Venus

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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Audrey heard Mrs. Mossos mutter something, but she couldn't catch it. She looked up in between sobs and noticed the older woman was handing her a handkerchief, which she took gratefully and used to wipe away her face. She wouldn't dream of using this item to blow her nose. That was done with a tissue picked up from a box nearby.

It took at least five minutes of Audrey bawling until she was finally feeling okay enough. She began to calm down by taking slow, deep breaths, calling back the composure inherited from her grandmother. The young woman

“I’m sorry about that.” said Audrey, offering Mrs. Mossos an apologetic little smile. “I don't usually fall to pieces like this. I guess it was a long time of swallowing my feelings too much that ended up erupting like this. My apologies that you had to witness this.”

While Audrey was speaking Mrs. Mossos had been rummaging through her bag, ultimately pulling out a card. She declared that it was a card which provided the numbers of her business and even her personal one, and that the young woman could talk to her about anything. As if this wasn't enough to make the Latina feel touched, a rush of gratitude and pride rose inside her when Adrianna Mossos -as the card read- praised her, offered her support, declared that Audrey was the first woman Alex had been with that had earned her respect and sided with her. Talk about an eventful conversation!

Audrey stood up as well. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Mossos. It really was a pleasure to meet you as well. I'm grateful for your kind words, and very much appreciate that you took the time to come speak to me about this manner. Whatever my decision about your son, I will most definitely be keeping in touch. I would like for this not to have been our only conversation.”

She heard the bell signaling the end of the period, and was almost out of the office when she turned around to add: “Also, I'll make sure to return the handkerchief to you once it's cleaned. I could feel from the fabric it's a very expensive item.”

With a warm smile and a nod in Adrianna’s direction, Audrey walked out of the office and into the hallway. Now mixed in between the crowd, the brunette couldn't help but breathe easily. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off her her shoulders, leaving her feeling light and happy. Her talk with Mrs. Mossos had resembled a sort of psychiatrist or counseling session, and a conversation like that was definitely what she had been needing for a while. Her mind was clearer than ever, as was her initial determination to not be involved with Alexandros any further. Life goes on... Without him.

And when Alex was heading in her direction, she didn't even turn the other way like she had been doing before. Instead, she held her head high while her hips swayed from side to side, walking right past him as if he was nothing more than a speck of dirt on the wall. It felt good to have her confidence and resolve back.

Alexandros Mossos was so yesterday.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

Once again, Audrey was thoughtful and giving careful consideration to the last words spoken by Mrs. Mossos, especially that last question. A nasty memory came back to her: that of Alex and that whore Janice Nelson. If that wasn't considered a disrespect to her, then Audrey didn't know what was.

“Okay, so during that one night we spent I never once felt used. Even though I didn't feel like that at the time we were intimate-” Although this would make anyone cringe, there was no use in pretending they hadn't been, and Mrs. Mossos wasn’t naive enough to think Alex and her had done something innocent like kissing after spending a night together. “BUT, I definitely have been disrespected before. There was this particular incident with a woman... Alex and I had just had a heated moment, but were interrupted. I remember inviting him to my party, to which he said he would consider attending. A few hours later, he shows up at the party, all right… As does my friend, who after taking me away for a minute shows me a video of him fucking someone else’s brains out a mere half hour after what had happened between us.”

‘Oh God, please, no…’

But it was too late. Along with the feelings flowing, tears began to well up in Audrey’s brown eyes at the memories, rolling down her cheeks before she could stop them. She remembered how angry she’d been after seeing that video, how dirty she’d felt, how stupid and humiliated she thought she’d been. How she’d been too angry to cry, choosing to let out the feelings by hurling the glass vase against the wall. How the only thought in her mind that night was to get revenge on Alex for hurting her so, and the promise that he would never allow him that power over here. But yet, here she was: sitting across his mother, wearing her heart on her shoulder like she’d never done before. Not just that, but she was crying like a loser because even after that bullshit, she’d still been naive enough to sleep with Alex and entertain the laughable idea that she would be different from all the others.

Where was the guarded, cold-hearted Audrey who closed herself off to things like this? Where was the independent, strong young woman whose only focus was dancing, her friends and her grades? What had Alexandros done to melt all that determination away and turn her into this sobbing mess of feelings?

