey would use this as the perfect chance to get away from him, she walked off with the older chick, leaving Elijah with the Human Screech. That also left them with a few, long moments of awkward silence. It included Eli not knowing what to say that wouldn’t be entirely rude. He didn’t want to ask the question he’d been thinking since hearing her scream, but at this point, anything was better than silence.

“So,” he said after a full minute of silence. “Are you always that obnoxiously loud?”

---

---

Since taking his leave from the main room on account of Elass’ underhanded, not to mention hurtful, tactics, Alexandros had been enjoying himself. Not as much as he could’ve been, of course, but it turned out coming here didn’t end up becoming a total waste of his time. He had a few chats with his parents, some of Audrey’s cousins, and even enjoyed a conversation with Audrey’s father, Arthur. It turns out he was a stand-up guy. He was everything his mother said he was(and then some). That being said, ALexandros dared not state his past relationship with his daughter. One, that would further drive a wedge between them. It wasn’t that he had been expecting something to happen from what his mother did for him, but he’d rather not ruin the chances. Besides, it was nice getting to know him.

In between conversations with the guests, Alexandros had the displeasure of having Ava follow him everywhere he went. She’d contribute nothing but her usual, bothersome commentary about everything.

“I get that you’re mad, but at least be a man and say so. I’m tired of following you around.”

“Then don’t follow me around.” Alexandros suggested.

“Nice try, but I know you, Alex.”

“Do you now?”

“Stop doing that.”

“Doing what?”

She gestured to his refusal to address the bigger picture. “That. Stop avoiding the subject.” She got in front of him as they reached an isolated corner. “Just admit it! You’re jealous that she was giving Eli some attention.”

He said nothing, just took a slip of his drink.

Ava scowled, taking his drink, and setting it on the table next to them. “No one can hear us and Eli’s currently busy with her. Just tell me. You’ll feel better.”

Alexandros let out a sigh. He hated it when she tried to make up for the wrongs she committed. It was always the same thing. When she did something she shouldn’t have or said something that made the situation at the time of the wrong-doing, she tried to make it up to him. Regardless of how annoyed he became by it, she did have this way of getting him to say things he wouldn’t normally say.

“Fine,” he let out another sigh, shrugging. “I’m—” Before Alexandros could get one more word, he heard Audrey speak. Only when he turned around did he see her. Upon this first glance, he noticed something off about her. He couldn’t place it, but there was a different air about her. “You sure you want to speak to me and not someone—” Alexandros felt Ava punch him in his ribcage, causing him to lowly grunt. He looked back at her for a brief moment, seeing her eyes wiggle towards Audrey. This all happened in a short moment. He sighed inwardly and looked back at the stout Audrey. “We should probably do this with less noise.” He suggested.

“Have fun you two!” Ava spoke cheerfully as she trailed away, leaving Alexandros and Audrey to their devices.

[Venus]

Whoa, you stress me out, you kill me
You drag me down, you fuck me up
We're on the ground, we're screaming
I don't know how to make it stop
I love it, I hate it, and I can't take it
But I keep on coming back to you

---

After being abandoned by her sister and cousin, Delilah was left alone sharing a couch with a stranger. Although handsome in his own way, there was something about him that put the teen on edge, as if there was something inside him that he wanted to keep hidden. Frankly, it creeped her out a little, so at the moment this was why she was at a loss for words. The awkward silence was soon broken by him, asking her if she was always that ‘obnoxiously loud’.

Lila scowled at the young man, her lips in an annoyed little pout. “Are you always that obnoxiously rude to people you don't know?” she shot back, raising a defiant eyebrow. “You know, you would really get along nicely with my sister. She can be just as rude as you're being to me right now. Also, I'm sure she could use a smoking partner,” she added snobbishly as she stood up, pointing at the box of cigarettes peeking from the top of one of his trouser pockets. “Her favorite place to unwind here is the gardens. I'm sure you’ll find her of you follow the smoke trail.”

And with that, the petite teen was happily skipping away in her Auntie Elisabetta’s direction.

---

Upon asking Alexandros for a moment to talk, the latter snarkily asked if she was sure it was him she wanted to talk to. He was quickly scolded by a swift punch to the ribcage courtesy of Ava, and the brunette smiled internally at the exchange between the siblings.

“Yes, I'm sure it's you I want to talk to.” Audrey replied, sighing impatiently and rolling her eyes.

Thankfully, Alex agreed to speak to her, and suggested that they should find a more quiet place. Audrey nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with his idea. So the brunette gently took his hand and guided him out of the hallway, up the stairs, down the left side hallway of the second floor and into her bedroom. Not only would there be less noise there, but it would provide them with privacy and the peace of mind of knowing that their conversation wouldn't be interrupted or eavesdropped on. The Latina waited until they were both inside the room before closing and locking the door behind them. She gestured to Alexandros to take a seat on her bed, which he did, while she remained standing right in front of him.

