《Tolerating The Player》


 Chapter 1

    ¡°Watch it!¡± I yelled at a student who was busy rushing, she had identally bumped into me causing my head to hit my locker really hard.


    She didn¡¯t bother to apologise because she didn¡¯t even notice me standing here, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to tell her to apologise being that stupid girl that I am.


    I noticed a lot of students trooping and rushing to the same direction and I was wondering if a fire rm went out signalling them to run.


    ¡°What¡¯s the fuss all about?¡± I asked Maya who was beside meughing at the look on my face after the girl bumped into me.


    Maya Anderson is my best friend and the only friend I have. Technically, to use the word best friend, I should at least have three friends before considering my best friend but then I don¡¯t care, she¡¯s still my best friend.


    Maya Anderson is a kind of reckless girl and the opposite of me, she doesn¡¯t give a fuck about what people think about her and has always stood up for me.


    She had the perfect shape and body that made her aura strong and everyone notices immediately she walks in a room, her brte bone straight hair made other girls wish they were her not to talk of her grey eyes that made her so unique and different.


    I watched how her dimples poked through her cheek as sheughed hard at me.


    ¡°Can you not!¡± I pped her perfectly curved hips trying to stop her fromughing.


    ¡°Okay, okay¡± she cleared her throat, ¡± I think Zach is around and everyone¡¯s all fussed about it¡± she said.


    ¡°Zach?¡± I asked, trying to remember if the name sounds familiar.


    ¡°Oh shit! I don¡¯t think you know him¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked, even though I joined this schoolst year I think I should know who he is, that¡¯s if he attends this school.


    ¡°He¡¯s a famous ser yer and the best in our school, he has won so many awards and he just came back from a trip in Brazil¡± she said with enthusiasm in her eyes.


    She seemed to understand the confused look on my face, ¡± He doesn¡¯t reallye to school that much with his busy lifestyle but due to his status he somehow found a way out¡± she said and I circled my mouth in a ¡°oh¡± way.


    ¡°Well enough of Footballer Zach, I have sses to attend¡± I said and shut my locker but Maya pulled me back.


    ¡°Hold on there fast and furious, isn¡¯t that your Maths teacher rushing towards his direction?¡± She covered her mouth as she started tough. Herughter was contagious and in no time I pped my head and found myselfughing too.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just go sit in the ssroom and wait for her¡± I said and walked away leaving Maya behind.


    I got to the ssroom and it looked like a desert, not a single soul was sitting in the ss.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡± I screamed as I heard the voiceing from the ssroom. I can swear there was no one in the ssroom just now but perhaps I didn¡¯t notice Jude sitting at the edge of the ss.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to freak you out¡± he apologized, adjusting his round sses that looked too big for his eyes.


    I had met Jude the first day I came to Sapphire¡¯s high school and Maya had warned me to stay away from him, ¡°he can get too clingy¡± she would say and since then I had tried to avoid him.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Maya and I had attended elementary School together back then before she moved with her family after her parents divorce. After the divorce her mum remarried and they left the City. She was shocked to see me in her new school and I was also shocked but at the same time happy that I reconnected with my old friend, she looked way different and hotter unlike me, the opposite of her who just wants to wear some baggy tops and trousers every fucking day.


    I sat on the second roll and ced my bag on the empty seat beside me. I plugged in my airpods and started to read my favourite book all along. The Fault In Our Stars.


    I could feel that Jude wanted to start a conversation with me but I tried my best to not nce at him even though I could feel his burning stare.


    In no time the ss started to fill up, after twenty minutes had passed, it seemed like the principal had managed to settle themotion going on in his school.


    I tried not to listen to the little gossipsing from the girls in my ss, ¡°fuck he¡¯s so hot I wish I could have him for a night¡± a girl sitting behind me said and I suddenly felt the urge to vomit my guts out.


    The teacher came in and I removed my airpods, cing my novel on myp. I reached for my bag and brought out my maths note and textbook, you could call me a nerd for having an enormous math textbook in my bag.


    I ced the bag back on the empty seat and focused on what Ms Karen was saying.


    She wrote a simultaneous equation on the board and asked if anyone would want to solve it.


    I raised my hands and she pretended not to see me.


    ¡°Anyone, Anyone else¡± She asked butter gave up when no one wanted to solve the question.


    ¡°Ms Issabe Brown you can solve this for us¡± She rolled her eyes and handed the marker to me.


    I don¡¯t think I have ever wronged her and most of all I clearly don¡¯t see why she would hate on me.


    I collected the marker from her and solved the question on the board, I reached to give her the marker but she didn¡¯t collect it.


    ¡°Do you mind exining how you derived X as 3 and Y as 6?¡± she cocked a brow, giving me the most disgusting look ever.


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    As I was about to exin my answers loud noises from different people flooded my ear and that was when the ssroom door opened.


    Suddenly the girls in the ssroom started to scream at the top of their lungs and everyone¡¯s attention was now on the kid who had entered the ssroom.


    I could only see his head as people had surrounded him taking several pictures with him.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough¡± Ms Karenmanded and the students settled back on their various seats.


    I shamefully went back to my seat knowing that no one was going to pay attention to me but only to the dark haired boy that had entered the ssroom.


    He had a smooth face with freckles dotted below his eyes and I noticed how sharp his jawline was, his bottom lip was a lighter shade of pink while his upper lip was a darker shade. Just like Maya he had this strong aura but his was more intimidating with his height.


    His hands were tucked in his ripped ck pants that were ced below his waist, I could tell that those would¡¯ve fallen if not for the Gi belt that was holding it up.


    He wore a white T-shirt with a smiley emoji in the center and I would hate to admit it but he had a great body and face


    The boy looked round the ss trying to find the perfect seat where he could ce his butt on.


    He started to walk towards me and I was suddenly feeling ufortable with it but then he passed me and stood beside the girl that was at my back.


    It was easy to tell that she was already on cloud nine with the way her words came out as a whisper.


    ¡°Ye.. yes daddy¡± she said and I felt irritated immediately. She stood up for him to sit down and ended up flinging my backpack to the front of the ssroom. Great now I¡¯ll have to walk to the front of the ssroom to pick a fucking backpack.


    Shamefully I stood up but froze immediately. I heard a gruff voice telling me to sit, it was him but why does he want me to sit? Perhaps I¡¯m obstructing his view.


    ¡°Hey love, that was rude so I¡¯ll like you to go take it and give it back to her¡± he said to the girl and suddenly the whole ss burst inughter and for the first time someone who wasn¡¯t Maya stood up for me.


    She scoffed and shamefully took my backpack and threw it at me. I grabbed the bag before it would hit me on the head. I wouldn¡¯t want another headache today.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough let¡¯s do maths¡± Ms Karen said and the whole ss was silent.


    ¡°Today we¡¯ll be treating Matrix¡± she said and Zach stood up with his backpack and left the ssroom leaving Ms Karen in awe but there was nothing she could do.


    There was a slight pained emotion on her face but I was sure she was just humiliated with the way he walked out of the ss without saying anything.


    I looked around the ssroom and saw that she wasn¡¯t the only one with that emotion on their faces, the whole ss was sad that he left. What the actual fudge!

 Chapter 2

    Maths ss ended shortly after, we only got to treat two questions on Matrix because the whole fucking time had been wasted on the famous kid.


    It was time for our lunch break so I walked straight to the cafeteria and met Maya engrossed with whatever she was doing on her phone.


    She didn¡¯t seem to notice me walking towards her so I snatched her phone and I could swear that I would have received a straight up p on my face if I was someone else.


    ¡°Hey! Give that back dummy!¡± She protested and dragged her phone from my hands. I chuckled as I settled my butt on the cold aluminum bench.


    ¡°What are you eating?¡± She asked as she tucked her phone into her pocket.


    ¡°Well I gave Joe my lunch money to buy a textbook he needed-¡± she cut me off of my sentence by raising a finger up.


    ¡°I asked what you were going to eat, didn¡¯t I?¡± She said and I couldn¡¯t stop myself from giving her a tight hug.


    Sometimes when I totally go broke Maya would pay for my lunch or take me out shopping, she had a rich stepdad who she really liked and he also showed her affection by showering her with gifts and money.


    On the other hand, my mum had left me and my family when we were much younger and my Dad hasn¡¯t gotten over the trauma yet so it led him to being an alcoholic who struggles to even feed himself and talk more of Joe and I.


    I¡¯m just eighteen but I have taken upon myself the role of a mother taking care of the household all by myself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really like any of the cafeteria food, they taste like my mother¡¯s food.. yuck!¡± Mayained as she scrunched her nose and I couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    Maya wasn¡¯t wrong at all, anytime I would visit her family I would give Grace excuses on why I couldn¡¯t eat her food.


    She brought out her phone and ordered pizzas and two bottles of coke even though it was against the school rules to order food but she somewhat found a way to do it.


    Shortly after the food was delivered and my tummy made an awful noise, I hadn¡¯t eaten anything but a slice of bread and coffee today.


    Girls started rushing into the cafeteria and I wondered what they were up to not until I saw Zaching in too.


    He passed my table and Maya didn¡¯t even nce at him but continued to bite on her pizza till he walked to an empty seat and made himselffortable, shortly after some other guys joined him and circled the table.


    Now I get why no one dared to sit on that table since I¡¯ve been in this school.


    I suddenly remembered my encounter with Zach and decided to tell Maya about how he had helped me.


    ¡°Uhm.. you know the footballer.. Zach?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± She replied telling me to continue.


    ¡°We had math ss today and well-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he ridiculed you¡± she said, getting ready to go over and fight him.


    ¡°No no just shush!¡± I calmed her down when I noticed some eyes were already on us.


    ¡°He helped me today¡± I said and narrated how a girl tried to bully me but he helped me.


    ¡°Aww that¡¯s sweet¡± she said while jolting me with her elbow.


    ¡°Should I thank him?¡± I asked.


    On a normal day I wouldn¡¯t even care or dare to speak to one of these famous guys but I felt like I needed to thank him.


    ¡°If you want to,¡± she replied. I finished the slice of pizza I had with me and gulped it down with the coke.


    I took deep breaths and made my way to the forbidden table.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    They didn¡¯t seem to notice my presence as they kept on chatting about a topic they were all interested in, well Zach didn¡¯t seem to be interested.


    I was feeling nervous standing here and I could already feel different eyes on me damn it!


    ¡°Uhm hey!¡± I said but my voice came out cracked.


    They all seemed to stop their discussion immediately when they noticed me and I started to wonder if I had made the wrong choice ofing here.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± One of the boys asked and the rest burst Inughter staring at me from my head to toe. I knew I hadn¡¯t dressed well and my hair was messy, my face was in and without makeup and I was wearing one of the most stupid ne on a shirt.


    I felt so embarrassed to the point that my mouth turned heavy and I couldn¡¯t utter any more words.


    ¡°She¡¯s probably an attention seeker¡± a girl walked over to the table and stood close to Zach cing her hands on his shoulder.


    Aurora Brooks the infamous cheerleader, also every girl¡¯s nightmare.


    She had that tall slender body with literally no curves but then with a pretty face that she uses to oppress everyone. Everyone had talked about how her face was stic but she didn¡¯t seem to mind unting it.


    If there was one person I was trying to avoid till I graduated it was Aurora Brooks. Silly of me to think today would be a good day and thanking him would be the polite thing to do.


    ¡°Oh I love that ne, where did you get it from, the trash?¡± She said touching the ne like it was shit.


    Everyone suddenly burst intoughter and I had never been more humiliated.


    I looked at Zach¡¯s face but he didn¡¯t seem to be interested in whatever I had to say as a smirk appeared on his face after Aurora embarrassed me.


    ¡°Never mind¡± I said and left the cafeteria immediately tears started to run down my cheeks. Maya wasn¡¯t in the cafeteria at the moment everything happened, she left earlier when I was going to meet Zach. If she had been in the cafeteria she would have helped me.


    I ran to thedies bathroom and cried my eyes out, I checked my reflection in the mirror and suddenly I didn¡¯t me them for mocking me.


    I am literally thrash, a 5¡¯5ft ugly low budget Shrek that only finds baggy wearsfortable.


    I stared at the reflection of the ne on my neck. My grandma had given it to me on the day she was dying and I vowed to keep it and pass it on to my daughter. It wasn¡¯t expensive but it was priceless to me.


    ¡°What the hell happened to you, I was gone for just 5 minutes¡± Maya yelled immediately she opened the bathroom door and saw me crying.


    ¡°Nothing much, nevermind¡± I lied but she noticed immediately and stormed out of the bathroom.


    I knew what she was up to but then it wasn¡¯t Zach that humiliated me so I ran to catch up with her.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t Zach, let¡¯s just forget it¡± I plead and she gave me a ring look before she dragged my hands away to our next ss. We had English together.


    ******


    It was time to leave school but I would be going to the mall for my after school job instead. I was lucky to have found a good paying job that permits me to attend work only 3 times in a week and today was my day.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go watch a movie to cheer you up¡± Maya said as we walked out of the building.


    ¡°It¡¯s Thursday Maya, I¡¯m going to work¡± I replied with ack of energy feeling drained from what had happened earlier.


    ¡°Oh! alright then, I¡¯ll drop you off¡± she said and we got into her expensive Rolls Royles car. Zach and his crew came out of the building immediately we drove away from the parking lot and I could still see Aurora clinging onto him like a tattoo or rather a scar.


    The drive from Sapphire high school wasn¡¯t far to the mall and we got there in less than twenty minutes.


    ¡°I love you Maya¡± I said as I got down from her car.


    ¡°I love you too Isabe, see you tomorrow morning¡± she said and zoomed off after throwing me a wind kiss.


    I work in a boutique that was mainly the most attractive jewelry store in the mall. Different celebrities and rich kids woulde here shopping for expensive jewelry and I had found out of the job vacancy when I had followed Maya for shopping. She ended up buying a lot because she couldn¡¯t choose.


    Work was less busy today as we had lesser and fewer customers but I was secretly d because I would have the time to do my homework from school.


    I was engrossed and focussed on my math assignment that I didn¡¯t notice when a boy walked in. His face was familiar and I was sure I knew him from a ce, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw the School¡¯s football bracelet on his hand.


    I should have known he was one of the footballers with his great appearance and perfectly styled hair that was gelled on his hair, his sharp jaw made him look intimidating and his piercings fitted him perfectly.


    ¡°Wee to J&K, how may I help you?¡± I said and he smiled at me. He seemed to have recognized me from what happened earlier today and I suddenly felt embarrassed.


    He didn¡¯t say any more words as he picked a pair of silver earrings that was by the side of the store and paid for the price that was tagged on it.


    ¡°The boys could get silly sometimes, sorry for what happened earlier today¡± he said and walked out of the store. Did a member of the Greennds just say sorry?

 Chapter 3

    It was time to close from work so I left immediately. It was 6pm, I was really getting hungry already.


    My house was a little bit far from the mall, I had to pass the school route but then with no money on me walking is the only option I have.


    After an hour of walking on the streets and admiring the stars I finally got home.


    ¡± Isabe!!¡± Joe ran to hug me immediately as I opened the door. I gave him a kiss on his forehead and ruffled his hair with my hands which made him chuckle.


    ¡°How was school?¡± I asked him and the brightest beam of smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°I met a beautiful girl in the library when I was buying the book¡± he said and chuckled showing off his tooth that had fallen out and I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    Joe was just 8 years old and thus a really adorable cute kid, ever since my mother had left I had been taking care of him like he was my own son.


    I loved it when he woulde to my room andy on my bed whenever he was finding it hard to sleep, I would read him a sweet story and he would sleep off snuggling closer to my body.


    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± I asked, teasing him further.


    ¡°Lily¡± he answered shyly and covered his face with his palm and I just couldn¡¯t help butugh really hard.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go make food, do your assignments and I¡¯ll be back¡± I said before walking into the kitchen.


    I scanned through the kitchen for what we could eat but I couldn¡¯t even find a grain of rice.


    I had left some food in the fridge earlier but it seemed like my Father had eaten them, what the hell!


    I was getting angry and pissed but there was nothing I could do, I didn¡¯t realize when tears started to rush down my face.


    I was so hungry yet there was no food to eat, forget about me. What about Joe? He must¡¯ve really been hungry.


    ¡°Issabe what happened?¡± A tiny voice interrupted me from my thoughts, I immediately wiped the tears off my face and shed him a ¡°don¡¯t worry¡± smile but he didn¡¯t seem convinced that all was well.


    I took him back to the living room and made him watch his favourite cartoon while I searched for money in my room.


    It was really hard to find a dor because I¡¯ve done this a lot of times and sometimes I was lucky to find money while other times I wasn¡¯t. I just hope I find some today.


    I finally found up to 10$ and ordered pizza immediately.


    The pizza delivery guy soon came and I gave him the money. He was probably surprised with the amount of coins I gave him but he left anyway.


    Joe had fallen asleep from the TV so I had to wake him up to eat.


    After we finished eating he went to his room to sleep and I remained in the living room waiting for my Father.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    He didn¡¯t show up for 3 hours and it was 11pm already. I was so tired and stressed so I just left for my room to sleep. He probably slept off in the bar or at his drinking buddy¡¯s house. This wasn¡¯t the first time it was happening.


    ********


    The rays of sunlight woke me up and it took my brain a little more time to process the fact that I waste.


    ¡°Shit! I missed my rm¡± I immediately jumped off the bed and ran outside to meet Joe fully prepared for school, it was cute. He wore a bow tie and a pair of khaki pants and a blue shirt. He had probably dressed up for his girl.


    ¡°Morning Miss, what do you think of this?¡± He asked, gesturing at his outfit and I just couldn¡¯t help but smile. I love him.


    Maya came to my house shortly and gave me a spank on my butt because I would make uste for school.


    I hurriedly took my bath and wore one of the clothes I would regrly wear.


    I came out to the living room and Maya shook her head again, ¡°you really need to pay more attention to fashion¡± she said and I shrugged.


    Joe and I entered the car and she started the drive to our school. Joe¡¯s school was before mine so he came down from the car.


    ¡°There¡¯s a party tonight and you¡¯reing¡± Maya said and I gave her a sarcastic look.


    ¡°I mean it Isabe you¡¯reing with me¡±


    ¡°What about Joe?¡± I asked


    ¡°He¡¯ll stay with my mum, she loves him¡± she replied almost immediately.


    She knew today was my off day at work so I had no other excuses to give than to ept my fate and follow her to the party.


    ¡°Sigh okay¡± I said and she let out a loud squeal raising her both hands up.


    ¡°Christ, watch it!¡± I yelled but it was toote, we had identally kicked down a trash can.


    ¡°Oops¡± she said and repositioned her car and drove off.


    ¡°You¡¯ll love the party¡± she said and I silently prayed the party should be cancelled.


    We got to school and we were prettyte for our first ss but not like we needed much of it. Our final exams will being soon and then I¡¯ll be out of high school.


    We both ran immediately we got inside the school before we split, she went for her Spanish ss and I went for my Biology ss.


    I opened the door to the ssroom and found everyone seated.


    ¡°Do you care to exin why you¡¯rete?¡± Ms. Brandy said and I shook my head without uttering any word.


    ¡°Just have your seat¡± she finally said and i couldn¡¯t find any seat other than the empty two seats at the extreme end of the ssroom.


    I went to my seat and settled my butt down on the chair, while trying to bring my books out of my bag my face ran through the small mirror in my bag and I realized my hair was a big mess.


    I ran my hands through my hair but it just wouldn¡¯t straighten up. Well that¡¯s what you get for having curly afro hair.


    I packed my hair into a messy bun when I realized the teacher was staring at me battling with my hair.


    The door flung open and Zach entered the ssroom. Dang it!


    His face looked like he had just hit on some chick in the Janitor¡¯s closet and his belt wasn¡¯t tucked in well. Suddenly the whole ss¡¯s attention fell on me as they looked at me and Zach simultaneously.


    ¡°Oh!¡± I mouthed when I realised what they must be thinking of. Hell no! I didn¡¯t make out with him.


    He walked to the back of the ssroom where I was seated and sat on the empty seat beside me and some of the girls in the ssroom started to whisper and chuckle while some stared at me with disgust filled in their eyes.


    Well it¡¯s my fault for not dressing properly at school.


    The ss ended in an hour and some minutes and I left the ssroom for my next ss which was Geography. I silently prayed and wished that he wouldn¡¯t be in my next ss and thank heavens he wasn¡¯t in my next ss till Lunchtime.


    I came out of the ssroom and felt a hand dragging me, it was Maya.


    ¡°Have you read the school blog today?¡± She asked and I shook my head, I never read any of Kiki¡¯s blogs.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with Kiki this time?¡± I asked and she shoved her iPhone XR on my face.


    ¡°Read it¡± shemanded and I started to scroll through the blog.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± I said and pped my forehead.


    ¡°Did you fucking make out with Zach?¡± She asked and my face suddenly became irritated.


    ¡°Eww no, I was with you before going to the ssroom¡± I protested while rubbing my temples. ¡°Now the whole school thinks I¡¯m a slut¡± I whined and she brought my face to look at hers.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what they think¡± she said and immediately drifted the topic to another one but there was no way I would be at peace in the cafeteria as different people that passed made sure to look at me before passing and one even took a picture.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to my next ss¡± I said and stood up to leave immediately.


    How dare them think I made out with Zach when I haven¡¯t even had my first kiss yet.


    The rest of school was disturbing and I was d it was finally over. I dragged Maya by her hand and led her outside the schoolpound so she would drive us to her house then I would probably wipe my memory of what happened today at the party.

 Chapter 4

    We stopped to pick Joe up from school then we all went to Maya¡¯s house together.


    ¡°Grace!¡± Joe yelled immediately he saw Maya¡¯s mother and ran to hug her.


    She opened her arms widely and kissed his forehead, she and Joe have really bonded even more than Joe had bonded with my father. I was d Joe found someone who loves him truly like her own child¡­ well someone but me.


    ¡°Hi Mrs Anderson¡± I greeted her and Maya dragged me by my hand till we got to her room which was way up the staircase I really hated to climb.


    ¡°So what are you wearing?¡± she asked and I cocked a brow at her confused.


    ¡°This?¡± I said pointing to the sweatshirt and jeans I wore.


    ¡°Tell me you¡¯re joking¡± She red at me with scary eyes and when I shook my head she pped her forehead.


    ¡°Alright then¡± she sighed, ¡°we¡¯ll fix it, you¡¯ll wear my clothes and I¡¯ll restyle your hair, oh and I¡¯ll also apply some make up for you¡± she said and as I was about to protest she lifted a finger up in the hair.


    ¡°No buts!¡± She said and I kept quiet.


    I watched her as she flung some clothes out of her wardrobe till she finally found something her eyes caught.


    ¡°Perfect¡± she squealed. It was a soft blue armless gown with a rope that served as the neck. The back of the dress was opened but decorated with strings of beads. It really looked beautiful.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡± Iplimented and she smiled.


    ¡°George bought it for me but I want you to wear it¡± she handed over the cloth to me and proceeded to arrange her hair styling tools.


    George was Maya¡¯s boyfriend, ording to her he had attended Sapphire high school but was a senior to her. He is currently in a college some miles away but visits Maya about two to three times in a month, they would spend the weekend together and Grace really likes him too.


    Despite the distance, their love was still very strong and I kind of admired it a lot.


    I sat on her dressing chair as she worked some magic on my curly Afro hair. She didn¡¯t let me see what she was doing until she was done, then she turned the mirror to face me and I wondered if the mirror had some filters on.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± She asked.


    I wanted to say something but I was scared that if I opened my mouth the filter would be gone and I would be that ugly girl again.


    My skin shone under the fluorescent lights and the eyeliner matched my big brown eyes, she applied some lipstick and gloss on my lips making them shine really bright.


    She activated my curls and styled it into a puffy ponytail letting some curls drop right on my forehead and I felt cute.


    ¡°Say something?!¡± She jerked my shoulders and I opened my mouth, the filter wasn¡¯t gone it¡¯s real!!


    ¡°Is this me?¡± I foolishly asked and she burst intoughter.


    ¡°I told you you¡¯re really beautiful, you just need to pay more attention to yourself¡± She said and shooed me away from the chair while she wore her makeup.


    We were both dressed up and ready for the party, Maya looked totally gorgeous like she used to and I on the other hand looked totally different.


    We went down the stairs and Maya¡¯s dad was back already.


    ¡°Good evening Mr Anderson¡± I greeted and the living room turned silent as all eyes were on me including Joe¡¯s.


    ¡°Isabe, is this you?¡± Joe asked with a shocked face.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Honey get me my shades, two angels are standing before me and they¡¯re shining so bright¡± Maya¡¯s Dad teased and we allughed.


    ¡°Have fun girls¡± Grace finally said and we went to the car.


    Maya had made us take a lot of pictures before she finally started the car and we left for the Party.


    ¡°Who¡¯s hosting the party?¡± I asked


    ¡°Xavier Moner¡± She answered but the name didn¡¯t sound any bit familiar. Perhaps I don¡¯t really know many people in this school after all.


    It was a long drive before we finally reached our destination and I mouthed a ¡°wow¡± at the sight of the house. It was obvious the so-called Richer Moner was a very rich kid and I suddenly felt like I didn¡¯t belong here at the sight of the expensive cars that were parked outside the house.


    We came down from the car and Maya held my hands excitedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re finally here with me, in a party¡± she squeaked excitedly.


    ¡°I was forced¡± I protested and she spanked my butt. I was used to it already.


    There was no music heard from outside and I could have sworn we were at the wrong house if not for the amount of cars parked outside.


    Once we opened the door, loud music filled my ears making them hurt, it took some while before my ears finally adjusted to the loud music.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go have fun, make sure to have fun too¡± She yelled through the loud music and I nodded my head.


    I watched her as she went to the middle of the crowds swinging her butt while dancing.


    I was getting bored standing and watching some people making out while some were dancing and getting drunk.


    My eyes caught some red cups and wines and my throat suddenly became itchy. I walked towards the drink and it was really hard to decide which was alcoholic and non alcoholic.


    At the end of my search I realized that everything there was alcoholic but with different volume so I went for the least volume which was 5 percent.


    The wine tasted great well¡­ not until some couple making out identally poured it on my dress.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed and went upstairs to find a bathroom to use.


    It didn¡¯t take me much time before finding it and so I cleaned the stain off of the dress. Thankfully it was removed.


    I didn¡¯t want to go back downstairs so I went to the balcony to at least receive some fresh air and think about some other important things that have to do with my life.


    I was lost in my thoughts that I hadn¡¯t realized that someone joined me on the balcony.


    ¡°You look different¡± the voice said and I looked to see who it was.


    It was the guy from my store earlier, the one who had apologized on behalf of Zach and others.


    ¡°Oh Hey¡± I greeted and he walked closer to me.


    ¡°The party¡¯s downstairs¡± he said and I nodded.


    ¡°I know, I just needed some fresh air¡± I said calmly and he took a sip out of the bottle with him.


    ¡°I agree, the wind is mostly pleasant here tonight¡± he said and I looked at his face.


    That was when I realized that this was his house and he was Xavier Moner.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± I awkwardlyughed and pped my forehead, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I¡¯ll leave now¡±.


    ¡°No you don¡¯t have to, I don¡¯t mind a prettydy standing on my balcony¡± he whined and Iughed.


    ¡°You look beautiful tonight, What¡¯s your name?¡± He asked and I could swear this was the first time a guy said those words to me.


    ¡°Isabe¡± I nervously said and looked away.


    ¡°I like your name, I¡¯m Xavier nice to meet you¡± he brought my hands to his lips and brushed it with a kiss.


    ¡°And you too¡± I said and he finally left.


    I brought out my phone and opened my Instagram to pass away my boredom, not to chat with anybody but to admire all of the pretty girls on there and call myself a sucker for not being as pretty as them.


    There was a notification on my phone and when I checked it was Maya tagging me on her Instagram post with the pictures we took today. I noticed someone followed me and when I checked the name it was Xavier.


    I was happy that someoneplimented and appreciated me today, maybe the party wasn¡¯t a bad idea afterwards.


    Even Instagram wasn¡¯t making me feel any less overwhelmed with my situation so I shoved my phone into my purse and went downstairs.


    The party was still pretty much lively but I couldn¡¯t find Maya anywhere.


    I grabbed myself some drink and hoped no one would spill it on me this time around.


    I settled down on a couch at a corner of the room that was empty and carefully sipped my drink when my eyes drifted to a small circle of people and I noticed their eyes were all on me.


    They were the same set of people that had made fun of me in school  yesterday, why the hell were they staring at me.


    Aurora whispered something into one of  her entourage¡¯s ears and she walked up to me with her straight legs and dragged me over to their circle.


    ¡°You look different, not bad, I guess a frog could really turn into a prince after all¡± She said and they allughed. I spotted Zach on a blue t-shirt taking a sip out of his cup and tapping his fingers on the cup carefully.


    I felt humiliated and ashamed that they had dragged me here to insult me.


    I turned my back and left them. I could hear Aurora calling me ¡°frog¡± but I ignored.


    ¡°You have to do it for two weeks!¡± She yelled out.


    ¡°What two weeks and what do I have to do?¡± I wanted to go back and ask her but I let it slide. I can¡¯t stand another word of insult from her.

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home!¡± Maya suddenly dragged my hand out of the building.


    ¡°Hey where have you been, I have been looking for you all around the house!¡± I yelled but noticed her expression was different, she was in a totally different mood.


    ¡°What¡¯s up.. what happened?¡± I asked but she still didn¡¯t say anything, we entered her car and she crashed her head on the steering wheel andpletely broke into tears.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± I asked the already cryingdy that was beside me. She was just happy and dancing some hours ago and now she¡¯s wailing.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bad person Isabe!¡± She cried and I patted her back reassuring her that she¡¯ll be fine. I didn¡¯t want to push her to tell me about it because Maya was the type of girl that wouldn¡¯t open up her feelings immediately when she gets hurt.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive¡± I said and she opened the driver¡¯s seat door and entered the back seat. I watched how my tough best friendid on her back seat wailing like a child. She must¡¯ve really been hurt.


    I drove to her house and it was reallyte. I assumed Joe must be asleep but I was sure he would have had fun with Grace before sleeping. My dad didn¡¯t bother to call all through the day despite the fact that he didn¡¯t show up at homest night.


    ¡°Maya we¡¯re home¡± I said to her and she opened the back seat door with tears soaked in her eyes.


    I used my handkerchief to clean the tears away from her eyes because I wouldn¡¯t want Grace to see her this way.


    I opened the door with her spare key but no one was in the living room so I assumed they must have all fallen asleep.


    She didn¡¯t say a word to me throughout the drive and even now.


    ¡°Girls? Are you home?¡± Maya¡¯s father came up to us.


    ¡°I hope you had fun?¡± He asked and I nodded my head with a smile, he seemed to have noticed the look on Maya¡¯s face but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Is Joe okay?¡± I asked and he nodded


    I took Maya to her room and she slumped on the bed immediately, she didn¡¯t seem like herself but I wasn¡¯t sure tonight would be the best time to ask.


    Tomorrow will be Saturday, there¡¯ll be a lot of time to talk it out. I switched off the lights in her room and slept on the bed beside her.


    ¡°Breakfast is ready girls¡± Grace knocked on the door waking both Maya and me. I could still see the look on her face. It was pale and emotionless, also filled with guilt and deception.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    When though she was just waking up, it was obvious to tell that she had cried all through the night.


    ¡°Babe?¡± I taped her hoping she would respond or reply but she didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Breakfast is ready¡± I said again but she shrugged and slumped back on the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry..¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okay spill it, I¡¯m done waiting!¡± I yelled. I was truly done waiting, I thought she would talk sooner but with her attitude right now I don¡¯t think so.


    ¡°Isabe i¡­¡± She broke down and her voice cracked.


    I gave her a pity look that said she should continue but instead she covered her mouth with her hands and started to cry.


    ¡°Shit! Did you fucking kill someone?¡± I asked teasingly, even though she could have actually killed someone, she¡¯s a no-nonsense kind of girl.


    ¡°I made out with Frank¡± she covered her mouth after herst statement and I was dumbstruck.


    If she were to make out with someone or rather cheat on George I wouldn¡¯t have even thought Frank would be on the list. She hated that guy and they have never been friends but enemies since I have been in this school.


    Besides Frank used to date Aurora before he broke up with her and he doesn¡¯t seize the opportunity to hit on another girl. I never knew Maya would be a victim.


    ¡°How the hell did it happen?¡± I asked but my voice was a little higher than I expected.


    ¡°I don¡¯t fucking know, I was on the dance floor dancing then he joined me then I yelled at him to leave but he didn¡¯t and we got into an argument and boom he kissed me and we left for a room¡± she rushed her words out while crying.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself love, it¡¯s fine and besides it must¡¯ve been the alcohol¡± I patted her back trying tofort her.


    ¡°Okay¡± she said and shed me a fake smile.


    ¡°What do I tell George!¡± She asked and I let out a sigh. I couldn¡¯t possibly be the one to tell her what she should do in her rtionship. Even though I was her best friend, I still have no right to meddle in their rtionship.


    ¡°Do what you think is best love¡± I said but realized my words didn¡¯t help her but there was nothing else I could say to her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡± I said and she nodded slowly, I dragged her out of the room and we went to the dining room. I spotted her Dad in the dining room going through hisptop, he didn¡¯t seem to notice us.


    ¡°Good Morning¡± I greeted him and he averted his attention to us, he shed us a smile and noticed the look on Maya¡¯s face. He gave me a type of look asking if she was alright and I nodded my head.


    ¡°Well Joe and Grace went for a Mother¡¯s and Son Saturday shopping¡± he said and let out a chuckle.


    If not everything, I love the way this family took care of Joe like they were his real parents.


    After breakfast we went back into her room and had our bath in turns, we had no ns for the weekend and if it wasn¡¯t for her current state we would have gone to watch a movie or something or something else.


    I received a message on my phone from an unknown number and found it weird, but it was weirder when I opened the message.


    Where are you? The message read and my brows crinkled. Who the fuck is this, probably one of those scam messages.


    I dropped my iPhone 8+ back on the big couch that was in Maya¡¯s room.


    Maya¡¯s Dad got me the phone when he realized that I was still using an old Nokia phone.


    The phone beeped again and a message from the same sender came in. I was starting to get nervous.


    The game doesn¡¯t work this way, you have to answer me! The message read again and I was truly getting pissed. What fucking game is this person talking about.


    I immediately blocked and deleted the sender¡¯s number, I had a lot more to do than to continue a stupid and pointless conversation with a freak.


    I heard the sheets rattle and noticed that Maya had just woken up with her face still swollen.


    ¡°Are you okay now?¡± I asked hoping to get a positive response.


    ¡°No! I¡¯m not¡± she stood up from the bed, ¡°I¡¯ll be right back, I need some ice cream from the fridge¡± she said and walked out of the room.


    Iid down on the couch staring at the enormous ceiling when my phone bussed.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to fucking kill this person!¡± I yelled but then noticed it was from my Dad.


    My whole body went numb and pale when I saw the name ¡°Dad¡± on the screen. I hate to give him that name and perhaps I should change it to something else.


    Hey girl, I won¡¯t being home tonight, I¡¯m at Jerry¡¯s the message read and I let out augh.


    He hasn¡¯t been home since we left and he¡¯s just remembering that he has kids who he abandoned with no food or money. I hope he forever stays with Jerry and does not show his face to me.


    I ced my phone on my stomach and felt some hot liquid flowing down my eyes. Shit! I don¡¯t want to cry or be weak. There¡¯s no point crying over  two atrocities that were unfortunately my parents.


    I immediately wiped the tears off my face when I heard footstepsing closer, it was Maya and she had surprisingly brought two bowls of ice cream along with her. I really needed this right now and she doesn¡¯t even know what¡¯s up with me.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I hugged her tight because she¡¯s the best best friend anyone could ask for.


    ¡°Mom and Joe won¡¯t be back till evening, she texted and it seemed like they¡¯re having a whole lot of fun¡± she said and I chuckled. They¡¯re always having a whole lot of fun. At least it makes Joe really happy and that¡¯s all that matters.


    Maya took the remote from the pizza shaped small sized table in front of the couch and turned the TV on.


    ¡°Let¡¯s Netflix¡± she said and scrolled through some fascinating movies before she finally decided to watch one (The Kissing Booth).

 Chapter 6

    It was a great movie and we were both excited that it had a part two. We watched it for so long  that we didn¡¯t realize that the time had passed real quick.


    Maya couldn¡¯t stop squealing at every scene and sometimes she¡¯d chuckle and say ¡°George does that¡± she didn¡¯t seem to realize when she said those words while I on the other hand watched the movie without being able to rte to anything there, I am a sucker after all.


    The room door barged open and Joe ran to hug me, I lifted him and hugged him tighter. To be very honest I missed the little boy.


    He looked different and it was really obvious he went on a date with Grace. He had a new hair cut on and a really new cloth that looked expensive, he wore a Nike pair of shoes and socks and a ck Gi jacket. His stomach also looked big like he had eaten a whole te of pasta.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of him Grace¡± I smiled at her as she walked into the room.


    ¡°I promise to smack you the next time you thank me for taking care of my son¡± she pointed her finger at me and I raised my hands in defence.


    ¡°Can you spend the rest of the weekend here with us?¡± She asked and I nodded immediately. There was no point going back to that house with no food and nothing good.


    *******


    It was Sunday and the house was really busy with everyone getting prepared for church. One thing I admired most about the Anderson¡¯s is that they don¡¯t joke with their religion and at the same time don¡¯t criticize others for their beliefs.


    It¡¯s just six am but I could smell the delicious aroma of roast turkeying from the kitchen. Grace had allowed Joe to sleep a little longer because of their long day yesterday but the rest of us had to get prepared.


    Luna, their maid was also awake and cleaning the house, she do follow them to church too.


    After everything was set and arranged we all had our sweet breakfast of Roast Chicken and  sd before we left for church.


    The church service was awesome and when it was time for personal prayers I prayed for Joe to always be happy.


    We had taken separate cars so I got into Maya¡¯s car.


    The drive from the church to their house wasn¡¯t that long and in no time we got home but Grace and her husband had to visit a member of their church in the hospital.


    ¡°I wanna sleep¡± Maya whined in her baby time and I chuckled as she slumped on the bed.


    I brought out my phone and started to scroll through my Instagram feed staring at Sunday  pictures of hot teen models and I stumbled on Aurora¡¯s post. She had taken a picture with Zach and they appeared to be in a pool. She was only on a bra and a g-string and Zach¡¯s face looked uninterested even though his hands were firmly on her butt.


    She had tagged him on the post but he didn¡¯t leave ament. Simp. I clicked on his profile and scrolled through some of his posts.


    He didn¡¯t seem to be the social type that writes a lot of things on their bio and has a lot of highlights. He only wrote ¡°I¡¯m Zach¡± in his bio.


    I scrolled through his pictures on Instagram and all were just photoshoots of him while some were the matches he had won and some video game clips. He didn¡¯t smile in any of his pictures yet a lot of girlsmented on some nasty stuff.


    I scrolled through ament that made me cringed *let me be your bed,y on me* who the fuck writes something like that.


    A message popped up on my phone and it wasn¡¯t the number I blocked but another.


    *I¡¯ll make you pay for blocking me* it reads and I was finding it annoying before but now I found it serious. Whoever has been sending these messages meant business.


    I finally decided to reply to whoever the person was and know what game he was talking about.


    *Who are you?* I sent the message but didn¡¯t get any reply. Perhaps it was just a scammer or someone who was bored and is ying tricks on random numbers.


    After waiting for some minutes and not getting any response I dropped my phone and decided to join Maya in Dreand.


    ********


    ¡°The girls sleep way too much don¡¯t you think?¡± I heard Grace telling her husband


    I opened my eyes and saw them standing by the door. I had been sleeping but I wasn¡¯t a deep sleeper.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I checked my phone and saw that it was evening already. Damn! I must¡¯ve really overslept.


    Maya was still fast asleep so I tapped her and woke her up.


    ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready¡± she said and left the room.


    Shortly after she left we also left to eat. After dinner I decided to take some fresh air and walked to. their garden. It waste but the bright lights made me see clearly.


    ¡°Isabe¡± a tiny voice called and I turned to look at Joe who had followed me to. the garden.


    ¡°Hey there little one¡± I said and ruffled his hair, he groaned and tapped my hands.


    ¡°I was going to show her my new hairstyle¡± heined and I knew he was referring to his new crush.


    He sat his little butt beside me on the carpet grass andid his head on my shoulder without saying anything.


    I knew he was bothered about something, ¡°what¡¯s up?¡± I asked him and he exhaled his breath heavily.


    ¡°Is mummy going toe back?¡± He asked and my body became still. I didn¡¯t want to make him sad nor did I want to give him false hopes.


    ¡°You have me now and also Grace¡± I said and he wrapped his tiny arms around my waist.


    ¡°I love you Isabe¡± he said and at this point I couldn¡¯t stop the tears from flowing down but I immediately wiped it off so he didn¡¯t notice.


    After some minutes of remaining in the position I felt a steady rise and fall of his body on mine and I realized he was sleeping.


    I carried him into the house and ced him on a bed in the room he sleeps in most of the time. The room had been specially decorated for him. It was painted blue and had different posters of Disney cartoons on the wall.


    I should probably sleep too because I have school and work tomorrow.


    *********


    My rm woke me up and I immediately prepared for school. I went into Joe¡¯s room to wake him up but found Grace already doing the job.


    She had promised to drop him off school even though I insisted on dropping him off so I don¡¯t stress her but at the end of the day she won the argument so Maya and I left for school.


    I silently prayed that my day doesn¡¯t go wrong in school today and I definitely would not want to encounter Zach or Aurora.


    She parked her car and I got down from it watching my steps and looking left and right hoping I wouldn¡¯t bump into an unwanted person.


    I was having Biology and Zach came for thest Biology ss, I hope he doesn¡¯t show up in ss today.


    I heard the warning bell and rushed towards the ssroom.


    I opened the ssroom door and the ss was already filled up, the teacher was in the ssroom but the lecture hadn¡¯t started yet.


    I looked round the ssroom for an empty space then my eyes stumbled on Zach seated at the back of the ssroom with an empty seat beside him. Who have I offended to deserve this much punishment?


    ¡°Please have your seat¡± the teacher said and I nodded my head as I walked towards Zach and sat on the empty seat.


    I tried my best not to make eye contact with him and breathing suddenly became difficult. I was lucky he didn¡¯t say a word to me throughout the ss but the only thing that was weird was the number of eyes staring at me throughout the ss.


    After some few more sses, fortunately without Zach it was lunch time and Grace had packed some lunch for me.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Kiki ran towards me shing her phone on my face.


    ¡°How may I help you?¡± I raised a brow in confusion not knowing the reason why Kiki the tattle tale would want to talk to me.


    ¡°Is it true that Zach kept a space specifically for you in Biology ss today?¡± She asked and turned her phone to my face waiting for a response.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡± I replied and left to meet Maya who was waiting for me.


    ¡°You have to see what Kiki posted on her blog¡± Maya shed her phone at me and I covered my face in embarrassment.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to keep a low profile in school but Zach came and all of a sudden my life is hell and the worst part of it is that we haven¡¯t exchanged words!¡± I yelled and Maya bursted intoughter. I felt like strangling her but I was d she¡¯sughing afterwards.


    We brought out the lunch Grace had packed for us and as I was about to take a big bite out of it, a guy wearing a Green Land vest walked up to me.


    I dropped the To back into the box and raised my brow at him.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked, remembering he was one of the guys whoughed at me the other day.


    ¡°Zach wants to see you¡± he smirked waiting for me to follow him but I snubbed him by taking my food and eating it.


    He felt embarrassed because a lot of people began to stare and even Kiki had her camera on. Everyone seemed to now be interested in my affairs. Shit!


    He left the table and Maya gave me a funny look and mouthed ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you¡±.


    I snacked herps and she giggled .


    Felix walked towards our table and immediately Maya sighted him and her mood changed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back¡± she said and walked out of the school with Felix following behind. Then it was just me and Maya¡¯s food which will soon be mine on the table


    I took her To and as I was about to eat it a hand dragged me away from the table making me bruise my leg a little and when I looked up to the person it was Zach.

 Chapter 7

    ¡°Let me go!¡± I yelled but he didn¡¯t answer as his grip on me became tighter and firmer.


    At this point different eyes were on us while some people even brought out their camera just to have a record of what was happening.


    He dragged me away from the school cafeteria into the Janitor¡¯s closet and locked the door behind him. My whole body was numb and I could hear the rise and fall of my heartbeat.


    I made to reach for the door but he dragged me back and pinned my body against the wall.


    ¡°What the hell do you want from me?¡± I yelled but hissed almost immediately as his grip on my hands became tighter.


    ¡°Why the fuck were you ignoring my messages¡± he said with his face really close to mine that I could feel the heat from his mouth as he spoke.


    ¡°What fucking message are you talking abo¡­. oh!¡± I realized it was him who had been sending those anonymous messages to me but how did he even get my number.


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I ignore, what do you need me for?¡± I asked with thest courage in me and he released his grip on my hand.


    ¡°You sat down on a couch wearing the same colour of cloth I wore just right after we had a dare contest¡± he took two steps backwards from me and tucked his hands into his pocket.


    ¡°So how does your little game affect me?¡± I cocked a brow at him folding my hands under my small breasts.


    His eyes drifted to my breasts but he immediately diverted his attention to my face, ¡°you¡¯re stuck with me for three weeks¡±. He said and walked out of the Janitor¡¯s closet leaving me with different unanswered questions in my head.


    ¡°Was this what the stupid bitch was talking about at the party when I had walked out of her?¡± I asked myself before I stupidly ran out of the Janitor¡¯s closet to meet him.


    ¡°Hold on there, you can¡¯t force me to do this without my own permission or will¡± I yelled out but he didn¡¯t turn his back to notice me.


    Lunch break was over and I went to my Geography ss thinking of what he had said to me, perhaps he was capping or it was another way of ying a prank on me.


    I was lost in my thoughts that I didn¡¯t realize when the Geography teacher was standing in front of me.


    ¡°Lost in your thoughts?¡± She asked and I snapped back to reality.


    I shook my head hoping she would just leave but being Ms Ca herself she didn¡¯t leave but rather chose to throw some questions at me.


    ¡°If you were truly paying attention then do you mind sharing with us just a problem facing the environment?¡± she asked and walked back to the front of the ssroom.


    ¡°Climate change affects the environment¡± I answered and I was lucky it was a topic I was really good at.


    She gave me a scornful type of look before she continued with her ss.


    The ss was over and I walked to my locker to drop off my Geography notes and textbook. I closed the locker and was shocked to see Zach standing beside me.


    ¡°Christ! You startled me¡± I yelled with a hand on my chest but he didn¡¯t say anything to me, not even an apology.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving for football practice after school and you¡¯re toe with me¡±


    ¡°Okay firstly, you¡¯re a big jerk and secondly I have work to go to after school rather than ying along with your stupid game¡± I said and turned my back to leave but he caught my backpack and dragged me back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y stubborn, meet me outside immediately after school,¡± he said and left.


    Things were getting real and I started to question myself if I haven¡¯t gotten myself into a big mess, but how the hell was I supposed to not sit on the goddamn couch.


    ********


    It was time to go home and I had been trying my best to avoid bumping into Zach throughout the rest of the hours. I sneaked outside the school building and spotted Maya standing beside her car but she seemed to be in a serious conversation with Frank.


    Ever since the incident at the party, she had been having a lot of conversations with Frank which was unusual. They were damn enemies before they hooked up.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I greeted as I approached them, Frank noticed me and paused on whatever he was telling Maya and gave me a sly smile which I returned.


    ¡°Are you ready to go home?¡± I asked because I couldn¡¯t wait to leave this ce and avoid bumping into Zach.


    ¡°Uhm actually¡­., I¡¯m sorry but I can¡¯t drop you off at work today because Frank and I have some stuff to do¡± she stressed on each word she spoke in order for it not to sound offensive and luckily I didn¡¯t count it as any offence.


    ¡°Oh cool, see youter then¡± I said and they both got into her car and left. The thought of me walking to work filled my head and I let out a loud sigh.


    I turned my back to see Zach staring at me with fierce eyes and if looks could kill I would have definitely been burnt to death.


    I froze on the spot not knowing what I should do. If I ran he would probably catch up with me but if I stayed behind he would leash out his anger on me. I was confused and turned my back trying to slowly walk away.


    ¡°Stop!¡± His cold voice pierced into my ear and I automatically stopped walking. I didn¡¯t turn to look at him but I could feel himing closer to me step by step till his hands were on my waist and he turned to face me.


    We were so close to each other and we were in public, he didn¡¯t seem to mind but hell different people were staring at me.


    ¡°I clearly remember telling you not to y stubborn¡± he whispered against my ear. Our faces were so close to each other that people might think we were making out outside the school building but I was the only one who knew we were nothing close to making out as his grip on my waist became tighter.


    ¡°Please let go of me¡± I begged and he slowly pulled himself away from me. I could see the visible smirk of satisfaction on his face and I felt like pping it off.


    He walked towards a car with luxury written all over it and I assumed it was his car. He entered the car and started the engine then wined down the window signalling for me toe in.


    It felt weird and I was scared, what if they had more up their sleeves and it wasn¡¯t just to be his personal minion for two weeks. I stood on the spot without moving and I could see anger written all over his face as he clenched his sharp jaws.


    ¡°I hate to be kept waiting¡± he said and I slowly entered the car and sat on the front seat beside him.


    He reached for me and I sank into the chair with his body so close to mine.


    ¡°Seatbelts¡± he said and tucked in the seatbelt before returning to his seat and he started the car.


    The drive was filled with awkward silence and the only sound in the car wasing from the radio. They were talking about the environment and global warming. I was starting to warm up to their discussion when he suddenly changed the radio and connected his phone music to it.


    I recognized the song immediately because it was from one of my favourite artists.


    ¡°You like Khalid?¡± I asked and he looked at my face for some while before nodding his head. Was he trying to read my mind or something by looking at me before answering my question?


    I thought of starting a conversation but I knew he wouldn¡¯t respond and I would end up getting offended.


    I noticed the drive was bing long, besides I didn¡¯t ask him where his football practice was.


    ¡°Where are you taking me to?¡±


    ¡°A mechanic¡± he bluntly replied.


    ¡°I thought you had football practice, would you let me miss work because of a trip to the mechanic?!¡± I yelled but he didn¡¯t reply, rather he turned the volume of the music up. I liked Khalid¡¯s music but it was getting annoying at this point so I turned it off.


    ¡°Do you wanna go home so bad?¡± He rubbed his temples resting his arm on the window.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Infact yes, yes I do, so let me out¡± I yelled and he parked the car by the roadside and reached for my side of the door. He opened the door and gestured for me to go out.


    My whole body seemed toe back to its senses when I realized I had no idea where I was and also no money on me. I didn¡¯t move an inch as I sat on the chair and folded my hands.


    ¡°Thought you wanted me to let you out¡± he teased but I didn¡¯t say anything as I kept a straight face looking at my front.


    ¡°Dunderhead¡± he said and closed the door before he continued to drive, I would pretend I didn¡¯t just hear him insulting me.

 Chapter 8

    We finally arrived at the mechanic shop. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to call it a shop because it was enormous. I never knew a ce as huge as this in this town. But yet I couldn¡¯t find a lot of workers but just a man and a young boy who looked more like his son from the wide opened door.


    Zach came down from the car and walked into the shop with his hands tucked in his pockets, I guess that was the way he liked to walk.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you wannae down?¡± He turned to me and asked but I pretended not to hear him by drifting my attention to my phone. He shrugged his shoulders and walked into the shop.


    I could see him talking to the man who now offered him his cigarette and I was surprised to see him puffing it. I never knew he was into smoking too.


    After waiting for what felt like hours, Zach finally came back to his car and started the engine. I had thought he wanted to repair something in the car but I was wrong, he totally made me miss my job. I¡¯m going to get in trouble.


    ¡°Can you please drop me off at the mall, I could still find a way to apologise for beingte¡± I said and he looked at me with furrowed brows.


    ¡°No can¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean no can¡¯t do, you can¡¯t make me lose my job¡± I yelled at him when I realized he wasn¡¯t going to drop me off.


    I seemed to have triggered him when he suddenly parked his car by the roadside and got down from it.


    ¡°Get down!¡± He ordered and I scoffed but when I saw the look of seriousness on his face I became scared. I came down from the car and stood really close to the door with my back pressed against the car.


    He walked closer to me and I started to feel his hot breath on my skin. I was tall but damn it I felt so small whenever he was this close to me. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to look at his intimidating face.


    He raised my chin with his hands that felt really cold and hard, ¡°look here love, never yell at me¡± he said in a low tone that was filled withmand and threat.


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and decided it wasn¡¯t the best time to be a chicken but to stand up to him on why I should be part of his silly game.


    ¡°I will continue to yell at you as long as you keep me around¡± I mouthed with his hand still on my chin. My words seemed to have surprised as he dropped his hands from my chin and took a step backward. He tucked his hands in his ck ripped jeans pocket and smirked.


    ¡°How much do you earn at work?¡± He asked.


    ¡°None of your fucking business!¡± I said through clenched teeth and entered the car. I was upset not because he made me miss my work today but because he had the fucking audacity to bring me out of a car and threaten me not to ever yell at him. If he didn¡¯t want that then why didn¡¯t he just refuse the fucking dare rather than keeping me around.


    He stood outside of the car for some while and I could feel his eyes piercing through my skin but I plugged in my earpiece and didn¡¯t make eye to eye contact with him.


    He entered the car and started the drive, I tried my best not to look at him or talk to him but the son of a devil won¡¯t let me be at peace as he suddenly started to st the car¡¯s speaker with heavy metal music on the loudest volume. I couldn¡¯t even hear a single beat from my earpiece.


    He started to drive towards another route which was neither my house or Maya¡¯s. I wanted to say something but I had a feeling he was expecting me toin so I said nothing and watched him drive. I wasn¡¯t going to bring myself to receive another insult.


    Shortly after, he stopped in front of the gate of a really big house, bigger than that of Xavier. I suspected it to be his house as a middle aged man suddenly opened the gates with his head bowed.


    He didn¡¯t answer or respond to the man who was still blowing but rather went into thepound and parked his car. I found it rude but I was in no position to speak of it.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why am I here?¡± I asked, rubbing my temples. I was really tired and stressed from school and another drama or scheme isn¡¯t what I need.


    ¡°The rules of the dare states we have to be together always, but don¡¯t worry you¡¯re free to go home today by 8 pm but as from tomorrow it¡¯s with full effects¡± he said bluntly.


    ¡°What do I tell my parents then?¡± I asked, my Dad wouldn¡¯t care if I was home or not but what if he did care, what would I tell him?


    ¡°That¡¯s your problem love¡± he said and walked in the house.


    The house was really big and spacious but it was empty, no one was in the house.


    ¡°I live alone¡± he said as if he knew what I was thinking about.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you what you need to know so I do mind you asking more questions, ¡± he coldly replied. He¡¯s a scumbag.


    I sat on the soft leather chair while he sat right opposite me with his MacBook on hisp. I continuously checked the time and it seemed like 8: o¡¯clock was forever.


    He seemed to be engrossed in whatever he was doing on hisptop and I bet he wasn¡¯t studying. His brows crinkled as he rubbed his temples before he continued to type on hisptop.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked hoping he would reply me


    ¡°I respect my personal space¡± he said and stood up to sit on a lone couch at the end of the living room.


    It was 8 o¡¯clock and I was d it was time for me to leave even though the time appear slower. Joe must be with Grace so I have nothing much to worry about.


    ¡°You can leave¡± he said while still engrossed in hisptop.


    ¡°I know¡± I replied and left the house. It was dark and cold outside with almost no way for me to go home. I couldn¡¯t call Maya by this time nor did I know the way to my house.


    Contemting on what to do I decided to go back inside and ask if he could give me a ride hoping he would be nice.


    I walked back in and met him sitting on the floor with his legs folded and hisptop on his legs.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here, it¡¯s past eight¡± he yelled.


    ¡°I¡­ i need a ride¡± I whispered but in a way he could hear me.


    He stared at me for a while scanning my face before he turned off hisptop and took his keys out of his pocket.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I said as soon as we got to the car


    ¡°Crap it!¡± He replied harshly, then I realized he was upset and mad with the whole idea of taking me back home.


    I told him my house address but he only knew the nearest bus stop so I would have to direct him there.


    He started the car and immediately turned on the speaker sting heavy metal music in my ears. I couldn¡¯t bear the loud sound so I plugged out his phone and connected it to mine.


    He watched me as I connected it and didn¡¯t say a word. I yed a soft song that was also sung by one of my favourite artists. I closed my eyes and sunk myself into the soft seat, then the music stopped and I heard a crash.


    ¡°What the hell!¡± I yelled and tears started to roll down my eyes at the sight of my phone broken and shattered behind me.


    I reached to take the broken phone and couldn¡¯t just help but cry, Mr Anderson had bought that phone for me and how was I to afford another phone.


    He didn¡¯t say a word to me neither did he apologize for his mistake, no not a mistake because he did it intentionally.


    Tears wouldn¡¯t stop rolling down my cheeks and I didn¡¯t want him to know that he had sessfully hurt me so I faced the window and looked at the dark night with tears running down my cheeks.


    ¡°What turn should I take?¡± he asked and I realized I was almost home.


    ¡°Left¡± I replied and he took the left turn.


    I finally got to my house so I came down from his car with my broken phone in my hand. I nned on mming the door really hard but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to.


    He drove off immediately. I came down still without apologizing and I concluded on not ying their little game anymore. I will let them know tomorrow.


    The lights from the living room were on and I knew my Dad would be in there. I took a deep breath before opening the door that he forgot to lock again.


    ¡°Hey girl¡± he said and belched after gulping down some alcohol down his throat. The house smelled of alcohol and it made me almost want to throw up.


