Plot Twist Number 11:The school's annual bonfire party wasn't just a casual event with marshmallows and acoustic guitar guys trying to impress girls with sad Ed Sheeran covers.It was a battlefield.
A battlefield of drama, confessions, jealousy, and chaos.
Ivy and I arrived late because SOMEONE (me) couldn't decide between wearing his hoodie or not.
"You either claim your man or leave him to Mia, babe," Ivy teased, pulling me towards the bonfire.
"He's not my man!"
"Says the girl who slept in his hoodie and named his demon cat Lucifer."
"…Fair."
We made our way to the snack table (priorities) when, naturally, Zayne appeared out of thin air like some smug teenage vampire.
"About time, Princess."
I turned, acting unbothered even though my heart was doing parkour."You stalking me now?"
"You wish."His grin could melt stone.
And right then, the worst person alive — Mia — strutted over, dressed like she was auditioning for Mean Girls: The Reboot.
"Didn't realize this was a charity event for strays," she sneered, eyeing me.
"Don't worry, Mia. I'm only here to give the local dogs company," I fired back.
Ivy snorted her drink out her nose.
Plot Twist Number 12:Before I could escape the chaos, someone yelled,"TRUTH OR DARE CIRCLE BY THE BONFIRE!"
Ivy grabbed my arm. "You're playing."
"I'm not suicidal."
"You are now."
The Game That Should've Stayed Illegal
The circle was already packed. Zayne sat directly across from me, twirling a bottle cap between his fingers, and it should've been a crime how good he looked in firelight.
"Alright, Ari," Ivy grinned."Truth or dare."
"Truth."
"Wimp."
"Shut up."
"Okay — who do you have a crush on right now?"
The entire circle oooohed like kindergarteners.I panicked.
Plot Twist Number 13:Before I could answer, Lucifer the cat jumped into my lap, and everyone shrieked.
Zayne smirked."Even your cat's a drama queen."
I threw caution and brain cells to the wind."Fine. Zayne Carter. There. You happy, Satan?"
Dead silence.The fire cracked.
Then Plot Twist Number 14:Zayne just grinned and said, "Took you long enough."
I. STOPPED. BREATHING.
Mia looked like she just swallowed a frog.Ivy nearly rolled into the fire laughing.
"Your turn, Carter."
"Dare."
Ivy's eyes went pure evil."I dare you to kiss Ariella. Right now."
I choked on air."Ivy WHAT?!"
"You heard me."
Zayne shrugged like this was some regular Wednesday.
"You okay with that, Princess?"
My brain screamed NO but my mouth betrayed me."Whatever. I don't care."
Plot Twist Number 15:He leaned in, his hand cupping my face, and kissed me.Right there. In front of everyone.It was soft, warm, stupidly perfect and I immediately forgot how to stand, speak, or blink.
"Told you," he whispered against my ear, "you'd look good in my hoodie."
AND I DIED.
Aftermath
The second the game broke up, Ivy tackled me.
"YOU'RE BASICALLY ENGAGED."
"I'M GONNA THROW UP."
"AND I'M YOUR MAID OF HONOR."
Plot Twist Number 16:Mia posted another story:"You can have him for now. I always win in the end."
I laughed, dropped my phone into my bag, and texted Zayne.
Ari:You kiss all your enemies like that?
Zayne:Only the ones I'm in love with.
Plot Twist Number 17:I reread that text twenty-seven times and then threw my phone under my bed and screamed into a pillow.