S E B A S T I A N
"With that being said, I hope you have fun tonight. And don't forget your rules, guards are everywhere," Mrs Andrea finished with a formal smile before she got down the stage and took off, only for the party to go back to how it previously was. Though I couldn't help but notice the ice glare that she shot in my direction when she got down.
"Damn, you see that?" Luke laughed while hitting my chest a couple of times, seeing it too. "That was a warning for you, my friend."
I rolled my eyes but with a smirk, making him more amused. Not gonna lie, her words were really tempting. But that was when the team gathered around.
"Doesn't she get tired from saying the same speech?" Robin asked in ridicule as he turns to the group. Everyone cracked a laugh and joined in the conversation while huddling in one big circle. "I mean, change something for God's sake!"
I didn't hold my smile and actually let out a small chuckle. "Tell me about it!" Eric let out a deep breath. "She says that but continues to lock and beat the shit out of us!"
One by one, they got together in agreement. "She doesn't give a shit about anyone. Especially us! She didn't even watch the game yet she acts like she's the one that won!" said David.
My attention travelled to Mason where he was giving out canned beer. Once he reached me, he pursed his lips. "Seb," he mumbled, holding one out for me.
I stared at him blankly for a second before I looked down at the drink. I was well aware that he was trying to gain back my respect and companionship, as well as the rest. However, I'm not the kind of person to forget nor forgive when it involves people that I love. But I'll try to ignore and avoid them for the time being.
I inhaled deeply and exhaled before I took the can from his hand with a nod. He nodded back before he continued his journey around the group before he finally stopped at the end next to Chris and Eric.
"Why would she?" Stephan scoffed. "It's not like she'd know which side we'd be."
"True. But she could at least support us!"
"Yeah, we are representing her academy after all."
"Which is why she threw us this party!" Mason coughed while opening his beer. "Now, stop talking and let's drink."
They let a couple of chuckles before they did the same and took some chugs. "Drink Sebastian! You deserve to get drunk the most!" Robin called out when he caught me still staring at my drink.
I offered him a smile and nodded. Yet they continue to stun me as they cheered once again. "To Sebastian!"
At that, I laughed uncontrollably before I raised my drink like the others then chugged. Not less than a moment, David called my name.
"You were seriously amazing tonight." he complimented making me feel appreciated. "I thought you gave it your all in the last game, yet you surprised everyone."
"Seriously, Seb, we owe you one," Hayden commented while pointing his finger at me.
"Thanks to you, we got in the tournament!"
"Which is why we gotta train even harder. We can't keep relying on him to win us the title and the trophy."
"You're right."
"Aren't you gonna say anything?"
I glanced at Luke for a second then down at my drink. I shrugged confidently. "I think I already said everything in the field."
Unexpectedly, everyone started yelling and praising my name as if I had accomplished something inconceivable. People nearby threw their attention in our direction with interest and curiosity. Quickly, I began appointing each one of them embarrassingly to keep it down and to ourselves, rather than causing more chaos and noisiness.
"I need more beer," Luke announced while snickering. He turned to ask me if I wanted, but I shook my head. So, he quickly went to fetch for himself.
Just when they calmed down, Joshua finally appeared as he enters the group. Although he was instantly greeted with wolf whistles and teases, encouraging and praising him for finally standing up for himself. I recalled him mentioning that he was going to meet his interest after the game, which made me send him an impressed smirk.
And after receiving a couple of pats and encouraging cheers, he made his way towards him. "So, how is swimmer boy?" I asked him teasingly.
However, instead of answering with an eye roll or a playful hit, he dropped his smile and stood beside me. "Mia is with Ashton," he told me.
She's here?
My eyebrows flew up in surprise as I try to read his eyes. But before I could say a word, someone else bugged in.
"Ashton?" Chris asked Joshua, hearing our conversation. "Where is he?"
The rest heard him as well and looked around for Ashton. "I don't know," Eric said. "I haven't seen him since the game."
"To hell with him," Stephan muttered with annoyance before chugging his drink.