    I turned to look at him and he was already asleep with a bottle of liquor in his hands.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t,¡± I cried to myself and walked out of the house. I would pass the night at Maya¡¯s hoping she would be awake because I had no means to contact her.

 Chapter 9

    It was time for school and Grace had promised to take care of Joe but nevertheless I wanted to do it myself because I missed doing it even though it¡¯s not up to a week yet.


    ¡°I missed you Isabe, please don¡¯t stay away for too long so you won¡¯t leave like mum¡± he cupped my hand with his two little hands as he looked at me with his big brown eyes and wet curly hair.


    ¡°Joe I¡¯m never going to leave you and I¡¯m letting you know this¡±


    ¡°But she said you were going to leave like my mum¡± he said and I raised his chin to look at me.


    ¡°Who said that?¡± I asked and he wiped the tears off his face with his wet hands.


    ¡°My girlfriend¡± he said and more tears started to run down his eyes. I would exin to himter about the girlfriend thing but now is a different time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see any reason for me to leave you Joe, Always and forever will I be with you even in my grave¡± I said and he hugged me tight. I ced a kiss on his head and tried to stop the tears from running down my eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you ready for school¡±


    ********


    After some minutes if not hour, we were all prepared to go to school and Maya was in her car driving. She seemed to be fairly okay than thest time I saw her, which was in school.


    I remembered I haven¡¯t told Maya about my incident at the party and what I have to face everyday but as I was about to call her, her phone rang and I kept quiet.


    We arrived at school and Zach parked his car beside ours almost immediately. I didn¡¯t want to face him, the thought ofst night made me upset and all I wanted to do was to smack his hair off his face.


    I came down from Maya¡¯s car and he also came down from his, watching my every movement.


    He had a big bag on his hand and he gestured at me to collect his bag from him. I rolled my eyes at him and left to enter the school.


    He seemed to have been humiliated but I care less about his reputation because he¡¯s a scum.


    I was having a physics ss when Zach suddenly entered the ssroom. I didn¡¯t think we were having the same ss together but I tried as much as possible to ignore him.


    ¡°Are you supposed to be here Mr O¡¯Connell?¡± The teacher asked him, causing everyone¡¯s eyes to drift to him, not like they weren¡¯t on him before.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing bad about an extra knowledge¡± he teasingly smirked, causing some girls tough. I found it irritating.


    ¡°Then have your seat¡± the teacher said and I suddenly felt his re on me. I tried to not be affected by it as I paid no attention to him then boom the devil¡¯s son decided to sit beside me after bullying the poor boy that was on the seat.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you?¡± He licked his teeth while ying with the edges of his pen.


    I didn¡¯t respond to him and pretended not to hear him talking.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking to you Be and you have to answer me!¡±


    ¡°Never call me Be, I¡¯m Isabe¡± I responded not realizing that my voice was a little bit loud.


    ¡°Is there anything you two would like to share with us?¡± The teacher interrupted and I shook my head before continuing with the sswork.


    ¡°Yelling is rude, especially when it¡¯sing from a Shrek that is supposed to be d she¡¯s stuck with me¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I am not a Shrek, in fact call me whatever you want for all I care but mind you I never wanted to be a part of your foolish game!¡±


    I stopped to catch my breath, I hadn¡¯t realized that I had stood up to yell and now the whole ss was staring at us.


    ¡°Okay that¡¯s it, Miss Brown and Mr O¡¯Connell to the counsellor¡¯s office now!¡± The teacher instructed and I packed my books and carried my bag.


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± I cussed as I mmed the ssroom door really hard not caring if it had hit Zach¡¯s face.


    *********


    ¡°You two realized you disturbed a ss and that is a serious offence¡± the short busty woman said while patting on her puffy blonde curly hair that looks like a wig.


    ¡°You know I would never disturb a ss on purpose¡± Zach took the woman¡¯s hands in his giving her a puppy eyes.


    ¡°Of course I know you can¡¯t disturb a ss, you¡¯re too sweet for that¡± she responded with a smile on her face.


    Just like every time, Zach was getting away with this again even though he caused it.


    ¡°Now tell me, did you or did you not raise your voice while a ss was going on?¡± She asked, referring to me.


    ¡°I did but¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts, you did it or you didn¡¯t¡± she cut me off


    ¡°I did it¡± I whispered and she gave me a smug smile.


    ¡°Good, you¡¯re to assist the janitor at the end of school today. You can go now¡± she said and dismissed me. I felt like crying, I had never been punished and none of these people wanted to believe me but they rather chose to believe Zach.


    Zach gave me a cold smirk even though he saw me crying. I immediately wiped off the tears and walked out of him.


    It was time for lunch and I had made up my mind to confront him and tell him I would no longer be a part of his stupid game.


    ¡°Hey Isabe!¡± Maya waved at me immediately she saw me and I walked to sit beside her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look well, what happened?¡± She asked, I wanted to tell her about everything but I knew that would only make me cry the more and I didn¡¯t want to break down in public.


    I sighted Zach and the rest of his gang at their usual lunch table and stood up to meet them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I said to Maya before leaving.


    Some part of me wanted to stay behind and sulk in the pain while the other part of me wanted to inflict pain on him too.


    ¡°I want to speak with you Zach¡± I said immediately I got to the table and they all kept quiet waiting for me to talk. Zach only stared at me but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sick and tired of you Zach, ever since this stupid game of yours started you¡¯ve caused me nothing but pain!¡± I yelled, causing a lot of attention.


    ¡°What have I even done to you to receive this punishment? I didn¡¯t even know you not until you helped me in the ssroom and I totally regret it, you should have let her embarrass me rather than torturing me. It fucking hurts the way you treat me and the things you¡¯ve caused¡± I tried to control the tears from falling down my eyes and at this point different students were with their phones recording the scene. Shit!


    ¡°Can you just shut it¡­.¡± Aurora yelled but I cut her off immediately.


    ¡°No I will not, I won¡¯t shut it, if you need someone gullible and naive to y this game on, then you should get some other girl because it¡¯s a game over for me¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m done with this game of yours Zach and I refuse to be humiliated by you¡± I finally said and turned my back to leave being fully satisfied.


    ¡°You know the consequences?¡± Aurora asked me to stop on my tracks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± I yelled, stressing every word and a sly smirk appeared on her face.


    I walked out of the cafeteria and headed for the basketball court. I needed to get my head together and escape from the different faces that were staring at me.


    The court was empty and just the perfect ce for me to pour out my emotions on, I rested my head on my knees and ran my hands through my hair.


    I suddenly felt a presence beside me and when those hands touched my back, I knew it was Maya.


    ¡°Hey girl!¡±


    ¡°Hey¡± I replied after blowing my nose into the handkerchief she gave me.


    ¡°Wanna talk?¡± She asked, I didn¡¯t know if I wanted to talk, to be alone would do me better.


    ¡°Can I be alone for now? We¡¯ll talk after school¡± I pleaded


    ¡°Shit I have to stay behind with the Janitor!¡± I pinched the bridge of my nose as I remembered.


    ¡°Wait, you got into trouble?¡± She asked and I nodded my head.


    **********


    School was over and everyone was trooping and rushing to go outside but then there¡¯s me, the girl who has to clean the school.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you¡± Maya offered and I thanked her as we both got a mop and started to clean a part of the school.


    She offered to clean the hallway while I cleaned the cafeteria and the Janitor would do the rest.


    I spotted Xaviering towards me but I pretended not to see him, I didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with any of them.


    ¡°Hey?¡± Xavier greeted me and I gave him a fake smile which he quite noticed.


    ¡°Look! I just want you to know that I have nothing to do with everything that is happening and I¡¯m also trying to convince those dudes but they¡¯re hell bent on continuing the dare even though Zach himself wants to end it¡± he said and I nodded my head not knowing what to say to him.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard but try your best to continue, besides you have about just two weeks more, Aurora would do anything it takes to humiliate you because that¡¯s the rule¡±


    ¡°Whoever quits first will be humiliated, else they ept and continue the dare, I hope you understand¡± he asked and I nodded my head.


    ¡°I do, thank you¡± I replied even though I knew I was never going to continue the dare.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop you off¡± he offered


    ¡°No thank you, actually Maya¡¯s going to drop me off¡±


    ¡°She left with Frank¡± he chuckled, ¡°she asked me to drop you off* he smirked and I buried my head in my hands. Can¡¯t believe she ditched me.


    I returned the mopping stick and adjusted my messy hair before following him to his car. I have to admit it, Xavier might look tough and hard on the outside with all the piercings and tattoos in most parts of his body but to top it all he was the sweetest of them all.

 Chapter 10

    The ride was filled with awkward a silence and Xavier¡¯s word keep ying in my head


    ¡°Look! I just want you to know that I have nothing to do with everything that is happening and I¡¯m also trying to convince those dudes but they¡¯re hell bent on continuing the dare even though Zach himself wants to end it¡± did Zach really want to end it? Perhaps he was tired of walking with a Shrek.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop here¡± I said to Xavier as I came down from his car and thanked him. I wasn¡¯t at my destination yet but the atmosphere in the car was getting stuffy and suffocating.


    I would pick Joe up and go to my house, I don¡¯t want to be a burden to the Anderson¡¯s. I arrived at their house and Maya wasn¡¯t there yet I assumed she must have gone out with Frank.


    I greeted Grace but couldn¡¯t find her husband, perhaps he had work to do.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be taking Joe with me today¡± I said and she nodded her head with a smile. I knew how much she loved and wanted him around but I needed some time with my little brother too.


    ¡°Okay take this, eat and buy anything you need¡± she said and handed over a hundred dors note. It was too much and I wanted to refuse it but she gave me a fierce look, I smiled and thanked her for being kind.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°How was school today Joe?¡± I noticed how he was walking was different, he was walking like a man.


    ¡°I ended it today!¡± He said with full confidence


    ¡°You ended what..?¡±


    ¡°I broke up with her¡± he said and I realized he was referring to his girlfriend.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sure you had a very good reason, I hope you¡¯re okay hunny?¡± I tried hard not tough or chuckle.


    ¡°Just like a fine new born baby¡± he said and I tried to contain theughter to the point of tears rolling down my eyes.


    He talked about his experience and everything that happened to her on our way back home.


    We finally got to and Eric wasn¡¯t home, I was kind of d he wasn¡¯t around.


    ¡°Isabe?!¡± Joe called my attention and I raised a brow to make him continue what he had to say.


    ¡°Grace had put some money in my backpack, she said I shouldn¡¯t tell you till we get home¡± he said while kicking the air with his legs. I kind of knew Grace would have done that.


    ¡°It¡¯s totally fine¡± I kissed his forehead and chuckled, we ordered for pizza and it arrived in no time.


    *********


    There was a loud bang at the door and I heard Maya yelling afterwards.


    I reached to open the door and she came in with fuming eyes, I should be the one with fuming eyes not her, she totally ditched me yesterday.


    ¡°Why the fuck have your phone been switched off since yesterday?¡± She yelled.


    I didn¡¯t say anything because I wanted her to calm her titties down, so I packed my afro hair into a messy bun and watched her fume.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna say anything?¡± She swung her hands in n the hair dramatically.


    ¡°The phone broke, it was an ident¡± I said leaving out the part that Zach had brutally smashed it.


    ¡°And you didn¡¯t care to tell me? We would have bought a new one, you dimwit!¡± she yelled. Even in her angry state she was still being nice.


    ********


    We got to school and I thanked her for the ride. I felt confident and happy mainly because I wouldn¡¯t have to face those wretched souls.


    The smile on my face suddenly vanished at the sight of what was in front of me, not just in front of me, not all over the whole school.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Maya yelled and looked at my face. I was dumbfounded, I couldn¡¯t say anything, not even a single word coulde out of my mouth.


    I stood still without moving and could feel different eyes on me, different fingers pointing at me, different mouths mocking andughing at me. I prayed the ground could just open up and swallow me up.


    My feet became cold and goosebumps appeared all over my body. They really did this to me?


    Maya started to rip each poster off the wall and collected each flier from the people holding them, then she threw it in the bin.


    She held my hands and took me into the school with rage and anger clearly written on her forehead.


    We got into the school and it was even worse, students were with their cameras recording me whileughing. This isn¡¯t supposed to be happening to me.


    Why is there a naked picture of me all over the school, I have never taken any nude pictures in my life so where have they gotten this from and why is an old man sucking my boobs.


    These monsters have sessfully ruined me and tarnished my image.


    I stood still without moving and Maya tried to rip on the posters but they¡¯ve seen it all, what was the point of trying to rip them off.


    I stood still with tears in my eyes and remembered what Xavier had told me. *Aurora would do anything it takes to humiliate you because that¡¯s the rule¡±* That daughter of a bitch.


    I tried to move but it was like my legs were glued to the floor when Xavier suddenly came rushing towards me.


    ¡°I promise I¡¯m just seeing this, I¡¯m so sorry¡± he apologized and I couldn¡¯t help but to crash myself on him and cried my heart out not caring if the whole school was watching.


    He patted my hair and didn¡¯t say any more words which I was grateful for. I hate to talk whenever I¡¯m like this.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of here¡± he said then carried me in a way that my head rested on his shoulders.


    I could feel the burning re from people while some girls still called me a slut. I spotted Zach passing by and he looked uninterested with whatever was happening, not even a sign of pity then Aurora suddenly walked by him giving me a burning re.


    Wasn¡¯t she supposed to be happy that she had sessfully ruined me, what¡¯s with the stupid face.


    Xavier carried me into his car and ced me down on the back seat.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I heard Maya running towards us, she nced at me at the back seat then returned her eyes to Xavier.


    ¡°Take care of her please¡± she begged and he nodded his head. She gave me a sad look before Xavier started the engines and left.


    ¡°You could drop me off at home, I don¡¯t want to make you miss school¡± I said and sniffed the catarrh in my nose.


    He looked at me through the rear mirror and handed over a tissue to me.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I said and blew my nose with it. I felt I was being disgusting but I cared less, the image in the school was more disgusting.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to take you home to feel more sad, I¡¯m taking you to an Ice cream parlor then you would feel better¡± he said and continued the drive in silence.


    We got to the ice cream parlour and luckily not a lot of people were there because I looked like a thrash right now.


    ¡°What vour would you like?¡±


    ¡°Uhm Vani ice cream and maybe with some banana vour by the side¡± I responded then he took our orders.


    The very tall waitress with skinny legs that looked good on her short wimpy skirts shortly came with our orders and I started to eat the ice cream while Xavier just watched me.


    ¡°Why are you staring?¡± I asked through my husk voice that was due to the tears.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful Isabe¡± he said and I felt some butterflies in my stomach.


    I looked at his face trying to find the sarcasm in what he had just said but couldn¡¯t find any.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I said and tucked in the strand of hair that was falling on my face and disturbing my Ice cream.


    ¡°Can you do me a favor?¡± He asked and I nodded.


    ¡°Continue the dare but make a bargain that you want just a week more¡± he said.


    I wasn¡¯t cool with the idea of going back to them especially Zach but I was sure as hell that they had more up their sleeves and won¡¯t stop to humiliate me. This could be the beginning.


    ¡°Okay¡± I said and noticed how he smiled at me.


    I was through with my ice cream and we decided to go back to school. I wanted to pay for the Ice cream with the money Grace gave me yesterday but he offered saying he brought me here and I let him pay for it.


    We had a few discussions in the car and shared someughter together. It was sweet of him to try to cheer me up in this type of situation.


    We finally arrived at school and I bumped into the counsellor. She was about toin or perhaps punish me again but when Xavier showed up she only smiled and let us leave for our next ss.


    School was finally over and I made my way to where Zach and his friends were staying, they were standing beside Zach¡¯s car while Aurora had her hands wrapped all over him. Slut.


    ¡°Uhm hey?¡± I said and scanned through them hoping to see Xavier but he wasn¡¯t there with them. He would have supported me on this.


    ¡°You look really hot without the cheap clothes covering it but where were you when the Lord was distributing boobs?¡± A tall guy wearing Greends t-shirt said.


    ¡°Perhaps the Lord was too busy fixing your brain¡± I replied and it made the rest of the gangugh at him. Zach also smirked but Aurora kept a straight face.


    ¡°Are you here to insult us or to apologise?¡± She asked


    ¡°Neither Love, I¡¯m here to bargain¡± I said and she removed her hands from Zach¡¯s body and folded it under her big titties.


    ¡°I¡¯ll continue the dare but only for one week and that¡¯s final¡± I said and she licked her teeth debating on what to say before she finally nodded her head in agreement.


    ¡°Cool¡± she said and my eyes had eye to eye contact with Zach, he was smirking.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± He gestured at me and I entered his car.

 Chapter 11

    ¡°you¡¯re sleeping over today,¡± He said as he parked his car in front of his huge house.


    I didn¡¯t contemte orin because I just wanted the dare to be over already. I have one week more to y along.


    ¡°Can I at least call Maya with your phone?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°But I have to make the call, it¡¯s urgent besides you fucking smashed my phone the previous day!¡± I yelled.


    He rubbed his temples with his eyes closed before getting down from his car without saying anything to me.


    ¡°Uhm, hello..??¡± I called for his attention. He turned to look at me with his hands tucked in his pocket. He sucked on his teeth and tilted his head to the side before focusing his face on me.


    ¡°If you want me to lend you my phone then you¡¯ll have to earn it!¡± He boldly said.


    This guy here is totally unbelievable, after smashing my phone and making me lose my perfect job he¡¯s here telling me to work to earn just a call?


    ¡°You realized you broke my phone?¡± I asked with my hands folded under my breast.


    ¡°Yup¡± he replied, popping the ¡°p¡±.


    ¡°And you¡¯re fully aware of the fact that you made me lose my job?¡±


    ¡°I am aware love¡± he smirked. I shut my kids tightly trying to contain all the anger in me so I don¡¯t push him to extend the dare period.


    I needed to phone Maya and tell her to pick Joe up from school so I guess I¡¯ll have to ¡°earn it¡±.


    ¡°Okay fine, I¡¯ll do as you say but can I make the call first? It¡¯s important¡± I said while giving him a fierce and burning re.


    He removed his iPhone from his back pocket and threw it at me, thankfully I caught it and I was d it didn¡¯tnd on the floor. Not like I would have cared but I still needed to make the call.


    He walked inside the house and I immediately started to dial Maya¡¯s number before he changes his mind and as soon as I was done with the call I went inside the house.


    Maya had agreed to pick Joe up from school and drop him off tomorrow morning but I had made some excuses leaving out the part that I was at Zach¡¯s house.


    I entered the house and saw him lying on one of the couches with his face up and his hand covering his eyes.


    ¡°Get me water, it¡¯s in the kitchen¡± he ordered through his gruff voice. I wanted to refuse but I remembered the deal I had with him. I just hope he doesn¡¯t overuse it.


    I entered the kitchen which was really big and we¡¯ll equipped. I didn¡¯t even know the usefulness of some of the equipment in the kitchen.


    I reached for the fridge and noticed it was covered with lots of pictures that immediately captivated my eyes.


    They were pictures of Zach from his babyhood to teenage good to oh well the monster he has be. His baby pictures looked cute as I admired the chubby little boy with big doe eyes. He looked the exact opposite of his baby pictures.


    I noticed a woman¡¯s picture was also on the fridge so I took a closer look at it and saw the stunning resemnce immediately. She was his mum. A really beautiful and young woman, I wondered why he¡¯s now loving alone.


    ¡°I asked for water!¡± A grump voice said behind me making me scream. I hadn¡¯t expected someone here.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to meddle in my affairs¡± he reached for me and I was suddenly caught up between Zach and the fridge. The more he walked closer the more I became scared then he snatched the picture out of my hand and pasted it back on the fridge before aggressively collecting the water from me.


    I released the breath I didn¡¯t realize I have been holding since he was around. I went back to the living room and he was now seated on the couch with one leg on it and another on the floor.


    I wanted to ask him more about the woman and why he lived alone if he had a mother but I knew he was going to ignore me and maybe smash my head this time.


    ¡°So what are we going to do all through the night?¡± I asked but he didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Where am I even going to sleep?!¡± I asked with my voice raised and he looked at my face for some while without saying anything.


    ¡°Can you cook?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± My brows furrowed as I found the question weird. So I¡¯m his cook now? But I must admit that I was kind of hungry and needed to eat something.


    I entered the kitchen and scanned through for what I could cook before my eyesnded on some noodles. It¡¯s been a long time since I ate noodles so I decided to go for it.


    I brought out the noodle packs and some vegetables, I didn¡¯t ask if he liked vegetables and if he didn¡¯t like them, more noodles for me.


    I washed the carrots and proceeded to chop them into smaller pieces when I suddenly cut my finger with the knife by mistake.


    I made a groaning loud sound and he entered the kitchen to see what was happening. I didn¡¯t want him to feel pity on me and didn¡¯t want to let him see the hand but he reached for me and brought my hand to his.


    For the first time I¡¯ve known him, I saw some other emotion on his face as he took me out of the kitchen to the bathroom. He brought out a first aid kit and cleaned the gushing red blood off with a cotton wool but it wouldn¡¯t stop bleeding so he put my finger under a running tap and I felt a sharp sting but it didn¡¯tst long.


    ¡°Why do you have to be so careless?¡± he said while his eyes were still fixed on my finger.


    ¡°I¡¯m not used to this knife¡± I replied and he didn¡¯t say anything more.


    He removed my finger from the running water and brought it to his lips. My breathing stopped again as I felt his hot breath on my finger. I don¡¯t know why I was feeling this way and it was definitely a toxic thing to feel.


    He blew hot hair on my fingers with his mouth circled showing the formation of his small pink lips. The upper part was a perfect Cupid bow and the lower part was full and plumped.


    ¡°Stop staring¡± he said, he had noticed me staring at him all the while and I¡¯m sure he thinks I¡¯m a weirdo now.


    After applying some methted spirit and some band he led me out of the bathroom. I felt uneasy, all my head could process was to kiss those lips of his and feel something.


    ¡°I¡¯ll continue with it¡± he said before entering the kitchen and I stood by him watching how he chopped and sliced each vegetable perfectly.


    ¡°Is she your mother?¡± I asked and I could immediately sense the anger building up In him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for asking though, never mind¡± I said and immediately started to walk out of the kitchen.


    ¡°She was my mum¡± he said and I nodded my head with an ¡°oh¡± following after.


    I settled myself on the couch and decided to do my assignments before he would be back with the food. In no time I was done and I sighted himing out of the kitchen with just a te of food in his hand.


    I assumed he wasn¡¯t kind enough to bring my food for me and my assumptions were right when I saw my food on the counter. At least he dished it.


    After eating I turned on the television and decided to watch some movies on Netflix. He gave me a dating look to continue and I had to beg him to let me watch it.


    I opened Netflix and checked his list, I didn¡¯t quite see any movie of my type rather than some bunch of erotic and horror movies.


    After searching for a movie that suits my taste I settled down for it but it was getting a little bit boring and I didn¡¯t realize when sleep took over me.


    *********


    ¡°Wake up, you don¡¯t want to miss school!¡± A grumpy and deep voice woke me up. I panicked at first because my brain hadn¡¯t processed that I was in Zach¡¯s house.


    ¡°Good morning¡± I greeted but he left the room rather than responding, then reality struck me. I had slept off in the living room while watching Netflixst night and now I¡¯m on the bed in a room.


    He must have probably carried me to the room. A soft smile appeared on my face on the thought of him being nice and caring before I realized I was in his shorts and t-shirt rather than the sweatshirt and Jean I wore the previous day.


    Anger and sadness grew in me immediately as I stormed out of the room.


    ¡°You undressed me?!¡± I yelled at him and he cocked his brows in a confusing manner.


    ¡°So?¡± He asked


    ¡°So, really, is that what you¡¯re going to say? You fucking saw my nakedness yesterday!¡± I screamed and he pinched the bridge of his nose before rubbing his temples.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be worried about, I didn¡¯t look,¡± he said and walked into his room before shutting the door.


    Anger and rage filled me and I barged into his room but regretted almost immediately. Earlier on he was putting on a singlet and a sweatpant but now he was on a towel that hung right below his v-line.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed as I left the room with my head down and I can swear if my face was to be light he would have seen some blush.

 Chapter 12

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I kept thinking of how she came to bargain throughout the drive. To be honest I pitied her the instance I saw the look on her face after her posters were pasted all over the school by that bitch. Can¡¯t Aurora just let go and let us go our separate ways.


    We arrived at my house and I was grateful. I loved being alone with my peace and quiet since I¡¯m used to it already.


    ¡°You¡¯re sleeping over today¡± I said and she didn¡¯t look surprised. Aurora wanted her to sleep over which I clearly don¡¯t know the reason for. She¡¯s a jealous bitch and even though we were not dating she would still want to be all over me.


    I could dismiss her by eight just like I did the other day but a part of me wants to keep her around for some while. Perhaps it¡¯s because of her meekness and naiveness.


    ¡°Can I at least call Maya with your phone?¡± She asked. I wanted to say yes and give it to her but I don¡¯t want to be that soft on her so I said no wanting her to beg more then I would give her a condition. I was starving.


    After the back and forth dialogue and argument I gave her the phone when she agreed to do anything I told her to do for today which would be so great.


    I walked in the house feeling all tired and my legs hurt from my boot, I removed the fucking boots andid on the couch with my head up.


    I noticed her presence and debated on what my first assignment to her could be, ¡°Get me water!¡± Imanded but in my gruff tone.


    She reluctantly went into the kitchen while I continued to rest my back on the chair. It had been hurting for no reason.


    She was taking too long to return with just a bottle of water so I stood up and entered the kitchen to see her staring at the pictures on my fridge but she was particrly staring at a picture of my mother that was in her hands.


    Within this short while I¡¯ve known her, I knew how curious she could get about something and won¡¯t rest until her questions are answered and exined but not today.


    I reached for her but she didn¡¯t seem to notice my presence.


    ¡°I asked for water!¡± I said and she screamed in fear almost immediately. I kind of knew she would scream and it was fun trying it out on her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to meddle in my affairs¡¯ ¡® I said and moved closer to her till she was stuck in between my body and the fridge.


    I could feel her breathing seized and her heart raced faster. I snatched the picture from her hand and pinned it back on the fridge before reaching for the bottle of water in her hand then I left for the living room.


    I returned to the couch and sat on it with my bottle of water in my hands as I drank it thirstily. The water suddenly made me hungrier.


    ¡°So what are we going to do all through the night?¡± She asked. I wanted to reply her with forey but I decided to keep it cool and maybe not give her a little heart attack so I said nothing.


    ¡°Where am I even going to sleep?¡± She nagged again and her questions were getting too fucking much.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Can you cook?¡± I asked to divert her from asking me questions and perhaps keep her busy.


    She walked into the kitchen and I wondered how she wasfortable in a sweatshirt by this time of the day in a hot period.


    But to admit it she had a really nice body shape especially when you¡¯re not looking at her annoying face but her behind.


    Different thoughts started to ravage through my mind and I wanted her body underneath mine. I let that thought shove away because she was never going to let me and even if she does, she would expect me to y the role of a fucking boyfriend.


    ¡°Gah!!¡± I suddenly heard a groan from her and rushed into the kitchen. She had cut herself with the knife but was trying to hide her hands away from me.


    I reached to take her hand in mine and the cut on her finger was really deep. Fuck she was really bleeding.


    I held her by the waist and led her out of the kitchen to the bathroom where the first aid kit was. Her waist was really a tiny one and looked almost unreal. If she were to be Aurora I would have called it stic. I loved the way my hands covered her entire waist but I shoved the thought out of my head. Nothing¡¯s happening.


    We entered the bathroom and I ced her hand under a running tap to wash off the blood but the blood didn¡¯t stop rushing out of her soft and warm hand.


    ¡°Why do you have to be so careless?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not used to the knife,¡± she humbly replied. I removed her finger from the tap and brought it to my mouth to blow it dry. Then I noticed how much she had been staring at me.


    ¡°Stop staring¡± I contemted and she blinked her eyes rapidly trying to look away as if I didn¡¯t just catch her.


    The bleeding had reduced so I applied some methted spirit and a band to heal it faster. I was hungry and couldn¡¯t just leave the food there so I offered to cook the food. I started off by slicing and chopping the vegetables she couldn¡¯t chop then she entered the kitchen to watch me perform magic.


    ¡°Is she your mother?¡± She asked, I knew I was to expect this question from her anyway.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for asking though, never mind¡± she immediately added when I didn¡¯t reply to her first question.


    ¡°She was my mum¡± I answered in a short sentence. She was expecting me to say more but then it¡¯s such a disappointment I guess.


    She returned back to the living room while I continued with the food and in no time it was ready so I dished both mine and hers.


    I carried her food to give to her but realized I was being too nice so I left it on the counter and carried mine alone.


    I saw herying but her gaze was on me before she stood up to get her food.


    The time flew by really fast and she was asleep already. Shit I had forgotten to show her her room and she would wake up with terrible body pain if she slept on the couch.


    I reached for where she was and carried her in my arms, she was so light that it almost looked like I wasn¡¯t carrying anything. I watched how her eyshes covered her face and her mnin skin glowed under the fluorescent lightbulb. I bet she would have been better if she took care of her body and closet.


    I carried her up the stairs andid her on the bed. I turned my back to leave but noticed she was still in her normal outfit. I wasn¡¯t supposed to care and I don¡¯t know how it happened but I saw myself caring when I went to take my clothes and started to undress her.


    I turned off the lights so it¡¯ll be difficult for me to see her naked body as I pulled off her old clothes and wore her a new one and to be very honest she¡¯s a deep sleeper.


    She wasn¡¯t wearing any bra and I was surprised because this would be the first time I¡¯m seeing ady without a bra. Her body felt warm and soft under my touch and I had to control the urge not to reach and pinch her tiny nipples.


    After undressing and dressing her, I closed the room door and left for the living room. On getting there I saw the screen light on my phone so I rushed towards it knowing I might have a call.


    By the time I got to the phone the call had ended and it was from an unknown number. I left it there knowing the person would call back if it was urgent then my phone suddenly rang again.


    I picked up the phone and the first word that came out from the caller¡¯s mouth made my body freeze immediately. It was my Father.


    ¡°Hello, Zach, are you there son?¡± He asked but my body was still frozen and I couldn¡¯t bring myself to talk so I hung up. what the hell could he want from me.


    My phone buzzed again and I declined the call immediately, it kept on ringing and when I was tired of declining the call I picked it to hear what he had to say.


    ¡°Zach!¡± He yelled from the other side of the phone but I didn¡¯t respond to his bitchy attitude.


    ¡°Look I know you hate me son, but you¡¯re still my first son and you were the only child I have¡± he said but my brain immediately processed the use of past tense in his sentence. What could he mean?


    ¡°Zach my new wife has given birth and I want you to be at your step sister¡¯s naming ceremony.¡± He said, waiting for myment or reply.


    ¡°Hopefully you can make it!¡± He added and hung up. Such a scum. Anger filled my whole body and I couldn¡¯t help but punch the walls. I realized I could wake her up and I¡¯m not in for any of her questions so I stopped not minding the bruises and blood on my knuckles.


    My father had been nothing but a terrible and good for nothing man that doesn¡¯t even deserve to breathe the air normal people breathe in. He¡¯s a scoundrel and the definition of a beast.


    How dare him invite me toe for a stupid naming ceremony with one of the prostitutes he left my mother for. I had been trying to live without him or his help, I had been trying to build up a career for myself but the motherfucking bastard won¡¯t stop to meddle at every fucking chance he gets.


    With anger and rage in my head I left the living room to my bathroom and let the cold showers touch my skin and relieve me from my stress. I watched how the water washed off the blood stain on my hands.


    Aftering out of the bathroom I wore my regr night wear but my mind was still unsettled and I wasn¡¯t sure if I would be able to sleep well tonight. Not like I have been sleeping well but I had a feeling tonight would be worse.

 Chapter 13

    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    The rain fell really heavy as thunder pped throughout the ssroom making the whole kids scream in fear. Even though some were not actually scared but just wanted to have fun.


    The teacher had left the ssroom earlier for the staff room because of the constant screams from the students.


    Iid my head on my desk as I couldn¡¯t bear to watch them perform their minutes of madness. Some ss couples proceeded to smooch and romance themselves and sounds of kisses filled the air.


    ¡°Bitch!¡± Maya¡¯s voice rang in my ear really loud.


    ¡°Shit! I¡¯m still going to need these ears for seventy more years¡± I cussed but the fuming Maya wasn¡¯t buying anything as she rested her hands above her hips in a dramatic way.


    ¡°Where were you yesterday?¡± She asked while tapping her feet on the floor.


    ¡°I.. uhm I had things to do¡± I lied, technically it was a white lie.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯m your friend and you¡¯re keeping things from me¡± She said and I could feel the pain in her voice.


    She dragged an empty seat from the other roll and pulled it to my front, she sat on it and made me face her.


    ¡°Are you okay Isabe?¡± She asked while lifting my chin.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡± A thunder p cut me off.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine babe, there¡¯s nothing much to worry about from me¡± I said with a smile and she gave me the warmest hug ever.


    ¡°Everything is temporary, don¡¯t stress,¡± she said before pulling away from the hug. I had a feeling she knew about Zach and I after the words she said but I decided to keep it to myself.


    We talked more for some while and gossiped over almost everything going on in the school while the rain only kept getting worse.


    I was caught up in our conversation and all that I didn¡¯t notice Zach entering the ssroom. He was in the same outfit he wore when we left his house but his white hoodie was rather stained with female lipsticks. Must be Aurora.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± Zach called but Maya kept on talking without paying attention to him, she hated him a lot.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back Maya¡± I said and stood up to meet Zach which left Maya In total awe. She was surprised I would want to talk to her. Unknown to her that I actually have to live with him for a week.


    I walked towards Zach but he didn¡¯t say anything to me, rather he grabbed my hands and pulled me out of the ssroom.


    He looked bothered like something was eating him up and he wanted to vomit it out.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked him out of concern, seeing him in his unsettled state of mind.


    He stared at me for some while without talking, perhaps he was debating on what to say. He finally opened his mouth to say something but shut them immediately and walked away.


    I stood there in shock. If he knew he wouldn¡¯t say anything, why had he called me from the ssroom only to leave or keep me guessing what he would say?


    I returned to the ssroom but couldn¡¯t find Maya, she must have left angrily after all I ditched her to talk to Zach.


    I settled on my seat and returned to the position I was in before Maya hade, I rested my head on the desk. Not quite long I heard another voice interrupting me and it was Xavier¡¯s.


    I smiled at the sight of him and he returned the smile, something felt strange and different about him but it took me a while to notice he had a new tattoo on his neck. A butterfly.


    ¡°A butterfly?¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m weird but I love butterflies¡± he replied and I couldn¡¯t help but admire his charming self.


    ¡°Do y¡¯all have ns today? I could take you out¡± he said and I shrugged my shoulders. I can never tell what¡¯s up with Zach or if he had ns.


    ¡°Would he let me go out even if he didn¡¯t have anything to do?¡± I asked knowing full well how much of a psychopath Zach was.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try it out¡±


    ¡°Try what out?¡± Zach interrupted Xavier immediately, he had returned to my ssroom.


    ¡°We were going to grab some food together after school hours¡± Xavier said and stood upright, tucking his hands in his pocket so Zach¡¯s presence wouldn¡¯t intimidate him.


    ¡°Too bad, we have ns right now¡±


    ¡°We do?¡± I asked in awe, Zach never said anything about this. But in no time I found myself in the front seat of his car watching the reckless driver driving.


    I was cold and even though the heater of the car was on it wasn¡¯t doing any Justice to my body, cold affects me easily.


    He seemed to have noticed how bad I was shivering as he parked the car by the roadside and reached for the back seat where he brought out a light blue hoodie and handed it over to me then he increased the heater all the way up.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I said but being the guy he was, he ignored and didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I wondered what couldn¡¯t have waited till after school hours.


    ¡°Stay away from Xavier, he isn¡¯t who he seems to be¡± He warned.


    ¡°Of course he doesn¡¯t seem to be who he is, he¡¯s a soft mushroom underneath a big hard rock¡± I finished with a smile on my face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hang out with him anymore¡± he said again and might have gotten on my nerves.


    ¡°Excuse me? You don¡¯t get to tell me who I should or shouldn¡¯t associate with¡± I snapped and noticed how his hands became tighter on the wheel and he started to drive really fast that I feared that the car might hit something or worse summersaults.


    ¡°Slow down!¡± I yelled for the three hundredth time before he finally pulled over by a mall.


    ¡°Why are we here?¡± I asked but he didn¡¯t reply as he turned off his car engines and made to leave the car.


    ¡°Lock it on your way out¡± he said referring to the door and went out, it was still raining and now I¡¯ll have to run into the mall so as to not get drenched.


    I caught up with him even though he was walking really fast. I had a lot of questions to ask and things to say but I didn¡¯t think he would want any of that.


    I followed closely behind him as he walked to the phones section, yet to say any word to me he chose an iPhone XR and gave thedy that was behind the cash register his credit card. Her hands fumbled when she was collecting it and it was clearly obvious that she was having a crush on him at the moment.


    After he made the payments he handed the phone to me, ¡°to rece your broken phone¡± he said while holding the rectangr portable box.


    I had not expected the phone to be mine, I thought he was going to get himself a new phone since he already had about three of them.


    ¡°W.. why?¡± I asked and he turned to drop the phone on the cashier¡¯s counter for a refund.


    ¡°Hey! Hold the fuck on!¡± I grabbed his hands to pull him away from the counter but my effort had no effect.


    ¡°You want it or you don¡¯t?¡± He fiercely asked with a serious tone and I nodded my head.


    ¡°Good, let¡¯s go!¡± He ordered and I carried my new phone to walk behind him when I heard the cashier say something under her breath but I heard anyway.


    ¡°I wish I was her, she¡¯s lucky¡± were the words she said. Why does everyone feel attracted to Zach?


    We went outside the mall and entered the car, it had stopped raining unlike earlier today it was now drizzling.


    He started the car¡¯s engine and we began our journey back home.


    ¡°Be!¡± His hoarse voice called and I turned to look at him. The name Be brought a lot of bad memories but I didn¡¯t think he would stop to call me that.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± I answered by adjusting my body on the seat so I was now facing him.


    ¡°What if your Dad remarried after abandoning your mother and invited you to a function, would you go?¡± He asked and I was surprisingly shocked.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Uhm.. well I don¡¯t really know much to say, I¡¯m not on good terms with my father and my mum abandoned me years ago so I don¡¯t know how it feels like or what I would do¡± I answered honestly and I could see an emotion on his face.


    ¡°Imagine you were in that position, what would you do?¡± He asked and I sunk myself into the seat.


    ¡°I would go, just to check up on somethings¡± I said not fully sure if I would actually attend a function they host.


    ¡°Hmm!¡± He hummed and focused more on the road.


    ¡°What happened to your parents?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Life happened¡± I replied to him, I would have told him more but he never tells me about his own family and all.


    He nodded his head and a smile followed afterwards, more of a smirk though.


    ¡°You know why I like you?¡± He asked still with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re smart¡± he said and rocked his head.


    ¡°There¡¯s a party after school today and we¡¯re going together¡± he said but today wasn¡¯t even a weekend.


    ¡°A party on the weekdays?¡± I asked and he nodded his head but didn¡¯t say anything more.


    ¡°Wear something good¡± He finished and parked by the school. It was still 12pm and I was sure I would have a ss right now since the rain had stopped and the teachers had no excuse to not be in the ss.


    We walked in the English ss together and the teacher¡¯s gaze was on us for a while before it drifted. Students were also staring at us in surprise but I knew what they were all thinking of but Zach and I didn¡¯t do any shit together.

 Chapter 14

    ¡°wear something good¡± his words still echoed in my head but what do I have that fits with the word ¡°good¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯ll guess, you don¡¯t have something good enough to wear¡± he said while his hands were rxed on the steering wheel.


    He was sounding rude but I didn¡¯t see a hint of rudeness or sarcasm on his face, perhaps this was his preferred way of talking.


    ¡°Sorta¡± I replied. He kept quiet and I felt ufortable. I rolled down the window of the car for fresh air since the atmosphere of the car was getting heated and suffocating.


    The cool breeze from the rain filled the car and I could tell that he was also enjoying it.


    ¡°Thank you for the phone¡± I said, realizing I haven¡¯t really gotten to thank him, even though he was the one who damaged it at first.


    He turned to face me but diverted his attention back to the road with a smile on his face. Was he warming up to me?


    He stopped the car by the roadside and gestured at me to follow him, there was a boutique with different flower decorations on the outside.


    I felt a feeling of excitement and butterflies in my stomach when I realized he was going to buy me a dress. This would be the first time a man has ever bought me a dress.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to check for your size or the one that suits your taste¡± he said with his hand in his pocket and the other fumbling with his car keys. I could see thedy that was attending to us feeling ufortable and shy around him.


    I scanned through the hundreds of clothes but couldn¡¯t find the one that I really liked, everything seemed too exposing and shy while some that were okay we¡¯re really expensive.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been here for thirty minutes, is it that hard to pick a dress?¡± he groaned andined on the sofa he was sitting on.


    I walked up to him and he scanned me from my head to toe, ¡°where¡¯s the dress?¡± He asked, looking almost annoyed.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find the one that suits my taste¡± I replied and he fixed his eyes at me that if they were mes I would have turned to ashes.


    He stood up and walked closer to me, I could feel my breath seizing but I tried to look calm on the outside. He walked past me and brushed his hands through some stack of clothes before pulling a dress out.


    It was a beautiful armless emerald green gown with no neck but a rope that hung around the neck and fell on the bare back. It had a little opening at the two sides of the waist and some pearls were decorated on it.


    It was the definition of gorgeous but I had seen it while checking for clothes, I didn¡¯t pick the dress because it was fucking expensive and I wouldn¡¯t want to be a sudden burden.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take this¡± he said to thedy and brought out his credit card to pay.


    ¡°It¡¯s too expensive Zach¡± I protested but he ignored me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to wear that tonight if you buy it!¡± I added and he smirked and paid the cashier. She packaged the dress and handed it back to him.


    He threw the bag to me and I caught it, without saying a word the smirk on his face said thousands of words that I knew that there would be trouble if I didn¡¯t wear the dress to the fucking party.


    We went back to the car and he drove to his house. I went to my room to take a quick shower before we would leave for the party, which was still some hours left.


    After bathing I checked myself in the mirror and the thought of dressing up crossed my mind. On a normal day I would not care about my hair or other things but today I was in a really good mood and wanted to try something out.


    I own no makeup but I could style my hair and apply a little lip gloss that Maya had forced me to always carry around to avoid dry lips.


    I loosened my hair and sprayed some water on it to activate the curls which I just brushed through. I had great hair that didn¡¯t need a thousand dors product to look good.


    I wore the dress and it looked absolutely perfect on me. I couldn¡¯t help but admire my reflection in the mirror. Perhaps I should be paying more attention to myself but hell I have said that to myself a lot of times but still end up not doing shit.


    To finish the look I wore my sandals which I had worn earlier but they were really beautiful silver sandals that Grace had bought for me.


    The door behind me opened and I screamed In fear, ¡°Shit you startled me and hold on what if I was naked!¡± I yelled at the boy who had just barged into my room without knocking.


    ¡°It¡¯s my house!¡± He inly said and I hissed.


    I noticed how he continued to stare at me without saying anything, his eyes were filled with an emotion I can¡¯t exin but he just stood by the door with his eyes frozen on me.


    ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± I asked myself if I had worn the dress wrongly or perhaps had a stain on it.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± He said and walked outside of the room. Weirdo!


    I followed behind him as he entered his car and we were shortly on our way to the party. Xavier wasn¡¯t the host of this party but it was rather another person from the Greends. Apparently he won a jackpot and decided to spend the money on a party.


    We arrived at the venue and I could see different cars also parked outside the house. Some couples were already making out in the open air and I found that really disgusting.


    Immediately we entered the building some of his teammates gestured at him to join them on a table while I on the other hand looked for the perfect and quiet spot to stay.


    I hated parties and in fact this is the second highschool party I¡¯ve attended in my whole life. I found a corner with not many people but just two girls being obscene. But beside them was something that caught my eyes.


    There was a big transparent bowl with a purple liquid in it. There were party cups on the table and I assumed it was a homemade punch. I reached for it and poured myself some in the red stic cup.


    I sniffed it and it didn¡¯t smell of alcohol but the smell wanted me to drink it immediately so I did. That was probably the best drink I ever tasted and being a sucker for drinks I continued to drink more cups that I lost count of.


    I started to feel a little tipsy and it started to be hard for me to think clearly but I was still fully aware of my surroundings. I dropped the half filled cup back on the table, that would be all for today.


    The music suddenly changed to a music I was well familiar with and my body started to move to the rhythm. It was unusual for me but I suddenly liked where it was going.


    A blonde haired guy suddenly moved towards me with a bottle of beer in his hands. I didn¡¯t mind seeing him dancing in front of me and I surprisingly moved closer to him and started to dance with him. The drink was definitely kicking in but I couldn¡¯t stop myself.


    He dropped his bottle of beer on a table and ced his hands on my butt giving it a tight squeeze. I felt uneasy but my body won¡¯t stop dancing with him.


    He thought I was giving him a green light as a mischievous smile appeared on his face and he dragged me to a lonely and quiet corner.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why are we here?¡± I asked but it came out in the form of a chuckle, was I drunk?


    He ced his rough hands on my waist and slightly moved it to my bare back caressing it, his hands slowly moved below my back and he grabbed my butt again but this time moved me closer to him and I could feel the bulge on his trousers.


    I knew this wasn¡¯t right as I was still sane, I tried to break free from his grip but he wouldn¡¯t let me. His grip on my butt became tighter and it hurts really well.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± I tried to yell but he kept on doing the opposite of what I had said.


    ¡°You started this now baby, how about you finish it¡± he said and I knew I was in a mess.


    I hit his chest but they were so rock hard that they didn¡¯t move him a bit. His hands slowly started to slip underneath my short gown and I was already feeling his hands on my nakedps.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± I yelled again and suddenly heard a loud blow and his grip on me loosened.


    I heard another blow and opened my eyes to see Zach standing closely beside me.


    ¡°Dude what the hell!¡± The blonde guy yelled with his hands on his cheeks where the blow had hit him. His mouth was also filled with blood. Without saying a word, Zach led me outside the house.

 Chapter 15

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I checked my phone and it was getting toote already, the saying about women taking too long to dress up was actually true.


    I walked towards her room door and opened it to unleash my rage at her.


    ¡°Shit!¡± She cussed out of fear


    ¡°you startled me and hold on, what if I was naked?¡± She asked and I cocked my brow at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s my house¡± I said and immediately noticed her. I had entered the room but wasn¡¯t paying attention to the way she looked.


    I lost my breath and words, I hade here to torment her but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say any word at the sight of her. She was the perfect definition of beauty, more beautiful than I have ever seen her.


    The emerald green dress fit her perfectly as they hung perfectly on every right curve. Her hair wasn¡¯t packed in a messy ponytail but rather her curls were left to fall on her back, her perfectly smooth back. Her lips were shining under the fluorescent lightbulb teasing me to touch it.


    ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± She asked, cutting me off of my trance.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± I said and walked out of the room, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to tell her she looked beautiful because it might get into her head and she won¡¯t see me as the monster I am.


    I walked into my car and started the drive to Lam¡¯s house, it was just some few minutes away. Heaven knows I hated parties but the teammates won¡¯t stop till they make me attend their parties and today I had to bring Be along ording to the dare.


    I arrived shortly at Lam¡¯s house and it was obvious the party was on already with the different wasted teenagers doing all sorts of things by their cars. I tried to look straight and avoid them when my eyes suddenly made contact with two teenagers having rough sex in their car.


    I looked at Be¡¯s face but she didn¡¯t seem to notice them so I continued my steps and entered the house.


    On entering the house, my teammates spotted me almost immediately and gestured at me to join them with what they were doing. I went ahead and left Be behind.


    ¡°What¡¯s up man¡± Nick greeted and lifted his fist for a fist bump which I returned.


    ¡°I¡¯m great¡± I said and he passed over a blunt he was smoking. It has been a long time since I smoked so I collected the almost finished smoke from him and puffed it.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    I handed the smoke back to him and he stretched his hands to collect it. I didn¡¯t want to smoke or drink too much because I wouldn¡¯t trust Be to drive my expensive and most precious car.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going with her?¡± Bruce asked, pointing to Be.


    ¡°Unexpectedly fine¡± I answered and they realized I didn¡¯t want to talk more on the topic so they started to chat among themselves.


    I couldn¡¯t divert my attention from Be as I kept watching her every move. It was hard to take my eyes off her.


    I watched as her eyes shone at the sight of the purple drink in front of her but I bet she didn¡¯t have any idea that it was alcoholic but only with a low volume but is still capable of getting her drunk.


    I wanted to reach for her and warn her not to take it but at the same time I didn¡¯t want to be that freak that was stalking a girl¡¯s every move so I stayed back and watched her.


    She reached for a stic cup and poured herself some of the drink, she did the same over and over that I lost count of how many drinks she had taken then she suddenly dropped the cup and I realized she was probably drunk already.


    The music changed and everyone in the room started to dance to the song including Be herself but her steps were rather seductive as she shook her butt in a way that made her short skirt rise and fall leaving a little to the imagination.


    A guy suddenly walked towards her with a bottle of beer in his hands dancing along with her, she noticed him and started to dance with him. I knew something was up and the guy wasn¡¯t up to no good when he dropped his beer and ced his hands on her butt.


    She still continued to sway her hips and her butt and it was obvious the boy took it as an approval as he suddenly dragged her to a corner that was hard for me to watch her.


    I stood up to go meet them in case the guy would try anything funny but I sat down almost immediately. I saw no reason to protect her or stop her from having sex with a stranger but there was something in me that didn¡¯t like the idea of her being touched by another, afterall she was still my dare and mine till some days time.


    My mind wasn¡¯t at rest as I stood up immediately and walked towards the corner he took her to. The scene in front of me made every vein in me cringe and every muscle in me got ready for a fight as I punched the guy taking him unaware.


    He had wanted to force himself on Be even though she was refusing him, his hands were slipping into her skirt squeezing herps and bare butt really tight. I got really angry and I couldn¡¯t control myself as I gave him another blow to the face.


    ¡°Dude what the hell¡± the useless punk yelled with blood filled up in his mouth. I didn¡¯t want to cause a scene or make him end up in the hospital so I dragged her hands and left the room. Be didn¡¯t say a word but was observing everything. She was definitely drunk.


    I took her to the lonely pool that was at a corner of Lam¡¯s house. I was thankful the pool was empty and perhaps I could whine away time here.


    I made her sit down on one of the expensive chairs that was beside the pool. I dipped my leg into the cold water not caring if my trousers would get wet. I wiped my face with the cold water and to admit, it felt great.


    I turned to see Be standing up from the chair and walking towards me, she had a mischievous smirk on her face and before I could process what she was up to, she pushed me inside the pool and started tough.


    Herughter was contagious and beautiful that I realized i have never heard herughing before and yet the first time I¡¯ll be hearing it she happened to be drunk.


    ¡°Are you fucking high!¡± I yelled as I used my fingers to remove the chlorinated water from my eyes.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m perfectly sane,¡± she said with a smile on her face. I would have strangled her if she wasn¡¯t in this state and also if she didn¡¯t look cute.


    ¡°Make way, I¡¯ming¡± she said and jumped into the pool causing a big ssh.


    ¡°Fuck it¡¯s fucking cold!¡± She screamed almost immediately and I couldn¡¯t help butugh, of course it would be cold it fucking rained today.


    I watched as she shivered in the water and decided to be nice to her at least just for tonight. I grabbed her by the waist and led her to the edge of the pool where I lifted her body making her sit on the blue tiles.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She said and I brought myself out of the water sitting by her side. She looked okay and aware of the little things she does but she was drunk but notpletely drunk.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee¡± I responded and she turned to look at me with her soft big brown eyes that shone under the huge light that was in Lam¡¯spound. Her lips were still shining and I was resisting the urge not to kiss her when she suddenly started to move her head closer to me with her eyes closed. She wanted to kiss me.


    I ced my hands on her neck as I stared at the perfect picture right in front of me, I brushed her lips with my thumb and I could testify them to be the sexiest and softest lips I have ever touched. Everything about her was beautiful and her toned skin shine even brighter.


    Her lips were now close to mine with just some inches in between, she was down for the kiss but I came back to my senses and stood up immediately, leaving her sited by the pool.


    She couldn¡¯t raise her head or bring her face to mine but I saw embarrassment written on her forehead as she pped her head really loud that I feared she might have a headache.


    I reached for my car trunk and brought out one of my big sweaters that I never forgot to take everywhere with me. I handed over the sweater to her and she immediately wore it before entering the car. I turned on the heater to the highest point and allowed our body to adapt to the warmth of the car.


    We haven¡¯t gotten so far when I looked by my side and saw her sleeping already with her wet hair scattered all over her face. The thought of her wanting to kiss me crossed my mind and I didn¡¯t know what to feel about it.

 Chapter 16

    I woke up with a slight ache in my head then all what happened fromst night began to resurface in my mind. I remembered how the blonde haired guy almost had his way with me then Zach had helped to save me from him.


    I smiled at the thought of him helping me before the realization of us being in the pool and me almost kissing him struck my head. That wouldn¡¯t have been the most embarrassing part but also the fact that he didn¡¯t kiss me back but instead he stood up and left.


    I buried my face in my palm wishing the ground could just open up and swallow me when I suddenly heard a knock on the door.


    ¡°Get ready Be, we¡¯re leaving soon¡± he said from behind the door. I didn¡¯t know what to say back so I kept quiet and entered the bathroom hoping the water would rid me of those memories but it didn¡¯t. The memories only became stronger under the shower as I remembered the pool too.


    I rushed my bath and came out of the shower with a towel around my waist. I wore my usual dress routine, a trouser and a sweatshirt. I packed my hair in a messy ponytail and stared at myself in the mirror. I looked awful and normal but I wasn¡¯t trying to dress up today nor was I in the mood. I opened the door to bump into Zach who was about to knock on the door.


    He stared at me from head to toe before turning his back to leave, I guess that must be his new way of saying good morning.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I tried my best to ignore him throughout the drive even though I was seated two feet away from him. He didn¡¯t seem to mind my silence, hell he would be happy I finally got to keep my mouth shut and not b or ask random questions throughout the drive.


    We finally got to the school and I awkwardly came out of the school and without looking back I speed walked into my ssroom. We weren¡¯t having the same ss together and I was grateful for that.


    The ss seemed too boring and very slow. It was hard to concentrate on what the teacher was teaching me when my mind was still on the kiss and how he rejected it. The more I remembered the more I wished the ground could open up and swallow me into the unknown.


    The bell rang and the ss was over, a few more sses to go then it would be time for lunch. Maya had texted me earlier telling me we needed to talk and how she missed me. She thought I was hiding something from her not like I wasn¡¯t but then I wasn¡¯t hiding it from her, I would tell her once the dare was over.


    Speaking of the dare, I remembered that I didn¡¯t see Xavier at the partyst night. He must have had other important things to do or was probably tired. I missed hispany and I would try to spend a whole day with him after the dare would be over which is just in three days time. I can¡¯t wait to be free from this torture.


    It was time for lunch and my phone began to buss as different messages from Maya kept on popping in. She had instructed me not to ditch her today, else I would find myself buried six feet under in a coffin that would be in Antarctica.


    I chuckled at the text tho but I had made up my mind to meet her for lunch. I sat at our usual table and patiently waited for her to show up. She came shortly afterwards with her eyes burning in anger.


    ¡°Heyyy¡­ babe!¡± I greeted awkwardly knowing that she was totally upset with me and I might receive lunch anytime soon.


    My guess wasn¡¯t wrong and in no time she punched my arm making me groan in pain.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you get for leaving me out of your life and making me miss you¡± she fumed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry babe¡± I whimpered and she hugged me tight. I hugged her back immediately and I would admit that I totally missed herpany and everything about her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever leave me that long again or next time your boobs are going to get it!¡± She said and I chuckled and hugged her again.


    ¡°So how¡¯s it going?¡± I wanted to know how she has been for the past few days with Frank who I assumed to be her new boyfriend after she left George. I wasn¡¯t even sure if sheter on told George and broke up with him or if she was still keeping him in the darkness while dating Frank or maybe double dating.


    Shit! I know nothing about what has been happening to  hertely, I am such a bad friend that doesn¡¯t deserve someone like her. She had probably needed a friend to pour out her heart and mind on but I wasn¡¯t there for her.


    ¡°Well¡­ going fine, but let¡¯s forget about me have you been having sex with Zach because you two are all over the school blog¡± she said and brought out her phone to show Kiki¡¯s blog to me.


    I pinched my nose in disappointment and shook my head, what do I expect from a body blogger. After all she wasn¡¯t wrong, I have been spending more time with Zachtely.


    ¡°It¡¯s just some misunderstanding¡± I cleared myself but Maya wasn¡¯t buying it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking ¡®misunderstanding¡¯ me, what do you have to say from the pictures ofst night¡± she said and shoved her phone on my face again and behold it was a picture of Zach and I in the pool when we were going to kiss. Does Kiki even have a life to live?


    ¡°It¡¯s not as it seems to be, I can exin!¡± I said and she folded her hands underneath her breast wanting to hear my exnation.


    ¡°I got caught in a dare contest with the popr gang and now I have to do everything they tell me to, I had nned on telling you after the dare which is in three days but you found out too soon¡± I rushed out my words but she cocked her brows wanting me to exin further.


    It was at this moment I knew I was going to need to drink water before I started my exnation. I exined everything to her in detail and she didn¡¯t seem to buy it even though it was the truth.