She felt fucking pathetic

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

Audrey listened to what Mrs. Mossos had to say in silence, her face betraying nothing. There was some truth to her words, especially in the way she described her. And even though the young woman wanted nothing more than to unleash her inner Miranda Priestly, there was something holding her back.

“It's just…” Audrey began, but ultimately hesitated. Although she wanted to keep her feelings under wraps, there was something about Mrs. Mossos that inspired trust in the young woman, as if the two were more alike than she led on. Then there was the fact that she had been swallowing these thoughts for a while, unable to speak to anyone about it: the A-team girls despised Alex and Leslie was so proud of Audrey dropping him that even mentioning she still thought about it would cause an argument. They didn't understand her, but it felt as if Mrs. Mossos did. It was because of this that, once she decided to speak out, the words began to flow as if a floodgate had been open.

“I like Alexandros, I really do. As dumb as it makes me sound, he pretty much swept me up my feet from the moment our eyes locked together. When I saw him, I wasn't able to think about anyone else. All I could think about was being with him. But then the games started, with him using at least three other women -and those are the ones I know- to get my attention. And i don't mean talking to them to get me jealous, but fucking them. Like, who the fuck does that?! Only a fucking asshole does. I wanted to fucking slap some sense into him. The fact that I played hard to get does not give him the right to do that to me, in my opinion. That's when I gave him the first ultimatum, and he made it seem as if he was truly interested in me and making an effort to swallow up that enormous pride and ego of his. That's how we ended up… You know…” she gave Mrs. Mossos a sheepish, embarrassed smile. Then the scowl that had dominated her face took its place again.

“Anyway, the morning after was when Ava exposed Alex. Sitting there hearing all the things -more like all the women- he’s done, it made me feel so stupid. There I was that morning, thinking that just maybe it was the start of something, that i was different enough that maybe, just maybe, he could see me as something more. But then as Ava spoke I realized I'd fallen for his games just like the others had, and I was bound to end up as just another one in his list. So I put an end to things and bolted before he could have a chance to hurt me.”

Audrey sighed, biting her lower lip. “Okay, so maybe you’re right and even if I said I was done I’m truly not. I just wish things could be different, you know? But he's got a nasty reputation I'm not ready to deal with, And after all these stunts I don't really trust anything he does or says.”

Minutes to Manhattan

I MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH I'LL BE BACK SOON AND I'LL BRING TWO POSTS WITH ME. 😘💖

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

“I tried to warn You, didn't I?”

A week before Thanksgiving, Audrey and Leslie were finishing up their lunch at a cozy table in a shaded area of the school’s grounds. The rest of the A Team were tending to various personal affairs, so it was just the dynamic duo on this particular lunch day. This didn't bother the two girls: in fact, they very much cherished it. The brunette had wanted some one on one time with her raven-haired best friend to discuss the events with Alexandros and the fateful breakfast.

Audrey shook her head regrettably at Leslie’s words. “I know, Les, I know. And I'm stupid for not listening. If you had only heard the stories his sister told me about him… I'm lucky I didn't get herpes or some shit, with that backtrack record of his!”

“Ewwww!” Leslie cried out, disgust clear on her light-skinned face. She shook her head as if trying to get rid of unwelcome thoughts. “Anyway, I did my own little digging around, and from what I've found out the guy has been with at least a quarter of West Bev’s girls, maybe more. His tactic is to pretend he’s interested in the girl for a while, bed her anytime from one to a few times, and ultimately cut things off to follow up on the next one. Nothing about use of drugs on them, just his ‘charm and good looks’.” She said the last words with air quotes, and in a mocking voice that told Audrey her bestie didn't consider Alex had either of those.

“Well, it's not like I have to worry about that much longer.” Audrey said smugly, taking the last bite of her chocolate dessert and savoring it before continuing. “I cut things off with Alex right before I left his house, and ever since then he’s followed my order on never speaking to me again.”

“Good. And let's hope it stays that way.”

Their meal now finished, Audrey and Leslie gathered their things, threw away the trash in the appropriate containers, and made their way to the inside of the building. On the way, even when engaged in conversation with Leslie, the Latina was thoughtful. In reality, Audrey truly wished things had gone differently. She'd secretly really wanted to see Alex in a different light, maybe even having the chance to get to really know him. And, who knows, even achieving the impossible by becoming his first official relationship? But, of course, Ava’s exposure of her brother had shot that out the window. The brunette’ s reputation was more valuable than chasing after a daydream.