"I agree," I heard Luke's voice repeat. I glanced and saw him coming back with a couple of cans in his arms.
I let out a sigh and turned to Josh again. "Where are they?" I whispered but demanding, for the last thing I want right now is for the rest of the group to catch them together.
Josh rolled his head to the left secretly and pointed at the stage. "Over there..." he mumbled. I took a glimpse in that direction but caught dozens of people dancing and gathered around. But after a few seconds, a group walked away from the centre of the dance floor only to reveal Mia and Ashton standing next to a drinking table.
I watched them for a moment, tried to read her face through the distance and guess what they might be talking about. Yet, that was when I saw her roll her head back while laughing as if she just heard the funniest joke.
My gaze instantly turned into a glare as I start to feel anger boiling inside of me along with annoyance. Without hesitation, I gave Joshua my drink and took off towards them.
How many times do I have to warn Ashton to stay away?!
I walked directly at them not caring about the bodies I bumped into or the people I pushed out of my way. And just when I got near, I felt a body fall onto me like a bag of sand.
I stepped back and tried to stay on my feet as the person clutches onto my neck like their life's depend on it. I was taken aback and startled. But when I snapped my eyes at theirs, I instantly rolled my eyes while I shove them away.
"Sebby!" Kimberly purred drunkenly. Her breath almost suffocating me from the stench of alcohol and cigarettes, I'd be surprised if she wouldn't get caught and locked down soon. "I missed you!"
She wrapped her arms around my torso and laid her head on my chest. "Why are you with that new bitch?! Is she blackmailing you? Do you want me to save you?" she asked pathetically.
I tried to respect the fact that she was a girl as I struggled to control my anger. "Let. Go." I warned while pushing her off, only to make her grab my arm stubbornly.
"What did I do wrong, Sebastian?" she cried, gazing up at me with wide glossy eyes. "I love you! Why don't you love me back?!"
I faced away aggravated and found some stares on us. "Sebastian, please!" she continued desperately while laughter echoes.
I grew more and more irritated. And as I was trying not to look at Kimberly, I caught Mia again meters away, talking with Ashton in what looks like something serious.
Her attention seemed totally focused on him and his on her. I noticed her face had changed into a more intense and shocked one. His expression fell confused as well and I couldn't help but wonder what they are talking about now.
"Let's get back together, Sebby! I'm way more pretty and capable than some skinny whore. I promise I'll do whatever you want!"
I let out a sigh and rolled my eyes back at Kim. With a mere moment, I quickly grabbed her arm, snatched it away from me and twisted it behind her back. She screamed painfully causing more attention to seek her.
I pulled her close and leaned my head down near her ear while still holding her harshly, not once caring if her bones might break. "If you ever touch me again, I'll kill you without hesitation," I whispered threateningly.
She nodded quickly while whimpering in fear. And after a moment, I let go making her stumble upon someone else before I turned around and left.
"Mia," I called just as I reach their table, making both of their eyes notice my arrival. There was a sharp tension along with complete silence between them that got me suspicious. So, I shot her a confused look.
"What's wrong? Did he say something to you?" I asked.
She shook her head after a pause, her eyes fixing back on his. "No..." she breathed out.
My eyes darted to Ashton. Surprisingly, he didn't seem cocky or arrogant like usual with my presence, but he was oddly quiet.
"C'mon." I reached out to grab Mia's hand and hold it.
"Yes. Leave." Ashton nodded, waving at her to follow me. I couldn't help but glare at him, but confused.
Before me or Mia can utter a word, he started backing away and then turned around. I watched him as he makes way past people until he disappeared through the crowd. Even though I fell lost, I was relieved and no longer angry by his absence.
I let out a sigh before I faced Mia. I noticed she was still confounded and silent. However, I didn't plan or wish to force an explanation out of her. So, I asked, "You want to stay here a little longer?"
As if my voice brought her back to reality, she finally looked into my eyes and fell into a deep stare. I gazed back warmly and offered her a smile which made her grin herself. And after a moment, she shook her head. "No. Let's go," she said softly.
