Innocence

Eren was walking while Alison was behind him. She was feeling grateful to him for his support.

" Thanks for getting me out of that uncomfortable situation. "

Eren turned his head " Don't listen to my fathers nonsense. He judges peoples worth with their status. "

" Don't talk bad about him. " advised Alison

Eren got confused " But he badmouthed you. "

" Still he's your parent. "

Alison was walking in front of Eren while he's looking towards her with amazement. There was an ice cream shop which Alison was looking at. Eren asked if she wanted it.

" No, it isn't healthy. Moreover I have no money. "

Eren looked at her " But you want it. "

The way he asks simple questions makes Alison question everything. He bought 2 ice cream. They were eating it while looking at the fountain. But they were being watched by her mother from afar.

They reached home. Alisons father looked calm. " Are you and Eren close ? " Alison couldn't figure out her father's intentions "

" Are you close with him compared to others ? "

It was true Eren understood her better than others and she was more comfortable with him. " Yes, but why are you asking this, dad ? "

" He likes you... "

Alison got shocked " No, you're mistaken. We are just friends. "

" I know you don't like him but he does. The way he backed you up in front of everybody and glanced at you. "

Alison didn't wanted to believe them but regarded his words " If you want I can keep my distance with him. "

" No, Alison. I want you to be smart. Analyse the situation and use it for your benefit. "

" Dad, Can you please explain ? "

" Make Eren like you enough so that he'll do anything for you. "

Alison got shocked by her fathers suggestion. " You want me to date him ? "

" Just pretend to date him. Be close to him. Use him at your advantage. So that he'll even go against his father and fail his classes. "

Alison knew her father's a goal oriented person but she saw a new, scary and crooked side of him which she disliked.

" Dad, he's my friend. I can't take his advantage. "

Mr. Steele shook her shoulders " Do you wanna be useless and prove Mr. Reeds words right ? I'm doing everything for your good and you... "

Alison started crying by her fathers tough words. Her mother convinced him to go inside. She wiped Alison tears.

" Do you like Eren ? " asked Mrs. Steele calmly

Alison denied firmly.

" You can't be a good person and get what you want. You have enough time to be good. Now's the time to hustle. "

Alison couldn't contemplate her parents behaviour. She was too innocent for their scheme.

" You're a girl. Life is difficult for you. But you have some tricks too. Use that. Make Eren only see you. "

Alison never felt more uncomfortable. Her parents were making her entice Eren against his father. Her innocence was killed.

Like everyday Alison and Eren were under the tree. The whole night she decided what she should do. She kept looking at Eren who's eyes was closed.

Eren noticed it even without looking " Do you want to say something ? "

Alison started stammering " I...I.. do you miss your previous school ? "

He opened his eyes " No, I like it here. "

Alison went quiet again. She didn't knew how to approach him. All she did in her life was study and listening to her parents. She never dated.

They came back to class when a girl approached them. " Someone saw you two coming out from 'haunted backyard'. Is it true ? "

Alison didn't knew if she should answer. Eren replied in positive.

" Then the rumours are true. " said the girl

Alison asked about the rumours. The girl replied that there are rumours circulating that the top students Alison and Eren are dating. Alison got embarrassed that her friendship was taken out of context.She apologised to Eren.

" Don't. It's not like you spread rumours. " said Eren

She asked if he would like to disregard the rumours. Eren then asked if she wanted to.

" No, I don't wanna explain to anyone. " replied Alison

A project was given to students in pairs. They have to explore wild plants in the forest and write thesis on them. Alison and Eren were put on 1 pair by the teacher. Most students frowned uponed the fact that top 2 students in 1 project will obviously get highest score. This also fuled the dating rumour more.

Alison was getting suspicious that her father was behind their link up. She asked her mother about the analysations she had. But she quickly took her to bedroom and made her try dresses. Alison was getting annoyed by her antics.

" You're meeting Eren outside school. A girl should look pretty in order to impress. "

Alison couldn't believed that her mother was making her do absurd things.

Eren decided that he'll pick up Alison in the afternoon. Mrs. Steele made him feel welcomed. He sat waiting for Alison.

He stood up watching Alison. Then he turned his gaze away when he noticed her being uncomfortable. Alison felt disgusted with the thought that she had to seduce her friend.

In the national park, Alison couldn't even look at Eren. She felt like crying. Her parents stoop so low by making her do this. Eren felt Alison was feeling unwell.

She was photographing the plants. With distracted mind she was about to touch poison Ivy plant which causes rashes. Eren grabbed Alison's arms. " Enough for today. Let's rest now. "

They sat in a cafe while Alison looked down.

" Is something wrong ? Did I do something ? " asked Eren.

Alison looked at Eren for the first time in the whole afternoon. He looked good in a hoodie and jeans. Now's the time to decide whether she'll do what her parents wants and kill her innocence or be faithful towards her friendship.

***What will Alison do ?

Find out soon. Thanks for reading***.

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