Hearts ✓

Seventeen 💕

A little game of choices.

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Classes had been called off today because of a staff training session, and some school maintenance issues.

The sun poured through the sides of the curtains that were draped over the window. The weather had been rather moody over the last few days, yesterday it was raining, and a few days earlier, the cold was absolutely freezing.

I yawned profusely and rubbed my red eyes while curling my foot under my duvet, sinking in more than I already had.

I had pulled another all-nighter, but instead of binge watching movies on Netflix, I was re-reading the same text from an unknown number, whom I consider as Darren. I was also replaying our conversation over and over again, and yet, it was dawn and I hadn't come up with a decision on what to do.

The text read:

Darren: I require an answer today, choose carefully.

During our conversation, I realized that Darren was right about a lot of things. I had an explicitly large chance of winning, and that much was also the chance of me losing because, as he put it, we were wrapping each other on our fingers, in other words, we were both starting to fall for each other.

And my chance of losing could result in losing all of the perks, a shiny recommendation letter, a brand new car, a guarantee of freedom from these disruptive creatures, and the add-on Darren had provided, Taylor wouldn't be messed with.

All that sounded perfect, but there was only one reason I chose to play pretend, and that was to win. To set a record for women, to stand up for our lives. But most of all, to speak of change. If the girls witnessed that it was possible to win, then the boys would never win the bet ever again, and this was the thing Darren possibly feared the most.

So he put me on a deal. I keep the perks, and he keeps his.

I had stared at my phone, for what it seems like an eternity before realizing that calling Jake was a click away, but I had constantly feared that he would either be mad at me in general or mad at me for waking him up during the early hours of the morning. Either way, mad wasn't good.

I called Aubrey and Lauren, and they said that we'd discuss it over a large cup of double shot espresso later.

I decided to respond.

Callie: If I turn the deal down, will there be hell to pay?

Darren: Do elaborate.

Callie: If I take the deal, the boys won't mess with me. But if I don't take it, will they deliberately mess with me?

Darren: I'm a man of my word If I didn't say so yesterday then it won't happen. I can't say the same for your sister, though.

It was actually quite sad to see Darren, a person with such impeccable etiquette, all go to waste because of the Narven High phase of becoming a player, something all boys at this school has an opportunity at experiencing.

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Aubrey was the first to arrive at the Harlsborrow Cafe, she came in a Red Beret over her Parisian top, and denim cutoffs. Lauren came next, in none other a hoodie and some leggings.

I had told them about what had happened and filled them in on details including the fact that I had to meet up with Darren later.

They both exchanged worried glances before I asked them to trail me in case something happens.

"Do you want us to take Jake with us?" Lauren asked.

"No, Darren will make sure to distract Jake with something, so if you tell him to come along, he'll be informed, and suspect that I told Jake, even though I haven't."

"What if he hurts you?" Aubrey shoots me a concerned look.

"Highly doubtful about that, but when you come in, start chasing him, and beep incessantly." I say, "But first, I have to decide what to actually say."

"Well, are you taking the deal?"

"I don't know," I say exasperated, taking a gulp from my espresso.

Callie: Can I have another day to decide?

Darren: As much as I wish to give you more time, the bet lasts a month and half of which is basically gone.

I slam my empty cup of coffee on the table, startling both Lauren and Aubrey in the process. I knew what I had to.

Many people have forgotten why they wanted to do something when they had started a project and have just abandoned it when presented with something that sounded better. But the truth was, was it really better. It might be better for you, but when you think of the population of Narven High and you think about the legacy you're creating.

Should I do it for me, or for us.

Which side is really better?

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I stood in front of Darren against the blazing heat as he awaited my answer. Lauren and Aubrey were nearly a block away but as I had observed earlier, everything could be easily seen.

"And what do you choose?"

"I choose the original deal," I say. "I want to win, fairly."

"Right." He grins simultaneously stepping forwards, as I step back. "Callie, I'm not going to hurt you." I feel my shoulders ease from tension. The smile still seems perfectly plastered on his face.

I don't say anything, "Take care of my best friend."

"Why are you being so nice."

"You might be doing this for Jake, you might be doing this for the girls of Narven High." He smiles. "You only get the first love of your life once, Callie."

"So you're not in any way mad to lose."

"Turning down this deal doesn't mean you win the bet, it means you still have a chance at winning." The corners of his eyes crinkle, "Callie, my current facade is to rip your feelings into threads, but if you survive that, then it's all on both of you. You just have to see if you win."

"Okay, Darren. Okay."

Well isn't this a fun game of choices