I nodded, tightening my grip on her hand and a little before letting her lead us towards the elevator. While on our way, I tried to make sure no one touched or even stepped near her space other than me. And when we finally reached it, I let a breath of satisfaction knowing we were the only ones going down.
It took us about 2 minutes from the 10th floor to our dorms. The atmosphere was very peaceful and calm, though my ears were hopelessly ringing due to the loud music. Not wanting to sound old, but I never really liked loud places.
"Um... Do you wanna come in for a while?" Mia asked nervously when we stopped right in front of our doors for a couple of silent seconds. It was a few minutes past midnight and the party was going to end soon. Meaning, people will be back in their dorms.
"Sure," I said with a small smirk.
She nodded delightfully. And with that, she unlocked the door and we entered.
She shut the door slowly as I walk towards the bed, spotting several pieces of clothes scattered all over it. My eyes roamed around and noticed it was a little messy than usual, which brought a smile to my face.
"Sorry, I was in a hurry," she gasped when she saw the mess only to rush over and yanked up her clothes.
I shook my head. "It's okay," I said as I help pick up papers and water bottles from the ground. "It's still tidier than mine."
She let out a small chuckle as she motions over to me and takes the stuff from my hands. Then, she headed to her closet and dumped everything in before she shut its door and turned to give me an embarrassed smile. I grinned.
A little while later, we were both seated down on the bed facing each other and chatted for God knows how long. We talked about the game, Academy stuff and shared a couple of laughs. I genuinely felt like the happiest person just by sitting next to her and hearing her talk.
Hearing and seeing her laugh filled my body with joy and satisfaction, that I wished the moment would never end. It brought me nostalgia from when we were young and energetic. It stitched my heart's wounds and made it as if nothing bad ever happened. It made me forget everything and fall repeatedly for her like she was the only one for me.
She was my saviour. She owned me and my heart, I'd gladly give it to her.
I didn't notice I was staring at her intensely with a wide smile on my face before she let out a nervous laugh. I gazed away for a second and rubbed the back of my neck anxiously. However, that was when I felt her warm hand cup my cheek.
I looked at her with slight surprise whereas she looked back with calm and serious ones. Slowly, she began closing the distance between us until we were only an inch apart. I felt her hot breath graze me, sending chills down my body and causing my heart to race. But then I went to cup her cheek as well.
I ached to feel her lips against mine. Moreover, I ached to feel her touch and warmth. Though, I tried to hold myself and be patient and let her lead. For if I initiated a kiss, I wouldn't be able to stop and I would end up regretting it all.
A mere second passed before our lips finally met in a passionate and slow kiss. My world crumbled into pieces and I found myself alive. I cupped her face with both of my hands as I started kissing her faster.
Her hand slipped down my chest, down to my stomach. Yet when I felt her fingers under my shirt and pulling it up slowly, I instantly jerked away and removed my hands.
"What's wrong?" she asked with worry filling her brown eyes.
I stared at them for a short time, not realizing what I've done only a few seconds after. I cleared my throat, shifting back a little only to catch a frown on her face.
I didn't want her to think that I didn't want to. As much as I did, I wanted to wait until she recovers her memory back. Part of me still regrets kissing her without her permission, for I don't know how the real Mia would react or take.
I broke our stare and searched for an excuse. However, that was when scenes from earlier popped into my head. Except they were something that actually bothered me.
I tried fighting myself and keep thing to myself, for I didn't want to cause drama or unnecessary argument. But the more I thought about it, the more it disturbed me and made me feel suspicious.
"Um... What happened up there?" I breathed out, feeling a small sense of relief. "What were you and Ashton talking about?"
Surprisingly, she found it funny enough to creep a small smile. "Nothing. He was just telling me some stories," she replied.
I raised my eyebrows, not satisfied with the answer I was given. So, I sighed. "Look, Mia. I don't wanna sound like some strict boyfriend, but I really don't like you talking to him."
