Who Could Love an Antagonist?

I woke up with a sound of alar...just kidding.

We are not doing this. I'm not starring inside a cliché novel. In fact, I'm not even the heroine of this story! Who is the heroine, you might ask? A beautiful creature named Jessica. Pure, lovely Jessica.

With her long brown tresses, dark brown eyes, voluptuous body, and big pouty lips. Everything that is required of the main girl in a romance novel. And just like every romance novel, the female protagonist deserves a dashing male protagonist so that she can fall in love with him and they live happily ever after. In this case, it was my twin brother Ansel Adams.

He was the perfect gentleman and the best fiancé Jessica could ask for. I was quite proud of my brother. And I, Anya Adams, would consider myself merely a side character. The snarky, lovable best friend or the sister of the main characters every reader grows to love.

Yep, that's me. I was both. And this story is about to end with a happy ending as every romance novel should. My brother Ansel was getting married!

I've always loved weddings, you see? To me, everything about it was beautiful. The flowers, the theme, bright and beautiful colors, every little detail brought joy to my heart. So it was no surprise that I was extremely excited about it, especially since I was the maid of honor.

"What do you think of this dress?" Jessica held up a brown dress. We were at the bridal shop, alongside two other bridesmaids, Mira and Erica.

"Ehh...brown makes me look washed out," Mira remarked.

"It's not your day, Mira. It's Jessica's!" I exclaimed.

"I get it, but still," Mira looked annoyed. She didn't share the same enthusiasm as me.

"How about red?" Jessica asked.

"Red is good," Mira said. Erica also nodded in approval.

"Anya?" Jessica looked at me expectantly.

"Excellent choice," I smiled.

"That's decided then," Jessica clapped her hands together. "Since you are the maid of honor, I will let you wear something extraordinary. How about that dress over there?"

My eyes followed her finger to see what dress she referred to, and I almost tripped on my feet. It was extraordinary, alright! Calling it a dress would be an insult. It was more like a ball gown. It had a long luxurious skirt. The fabric looked delicate and sparkly. The top was corset style with beaded shoulder straps. It was a dress fit for a princess.

"Excuse me, Jessica. I appreciate your sentiment, but there's no way I can pull that off," I said.

"Don't be ridiculous. You are gorgeous, and this dress is perfect for you," Jessica insisted.

I sighed but supported her decision. She was the bride, after all. Next up, cake tasting.

The others went home, but Jessica asked me to join her and Ansel. According to her, I had an excellent taste bud when it comes to desserts. And she was right. I couldn't pass up the opportunity either, because hellooo...free cake! Jessica and I went to the bakery and waited for the groom. Ansel was late as always, but I didn't mind because the bakery's nice lady handed me a cake pop to munch on.

"There you guys are!" Jessica exclaimed and looked at the door. I followed her gaze and almost choked on my cake pop. There stood my brother, Ansel Adams, with a ginormous smile on his face. Behind him was a man. A man whose mere existence irked me.

Connor Williams.

What the hell was he doing here? Have you ever read those cliched romance books where the male lead is a hot billionaire with perfectly chiseled abs and a sharp jaw? That was Connor in a nutshell. Oh, and don't forget about the piercing eyes and devilish smirk that melted the hearts of innocent and naive women despite him being the biggest asshat on the planet.

Yup, also Connor. Gross.

He was also the biggest jerk in high school and not to mention Jessica's ex-boyfriend. This is why his being at the wedding was a bad idea.

"I see you already started to stuff your face with cake. Leave some for us," Ansel grinned as I flipped him off in front of everyone. I would've said something, but my face was, indeed, full of cake.

"Congratulations, Jessica. You look stunning," Connor said and kissed her on the cheek. I hope she scrubs her face with steel wool later.

"And you, Anya. Good to see you again," he looked at me and said. He narrowed his eyes then looked me up and down. BARF, I need a shower now.

"Hey...Connor..." I said. My voice practically dripping poison as I glared at him. Connor sensed my hostility but pretended like it was nothing. He kept smiling at me, which pissed me off even more.

"Nice jacket. Where did you get it from? Douche R' Us?" I barked.