    ¡°Well I believe you¡± she finally said and looked over to Zach¡¯s table, ¡°I won¡¯t do anything since you have just three days left but trust me I will so deal with the bitch called Aurora¡± Maya said through clenched jaws and I couldn¡¯t help but smile at how protective she could get.


    My phone suddenly beeped and it was a text from Zach


    e eat with me at my table* the message read and I turned to look at him.


    Sighing unhappily I told Maya he requested for me and she nodded her head giving me a go ahead. I stood up to leave when Maya called my name.


    ¡°Joe misses you!¡± She said and stood up from the table before leaving the cafeteria. I didn¡¯t know if she was angry or disappointed with me but I promise I would make it up to her after all of this is over.


    I walked towards Zach¡¯s table and their gaze all shifted to me at once. I was feeling uneasy and ufortable that I stood in front of their table awkwardly. The thought of what happened yesterday hasn¡¯t left my mind and I silently prayed that he wouldn¡¯t call me here to embarrass me with what happenedst night at the party. Xavier wasn¡¯t at the table either and if he insulted me there would be no one to save me.


    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± Aurora asked with her face full of disgust which left me wondering if I wasn¡¯t a human just like her and why she would look at me like a giant slimy slug that is standing before her.


    ¡°I called her here, to eat with us!¡± Zach said and adjusted his body creating a space for me to sit down. He tapped on the space he had created and as I was about to sit the bitch decided to bark.


    ¡°Hold on there!¡± She pointed a finger at me and I stood still, I didn¡¯t want to cause trouble.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being too close to this girl, she¡¯s just a girl that was lucky to be stuck with you and I hope Kiki¡¯s news are fake?¡± She asked but Zach kept quiet and shoved a French fry into his mouth.


    She noticed Zach wasn¡¯t paying attention to her but she wanted his attention and decided to say something else.


    ¡°Zach, this is our space and it¡¯s not for some lower ss random stray dog to sit on, you¡¯ll ruin our image¡± she said and her words stung a lot because a human just like me referred to me as a stray dog because I was poor and they all knew my father was an alcoholic seeing him in different bar every fucking day.


    ¡°So funnying from a bitch herself¡± Zach said and his teammates started tough. In no time everyone in the cafeteria was talking about how Zach had insulted Aurora.


    Even though I wasn¡¯t the one who insulted her she stared at me with burning eyes and snapped her fingers on my face before walking away from the table.


    ¡°Sit down Be¡± Zach said and I quietly sat beside him. I could see different eyes on us including Kiki¡¯s camera but I didn¡¯t care much immediately I dipped a fry into my mouth.

 Chapter 17

    The school finally came to an end and I rushed to find Zach, he was standing by his locker and I was grateful I didn¡¯t have to look for him all around the school premises.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I said to him once I got closer.


    ¡°You can wait for me by the car, I¡¯ll be back shortly¡± he said and turned his back to leave.


    ¡°I have something to tell you!¡± I yelled and he stood still waiting for me to say what I had to tell him.


    ¡°It¡¯s about my brother, Joe, I really want to see him today and I¡¯m hoping you could give me the night off¡± I asked hoping to get a positive response.


    ¡°Yeah sure, see you tomorrow then¡± he said and turned to leave. I screamed a ¡°thank you¡±at him and happily phoned Maya.


    ¡°I¡¯m following you home today but might stay at my dad¡¯s house, I miss Joe too so don¡¯t leave me behind!¡± I said immediately she picked up the phone.


    ¡°Okay babe, I have just left the school though but I¡¯ll take a turn now¡± she said and hung up.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    I went outside the school and patiently waited for her to arrive, it took her about eight minutes to get to the school and I realized that she was half way home before taking a turn to pick me up.


    I kissed her cheeks immediately I entered the car and she threw me a punch, she hated being kissed on her cheeks. A very weird beautifuldy.


    We arrived at Joe¡¯s school and I hade down from the car to pick him up myself but on getting there a teacher told me that Grace had picked him up already. That was really fast.


    ¡°Mum loves Joe being around so much that my Dad gets jealous with the attention she pays to Joe,¡± Maya said and chuckled before we started the ride back to her ce.


    On getting to their house, I couldn¡¯t help but rush in because I¡¯ve missed my little baby boy, I never meant to leave him alone but because of the stupid dare I had to.


    I entered the house and saw him sitting with Grace on the floor, they seemed to be doing his homework together with the serious look on his face. It was easy to guess the subject he was working on with the frown on his face. He hated maths.


    ¡°Joe!¡± I said and he raised his head to look at me. The frown on his face disappeared but was quickly reced with sadness. A drop of tear fell from his eyes but he was quick to clean them off before running away to his room. I must have really hurt him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back¡± I said to Maya and Grace before running off to catch up with him.


    ¡°Joe!¡± I called out his name but he was fast on his small feet as he entered his room and mmed the door.


    ¡°Joee on, open up the door¡± I knocked on his door but he didn¡¯t open it, I heard some silent sobsing from the room and I felt really bad.


    ¡°Joe please open the door, I¡¯m sorry¡± I said but he still didn¡¯t open the door, the sobs from the room became louder and I totally broke down.


    He wasn¡¯t going to open the door, he was sad and I caused it. I never wanted to be a reason for him to cry.


    I stopped knocking on the door knowing it won¡¯t fix anything and the only thing I could do was to talk to him.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re upset but I¡¯m really sorry Joe, please talk to me¡± I said and my voice cracked at the end.


    ¡°Go away just like mum don¡¯te back¡± he screamed at the top of his lungs and it was obvious that he was crying.


    I slumped and sat down beside the door. I didn¡¯t know what else to say to him but sorry. He thought I had left, he thought I would leave just like our mother did but I¡¯m nothing like that woman.


    ¡°Joe I¡¯m sorry love¡± I said after some minutes of sitting beside his door. I was going to stay in this position until he decides to talk to me.


    I hadn¡¯t expected him to open the door when I suddenly heard a click and stood up. He looked at my face with his already soaked face and swollen eyes.


    ¡°I missed you Isabe¡± he said and hugged my legs tightly. I bent to reach his face and ced a kiss on his head while hugging him really tight. I really missed the little boy and the fact that he thought that I had left him made me sad.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me like mum did¡± he said and I felt some tears building up in my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m never going to leave you Joe¡± I said and brought his face to mine. I took his pinky finger in mine and knotted it.


    ¡°Always and forever¡± I said and he smiled. He gave me a tight hug before he finally pulled away and his face was now bright and gloomy.


    ¡°I love you¡± I said and took his hand in mine.


    We went back to the living room and Grace was seated with a worried look on her face. She really did care for Joe¡¯s well being.


    ¡°Uhm we¡¯ll be sleeping in our house tonight, thank you for everything Grace¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not leaving without taking some food along¡± she said and immediately rushed to the kitchen, she came back with some food stuffs in a shopping bag and handed it over to me.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I said to her and went outside the house, Maya had offered to drop us off so we got into her car and she drove us to our father¡¯s house.


    As I stepped down from the car, I felt a slight feeling of uneasiness. I hated this house with so much passion and everything that happens there.


    The lights on the front porch were on and I assumed he must be at home. Joe didn¡¯t seem too happy that we were here, perhaps he hated it the same way I hate it.


    I opened the door and saw my Dad seated on the couch watching the news on the small television that was hung on the wall.


    ¡°Hey Dad¡± I greeted and he turned to look at us, he hadn¡¯t realized we walked in until I greeted him. What if it was some assassin or burr that walked in.


    ¡°Hey my little babies!¡± He returned the greetings with a smile but his eyes were bloodshot. The house wasn¡¯t smelling of alcohol. Perhaps he went out to drink.


    I awkwardly nodded my head and led Joe to our room. The house was only a two bedroom t and he used one while Joe and I shared the other room.


    I brought out Joe¡¯s backpack to finish his assignments and saw some dor notes in it. Grace must have put it there without us knowing. After finishing his assignments I also felt tired so I slept after I was sure he was asleep.


    ********


    The rm rang and it was time for us to prepare for school, I also gave just two more days to be with Zach then afterwards I¡¯ll spend some quality time with Joe.


    I woke Joe up after I had prepared our breakfast, he quickly bathed and dressed himself up then came to join me in the kitchen to eat.


    My Father wasn¡¯t at home, he must¡¯ve left at night or probably early this morning. We finished eating and Joe went to the living room to watch some cartoons while we waited for Maya to pick us up.


    While washing the dishes my eyes spotted a white stic bag at the top of the cabs in the kitchen. It was strange and something about me wanted to find out what it was.


    I opened the stic bag and found some white substance in it. I sniffed the bag and realized it was something toxic, probably a hard drug.


    Shock and fear engulfed me, my father wasn¡¯t only an alcoholic but a drug addict. My heart kept racing and tears started to build up in my eyes again. I wanted to cry but didn¡¯t want Joe to realize something was up.


    The front door opened and my father walked in, I watched how he ran his hands through Joe¡¯s hair and made it rough. Joe chuckled but my mind wasn¡¯t still clear of what I saw.


    He noticed me staring at him from the kitchen and walked towards me.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong princess?¡± He asked but immediately saw the stic bag in my hands and his eyes widened.


    I shook my head as tears dropped from my eyes, I immediately cleaned the tears and threw the stic bag at his chest. He didn¡¯t say any word mainly because he had no excuses.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± He called out my name but it was toote as I had already left the house with Joe. Even though Maya wasn¡¯t here yet I didn¡¯t mind walking a little bit forward to meet her on the road.


    Joe looked confused but I tried to give him a fake smile to assure him that I¡¯m fine and everything was fine but he wasn¡¯t buying it even though he was young he had the brain of an older person.


    I spotted Maya¡¯s caring towards us and I waved my hand to notify her I was standing there, she stopped and picked us up. She noticed the look on my face but didn¡¯t ask what was up because Joe was in the car while Joe was patiently waiting for someone to say something with the juice box in his mouth.

 Chapter 18

    We stopped Joe in his school and Maya continued the drive but after we were a little bit far from Joe¡¯s school she parked her car by the roadside.


    ¡°Did your Dad say anything to you?¡± She asked but I shook my head, even though tears were now falling I didn¡¯t think I wanted to talk about what had happened.


    *No, he didn¡¯t¡± I said but my voice cracked in between, I hated that house and everything there. It only made me cry and sad whenever my father was around.


    She knew I wasn¡¯t going to say what was wrong with me so she handed over the wipes that were in her car to me.


    ¡°Thank you¡± I mouthed to her and cleaned the tears off my face. She continued the drive in silence and I appreciated her for understanding me.


    We arrived at school and the realization of me facing Zach struck me. I wanted to be alone but now I have to be stuck with him. At least it¡¯ll end soon and I¡¯ll finally be free in the next two days.


    I got out of the car and made my way to the school building. I spotted Aurora¡¯s eyes on me as I entered but I didn¡¯t mind, I didn¡¯t have the energy to be involved in their matters today. I looked like a trash bag today but I also didn¡¯t mind that my eyes were swollen.


    Zach also entered the building and Aurora went to meet and ced a kiss on his lips. They had probably settled their fight. I removed my attention from them and focused on the books I was removing from my locker. My mind wasn¡¯t settled that I had mistakenly brought out the wrong textbook. I immediately returned it and took the right one before heading to the ss.


    The ss was still empty and I sat at the edge of the ssroom where no one would see me or pay attention to me. The teacher entered the ssroom and the ss was shortly filled up. The lectures started but I wasn¡¯t able to rte with what the teacher was saying. My mind was drifting off so Iid my head on my desk till the ss was over.


    It was time for the next ss and I went to my locker to change my books but Zach walked up to me. My eyes were filled with numb emotions and my face was pale, he was quick to notice that I wasn¡¯t alright.


    ¡°Hey¡± He greeted me and I slowly nodded my head in response. I locked my locker and turned to leave but he pulled me back by my backpack and dragged me out of the school.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± He asked immediately we got outside.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I answered. He released his grip on me, staring at my face as if he was looking for something.


    ¡°Get in the car¡± he said and entered the car.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked and shut the door as I sat on the soft chair. The smell of his cologne filled the car and it was rxing, almost intoxicating.


    ¡°Somewhere¡± he responded and started the car. I was sure leaving school during school hours was against the rules but since he was with me I didn¡¯t mind much.


    The drive was starting to be long but I liked how the cool breeze touched my face. It was rxing so I didn¡¯tin about the drive.


    ¡°I was in the ss with you earlier today, you didn¡¯t seem to notice me then you ced your head on your desk throughout the whole ss¡± he said. He must have been watching me throughout the ss, I was d he cared about me. At least I had people who considered me.


    I looked outside the window without replying to him, he also didn¡¯t say any more words throughout the drive.


    ¡°Here we are, ¡± he said and parked his car beside the road. It was in the middle of nowhere and I didn¡¯t understand him until he gestured at me toe down from the car.


    I came down from the car and walked behind him, we walked deep into some slightly bushy area before we arrived at the ce. I couldn¡¯t help but admire the beauty of the ce, it was a beautiful garden with butterflies everywhere and a smallke at a corner.


    I could have sworn that I wouldn¡¯t have believed anyone who told me a ce as beautiful as this existed.


    ¡°How did you find this ce?¡± I asked while my eyes were still scanning the whole environment.


    ¡°My mum found it¡± he replied and walked to sit on a silver rocking  chair that was tied to a tree.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡± Iplimented and he shrugged his shoulders with his hands in his pocket.


    ¡°Come sit¡± he patted the space beside him and I slowly walked up to him before sitting on it.


    ¡°Take deep breaths and tell me what happened to you¡± he said in amanding tone and I found myself doing as he said as I took in deep breaths and released it. The fresh smell of theke mixed with the flowers filled my senses.


    ¡°It¡¯s my Father, I found out something bad about him today¡± I said and he looked at my face expecting me to say more.


    ¡°Well ever since my mum left, we moved here and he turned to an alcoholic. I was still trying to live with that when though it was really tough¡±


    ¡°He would leave the house for days to drink leaving my brother and I with no money or food and that was why I started to work at the mall after school¡±


    ¡°I went home yesterday and he looked different when I entered, there wasn¡¯t any smell of alcohol in the house but his eyes was bloodshot, he didn¡¯t even notice we were inside the house until u greeted him¡± my voice started to crack and tears were filled up In my eyes already.


    ¡°Today..¡± I paused and covered my mouth with my hands trying not to cry really loud.


    ¡°Today I found out he was into drugs too¡± I said and my emotions came before me as tears flowed freely on my cheeks.


    He watched me as I cried and pulled me closer to him, he hugged me tight to his body but said nothing as he patted my hair. It felt really rxing and I couldn¡¯t believe he wasforting me.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine¡± he said while my head was still on his chest. I felt the warmth of his chest and tried to calm myself but the more I remembered the fact that my father is an addict despite the fact that we¡¯re poor and he was slowly killing himself I felt sad and cried the more.


    ¡°Okay you better stop crying or I¡¯m throwing you in theke¡± he teased and Iughed.


    I appreciated the fact that he was trying to cheer me up even though we weren¡¯t close friends.


    ¡°You wanna eat?¡± He asked and I nodded my head. He brought out his phone and made some orders on it. I patiently waited for the food while watching the butterflies and how calm theke was.


    ¡°It calms me too¡± he said and I turned to see him staring at me.


    ¡°What do you calm yourself from?¡± I asked but he tilted his head away from me for some time before facing me again.


    ¡°Everyone!¡± He responded and I realized he didn¡¯t want to talk more. I kind of felt bad because I told him about what was bothering me but he doesn¡¯t want to share his own sad story with me.


    His phone beeped and we remembered that he had ordered some food. He left the garden to bring the food while I waited behind staring and admiring the cool environment.


    He shortly came back with a box of pizza and two giant bowls of ice cream in his hand, I really needed that. I watched how he ced the food on the carpet grass and sat on it. I walked up to him and sat opposite him.


    The grass was trimmed and it was obvious that someone had been taking care of the garden regrly.


    After eating the pizza and some part of the ice cream, I covered the remaining one and kept it aside. It was a family sized Ice cream and I had eaten more than half of it already. My period would being soon and I didn¡¯t want to get bad cramps.


    I watched how Zach finished the whole bowl of ice cream in awe, he really did have a sweet tooth.


    The memory of him and Aurora kissing earlier today resurfaced in my mind and I wondered if they were dating.


    ¡°Are you guys dating?¡± I asked and he lifted his head to look at me.


    ¡°Aurora¡± I added trying to be specific. A smug smirk appeared at the corner of his lips before he licked them seductively and I couldn¡¯t help but admire his perfect lips.


    ¡°I wanna show you something¡± he said and stood up, I watched how he removed his shirt and his trousers. I started to feel ufortable and different thoughts started to y in my mind.


    I tried to look away but he noticed the way I was behaving andughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to strip naked, don¡¯t die yet¡± he teased and I raised my head to look at him. I felt some strange feeling in my body like the butterflies in the garden had suddenly entered my stomach and now they¡¯re ying there.


    I couldn¡¯t stop but stare at his rock hard chest that was perfectly tanned and blessed with abs. I spotted some tattoos on the right side of his shoulders. It was a tattoo of a skull but it looked great on him.


    My eyes drifted to his boxers and my eyes caught a glimpse of his dick print. I tried to sanitize my eyes but I had already seen it and it was toote.


    He walked into theke and sshed some water on his head, he seemed to be enjoying it.


    ¡°Come on in, let me show you,¡± he said, staring at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have extra clothes¡± I whined. He stared at me for some while in theke before deciding to say something.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you wearing a underwear? Come on in¡± he rudely said and my eyes widened. I wasn¡¯t going to let him see my underwear especially my half naked body.


    ¡°I¡¯m good..¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯te in here I¡¯ll have to force you¡± he cut me off with a serious tone.


    I decided to let my guard down and go in with my underwear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stare¡± I said and he turned to look away as he swam and yed in theke.


    I pulled off my clothes and made my way to theke, he turned to look at me and his expression was unexinable as he didn¡¯t say anything. I feared that I might have made a mistake and my insecurities overshadowed me.

 Chapter 19

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    ¡°I wanna show you something¡± I said to her. I wanted to avoid the question she was asking me, she really fancied asking questions. I had nned to show her the true beauty of theke.


    I removed my t-shirt and her expression was a priceless one. I watched her as she started to feel ufortable but yet stared and gawked at the art of my body. A smirk formed at the corner of my lips because I found it cute.


    Aurora or other girls never looked at my body this way but there is always lust written all over their faces. She was innocent and I could tell she had never had sex. She¡¯s a virgin and also one reason I wouldn¡¯t try to involve myself with her. Virgins get too attached and I would end up probably ruining her because of my inability to love anyone.


    I entered theke and the water felt cool and rxing on my skin. I sshed some water on my face, I opened my eyes to see her staring at me.


    ¡°Come on in let me show you¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have extra clothes,¡± shemented. I thought girls do wear underwear so what was she talking about.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you wearing underwear? Come on in¡± I politely offered but she was desperately trying to prove stubborn


    ¡°I¡¯m good¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯te in here I¡¯ll have to force you¡± I cut her off being tired of her whines.


    She reluctantly stood up to pull off her clothes, ¡°Don¡¯t stare¡± she said and I turned to swim in the small and shallowke.


    I was tired of swimming so I turned to look at her, she had pulled off her clothes and was shocked to see me looking at her.


    I couldn¡¯t exin the sudden feeling I had in me at the sight of her, her body was the perfect definition of God¡¯s work and she wasn¡¯t wearing a bra but a bra top. That exined why her small boobs always bounced.


    She tried to cover up her body, probably because I kept staring at her without saying anything.


    ¡°Shit I shouldn¡¯t have removed my clothes¡± she regretted and almost walked away. I tried to say something to her but no word could describe how I felt. It wasn¡¯t a feeling of lust but an entirely different feeling.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful Be¡± my voice came out rather more coarse than I had expected. I could tell that she was ufortable with the way I was staring at her. I had undressed her some days ago but I didn¡¯t see the beauty of her body.


    I cleared my throat after I realized I haven¡¯t said anything in a while, e on in¡± I said and she dipped her legs into the water before fully entering the water.


    She removed the band from her hair and loosened it making it damp wet and her curls magically appeared.


    ¡°What do you wanna show me?¡± She shyly asked and I brought her hand to mine.


    ¡°Dip your head in¡± I said and she looked at me with a suspicious face, ¡°trust me¡± I added and she dipped her head in.


    After some time she brought it out and stared at me In awe and I smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± shemented.


    I also felt the same way years ago when my mum had shown me the beauty of theke, and ever since it has still been beautiful.


    After she was satisfied with staring at the bottom of theke she brought her face up and there was a genuine smile on her face.


    I liked the way she smiled, hell I¡¯m starting to like everything about her and this feeling was toxic.


    I swam closer to her and pulled her body closer to mine. I didn¡¯t know what I was doing but I was doing it anyway because my body wanted to.


    She froze and her eyes were fixed on mine while my eyes were fixed on her beautiful lips and In no time I connected my lips to hers.


    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    His lips connected to mine and I could feel the thousands of butterflies that swam in my stomach, I gave him ess to my mouth and my body felt weak and numb to his body. The water in theke made a steady rhythm on my body. He slowly bit my bottom lips and his hands sneaked their way down from my waist to my almost naked butt as he squeezed them softly.


    I felt some wetness in between my legs and they were definitely not the water, there were thousands of knots in my stomach that made the kiss more intimate and I moaned into his mouth.


    He seemed to have enjoyed the sound I made as he continued to kiss me more. It was soft at first but then it started to turn rough and fast. He brought out his tongue and for the first time in my life I felt vulnerable to his body. Our tongues connected and I let out another moan but this time a louder one.


    He pulled my body closer to his and I could feel his bulge on my body. I had no idea what I was doing but I pressed my body on his bulge slowly moving my hips on it.


    ¡°Shit!¡± He cussed and broke the kiss, his eyes were filled with confusion as he moved back from me. I couldn¡¯t seem to form out some words as I was still unable to catch my breath.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°We should probably leave¡± he brushed his hands through his hair and went out of theke.


    I remained in theke confused and still, unable to understand what had just happened but whatever it is I really liked it and hoped it would mean more to him.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t youing out?¡± He asked and I turned to see him getting dressed up. His bulge was still evident and I wondered how it would feel to touch it since I didn¡¯t get toy my hands on it.


    I swam out of theke and wore my clothes which were immediately soaked because my dumbass self didn¡¯t pull off my soaked underwear before wearing it.


    ZACH¡¯S POV


    As soon as our lips connected I felt some immediate erection. I have never been aroused by just a kiss before but this time it was different.


    I could easily tell that this was her first time seeing the way she let me do most of the kissing while she just enjoyed it but I could swear I was enjoying it more than she was.


    Her taste was so different and sweet that I got lost in her lips, even though we both ate ice cream. She tasted like lemon, a bittersweet taste and also my favourite. I didn¡¯t want this to end. I only wanted to continue the kiss without any distraction.


    She let out a soft moan making me even more harder than I already was, I started to feel a slight sweet pain in my dick but still wanted this kiss tost.


    She pressed her body on mine and rubbed her hips on my already hard dick, every muscle and bone in me wanted to fuck her here badly and immediately but I couldn¡¯t do that to her. What if she didn¡¯t want sex and humiliated me, that would be an eternal shame. The only way I could make everything easier for the both of us was to pull away from the kiss.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed and immediately pulled out. It was really hard and I needed to insert my buddy into ady as soon as possible so I left theke.


    She remained in theke for some while before she finally wore her clothes and entered the car.


    I drove back to school since we had just a period left and besides I needed to see Aurora so bad. My phone buzzed while I was driving and it was from my Father and I declined the call immediately.


    The phone won¡¯t stop buzzing as he won¡¯t stop calling so I just had to switch it off. I noticed Isabe staring at me probably wondering why I didn¡¯t want to answer my call.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to answer the call?¡± She asked with her face fixed on me, her lips were still plump and swollen from the kiss that I had to look away so as to avoid kissing her and maybe getting into a road ident.


    ¡°Nothing¡± I replied and she rested her back on the seat, closing her eyes.


    We shortly arrived at school and she went straight to her next ss, we didn¡¯t exchange any more words to each other after the question she had asked about my Dad.


    I switched my phone back on and called Aurora, she picked on the first ring perhaps she was with her phone.


    ¡°I need you now¡±


    ¡°Okay love, meet me in thedies restroom¡± she said and I hung up to leave for the restroom. It was empty and I was d no one would be here to poke their nose, not like I cared.


    She came in a minute after I was in and pulled me into one of the toilets. There was a broad smile on her face as she bent to unzip my trousers.


    After I was satisfied and done with her, I wore my trousers back and left her breathing heavily in the toilet. We¡¯ve done this a lot of times and it wasn¡¯t new to us anymore. Some girls were about to enter the restroom when I opened the door and they were shocked to see me but I went past them with a straight face.

 Chapter 20

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I heard the loud bell ringing, the school must have closed already. I left the backyard of the school and took a puff out of my cigarettes before stumping on it. A teacher had caught me once but I fucked her in order to keep her mouth shut. She liked it and would alwayse back for more till she had to move away with her husband.


    I walked to my car to see Isabe standing by the car already then I remembered I had to take her shopping.


    Earlier this afternoon after having an intercourse with Aurora my father had called and I remembered that I had forgotten to switch off my phone again.


    I wanted to hear the crap and bullshit he had to say so I answered it, he hadn¡¯t expected me to answer the call and was shocked.


    He had reminded me of the party he was holding that was going to be tomorrow, I had nkly told him I wouldn¡¯t attend but he wouldn¡¯t stop talking and In order to make him keep his annoying voice to himself I epted. It couldn¡¯t be that bad as long as there is food.


    I took the turn to the mall and she looked at me with questions written all over her face butter on diverted her attention to the road.


    We got to the mall and I made for one of those stores that sells cool gowns fordies. I loved seeing her in a ir gown so I decided we would go for that one.


    ¡°Why are we here?¡±


    ¡°To get you a fine ass dress and shoe and other essories¡± I replied and a confused look appeared on her face as she cocked her brows.


    I pointed to a navy blue gown that I was mostly sure would look good on her and the attendee brought it out for her to wear. She wore the dress but didn¡¯t look too happy with it so I let her choose the one she fancied.


    After some while of her wearing different clothes I got bored of waiting and decided to ept the next one she would wear out, luckily for me it was perfect and nice.


    It wasn¡¯t a ir gown but a straight long gown with a split from some inches below her vaginal to her legs. It made her look hot that I couldn¡¯t stop staring and admiring her.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take this¡±


    ¡°What no way!¡± She yelled, ¡± She chose the dress not me and besides it¡¯s too open¡± shemented pointing at the attendee.


    ¡°Well I like it and we¡¯re taking it!¡±


    I paid for the dress and got her some matching shoes and jewelries along with it. She would be my date to the most miserable party ever on a very unfortunate day.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me why you bought me those stuffs¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to a function, a child naming function¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Whose child?¡± She asked. I knew she was going to ask and this was the reason I didn¡¯t want to tell her at first.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if my questions made you ufortable¡± she apologized. She must have noticed how uneasy my body was.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡± I replied and she scoffed.


    I ordered some burgers on our way home for dinner, I would have easily made Be cooked dinner but I had been craving for some hamburgers for a week now.


    ***********


    ¡°Be¡± I knocked on the white wooden door and she opened shortly, a towel was wrapped around her waist and her hair was still damp wet from the shower.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be leaving in an hour¡± I said and she nodded her head before closing the door.


    The party was meant to have started by four pm but it was five already and we would leave once it was six. Even though the drive to his house was more than an hour I didn¡¯t mind, I never wanted to attend but he should be d to even see me.


    I sat on a couch in the living room but I was getting bored from the TV show I was watching and decided to go back to her room and maybe watch her dress up or perhaps she would be through.


    I climbed the tiled stairs to her room but this time opened the door without knocking, after all it was still my house.


    ¡°What the hell!¡± She yelled but I ignored and made my buttfortable on her soft bed. She was trying to zip up her dress when I entered.


    She scoffed and turned to look at the mirror as she continued to dress, she was unable to zip her dress so she abandoned it and wore the jewelry. I watched her as she styled her hair still with her zipper down and wondered if she was going to ask for my help or not.


    I realized she wasn¡¯t going to ask me to zip it for her so I stood up and walked towards her, she saw meing close to her through the mirror and her eyes widened when my body became close with hers.


    I didn¡¯t mean to tease her but it was fun to watch, I sneaked my finger through her back and her body became stiff with goosebumps all over it.


    ¡°Wh¡­ what are you up to?¡± She stuttered and a smirk appeared on my face as I zipped her dress up and left the room.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting downstairs.¡±


    It took her some few minutes toe downstairs and when my eyes met her dress, I couldn¡¯t help but admire her in the dress and jewelry. She looked simple yet luxurious. The jewelry I bought for her cost a lot but I hid the receipt from her.


    I realized I haven¡¯t said any words in some while so I cleared my throat, ¡°let¡¯s go¡± I said and walked out of the living room to the car.


    I sat down in the car and heaved some heavy breaths. I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted to meet the man and I also didn¡¯t know if I would be able to withstand his face and voice. It¡¯s been almost a year since I¡¯ve seen himst.


    I drifted away from my thoughts when Be entered the car and removed her heels. Typical.


    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    He left withoutplimenting me and I kind of felt weird about it, not like I was expecting apliment but I felt so insecure about my body being exposed in this dress.


    I walked out of the house and shut the door behind me, I entered the car and settled my back on the seat. The car was a little bit hot but I hoped he would let me open the windows.


    I removed the heels from my legs, after all I was in a car and no one would see me pulling them off. I hated heels and how ufortable they made me whenever I wore one.


    He started driving and wined down all the windows by himself, I closed my eyes and let the soft breeze touch my face as he continued the drive.


    I didn¡¯t know anything about this event we were going to, I had no idea of the venue or how long it¡¯ll take to get there. It was gettingte and the clouds were vanishing, the colour of the sky started to change as the sun set. A smile appeared on my face at the beautiful image in front of me, call me weird but I was a sucker for nature.


    The drive continued but the sky was totally dark already, if it was this far then why had he let us leave veryte. Today was going to be thest day I get to stay with him but with the look of things I might spend another night with him because I literally can¡¯t tell the time we would return home, perhaps it could be tomorrow.


    ¡°When will we get there?¡± I asked and realized that was the first word I¡¯ve said since we started the drive, he didn¡¯t say any word too.


    ¡°Soon¡± he bluntly replied and I rested my back on the seat, perhaps I could also sleep for some while.


    It wasn¡¯t up to twenty minutes when I felt him pulling over at a stop, he had said soon but never said soon was in twenty minutes.


    ¡°Here?¡± I asked as I looked up to the really big building, it almost looked like a hotel but for the structure. Whoever must own this ce must really be a billionaire. I had thought Zach house was the biggest but this house was way far than that of Zach. I could easily get lost in it.


    Zach turned off the car¡¯s engine but didn¡¯t get down from the car neither did I. He seemed to be lost in a deep thought but he brushed his hands through his hair and got down from the car. I followed behind.


    It was easy to find a maid in this house because they were literally everywhere and all around. The one we passed were bowing immediately they saw Zach and I suspected he was either close to the unknown billionaire or the maids bowed to everyone.


    Two men standing by the door spotted Zach and bowed before they opened the door.


    ¡°Wee back sir¡± one of them said and we walked in, he had said wee back meaning Zach had beening here often.


    The image in front of me made me stop in my tracks immediately, I felt I was in the wrong room and did not belong to this ce. After all, the building alone should have warned me earlier that I didn¡¯t belong to this ss of people.


    I took a quick look at Zach and back at the men and young men just like Zach. They were all on expensive clothes and tuxedos but Zach was on a fucking t-shirt and a ripped trousers. He probably didn¡¯t dress up on purpose because he made me dress up.


    He didn¡¯t seem to be interested in seeing people around, some people had approached him to exchange some words but he didn¡¯t reply to them , sending them off from him.


    ¡°Zachary!¡± A man¡¯s voice called and I turned to look at him, he looked like he was in histe forties and I suddenly saw a striking resemnce. He was Zach¡¯s Father.

 Chapter 21

    I turned to look at Zach but he was frozen rather in a bad way. I saw his fists clenching and wondered why he was mad at seeing his father. Perhaps they had a tough situation going on.


    ¡°Zach¡± I patted his shoulders but he walked away instead. I could see the evident pain on his father¡¯s face and wished I could do something because the situation became awkward.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Isabe Brown¡± I greeted with a smile and my white small purse in my hand.


    ¡°Nice to meet you Isabe, I¡¯m Gregory O¡¯Connell¡± he returned my smile and walked away. I stared at his bank as he walked sadly away with his expensive well tailored suit.


    I scanned the big hall room for Zach and spotted him collecting a ss of wine from a waiter. I walked towards him and he noticed my presence.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you want to talk to your father?¡±


    ¡°None of your business Be¡± He took a big gulp of the wine and collected another one.


    I suddenly heard a click of ss, it was Gregory calling the attention of everyone.


    ¡°First of all I would like to make a toast to my beautiful wife here for making today possible with the safe delivery¡± he said and kissed her on her forehead before kissing the baby¡¯s head too.


    The whole crowd pped and cheered but Zach, he was bittered and his eyes were red. I wondered why he came to the event.


    He clicked the ss with a spoon again but this time twice, ¡°I know we¡¯ve all been having fun but the party has to end now, my newest child, my daughter Zoya has to rest now¡± he chuckled and so did the crowd.


    In a short while the hall started to turn empty, everyone was returning to their various houses or rather mansions and I wondered if we would also leave or wait behind. I wanted to talk to Zach and ask questions but I knew he wasn¡¯t going to respond especially in his current state.


    There were some few people left after the party had ended and I suspected them to be rtives perhaps from his wife¡¯s side. The woman looked really young possibly in her mid twenties and nothing like the picture I saw on Zach¡¯s fridge.


    The hall was immediately cleared in a jiffy and Zach and I sat at an end of the hall, he was still with a ss cup and I hoped he wouldn¡¯t be drunk already because I had lost count of the drinks he took.


    I watched how the maids set up the really big dining table with different food and desserts. I felt awkward seating at the end of the hall with different eyes on us.


    A maid suddenly walked towards us, ¡°Sir, Master has requested you at the table¡± . The maid delivered her message and left to carry Zoya upstairs and away from the table.


    ¡°We should probably go,¡± I said to him and squeezed his hands a little. I thought he would remove his hands or probably yell at me but he didn¡¯t remove his hands from my touch but rather intertwined his fingers with mine and stood up to go to the table.


    The table suddenly became silent on our arrival, no one said anything or perhaps they didn¡¯t know what to say. Zach settled on a chair and brought me to sit still with his hand holding mine firmly, he didn¡¯t let go.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again Zach¡± Zoey¡¯s mother said and I felt his muscles tensed. I gave him another soft squeeze on hand and made him calm down which surprisingly worked.


    When she noticed how Zach reacted to her talking she felt uneasy and blinked rapidly before stuffing her mouth with some grapes.


    Everyone at the table soon started to eat and it felt really awkward that I wished I wasn¡¯t here at the moment.


    ¡°So how¡¯s your football career going?¡± Gregory asked, Zach chewed on the sd then drank the wine on the table gulping everything at once.


    ¡°Fine¡± he responded and I saw a little tiny bit of happiness on Gregory¡¯s face. He was d Zach responded even though it was just a word.


    Zach poured himself another wine and no one could stop him not to drink even though he was still underaged. They probably feared he might act up.


    ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been amazingly kicking the ball into the goal posts¡± Gregory added to lessen the tension in the room.


    ¡°How about I kick a fucking ball In your shitty mouth right now!¡± Zach yelled and my eyes widened in awe, I wasn¡¯t the only shocked one on the table as different eyes fell on him.


    ¡°Zach, respect your father!¡± Gregory¡¯s bride raised her voice, a part of me felt like she had made a bad choice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget he¡¯s almost twice your age but you threw your slutty body at him for money you whore¡± Zach spilled and aggressively stood up from the table. Both Gregory and his wife were shocked and pained but there was a lot more pain on Gregory¡¯s face that I spotted some tears building up in his eyes.


    ¡°Excuse me¡± I said and left the table to meet Zach.


    ¡°Zach!!¡± I yelled as I rushed towards him but he kept on walking really fast with a bottle of wine in his hand.


    He stopped and sat beside the huge fountain in the middle of the mansion drinking the wine. I caught up with him and sat beside him without saying a word.


    Some drops of water from the fountain slightly sshed on our body but he didn¡¯t seem to mind and I didn¡¯t want to leave him like this.


    ¡°He¡¯s a fucking bastard¡± he yelled and my heart skipped a bit, I thought he was going to smash the drink on the floor but he didn¡¯t Instead he started to cry. Fuck it! I¡¯ve never seen him like this.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry¡± I begged and wiped off the tears with my thumb and caressed his face with my hands. I felt bad and sad seeing him cry when though we did not get along I still felt something for him.


    He bit his bottom lip trying to hold back the tears as he looked away from me, his eyes were bloodshot but he was still drinking from the bottle.


    ¡°Go away, I don¡¯t want your fucking pity and your meddling mouth in my business¡± he yelled but I knew he didn¡¯t mean what he said even though I was a little bit freaked out.


    ¡°I¡¯m staying here with you and there¡¯s nothing you¡¯ll say that¡¯ll make me leave!¡± I raised my voice back at him. He looked at me in the eye but looked away and took a gulp of wine down.


    ¡°I wish I could kill him,¡± he said. I didn¡¯t say any word in response, I hadn¡¯t expected him to talk but now that he had said something I was scared I would make him leave if I said something.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°He used to be a fucking proud beast and womanizer, he would cheat on my mum continuously and treat her badly, he would abuse her in different ways in my presence. I fucking saw it all¡±


    ¡°My mum divorced him for her peace and that house I stayed in became hers after the divorce. I was fucking ten years old¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t seem to care about me or my mother, he wouldn¡¯t call or care to talk to me for years, my mother walked her ass out till she was financially stable on her own¡±


    ¡°Then one morning we decided to go out after some time in her garden, we were happy andughed together. There was finally some happy moment in our lives then she got a fucking call, my dad was fucking getting remarried¡± his voice cracked a little and he took another gulp out of his wine.


    ¡°My dad was fucking getting remarried and she was shocked, she hadn¡¯t gotten over the monster yet and the shock lead to a ghastly ident¡± he let out a deep breath, the time you exhale when you¡¯re holding back a tear.


    ¡°I was injured but was conscious while my mum wasn¡¯t, I let my guard down and dialed my father¡¯s number but he yelled at me through the phone saying he was busy getting married¡± he scoffed.


    ¡°A stranger helped us to the hospital, her heart was still beating but she was unconscious. We got to the hospital and after an emergency care I was told she didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°The shock before the ident was the main cause of her death. I watched how her beautiful bodyid lifelessly on the white hospital bed. I thought it was all a joke, I screamed at her to quit joking around but she couldn¡¯t talk back, you know why?¡± He asked and I carefully ced my hand on his back stroking it carefully.


    ¡°She couldn¡¯t talk because she was fucking dead! He killed her Be! He fucking killed her!¡±


    ¡°And you know what is funny about these?¡± He scoffed, ¡°He didn¡¯t end up with her but married another¡± he painfullyughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Zach¡± I softly said. I hated the way I used to see him, he was only this way because of what had happened to him in the past. It was simr to mine but heck his father was the cause of his mother¡¯s death.


    Saying sorry to him seemed to have affected him as tears dripped freely down his eyes. ¡°Fuck it!¡± He silently cried, he was a totally different person right now and wasn¡¯t that tough and arrogant boy but rather a soft hearted and broken boy.


    ¡°Zach?¡± I called and he turned to look at me. I had no idea why I called him but I felt I needed to do something. My eyes were fixed on his face before they slowly drifted to his lips and back to his eyes. I saw a different emotion in his eyes as he brought my head closer to his, our faces were just an inch apart and I could perceive the conc. smell of alcohol in his breath. It felt intoxicating.


    I couldn¡¯t bear the dy any longer that I connected my lips to his, he quickly gave ess to the kiss sucking on my bottom lip. The warmth and softness of his lips on mine supersedes the cold that was hitting on my skin. I wanted more of it, more of him and I felt I wasn¡¯t getting enough as I pressed my lips harder on his and he returned the same energy. I have never been a fan of alcohol but the taste of it on his lips made me an addict.


    His hands moved through my body caressing and giving a slight squeeze on any part he touched, I let out a loud satisfying moan and he took the opportunity to meet my tongue with his. We had kissed earlier at theke but this felt better, I wasn¡¯t feeling just some thousands of butterflies but a million of them. I suddenly felt some wetness in between my thighs and some funny feeling I couldn¡¯t exin.


    I pulled away from the kiss to catch my breath, the bright lights from the fountain shone on his face making him look adorable even in his messy state.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside¡± I said and he stood up without arguing, he brought my hands to him and we both walked into the house.  No one was on the table but Gregory who had his head on the table.

 Chapter 22

    He noticed we had walked in and raised his head to see us, one could easily tell that he had been crying his eyes out with the redness of his face.


    ¡°Hey Zachary¡± he greeted with a forced smile before covering his mouth with his hands folded. He wanted to cry again but was holding back the tears.


    Zach didn¡¯t reply to him as his grip on my hand became tighter and he led us upstairs. I noticed the disappointed look on Gregory¡¯s face before he ced his head back on the table.


    I stopped walking and Zach turned to look at me, his eyes were filled with no emotion or pity for Gregory but after hearing his side of the story, I would also not have easily forgiven Gregory.


    ¡°You should talk to him¡± he looked at me with some eyes that could burn before untangling his hands from mine. For a second I thought he would walk away leaving me behind as I watched him closely.


    Tucking his hands into his pocket, he stood on the staircase staring at me, probably debating whether he should leave or stay and talk to Gregory.


    He climbed down the stairs and brought my hands back to him as he walked towards the dining, he made sure to not go too close perhaps he was being cautious of Gregory touching him.


    ¡°Congrattions on my step sister, Zoya¡± he said and Gregory immediately raised his head from the table with a smile on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Zach¡± with a mixed emotion between sadness and happiness Gregory apologized.


    ¡°I made a terrible mistake that indeed is worthy of the punishment I¡¯m receiving from you but trust me I never meant to hurt you, you hate me and I know but it hurts so bad because you¡¯re still my son¡±


    ¡°But trust me Zachary I am a changed person now and all I want is for your happiness and perhaps youe back to me, I¡¯m growing older and you¡¯re my first and only son¡±


    ¡°That day, the day you called I was not myself and I couldn¡¯t evenprehend what you were saying, I wish I was myself and probably would have saved your mother from dying¡±


    ¡°Do you know how much I¡¯ve been haunted in my dreams because of what happened? and I regret every decision I made back then¡± Gregory apologized.


    Perhaps he was now a changed and different person and maybe he truly wanted the best for Zach, but then I don¡¯t think forgiving someone for that type of offense could be that easy. My mind drifted to my mum and I imagined if she would also one daye back to me and apologize for running off leaving me and her littlest baby behind with a father who suddenly turned into a drug addict and an alcoholic. Another thought shed through my mind and I doubted if I would forgive her that easily for the years of pain she had caused.


    Zach didn¡¯t seem to be interested in any apology session as he led me to his room, I guess that was the beginning of something.


    On entering his room he locked the door behind him and made a backrest on the door. A mischievous smile appeared on my face because I knew we were going to continue from where we had stopped.


    ¡°You started this so how about we finish it!¡± He pressed his lips on mine roughly while I was still pinned on the door, his hand made its way to my boobs squeezing them roughly which made me moan really loudly.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I moaned and it seemed to have taken him off the edge, he pressed his body on mine and I could feel his really hard bulge through his trousers. I whined my hips on it as I sneaked my hands across his neck pressing him further on my body.


    His kisses trailed from my lips to the corner of my lips teasing me a little before they trailed down my neck.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± I moaned as my stomach knotted from the amount of pleasure I was receiving. I had never felt something strange that felt so right in my entire eighteen years but Zach was doing incredible wonders to my body.


    He continued to suck on my neck and I was damn sure I would see some really obvious mark on my neck tomorrow morning.


    His lips trailed downwards to where the dress had covered before he brought his eyes to look at mine.


    ¡°I¡¯m so obsessed with your body Isabe¡± He whispered and my stomach knotted again, perhaps I liked when they talked dirty and he was also calling me Isabe for the first time. His eyes fell back on my lips as he kissed me, this time a little bit softer than the one before.


    His hand went to my back as it fumbled with the zippers before the dress was finally zipped. Still with his lips on mine he pulled the sleeve of my dress down making everything fall. I was now pinned against the door with only a g-string and nothing covering my boobs, I hadn¡¯t worn a bra earlier today.


    Without disconnecting the kiss, he lifted me on his body and my face was now above his, his hands were on my bare butt as they performed some trucks on it. I wanted to feel something and I wanted to feel alive and he seemed to understand as his mouth suddenly touched my boobs sucking on my nipples like a baby drinking milk. I couldn¡¯t help but moan really loudly that I silently hoped that they wouldn¡¯t hear me outside.


    He moved his lips from one boobs to another as he still continued to suck on them. He carried me towards the bed andid me on it staring at me with hungry eyes.


    He kissed my stomach making the butterflies happy as they danced even more than they have been dancing. His hands suddenly pulled down my g-string and I waspletely naked before him.


    He stared at my body for a while, greatly adoring it, making me forget about my insecurities. He pulled off his t-shirt and his trousers leaving him in just his tight boxers as he climbed back on top of me.


    I was breathing really loud and heavily but he still connected his lips on mine and I liked it for a while before I felt his hand on my bottom.


    ¡°Oh my fucking gosh¡± I moaned as he rubbed my clit with his hands in a slow and circr motion, he wouldn¡¯t stop any time soon and it was surely driving me crazy. He removed his lips from mine and didn¡¯t give me enough time to catch my breath before his lips connected to my vaginal sucking every juice he found there.


    I held into the sheets really tight as I feared I could be too antisocial to feel this type of sweet sensation. He continued to eat me out and my moans became louder, I couldn¡¯t stop moaning out loud that I didn¡¯t care any longer if they heard me.


    I felt a really tight knot in my stomach as my eyes rolled backwards before some warm liquid found their way out of my vaginal.


    I was unable to catch my breath as my brows were still furrowed. I opened my eyes to see his face on mine.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± He asked and I nodded my head.


    ¡°Do you want more?¡± He asked again and I nodded my head but he shook his head.


    ¡°I need you to say it¡± he ced a kiss on my nipples sending shivers across my body.


    ¡°I want more Zach ¡± my hoarse voice said and he smiled.


    ¡°Trust me¡± he said as he stood up from the bed to find his trousers. He removed a condom from it and threw the pants back. I watched him as he slipped his boxers down and I saw his fully erected dick standing. I couldn¡¯t help but stare at how beautiful it was. Perhaps it was because I had never seen one.


    He slipped the condom on it and came back to the bed, I watched as he climbed on to me and how my body felt small in between his.


    ¡°Do you trust me?¡± He asked again and I nodded my head, ¡°ye.. yes I trust you¡± my voice stuttered.


    He returned his lips on mine and as I was getting used to his gracious taste I felt him prating into me and the sharp pain that followed.


    I hissed as I felt the pain but he brought his lips back to mine kissing it gently but really good that the sharp pain suddenly turned to pleasure and I was wanting more.


    It waste at night and the weather was cold making it perfect. We had some couple more rounds before we decided to rest. I felt better and lighter and it was a good feeling but the only thing I wasn¡¯tfortable with was the soreness in-between my legs. After some moment of feeling great, I slept off with my naked body on his while the duvet covered our bodies.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

 Chapter 23

    I felt some sudden movement on the sheets which had interrupted my sleep, opening my eyes I saw Zach walking towards the bathroom and the memory ofst night re surfaced in my mind making me blush while thinking about it.


    I tried to shove the thoughts off because they weren¡¯t doing any good than to make me horny and wanting more sex but then my thoughts wouldn¡¯t cooperate with my as I remembered the size of his dick and how it slipped into my vaginal making me moan.


    This wasn¡¯t what I needed to think about this morning, I shook my head and cleared my eyes a little.


    ¡°Hey Zach¡± I greeted with a full smile on my face as he was about to enter the bathroom. He stopped walking but didn¡¯t turn back to return my greetings then he walked in shutting the door really loudly.


    My face fell in confusion, my brain couldn¡¯tprehend what happened. I kept on wondering what must have gone wrong that I didn¡¯t notice he hade out of the bathroom with his white towel wrapped around his waist a little below his v-line.


    ¡°Hey?¡± I greeted again but I was still given the cold shoulders.


    I unwrapped myself from the sheets and duvet as I walked up to meet him, I was about to touch his hands when he jerked them away from me.


    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± I questioned out of frustration, he still didn¡¯t reply but I could see his jaws clenching then he ran his hands through his hair.


    Minutes went by without him saying anything while I was still standing naked in front of him.


    ¡°Get dressed, we¡¯ll be leaving¡± he sharply replied, he picked his clothes from the floor beside the bed and walked into the bathroom.


    I was shocked and surprised because I had not imagined any of these to turn this way, I slumped and sat on the soft bed as hot tears started to flow down my cheeks.


    I have been used by him and foolish of me to think what happenedst night was real, I actually thought it meant something and perhaps it was the begining of us.


    Perhaps something happened and that was why he was acting like this.


    He came out of the bathroom fully clothed but his hair was still wet from the shower and I walked up to meet him.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you talking to me Zach?¡± I asked with my hand on his arm, he stared at my naked body beside him and I felt something was wrong and it was about me. He didn¡¯t look at my body like he did yesterday but todays¡¯ was more of a look of disgust.


    I immediately felt ashamed with his eyes on my body and reached for the duvet, I covered my body up while my face was covered in sadness and confusion.


    He tucked his hands into his pocket and shifted his gaze back to my face, his tongue was buried at the left side of his mouth before he walked out of the room without saying anything.


    I haven¡¯t felt more embarrassed in my whole life, despite the fact that my photoshopped naked pictures were all around school I didn¡¯t feel as bad as I was feeling.


    I spotted some blood stains on the bedsheets and some waves of regret hit me hard. I had nned on losing my virginity with the right guy that would value and remember every little moment but fate didn¡¯t seem to be fair to me.


    I was going to wash off the stains before they get noticed by the people living in the house. I spotted the used condoms on the floor and felt haunted by the memories that were once sweet before I hid the condoms inside of my purse. I would dispose of them properly at home.


    I found my way to the bathroom and turned on the shower. I needed to cool off my body and maybe think for a little while in the shower. No matter how hard I tried to think of what had gone wrong I couldn¡¯te up with a better answer then I had just been yed by the yboy.


    After I was done with my bath, I wore my gown but without the jewelry, I wasn¡¯t even sure if I would apply some makeup on because I knew I would be bad at it. I hated the fact that my mood had to be a major lead in my daily activities.


    I walked out of the room fully clothed but couldn¡¯t find Zach anywhere.


    ¡°He¡¯s in his car, ¡± Gregory said and I turned to look at him. I hadn¡¯t noticed that he was close to me because I was too lost in my thoughts.


    ¡°Good morning¡± I greeted and he gave me a warm smile, I returned the smile and made to leave their house when he stopped me.


    ¡°Uhm little girl, you seem to be the closest to Zach at the moment so how about you help me talk to him and make him understand that I love him and I¡¯m truly sorry¡± Gregory asked with sincere eyes.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best, it was an honour to have me in your house¡± I responded and left to meet Zach in the car.


    I spotted him seated in the driver¡¯s seat with the windows down and his arm resting on the window, my heart raced at the sight of him for reasons I don¡¯t know of. Perhaps I was scared thatst night meant nothing to him.


    I entered the car but he didn¡¯t turn to look at me as he started the car immediately I got into it. I didn¡¯t fancy the cold shoulders he was giving to me so I decided to voice out.


    ¡°What the hell is even wrong with you?¡± I yelled as soon as he started the car but he still didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°I am talking to you Zach and your answers are what I need, why are you acting like this towards me?¡± I asked again but got the same silent response, I was already losing it and at the same time I was really sad.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just go around pretending likest night meant nothing to you¡± I yelled and some drops of tears fell down my eyes.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t mean anything to me¡± he coldly replied and I froze on the car seat.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°It meant nothing to me girl, it happens most of the time at parties and it¡¯s nothing special¡± he yelled with his voice tone really high.


    My heart shattered and I started to remember all of the sweet words he said to mest night, does that mean they meant nothing?


    ¡°You fucking took my virginity and you¡¯re saying it doesn¡¯t mean anything?¡± My voice cracked as a result of the amount of tears falling from my eyes.


    ¡°Virginity is overrated and it¡¯s no big deal¡± he rubbed his temples.


    ¡°I trusted you Zach and I gave my body to you but is this how you¡¯re repaying me? For the trust I had in you¡­.¡±


    ¡°Of fucking fuck it Isabe, stop talking about the trust and shit, I was obviously drunk and didn¡¯t know what I was doing or saying and you were so dumb enough to think I would ever want you or your body or even have anything to do with you¡±


    ¡°The dare was the only reason why I agreed to this shit, and everyday has been torture with you meddling in my affairs then you forced your slutty body on me and now you¡¯re trying to me me for it? Fucking bullshit¡± He spat outside the car and my mouth couldn¡¯t bring itself to close from the shock and all what he had said.


    ¡°I¡¯m a slut?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Can you just fucking shut up already, nothing aboutst night meant anything special to me but only made me to realize how much of a bitchy whore you were, you were only trying to hide your character by pretending but then you threw yourself at me, the worst part is you trying to say crap about what I said¡±


    ¡°Are you fucking dumb? I was obviously drunk but you chose to listen to my words and made me fuck you¡± he said and I couldn¡¯t bear the pain from his words anymore.


    ¡°Stop the car!¡± I yelled and he swiftly pulled by the road side. I exhaled my breath as I tried to put myself together, every single bit of word he said hurt really badly and shattered a lot of pieces in my heart.


    I cleaned off the tears that had been flowing all through the ride and brushed my hair to the side of my face but they fell back.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been talking and I¡¯ve been listening since that was all I could do but guess what?¡± I asked and tried to fake a smile even though my face was wet.


    ¡°Yesterday was thest day of us being together which means you don¡¯t have to tolerate being around a bitchy whore anymore because it¡¯s game over for me Zachary¡± I said before getting down from the door and mming it hard.


    He sped off immediately I left the car and I had to admit that it hurt but what has happened has happened. I tried to contain my tears so as to not look like a freak in the middle of the road.


    After some minutes of standing and reminiscing about what happened I finally saw a taxi that took me back home, even though it was a little bit expensive, I preferred  paying than driving with that bastard.

 Chapter 24

    I couldn¡¯t stop the warm tears from flowing down my cheeks throughout the ride. The driver noticed how my mood was so he yed some songs in the car.


    I really appreciate the fact that he was trying to make me feel better but the songs were only reminding me of all what Zach had done to me but I didn¡¯t want to be rude to tell him to turn it off.


    ¡°Boys problem?¡± His surprisingly thick voice growled from the driver¡¯s seat. I lifted my eyes to see him staring at me through the rear mirror.


    I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted to start a conversation with the driver right now so I nodded my head hoping he wouldn¡¯t say anything more.


    ¡°Shit happens most times, you just have to not let it get you¡± he said and continued to drive the car. Perhaps I would follow his advice, after all I can¡¯t be like this for a monster who doesn¡¯t know the value of females.


    After a few minutes or an hour, the driver finally pulled over at Maya¡¯s house. She was the only person that understood me and my whole body wanted to rest on her while I cried my eyes out.


    ¡°Take care kid¡± the driver said and sped away.


    I walked towards the house feeling numb and pale, the lights were off but I knocked anyway, they had to be at home.


    After knocking for some time, I realized they weren¡¯t at home, perhaps they went to an event. I slumped on their front porch with my head in my hands. I didn¡¯t want to cry so their neighbors wouldn¡¯t call me weird.


    The rain slowly drizzled on me but it was clear that it was going to be a heavy rain with the already pregnant clouds. I was still wearing the very light and open gown Zach bought for me so there was no way I was going to stay outside while it rained but who the hell do I know.


    I didn¡¯t want to go back to my dad¡¯s house, he could be there and I didn¡¯t want to face any of his drug crap. Without any other option, I decided to go to Xavier¡¯s house, after all he was nothing like the bastard.


    His house was a distance I could walk to hopefully before the rain starts raining heavily and by the time it stops I woulde back to Maya¡¯s house.


    My thoughts throughout the road didn¡¯t let me notice that I was already in Xavier¡¯s street and the rain suddenly started to fall heavily.


    ¡°Crap!¡± I cussed as I ran towards his mansion hoping he would be at home. I made it to the door but I was already drenched from the rain. Goosebumps appeared all over my skin and I couldn¡¯t help but shiver.


    My hands shook as I knocked on his door twice, it didn¡¯t take him much time to open the door so I guessed he must have been in the living room. He was surprised to see me and it almost looked like he was seeing a ghost or an old friend.


    ¡°Hey!?¡± He finally voiced out but it sounded more like a question.


    ¡°Can I stay here for some while? Till Maya gets back¡± I asked and he opened the door immediately with his hands fumbling.


    ¡°Sure, why not,e on in¡± he took some steps away from the door to lead me in, his hands touched my bare cold back and I felt some warmth from his hands and the house itself.


    ¡°You should change those clothes or you¡¯ll catch a cold, ¡± he said and climbed up the steps. He shortly came back with a blue sweatpant and sweatshirt that looked really big for me, after all Xavier had this type of really good and huge body.


    ¡°There¡¯s a room at the corner by your left¡± he handed the clothes over to me and I followed his direction to the room. I wasn¡¯t surprised to see a spare room as big as my entire house in his mansion.


    I quickly pulled off my soaked clothes and wore the one he had given to me, they felt sofortable than the itchy ones I have.