Her smile grew bigger as she reaches her hand up to cup my cheek. "You do sound like a strict boyfriend." she teased earning a look from me.
"You just gotta have to trust me, Seb." she implied, taking her hand back.
I blinked twice, not comprehending. "What does that mean?" I questioned with a slight scoff. "You're still gonna talk to him?"
She shrugged. "Well, he's my friend."
At that, I was completely taken aback and offended. "If you've heard the things that he said or seen the things he has done, you wouldn't even think about befriending him," I said, getting a little intense.
"Which is exactly why I did." she rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't understand."
Another scoff escaped my mouth as I turn and look away. It was too hard to stay still, I rose on my feet and started pacing around the small room, gathering my thoughts.
I was utterly surprised and speechless by her conclusion. I found it unbelievable and ridiculous. However, that was when a thought hit me, causing me to stop my movement in fear of it becoming true.
It could never! Right?
I looked at her and met her eyes. They looked at me with wonder and slight concern. Yet, mine was serious and dark. I was hesitant to let out my perception. Though after a second, I took a sharp breath and dared to ask, "Did something happened between you two?"
She looked at me with surprise. "What?Nothing happened," she replied as I started nodding continuously.
"Nothing?" I repeated contentious. "You sure?"
"Yes!" she said firmly. Though not a second passed before she broke her gaze and let a sigh. "I guess..."
My eyes widened with shock as images and ideas start to cloud my mind and make me leap to conclusions. "You gue- You guess?!" I questioned takes a few steps closer.
She avoided my gaze stubbornly and struggled to find an answer "M-maybe something happened before or not. I-I don't know!"
"What do you mean, maybe?!"
"I-it-... I..." She began stuttering.
"What?!" I demanded. Seconds felt like hours as I felt anger rushing in my veins.
I swear, if he ever touched her, I will storm out and beat him to death! Right. Now!
"I don't remember!" she snapped frustratingly. She met my eyes with flares inside of hers, burning my soul as she gazes at me. "I don't remember, Seb..."
Hearing her yell made me realise that I have crossed the line and let my judgement take over me. I frowned, for I failed to control my anger yet once again. The last thing I ever wished for is to make her see this side of me or make her think less of me.
I took a deep breath and sat next to her again. "I'm sorry." I apologised. "But what don't you remember?" I asked.
If it was anything, my fight would be with Ashton, not her. For he would the one that fooled her and I didn't prevent it sooner.
"Everything. Until 7 months ago, when I woke up in a hospital," she mumbled lowly as if she was guilty. I looked up at her immediately with my eyes slightly wide.
As if I was splashed by cold water, my heart stopped while my body relieves its tension. I finally realised that she wasn't talking about some reckless decision, but the accident.
She's talking to me about it. What do I do?
I stayed silent, but that was only because I didn't know what to say. So, she continued. "I got into an accident two years ago which put me in a long coma. And when woke up, my memory was gone. I don't know who I am or what I'm supposed to do. All I know is that I'm here for one reason."
I frowned, feeling guilt creep up to my neck. "What is that?" was the only thing I could mumble.
"My nurse got me into this academy because there's someone here that used to be in my life and would help me get my memory or at least an aspect of what my life was like," she informed as a light sparkle in my eyes. Maybe this is it. This is where I tell her the truth.
Before I got the chance to even think about it and get my hopes up, she kept going. "Which is why I can't stop talking to Ashton."
"Wait a minute." I held my hand up to stop her. "You think it's him, don't you?"
She shook her head. "I know it's him."
I let a scoff with disbelief as I start shaking my head as well, refusing to accept her impression. Never would I have imagined this to happen, or at the very least get mistaken for someone else.
Were my clues and hints not enough? Do I have to say it out loud for her to think about it being me?!
A long minute passed as I try to collect my thoughts and think of a way to fix this. However, when I found none, I began laughing ridiculously. "It's not him," I said in denial.
"It is him," she stated slowly with confusion making me shake my head again.
"It's not," I repeated.
"Sebastian, it-"
"It's not him!" I finally yelled. She stared at me with bewilderment as I get myself ready for my next words.
