《STICK WITH ME》 Chapter 1 Bullied ¡°wake up.. you dummy!¡± My Mom shouted smacking my legs. ¡°Ahh.. is it morning already? I want to get more sleep¡± I yawned reaching out to my phone. ¡°Whatever, help me out let¡¯s pack this bags before the driveres¡± My Mum sighed. ¡°Are we moving out already? I mean again?¡± I asked my Mum. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of getting bullied by your peers¡±? My Mum asked packing my clothes into a bag. I can still remember, the day I entered the ss for the first time. I made my school uniform look very outstanding. ¡°We have a new student¡± The teacher announced to the ss. ¡°Come In¡± She bellowed to me. I entered the ss. Everyone was silent. ¡°Introduce yourself¡± The teacher said to me. ¡°Hi everyone, My name is Mia¡± I said to the ss. The look on their face was very awkward. ¡°Mia? what kind of name is that?¡± The kids askedughing loudly. I felt ufortable. I rumpled my skirts with my hands. One of the students, was notughing. She was looking through the window. I sat beside her. ¡°Hi am Mia¡± I introduced myself. ¡°Hi my name is Alison¡± She said giving me a handshake. She smiled at me earnestly. During break time, I went to the cafeteria. I was the only dark skinned girl in the school. I went to the table to eat but they kept chasing me out of the chairs. ¡°Mia!¡± Alison called me. I sat on the same seat with her. We talked a little. Alison is actually an introvert. She¡¯s popr on social media but in school, she doesn¡¯t associate with people alot. Alison and I became great friends but it didn¡¯tst long. ¡°Dark skin Mia, Dark Skin Mia!¡± The kids started calling me. I¡¯ve been living in hell since we moved into the town. I thought since my Mum is white, the racism will reduced but it didn¡¯t. The kids made fun of my skin colour. ¡°Go back to where you came from, you Nigga!¡± That one hurts. I always sat in the sports room crying. ¡°I didn¡¯t make my skin dark, why are they treating me this way¡± I always cried out. I had to stand against the way they treated me, I can¡¯t let people turn me into a puppet. They love sending me on errands alot, even when I refused, they made me to be submissive to them. ¡°If you go to the canteen, we¡¯ll make sure no one bullies you¡± A girl said to me. ¡°You even know that you¡¯re a bully!¡± I shouted at the girl as I stood up and hitting my book on the desk. ¡°Wow¡­ you¡¯ve grown alot¡± She said patting my head. I knew the girl was trying to cause a fight. I ran away from the ss immediately. Soon, Alison became the school Model. She doesn¡¯t talk to me again, she associated with the popr girls in the school, I felt broken. ¡°Are you thirsty?¡± She asked me after our sports activities in the morning. ¡°Do you want to give the water to me?¡± I asked her. She gave the water to me. I gulped down the water very fast. ¡°Thank you¡± I said to her giving her back her water bottle. She kept standing beside me. I stood up to leave. She grabbed my hands. ¡°Can I talk to you for a minute?¡± Alison asked. ¡°Okay then¡± I replied to her. ¡°So¡­ what do you Want to say to me¡± I asked Her. ¡°How have you been doing¡±? She asked me. ¡°Looks like Karma is striking back at you¡± I sneered. ¡°I know we ain¡¯t friends again but I feel very sorry¡± She begged. ¡°You think I¡¯ll trust you¡±? I asked her. ¡°I¡¯ve forgotten about the incident.. okay. I hope you live a happy life. Besides, you have about hundred and twenty seven thousand (127k) followers on Instagram. You make sure that everyone loves everything you do. But, you betrayed you own friend, just in the name of poprity.¡± I yelled at her. ¡°Have you forgiven me?¡±Alison asked me. ¡°You think I forgive easily? I know you¡¯re just pretending. Why will I¡± I sighed running down the stairs. ¡°We have new students in our ss today¡± The Teacher announced. ¡°Pleasee in¡± She said to the new students. Four students entered the ss, Two boys and Two girls. ¡°Woahh¡­!¡± I shouted in disbelief. It was the happiest day of my life. One of the girls, and boys are dark skinned. ¡°Introduce yourselves please¡± The Teacher said to them. ¡°Hi, Nice to meet you. My name is Alisha. I hope we could be friends¡± The dark girl introduced. She sat behind me. She waved at me smiling. ¡°My name is Ruby. Nice to meet you¡± The white girl said. She smiled at me. That was the moment we became friends. ¡°Nice to meet you. My name is Jamie¡± The dark guy smiled. He¡¯s so cute.. I love his curly hairs¡± The girls in the ss said. ¡°Is it because he¡¯s a boy or what? I have curly hairs too¡± I said smirking. ¡°Hi my name is Leo. Nice to meet you¡± The white guy introduced himself. I felt my heart hurt. My heart beat increased. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? This is not normal¡± I said to myself. He looked very cheerful. He has a brown eyes that shone brightly. He loves touching he¡¯s hair alot. The girls in the ss couldn¡¯t stop talking about him. ¡°He¡¯s so hot¡±! They continued saying. ¡°So sad, only one seat left, you¡¯ll have to seat beside Mia¡± The teacher said to Leo. ¡°Okay¡± he replied to her. ¡°Why beside me¡±? I asked in my mind. I felt ufortable. This is my first time of falling in love. ¡°No¡­ this is infatuation¡± I said to myself. ¡°How can I love someone I just saw this moment¡± ? I asked myself. Leo sat beside me. ¡°Hey!¡± he said to me. I felt nervous. ¡°hi¡± I replied to him.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. After Lessons, the teacher left the ss. ¡°Can I get your contact?¡± Leo asked me as he gave me his phone. ¡°You mean my number¡±? I pointed at myself. ¡°¡­ or are you asking the girl beside me¡±? I asked him pointing at Alison. ¡°You¡¯re Mia right?¡± Leo asked me. ¡°Yes!¡± I replied. I collected his phone from him and typed my number in it. ¡°Thank you. Mia¡± he said to me smiling. ¡°Now¡­¡± Jamie said putting his hands on Leo¡¯s shoulder and mine. ¡°¡­ Let¡¯s go to the cafeteria together!¡± Jamie eximed happily. I, Jamie, Ruby, Leo and Alisha became very close friends. It¡¯s my first time of having friends since I moved into the town. We talked alot about ourselves. ¡°Do you want to y basketball with me?¡± Leo asked me. ¡± Yes!¡±I replied to him. ¡°Let¡¯s go then¡± he said to me. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to y it¡± I groaned. he held my hands. I cringed. He helped me. ¡°I won!¡±I shouted immediately I scored for the first time. ¡°I allowed you to do so¡± Leo said to me. ¡°Whatever¡± I blurted smiling. ¡°You look very pretty when you smile¡± blurted. ¡°Do you love me that much?¡± I asked himughing. I knew he was joking. He loves saying alot of cringy things. Alison hated me more now. her behavior changed entirely, immediately she realized that Leo and I are close friends. Alison entered the sports room. I looked at her but couldn¡¯t say anything to her. She came straight to my face and pped me. ¡°Have you gone nuts?¡±! Leo asked her. ¡°Yes. I am! I¡¯ve gone nuts for you!¡± Alison shouted. ¡°Mia keeps getting in my way. Am more pretty than her. Leo please notice me!¡± Alison begged Leo. ¡°Are you a psycho¡±?! Leo asked her. ¡°Yes. I am!¡± Alison shouted. I made an attempt to stand up, Alison tried to push me but ended up pushing Leo. Leo fell to the ground and fainted. That was a very unfortunate day for me. Since then, Leo hasn¡¯te back to the school. I cried alot because he lost his phone. I went to his house several times to see him. Just to find out that he has relocated to another town. I almostmitted suicide. I kept ming myself for what happened that day. But I¡¯ll have to move on with my life without him. Chapter 2 Suicide Attempt The Night Before ¡°Are you really leaving?¡±Alisha asked me. ¡°Yes. I have no other choice.. I mean everyone is ming me for Leo¡¯s leave¡± I replied. ¡°Will you be really okay?¡± Jamie asked me. ¡°Yeah¡± I replied. Ruby couldn¡¯t help but cry. ¡°Mia.. Am really going to miss you so much¡± Ruby said to me as tears gushed down her eyes. They all hugged me including Jamie. ¡°Do you know where you guys will be going tomorrow?¡± Jamie asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Mum refused to tell me¡± I replied. ¡°I wish we could sleep over¡± Alisha said. ¡°Nevermind¡± I said to them. ¡°I gotta get going¡± I said to them. ¡°Bye¡­ Mia¡± Jamie said to me. I waved at them. I walked down the road leading to my house. ¡°Satisfied?¡± I heard a voice ask me from my back. I looked around to see who it was. Alison and her Friends or gangs. I looked at her. I didn¡¯t say anything to them. ¡°Leo is gone now. You¡¯re satisfied now right? You¡¯re going afterpleting your mission right?¡± Alison asked me. ¡°How can you say that to me? We¡¯ve been friends for the past five years.. yet you betrayed me¡± I retorted. ¡°Whatever. You¡¯re the worst mistake in my life. Yes I was at fault when that happened¡­ so what now. So sad¡­ I can¡¯t make up for it okay?¡± Alison said whispered in my ears.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. She¡¯s getting on my nerves now ¡°Same¡­ I can¡¯t also make up for Leo. Am not the fault he left. You probably wanted to hurt me but ended up hurting someone you loved¡±! I shouted at her. ¡°Someone you loved?¡± Alison asked me. I looked at her. ¡°You keep talking like you don¡¯t like Leo!¡± Alison yelled. She pped me at the same time. Alison actually has a hot temper. I kept my hand on my cheeks. My face turned red. ¡°I know am not as pretty as you¡­ but am a human being too¡± I cried out. ¡°Who cares if you¡¯re a human being. You don¡¯t belong here!¡±She shouted at the top of her voice. ¡°I mean Leo isn¡¯t your type¡±! She said to me. ¡°He is¡±! I shouted back at her. ¡°You think he won¡¯t me you for what happened to him?¡±Alison asked me. ¡°If you continue this, I¡¯ll go tell the media that you¡¯re a bully! Trying to act innocent. You¡¯re just an opportunist. If not because of me, you wouldn¡¯t have gotten to this opportunity!¡± I shouted at her. ¡°What else can you do?¡± She asked me. ¡°Am gonna make you regret evering to this town! You¡¯re leaving?¡± She asked me. I kept silent. ¡°You can¡¯t leave like that¡± She said to me. She walked towards me. I kept moving back. ¡°Girls. hit her¡±!! Alison shouted. They pushed me to the ground. Alisha was watching from behind and was making a video of it. The girls stepped on me. I was beaten up with sticks. They kept hitting me. I couldn¡¯t help but cry. Alison watched them beat me up. Tears gushed down from my eyes. There was many bruises on my face. ¡°Girls it¡¯s okay!¡± Alison said to them. Alison held me on the cor of my shirt. ¡°So sad!¡­ you don¡¯t know me well. Am more than what you think of me. Okay? When you leave this town¡­ I guess some of these bruises won¡¯t be gone and they might leave a scar. Use that to remember me okay¡±? Alison said to me and ran away with the girls. ¡°Truly she was more than what I thought of her¡± I muttered. ¡°Mum.. Dad.. What have I done to deserve all this?¡± I asked myself. Alisha left immediately after making a video of the whole incident. I couldn¡¯t stand up either. I tried to lift myself up but fell back down. I tried again, I held a box and stood up from the ground. I walked like a ghost. I don¡¯t even know the direction I was heading to. I found myself at the top of a huge building. I looked down from there. ¡°Life is so useless!¡± I muttered. My Mum didn¡¯t care to know about my personal life she concentrated on my elder siblings. I looked at a billboard ad. ¡°Hansmits suicide¡± I read out. ¡°Even celebritiesmit suicide. Who am I not to do so?¡± I asked myself. I imed at the edge of the building. I was about to let go of myself. Someone grabbed me from the back. I became afraid. ¡°Do you thinkmiting suicide is the only way to solve your problem?¡± The boy who held me from falling asked me. I couldn¡¯t see his face clearly. ¡°Yes it is! Am tired of the world and every single thing living in it!¡± I shouted. He looked at me fiercely. ¡°So what¡±?.. Does death solve it¡±? He asked me. I kept silent. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re going through but have you tried to fix it. Have you tried for a way to solve it before giving up¡±? He asked me. At this moment, I kept quiet. He looked at my face. I looked at him in the eye. I felt sick, my head hurt. I ced my hand on my head. I fainted afterwards. I woke up in an infirmary. I looked beside me, I didn¡¯t see anyone. The boy went to the doctor. ¡°Looks like she was beaten severely, But she will be okay soon¡± The female Doctor said to him. ¡± I used your phone to call your Mum. They¡¯ll be here soon. Am not usually this nice to people. I hope I don¡¯t see you again¡± He said to me. ¡°Can I get your name. I¡¯ll like to repay your kindness¡± I said to him. He looked at me in the eye but didn¡¯t say anything. He covered his head with his hoodie ad left the infirmary. ¡°He¡¯s actually scary¡± I said in my mind. ¡°Mia¡­ Are you okay?¡± My Mum asked me immediately she entered the infirmary. My little sister Mariah cried more immediately she saw me. I looked very different from my siblings. Am the only one with a light dark skin. My Mum went to pay for the treatment. ¡°A boy who brought her here, payed for her bills¡± The doctor said to my Mum. ¡°He payed the bill?¡± I asked my Mum. ¡°Yes. Do you know the person?¡± My Mum asked me. ¡°No I don¡¯t¡± I replied. ¡°The doctor said you could leave now. Let¡¯s go home. I called a taxi. Tommorow is a busy day for us. We¡¯re finally leaving this town. You won¡¯t have to cry anymore¡± My Mum said to me. ¡°I¡¯ll miss my friends¡± Maria muttered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡± I said to her. ¡°You can contact them through messages¡± I said to her. ¡°Mum won¡¯t let me use theputer¡± She replied. ¡°I¡¯ll give you my phone¡± I said In her ears. ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± I said to my Mum. ¡°Am finally leaving the pains behind¡± I said in my Mind. Chapter 3 New Town The car is here. Get in.. Get in!¡± My Mum shouted. ¡°Okay¡± My siblings and I responded entering the car. ¡°Wait¡­ Wait¡±! We heard a voice from behind. ¡°It¡¯s Mia¡¯s friends¡± Maria blurted. ¡°Me¡­?!¡±I asked hering down from the car. ¡°Mia.. Mia!¡± Ruby and Jamie eximed. Running as fast as they could. Alisha was among them but she looked forced. ¡°Ruby¡­ Jamie¡­ Alisha!!¡± I called out to them. ¡°Mia¡­ you¡¯re really leaving us now?¡± Ruby asked. She couldn¡¯t control the tears running down her cheeks. Ruby and Jamie hugged me. ¡°Alisha¡± I called out to her. She was behaving weirdly, unlike her usual self. ¡°Bye.. Mia. Am gonna miss you¡± Alisha cried out. ¡°Am gonna miss you too¡± I replied hugging her tightly. ¡°Bye!¡±I said waving at them. Alisha gave a teddy to Maria and I. ¡°Thank you¡± Maria said hugging her. My elder sister Monica checked the time. ¡°It¡¯s 10:00 am. Let¡¯s leave¡± She said to us. ¡°Must you always be this fussy?¡± I smirked. ¡°Safe journey¡± Ruby, Jamie and Alisha said to us. We entered the car and zoomed off. ¡°She¡¯s really gone?¡± Ruby asked Joe and Alisha as she broke down in tears. ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s gone¡± Jamie replied patting Ruby at the back. ¡°I guess Alison would be the happiest human now¡± Jamie sighed. ¡°I hope the new town epts us. I hope I can make good and nice friends¡± I prayed on our way. ¡°I hope too¡± My little sister Mariah added. ¡°Why will you hope¡­ I mean you¡¯re not like her¡± Monica huffed. I gave her a deadly look. ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± Jason my elder brother convinced me. I covered my face with a mask. ¡°Why are you covering your face?¡± Monica asked me. ¡°None of your business!¡± I cooed. ¡°Why are you wearing that?¡± Maria asked. ¡± I don¡¯t want people to look at me weirdly¡± I replied fitting the mask on my face. Maria shaked her head in disapproval. ¡°You could have bought an original one. The breeze will soon blow it away from your face¡± My Mum said to me. Monica, Jason and Mariaughed loudly. ¡°Then give me some money¡± I whispered in her ears. She pushed me away immediately. Immediately we entered the town, the breeze blew away my mask. It covered a guy¡¯s face. ¡°Oops!¡± I said looking at him. It covered his face entirely. ¡°Miaa..!¡± Jason called me. I looked at him. ¡°Can you stop making troubles?¡± Jason huffed. I nodded my head in approval. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± The guy removed the mask from his face. ¡°This smells like the perfume of the girl I helpedst night¡± He said removing the mask from his face. ¡°You love causing troubles¡± Jason said to me. ¡°It wasn¡¯t intentional¡­ you¡¯re always fussy¡± I said to Jason hitting his back. The weather was too nice, I slept off. ¡°We¡¯re home!¡± My eximed with joy. ¡°Finally, we arrived¡± Maria said rejoicing. ¡°The house looks beautiful thou¡± Monica said observing the building. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have alot of neighbors here¡± Jason said as he came down. ¡°Wake up!!¡± Jason said hitting me on my head. ¡°Don¡¯t you know your hands are painful?! I asked him with a scornful look. He hissed. I came down from the car with my bags on my hands. My Mum was greeting the neighbors. ¡°Is that your second daughter?¡± One of the women asked her. ¡°Yes¡± My Mum replied to them. I looked at the women. ¡°She looks different¡­ Does she have the Same Father with the other siblings?¡± One of the women asked her. The other women made sign for her to shut up. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her. She too straight forward¡± One of the women said to my Mum trying to cover up for the woman. I looked at them. It was a kind of an eye contact. I looked the women without blinking. ¡°She looks fierce¡±! Another woman said. I entered the house with my bags. ¡°Mia we¡¯ll be sharing the same room¡± Monica said to me. I felt devastated. I hate my sister Monica alot. ¡°Why will I be sharing the same room with this witch?¡± I asked myself. I entered the room and threw my bags on the bed. ¡°I don¡¯t even want to share a room with you. I mean, go look for your Dad. we¡¯re not siblings!¡± She shouted at me. I hate my sister and she hates me too. But, when we¡¯re in front of my Mum we act nice. At times, I ask myself if she is really my sister. She¡¯s too cold to even be a human being. I can say she doesn¡¯t have feelings. Soon, we finished unpacking our belongings. ¡°Everyonee to the dining table¡± My Mum said to us. ¡°What are we eating¡±? Maria asked my Mum. ¡°We¡¯re eating anything you see on this table, drop that phone right now¡± My Mum replied to her. I changed my clothe into baggy trousers and a big ck hoodie, My favorite outfit. Monica looked at me and sneered. I looked at her in disgust. ¡°Ramen?¡± I asked my Mum as I sat on the seat. Jason tasted it. ¡°It tastes very delicious¡± Jason said. We all tasted the Ramen for the first time. ¡°It¡¯s good. Looks like we are gonna eat more of it now¡±Monica said eating the Ramen very fast. ¡°Must you put all of them into your mouth that way?¡± I asked her. ¡°Don¡¯t you watch Chinese and Korean dramas? That¡¯s the way it should be eaten¡± Maria said to me. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her, she is not okay. She¡¯s just making a fuss¡­ okay?¡± Monica said to Maria stroking her hair. ¡°Am done!¡± I dropped my chopstick on the table and entered my room. I hate my sister alot. She loves making me look inferior. She is the worst creature I¡¯ve seen in my life not even Alison. I sat at the back of the door. I bent my head and started crying again. She was my sister but she doesn¡¯t like acting like one. I¡¯m a burden to her. She got bullied in high school because of me and that made her not to have any friend. She me for any little thing that happens in her life. Someone knocked on the door. I stood up and opened the door. ¡°Do you want to go and visit your new school?¡± My Mum asked me. ¡°I¡¯ll love too¡± I replied to her. ¡°Why are you crying?¡± My Mum asked me. She brought me closer to her. She stroked her hands on my hair. ¡°Don¡¯t mind the women earlier, they didn¡¯t mean it that way. Don¡¯t make it look like they are racist. Thedy earlier was just being to straight forward okay?