Before she could follow Leslie and some of her classmates into the History classroom, a voice called her name from the hallway. She turned to look in the direction of the person and found herself looking at Ms. Julia Delanley, the dance team coach. Miss Julia was an attractive olive-skinned, hazel-eyed, petite woman in her mid-twenties. She’d started working at Beverly Hills High on the same year Audrey was a freshman, and was named dance team coach upon her own request. Having been a dancer in her teenage years and early twenties, she had the experience for the job, and it showed: the Norman Dance Team’s winning streak was proof of that. With her as coach and Audrey as captain, the Normans were truly a force to be reckoned with.

“Hey, Miss Julia!” Audrey called out cheerfully, offering the slightly older woman a smile. “You called me?”

“Indeed I did, Miss Audrey.” Julia replied kindly, returning Audrey’s smile. “I was told to let you know the principal wants to see you in his office.”

While her face only showed a puzzled expression, worry began to fill Audrey. She tried to rack her brain to see what could possibly bring the Principal to want to see her, but came up with no valid reason. The situation was odd.

“Is there any particular reason he wants to see me?”

Julia shrugged. “I wasn't given the details except that I give you that message.”

Audrey mirrored Julia’s shrug. “Oh, well. I guess I'll just have to see for myself, won't we?”

Julia nodded with a smile. “I guess you shall, indeed. I'll see you at practice, okay?”

“Of course. See you later, Miss Julia!”

Shooting Audrey a parting wink, Ms. Julia Delanley turned on her heel and walked down the hall, presumably to her own classroom. Meanwhile, the young Latina walked in the opposite direction, making her way down the deserted hallways and to the Principal’s office. She was still wondering what was the reason she was summoned out of the blue when she opened the door to the office.

The new receptionist, a middle-aged woman that resembled the Monsters Inc. secretary, raised her eyes from the computer long enough to recognize Audrey’s face and give a jerk in the direction of the Principal’s office before moving back to her work. The bewildered brunette entered the room, closing the door behind her as was customary, and took the chair just in front of the Principal’s desk.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” Audrey asked politely, all grace and poise now.

Edenridge (Slice of Life with a Twist - Always Accepting)

@BrutalBx it's sad to see your inspiration go, but I also think it's better to end it now. We had a good run, and I loved writing with everyone here. I shall miss Lanie and her drama. If you ever do want to reboot or build another slice of life feel free to PM me.

As for everyone, I hope to see you all around! My PM's are always opem: don't be strangers! Lots of love! 💖

PS:
@AnaSilan Sunja I'll miss Decky and Lanie 😭
@Starwinter I'll also miss the great battle of Kaitlin Katastrophy and Lanie the Blond Pomeranian 😂

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

“You can’t honestly believe her, can you?”

Audrey rolled her eyes and turned to face him, anger clear in her beautiful features. Alexandros had followed her on her way to his room, silently watching her as she gathered her things and ordered an Uber. It was clear her could feel the anger emanating from her figure and the ever-present scowl, because he made no attempt to convince her to stay. Or so she’d thought.

“And I should believe you instead?” she spat sarcastically.

Instead of replying, Alexandros launched into a story about how Ava had ‘betrayed’ one of his racing crew members, and how this guy Benji Cross was serving time because of this. All the while, Audrey sarcastically replied with exaggerated gestures, making it very clear that she did not believe a single word that came out of his lips. When he was done, it was time for her to lash out.

“You are so full of SHIT!” Audrey shrieked furiously. Her brown eyes were burning. It wasn't a normal occurrence to see Audrey Huntsberg completely flipping out at anyone, but Alex had managed to bring her to her breaking point. Her rant even included the hand gestures. “What does fucking Benji Cross even have to do with this?! I don't give a fuck about him, your stupid little club or whatever your sister does in her free time. The thing I do care about is you walking through life thinking I'm going to be just one of your many whores -and let me tell you something, it seems you have a whole fucking list of them-, because you bet your ass I won’t. I refuse to be another pussy in your portfolio.”

Just then, Audrey’s phone pinged. The Uber had just arrived. It was time to go. She turned back to Alex while heading for the door.

“I know you won't have much trouble finding a replacement for me. It seems you're very good at that. Do whatever you fucking want, just never fucking speak to me again.”

And after giving Alexandros one last death glare, Audrey turned on her heel and stormed out.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

Darling, you must make your heart steel.

