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Dedication: Ruinlands for the amazing banner! Thank you!

Recap:

"Okay, deal." he said, pulling back and thrusting his hand toward me.

Reaching out, I shook his hand.

"Best friends, no matter what?" I asked.

"No matter what." He smiled, before pulling me into another hug.

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"Have you killed her yet?"

"Nope."

"You want to though, don't you?"

"So badly."

"Stay calm, I'm on my way. I'm bringing food."

"You're the best."

"I know. See you soon."

Harvey hung up and I shove my phone back into my pocket and let out a sigh. We are doing last minute preparations for the carnival. Apparently, I missed the last two meetings of organising as Mia "forgot" to invite me.

I don't know if I should be angry or relieved, honestly. I got out of doing the job, but I am annoyed that she went out of her way to leave me out.

Tonight, the carnival is going live and everyone is running around as if the world is coming to an end. I have decided that physically helping set up the tents with the guys is better than putting up with Mia's whiny, nasally voice barking orders.

"Hey Grace, could you help with this?" Zach, one of our sub swimmers, called out.

I jog over and squat, before lifting up the tent pole. As a group, we angle it upwards so that the poles can be dug into the ground. They are heavier than I thought they were going to be.

After we managed to get each tent pole successfully into the ground, I step back and wipe my brow with the back of my hand. I am in need of some h20 and a decent feed. Harvey can't come fast enough.

"You're coming tonight, right?" Ryan asks me as he stroll over to where I am standing.

It is much more relaxed when Mia the Monster isn't around. I feel like I am a part of the guys. Maybe, even a part of the Elite group. Clearly, they weren't the problem. It is always about her.

"Of course," I reply.

Obviously I am going... I wouldn't spend all this time helping and not come see my work once the carnival is live, not that Mia has let me do much of the organising.

Ryan is one of the Elite members, however, not a swimmer. He is tall, cute and clearly a flirt. Any time he passed me at school he sends a wink or a smirk in my direction.

"I should rephrase that," he amends, a smirk dancing around his lips. "You're coming to the carnival, with me, right?"

"With you?"

"With me," he repeats.

"I'm going with Harvey," I explain, biting my lip to stop myself smiling.

He is trying to be smooth but instead of being caught under his spell, I find it funny.

"Ditch him," he shrugs.

"Thanks for the offer, but I have to pass," I say breezily.

"Okay," he lowers his voice a little, taking a step toward me. "At least save me a ride on the Ferris Wheel? I have a present for you, at the top."

"Oh, I wonder what that could be," I reply sarcastically, tapping my chin with my index finger.

"It will be worth the $3, trust me," he smirks, before winking at me.

Ryan:

He strolls from me before bumping shoulders with Mike. I stare after him, shaking my head. That boy is such a player. If I didn't have so much boy drama going on, I would definitely be interested.

"Give it a rest," Leisel laughs at Ryan, before sending me a wave.

She and Claire have been by Mia's side all day, so I hardly got to see Leisel at all. Mia said something to her, before stomping off. Leisel rolls her eyes and shrugs, before following her. I notice the lingering stare she gives Ryan. I let out a sigh, choosing to not get myself involved.

"What a sleaze," Hayden mutters as he walks past me, causing me to jump slightly.

"I agree."

"Good," he says, glancing over his shoulder at me.

I smirk at him, planting my hand on my hip. "Jealous much?"

"In your dreams," he miffs, turning his back to me.

"Yeah sure," I say back, loud enough for him to hear.

I don't miss the glare he sent me, before he strides away.

"I arrive bearing snacks," Harvey informs me, appearing at my side.

My stomach growls with anger as I smell the waft of McDonald's chips, before even seeing the bag. 

"Oh my God," I groan, thrusting my hand into the bag and grabbing a handful of chips. "It has been so long since I've had Maccas."

"I know, you're such a weirdo with being fit and eating healthy. You're missing out on the good stuff."

"Let's go sit down, I don't want Ash-" I pause, before clearing my throat. "The Coach to see me eating this. He'll make me do thirty pushups."