¡± My Mum said to me. I nodded my head but she didn¡¯t know that wasn¡¯t my problem. I¡¯ve received a lot of that. So it¡¯s nothing new to me. People love asking me if I had the same father with my siblings. Although, I haven¡¯t seen my Dad since I was born and none of us had mustered the courage to ask our Mum who our Dad really is. ¡°Did your Mum just get pregnant for you that way?¡± People always asked me. If there¡¯s anyone that knows about our Dad¡­ It should be Monica.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 4 Coincidence ¡°Help me out.. Help me out!¡± My little sister shouted. ¡°What¡¯s it.. What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked her. I was actually arranging the flowers in the roof top of our house. I came close to her. I looked down. The boy on a bicycle fell down. I looked at the boy¡¯s face. he looked very familiar. his hair was like that of Leo, his eyes too. he kept looking at me. ¡°Is that Leo?¡± I asked myself. He stood up from the ground. ¡°Sister help me. I mistakenly threw the ball on his head!¡± Maria pleaded. I didn¡¯t reply to her. Maria looked down too. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Leo?¡± Maria asked me. ¡°Be careful next time.. child¡± The boy said to Maria throwing back the ball to her. ¡°Thank you!¡± Maria smiled at him. ¡°That¡¯s really Leo¡± I said to myself. ¡°He really looks like Leo. I miss those days when you bring him over to the house¡± My little sister cooed hugging her teddy tightly. I sighed. I came out from my room. I thought I could see the boys face now. I saw a huge bus entering our surrounding. The bus prevented me from seeing the boy again. The Man riding the bus is dark inplexion. I was very happy to see him. I waved at him happily. It¡¯s really nice to see someone just like you. The Man smiled at me earnestly. The bus suddenly stopped in front if our house. There were alot of cooking ingredients inside the bus. My Mum came out from the house immediately. ¡°Wee sir¡±! She said to the Man bowing her head. The Man came down and opened the bus. All my siblings came out of the house to see what was happening. The people living in the town came of their houses to see what was happening. We looked at our Mum direct the Men to a certain spot. ¡°What is she trying to do?¡± The women asked amongst themselves. A billboard was raised up by the Men. ¡°Donald¡± That was written on the billboard. ¡°Is she trying to start a bar here?¡± The people around murmured. ¡°Okay Thank you¡± My Mum said to the Men who helped her carry the ingredients into the pub. The bus left immediately. We helped out Mum unpack many things. ¡°Mum what are you trying to do with this ce?¡± We asked her. ¡°A Pub!¡± She smiled at us. ¡°A pub?!¡± We asked her in disbelief. The people around looked at us. ¡°A pub¡±? They started murmuring. ¡°Does she think that¡¯s gonna work out. We don¡¯t have to many people living around here. I wonder how she will survive¡± The women muttered. ¡°Mum why didn¡¯t you tell us about this¡±? Jason asked her. ¡°Must I tell you about all my intentions¡±?! My Mum yelled at him. ¡°You guys should just be supportive¡± She added. Monica sighed. ¡°Mia, change your clothes and go take a nce at your new school¡± My Mum said to me. ¡°Okay¡± I replied. I walked into my room. ¡°What should I wear.. what should I wear¡±? I asked myself making it sound rhythmic. I brushed my hands through the hanger checking for an appropriate clothe. Finally, I found one. A ck crop top and a short white skirt.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Good to go¡± I Said to myself. ¡°Mia¡­!¡±My Mum called out to me. I ran to answer her. ¡°Help me distribute this papers once you enter the school premises¡± She said handing some papers to me. I read through it. ¡°You¡¯re advertising your pub?¡± I asked her. ¡°Yes¡± she replied smiling. ¡°Am out for walk¡± Monica said leaving the kitchen. ¡°Won¡¯t you help me prepare the dishes?¡± My Mum asked Monica. ¡°Tell your favorite daughter to do it¡± Monica replied to my Mum. My Mum doesn¡¯t care for me alot. But when she does, Monica get¡¯s jealous. ¡°Don¡¯t mind handing the papers to me¡­ am not distributing¡± Monica said to Mum. She used a towel to clean her hands and left the house. I arrived at the school premises. I was handing the papers to the people I saw. ¡°Visit Donald Pub¡± I said to people as I handed out the papers bowing down too. The school premises was a veryrge one. The environment was neat and pleasant too. I felt tired of standing. I sat down on a bench to rest a little. ¡°Yehh.. we won¡±! I heard noises. I went closer to see what they we¡¯re doing. They were ying basketball. I love ying basketball alot. Leo made me love it. I entered into the gathering. ¡°Leo¡­ Go¡­ Leo¡±! The girls were shouting. It¡¯s the boy I saw earlier. I think that¡¯s really Leo. But, I can¡¯t face him like that. I turned to leave. One of the boys who we¡¯re ying mistakenly threw the ball to the ce where the people we¡¯re surrounded. The girls there hid at my back. So the ball will touch on my body and not theirs. I used my hand to throw the ball into the hoop. it entered directly. ¡°Wow¡­ she¡¯s so amazing¡± The girls and boys in the gathering we¡¯re saying to me. ¡°She looks different from us¡± The girls said. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. She will be a good basketball yer¡± The boys said cheering for me. ¡°End of the game!¡± The master said blowing his whistle. ¡°Hey!¡± The master called me. ¡°Me¡­?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yes¡­ You!¡± he replied. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re the new student that wants to register today right?¡± he asked me. ¡°Yes!¡± replied. ¡°Follow me to my office¡± he instructed. I followed him. ¡°Your Mum have paid the fees and everything needed¡± He said to me. I nodded my head. ¡°You¡¯re very good in basketball¡± he said to me. ¡°Ohh¡­ Thank you for thepliment sir¡± I said bowing my head. ¡°You can collect your school uniform from Ms. Jane¡± He ordered. ¡°She¡¯s not in the office¡± Leo said as he entered the office. ¡°You can collect it tommorow then¡± The master said to me. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll get going then¡± I said to him. I gave the paper to the Master and Leo. ¡°So I¡¯ll be starting school here tomorrow¡± I said to myself. It¡¯s gettingte too. I need to run home. The weather changed. ¡°Rain¡±? I asked myself. I ran as fast as I could. I entered a light house. Waiting for the rain to stop. Leo entered the Light house few minutester. ¡°We meet again¡±? Leo asked me. I shivered. Goosebumps appeared on my body. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re feeling cold¡± Leo removed his hoodie, he wore is on my body. I kept looking at him We stared at each other for a while. ¡°You remember me?¡± I asked him. ¡°Mia¡­?¡± Leo asked me. I stared into his eyes now curiously. Chapter 5 New School ¡°Mia.. Wake up!¡± Maria shouted hitting the pillow on my body. ¡°Leave me.. Leave me¡± I said pushing her a way from me. ¡°Today is your first day in school.. do you want to bete?¡± Maria asked me. ¡°Oh.. yeah!¡± I remembered and stood up immediately. I entered the bathroom. I brushed my teeth quickly. I took my bath immediately. I sat on the chair staring at my face in the mirror. ¡°So Leo didn¡¯t recognize me or maybe I changed alot this few months?¡± I asked myself. ?Last night? ¡°Mia¡± Leo called me. ¡°You remember me?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yes. Why won¡¯t I? You¡¯ll be a good basketball yer¡± Leo said to me. I kept looking at him. ¡°The way you caught the ball was very amazing¡± Leoplimented me. ¡°Oh.. Thank you¡± I replied. ¡°Are you new to this neighborhood?¡± He asked me. ¡°Yes¡± I replied to him. ¡°Okay¡± he said avoiding my face. ¡°Do you know anyone named Mia in your former school?¡± I asked him. ¡°Mia.. Mia¡± he kept repeating. His head suddenly started hurting him. he felt ufortable. Leo was gasping for air. He bent down. ¡°Ahh.. ah¡± He repeated continuously. he held his head with his hands. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked him. I held him. He didn¡¯t say anything. I don¡¯t even know what to do. I brought out his phone from his pocket. I dailed the first number I saw on the phone. ¡°Please can youe to block 47 Mariama road. Leo is unconscious¡± I shouted on the phone. ¡°My Leo is unconscious?¡± The voice asked me. It¡¯s a voice of a girl. ¡°Witchful sister¡± That¡¯s what was used to save the number. I giggled. Leo looked at me. Soon, his eyes gently closed and he fainted afterwards. ¡°Leo wake up.. wake up¡± I called him but it was in vain. Few minutester, A white car came to our direction. The white car looked very shy and expensive. I haven¡¯t seen a car like that in my life. The white car shed the lights on my face. I used my hands to cover my eyes. Two girls in white dress came down from the car and carried Leo immediately into the car. ¡°My Leo!¡± One of the girls kept repeating. The driver came down and asked me how he fainted. I exined to him everything to him. They drove out immediately. The girls didn¡¯t give me a look. ¡°Whatever, that wasst night¡± I muttered to myself. I brushed my long hard hair. Sometimes, I cry while brushing my hair. it¡¯s too curly and hard to brush. ¡°You can just pack it¡± Monica said to me as she carried her sweat shirts leaving the room. ¡°No one asked you¡± I said to her. I styled my hair and packed it. I wish mine was like that of my siblings, Long and straightened. ¡°First impression matters¡± I said to myself. ¡°What will I wear?¡± I asked myself. I brushed my hands thought the hanger. I brought out a ck straight gown. ¡°This one looks nice¡± I said as I wore the dress. I applied some light make up on my face. I brought out a white shoe and wore on my legs. I carried my bag and looked at myself at the mirror. ¡°I look representable today¡± I said to myself winking. I went downstairs to greet my Mum. ¡°Miae over here join us¡± My Mum said to me. ¡°No Thank you¡± is replied to my Mum. Jason was filling the cup with a milk. he kept looking at me that he didn¡¯t know when the milk spilled on the table. ¡°Is that my sister?¡± Maria asked. Monica and My Mum looked at me with their mouth open. ¡°Bye¡± I waved at them leaving the house. I entered into the school premises. ¡°Wow.. who is she? She looks very beautiful¡± The students we¡¯re saying to me. ¡°Her skin is different from ours¡­ but she¡¯s hot¡± The guys said. ¡°Are they talking about me?¡± I asked Myself smiling earnestly. ¡°Isn¡¯t she the girl from yesterday? The basketball girl?¡± The student we¡¯re asking each other. ¡°She looks like Zendaya.. Oh my God!¡± They continued saying. ¡°Looks like am going to have a nice social life in my new school¡± I said to myself.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. I entered the ss the Master gave to me yesterday. ¡°We have a new student in the ss today¡± The Teacher said to the students. I entered the ss. ¡°She¡¯s in our ss!¡± The boys in the ss shouted. I entered the ss. ¡°Introduce yourself¡± The Teacher said to me. ¡°Hi, My name is Donald Mia¡± I couldn¡¯tplete my words. ¡°Mia.. I love the name¡± The students said. ¡°I don¡¯t like having many friends¡± I said to them bowing my head. I decided not too make many friends in this school. That was the way Monica behaved after she changed school because she was bullied. And she found peace by doing so. ¡°Take your seat¡± The teacher said to me. I went to thest seat in the ss. I sat down. Everyone in the ss looked at me. ¡°She¡¯s very brave¡± The student¡¯s in the ss said. There was an empty seat beside me. ¡°¡­ And that is for our ss today¡± The Teacher said to us. She left the ss immediately. Leo was bowing down his head. I stood up to his seat. ¡°Are you feeling better¡±? I asked him. He looked at me. ¡°Mia..¡± he called out to me and bent back his head. ¡± Am feeling better but I want to be alone for some minutes¡± He said coughing. ¡°Okay¡± I replied to him and went back to my seat. A girl with sses walked up to me. ¡°hi¡±! She waved. ¡°hi¡± I replied reluctantly. ¡°You really don¡¯t want any friends¡± She said to me. ¡°Come with me. So you¡¯ll collect your uniform¡± She said to me. I followed her at the back. I was getting more attention than I expected. The boys looked at me from the window of their sses. ¡°Thank you¡± I said to thedy after collecting my uniform from her. It¡¯s school over. I carried my bag to go home. Leo held my hands. I looked at him. ¡°Help me carry my bags¡± Leo pleaded. He looked weak. ¡°Okay no problem¡± I carried his bags for him. ¡°Are your parents taking you home?¡± I asked him. ¡°Yes¡± he replied to him. I saw the car entering the schoolpound. It¡¯s Leo¡¯s Mum in front of the car. I was very surprised. I gave the bag to Leo and ran away immediately. Leo¡¯s Mum hated me alot. ¡°It¡¯s really Leo. Why don¡¯t he recognize me?¡± asked myself. I ran into a bike. I opened my mouth in surprise. I thought it was going to hit me. I fell down that instant. The boy riding the bike came down. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked me. ¡°What..? I asked myself. It¡¯s the boy who saved the day I wanted tomit suicide. he looked at me in surprise. he kept holding my hands tightly. Chapter 6 Broken Home ¡°Pervert!¡± I screamed releasing myself from his grips. ¡°Huh¡­ it¡¯s you?¡± I shouted as I stood up pointing at him. ¡°Hey it¡¯s you, the guy that helped me the other day¡­ aren¡¯t you?¡±. I was totally ignored. ¡°Looks like the Devil and her son ising this way¡± Jay sighed standing up. ¡°huh¡­? Who¡¯s the Devil?¡± I asked myself. Jay¡¯s Mum¡¯s car was fast approaching to us. I need to cover my face. I immediately took his helmet from the handlebars of the bike. ¡°hey¡­. what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Jay shouted. ¡°Am sorry¡­. I¡¯ll give it back to you when next we meet¡± I replied heading down the road. ¡°Damn¡­. that was close¡± I said removing the helmet. I heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Isn¡¯t that jay?¡± Leo¡¯s Mum whined down the car¡¯s window. ¡°He probably came back for his share of Dad¡¯s properties¡± Leo sighed. ¡°Like he¡¯s got a share¡± Leo¡¯s Mum smirked. *. *. *. *. *. * ¡°Is this how I¡¯ll be avoiding Leo¡¯s Mum everyday?¡± I sighed removing my helmet. I kicked my legs on rocks as I walked down the street . I didn¡¯t know when I walked pass our pub. ¡°I might go crazy any moment from now¡± I sighed. ¡°Oh Mia you¡¯re back? Come help me out wash this kitchen utensils please¡­. we have a lot of customes today¡± Mum said removing my backpack. ¡°Mum¡­. Am justing back. I haven¡¯t changed my clothes either¡± I said reluctantly. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter right now¡± ¡°Mum really? Why don¡¯t you call your first or will I say your favourite daughter¡± I sighed. ¡°You¡¯re picking up an unnecessary fight now. Once you¡¯re done cleaning you can go.¡± ¡°Mum¡­¡± ¡°Wee to our pub¡± Mum said to the customers. I was totally ignored. I hit the rag on the desk aggressively. Few minutester, Monica entered the pub, walking hargardly and reeking of alcohol and cigarettes. I looked at her in disgust. ¡°She now smokes?¡± I asked myself. Monica bumped into my shoulder deliberately. ¡°Ahh¡­!¡± I screamed in pain. ¡°Learn to mind your business. If Mum ever hears of this¡­. you¡¯re gone for good¡± Monica smirked. Monica has been differenttely. She stays upte at night, cries when she¡¯s alone in the room. Now she smokes too. I shrugged. * * * * * ¡°Entering this house right now feels like moving to hell¡± Jay sighed making his way into the house. Jay just came back from America after 10 years of living there. ¡°Jay?¡± Riah, he¡¯s kid sister called out to him. Riah rushed to give him a hug. ¡°Wait¡­ Riah, why are you looking so unkempt, And besides why are you cleaning the dining table. That should be the housemaids job¡± Jay ranted. Riah bowed her head in shame as she couldn¡¯t say anything. ¡°¡­. And she¡¯s the housemaid¡± Leo¡¯s Mum said entering the living room. Jay was dumbfounded. ¡°You mean my sister is your housemaid?!¡± Jay shouted at Leo¡¯s Mum. This made everyonee down to the living room. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Chloe the eldest sister asked as she enters the living room. ¡°Jay¡­. you¡¯re back?¡± They asked in unison. ¡°Yes¡­. Am back. Am back from where your Evil Mum sent me to suffer and die!¡± Jay shouted. ¡°Hello¡­. Did you just call me evil?¡± Leo¡¯s Mum asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you evil? I watched you kill my Mum in other to take her ce in the family¡± Jay shouted more. ¡°Calm down Brother, you¡¯re justing back today. Don¡¯t be like that¡± Riah convinced Jay. ¡°Mum¡­ what did he just say?¡­ you killed someone. He¡¯s Mum?¡± Leo asked. ¡°Don¡¯t mind that lunatic. He¡¯s kind of sick in the head. Just give him a little time. He¡¯lle back to his senses¡± She replied forcing a smile on her face. ¡°This house is about to turn to something else. I thought Mum was done with Dad¡¯s first wife and her kids¡± Chloe sighed. Riah offered a bottle of water to Jay. ¡°Riah¡­ you mean you¡¯ve been going through all this, you couldn¡¯t even tell me about it¡± Jay sighed. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter at all. Besides, am about to get married¡± Riah said. ¡°You say what?¡± Jay eximed. ¡°I know am just 17 but Leo¡¯s Mum want me to get married. I actually know it¡¯s for a business purpose. It¡¯s like a contracted marriage. But she said it won¡¯tst long, after some years or months, we¡¯ll break up¡± Riah exined. ¡°And you want to do what she said? That¡¯s what she did to Chloe. Don¡¯t ever try that. You¡¯ll end up endangering yourself¡± Jay convinced Riah. ¡°I actually want to be free. I think getting married solves my current problem. I mean I¡¯ll finally get to leave this house¡± Riah sighed. ¡°Riah, am your elder brother. Don¡¯t so this, just continue your education¡± Jay convinced her. ¡°The wedding is in few weeks¡± Riah sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know what to do to stop the wedding¡± Jay smiled. Riah hugged him tightly. ¡°What did this boye here to do. He¡¯s about ruining my n¡± Leo¡¯s Mum bite her hands. ¡°Mum¡­. what are we gonn¡¯ do now? Am sure Jay will cut off the marriage¡± Chloe sighed. ¡°That¡¯s actually my problem now¡± Leo¡¯s Mum sighed. ¡°Mum¡­ Did you kill their Mum?¡± Chloe asked her Mum. ¡°Chloe do you think I¡¯ll ever do that?. Am your Mum¡± Leo¡¯s Mum said shocked. ¡°Am sorry Mum, I was just curious¡± Chloe apologized. ¡°It¡¯s your second week here, when are you going back to your husband¡¯s house?¡± Leo¡¯s Mum asks Chloe. ¡°Mum, this is my house. Am free toe here anytime and stay as long as I want. I can¡¯t go there. Besides, I don¡¯t even love him. We aren¡¯t really married, And you know that. He even beats me up and bring women home. You expect me to stay there? Chloe asks. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the contract will expire soon¡± Leo¡¯s Mum convinced her. *. *. *. *. * Mia¡¯s P. O. V ¡°Oh my, another day.¡± I yawned on my bed. I stood up to prepare for school. I opened the bathroom to see Monica throwing up heavily. ¡°Monica! What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± I asked her lifting her up . I called out to My Mum to help us out. Monica removed my hands from her body. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Let¡¯s take her to the hospital. Call the neighbor¡± Mum instructed me. Monica was taken to the hospital with out neighbors car. I refused to go with them. I was done preparing for school. I ran out immediately to the bus station. ¡°Thank God, am notte¡± I sighed heavily. The same bike of yesterday drove pass me. ¡°Bikes are allowed in school?¡± I asked myself making way into the crowd. ¡°Jay Jay Jay!¡± I heard the students shout. ¡°Who is Jay?¡± I asked. ¡°He¡¯s from the Noble family. Leo¡¯s step brother¡± The girl with sses answered me. ¡°Oh thank you¡± I said to her. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± I asked her. ¡°You want to know my name now? thought you wanted no friends ¡± She smirked. ¡°Well my name is Ivy. And you are?¡± She asked. ¡°How does she not know my name¡± I said in my mind. ¡°Nevermind, I know. Mia. Nice to meet you¡± Ivy smiled. ¡°Nice to meet you too¡± I replied. We entered the ss for our morning lesson. Lo and behold, Am sitting next to the guy I took his helmet. ¡°Chipmunk!¡± he called me immediately he saw me. I covered my face. ¡°My helmet!¡± he demanded. ¡°I¡¯ll bring it for you tomorrow, I didn¡¯t know you are attending my school¡± I smiled awkwardly. ¡°¡­. Am not chipmunk, My name is Mia¡± I said to Jay. ¡°You guys know each other?¡± Ivy asked me. ¡°Not really¡± I replied. ¡°Well am Jay¡± he smirked. I sighted Leo from afar but avoided him.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. At the end of the ss, Ivy was showing me round the school when Leo walked up to me. ¡°The Sports master needs you know at his office¡± Leo said to me. I felt goosebumps on my body at first. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter¡± I said to Ivy. I walked behing Leo. I bent my face down. I mistakenly hit him at the back. He turned and looked at me ferociously. ¡°Am really sorry, I didn¡¯t mean it¡± I said to him terrified. Leo smiled. I was surprised, why was he smiling? I asked myself. Leo knocked on the sports master¡¯s office and he opened the door for us. ¡°Hi Mia, you¡¯re here already?¡± He asked me. ¡°Of course, she¡¯s here¡± Leo said. He handed a paper to me. It was a basketballpetition with another school. I read through the paper and gave it back to him. ¡°We want you to represent the school¡± He said to me. ¡°How¡¯s that even possible? I haven¡¯t been in this school for up to a week¡± I said in my mind. ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t think I can do this. Besides, am new here¡± I said to him. ¡°I see that potential in you, you¡¯re perfect¡± He smiled. ¡°Mia, you should take this. Besides, you¡¯ll be trained for some weeks before the actual day¡± Leo convinced me. ¡°Alright¡± I smiled. ¡°You just need to sign here¡± The sports master adviced me. I was about picking up the pen, when my phone rang. It was my Mum calling. I answered the call. ¡°Mia rush to the hospital right now, Monica is dying¡± My Little sister, Maria shouted crying. ¡°Monica is dying?¡± I asked her but Maria has already ended the call. I stood up immediately to leave. ¡°Hey, where are you going? You need to sign this first¡± The sports master called me. ¡°Sorry sir, something really urgent came up and am needed right now¡± I apologized leaving the room. ¡°Hey wait!¡± Leo called me. I Ignored him and continued running. I didn¡¯t want anything to happen to Monica . I didn¡¯t want her to die either. Chapter 7 Getting close ¡°Hey wait!¡± Leo called me. I Ignored him and continued running. I didn¡¯t want anything to happen to Monica . I didn¡¯t want her to die either. ¡°Mia, you can¡¯t just leave like that, today is the final day. You can¡¯t get this kind of opportunity ever again¡± Leo beckoned. I turned and heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°My elder sis, Monica is very sick and she has been admitted to the hospital. Am afraid she might die. Do you know why? She has been taking lots of illegal drugstely. She migh have hurt her lungs ¡± I sighed. ¡°You could have said so than run away like that. You made the master think you¡¯re not interested. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll go to meet him now and exin to him. You mighte back when you¡¯re done¡± Leo said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, nothing will happen to your sis. Don¡¯t overthink. Okay¡±? Leo assured me. ¡°Thank you so much¡± I replied. Leo went back to the masters office. I continued running. It was at this moment, I realized I was a fool. ¡°Very stupid me!¡± I shouted hitting my head. I didn¡¯t even ask for the name of the hospital. I called Maria on phone. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s the name of the hospital?¡± I asked panthing heavily. ¡°You¡¯re actually a fool!¡± Maria shouted. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Of course, you didn¡¯t even ask about the name of the hospital or the location. Pathetic!¡± Maria replied. I felt like beating her into a pulp. ¡°Even though, it wasn¡¯t my fault. Tell me now am asking nicely. What¡¯s the name of the hospital and the location?¡± I pleaded. ¡°Nevermind, Monica doesn¡¯t want you toe visit her. Mum is here already¡± Maria replied. I heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°What¡¯s actually wrong with Monica? What did the doctor say about her health?¡± I asked. ¡°Maria¡­ will you end that call right now? Or should I snatch the phone from you?¡± I heard a voice ask her. Maria ended the call immediately. It¡¯s probably Monica. ¡°I don¡¯t even care about her¡± I sighed going back to the principal¡¯s office. I met Jay on my way. ¡°My helmet!¡± Jay demanded. I tried avoiding him by running away. He chased after me. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this dude?¡± I asked myself. ¡°Mi.. Ma¡­ I can¡¯t even remember your name. Mia stop. Stop !¡± Jay shouted. I fell to the ground exhausted. ¡°My helmet!¡± He demanded. ¡°I will bring it for you tomorrow. Don¡¯t worry. I promise¡± I said making the promise sign. ¡°What¡¯s that? What are you doing to your finger?¡± Jay asked. ¡°You are dumb. Very dumb,¡± I sighed standing to my feet. ¡°How will I know?¡± Jay asked. ¡°It¡¯s called pinky swear. Okay bring out your hand¡± Jay brought out his hand. ¡°You¡¯ll lock your little finger in mine. It¡¯s called a pinky swear¡± I replied. ¡°You see?¡± ¡°That¡¯s nice. What if you break the promise?¡± Jay asked. ¡°I don¡¯t really know ¡± I replied. ¡°You do things you don¡¯t even know their meaning?¡± Jay asked. Leo watched from afar. ¡°This girl is very dumb. She lied and acted like she was going to the hospital. Mean6, she¡¯s here discussing with Jay. But, I don¡¯t think she will lie about her sister being admitted in the hospital.¡± Leo nodded his head. ¡°I don¡¯t really know about it, But, I read in an article sometime ago, that it originated from Japan..¡± I couldn¡¯t finish what I was saying ¡°Mia what are you doing here!?¡± Leo asked me. ¡°Oh Leo, My sister said she doesn¡¯t need me, so I thought I should go back to the master¡¯s office¡± I replied. ¡°It¡¯s this the master¡¯s office!¡± Leo shouted. ¡°Can I have your number?¡± Jay asked me. ¡°of course¡± I replied, Inputting why mobile digits in his phone. ¡°Thanks¡± ¡°Bye¡± ¡°Remember, my helmet¡± Jay said waving at me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t forget it¡± I replied. ¡°He still rides his motorbike, very stubborn boy ¡± Leo sighed.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Who?¡± I asked. ¡°Nevermind. Don¡¯t ask me. Let¡¯s go to the masters office¡± Leo said dragging me along with him. ¡°Hey¡­ you¡¯re back¡± The master snapped. I nodded my head in approval. Leo looked at me smiling earnestly. The master handed the paper to me and I quickly signed the document. ¡°Mia do you know why I think you should involve I thepetition?¡± ¡°uhmm¡­. I don¡¯t really know¡­ maybe the first day you met me? The basketball incident¡± I blurted. ¡°Exactly. I saw that potential in you. When did you start ying basketball?¡± Master asked. ¡°It hasn¡¯t really been long and am not really good in the game. Actually, I yed the basketball because of my crush. He loves ying basketball and that was the only way I could get close to him¡± Iughed. Leo and The masterughed too. ¡°Wow¡­ That¡¯s pretty funny¡± Leoughed. ¡°So what happened? Did he end up liking you?¡± Leo asked. ¡°How¡¯s that your business?¡± I retorted. ¡°c¡¯mon don¡¯t just give me a cliff hanger¡± Leo begged. ¡°Alright¡­, You guys discourse thatter¡± The Master ordered. ¡°So¡­. Mia, we¡¯ll have a private lesson. The lesson will be for you separately. You¡¯ll be in the same team with the girls. But your own lesson will be different¡± The Master dered. ¡°Why should her¡¯s be different?¡± Leo asked. ¡°Cause am special!¡± I snapped. ¡°No Mia everyone is special in there own way. You have few weeks left to train adequately. They¡¯ve been training for months¡± The Master countered. ¡°Alright¡± We replied. ¡°Master¡­ we gotta go now¡± Leo said bowing his head. I did same. ¡°Bye¡± he waved at us. ¡°So did you guys end up together?¡± Leo asked. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you thatter. Not today. It¡¯s a long story¡± I gushed. ¡°Alright¡­. let¡¯s go home together then¡± Leo insisted. ¡°No way. I can¡¯t let Leo¡¯s Mum see me. What if she see¡¯s me? Am sure she¡¯ll certainly transfer Leo to another school¡± I said in my mind. ¡°We don¡¯t live close to each other. I mean, we don¡¯t even take same route¡± I stammered. ¡°C¡¯mon Mia. Have you forgotten?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Your house is few blocks away from mine. We take same route. I often visit your Mum¡¯s pub. DONALD. Have you forgotten?¡± Leo asked. ¡°obviously, I haven¡¯t seen you around¡± I stammered. ¡°Of course. The day I visited your Mum¡¯s pub, you were washing the dishes. So I didn¡¯t want to disturb you¡± Leo exined. ¡°We¡¯re you the one wearing a ck hoodie?¡± ¡°Yes¡± Leo agreed. ¡°The one who refused to collect his bnce? You even gave me a tip¡± I asked. ¡°Yeah¡­ but I didn¡¯t want you to notice me¡± Leo exined. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you want to notice me?¡± ¡°Am afraid you might feel ufortable¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°You ask to many questions.. Mia. okay. Do you know what?¡± ¡°No¡± I snapped. ¡°Forget about it. let¡¯s just go home together¡± Leo insisted. ¡°Am actually going to get some groceries¡± I lied. ¡°¡­. So I won¡¯t be going home directly¡± I added ¡°That¡¯s not a problem. I don¡¯t mind escorting you. Besides, I¡¯ll be bored at home.¡± Leo agreed. ¡°Okay. Am done here. Let¡¯s go then¡± I agreed. ¡°Oh God. What have I gotten myself into. I was supposed to do this the next day¡± I cried in my mind. We arrived at the grocery shop and bought few things. No, alot of things. I saw a poster of Alison. ¡°She¡¯s probably a brand ambassador of the cream now¡± I sighed. ¡°You know her?¡± Leo asked me. ¡°Not really or should I say yes. Who doesn¡¯t know her. She¡¯s quite popr. She¡¯s a model¡± I replied. ¡°She¡¯s one of my favourite models¡± Leo smiled looking at her poster. I felt my heart broken into twelve pieces. I wish he really knows Alison. He won¡¯t be saying this. How on earth did this happen? I cried. I should be the one on that poster right now. Alison is the worst friend ever. I sighed. ¡°Are you done now?¡± Leo asked. ¡°No. I just need to get few things¡± I groaned. ¡°Am done now. Let¡¯s go¡± I called Leo. We had nothing to talk about while walking home. ¡°So.. Mia, what about your crush?¡± Leo asked. ¡°Who?¡± I retorted. ¡°C¡¯mon you promised to tell me what happenedter¡± Leo groaned. ¡°Uhmmm, I promised to tell you but not now. Okay?¡± ¡°Alright¡± He smiled. ¡°Only if you knew you were the one¡± I sighed. ¡°What did you say?¡± Leo asked. ¡°Did you hear anything? No I didn¡¯t say anything¡± I replied. ¡°Oh God what¡¯s wrong with my mouth¡± I said hitting my head. ¡°Okay am here. This is my house¡± Leo said pointing to his house. The house is a very luxurious one. It was too beautiful. I¡¯ve always admired the house. I didn¡¯t even know Leo lives there. ¡°oh.. Okay. It¡¯s nice. I mean your house is very pretty¡± I gushed. ¡°Thank You. Good night then¡± Leo waved at me. I waved back at him. I arrived homete. ¡°Where are youing from?¡± Mum asked. ¡°I went to the grocery store to get some things¡± I replied. ¡°But that should be tomorrow¡¯s work¡± Mum yelled. ¡°I know. I felt like going today.¡± I sighed. ¡°Good night¡± I made my way to my room. ¡°You don¡¯t even ask about your sister¡± Mum yelled. ¡°I know she¡¯s okay¡± I replied. Mum sighed. *. *. * ¡°Only if you know you were the one¡±. Was Mia refering to me.¡± Leo asked himself. ¡°I don¡¯t think that possible, besides we haven¡¯t met each other for once in our life until she transferred schools¡± Leo convinced himself. ¡°Can I get Mia¡¯s mobile digits¡± Leo pleaded. ¡°How on earth do you think am gon¡¯ give it to you¡± Jay sighed. Jay refused like three times but Leo couldn¡¯t stop demanding for it. ¡°I have some inportants assignments I need to send to her. She forgot to take my notes home¡± Leo lied. ¡°Really?¡± Jay asked. ¡°Do you think we¡¯re really close to the extent you cane ask me for stuffs?¡± Jay asked. ¡°I won¡¯t be asking you this but because I want to help Mia out¡± Jay insisted. ¡°What are you asking From him and who is Mia? Jay¡¯s Mum asked as she bagged into the room. Chapter 8 Contract Marriage ¡°What are you asking From him and who is Mia? Jay¡¯s Mum asked as she bagged into the room. ¡°Nothing¡­. am not asking him anything¡± Leo stammered. Jay sighed. ¡°Really¡­ you aren¡¯t asking him anything but I heard your conversation¡± Leo¡¯s Mum said moving towards him as Leo shifted. ¡°Uhmm¡­ there¡¯s this girl in our school and am friends with her including Jay. Jay is also her friend. I have an assignment I need to send to her and I forget to collect her mobile number and Jay has it¡± Leo stuttered. ¡°Then why are you lying to me? What do you say is her name?¡± ¡°Mia!¡± Leo snapped. ¡°Mia?¡± ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s pretty popr in our school. They just moved into this town and her Mum¡¯s pub is located down the streets ¡± Leo exined. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask all those questions ¡± Leo¡¯s Mum sighed leaving the room. She closed the door immediately she left. ¡°Why does this Mia sound very familiar. Isn¡¯t it the Dark girl from Leo¡¯s former school?¡± She asked. ¡°Emma!¡± She called on her secretary. ¡°Yes Boss¡± Emma answered. ¡°Go get Chloe. Tell her toe home now. We have something important to discuss about ¡± Leo¡¯s Mum instructed. ¡°Ok Ma¡± Emma answered leaving the house immediately. Emma drove immediately to Chloe¡¯s house. There¡¯s too much noise in the building. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Emma asked the security officer. ¡°Chloe and her husband are having a fight. That¡¯s normal for them. This happens every night¡± The security officer whispered. Emma gave the security officer $100. As a gratitude for telling her What¡¯s happening. ¡°Remember no one outside this family should hear about this. Not even the public¡± Emma instructed. ¡°Yes am aware of that. Thank you so much¡± The security officer smiled earnestly. ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a sick old man who is going to die in few years!¡± Chloe shouted at her husband pinying her fingers at him. Chloe¡¯s husband continued beating her and she was bleeding from the nose profusely. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Enough!¡± Emma shouted as she entered the room. ¡°No. Am not gonn¡¯ stop. If this Man doesn¡¯t kill me. Am gon¡¯ kill him first!¡± Chloe shouted at the top of her voice. Richard (Chloe¡¯s contracted husband) continued trying to beat her up. Emma seperated them from each other. ¡°When is this contracting to an end. If it doesn¡¯t end. I¡¯ll terminate it by myself. I don¡¯t care about the damage it¡¯ll cause the bothpanies. I¡¯ll pay the fine!¡± Chloe¡¯s husband shouted at the top of his voice. ¡°Yes! You better terminate it!¡± Chloe shouted. ¡°Chloe, let¡¯s go. Your Mum needs you urgently¡± Emma whispered. Chloe hissed. ¡°Why does she need me?¡± Chloe asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know about that¡± Emma answered. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go¡± Chloe sneezed. ¡°won¡¯t you change your clothes? Or at least clean the blood on your face¡± Emma suggested. ¡°No. I won¡¯t! I want my Mum to see me this way. I want her to see what she¡¯s making me go through!¡± Chloe shouted. ¡°Don¡¯te back here, this night!¡± Richard dered. ¡°hmph! Do I look like someone who¡¯ll like toe back to this hell? Do I look like one?!¡± Chloe eximed. Richard ignored her. ¡°Emma¡­ Let¡¯s go¡± Chloe dered. ¡°Sister Chloe what happened to you? Why are you bleeding profusely from the nose?¡± Riah asked Chloe. ¡°Am not your sister!¡± Chloe retorted. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have asked. Besides, it¡¯s none of my business¡± Riah sighed and continued cleaning the surface. ¡°You asked for me?¡± Chloe asked her Mum. She made a signal for Emma to leave. Emma left immediately. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you, at least clean the blood stains beforeing out?¡± She asked Chloe. ¡°That¡¯s because I wanted you to see this state you put me in. Look at my dress! All torned by that useless man!¡± Chloe shouted. ¡°Hey! Calm down. You¡¯re not talking to your husband. Take this tissue, wipe your nose¡± She instructed. Chloe did exactly as she was instructed. ¡°He wants to terminate the contract¡± Chloe sniffed. ¡°What?¡± ¡°He wants to end the marriage. He said he¡¯ll take the me for anything that happenes to thepany and would also pay the fine required¡± Chloe exined. ¡°Oh God. Chloe this isn¡¯t easy as you think. What are we going to tell the public about this?¡± She sighed. ¡°I think it¡¯s for the better. Am also tired too¡± Chloe cried. ¡°Can¡¯t you calm down a little bit. It¡¯s just in two months time. The work is done and you guys can break up then, sorry, I meant divorce¡± She convinced Chloe. ¡°Mum am tired. I can¡¯t take this anymore¡± Chloe cried. ¡°Be strong. Wait, just a little while longer¡± She said patting Chloe¡¯s back. ¡°What did you call me for¡± Chloe asked wiping her tears with a tissue. She stood up and walked up to the window side. ¡°Chloe, do you remember who is Mia?¡± She asked. ¡°Mia¡­ the name sounds kinda familiar. Isn¡¯t she the one that got into trouble with Leo, uhmm¡­. The one who was used of pushing Leo and he fell. The reason why Leo temporarily lost his memory¡± Chloe snapped her hands. Her Mum remained silent and continued staring at the city. ¡°Why are you suddenly asking about her? Any problems?¡± Chloe asked. ¡°Maybe this Mia is different. Leo said she¡¯s popr in school and they¡¯re close friends. The Mia we know wasn¡¯t popr in school but always gets bullied¡± She sighed. ¡°Is that even a problem?¡± Chloe asked. ¡°It might be¡± ¡°Why?¡± Chloe asked ¡°Immediately, Leo is graduating from high school, he¡¯s getting married immediately, so he could take over his Dad¡¯s business. Am aging you know. I want him to marry someone from a rich family. Just like ours or in same business with others. A marriage that will benefit our business¡± She replied. ¡°Why are you currently bothering yourself? I think he¡¯s still has a long way to go in the business. He¡¯s a guy so he mustn¡¯t marry early¡± Chloe adviced. ¡°I just don¡¯t want him to fall in love with a low ss girl¡± She sighed. ¡°You love bothering yourself. If there¡¯s anyone we need to talk about now, it should be Riah¡± Chloe insisted. ¡°The date of the wedding was fixed to be next week but I further extended it a little bit. I¡¯ll like both of them to meets before the wedding takes ce. The guy just graduated from high schoolst year. He¡¯s 20 years old¡­¡± ¡°Pretty young¡± Chloe sighed ¡°Exactly. He¡¯s still young, very young. So they¡¯ll both be getting married. And the contract is a 2 years marriage..¡± ¡°2years? That¡¯s a very long time. Are you sure they¡¯ll be able to stay up to that time?¡± Chloe asked eargerly. ¡°I just hope so. She¡¯ll be getting married to the son of the CEO of Ta Group¡­¡± ¡°Nice¡­ I heard there pretty popr and there business is doing so fine¡± Chloe nodded her head in approval. ¡°Yes, they are popr. Henry¡¯s parents have also agreed to the marriage. It will help the bothpanies to work together especially now that our business is facing some challenges¡± She concluded. ¡°That¡¯s nice. Since both families are happy about it¡± Chloe agreed. ¡°So you¡¯ll call Riah for me as you are leaving¡± She said. ¡°Alright. Am not going home tonight. I¡¯ll sleep over. Thank you¡± Chloe gushed leaving the room. ¡°Hey, Riah!