"Good one. You've always been a funny girl Anya. I particularly remember the face you used to make when I teased you in middle school and high school. Like a sweet little blushing doll," Connor smirked.

"Fuck you!" I roared. A kid nearby gasped. Her mother quickly covered her ears and stared at me with disappointment in her eyes. Oops!

"Guys, please. Let's behave like adults. We aren't in high school anymore, okay?" Ansel stepped in. "Anya, please try to get along with Connor. He is my best friend. I know you don't see eye to eye with him but do it for Jessica and me," he said.

"Fine," I sighed.

"I have no issue with Anya. In fact, I find her quite adorable," Connor smirked.

That bastard. He is purposely trying to rile me up! I thought and tried to keep my rage under control. Calm down, Anya, do it for your brother. I tried to give myself a mini pep talk in my head. I'd only have to deal with Connor until the wedding. After that, I'd never had to see his stupid face of his.

Okay, I know what you're thinking. I am too harsh on the guy. What did he possibly do to me to hate him this much? As I said, he was horrible. If Jessica is the female protagonist and Ansel the male protagonist of this story, that would make Connor an antagonist. Otherwise known as, A DAMN VILLAIN! How about we go back and elaborate?

2011, Senior year in high school ...

I looked at my twin brother Ansel whose eyes were fixated on Jessica as she bounced around in the football game, cheering for our team.

"If you like her so much, why don't you ask her out?" I managed to say between crunching on popcorn.

"I think you forgot the most important thing. Jessica already has a boyfriend," Ansel said. His eyes were full of sadness.

"Connor? He is barely important. Soon Jessica will see that he is a humongous douche and leave him," I waved my hands in dismissal.

"You know Anya...you are too hard on the guy. Connor is my friend, and he is really not that bad," Ansel said, then chuckled as I made a face.

"I think there's something wrong with your brain, dear bother. Not that bad? That guy is a nightmare! Don't you remember what he did to me when we were 13?" I said.

Oh, did I mention how he mixed green dye in my shampoo as one of his little pranks? I had to walk around with green hair for an entire week!

I was starting to breathe heavily as the memory excited me. And not in a good way.

Ansel looked at me for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"It wasn't funny!" I groaned.

"I thought you looked great with green hair. Very Punk Rock," Ansel said between laughing. Imbecile.

"Shut up. It wasn't funny. I thought I'd have to shave my head because the dye wouldn't wear off!" I whined.

"Look. We were just kids, and it was a joke. Lighten up sis," Ansel said.

Oh, Ansel. My sweet brother, he was way too nice. I, on the other hand, was not too forgiving.

After the game, I went to greet Jessica at her locker.

"Hey Anya! Are you coming to the party tonight?" Jessica asked me cheerfully.

"I don't know. I don't like parties that much," I shrugged.

"Come on. It'll be fun. Ansel said he'd come. Connor and I will be there," she said.

Of course, Ansel is going. He will go just because Jessica is going. But Jessica had no idea how he felt about her. I felt bad for my poor twin. He was such a sweetheart, but Jessica only had her eyes on Connor.

It wasn't like Ansel had a hard time finding a girl. It was the opposite. With his piercing grey eyes and sharp jaw, he had the face of a supermodel. Our mom always told us he looked just like our dad, and she was right. Our dad Ivan Adams was the epitome of handsome.

Girls at our school pined over Ansel, but he had his eyes on one person only. Jessica, who was now taken by Connor.

"Alright, fine. I'll come even though I'd have to see that douche canoe there," I sighed.

Jessica laughed. "You really don't like Connor, do you?"

"Nope. I made that clear since the beginning, but you insist on dating him anyway," I said.

"He is not as bad as you think," Jessica said.

"Why is everyone keep saying that? Did Connor pay you guys allowance to praise him or something? I mean, his mommy and daddy are rich, so..." I continued.

"No, seriously. He acts like a stupid jerk sometimes, but he is actually very sweet and really smart," Jessica insisted.

"Riiight... smart. You won't convince me. I can't stand him, and I never will. But I will tolerate him because you are my best friend and I love you. For now," I said.

"Tolerate who?"

My heart jumped as I heard the deep voice of the devil himself. How much did he hear? I hope all of it because I want him to know he was the thorn to my side.