"Mia, it's... me."
She instantly stood up. "What?!" she exclaimed.
I stood as well, taking her hands in mine for comfort. "The car accident. I was with you." I explained sadly as scenes flash before my eyes.
"What...?"
"Actually I... it was because of me."
"Aren't you gonna say anything."
I jumped slight feeling startled, for I didn't notice I zoned out for a moment. I looked up from my lap only to catch Sebastian staring at me with concern. I offered him a weak smile. "I-I don't know," I replied. It wasn't that I didn't know what to say, but how to react in general.
I traced lines on the soft mattress that I sat on alone. He was sitting opposite to me by the table. About half an hour passed with nothing but complete silence. I didn't how much more will pass along this sharp and awkward tension. But I do know that I don't mind the calmness.
"Are you disappointed it's me?" he asked, letting out a heavy and shaky sigh.
I shook my head almost instantly. "No! It's not that," I promised, which made him raise his eyebrows. "It's just that I thought it was Ashton. Charlotte told me to look for Laila Philip's son..."
"Are you sure she said Philip, not Fuller? "
"Your mom is Laila Fuller?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I kept my father's name," he said making me wonder what happened to him. Though it was not the time right now. "Ashton doesn't have a mother, as I'm aware of."
"Oh..." I hummed. "Then how does he know my father?"
He shrugged, not having a certain answer. "He said he was his boss. That not gonna mean anything."
"Yeah... I guess."
My eyes travelled back to my lap where I started fidgeting with my fingers. I knew that I should be happy because I finally found the person I was looking for. I can finally know who I am! But for some reason, I couldn't grasp that ardour just yet.
"I tried to drop hints hoping it would sound familiar to you." he implied, pointing at me. "Like the locket!"
My hands automatically held it before I took a glimpse of it. "Was it from you?" I asked.
"I gave it to you on your birthday. It has our picture in it." he grinned for the first time since his confession.
"I thought you would remember me if you saw it. But it doesn't open without a key, you saw me try."
I smiled, feeling my heart get warm a little by the sight of his smile. But then a thought wandered in my head. "Did... you love me?"
Before I knew it, he walked up to me and bent down to my level. He grabbed both of my hands and held them tightly with his. His eyes gazed at me intensely and honestly. Finally, I began getting back a comforting vibe I always feel when I'm with him.
For what felt like an eternity, his soul locked with mine before he mumbled, "I never stopped."
I would be lying if I didn't admit that I felt butterflies in my stomach. My heart was pounding. Though still, I continued to ask with doubt only to regret it right after.
"Even now? She's not me." I said firmly.
"You will always be her."
"Are you're saying you're with me now because of our past?" I raised my eyebrows hoping I would get a relieving answer. However, I guess I was too over myself for his next words made my heart stop.
"Of course!" he stated with such confidence and certainty.
I looked down at our hands, getting a sense of expectation. A faint scoff escaped my mouth.
Within a few seconds, I was up on my feet and distanced from him. He stood up as well with confusion. "It's getting late. You should leave." I walked towards the door he and mentioned for him to follow.
But instead, he remained still and gave me a look. "What? What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm just tired." I replied.
"You're lying. I'm not going."
"It's late, Sebastian-"
"I don't care. I'm staying." he insisted, though it only bothered me more.
I stared at him, waiting for him to give up and move. But when he didn't, I let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll go."
"What?! Mia, wait!"
I opened the door and walked out only to feel a hand grab my wrist and pull me back. "Where are you going?" Sebastian questioned, a sad look on his face.
"I need some air." I told him, taking away my hand. "Don't worry, I'll be back."
And with that, I walked away.
Okay, I don't know why this chapter took way too long! I apologise!
It wasn't supposed to end here, though the chapter had gotten quite long. So, as much as I love to keep you on edge, I hate to say that the next chapter will be out next week.
You already know that I don't have a schedule and I lose track of time very quickly, but I'll try my best to finish the last 3 chapters soon.