¡± Chloe called. ¡°Yes¡± ¡°Mum need you in her room now. She wants you to clean up her room¡± Chloe lied. ¡°Alright¡± Riah agreed. She walked into the room with her cleaning equipment. Leo¡¯s Mumughed earnestly. ¡°Chloe asked me to clean your room¡± Riah bluttered squizzing her gown with her hands. ¡°That¡¯s not what I called you for and you shouldn¡¯t be afraid. Am not harming you. C¡¯mon sit down here¡± She reassured Riah. Riah did as she was instructed. She gave a picture to Riah. ¡°Who is this?¡± Riah asked as she nced at the picture. ¡°Your husband¡± She smiled. ¡°He¡¯s quite handsome¡± Riah said in her mind. ¡°He¡¯s handsome¡­ Isn¡¯t it? Well¡­. I want you to meet him before your marriage. This is the address¡± She gave out the address to Riah. Riah collected the paper. ¡°When am I meeting him?¡± Riah asked. ¡°Tomorrow¡± She soothed. ¡°Okay¡­ I will be going now!¡± Riah eximed as she left the room. ¡°He is very young and handsome¡± Riah gushed over the photo of Henry. *. *. *. * ¡°So Henry you are going to meet her by 2pm tomorrow. At our hotel¡± Henry¡¯s father said to him. ¡°She¡¯s still young¡± Henry admired.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Yeah, of course. I once liked her Mum¡± Henry¡¯s fatherughed. ¡°Really?¡± Henry asked. ¡°Yeah, we were friends. Her Mum eventually married someone else but died few years ago¡± Henry¡¯s Father exined. ¡°That¡¯s sad¡± ¡°Her step Mum doesn¡¯t treat her well. She¡¯s getting her married off for a business purpose but that¡¯s not what I have in mind for her. Son, I know you want to marry someone you love from your heart. I just hope you could love her¡± Henry¡¯s Fathermented. ¡°Until I meet her then¡± Henry sighed. ¡°I promised to help her during her Mum¡¯s burial but I couldn¡¯t take care of her because her step Mum refused. I think this is the only way I can help her out¡± Henry¡¯s Father furthermented. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Don¡¯t me yourself. At least, you tried to help her out¡± Henry assured his father. *. *. *. *. * ¡°Are you giving me Mia¡¯s mobile digits or not?¡± Leo asked Jay. ¡°Leo¡­ I have always wanted to ask you something very important¡± Jay bellowed. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°What happened to Hans?¡± Jay asked. ¡°Why are you bringing him up now? He obviouslymited suicide which everyone knows about¡± Leo sighed. ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t kill him!¡± Jay shouted. Chapter 9 Traitor ¡°This rm should just stop. I want to get more sleep¡± I yawned hitting the rm clock. ¡°Mia, ain¡¯t you going to school today? Wake up it¡¯s morning already!¡± Mum shouted. ¡°No!¡± I retorted covering my face with my nket. ¡°If you don¡¯t wake up now, I¡¯ll pour cold water on your body¡± Mum yelled. ¡°Okay¡­ okay!¡± I shrugged my shoulders. Another morning to go to school. I just don¡¯t feel like attending school today. ¡°Tukum!¡± I got a text message on my phone. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t bete for school today, remember the basketball practice with the master.¡± It read. ¡°Who is this message from?¡± I mumbled. ¡°Oh¡­ It¡¯s should be Leo. He¡¯s the only one that can send this message¡± I smiled. ¡°¡­ But where did he get my mobile digits. Oh well. I need to dress quickly for school¡± I sighed. I rushed to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, took my bath. Few minutester, I was ready for school. ¡°Oh¡­ this miserable hair¡± I sighed. My hair was looking messy, brushing it was also a different morning duty on it¡¯s own. ¡°Mum am off to school!¡± I shouted. ¡°Your breakfast is in the kitchen¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, am not hungry¡± I said tireing my shoece. ¡°Hey stop¡­. Stop!¡± I shouted but the Bus didn¡¯t stop. I missed my morning bus to school and it takes two hours for the next bus to arrive. ¡°This is a sad way to begin a day¡± I sighed. Jay¡¯s motorbike sped past me. ¡°Jay! Jay!¡± I shouted running after him. Fortunately, he stopped. ¡°What? Why are you calling me and Why are you not taking the bus today?¡± He demanded. ¡°Looks like he¡¯s not in a good mood today. This is unlike Jay.¡± I said in my mind. ¡°uhmm.. I missed my bus, so I was hoping if you could give me a lift¡± I stuttered. ¡°No!¡± He shouted ¡°okay¡± I replied and turned to walk to school. ¡°Why is he so cold? Who¡¯s forcing him to help¡± I sighed. Jay kept following me slowly at the back. I turned to him and sneered. ¡°Nevermind, just go to school. I won¡¯t beg you to help me out!¡± I snapped. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± I retorted. My legs began to hurt me. My steps changed too. I can¡¯t walk any longer. I bent down to rest a little. Jay smirked. ¡°Are you gonn¡¯ ask for my help now?¡± ¡°No!¡± I shrugged my shoulder. ¡°Hop in¡± ¡°Really?¡± I asked him smiling earnestly. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to joke around, we are alreadyte for school¡± He said. I hopped in his motorbike. ¡°Take¡± Jay said handing his helmet to me. You¡¯ll have to hold me tight. ¡°Why are you with two helmets? Were you expecting me?¡± I asked smiling earnestly. ¡°Just shut up!¡± Jay said and sped off. ¡°Hey! I just hit my face on your back!¡± I shouted at him. ¡°Just hold me tight and if you keep talking, I¡¯ll drop you off¡± Jay shouted. ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t say anything again¡± I replied. ¡°I thought I will be dead by now¡± I breathed heavily. ¡°Why?¡± Jay asked. ¡°You are too fast¡± I replied. Jay hissed. ¡°Hey you two arete¡± The master said to us. ¡°Mia¡­ why are youte to school¡± he asked. ¡°I missed my bus so Jay gave me a lift to school¡± I sighed. ¡°Really? Your punishment won¡¯t be tough so meet me in my office during break time. You and Jay¡± He said to us. ¡°Thank you sir!¡± We shouted and ran to our ss. * * * * *. * ¡°Hey Alisha!¡± Alison shouted at Alisha twisting her hair. ¡°Hey¡± Alisha said shifting from Alison. ¡°Come back here¡± Alison dragged Alisha¡¯s hair. ¡°ahhh¡­¡± Alisah screamed In pain. ¡°It¡¯s been a while Mia left the town. I almost forgot her¡± Alison sighed. ¡°Give me Mia¡¯s address now!¡± Alison requested. ¡°I swear I don¡¯t know her current address¡± Alisha lied. ¡°Alisha¡­ you¡¯re so bad at lying. If you give me her address, will I even go there?¡± Alisonughed. ¡°Anyway, what is Mia up to now? I mean which school is she currently attending?¡± Alison smirked. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I lost my phone weeks after she left so I lost contact with her¡± Alisha stammered. ¡°Really?¡± Alison dragged Alisha by her hair. ¡°Why did you remove my hijab?¡± Alisha groaned in pain. ¡°You¡¯re still asking questions?¡± Alison shouted as she hit Alisha¡¯s head on the wall. Alisha started bleeding from the nose. ¡°Ahhh¡­.¡± Alison shouted as she mistakenly stained her hand with the blood. ¡°Where is Alisha?¡± Jamie asked Ruby. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with her recently. Since Mia moved out of the town, she doesn¡¯t like associating with us. She avoids us alot¡± Ruby sighed. ¡°But we need to find her¡± Jamie said. ¡°Why?¡± Ruby asked. ¡°I feel like she¡¯s in danger. I mean maybe, something is wrong with her but she doesn¡¯t want to tell anyone about it or she doesn¡¯t have someone to share it with¡± Jamiemented. ¡°Okay.. why don¡¯t you try calling her number?¡± Ruby suggested. Jamie immediately called Alisha¡¯s number. ¡°wooo¡­. guess who¡¯s phone is ringing?!¡± Alison eximed. ¡°You told me your phone spoilt and you lost contact with Mia. Howe Jamie is calling you?¡± Alison yelled and gave Alisha a hard p on the face. ¡°Ahh¡­. am sorry¡± Alisha cried. Alison answered the call. ¡°Hey Alisha where are you now?¡± Jamie asked. Alison gave the phone to Alisha. ¡°Say something. Tell them where you are. Besides, you need someone to help you in this state¡± Alison whispered to her. ¡°Who is this? Is this Alisha¡¯s phone?¡± Jamie asked. ¡°Jamie, am the school scienceb¡± Alisha stuttered. ¡°Why are you sounding like that?¡± Jamie Futher asked. Alisha remained silent. Alison ended the call. ¡°Ruby, I think Alisha is in danger, let¡¯s go to the scienceb immediately¡± Jamie said dragging Ruby along. ¡°Am not done eating!¡± Ruby shouted Jamie Ignored her. ¡°I guess you won¡¯t need this phone again. Besides, you wished it was spoilt. Isn¡¯t it?¡± Alison smirked. She spat on Alisha and ran away from theb immediately. ¡°Hey Alison, have you seen Alisha?¡± Ruby asked. ¡°Does Alison look like Alisha¡¯s keeper? Besides, why will Alison know the whereabouts of Alisha. She isn¡¯t in our league¡± Jade-one of the friends of Alison said. ¡°You were thest person to leave the scienceb. I mean both of you were in there together¡± Ruby exined. ¡°Alisha was in the scienceb when I left. I don¡¯t talk to her and I didn¡¯t know what she was doing when I left¡± Alison sighed. ¡°Oh.. God where could she be?¡± Jamie cried. ¡°I remember where she could be. She normally stays at the rooftop of the scho. That¡¯s where she normally stays with Mia. Let¡¯s go there¡± Ruby said dragging Jamie along with him. ¡°Hey Alisha! What are you doing here all alone!¡± Ruby shouted at her. Alisha continued crying. ¡°You are bleeding!¡± Jamie eximed. ¡°Let¡¯s take her to the school clinic immediately¡± Jamie carried Alisha on his back. They arrived at the school clinic. ¡°Alisha why were you up there all alone? Did anybody bully you?¡± Ruby asked eargerly. ¡°No. Why will someone bully me?¡± Alishaughed. ¡°Oh better¡± Jamie heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°I injured myself. Mistakenly¡± Alisha lied. ¡°Sorry. Hope you get better soon. Okay?¡± Ruby and Jamie heaved a sigh of relief. *. *. *. * We arrived at the Master¡¯s office- Jay and I. ¡°Master were ready¡± I said to him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll spare you today.¡± The master said to Jay and I. Jay left immediately, as the master instructed him. ¡°Go to the basketball court, other female students are there. You will meet the female captain. She will give you your uniform for practice.¡± ¡°Okay sir¡± I said bowing down my head. ¡°I don¡¯t even remember where the basketball court is located.¡± I sighed. ¡°Hey. Mia!¡± Leo called. ¡°please excort me to the basketball court¡± I pleaded ¡°Alright let¡¯s go¡± He said to me. The basketball court is a veryrge one. A lot of girls were practicing. I loved their uniform most. ¡°Hey! Olive. She¡¯s the new girl. Mia. She will be joining you guys in thepetition. So, You¡¯ll give her, her uniform. Then once the masteres she¡¯ll start her practice¡± Leo said to the captain. ¡°Alright¡± Olive said. ¡°Nice to meet you Mia. Am olive¡± ¡°Am Mia¡± I smiled. An orange Jersey, shorts and a pair of socks was given to me by Olive. I went into the bathroom and dressed up. I received a message on my phone from Alisha. ¡°Hey Mia. What¡¯s up¡± ¡°Am doing great. You?¡± ¡°Fine. Where is your new school located and town?¡± She asked. ¡°Have you forgotten?¡± I asked her. I sent my location to her. ¡°She sent her location! guys¡± Alison shouted.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Am off to practice now. I have a basketballpetition with a school in few weeks time. Your school precisely¡± I sent to her. ¡°Okay. Alright. Am off to ss now¡± I sent to her. ¡°Mia is actually a fool!¡± The girlsughed. ¡°This is kinda weird. I¡¯ve already told her about all this. Why is she asking. Maybe she has forgotten¡± I sighed. ¡°Mia!¡± The captain called. ¡°Am on my way!¡± I shouted. *. *. *. * ¡°Jamie. Please help me with your phone¡± Alisha begged Jamie. ¡°Okay¡± Jamie handed the phone to Alisha. ¡°Hey Mia! Don¡¯t reply Any message from me. Alison is currently with my phone. She wants to know about your new school and the town.¡± Alisha sent through Jamie¡¯s phone. I received a text message on my phone. I tried checking my phone. ¡°Mia!¡± The headmaster shouted. ¡°Am on my way¡± I ran to the basketball court. ¡°Incase you don¡¯t know the rules. This is the booklet about the school basketball¡± The master handed the book to me. Alisha tried calling me on phone but I couldn¡¯t answer. ¡°No use of phone during practice¡± The master said. ¡°Okay sir¡± I replied. ¡°Your practice starts now¡± The master said. ¡°Why isn¡¯t she picking up her phone¡± Alisha asked worriedly ¡°Is there any problem?¡± Jamie asked. ¡°No. Thank you¡± Alisha said handing the phone to Jamie. ¡°We¡¯ll be going now. We will visit you after school. Make sure you get some rest¡± Ruby said. Ruby and Jamie left the clinic. ¡°Make sure youe to practice tomorrow¡± The master said to us. ¡°Thank you sir¡± We prostrated. ¡°Why is the master treating the new girl differently¡± The girls murmured. I walked alone. They were looking at me weirdly. I felt lonely. ¡°Hey Mia!¡± Leo and Jay called me. ¡°Hi¡± I waved at them. ¡°How was your practice?¡± Leo asked. Jay handed a bottle of water to me. ¡°Thank you¡± I said to Jay. ¡°The practice was fine but I have to improve alot in my skills. But the girls are the problem. They don¡¯t like how the Master treats me¡± I sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. They¡¯re just jealous. It¡¯s a matter of time, you¡¯ll make new friends and the popr girls in the school also y basketball¡± Leo giggled. ¡°Is okay¡± Jay patted my back. I decided to check my phone. I was shocked to the core. ¡°Alison was the one who sent the message? How is that even possible?¡± I cried. ¡°Are you okay? Mia!¡± Jay and Leo shouted. Chapter 10 Perfect Date ¡°Are you ready Riah?¡± Chloe asked as she desperately. ¡°No yet. Am having issues with my clothe.¡± Riah stuttered. ¡°Wait¡­ Are you wearing this to meet Henry?¡± Chloeughed. Riah felt awkward. Chloe continuedughing. ¡°This is the only good dress I have. The rest are torn and some are tight on me¡± I sighed. Leo¡¯s Mum came out from the house. ¡°Chloe what¡¯s making youugh that way?¡± She asked eargerly. ¡°Mum, look what Riah is wearing to go on a date with Henry¡± She continuedughing. Leo¡¯s Mum looked at Riah. She didn¡¯t utter a word. Her look was one of despair. ¡°Chloe, Take her to the shopping Mall. Get her some new clothes and a new hair cut¡± Leo¡¯s Mum instructed. ¡°Okay Ma¡± Chloe stoppedughing. Riah entered the car immediately and they left for the shopping Mall. ¡°Riah, are you happy getting married this early?¡± Chloe asked. ¡°Not really, I don¡¯t even know. It gave me hope. I just want to get a home of my own¡± Riah mumbled. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear you clearly¡± Chloe said reducing the sound of the music ying in the car ¡°Can you repeat what you said?¡± Chloe pleased. ¡°Forget it. I don¡¯t even know how I feel about it¡± Riah uttered. ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t even care how you feel¡± Chloe shouted. ¡°Oh, I got plenty I done seen em¡¯ all but of you there ain¡¯t many said They win the race so I¡¯m slow and I¡¯m steady but can¡¯t move this slow in a Bentley, oh¡± Chloe continued singing her favourite song BTBT by B. I. She also increased the volume of the song. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t even be discussing this with you¡± Riah mumbled. Fortunately for her, Chloe couldn¡¯t hear what she said. Riah adjusted her seat belt and Chloe sped off. * *. * *. * * ¡°Mia are you okay?¡± Jay and Leo asked me eargerly. I couldn¡¯t say anything. I freezed. Everything looked blurry in my eyes. Whenever I hear about Alison. I remember what she did to me the night before we left the old Town. ¡°Hey!¡± Jay shouted at the top of his voice. I shocked. ¡°Heyy¡± I replied with my lips shaking. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Jay asked eargerly. ¡°Does she look okay?¡± Leo replied to Jay. ¡°Oh¡­ yes am okay. We were going to the cafeteria right?¡± I asked. ¡°Of course¡± Leo answered. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to eat the spicy meal¡± Leo giggled like a baby. I immediately texted Jamie that I¡¯ve gotten the message. I was restless in the cafeteria. Jay noticed it too. ¡°Are you okay.. Mia?¡± Jay asked. ¡°Yes of course. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with me. But am okay anyway¡± I lied. ¡°Hey Leo¡± Olivia called Leo as she sat beside him. Leo shifted from her. She also shifted towards him. Leo was feeling ufortable. ¡°Hi¡± Leo stuttered as he removed her hands from his body. Olivia faked a smile. ¡°Mia¡­ do you like the meal you are eating?¡± Leo asked me. I looked at him awkwardly. ¡°Is he trying to make Olivia jealous or what?¡± Iughed in my mind. ¡°Yes¡± I replied hiding myugh. Jay noticed it too. Olivia rolled her eyes but no one said anything to her. Everyone ignored her. ¡°Mia, you¡¯re really good in ying basketball. Do you think you¡¯ll win thepetition?¡± Olivia asked me. ¡°I won¡¯t win thepetition. Our school will win thepetition¡± I smiled earnestly. ¡°Oh yeah I forgot¡± She sighed. ¡°Are you busy this weekend?¡± She asked me eargerly. ¡°Am not really sure¡± I replied. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll text you on phone. The girls are going for a party. It¡¯s a very big one. You¡¯re invited since you are in the basketball team¡± She said happily. Jay and Leo smiled at me. ¡°Uhmm¡­ am not sure if I can attend. I don¡¯t really like those social activities, besides I need to practice more¡± I said awkwardly. ¡°C¡¯mon Mia. You can practice with me. Maybe this night. What do you think of it?¡± Leo asked me. ¡°Okay. I can practice with you but I¡¯ll have to think about the party¡± I bellowed. Olivia wasn¡¯t happy with the Ideo of Leo helping me out with practice in the night. She doesn¡¯t look happy hearing Leo say that and I noticed the look on her face too. She tried to fake her smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Can I have your number. The master asked me to add you to the Group chat¡± Olivia said handing her phone to me. I immediately inputed my mobile number in her phone. ¡°Thank you¡± She soothed. I stood up to leave. ¡°Where are you going to?¡± Leo asked. ¡°I want visit Monica in the hospital. Then I¡¯ll go to my Mum¡¯s pub to help her out-¡± ¡°Am going with you¡± Jay and Leo cut in sharply. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can go alone¡± Iforted. Olivia stood up and left the table immediately. ¡°okay¡­ let¡¯s go¡± I groaned. *. * *. *. * ¡°How does this one look on me?¡± Riah asked Chloe. ¡°It¡¯s not good¡± Chloe yelled. Riah and Chloe has been in the shopping Mall for like two hours checking the dress that looks good on Riah. Riah was already tired of changing clothes. ¡°Perfect!¡± Chloe shouted. ¡°I don¡¯t really like it. It¡¯s too open¡­ I mean- ¡°What are you talking about? This is one of the trending clothes¡± Chloe screamed. It¡¯s a Spaghetti Strap Mini bodycon dress. ¡°This is for parties¡± Riah shrugged her shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re outdated. Let¡¯s go, it¡¯s time. He¡¯ll be waiting by now¡± Chloe said dragging Riah along with her. They stopped in front of the hotel where Riah will be meeting Henry. Riah came down from the car. ¡°Have a happy date. Am going for a party down the streets. I¡¯lle back to pick you up once am done¡± Chloe waved at Riah and drove off immediately. ¡°How am I even suppose to talk to him? I haven¡¯t even been on a date for once. This is my first time¡± Riah said to herself. ¡°I look very different. The make up is too heavy¡± Riah looked at the mirror. Riah walked to seat number given to her by Leo¡¯s Mother. Henry was already seated waiting for her. ¡°Hi¡± Riah said to Henry. ¡°Are you Riah?¡± Henry admired. Riah felt like her heart was exploding. ¡°Is this really the Henry? He looks so different. I mean he¡¯s more handsome in reality. He¡¯s pair of blue eyes and pure dark hair. Oh my goodness!¡± Riah screamed in her mind. ¡°Hello..¡± Henry said waving at her face. Riah came back to reality. ¡°Hi¡± She smiled seating down. Henry brought out a paper. ¡°Am Henry, your husband to be. Nice to meet you¡± Henry read from the paper. ¡°You were also given a paper?