Penance - Uncovering the truth, Secrets and confessions, and Twisted pasts

Chapter 8

Grayson sat in the plush seats of his expensive limo, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Jameson. He wasn't particularly worried, but there was a sense of unease that lingered in the back of his mind.

As he arrived at school, he was greeted by a flurry of stares and whispers from the girls who were clearly impressed by his handsome looks. Grayson stroked his perfectly coiffed hair and was taken aback when he heard a girl actually faint.

He made his way to the IT class but there was no sign of Alison - not that he was expecting her. So he decided to head to the rooftop garden, which was supposedly off-limits and abandoned. As he opened the door, he saw Alison picking roses. She didn't seem to notice him, and Grayson cherished this small moment of peace.

He couldn't help but notice how gentle Alison was with the flowers, her delicate touch and the care with which she placed each one down. The sunlight made her eyes sparkle, giving her a radiant and almost magical quality. Her hair was tied up in a bun, just like the first time they met. As she licked her top lip in concentration, Grayson found himself transfixed by the sight. He felt a mixture of emotions: he liked Avery (as a friend), loved Emily, and there was something about Alison that drew him to her.

As Grayson observed Alison, a memory flashed in his mind - of Alison wiping ice cream off his face and then sensually licking it off her finger. His instincts kicked in, and he took a step back, accidentally stepping on a branch, which produced a sharp cracking sound.

"Good morning," she greeted him, without looking up from the roses as if she knew he was there the entire time. Did she?  "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Grayson replied, his authoritative voice kicking in.

Alison's expression softened, and she produced a slow smile. "I have my connections," Alison said, her smooth and energetic voice a stark contrast to Grayson's serious tone.

"We need to talk," Grayson said, keeping his eyes on Alison as she continued to pick more roses.

"How about we do something more exciting instead? Like, I don't know, get ice cream?" Alison suggested with a grin.

Grayson felt a weight compressed in his chest, and his heart skipped a beat, but he didn't show the slightest reaction, and dismissed her last comment. "The IT project," Grayson stated, smoothing out his hand cuffs. "We need to get some photographs based on biodiversity."

Alison stopped and turned to Grayson, squinting her eyes from the sun. "You got me on biodiversity," she said, placing the roses in a basket beside her. Grayson raised his eyebrows, surprised that Alison had conceded so easily.

But then Alison reminded him of the bet from yesterday. "Today, you have to listen to what I say and commit to my orders," she said with a sly grin.

Grayson's eyes widened just a little bit. He had completely forgotten about the bet in light of recent events. He stared her down, his eyes like daggers. What are you up to Alison Emrys? he thought to himself. Usually, Grayson never had difficulties guessing people's thoughts, but looking at Alison was like looking at a brick wall.

Just then, Alison's phone rang, and she hesitantly reached for it. For a few seconds, she just stared at the phone. Grayson couldn't help but feel that Alison was acting strange, just like she did with the call yesterday. He wondered who could be on the other end. None of my business, remember, he reminded himself.

Alison declined the call and stood up straight, her eyes fixed on Grayson's. He sensed a hint of sadness or anger in her expression and felt a twinge of pity.

"I want to be your project," she demanded.

Grayson flinched, unsure of what she meant. Alison's slow sly smile made it clear that Grayson didn't understand. "I mean, I want to be your subject. Take pictures of me," she clarified, mischievously.

Grayson raised an eyebrow, indicating his reluctance. But Alison's expression suggested otherwise. "Why you?" he blurted out.

"Because I'm the most interesting thing around here," Alison replied, winking.

Grayson narrowed his eyes, still unsure about what to do. "Fine," he said, finally giving in. "But as soon as we start, you have to follow my instructions."

Alison took a step closer, her hair blowing in the wind and grazing Grayson's face. Despite the intimate gesture, Grayson remained still and showed no visible emotion.

"Ready when you are."