    I didn¡¯t bother to check if the clothes actually fit me because I didn¡¯t care, after all it was Xavier and he wouldn¡¯t mind.


    I came out of the room and saw Xavier sitting with some toast bread and two cups of coffee on the round ss table.


    ¡°Thank you so much¡± I said as I sat on the couch and took a big bite out of the toast. I haven¡¯t eaten real food throughout today and my tummy growled immediately when I tasted it, I was sure he heard but I didn¡¯t mind.


    ¡°What happened between you and Zach?¡± He asked and my heart flinched for some while.


    ¡°Why, did he tell you anything?¡± I asked as I swallowed the toast, but it refused to go down my stomach so I had to push it in with some hot coffee.


    ¡°No he didn¡¯t¡±


    ¡°Then why are you asking?¡± I fired back almost immediately but realized I was just being a stupid psychopath.


    ¡°I only asked because you were supposed to be with him right now¡±


    ¡°The bet has ended,¡± I replied.


    ¡°Oh shit! Silly of me not to remember, I apologise¡± he said and took a bite out of the toast bread on the table.


    ¡°Well we had a fight before we departed ¡± I said in a low and hoarse voice. He looked at me in the eye for some time before taking his stare away from me.


    ¡°Zach is an asshole, I apologize for whatever he did but I¡¯m not apologizing on his behalf¡± he said and took another bite of the toast.


    I had eaten just two of those since I got here but I have actually lost count of how many he had eaten, he seemed to like them very well.


    I was still in my thoughts when he took another toast from the table and I didn¡¯t realize when I pped his hands.


    ¡°Save some for me won¡¯t you?¡± I yelled and he dropped the toast on the table. I could feel him staring at me and when I looked up at him his face was mixed with a surprise emotion and a happy one. He was smiling with his tongue at the side of his mouth making his piercings and jawline attractive.


    ¡°What?¡± I protested and took a sip out of the hot coffee that was already bing warm. I hated warm coffee, it¡¯s neither hot nor cold.


    There remained just one toast on the table and I realized he had been eating it while staring at me. I tilted my head to look at him and back at thest toast.


    ¡°Not cool?¡± I blurted out like a six year old kid, it reminded me of Joe.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    I really loved toast a lot but his own toast tasted way better, we were both staring at each other and I had secretly sworn to kill him if he ate thest one.


    As I stretched my hands to take thest toast he immediately took it before my hands even got to the te.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± I yelled but my threats didn¡¯t freak Jim as he took a big bite out of the toast. I watched him finish it in front of my eyes and my eyes cringed. I was so going to kill him.


    ¡°You big bully!¡± I yelled at him and jumped on his back while yanking his hair really hard.


    ¡°Ouch that hurts!¡± He chuckled pretending to be in pain.


    He carefully threw me back on the couch with a smug smile on his face.


    ¡°Ironic, A bully calling me a big bully¡± he said and brushed his hands through his already messy hair that fits him perfectly.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t cool¡± I pouted as I folded my hands underneath my breasts¡­.. well underneath my chest.


    I took a sip out of the coffee and almost spilled it on the floor, it was worse than before.


    ¡°You should microwave that¡±


    ¡°I know I should microwave that!¡± I replied immediately stretching out my words which made him chuckle, but to admit it he had a good smile andughter.


    I entered the kitchen and he followed behind, it was a really big kitchen and I wondered if they had no maids in this house.


    As if he knew what I was thinking about he replied immediately,¡± the maids are on their leaves¡±.


    I nodded my head, while my lips were shaped in an ¡°o¡± way. I spotted the microwave and on opening it, I sighted something that made my whole face lit up. There was more toast bread in the microwave. I set the timer for a few seconds to warm the toast and when I was done I ced the mug into the microwave to heat up my coffee a little.


    ¡°You seem so happy don¡¯t you¡± he said and I realized he has been watching the way my eyes lit up at the sight of the toast.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you daree near these, they¡¯re mine¡± I threatened and he jokingly raised his two hands in defeat.


    We went back to the living room where I had continued my food and in no time I was done with it. It was still raining and everywhere was chilly. He noticed how I was shivering even despite the fact I was wearing an oversized clothes with the heater turned on.


    He increased the temperature of the room as he went up the stairs and shortly came back with a nket. He sat beside me on the couch and covered both our bodies with the nket.


    ¡°Let¡¯s Netflix!¡± He said and I nodded my head in approval.


    ¡°Shit!¡± He cussed and I turned to face him but immediately noticed he was staring at the remote that was on the table.


    ¡°Go get the remote youzy ass boy¡± I chuckled as I gave him a slight punch on his arm. He pretended it was painful.


    ¡°But I¡¯m getting allfy under the nket already¡± heined and I giggled before getting up to hand the remote to him.


    There was a smug smile on his face that I really wished I could p off with the remote. I made myselffortable under the nket then he turned on the big television that was in their living room.


    I rested my head on his shoulders as the movie started, he didn¡¯t flinch or make a move to difort me. Despite the fact that I was sad some hour ago, he had somewhat made me smile and I almost forgot about what happened between Zach and me.

 Chapter 25

    ¡°Yesterday was thest day of us being together which means you don¡¯t have to tolerate being around a bitchy whore anymore because it¡¯s game over for me Zachary¡± those words kept on repeating itself in my head no matter how hard I tried to forget it.


    I shouldn¡¯t be bothered about some words she spilled out of her mouth but the fact that I wouldn¡¯t get to see her or touch her anymore baffled me and the thought of it baffling me was driving me crazy. I have never felt this way for no one and I¡¯m not feeling any shit right now. It¡¯s just my head trying to do some tricks on me.


    I drove into my house but I couldn¡¯t seem toe down from my car, I wanted to just fuck everything and get inside but I knew I still had a long day ahead of me, my fucked up head would probably still be thinking of her.


    I closed the car door as I turned on the car¡¯s engine and drove back outside the gate. I had no idea where I was going to go but I needed a ce that wouldn¡¯t give me the opportunity to think, a ce with loud music and drink.


    I shortly found myself parked in front of a bar, I haven¡¯t been here in ages but if this would make my head think straight then I don¡¯t mind it. I came down from my car and tucked my keys into my pocket before entering the bar.


    ¡°Look who we have here¡± Samantha, the bar attendant, shed me a smile before leaving her position to hug me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in for these today Samantha¡± I shunned and walked to sit on one of the stools in the bar.


    ¡°You seem to be in a bad mood today, I thought you would want a little of these as usual¡± she said, squeezing her boobs that were almost out of her short tight ck dress.


    ¡°Not today Samantha, just pour me some drink¡± I replied without looking at her face and I was sure she was surprised. I was surprised at myself too, I used to hit it with her whenever I was in a bad mood and happened to be in her bar.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    It all started on a day when my Dad called me for the first time, even though I was really young I had managed to squeeze some fake ID in my hand. She noticed I was underaged and gave me a condition where I have to fuck her and she wouldn¡¯t tell.


    Even though she was really older than me, I still fucked her and ever since she wanted more of where that came from.


    She poured some wine in a ss and passed it to me. I kept on drinking to the point that I lost count of how many sses I had drunk. I was feeling a little tipsy so I decided to stop.


    She noticed I was getting drunk and adjusted her top, squeezing her boobs even more tighter while letting out soft moans, she got closer to me and her hands were now all over me. Her hands slid down my chest and I realized where they were going.


    I immediately stood up from the stool and left the bar. I couldn¡¯t me her for it though. I was at fault for going to an empty bar during the day and getting drunk.


    I entered my car but my vision was a little bit blurry, I knew I couldn¡¯t drive in this condition so I ended up picking the door and sleeping in the car.


    A knock on my window woke me up, I rubbed my eyes for some seconds before I opened them. A police officer was standing in front of my window. Shit.


    He gestured at me to shine down the sses and I did so immediately, ¡°you¡¯re not supposed to park by the roadside talk less of sleeping in your car¡± he queried.


    I wanted to talk but I feared that he might sense the smell of alcohol from my breath so I just sat there staring at him.


    ¡°I know you drank kid, you¡¯re in the front of a fucking bar but are you sober now? Because you have to get your ass and your car away from this ce else you¡¯ll be getting a ticket¡± he said and walked away.


    For a second I thought I was hallucinating bit it was real, perhaps his wife had good sex with him today, I brought out my phone and checked the time. It was 7pm already so I could go back to the house.


    The officer turned his back to look at me and I started the car immediately and zoomed off.


    It didn¡¯t take me long before I finally got home, I went straight to my room and mmed the door hard even though no one was in the house. Iid on my bed facing the ceiling and tried to close my eyes but I couldn¡¯t. The image of her in my room kept on appearing in my head.


    I pped the imagination off and tried to close my eyes again, ¡°Yesterday was thest day of us being together which means you don¡¯t have to tolerate being around a bitchy whore anymore because it¡¯s game over for me Zachary¡± her words echoed In my head again. Fuck this would be the longest night of my life.


    ********


    ¡°Hey Zach¡± Aurora ran up to me the moment I parked my car in the school¡¯s parking lot.


    ¡°Hey¡± I replied but with a cold face, I wasn¡¯t really in the mood to talk to anyone.


    ¡°Are you happy?¡± She asked and I cocked a brow at her


    ¡°Don¡¯t act dumb silly, yesterday was you guysst day together. You don¡¯t have to deal with that ogre anymore¡± she shed her hair backwards.


    I was already having a serious migraine fromck of sleepst night and I was definitely not in the mood for one of Aurora¡¯s games.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± I sharply said and walked away from her, she seemed to be shocked.


    As I was about to enter the school building I spotted Isabe and Mayaing down from their car. I felt a loud thud in my chest and I couldn¡¯t stop but stare at her. She didn¡¯t realize I was staring at her for a moment until our eyes met but she sharply removed them and walked into the school.


    I saw Xavier walking up to her and giving her a hug through the school¡¯s ss door. I guess she was feeling better now and I was here thinking I had hurt her too bad but she was clearly happy. I didn¡¯t know how to feel about this but I knew I wasn¡¯t feeling alright, it¡¯s probably because of the sleepless night.


    ¡°What about her?¡± Aurora¡¯s voice asked beside me, I hadn¡¯t realized she was watching me.


    ¡°Nothing of your concern¡± I replied and walked into the school building.


    I didn¡¯t see her all through sses today, I was d I didn¡¯t have to face her but deep down a part of me wanted to just see her or touch her. Perhaps during lunch break. I tried to stay awake throughout the very boring ss and it was shortly over.


    I had rushed out of the ssroom to the cafeteria, I wanted to be there on time so I would notice her walking in immediately. The cafeteria started to fill up but there was no sign of her or Maya. The table was shortly filled up with my teammates and Aurora, she was acting weird probably wanting me to apologise but that wouldn¡¯t even happen in her dreams.


    ¡°What the hell am I even doing? I¡¯m not supposed to have her in my mind¡± I said to myself and tried to focus on the fries I was dipping into the ketchup.


    I suddenly spotted her and Maya walking into the cafeteria and stood up to meet them. I don¡¯t know why the hell I wanted to meet them or why I was even walking towards them, no not them but her. Be.


    She noticed me walking towards her and tried to hasten her pace but I grabbed her arms and pulled her back to my body. She flinched and I could sense anger in her.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± She grinned her teeth and tried to free herself from my grip, the whole cafeteria was staring now. Shit I wasn¡¯t myself, I didn¡¯t realize what I was doing, hell I don¡¯t even know why I walked up to her.


    ¡°I said let me go¡­¡± She suddenlynded on the floor. i had been holding her tight but when I realized people were staring I decided to switch the humiliation to her as I suddenly let go of her hand but she lost stamina and fell on the floor.


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Maya yelled and made her way for me but Be held her legs and gave her a slight shake. Maya bent to pick Be up and they both walked out of the cafeteria. I could see sadness in Be¡¯s eyes. Fuck it. Tears started to run down her cheeks as she stared at me, she immediately cleaned them and ran out of the cafeteria.


    I turned to look at everyone¡¯s faces and they were allughing at Be, I¡¯ve just screwed up. I walked back to my table to continue my lunch but I wasn¡¯t able to eat it as my mind wasn¡¯t settled.


    ¡°She¡¯s such a loser¡± Lammented but his words took me over the edge as I stormed away from the table. I wasn¡¯t going to look for Maya but I was going back home.

 Chapter 26

    ¡°shit¡± I cussed as I threw my keys on the ss table that was in the living room.


    My head wasn¡¯t straight all through the ride and I needed to get my mind off what happened in school today. I was damn sure she hates me so bad right now but why the hell do I care if she hates me or not.


    I slumped on the couch with my head facing the ceiling as I was staring at the art design on the ceiling. It wasn¡¯t helping to ry me at all.


    My phone suddenly buzzed and I picked it with annoyance but my mind came down when I saw who the caller was.


    ¡°Devin?¡± I whispered before answering the call.


    ¡°Hey dude, what¡¯s up?¡± He greeted, it was definitely Devin with that smug voice of his.


    ¡°Fuck off Dude, where the hell have you been!¡± I yelled, almost bing excited to talk to him.


    ¡°If you wanted to know you would have called all this while¡± he said through the phone and I realized it was actually my fault for not calling.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, whatever you¡¯re still an asshole¡± I said and we bothughed.


    ¡°I¡¯ming over tomorrow, I miss my dunderheaded cousin¡± he dragged the dunderheaded.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a fool Devin, juste over already¡± I say and he chuckled before hanging up. I felt relieved that he was going to be here, he was the only person i considered as a close friend.


    Devin and I grew up together but some strange things happened and he ended up living with our grandmother, she raised him up like her own son and after the incident with my mum, he urged me toe live with my grandma but I wasn¡¯t really a fan of her.


    She didn¡¯t like my mum like she liked Devin¡¯s mum and I would definitely hate to be maltreated. Finally, for some time now I haven¡¯t been thinking about Be, I just couldn¡¯t wait any longer for him toe.


    I checked the time and it was just 3;30. They should have closed from school by now. I know I¡¯m supposed to be bothered about cutting sses and missing tests but I have people who would cover that up for me.


    Iid my head down on the couch with a smile on my face but then images of Be sitting at the other couch came to my mind and I just couldn¡¯t help but hallucinate. Fuck it! I really need to leave this house, it¡¯s like she¡¯s everywhere.


    I walked upstairs to my room and changed my clothes into sportswear before driving away from the house. I was going to go to a football field where I used to y before I got recognized.


    ¡°Zach!¡± The coach yelled as he spotted me, his face was stered with a big smile and I smiled back at him, after all he made me get to where I was.


    I couldn¡¯t see any of the old faces I was used to on the field. Perhaps they all got recognized and signed to.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± He asked


    ¡°We currently don¡¯t have any matches and I¡¯m here in Tennessee, I just wanted to get my mind off somethings by ying¡± I said and the tall, slender Man patted me on my shoulder.


    ¡°Okay son¡± he said and walked away to the middle of the field, I watched as he blew the whistle assembling everyone before him so I went too.


    ¡°Alright everybody, we have a professional in our midst, show him what you¡¯ve got and don¡¯t forget to have fun¡± he said and exited the field to a corner where he sat and drank his usual coke.


    We started ying the match and It was easy to tell that this set of yers just joined the team. They yed like amateurs even though their legs were swift, they weren¡¯t thinking.


    I single handedly ended up scoring five goals before the coach blew the whistle and called it a day.


    ¡°Come here everyone¡± I said to them and they all gathered around me.


    ¡°You¡¯ve tried and you yed good, you have the moves and skills but you don¡¯t make use of what is up here¡± I said tapping my head.


    ¡°It¡¯s no insult or whatever but to be a professional you have to think while ying and not just y to want to score a goal by all means.¡±


    ¡°Think of what your opponent is about to do, when you¡¯ve figured it out, use that against him and watch how you¡¯ll endlessly score¡±, I said and left their midst to drink water. I was dehydrated to level zero.


    ¡°Nice job what you did back there!¡± Adams patted me on my shoulder and I smiled at him.


    I shortly left the field for my car and got in to drive back to my house.


    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with that bastard, you should have let me teach him a lesson he would never forget¡± Maya fumed in her car.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine just calm down Maya, we¡¯ve left the school for him already so let¡¯s just go somewhere else¡± I said trying to calm her down so she would focus on the road and probably not get us dead or whatever.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting anything good from Zach but I never believed he would stoop so low to do what he did, after crying earlier on I realized that I had no reason to cry over someone who doesn¡¯t even deserve air to breathe in.


    He humiliated me in his house after sleeping with me but he didn¡¯t think that was enough as he humiliated me in front of the whole school and Kiki¡¯s camera. He¡¯s such a low person and I will always remember not to rate him at a high ce. He doesn¡¯t deserve shit.


    Telling me a sad story about his life then using me just for sex when I thought we had something real going on and not I forget that he fucking dropped me in the middle of the road not caring if I had some change or not.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go get ice cream and head back to my house, we¡¯ll pick Joe up from school afterwards¡± she said and I nodded my head.


    We reached the ice cream parlour and she surprisingly ordered three bowls of thergest size with some whip cream, chocte and sprinkles.


    ¡°We can¡¯t finish those,¡± I said, pointing at her orders.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any more in the fridge so I might as well stock our fridge¡± she said and I nodded my head in understanding.


    We got into her car as she drove off and yed some revenge songs in her car. I knew she was trying to cheer me up but revenge just wasn¡¯t my thing. It got to a part where the female lead singer said ¡°I made you but you made love to her¡± and I suddenly remembered Maya¡¯s and George¡¯s case.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going with both George and Frank¡± I asked, I knew I should have asked way earlier but I was stuck up in the dare contest and had no time to talk to her.


    ¡°They¡¯re both fine I guess, I haven¡¯t told George about it yet so we¡¯re still cool¡± she said and I opened my mouth in awe.


    ¡°Babe I think he deserves to know,¡± I said to her.


    ¡°I know he deserves to know, but he¡¯ll be so heartbroken and devastated besides I still love him¡± she said and I pped my forehead.


    ¡°It¡¯s better now thanter babe, but then you don¡¯t love Frank?¡± I asked and she sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bad person Isabe¡± she whispered and I understood exactly what she meant. She likes the both of them and thinks keeping it cool with them will help.


    ¡°Does Frank know about George?¡± I asked


    ¡°Yes but I lied to him that we broke up,¡± she stuttered.


    ¡°Come on Maya, you can¡¯t keep on lying forever¡± I yelled.


    ¡°I know! Trust me I do know and I¡¯ll make it up to them both someday¡±she whined but I increased the volume of the music to the loudest volume. I wasn¡¯t going to be part of this game of hers and when did she be this all of a sudden.


    We arrived at Maya¡¯s house but her parents weren¡¯t home yet, they were probably still at their workce, not like they couldn¡¯t leave if they wanted to since they¡¯re their own bosses.


    ¡°Help me with these¡± she said and handed over tworge bowls of ice cream to me. They were freezing cold so I had to rush into the house. I ced the bowls on the kitchen counter before arranging them in the fridge. I brought out two smaller bowls and scooped some amount of Ice cream into them. We couldn¡¯t even finish half of a bowl today.


    She walked towards me and added some extras on it before we both settled on the couch and turned on the TV to watch Netflix.


    It was a two hours Teenage romance movie that was absolutely perfect in everything, it was a mixture of all genres and it gave me vibes like that of twilight.


    There was still time to watch one more movie so we decided to watch another one but wouldn¡¯t stop till we watched part two of the movie.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Time went by and we realized Joe must have closed from school. ¡°Shit!¡± We cussed and jumped up from the couch giggling together as we ran to Maya¡¯s car. We arrived at his school but he wasn¡¯t standing at his usual spot waiting for us to pick him and I sensed something strange. I asked one of the teachers in the school and she said someone else has picked him.


    ¡°Who?¡± I asked and she shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± she said as she blew and popped the gum in her mouth.


    ¡°How the hell would you let someone else, a total stranger pick my brother up!!¡± I yelled at thedy but she seemed unbothered, I suddenly started to get confused as I found it hard to breathe.


    ¡°Where could Joe be?¡±

 Chapter 27

    ¡°Where the hell could Joe be? He¡¯s just a kid Maya!¡± I yelled as we walked back to her car. I couldn¡¯t process anything as my mind was filled with worry of who could have picked him up.


    ¡°Rx, it could have been my mum¡± Maya suggested and I felt a little relieved in myself, of course it could have been Grace but then she wasn¡¯t at home.


    ¡°But she was at work,¡± I said.


    ¡°Perhaps they went out together¡± she replied, ¡°but hold on I¡¯ll call you confirm¡±


    ¡°Please do so¡± I said as I rubbed my temple. She dialed out Grace number and Grace picked on the third ring, I was getting impatient even though it rang just thrice.


    ¡°Hey sugar plum!¡± Grace squeaked from the other side of the phone to the point that It made me cringe.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason, you never call me¡± Grace asked and I watched how the both of them argued on who used to call who. None of them was talking about Joe and it seemed like Maya forgot the reason she called at first. I was running out of patience as I snatched the phone from Maya.


    ¡°Hey Grace¡± I greeted through the phone, she responded with the same enthusiasm in her voice.


    ¡°What are you girls up to?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I kinda want to know if Joe is with you¡± I rushed out my words eager to know her response.


    ¡°Joe? No he isn¡¯t, why is everything okay?¡± She asked immediately and the tone of her voice fell.


    ¡°Actually No! No there¡¯s a problem Grace!¡± I said almost cracking at the end. Joe wasn¡¯t in school and his teacher said someone had picked him up but didn¡¯t know who. How the hell would I find the person in thisrge city, Joe doesn¡¯t even have a phone, what if he was in trouble.


    ¡°What happened?¡± She asked and I realized the call was still on.


    ¡°I¡­ we went to Joe¡¯s school to pick him up but his teacher said someone else had picked him up and she doesn¡¯t know who the person was¡± I cried.


    ¡°Be calm Isabe, I¡¯ll be right there¡± Grace said and ended the call.


    I tried to stay calm but there was no way I could idle while my little brother was on the loose with God knows who. What if it was a kidnapper or a psychopath who took Joe.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check your house¡± Maya suggested and I nodded my head. Even though my house was thest ce I would want to check, I had no other options but to go there.


    The drive to my house was the actual time it took but it felt slower today and I kept on bugging Maya to increase the pass but she would throw me a nce of death.


    ¡°Do you want us dead or arrested?¡± She would ask. But then if I was the one driving the car without her in it I wouldn¡¯t mind ending up dead or arrested for my brother as long as I will be able to find him.


    Maya suddenly pulled over and I stared at the small house before rushing into it, then Maya followed behind. The doors were not closed and it seemed the television was on. Perhaps my father was at home.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Joe¡¯s here¡± I whined and turned my back to leave.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even check Isabe!¡± Maya rolled her eyes and folded her hands under her breasts.


    ¡°There¡¯s no point, my father would have never cared about picking Joe up from school, hell does he even care if we went to school or fed, he doesn¡¯t care at all!¡± I said almost in a loud tone.


    I was about to turn my back when I heard the TV station changing and one of Joe¡¯s favourite cartoons was ying. I heard Joe¡¯s voice immediately after.


    ¡°Joe!¡± I yelled as I opened the wooden door.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± He responded with the same energy as he ran to meet me. I noticed my Dad staring at us with a smile on his face, it wasn¡¯t a genuine one but a sad one. He was probably on drugs again and how dare he pick up Joe from school without my permission.


    ¡°Maya take Joe to the car please¡± I said and Joe carried his backpack with him as he followed Maya out.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t give you the permission to pick Joe up from school!¡± I roared immediately I couldn¡¯t hear their footsteps anymore.


    ¡°Maya, it¡¯s been a long time since we talked and not even a single greeting from you?¡± He asked but I cut him short immediately.


    ¡°Who the hell gave you the permission to pick Joe up from school?¡± I asked again with rage in my veins.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your permission to pick my son from school Isabe so watch your tongue¡± he raised a finger at me.


    ¡°Oh so he¡¯s your son now? Huh, you now remember you have a son? After abandoning us with no food and nothing,ing home drunk everyday, giving us no attention, eating ourst food but he¡¯s your son now?¡±


    ¡°Where were you when I was caring for him in every way, I was the one who he would run to when he had nightmares, I was and still am the one who would struggle for him to eat, I bought him books and shoes, I was the one who have been picking him up from school and I have been the one performing the duty of a parent not you Ezekiel!¡± I roared with every rage in me.


    His facial expression fell and changed into a sad one, he wanted to say something but closed his mouth back. It was easy for one to tell that he wanted to cry or perhaps it was the drugs that started to kick In.


    ¡°I heard what you told Maya¡± he blinked his eyes trying to contain the tears.


    ¡°What I said was nothing but the truth¡± I replied while staring at him in the eye. Even though he was taller and huger I had nothing to be scared of, not to talk of being scared of a big drunkard and addict.


    I turned my back and left for the door while he stood in the same spot, he didn¡¯t want me to see him cry so I would be giving him that chance to cry.


    ¡°Just know it has also been hard for me and I love you both!¡± He said but it was toote for me to give him another piece of my mind as I mmed the door really hard hoping his face was closer to the door, a little damage on his face wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    I stormed my way inside the car, Maya was seated on the driver¡¯s seat while Joe was seated at the back seat sipping one of the juice boxes Maya always kept in her car.


    ¡°Babe you okay?¡± She said and I nodded my head but realized she was still staring so I turned to look at her and gave her a reassuring smile before she started the car.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I had no idea why my heart was pounding faster than usual and my hands were shaking on myps. I decided to me it on the cold weather and folded my arms under my breath for warmth and perhaps to stop it from shaking.


    We finally arrived at Maya¡¯s house and met Grace panicking all around the house.


    ¡°Hey Mrs Anderson!¡± Joe shed his scattered set of teeth to her and the moment her eyes fell on Joe, the wrinkles on her forehead disappeared and she brought him into a tight hug. Like I had been saying, I love the way Grace treats Joe like her own son.


    ¡°Christ I have been so worried!¡± She squealed in excitement while Joe was still tight in her arms.


    ¡°Where did you find him?¡± She asked


    ¡°My Dad picked him up¡± I replied and the excitement on her face vanished.


    ¡°Ezekiel?¡± She asked and I nodded my head. I didn¡¯t understand why her excitement vanished at the mention of my father. She tried to back on a fake smile as she bent her head to. look at Joe.


    ¡°How about we make pasta for the family?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Fuck yeahhh¡­ I¡¯m starving¡± Maya sluggishly said as she copsed on the couch.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go make pasta Joe¡± she raised his chin and shed her another smile.


    I watched how they both went into the kitchen and how Joe helped her by bringing out the equipment and utensils, even though he wasn¡¯t much of a help she seemed to be enjoying hispany which made me d.


    The food was finally ready and the whole house got prepared to eat, Mr Anderson came in almost right on time for the dinner and so we are in peace and quiet.


    ¡°So mum, what did you do about it when we called that Joe was missing?¡± Maya asked right before she shoved a meatball into her mouth.


    ¡°Joe went missing?¡± Mr Anderson chirped in and Maya nodded her head. I looked at Joe but he was not bothered about what we were discussing but was battling with a meat stuck In his teeth.


    Mr Anderson was about to ask another question when Grace suddenly interrupted.


    ¡°Oh i paid a visit to the school principal¡± she replied with no emotion on her face.


    ¡°So what happened next?¡± Maya asked but Grace raised a finger up telling us to wait till she was done with the pasta In her mouth.


    ¡°The teacher got fired,¡± she said and sipped her juice while Maya and I stared at each other with surprise.


    The dinner was going smooth and great before I started feeling a little bit strange. My head was spinning and my vision was blurry, I noticed my hands shaking again. It could probably be because of the stress.


    ¡°Thank you for the nice dinner, I¡¯ll be upstairs Maya¡± I said and excused myself from the table.

 Chapter 28

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I had even prepared a special meal for Devin because he wasing over and then I would have someone I could finally talk to.


    It was taking too long for him to get here and he had said he would be here on time. I was getting bored of staying home and lying on the couch so I called his number. I didn¡¯t want to seem like a clingy fuck person by calling and asking where he was but hell he knows me too much to think I was being clingy after all he is my brother.


    I picked up my phone and dialed his number, it was taking too long for the call to connect so I almost ended it before I heard his annoying voice through the phone.


    ¡°Hey Zachary¡± he greeted in a sarcastic way.


    ¡± I thought you would be here this morning¡± I said immediately after he greeted me not bothering about returning his greetings


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in the evening, I have to do something with my girlfriend,¡± he said through the phone.


    ¡°Okay bro¡± I replied and ended the call. My brain suddenly processed what he had said. Devin now has a girlfriend? The least person I would expect to be in a rtionship was Devin.


    Even though he was nice, he was still the most annoying fuck boy I have ever known but yet girls run to him like a ma even though they are very well informed that Devin would break their heart. He even made it known to some girls that he wouldn¡¯t date them but they could fuck and they ept the offer but end up wanting him as a boyfriendter on.


    They get jealous whenever they see him with another girl even though he wasn¡¯t dating any of them. I remembered when he said that three girls who were bestfriends fought because they all imed to be his girlfriend. I remembered how hard Iughed that day. Most of them ended up crying at the end and hoped he woulde back for them while some give up after weeks and find a new partner. Perhaps he changed a new leaf after highschool.


    I sat on the couch for some while but the boredom was eating me up so I decided to just go to school even though I waste and many sses have been missed already. There was nothing the school could do about me beingte if they didn¡¯t want to lose all of the money the bastard of a father contributes to the school and the good name I brought to the school for being a recognized football yer from Sapphire high school. I am kind of a big deal in the school.


    I arrived at school and it was just time for the lunch break, I had eaten at home so I didn¡¯t bother to go to the cafeteria but I went directly to my next ss.


    I opened the door and spotted Be seated at the end of the ssroom with a worried look on her face while she sipped through the straw on her juice box. She didn¡¯t seem to notice I walked into the ss so I walked back outside before she would be back to her senses.


    ¡°Hey Zach!¡± Aurora yelled immediately she spotted meing out of the ssroom. What could she possibly want now?


    She stood on her toe and leaned to give me a kiss on the lips but I broke the kiss almost immediately. Be came out of the ssroom the moment she kissed me and saw all what happened but didn¡¯t show any sort of emotion in her face. Perhaps I¡¯m a total stranger to her now.


    ¡°What¡¯s the asion? Why are you calling me from down the hallway like a lunatic? ¡± I asked and she snorted before moving some steps back away from me.


    ¡°Someone is here to see you, he was outside the school building.¡± She said and I became confused, who would want to see me and who the hell do I know.


    I kept on thinking about which guest would want to visit me in my school. My mind was on my father but I surely hoped it wasn¡¯t him else I might end up losing it and giving him a taste of his own medicine. But with the way Aurora sounded it doesn¡¯t look like my father.


    I walked outside the school building and spotted a ck BMW that looked familiar, the car¡¯s door suddenly clicked open and the driver came out of the car. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how he grew up really fast and has drastically changed from the way I saw himst.


    ¡°Devin!¡± I said excitedly as he walked up to me, I noticed Aurora giving him a slutty look as she adjusted her top trying to reveal her breasts. Aurora would definitely throw herself on any guy that drove an expensive car and wore expensive shoes. Let¡¯s just say she likes her men expensive.


    ¡°You look bigger than thest time Zach¡± he teased.


    ¡°We looked the same thest time, but why are you in my school?¡± I asked and cocked a brow at him as I tucked my hands into my pocket.


    ¡°She ended up releasing me on time and I stopped by at your house but Malik said you weren¡¯t at home and I assumed you must still be in school. School boy¡± he dragged thest statement out and I remembered how Devin could be very sarcastic and annoying.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go in¡± I rolled my eyes and we walked into the building. Aurora walked in our middle as we entered the cafeteria. I was sure she wanted everyone to know that she could pin two hot guys down, such a shame.


    The moment Devin entered the cafeteria, girls were all murmuring under their breath.


    ¡°I need an inhaler to breathe, we now have two hot and spicy dudes in our school¡± a girl said as she was struggling to breathe. Jeez, take it easy on yourself.


    Lunch break was over and it was time for everyone to go to their various sses. Devin had followed me to my ss but then he had to stop to flirt with any beautiful and sexy girl that passed his way.


    ¡°So is she your girlfriend?¡± He asked and I turned to look at him.


    ¡°The blonde haired girl¡±


    ¡°Oh Aurora isn¡¯t my girlfriend, I don¡¯t have one¡± I said and he let out a chuckle.


    ¡°I see¡­.¡± Was the only thing he said before we opened the door for the ssroom.


    I scanned through the ssroom to see if Isabe was there but she wasn¡¯t. I don¡¯t know how I felt about her absence but I sat down anyway and Devin sat closer to me.


    I would always check who entered the ssroom whenever the door was opened but none of them was Isabe.


    ¡°Are you expecting someone?¡± Devin asked. I had not noticed that he had been noticing me staring at the door repeatedly.


    ¡°Nope¡± I said and he nodded his head before concentrating on his phone. I felt like I should tell Devin about it but then he was surely going to make fun of me. Asshole.


    The door clicked open and finally I saw Isabe walk in, a small smile appeared on my face but then Xavier walked right behind her and the smile fell.


    ¡°So she¡¯s the one, she definitely is¡± Devin said but whispered thest part of the sentence.


    ¡°She¡¯s not the one and there¡¯s no ¡®the one¡¯ ¡± I said almost immediately and he raised his hand in the air in defeat. For the first time in history this ss was as full as it was. But then it didn¡¯t take me up to a minute to realize that they were mostly girls and they were here for Devin.


    The teacher shortly came in and I could swear that her facial expression was the same as mine when I noticed the amount of students in the ssroom.


    ¡°Well.. looks like y¡¯all woke up on the right side of the bed¡± she said before writing the subject on the white board.


    ¡°We have nothing much to discuss about today so I¡¯ll give you an assignment where you¡¯ll have to do it with a partner.¡± She said and waited for any question that would be asked.


    ¡°Do we get to choose our partner?¡± A curly haired short boy asked.


    ¡°Of course, less stress for me¡± she said and opened her textbook to revise some work.


    The boy looked towards Isabe¡¯s direction and she gave him an irritating look. Why does everyone but me find her attractive? My eyes suddenly fell on her hand and I saw that Xavier was holding her hands. It made me boil on the inside but why should I care?


    ¡°Isabe Brown, will you be my partner for the ss assignment?¡± Xavier said, I wanted to punch that mouth of his which spilled out those words but I kept calm.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Isabe replied and they bothughed even though the teacher was still in the ssroom. I was done and fed up with the bullshit of a game they were trying to y as I stood up from my seat, carried my bag pack and walked out of the ssroom. I could feel Devin walking behind me and I heard the teacher asking if he was a student.


    He should know how to get out of the trouble himself, I needed some fresh air or probably something else that would get my mind off her. The only reason I am like this was because I thought my words had hurt her but nothing more.


    ¡°Zach!¡± Devin yelled as he ran towards me panting like he had just raced a thousand metre race.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°You only ran for a few seconds and you¡¯re sweating like a goat right now¡± I teased, I barely found the chance to tease him and this was golden so I won¡¯t let it slide.


    ¡°Just shut it, what was that for?¡± He asked while he was still trying to catch his breath. Devin might have a good and well built body shape but he was the type that didn¡¯t enjoy exercises. He should be thankful he naturally has a good body and face.


    ¡°I was getting bored¡± I said and ran my hand through my hair. He scanned me for some time before saying ¡°okay!¡± I thought he was going to ask more but he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go home¡± I said and we both walked to our cars. ¡°Nice whip¡± Iplimented before we both started the car.


    My phone kept on buzzing throughout the ride but I didn¡¯t want to check the message. I finally got home and opened my phone to see twenty-five new messages all from Aurora.


    ¡°Help!¡± The message read.

 Chapter 29

    ¡°Zach! Please help me!¡± Another message read. I debated on going to get aid to see if she was truly in danger. I doubted it to be something serious but with the amount of repeated texts buzzing into my phone I decided to check up on her.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± I texted back and another text entered my phone in less than a minute.


    ¡°At Sylvia¡¯s house, I¡¯ll text you the address now¡± a new message read and I waited.


    ¡°Make yourselffortable, I¡¯ll be right back!¡± I told Devin as I started the engine of my car, he looked confused but then how was I supposed to exin to him when I don¡¯t even know what it is about.


    ¡°Zach, please hurry!¡± Another message popped up on my phone¡¯s notification bar.


    It must¡¯ve been urgent for her to send this much text to me so I increased the speed at which I drove hoping that  the cops weren¡¯t around.


    I eventually got to the house where the address had described but it didn¡¯t look like someone would be in danger here.


    Even though it was daylight, teenagers we¡¯re outside resting on their cars as they made out with each other. Why the fuck am I here!


    ¡°Zach hurry!!¡±a message from her buzzed my phone again and I let out a deep breath before walking into the house. Loud music sted across the room and it left me wondering why there would be a fucking party in a time like this. The cops could be here anytime so I might as well just hurry up and get over with whatever she needed me for.


    ¡°I¡¯m in the house, it¡¯s a party¡± I texted back as I found myself a cool spot to stay and maybe get away from the numerous girls throwing their ass at me.


    ¡°Hey Zach¡± a familiar voice greeted me and I raised my head up to see Aurora staring at me with a smile on her face. She was okay to me and why the hell did she need help.


    ¡°What was the text for, why do you need help?¡± I asked, almost getting irritated at how she made me waste my time.


    ¡°Come upstairs¡± she said and dragged my hand behind her. I wanted to release my hand from her grip but I stayed calm hoping whatever this was would be a reason worth leaving Devin.


    We got upstairs and she pushed me into a room, she locked the door immediately as she undressed herself.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing Aurora!¡± I yelled and she threw her top away not minding what I was saying. She unhooked her bra making her breasts fall.


    I wasn¡¯t in the mood for this and it was getting really annoying to me as I shove her aside and made my way to the door.


    ¡°Zach, wait!¡± She yelled like a crazy woman who had escaped from the asylum.


    ¡°What the hell do you want from me Aurora!¡± I asked and her face fell. She wasn¡¯t drunk and I could tell from her breath but why was she acting this way.


    ¡°I.. I was dared to take two sex enhancer, what are they called again?¡± She asked herself as she pped her forehead repeatedly trying to remember.


    ¡°All I know is that one was a pill while I had to rub the other on my vagina¡± she paused when she noticed the scornful look I gave her.


    Shaking my head, I unlocked the door but she grabbed my hands begging for me to not leave.


    ¡°Please Zach, I¡¯m going to lose it if you don¡¯t fuck me right now¡± she begged with tears almost falling down her eyes. Thisdy must have lost it.


    I debated for a while whether to fuck her or to leave but then I guess I needed a good sex, perhaps it will distract me from thinking about Be and the moment we shared together. Maybe I¡¯ll finally be myself and not imagine her In every corner of my house.


    ¡°Okay, one round¡± I said as I loosened my belt but she was quick to remove my hands and loosed it herself. I stood still and rested my back on the door as she did all sorts of things with my penis.


    Everything she did didn¡¯t seem to arouse me, she looked at my face in dismay and did all she could do but it still wouldn¡¯t erect. I was trying to make it hard and strong but it was justying there.


    She stood up and stripped herself naked seductively but I still didn¡¯t feel anything at all. Shit I hope I haven¡¯t be impotent.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you Zach, I need you right now!¡± She yelled almost in tears but then it wasn¡¯t my fault, no matter how hard I tried to make it erect, it wouldn¡¯t. I even imagined our past intercourse together In order to be aroused but I wasn¡¯t close to being hard.


    I was panicking and fear was taking over me, what if I wouldn¡¯t be able to use it anymore, why the hell would it not erect while Aurora was naked in front of me. She was even crowned the hottest girl in Sapphire high school.


    ¡°Okay then, finger me and give me pleasure¡± she pouted and I felt irritated as I gave her a look of disgust before fastening my belt and so I left the room.


    ¡°Zach, wait!¡± She called out my name but I pretended not to hear her as I walked straight up without looking at my back.


    ¡°You¡¯lle back begging¡± I heard her voice behind me, she must have been running after me. I turned to look at her to know if she was at least clothed but she was in her underwear. I guess half is better than none.


    ¡°Not gonna happen, even in your dreams¡± I said and walked away.


    ¡°Well fuck you¡± she said and I heard her requesting for sex from a random party prick but I didn¡¯t care anyway.


    On entering my car, I brought out a bottle of water as I gulped down the whole full bottle. I was sweating profusely even though the weather was cold. What the fuck happened back in there and why couldn¡¯t my dick be erected.


    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    I have been feeling strangetely and I know it wasn¡¯t just some random stuff but maybe I was sick. A part of me concluded that I wasn¡¯t sick but stressed.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Maya asked as she entered the room with a Snicker in her hand.


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine, is that for me?¡± I said pointing to the chocte bar.


    ¡°You better back off, it¡¯s mine¡± she chuckled and sat down beside me on the queen sized bed.


    ¡°Joe and Grace wouldn¡¯t stop chatting and their voices were so loud that I had to leave there¡± shemented and I chuckled. My mind drifted to my father but I shoved it off. I¡¯m not in need of a new stress to think about.


    ¡°They vibe better than we do, perhaps you could age faster and I¡¯ll turn into a little boy kid¡± I teased and she chuckled.


    There were some minutes of total silence in the room while the only sound was from the TV show Maya was watching. I would have joined her but I would barely understand this movie. She had been watching it way before me.


    I ended up scrolling through my Instagram for juicy stories and I unfollowed some set of people that made me feel insecure about myself and my body.


    ¡°So what are you wearing to prom?¡± Maya asked and muted the television.


    ¡°Prom?¡± I repeated the word and she nodded her head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t do prom, I¡¯d rather stay at home and eat somerge sized pizza with coke¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me shit bro it¡¯s ourst prom and you¡¯re going, we¡¯ll make it a good moment of our lives¡± she said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it¡± I replied knowing she wasn¡¯t going to drop the case if I didn¡¯t tell her that. I lied though, I wouldn¡¯t think about shit and I definitely wouldn¡¯t mind if I missed prom. It¡¯s that time of the year where everyone wears shy clothes and shows up in a limousine in front of the schoolpound. People show up with their dates while I would just be alone in a corner. Nope I¡¯m good.


    Although I wouldn¡¯t tell Maya why I won¡¯t be going to the prom, she would freak out if she was to find out. She might even end up setting up a blind date with me and a random dude.


    ¡°What are you wearing?¡± I asked and she shed her perfectly dentured set of teeth at me.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t figured that out, we could probably go shopping this week¡± she blinked rapidly.


    ¡°Noted, Isabe Brown is locking herself in a toilet all through the week¡± I dramatically expressed my hand as I was saying the words.


    ¡°Jerk¡± she hissed and threw a pillow at me, unfortunately it hit me. Maya knew how much I hate going shopping because I always end up carrying a lot of shopping bags for her all around the mall. She has a fashion disease where she wants everything in the mall.


    ¡°You¡¯reing though, I¡¯ll treat you right I promise¡± she twisted her two fingers and I let out a deep sigh. I guess I¡¯ll have to follow her to the mall hoping I don¡¯t run into my boss for leaving my job abruptly.

 Chapter 30

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I drove back home with the thoughts of today¡¯s incident in my mind, I couldn¡¯t afford to not be a man. I decided to let the thought slip away from my mind till I get home and maybe I would talk to Devin about it. He should know of a reason and what I could do to stop it.


    I stopped by on the road to buy some condoms in case I might need to try it out with another girl. It didn¡¯t take me much time before I finally reached my house.


    ¡°Took you enough time¡± Devin whined immediately I opened the door.


    ¡°A bitch gave me false and unreasonable news¡± I replied as I walked to the couch where he was seated. He was munching on my favourite cereal in the house.


    ¡°Seriously? Out of every god-damned cereal you decided to take my favourite!¡± I yelled in pain, the cereal was a scarce one and I had just a box of it left but now it¡¯s all going into his mouth.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one with a favourite cereal, it¡¯s my favourite too¡± he replied as he shoved a handful inside his mouth. I wondered how a human could eat almost everything and not get fat but still in shape. He was even more built than me.


    ¡°Just save some for me okay?¡± I pleaded and he paused for a second, he looked into the cereal box and back to my face before shrugging his shoulders.


    ¡°If my stomach doesn¡¯t request for more¡± he replied. I thought he was going to drop the cereal immediately but he didn¡¯t. Now I remember why we fought a lot as kids.


    I snatched the box from him as I walked up the stairs to my room. ¡°Where the fuck is this fuck head taking the cereal to?¡± He yelled before running after me. We kept on moving in circles chasing each other for the cereal box and for the first time in a long time I felt alive, just like we were kids.


    Memories of us as children clouded my mind and I imagined my mum yelling at the top of her lungs for us to not run and sit down. I was brought out of my thoughts as I slipped over a rug and fell on the floor. He caught up to me breathing really hard, for a second I thought he would snatch the box from me but he slumped on the floor too andid beside me.


    ¡°You¡¯re evil¡± he whined and I couldn¡¯t help butugh. When we¡¯re not together we¡¯re both beasts but once we get to be together we¡¯re eight years old kids.


    Running around the house with him made me forget about the things that were bothering me but it wasn¡¯t long before they appeared back Into my head and my mood changed.


    Devin noticed the change of mood, he walked into the kitchen and came back with two bottles of water before handing over one to me.


    I gulped down the whole bottle and noticed he had been staring all along. ¡°You don¡¯t seem okay¡± he said as he wiped his face with the sleeve of his hoodie.


    ¡°It¡¯s something you mightugh at¡± I honestly replied, Devin had a bad sense of humour and won¡¯t lose the chance tough at me.


    ¡°Ohe on! Me? Nah, I won¡¯tugh¡± he promised and I inhaled a deep breath.


    ¡°So today that bitch texted that she was in need of my help, I went to her and realized that she took a sex enhancer and wanted me to fuck her so bad¡± he chuckled for a moment.


    I looked at Devin¡¯s face and he was pretending to be seriously engrossed in my matter.


    ¡°Well I ended up epting but then when she tried to make me hard I wasn¡¯t even aroused, and she was naked but still no sign of arousal. What if I can¡¯t have sex anymore¡± I exined to him and he walked to the couch where heid t on.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re tired of her, try that chick you were waiting for in ss today¡±


    ¡°Be? What the fuck no!¡± I replied and he raised his hands in defence.


    ¡°Okay then try it on anyone else that is hotter and prettier before we think of the next thing to do¡± he said and I nodded my head. We spent the rest of our day talking about girls but mostly his girlfriend. He seemed happy with her and somehow I wished I had a girlfriend but then it¡¯s hard to find a loyal one, they¡¯re all hoes.


    I woke up the next morning feeling okay and I could perceive the smell of a yummy toast. I checked the time on my phone but it was just six am. Why would he cook as early as this?


    I went downstairs to the kitchen to find him making toast bread but one was in his mouth already.


    ¡°It¡¯s six in the morning Devin¡± I said, stressing out the ¡°morning¡±.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s one hell of a greeting in Tennessee¡± he cockily replied and I sneered before taking water out of the fridge.


    ¡°I woke up hungry¡± he said after some while


    ¡°Of course you did¡± Iughed and he threw an onion bulb at me but I was fortunate enough to dodge a rugby yer¡¯s throw.


    After breakfast I went to my room and took a nice and warm shower. I kept on staring at my dick wondering if it was now of no use but I immediately shoved that thought away. I¡¯ll try something new in school today.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take your car today¡± Devin yelled through the hallway and I replied back. The drive was fun and exciting as he yed our favourite band music and we sang along even though our voices were nothing close to being okay.


    As we were about to get to school he switched off the music and on getting to the school premises he switched off his real personality that I know of and maybe his girlfriend too to that of the cold and heartless personality. I guess that was what we had inmon, hated being around people.


    We came down from the car to meet different girls approaching him, all trying to be close to him or even trying to make him say a word to them. They were used to me snubbing them so they didn¡¯te to my side except for a junior girl who shyly came to me.


    ¡°Uhm hey Zach¡± she greeted, I scanned her thinking of whether I should respond to her greetings or not but then she looked innocent. Unlike the rest of the girls it was clear that they wanted it for attention but hers wasn¡¯t like that.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hi!¡± I replied and walked into the school building to meet Devin who had also shoved the girls off. I could hear how they whispered and envied the shy junior because I said ¡°hi¡±, girls could be dumb sometimes.


    I stared at Devin from afar and understood why girls would want to die because of him, but ording to him his girlfriend was the only one he chose out of multiple girls because she didn¡¯t see him the way others did.


    I finally got to where he was standing and we both walked away from the entrance to our ssroom. I wasn¡¯t focusing on what was in front of me but rather my thoughts were on something else. I made a turn in the hallway and suddenly bumped into Be. Shit!


    Her head hit my chest really hard and she screamed in pain for a while before looking up to see me. Her facial expression fell but she didn¡¯t say anything as we both stared at each other in awkward silence. Devin took this as an opportunity to let us talk things out as he left for the ssroom leaving me behind.


    ¡°Hi?¡± I greeted but she didn¡¯t reply as she walked past me. There wasn¡¯t even a tiny bit of emotion in her eyes. Perhaps I really fucked her up but then she looked happy with Maya and Xavier.


    I noticed a feeling in my pant and realized I got hard only by bumping into her, what the fuck has she done to me.


    I covered it with my hand as I walked to the empty ssroom containing only Devin in it.


    ¡°So she¡¯s the one?¡± He asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one¡± I roared back and as usual he raised his hands in defence. ¡°I have a problem though¡± I cleared my throat before saying.


    ¡°What¡¯s it about?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I got really hard merely by seeing her¡± I said and he gave me a long and awkward nce before leaning closer to me.


    ¡°You guys fucked before?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I was drunk,¡± I replied. He leaned back on his chair and looked into my eyes again.


    ¡°You love her,¡± he bluntly said.


    ¡°Gross no!¡± I replied, love is a really strong word but then I didn¡¯t hate her but I definitely don¡¯t love her either.


    ¡°I can tell from your look that you feel something for her, don¡¯t fight it bro¡­¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s just a random girl, who doesn¡¯t know how to dress so I definitely don¡¯t feel anything for her and I¡¯m not fighting shit!¡± I yelled and the group of students who entered the ss seemed to be shocked. They thought we were in a fight.


    I sat down on the chair next to Devin as the teacher entered the ssroom, I checked my dick and it wasn¡¯t hard anymore. I couldn¡¯t wait for this ss to be over so I¡¯ll carry out my n.


    ¡°She¡¯s hot though¡± Devin murmured and I pinched the bridge of my nose.

 Chapter 31

    The sses were over and it was time for our lunch break, Devin and I both left the ssroom immediately as we made our way to the cafeteria. He still doesn¡¯t know what I was up to and I wasn¡¯t intending on telling him. He would probably preach to me about it.


    I sat down on the bench as Devin offered to go get our lunch. Thoughts of what I would do were all in my head and as soon as I raised my head I caught Devin talking to Be and they seemed to be smiling and happy, he wasn¡¯t a social type so why would he talk to Be. I felt a sharp pain in my chest as I tried to distract myself from the obvious. I couldn¡¯t be jealous, I¡¯m in no ce to be jealous of who she talks to.


    Devin soon came back with our lunch in his hand with a smug smile on his face. I collected my lunch from him trying to avoid his eyes but his smile was impossible to avoid.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you!¡± I said and it was obvious there was a hint of jealousy in my voice. Why the hell am I jealous?


    ¡°Why what¡¯s wrong with me?¡± he replied, still with a smile on his face. Sometimes his sense of humour around me can be so annoying that I would want to strangle him.


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking smiling like a fuck eight year old boy¡± I said in a disgust tone and his smile even became broader.


    ¡°She has an eight year old brother too¡± he said and I immediately stood up from the table. I was done with his episode. I made my way to find Aurora in the school, she was usually seated with me in the cafeteria but maybe she had practice.


    I made my way to the football court as I spotted her and some other girls practicing their new dance. She saw me almost immediately and came up to me.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s here¡± she folded her hands under her breasts while staring at me with a slick smile on her face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s fuck!¡± I said and I could immediately sense her happiness as her cheeks flushed. What a whore.


    ***********


    I came out of the dressing room while Aurora was still wearing her clothes back. I was able to do it with her but then I had no feeling of pleasure while having it with her. Even though she was moaning all the time from enjoying it, I didn¡¯t seem to be interested. It was like I was numb to the feeling of pleasure. I don¡¯t know what was wrong with me, I was being worried about my life that I didn¡¯t realize Devin was in front of me all the whole while.


    ¡°You¡¯re lost¡± he said as he stood in front of me. I knew I was lost because why the fuck will I be so absent minded in the middle of the day.


    ¡°Look you¡¯re my brother and I¡¯ll just have to be honest with you, I thought I wasn¡¯t going to love until I met my girlfriend¡± he said and ced his hand on my shoulder as he shifted my body to face him.


    ¡°Perhaps she¡¯s the one for you and that¡¯s why you¡¯re being confused, think about your feelings and how you feel when she¡¯s around, how she made you happy when she¡¯s with you because that¡¯s all that matters¡± his phone suddenly rang and I guessed it was his girlfriend.


    ¡°I have to answer this,¡± he said and tapped my shoulders before walking away.


    I didn¡¯t want to love neither did I want to be a boyfriend to someone, I never want to bemitted but right now I¡¯m not even able toe after all sort of sex with a woman. Damn do I need to sort out myself before it¡¯s toote!


    Aurora came out of the dressing room after what felt like forever that I had even forgotten she was there all these while. There was a broad smile on her face and I wondered what that could be about. Perhaps she overheard my conversation with Devin.


    She wrapped her hands around my waist and hugged me really tight. I was getting grossed by it so I pulled her away but her grip was too strong as she brought my face to hers and kissed me.


    I pulled away from the kiss to see Be staring at us, she quickly diverted her eyes to something else immediately as she closed her locker and left. Shit!


    ¡°Get off me woman¡± I said and she took some steps backwards.


    ¡°Why do you act like you don¡¯t care about me when you¡¯re clearly in love with me, I get it Zach you¡¯re having doubts but you don¡¯t really need to feel that way, I¡¯m perfect for you ¡± she said and I scoffed before I turned my back and left her standing there.


    She called out my name a lot of times but I paid no attention to her, I knew she would let it get into her head but I¡¯m pretty sure she of all people should know by now that she¡¯s a whore that can¡¯t be loved.


    I thought about going back home but then Devin and I came with the same car so I can¡¯t leave him stranded. I decided to spend the rest of my time in school and maybe think about what Devin told me.


    The bastard didn¡¯t attend any sses after the lunch break and when it was time to go home, I met him seated in the carfortably, he was still on the goddamn call. I might be thinking of going into a rtionship but then these long calls might just make me lose interest in it.


    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    I was feeling pale and nauseous all through school, so I took an excuse from the teacher to visit the nurse¡¯s office. It took a while before she responded to me, she was busy attending to a girl who came to pop her pimples or whatever.


    I sat down on the bench waiting for her as I ate almost all the gummy bears on the table.


    ¡°Reserve some for the juniors¡± she said as she approached me and I guessed the pimple girl was done with her session.


    ¡°Sorry¡± I said with a mouth full of gummy bears.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, so why are you here?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel good, I¡¯ve been feeling dizzy most times and my head just spins, sometimes I get shaky too¡± I replied and she examined me for a while before asking me questions about my period and thest time I had sex.


    Realization of it being a pregnancy scared the shit out of me but then I was sure we used a condom or perhaps it fell?


    ¡°Isabe!¡± She called, bringing me out of my thoughts.


    ¡°Last month, I had my periodst month and I had sexst month too¡±I replied and she gave me a look I can¡¯t exin before reaching for her desk and bring out a tube.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need you to use this right now before I¡¯ll know what else to do¡± she said and gave me the tube. I was not feeling okay not from the sickness but from the thought of having a baby with a monster. How would I cope? I haven¡¯t even checked the results and thoughts were already running through my head.


    I did the required test on the tube and she collected it from me, my heart was beating out of my chest before she suddenly smiled and showed me the results.


    ¡°Well you¡¯re not pregnant so let¡¯s see what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± She said and I felt a relief in my chest.


    ¡°You used protection?¡± She asked and I nodded my head before she continued with what she was doing.


    After some couple observations and everything she sat on the table that divided us as she turned to face me.


    ¡°I just think you need a little more time for yourself, you¡¯re stressing yourself out and it¡¯s affecting your body¡± she said with a smile. She gave me some random drugs and I left her office with dness in my heart because I wasn¡¯t pregnant.


    I made my way to my locker and spotted Zach and Aurora making out in the hallway. I wasn¡¯t supposed to feel anything but I definitely wasn¡¯t feeling okay. I wanted my first time to be with someone who would know the worth of it and I was really stupid to think Zach was worthy enough.


    He pulled out from their kiss as his eyes met mine, I immediately diverted my attention back to my locker as I ced the drugs in it before mming it.


    While walking to my next ss my mind couldn¡¯t help but wander, what if I was truly pregnant will the father of my child be that man whore who sleeps around with different girls and makes out with them in public. I felt anger and rage in me but at the same time felt sad and used.


    I was having the same ss with Maya today and she was quick to notice something was wrong with me. Although I didn¡¯t want to talk about what happened to me in the ss because Aurora was also in this ss with us.


    After school she held me by my hands as we walked to her car, on getting inside the car Ipletely broke down and hugged Maya really tight. I needed a hug from someone who knows my worth before Ipletely lose it.


    ¡°What happened?¡± She cooed as she stroked my hair with her hands.


    ¡°I know I said I wasn¡¯t in love with him but it still hurts whenever I see him making out with other girls not even considering what we had together, he didn¡¯t care to think it was my first time and I deserved better¡± I cried as Maya continued to pat me.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t even care!¡± I cried as she reached for the tissue in her car and handed it over to me. I wanted to tell her about my experience with the nurse but I didn¡¯t have it in me to talk, besides it wasn¡¯t really important.