¡± Riahughed. ¡°You too?¡± They bothughed together. ¡°It¡¯s kinda weird. I haven¡¯t been on a date for the first time- ¡°Same¡± Riah cut in sharply bringing out her own paper. ¡°Wow. We¡¯re same¡± Henry smiled. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m Riah. Your yet to be wife¡± Riah smiled. ¡°She¡¯s so cute¡± Henry said in his mind. ¡°Uhmm.. so- ¡°I think we should stop reading from the paper. It feels weird now¡± Riahughed. ¡°Same. I don¡¯t even know what to talk about¡± Henry sighed. ¡°Anyway, your dress looks good on you¡± Henry admired. ¡°I don¡¯t really like it. My step sister picked it for me. It makes me ufortable¡± Riah exined. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you drop it then?¡± Henry asked. ¡°I was forced. Besides, am not the one buying it¡± Riah forced a smile. They were quite for a while. ¡°Anyway, your dress is nice too¡± Riah said to Henry. ¡°Thank you. I got it by myself anyway¡± Henry smiled.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. Henry received a notification on his phone. He was in his phone for about three minutes. This made Riah ufortable a little bit. ¡°Sorry, I received a notification. The movie I subscribed for will be released tonight. Do you mind watching with me. The cinema is not really far away from here¡± Henry apologized. ¡°I don¡¯t mind¡± Riah smiled. Riah couldn¡¯t walk properly with the dress. Everyone fixed their gaze on her as she was walking. Henry pulled her closer to him. A lot of people were also taking pictures of them. Riah has a very shy personality. Arriving at the Cinema, Alot of people were already on the queue waiting for their own turn. ¡°Is that not Henry?!¡± The girls shouted. ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± They shouted in unison. ¡°Who is he with?¡± They asked. They started taking pictures of Riah and Henry. Riah tried covering her face. ¡°Do you feel ufortable?¡± Henry asked. ¡°Yes¡± She bellowed. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s leave then¡± Henry said to her. ¡°No, you¡¯ve wanted to watch the movie immediately it premiered¡± She insisted. ¡°I don¡¯t mind, I have the whole time to watch it anytime I want to watch it¡± Henryforted her. They went back to the hotel. They talked alot about themselves and what they love doing. They got to know each other very well. They were already getting along. ¡°Can I have your mobile number?¡± Henry requested. ¡°I don¡¯t have one¡± Riah stuttered. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah, My step Mum refused to get me a phone¡± Riah smiled. Henry gave Riah a brand new phone. ¡°Take. A gift from me¡± Henry said to her. ¡°C¡¯mon, I can¡¯t take the phone. It¡¯s pretty expensive¡± I rejected. ¡°It¡¯s from my Dad. He knew about how your step mother treats you. Take it please¡± Henry begged. ¡°Alright¡± I collected the phone from Him. ¡°I¡¯ve already saved my mobile number in the phone. You can call me or text me anytime you want¡± He smiked. ¡°Alright then¡± I assured him. ¡°It¡¯ste. I think we should start leaving now¡± I said to him. ¡°Alright. Do you have anyone to pick you up. Should I drop you off?¡± He asked. The weather wasn¡¯t nice. The sky looks cloudy. It¡¯s about to rain. ¡°My step sister went to party. I think she¡¯ll be too drunk to drive¡± Riah exined. They were in the car for about five minutes. They were silent. They didn¡¯t say anything. The quiet atmosphere made them ufortable. Riah was feeling cold. The clothe she wore was revealing her back which made her more ufortable. Goosebumps ran through her body. Henry noticed it. He stopped the car for a while. Henry removed his hoodie and wore it on Riah¡¯s body. This was the most awkward moment as the both stared at each other intensely. Henry kept moving closer to Riah. Chapter 11 Cinderella ¡°Thank you guys for visiting my sister¡± Mia smiled. ¡°Why is your sister so different to you?¡± Leo asked. ¡°I don¡¯t even know why? Maybe I¡¯ve hurt her in someway that I didn¡¯t even notice I hurt her ¡± I shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t think about it alot, I guess she will be fine soon¡± Jay patted me. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll be leaving now¡± Leo said. ¡°Do you guys live together?¡± I asked in awe. Jay rubbed his hands on his neck same with Leo. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°He¡¯s my step Bro¡± Leo sighed. ¡°Really?¡± I opened my mouth in surprise. ¡°Yeah¡± Jay nodded his head. ¡°We¡¯ll be going now. It¡¯s to early. Make sure you reach home safe¡± Leo waved at me. ¡°.. But how is that that possible? I mean, They don¡¯t even behave like siblings.¡± I shaked my head. * * * * ¡°How are they doing now?¡± Leo¡¯s Mum asked Emma. ¡°They are both inside Henry¡¯s car now. They¡¯ve left the hotel. They actually went to the cinema before entering the car¡± Chloe answered. ¡°That¡¯s a nice one. Contact many reporters. An official statements will be released tomorrow that they are both dating and already engaged to each other¡± Leo¡¯s Mum ended the call. ¡°Okay Ma¡± Emma entered the car and left. * * * * This was the most awkward moment as the both stared at each other intensely. Henry kept moving closer to Riah. ¡°So sweet¡± Emma smiled as she took photos of them. Riah felt ufortable as she shifted from him. ¡°There is something on your face¡± Riah eximed pointing at his face. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Check it by yourself¡± Riah shrugged. Henry adjusted the car mirror to see for himself. ¡°C¡¯mon, there¡¯s nothing on my face¡± Henry sighed. ¡°You were too close, making me ufortable. Who knows what you were trying to do¡± Riah sighed. ¡°It¡¯s your fault. What were you thinking? I was just trying to adjust your seat belt¡± Henry groaned. ¡°Huh?¡± Riah eximed surprisingly. ¡°What were you thinking?¡± Henryughed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking of anything¡± Riah stuttered. Henry smirked and sped off. * * * * * * * Leo and Jay walked down to their house silently. ¡°The rain is getting heavier¡± Leo said as he ran into a shade. Jay joined him too. ¡°The rain¡± Jay sighed. ¡°What happened to the rain?¡± Leo asked eagerly. ¡°You don¡¯t remember right? When will you stop pretending?¡± Jay gave Leo a fierce look. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill Hans!¡± Leo shouted. ¡°Then who killed him? I checked his cell phone and you were thest person he talked to before he went missing. You know very well that he was about to make his debut as an idol and I know that you¡¯re jealous of him¡± Jay yelled. ¡°At this stage Jay, you¡¯re saying nonsense. I can exin to you what happened that night. Jealous of him for debuting as an idol? That¡¯s absolute nonsense¡± Leo blurted. ¡°There¡¯s enough evidence that you should be held responsible for what happened to Hans, but your Mum has a way of protecting you¡± Jay snapped. ¡°I can exin. I met with him the same day he went missing before rumours spread out that he is dead but he wasn¡¯t found before his death¡± Leo soothed. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll go easy on you about this?¡± Jay smirked. ¡°Hans? He was our best friend- ¡°Best friend?¡± Jay cut in sharply. Leo sighed heavily.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°Do you know what? Just forget about it. Go on and me me for Hans missing. He isn¡¯t dead, he is missing!¡± Leo shouted. ¡°Why did you let the boys bully him then?¡± Jay yelled. ¡°I tried protecting him but I got beaten too. The whole incident is a long story. Since you left for the states you didn¡¯t know about what has been going on here.¡± Leo soothed. ¡°Where is Adrian?¡± Jay asked. ¡°Do you think he will remain here, Immediately the news got out that Hans is missing he Immediately disappeared too.¡± Leo soothed. ¡°You mean Adrian is missing too?¡± ¡°The rain has stopped, I¡¯ll be leaving now¡± Leo left. ¡°Why do I have a feeling that this will get out of hands very soon. Leo¡¯s Mum must be behind all this. She has always been hating on Hans since we were kids¡± Jay blurted. * * * * * * ¡°Hey Riah, we¡¯re home¡± Henry called out to Riah who has been sleeping for about 30 minutes. ¡°Already?¡± Riah yawned. ¡°Yeah¡± Henry smiled. Henry walked down from the car and opened the doors for Riah. ¡°Thank you¡± Riah bowed. Henry smiled earnestly. Riah removed the hoodie and gave back to Henry. ¡°You don¡¯t have to give them back. You can take it¡± Henry smiled. ¡°Oh, no. Take it, it belongs to you after all¡± Raih insisted. ¡°No, take it¡± Henry insisted. This went on for about 3 minutes as theyughed together. Leo¡¯s Mum came out from the house. ¡°Mum¡­!¡± Chloe shouted. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°What is Henry and Riah doing? I mean they¡¯ve gotten along in not just a long time of being seen together¡± Chloe gave an evil smirk. ¡°Do you have any problem with it?¡± Leo¡¯s Mum asked Chloe. ¡°Nothing, I just don¡¯t want to see Riah happy and I know very well you don¡¯t want to see her happy too ¡± Chloe gushed. ¡°You make it see like I¡¯m wicked¡± Leo¡¯s Mum hissed. ¡°Sorry Mum¡± Chloe apologised. Leo Mum walked up to Riah and Henry. ¡°Your step Mum is here¡± Henry said to Riah and they stopped immediately. Henry greeted Leo¡¯s Mum by bowing down his head. Riah made an attempt to walk inside immediately. ¡°Make sure you wash the dishes immediately you get in¡± Leo¡¯s Mum said to Riah. Riah felt embarrassed. Henry felt sad for her, but he couldn¡¯t do anything to help her out. Riah walked pass Chloe without saying anything to her. ¡°Cindere¡± Chloeughed. Riah stared at her. ¡°Do you think you¡¯re some kind of a movie character. Cindere and her wicked step Mum¡± Chloeughed. ¡°You could¡¯ve been aedienne¡± Riah smirked. Chloe felt surprised as she couldn¡¯t believe Riah said that to her. ¡°Are you referring to me?¡± ¡°No, your shadow¡± Riah smirked and walked in. ¡°She has started growing wings since she met Hans¡± Chloe sighed. * * * * * * * I sat down on my bed as i couldn¡¯t sleep. I stood up and walked round the room countless time. ¡°Can you please stop walking round the room, you¡¯re disturbing my sleep¡± Maria groaned. ¡°Sorry¡± I apologised. ¡°Turn off the lights too¡± Maria demanded. ¡°I¡¯ve turned it off¡± I soothed. ¡°Better¡± Maria sniffed adjusting herself on the bed. ¡°What if Alisones after me?¡± I asked myself continually. I tried calling Jamie on phone but his number was switched off. I started crying. ¡°I finally decided to live a quiet life in this new town but Alison won¡¯t let me be. I wished I never met that beast in my life ¡± I sniffed. I got a call from Alisha at that instant but then I remembered that Alison is with Alisha¡¯s cell phone so I didn¡¯t answer the call. It rang more that seven times. I got a text message from Alison immediately. ¡°Ignoring me? Hey, you better answer this call, If you don¡¯t want the worse to happen ¡± Alison sent. ¡°Is she stupid or what?¡± Alison asked herself. I tried replying to the text message but my hands were shaking as I typed the message so I just quit and continued crying. Atst, I finally decided to answer the call. ¡°I know you won¡¯t ignore my call that much. So what¡¯s up¡±? Alison asked. I kept quiet. I didn¡¯t utter a word. ¡°Stupid! Why aren¡¯t you saying anything. Oh, this is what you¡¯re doing right? Then Alisha will be the one to suffer the most¡± Alison shouted. It was at this moment I finally decided to say something. I didn¡¯t want her to hurt Alisha. Alisha has been bullied since she was a kid. ¡°Don¡¯t do any harm to Alisha!¡± I shouted. ¡°Oh really, you see, I have a way of getting you. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t do anything to her just don¡¯t mess up with me.¡± Alison gushed as she cleaned her nails. ¡°I heard you¡¯re getting quite popr in your new school and you¡¯ll be representing your school in apetition¡± ¡°Have this girl been monitoring my life?¡± I asked myself. ¡°You¡¯re not saying anything?¡± Alison asked. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true¡± I replied immediately. ¡°Well, I won¡¯t do anything to you for some weeks. Maybe I should transfer to your school¡± Alison eximed. ¡°What?!¡± I shouted in surprise. ¡°That can¡¯t happen¡± I said in my mind. ¡°Any problem?¡± She asked. ¡°No, nothing¡± I replied rubbing my hands on my shorts. ¡°Will that affect your poprity?¡± Alisonughed hard. I didn¡¯t say a word to her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t harm you. Enjoy when you have the time to do so cause very soon I¡¯ll be taking over!¡± She said and ended the call. Tears rolled down my cheeks. ¡°Why is all these happening to me?¡± I cried uncontrobly. ¡°My own world is very different from other people¡¯s own. I have to work immediately Ie back home, I don¡¯t even have time to study. The little time I have to spend on myself, I use it to overthink¡± I cried and slept off. Chapter 12 A Rainy Day ¡°This rm clock should just stop working¡± I groaned stretching my hands to turn it off. ¡°Another miserable day for me¡± I sat on my bed looking tired. ¡°Ahhhh!¡± Maria screamed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± My Mum and I asked in unison. Maria breathed heavily. ¡°Mia, you have to stop scaring us with your looks every morning you wake up. Look at your eyebags. You look like an evil spirit ready to attack someone at any- ¡°Maria!¡± I shouted cutting in sharply. ¡°Sorry. You just don¡¯t look well, looks like you¡¯ve been finding it hard to sleep everytime. You just look too bad. Take care of yourself and stop crying every night¡± Maria soothed. I felt emotional. She was actually saying the truth. ¡°Who cries every night?¡± Mum asked as she entered the room. ¡°Nothing, Nobody cried. We were actually talking about a movie¡± I replied sharply. ¡°Huh?¡± Maria asked dumbfounded. I gave Maria a sign so she would shut up and co-operate. Maria nodded her head in approval. ¡°Mum, the Movie is a very great one. Mia right?¡± Maria asked smiling earnestly. ¡°Yes¡± We bothughed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know when you guys became this close¡± Mum sighed. Maria and I faked augh. ¡°Mia, before you go to school, Visit Monica and give her some food. Immediately school closes, make sure you return to the pub and clean it up and attend to customers. I will be gone for some few days¡± Mum ordered. ¡°Mum, that¡¯s too much work. I don¡¯t even want to visit Monica¡± I cried. ¡°That¡¯s your cup of tea. Do as I have instructed you¡± She demanded. ¡°Mum, where are you going to?¡± Maria asked grabing a pack of chips. ¡°I won¡¯t tell you. You guys should behave well. I might not be back anytime soon¡± Mum said leaving the house. ¡°That¡¯s strange¡± Maria stood up following Mum secretly. ¡°Why is she carrying that kind of load? She said she¡¯ll be back in few days and not anytime soon. She looks like someone that is relocating¡± Maria murmured. ¡°What? What¡¯s that?¡± I asked Mia eagerly. ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Maria screamed. She was shocked. She didn¡¯t know I was also following her. Mum entered a Taxi and left immediately. ¡°Why do I have this feeling that Mum is permanently leaving us¡± Maria mumbled. ¡°That¡¯s absurd. Mum can never do that. She will be back in a few days. Mum can¡¯t leave us and her newly pub¡± I assured Maria. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true. Mum can¡¯t leave us¡± Maria smiled. ¡°Am off to prepare for school and visit Monica too in the hospital¡± I said leaving her. ¡°Bye¡± Maria waved at me. * * * * * Mum sobbed deeply as she entered the taxi immediately. ¡°Why did I do this?¡± She cried. ¡°Is everything alright?¡± The taxi driver asked handing a tissue paper to her. ¡°Thank you, it¡¯s nothing. Everything is alright¡± Mum smiled collecting the tissue paper. ¡°Mia, Monica, Maria, Jason. Am truly sorry for leaving you guys. I can¡¯t watch you guys suffer this much. I hope Mia takes care of you guys till Ie back¡± Mum cried. Mum left the town. * * * * * * * I prepared the morning meal and set on the table for Jason and Maria. I left immediately to the hospital with Monica¡¯s meal. I walked into the hospital. I ran fast because I was almostte for school. I mistakenly ran into a girl and the sk I was carrying hit her. She fell down at that moment. ¡°Oh my God, sorry, am really sorry ¡± I apologised. The people around turned to see what was happening. I caused a huge scene at the hospital. I helped her stand up on her feet. She stared at me for a long time. ¡°Are you hurt, am sincerely sorry¡± I apologised going on my knees. I didn¡¯t want to cause much troubles because I know I don¡¯t have money for treatments. ¡°Saebom high school?¡± She muttered. ¡°Huh? Are you okay?¡± I asked eagerly. ¡°Yeah, am fine¡± She left immediately. ¡°Saebom high school? That¡¯s my school. Is she okay? Maybe she fell and lost some of her nuts¡± Iughed. ¡°This isn¡¯t time tough¡± I pped myself. I walked into Monica¡¯s ward. She was still sleeping heavily. ¡°She¡¯s really sick¡± I sighed. I cleaned her face with some water and cleaned up her room too. The doctor walked inside the ward immediately. ¡°Monica¡¯s sister right?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes¡± I nodded my head. ¡°Okay take this¡± he handed a paper to me. ¡°That¡¯s her hospital dues¡± He said. ¡°What?!¡± I eximed. The money is too much. Mum just left and she didn¡¯t keep much money for us. ¡°Where will I bring money from to pay for her hospital dues. The money is more than the amount of money Mum left for us before leaving¡± I sighed. ¡°Doctor, isn¡¯t there anyway you can reduce the amount. It¡¯s too costly¡± I suggested. ¡°The treatment given to her will make her heal faster, that¡¯s why it is expensive. We can also stop the treatment if you want the money to be less¡± The doctor soothed. I was dumbfounded for some minutes. ¡°Is there any problem?¡± The Doctor asked. I came back to reality immediately. ¡°No, it¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll try and get the money soon¡± I mumbled. ¡°Okay then¡± The Doctor left immediately. I looked at Monica as she lied lifelessly on the bed. ¡°Am doing all this for you even though we are not in good terms. You better get well soon and pay me back¡± I sighed leaving the hospital immediately. Monica woke up immediately Mia left. She heard everything that the doctor and Mia talked about. It was at this moment that Monica for the first time in her life pitied Mia. * * * * * ¡°Where on earth will I get money from to take card of mu siblings?¡± I asked myself. ¡°Mia, are you here with us?¡± Ms. Song asked. I didn¡¯t reply. I wasn¡¯t interested with what they were talking about. ¡°Mia!¡± She shouted. ¡°Yes Ma!¡± I answered immediately. My heart skipped a beat. ¡°What was thest thing I said?¡± Ms. Song asked me. ¡°Uhmm, we were talking chemical reactions¡± I stuttered. ¡°Are you here at all? You should try your best and study more. Exams are around the corner¡± She scolded me. ¡°Okay Ma¡± ¡°Make sure youe to my office immediately after school¡± Ms. Song said and left the ss. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Jay asked me. ¡°Yeah¡± I nodded my head. ¡°Wow! Riah and Henry are dating!?¡± One of the girls in the ss shouted. ¡°My Henry¡± The girls cried. ¡°Riah is Leo¡¯s step sister. Truly, the rich always go for the rich¡± One of the girls sighed. ¡°She¡¯s barely 18 years old and she¡¯s getting married? I think this is for a business purpose. It won¡¯tst.¡± She concluded. Jay looked annoyed. It showed on his face but he didn¡¯t utter a word. ¡°Mia, I¡¯ll be off now, bye¡± Jay waved leaving the ss. ¡°Bye, bye¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have to work harder now, after school I¡¯ll look for a part time job. Jason can take care of the pub till Ie back in the evening.¡± I thought as I walked down the school road. ¡°What about the Basketballpetition? I¡¯ll still have to attend the practice ¡± I cried. Life is too hard on me. ¡°Mia!¡± Leo called out to me. ¡°Hey¡± ¡°Where are you going to? Why aren¡¯t you in ss?