Today, Audrey meant business.

“Look, here's what's going on.” she began, her arms crossed in front of her.“I'm going to put all my cards on the table right here and now. We’ve been playing games for way too long, and I think it's about time we put on our big kid pants and deal with this situation more maturely.” She sighed, tapped her foot nervously three times before continuing.

“Alex: I like you.” Audrey declared, her chocolate brown eyes locked on his. “I really do. I've liked you ever since the moment I laid eyes on you. And, honestly? I've never wanted a person as badly as I wanted you. Truly. Of course, there were images to maintain, so that's why our first meeting didn't go that great. Then the Bianca Thing happened, and I got rid of that envious, slutty bitch as soon as I could so that my way would be nice and clear. That week, we played our little games. And at the end of the next one the locker thing happened, and I thought that maybe, just maybe, something good was about to happen.”

Audrey’s beautiful face turned angry, and even pained. Her arms were no longer crossed, but being used to gesture instead. The change was also visible in the tone of her voice. “You remember the night of my party, when Leslie interrupted us?” she paused for dramatic effect, then continued. “Well, the reason why she did that was to show me a video of you and Janice Nelson getting it on in the office just a half hour after our little encounter in the locker rooms. I took care of that little problem as best as I could, but nooooo, that wasn't the last of it. Then you decided to pull another one of your little stunts by showing up with the mayor’s daughter after a month of being away. Then shit went down with her and her family -which, by the way, I didn't have anything to do with- and you finally come crawling back to me. And me, being stupid as only I could, gave you the one chance and we ended up in bed for the first time.”

Audrey’s face softened up a little as she remembered their first time together, and the warm feelings it brought to her. “I won't lie and said it wasn't good, because it was amazing. I'd never felt such a connection with someone before. And I don't know if you felt that way as well or if this was just some routinary fuck, but I know what I felt. I remember waking up the next morning feeling butterflies in my stomach when I saw you sleeping beside me, hopeful that this meant the start of something that could evolve into more.”

Once again, the Latina’s face hardened. “Then, having Ava tell me all about your womanizing ways during breakfast, I got scared. And angry. And hurt and betrayed and stupid. I didn't want to be just another booty call in your list, so I bailed. I figured it was the only way I could keep myself from getting hurt even further than I'd already had.”

Her voice rose and fell with the matching emotion at her every statement, and her eyes were alight with them as well. “You know what's the worst part? Even with all the bullshit you’ve put me through, I still couldn't bear to hurt you. When your brother came onto me today, I thought ‘Well, here's a chance to finally get back at Alex. Let's take it!’ But you know what happened? One look at your face after him and I kissed, and I was feeling like the biggest piece of scum in the world. That is just how much you mean to me.”

“If you need further proof, here’s one another one: even though I know the huge risk I'm taking by telling you this, -being completely rejected, humiliated, made fun of- I felt like I needed to. Because, deep down, I know that if I didn't at least try to put my ego aside and go for what I really want, I would always question myself the ‘what if’.”

Audrey let out a deep breath, feeling instantly lighter. She'd never realized just how much weight this situation was putting on her until now that She’d finally confronted it and let it out of her system. No matter the outcome, this feeling of peace with herself was a reward enough. She sat next to Alex on the bed, leaving enough comfortable distance between the two. If he wanted to say anything, here was his chance. If he didn't, then at least the air was clear between them.

[AlteredTundra]

---

---

There had been silence on the way to her room. Silence when they got to her room. And, as she would state everything that was on her mind, Alexandros had remained silent throughout it all. She had made it clear that she wanted him to listen to everything she had to say, so Alexandros would give allow her to do that. He owed her that much. Besides, once she started to speak, she had his attention.

From start to finish, she practically listed everything that happened between the two of them since the fall semester had begun. From the moment he met her after getting an earful from Principal Anderson to charming his way into her life, she made it clear that she was crazy about him. In was in that moment Alexandros had realized exactly what his mother had done. She didn’t talk on his behalf nor did she warn Audrey away from him. Without actually saying it, Audrey revealed that to him.

His mother had a weird way of getting anyone and everyone to look within themselves and search their heart for their true feelings. She appealed to what they wanted versus what they knew would save them pain. After talking and hearing both sides of the stories, she let that person make up their own decision. She did this for his father when she caught onto his cheating habits and she obviously did it for Audrey when she went to go speak with her. Alexandros didn’t pretend to know what was said, but as she spoke, he knew the gist of it.