    ¡°At least you have Xavier and he cares for you¡± she said and I nodded my head. That was true. I have Xavier as a good friend and he cares about my feelings.


    Speaking of the devil, Xavier text beeped on my phone and I opened the phone to check the text.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t seem okay in school today, I¡¯m picking you up tomorrow¡± the text read.

 Chapter 32

    I woke up to see Joe shing his little cute smile at me, recently he had been waking up before me and I¡¯ve been finding myself sleeping off. Perhaps it was the stress the doctor talked about.


    ¡°Hey baby boy¡± I greeted him with sleepy eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to bete for school, besides there¡¯s a very cute boy downstairs waiting for you, he said we should let you sleep and he would wait but he¡¯s too cute to be dyed don¡¯t you think?¡± He pouted as he jumped on the bed.


    ¡°Wait, what¡¯s the time?¡± I asked after I came to the realization that Joe was clothed and looked like he had showered.


    ¡°It¡¯s 7o¡¯clock am¡± Joe said with a mocking smile and I jumped off the bed immediately. I could hear him giggle as I rushed outside to find Maya. I would so kill that bitch for not waking me up earlier.


    I sprang outside the room and made my way downstairs but unfortunately Maya wasn¡¯t the one I saw.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed immediately when our eyes met each other. I had totally forgotten that Joe said I had a visitor. It was Xavier.


    ¡°Hi¡± he greeted me and I shyly turned to respond to him. I couldn¡¯t let him see me like this but it was toote already.


    ¡°Love those pyjamas¡± he folded his lips trying to contain hisughter. I was wearing a fucking pjmask pyjamas and he saw me on it.


    I hurriedly rushed to my room and pulled off the pyjamas to take a quick shower. I waste already so I didn¡¯t mind staying a little longer in the bathroom as my head was still spinning. If the doctor was truly talking about stress then why am I not feeling any better yet.


    I came out of the bathroom and decided to wear a gown, it was a pink y gown with butterfly prints on it. This should be perfect, I thought to myself.


    My thoughts weren¡¯t wrong because the moment I wore it, I looked really good and wanted toplete the day¡¯s look by applying make-up. I styled my hair into a puffy ponytail but I activated the front curls making them fall on my forehead like a cute little bang. I applied some lipstick and lip gloss with some mascara. I felt pretty and there wasn¡¯t a need for foundation or concealer. I had a smooth face already.


    I grabbed my bag pack and walked outside of the room to meet Xavier. He seemed to be in a conversation with Joe. Joe wouldn¡¯t seize this opportunity to pour out his mind would he?N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I greeted him as I came downstairs and the moment he looked at me I knew it was different, he couldn¡¯t stop staring at me as his eyes scanned me from my head to toe.


    ¡°You look beautiful¡± he scratched the back of his head nervously.


    ¡°Oh wow! She got dressed up all for you¡± Joe poured out and I gave him a re of death before he covered his mouth with his hands.


    ¡°Where are the Andersons by the way?¡± I asked because I haven¡¯t seen any of them since I woke up.


    ¡°Oh they had to go to work on time and Maya had practicals she needed to attend to, they asked this young man to wait behind, we¡¯ll drop him off at his school¡± Xavier answered me with a cute smile showing off his dimples.


    I can¡¯t believe the Anderson¡¯s were cool with a guy they never knew sitting in their living room while they weren¡¯t around, especially seeing him with tattoos but then I don¡¯t think the Anderson¡¯s would care anyway. They¡¯re more of the cool parents type.


    ¡°I¡¯m reallyte for school, let¡¯s go!¡± Joe pouted as he dragged my hand outside the house.


    ¡°You have quite a handful,¡± Xavier remarked and I chuckled.


    We got into the car and he started the engine, it didn¡¯t take quite a long time before he got to Joe¡¯s school or perhaps I didn¡¯t notice the time was going fast because of the random conversations we were having, Xavier was a really fun person to be with but my ribs now hurt due to the amount ofughter we shared.


    ¡°Here you go, buy whatever you want!¡± Xavier said to Joe as he handed over some money to him. I guess it was his lucky day because I was damn sure grace would¡¯ve given him some money too.


    ¡°So why were you not happy yesterday?¡± Xavier asked immediately Joe came down from the car. Perhaps I was a little bit moody after seeing Zach making out with Aurora while I thought I could be pregnant for him.


    ¡°Just some random mood swings¡± I lied, he looked at me for some while trying to see if I was saying the truth or not before focusing on the road.


    ¡°Okay well, I won¡¯t let you have those mood swings today¡± he smiled and ced his hand on myp covering my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. That felt good.


    We got to the school and both ran into the school building like little kids. He wasn¡¯t Zach and might get punished foringte and we wouldn¡¯t like to get detention because of our n forter today.


    We happened to be having the same ss so we ran in the same direction till we got to the ss. It was the third period already and the teacher had this look of disappointment on his face as we both chuckled and sat down. Unfortunately there weren¡¯t any empty seats together so we had to sit at different ces. I noticed Zach seated at a corner of the ss room but I took my mind off him. I can¡¯t afford to let my already happy day go to waste.


    The lecture came to an end in less than fifteen minutes and I turned to look at Xavier who smiled at me immediately our eyes met.


    ¡°So what¡¯s your next subject?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Geography, how about you?¡± He asked and I felt a little bit down because we didn¡¯t have the same ss.


    ¡°Economics¡± I replied and tried to smile so it doesn¡¯t seem like I¡¯m getting clingy.


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet by lunch time, deal?¡± He brought out his hand for a handshake which I shook immediately.


    ¡°Deal!¡± I replied with a smile on my face and went to my next ss. I couldn¡¯t wait for our lunch break.


    The bell finally rang and I left the ssroom, I went to our usual spot for lunch and saw Maya seated there already. She seemed to be focused on her phone.


    ¡°Hey babe¡± I greeted her as I sat down and the moment she looked at me she froze.


    ¡°What¡¯s the asion, why¡¯s Isabe Brown dressed up like a normal person today?¡± She teased and I pinched the bridge of my nose as I shook my head.


    ¡°Youck sense¡± I said and she giggled, herughter was contagious and in no time I found myselfughing too. This girl won¡¯t be the death of me.


    I could feel different eyes on us in the cafeteria so tried to look normal again by notughing. Xavier soon came to join us in our seat with arge sized box of pizza in his hand and three bottles of coke. I was so craving for this.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Maya eximed as she opened the box of pizza and started to eat it.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I haven¡¯t bought food yet¡± I teased even though I didn¡¯t n on buying anything in the cafeteria today.


    ¡°Of course¡± he replied with a hint of sarcasm in his voice, I smacked his hand and he let out a deep smile as his dimples pierced his cheek. I loved it when he smiled.


    I felt someone¡¯s re on me so I turned around to see Zach staring at us with his eyes never leaving us even though he knew I was now staring at him too. What the fuck could he want, was he thinking of fucking and hurting me again?


    Aurora soon came to join him and she sat on hisp after cing a short kiss on his lips. I turned away from them as I focused on the happy things in front of me rather than the depressing things behind me. The fact that I was referring to them as things didn¡¯t really sit well with me.


    School was now over and I came out of the ssroom in search of Xavier but immediately saw Zach walking towards me, I didn¡¯t want to talk to him neither did I want him to talk to me so I ran outside the school building but fortunately bumped into Xavier.


    ¡°Slow down there, be careful¡± Xavier said as he caught me while I was almost about to fall down.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± I said with a smile but his hands didn¡¯t leave my waist as they were still firm on my waist.


    ¡°You have such a small and perfect waist¡± heplimented and I nervously thanked him.


    His hands were still holding my waist and our bodies were closed to each other, I could feel his steady rhythm of breathing and I was sure he could feel mine. Before I could process what was happening I leaned on my toes and kissed him. He was a little bit shocked but he immediately returned the kiss, it was a soft and gentle kiss, his lips tasted like orange making me want to explore more but I made the kiss short as I pulled away.


    I turned back to see Zach¡¯s stare piercing through my skin but I didn¡¯t care because he was with Aurora. Xavier took my hand in his as he led me to his car. I just kissed Xavier.

 Chapter 33

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I was going to talk to Isabe today in school and apologize for the things I¡¯ve done to her. I wasn¡¯t feeling okay with myself seeing her everyday but she wasn¡¯t with me. Perhaps I could keep her around before I figure out what feeling I have for her. Her being distant from me is driving me total nuts.


    Devin had made excuses for noting to school today and I didn¡¯t mind as long as he didn¡¯t eat my favourite cereal with his man butt on my couch. If not for anything I was damn sure he wanted to stay behind so he could have time with his girlfriend. I overheard them talking about having an e-date since he wasn¡¯t around at the moment and I cringed so hard. Rtionships can be gross sometimes because what the hell was an e-date?


    He wouldn¡¯t have told me about their little e-date because he knows for sure that I would make fun of him till we both grow old and die. Not like I still won¡¯t make fun of him anyway.


    After preparing for school and drinking the hot coco Devin made for me, I got into his car and made my way to school. Just to piss him off I took his car without him knowing.


    I got to the schoolpound as early as possible hoping to see Maya¡¯s car park really soon and maybe I¡¯d talk to my Be before we enter the school. Did I just refer to her as ¡°my Be¡± this girl is totally driving me nuts already.


    I waited for some time and Maya finally parked her car but there was no sign of Be In the car. Curiosity filled my head and I started to worry, why wasn¡¯t she in the car with Maya, they are bestfriends and they alwayse to school together.


    I thought of asking Maya why Be wasn¡¯t with her but I couldn¡¯t because we have always been on bad terms. She thinks I¡¯m an asshole and so she hates me not like I¡¯m not actually an asshole.


    Be was still in her car but the windows were still down. I wondered why she didn¡¯t want to leave yet. I started to overthink immediately I saw the sad expression on her face. What if something bad happened to my Be?


    The windows were soon closed and she came down from her car, she made her way to the building but stopped and turned to look at me. Perhaps she noticed I¡¯ve been staring.


    I didn¡¯t want to be a pussy so I still kept my eyes on her and she hissed with anger in her face before she walked away.


    I let out a heavy sigh as soon as she left, perhaps I could have just asked where my Be was. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be myself throughout sses today especially without seeing Be.


    After a while of waiting for hope I decided to enter the school building, I could remember the subject she had today because she mistakenly left her time table in my car and I took it along with me today.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I went to her first ss and the teacher noticed but didn¡¯t say anything about it, she wasn¡¯t in the ss either and never came until the period ended.


    On my way to her second ss I spotted Maya and a part of me was pushing me to ask her about my Be but the other part of me didn¡¯t want to let my feelings get in the way of my toughness.


    I contemted on asking her before she suddenly left where she was. ¡°Dammit!¡± I cussed as I pped my forehead really hard. I really wanted to tell her about how I feel about her.


    I went to her second ss and the same thing repeated itself, she wasn¡¯t in the ss either, Be isn¡¯t much of ateer but today feels off and strange. I didn¡¯t give up on the quest yet and I made my way to her third ss after the second ss was over.


    The same thing happened here and the ss was almost through. I wanted to give up but still wanted to search for her. I was getting impatient and pissed off but I¡¯ll literally do anything to have her with me till I sort my feelings out.


    I suddenly heard a loud giggleing from the hallway, my face lit up at the familiarughter and the enthusiasm in my eyes was something I never thought would ever appear.


    The door opened and she walked into the door with a broad smile on her face, my eyes drifted to the rest of her body and she looked different today, beautiful was an understatement of how she looked and I suddenly felt a slight ting beneath me, I flushed a little but everything disappeared when Xavier walked in with her holding her hands and they were both smiling.


    Every feeling of affection in me suddenly turned to anger, his hands holding hers made me want to rip them apart. I could feel my heart beating fast and every muscle in me wanted to punch the tattoo off his face before I would feel okay.


    But then there was nothing I could do, she seemed really happy with him. Fuck it I hope I wasn¡¯t toote to gain her trust and love back. Seeing her happy with someone else really broke me and my anger turned to sadness. I was d no one was paying attention to me because my mood right now didn¡¯t sit well with the one I¡¯ve been portraying.


    The ss ended not quite long after they walked in and I watched as she shed him a smile before walking up to him. I left the ss anyway and went to the basketball court to get my head together. If Devin was here then he would surely know what to do.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll talk to her during lunch, I¡¯ll sit at their table and apologize¡± I said to myself and patiently waited for the lunch bell to ring.


    I stood up immediately when it rang and made my way to the cafeteria. I was the first one there and I was sure the lunchdy would worry about my mental health.


    I stared at their table contemting on sitting on it before the cafeteria suddenly started to fill up and Maya walked in. As soon as I sighted her I walked to my own table but my body wasn¡¯t at rest.


    Be soon came to join her and it seemed like they were talking about something funny as Be¡¯sughter filled the air. I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. This should be the right time to go.


    As I was about to stand up Xavier approached their table with a box of pizza and sat down with them. They allughed together but I could clearly see the look on Xavier¡¯s face. He wanted her and was probably lusting over her.


    My heart fell at the sight of them as Aurora came towards me, I didn¡¯t pay any attention to her even though she sat on myp. My eyes were still fixed on Be and the way Xavier looked at her. She turned her head to look at me but noticed Aurora on me and turned her head back to Xavier. My body and blood boiled and I couldn¡¯t take it any longer. I¡¯m not wasting any more time and I¡¯ll tell her about what I feel about her immediately after we close from school.


    ¡°But then what do you feel for her?¡± My inner mind asked but I shoved it off immediately. It was finally time for the school to close. I wasn¡¯t myself throughout school and I knew I wouldn¡¯t be okay with myself if I didn¡¯t talk to her.


    I saw hering out of her ss and made my way for her, the instant she saw meing closer she turned away and increased her pace as she ran. Why the fuck is she running?


    I followed after her as I walked really fast to catch up to her but unfortunately again she bumped into Xavier the instant she got outside the building. He quickly held her from falling down but his hands were never leaving her waist. I watched In anger as the punk hands became more firm on her waist but I lost my senses the instant she leaned to kiss him. Are they dating?


    My head wasn¡¯t straight and I felt a tight painful knot in my chest. I hope I wasn¡¯t toote. He held her hands with a smug smile on his face as he led her to his motherfucking car. I became numb and unaware of my environment, I didn¡¯t even notice Aurora standing beside me until she yelled and yanked my hand. I pulled away from her touch as I angrily entered the car and zoomed off.


    I had no idea where I was going to but all that was in my head and all that mattered was inflicting pain on myself. I made it to the gym but it was closed for some reason today.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed as I angrily got back into the car driving at full speed. I wasn¡¯t concentrating and at this point didn¡¯t care if anything bad would happen to me. Just as I was lost in my thought I didn¡¯t notice a truck fast approaching and when I noticed it was almost toote but I managed to swerve away but end up bumping into a tree, I couldn¡¯t stop panting as I stared at the bruises in my body and the pieces of metal pierced in my skin. My hand was bleeding and I felt some liquid running down my head. I was weak and had no strength.


    The driver of the truck didn¡¯t bother to help and I was stuck in the car bleeding profusely. I managed to bring out my phone and dialed Devin¡¯s number. I couldn¡¯t talk much so I only told him the location where I was in and concluded with ¡°help¡± before my phone dropped from my hand and everything became nk.

 Chapter 34

    ¡°He¡¯s waking up¡± I heard Devin¡¯s voice as the bright lights blinded my eyes for some moment. I blinked my eyes open and wondered where I was. My eyesight was finally clear and I saw Devin staring at me with pity all over his face. Some people in white coats were also beside me. After checking around the room I realized I was in the hospital.


    I tried to stand up but a sharp pain hit my head and I winced in agony before lying back on the bed.


    ¡°You made me so scared¡± Devin brushed his hands through his hair then I suddenly remembered what happened to me.


    I remembered how I sharply swerved away from the truck that was about to hit me before I crashed into a tree and everything went nk after the call.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± I asked and Devin shot me a sharp re.


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking worried about the goddamn time while I¡¯m worried about you dying?¡±


    ¡°Do you even realize you¡¯ve been fucking here for two days and now you¡¯re finally awake but what you care about is the goddamn time!¡± Devin yelled and I felt a sting of head ache.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you have to keep your voice down in here, he¡¯s just recovering¡± a nurse said.


    ¡°Is this down enough?¡± Devin yelled while bending down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to send you out if you keep up with this!¡± The nurse warned and Devin quietly sat beside me on the bed. The nurse was about toin about it but dropped it and walked out, I was sure Devin had given her a hard time already.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± He asked but this time rather than yelling there was concern in his tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I was angry and sad¡± I replied even though it was a little bit hard for me to talk but I¡¯d do anything as long as he doesn¡¯t yell out his lungs in my ear.


    ¡°What made you sad?¡± He asked and I contained the pain in me as I managed to sit upright.


    ¡°She¡¯s with someone else, I was toote and I know I have no right to be angry but I just couldn¡¯t bear to see her with someone else¡± I sighed after talking.


    ¡°And you didn¡¯t care about your life?¡± Devin asked and I looked at him but didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°I¡¯m a broken freak and sometimes I act without reasons.¡± I forced a smile and he was about to hit me on the head before he probably remembered that I had bandages all over my head.


    ¡°Stop saying that about yourself, it¡¯s okay to get angry but don¡¯t you dare think of hurting yourself at least not with my car, I don¡¯t care if it was your car¡± he pouted at the end.


    ¡°Asshole¡± I chuckled and he smacked my hand.


    ¡°The fuck!¡± I winced in pain and he raised his hands in defence.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Isabe made you like this not me so don¡¯t me me for smacking you¡± he sarcastically said and we suddenly heard a loud thud outside the door and the door opened wide.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± I pped my forehead as Kiki fell into the room but stood up immediately and tried to act like nothing happened.


    ¡°The fuck are you here for?¡± I yelled but immediately flinched as my headache.


    ¡°As the school¡¯s reporter I¡¯m supposed to check up on you and know what caused it¡± she smiled broadly showing all her teeth and I just wished I could remove everything so she has no reason to smile anymore.


    She left the room immediately and Devin stared at me with a confused face, he probably didn¡¯t know what Kiki was capable of doing.


    ¡°She overheard us and now the whole school heard us¡± I pinched the bridge of my nose.


    ¡°Oh¡± he raised his brows but chuckled immediately.


    ¡°That¡¯s your problem not mine¡± Devin said and started to eat the food that I was meant to eat while I stared at him in despair. How can I kill him in thousands of ways without him being dead?


    *********


    ¡°You seem quite okay now, you might as well be discharged today¡± the doctor said as she shed me a bright smile. It¡¯s my third andst day in this hospital but I felt a little bit sad. Be didn¡¯t bother to know about where I was or how I was doing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve settled the papers, let¡¯s go douchebag¡± Devin said and lifted the bag containing my stuff in it.


    ¡°Oh right¡± I said and put on my boots. I was sick of being in the hospital anyway and I hated the way it smells. If someone was to tell me I would be in the hospital for 3days I would have beaten the person to pulp at the mention of a hospital and the memories of how it smelled.


    We got into my car and it turns out Devin¡¯s car had serious damages but he wouldn¡¯t let me pay for it, he imed it was a minor thing and he would handle it himself even though it costs thousands of dors to repair. He was truly a brother to me even though we were cousins.


    ¡°Drive me to school¡± I said and Devin looked at me like I was out of my mind and had suddenly lost it.


    ¡°With those bandages on your head, arms and everywhere!¡± He scoffed and when he didn¡¯t hear any word from me he knew I was serious about it and shook his head before driving me to school.


    ¡°Well, call me when school¡¯s over, I have to visit the mechanic since you¡¯re finally fine now¡± he said before he drove off. I knew I was damnte for school and it was even past lunch time but I just wanted to see Be, it¡¯s been three days already and I hoped she was doing okay. I silently prayed she hadn¡¯t ended up with him yet.


    I turned my back and met Kiki staring at me with enthusiasm in her face, I wondered what she could be up to.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally here, I wanted people to believe me so I had to wait for you to arrive before publishing the news, she¡¯s such a lucky girl¡± Kiki said and before I could stop her she pressed the ¡°post¡± button and shared the information.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a stupid pain in the ass Kiki¡± I spat.


    ¡°But why? I¡¯m just doing my job¡± she shrugged and giggled. In no time the hall started to fill up with people on their phones, they had probably finished reading Kiki¡¯s blog that fast and thought they shoulde see me. Of course.


    ¡°Is it true he got into an ident because of Isabe?¡± One of the students gossiped with another.


    ¡°She¡¯s such a low ss girl, I doubt it¡± the other replied. I was done with this scheme and since Be wasn¡¯t among them I decided to leave their midst and find Be but Aurora suddenly appeared in front of me.


    ¡°So you truly like her, that¡¯s why you¡¯ve been behaving weirdtely?¡± Aurora yelled with tears building up in her eyes.


    ¡°You left me because of her and even tried to harm yourself because of that thing¡± she spat, I was offended with the way she referred to Be as a thing but I didn¡¯t want to cause any more trouble.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± She cried as she held my arms tightly.


    ¡°Aurora¡± I growled but she yelled again.


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been easy for me too Zach, I¡¯ve always loved you but she blinded you to see that. I¡¯ve been so sad countless times and would hope that one day you would like me back. The moments we shared together might mean nothing to you but they meant a lot to me Zach!¡± She yelled.


    I forced myself not to believe any word Aurora said, she has always been a slut and any day I wasn¡¯t avable she wouldn¡¯t think twice before throwing herself at some random dudes.


    ¡°Aurora let go of my arms!¡± I warned but she didn¡¯t listen, rather she continued to yank my arms.


    ¡°Aurora let go!¡± I yelled but this time removed my arms from her grip, it made her fall to the ground shedding fake tears. She ims she likes me but didn¡¯t even show up for once in the hospital.


    ¡°You!¡± I heard her growl and turned to look at who she was referring to. It was Be.


    She had a confused look on her face that it was obvious she didn¡¯t know what was going on.


    ¡°You little whore, daughter of a bitch. It was you all along who made Zach drift away from me¡±


    ¡°Not once, not twice, not three times have I watched him staring at you always but you¡¯re just a whore. You have managed to bewitch Zach and make him like you but he¡¯s just ying with you he doesn¡¯t like you, he likes only me¡± Aurora spat nonsense.


    ¡°You think you became close to him after that game but it was just a fucking game, leave my Zach alone!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°Only an ill mannered whore like you would argue with you¡± Be said and the whole crowd of students started tough. Aurora didn¡¯t seem to be a fan of everything that was going on as she dragged Be out and raised her hands to hit her.


    I held Aurora¡¯s hand back immediately and I wouldn¡¯t want to do anything stupid to her so I sent her a warning re. I could possibly lose it if Aurorays her hands on Be.


    ¡°You¡¯re supporting her? Of course,¡± she cried.


    ¡°It¡¯s not over yet!¡± She threatened as tears ran down her eyes, she wiped them off with her hands and ran away.


    Be was still in shock, she thought Aurora would have pped her and she probably didn¡¯t think I would save her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I said while looking at the floor, for some reason I was scared to bring my face to hers.


    ¡°For everything¡± I added and looked at her face but she turned her back and left. It hurt again but this time it hurt more than it had been hurting.

 Chapter 35

    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    I had to run away from the scene immediately, what did Zach think he was doing? Creating an unnecessary scene in the presence of the whole school wasn¡¯t worth it but I¡¯ll let that slide.


    ¡°Fuck it!¡± I cussed as I ran into the female restroom. I haven¡¯t recovered from what happened yet and how Aurora almost pped me. My breathing was still really fast. I turned on the tap and sshed some water on my face. It felt refreshing so I wiped it off with the sleeve of my hoodie and walked out of the rest room.


    Students ran towards my direction and I sensed they wereing for me. I immediately ran inside the rest room and locked the door as they all banged really hard on it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lock us out, we only want to ask some questions!¡± a girl yelled but I didn¡¯t open the door. There was no other way for me to leave the rest room than to wait for them.


    ¡°Are you in a rtionship with Zach¡± a girl outside the door cried and I assumed she must be one of Zach¡¯s die hard fans. I didn¡¯t respond to them as I rested my hand on the dressing table while staring at myself in the mirror.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°He loves her but she doesn¡¯t even care for him, I wish he loved me instead¡± another girl cried. It definitely wasn¡¯t the best time to go out because I can never tell what they would do to me. Some might as well rip my clothes off with the amount of anger in them.


    Questions started to bother me and I decided to check Kiki¡¯s blog to at least know what was really happening because I only happened to be in the scene, I was about to leave before Aurora started her nuisance.


    I took out my phone from my pocket and opened Kiki¡¯s blog. There were already a lot of blogs about me there that I didn¡¯t know where to start from. I decided to start from the first one that was posted thirty minutes ago. I shook at the thought of that. Her blog was really powerful because it was posted in less than an hour and the whole school knows about it.


    I opened the first one and started to read it. She imed to be at the hospital where Zach was and overheard his conversation with his brother. My mind started to y some tricks on me as I was getting confused.


    What if Zach really got into an ident because of me and I didn¡¯t bother to go check up on him, I felt like a bad person for some time while I pitied him but then remembering what happened in the past and how he treated me made me counter that thought. He can never love me because he is totally a cruel stupid boy.


    I was getting angry but there was no way I could go outside with the amount of angry girls at the other end of the door.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± I cussed aloud before I heard Maya¡¯s voice outside the restroom. She was chasing the girls away, thank heavens.


    After they were all gone she opened the door and I ran to hug her tightly. I had no idea why I hugged her that much but I really needed the hug and she understood as she hugged me back.


    My hatred for Zach increased with the amount of lies he told and how he made people humiliate me today but I was d Maya was here, besides the school was almost over.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go anyways, school will end in ten minutes time¡± Maya said as she pulled away from the hug and held my hands tightly. I could feel a lot of eyes piercing on our skins as we walked past almost everyone that was in the hallway. I hope I don¡¯t get detention for being part of their scheme and disturbing the school.


    She held my hands tight as we left the building and got into her car. Zach¡¯s car was parked on the other side but he was  seated in the passenger¡¯s seat as he looked at me with a sad face. When he noticed I caught him staring at me he tilted his head outside the window that wasn¡¯t facing us. I noticed Devin standing at the back of the car, he seemed to be on a call.


    The drive started and Maya tried to cheer me up by ying my favourite band music on the radio in her car. I shed her a smile as she waved her hands in the air singing and cheering the artist up.


    ¡°Maya! Hands on the wheel!¡± I yelled but half chuckled, the atmosphere in the car was lively but then she took a corner rather than going the same route we pass to her house.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked as I looked at her face and she turned to look at me with surprise In her face.


    ¡°Are you dumb? Prom is in a week time you dumb fuck, it¡¯s  ourst prom and we¡¯re out of school!¡± she said with excitement and yelled at the top of her lungs as she chuckled.


    I don¡¯t know what to feel about the prom part because I really didn¡¯t think I would go, but with Maya here there was no way I would escape it. She was happy about leaving highschool because her parents already enrolled her in Harvard and her dad being rich with a great status in the school, she was epted with no stress so after highschool she¡¯s going to Harvard immediately.


    Mr Anderson also offered me admission to Harvard so I could be together with Maya but I didn¡¯t think I would leave Joe all by himself here while I go somewhere far.


    ¡°Okay, so prom is in a week¡¯s time but that didn¡¯t answer the question of where we are going to¡± I said, calling and stressing out every word in the sentence.


    ¡°Oh! We¡¯re getting our prom dresses and shoes, my dad¡¯s credit card will cover up for everything¡± she shed me the card and I chuckled. Sometimes I wondered how it¡¯ll feel like being the daughter of a super rich person but there wasn¡¯t a point in dreaming and having fantasies because I was just the daughter of a drunkard.


    We arrived at the store and it looked really expensive from the outside. It was obvious that their clothes would be really expensive but Maya didn¡¯t mind.


    She talked to the person that was about to attend to us and he nodded his head before leading us to a special section.


    ¡°I came here some days ago and chose a lot of dresses that were to be reserved for us¡± she said and pointed to the beautiful gowns that were lined up on a hanger.


    ¡°I think I like this one¡± she said as she brought out a  long straight gown that had the colour of her skin, it had a slit on one side from beneath her panties region. It looked really hot and sexy.


    ¡°It looks good too, boys would be drooling over you¡± I said and she chuckled before putting the dress on. It was good on the hanger but on her body it looked perfect.


    ¡°You look like an angel¡± Iplimented and she smiled before checking herself on the mirror.


    ¡°You should check for clothes too, the ones here are awesome¡± she said and I scanned through the hanger. The clothes here were truly awesome and it was hard for me to decide on which to wear. I wanted something simple that wouldn¡¯t cost a lot but everything here is above a thousand dors.


    My eyes finally caught a red short y gown that had all over the chest region but my boobs should be covered though. It looked simple yet elegant.


    I pointed to it and tried it out, I looked totally gorgeous in the gown. Maya turned to look at me and opened her mouth in shock.


    ¡°You look like a model from the runway¡± she said with a voice she uses whenever she thinks something is too cute. Grace uses the same voice with Joe.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I see this at first?¡± she blinked rapidly as she stared at me before pulling me into a hug.


    ¡°My best friend is the prettiest tingy alive¡± she said and I chuckled.


    ¡°Snap out of it!¡± Iughed because she was really getting to me.


    We bought some shoes that matched our dresses and a lot of jewelry before leaving the store. The store attendant smiled at us and I wondered why she wouldn¡¯t smile especially when Maya bought things worth almost five thousand dors.


    We entered her car but as she was about to drive she got a call from someone and I assumed it must be Frank. She removed the key from the car as she squealed in excitement while talking to him on the phone.


    ¡°Okay we¡¯ll be right there¡± she replied and it seemed he didn¡¯t understand what she meant by ¡°we¡± because she shortly replied with ¡°Isabe and I¡± before ending the call.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I asked as I stared at the happy expression on her face.


    ¡°There¡¯s a party at Frank¡¯s, it¡¯s going to be our pre-prom party¡± she squealed and came out of the car gesturing at me to follow her back to the store.


    I didn¡¯t think I wanted to attend any party but with the look of things there was no way Maya would let me stay behind.


    We ended up buying clothes we were going to wear to the party but these weren¡¯t as expensive as the first one.


    We went back to the car and she turned to look at me, ¡°I guess we need to fix ourselves before leaving¡± she said and brought out her make up box that was in the booth of the car, before performing magic on our faces and in no time we looked like angels.


    Since the ss of her car was tinted we both took turns to the back seat to change our dresses and when we were finally through. She started the car and we headed for Frank¡¯s house.

 Chapter 36

    We arrived at Frank¡¯s house and even though it was mid day, music was sting through every corner. How can they be so loud in the afternoon? Maya was excited and you could easily tell from the way her smile was shing and the way she kept on cracking her knuckles. She does that everytime she gets excited.


    We entered the door and the inside looked like a strip club, I was feeling insecure and off about the whole thing but I silently hoped and prayed that neither Aurora or Zach should be here but my prayers didn¡¯t seem to be answered as I spotted Aurora among her friends, she seemed to be having fun despite what happened in the school today, well at least Zach wasn¡¯t here.


    ¡°Frank!¡± Maya squealed at the sight of him, she pulled him into a hug and I smiled back at him when his face caught mine.


    ¡°You girls look amazing tonight¡± heplimented and I smiled awkwardly. I was not much of a social person and I believe I was free with George rather than Frank but then I¡¯m just getting to know him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you a drink¡± he said referring to Maya as he held her hands tight.


    ¡°Oh you want some Isabe?¡± He asked, looking at me, I didn¡¯t think I would drink tonight. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for a drink.


    ¡°No thank you, I¡¯m good¡± I replied but Maya cut me off immediately.


    ¡°Of course she wants a drink¡± she replied and grinned her teeth at me.


    ¡°Okay I¡¯ll go get you guys some, wait here¡± Frank said before leaving to get the drinks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a party pooper, besides this might be yourst party in highschool without teacher supervision¡± she chuckled and I couldn¡¯t help butugh at the way she said the ¡°teacher¡¯s supervision¡±. Our school has a strict policy against sexual and immoral acts but the students make sure to do the opposite of what the school wants.


    ¡°Here you go¡± Frank handed a cup of alcohol to me and it smelt good, he gave another cup to Maya while he drank the drink directly from the bottle.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± he whispered into Maya¡¯s ear while his hands were on her waist. I immediately removed my eyes from what they were doing as I suddenly found something interesting on the ceiling while sipping the drink in the red stic cup.


    They left after a while and I was stuck all alone with nobody to talk to. This is exactly the reason why I hateding to parties and the girl who Invited me also ditched me here. She does this all the time but still wants me to follow her to a party.


    Since it looked like the whole senior ss of Sapphire high school was here I decided to call Xavier Incase he was around. I dialed his number and he picked almost immediately.


    ¡°Hey Isabe¡± He answered the call.


    ¡°Hey, are you in Frank¡¯s house?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Why, what¡¯s going on there?¡±


    ¡°A pre-prom party and I¡¯m there right now, can youe because I¡¯m so bored¡± I said as I sipped the drink in my hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a while¡± he responded before I hung up. The drink was really good and I couldn¡¯t help but drink the whole ss in my hand. I wondered where he got them from but as I was about to search for it I started to feel dizzy as my head kept on spinning.


    Perhaps I should call it quits and rest till Xavieres, no more sweet drink for me then. I turned to look around and my eyes caught Aurora staring at me. She immediately looked away after she realized I caught her but there was a smile on her face.


    I was feeling uneasy so I sat down on a stool while resting my back on the wall then I suddenly felt someone¡¯s touch on my skin and flinched.


    ¡°Jeez, did I scare you?¡± Maya asked with concern on her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m just a little bit drunk and tired¡± I replied and she chuckled.


    ¡°You took just a little, you light headed dumb bitch¡±


    ¡°Hey that¡¯s enough cuss for a day don¡¯t you think¡± I cut her off and sheughed.


    ¡°Yeah whatever, I want to get some more drinks for Frank so I¡¯ll be right back¡± she ced a kiss on my cheek before she left and her breath smelled like cigarette. Maya doesn¡¯t smoke so they should probably be Frank¡¯s.


    I felt uneasy and unsafe immediately after she left and I wondered why I didn¡¯t ask to follow her. I returned back to my position and felt someone¡¯s touch on my skin after some time.


    ¡°That was fast¡± I said hoping it was Maya but it wasn¡¯t her, Frank¡¯s face was close to mine.


    ¡°Huh?¡± He asked in confusion.


    ¡°Oh nothing, I thought it was Maya¡± I replied and adjusted myself. My head started to spin again but this time with a throbbing ache.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked and I shook my head.


    ¡°I think I drank too much,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Oh there¡¯s lots of guest rooms you can rest in, I¡¯ll take you to one of them if you don¡¯t mind,¡± he offered. I followed him because I felt he was the only person safe to be with since neither Maya or Xavier is around at the moment.


    He held my hand as lead me up the staircase. It wasn¡¯t easy for me to walk but I managed and finally got to the room.


    ¡°Okay rest here, I¡¯ll get you water, it should relieve you of the effect a little¡± he said and closed the door. It didn¡¯t take him up to two minutes to bring in the water, I was feeling tasty so I gulped down the full ss of water and thanked him. He shed me a bright smile before walking out and Iid on the bed while staring at the ceiling.


    After a while I realized that the water didn¡¯t help and I was starting to feel really weak and numb. I didn¡¯t feel like this thest time I drank alcohol or is the volume of alcohol higher in this drink than thest?


    I tried toe down from the bed but my efforts proved abortive as I couldn¡¯t even move my body. My phone suddenly buzzed and it was Xavier that was calling. I tried to answer the call but I couldn¡¯t no matter how hard I tried.


    The door knob finally twitched and I thought it was an opportunity for me to ask for help but Aurora suddenly walked in. I was shocked to see her and wanted to question her but I couldn¡¯t talk either.


    ¡°Such a poor thing, looks like it¡¯s the end for you now!¡± Aurora cooed and even though my vision was blurry I could see the smirk on her face before it turned toughter.


    The door opened and Frank walked in. I felt a relief because Frank was here and Aurora wouldn¡¯ty her hands on me in my current state but my hopes were false the moment Frank pulled his shirt off and wore a mask.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get over it before your pesky girlfriend shows up¡± Aurora scoffed and I swear I could see the smirk on Frank¡¯s face. I tried to talk but my voice wasn¡¯t going to make a sound.


    ¡°You¡¯ll definitely help me make a lot of money from the cool sites I¡¯ll post it on but that¡¯ll definitely be after I show it to Zach and let him know how much of a whore you also are¡±


    ¡°He thinks you¡¯re an angel, innocent and naive but with this I¡¯ll prove to him that you¡¯re no different from me, asides that he¡¯ll be too humiliated to even want to like or date you, you pesky witch¡± she sneered and Frank chuckled.


    ¡°She sure would be quite delicious to savour, I should probably thank you for this Aurora¡± he sneered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Isabe, I¡¯ll be gentle¡± he said before he licked his teeth and ripped my gown off. I tried to cover up my body because I was feeling ashamed to let him see me or touch me. I didn¡¯t want his hands to be all over my body but being the beast he was, he grabbed a handful of my boobs. I tried to scream but my voice wasn¡¯ting out.


    ¡°This should teach you a lesson to stay far away from me or anyone close to me, there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll let you have Zach. Love isn¡¯t meant to be shared Isabe.¡± She said through her clenched teeth as she lifted her phone to record us.


    I was having a panic attack, they were going to see me naked, record it and share it for everyone to see. Tears started flowing down my eyes but it made themugh more. I don¡¯t know why Frank was doing this to me either.


    I was now naked underneath Frank, I was hopeless and there was no one who could help me out of my mess. I could see Frank wearing a condom and he was about to put his length in me. Tears ran through my eyes as I used thest strength in me to kick him in the balls or at least that was what I thought.


    My kick didn¡¯t make any impact on him but I guessed it made him pissed as he pped me really hard and my vision started to blur away. Everything was now in slow motion as I heard the door barge open but I could barely see clearly, I didn¡¯t know who it was and it could either be my savior or my damnation.

 Chapter 37

    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I felt my world crumbling down the moment she looked at me in the middle of the school students and walked out. I didn¡¯t feel any humiliation neither was I embarrassed but I felt a sharp pain in my chest like the one I felt when I saw my mother lying dead on the hospital bed.


    I brought out my phone and immediately dialed Devin¡¯s number, I can¡¯t stay in this school anymore. He picked the call after some while but it seemed like he was still busy. I almost cancelled on him and thought of taking a cab but he wouldn¡¯t trust me to be alone. He thinks I¡¯m suicidal.


    ¡°Okay I¡¯ll wait¡± I finally replied and ended the call when he said I should wait outside the school and he will be here shortly.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    I stood outside the school waiting patiently for him, he arrived shortly and as soon as I entered the car he received a call on his phone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back, excuse me¡± he picked the call and left the car, I was alone with my thoughts again. I heard footstepsing outside and I looked up to see Maya and Isabe leaving the school. She didn¡¯t look happy and you can easily tell she was sad and lost in her thoughts.


    She turned her head and her face met mine but I turned my face from hers and rather stared outside the window. For a reason unknown to me, I almost cried but hell I can¡¯t be seen crying over someone who doesn¡¯t acknowledge me but at the same time it hurt that she didn¡¯t acknowledge me.


    Their car shortly zoomed off while Devin was still on a call and I suspected him to be on a call with his girlfriend. The school¡¯s closing bell rang and students trooped out.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed aloud. I didn¡¯t want them to meet me outside but now I have nowhere to run to and avoid questions.


    ¡°OMG Zach is still here¡± a girl squealed and I almost pretended to be asleep before Devin came in with a smile on his face. He was definitely talking to his girlfriend.


    ¡°Can we go now?¡± I scoffed and he nodded his head before turning on the car.


    We got to my house and I could feel the emptiness building in me. I don¡¯t know why but I was picturing her in every ce she used to stand while she was still living with me.


    I decided to take a shower and maybe a long nap afterwards to relieve me of the tension and stress. After the shower Iid t on the bed facing the ceiling as I soon slept off.


    The vibration of my phone woke me up and I had four missed calls already. I waited for the caller to call again since it was an unknown number.


    The number called back in less than a minute. ¡°Are youing to Frank¡¯s party?¡± A voice said over the phone immediately I answered the call and it took me a while to notice that it was Lam¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Who the hell is Frank?¡± I asked not caring if it might sound off ore out rude.


    ¡°A human Zach and he¡¯s hosting a very dope party, you shoulde-¡± I cut him off his sentence.


    ¡°I¡¯m uninterested¡± I replied and he sighed deeply.


    ¡°Alright I¡¯ll text you the address in case you changed your mind¡± he replied right before I ended the call. The bastard was really serious about the party and I received a text containing the address in less than a minute.


    If I was in a better mood then I would have surely gone to the party but I wasn¡¯t having any bit of party spirit in me. I would also go if Be is in the party and If she would talk to me but since I very well know she hates parties there¡¯s no way in hell she¡¯ll be in a ¡°Frank¡¯s party¡±.


    I crashed back on the bed and decided to go back to sleep but the moment I closed my eyes Devin barged into my room like a mad man.


    ¡°What the hell do you want?¡± I asked and he shook his head.


    ¡°Uhm do you have scissors?¡± He asked while scanning through the room.


    I stood up from my bed to give it to him and he thanked me before leaving my room but the moment I closed my eyes again the door of my room opened.


    ¡°What the fuck are you up to and what the hell do you need this time?¡± I yelled, already losing my temper.


    ¡°Uhm do you have a knife, de, screwdriver that I can borrow?¡± He asked and I stared at him in dismay.


    ¡°What the fuck do you need them for?¡± I asked and he tucked his hands into his jean pocket as he shoved his tongue to the side of his mouth. Dammit!


    He thinks I¡¯m suicidal and doesn¡¯t want me to hurt myself while alone in my room.


    ¡°Get a life Devin, I¡¯m not suicidal¡± I said but he doesn¡¯t seem to want to believe me.


    ¡°Okay let¡¯s go to the salon, we both look like bears¡± I said and a smile tucked at the corner of his lips.


    *******


    I woke up and the memories from yesterday shed through my head making me instantly sad but today wasn¡¯t meant for me to be sad like I was yesterday rather I would try to make it up to her today.


    Devin drove me to school before he drove himself to the mechanic. I really caused a lot of damage to his car but he didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    I entered the school with a rose flower tucked in my bag pack. I hope to be able to meet her today so as to tell her I can¡¯t do without her around me. I searched her ssroom but she wasn¡¯t there and I was left wondering where she could have been. Maya was also not in school and Xavier included. I wondered why the three of them were not in school and in no time I started to get worried.


    I was walking past the hallway when an abandoned ssroom door opened and Aurora perked her head out and gestured for me toe in.


    I didn¡¯t have time for her games so I ignored her and continued to walk.


    ¡°It¡¯s about your precious Isabe¡± her voice rang in my ear and at the mention of Isabe i walked back and followed her into the room.


    ¡°I have something to show you, so you don¡¯t go around thinking quiet girls are angels¡± she said with a smirk on her face and yed a video before giving the phone to me.


    I stared at the video for some while before I finally saw Isabe¡¯s face, a dude was naked on her and he was touching her naked body. My Be¡¯s body.


    I immediately felt anger in me as my eyes turned red In seconds. I didn¡¯t bother to watch the rest of the video as I smashed the phone on the floor and stomped on it repeatedly till it broke into pieces. Aurora¡¯s face fell at the sight of it but I was just getting started.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I demanded as I held her tight in her throat. I¡¯ve never physically abused a girl but Aurora wasn¡¯t a girl anymore, she was a beast.


    ¡°Where is she?!¡± I roared as my hands got tighter around her throat, tears started to flow from her eyes but I wasn¡¯t going to pity a bitch who stooped so low.


    ¡°What does she have that I do not have?¡± She cried and I released my grip on her neck but tightly held her chin and brought her face to look up to me.


    ¡°For thest time Aurora, where is my Be?¡± I roared and she scoffed before cleaning off the tears in her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Xavier picked her up¡± she replied while sniffing her nose and my hand left her chin, fucking bullshit! Xavier was there for her and I wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Do this next time and you won¡¯t be dead alone¡± I warned and she stared at me in awe. She probably didn¡¯t realize that I would know she set everything up, it was obvious that my Be was unconscious because she wasn¡¯t moving her body.


    I really did hope that she had no other videos and the one on her phone should be thest one, after I figure out where and how Be is I¡¯ll make sure to pay the bastard on her a visit.


    Only if I had listened to Lam and have gone to the freaking fucking party then she wouldn¡¯t need to face this humiliation and I would have saved her rather than it being Xavier.


    The thought of Xavier seeing her naked body made me cringe in annoyance. Fuck it! Other boys have seen her naked body. I felt anger in me as I punched the wall beside me not minding the profusely bleeding wound from my hand.


    I went outside the school building forgetting that my car was with Devin, I called him immediately and tagged it as an emergency, there was no way he wouldn¡¯t be here with my shaky voice filled with rage.


    He parked the car in front of me and as I was about to get into the driver¡¯s seat he noticed my hand bleeding and stopped me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you go, you¡¯re not in the right state of mind¡± he slightly pushed me backward.


    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t die, if I die then erase me from your memory¡± I said and started the car. All that mattered was for me to get to Be and see the way she was doing, she must really be devastated.


    I was about to hit the elerator when the door opened and Devin sat down in the seat tucking in his seat belt.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± He asked as he stared straight at the road.


    ¡°To find Be, she was almost raped¡± I replied but my voice cracked almost at the end of my sentence. It was really hard for me to say the word ¡°rape¡±.

 Chapter 38

    My eyes fluttered when the bright sun rays met my eyes, I managed to adapt to the light in the room as I scanned through the room. It didn¡¯t look like my room nor did it look like Maya¡¯s.


    There were posters of rock bands and a guitar hung all around the wall; It looked like a typical boy¡¯s room. The thought of me being in a boy¡¯s room brought back memories from the party. I soon started to remember some things even though they were really hard to remember.


    One thing I very well remembered was the fact that Frank had set me up for Aurora and climbed on top of me to rape me, I tried to kick him in the groin but failed as a mighty pnded on my cheeks and everything went nk. That was the only thing I could remember.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    I was starting to panic on how I got here, I was scared I could be in Frank¡¯s room after what he did to me at the party. It was hard for me to believe the fact that my best friend¡¯s so-called boyfriend raped me.


    With tears building up in my eyes I tried to stand up from the bed but a loud thud struck inside my head making me fall back on the bed after making a loud noise. The headache was so unbearable that I couldn¡¯t even move any inch of my body in fear of triggering the ache in my head.


    I heard loud footstepsing towards the room as I winced in pain. I hoped to note face to face with Frank because I would make sure to spit on that face of his.


    The door clicked open and I shut my eyes close not wanting to see who it was.


    ¡°Isabe what happened? I heard you screaming!¡± I heard a concerned familiar voice as I opened my eyes to see Xavier standing In front of me with looks of concern on his face and a ss of water with pain reliefs on his hand.


    ¡°Xavier!¡± I eximed in joy as I saw him but immediately flinched in pain. I didn¡¯t notice  when I stood up from the bed and pulled his neck into a hug. He had to raise his hands to avoid the water spilling on the bed.


    ¡°Xavier!¡± I cried as I pulled his head closer to mine, the tears that had been building up in my eyes finally found the opportunity to release themselves on his body. He gently ced the ss beside the bed as he hugged me back tightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m here now¡± he cooed while patting my hair. The ache in my head was still there but that didn¡¯t matter anymore.


    ¡°Hey you can¡¯t cry anymore, you¡¯re running a temperature¡± he pulled back from the hug and I wiped the tears off my face with my palm.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± I said as I tried to feign a smile but it didn¡¯t work as I broke down again. I hated being like this especially in front of a boy but right now I couldn¡¯t help myself from not crying in his presence.


    ¡°Take this so you¡¯ll feel better¡± he handed over the pain relief and water and in no time I gulped it down.


    ¡°You saw the video?¡± I asked, referring to the video of Frank on me and how he raped me. Maybe that was how he found me.


    ¡°No, I stopped them on time¡± he sighed.


    ¡°If I had been there earlier then he wouldn¡¯t have gotten the chance toy his hands on you, I¡¯m sorry¡± he apologized and this was sincerely the most kind hearted person I have ever known.


    ¡°So he didn¡¯t get his way with me?¡± I asked with a little bit of hope and he looked up to bring his eyes to mine. I felt a feeling of relief and excitement at the thought of Frank not having anything to do with me. I was d he didn¡¯t have sex with me.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have forgiven myself if he did¡± he replied and I couldn¡¯t contain the excitement in me as I pulled him closer for a hug but he took it the wrong way as our lips connected. It was a short kiss because I broke it really fast with a forced smile on my face.


    ¡°I think you should rest¡± he stood up from the bed perhaps feeling awkward too as he left the room. I took this as an opportunity to calm down the thud in my head. It was such a relief to know that no one had sex with me.


    I tried to sleep but every time I was about to sleep, I suddenly rememberedst night¡¯s horror and opened my eyes. I wasn¡¯t still okay with the fact that they saw my nakedness and he almost slid into me.


    I managed to not think about the disturbing incident as I closed my eyes shut hoping the memory won¡¯te to my head while I think of other things.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t!¡± I yelled as my eyes opened wide, I had fallen asleep but the trauma fromst night wouldn¡¯t let me sleep. Sweat was all over my body as I was breathing loudly. Xavier ran into the room to check on me but found me breathing really hard on the bed. I tried to stop myself but I couldn¡¯t and before I knew it I started to cry again.


    The only thing that could make me truly happy right now Is if I forget about what happened because the images are not nice to be remembered. My mind suddenly drifted to Maya.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Maya?¡± It was the only thing I could say to I¡¯m as I managed to wipe the tears off my face.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t informed her yet¡± he sat down beside me on the bed as he stroked my hair gently. It wasforting but I really needed to meet Maya, she was my only friend and the fact her boyfriend did this to me was something I can¡¯t keep away from her.


    ¡°Can you call her over?¡± I asked and he stared at me for a while before nodding his head. He wanted to protest orin about something but decided not to talk as he dialed Maya¡¯s number.


    I impatiently waited as the phone rang and soon before the ring ended she picked up the phone.


    ¡°Hey¡± Xavier greeted and put the phone on a loudspeaker.


    ¡°Xavier I¡¯m so done for, I can¡¯t seem to find Isabe anywhere¡± she cried from the other side of the phone. Xavier tilted his head to look at me before returning his face to the phone.


    ¡°Isabe is with me¡± he said and I heard her exhale a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me to tell me earlier you punk!¡± She cussed as sheughed-cried.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how worried I have been sincest night, what would I have told my mum¡± she yelled really loudly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but something serious happened and she would like to speak with you in person, can youe over to my house right now?¡± Xavier cut her off her sentence but as soon as he said this, the phone went silent.


    ¡°You there?¡± Xavier asked to confirm if she was still on the phone.


    ¡°Yeah but there¡¯s a problem, I can¡¯t make it there right now but I¡¯ll be there in a few hours time¡­. is that okay?¡± She asked and Xavier raised his head to face mine asking if I was okay with heringter. I nodded my head even though I wasn¡¯t okay with it


    I was in that state where I needed my best friend more than anything, I couldn¡¯t think of a reason why she wouldn¡¯t want to meet me especially after she had been searching for me. I thought she would be excited ande right over but I guess her attitude changed. What if the stupid Frank does something simr to what he did to me to her.


    ¡°Okay it¡¯s fine, but be here soon¡± Xavier replied before ending the call. I shed a smile at him even though it was feigned and he seemed to notice.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry too much, I¡¯m here for you¡± he assured and pulled my head to rest on his shoulders. I tried to fall asleep but the fear of dreaming about the incident made me keep myself awake.


    ¡°Have anyone ever told you that you look more beautiful when you¡¯re happy so smile for me and no I¡¯m asking for a genuine smile¡± he said almost immediately after I feigned a smile and we bothughed for real.


    He made me food to eat and I thought I wasn¡¯t hungry at first when he asked if I would eat but the moment I smelled the food and saw it beside me I knew I was hungry. I never knew Xavier could cook this much and I was starting to think all boys can cook even though I only know two.


    I rushed the food as soon as the tray got to myp with the dangerous hunger I hadn¡¯t felt earlier on. After eating he decided that we watched a movie in the room to cheer me up.


    After scrolling through Netflix in search of what to watch he finally stumbled across a movie that seemed paranormal but we decided to give it a shot.


    Mid way through the movie we both heard a loud bang on Xavier¡¯s door and it was getting louder and forceful by the second.


    Xavier decided to check on who it was as he left the room for the door with a slight annoyance on his face. I would also be offended if some rude person bangs on my door that way.


    ¡°Where the hell is my Be!¡± I heard a gruff voice roaring from downstairs and before I could think of the owner of the voice I heard a loud thud and it seemed like blows were being thrown.


    Despite the ache that was thudding in my head I stood up from the bed to see what was happening and my face fell at the sight of the person.

 Chapter 39

    ¡°Zach?¡± My voice broke at the sight of him trying to force his way into the house.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± He yelled as he broke free from Xavier who had been holding him. He made his way to run towards me when Xavier pulled him back. He shot Xavier a warning re but he didn¡¯t flinch, knowing Xavier wouldn¡¯t let him meet me he forcefully punched his face and I gasped in shock.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡± I tried to scream but my voice came out rather hoarse and quiet.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for what happened, I heard about everything and couldn¡¯t help but to look for you. I couldn¡¯t concentrate and I know the amount of pain you must be feeling but I am really sorry Isabe.¡±


    ¡°Lam called me to the party but I ignored his request, if I had known I wouldn¡¯t have turned him down and none of this shit would have happened because I would be there with you¡± he rushed out his words as he walked closer to me.


    I stood still as I watched him approach me, I wanted to go back to the room and lock myself up in it but I wasn¡¯t moving, my legs couldn¡¯t move and I ended up staying still. I wasn¡¯t feeling alright but I guessed it must still be the effects from the drugs.


    ¡°Isabe¡± he called out my name as he kept on walking towards me, I didn¡¯t want him toe any closer but I couldn¡¯t help it. I silently prayed that Xavier woulde save me because I had no control over my body or my feet.


    He was about toy his hands on me when I flinched, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me¡± I yelled as my body shook. I pushed past him as I ran down the steps, I had no idea where I was running to but all I knew was that I wanted to leave the house.


    Xavier¡¯s eyes brightened at the sight of me but the instant I ran past him I could sense the shock and feeling of disappointment in him.


    I ran outside the door and spotted Devin standing by the car. I assumed he must have followed Zach but my legs didn¡¯t stop running as I kept on running to where I had no idea. I could hear Devin calling my name but I didn¡¯t turn to look at him.


    ZACH¡¯S POV


    Immediately I got to Xavier¡¯s house I ran to the door but it was locked. ¡°Dammit!!¡± I yelled as I banged on the door really hard. For some time I didn¡¯t get any response and different thoughts started running through my head. What if Xavier had taken advantage of her weak state and did something horrible to her.


    I could feel my veins throbbing as my hands folded into a fist. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to break the door down hoping it was Xavier¡¯s face I was smashing really hard.


    ¡°Bro chill, you¡¯re going to break your bones if you keep smashing that door, it¡¯s a strong one¡± Devin yelled from beside the car. I didn¡¯t pay attention to him because he probably didn¡¯t understand what it meant to feel this pain inside of you. The only girl you have ever liked doesn¡¯t want to be close to you because you fucked up and the time she needed you the most you weren¡¯t there for her, some other douchebag was there.


    I continued to hit the door hard before I finally heard it click open. I stopped at the sight of Xavier who had rage on his face but I had sworn to myself that if he tried to stop me I would beat him to pulp.


    ¡°Where the hell is my Be?¡± I roared and he had a frown on his face. He tucked his hands in his pocket and I knew this was going to take long, he wasn¡¯t going to easily let me see Be else it¡¯s the hard way.


    I was about to grab him and yell again when I heard footsteps upstairs. I raised my head up and my face melted at the sight of Be standing above, she looked really disorganized that you could tell that she hadn¡¯t been feeling well, her face was pale and hair was messy. Her lips were lost in colour and I wondered if it was just me or she was losing weight drastically. She had a shocked expression on her face like she had just seen a ghost before her face fell and there was no emotion on it.


    It kind of really hurt to see her look at me this way but I was going to make it up to her no matter what.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± My voice broke down as I made to reach her but Xavier pulled me back. I had been trying to suppress my anger towards him but the fact that he wanted to hold me back made me angry as Inded a punch on his face.


    I turned to look at Be and she had a shocked expression on her face, I knew I shouldn¡¯t have done that in her presence but I wasn¡¯t just thinking straight. I haven¡¯t been thinking straight since she left me.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here!¡± Her voice broke as I was on my way walking up the stairs to meet her. I was now close to her but there was still some space between us. I took this as an opportunity to apologize to her for what happened.


    I tried to hold back the tears in my eyes so as to not break down in front of Xavier as I exined myself to her hoping she would ept my apology but she wouldn¡¯t look at me. Her eyes were fixed on the rails, I moved closer to her and I could feel her breath increasing. Something was wrong with her but I didn¡¯t know what it was.


    I couldn¡¯t help but touch her fidgeting body but she flinched before my hand could touch her skin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± She snapped and raised her head to look at me, she was staring at me straight in the eyes before she shook her head and ran away from me. She ran downstairs and my heart broke that I could feel and hear it shattering on the floor.


    She ran away from me, I watched as she was running to meet Xavier. I couldn¡¯t hold the tears in any longer but when I saw her run past Xavier I immediately wiped them off my eyes before he would notice.


    With the humiliation and embarrassment, I wasn¡¯t going to give up just yet. She was almost raped and she needs someone to be with her.


    I ran outside the house to look for her, Devin was standing by the car with confusion written on his forehead. He knew I wanted to run after her so he pointed at the direction where she ran to. I never imagined myself doing this one day but she was all that mattered to me.