¡± Leo asked curiously. ¡°I want to practice. You know, I¡¯ve been too busytely. So I¡¯ll just skip few sses for the practice¡± I groaned. ¡°You¡¯re really going through alot. Well, have a nice practice. We¡¯ll see after school.¡± Leo said and left. I practiced with one of the girls from my team for few minutes before Olive and her friend entered. ¡°See who is practicing, when she should be in ss learning¡± Marie( one of Olives friends. Mia¡¯s Team mate) shouted. I turned to look at them as I breathed heavily. ¡°Mia, what are you doing here? You should be in ss now¡± Olive asked. ¡°I have busy schedules and I can¡¯te to practice after school¡± I exined. ¡°Busy schedules. What are you doing that makes you busy. You are busy doing nothing. I don¡¯t know why a low life girl like you will be ying basketball with people like us¡± Marie sneered. This words hit my heart like an arrow being pierced into the heart. I couldn¡¯t control the tears running down my eyes. ¡°Do you think am doing this because of thepetition?¡± I cried. ¡°I don¡¯t even know why someone from a middle ss family like mine should exist. Am just doing this because it¡¯s something I can¡¯t stop doing, no matter how hard I try¡± I cried. Marie was shocked. ¡°Did I make you cry? Am really sorry¡± she apologised. ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s alright.¡± I wiped my tears with my hands. The girl ying with me apologised to Olive and left to her ss immediately. I made an attempt to follow her but Olive called me back. ¡°Yes captain¡± ¡°Where do you live?¡± Olive asked. I gave her the address of where we live. ¡°You can go now¡± ¡°Okay Captain ¡± I said and left the sport room. I met the Master on my way out. ¡°Hi Mia¡± he called me. ¡°Good day sir¡± ¡°Hope you are preparing very well for thepetition¡± ¡°Yes sir¡± ¡°Mia, are you okay. Why are you responding this way?¡± ¡°Am fine. I¡¯ll be backter¡±N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°What could be wrong with her? She doesn¡¯t look so good¡± The master muttered. I got a text from Leo. ¡°Meet me at the shopping mall beside school¡± ¡°You think I have that kind of time? I scoffed. ¡°Of course!¡± Leo eximed ¡°Hey, you scared me¡± ¡°Sorry, why won¡¯t you see me after school?¡± Leo asked. ¡°Am currently looking for a part-time job. I can¡¯t find anyone online.¡± I exined. ¡°Is that why you can¡¯t see me?¡± Leo asked. ¡°Of course¡± I snapped. ¡°Just try ande to that ce. You don¡¯t know if they need a part time worker there¡± Leo chuckled. ¡°Seriously?¡± I screamed excitedly. ¡°Yeah¡± Leoughed. * * * * * * ¡°Ohh, it¡¯s Henry¡± Riah ran to unplug her to phone to answer Henry¡¯s phone call. ¡°Hi¡± ¡°Riah, how are you doing today?¡± Henry asked ¡°Am fine¡± ¡°Can we meet today? I mean can we go on a date today. If you¡¯re not so busy¡± Henry asked. ¡°Yeah, of course. Am not busy¡± Riah snapped. ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll send you the location¡± Henry ended the call. ¡°Yess¡± Riah jubted. ¡°I thought she will be busy, fortunately, she¡¯s not¡± Henry smiled. * * * * ¡°I found her. Saebom high school is the school she attends. She¡¯s currently in Grade 11¡± Winter reported to Alison. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s nice. Dig more about her. I will make sure I ruin Mia at all cost¡± Alison gnashed her teeths. Chapter 13 Monica鈥檚 Boyfriend It¡¯s school over. I waited for Leo a little bit before he came out. I followed him to the Mall he said we were going to. This ce is a bit far from school. ¡°Where are you taking me to? Don¡¯t you think we¡¯ve walked enough?¡± I groaned. ¡°Then should we go back?¡± Leo smirked. ¡°No, not like that. Let¡¯s continue. But we could have taken a bus¡± I sighed. ¡°We¡¯re already here¡± Leo said pointing at the shopping mall. ¡°Wow, this ce is huge¡± I opened my mouth in surprise. ¡°Yes, theyunched recently and they currently need a part timer¡± Leo exined. ¡°Wow¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go in then¡± Leo opened the door and make a gesture for Mr to wall in. ¡°Wee, what drink will you like to order?¡± The waiter asked ¡°Do you need a part- ¡°Please who would love to have a drink-¡± Leo cut in sharply.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. I red at him The waiter became confused. ¡°Please which drink, would you love to have?¡± She asked calmly. ¡°The best you have but not an alcoholic drink¡± Leo replied smiling. The waiter left immediately. ¡°Leo what¡¯s wrong with you? I didn¡¯te here to have a drink¡± I sighed. ¡°Mia, you ought to calm down a little. After the drink, you walk calmly to that table and tell them what you came for¡± Leo sighed. ¡°Whatever¡± I hissed. ¡°This is your order¡± The waiter presented and walked out immediately. The waiter kept looking at me as she turned to leave. She looked a bit familiar, like someone I¡¯ve met once or twice. ¡°Now, we¡¯re done¡± I said to Leo and rushed to the table. ¡°Aish¡± Leo sighed. He followed me at once. ¡°You need a part timer right?¡± I asked gently. ¡°Yes¡± The receptionist replied. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll love to work here as a part timer ¡± I smiled. ¡°Okay, fill this form then¡± He said handing the form to me. I filled it at once. ¡°Leo, what If I have no experience as a part timer?¡± I whispered in his ear. ¡°Then, you¡¯re not qualified¡± He smirked. ¡°That¡¯s aplete lie¡± I retorted. I handed over the form to the receptionist. She left for a while. ¡°You really need this work, why?¡± Leo asked. ¡°I really need to pay for my sister¡¯s hospital bills. It¡¯s alot and my mum¡¯s pub isn¡¯t paying enough, so I have to look for a part time work to help out¡± I exined. ¡°That¡¯s nice¡± Leo nodded his head. ¡°You¡¯re qualified for the work, you¡¯re free to resume anytime you want. The work is a daily pay of hundred dors¡± The receptionist said to me as she walked in. ¡°Anytime I want? Can I start now?¡± I asked her excitedly. ¡°Wow¡± The receptionist opened her mouth in surprise. ¡°That¡¯s okay¡± She said. ¡°Mia, why not start tomorrow?¡± Leo asked me. ¡°No, I want to start today, do you know what is hundred dors?¡± I asked him. Leo and the receptionistughed. I changed my dress and resumed work immediately. Leo stayed and waited for me till my shift is over. I recognised the waiter. She¡¯s the girl I bumped into mistakenly at the hospital. ¡°My name is Winter¡± She introduced herself to me. ¡°Am Mia¡± I replied. The name Winter sounded very familiar in my ears like someone I met in my former school but not her face. My shift was over. Leo waited for me in front of the mall. I ran out of the mall with my pay and hugged him tightly. ¡°Thank you so much, Leo¡± ¡°Why do I feel like my heart beat increased?¡± Leo asked in his mind. He pushed me away immediately. ¡°You¡¯re crossing the line¡± Leo stuttered. ¡°Which Line?¡± I asked staring around curiously. ¡°Nevermind, let¡¯s go home. It¡¯ste already ¡± Leo yelled. ¡°No, am visiting my sister I the hospital, I want tobpay for her hospital bills. The money is enough now. The money my Mum gave to us and this one is enough ¡± I gushed counting the money. * * * * * * ¡°Oh, Mr Brown you came to visit?¡± Monica asked Mr. Brown. ¡°Stop calling me Mr. Brown is weird. Am your boyfriend for goodness sake¡± Heughed. ¡°Oh, sorry. I haven¡¯t gotten used to that. We just started dating few days before I got sick ¡± Monica sighed. ¡°Nevermind, how are you doing now?¡± Mr. Brown asked. ¡°Am getting better at least¡± Monica soothed. ¡°That¡¯s nice then¡± He nodded his head. Mia and Leo walked in. Mia stared at Mr. Brown curiously. ¡°Mia, this is Mr. Brown my boyfriend ¡± Monica introduced. ¡°Boyfriend?!¡± I eximed. ¡°Yeah¡± ¡°Nice to meet you Mia¡± Mr. Brown waved at me. I faked a smile. ¡°Well, Monica, This is your hospital bills. It¡¯s enough now. You could hand it over to the Doctor as soon as hees. I¡¯ll be going to the Mum¡¯s pub now. To help out¡± I said. ¡°That¡¯s nice. Thank you ¡± Monica smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll excuse you guys now¡± I left. Leo waved at them before leaving. ¡°That¡¯s weird¡± I muttered. ¡°What?¡± Leo asked curiously. ¡°Monica never told us that she is dating, I mean we just moved in few day ago¡± I exined. ¡°Maybe they¡¯ve already met before moving in here. You never know¡± Leo soothed. ¡°But, why will hee to visit without even getting something for his sick girlfriend, not even a drink¡± I smirked. ¡°That¡¯s kind of true, The weird part is why will he collect the money from you that way, like someone who was already expecting it. He doesn¡¯t look like he cares about Monica¡± Leo suggested. ¡°I noticed that too. He doesn¡¯t look like someone who cares about Monica. He even counted the money I gave to him¡± I opened my eyes in shock. ¡°What if he¡¯s trying to dupe her?¡± Chapter 14 Duped ¡°Monica, we have the money now. I will get going now. I will bring the double of it tomorrow. The business is quite a legit one and I know the person am working with¡± Mr. Brown said excitedly. ¡°I trust you, that¡¯s why am giving this money to you. My sister worked so hard to earn this money even the fact that we are not close. Please do as you¡¯ve said ¡± Monica pleaded. ¡°Trust me, I won¡¯t dupe you. Am not like that, I¡¯ve done this work for alot of people and this is the only way I can help you out¡± Mr. Brown smiled. ¡°Bye then¡± Monica waved at him. Mr. Brown didn¡¯t bother waving back at her or saying goodbye to her to her before leaving. ¡°This is really a huge money, I think is better to run away with the money and then break my sim card so she won¡¯t be able to contact me ever again ¡± Mr. Brown smirked. * * * * * * * ¡°What if he¡¯s trying to dupe her?¡± Leo asked. I looked at him in shock. I hit him on his head. ¡°Do you think that¡¯s even possible? How can your boyfriend dupe you? That¡¯s doesn¡¯t make any sense. That¡¯s impossible¡± I sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve watched alot of movies like that and I think it¡¯s possible ¡± Leo groaned rubbing his hand on his head. ¡°That makes no sense. Monica knows how hard I¡¯ve worked to get that money and your boyfriend can¡¯t dupe you!¡± I concluded. ¡°Then if you say so¡± Leo sighed * * * * * * * ¡°Hey Alison, I just met Mia today, she currently works as a part timer in the ce I work¡± Winter said to Alison on phone. ¡°Part timer? Looks like things are not easy for her. Make sure you transfer to Saebom school very soon and try to be close friends with her, before I transfer and keep me updated. Okay?¡± ¡°Yeah¡± Winter nodded her head. ¡°Winter, I don¡¯t know you¡¯ll be doing this for me?¡± Alisonughed. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve always been my puppet¡± Alisonughed. It was at this moment that Winter got hurt she wasn¡¯t expecting what Alison what¡¯s going to say to her. Winter has been bullied by Alison since they were kids. Winter lost her parents at a very young age and got adopted by Allison¡¯s parents. Allison¡¯s Mum maltreated her alot. She has to leave their house to leave with her grand Mother who is currently ill and in the hospital. Before Winter left the town, Alison asked her to inform her any time she meets Mia. Winter deep down in her heart doesn¡¯t want to do this but she can¡¯t say no to Alison and that¡¯s her problem. * * * * * * * * * * ¡°Am back!¡± I said to Jason as I entered the pub. ¡°Better, I¡¯ve been busy for a long time now, I have to go read now, I have alot of exams¡± Jason sighed removing the apron from his body. ¡°Jason guess what?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I finally got a part time work today and I was able to pay Monica¡¯s hospital bills¡± I rejoiced. ¡°Seriously?¡± Jason opened his eyes in surprise. ¡°Yes. I didn¡¯t know I will be able to make it and the work is a daily pay of hundred dors¡± I gushed. ¡°That¡¯s pretty nice. Have Mum called you on phone today?¡± Jason asked. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t tried calling her either. Let me do so now¡± I said bringing out my phone from my pocket. I tried calling her number several times but it was switched off. Jason got worried. ¡°I think she is fine, maybe she couldn¡¯t find anywhere to charge her phone. I think she would call uster before tomorrow morning¡± I convinced Jason.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Alright then, some group of girls came to visit you earlier¡± Jason said. ¡°Who are they?¡± I asked curiously. ¡°Is it oli..? I can¡¯t remember their names but I told them toe backter¡± Jason sighed. It must be Olive and my team mates. Jason made an attempt to leave but came back at once. ¡°Did you forget anything?¡± I asked him curiously. ¡°They said something about a basketballpetition, are you participating in anypetition?¡± Jason asked. I was surprised. I didn¡¯t want to tell any of my family members about that. I wanted to keep it a secret because they wanted me to stop ying basketball. ¡°Competition? No, I didn¡¯t even know there¡¯s an ongoingpetition in my school¡± I stuttered. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s fine. Am off¡± Jason said leaving at once. ¡°That was a close one¡± I heaved a sigh of relief. The doorbell rang and a group of girls entered the pub. ¡°Wee, what would you love to have¡± I turned at once. It¡¯s Olive and my team mates. I was dumbfounded. They dressed in ssy wears. They were looking too pretty. I looked at my old clothes and looked at theirs. It¡¯s a very embarrassing sight. I walked up to them and offered them a sit. ¡°What would you guys love to have?¡± I stuttered. ¡°Don¡¯t be so formal¡± Olive said. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re your team mates and we came to visit you¡± Laura sighed. ¡°Yeah, we came to visit you, so you should sale to us free and there aren¡¯t much customers here. So you can join us¡± Marie smiled. ¡°Free?!¡± I eximed The looked at me in surprise. I faked augh and they joined inughing too. I didn¡¯t want to talk to Marie because of what happened earlier and she noticed it. ¡°Uhm, Mia¡± Marie raised her head. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I actually came to apologise for what happened earlier, I didn¡¯t mean to be rude to you. When my Dad wasn¡¯t rich, we were treated that way. I know it hurts but I always wanted to feel what it¡¯s like to make someone feel that way too. I promise I won¡¯t do that kind of thing again¡± Marie apologised. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I have forgiven you¡± I smiled. ¡°Mia, will you be able to attend the party?¡± Olive asked curiously looking at my face expecting a positive answer. ¡°I don¡¯t think so, am usually busy and I just got a part time job¡± I exined. ¡°Okay¡± Olive nodded her head. We spent alot of time together. It¡¯s just like I¡¯ve made new friends and the girls seemed nice too. Chapter 15 Henry鈥檚 Lover ¡°This is very unusual, how can I be thinking about her¡± Jay sighed rolling on the bed. He had sh backs of when Mia hugged him tightly. ¡°Aisshh, that¡¯s cringy¡± Jay hugged himself tightly. He stood up and entered Riah¡¯s room. ¡°Hey!¡± He called out to Riah. ¡°How many times have I told to knock before entering my room!¡± Riah shouted. ¡°Whatever, I just wanted to ask you something that has been bothering me¡± Jay sighed. ¡°Really, what¡¯s bothering you?¡± Riah moved closely to Leo. ¡°So, there¡¯s this girl¡± ¡°Girl?!¡± Riah shouted.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Calm down, she¡¯s just my ssmate¡± Leoughed. ¡°Mia?¡± ¡°Yess, how do you know her¡± Leo asked surprised. ¡°Am friends with her brother, I usually stay at their pub in the evenings. I see you guysing home together from school and you guys are pretty close. So, do you like her?¡± Riah asked moving her face closer to Leo¡¯s. ¡°Not like that, just that my heart beats whenever am with her and_¡± ¡°And_¡± ¡°Nevermind, it¡¯s impossible for me to like her and we just met recently and she¡¯s closer to Jay¡± Leo¡¯s stood up and moved to the door to leave. ¡°Come on Leo, don¡¯t be like that. It¡¯s normal to like someone you just met the doesn¡¯t mean it is true love. It¡¯s just infatuation but the more closer you guys get, she will love you too. Are you afraid that she¡¯s close to Jay?¡± Riah sighed shaking her head in disapproval. ¡°Do you know what? Forget it. Where are you going too. You¡¯re dressing too nice¡± Leo asked confused. ¡°Are you meeting your mother inw today?¡± Leoughed. ¡°You guessed right. Am meeting her today so I have to dress very nice. How do I look?¡± Riah asked. ¡°Nice, just apply some light make up. Don¡¯t meet her with just bare face¡± Leo walked out of the room. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how to apply make up. I should just check a YouTube tutorial. * * * * * * * * * ¡°Are you ready Riah? Am in front of your house¡± Henry said on phone. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be ready soon¡± Riah ended the call. ¡°Why is she taking time?, women and their way of dressing up ¡± Henry sighed Chloe has been eavesdropping on their conversation. ¡°So she¡¯s visiting her mother inw today.¡± Chloe huffed. ¡°We¡¯ll, I¡¯ll have to follow them secretly. Things are going to pretty well for her. I couldn¡¯t even meet my Mother inw till the day of our arranged marriage ¡± Chloe sighed. Chloe changed her dress in a way she won¡¯t be noticed even if she got caught. * * * * * * * * Henry came out of the car immediately he saw Riah walking out of the gate. ¡°You waited?¡± Riah asked. Henry moved close to her and hugged her tightly. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll wait for you¡± They bothughed. ¡°Oh my God, they hugged? When did they suddenly get this close?¡± Chloe asked covering her mouth with her hands. Henry opened the car door for Riah and she entered. ¡°He¡¯s treating Riah like a Queen¡± Chloe sighed. They zoomed off. Chloe boarded a Taxi and followed them very closely till they reached Henry¡¯s house. The house is a pretty big one. Very furnished and absolutely beautiful. It looked like a Pce. No one would believe that just few people lived in the house. Different kinds of expensive flowers were used in the beautification. Chloe came down from the taxi and screamed. ¡°Wow, where is this? Heaven?¡± She eximed. Henry opened the car door for Riah, she came down and they both entered inside together. ¡°Why is she so fortunate¡± Chloe cried. Henry¡¯s parents were already in the dining table waiting for them. Riah held Henry¡¯s arms as they walked in. This made Chloe more mad. Henry¡¯s Mum was the most excited to meet Riah. She was very happy seeing both of them together and close too. She thought at first that Henry won¡¯t be happy with the marriage or Henry might be mad at her for supporting his Dad for the arranged marriage but fortunately Henry wasn¡¯t mad at all. ¡°Oh my God, she¡¯s so beautiful. Look at her shy eyes and those curly hairs¡± Henry¡¯s Mum said in her mind. ¡°She looks so beautiful¡± Henry¡¯s Mum gushed. ¡°Good evening Mum¡± Riah bowed down her heads. ¡°Why is she calling her Mum?¡± Chloe sneered. ¡°Life is so hard for me. I managed to slip through the doors and now am wearing a maids clothe hiding behind a flower vase so I don¡¯t get caught¡± Chloe sighed. ¡°How are you my daughter? Henry has told us alot about you. Riah, you¡¯re wee. Take a sit¡± Henry¡¯s Mum made a gesture for her to sit down. The rest of the family Introduced themselves. They are two in their family. Two boys and a girl. The boys name were: Raphael and Michael. The girls name is Kira. Kira is the most excited to meet Riah. They all introduced themselves apart from a girl or ady seated. She didn¡¯t say anything to Riah neither did she introduce herself. She kept ring at Riah which made Riah be afraid of her. ¡°Eilean won¡¯t you say hi to Riah. Come one introduce yourself¡± Henry¡¯s Mum said to her. ¡°Mum why did you call her over?¡± Henry whispered to his Mum. ¡°She insisted¡± Henry¡¯s Mum shrugged. ¡°Am Eilean. Henry¡¯s First Love¡± This made Riah cough. Henry¡¯s Mum gave her some water to drink. ¡°Eilean, stop saying that¡± Henry shouted at her. ¡°Are you okay Riah?