Chapter 2: Circles and Shields
The Saturday sun spilled over the city like warm honey, and the sprawling backyard of Carter Ray's mansion was buzzing with laughter, the scent of grilled food, and upbeat music thumping from hidden speakers. Unlike the buttoned-up affairs their parents hosted, this was their world — where teens could be loud, wear ripped jeans, and talk about anything other than stock markets and legacy.
Avrielle stood near the pool, her oversized denim jacket slipping off one shoulder, sunglasses perched atop her head. She sipped from a peach soda and let the rhythm of the music drown her thoughts. Around her, the familiar faces of their friend group mingled — Carter, the rich kid with a rebellious streak; Nessa, his on-and-off girlfriend with a sharp tongue and soft heart; Benji, the class clown who could diffuse any tension with a single joke.
Ian was on the other side of the patio, deep in conversation with Benji about their school's basketball season, but his eyes kept drifting back to Avrielle. She was smiling at something Nessa said, but the way her fingers nervously twisted around her straw didn't escape him.
"Bro," Benji elbowed him, "are you even listening?"
Ian blinked. "What?"
Benji laughed. "You've been eyeing Avrielle like she's about to start a riot. What's up?"
Ian gave a half-smile. "Just making sure she's okay. She didn't seem like herself when I picked her up."
"She seemed fine to me," Benji shrugged, then grinned. "But hey, your protective vibe is kinda intense. You sure you're not secretly her boyfriend?"
Ian didn't answer. Instead, he walked toward Avrielle, who was now trying to politely back out of a conversation with a guy neither of them liked—Travis King. The guy was all charm and no depth, the kind who flirted with anything that breathed.
"Hey, babe," Ian slid in beside Avrielle, placing a hand lightly on her back. "Sorry I took so long."
Avrielle looked up, startled for only a second before catching on. She leaned slightly into him, playing along. "All good. Travis was just telling me about his very interesting take on how crypto is the future of love."
Ian chuckled. "Yeah, we've gotta go. Carter's looking for us."
Travis looked between the two with a smirk. "Didn't know you two were a thing now."
Ian's expression didn't waver. "You know what they say — some things don't need announcing."
With that, he guided Avrielle away from the pool, his hand never leaving her back until they were inside the house near the kitchen island, where it was quieter.
She turned to him, her voice low. "Thanks. I was five seconds away from throwing my drink in his face."
"I could tell," he said, handing her a napkin from the counter. "You get that look when you're about to snap."
"Which look?"
He leaned against the marble top, mimicking her tone. "Your 'I'm smiling but I'm plotting your demise' face. It's terrifying. And kind of amazing."
Avrielle laughed. "I learned from the best. My mom uses it every time she's in a board meeting."
Ian smiled, then grew serious. "You okay though? You seemed quiet when I picked you up."
She hesitated, then shrugged. "I just had a weird morning. My mom made this huge deal about how I need to start dressing 'appropriately' and attending more events. Said I'm almost sixteen and people are watching."
Ian's jaw clenched slightly. "That's ridiculous. You're a kid, Av."
"Not to them," she replied. "To them, I'm a future asset. A name to polish. They already expect me to behave like some perfect woman who never gets tired, never makes mistakes, and definitely never just wants to be left alone."
Ian was quiet for a moment before saying softly, "You're perfect just like this. Hoodie days, angry rants, messy ponytails — all of it."
She looked at him, a bit surprised, her heart skipping at the gentleness in his tone. "Thanks."
They didn't speak for a minute, just leaned against the counter in silence while laughter and shouting from the pool filtered through the sliding glass door.
"So," Ian finally said, trying to lighten the mood, "how does it feel to be the coolest girl in the room?"
"Only when you're not in the room," she teased.
He raised a brow. "Is that a compliment or a challenge?"
"Take it however your ego wants."
They both laughed again, the kind of laugh that comes easily when you've known someone for years and you've shared too many secrets, too many stolen moments of freedom in a world that constantly cages you.
Just then, Carter came rushing in, holding a frisbee. "Yo! We're starting a game on the front lawn. You two in?"
Ian looked at Avrielle, silently asking her. She nodded. "Sure. I could use some competitive therapy."
"You mean losing?" Ian smirked.
"In your dreams, Wilson."
Outside, the group formed teams. It was chaos — frisbees flying, kids shouting, Carter screaming "foul" every five minutes. Avrielle ran barefoot on the grass, laughing as she dodged Benji's terrible aim. Ian watched her — how her hair blew in the wind, how her smile looked unburdened here.
But the peace didn't last long.
During a brief break, Travis approached Avrielle again, this time with a plastic cup in hand.
"Hey, Jones," he said, offering her the drink. "Thought you might want something with more kick."
She frowned. "No thanks."
"Come on, don't be so uptight. Live a little."
Before she could respond, Ian was there again.
"She said no," his voice was sharp, different from before. "You deaf or just arrogant?"
Travis looked annoyed. "Relax, man. Just offering her a drink."
"Yeah, and she refused. Back off."
The tension was thick. Benji and Nessa noticed and began walking over, but before things could escalate, Carter intervened.
"Alright, alright, everyone chill," he said, pulling Travis back slightly. "Don't ruin the vibe."
Travis scoffed but walked off.
Avrielle looked up at Ian. "Thanks again."
"You shouldn't have to keep thanking me," he said, more to himself than her.
"I'm not helpless, Ian," she said gently.
"I know," he replied. "But I've seen what happens when people like Travis push boundaries. I'd rather be hated than let something happen to you."
She blinked at him, something unspoken flickering in her eyes. "You've always looked out for me."
"Always will."
They didn't speak much after that, but something had shifted. A layer peeled back, revealing not just friendship, but a fierce loyalty that tethered their hearts closer.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden streaks over the lawn, Avrielle looked over at Ian and whispered, "We really do need that escape plan."
He met her eyes and nodded. "Soon. Just say the word."
Neither of them knew that the word would come sooner than they imagined — and once it did, their lives would never be the same.