    I ran as fast as my legs could carry me till I saw her in sight.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± I yelled, she turned her back to see me running after her but she increased her pace running even faster. If she doesn¡¯t slow down she might copse and I was right as she fell in the middle of the road. I ran faster to meet her but she didn¡¯t want me to be around her as she flinched.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking touch me! You caused all of this, I was almost raped!¡± She yelled as tears ran freely down her eyes. I knew what she meant moreover nothing of such would have happened to her if not for the obsession Aurora has over me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± was the only thing I could mutter as I bent to the ground to be beside her. She was still crying as she was soaked in her tears. I thought of what I could do to support but she wouldn¡¯t let me touch her.


    ¡°Ever since I know you it has been nothing more than chaos and catastrophe in my life!¡± She cried.


    We were already drawing attention to ourselves as we were on the floor, people were gathering around and it was hard for them not to notice me begging a crying girl on the road. Not one day have I ever imagined myself in this situation.


    ¡°Isabe please stand up let¡¯s go¡± I begged but she flipped and I feared I had made her more upset. She stood up from the ground as she stared at me with anger in her eyes.


    ¡°How dare you evene here to talk to me after everything you¡¯ve done to me, you ruined me but you just don¡¯t want to rest till I die don¡¯t you. You might as well just fucking rape me to death!¡± She yelled and everyone murmured among themselves.


    I was humiliated but I was going to take it all in, I spotted my teammatesing closer to the scene. I guessed the few students here had announced it to everyone that I was begging a crying girl in the middle of the road but I didn¡¯t care. I wouldn¡¯t mind if she would just ept my apologies.


    ¡°Zach what the hell are you doing, leave the loser alone and let¡¯s go¡± Lam yelled from the crowd. My eyes were never leaving Isabe¡¯s face as she wiped the tears off her face. I knew she wasn¡¯t going to forgive me easily but I never thought I would go through this.


    ¡°Yes Zach, leave the loser alone and get the fuck away from me!¡± Isabe yelled again.


    A car screeched and parked beside us, Xavier came down from the car and the moment she sighted him she shook her head at me with rage in her face before going towards Xavier.


    I tried to grab her arms but she removed them from my grip, I watched how she went to stand beside Xavier. He opened the door for her and I knew I was losing her.


    I ran towards the car, I knocked on the door for her to open it while Xavier had gotten into the driver¡¯s seat. She was staring at me with tears falling from her eyes and I knew I really broke her.


    He started the car and the engine roared, he was about to start driving the car when the words came out of my mouth.


    ¡°I love you!¡± My voice broke, she heard me and immediately turned her head to the other direction as the car started. The rest of the crowd heard me as they started gasping out loud. Some were cussing out on Isabe especially the girls. I wanted to rip each of them mouth off for saying harsh words about her despite the rejection I got from her.


    I couldn¡¯t move from the spot and I wasn¡¯t going to cry in front of everyone. Devin¡¯s car pulled over and he ran down from the car as he patted me on the shoulder gesturing at me to get into the car. I entered the car and locked up the tinted windows. Even though I was beside Devin I still couldn¡¯t bring myself to break down in front of him or that was what I thought because immediately we left the scene  tears flowed freely down my eyes.

 Chapter 40

    He drove me safely back home but didn¡¯t say a word all through the drive, he only kept on staring at me from time to time; probably thinking I would jump off the window or do something crazy.


    I appreciated the peace and quiet he gave me in the car but I knew he wasn¡¯t going to be quiet when we got home. He parked the car at our usual spot and I came down from it immediately before entering the house.


    I went straight up to my room to think because it felt like I had lost all of the hope I had in me, she chose Xavier over me and it might as well be the end for me. I don¡¯t think I can have her anymore. It was nice trying what it felt like to be in love but hell I wouldn¡¯t want to ruin myself anymore so I¡¯m cool with never falling in love with any girl.


    I heard a knock on my door and assumed it was Devin. I knew he could have been quiet in the car but there was no way he wouldn¡¯t want to talk to me once we got home but I wasn¡¯t really sure I wanted to talk to him. No one understands me and they definitely don¡¯t understand the feeling of liking someone you ruined and wanting her back.


    I stood up from my bed and walked towards the door, I opened the door and walked past him as I left for the kitchen. He let out a heavy sigh before calling out my name, I heard but I chose to ignore and in no time I felt his footsteps behind me. He wasn¡¯t going to let this slide away.


    ¡°Can you just stop acting like a child for a fucking minute!¡± He yelled as soon as he entered the kitchen.


    I tried to remain calm so as not to unleash my anger at him as I had no reason to, in order to suppress my anger I decided to cook pasta even though I wasn¡¯t hungry. I brought out the chopping board and big bulbs of onions to start off with.


    ¡°Can you even see the way you¡¯re acting? Because I doubt it!¡± He yelled again and this one got to me.


    ¡°Acting? You call all of these an act?¡± I roared while he pped his forehead and I could hear him cursing under his breath.


    ¡°You¡¯re just being too much¡­¡± I didn¡¯t let him finish his sentence before cutting him off.


    ¡°I thought you would get me or at least understand me but I lied to myself, no one gets me and no one understands me. You don¡¯t understand what I feel right now but you call yourself my brother!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never had to deal with something like this but yet you¡¯re out here judging me and iming I¡¯m acting, Devin the only girl I have ever loved hates me because of some fucked up shit I did to her in the past and how in hell can I resolve that huh? Tell me how in hell!¡± I roared.


    ¡°I fucking crippled my girlfriend and you think you¡¯re the only one with a fucked up life, she loved me but I wanted to be tough on her and i made her crippled! It¡¯s not a reason enough to fuck me up in the head?¡± He broke down.


    ¡°I got drunk and she was after me telling me to be safe and drive safely but I ended up ruining her chances to walk and she could die anytime soon because of her current state!¡± He yelled and I kept quiet, I actually didn¡¯t ask about how they met. I guess I have only been thinking about myself.


    ¡°Rather than you being a baby here why don¡¯t you own up to your mistakes and find a better way to apologize to her, you clearly don¡¯t know anything about her so why don¡¯t you just talk to her friend, if you truly love her you¡¯d drop your ego elsewhere!¡± He spat and walked out of the house in annoyance with his eyes as red as blood. He was holding back his tears.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    The moment he left the house I became more furious and angry. I wasn¡¯t angry at anyone but this time I was angry at myself. I had been selfish all along that I didn¡¯t know about what my brother was facing. I would definitely make it up to him.


    Remembering the advice he gave me earlier on, I decided to search for Maya¡¯s number and maybe call a truce with her in order for her to help me. But then it doesn¡¯t sound right, perhaps I should be her friend for real rather than using her for my own selfish reasons so I took out my phone from my pocket and went to our yearly school book to search for her number. It was side by side with Isabe¡¯s and she looked beautiful in the photo with her smiling face but suddenly I saw a lot of pain and sadness behind those smiles.


    Dialing Maya¡¯s number, I watched and listened to it ringing without any response from the other side. I almost thought of giving up on it but I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to so I kept on calling her till she finally picked up the phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Her voice cracked from the other side and it sounded like she had been crying, was she crying for Be too?


    I didn¡¯t know what to say because I feared she might recognize my voice and hang up.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She asked again as she sniffed her nose but I ended the call instead. A text would be better at this point so I opened my iMessage and imputed her number.


    ¡°Hey Maya, meet me at Charlis¡¯:,-)¡± I sent the message hoping she would read it and maybe consider it.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± She texted back almost immediately. I couldn¡¯t tell her my identity yet so I decided to y an anonymous guy.


    ¡°How about you know in Charlis¡¯ ¡± I sent another text. I invited her to Charlis¡¯ since it was a really busy restaurant that she should feel safe in.


    ¡°Look here, I¡¯m busy and I don¡¯t have time for pranks¡± she texted back, I felt like this wasn¡¯t going smoothly and I decided to give it one more shot.


    ¡°It¡¯s really important I meet you, please I¡¯m begging. I just need ten minutes of your time if it¡¯s not too much. Please!¡± I begged in the text and re reading my text, I realized I sounded like a total hopeless person.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be there in ten minutes¡± she finally replied after some minutes had gone by. I thought she wasn¡¯t going to reply when she didn¡¯t reply instantly but I guess everything is starting to be smooth. Devin hadn¡¯t been able toe back home after the fight we had earlier, the one which I caused and reminded him of a bad incident in the past. I was sure he had been trying to bury that past but I had to bring it up even though it was unintentionally.


    I wanted to dial his number and apologize but at the same time I thought he would need some alone space to think. All I need to do is to find a way to make it up to him.


    I left the house as I entered my car to head to Charli¡¯s ce. I should probably get there before she does and in no time I was finally there. I scanned for a more convenient ce for us to sit and have a little chat.


    I sat down waiting for her toe but ten minutes passed by and she was nowhere to be found, eventually I thought she wasn¡¯t going to show up anymore and I had just wasted my time. After waiting for an extra ten minutes I decided to leave but the moment I stood up to leave was the moment she entered the restaurant and I sat down almost immediately.


    She brought out her phone to text me and I waited till I got the response.


    ¡°I¡¯m there where are you, I really don¡¯t have much time¡± the text read and if it was to be some other day I might drag her out for keeping mete and talking about not having time but I needed her help and me doing so would only irritate her.


    ¡°I¡¯m on a grey T-shirt and I¡¯m staring straight at you, look at your left side¡± I sent the message and watched how her eyes scanned everyone on the left side before they fell on me. She had a scornful look on her face as she made to leave the restaurant but I can¡¯t let that happen, I¡¯ve gotten this far already.


    I stood up from where I was seated as I ran outside to meet her, she stopped walking when she realized I was following her and she turned to bring her feisty face to mine with her hands folded waiting for an exnation.


    ¡°Can we just go back in and talk for some minutes¡± I begged as I panted loudly and she cocked her brows at me without saying anything but observing me.


    ¡°I just want to call a truce with you and be friends¡± I said and she scoffed before turning her back to leave.


    ¡°I mean it Maya, I want to be friends with you, know you better so I can also be a better person for Be and make sure she¡¯s okay¡± my voice broke at the end of the sentence.


    ¡°Oh wow! After shattering a ss you think you can glue it together and make it okay?¡± She scoffed. I knew I did her wrong but at least I deserve a chance to fix it.


    ¡°I just want to make things right¡± my voice broke as my eyes turned red, I really hope she doesn¡¯t think I¡¯m faking it for sympathy.


    She let out a sigh and passed by me as she walked back into Charlis¡¯ but even our table was taken already.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I cussed but an idea popped into my head. I bought some take out and asked to follow her in her car.

 Chapter 41

    ¡°So this isn¡¯t a bad idea after all¡± Maya finallymented on our little ice cream lunch outside in the sun, we were both seating on my car while digging in a cold Ice cream. I was d I was able to take her down with an ice cream so next it¡¯s to tell her about my n.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t still told me why I¡¯m here¡± she abruptly spoke up like she had been wanting to say it all these while but kept on forgetting.


    ¡°Oh about that..¡± I cleared my throat while scratching the back of my head. I was never nervous about anything but damn this Be of a girl is driving me nuts.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening¡± she sharply interrupted again, I thought I had tamed her down with the ice cream but it was clear I was so far from being able to even sit her down. Fuck the ice cream.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Be and I just need your help, you¡¯re the closest person she has right now and you know everything about her so apparently you¡¯re my only hope in making Be forgive me¡± I broke every word down and I was surprised she was actually patient enough to hear me out.


    ¡°Why do you think I should help you, you did her wrong didn¡¯t you?¡± She red up at me and I flinched. She could really be terrifying. It was now obvious why we were never friends.


    ¡°I know I did her wrong okay but that was all in the past and I badly regret everything I¡¯ve done to her but I deserve another chance to make it up to her, don¡¯t you think I deserve to make her happy and put a genuine smile on her face once again?¡± I pleaded while she stared at me with burning eyes as she bit on the ice cream spoon like she was biting my body into different shredded pieces.


    ¡°So what do you want me to do?¡± She came down from the car and folded her arms while her eyes were fixed on my eyes. To be really honest I was getting freaked and nervous.


    ¡°You¡¯re her best friend, help me talk to her and trust me I¡¯ll do the rest myself¡± I begged, never had I imagined myself begging so desperately for someone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best only if you buy me more of this ice cream. ¡± She threw the empty container into the trash can and dusted her hands before shing me a smile that even a blind person could tell that it was fake.


    There was no big deal in buying her ice cream as long as she helped me talk to Be so I ended up buying five morerge sized Ice creams for her hoping Be would partake in the feast. The image of her eating an ice cream appeared in my head and I bit my lips to hide the smile from escaping. I was really turning into something else.


    ¡°Prom is tomorrow, I¡¯ll talk her intoing to prom and I¡¯ll leave the rest to you to do your thing¡± she flung her hair and majestically walked to her car with the Ice cream in her hand. My jaw dropped immediately I realized that she was only going to talk Be toing to prom and not really do anything else. I couldn¡¯t believe I spent my time and money for her to just talk Be toing to prom.


    I had no intentions of going to prom even though it was our final prom but since my Be would be there then I definitely would go. I better go look for something nice to wear in a store but first I need to apologize to Devin. I knew him too well to the point of knowing that whenever he was angry he takes a long drive then returns back home so I don¡¯t have to worry about where to find him.


    I entered my car to drive back to my house but I couldn¡¯t just go empty handed so I stopped by a store and bought his favourite cereal and movie snack, sun-kes. I really loved those too and I remember how we fought for it as kids and even recently.


    **********


    ¡°Devin¡± I stretched out my arms in a dramatic way but he didn¡¯t look at me, I was sure he had heard my car when I parked by the house.


    ¡°Look I¡¯m sorry man!¡± I apologized and he crossed his legs still not looking at me. Instead his eyes were glued on the television and he was watching a damn cartoon.


    I walked to the front of the television blocking his view and he had a scornful face on, he was about to leave when I shed him the sun-kes and he sat down back on the couch. I knew I had gotten him but why is everyone weakness food, well except me.


    ¡°I just want to apologise for being a jerk and an asshole earlier and I hope we¡¯re still cool?¡± I asked but his eyes were fixed on the cereal. A smile started to form at the corner of his lips and I knew my apology was half epted.


    ¡°Give me the kes¡± hemanded and I threw it to him, the smile finally broadly showing on his face as he dug into the kes.


    ¡°So I¡¯m forgiven right?¡± I asked and he paused for a while before continuing his kes.


    ¡°Yeah whatever, you¡¯re obstructing my view¡± he shoved me away from the television and I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    ¡°Prom is tomorrow¡± I reminded him even though I knew he had no interest or intentions of going to the prom.


    ¡°So?¡± He asked as he stuffed his mouth with some kes.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to the prom and we¡¯re going to go get ourselves cool new outfits¡± I excitedly announced like a  grade ten boy.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be so boring so no thank you, I¡¯ll pass¡±  hezily slumped on the couch to lie down t on it.


    ¡°Well you¡¯reing and I¡¯m not negotiating¡± I ordered and walked out of the living room. I knew if I became serious then he might take me seriously.


    I swear I could hear him screaming ¡°jerk!¡± As I walked up the stairs. At least I fixed that one but I still won¡¯t tell him what I have in store for him at prom.


    I searched through my closet and brought out a pair of clothes, if I don¡¯t do that then there¡¯s no way he would want to go out with me to the store.


    I literally don¡¯t know what I would wear but I definitely want to look like her prince charming so maybe some tuxedos would do.


    I came back downstairs and threw the clothes at Devin who was still munching on the kes. He stared at the clothes for a while debating on whether to wear them or not but he eventually stood up to wear them.


    After he was done we both got into my car as I drove us to the same store I drove Isabe to when we were going to visit my Father and his new bride. I haven¡¯t really called him since then nor have I heard anything from him.


    We went into the store and scanned through every section till we finally saw what we liked. I bought a blue tuxedo while Devin bought a wine one. I hope Isabe likes it on me.


    After the shopping we returned back home and settled on the couch while we watched Netflix. I was getting nervous about tomorrow and that was way too unusual. Thoughts about whether she would want me or be with Xavier at the prom crossed my mind. If she was with Xavier then I really don¡¯t think I would be able to do anything about tomorrow.


    Curiosity made me bring out my phone to dial Maya¡¯s number as I walked away from Devin and she picked almost immediately.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Why the hell are you calling?¡± She yelled from the other side of the phone and I rolled my eyes. She could be too extra sometimes or perhaps most times.


    ¡°Cool off your pants, is Be going to prom with someone?¡± I asked, waiting eagerly for a response as my heart pounded.


    ¡°Yes!¡± She said and I felt a wave of sadness hitting me.


    ¡°Oh, is it Xavier?¡± I cleared my throat because my voice was starting to break.


    ¡°Of course not, she¡¯s going with me¡± she replied and I heaved a sigh of relief. I knew she heard it but I didn¡¯t mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry miss but you¡¯ll need to step down when we get to prom¡± I giggled.


    ¡°Jerk!¡± She replied and I was sure she was rolling her eyes but why does everyone keep calling me a jerktely. I¡¯m just an unfortunate boy who fell in love at the wrong time but fortunately with the right person.


    ¡°Thank you for everything!¡± I said and meant everything before hanging up. Who knew Maya would be much of a help to me and most importantly who knew Maya would even help me. We¡¯ve been mortal enemies since elementary school and everything became worse when I did Isabe wrong. I actually respect her for considering the state of her friend and agreeing to do this even though I¡¯m sure she was hoping there was someone else who she could have helped instead.


    I returned to the living room and met Devin still watching the movies but he wasn¡¯t eating the kes anymore and I assumed he must have finished it. I won¡¯t fuss about it because it was my apology ke to him.


    ¡°Who was that?¡± He asked as he tilted his head to me.


    ¡°Maya,¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the beautiful girl who is always with Be?¡± He asked and I nodded my head.


    ¡°Oh wow, then I guess you must have been resolving issues already¡± he said and shifted his focus back to the television.


    ¡°We¡¯re cool right, even after I was a jerk earlier?¡± I asked in guilt.


    ¡°Before the sunkes no, but after eating the kes maybe¡± his grumpy voice said in a low tone and I punched his shoulders. The look on his face was hrious.

 Chapter 42

    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    I was devastated when Maya insisted on me going to prom with her, I didn¡¯t want to attend because I had no strength in me. Xavier had asked me to go to prom with him but I had declined saying I won¡¯t attend but Maya now wants me to go with her.


    When I asked if George wouldn¡¯t go to the dance with her, she had a sad look on her face and I knew something was wrong with their rtionship. She wasn¡¯t feeling okay but she has been trying to hide her pains to focus on mine. I didn¡¯t want to be the only one our friendship is concerned about so I decided to go with her to the dance so she won¡¯t feel lonely.


    Today is the day we go to prom and i¡¯m still sitting on the bed with no feeling of excitement in me when Maya on the other hand danced around the room arranging and fixing everything. Behind her smile I could see the amount of sadness she had in her but I would definitely talk to her about it.


    I tried to stand up from the bed to take my bath but my head spinned and I was feeling dizzy as I sat down back on the bed. I had finished the dose the school nurse gave to me but I still wasn¡¯t feeling any better. I hope I don¡¯t pass out at prom today.


    ¡°Isabe you haven¡¯t taken your bath? We¡¯ll bete to the party!¡± She yelled as she saw me sitting on the bed. I stood up immediately as I walked to the bathroom, I didn¡¯t want her to keep on yelling because she definitely won¡¯t stop. I didn¡¯t tell her I was sick, I don¡¯t want any of them to worry about me. They¡¯re doing a lot for me and Joe already.


    After I took my bath, I dried my hair and stood in front of the mirror. I loosened the towel around myself as I stared at my naked body in front of the mirror. I was getting really skinnier.


    I tied the towel back around my waist as I blow dried my hair, my eye was puffy and swollen, my face was pale. I started to get worried for myself. I should really not let these issues weigh me down because they were destroying me.


    Maya walked up to me in her underwear as she sat me down on the dressing table and applied makeup on my face. After she was through I nced at myself in the mirror, I looked so different and my face glowed. The make up covered up my pale face and no one would know that I was hurting inside.


    We both wore the gown we bought some days ago at the expensive store. They looked perfect and better on Maya but they looked a little bigger on me. How is it possible for me to lose so much weight in just a few days?


    Maya noticed but smiled to try to cheer me up.


    ¡°You look beautiful Isabe¡± sheplimented and I shed her a smile back. It was time for us to leave for the party and I didn¡¯t feel a little bit of excitement in me even though Maya was trying hard to make me feel okay.


    ¡°It¡¯s not fair that I can¡¯te with you¡± Joe pouted as he watched us walk down the stairs. He had gotten himself dressed up in a cute little manly outfit. I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the sight of him.


    ¡°You look so cute Joe, did you buy it for him?¡± I asked Grace who was also smiling.


    ¡°Yes I did! He was sad about not going to the prom so we¡¯ll be having our little prom downtown¡± she chuckled and I would admit that was really sweet.


    ¡°Okay Joe, you have fun with Grace and we¡¯ll meetter tonight here okay?¡± I said and he ran to hug me.


    I felt strange with his sudden hug and felt something bothering him. I bent to meet his face and his eyes were filled with sadness.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look okay Isabe¡± he whispered and at that moment I broke. He noticed I wasn¡¯t feeling okay, I couldn¡¯t help but hug him ready tight to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine Joe¡± my voice cracked and I kissed him on his head.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be back tonight right?¡± He asked and I nodded my head trying hard not to cry in his presence. I wouldn¡¯t want to smear the make-up Maya took her time to make in my face.


    ¡°Have fun okay?¡± I said to him and smiled at Grace before leaving the house for Maya¡¯s car. Sometimes I wished I had a car of my own to drive myself to wherever I want to, it feels somewhat rxing to drive except if you¡¯re in a traffic jam then you¡¯d cuss till you get home.


    The street that led to our school was filled and busy with different cars driving by, by cars I meant expensive cars and that¡¯s why Maya also took her father¡¯s Ferrari because she didn¡¯t want to be left out.


    I spotted a limousine passing by us and I didn¡¯t need to think twice before knowing that it was Aurora who was behind the tinted sses of the limo.


    We arrived at school and parked our car, everyone was busy taking pictures of themselves and their friends while some took pictures with their lovers. That didn¡¯t bother me, I just want to leave already.


    We went inside the hall and the party had already begun with different people in expensive dresses. People seemed to be gawking at me and admiring my dress even though It looked a little bit too big for me.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Not bad¡± I heard a girl¡¯s voice saying to me as she stared at my dress. We finally got to the main section and everyone was busy on the dance floor dancing. Maya seemed excited at the sight of everything. I knew she was a party type and parties bring out an adrenaline in her.


    ¡°I promise I¡¯m not leaving you, I¡¯ll be right back¡± she said as she vanished into the crowd.


    ¡°Well here we go again¡± I sighed as I rested my body by a punch table while sipping the punch in a stic cup.


    I was lost in my thoughts and distracted when I felt the presence of someone in front of me. I raised my head to see the person and my heart started to race.


    ZACH¡¯S POV


    ¡°Devin you better get your ass off that couch and dress up, we¡¯re going to the prom in an hour!¡± I yelled and heard him groaning and murmuring some words under his breath.


    After some few minutes he was finally prepared and I was sure he didn¡¯t even use up to five minutes in the shower. He really didn¡¯t want to go to the prom but I had to emotionally ckmail him into following me.


    When we were both prepared, we walked out of the house and I suggested we take our separate cars because of what I had in mind for him. He looked at me suspiciously for some time before agreeing.


    I watched through therge mirror in front of my house, we looked like those hot models on the front page of magazines. In no time we were both in our cars and we drove off.


    I made sure to drive behind him to make sure he doesn¡¯t go back home and abandon me because it would definitely ruin my n for him.


    We got to the school and different expensive cars were parked almost upying all the street, some of which were their parents¡¯ while some were rented because no student here could afford any of the cars parked here.


    We entered the main building and my eyes immediately spotted my Be, she was beside Maya and she was in her most beautiful self. I couldn¡¯t stop but gawk at her beauty, I watched how she carefully sipped the punch and my eyes trailed down her dress that hung perfectly on her curves.


    I was lost in my trance until Devin cleared his throat beside me and jolted me with his elbows. I immediately regained my consciousness and he smirked.


    ¡°Simp!¡± Devin muttered before walking away. I brought my eyes back to Isabe but she still wasn¡¯t looking in my direction, I shifted my gaze and noticed Maya staring at me with a broad smile on her face. She gestured at me to talk to Be as she suddenly said some words to Be before leaving. I saw the look of disappointment on Be¡¯s face when she left and I took a deep breath before walking up to her.


    She didn¡¯t notice I was walking up to her until I was right in front of her. She brought her face up to look at me and her jaw dropped at the sight of me as her punch fell on the floor, spilling and staining her shoes.


    I bent and brought out my handkerchief as I wiped away the stain from her shoes, before I knew what was happening a bright light shed on us and the whole crowd¡¯s attention was on us as they cheered.


    I was lost and confused, I had no idea about what was happening, my eyes caught Maya¡¯s eyes and she gave me a thumbs up as she shed her thirty-two at me and I smiled. Maya had somehow managed to make this possible.


    ¡°And the Sapphire King and Queen are Zach O¡¯Connell and Isabe Brown¡± ady announced and there was a sudden uproar.

 Chapter 43

    ¡°What?¡± She panicked as soon as she heard her name, I stood up from the ground and held her closer to me. She had a confused look on her face while I was lost in her beauty. Everything became slow, she was the only person I seemed to see in the room and even her heart didn¡¯t race as fast as it was racing.


    My whole mind had sunk into her and I was surprised she didn¡¯t try to run away or release herself from my grip but I was d she didn¡¯t leave. The DJ started to y slow music and everyone made room for us to dance ording to the schools¡¯ tradition where the king and queen are given a special moment to dance before the rest starts to dance.


    While everyone was focused on us, I decided to use the opportunity to apologize to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything I¡¯ve ever done to you Isabe and I hope you¡¯d give me onest chance to make everything right¡± I apologized in the most sincere and genuine way I have ever apologized.


    She didn¡¯t say anything but her eyes were fixed on mine, it was driving me crazy, her silence was making me go nuts. I had no idea of what she could be thinking of.


    ¡°Please say something!¡± I begged out of eagerness and she adjusted her gaze to the floor. I held her chin as I brought her face back up to look at me but she still wasn¡¯t saying anything.


    Every muscle in me was tormented and it was true that the silent treatment is worse than an afflicted pain. I was dying to hear even a word from her.


    ¡°I know you hate me already but trust me I haven¡¯t been myself since that day and I¡¯ve been trying to make it up to you¡± I begged and almost broke down in tears. I could feel the tears building up, I tried to blink rapidly hoping it wouldn¡¯t fall because all eyes were still on us but that didn¡¯t seem to be working.


    I buried my head in her hands and after some seconds she removed her hands from mine, I thought it was over for me and she would walk out again but I was shocked when she pulled me in for a kiss. The whole school students gasped as some cheered us up while some muttered some words under their breaths. My whole body was jubting like it used to whenever my mum would let me eat as much Sun-kes as I wanted.


    I wrapped my arms around her waist for support as she deepened the kiss. I got hard and I think she noticed it as she pulled away with a shy smile on her face. I was kind of embarrassed because I couldn¡¯t control myself from getting hard but it wasn¡¯t my fault. I really didn¡¯t want her as a sexual thing this time but for who she truly is. I could hear different people murmuring but all that mattered was that she¡¯s willing to give me a chance.


    The rest of the students joined on the dance floor and I realized it was time for me to make it up to Devin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back¡± I kissed Be¡¯s hand with a promising smile before I made to leave. I caught Aurora¡¯s face burning in me at the sight of me, she must have witnessed the kiss but that didn¡¯t concern me at all, if she tries anything funny with my Be then I won¡¯t just alone warn her but deal with her.


    I scanned through the room looking for Devin before I finally saw him standing alone at a corner. He saw me walking up to him and shed me a cocky smile, he was going to talk about me and Be.


    ¡°Just zip it!¡± I scoffed before reaching where he was, he raised his hands in defence and chuckled.


    ¡°Okay so stay right here and don¡¯t leave this spot, I have something for you¡± I said and he seemed surprised but at the same time worried.


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not up to any mischief¡± he warned and I smirked.


    ¡°Just stay here¡± I repeated before leaving him standing clueless.


    I went outside the hall, she should be here any moment from now. I stood by my car as I dialed her number.


    ¡°Hey are you still going to make it?¡± I asked over the phone.


    ¡°Yes of course! I¡¯m close to your school¡± she squealed in excitement and I ended the call as I patiently waited for her to arrive.


    It didn¡¯t take up to five minutes before I spotted a car pulling by me. A girl of my age came down from the driver¡¯s seat and opened the back door to bring out a wheelchair before bringing Sofia to sit on it.


    I shed a smile at her as I walked up to her, she was really beautiful and it wasn¡¯t really fortunate she couldn¡¯t walk anymore. She smiled at me and for a second I was mesmerized at how soft and meek her smile was.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be so excited to see you¡± I said to her as I wheeled her into the building with her friend walking beside me.


    I scanned through the hall but I couldn¡¯t find Devin in where I asked him to stay. I was still unable to find him when Sofia suddenly dragged my attention.


    ¡°Is that Devin?¡± Her voice broke as she pointed to him.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed as she broke down in tears while staring at Devin who was making out with Maya at a corner of the hall. They were in an intense kissing situation.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡± I begged into her ear, I really didn¡¯t want her to see this and I definitely didn¡¯t want any of this to happen to their rtionship, all I wanted was to make this night a memorable night for the both of them and make it up to Devin but shit always happens and revolves around me.


    Devin pulled away from the kiss and Maya seemed to be flushing, his face met mine before it moved down to my hands and the wheelchair. His eyes widened at the sight of Sofia and I felt so ashamed of myself.


    ¡°Sofia?!¡± He eximed out of shock but she shook her head at him before requesting her friend to wheel her out. Devin was frozen for a while before he realized all that was going on.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡± I apologized and he ran past me to meet Sofia, I never really knew Maya as a ke or whatever was happening at the moment. She had a sad look on her face and couldn¡¯t bring her eyes to mine.


    I was fucked up and I have just messed up big time again, what I really didn¡¯t understand was why I kept on fucking and messing things up. I realized Isabe must still be waiting for me, I ran to where I left her and found her drinking another punch. She had a scornful look on her face and I knew she was mad at me for leaving her for that long.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I tried to fix things with Devin but ended up ruining everything¡± I apologized but it didn¡¯t seem like she was buying it.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine!¡± She muttered and I felt a little bit of relief, I knew it wasn¡¯t fine but I was d she at least said two words to me.


    ¡°I want to leave here, Can you take me home?¡± She requested.


    ¡°Sure, of course, why not?¡± I nervously replied and helped her with her purse. She walked up to Maya who still had guilt all over her face and said somethings to her beforeing back to meet me.


    We walked out of the school building and made for where I parked my car.


    ¡°Just because we kissed doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve forgiven you, you¡¯ll have to earn it¡± she said and I smiled as we both stopped walking, I wrapped my hands around her waist and a weak smile appeared on her face.


    ¡°I love you and I¡¯ll do anything to earn your forgiveness¡± I said In a low tone and she smiled.


    ¡°Maya told me everything, i know it must¡¯ve been hard for you to beg Maya with all of that ego flying around but you tried¡± she said. I was kind of surprised Maya told her because I didn¡¯t even notice anything.


    ¡°I¡¯m just really sorry¡± I apologized again and kissed her on her forehead.


    ¡°We should get going,¡± I said but she didn¡¯t move an inch.


    ¡°I just wanted to leave the party, i don¡¯t want to go home either¡± she said and I smiled.


    ¡°How about Xavier?¡± I asked, I¡¯ve been keeping it in me for a long time but I couldn¡¯t hold the question back in any longer.


    ¡°I guess he¡¯s fine, I told him I couldn¡¯t be with him because I felt nothing¡± she replied and I couldn¡¯t help the broad smile from beaming on my face.


    My face shifted to a car driving off and I noticed it was Sofia¡¯s car, Devin was standing by the car like a hopeless and drenched man and I knew things didn¡¯t go well with her, if only I hadn¡¯t done anything crazy and wild.


    Be turned to look at what my eyes were fixed on, she saw the way Devin was standing hopelessly.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you say you messed up things with Devin?¡± She asked and I told her about everything that happened with him.


    ¡°You should go meet him¡± she suggested but I refused, I had just gained the attention of the girl I wanted so badly and I¡¯m not just losing it.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll stay here with you,¡± I said.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°He looks like he needs help¡± she said and suddenly closed her eyes tight and flinched like she was in pain.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked, I noticed the way she had been and I knew something was definitely off in her, she looked weak and unlike the Be I knew at first.


    She tried to force a smile at me, ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­.¡± She couldn¡¯tplete her statement before she suddenly passed out.

 Chapter 44

    She tried to force a smile at me, ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­.¡± She couldn¡¯tplete her statement before she suddenly passed out but I caught her in my arms before shended on the floor. Worries enveloped my head as I yelled her name. Devin heard me yelling and despite what I did to him he ran to help me.


    I carried her to my car and immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital. It was owned by my dad and they attended to me immediately as they saw me rushing her in. They rushed her to an emergency room but told me I couldn¡¯t follow her in.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I waited for what felt like days but she still wasn¡¯t awake yet. Devin didn¡¯t go back home either as he stood with me.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Devin, I only wanted to make you happy¡± I apologized as I sat down on the cold iron chair with my hands and my whole body shaking.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I understand you tried to help. I¡¯ll just find a way to tell her it wasn¡¯t what it looked like, she would believe me. Hopefully¡± his voice broke at the end and I felt really bad for him too.


    A doctor came out of the room and I ran to meet him.


    ¡°Is she okay, is she awake?¡± I rushed my questions as he tried to calm me down.


    ¡°She has been really sick but didn¡¯t check herself up, she has lost a lot of blood in her body but we¡¯ll just have to transfuse blood into her¡± he said and I heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°But the problem is that her blood type is rare and we don¡¯t have it in this hospital, I¡¯ll have to call on the rest of the hospitals to check but it¡¯ll take a long while before it gets here, maybe about a day or two and I¡¯m not sure she canst without blood that long¡± the doctor said and I broke into tears at the mention of her not being able to make it.


    ¡°What¡¯s her blood type?¡± I asked


    ¡°O negative and we don¡¯t have that here at the moment¡± he said and I broke down.


    She could only receive from O negative and my blood type was not fit to give her blood. I felt hopeless for a moment before remembering that my dad was also O negative.


    I brought out my phone and dialed my father¡¯s number  hoping he would help me, he picked almost immediately after the phone rang.


    ¡°Zach?¡± He asked in surprise but I had no time for greetings.


    ¡°Can youe to your hospital in Tennessee right now? I need your help please can you be here in thirty minutes?¡± I asked and their phone was silent for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best¡± he responded and I hung up. If I am truly important to him then he would take his helicopter and arrive here on time. I couldn¡¯t settle my body as I kept on panicking while fidgeting through the hallway.


    I had called Maya earlier because I thought it was important for her to know and she arrived at the hospital in no time with the rest of her family members.


    I spotted a little boy who was soaked in tears and I immediately knew he must be her brother Joe. I felt sorry for the kid because I knew he would have been crying for a very long time.


    I walked up to him and bent to reach his face, he raised his little head up while he sobbed quietly.


    ¡°Hey there buddy¡± I greeted him but he said nothing as he continued to stare at me while crying.


    ¡°Is she going to leave me too?¡± Was the only statement he said before he continued to cry. I stared at him in pity, it must have been tough for him being alone. I had no idea when I suddenly pulled him into a hug as he cried his eyes out on my chest.


    The time was ticking but my damn father wasn¡¯t here yet and what type of hospital doesn¡¯t have enough blood in it. He called himself rich but couldn¡¯t afford to have enough blood in his hospital. I was going to give up on him and find an alternative when I suddenly saw doctors rushing to the main entrance.


    He must have arrived, it¡¯s a thing the doctors do whenever he arrives at the hospital and I really don¡¯t know why all of that is actually necessary.


    ¡°How can I help?¡± He asked as he walked towards me. i tried not to look at his face in order to not lose my temper but right now I was dealing with the love of my life and couldn¡¯t afford to let my stupidity cause harm to her.


    ¡°We need your blood for my girlfriend, she¡¯s sick¡± I said to him trying to be as polite as I could even though every muscle in me wants to ruin his face merely at the sight of him close to me.


    He was taking too long to response as he kept on staring at me, if he refused to donate his blood to my Be then I might as well beat the fuck out of him till he bleeds then I would give the blood to Isabe.


    ¡°Okay¡± he sighed


    ¡°But on one condition¡± he said and I scoffed at him, I was about to break down but I wouldn¡¯t let him see the other part of me. He knew how much she meant to me and he was giving me a condition before he would save her.


    ¡°Really, Is this how low you can stoop?¡± I scoffed and raised my eyes to prevent the tears from falling down.


    ¡°Giving me a condition when the life of someone I love is involved?¡± I barked at him but he didn¡¯t flinch. He was truly heartless and a monster.


    ¡°You know what? Nevermind! You want her to leave just like how you made mum die but I won¡¯t let that happen¡± I yelled when I realized he wasn¡¯t going to do it and the more we waited the more my Be¡¯s life would be at stake.


    I walked past him and shove him off with my shoulders, I could hear the nurse¡¯s murmuring and gossiping among themselves but I really didn¡¯t care about them.


    I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going to but all I knew was that I needed to find the right blood for my Be and that being as soon as possible even though I have nowhere to go look for it.


    After driving in circles at the highest speed from one clinic to another I was told they didn¡¯t have the blood at the moment and it was making me frustrated. Be was dying and I really hope she was still awake, perhaps I should ept my father¡¯s condition to bring everything to an end and save her.


    I went back to the hospital to look for my father in order to agree to his condition but couldn¡¯t find him anywhere.


    ¡°Where¡¯s he?¡± I asked Maya who was silently crying at a corner.


    She wiped her tears off as she saw me, ¡°he left not quite long after donating his blood to Isabe¡± she answered and I heaved a sigh of relief. I was d she was already receiving the blood after all the time wasted.


    ¡°How is she now?¡± I asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s still unconscious and I hope she gets better soon¡± she said as her voice broke. I noticed how she couldn¡¯t bring her head to face me. Perhaps she was still feeling guilty after making out with Devin.


    ¡°Okay¡± I sharply replied her and left for the room


    I opened the door of the room where Isabe wasying even though the nurse tried to stop me from entering. I shoved her aside and threatened her with her job so she could stop bbing.


    My whole body broke at the sight of Isabe lying unconscious on the bed with different pipes connected to her body.


    I sat by her side on the bed trying hard to not let the tears fall from my eyes. ¡°Please get well already¡± I whispered in her ear beforeying my head on the bed.


    ¡°Zach¡± a voice called out my name as I felt someone patting me on my back. I opened my eyes and saw Maya¡¯s mother standing beside me. I must have fallen asleep while looking after Be. My hands were still holding her little cold hands.


    ¡°The doctor said she¡¯ll be alright so you can as well go home and get some rest. I¡¯ll watch over her¡± she insisted but I knew I wasn¡¯t going to leave Isabe alone.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine this way, thank you¡± I sharply said to dismiss her, i didn¡¯t mean to be rude but I as well didn¡¯t want her to persuade and push me further. I heard as she let out a heavy sigh and left but before she left she whispered something I wasn¡¯t able to hear.


    ¡°Zachary?¡± A weak voice called my name as I felt a hand stroking my hair. I must have fallen asleep again but this time the day was bright.


    ¡°Be!¡± I shrieked in excitement as I hugged her tight when I realized it was her tiny hand that was on my hair.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± She winced.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± I apologized and she tried to smile at me even though her smile was weak and her face was still pale.


    I couldn¡¯t hide the excitement in me any longer, my lips immediately connected with hers and I was d she kissed me back before I pulled away.


    ¡°I was really scared¡± I brought her hands to my face as I ced a soft kiss on it.


    ¡°I know¡± she smiled back at me. The door flung open and Maya walked in with Joe walking side by side with her. His eyes were swollen and red like he had been crying all night.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± He ran to hug her immediately he realized that she was awake. Her brows cringed but she tried to hide the pain she felt from the forceful hug Joe gave to her.


    It didn¡¯t take a lot of time before we settled everything with the doctor even though he mentioned that my father had covered up the expenses. I guess I now have to thank him for two things.


    We were free to take Isabe home the next day even though we persuaded the doctor to let us take her home the same day. I really hated the smell of hospitals but I had no choice since he said she wasn¡¯t through with her dosages.

 Chapter 45

    *ONE YEAR LATER*


    ZACH¡¯S POV


    It¡¯s our one year anniversary and everything has been moving so fast between us, even though we fought sometimes she¡¯s still the only one I¡¯ve stuck with throughout the year and I¡¯m lucky to have someone like her.


    I pulled by the flower store and searched through for her favourite flower. I would be getting her choctes too and  we would go to a restaurant together after I give her the flowers and bribe her money-driven boss at work. The man makes meugh sometimes but then I¡¯m d I could easily shut his mouth up with money and sneak Isabe away from work.


    ¡°Uhm excuse me, you don¡¯t have a lily?¡± I asked the girl who had been staring at me since I got in, she seemed to be working here too.


    She was still staring at me with a smile on her face and I wondered if she couldn¡¯t hear me. I walked closer to her and waved my hands in front of her eyes but she wasn¡¯t still moving and I feared that she might be dead.


    ¡°Rosa ?Qu¨¦ diablos est¨¢s haciendo mirando a un cliente de esa manera?¡± An old woman came to where we were standing and gave the girl a pinch on her cheek before she snapped back to reality. Thanks to the little Spanish sses I attended in middle school I was able to know that she was scolding the girl about staring at me without doing anything.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine abu¡± I replied and the old woman gave a nervous smile to me before giving a death re to the girl whose name is Rosa.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, what do you need?¡± She asked and I smirked at her.


    ¡°I need some lilies for my girlfriend¡± I replied and her face slightly fell. I¡¯m used to this kind of attitude fromdies though that¡¯s why I made sure to mention my girlfriend.


    ¡°Oh right here¡± she led me to another aisle where lilies were and I picked the one my eyes caught first. I smiled at the thought of her face blooming when she sees the flower.


    ¡°She¡¯s a really lucky girl¡± The girl smiled at me and I nodded my head.


    ¡°Of course she is,¡± I replied before leaving the store. There was something strange about the girl, I¡¯ve been used todies gawking at me that way but there was something different and meek about her. She wasn¡¯t like a thot but maybe she just found me attractive. Good for her because she has a good taste.


    I entered my car and started it. I would be going to Isabe¡¯s work and damn it I¡¯ll have to face her boss again.


    I brought out some dor notes from my wallet before keeping it safe in my car. He won¡¯t rest till he has all of the money on me.


    I reached the restaurant she was working in and parked my car in front of it but immediately I stepped down from the car her boss was standing in front of me with a sly smirk on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to pay for parking¡± he said with a sly smirk and I gave him a five dor note. He kissed the note and I rolled my eyes before entering the restaurant with the flowers behind me. My Be seemed to be so busy attending to some customers that she didn¡¯t notice me until I stood in front of her.


    ¡°What can I get y¡­.¡± She raised up her head and saw me standing, a smile creeped on her face and she pulled my head before hugging it tightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to choke me if you don¡¯t stop!¡± I whined and she released me with a smile on her face. I wonder how broader the smile would be when she sees the flower I got for her. She has been smiling a lottely and I¡¯ve been loving her more everyday.


    ¡°Happy anniversary baby!¡± I said and kissed her lips, it was a short kiss before I pulled away, I wouldn¡¯t want her boss to catch us.


    ¡°I got you something¡± she said and I cringed my brows. I didn¡¯t want her to go through the stress of getting me anything, besides her pay from the work was barely enough for her.


    ¡°You really didn¡¯t need to get me anything Isabe, you need to save the money for you and Joe and your college¡± I replied and she rolled her eyes. Even though my father had promised to sponsor her college she was still adamant about working hard for it throughout this whole year.


    ¡°Would you shut up and see it first?¡± She scolded and I kept quiet and waited for her to show me while she scanned through her bag.


    ¡°I swear I kept it here¡± she cooed and I immediately saw sadness enveloped in her eyes.


    ¡°Hey hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked and noticed how the smile on her face immediately vanished.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing important, I bought a matching bracelet for us but I can¡¯t seem to find it anymore, it was really pretty though¡± she sadly muttered thest word and I bet she spent a lot on the bracelet.


    ¡°Hey it¡¯s fine, I got you something too¡± I tried to cheer her up but her smile wasn¡¯t as broad as the smile she had on her face earlier. She wouldn¡¯t want me to pay her back for the bracelet even though we¡¯ve fought a lot of times about her not epting money from me, I still end up apologising most times.


    I brought out the lilies from my back in a dramatic way and her eyes lit up at the sight of them. She carefully collected them from me and muttered ¡°Thank you¡±


    I reached for her lips to kiss her but heard a fake cough, it was her boss and now I¡¯m in trouble.


    ¡°What do you guys think here is a motel?¡± He yelled and I rubbed my temples.


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry sir, I have to take her somewhere with me¡± I said and both Isabe and her boss stared at me with their eyes wide open.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to wait till she closes¡­.¡± His statement slurred immediately. I shed him a fifty dor note.


    He collected it from me and cleared his throat, ¡°you¡¯ll have to be at work tomorrow though¡± he said before leaving and Isabe bursted out inughter.


    I dragged her hand away from the restaurant with the flowers in her hands and this is one of the things I love doing with her, holding her hands while we walk or run away from a ce. It reminded me of the day we went to a closed library store because she needed to get an original copy of a book. We were almost caught by a cop that day but we ran together and wouldn¡¯t stopughing.


    We entered the car and she looked at me with a questioning eyes, ¡°where are we going to?¡± She asked and I let out a heavy breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise but first I need you to dress up so I¡¯ll stop at your house¡± I said and brought out the dress I had bought for her earlier this week.


    She stared at it with amusement in her eyes but shook her head and I wondered what could have happened.


    ¡°Drop me off at Maya¡¯s house, my father is at home and I really don¡¯t want to meet him today¡± she said and I nodded my head. I really want to settle things between her and her father especially after she settled the dispute between my father and I a year ago after he helped me save her from dying.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯ve been trying my best but thest time I set up a date for her and her father without her consent she stayed mad at me for a whole day and I almost died from the silent treatment she gave me, I¡¯m sure I¡¯lle up with a better idea soon.


    It didn¡¯t take long before we reached Maya¡¯s house and i sat at the living room discussing with Joe about a new girl he likes in his school while Maya dressed Isabe up, Maya would be leaving for college tomorrow and I haven¡¯t mustered up the courage to tell Maya about what could change our lives yet but I need to tell her tonight since it¡¯s next week.


    While I was still discussing with Joe, I raised my head to see Isabe walking down the stairs looking as beautiful as always in the royal blue dress. She looked like a princess after all she is my princess.


    I couldn¡¯t stop gawking at her even though I¡¯ve seen her dressed up a lot of times, it still looked new to see her everyday.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I yelled but immediately covered my mouth when I realized I was in front of a nine years old boy. He had stomped on my foot really hard probably because I wasn¡¯t paying attention to him anymore and my mind was on the princess walking down the stairs.


    ¡°Zach you can¡¯t keep on cursing in front of a little boy¡± Be scolded me like a baby and pinched my ears when she got to where I was standing.


    ¡°Joe you didn¡¯t hear anything okay?¡± She said and the little rascal shed a smile at her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± She ordered and I grumbled before walking to meet her. Sometimes she scolds me like a baby. Well, I turned really soft after I fell in love with her.


    I drove to the restaurant while she kept on staring outside the window with a smile on her face. I hope she wouldn¡¯t scold me because I booked the whole restaurant for us.


    We entered and she looked around but a scowl appeared on her face. ¡°No one¡¯s here Zachary¡± she said and I scratched the back of my head but she seemed to have understood what I did as she pinched the bridge of her cute little nose.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let this slide because it¡¯s our anniversary and I love you¡± she smiled before saying thest statement and I held her hand as I led her to our table that was nicely decorated with some rose petals scattered around the table and a candle in the middle of the table.


    The waiter brought our food and as we started to eat, she stopped eating halfway through her food and stretched out her hand to hold my hands with a smile on her face. I was going to use this opportunity to tell her what I¡¯ve been keeping away from her but she started to speak.


    ¡°Zach it¡¯s been an amazing year with you by my side with your supportive love, without you I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll still be alive but your love kept me going, thank you¡± she said and gave my hand a light squeeze.


    I was feeling guilty and ufortable, I wasn¡¯t sure if this would be the best time to tell her but I need to let her know before it¡¯s toote.


    ¡°Isabe¡± I said and her bright eyes looked straight at me. I feared those same eyes might not look at me anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving for Brazil next week¡± I poured out and looked at her face, she was awestruck and I feared I might have said it wrongly as she removed her hands from mine.

 Chapter 46

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving for Brazil next week¡± I poured out and looked at her face, she was awestruck and I feared I might have said it wrongly as she removed her hands from mine.


    ¡°Isabe¡± I tried to grab her hands back but she removed them from the table and ced them on herps.


    ¡°Brazil for what?¡± She asked and I could see the obvious pain in her eyes.


    ¡°I have to continue my football career so I¡¯m going to a football college in Brazil¡± I said and immediately saw a feeling of sadness. I could see tears building up in her eyes but she tried to cover it up as she looked away from me.


    ¡°Next week?¡± She asked and I nodded my head, she tried to feign a smile through her red eyes.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry I should have told you earlier¡±I apologized but sheughed and brought my hands to hers.


    ¡°It¡¯s cool,¡± she said.


    I¡¯m not going to believe any word she says at this moment. It was clearly obvious that she wasn¡¯t fine with it and she was in pain, her eyes were filled with tears but she¡¯s trying to hold them back from falling and it¡¯s all my fault. If I had been sincere with her from the beginning then none of this would happen but I was scared of losing her so I didn¡¯t tell her on time but now I¡¯m more afraid that I¡¯ve lost her.


    ¡°Come with me, you can study in Brazil too, my father will take care of the expenses¡± I rushed my words out as I held her hands tightly in fear of it slipping away.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice of you to consider me in this decision of yours but I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t follow you to Brazil, I have to take care of Joe here¡± she said and I knew she was upset at me.


    ¡°I want to go home and help Maya pack for school tomorrow¡± she said and stood up from the chair. I knew she was upset as she didn¡¯t say anything throughout the ride but I could hear her quiet sobs. I really do hope she forgives me because I promise to never forget or let her go.


    We arrived at Maya¡¯s house and I parked the car, she still didn¡¯t say anything to me as she came down from the car and I rushed down immediately too.


    ¡°Be, you¡¯re not going to say anything to me?¡± I said in a hoarse voice, I was going crazy with her silent treatment. I hated it whenever she was upset at me and I don¡¯t know how to deal with it.


    She stopped for a second and turned to look at me, she was going to say something but instead opened the door and walked in locking me outside.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I cussed as I hit my car really hard, I entered the car and buried my head on the wheel as I cried the pain in my chest out. I mustered up the courage to drive to my house.


    I dialed her number but she wouldn¡¯t answer her calls. I wonder if I will be able to sleep tonight knowing that she¡¯s upset with me.


    Just as I predicted it was hard for me to fall asleep, I ended up staying up all night with different thoughts in my head. Perhaps I¡¯ll cancel the school in Brazil and school in any school close to us so we can be together. That¡¯s definitely what I¡¯ll do.


    It was six am in the morning and I ran out of my house to my car with dark circles around my eyes from theck of sleep.


    I reached her house and I was just on time because they were about to escort Maya to the airport.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± I yelled out her name immediately I came down from the car and ran to meet her. I would have greeted Mr and Ms Anderson but I wasn¡¯t in a good mood.


    ¡°We need to talk, Isabe!¡± I said and Maya gave her a reassuring nod to follow me and I heaved out a sigh of relief as she walked up to me.


    ¡°Hi¡± she casually said and I felt a sting in my heart, she never says ¡°hi¡± to me no matter how upset she was with me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Be, I¡¯ve been thinkingtely¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve also been thinking too¡± she sharply cut me off.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stop you from achieving your goal so you have to go to Brazil but then I¡¯m not sure if what we have can work out anymore with you being miles away for years¡± she said and my heart broke.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anymore, I¡¯ll stay here with you¡± I said so she would cancel out whatever the fuck she was thinking about breaking up with me because that can never happen.


    ¡°You have to go Zach¡± she pestered and I dragged her hand as I held it really tight.


    ¡°You want me to go? But then you¡¯re willing to call this rtionship off but you know what Be, you¡¯re stuck with me forever and we¡¯re not calling this off so I¡¯m not going to Brazil¡± I said and worries shed in her face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be selfish enough to not let you pursue your dream and career..¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my dream Isabe, to be with you is my dream to have a family with you is my career don¡¯t you get that?¡± I yelled but I didn¡¯t mean to yell. I just want her to stop being stubborn and ept the fact that she¡¯s stuck with me and I¡¯m not leaving.


    ¡°You have a passion for football and you need to go please¡± a tear rolled down her eyes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you go Isabe¡± my voice cracked and she stood on her toe as she pulled me closer to her and kissed me. I held her closer and tighter as I buried my sorrows and pain into the kiss. There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll stop kissing these lips of hers.


    ¡°I promise I¡¯lle visit you sometime and you also will visit me okay? But please go to Brazil, we¡¯ll remain together¡± she said and I thought about it. To be frank, I was getting worried about someone else taking my position once I leave for Brazil but I trust her enough. Perhaps frequent visits would prevent that.


    ¡°Okay but please promise you can¡¯t forget about me!¡± I brought her hands to my face and she let out a painful smile.


    ¡°I promise you Zach¡± she said and hugged me really tight like she was about to lose me but that will never happen.


    ¡°You should have told me earlier then I wouldn¡¯t feel this way, I would have prepared myself for whatever would happen next and I definitely won¡¯t have this painful feeling in my chest like I¡¯m going to lose you forever¡± she cried on my chest and I patted her hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I apologized, at this point we didn¡¯t mind if we were in an open ce with some neighbors probably staying at us through their window as we remained in the same position for minutes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my ce and watch a movie together¡± I suggested as she held my t-shirt, I stared at her wondering what she could be up to but didn¡¯t move. She moved closer to me and my eyes widened immediately she wiped her nose on my shirt.


    ¡°Be!¡± I grumbled and she sniffed her nose.


    ¡°That¡¯s the punishment you get for keeping something important from me for so long¡± she said and majestically walked to the car like she had won apetition against me.


    I followed her to the car and started the drive, I looked at her face as sadness and guilt enveloped me. She hasn¡¯t forgiven me fully just yet as I could tell she was still thinking about it.


    We reached my house and I turned on the television for her to select the movie she would watch while I went to the kitchen to make us some snacks that would sustain us throughout the movie.


    ******


    ¡°You know you have to sleep on time so you don¡¯t wake upte tomorrow and miss your flight¡± she scolded me as she collected the toast from me and ate it. It was thest toast which was the only toast I¡¯ve been eating. She seemed to really love my toasts because she ate five under ten minutes while I was still struggling with one toast which she ended up collecting from me.


    ¡°Sending me to bed and collecting my only toast are two different things¡± I grumbled. She turned the television off and dragged me to the room.


    ¡°After all I don¡¯t know when next I would be able to eat your toast¡± she muttered under her breath but I heard her and lifted her chin to bring her face to mine.


    ¡°You¡¯ll eat my toast real sooner¡± I smiled and ced a kiss on her forehead before we bothid on the bed and I pulled her body closer to mine before sleeping off. I would really miss the warmth of her body every night.


    The sun rays from the window shed in my eyes and I brought out my phone to check the time, I immediately jumped off the bed. We had both slept off and my flight was in less than an hour. I was d she helped me pack everything already yesterday. If not I would definitely miss the flight.


    ¡°Be we¡¯rete!¡± I yelled and she also jumped off the bed as we both rushed to the bathroom while chuckling. In no time we had finished our bath and she dressed me up like a goddamn child before I drove to the airport.


    We were lucky to arrive at the airport 5 minutes before the ne would take off but then I was a little bit sad because I wouldn¡¯t get to spend a lot of time with her before leaving.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°I love you Zach¡± she whispered in my ear then kissed me before I would enter the ne.


    ¡°I love you too¡± I kissed her on her forehead before leaving. I don¡¯t know why it somehow felt like I wouldn¡¯t be able to meet her till forever. I mean I couldn¡¯t stand a day without her talking to me then how would I stand a whole week talkeless or  months.

 Chapter 47

    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    I watched how he kissed me on my forehead but I felt a sting in my chest. Maybe this was the feeling of knowing someone you love is going far away from you and you can¡¯t just walk up to their house. He left after kissing me and I watched him till he left my sight. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to leave the spot but I had to leave. I had to stay strong for him so he¡¯ll pursue his career.


    After all, I didn¡¯t think there was a lot for me to worry about. I trust Zach with all my heart and I know he would never just leave me alone or forget about me in Brazil. Even when we were still together in Tennessee I knew he loved only me with the way he avoided other women and he¡¯s always with me.


    I let out a heavy sigh before walking out of the airport, it was still really bright and it was just eight am. I should probably go to work before my boss gets mad at me. Zach isn¡¯t here to bribe him with money anymore and I don¡¯t think I can give him fifty out of my monthly hundred and fifty dor pay.


    Zach had left his car behind for me to use till hees back, he almost bought me a car but I refused the car that day. It led to a fight but heter apologized. I didn¡¯t want him to spend too much on me or treat me like a burden.


    A little part of me knows that he had given me the car because he made a lot of adjustments in the car before leaving but I would make sure to take care of it for him.


