Page 18 of Five Summers

“Yeah, my dad’s band didn’t achieve mainstream success, but he still followed his passion.”

“So, why not just tell your mom what you wanna do?”

She cocks an eyebrow. “What are you playing twenty questions or something?”

“Yeah, something along those lines. I guess it’s a game of Truth or Dare,” I say with a sly grin, wanting to test if I could convince her to do what I desired.

“My mom is not a fan of musicians because of my dad.” She flicks her tongue over her bottom lip, and my gaze instinctively follows. “Now it’s my turn to ask you a question.”

“Okay. Truth," I add, yearning to say "Dare" but I need to take small, delicate steps, not wanting to spook her.

“Not to be rude, but why don’t you have any food at home? I mean, I've seen your dad leaving for work. So, I don’t understand.”

She’s right. My dad goes to work every morning. It's crazy how he can keep a job and work all day with a hangover.

I look away for a second, trying to figure out what to say and how much to spill. Ace is the only one who knows how messed up my life is. I tend to keep my family issues private, especially with strangers. I don’t know why, but I wanted to see how she would react if I told her about it. And since she didn't have any friends at school, I knew she wouldn't spill the beans to anyone. I wanted to see how far I could push her to do what I wanted.

While considering my next words, I run my hands over the luxurious velvet fabric of the couch.

“Yes, you’re right. My dad goes to work every day. But to be honest, he doesn’t give a fuck anymore. It’s been that way ever since my mom passed.” The mere mention of my mom causes my throat to tighten, and I instinctively gulp to ease the tension. It's rare for me to mention her to others. As I feel the tension building in my body, I shift the conversation to a different topic.

“Okay, it’s your turn now. Truth or dare?” I ask Poppy, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.

“So we are actually playing this game,” she says, arching her eyebrow in surprise.

“Yes, now Truth or Dare.”

Before answering, Poppy takes a deep breath, clearly not wanting to play. Then she says, “Truth.”

“Did you make extra mac and cheese out of pity?”

I notice a flicker of sadness in her eyes as she quickly averts her gaze to something across the room.

“Poppy, I don’t need your fucking pity,” I say firmly. I can't stand the thought of being seen like that. I make a move to leave, but Poppy's hand on my arm keeps me rooted in place. Theanger in me is so overwhelming that I can't even acknowledge the tingling sensation that her gentle touch brings.

"I'm sorry," she mutters softly.

I stand there, the silence hanging heavy between us, waiting for her gaze to meet mine. When she finally looks up at me, I can see the vulnerability etched on her face and in her eyes, mirroring the raw emotion of the night she sang out in the street. Why does seeing her like that have such an effect on me?

“Xander, I don't feel any pity towards you. I invited you over so you won't go hungry.”

“Come on, Princess, that’s the definition of pity.”

I watch her for a moment longer, savoring the sight of her chest rising and falling with each breath, before settling back down on the couch.

I break the silence with a simple question, “Truth or Dare?” The words linger in the air, waiting for a reply.

As she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, she utters the word “Truth.”

I study her for a moment, weighing the risks of pushing her too far and the potential rewards of getting what I want. I opt to keep it simple for now and stick with a basic question.

“I’ve noticed you don’t hang out with anyone at school. Why is that?”

Her eyes dart away from me, and for a brief moment, I see a flicker of torment on her face.

“I used to have friends who were always there for me. But that changed a long time ago.” She glances back in my direction and shrugs. “I’m on my own now.”

“Is Jade the reason?”

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