Chapter 5
Two weeks later, Kai’s mom showed up with an invitation.
“Vivian, bring your grandma to Kai’s graduation party tonight.“]
I said I wasn’t going.
Mrs. Brennan looked shocked: “Why not? Did you two have a fight?”
I said I was busy, had plans with friends.]
“Well bring your friends too! The more the merrier, don’t be shy.“]
Mrs. Brennan was all smiles, and Grandma had already agreed to go.]
I had no choice but to show up at Kai’s graduation party that night.[]
I was confused why Kai was having his party so late.[]
When I got there, I understood.[]
It was because of Avery.]
Avery was in a formal dress, greeting guests at the restaurant entrance, beaming.]
When she saw me, she grabbed my hands enthusiastically: “Vivian! You made it! Sit anywhere you want–Kai and I booked the whole place.“]
She explained with a bright smile: “Today’s my eighteenth birthday party. I was worried it wouldn’t be fun enough, so I begged Kai to move his graduation party to today too.“]
So it was two parties in one.]
No wonder it was such a big deal.]
I just nodded.[]
Avery grinned, unable to hide her joy.]
When dinner started, I found a corner table with Grandma, keeping to ourselves.[]
But Kai came over]
He looked frustrated and armoyed.
“Vivian, come sit at the main table. What are you doing fading back here?“||
I said no, we were leaving soon anyway!!
Kai took a deep breath, frowning: “Vivian, stop this. I let you block me for two weeks–isn’t that enough?“]
I shook my head again.
Kai gritted his teeth: “We ALWAYS sit together at parties. You’re really gonna throw a fit over something this small?“||
His voice was drawing attention.
Grandma quickly urged me: “Vivian, let’s go over there.“]
She practically dragged me to Kai’s table.]
Kai finally looked satisfied.[]
But there was another empty seat next to him.]]
I watched radiant Avery bounce over.
All the Brennan family welcomed her–because her dad did business with them.]
“Oh. Vivian’s here too! Perfect, Kai and I were just talking about traveling. Once school starts, we won’t have time to hang out.
She flashed her dimples: “Vivian, come with us! Kai said he’d take me to the Grand Canyon!–]
I pressed my lips together.
I remembered Kai promising to take me to the Grand Canyon after graduation.]
We were gonna take photos there, maybe even kiss.]
The kissing part was his idea.
Back then, he’d gone all red and asked carefully: “Would it be okay if we… kissed?”
I thought it was hilarious, but my face got red too.
We’d known each other for twelve years, even seen each other naked as kids.]
How did talking about kissing make us both blush?]
but that was before.
Now I didn’t feel my heart racing–1 just felt sick
Because that night at the bar. Kai had made out with Avery for three minutes during Truth or Dare.
“You two go ahead. I’m kinda busy”
I declined calmly.
Avery’s eyes lit up obviously, her smule stretching car to car
But Kai tensed up, grabbing my hand under the table.]
I pulled away to grab some food: “I’m starving, don’t mind me.”
After dinner, I went to the bathroom.]
Kal followed me, grabbing my wrist hard: “Vivian, what the hell?“]
“Nothing.”
I shook off his hand.[]
Kai laughed bitterly: “How long are you gonna keep this up? Just change your application back to local and we’re good!”
“I asked Avery about it too. She was gonna tell you about the prank anyway. Even if you hadn’t caught it. Avery would’ve told your”
Would she really?
If I hadn’t noticed, Avery would’ve had a million excuses ready.
She never would’ve told me.
I just said: “Thanks to her then.“]
“Cut the sarcasm! Tomorrow at nine, I’m picking you up. We’re going to the Grand Canyon–I promised you thatr
He stormed off
Next morning at nine, I looked down from my window.[]
Kai and Avery were there with their bags, constantly looking up.[]
I didn’t move.
Kai shouted my name. I closed the curtains.[]
“Vivian, you’re gonna regret this!”
Kai was furious: “If you wanna be this stubborn, then find your own way to MITI
He took Avery to the Grand Canyon.[]
And posted fifteen Instagram stories that day.[]
Every single one featured Avery.
Riley was disgusted and showed them to me:]
Taking my little as to the Grand Canyon!!
[LMAO she’s exhausted, gotta carry her.1]
[So many tourists, but my sis is still the center of attention. Beauty really is rare.]]]
…0
Tons of classmates commented on these posts:]
[Wait, summer trip with Avery instead of Vivian? Did you guys actually break up?]]
“Your ex is crying in the bathroom, haha.“[]
“Gotta say, Avery is just prettier. Post more pics!“]
“Bro, go easy on her tonight, I’m worried she’ll get hurt (crying emoji).”
I read it all without feeling anything.
Riley was fuming: “This asshole is doing this on purpose! He’s trying to make you jealous!“]
Make me jealous?
I wasn’t jealous at all. I just thought it was pathetic