    I heard the sound of a ne flying above me and I looked up hoping to see him even though I knew It was impossible to see him.


    ¡°I love you Zach, never forget me¡± I whispered before getting into his car and I drove off to work. I was ten minutes early but my boss was standing in front of the door with a frown on his face immediately he saw the car pulling over. He probably thought Zach was driving the car as he walked really fast with his short legs towards the car.


    ¡°Good morning Mr Gabriel¡± I greeted as I came down from the car, I could see him peeking through the windows probably thinking that Zach was hiding in the car.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your boyfriend?¡± He asked and I silently cussed at him. He couldn¡¯t even return my greetings.


    ¡°He travelled¡± I replied and walked into the restaurant.


    ¡°So you¡¯re in charge of that big car now?¡± His eyes widened and I nodded my head.


    ¡°You still have to pay for parking the car there¡± he fired.


    ¡°I¡¯m a staff sir, and the sign there clearly says staff only¡± I bluntly replied and I could swear I heard him cursing. No more dor bills from Zach to him anymore.


    I felt happy that he wouldn¡¯t be embezzling Zach anymore because of petty things.


    ¡°Well there goes my daily ATM machine¡± he grumbled and walked back into his office like a man who had just lost his wife. To be frank he seemed to be more upset about Zach leaving than me.


    The restaurant was slightly empty today with little customers in it unlike the usual crowd of customers we used to have.


    ¡°Just a day without your boyfriend and all thedies in Tennessee don¡¯t want toe here anymore¡± my coworker Lena spoke with sarcasm as she chuckled.


    I hadn¡¯t noticed that Zach was the one bringing in customers but it all became clear to me because most of the customers weredies and it also exins the amount of hatred those customers have for me.


    I sat down on my chair as I remembered the moments me and Zach shared together. I was already missing him being around me.


    ¡°Finally a customer¡± Lena said and stood upright while I didn¡¯t move from the chair. If it was just a customer then I was sure Lena was capable of handling it.


    ¡°How may I help you ma¡¯am¡± she said to the woman but I didn¡¯t hear the woman¡¯s reply until some minutester, that was weird.


    ¡°Uhm can I see the menu?¡± She requested and Lena pointed at the wall where the lists of food were. What a strange customer that didn¡¯t see the huge sign of the menu on the wall before asking.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have a burger and coke with some fries¡± she ordered and Lena stomped on my foot gesturing at me to get the woman¡¯s orders. I wasn¡¯t feeling much of myself since Zach left but then I was at work and I needed to work.


    I stood up from the lie chair and adjusted my cap before raising my head, the image of the person in front of me left me dumb strucked that I guessed it must not be the person I thought it was. It can¡¯t be the person.


    ¡°Isabe¡± she smiled at me and I felt my blood pumping as the adrenaline kept rushing through my veins, I folded my hand into a fist and I could feel my palm being pierced by my nails.


    Without answering or ncing at her I walked into the kitchen to bring out her orders before giving it to her.


    She tried to hold my arms but I jerked my hands away from her. How could she dare to show her face to me or even say my name after everything she has put me through.


    I dropped the food on a table and left for the toilet. I might as well calm myself down in the toilet rather than seeing her damn face. The more I thought about her the more I got angry. I couldn¡¯t stand her.


    ¡°Isabe?¡± Lena entered the toilet to see me fuming in anger as I faced the mirror.


    ¡°What happened to you back in there, you can¡¯t be rude to customers else you know how Gabs could get whenever a customerins¡± she scolded me, I tried to get my mind off the woman because it would only make me angrier and I didn¡¯t want to transfer the aggression to Lena. After all, she has been sweet and kind to me despite being my senior here.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I apologized but she folded her arms under her breasts.


    ¡°I¡¯m not the one you should apologise to, the woman needs your apology besides she looked really expensive. What if she reports you or worse what If she makes Gabs fire you?¡± Lena heaved a deep breath.


    ¡°She can do whatever she wants for all I care¡± I replied. I was starting to transfer the aggression to Lena but I don¡¯t want to.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s even up with you and the woman, she mentioned your name when she saw you but you were being rude to her and now I saw her crying that why I came here to meet you¡­..¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s crying doesn¡¯t make any difference, she was probably thinking about something else so just mind your business.¡± I sharply interrupted Lena but felt bad immediately.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Lena, I¡¯m just feeling a little bit off¡± I apologized but she scoffed before walking away from me. I knew she was upset at me but then I¡¯ll make it up to her but what the hell does that woman want from me and why is she fucking here.


    I¡¯ve been in the toilet for close to an hour after Lena left so I felt she would have left the restaurant. I should probably apologize to Lena too since I was already feeling better.


    I stepped out of the bathroom but met Gabs staring straight into my soul with his head raised up to look at me.


    ¡°What were you doing in the toilet for more than an hour?¡± he exaggerated.


    ¡°I had a running stomach but I¡¯m better now¡± I replied and left to return to my position even though I knew he was still staring at me.


    I returned to the restaurant and my face jammed her face, I was filled with anger at the sight of her but I wouldn¡¯t make her seed by losing this job so I returned to where I was.


    Lena had a scornful look on her face but she¡¯s a kind and soft person so I bet she would forgive me immediately.


    ¡°Am I forgiven?¡± I asked in a dramatic way and she looked away from me, I could tell she was no longer angry but just wanted to keep up the act.


    ¡°Only if you apologize to her¡± she pointed at the woman that was now doing something on her phone. I sighed really loud as I walked up to her and her eyes lit up at the sight of me but I felt like plucking them out. Damn it Zach had rubbed his bad side on me and now I¡¯m thinking like him.


    ¡°Isabe¡± her voice cracked while I tried to maintain my sanity.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± She tried to say but I wasn¡¯t in the mood for a reunion.


    ¡°I¡¯m just here to apologise for being rude earlier. ¡± I cut her off her sentence and went back to where I was seated.  She had a feeling of sadness in her eyes but I looked away almost immediately and in no time she left.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with you and that woman?¡± Lena asked as soon as she stepped out of the restaurant.


    ¡°That woman is unfortunately my mother¡±

 Chapter 48

    It has been a long day at work especially after Fiona showed her annoying face. I hope she went back to where she came from because I really don¡¯t have anything to say to her.


    She left me alone with my little brother when I was just a kid and now she thinks it¡¯s okay to just show up in my workce in an expensive outfit?


    It was clear that she had totally moved on and forgotten about me and my brother so I really don¡¯t want her toe back to us after leaving us to suffer for years without caring to mind if we were eating or even if we were dead while she was out there enjoying shy outfits and cars.


    Thinking about her alone made my head hurt, I really needed to rest my head for some while and I hoped that my father wouldn¡¯t be home as I was already on my way home. Most times thinking about my life and my unfortunate parents makes me wonder if I was even meant to live but then with the love and affection Zach showered on me I knew even though my parents might not love me Zach would love me unconditionally and I¡¯m not letting him go any time soon.


    I wondered if he would havended but he promised to give me a call with his new number once he reaches Brazil. I didn¡¯t notice when I finally reached my house so I parked the car in our garage. Thinking about Zach had made me forget about Fiona.


    On reaching the door I heaved a deep sigh before opening the door, it¡¯s always like that whenever I¡¯m about to enter this depressing ck hole that manages to suck in all of my happiness once I¡¯m in it.


    ¡°Isabe¡± Joe ran to hug me and I assumed Grace must have dropped him off here instead of her house knowing that I wouldn¡¯t be there in the night because Maya wasn¡¯t there anymore. Even though they both told me that I was free to sleep over any time I liked, I still didn¡¯t feelfortable with the idea of sleeping in their house without Maya there. I could let Joe stay there sometimes but it won¡¯t be everytime.


    ¡°How are you little man?¡± I roughed his hair and he pped my hands.


    ¡°I told you not to call me a little man anymore, I¡¯m a big man now¡± he pouted and I tried to hold back myughter.


    ¡°Hmm okay then big man¡± I teased. I walked into the kitchen to offload the groceries I bought and maybe make something for us to eat. My dad wasn¡¯t at home but I guess I should as well make something for him to eat.


    I opened the fridge to bring out the chicken but met something else there instead. It was a cooked food in a transparent stic bowl. My father would never cook something for us so I found this strange.


    I brought out the stic and it was pasta that was in it, the pasta was nourished with meat balls that made me remember what Fiona used to cook for me when I was smaller. Fiona!!


    ¡°Was someone here?¡± I asked Joe and he started to stare at me awkwardly. He definitely knows something about it but he was hiding it from me.


    ¡°Joe who was here and who cooked this!¡± I yelled and he flinched. I didn¡¯t mean to yell at him but I was doing this for our safety.


    ¡°You have to tell me Joe I¡¯m your big sister¡± I bent to reach his face but he had fear in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to punish you Joe, just tell me¡± I sighed and he opened his mouth to say something but was reluctant.


    ¡°Mother cooked it for us¡± he said and I could immediately feel my blood boiling.


    ¡°Mother?¡± I asked to confirm and he nodded his head.


    ¡°Did you eat it?!¡± I yelled and he flinched again.


    ¡°A little, I ate it with her¡± he honestly answered and I angrily threw the food in the bin. It made Joe sad as tears started to flow down his eyes. It¡¯s all my fault, I should have burnt her pictures and should have never shown Joe at first then he won¡¯t recognize her as his mother.


    ¡°She said she was sorry for leaving us Isabe¡­.¡±


    ¡°Keep quiet and go to your room!¡± I shunned him off as he cried his eyes to the room. I hated the guts she had toe to this house and cook in my kitchen, she even had the guts to feed my Joe the food she cooked.


    I tried to let today¡¯s event slide away as I started to chop the vegetables I bought for today¡¯s dinner. I would rather eat a dead rat than eat the food she cooked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to forgive her sooner Isabe¡± I heard my Father¡¯s voice as he walked up to me in the kitchen. He had probably been in the house since I came here and had been listening to me in silence.


    I chose to ignore him in order to not unleash my anger on him but if he opens his mouth to say another word then I might as well lose my patience with him.


    ¡°She¡¯s not the one you should be angry with, she just wants you to forgive her and reunite with her ¡± he said but I still didn¡¯t pay attention to him as I continued to chop on the broli loudly hoping he would leave.


    He shortly left and even though I had sliced and chopped a lot of vegetables, if not excess I suddenly didn¡¯t have the strength in me to cook anymore. I was sure Joe was filled up and I didn¡¯t care if my father ate or not, moreover I bought them with my money not his.


    I packed the vegetables in a stic bag and ced them back in the fridge. I might as well cook them tomorrow.


    *********


    ¡°Can I leave work on time today?¡± I asked Gabs as he stared at me with a nk face. If looks could kill then I would have died already.


    He didn¡¯t respond to me on time and I started to question my decision if I had said the right thing or not or maybe I probably approached him in a bad manner.


    ¡°Well we have no customers so you might as well just leave already¡± he sighed before using his hands to wave me away from the office. I know it must have been tough for him especially after Zach left, it was almost like Zach broke up with him.


    ¡°Thank you sir, I¡¯ll be here on time tomorrow¡± I said but as I was about to leave his office he called me back.


    ¡°When is your boyfriending back?¡± He asked


    ¡°Uhm I don¡¯t know for now, I haven¡¯t heard anything from him yet¡± I replied then he dismissed me.


    The fact that Zach promised to call immediately when he reaches Brazil but then I haven¡¯t heard from him yesterday, that fact hurt a lot that I started to overthink about almost everything.


    What if he has forgotten about me already or what if he has a lost love over there since he was there most of his time or perhaps he has turned back to his old attitude by flirting and making out with every single girl hees across since I wasn¡¯t in Brazil.


    I immediately shove the thoughts off though, I trust Zach and in this type of situation with a long distance rtionship trust is necessary.


    ¡°See you tomorrow Lena¡± I waved her goodbye as I carried my bag. She insisted on waiting behind because she wanted to wait for Phil the chef even though she didn¡¯t tell me I wasn¡¯t as blind as not to notice that something was going on between the two of them.


    ¡°Okay bye¡± she waved me back and I walked out of the door. I would be picking Joe up from school today. I can¡¯t risk him seeing Fiona again and perhaps I would need to warn him to stay away from her.


    As I was about to enter the car my phone rang from my bag but I couldn¡¯t find it in its exact spot on time until the time ran out. I. Checked the screen and it was a foreign strange number. I guessed it must have been Zach and silently cussed myself for not answering the call on time.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I entered the car and inserted the key but before I started to drive my phone rang again and I answered it immediately.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I greeted.


    ¡°Christ where were you when I called at first, I thought you were mad at me and wouldn¡¯t pick my call. You left me worried¡± he rushed out his words and I didn¡¯t need anyone to tell me it was Zach especially the second he said Christ.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t up to two minutes Zach and don¡¯t yell at me, you didn¡¯t call me since yesterday either¡± I scoffed and the phone was silent for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I should have called earlier, I miss you a lot even though it¡¯s not up to two days,¡± he whispered and I smiled.


    ¡°I miss you too and I can¡¯t wait for you to get back or perhaps I would visit real sooner¡± I said and started the drive, I was runningte to pick Joe up already.


    ¡°Zach I¡¯ll call you once I get home, I¡¯m driving to Joe¡¯s school¡± I said and he replied with ¡°okay love¡± before ending the call and I fully started to drive. Sometimes I wonder how people call and drive at the same time because it was pretty hard for me to do two things together.


    I reached his school and met him standing in front of the school like he was expecting me to pick him up but he wasn¡¯t looking in my direction. His eyes were fixed on a car that had just driven off.


    ¡°Joe, who was that?¡± I asked immediately I parked in front of him and his eyes widened, he wasn¡¯t expecting me to be here.


    ¡°The truth!¡± I repeated and he sighed. It was pretty dramatic for a nine year old boy to sigh.


    ¡°It was mum¡± he said and my anger came back.

 Chapter 49

    ¡°It was mum¡± he said and my anger came back.


    ¡°Get in!¡± I ordered and he hopped in immediately.


    ¡°You can¡¯t see her anymore Joe, stay far away from her¡± I warned him and he nodded his head.


    I started the car with different hateful thoughts in my mind, I had to turn on the radio to distract me from my thoughts before something bad would happen on the road.


    ¡°Isabe?¡± Joe¡¯s little voice squealed my name from the back seat and I looked at his face through the rear mirror. It was clear that he wasn¡¯t happy and he was almost in tears.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked like I didn¡¯t know why he was probably sad but I hoped it wasn¡¯t because of Fiona because she won¡¯t have a ce in our hearts or lives because she¡¯s dead to me and must be dead to Joe too.


    ¡°It¡¯s about mum¡­¡±


    ¡°Joe I warned you to stay away from her and I meant it when I said that. You can¡¯t mention her name to me anymore!¡± I yelled at him but almost regretted it. I was being angry and my emotions were taking the wheel in this car.


    ¡°But why can¡¯t I just be with her!¡± He yelled back as he broke out in tears. I hated to see my little brother this way but I know he¡¯s just a kid and too young to understand that Fiona is dead to us and toxic to us too. She probably wants us toe back to her because of some stupid reasons for her own selfish greed.


    ¡°All of the other kids in school talk about how nice their mum is but then I thought I didn¡¯t have a mum until she came back so why can¡¯t I be like the other kids too?!¡± He cried and I let him talk, even though I wasn¡¯t going to consider any of his words.


    I decided to continue the drive in silence while Joe kept on crying his eyes out at the back seat. I would probably drop him off at Grace¡¯s house perhaps he would cheer up with Grace and give me time to think.


    I pulled by at Grace house and Joe came down from the car with rage as he mmed the door really hard. I was trying my best to stay calm and didn¡¯t want to be the bad person here so I let it slide.


    ¡°You¡¯re dropping me off at Mrs Anderson¡¯s house because you thought she would make me feel better as a second mum, you know why you did that? You did that because you¡¯re not my mother and you can¡¯t be my mother¡± Joe spat before walking away from the car leaving me behind in awe.


    I stared at the little boy that was walking away thinking he was possessed by someone else to say those heavy words he had just said because those words held a lot of power for a nine years old boy and they kind of really stung.


    I watched how he knocked on their door and Grace opened it for him with a smile on her face. She looked in my direction and waved to greet me but I couldn¡¯t respond because of the shock until she closed the door.


    I was feeling devastated and needed time to think and be alone. I couldn¡¯t go back to my house because of my dad so I drove to the ce where Zach took me too, his mother¡¯s garden. It was a peaceful and quiet ce and maybe that¡¯s exactly what I needed..


    I sat on the trimmed grasses as I brought my kneels to my head and wrapped my arms around it as I began to cry my heart out.


    Joe was right after all, I wasn¡¯t his mother and can never be his mother. I guess the fact that I brought him up couldn¡¯t rify the fact that I was just a big sister to him. He was right when he said I dropped him off at Grace¡¯s house because I couldn¡¯t handle him and I thought Grace would be able to because she was older and acted like his mother too.


    Maybe he needs to meet his mother, maybe it¡¯s time for them to reconcile and have a family of their own even though I won¡¯t be part of their family. As long as she makes Joe happy then I would be cool with her but If she ever dares to make him cry or sad then she would get a taste of her own medicine from me.


    After I was done crying and thinking I went back to the car and drove back to Grace¡¯s house, I owed the little man an apology after all.


    ¡°Hey you¡¯re back Isabe, are you okay because you were kinda lost in your thoughts back then?¡± She asked with concern on her face and I nodded my head with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay¡± I mouthed to her but she wasn¡¯t buying it.


    ¡°Anyway, where¡¯s Joe?¡± I asked, trying to break the awkward silence between us and escape the type of pitiful look she was giving me.


    ¡°He¡¯s right in¡­.¡± Her sentence trailed when she couldn¡¯t see Joe in the living room.


    ¡°He was just right here.. she looked confused but I looked up and saw him running up the stairs.


    ¡°Joe!¡± I called out his name but he didn¡¯t respond to me again as he locked himself up in his room.


    ¡°Look I¡¯m sorry for all that I said earlier, I¡¯m not your mother and I can¡¯t be your mother because you already have one¡± my voice cracked but I coughed to clear my throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to let you go back to Fiona¡± I said and the door creaked open as he peeped through it.


    ¡°Really?¡± He asked and I nodded my head.


    ¡°She wants to talk to you too and she said I should give you this card whenever you¡¯re willing to talk to her¡± he reached for his pocket and brought out a business card. It kind of seemed funny to me that she had been doing quite okay all these times while we suffered and starved.


    I was about to reject his offer but I had quite hurt the young boy too much today already. My eyes squinted as I nodded my head in approval and a broad smile shed on his face.


    ¡°We might as well get this over with¡± I said to him as I collected the card from him and dialed the number.


    ¡°Hello Ms. Spring¡¯s assistant speaking¡± ady¡¯s voice from the other side answered. ¡°So her new husband¡¯s name is spring¡± I thought to myself.


    ¡°Hello I¡¯m Isabe Brown, put Fiona on the phone¡± I harshly replied and I could tell that her assistant was surprised with the tone I used.


    ¡°Be!¡± a familiar voice called my name and as much as I hated to hear it I would have to listen to the bullshit she has to say.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get over it, what do you have to say?¡± I harshly replied and I could hear her sighing.


    ¡°Can youe to the address on the card, let¡¯s meet,¡± she replied and I scoffed. Does she think I¡¯m that dumb.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case then I¡¯m not interested in meeting you, what do you think I am, a fool?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know you yet you want me to meet you in your office. Heaven knows the shit you would do to me if I was there and besides do you want to show off your new achievements and rub it in my face you freak?!¡± I yelled and could hear little sobsing from her. Her fake tears won¡¯t have any impact on me.


    ¡°Okay I¡¯m sorry, where would you like to meet me?¡± She asked and I thought of taking her to a very bad ce so she would regret ever wanting to meet me but I really couldn¡¯t think of a worse ce to take her to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to think of a ce to meet a psychopath, you choose a safe ce and I¡¯ll meet you there¡± I replied


    ¡°Isabe you can¡¯t talk to me that way I¡¯m still your mother¡± she said and I scoffed before ending the call.


    I had totally forgotten that Joe was standing here listening to our conversation the whole time and he now has a worried and sad look on his face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll meet her¡± I reassured him and he nodded his head even though I knew he was scared that I would do or say something bad to her.


    My phone beeped some secondster and an address was texted to the phone. I stared at it for a while and simultaneously stared at Joe¡¯s face. I guess I had no option but to go since I already promised Joe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back¡± I roughed his hair with my hand before leaving the house. I could tell that he was happy I was going to meet her but sad I would ruin things with her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I followed the address and it finally led me to a store I hadn¡¯t really been seeing in this area. How does she know much about these ces?


    I entered the store and was weed with the familiar scent of stuffed toys I was used to as a kid, they sell different toys in the store but immediately I got in I was led to a teddy bear section.


    I remembered the gift my mother got for me on my third birthday was a teddy bear because I couldn¡¯t stop pointing to some kids¡¯ giant teddy bears in the park. That woman was my mother who cared about me and not this one who abandoned me at a very young age.


    ¡°Be¡± the familiar voice suddenly rang in my ear and I turned to see Fiona standing behind me with an awkward smile on her face.


    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± I roared at her but she tried to keep a smile on her face.


    ¡°I just thought it would bring back good memories of my daughter and me¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not your daughter, you might have given birth to me and you might have been my mother but that woman has been dead to me the moment she abandoned me!¡± I fired at her.

 Chapter 50

    ¡°I¡¯m not your daughter, you might have given birth to me and you might have been my mother but that woman has been dead to me the moment she abandoned me!¡± I fired at her.


    ¡°Would you at least listen to me Isabe, I did what I had to do at that moment and trust me I haven¡¯t been happy either. I¡¯ve been living in guilt all this while!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°It was hard for me too and I couldn¡¯t bring myself to face you all these while because you would hate me but¡­¡±


    ¡°But what the fucking hell, what¡¯s there to be all but about, I was little and so was Joe but you didn¡¯t even consider that or how we would survive without you. But guess what hag? We did survive and we¡¯re still surviving without you!¡± I yelled and watched how tears started to stream down her eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you even want to hear me out Isabe, you¡¯re grown enough to understand the situation I¡¯m in?¡± She cried. Ady walked in the store and motioned to the staff to leave the store, I guessed it must have been her personal assistant whom I talked to earlier.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to understand anything!¡± I said and reached to leave the store before she sees me crying. I did not think I could hold the tears back any longer.


    ¡°I care so much about you and Joe Isabe¡± She cried and I stopped walking.


    ¡°You care about us? How dare you use that word ¡°care¡± about us, if you cared about us then why did you leave me alone to take care of the little boy you im to care for all by myself knowing full well that your husband was a mental psych.¡±


    ¡°Where the fuck were you on those nights when we had nothing to eat but would sleep with just water in our stomach, where were you on those days I would work hard to earn just some couple dors to pay for Joe¡¯s book and to feed on us, where the fucking hell were you when I was diagnosed with depression at a little age! Tell me!¡± At this point I couldn¡¯t stop the tears from rushing down my eyes because memories of the past made it hard for me to be strong.


    ¡°I begged for food Fiona, I begged to survive and cater for Joe as well while you were unting your money and enjoying, did you care to ask me how I was? Now you¡¯re back to im us? The fucking audacity Fiona¡± I wiped the tears off my eyes.


    She was now holding a shelf for support as tears kept flowing down her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m sorry I had no choice¡± were the only words she kept on muttering.


    As much as I hate her and hate the fact that she gave birth to me, I remembered the promise I made to Joe and the sad words Joe said to me. I had to hear her out even if I won¡¯t listen to her but I¡¯ll do it for Joe.


    ¡°What the hell do you have to say to me?¡± I looked away from her but I could tell she had a smile on her face when she heard I wanted to listen to her.


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t possibly discuss here, follow me would you?¡± She requested and I considered it for a while before epting her offer.


    We entered her expensive Range Rover as a driver drove us to her house with her personal assistant sitting in the front seat while we sat at the back. Another driver wasing along with my car in the back and I kept on staring back just to make sure he doesn¡¯t do anything to it else Zach would definitely be grumpy although I doubt.


    She tried to start up a new conversation but I wasn¡¯t into any funny facts until we got to where she wants us to be. She noticed I wasn¡¯t interested in what she was saying and she kept quiet throughout the awkward drive.


    Even though I didn¡¯t want to listen to her, I was still very curious to know the reason why she decided to abandon her two children and get a divorce. Perhaps she did it because she wanted money from the divorce and from her surprising new rich husband who turned out to be a politician.


    We finally arrived at her mansion which was a little bit far from where I lived. We entered the building and into her office where she gestured to her personal assistant and some guards that she wanted to be alone with me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry madam, I can¡¯t leave you alone because the election is fast approaching and we wouldn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to you¡± her personal assistant said back immediately the guards went out.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°She¡¯s my daughter, it¡¯s okay¡± Fiona replied and her personal assistant reluctantly left the room after giving a long death stare and at that moment I just wanted to stick my hand into those eyes of hers and pluck it out.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get it over with, what do you have to say to me?¡± I asked immediately and she took in a deep breath before bringing her eyes back to meet mine.


    ¡°Fiona! I just want you to know that I love you really much but then sometimes bad things happen and the good person gets caught up in the bad thing but ends up taking the me because that¡¯s life¡±


    ¡°In this case I¡¯m the good person that got stuck in the bad person¡¯s web but I got med for everything instead..¡±


    ¡°Stop talking in riddles and just go straight to the point¡± I interrupted and she sighed before continuing.


    ¡°I just want you to know..¡± she said but I cut her off.


    ¡°Just go straight to fucking point because thest thing I want is to be in the same room with you Fiona!¡± I yelled and her personal assistant immediately rushed in but Fiona gestured at her to leave us alone again and not toe back.


    She stood up and walked to the door where she locked it. For a second I thought I should be scared but I knew she wouldn¡¯t and couldn¡¯t dare to hurt me. I felt like I should have told Zach about my n and where I would be but then what could he do from Brazil.


    ¡°Joe isn¡¯t my son Fiona!¡± She calmly said after inhaling a deep breath and my eyes widened but this time with disgust in my face.


    ¡°Really? This is the lowest you can stoop? Denying your own son¡± Iughed but it was filled with obvious sarcasm.


    ¡°I fucking saw you being pregnant and giving birth to him so what the hell do you mean?¡± I yelled and she sighed.


    ¡°You really have to calm down if you want me to exin all of these to you¡± she said and I scoffed. I was calm alright.


    ¡°It was all an act and I never was pregnant for Joe, Your father cheated on me with someone else and she got pregnant for Joe even though she had a husband. We were really close friends then and even though I was upset and depressed that your father and my best friend cheated on me she came to me for support and help iming that she couldn¡¯t afford to let her husband know that she was pregnant¡±


    ¡°Trust me Isabe I was weak and fragile, I was vulnerable and it really hurt hard that two of my loved ones cheated on me but then despite what she did to me I still helped her secure her marriage with her husband¡±


    ¡°You were so little then Isabe, my friend and I both left for another city when she was six month pregnant for Joe, luckily for her the baby bump wasn¡¯t easy to notice at that time. She came up with an excuse to her husband and we ended up leaving for another city for three good months Isabe.¡±


    ¡°She gave birth in the city and handed the baby over to me, your father brought you to the hospital and you were happy to see a baby boy who wasn¡¯t my own child but your step brother.¡±


    ¡°I would have told you all of these earlier but you were still young and wouldn¡¯t understand any of these. Eventually I couldn¡¯t bear the pain anymore, I was sad and depressed most of the time because I was catering for a child that wasn¡¯t mine but was as a result of my husband cheating on me with my best friend. It was really hard for me Isabe especially when Ezekiel started to drink and misbehave in the house¡±


    ¡°I have a lot of scars from the times he woulde home to beat me despite the amount of times I helped and forgave him, I was vulnerable Isabe. He lost his job and our lives became tougher. I had to work all hours while taking Joe along with me when you would be in school¡±


    ¡°Ezekiel would fucking steal the money I worked hard to earn to buy drinks and cigarettes. I was depressed Isabe and I wanted to end my life. I left you two with him hoping one day he would change and you¡¯d be grown enough to understand me. I never meant to leave you alone in the cruel world.


    ¡°I remembered the day I was going to leave but was considering it. He came home drunk again and asked for an intercourse, I refused and he forced himself on me after giving me severe beatings. It was that night I left with an aim to end my life¡± she scoffed.


    ¡°I met my new husband when I was standing by a bridge, he helped me and reassured me, we eventually moved away from our old ce to Tennessee not knowing that he would also move here. That was why I didn¡¯t die at that moment but I was dead inside with the thought of you with Ezekiel. I couldn¡¯te back to take you and I regret my actions.¡± She finished her statement and brought her eyes to mine but I didn¡¯t know what to feel or believe, there was only a way I would know.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Joe¡¯s real mother?¡± I asked and she sighed.


    ¡°That isn¡¯t really necessary Isabe, you need to consider what I have just told you¡­¡±


    ¡°I said who the hell is Joe¡¯s real mother!¡± I was losing my temper already and she noticed.


    ¡°¡­. Grace¡±

 Chapter 51

    ¡°¡­. Grace¡± she whispered out loud and my whole body froze at the mention of the name. It can¡¯t be true.


    ¡°No¡­. no that¡¯s not true! You¡¯re pouring out lies now because you don¡¯t just want me to even be happy with the bond I¡¯ve created with Grace¡± I yelled.


    ¡°No that¡¯s not it Isabe, I didn¡¯t want to tell you at first because I knew you have bonded with her and so has Joe but did you even care to know why she showered all of those love and attention to Joe?¡± Fiona asked. It was true that Grace had been really nice to us especially Joe but then I was her daughter¡¯s best friend and she just loved Joe because he was little and adorable nothing more.


    ¡°For a second I thought I should believe you but not until you dragged grace into this!¡± I yelled back at her.


    ¡°Isabe, would you just calm down? I know it¡¯s hard for you¡­¡±


    ¡°No you don¡¯t, you don¡¯t know shit but the only thing you want to do is to ruin me, why the hell did youe back to our lives. You could have just stayed hiding and never show your cruel face to me because you disgust me and I would never forgive you especially for dragging Grace into this!¡± I spat and walked to leave but she grabbed my hand.


    I forcefully removed my hand from her grip and it made her fall causing some noise on the ground. She had fallen and stomped on her ss table, a part of it broke and pierced her skin.


    I felt bad for pushing her but it¡¯s better she had even died. Her personal assistant and some guards banged on the door but it was locked. I was about to leave already so I opened the door to leave but a guard grabbed me immediately while her personal assistant rushed in to meet her.


    ¡°Let her go¡± her voice sounded weak and the guard let me go but her assistant was staring at me with anger fuming in her.


    I couldn¡¯t stop the tears from flowing down my eyes as I left, why the fucking hell would shee back to our lives to drop these false usations. The thought of her guards gripping me tight on my arm came to my head as I entered my car and I could no longer control my emotions. I buried my head in the wheel as the tears flowed freely.


    It was okay to cry and let everything out since it was getting too much for me, I have been trying to bury all of my sorrows, I was bing happy and Zach helped too but she came back to break that door I have been trying to shut down for years. My heart was heavy and I emptied it in the car through my tears.


    I couldn¡¯t stay here any longer and definitely wouldn¡¯t want another assault from one of her workers. I imputed the address on my phone and started the drive back to where I came from.


    My eyes were blurry heavy with tears but I tried to wipe them off to avoid any more disaster. I thought of calling Zach but I wanted to know the truth before calling him. Even though I trusted Grace I needed her to tell me that all what Fiona said was a lie.


    The weather was getting darker and the time was ticking by, I eventually arrived at Grace¡¯s house and hopped out of my car before rushing into the house.


    They seemed to have heard a car parking since everywhere was silent already. I entered and met Joe standing by the door with a smile on his face already, but the moment he saw the sad look on my face his smile dropped but I tried to feign a smile at him so his mind would be at rest.


    ¡°How did it go Isabe?¡± He asked and I smiled back at him even though my lips were shaky.


    ¡°It was fine, Joe, can you go up to your room? I need to talk to Grace,¡± I said and looked at Grace. She didn¡¯t seemfortable seeing me back.


    Joe rushed up the stairs and I waited until I could hear his room door clicking closed. It didn¡¯t take long before I realized he had closed the door.


    ¡°Grace I need to ask you something¡± I said and she stood up from the chair she was seated on, she ced her muffins on the table and walked up to where I was with a smile on her face.


    ¡°Joe told me you went to see your mother, how did it go?¡± She swallowed her spit and I started to suspect her. I tried to shove the negative thought aside because if Grace knew all along she would have told me.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t go well, she was saying all sorts of thrash. She even said you were Joe¡¯s mother and that that¡¯s what caused her to leave us¡± I rushed my words, I was getting impatient and needed Grace to prove to me that the hag was lying.


    ¡°She said all of that?¡± Grace awkwardly asked, she wasn¡¯t looking at my face either but at her newly made nails.


    ¡°Grace I know you didn¡¯t do any of those things but I need to hear it from you, you didn¡¯t do it right?¡± I asked and noticed how she started to fidget. It was taking too long for her to reply to me and my sadness was growing in me already.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do it right?¡± My voice broke and she sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± was the only thing she replied with.


    ¡°No, why are you apologizing for what you didn¡¯t do? Grace , you didn¡¯t do anything like that, right?¡± I couldn¡¯t talk well anymore as my voice started to shake while tears flowed freely.


    ¡°I never knew a little mistake would lead to all of these Isabe but I am truly sorry¡± she begged but she couldn¡¯t bring her eyes to look at me.


    I was broken and knew nothing about what I was doing as I took some steps away from her. She wanted to reach to touch me but I flinched.


    ¡°Leave me alone you whore?!¡± I yelled but was still finding it hard to believe that all of these were true.


    ¡°You acted like you were on our side all this while and you acted like you loved us but you were the cause of all of these¡± I yelled and my eyes shifted to Joe standing on the stairs looking at me with sad eyes.


    I wiped the tears off my face, my head was hurting really bad and my head kept spinning while my vision became blurred. My whole body was weak but I tried to hold myself up.


    I didn¡¯t even know what or who to believe anymore but staring at Joe and knowing the fact that he was my half brother really hurt but it became clear when I remembered how Grace treated Joe. Not every woman would actually treat someone who isn¡¯t her child that way especially when she¡¯s saucy.


    She never really paid attention to me and it was obvious she only wanted me around because of Joe.


    ¡°Isabe, why are you mad at her?¡± Joe mumbled as he walked up to us. I needed my time alone and even away from Joe. I had no idea why I didn¡¯t want to be with Joe but it really hurt that I was also a victim of everything happening.


    I didn¡¯t do anything but everything affected me and weighed me down. I turned down Zach¡¯s offer to Brazil because I thought I had a responsibility while his biological mother was here and had been here all these times.


    I couldn¡¯t believe or take anything anymore as I slowly walked away from both of them. I was to get to the door but the door suddenly felt far away.


    ¡°Isabe where are you going to?¡± Joe¡¯s little voice cried in concern but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to go back to him. Perhaps I needed my time to be alone and not think about anything. Maybe until then will I be able to look at him in the face.


    ¡°What happened here?¡± Mr Anderson asked as soon as he entered the house but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to look at his face especially when Grace told him I found out the truth. My heart broke, they all knew about it but kept it a secret from me.


    I gathered up my strength to leave their house as I ran into my car, I couldn¡¯t stay here or with any of them at this point. I drove to Zach mother¡¯s garden as I dug my leg into theke while staring at the dark clouds.


    It waste and could be dangerous to be alone here but I didn¡¯t care about my life anymore. I thought of falling into the water and drowning myself to death but Zach¡¯s face kept appearing on the surface of the water. He would be mad at me if I made this decision.


    I thought of giving him a call then I saw I had missed calls on my phone, they were all from Maya. Seeing her name made my heart hurt a lot more than it had been hurting. I thought she was my friend, not just my friend but my sister yet she betrayed me. They all knew about this but decided to keep it as a secret from me.


    I thought I could trust them all yet they stabbed me when I wasn¡¯t watching and smiled at me while I was bleeding. My phone rang again but as I was about to throw my phone away I saw the caller¡¯s name on the screen. It was Zach.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

 Chapter 52

    ¡°Hey Love, are you okay?¡± His voice was filled with concern over the phone and I guessed he must have figured out I wasn¡¯t in my best mood tonight.


    ¡°Zach¡­¡± I broke out in tears, I wanted to exin everything to him but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say any word other than to cry.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to cry babe, I¡¯m here even though I can¡¯t really be with you at the moment but I¡¯m here for you¡± he cooed over the phone and I kind of felt better. I guess hearing his voice alone was able to make me feel okay.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now¡± I sniffed my nose and wiped my tears off. The water in theke was getting colder so I removed my legs and brought my kneels to my face.


    ¡°No you¡¯re not, Maya called me and she seemed to be worried, she also said you haven¡¯t been answering her calls¡± his voice was louder this time. I knew he wished he was here to see me but unfortunately he was in Brazil.


    ¡°It¡¯s about my family Zach, everything is just depressing and I thought I was finally making it out of the catastrophe but yet another bomb exploded and it hurt me really bad¡± I spoke quietly, I had no tears left to cry.


    ¡°My mother came back and she said some things to me which were actually true, Joe isn¡¯t my brother but my step brother and Grace is his biological mother, funny right?¡± I feigned augh.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard for you to take in but you should at least talk to Maya too about it after all she¡¯s your best friend, she was really scared when you were not answering her calls¡±


    ¡°What do I have to say to her huh? Tell me what do I have to say to Maya, she fucking knew all these while but kept it away for me and I was fooled, I was yed by the people I trust the most¡± I thought I had no tears left but tears actually started to flow down my eyes but this time my throat and eyes were hurting.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry babe, God I wish I was there with you right now¡± heforted me.


    Ever since I saw his call on my phone I¡¯ve been thinking about the next step I would take because it¡¯s really hard for me to live among people who betrayed me and I didn¡¯t have enough money to rent an apartment yet. I have been saving for quite a while but don¡¯t have enough to sustain me for a year still.


    ¡°Zach, can I sleep over at your house tonight, are the keys there?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Sure but where are you right now?¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Your mother¡¯s garden¡± I replied.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing there by this time of the day, it could be really dangerous for ady to be there this night!¡± He yelled but soon realized he was yelling and apologized almost immediately.


    I knew he would freak out if he knew I was here by this time, i never thought I woulde here at night because it looked really beautiful at day but spooky at night since it was in the woods. Any animal could be here but tonight I didn¡¯t seem to mind since I was feeling numb already. I don¡¯t think I would ever mention to Zach that I thought of drowning myself in his mother¡¯s preciouske.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave now¡± I replied to him after a lot of ¡°Hello¡¯s¡± that I didn¡¯t seem to hear because my mind was far away from the call. He was basically getting scared the more he said hello.


    I stood up to leave theke but sighed immediately I left, the garden was truly a beautiful ce to think and rx your mind but then I don¡¯t know how it will be once I leave the garden. It shouldn¡¯t be that bad outside either since I would stay at Zach¡¯s house. Our memories together in the house should probably calm me down.


    Zach made sure not to end the call until he knew I was in his house, even still he didn¡¯t end the call fearing that I might endanger myself.


    ¡°Zach, I¡¯ve been thinking about somethingtely¡± I said to him as soon as my butt touched his soft bed and I wore one of his shirts to fill my body with his scent.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± He asked with concern.


    ¡°I want toe to Brazil, well I might not go to school there but I just want to be with you for a while to get myself back together¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course yes, why not, I¡¯ll book you a ticket for tomorrow since it¡¯s 1 am in Tennessee already¡± he said with enthusiasm and I smiled. I was going to see my love and everything should be alright.


    He still didn¡¯t end the call and we were both discussing random stuff that I didn¡¯t know when I started tough really hard even though it was reallyte at night. The call was still on but I started to feel sleepy.


    He seemed to notice I was feeling sleepy, ¡°Goodnight baby girl¡± he said before hanging up and I peacefully slept off immediately.


    The bright sun rays woke me up from my sleep, I looked around trying to remember why I was in Zach¡¯s room before memories fromst night came back to my head.


    I should pack my luggages today then leave for Brazil really early tomorrow since Zach has taken care of the flight and his father had once granted me a visa in case I would change my mind and also want to study in Brazil.


    I stood up and headed for the bathroom to take a long hot bath. I wanted the water to wash away my sorrows so bad and watch them go down the drain but I guess that only happens in movies and fictional books but not in reality.


    I had been in the tub for more than thirty minutes but had no ns ofing out of the water any time soon. My phone rang from the room and I thought it must be Zach so I finally stood up from the tub and wrapped the towel around my waist as I went to where my phone was.


    On seeing the caller¡¯s name, some waves of sadness hit me but I tried to shove them away, I wouldn¡¯t want my morning to start off bad. The phone had been continuously ringing for quite some time so I swiped on the screen to answer it.


    ¡°Oh thank goodness you answered my call¡± Maya heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Yeah¡­.¡± I replied. I honestly didn¡¯t like to be like this to her but I had nothing to say to her. I hadn¡¯t forgiven her just yet.


    ¡°Isabe, look I know you¡¯re mad but trust me I had no idea about what was happening, I am your best friend after all and I wouldn¡¯t want you to feel this way after finding out. If I had known the truth also then I would have told you immediately¡±


    ¡°I called as soon as I heard the news because I knew you must have been devastated after putting your trust in Grace and then she also betrayed you. I haven¡¯t been picking her call either because she also betrayed me by not telling me all of these earlier and everything about Joe is just new and hard for me to take in¡± her voice broke at the end and I believed her. She was my best friend and wouldn¡¯t truly want me to hurt, it must¡¯ve not been easier for her to take in the truth about having a step brother for another man after having two father¡¯s already.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not answering your calls¡± I sincerely apologised and meant it.


    ¡°Oh no, I should be the one apologizing¡± she said but her voice sounded like she was crying.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a fool and don¡¯t make this awkward¡± I teased in order to lighten the mood and she chuckled. I guess it must have worked.


    ¡°I love you¡± she said and I replied to her too.


    ¡°How¡¯s Harvard by the way, I would have loved to visit you also but I¡¯ll be going to Brazil tomorrow to meet Zach. I might not stay there for a long time¡±


    ¡°Oh wow, so you were nning on keeping this huge deal away from me you jerk!¡± She yelled and Iughed. I would¡¯ve told her if we were on good terms yesterday.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I apologized before we finally said some other few words to ourselves and ended the call. I needed to pack my stuff but then I would need to go to my father¡¯s house.


    After dressing up I left Zach¡¯s house to head for my father¡¯s house. Luckily it was like a desert and I couldn¡¯t hear anything so no one was at home.


    I walked up the little staircase to my room as I started to pack some of the things I would be needing for my stay in Brazil. It might be a two weeks or a month stay depending on when I feel like I¡¯m better.


    As I started to pack my clothes I stumbled on a little frame of Joe and I and memories from the day we took the picture came to my head. I shouldn¡¯t be upset at Joe after all because he didn¡¯t do anything. He is a sweet little boy that doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s going on around him and I guess he¡¯s also a victim because he didn¡¯t choose this type of life toe into.


    After packing everything I would need, I walked down the stairs to leave the house. I don¡¯t hope to evere here even when I¡¯m back from Brazil. I¡¯d stay in Zach¡¯s house for some while before renting an apartment of my own.


    I opened the door to leave but saw a tiny figure sitting on the porch, why was he here? He seemed to have noticed the door clicking open as he turned around to look at me and his eyes immediately filled up with tears.


    ¡°Isabe!¡± He cried as he hugged me really tight.

 Chapter 53

    ¡°Isabe!¡± He cried as he hugged me really tight. I had no idea why I felt reluctant to hug him back after all he wasn¡¯t the one who hurt me.


    ¡°Joe!¡± I called his name but he didn¡¯t respond, rather his grip on my legs tightened and I could hear his little sobs.


    ¡°Joe!¡± I called out his name again.


    ¡°Why are you mad at me, I¡¯m sorry for whatever I did but please don¡¯t be mad at me Isabe¡± he cried on my legs, my heart melted at his words but I wasn¡¯t mad at him. I just didn¡¯t know how to face him.


    ¡°Joe you should go back to school, your teachers would be worried¡± I scolded him because that was the only thing I could say to him. My words seem to have broken him as he released his grip on my legs.


    He wiped the tears away from his face but more tears kept on flowing as he ran away from me. I wanted to run after him just to make sure he¡¯s okay but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to. Besides, I was runningte for my flight.


    Dragging my luggage I stopped a taxi that took me to the airport, thoughts of Joe couldn¡¯t stop roaming in my head and I started to feel. guilty for the way I acted cold towards him. Another reason why I must leave this ce and get my head back together in Brazil with Zach. The only one who understood me and truly cared for me.


    I was almostte for my ne and everyone was on board already. Turns out they have been announcing my name. I finally got on board and searched for my seat number. I fastened the belt and closed my eyes when the crew members announced that the ne was about to take off. This was my first time on a ne and I was scared as hell.


    My whole body shook as I shut my eyes really tight, unfortunately I was sitting by the window even though I have a great fear of heights. The view outside the window was really nice but I was scared as hell to look down.


    The man beside me seemed to notice how I was feeling and a smile creeped on his face making me notice how well built his face was with a sharp jaw and dimples that pierced on his skin as he smiled.


    He turned to look at me and noticed I had been staring but I instantly diverted my attention to something else.


    ¡°Your first time on a ne?¡± He asked with his bass voice that made the seats vibrate. His appearance alone showed how powerful he could be then when he spoke I knew he must really be powerful. He didn¡¯t look old but he had a very powerful aura around him, he should be in his mid twenties.


    ¡°Hmm¡± I replied and he gave me a small nod with his smile still remaining there.


    I turned to look away in embarrassment, at this point I¡¯d rather look out the window all through the flight than to embarrass myself again.


    A hostess walked up to us to take our orders, he ordered for a wine while I requested for a juice. In no time the hostess came back with a tray containing what we requested for but as we were about to take our sses the ne started to shake and the content spilled on both of us.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡± the hostess apologized and offered some napkins but I would rather clean myself up in the bathroom. I wondered why the ne did that but I definitely hope that it wasn¡¯t faulty.


    ¡°It¡¯s normal for a ne to behave that way sometimes¡± a voice echoed behind me and I turned to see the man that was sitting beside me, he seemed to be reading my mind or something.


    ¡°I¡¯m Bruce,¡± he introduced.


    ¡°Uhm Isabe¡± I responded and hurriedly cleaned my mess up before leaving the restroom. It was getting a little bit awkward.


    I returned to my seat and he came shortly afterwards. He tried to bring up a conversation a lot of times until he finally said something I was interested in and we both started to gist andugh.


    The nended and I waved him goodbye before scanning everywhere but no sign of Zach. He had promised to be here before I arrived but I couldn¡¯t see him. I felt a little wave of sadness in me, I had hoped I would see him here immediately Inded and ran to his arms.


    A strong arm pulled me from behind into a tight hug and I immediately recognized the familiar scent of the person.


    I turned to look at his face with a big smile stered on my face before pulling him into a kiss.


    ¡°I missed you so much,¡± I confessed while caressing his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you how much I miss you when we get to my apartment¡± he said and gave me a wink. I immediately shoved all of the nasty thoughts away from my head.


    I felt someone was staring at me from behind so I turned to see who it was but couldn¡¯t find anyone staring at me, perhaps I just felt that way but it isn¡¯t true. As I was about to turn my head back I spotted Bruce walking into a car behind me. He must¡¯ve been the one staring at me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± Zach pulled my hands till we got to where he parked his car, and we drove off to his apartment or so I thought, we ended up stopping in different ces because he was looking for a perfect food for us. At the end weter bought arge sized pizza with a liter of Coke. What a perfect junk food.


    I would¡¯ve cooked tonight but then the stress alone had weighed me down. I was so tired that I was sure I would sleep off immediately after I ate the pizza.


    We eventually got to his apartment and he turned the lights on, it was a really beautiful ce and I doubted that he designed it this way.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do the design¡± I sent him a sly grin and he rolled his eyes before groaning.


    ¡°I called an interior designer¡± he whispered as he scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°Way to go spending money unnecessarily¡± I shed him an obvious fake smile before sending him a death re. Sometimes I wonder how Zach would spend his money if I wasn¡¯t in his life because he could literally buy something he wouldn¡¯t use for ages.


    He brought out some tes from the kitchen but before he could get to where I was I had already started to eat the pizza. I was really hungry even though I actually ate on the ne. My food seemed to have digested really fast.


    ¡°Okay then, we are eating it from the box¡± he chuckled before sitting on the floor with me as we both at the pizza, as I was about to eat thest bite of it he smashed his lips on mine and kissed me with the pizza in my mouth but pulled away after eating the pizza from my mouth.


    ¡°What the hell Zach!¡± I yelled but he acted like nothing wrong happened.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°I only ate the pizza¡± he boasted and stood up to leave the living room but I chased after him. He was too tall and there was no way my hand could hit his head but I tried nevertheless and I sessfully made him fall on the bed.


    I smacked his head with the pillow countless times and wouldn¡¯t stop even though he was begging but I regretted not stopping as he suddenly flipped me over and was now on top of me.


    I could feel thousands of butterflies in my stomach as my heart kept on pounding really hard. I could feel his bulge on my thighs and the lust in his eyes were obvious.


    Ever since Zach and I started to date, he had made sure not to have sex with me because he wanted me to know that he truly loved me and not just for my body. There was a time I begged him for sex but we didn¡¯t go past the forey, I wanted him to know I was okay with us having it but it seemed like the guilt from the past still haunted it whereas I was totally cool with it after all I trust and love him now.


    But something about tonight seemed different with the look in his eyes. I could tell he wanted me so bad and I could also tell that we were going to have it tonight.


    He pinned my hands on the bed as he brought his lips to mine kissing me like he had been craving for me for a long while, the kiss was getting more intense that I moaned into his mouth, I felt a knot in my stomach and I wanted him to be in me already.


    Thoughts of him being in me made me really wet and I kissed him back really hard, I remembered how hot ourst intercourse was and it made me really horny, he sneaked his tongue into my mouth and my tongue met his as they intertwined.


    He broke the kiss as he ced several kisses on my neck region, I would surely get a hickey with the way he was sucking my neck. He released his grip on my hand and I instantly wrapped them around his head while my fingers dug into his soft hair.


    He trailed his lips down to my stomach, the house of the butterflies and it seemed like they multiplied. I haven¡¯t felt this way in quite a long time and he was the only one that was able to make me feel this way.


    ¡°Zach?¡± I moaned as I felt his hands slipping my panties down and his hot breath closer to my vaginal.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He growled.


    ¡°Do you have a condom?¡±

 Chapter 54

    I woke up to the sweet aroma of roast chicken that filled my nose. Zach must have gotten up earlier to prepare a meal for us because I was damn hungryst night even though I ate most of the pizza. I remembered a day he said he didn¡¯t like to eat with me because I end up cheating him most of the time.


    It wasn¡¯t actually my fault, he was a slow eater and hell who the fuck eats slowly so I always end up helping him to finish his food on time, even after that day he said those words he still ate with me the next morning.


    I removed the nket from my body and realized I was still naked but then I felt sad because we didn¡¯t get to have sex togetherst night after everything we¡¯ve done already.


    For some reason when he was about to thrust himself into me, he got a call on his phone that turned his mood off. I noticed how bothered he was about the call but didn¡¯t want to ask himst night hoping we might still do it but then I need to make sure everything is okay with him.


    Standing up from the bed, I scanned through my box but couldn¡¯t just seem to find something that matches my taste in clothing this morning so I opened Zach¡¯s wardrobe. It¡¯s always the perfect solution to almost everything.


    I wore an oversized white shirt that fell right above my knee, all of the clothes in his wardrobe seemed new but then he would have bought new clothes since he barely took up to ten of those from Tennessee.


    I found my way out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. Zach was standing by the counter working magic on our breakfast wearing only a short and he was shirtless. Seeing him shirtless made me want to suck on his tiny cute nipples but I resisted.


    ¡°Good morning baby¡± I greeted as I hugged him from the back, he twirled me and brought me to the front before cing a kiss on my lips and I quickly jumped.


    ¡°What happened?¡± His brows furrowed.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t brushed my teeth yet¡± I flushed with embarrassment while my hands covered my mouth.


    ¡°Do I look like I give a damn?¡± He rolled his brows and dished the food into arge te with some assortments beside it on a tray.


    He walked away from the kitchen to the bedroom. I was going to join him but quickly remembered that I needed to be neat and brush my teeth first. Besides, Zach was a slow eater and I would definitely catch up with him before he eats more than five bites.


    Truly I came out of the bathroom and met the breakfast still whole, with a sly smile on my face I sat cris crossed on the bed and started to eat.


    Shortly afterwards, we finished eating and both went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. I found this as the perfect and right opportunity to ask him aboutst night.


    ¡°What happenedst night?¡± I asked but he acted like he wasn¡¯t paying attention to me as he cleaned the tes dry before putting them back in the cupboard.


    ¡°Zach!¡± I called out his name but softly.


    ¡°Nothing happened Be,¡± he sent a smile to me but something in me could tell he was lying. For a moment he wanted to have me so bad but the moment he answered the call he wasn¡¯t even hard any more.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying to me¡± I pointed out the obvious.


    ¡°I¡¯m not, trust me when I say nothing happened. You don¡¯t have to be worried about me besides you came here to clear your mind off of some things you don¡¯t need to add another thing¡± he ced his hands on my shoulders and gave me a pat.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    I knew Zach was a strong man and he never let people know how truly hurt he is but then we¡¯ve passed that and he does tell me most of the things that bothers him but why wasn¡¯t he saying anything now? Or perhaps it was because he thinks I would call him another burden if he tells me.


    I was about to say something else when he suddenly pulled me closer to him and softly kissed me on my lips.


    ¡°I love you Be, you don¡¯t need to worry about this, I¡¯m going to take you on a little tour around my schoolter today¡± He said before walking away to his bedroom when his phone rang again.


    ZACH¡¯S POV


    After the call I receivedst night I was left speechless and worried, how the fucking hell do they know about Isabe and just as I thought I was over with my past a new problem showed up. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to sleep even though I tried to close my eyes.


    What if they do something bad to Be or worse what if she finds out the truth about my past, there was no way I would let that happen.


    I checked the time on my phone and it was six am in the morning, meaning I didn¡¯t sleep for a split second all through the night but If Be wakes up she might figure it out that I had a sleepless night.


    I stood up from the bed and went to the bathroom for a quick clean up and maybe toe up with an idea or something that would save Be and our rtionship.


    After bathing, no idea seemed to have popped up in my head so I decided to make breakfast instead, at least she would eat once she¡¯s awake. After some few minutes I heard the sheets rattling from the room and assumed she must be awake.


    My heart pounded for no reason or probably with the thought of her in danger, I was scared she might read everything on my forehead that I wiped my face with my hand even though it had no effect on whatsoever.


    I felt her warm body hugging me from behind as her raspy little voice greeted me. I twirled her to bring her to my front and she had a smile on her face. She was putting on my tee-shirt, I missed having her scents on my clothes and if it wasn¡¯t for my critical condition at the moment I wouldn¡¯t think twice before pulling off that cloth on her.


    I decided to act normal even though it¡¯s really hard to act normal when you don¡¯t know what¡¯s normal anymore. I ced a kiss on her lips but she jumped immediately.


    For no reason my whole body felt a tension and my thoughts became wild, what if she knows already?


    ¡°What happened?¡± I managed to ask her as I kept a straight face.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t brushed my teeth¡± she covered her mouth with her hands and I felt a relieve that she knows nothing yet but only flinched because she was scared her breath stink.


    ¡°Do I look like I give a damn?¡± I tried to lighten the mood so she wouldn¡¯t suspect anything and she flushed. I assumed I was doing okay or so I thought.


    Immediately after we finished our breakfast she dropped the question I have been avoiding for so long.


    ¡°What happenedst night?¡± She asked , I had nothing to say to her nor have I practised my speech so I pretended to not hear her even though I knew her curiosity would lead her to asking again.


    ¡°Zach!¡± Her voice was soft this time and I could tell she was worried.


    ¡°Nothing happened Be ¡± I smiled at her but then I fell in love with someone who notices the littlest thing, she didn¡¯t buy what I said even though I just wished she would forget about it. There was no way I would tell her about what was going on and I wasn¡¯t going to let her know from anyone else either.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying to me¡± her voice was bitter this time and I felt bad for having to make her worry over me even though she had a lot on her head already and this would only stress her the more so I told her not to worry too much about me but to rx her mind since she¡¯s here in Brazil. It was supposed to be the other way around with me taking care of her and lessen her worries rather than inflicting more pain.


    She was about to counter what I had just said when I ced a soft kiss on her lips to assure her that everything would be okay and she didn¡¯t need to worry. I was going to hug her till we both felt alright when I heard my phone ringing.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I silently cussed on seeing the caller¡¯s ID but there was no way I would ignore the call else something terrible might happen so I picked the call anyway.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± the person said in a calm way that also showed anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I apologized. Never in my life did I think I would apologize this way, even when I was alone in Brazil and they brought up their threats. I never said sorry nor was I freaked out but this time it involves my Be and I don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to her. I would have to take care of these people once Be leaves Brazil but in the main time she can¡¯t leave my sight.


    ¡°Well you better be sorry, just know my eyes are on you everywhere you go and you need to meet me today in two hours time¡± the person ordered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t, I have ns¡± I said before hanging up in frustration. I had promised Be to show her around and the earlier I do that the better it would be for both of us since she would leave earlier than she nned.


    A text suddenly popped up on my phone screen, ¡°you¡¯ll regret hanging up¡± it read.


    Releasing a heavy sigh I slumped beside the bed and buried my head in my hands.

