Living With The Player

**CAMILLA RENÉE**

FRIDAY EVENING.

FRAT HOUSE.

“You said not to impede you, so I’m not reaching to answer your question.”

I shrugged my shoulder, sipping my drink gradually.

“I’m done, for now. Camilla Renee, resolve my question.”

He dipped his brows, gazing intently.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be at your house, I’m not sure what this is and I can’t make any judgments until I’m 100% sure. Let’s take things as they are. See where it leads us too.”

He lowered his brows, nodding carefully, but the gape of disappointment rested within those lids.

I doubt anyone will turn down an offer from Dylan Emerton which is exactly why I need to think hard before spouting anything.

Regardless, he did just say he liked me. That’s what I deduce from the entire thing.

The player confessed he likes me.

*Shock waves.*

“Camilla,”

He jerked my hand, clasping me back to that reality.

Heat rose to my left hand and even more when I met his gaze.

“Should we go home?”

He inquired. Shaking my head in negation, I retrieved the bottle from the ground.

“Let’s have a drink.”

He tapered his gaze.

“For one night only.”

I inhaled and exhale, pulling his glass to fill it up then taking a chunk from the bottle directly.

This is going better than I envisioned it in my head.

******

“Why don’t we play on a prank on Blake…”

I giggled afterwards, tugging harshly at his shirt.

“Drunk Camilla isn’t my favourite version, let’s go inside.”

His bike was at the lot, his hands wrapped around my waist which was the only thing keeping me from slipping and hitting my butt. Hard.

I’m stoned.

“I want to play a prank.”

I slurred, pouting my lips, tugging at the hem of his shirt so he’d face me. We were almost at the front door. Everywhere’s bright from the numerous night lights we have surrounding the house.

“You’re drunk Camilla.”

“Exactly, being drunk makes me daring. Come on, you’ve always wanted to make him squirm a little so why don’t we play a prank on him. The night is still young.”

I smirked.

“What do you have in mind?”

I clapped repeatedly and he chuckled under his breath.

I propped myself upwards to reach his height then whispered into his breath.

My breath reeked of alcohol, I hope he didn’t mind.

****

The prank was simple.

We take away all his underpants and leave them in other places in his room.

He had two closets, so we picked one each and got to work.

I did mine carefully, leaving some under his pillow, inside the drawer close to his dressing mirror.

Tilting my head, I found Dylan by the other closet, gripping something and gazing at it with wide eyes.

“Dylan!”

I half yelled, swearing underneath my breath, trying not to wake Blake up.

“Mmmm..”

He retorted, barely looking away for a second.

Striding to where he was, I took a peek over the letter and gasped at the heading alone.

“That’s not possible.”

I shook my head.

“It is. Return the clothes. Let’s go ”

He commanded. I nodded slowly, turned and did what he said.

He squeezed the paper inside his palm and stormed away.

Too tired to follow not to mention the massive headache approaching, I staggered to my room, slipped through the door and made my way to the bed.

******

SATURDAY.

EMERTON’S MANSION.

I learnt my lesson to always keep some painkillers handy.

Luckily, I didn’t have chores. I got to sleep in and finally get up hangover free at almost nine pm.

After a quick shower, I strolled down the stairs following the sweet scent of pancakes, that’s when I heard Mr Emerton speak.

“You know son. Your skills in playing soccer always made us proud but now you went ahead. You shouldn’t have let what happened to destroy that.”

I wince, squeezing my eyes and halting where I stood.

Dredged moment.

He was trying to sound polite but his words were hurting Dylan.

“At least I didn’t get expelled.”

Dylan blurts out.

I whimper and everyone else is silent. Blake lifts his head to glare

“What?”

His mom was the one to speak up this time.

“Your star son, Blake Emerton got expelled from college. I might be a messed up kid with anger issues, but at least I didn’t get expelled.”

With that, he shoves his chair back and stands up, digging into his pocket for the letter and placing it in front of his father.

That’s what we found last night in his room.

A letter of expulsion. Blake isn’t here because he misses his family or a break from college. He’s here because he was expelled for misconduct.

“Mom, Dad. I can explain…”

He starts. His voice is strained and more so, I feel sorry for him.

Maybe Dylan shouldn’t have let his parents know like that. It was not the best choice to make.

The irony of this situation. They showered Blake with so much love, care and attention making him feel the need to be perfect, so much so he couldn’t let his parents know when he made a mistake.

Taking a turn, I made a way back upstairs to my room. They were having a family moment

******

Laying on my bed, I heard a soft knock followed by a voice.

“Camilla, it’s me. Open up.”

“They’re still talking downstairs now.”

He says, sliding into the group.

“Great. Now they know how perfect their child is.”

He placed air quotes on perfect.

“You shouldn’t have let them know like that Dylan.”

He stared at me in disbelief.

“You’re not honestly on his side now are you?”

“There are no sides Dylan. That was something private about his lift and regardless, he should’ve told them himself. Not you.”

I reprimanded, my voice failing me towards the end.

“Camilla…”

“Let me finish.”

I sniffled relating how Blake must be feeling to how I would’ve felt.

If Kyle or anyone that found out went behind my back to tell my parents, I would not be able to take it.

Blake must be broken at this point.

“I’m saying this because I can relate. I know how it’ll feel disappointing your parents and then I can’t imagine someone else going behind my back to tell them what happened.”

“I’m confused Camilla, what are you saying?”

“Yesterday, you opened up about something and I guess this time is I’ll open up.”

After I say this, you might look at me differently, but I should tell you to know. The secret will be out sooner rather than later anyway.”

I said and exhaled.

“The fire that burnt my house down, it wasn’t a mistake or an accident. Not in the way everyone thinks at least. It was my fault. I had a huge hand in what happened that night. I’m the reason we’re here. The reason why my parents lost a lot. It’s all on me.”

I confessed, tears welling up in my eyes at the end of it.

******

*Author’s Note*

*I was mostly tired today, couldn’t update earlier. Much love*Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

*Anyway, what do you think about Dylan’s reporting? Justified or…?*