Harvey makes a face of horror. "Thirty? I can't even do one."

"Oh! We forgot to go running together. Let's start," I grin, before plopping down onto the closest table.

"Um, I couldn't think of anything worse than getting up and going for a run," Harvey confesses. "I would rather go have a game of golf with Hayden, then go for a run."

"Oh wow," I comment with a laugh. "Should I let Hayden know?"

"Don't," he grimace, pulling his cheese burger out.

"He's not that bad," I find myself saying. "Not as bad as he seems, anyway."

"Yes he is. He, like, rules the Elite. He's the worst."

"Mike is far worse than him and you know it," I point out, suddenly feeling a little annoyed that Harvey feels that way about Hayden.

I pause. Why am I defending Hayden? Why do I even care what Harvey thinks of him?

"I don't care if you think he's some sexy swim God or whatever, I still don't like him."

"Sexy swim God?" I question with a laugh. "You think he's sexy?"

Harvey's cheeks burn bright red. "Well... He's the kind of guy girls like, isn't he?"

"Is there anything you need to tell me Harvey?" I ask, before opening the cardboard box containing the chicken nuggets. "We're best friends, you can tell me anything."

"No Grace, I'm not gay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" he snaps, his cheeks glowing. "I'm not and I will never be. Just forget I said anything."

"I'm only kidding," I tease, sending a light punch to his shoulder.

He let out a huffs and mutters something incoherent under his breath.

The Elite group clusters together and begi to walk in a pack. I want to roll my eyes. Ryan veered to the left, walking past where Harvey and I are sitting. He trails his fingers on the table surface, his eyes latching onto mine.

"Think about my offer," he smirks, confidence rolling off him in waves. "There's also a kissing booth set up, if that's more your thing."

"I'm trying to eat, don't make me vomit," I reply sweetly, shooting him a fake smile.

His grin widens. "I love it when you talk dirty."

"Ryan!" Mia snaps. "Hurry up."

"Better go, your guard dog is barking," I say, nodding my head in the direction of Mia.

He offers me a boyish grin, before loping to catch up with the others. I can't help notice that Hayden dropped back in the group. I would bet the six pack of chicken nuggets in front of me, he was eavesdropping.

"Ew," Harvey says, scrunching up his face. "Why is he drooling over you?"

"Because he's a player and I'm obviously the next target on his list," I shrug breezily. "Don't worry, I won't fall for his charm."

"Everyone is in love with you, I swear," he mutters, looking down at the table.

My stomach clenches as I understand what he means. He has included himself in that statement. I squeeze my eyes shut as I think back to that horrible conversation we had after he had stayed the night at my house.

"How could they not be?" I ask lightly, trying not to let his comment make things awkward. "I'm a total catch."

"You are," he agrees, finally dragging his eyes from the table and meeting mine.

I swallow uneasily and take a drink of my water. Okay, it is definitely awkward, now.

I stand abruptly and wipe my hands on my pants.

"Come on," I say as I begin to pack up the empty food packaging in front of me. "We have a carnival to get organised for."

***

"Are you serious?"

"What?"

"Is this really the options you brought?"

"What's wrong with them?"

I let out a groan as I stared at the mismatched clothing items laid before me. I shake my head, staring sadly at Harvey.

"You really need to go shopping."

"I need help, don't I?" he sighs, hanging his head.

"You do. Let's go tomorrow," I decide, planting my hands on my hips.

"I have plans to play COD all day tomorrow, how about Sunday?" he asks.

"I'm going to pretend you didn't just say that. Besides, shops close early on Sunday's so it has to be tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Gosh, who educated you?" I exclaim, slightly exasperated.

He just shrugs in response.

"Clearly no one," I mutter.

I stare at the clothes before me. I decide on a brown coloured shirt and black shorts. They are the only two options that matched. I throw them at him.

He let out a huff, before he stomped towards the bathroom. I go to my floor-length mirror and stare at my reflection. I am wearing high-waisted denim shorts and a three-quarter length black t-shirt. I matched the outfit was a pair of black sandals, with my hair cascading down my shoulders in natural waves.