 Chapter 55

    I watched how she spent almost two hours trying to fix herself up after spending thirty minutes in the bathroom. I noticed she had changed after we started to date, she suddenly loved to dress up and look good. I¡¯m sure she was doing that for me or probably got out of depression and needed to look good but I loved it.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving this room in a week¡¯s time aren¡¯t we?¡± I teased and she looked at me from the mirror with a smile on her face.


    ¡°Take a chill pill bro, I¡¯m just being a woman here¡± she responded and I couldn¡¯t hide the small chuckle that left my mouth.


    After some while of waiting, she was finally ready to go out with me. I had no idea where to take her to but I guess I would treat us a nice meal before showing her around. She should love it.


    We entered my car as I drove through the streets of Brazil. My mind wasn¡¯t at rest as I kept on looking at the mirror hoping no car was following mine.


    She noticed I was stressed and a look of worry shes on her face for some minutes before she brushes them off. I really appreciated that she cared for me but I hope she isn¡¯t in danger ording to the threats I¡¯ve received.


    I pulled over by the restaurant and came down first to open the door for her, she had a smug smile on.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just pretend to be romantic for once¡± I rolled my eyes as she raised her hands in defence. It wasn¡¯t really the fanciest restaurant but I loved the food being sold here. It reminds me of my mother¡¯s cooking.


    We both sat down on a table for two as the waiter came for our orders, after we both had our orders he left to bring what we ordered for.


    I bnced on the chair when our orders arrived and she looked surprised to see me happy over the food. I dug into the te of food and she stared at me with amusement, she wasn¡¯t eating her portion yet.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked with a mouth full of ck bean and pork stew.


    Her smiles became broader but she still didn¡¯t say a word, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you so excited over a food¡± she ced her spoon on the table and folded her arms to watch me.


    ¡°Go on¡± she motioned at me to continue and I did until I realized she still wasn¡¯t eating but her eyes were fixed on me.


    ¡°Creep, your food will get cold¡± I scolded and she chuckled, it was all a fun moment until I spotted a man in all ck sitting alone at the table behind ours. He was putting on shades but I could tell he was staring at us and his eyes were never leaving ours. I was getting ufortable and thoughts of the threat earlier today came to my head.


    ¡°We have to go!¡± I said immediately and stood up with my hands dragging Be¡¯s. She was shocked and surprised at my sudden change of mood.


    ¡°Hey what¡¯s wrong, I haven¡¯t even tasted the food yet¡± sheined but it was for her best. I could order us a lot of theseter on but we had to leave here first.


    ¡°I¡¯ll exinter, I promise¡± I begged before we finally left the restaurant.


    ¡°Okay I¡¯m listening¡± she pouted in the car. I knew I had said I would exinter but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to exin to her. She would want to know everything and I¡¯m not ready to let her know about my deep past. What if she doesn¡¯t look at me the same way again.


    ¡°Uhm, I was going to take you to the movies and the film will be on in ten minutes, I didn¡¯t want you to miss it¡± I lied.


    ¡°What the hell! Seriously? I could have at least tasted the food before you rushed me out of the restaurant.¡± She yelled.


    ¡°You would have gotten the chance to eat it if you weren¡¯t staring at me all through ¡± I grinned and she smacked my arm really hard. I don¡¯t know how long I could keep doing this especially when they are after Be.


    We arrived at the movies and I bought a ticket. Luckily the tickets weren¡¯t sold out. We entered the room and only a few people were seated. The movie had not started yet.


    ¡°Well, goodbye to the beautiful food I saw earlier today¡± she sighed before sitting at a corner of the room.


    The movie started sooner and I brought my hands to hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. She seemed to still be upset about the food issue so I ced a soft kiss on her lips. Her face softened a little but I could still tell she was sad.


    We were half way through the movie when two strange men in ck entered the movie hall, they weren¡¯t on ck shades this time and their eyes were sinking into ours. Isabe didn¡¯t seem to notice them as her eyes were glued to the movie with a smile on her face; she seemed to be enjoying it already.


    ¡°Isabe we have to go¡± I whispered into her ear but her eyes immediately showed anger as she removed her hands from mine.


    ¡°Nope, I¡¯m not leaving here again. Not just when I¡¯m starting to enjoy the movie!¡± She snapped and folded her hands under her breast.


    ¡°Isabe we need to!¡± I whispered trying to bring my voice down in order to not disturb everyone¡¯s moment in the movies. I tilted my head to see the men still staring at me and it was fucking obvious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to!¡± She instantly replied. She was being stubborn but I totally got her point, at this time I had no other option but to drag her out of the room. She tried to resist but I was stronger, I hated the fact that I could be hurting her with the tightness of my grip on her.


    After dragging her out of the room, I let her release herself and she was staring at me with mes in her eyes. I have no excuse to give her this time but I hope she understands.


    ¡°Why the fuck did you do that?¡± She yelled as I buried my head in my hands and ran my hands through my hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Be ¡± I sincerely apologize since I was short of words and excuses.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back home¡± she put stress on the word ¡°home¡±, it was clear she wasn¡¯t epting any apologies but at least we¡¯d be safer at home. Perhaps meeting with them earlier today would have been the right choice rather than making Be mad at me.


    We got into my car but she didn¡¯t say any word to me despite the amount of times I tried to talk to her or cheer her up. Her face was as cold as stone and there were obviously dark clouds of sadness hovering around her face. I turned on the music and yed her favourite musician¡¯s song but she didn¡¯t even sing along with it, I tried to sing along to it even though I got the lyrics all wrong. Perhaps it would make her happier but still no sign of happiness on her face; I eventually gave up.


    I parked by my apartment, she came down from the car the second I parked and made way for the building. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration as I watched the angry goddess walking into the building. I spotted a ck car that was unusual but I guessed someone in the building must have bought the car since we were so much in the six floored building.


    I reached to enter the building in order not to keep her waiting in the elevator but as I was about to enter, the door of the car opened and the same man from the restaurant was there. With fear all over my body I ran into the building but was almostte as the elevator was closing.


    I yelled her name out loud telling her to stop the elevator, fortunately she listened and I entered the elevator almost out of breath. Hugging her tightly she seemed surprised but immediately pulled away.


    ¡°Hello¡± A man¡¯s voice rang in the elevator and I realized I hadn¡¯t been paying attention to the other passenger in the elevator. He was also on a ck suit just like the rest of the men. Being protective, I held Be tight to shield her from the man.


    ¡°What the fucking hell do you want?¡± I snapped at him but he didn¡¯t say a word.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± I yelled at the top of my lungs in frustration as I held his cors tightly.


    ¡°Zach can you just stop this behavior of yours!¡± Isabe pulled me away from him but immediately visited my face with a hot p.


    ¡°You¡¯re going crazy!¡± She cried.


    Her eyes were burning into my soul but at this point I was dumb struck.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Bruce¡± she apologized to the man who was adjusting his sses and I was dumbfounded. The elevator tinged and the doors opened. She rushed out of the elevator while I was still in it in shock.


    The man had a grin on his face that I wished I could smack off but I let him go and ran after Be who was at my door trying to open it.


    ¡°Be!¡± I held her hands but she flinched and removed them from my grip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch me!¡± She warned and entered the house.


    I followed her in but she wouldn¡¯t even look at me ,¡±Isabe can you just wait!¡± I yelled as I held her waist really tight and brought her close to me.


    ¡°Why should I wait when all you ever did today was to act strange and not tell me a shit about what was going on. I thought it was just the restaurant but the movie too and you almost assaulted a friend of mine?!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°A friend of yours, where the hell do you even know him from and you trust him more than me?¡± I yelled. I knew I was being paranoid and perhaps going crazy about everything but at the same time I felt jealous because she called him a friend.


    ¡°Can you just shut it Zach, I thoughting here would be a happy thing to do and the right decision, I thought I would feel alive once again but then you¡¯ve been acting strange and I¡¯m wondering if I have made the wrong decision bying here¡±


    ¡°Then leave¡± my response came out t. I knew I was trying to protect her by leaving but it came out all wrong.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± She asked with tears dropping down her eyes already. I hate to see her cry but I hated myself the most for being the one inflicting the pain on her.


    ¡°You heard me right Isabe!¡±

 Chapter 56

    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    ¡°Then leave¡± his voice came out so deep and strong that it caught me off. I wasn¡¯t expecting him to say that to me and my heart just broke.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± My voice croaked but there was no sign of emotion on his face. I was stuck on whether to believe this was my Zachary or not. I could feel the hot fluids flowing down my eyes already.


    ¡°You heard me right Isabe!¡± He tly responded, a sting of pain and bitterness found its way to my heart. It hurt badly that I couldn¡¯t breathe well. Neither could I say anything for some while. I stared at him in disbelief wondering if I had been talking to another man all along since I came to Brazil.


    ¡°Zach what¡­ what have be of you?¡± My weak voice couldn¡¯tplete the sentence at once as it kept on breaking.


    ¡°This is me, this has been me all along and perhaps you were expecting too much from me¡± he dropped another hurtful statement. The tears continued to flow down my eyes that I lost all of the anger I had earlier on but they have been reced with sadness.


    ¡°Just leave already!¡± He yelled again, making me flinch. I shook my head at him but before I could say any word to him, he left the apartment banging the door really hard as he left.


    I crashed on the floor while burying my head in my knees. My life was just meaningless and pointless. The moment I thought to myself that I had found happiness and Joy, I got to realize it was all just for a short term. So was Zach¡¯s love and every other person.


    I couldn¡¯t believe I left Tennessee and flew all the way to Brazil for me to end up receiving this cold attitude from him, perhaps if I had drowned myself in theke that day I would die with my heart still loving him but I don¡¯t think my heart could stand it anymore.


    I entered the room, luckily I hadn¡¯t unpacked a lot of things so I ended up changing my outfit that I had put a lot of effort into just to look good for him. I had nned today in my head, I portrayed it as a perfect date and memorable day. It might not have been a perfect date but it was surely a memorable day. I shortly changed into a sweatpant and hoodie, the tickets shouldn¡¯t have been sold out yet but if it is then I would stay in a hotel overnight.


    I brought out my phone to check for avable seats but they were only in the first ss, I literally couldn¡¯t afford that so I guessed staying in the hotel would be the best choice.


    Walking out of the room, I heard the door clicking closed like someone had just rushed out. I checked the table and saw a spare ticket on it. I guessed he really nned to ruin me all along, my presence does bother people a lot doesn¡¯t it.


    I grabbed the ticket, it was a first ss ticket then I walked out of the door, I waited for some while hoping he would run to me and apologise but my hopes were just fantasy and he never came, I thought if he came back and apologized I would be okay with him but he still didn¡¯t show up. With sadness and hurt enveloped in my heart I left the apartment for the airport.


    It was ate night flight so I might as well sleep away my sorrow all through the flight. The hostess had approached me asking what I would like to eat several times but my mouth was literally too heavy to open up to order something. Besides I really didn¡¯t feel hungry even though I realised I haven¡¯t really eaten well all day.


    After some couple of hours, I arrived in Tennessee but still didn¡¯t feel alive or free; I only felt numb to everything around me. No where was a happy ce for me anymore. I thought of calling Maya but what happened yesterday was still unclear to me, I was still finding it hard to understand it as it all felt like a dream.


    I went to my Father¡¯s house but luckily the door was locked so no one was in it. I opened it with my spare key as I entered but felt haunted by the house almost immediately. I couldn¡¯t go to Zach¡¯s house either and the only option was to stay in a hotel for the night. Before leaving for Brazil I had been searching for an apartment and found one I could afford. Perhaps I¡¯ll pay for itter today.


    I left the house with a cab and booked a hotel where I dumped all of my loads in, I left immediately to meet the house agent and it was sold to me when I signed the papers.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    My only prayer right now Is to not think about Zach or any of them else I could end up badly hurting  myself in the new apartment I rented. I would resume work sooner to relieve me of my stress.


    ZACH¡¯S POV


    I had to do what I did so she would leave but every part of me felt like I did too much already. I knew I must have hurt her really bad but it was sincerely for her own good. I wouldn¡¯t be able to bear a scratch on her skin from those people.


    I left the living room banging the door really loud because I was angry at myself, I was being selfish and a coward that I couldn¡¯t afford to let her know about my past in the fear of her leaving me but a part of me felt like I had lost her.


    I slumped on the floor outside my apartment not minding the attention from passersby, I thought I was strong but I realized I  really wasn¡¯t strong as I broke down in tears with my head buried in my hands. I couldn¡¯t handle the pain in my chest anymore as I hit the wall beside me really hard not caring about the bruises in my knuckles or the amount of blood dripping from it.


    If I had to send her away then I must as well get her a ticket. With the help of my friend I managed to buy a ticket for her, it didn¡¯t take long before he pulled over by my apartment and handed the ticket to me. I opened the door a little to check if she was there, I had no courage in me to face her but luckily she wasn¡¯t there.


    Sneaking in and trying to not make a sound, I ced the ticket on a ce she would easily notice it. I was going to leave when I heard footstepsing so I rushed out of the room. I hated the fact I was avoiding her being the coward that I am.


    I waited at a corner for a while before I saw her walking out of the building. I silently stalked her all the way to the airport just to make sure she was not harmed on her way to the airport.


    The moment I heard her flight departure Ipletely broke down in my car as warm tears continued to flow down my eyes. Being fucked up in my head, I was sad and angry with myself because I have just lost her trust for me, I promised that I wouldn¡¯t hurt her but here I am doing the opposite of what I promised.


    I brought out my phone to call someone who has tolerated all of my shits despite knowing everything about me and someone who talks sense into me because right now that¡¯s all I needed.


    I dialed Devin¡¯s number and it was taking a lot of time before he picked the call, my mind wandered to different ces and I had an imagination of Devin being mad at me but snapped out of it immediately I heard his voice from the other side of the phone. It seemed like his mouth was full with the way he talked.


    ¡°What¡¯s the asion, you literally forgot about your adorable big bro¡± he teased over the phone. I remembered thest event that happened before he left and being the worst guy I was, I haven¡¯t asked about him and his girlfriend.


    ¡°I- ¡± I trailed off my sentence, I couldn¡¯t be calling him every time something happened between Isabe and I, I should be grown enough to handle my stress. I know what to do but being the chicken I was I¡¯m trying hard to admit the only solution to my problem.


    ¡°Hello?¡± His voice rang from the other side of the phone. Probably checking if I was still on the call.


    ¡°I was going to ask about you and your girlfriend, how¡¯s things going?¡± I asked instead of flooding him with my shit. He wasn¡¯tining about them but I know I couldn¡¯t do it forever and now is the best time to start handling my shits myself.


    There was silence on the phone for a while, I checked the screen to check if the call was still on.


    ¡°She-¡± his voice broke. Things must¡¯ve not gone smooth for them after that day and it was all my fault, that¡¯s what happens most of the times when I try to be nice or repay one¡¯s kindness to me. I end up fucking up shit for them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you didn¡¯t get back together¡± I sincerely apologised.


    ¡°No no, it¡¯s not that, we can never get back together here on Earth but I¡¯ll meet her soon in heaven¡± his voice came out as a whisper before he cleared his throat. I realized she had died after that day and I sincerely felt bad for him. He truly loved her and she was his first love. I knew she changed a lot in him because Devin used to be worse than me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I should have asked earlier¡± I apologized again but the tone of his words afterwards sounded different and I could tell he was trying to lighten the mood of the conversation.


    ¡°How¡¯s pretty Be doing?¡± He dragged her name and I pictured a grin on his face.


    This was an opportunity to tell him about what I¡¯m currently facing but I couldn¡¯t. I couldn¡¯t let everything be about me most of the time. ¡± She¡¯s doing good,¡± I replied.

 Chapter 57

    I realised the only way I could have Isabe back and win her trust is by telling her nothing but the truth about my past and about why I had acted that way towards her. I¡¯ll be ready to face whatever happens before then even if she decides to leave me but then I would know I wasn¡¯t being a coward anymore.


    I started to have doubts if I truly wanted her to know and if truly I am ready to ept whatever happens next. I know it¡¯s normal to have doubts but I just hope my doubts don¡¯t overpower me from telling her the truth.


    I drove back home from the airport and walked straight into my room, staring at the mirror I realized I had changed a lot from the Zach back then, the old Zach was brutal and cared less for anyone¡¯s emotions but the new Zach is a changed person who wouldn¡¯t want to hurt anyone in order to make his love happy. I hope she would see me for the new me and not criticize me for my wrong doings just like everyone had done in the past.


    I couldn¡¯t take the guilt any longer, so I brought out my phone to check when the next flight would be. I needed to see Isabe immediately. I bought the tickets without wasting time and only packed about a few clothes in my backpack.


    I was about to leave the house when my mentor¡¯s number suddenly popped up on my phone. He never called unless it was really important so I answered his call.


    ¡°Zach! You have toe to school immediately, your teammates have a match to y. I understand you haven¡¯t been attending practices but I¡¯ll let that slide if you y well today¡± he said over the phone with a serious tone. I could tell he was really upset about me skipping school.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I really need to be somewhere else right now, can¡¯t I y next week?¡± I begged


    ¡°No you can¡¯t, I¡¯ve covered up for you for quite enough times, I was only doing that because you were a skillful yer and your father is my close friend nothing more. Don¡¯t make me regret helping you so far¡± he scolded over the phone.


    ¡°I know you have been helping but then I won¡¯t be avable today, sorry¡± I said and hung up on him. I knew he was going to be adamant about me ying and won¡¯t give me the permission to go to Tennessee so I had to stop pleading and y rude by hanging up.


    I am literally the best yer in that school, my father donated huge sums of money to the school so there¡¯s no way they would afford to lose me.


    I carried my backpack and stopped a taxi that carried me to the airport, I would literally do anything for Be.


    It didn¡¯t take that much time before my flight was ready and I entered it. It was a tough one as my head couldn¡¯t concentrate all through the flight. I kept on thinking about whether she would ept the beast in my past and move on with me.


    After some hours I arrived in Tennessee but didn¡¯t know where she could be so I started off by searching for her in her father¡¯s house. I didn¡¯t think she would be in Grace¡¯s house after everything that happened.


    I knocked on the wooden door but got no response in return. I kept on knocking for a while but still got no response then I suddenly clicked the door and it opened. It was dark inside so I turned the lights on but the image before me was shocking.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I cussed as I ran towards the body that wasying t on the floor with some pills besides it. He must have overdosed and passed out or so I thought. I checked for his pulse but felt nothing. Neither could I hear his heart beating.


    I immediately dialed Isabe¡¯s number but it led me straight to a voicemail. I tried it several times but it didn¡¯t work. I checked for his heart beat again but this time I could hear it but it was weak. I immediately called the ambnce and rushed him to the hospital.


    They attended to him immediately and we got to the hospital while I waited in the ward trying out Be¡¯s number over again.


    An idea struck and I dialed Maya¡¯s number. It seemed like she was sleeping so I snapped her out and told her what happened to Be¡¯s father and that Be¡¯s number wasn¡¯t reachable. She promised to call and give me feedback after the call.


    I waited restlessly in the hospital like a man whose wife was inbour. Be¡¯s dad can¡¯t afford to die now, she has passed through a lot already and doesn¡¯t need to go through this again.


    Maya¡¯s call suddenly rang on my phone and I answered immediately.


    ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡± I panicked.


    ¡°Her phone went through and she¡¯s on her way to the hospital¡± Maya responded and I heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Just take care of her okay?¡± She pleaded and I nodded my head even though I knew she couldn¡¯t see me nodding.


    ¡°Sure¡± Iter replied before ending the call.


    I waited for Be¡¯s arrival and in a few minutes I spotted her beautiful figure approaching me. She passed me without uttering any word or even giving me a nce as she entered her father¡¯s room.


    I knew I didn¡¯t deserve to hear her voice after all what I did to her but I was truly here to apologise to her. I rushed inside her father¡¯s room and met her standing beside the poor man that was lying unconsciously on the bed.


    His eyes flickered and I knew he must be awake, ¡°Father?¡± Isabe¡¯s voice came out hoarse as I watched her being emotional.


    She might have disliked the man but one thing she couldn¡¯t hide from herself was the truth about her father being the one who gave birth to her. Her once loving and caring father.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°E¡± he called her in short as he held her hands. His voice was really weak and it was obvious he was struggling to pronounce words.


    ¡°I tried my best to make you and Joe happy but the realization of me knowing I can never be the best dad for you two lead to this¡± he coughed. He was truly weak to talk and I could notice it in the way his words broke.


    Isabe¡¯s hands were never leaving his but her lips spoke no words while he talked to her.


    ¡°I love you my little E, tell Joe I¡¯m sorry and I wished I could have been a better father but-¡± he stopped to catch his breath again, I stared at his ne face in pity. I wasn¡¯t sure if he would make it.


    ¡°But it¡¯s toote now¡± he said with a smile before his eyes shut closed and I could tell those eyes would never open anymore. The doctor had told me he wasn¡¯t going to survive it earlier on.


    His pale hands suddenly slipped away from Isabe¡¯s hands as her face held no emotions but I could tell she was broken with the silent tears that fell from her eyes. I had no idea of what to do rather than watching my lover crying in pain. I don¡¯t know if she would want me around her but I couldn¡¯t bear her silent tears anymore. The more the tears dropped the more my heart got broken.


    I walked up to her and wrapped my arms around her little figure but she didn¡¯t flinch neither did she try to free herself from me but only cried her eyes out on my chest.


    The door suddenly flung open and Joe rushed in with Grace as they stared at the dead bodyying on the bed. I didn¡¯t think it was the best option to bring Joe here as he suddenly burst out into tears while staring at the man¡¯s lifeless body on the bed.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± Was the only words that came out of his little mouth as he cried his eyes out. Grace had a feeling of sadness in her that showed on her face but she was trying to cover it up. Perhaps she never truly got over her long lost lover.


    Joe¡¯s face fell on Isabe who was now silent like a numb person in my arms. He looked at her hoping she woulde for him andfort him but she never did. Not only did it hurt Joe but it also hurt me as Grace dragged his hands out of the room.


    The little boy¡¯s eyes never left Isabe as tears flowed down his cheeks while he was being dragged out of the room. I guess today didn¡¯t turn out well but I hated it to be this way. Why did he have to die in a situation like this where his children needed him the most.


    Some nurses suddenly came in to clear up the body and I needed to settle some bills with them. I sat Isabe on the cold iron chair outside the room before leaving to pay the bills.


    It took quite a long time because there were other people before me and they insisted on responding to each and everyone ording to who was with them first.


    After some rounds it was finally my turn and I paid for the bills along with some mortuary fees because I doubted that they would be okay enough to bury him today.


    Returning back to where I left Isabe, it was empty and I couldn¡¯t find her there anymore. My heart throbbed as I searched through the hospital but she was nowhere to be found, her phone was also leading directly to a voicemail.


    ¡°Where the hell could she be?¡± I panicked.

 Chapter 58

    I continued to go round the hospital asking every single nurse or doctor thates my way but still no positive response. I was getting really worried and almost broke down in tears but decided to search for her in every way possible.


    I thought she must have gone to her father¡¯s house but the moment I drove there, the doors were locked and everything was still the way it was before I rushed her father to the hospital. She wasn¡¯t here either.


    I went back into my car to continue the search for her, perhaps she went to Grace house to talk to Joe or so I thought. The moment I got there I met Grace sitting outside with Joe as she gently stroked the poor crying boy¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Grace!¡± I called for her attention and she turned to look at me.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± She asked with a little smile on her face. But I wasn¡¯t here for the greetings either so I instantly cut her off.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Isabe?¡± I asked while trying to make my voice sound bold because it was killing me inside that I couldn¡¯t find her.


    ¡°Why? She isn¡¯t here¡± she responded, she was about to ask another question before I suddenly left for my car and zoomed off.


    She isn¡¯t in any ce she used to be and it made me worried, Maya had earlier said something about her renting an apartment but then I have no idea where it is.


    I stopped driving for a while and buried my head on the wheel, different thoughts were running through my head and I just hope she¡¯s okay wherever she is. She just lost her father and she¡¯s definitely sad about it but then she¡¯s alone at the moment and no one knows where she is. What if she¡¯s hurting herself.


    An idea suddenly popped into my head, I remembered thest time she was sad she went to a special ce to cool her mind off when I called her.


    I started my car and made a quick turn to go there, on getting there I silently prayed she would be there. I entered into the woods but heard no single sound until I suddenly spotted Isabe entering theke. It was really cold and I wondered why she would want to enter theke. Some seconds went by and she wasn¡¯ting out of the water. My whole body trembled and shook at the thought of her trying to end her life.


    Without waiting any longer I ran towards theke and jumped into it, I carried her out andid her t on the floor. She didn¡¯t hold her breath in the water and she was unconscious.


    I gave her a CPR for her to at least open her eyes before I would call the ambnce,


    ¡°Isabe pleasee back to me!¡± I cried. I tried everything in my power to revive her and luckily she suddenly coughed water out of her mouth.


    I was overwhelmed with joy that I didn¡¯t realize when I carried her on my body and hugged her tight until I heard her sobs.


    ¡°Isabe, what the hell were you thinking of drowning yourself!?¡± I yelled as tears flowed down my eyes.


    ¡°Why did youe back?¡± Her faint voice asked.


    ¡°Because I love and care for you, why would you think of hurting yourself?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t i? I literally have nothing to live for anymore and problems just keep piling up. I thought I could trust you to handle me but I was wrong. You ended up damaging me more than it already was¡± she cried aloud.


    I knew I had messed a lot of things up and had no excuse to give her but to pull her closer to my body and let her cry her eyes out on my body.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I muttered into her ear as we stood in the same position for some time before I held her hands tight and led her to the car.


    ¡°I want to go to my apartment¡± she said and called out the address to me. I followed the address and realized that I had parked in front of her apartment earlier on when I thought I wasn¡¯t going to find her anymore.


    We came down from the car and I led her inside her apartment. It was just a small apartment and stuffy but I guess I¡¯ll have to talk her out of it.


    ¡°Why did you do that to me?¡± She asked in a tone that showed she was drained of energy and emotions. She was depressed and I hate to see her this way.


    ¡°I had to do it Isabe, I¡¯m sorry¡± I apologized but she cut me off almost instantly.


    ¡°Why the hell did you need to hurt me, what could have possibly led you to hurting me that way. It really hurts Zach!¡± She sobbed as I bowed my head. I wasn¡¯t strong enough to look into her eyes.


    ¡°I did it to protect you, some people were after me and at that moment everything was crazy. They threatened to hurt you in exchange for me, knowing it would truly hurt me so I had to do that In order to let you leave Brazil¡± I said but I wasn¡¯t saying the whole truth yet and I knew.


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re going about making up excuses aren¡¯t you?¡± She scoffed. I knew she might not believe what I told her until I tell her about my past but then I wasn¡¯t sure I was ready to say it.


    ¡°I promise you Isabe, I¡¯m not making up excuses. I did some wrong things in Brazil some years ago way before I met you and you changed me I promise¡± I sighed hoping she wouldn¡¯t ask what it was but then I would have to tell her because she would surely ask and if I wanted her trust back then I had to start from somewhere.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± She asked and my heart suddenly started to pound.


    I heaved out a heavy breath hoping the weight on my chest would reduce, ¡± I used to be a really bad person especially when I was younger. There¡¯s this girl, Zoe. She liked me a lot but knew I didn¡¯t like her back. She kepting to me every now and then even though I made it clear to her that I couldn¡¯t and wouldn¡¯t date her¡±


    ¡°I was drunk this day after winning a match but when I got to my apartment I met her sitting in my living room. I had no idea where she got the key from till now. She seemed to be making dinner for me because she wanted to impress me. Being drunk, I was really horny and tried to have her in bed. She knew I was drunk and imed that she wanted our first time to be special, especially when I wasn¡¯t drunk.¡± I paused then continued after looking her in the eyes.


    ¡± I couldn¡¯t control my urge anymore so I forced myself on her. I know I was terrible but I was also drunk and had no idea what I was doing. She cried her way out of my apartment and I didn¡¯t hear from her in a while until one day when I found her in my apartment again. She was in the apartment to show me some medical reports iming she was pregnant for me.¡±


    ¡°I was dumb struck and angry at the same time that I pushed her out of the house telling her I could never be the father of her child even though I knew I was the only man she had slept with. She really didn¡¯t deserve any of this but I wasn¡¯t in my right senses back then and I regret it so bad now.¡±


    ¡°Some weekster I got a news from her bestfriend that shemuted suicide because I didn¡¯t ept her child. From that point I felt truly bad for her and guilty. Her parents tried to take the matter to the court but I managed to win the case. Her best friend wasn¡¯t going to let go and she has somewhat be a very powerful and influential woman.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t scared of her, hadn¡¯t been but when you were in the picture everything wasn¡¯t alright. They tried to kill you to get back to me knowing I truly love and care for you and wouldn¡¯t ever hurt you¡± I stressed myst few words in order to make her feel relieved but ever since I started talking she hasn¡¯t said anything to me and it made me freak out.


    ¡°Say something please?¡± I begged but she didn¡¯t say a word as her brows were still furrowed. She was scared and confused, she probably thinks I would do the same to her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never hurt you Isabe¡± I said again but got shocked with her response to me.


    ¡°Get out Zach!¡± She said at first in a calm tone but I couldn¡¯t just leave her behind so I stayed anyway not wanting to leave her.


    ¡°Isabell¡­¡± I tried to call her but was shunned immediately.


    ¡°I said get out Zach!¡± She roared. I was trying to control myself from not breaking down even though every organ in me had broken. She knows about my past and won¡¯t forgive me. I know I had been a terrible person but I sincerely changed after meeting her.


    I was going to leave her apartment and wait outside for some while till she gets herself back. Perhaps she just needs some space alone.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    As I was about to leave and opened the door, a figure appeared in front of me and I didn¡¯t need anyone to tell me that it was Fiona with the striking resemnce they possessed.


    ¡°Hello there!¡± She smiled.

 Chapter 59

    ¡°Hello there!¡± She smiled even though the smile didn¡¯tst long on her face before falling.


    ¡°Can I?¡± She motioned at me to create space for her to enter the room. As much as I didn¡¯t want anything else to hurt Isabe, she was her mother after all and perhaps she came to console Isabe so I created a space for her to pass.


    Anotherdy in a corporate dress followed behind her after shing me a death re or perhaps that was how she looked at people. Some other two men in suits tried to enter the room but she gestured at them to wait outside the door while she was in the room with the otherdy. There was no possible way I would let her in this room alone with Isabe so I walked closer to them.


    ¡°What a fine apartment you have here darling¡± she said to Isabe whose eyes have been on Fiona ever since she entered the room. I could see the me of hatred burning in her eyes but her physical strength wasn¡¯t matching her annoyance. I doubted if she had eaten in days with the way she looked weak.


    ¡°What the hell do you want?¡± Isabe yelled but her voice sounded weak.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to talk to my daughter Isabe, you can¡¯t forever remain mad at me because I¡¯ve sincerely been wanting you to understand the truth¡± Fiona sighed before continuing.


    ¡°You¡¯re my child and nothing can change that, you also can¡¯t be mad at me anymore¡± she ced her hands on Isabe¡¯s chin as she brought her face to look at hers but Isabe tilted her head away in disgust.


    ¡°You disgust me Fiona, your ex husband and my father just died and the only thing you could say to me was that you wanted me to understand you. Of course now I understand who you truly are because you¡¯re nothing but a selfish gold digging old hag¡± Isabe spat.


    The room broke down in silence for a while before Fiona sat beside Isabe on the bed, ¡°I¡¯m here to apologise E, for everything and for your father even though he made my life quite miserable but then he made me have you and I¡¯m thankful to him for that¡± she wiped some tears that were falling off her eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to make excuses anymore just leave like you did because I know you don¡¯t care about me!¡± Isabe yelled but Fiona still sat down on the bed unshaken.


    ¡°These aren¡¯t excuses because I truly care for you, I gave birth to you, nursed you, worked my bones out for you to eat while your father went about drinking and meeting other women!¡± Fiona raised her voice a little higher than it was.


    ¡°You should have taken me along with you¡± Isabe suddenly broke out in tears as she buried her head in between her thighs. I felt really bad seeing her this way, all I wanted to do was to hug her close to me and tell her how much she was worth so she would stop feeling bad but I wasn¡¯t even sure if she wanted me to touch her right now.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to drag you along with me to my doom E, I was going to kill myself if not for Mr Spring and I thought your father would change and you would live a better life. I¡¯m sorry E¡± she apologized, I watched how Isabe crashed her head on Fiona¡¯s chest while pouring her heart out.


    Fiona seemed to have been caught off guard with Be¡¯s sudden expressions but she embraced her into her arms while stroking her hair softly.


    They remained in the same position for a while where as I kept on watching them in case anything suspicious would happen to Be.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be having the burial tomorrow Mum, you¡¯reing right?¡± She said and I was surprised at the sound of her calling Fiona her mother without meaning it in a sarcastic or horrible way. She was still in tears grieving on Fiona¡¯s body and I could tell Fiona was also shocked but her face suddenly changed into another expression and I wondered what could have happened.


    She positioned Be¡¯s head away from her body as she stood up from the bed to adjust her dress.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be attending¡± she tly said while Be looked at her in awe.


    ¡°What do you mean, why aren¡¯t you attending?¡± She questioned in confusion.


    ¡°You see, a lot of things has changed in the past view years especially after i got married to Mr Spring. I can¡¯t attend his funeral because no one has to know that I was once married to him. The medias are everywhere and they¡¯re watching like Hawks. I can¡¯t possibly let our election be ruined because of some burial¡± she exined with pride that I scoffed almost immediately. She was really rude and had a high ego.


    I studied Be¡¯s face for a while and I could tell that she wasn¡¯t happy about what Fiona had just said either but was trying to remain sane for her mental health.


    ¡°What if I asked you toe as my mother and not his wife, would you?¡± She inquired. Without Fiona¡¯s response yet I knew she wouldn¡¯t agree to it.


    ¡°Oh honey! I¡¯m so sorry but no one has to know you¡¯re my daughter either. You see the guards outside if they happen to know then they might as well kiss the earth goodbye¡± she inly said without feeling remorse. Just as I thought Be was happy with at least a parent she managed to ruin it for her.


    ¡°Then why the hell did you fuckinge here huh! To feed me bullshits and make my hopes high before breaking it?¡± Be yelled at Fiona who stood straight with pride.


    ¡°I needed to know¡­.¡± Be cut her off almost immediately.


    ¡°Need me to know what? Needed me to know that you are ashamed to be called my mother because I looked like a fucking thrash.¡± She scoffed with a grin on her face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no one would know that Isabe Brown is your daughter because to her she¡¯s an orphan with no parents¡± Isabe chuckled before her mood changed.


    I watched how Be¡¯s facial emotions fell and even though no tears were dropping down her eyes I knew she had had enough of everything going on.


    ¡°Just leave¡± her quiet voice ordered and Fiona stared at Be for a while before sighing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± She apologized and left alongside her bodyguards.


    I was scared of walking up to her because I knew I had also betrayed her trust today in one way or the other but I hated for everything to be happening so soon and all in a day. She really deserves better.


    I summoned up some courage to approach her, I studied how she responded to every step I took and they all proved positive so far until I got closer to her and brought her closer to me by wrapping my arms around her.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything that is happening Be¡± I sincerely apologised but she kept quiet still. I felt some warm liquid touching my body, she was crying but in silence and it broke me the more I saw her this way. Perhaps I¡¯ve been more of a curse than a blessing to everyone I have ever loved.


    A curse to my mother that led her to die and now a curse to Be but over my dead body would she die or be hurt. I regretted not being strong enough to save my mother for years and I definitely won¡¯t let history repeat itself.


    ¡°I love you¡± I whispered into her ear, I knew she heard me but chose to remain quiet and I¡¯m willing to give her all the time in this word as long as she promised to forgive me for my horrible past.


    ¡°I¡¯m worthless¡± her voice broke out.


    ¡°Shush now, please don¡¯t ever say that to yourself because you¡¯re priceless and more than any worth in this world Isabe ¡± I patted her hair while inhaling her scent.


    Her stomach suddenly made a gurgling noise and I guessed my assumptions about her not eating for a long time were right so I kissed her on the forehead with every gut I had in me before leaving for her kitchen. I was d and thankful that she didn¡¯t react to the kiss but I was still troubled because I know she hasn¡¯t forgiven me but I¡¯ll keep hoping.

 Chapter 60

    ISABELLA¡¯S POV


    Life can indeed change in moments and the fact that you think you¡¯ve found a source of happiness could be really scary when your happiness leaves you in the least expected moments.


    I watched how Zach went into the kitchen to make something for me to eat even though I didn¡¯t tell him to, I wasn¡¯t sure I would be able to eat the food with myck of appetite. I was stuck in between believing what he said to me or not but then if it was really true it means I couldn¡¯t trust him or put my trust in him. What if I also get pregnant for him and he abandons me just like he did to that girl. Perhaps the reason why he doesn¡¯t want to have sex with me was because he knew he would abandon me if I get pregnant.


    I was lost in my thoughts when I heard Zach¡¯s footsteps approaching me. He hadn¡¯t been talking much to me after my father died though or perhaps I was just the one who had been grieving too much to notice.


    ¡°Here you go¡± he handed a tray of food to me with some watermelons in it.


    I had no appetite to eat so I didn¡¯t respond to the food on myp, he noticed I wasn¡¯t going to eat so he took the food to feed me. At first I wasn¡¯t going to eat it but my stomach betrayed me by grumbling to the sweet aroma of toasts he used to make for me.


    I opened my mouth to take a bite out of the food, the happy expression on his face couldn¡¯t actually describe how happy I knew he must have been.


    ¡°Would you do the same to me if I was in her position?¡± I decided to let out the question that had been baffling me.


    It seemed to have taken him off guard but he instantly brought his hands to mine holding them gently.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t think like that Be, I would never do such a thing to you¡±


    ¡°But you did it to her!¡± I fired back immediately.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I really changed Be, trust me when I say I regret my past actions and I¡¯ve changed. You changed me¡± his voice was weak and drained.


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you want to have sex with me, because you were scared I¡¯ll get pregnant then you would have to abandon me?¡± My words came out straight and t.


    ¡°Oh bloody hell, for fuck¡¯s sake I would never do something like that to you Isabe, don¡¯t you trust me anymore?¡± I could hear the pain in his voice, I could see the tears building up in his eyes but he was trying to stop them from falling.


    He was being sincere, I knew I shouldn¡¯t have asked him that question but I had to, I had to know he was being honest and wanted me for real.


    ¡°I¡¯m a changed person now Isabe¡± he buried his head in my hands and I could feel some warm liquid touching my hands. He was truly crying.


    Without thinking any further I lifted his head to mine and pressed my lips on his, it seemed to have surprised him but he instantly returned the kiss with his hands on my head pulling me closer to him. We remained in that position for a while before he pulled away from the kiss and embraced me into his arms.


    ¡°Thank you¡± he whispered into my ear as I sunk my head into his shoulders.


    I remembered I still had to bury my father tomorrow and can¡¯t possibly be the only one, since Fiona wouldn¡¯t make it to the burial as his wife then I guessed it would be just me, Zach and Joe who I owe a lot of apology to.


    ¡°Can you drive me?¡± I asked Zach whose brows cringed as he asked ¡°where?¡±.


    ¡°The Anderson¡¯s¡± I replied and he stared at me for some while before reaching into his pocket and bringing out the keys. He held my hands firmly as he led me out of my apartment and into his car.


    The drive to the Anderson¡¯s was filled withughter and love as Zach tried his best to make me smile all through the ride. I was really lucky to have him and I regretted wanting to end my life earlier on without knowing the truth about everything. He might have done a lot of wrong things in the past but right now he¡¯s better and that¡¯s all that matters.


    We arrived at their house and I heaved in a deep breath beforeing down from the parked car. I looked up at the building and saw a tiny head peeping through the windows; it was Joe but the moment he noticed I saw him, he closed the curtains.


    I walked up to their porch and knocked on the door waiting for a response when the door finally clicked open. Grace was standing in front of the door wearing an awkward smile but that really wasn¡¯t my concern. I just wanted to see Joe and talk to him and perhaps invite her to the burial of her long lost lover.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Joe?¡± I asked without returning the fake smile she gave to me.


    ¡°He¡¯s in his room¡± she said but didn¡¯t leave the doorway, neither did she call him out.


    ¡°Well then, I need to talk to him,¡± I emphasized a stress on my words.


    ¡°Right!¡± She muttered before giving way for me to enter the house. I spotted Joe standing on the stairs waiting for me. My heart thudded really loud at the sight of him and what he would think of me.


    I had a lot of exnations to give him and I hoped he would ept my apology and understand me. Hell, how does a nine years old child want to understand that I couldn¡¯t look him in the face because of the thoughts of me suffering over a boy that wasn¡¯t really my biological brother, it sounded silly to say.


    I took some little steps closer to him as different excuses to say to him were running through my head but I couldn¡¯t find the perfect excuse. Perhaps a sincere apology would go a better way than some excuses.


    I was finally in front of him as I heaved a deep sigh, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Joe, forgive me¡± I apologized with my head bowed.


    My whole body couldn¡¯t believe the next thing he did as he wrapped his tiny little hands around me.


    ¡°I missed you so much Isabe¡± he cried on me and I hugged him tighter while kissing his head. I hadn¡¯t expected him to forgive me that easily and it broke me to realize that he would have epted me back no matter what, but I had been scared to meet him all these while.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Joe, I should have been with you all through these. Please forgive me¡± I begged.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m d you¡¯re here now, don¡¯t just ever leave me all alone again¡± he requested and I nodded my head with a smile, he also smiled back. I wondered how his smile would have turned to sadness if I had ended my life. Henceforth no matter how hard things might be I¡¯ll make sure to remember the good people around me before thinking of taking a drastic decision.


    I held his little hands as I led him back to the living room, Grace was standing with difort on her face. Perhaps she thinks I would take Joe along with me.


    ¡°Is he going with you?¡± She nervously asked. I actually haven¡¯t thought much on that but then i would be going to college in another state soon so he could as well stay with Maya.


    ¡°I think he¡¯ll do better here, I¡¯ll be moving to college soon¡± I smiled at her and she released a breath I didn¡¯t know she was holding before giving Joe a tight hug.


    ¡°So about something else, we¡¯re having the burial ceremony tomorrow and I want you to be present with Joe and maybe your husband if possible. Fiona won¡¯t be able to make it¡± I said and she nodded her head.


    ¡°We¡¯ll all be there¡± she smiled and I returned the smile before leaving the house to meet Zach who had been waiting outside all along.


    ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡± He asked and I answered him by cing a swift kiss on his lips.


    ¡°It went well, they¡¯ll being for the burial tomorrow¡± I said to him and he released a heavy sigh.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked as I looked at him.


    ¡°Nothing¡± he smirked and entered his car but there was no way I would take nothing as an answer.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t! What were you thinking about¡± I grumbled as I also entered the car but he caught me by surprise as he pressed his lips on mine for some seconds before pulling away.


    ¡°I thought I would never see you smile at me anymore and it broke me but seeing you happy with me means everything to me¡± he confessed and I turned to look away from him so he wouldn¡¯t notice the broad childlike smile on my face but he did.

 Chapter 61

    The priest had arrived while I kept on staring at the silver coffin that wasying beside the six foot hole dug for it. The burial was to start in about thirty minutes but Zach and I were the only present ones around.


    I loved the fact he stood by me through all of these and made sure Iughed, he realized I wouldn¡¯t eat anything but came up with a smart n to only make toasts because they¡¯re irresistible.


    Shortly after, a ck car pulled over, it belonged to the Andersons. I watched how they hopped down from their expensive car and walked towards us; they somehow have different cars for different asions.


    ¡°Isabe¡± Joe greeted me as he weed me with a hug which I returned with a kiss on his forehead. I watched how he also hugged Zach and I was kind of surprised at the sudden affection. They liked each other but never admitted it. They always want to act tough to each other but today¡¯s hug was strange but lovely.


    ¡°Can we begin the ceremony?¡± The priest asked and I nodded my head. He walked up to the coffin and opened his hymn book as he started a chorus. I really didn¡¯t know much about these songs because my father never had time to take us to church. I turned to look at Zach¡¯s face and it was also in, he also didn¡¯t know anything about these songs either and the only people singing along with the priest were the Andersons.


    After reciting the hymn, It was time for everyone to make their speech and it was my turn as the first child. I really hadn¡¯t practiced what I would say because I had just little nice memories of him, most of the memories of him were traumatic. I had no choice than to say something nice about him since it was about paying hisst respect.


    ¡°Be, I think he needs your attention¡± Zach whispered into my ear and I realized I had been lost in my thoughts.


    ¡°Right!¡± I muttered before walking up to meet him.


    I heaved a deep breath as I stared at the coffin for a while before diverting my attention back on the little members in front of me. It was so sad to know that his drinking and drug buddy didn¡¯t care to attend his burial even though I hated them.


    I cleared my throat and paused for a moment while searching for the perfect words to say, ¡°just start a word the rest would flow in¡± I said to myself as I stared at the people in front of me that were staring into my soul.


    ¡°My father Ezekiel used to be a really nice person, when I was little he would¡­.¡± I paused.


    ¡°He would¡­.¡± I tried to think of something he used to do to me as a kid but then I realized he really didn¡¯t do much for me. Fiona was the one who did everything for me as a kid.


    ¡°I think he deserved a better life¡± I rushed my statement before running to Zach¡¯s arm. I felt ashamed of myself for not being able to say something really nice about him before his body got buried.


    Zach stroked my hair as he whispered into my ear ¡°you¡¯ll be fine¡±


    ¡°Is there anybody else that has something to say?¡± The priest asked probably amused or questioning the way my father had lived his life that led him to not having done anything nice enough to someone.


    ¡°I do¡± a voice called from behind and I recognized it immediately, It was Fiona¡¯s. She made it known to me that she wouldn¡¯t be present at the burial ceremony so I¡¯m wondering what the hell she could possibly be here to do.


    I was about to yell at her but Zach had noticed the anger building up in me as his grip on me tightened.


    ¡°Let it go, she¡¯s his ex wife after all¡± he whispered as I inhaled a deep breath while trying to keep my temper away.


    I watched how she cat walked to where the coffin wasid with her personal bodyguard following her like a tattoo. She stared at the coffin for a few seconds and shook her head before facing us.


    ¡°Nice to meet you Grace¡± she smirked before diverting her attention from her.


    ¡°Oh Ezekiel, Dear Ezekiel, he used to be my husband and the sweetest creature one could ever wish for most especially before we got married. Everything was like a bed of rose with him and he made me feel whole and alive once again after I was dumped on my wedding day by someone who only wanted to use me¡±


    ¡°I loved him and he loved me, I remembered how he woulde over to my house whenever I was sad or having nightmares or insomnia, he would reassure me that everything would be okay and he was right here with me¡±


    ¡°I believed him and didn¡¯t doubt him for a second, right now if I had a wish I would wish for us to relieve those glorious days before everything turned grey. I¡¯ll forever remember you Ezekiel¡± she finished her statement and walked away from the corpse.


    I couldn¡¯t help but stare at her all through the ceremony, I hated to see her face and hated the fact she came here. She was my mother yet she inly told me she can¡¯t be my mother because of some political issues just when I was starting to get used to her.


    There was no point in hering to the ceremony, she could have just hidden herself up somewhere else and never shown her face to me.


    After he was buried into the ground we all took rounds to pour sand into his grave. For a second I thought I saw a feeling of sadness on Fiona¡¯s face but they were gone before I could figure it out.


    The ceremony was over and everyone was ready to go home, well if everyone was four people. I spotted Fiona about to hop into her expensive car and immediately walked up to her.


    Her personal assistant was going to stop me but I shoved her arms away, ¡°why the hell did youe, aren¡¯t you scared of being seen?¡± I scoffed.


    ¡°I had to pay my final respect to the man I once truly loved¡± she replied before closing the door and in no time her car went off leaving me standing behind in awe.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go Be¡± Zach said to me, as much as I wanted to forget she was here it was really easy to remember.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be going now¡± the Andersons stated before entering their car with Joe in it. He noticed I wasn¡¯t happy and also had a sad look on his face but I had to fake a smile so he would be happy.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Everyone was gone and the cemetery was now empty, Zach held me by my waist as he led me into the car.


    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you Be¡± he looked at me while we were halfway through the drive.


    ¡°Why? I couldn¡¯t even say something nice about my father¡± Imented.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t butcher his corpse, so yeah I¡¯m proud of the woman you¡¯ve be¡± he smiled and I smacked his hands.


    ¡°Careful love we might end up in trouble¡± he chuckled showing off his dimples and cute sets of teeth.


    I didn¡¯t listen to him as I smacked his arms again but this time really hard.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s it, you¡¯ll be in trouble when we get home¡± he bit his lips and different thoughts shed through my head. I tried to shove them off because I doubted he would have sex with me.


    *****


    ¡°You¡¯re dragging my arms!¡± I protested but he didn¡¯t listen as he dragged me into my apartment and locked the door behind. He switched positions so my back was resting on the wall and I was trapped in between. I could feel his bulge through his ck pants and I guessed he was serious about it this time.


    The thought of us finally having it made me excited as I felt some wetness in between my legs.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been curious about why I don¡¯t want to have sex with you right?¡± He growled and I nodded my head. My mouth was suddenly dumb.


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t want you to think I want you just for sex but right now I think we have something more serious between us and I believe we can never be seperated so why don¡¯t I just give you what you¡¯ve always wanted¡± his deep voiced growled as he pinned my hands on the wall. I had a feeling this would be something hot and hopefully I get to walkter on.

 Chapter 62

    ¡°Zachary O¡¯Connell! Where the hell are you and what the fucking crap do you think you¡¯re doing!?¡± My coach yelled through the phone as my wheel kept swerving through cars in a hurry.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry coach but I can¡¯t make it today. ¡± I responded with my eyes focused on the road. I had disobeyed a lot of traffic rules and outran a cop car. Hopefully I don¡¯t get caught by them; well not today.


    ¡°What the hell do you mean you can¡¯t make it? We¡¯re having a final match today and your teammates are all waiting for you, if you don¡¯te here we might lose the game. Zach, are you out of your mind!¡± He roared and even though I wasn¡¯t there I could picture the look of frustration on his face.


    ¡°What¡¯s even more important to you than your big game which would fetch you and your team a lot of money?¡± He groaned in frustration.


    ¡°It¡¯s my girlfriend¡¯s graduation coach! It is fucking important!¡± I yelled with excitement in my voice before hanging up.


    *****


    I arrived at the airport in Houston with a big smile on my face, she wouldn¡¯t be expecting me to be around for her graduation because of the big game but she¡¯s more important to me than some game or money.


    I stopped a Taxi which led me straight to a hotel where I  changed into a fine Tuxedo. I brushed my hair and styled it until I had this perfect prince charming look.


    Looking in the mirror and staring at the dragon figure on my neck, I wondered if she would actually like the new tattoo I got.


    I left the hotel after the ride I ordered had arrived. I can¡¯t wait to see her face again even though it¡¯s been just two month of not seeing her, two months without the warmth of her body felt like forever in hell.


    I arrived at her university and inhaled a deep breath. I walked into the big hall as I passed through different graduates in gowns and hats. I was still on time because the event hadn¡¯t started yet so I walked to the nearest empty seat that a name wasn¡¯t written on to settle my butt on.


    I didn¡¯t bother to call her or inform her that I would being because I bet it would be easier to locate her when her name would be called even though I would have to wait for a very long time but fortunately the names were being called ording to an alphabetical order and her name started from a good alphabet or so I thought.


    I was getting bored of sitting and pping for the people who were walking up the stage. I silently searched for her with my eyes but with everyone here wearing the same damn clothes it was really hard.


    ¡°Uhm hi?¡± A girl¡¯s voice called from beside me. She was also in a gown but I wasn¡¯t interested in talking to anyone here. I nced at her and gave a quick smile before concentrating on the event. I had to be nice because of my reputation.


    ¡°You remember me?¡± She asked again, I¡¯ve experienced most of these fromdies and it wasn¡¯t surprising. I was about to stand up from the seat before the memory of her suddenly shed through my mind but it was faint.


    ¡°The flower girl?¡± I asked and a broad smile appeared on her face as she nodded her head.


    ¡°Yes it¡¯s me, Rosa¡± she answered and I replied with a ¡°nice to meet you¡± before focusing back on the event.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite a big shot now with your football skills¡± she said and I could tell she was trying to start up a conversation which I wasn¡¯t interested in. All that was In my mind was my Be and how amazing she would look in the gown.


    She realized I wasn¡¯t responding to her anymore when she suddenly cleared her throat, ¡°who are you here for?¡± She asked.


    ¡°My girlfriend!¡± I immediately replied hopefully so she wouldn¡¯t bother me anymore but sit quietly.


    ¡°Still that girl?¡± She asked and I nodded. To be honest I think I actually had time to respond to her, if it were to be another day I would have uprightly stood up but then I was just so excited today because of my Be.


    ¡°She must be a really lucky girl¡± she sighed, I could tell she was still staring at me afterwards but I didn¡¯t mind. Isabe wasn¡¯t lucky to have me but I was hell of the luckiest man on Earth to have her.


    ¡°Isabe Brown¡± they finally called her name and I watched my baby girl majestically walk up to collect her certificate and to be congratted. I hadn¡¯t really been pping for people that much all these while but this time my p was the loudest.


    After she came down from the stage, I watched her walk outside the hall with a smile on her face and instantly followed her out.


    ¡°Be!¡± I yelled at the top of my lungs so she could hear me and it worked. She turned to look at me with shock all over her face before running to meet me.


    I caught her in my arms and hugged her really tight as I inhaled the intoxicating familiar smell of her body.


    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you my baby girl¡± I kissed her lips with the intent of a short kiss but it turned out to be a deep kiss before she suddenly pulled away.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wait! Why the fuck are you here right now when you¡¯re supposed to be ying a game?¡± She asked as her eyes burned into my soul.


    ¡°Because you matter most?¡± I nervously said as I scratched the back of my head. She smacked me on my arms before pulling me into a hug.


    ¡°Well only this time would I let it slide because I¡¯m d at least a person made it here¡± she snuggled closer towards me. My eyesnded on Rose who was staring at us with a face filled with jealousy and rage. I don¡¯t know what her problem is but all I know is she can¡¯t be a threat to me or Be.


    ¡°Hold on, you got a new tattoo?¡± Her voice came out as a whisper as her hands traced the image on my neck.


    ¡°Yeah you don¡¯t like it?¡± I asked hoping I hadn¡¯t made a mistake. I was just so attracted to the image at the tattoo shop and wanted it on me.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡± she smiled and I heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Bitch!!!!!¡± A high pitched voice squealed and we both turned to look at who it was.


    ¡°Maya!¡± Be eximed with happiness as she and her friend embraced themselves in a tight hug.


    ¡°Hey you weren¡¯t that excited to see me!¡± Imented with my lips pouting. She chuckled for a moment before turning to face her best friend as they both went into a deep conversation even though they met each otherst month when it was Maya¡¯s graduation.


    ¡°Where Joe by the way?¡± Maya asked.


    ¡°Oh he¡¯s having exams and won¡¯t be able to make it today¡± Be responded with a proud smile on her face, she looked really beautiful today with the light makeup on.


    ¡°Congrattions!¡± Another voice sounded and we all focused to see who it was. Fiona was standing elegantly in front of Be with a smile on her face. Be¡¯s big smile seemed to have fallen as she shed a fake smile along with a ¡°thank you¡± to Fiona.


    She was about to walk away when Fiona suddenly held her hands to stop her, ¡± you don¡¯t want to talk to me?¡± She questioned and Be scoffed.


    ¡°Why are you here? Because you didn¡¯t win the presidential election?¡± Be rhetorically asked with a sly smile on her face and the look on Fiona¡¯s face suddenly fell. They had withdrawn out of the election due to some reasons no one could tell but it wasn¡¯t my business anyway. If they had won the election then I would have travelled out of the country with Be.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Fiona muttered before releasing her grip on Be¡¯s hand. I had nned for this to be an amazing moment but Fiona managed to bring down the mood among us.


    Fiona was about to leave before we saw a tall and broad figure approaching us, dressed elegantly and neatly. I recognized who it was immediately, it was my cousin Devin.


    He looked really different from thest time I saw him, he was in the military school and served in the military for some years before leaving because of some issues.


    ¡°Congrattions Be¡± his voice came out thick and mild at the same time but contained a lot of authority. After the incident with his girlfriend he had really changed to a less cheerful person and hardly smiled.


    There was a tension among us that I wasn¡¯t sure of, I could see the feeling of guilt in Maya¡¯s eyes or perhaps they were something else but Devin paid no attention to her. Fiona also stopped walking the moment she saw Devin, her eyes were fixed on him like he was some kind of her damn salvation but I chose to ignore those signals. Perhaps I was overthinking.


    After everything was over and Fiona had left, we were just three left and she decided we all stayed in her apartment overnight and partied. Devin objected and insisted on staying in a hotel room so did Maya.


    Be and I left for her apartment and I took this as a golden opportunity. As soon as she opened the door to her apartment and was focused on switching on the lights. I heaved a deep breath before bending on one kneel, I knew this wasn¡¯t romantic like the ones we watched on the TV or read in books but I had indirectly asked how she would like to be proposed to and her response was ¡°in a quiet ce with just the two of us¡± so here I am bending on one kneel with a diamond ring in my hands and sweat running down my forehead.


    She turned to look at me and was dumb struck seeing me on one kneel with a ring in my hands. I was nervous and it was really unusual for me.


    ¡°Will you, Isabe Brown, marry me?¡± I asked but cringed when I realized how hoarse my voice came out.


    ¡°Yes!¡± She eximed as her smile widened. With excitement in me I ced the ring carefully in her finger and watched how it shone under the fluorescent light.


    Standing up to meet her face I pulled her closer to me by her waist and ced a soft kiss that spoke a thousand words on her lips. Finally, she¡¯s mine forever.


    ~THE END~


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