But as she mentioned Bianca and the party and everything in-between, Alexandros felt this knot in his stomach build up. What was this feeling? Guilt? Does Alexandros feel guilty for doing all of those terrible things and playing all of thsoe games? No, it’s not that — well, okay maybe just a little, but that’s not what this feeling was. It was him feeling some sort of guilt for wasting time. He was a player through and through, so that tended to dominate what he should’ve done and that was to just be honest with whom he was toying with.

Like Ava would be.

If anything could be learned from his sister, it was that honesty was the best policy. That’s what Audrey was doing as she further explained how she reacted to everything: setting up Bianca, getting Janice fired, and stating she had nothing to do with the leak in Francis’ office and the corruption that came from it. Of course, while Alexandros didn’t think she was directly tied, he knew her enough to know that she knew who did. Regardless, he held no grudge about that. Florence was lovely, but she was a means to an end. Given what was happening at this very moment, she served her purpose.

But back to what she was doing. Alexandros wasn’t usually slow on the uptake, but it did take him a long moment after she had finished for him to realize what was happening. Maybe Ava was right in saying that he could be dense sometimes. Such an idiot he was to miss exactly what she said. Forget all of the fluff. What she said in that last statement was the most important: she wanted him. Not in some superficial, physical-contact kind of way, but she wanted him in any and all possible forms. And, deep down, he knew he wanted her too.

And, so it was, on the gesture she had made, Alexandros joined her on the bed, sitting next to her and as close as he could without actually being on top of her. The electricity between them that started with his eyes and became grounded in her truffle eyes was so obvious and so out of control, the only thing stopping a chemical reaction was Alexandros’ mind racing. For the first time in his life, Alexandros was as vulnerable as Audrey had been this entire time. It was so unlike him. To think that the usually confident Mossos teen who never let his guard down and always was two steps ahead of anyone was pushed against the wall.

When it all came down to it, she was his kryptonite, but perhaps that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

He outstretched his left arm, stroking her cheek. “As always, you know how to impress, Huntsberg.”

That was all Alexandros said. Everything else was moot as he gave her the only answer she needed to know. His lips locked with hers sweetly.

Perhaps this was what the pilgrims and Indians originally envisioned for Thanksgiving.

[Venus]

Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you.

Because you're mine, I walk the line

You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide

Because you're mine, I walk the line.

---

To Audrey’s surprise, pouring her heart out had actually earned her a good response. She knew it the minute Alexandros closed the distance between them by scooting as close as he could to her. The brunette looked up at him curiously, and quickly found herself locked in his stunning blue eyes. Not only could she feel that undeniable electricity racing intensely between them, but there was also anticipation building up. From the way Alex was so silent and lost in thought, she knew that something absolutely groundbreaking was about to happen…

And it did.

Alexandros Mossos, Beverly Hills’ most womanizing playboy, was now looking up at Audrey Huntsberg with something more than just physical attraction. It was similar to… Could it be? Love?!

As it always happened in moments like this, there wasn't much time for the young woman to think things through. Alex had now outstretched his arm in the direction of her face, and Audrey was further stunned when he softly stroked her cheek and declared she knew how to impress. At this, she shrugged, letting out a small laugh of agreement and completely taken by surprise by his sweet gesture. Then, after a heartbeat… His lips met hers.

As it always happened with Alexandros, the moment their lips locked together, Audrey’s body was instantly alight with feels. The goosebumps had made their appearance, and the brunette’s right hand was now on the back of his head, fingers running through his soft dark hair. Soon enough, the sweet kiss had deepened, as had the innocent feelings coursing between the two. Sparks were flying all over again, and before either of them knew, they were down the familiar path of longing and passion they both knew so well. However, as their bodies proceed to become one once again, Audrey could feel there was something different about it this time. The connection shared between them now transcended everything else she'd previously known, inevitably tying them together for a lifetime. This time, the feelings were all the more intense, going on a crescendo until they reached the height of their shared symphony.

In the sweet aftermath, Audrey was nestled comfortably between Alexandros’ arm, her head on his chest. The young woman’s cheeks bore a beautiful rosy glow, and her brown eyes were shining. So much had happened in such a short span of time, but she had nothing to regret. For a while, she let silence reign the room, enjoying every second of the moment being shared between her and Alex.

Suddenly, she looked up at him, her face bearing a soft, sweet, loving expression that had never been seen on her before. “I’m not sure if it’s too soon to ask, but… What does this mean, now? You know, for us?”

She’d hesitated when using that last word, but there was no way that they weren't something after the events that had just transpired. The sooner things were given a proper name and definition, the better it would be for both of them.