---

Audrey listened with feigned interest as Ava Mossos briefly explained her brother's trysts with the maid and nanny-next-door, gasping at all the right moments. The brunette was thankful that not many details were offered, because enough hurt was felt at just knowing the extent of his wicked games. A rising tide of determination was growing inside the young Latina, and she made a promise to herself: she would not be one of Alexandros' 'victims'. She refused to be just another chick in his credentials, another booty call on his cellphone for whenever he pleased, another addition to Ava's ever-growing archive of 'Whores My Asshole Brother Has Slept With'. She had stupidly fallen once to his charms and games, but she would not do so again. No matter how good or memorable the last night had been, it would surely be the only one. Audrey would, as usual, make her heart steel, and follow the very popular saying: 'Never make the same mistake twice.'

"Oh! Well, look at the time!" Audrey exclaimed after a quick glance to the nearest clock. Her fingernails were now mercifully released from Alex's skin, where four thin and bloody crescent moons were visible in the light skin. She hoped they would leave a lasting mark. "I think it's best I should get going."

Using her body as leverage, the tanned skinned femme pulled the chair away from the kitchen island and gracefully stood up. A brief view of her posterior was offered to Alexandros without being meant to, but it was quickly corrected when Audrey straightened the shirt of his she was wearing. She turned to Ava and Georgios with a smile.

"It was a pleasure to meet you both. Maybe I'll see you guys around school sometime." she said honestly. Audrey turned to Georgios now, who had been rather quiet throughout the whole incident. "I'm pretty sure you know this already, but the team's last competition of this semester is on the first week of December. That's when we know if we make it to Nationals or not, which I'm certain we most definitely will. If you're interested in a front-row seat, hit me up."

Without so much as a glance in Alexandros' direction, Audrey straightened up and sauntered out of the room. She was up the stairs and in his room in no time, and once inside she diligently began to pick up her stuff. Her clothes were strewn around the huge space, so it took some time until she was finally dressed exactly as she had arrived in the so-called 'Casa Mossos'. With the last bit of battery on her phone, she summoned an Uber to pick her up and take her home. Audrey wanted this experience to be over and done with.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

Oh, the less I know the better
The less I know the better

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It seemed that surprises were in order for this morning. Ava Mossos never seemed to lose an opportunity to expose her brother, and this fact seemed to bring the girl much joy. Audrey watched from the sidelines as Alex grew more uncomfortable and tense beside her, while Ava became more gleeful and sarcastic. The climax came when the Mossos girl beamingly asked Audrey if she wanted to know the stories of how Alex had been intimate with two previous nannies: their own and their neighbor's.

Once again, Audrey’s brown eyes widened. Although she knew the best thing was to abandon ship before things got ugly, Ava had peaked the Latina’s curiosity. And even when she knew sometimes it was better to not know anything in order to keep one’s peace of mind, the curiosity was too strong.

“I would love to hear the story.” Audrey replied sweetly, fake smile still in place. Under the table, her nails were discreetly digging the skin on Alexandros’ thigh.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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“Exactly.” Audrey agreed, pointing her empty fork at Ava and shooting her a complicit wink before continuing to eat her breakfast contently. It was cool that the younger sister echoed her sentiments. Maybe this meant that a potential good relationship could be developing… If she were to decide to continue being involved with Alex, that is. That was still to be figured out.

At Ava’s mention of using condoms, Audrey waved a hand. They had, in fact, protected themselves. It was somewhat of a rule of hers that if there was no glove, there was no party. However, the satisfaction was short-lived when the brunette heard the words another pregnancy scare. Her insides turned to fire just thinking about how reckless Alex must be to have gone through that already... And more than a few times, it seemed. She was so angry that Ava’s next words didn't register with her.

“‘Another one’?” Audrey repeated curiously, using air quotes and everything. She was building up to a rage, which was clearly seen in her eyes when she shot Alex ‘that’ look. “Is this a common occurrence with Alex, going around life not using condoms?” the brunette asked Ava, keeping that flaming stare in Alex’s direction with a fake sweet smile. “Because if it is, I would very much like to be excluded from that narrative.”

She then took a moment to lean and whisper something in Alex’s ear. “If you gave me something, I swear to God I will claw out your dick.” she muttered, squeezing him as if to prove her point. Their position on the table and her long hair had covered her actions, so nobody but him saw or heard her threat.

Having said this, she turned back to Ava with a closed-lipped smile. “I’m sorry, where were we?”