"I was just telling Jessica how much I want you to get mauled by a bear," I said nonchalantly.

"Dayum Adams, that's harsh," Connor let out a hearty laugh. His green eyes sparkled. I see the appeal now. The bastard had an attractive laugh.

"Oh, sorry, you're right. That was too mean. Being run over by a truck will do nicely," I nodded.

He put his arm around my shoulder. "You're just mad that you couldn't get a piece of me before Jessica snatched me away."

I looked at Jessica with bewilderment, but she just rolled her eyes. "As if! My taste is much more refined than hers. You are too much of a hoebag for me," I said and shrugged his arm off.

"Hey! That's insulting me too," Jessica winced.

"Sorry Jess, the truth hurts. It would be best if you broke up with him immediately," I urged.

"You are a funny girl, Adams. See you at the party," Connor flicked my forehead and took Jessica's hand, then they both walked away.

I rubbed my forehead. God, I hate that guy!

Later that night, Ansel and I headed to the party. Not to brag, but we both earned a few admiring glances as we entered the house. Blake Green approached me as I was leaned against the wall, sipping on my drink that I shouldn't be drinking.

"Hey beautiful," he smiled flirtatiously.

"Hey," I said. Normally I would scoff at a cheesy greeting like this, but Blake was H.O.T. hot, and I was glad he approached me.

"What's up? I asked casually.

"Oh, I just saw you were standing here by yourself, so I wanted to say hi. I've seen you around the school and always wanted to talk to you, but you are kind of intimidating," Blake laughed.

"What, really? I don't know what you mean," I asked.

"Well, you are beautiful, have a protective brother, and also have wealthy and powerful parents, so some of us guys are too scared to ask you out," Blake said.

"Oh, don't be silly. I am not all that," I waved my hands in dismissal.

"You aren't rich and powerful?" Blake raised his eyebrows.

"I am, but you don't need to be scared. I don't flaunt my wealth at people and don't abuse my power. Neither does my brother," I said.

"Then does this mean it's okay to flirt with you?" Black grinned. I looked at him more closely. Yup, still hot.

"Of course, it's okay," I laughed. Yes, I know I am a shallow bitch. Don't judge me.

"Great. I am gonna get you another drink, and we can dance the night away," Blake offered.

"Sounds good to me!" I nodded. Pretty soon, I was on the dance floor with a drink in my hand, swaying my hips with Blake. I was having an amazing time, but that was until Connor stepped in and ruined everything.

Blake and I danced slowly, our bodies pressed against each other. I was on my third drink and was feeling a bit tipsy, but I tried my best to focus on Blake. I saw Jessica and Connor in my peripheral vision, who was arguing about something. Connor kept looking at Blake and me. He did not look happy.

Oh well, I don't need to worry about them. I've got a hot guy in my arms.

"Wanna go see what's upstairs?" Blake whispered in my ears.

"Sure thing," I said. Blake took my arm and led me upstairs. We went inside someone's bedroom. Someone obsessed with the color pink.

"Wow! This room looks like Barbie threw up in it!" I commented. Blake laughed.

He sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to him, motioning me to sit down. And like a good girl, I did what he told me. I'm usually not this compliant, but the alcohol was messing with my judgment.

"So, here we are," Blake smirked.

"Here we are," I repeated what he said.

Blake leaned over and kissed me. His breath smelled like beer, but I didn't mind since mine was probably the same. I leaned forward and kissed him back. His hands explored my top half, then trailed down to my thighs. He started to slide his hands inside my skirt, but I grabbed his hand and moved it away. "Do you want to?" he said in a hoarse whisper.

"Do I want to what?" I asked. Completely oblivious to what he could be insinuating.

"Do you want to have sex? I borrowed a condom from my brother before I came here," Blake said.

Oh, so he knew he was going to get laid? What a slut! "Um...no thanks? I haven't done it with anyone yet, and I'd like to be sober when I do," I said and inched away from him.

"Oh, come on! You aren't the type who likes to save themselves for the right person or something, are you? That's just romance novel bullshit!" Blake exclaimed.

Yes. I was exactly the type of person who believed in romance novel bullshit, and there was no way I was going to lose my precious virginity at some high school party.