Harvey emerged, looking semi-decent.

"Ready?" I ask him as I grab my phone and wallet.

"Yup."

I follow him out to his car and slid into the passenger seat. I am getting used to being in the car with him. It doesn't feel so terrifying, now.

I watch as the lights of the carnival become bigger and brighter, the closer we get. After paying the entry fee, we make our way straight over to the candy floss machine. I order a pink one, whereas Harvey ordered blue.

I bite into the floss and grin as the flavour catapulted my mind back to a time when my father and I ate so much of it, we made ourselves sick.

"What are you smiling about?" Harvey questions as we made our way towards the other stands.

"Oh nothing," I mumble distractedly.

We continue walking by the stands and I let my eyes roam. As much as I hate to pay any compliments to Mia, the carnival does look pretty good and it has drawn quite a large crowd.

We walk by a stand where there is a wall covered in balloons. I grab Harvey's arm and reef him back.

"I'll verse you," I smirk.

Harvey glances at the balloons, before meeting my eyes. "I'm no good at sports."

"The fact that you consider this sport, hurts me," I admit.

"I'll verse you," a new voice interrupts. I glance back and see Hayden strolling towards me. My eyes dip over him instantly. He is dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a pale, V neck, blue t-shirt. The colour looks incredible good on him. "If you're game."

"If I'm game?" I smirk. "Please."

Harvey silently takes my candy floss from me and steps back. I slap three dollars into the Carnie's hand, before pegging it at the balloon. It pops, the sound ringing in my ears. I repeat to throw the dart, another two times, successfully hitting two more balloons.

"Score: 25," the Carnie announces, looking bored out of his brain. He leans back against the pole beside him, chewing his gum.

"25," Hayden says quietly, brushing past me. "Too easy."

"Uh huh," I reply, rolling my eyes.

He squares his shoulders and aims. He hit three balloons effortlessly.

The Carnie pushes himself from the pole and slowly walks over to the tickets, where the balloons are sitting. He checks them one by one, before walking back over.

"No need to be dramatic," I practically shout at him. "Just tell us who won."

"You tied," he shrugs. "Ya'll can pick from either this section," he twangs, vaguely gesturing to a pile of stuffed animals to his left. "Or this one." He points to where a variety of bubble blowers sit and a rainbow wig.

Hayden and I exchange a glance. Of course we tied.

"I don't want anything," he says to me with a one-shoulder shrug. He turns to the Carnie. "Can she combine our points and get something better?"

"I guess," he replies, pointing to a section above his head.

Hayden pushed around the Carnie and grabs a dolphin. It isn't massive, but it is much larger than the other stuffed toys that I got to choose from before. I grin as he passes it to me.

"Aw, thanks," I grin.

"Don't say I never gave you anything," he says with a smirk.

"Does that exclude headaches?"

"Funny."

He gives me a lope-sided smile before joining up with some of his other mates. That was really sweet and unexpected of him.

Were we becoming friends now?

"What the hell was that?" Harvey demands, his face mirroring annoyance.

I turn and see that not only had he finished his candy floss, but he'd finished mine too.

"Hey!" I exclaim. "You ate my floss!"

"Hayden stole my go," he justifies with a huff. "And you let him!"

"You said you don't do sports," I snort.

"I still would have done it!"

"Why didn't you jump in and stop him, then?"

"He was flirting with you!" he grumbles.

"He was not! Are you jealous, or something?"

He cheeks burn bright red. "N-no! I just... I'm going to put these sticks in the bin."

He hurries away from me and I stare after him, shocked.

"High school drama," the Carnie drawls, his lips twisting into a wry smile. "So entertaining."

I send him a glare, before stomping after Harvey.

"Harvey-"

"I'm going to the bathroom," he announces, before rushing away from me.

I let out an annoyed groan.

"What's up, Buttercup?" a voice asks, before an arm was slung around my shoulder.

I glance up to Ryan, who is grinning down at me. I shru his arm off of me and stepped back, just as Hayden and David join him. I hadn't spoken to David much since we danced and shared a sloppy, drunk kiss, at the costume party, which was actually the first party I had attended after joining the Elite school. I tighten my hold on the dolphin and press it to my chest.