¡± Henry¡¯s Mum asked. ¡°Yes am fine. Am okay¡± Riah smiled. ¡°That¡¯s not a proper way to introduce yourself!¡± Henry¡¯s Mum shouted at Eilean. Riah¡¯s eyes mistakenly met with Eilean¡¯s own. Eilean re made her heart skip. Eilean sneered and left the dining table immediately. ¡°Riah, don¡¯t mind her okay?¡± Kira soothed. Riah nodded her head. ¡°Mum, I¡¯ve told you many times. I don¡¯t want to see that girl around me!: Henry shouted. ¡°I tried my best but she- ¡°She what!¡± ¡°Henry, calm down please.¡± Riah checked her wristwatch. ¡°It¡¯ste already. I think I¡¯ll take my leave now. Thank you¡± Riah stood up to leave. ¡°I will drop you off¡± Henry insisted. ¡°Maybe next time. I wille over next time¡± Riah bowed down and left. ¡°You see what your hot temper has caused¡± Henry¡¯s Mum sneered at him. ¡°Wow, this is epic. So Henry actually has a lover?¡± Chloe said with surprise. ¡°Ahh..!¡± Chloe screamed as her hair got dragged by someone. ¡°Who are you?¡± Chloe asked curiously as Eilean let go of her hair. ¡°Why were you eavesdropping on our conversation?¡± Eilean asked. ¡°I wasn¡¯t. I swear¡± Chloe lied. ¡°What a sad day for me¡± Riah said as she walked out of the house. ¡°So he currently has a lover and wants to get married to me? How is that even possible?. Well, I think he¡¯ll exin better¡± Riah bite her fingers. ¡°So you¡¯re actually Riah¡¯s step sister. Chloe. Who isn¡¯t happy that she is getting married to a rich and handsome man. Coupled with the fact that your own arranged marriage didn¡¯t work out and you¡¯re jealous of her¡± Eilean exined. ¡°No, who said am not happy with my arranged marriage ¡± Chloe blurted. ¡°Even the look on your face says so¡± Eilean pointed at her face andughed loudly. ¡°Weird¡± Chloe sighed. ¡°So you¡¯re Leo¡¯s first Love or his current lover?¡± Chloe asked. ¡°Whichever one you think. That¡¯s not the issue now¡± Eilean replied. ¡°Then, what¡¯s the issue?¡± ¡°Since you are not happy with your sisters marriage and am not happy with it because I love Leo. Then, Let¡¯s ruin it!¡± ¡°Ruin it?¡± ¡°Yeah¡± Eilean nodded her head. ¡°I¡¯ve seen who is more evil than my Mum¡± Chloe said in her mind. ¡°Let¡¯s work together and ruin Riah¡¯s marriage ¡± Eilean smirked bringing out her hands for a handshake. Chapter 16 Happy Day My rm clock rang more than two times. I stretched my arms and yawned happily. I ran downstairs dancing happily. ¡°Mia, what¡¯s making you happy this early morning. It¡¯s so unusual¡± Jason asked cing the food on the table.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°Why won¡¯t I be happy? Monica is finallying back home today. Besides, the hospital dues have been paidpletely, it¡¯s enough reason to be happy. I payed it¡± I boasted. ¡°I don¡¯t think, you guys were close. Why the sudden change. Because she was sick?¡± Jason sighed. ¡°You think so? Absolutely not. She will have to pay me back. I calcted all the expenses, including my bus fare to the hospital and she will double it¡± I sneered. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be like that, she¡¯s your elder sister¡± ¡°Whatever, what are we having for breakfast?¡± Maria entered the living room with a very sad face. ¡°Maria, what¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you looking depressed?¡± I asked licking my index finger from the stew I tasted. Maria looked at Jason and I but didn¡¯t utter a word. She went upstairs immediately. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Jason asked me. ¡°Are you asking me? Are my not here with you?¡± I sighed. ¡°You guys have forgotten about Mum, you haven¡¯t even called her on phone for two days now!¡± Maria shouted. ¡°Maria, don¡¯t be like that. I called her on phonest night but she didn¡¯t answer. She sent me a text message instead¡± I showed the text message to Maria. ¡°You see? She¡¯s doing great. So don¡¯t worry. She¡¯ll be back soon¡± Jason assured Maria. I ate my breakfast immediately and ran to my room to dress for school. * * * * * * * * Monica has not been feelingfortable since Mr. Brown left. She was feeling guilty of giving the money to Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown hasn¡¯t called her either. ¡°Why isn¡¯t he answering his phone. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Monica continued trying to call him on phone. The Doctor entered her ward immediately. ¡°Hi Monica, how are you doing today?¡± He asked smiling. ¡°Am better now¡± She replied. ¡°You will have to leave today. Besides, you¡¯re better now. Your sister said she gave the money to you.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Monica asked with her mouth open. ¡°Any problem?¡± The Doctor asked calmly. ¡°No, no, there¡¯s no problem. Everything is alright ¡± She stuttered. ¡°Okay, take your time. You can leave any time today ¡± The Doctor said and walked out. ¡°This Dude should answer his calls ¡± Monica cried. She received a text message from Mr. Brown immediately. ¡°YOU HAVE BEEN DUPED¡± The message read. ¡°Duped? Who? Me?!¡± Monica asked curiously. One of the nurses ran intonher ward immediately. ¡°Any problem?¡± The nurse asked curiously. Monica started crying immediately. ¡°I have been duped by my boyfriend ¡± Monica cried. ¡°What?!¡± The nurse eximed. Monica cried seriously. ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡± The nurse asked. ¡°Mr. Brown¡± ¡°He¡¯s name sounds familiar. He came here yesterday. I know him. He once duped my sister too. Pretending to love her and then duped her. She lost more than a thousand dors¡± The nurse narrated. ¡°Really?¡± Monica asked widening her eyes. ¡°Yeah¡± ¡°Is there anyway I can get the money back? My sister worked so hard for this. She won¡¯t be happy when she hears about this¡± Monica pleaded. ¡°It¡¯s toote now. He¡¯s probably out of town now.¡± The nurse said and walked away. Monica cried seriously. * * * * * * * * * Riah rolled on the bed. She couldn¡¯t get enough sleep yesterday night because of what happened. ¡°He didn¡¯t even call or message me¡± Riah sighed as she looked through her phone. She checked the headlines of the day. She saw her name on trending news for the day. Her Instagram followers have increased too. ¡°All these doesn¡¯t matter¡± She sighed. She ran her hands through the wardrobe before she could get a clothe to wear. ¡°How do I look? Good?¡± Sheughed looking at herself at the mirror. * * * * * * * * * Riah opened the door to Mia¡¯s Mum¡¯s pub. ¡°Riah! You¡¯re here?!¡± Jason eximed with joy. ¡°Yeah¡± She soothed taking a seat. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± Jason asked calmly. ¡°No, nothing. Thank you¡± Riah replied. ¡°You don¡¯t look so happy. Is there a problem?¡± Jason asked taking a seat beside her. ¡°Actually, my fianc¨¦- ¡°Am off to school!¡± I interrupted. She looked at Jason and Riah with surprise. ¡°Howe?¡± I asked in my mind. ¡°Okay¡± Jason looked at me making a sign for me to leave immediately. I yed dumb for some seconds before leaving. Iughed at him immediately I left. ¡°How can he be hitting on Riah?¡± Iughed loudly. ¡°Who is hitting on Riah?¡± Leo asked. ¡°My God!¡± I yelled. ¡°Leo, stop this. You always scare me¡± I yelled at him. ¡°Sorry¡± He apologised. ¡°What are you doing here? When did you start taking the bus to school?¡± I asked curiously. ¡°I, I, uhmm..-¡± ¡°What?¡± I raised y eye brows. ¡°Forget it, the bus is here¡± Leo stuttered entering the bus. We sat on the same seat. ¡°You wanted to see me, right?¡± I askedughing. ¡°Stop saying absurd things, why will I want to see you when I I everyday in school¡± Leo said avoiding my face. ¡°Okay. That¡¯s my favourite song ying¡± I said standing up. ¡°What do you Want to do?¡± Leo red at me. ¡°Dancing? Join me¡± I offered my hand to him. ¡°No!¡± He rejected immediately. ¡°Don¡¯t be shy. There ain¡¯t much people on the bus. The old men and women are dancing too¡± I smiled at him. ¡°Okay then ¡± Leo smiled standing up to join me. ¡°How is she this good at dancing and she¡¯s not shy too?¡± Leo wondered. ¡°You can dance too¡± I said to Leo. ¡°Really?¡± Heughed. * * * * * * * * ¡°So, you¡¯re trying to say your fianc¨¦ has a lover or his ex. Which one?¡± Jason asked Riah. ¡°I don¡¯t even know, if they are together. She just said that she¡¯s his first Love. What if Henry still loves her?¡± Riah asked worriedly. ¡°You disturb yourself alot. I think he¡¯ll exin better. Try to call him on phone¡± Jason advised. ¡°Why will I call him on phone? He should be the one to call me. I mean, he should have sent me a text since yesterday night or even call me but he hasn¡¯t ¡± Riah sighed. ¡°Try and call him. Maybe, his busy¡± ¡°He shouldn¡¯t be too busy to check on his fianc¨¦¡± Riah sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know then¡± Jason shrugged. Riah¡¯s phone rang immediately. She went away to answer it and came back few minutester. ¡°It¡¯s Henry¡¯s Mum. She wants me to visit herter in the day. I¡¯ll be going now¡± ¡°Okay Bye¡± Jason waved. * * * * * * * * ¡°You¡¯re so full of energy ¡± Leo said to me as we walked to our ss. ¡°Of course. I want to learn hwo to dance very well. I can be a choreographer¡± I said making a move. I almost hit a girl carrying a bucket of water. Leo pulled me and apologised to the girl. ¡°Be careful ¡± He sighed. ¡°Mia!¡± Jay called. ¡°Jay¡± I said running towards him. ¡°Why is she so happy whenever she¡¯s with Jay¡± Leo sighed. The English teacher entered the ss. ¡°An oral test assignment is given. It¡¯ll be done by two people. So you guys will choose your partner¡± The teacher said to us. ¡°I don¡¯t even have anyone to do It with¡± I sighed. ¡°Leo, Jay, I want to do with you¡± Tbe girls cried. ¡°Looks like everyone wants to do it with the handsome boys. Okay, let¡¯s do it this way. A paper will be passed around, if you get any same number with the person, you guys will have to pair¡± The teacher dered. The students murmured. ¡°Mia, pass the box around¡± The teacher instructed me. I did as I was instructed Immediately. ¡°Mia, hope we get the same number¡± Jay smiled. I didn¡¯t say anything. I just blushed and continued passing the box around. ¡°Mia, of course, we would have the Same number because we are meant for each other ¡± Leoughed. Weughed together. ¡°Why is she flirting with Leo¡± The girls murmured. ¡°Looks like she¡¯s hitting on Leo and Jay¡± one of the girls sighed. I looked at them but the avoided my face. I ignored them and continued. I picked thest paper. Jay and Leo ran towards me. ¡°Do you guys want to push me?¡± I asked curiously. ¡°That¡¯s not important. What¡¯s your number?¡± Leo and Jay asked in unison. ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s hitting on them, I think it¡¯s the other way round¡± One of the girls shaked her head. Chapter 17 Sad Ending ¡°Don¡¯t be sad Leo. We can pair together next time¡± Iforted Leo. Leo ignored me. ¡°Hey!, what¡¯s wrong with you!¡± I hit him on his back. Jayughed. ¡°Leo, are you really sad because you can¡¯t pair up with Mia?¡± Jayughed. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s really sad!¡± Leo retorted. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with your partner though, I mean she¡¯s cute¡± Jayughed. I joined him too. Leo walked out immediately. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± ¡°Do I know? Let me go meet him¡± I smiled. ¡°Mia, wait¡± Jay called me back. ¡°Yes¡± ¡°Are you free after your basketball practice?¡± ¡°Am not sure. Am visiting my sister in the hospital and my part time work too¡± I replied. ¡°What about our assignments?¡± ¡°Maybe, weekend. Am free by that time¡± I walked out. ¡°Uhm, Mia¡± Jay called. I couldn¡¯t answer because I was running fast to meet up with Leo. ¡°Leo, what¡¯s wrong with you.? I mean, why will you walk out that way. We were just joking¡± I sighed breathing heavily. ¡°Mia, do you like Jay?¡± Leo asked avoiding my face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you. The question is absurd. How is that even possible?¡± Leo secretly smiled immediately he heard that. ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± Iughed. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re happy whenever you are with him and you were very excited when you found out you will be pairing with him in the assignment¡± Leo sighed. ¡°What if I like him?¡± I asked hiding my smile. Leo looked sad immediately. ¡°But you said that¡¯s not possi- ¡°It¡¯s alright, it¡¯s alright. Nobody likes anybody. We just like each other as friends¡± I cut in. ¡°Friends?¡± ¡°Yes, of course. Just like how I like you as a friend ¡± I said locking his arms with mine. ¡°So, am still in the friend zone¡± Leo said in his mind. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Let¡¯s go for practice. The master is waiting for us¡± ¡°Okay¡± I nodded my head. We ran together to the Basketball court Immediately. The Master was already waiting for us. ¡°Mia, you¡¯re here?¡± He waved at me. ¡°Yes¡± I bowed down my head. ¡°Hi Leo¡± The master shook hands with Leo. We started practice immediately. The practice went well. My performance has improved very much too. ¡°Leo, you will y against Mia. It¡¯s a 1v1 match¡± The master ordered. ¡°No, Master. I can¡¯t y with him. He¡¯s in a higher level than me.¡± I convinced the master. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Mia. I will go easy on you¡± Leo smirked. ¡°Master¡± I cried. ¡°It is what it is¡± The master dismissed us. I yed with Leo and won against him. It wasn¡¯t easy but I was able to win against him because he thought he will win. ¡°Yayy!¡± I shouted with joy immediately I won. The students practicing were surprised including Leo, the master and Olivia opened their mouth I surprise. ¡°How is that possible? She just transferred few week ago. How can she win against Leo?¡± The students murmured. My poprity eventually increased highly for winning against theif Prince charming. ¡°Mia, that¡¯s awesome. This time around you will y against Olivia¡± The master smiled. ¡°No, no. I can¡¯t. Don¡¯t go there¡± I declined immediately shaking my head in disapproval. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with it, Let¡¯s y. 1v1¡± Olivia said smiling. ¡°Olivia! Olivia!!¡± Her friends and fans cheered for her. Only Leo and Jay were cheering for me. ¡°You can do this Mia!¡± They shouted in unison. ¡°Okay then¡± I agreed. The game was quite a tough one. I know few skills in basketball but Oliva seemed perfect. 1-0 Olivia won at first. This moment I wanted to give up. It makes no sense ying with her because she will end up winning. ¡°Come one Mia. You can still do this!¡± Jay and Leo smiled at me. Thisforted me. I reduced my speed of ying. I went easy while ying. I was ying slow but steady. I won against her for like 4 times. 1-4N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. The crowd were surprised at this moment. The noise increased too. It¡¯s one win left for me to win. Olivia increased her ability but I won against her. 4-5 The Master blew his whistle excitedly to end the game. I was the headline of the day. Everyone was talking about me. Olivia is actually the most popr girl In school for now, so winning against her made me popr too. After practice that day, alot of students asked for my social media ount details. That was how I suddenly became popr in school. ¡°Today is such a hectic day in school ¡± I sighed. ¡°Are you going home or to the hospital?¡± Leo asked eagerly. ¡°To my part time work¡± I replied sharply. ¡°I think it¡¯s too early. You should rest a bit. You worked hard today.¡± Leo advised. ¡°I want to go early today. So, by evening I¡¯ll be done. Then, I¡¯ll visit the hospital, to help my sister out ¡± I replied. ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll be going now. Call me on phone when you¡¯re visiting her. I¡¯ll like to join you¡± Leo said and entered the bus. ¡°Okay. Bye¡± I waved at him. I worked into the ce I work and changed my dress. Winter was already there working. ¡°Hey Mia!¡± She called out to me. ¡°Hi¡± I waved at her. There weren¡¯t much customers, so were sat down to discuss for a while. ¡°I heard someone was duped in the hospital¡± Winter said to me. ¡°Really?¡± I asked curiously. ¡°Yes. But I don¡¯t know the person. ¡± ¡°I hope it¡¯s not my sister¡± I murmured. ¡°Okay then¡± I continued using my phone. ¡°Mia, I want to transfer to your school¡± Winter said excitedly. ¡°Okay. Then¡± I replied. ¡°It¡¯s nice right?¡± ¡°Yes, very nice¡± I nodded my head. I received a text message from Leo. He¡¯s already waiting for me outside. Winter didn¡¯t look happy. She didn¡¯t get the kind of discussion she wants. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. My friend is already waiting for me. Bye¡± I waved at her and left. ¡°She¡¯s ignoring me¡± Winter sighed. Winter made an attempt to leave but she saw Leo and shouted. This distracted the customers so she closed her mouth with her hands immediately. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Leo?¡± She asked taking a picture of him and Mia. She zoomed it and sent to Alison. Alison received it Immediately and called her on phone. ¡°Is that Leo and Mia? You saw them together?¡± Alison asked aggressively. ¡°Yes. Leo came to pick her up and they¡¯re riding in the same car now¡± Winter exined. ¡°Wow, Mia is such a wonderful person. Don¡¯t worry, let her enjoy when she can because aming for her. I¡¯ll be there in two days time¡± Alison said and ended the call. Leo and I walked into the hospital. ¡°Thanks for the ride¡± I thanked him. ¡°My pleasure¡± Leo replied. We opened the door to Monica¡¯s ward to meet her crying heavily. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Monica?¡± I ran towards her. ¡°Am sorry Mia, I have duped by my boyfriend¡± Monica cried. ¡°What?!¡± I eximed. ¡°Am truly sorry, I did this out of greediness. He promised to double it for me¡± Monica cried. ¡°Are you a fool?!¡± I asked her angrily. Leo was very surprised. ¡°Me, fool?¡± Monica asked me. ¡°Yes, you!¡± I retorted. ¡°How can you be duped by the so called person you called your boyfriend? I worked hard to earn that money, coupled with restless night. Mum is nowhere to be found¡± I cried. ¡°Mum, is nowhere to be found?¡± Monica asked calmly. ¡°She said she was travelling to God knows where and we haven¡¯t been able to contact her for some time now. I¡¯ve been the one helping out in the family¡± I continued crying. Leo left us immediately. He went to the ce where the hospital bills are paid. He paid for Monica¡¯s hospital dues. ¡°Don¡¯t reveal my identity. Don¡¯t tell them who paid it. Please¡± Leo begged the nurses. They agreed. ¡°You can leave now, miss Monica. Your hospital dues have been paid¡± A nurse said to Monica. ¡°What?! Who paid for it?!¡± We asked in unison. Chapter 18 Leo Leo walked in quietly. Monica and I stared at him together. ¡°What is wrong with this hospital¡¯s toilet. It¡¯s not neat to my liking¡± Leo sighed. ¡°Leo did you pay my sister¡¯s hospital bills?¡± I asked him. ¡°What? Someone paid for her hospital dues. How can I pay for it. Its too expensive. Look I might look rich but am broke¡± Leo blurted. ¡°That¡¯s true. Leo looks rich but he¡¯s broke so there¡¯s no way he can pay for it¡± I muttered. ¡°You are free to leave now¡± The nurse said to us. ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll leave just now.¡± Monica said standing up to leave. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± I asked Monica. ¡°What do you Want me to do. It¡¯s almost 24 hours, so we¡¯ll settle that outside the hospital¡± Monica sighed leaving. ¡°Am going nuts right now¡± ¡°Am waiting for your outside¡± Leo said leaving. ¡°Who must have paid the bills? There is no way it could be Mr. Brown but am suspecting Leo¡±. * * * * * * Monica went straight to ask the nurse who paid the bills. ¡°C¡¯mon tell me, who paid it?¡± Monica asked the nurse repeatedly. ¡°He said we shouldn¡¯t tell anyone¡± The nurse stuttered. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a tip if you tell me¡± Monica smiled. The nurse smiled too. ¡°It¡¯s the guy that came with your sister¡± The nurse revealed. ¡°Leo?¡± ¡°Yeah¡±. ¡°You paid the bills right?