"I think we should stop," I said. I hope he doesn't try to force himself on me. My eyelids were starting to feel heavy. I was in no condition to fight back.

"Alright, we don't have to do it if you don't want to," Blake smiled.

"Thank you for not being a jerk," I said.

"But we can continue to make out, right?" Blake looked at me with hopeful eyes.

"Yes, we can," I giggled drunkenly and pressed my lips on his. He put his arms around me and kissed me deeply.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Connor barged in. His face was red like he was angry.

"Get away from her!" he shouted at Blake. What the hell? "Who the fuck are you?" Blake said irritably and looked at Connor with confusion.

"That's not important. Don't fucking touch her!" Connor roared.

Huh? What the hell was going on? Why was Connor acting like my possessive boyfriend? Where was Jessica? I was all kind of confused. I tried to stand up, but my legs felt wobbly, so I sat back down. Connor extended his hand toward me.

"Come with me, Anya," he said.

"What? No. I'm having fun with Blake," I said. My voice sounded drunk and foreign in my own ears.

"Fun's over. I am taking you home," Connor said.

"She said she doesn't want to go home. Now beat it," Blake commented.

"Yeah, beat it, loser!" I cried. Connor came closer and grabbed me by the waist, and pulled me closer to him. "What am I gonna do with you?" he mumbled.

"Nothing. Get your hands off of me, asshole? Where is Jessica? Your GIRLFRIEND? Did you ditch her to come hit on her best friend? I always knew you were a cheating whore!" I declared.

Connor looked annoyed. "I am not hitting on you. I am trying to get you out of here," he said.

"Well, I wanna stay with Blake," I said and wrapped my arms around Blake's neck. Connor tried to grab me again, but Blake pushed me toward the bed, making me fall on top of it. I didn't have the energy to get up again, so I just lay there and observe the scuffle between Connor and Blake. What is this, the battle of alphas?

"What is going on here?" Jessica cried as she walked in.

"Anya, are you okay?" she leaned over and asked.

"Why are you asking me that? I'm fine! I was having a great time with Blake until your jerk boyfriend came in and ruined everything," I complained.

Jessica looked at Connor. "What are you doing, Connor? Why are you bothering them?"

"I need him to get away from Anya," Connor said. "Why?" Jessica and I asked at the same time.

"Because Blake is a fucking asshole. You don't understand," Connor said grimly.

"Fuck off, dude!" Blake shouted.

"Yeah...fu...you..." I mumbled. I closed my eyes and drifted into sleep in the middle of chaos. I didn't wake up until the sunlight hit my face. I rolled to my side. I was sleeping in my own bed. How did I get here? Last night's memory flashed before my eyes, and I jolted awake. What happened? I decided to call Jessica. I remember her being there at some point. She picked up the phone after one ring.

"Oh my god, Anya, are you okay!" she screamed in my ears.

"Jesus! Could you keep it down? I have a terrible headache," I said. "Sorry. But you are okay?" Jessica asked again.

"Yes, I am fine. What happened last night," I asked.

"Well, I tried to get Connor away from Blake, but he punched him and carried you out of the room. And he wouldn't tell me why," Jessica said.

"Excuse me? What do you mean he carried me out?" I demanded to know.

"I mean, he picked you up, threw you on his shoulder, and walked right out the door and drove off," Jessica said.

"And you LET him!" I was flabbergasted.

"I thought something was going on between you two, so I didn't want to interrupt. Besides, Connor looked really scary," Jessica said.

What kind of effed up situation is this? "Isn't he your boyfriend? Are you in some kind of open relationship I don't know about?" I asked.

Jessica went silent for a second. "So, about that...we broke up last night," she said after a moment.

I forgot about my situation for a minute and got curious. "Why?" "Well...Ansel got drunk and professed his love to me and I well...I feel the same way," she said quietly.

"Oh, wow! That's great!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah, so I thought maybe Connor got angry at me and decided to take it out on you or something?" Jessica offered.

"You thought that and still let him carry me away like that? What if he raped me?" I screamed.

"He would never do that," Jessica said.

"Besides, he called Ansel right away and told him he left you in bed."

None of this made sense, and Jessica was apparently too dumb to comprehend this also.