Why were there so many boys surrounding me, right now? I need Leisel.

"Nothing," I reply. "What are you guys doing?"

"Waiting for you to come take your turn at the kissing booth," Ryan smirks, his eyes intently staring into mine. "My shift is about to start."

I glance at Hayden, who's face darkens. I stare at him in surprise. First Harvey is jealous of Hayden, and now Hayden appears to be jealous of Ryan? God help me, these boys are doing my head in.

"I'm flattered," I say sarcastically. "But no thanks."

David laughs and turns into a cough, once Ryan shoots him a glare.

"You sure? I don't think you mean it."

"Oh, but I do," I say with a nod. "I have to pee."

"Good to know," Hayden replies.

I roll my eyes. "I'll see you guys later."

I walk from them and went over to the cubicles. I can't see Harvey anywhere. I sigh in annoyance as the lineup for the ladies was so long, that people were lining up outside the door.

Letting out a sigh, I turn and notice that the gym light is on. Considering the carnival is held on the Byron Elite's oval, the gym isn't very far away. Deciding that since I am alone anyway, I might be able to sneak into the locker room and use the facilities there.

I reach the gym and stick my head in. I can't see anyone else. I slip through the door and jog into the locker room. As I emerge from the cubicle, wash my hands and make my way back out.

Sitting heavily on the bench, with my dolphin beside me, I begin to tighten the strap of my sandal. I hear footsteps ascend toward me. Dragging my eyes from my shoe, I stare up at Ashton.

"Coach Brennon," I greet, before rising to my feet.

"Miss Connaway," he says back, his tone much huskier and deeper than mine.

I brush past him, planning to walk out, when his fingers wrap around my wrist. Effortlessly, he tugs me back to him. He rests his hands on my waist and stares down at me.

"Hi."

"Nope," I say, stepping back. "I'm not doing this."

"What's stopping you?" he asks.

"Don't," I warn, stepping back again. "I'm over you."

"No. You're not."

"I am," I turn my back to him and I feel him move closer. The hairs on the back of my neck bristle. I feel him move closer.

"Ashton," I whispered, my voice sounding slightly hoarse.

He presses his lips to the base of my neck and my eyes flutter close.

He leaves a trail of warm kisses up my neck. His tongue snakes out and begins to rub against the sensitive part of skin behind my ear. I lean back into him, involuntarily. His arms snake around my waist.

"See?" he whispers, causing a shiver to roll down my spine. "You want this, too."

"We can't do this," I say, my voice sounding thick.

He turns me and gently presses his lips to mine. Shock courses through my body. I'm nor use to this soft, gentle side to him.

He steps back before wrapping his arms around me. I feel myself relax against him as I hug him back.

Maybe there is a side to Ashton, I haven't got the chance to meet yet.

"Grace," he says quietly. "I want you."

"I know."

"Let me have you," he whispers, his grip tightening. "I can't stand it anymore."

"You just don't get it," I say softly back, detangling myself, the hope inside me beginning to dim. "You're not saying the things I want to hear."

"What do you want to hear?" he questions, his eyes dark and lustful.

"I want you to say you want to date me," I step back as he tried to hold my hand. "You don't want that. You just want my body."

"Can't we compromise?"

I shake my head. "We want different things."

"We both want each other," he points out. "That's all that matters."

"No," I say softly, before turning from him. "That's not all that matters."

I walk away from him and the entire time in my head, I was telling myself that was it.

That was our last kiss.

Once I was outside, I inhale a lungful of the fresh, night air, hugging my dolphin to me tightly. My body was trembling. I walk from the doorway and lean against the brick wall. I rub my face wearily.

That can't happen again.

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Harvey, Hayden and Ashton, all in the one chapter. Do you love me or hate me? ;)

Who's POV would you like to hear? (Can be a simple 'yes' or 'no', if that's what you're more comfortable with).

A) Harvey:

B) Hayden:

C) Ashton:

D) All of the above:

E) Anyone else?

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