For Better, For Honour

AVA Still hoping it’s one of Asher’s pranks, I step into the ballroom with bottle up nerves. My fingers fiddle together as I look at the crowded room. Earlier this morning, I try hinting at some questions that might reveal whether it’s true or false. Mom cleverly shut me up with ‘table manners’ which makes me start considering the fact that Asher might be right. Strong scents of perfume hit my nose as I brush pass men and women in expensive clothing. Usually, I will be at the corner rating outfit with Fallon and Avery, but not today. Someone bumps into me from behind, slamming me forward into another person. “I’m so— oh, hi Caden.” He freeze, blinking rapidly at me before his gaze drops to the floor. I look at him, not at all surprise by his reaction. He seems to hate me for some reason, which is why I find it hard to believe Asher. There’s just no way that’s happening. Only a year difference in age, and despite growing up together, I can count the number of times we’ve interact

AVA I couldn’t go back to class and face everyone after what happened. Mostly because I’m not sure I can hold myself back from attacking Maddie if I see her. Settling under the shade, my usual hangout spot with my friends. I wipe away my tears with the back of my hand. Being one of the school student representatives would have done wonders for my college application and Maddie ruined that. I look up abruptly in a certain direction, feeling the air on the back of my neck standing as my senses heightens, giving me the feeling that I’m being watched. My frown deepens, and I disregard the thought. It's the early hours of school, everyone is in class. Some minutes later, the bell rings, snapping me out of my depression. I stand up, debating whether or not to attend the second period. That becomes a fleeting thought when Fallon and Avery rushes towards me. Fallon never runs anywhere, so when she starts running towards me, I know she must be so worried about me. “It’s fine,” I inform t

AVA “I am floating on cloud nine, yeah, yeah, I’m floating on cloud nine—” I sang along with the blasting stereos emoting from my phone. Sophie sang along, passing the ingredients required to successfully bake delicious chocolate cookies. I paused in the act of whisking, using the whisker as a microphone instead. I extended it toward her, so she could also join in. She laughed, playing along. Short of breath due to excitement, I pulled away to focus once more on what we were doing. I was prepping the dough into the oven pan when the music abruptly cut off. “Mom…” I whine, storming my feet. “Hey, I’m glad you’re up and about. But do you have to be so loud? Don’t give me a migraine please.” She retorted, walking away. “Fine, I will reduce the volume.” I called after her, doing exactly that so she doesn’t have to come back in here and turn it off. “Hey miss cloud—“I whipped around at the sound of Asher’s voice. He stood against the kitchen door, watching us with a smile on his f

AVA It’s been two weeks. Final exams are taking place. Seniors are getting ready for their prom. And I have gotten four invites from seniors to be their date to the prom. Yet Caden still hasn’t been found. The house has been in a gloomy state. Dad and Don Thame are hardly seen around these days as they spend the majority of their time looking for him. Asher on the other hand spends the majority of his time hooking up with girls. I knew it was a way for him to cope with the recent circumstances. The more time passed, the harder it became for me to convince myself that I wasn’t to blame for his disappearance. No one has pointed any finger at me yet, I dread the day they do. “I’m leaving. I’ll come back for you, I promise.” His last words still echo in my mind. Asher informed the family what I told him. At first Aunt Beatrix had looked at me suspiciously, demanding to know why Caden would come to me instead of Asher or Henshel. How was I to explain that I am as confused as she was?

AVA Fallon, Avery and I, were spread out on the floor of my work-space working on the next phase of our project. We’ve been at it for over an hour, and it’s finally time to take a snack break. “Are you going to answer that anytime soon?” Fallon asked, referring to my cellphone. I kept it on silent mode when it became clear that Asher doesn’t plan on giving up anytime soon. I approached the table, picking up the telephone. “Do you guys have any special requests?” I looked over my shoulder at them, waiting. “No, anything is fine.” Avery answered for both of them. After telling the servants what we wanted, I rejoined them. My phone screen lights up once more, this time I turned it off and tossed it into the materials box. “Is there a reason why you’re ignoring Asher’s call?” Avery asked puzzled. “Why? Did you tell him?” “Can we not talk about him, please? We should be focusing on getting this design done.” I snapped, rolling on my back. “Oh-oh,” Fallon half-whispered, havoring. “