¡± Monica asked Leo. ¡°Aishh, I didn¡¯t pay it. Am broke!¡± Leo stuttered. ¡°You are not good in lying. I can see by the look on your face that you¡¯re actually pretending. You can tell me, I promise I won¡¯t tell Mia about it¡± Monica soothed. ¡°You won¡¯t tell Mia right? You promise right?¡± Leo asked curiously. ¡°Yes. I won¡¯t. I promise¡± Monica assured. ¡°Yes. I paid the bills. I didn¡¯t want to see her suffer anymore. She works part time and also works when she arrives home instead of taking a rest. I actually know Mr. Brown is a trickster. But he¡¯s your boyfriend, so I thought he must have changed. I mean it makes no sense duping your girlfriend¡± Leo exined. ¡°It really makes no sense duping your girlfriend. I don¡¯t know Mr. Brown is that kind of person. I mean, he¡¯s been too nice to me. Even when I almostmitted suicide, he held me from doing so and I fell in love with him at that instant. But I never thought he will do this to me¡± Monica cried. ¡°Sorry¡± Leo consoled her. ¡°Do you like Mia?¡± Monica asked him. Leo looked at her immediately. ¡°How can I like her? Even if I like her, I like her as a friend ¡± Leo stammered. ¡°Really?. Okay then¡± ¡°Are you guys gossiping about me?¡± Mia shouted. Leo and Monic were shocked. Leo¡¯s heart skipped. ¡°Mia, you scared me!¡± Leo shouted. ¡°Sorry¡± Mia apologised. ¡°I¡¯ll call a taxi that will take us home¡± Mia said waving her hands at taxi. ¡°Thank you, Leo¡± Monica soothed entering the taxi. ¡°You¡¯re wee¡± Leo waved at them. ¡°That was close¡± Leo sighed. * * * * * * ¡°Oh Riah you¡¯re here¡± Henry¡¯s Mum smiled weing her. ¡°Good evening Mum¡± Riah greeted her and the other women seated. ¡°Meet Riah, My son fianc¨¦ ¡± Henry¡¯s Mum introduced Riah to her friends. ¡°She looks to young. She should be preparing to go to college instead of getting Married¡± The women whispered among themselves. ¡°She¡¯s pretty right?¡± Henry¡¯s Mum asked her friends.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Yes, she is. But I think Eilean will be suitable for Henry. They have been together since childhood. We all know Eilean loves Henty but seeing Henry get married to some other girl will really make her sad¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum shrugged. Riah felt ufortable when she heard that. She rumpled her skirt with her hands because she was sweating profusely. ¡°Seat down my daughter¡± Henry¡¯s Mum offered a seat to her. ¡°We¡¯re you forced to marry Henry?¡± Eileans Mum asked Riah. ¡°No¡± Riah smiled. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah¡± Riah replied. ¡°You see, Henry also loves her. They love each other. That¡¯s why they¡¯re getting married soon. She can be married and be going to college too¡± Henry¡¯s Mum smiled. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re very excited your son is getting married¡± Eileans Mum sighed. ¡°Of course, Henry will be living on his own now with his wife¡± Henry¡¯s Mumughed. ¡°We¡¯ll be leaving now¡± The women said standing up to leave. ¡°I would have like to see you guys off but I can¡¯t leave my daughter inw alone¡± Henry¡¯s Mum sighed. The women were surprised and jealous was written boldly on their face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Mum, it¡¯s okay. I can wait till youe back¡± Riah urged her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we can see ourselves off¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum sneered. They left immediately. ¡°This is really embarrassing!¡± One of the women shouted immediately they came out of the house. ¡°This is really an arranged marriage because they are too young to get married or it will be a contract based marriage for business purposes¡± Another woman added. ¡°What you said made sense. Eilean and Henry are close there¡¯s no way on earth Henry won¡¯t like Eilean. I must make sure Henry marries my daughter¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum snapped. ¡°What if Henry doesn¡¯t like Eilean?¡± One of the women asked her. ¡°I have my ways¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum smirked. * * * * * ¡°Am really sorry about what happened yesterday night¡± Henry¡¯s Mum apologised. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s alright¡± Riah soothed. ¡°Actually, Henry is not dating Eilean. They¡¯re not in any rtionship. I can assure you that¡± Henry¡¯s Mum assured Her. ¡°Am not angry. There¡¯s no way they can be dating and Henry would love to marry me at the same time. I just want to hear the story from his mouth but he hasn¡¯t called me either¡± Riah sighed. ¡°He hasn¡¯t called you since yesterday night?¡± ¡°Yes, he hasn¡¯t. Maybe, he¡¯s been busy¡± Riah suggested. ¡°He¡¯s hot tempered but don¡¯t worry, he will calm down¡± Henry¡¯s Mumforted her. Riah nodded her head. ¡°This flowers are withering¡± Henry¡¯s Mum sighed. Riah walked to bring the flowers close to her. ¡°This one?¡± Riah asked her. Henry walked in immediately. He was shocked to see Riah. They stared at each other for a while. ¡°Hi¡± Henry greeted her. ¡°Hi too¡± Riah sighed looking away from him. Henry¡¯s Mum walked up to him and hit him on his chest. ¡°Why would you treat her that way? You haven¡¯t called her on phone since yesterday night. What kind of a fianc¨¦ are you?¡± Henry¡¯s Mum yelled at him. ¡°Riah, am really sorry for not calling you. I¡¯ve been really busy since yesterday night¡± Henry apologised. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s okay¡± Riah smiled. ¡°Actually, I went to your ce to look for you but your step Mum said you left earlier¡± Henry recalled. ¡°Why were you looking for me?¡± Riah asked. ¡°I was wondering, if I can take you out for the dinner. At least, make it up to you¡± Henry stuttered. Henry¡¯s Mum smiled at this moment. ¡°That is what you should. Riah get up¡± Henry¡¯s Mum locked her arms with Riah¡¯s own. ¡°Make sure you don¡¯t upset her!¡± Henry¡¯s Mum shouted at him. ¡°I won¡¯t¡± Henry sighed. Chapter 19 First Love Chloe walked out of the bathroom, hanging her towel on her neck, dancing to the rhythm of her favourite song. She mistakenly hit her leg on a seat. ¡°Ahh¡± She groaned in pains. ¡°This I all Eilean¡¯s fault, making me tail on someone, aishh!¡± Chloe shouted. She received a call on her phone. ¡°Who the heck is calling me by this time!¡± Chloe continued shouting. ¡°It¡¯s Eileannn¡± Chloe answered the call immediately. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you been answering my calls, I¡¯ve called you times without number!¡± Eilean shouted. ¡°Am sorry¡± Chloe apologised. ¡°Whatever!, am waiting for you in Eilean¡¯s hotel. Don¡¯t waste my time. I¡¯ll send you the location now¡± Eilean yelled ending the call. ¡°Why is she so rude? It¡¯s just three missed calls, she¡¯s making it sound like she has called me more than ten times and Eilean¡¯s hotel? Where on earth is that!?¡± Chloe muttered picking up her dress. Leo¡¯s Mum entered immediately. ¡°Oh my God!¡± Chloe shouted. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you shouting?¡± Leo¡¯s Mum asked looking at her face. ¡°Mum, you scared me¡± Chloe sighed hiding her dress. ¡°Where are you heading to?¡± ¡°Me? Heading?.., to where?¡± Chloe stuttered. ¡°You¡¯re putting on make up.¡± Leo¡¯s Mum pointed at her face. ¡°The makeup? Emm, ehhrm. Am going home!¡± Chloe stuttered. ¡°Which home?¡± Chloe remained quiet. ¡°What have you been up to recently?¡± Leo¡¯s Mum asked eargerly. ¡°I actually want to visit my husband¡¯s house, I left some of my things there. I really need them urgently. my ATM card¡± Chloe sighed. ¡°Really? Alright. You can go but don¡¯te back homete¡± Leo¡¯s Mum said leaving the room. ¡°Alright Mum.¡± Chloe heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°This could have been dangerous, what If she finds out that I want to ruin the wedding with Eilean or that I even want to frame Riah for cheating on Henry with her best friend?¡± Chloe hit her head with her hands. * * * * * ¡°Why is it taking her a lot of time to get here¡± Eilean hissed. Chloe came out of her car with her high heeled shoes. She dressed very ssily. ¡°Eilean¡¯s Hotel? That¡¯s weird. Looks like her Dad is the owner of the hotel. The building is quite a huge one. There¡¯s no way on earth, she¡¯ll look down on me. This dress is everything¡± Chloe admired. Chloe walked up to Eilean. Eilean looked at her confused. ¡°Why did it take you almost two hours to get here?!¡± Eilean shouted staring at Chloe¡¯s dress. ¡°Looks like she¡¯s really admiring my dress. I really have a great fashion sense¡± Chloe said in her mind smiling eargerly. ¡°Let¡¯s forget about the time, what are you wearing?¡± Eileanughed. Chloe looked at her dress. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my dress?¡± Chloe asked looking at her dress for any stain. ¡°Did you go back to the 90¡¯s to get this? This might look ssy to you but its out dated. Look at those long skirts¡± Eilean continuedughing. Chloe felt ashamed of herself. She couldn¡¯t even say a word. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sit down¡± Eilean said to her. Chloe sat down, she continued avoiding having an eye contact with Eilean. Eilean was stillughing but trying to hide it. ¡°Let¡¯s get to business¡± Eilean heaved a sigh of relief. Chloe adjusted her seat. ¡°So, did you find any pictures of her with a guy? Maybe her best friend or a close friend to her¡± Eilean asked eagerly. ¡°Actually, this won¡¯t make much sense, I got some pictures of her with a guy living close to us¡± Chloe brought out the pictures. Eilean tried collecting them from her hands immediately but Chloe withdrew it. ¡°Calm down¡± Chloeughed. Eilean shrugged. ¡°Why will I give the pictures to you?¡± Chloe asked faking a smile. ¡°I am the one who got the idea¡± Eilean snapped. ¡°Well, I took the risk in getting the pictures. Furthermore, I¡¯ll advice you to stop looking for a way to ruin my step sister¡¯s wedding¡± Eilean looked at Chloe confused. ¡°What? We¡¯re in this together. Aren¡¯t we?¡± Eilean asked confused. ¡°Really? Then you treat me like a trash can, like a ve to you. Come to think of it, you like Leo and I also like him. So if we¡¯re in thsi together, who amongst us will date Leo?¡± Chloe smirked. ¡°It should be me. I mean, you¡¯re married. Even though it isn¡¯t a real marriage. Still,..¡± ¡°Still what?¡± Chloe asked looking into her eyes. ¡°Look at those desperate eyes¡± Chloeughed standing up to leave. ¡°Don¡¯t just go that way. At least, hand the pictures over to me. Don¡¯t do this. I really love Leo¡± Eilean cried. ¡°You love Leo but Leo loves someone else. Why will you hurt him by ruining his marriage if you love him?¡± Chloe cooed. ¡°That¡¯s because I want him to be mind. Yes, you can say am greedy and selfish but I don¡¯t care I just want him for myself¡± Eilean continued crying. ¡°I have no business with you¡± Chloe left the hotel immediately. Eilean started crying more seriously now. She hit her legs on the seat. She stood up fiercely, breaking the ss cups on the table. The security dragged her out of the hotel to her room. ¡°Let me go¡± She continued crying. ¡°What have I just done?¡± Chloe asked herself. ¡°Well, it¡¯s for the better. There¡¯s no gain in ruining the marriage. I feel proud of myself. I didn¡¯t let her intimidate me¡± Chloe smiled walking into her car. * * * * * ¡°This ce looks beautiful¡± Riah admired touching the flowers. ¡°Really? You like it?¡± Henry asked her. ¡°Yes, I love it. Are you the one who takes care of the garden?¡± Riah turned to look at him. ¡°Yes, since I was a kid¡­, Be careful!¡± Henry shouted. ¡°Ahh¡± Riah screamed falling down. Henry held her immediately. They starred at each other for a while. Riah looked at him in surprise. Henry kept moving closer to her. ¡°Your hands¡± Riah looked at Henry. ¡°My hands?¡± ¡°You¡¯re holding me tightly on my butts¡± Riah said avoiding his eyes. ¡°Oh, sorry¡± Henry let go off Riah immediately. ¡°Thank you¡± ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re wee¡± Henry stuttered. ¡°So, as you were saying, you always came here since you were a kid. Right?¡± Riah asked. ¡°Yeah, since I was nine. I had no friends. The only friend I had then died. So, I always came here alone¡± Henry exined. ¡°Really? You haven¡¯t brought anyone here? What about Eilean?¡± Riah asked eagerly. ¡°Eilean? Am not sure she¡¯s been here¡± Henry smiled. ¡°He isn¡¯t sure?, Maybe she has been here¡± Riah said in her mind. The look on Riah¡¯s face changed, Henry noticed it. ¡°Do you want to know about Eilean and I?¡± Henry asked. Riah nodded her head. ¡°Actually, we¡¯ve been close friends since we were ten years old. Her parents and my parents were very close, so she always stays with us. So we got very close even in school, we were close but I still felt like I was alone. I liked her¡± ¡°He liked her? Them Eilean¡¯s is probably his first love¡± Riah thought. ¡°¡­. I liked her and I told her about it. She got angry at me for saying that kind of thing to her because we were very close friends. I realised at that moment that dating her will ruin our friendship. Eilean used to be a good and calm girl but she suddenly changed in her behaviours and everything about herself. I started hating her slowly. I stopped talking to her. She got angry at me for not talking to her, I apologised. She confessed her feelings to me but I rejected her. This made her more angry. When she heard I¡¯ll be getting married soon, that made her more angry. She¡¯s just angry at me¡± Henry exined. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s quite a long story. So Eilean is your first love right?¡± Riah asked smiling. ¡°I can¡¯t really say if it was love, maybe I should just say I was infatuated. It isn¡¯t true love.¡± Henry sighed. ¡°Okay¡± ¡°What about you? Don¡¯t you have a first love?¡± Henry smiled earnestly. ¡°Me?¡± Riah raised her eyebrows. Henryughed. ¡°You¡¯re my first love¡± Raihughed. ¡°Really?¡± Henry asked surprised. ¡°Yes¡± Riah nodded her head. Henry hugged her tightly.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org. ¡°You¡¯re my first love too¡± Henry¡¯s stroked Riah¡¯s Hairs with his hands. Raih giggled. Riah released herself from him. ¡°It¡¯ste. I think we should start heading home now¡± Riah suggested. ¡°Alright then.¡± They both entered the car. Henry took Riah home. ¡°Thank you¡± Riah smiled. ¡°Uhm,..¡± ¡°What?¡± Riah raised her eyebrows. ¡°Nothing, just that I love you, I just wanted to tel you that¡± Henry smiled shyly. Riah couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°I love you too¡± Riah smiled. ¡°Are you leaving without giving me a hug?¡± Henry asked. Riahughed and they both hugged each other tightly. Chloe met both of them hugging each other. ¡°Henry must really love Riah. It doesn¡¯t even look like a marriage based on a contract. Sadly, they have barely two years to be together. Sad love¡± Chloe shaked her head. * * * * * Eilean continued crying deeply. She broke the ss cups and bottle In her room. Eilean threatened to kill herself if Leo doesn¡¯t marry her. Her Mum rushed into the room to get hold of her. ¡°Eilean, stop!¡± Her Mum shouted. ¡°Mum, I love Leo but he loves someone else¡± Eilean continued crying. ¡°I think I have a better idea¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum moved closet to her. ¡°What?¡± Eilean cleaned her tears with her hands. ¡°Just get pregnant for him¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum suggested. ¡°What?¡± Eilean asked shocked. Chapter 20 Eilean鈥檚 Pregnancy Monica and Mia walked in silently into the house. Jason and Maria were already sitter waiting for them. ¡°Sister, you¡¯re back¡± Maria hugged Monica. ¡°You guys are back?¡± Jason asked smiling. Jason and Maria were very happy to meet their sister after many weeks. ¡°Yes¡± Monica answered. Mia walked into her room. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Mia?¡± Maria asked. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her, she isn¡¯t in a good mood. She wants to be alone now¡± Monica stroked Maria¡¯s hair. ¡°Am d we no longer share the same room¡± Mia sighed. ¡°Sister Monica, when is Muming back home?¡± Maria asked. ¡°Mum, is not yet back?¡± Monica asked Jason. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s been off for about a week now. She said she woulde back soon but we¡¯re still waiting. There¡¯s no enough money to even take care of ourselves. Mia is the one who have been helping out alot¡± Jason exined. Monica smirked. Mia walked out of her room to get some water from the refrigerator. Monica, Jason and Maria were already waiting for her in the living room. ¡°Mia, we¡¯ll like to discuss something with you¡± Monica said. ¡°Am not interested¡± Mia retorted walking out. ¡°Mia is about Mum!¡± Jason eximed. Mia stopped and turned to them. ¡°What happened to Mum¡± Dropping her water bottle on the table. ¡°Mum is gone for good!¡± Monica shouted. They all turned to look at her. ¡°Mum is gone?¡± Maria cried. Jason consoled Maria. ¡°Monica, I know very well that since you were discharged from the hospital you haven¡¯t fully recovered and it¡¯s affecting you in the brain¡± Mia yelled. ¡°Mia calm down, you¡¯re being rude¡± Jason urged. Mia sat down. ¡°Mum is gone, I know it¡¯s very hard to believe but you guys need to ept the fact, Mum always does this. Jason do you remember when we were kids?¡± Monica questioned Jason. Jason recalled what happened when the were kids. There Mum left them alone in the forest due to a sudden war. Mum was always used to running away, she can¡¯t watch her kids suffer, she alwayses back after she runs away but this time around was a total different case. ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything¡± Jason lied. ¡°Jason you¡¯re not good at lying and you know that very well¡± Monicaughed. ¡°She¡¯s such a weirdo, no one isughing and this is not a joke¡± Mia sighed. ¡°The war that broke out when we were still little kids, Mum abandoned in the forest, we didn¡¯t eat for up to two days, we almost starved to death. Mum was nowhere to be found. She always runs away when we need her. This time around, Mum is gone for real, we should ept that and move on with our life¡± Monica adviced. ¡°It¡¯s impossible for Mum to leave us.¡± Maria continued crying. ¡°Mum is not gone, okay?¡± Jasonforted Maria. Monicaughed folding her hands. ¡°You guys shouldn¡¯t feed the little girl with lies.¡± Monica sighed leaving the house. Maria continued crying. ¡°She¡¯s too rude to my liking¡± Mia sighed. Maria slept off on Jason¡¯s body. ¡°Mia, I also think Mum is not ever gon¡¯e back again, we have to survive on our own now.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry Bro, I¡¯ll do my best to help out, you need to continue your education, you¡¯re almost done, okay?¡± Mia convinced Jason. Jason hugged her tightly. ¡°There¡¯s no Sister like you¡± Mia smiled. * * * * * *N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. ¡°Mum, are you saying I should get pregnant for Henry?¡± Eilean asked curiously. ¡°I know it might seem weird but I¡¯m desperate too. The Riah girl is just 18 years old but you are twenty three and Henry is twenty two. I really want you to marry Henry, They¡¯re very wealthy. Imagine all those mansions being yours¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum exined. Eilean sighed. ¡°Eilean, you don¡¯t need to really get pregnant for him, we can fake the pregnancy.¡± ¡°Mum?, I can¡¯t believe this ising from you. ¡°Ohh,e on.., don¡¯t make me feel guilty. Who doesn¡¯t want to be wealthy.¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum sighed. ¡°Okay, how do we go about it?¡± ¡°You just need to put some pills in his drink and sleep with him, Then pretend something happened between you guys thest night. Then, that¡¯s it. You pretend to be pregnant for him and then he¡¯ll have no other choice but to cancel his marriage to Riah.¡± Eilean¡¯s Mum smiled. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s true. It¡¯s a nice idea. I think I need to do that¡± Eilean nodded her head and hugged her Mum tightly. ¡°Mum, you¡¯re the best.¡± The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!