4

Cecilia

I finish getting ready just as I hear knocking at my door. I put on makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes since I didn't sleep well last night. I open the door, and my brother walks in without saying a word. Damn, it's Asher. I'm sure he told Jason everything.

"What's up, Jason?" I ask, facing him.

"What was Asher doing in your room?" he yells.

"What did he tell you?"

"Answer me, Cecilia."

"He was walking me back. We ran into each other as I was leaving the cinema."

"Stop lying, you weren't there. And don't even try to deny it because I was there."

"Alright, you want the truth? I ran into him near the red wing."

"I told you not to go there."

"Let go of me, Jason. You're not the one who gets to tell me what I can or can't do."

He looks hurt, as if I'd slapped him.

"I just don't want anything bad to happen to you, Ceci," he says, taking my hands.

"I know, but stop being so overprotective. I'm just as old as you are. You live your life the way you want, so let me live mine." He lets go of me, takes a deep breath, and sits on my bed.

"Alright, but you need to be careful. Don't hide anything from me, and if you ever have a boyfriend, Cecilia, tell me so I can check that he's good enough for you. Promise me that."

"I promise," I say, hugging him. "Have you had breakfast yet?"

"No, want to join me?"

"Yes, of course."

I slip on my shoes and follow him to the cafeteria. I'm at least relieved that he didn't blow up like I thought he would. I know he means well by being so protective, but it's time for me to make my own mistakes and learn from them. It's the only way I'll ever forget about his friend.

"Where's your girlfriend?" I ask Jason. "Don't tell me you've broken up again," I tease with a wide grin.

"Screw you, Ceci," he replies, and I know I'm right. He's dumped her again. I'd feel a little bad for her if she weren't so unbearable.

We continue eating and chatting about random things until I see Asher approaching us. As always, he has that charming smile, and I hate it, and hate myself even more for always falling under his spell. I force myself to focus on my hot chocolate to hide the disappointment in my eyes when he inevitably ignores me like he always does.

To my surprise, he says:

"Good morning, Cecilia."

I look up to make sure I didn't mishear him, and despite his attempt to hide it, Jason looks just as surprised.

"Aren't you going to answer me?" he asks, as if this weren't the first time he'd greeted me.

"Yes… good morning."

He takes a seat across from me and starts chatting with my brother.

If I'm dreaming, please don't wake me. Maybe I'm not as invisible to him as I thought. Even though he didn't say it outright, the fact that he told me yesterday that I shouldn't have dressed the way I did—maybe that means he felt something. Maybe I shouldn't give up on him after all. It might take time, but the fact that he's talking to me now is progress, right? Maybe I should try to charm him; who knows, maybe something will come of it.

"See you later," he says after a while, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I glance at his plate, he's finished everything. Wow, how long have I been zoning out?

Jason is staring at me like I've grown horns.

"What?"

"Do you have feelings for Asher?"

"What are you talking about?" I laugh, trying to hide what I really feel—guilt.

"Be careful with him, Cecilia. He's not the prince charming you're dreaming of. The only thing you'll get if you don't forget him is a broken heart. You're my sister and he's my best friend. I don't want that to happen. Please, Cecilia, forget about him," he says softly, then kisses me on the cheek and leaves me alone at the table.

Damn, what just happened? I finish my meal, confused, then head to the gardens, reflecting on my brother's warnings about his friend.