Chapter 6

*The Next Day*

I woke up at 6.30 am, I usually did some stretches every morning as my meditation before I took my shower. Then, I went downstairs to have some breakfast with my parents, if they are not busy. We have a housekeeper, Maya, to keep things in the house managed and organized but she only comes to my house when I'm at school.

"Sweetie, come sit down and eat your breakfast," said mom.

I sat on my usual seat and ate my pancakes that my mom served on my plate.

"Shay, we have something to talk to you," said dad

"Did I do something wrong?"

"Well, did you?" Dad questioned me.

"Daniel, stop that," said mom

"Hey hey I'm just saying okay," said my dad jokingly raised both of his hand

" The point is, we are planning for a family vacation just the three of us. How's that sound for you?" said my mom

"Vacation? You both aren't busy? But vacation sounds great"

"Your mother and I want to make up time for you. It's been a while since the three of us went on a vacation." said dad.

"Yeah, pick anywhere you want to go to, Shay... It's your choice" said mom

"Give me some time to think"

"That's okay"

Not long after that, Shasha picked me up from my house to school. I told her about the vacation and about me and Edward will be working for the project today.

*At the class*

I was taking notes in the class. Suddenly, my phone buzzed and vibrated. It was weird cause I don't usually get texts during class, I checked anyway just in case it's important. It was from an unknown number.

"Hey"

"Who's this"

"Oh, this is Edward"

"How did you get my number??"

" I asked for it from Shasha yesterday. I hope you don't mind"

" It's okay... but I'm in class right now"

"I know, I just need to ask you if the plan is still good"

"Yes, we can work at my house if that's okay?"

"Fine with me, I see you later after school?"

"yup"

School ended a few hours later. I waited for Edward in Shasha's car. A couple of minutes later, I saw him and Caleb walking towards me and Shasha.

"Hey, ready to go?" said Edward

"Yeah, you drive?"

"Where are you guys going?" asked Caleb

"They are working for the English project at Shay's," said Shasha

"Working eh?" said Caleb playfully. I ignored his comment knowing that I will be actually working on the project.

"Anyways, do you guys want to hang out together after you're done?" said Shasha

"Sure, the Rose's?"

"What's the Rose's?" asked Caleb

"The restaurant's name, they had like the best milkshake here," said Shasha

" And, and you should try their classic strawberry shortcake and their grilled chicken, it's mouthwatering and full of flavour. You can taste the citrus, sweet of honey that they marinated with and the spices just PERFECT"

"NOW, THAT'S APPEALING TO ME. I'M HUNGRY NOW" Edward joked. We all laughed.

Me and Edward went to my house by his car. We went into the living room and started our discussion on our chosen poem. Apparently we both had similar thoughts about certain things that we both wanted to present and in poetry.

Edward looked around at the living room.

"Emm, I forgot to ask. Won't your parents mind that you bring a boy into your house?" asked Edward.

"Yeah, they won't mind. I bring boys all the time here, they are totally cool with it," I tried to answer it seriously.

He looked surprised and gave me this dark yet serious look at me. I laughed loudly "Relax I'm just joking, my parents are totally okay with it. They barely stay at home anyway."

"Barely?"

"Workaholic. Let's just say that Daniel and Mary Asher is just very very busy"

"Wait, THE Daniel and Mary Asher?"

"Yup, the one and only."

"Wow, the Asher inc.'s inventions are amazing. Your mother's designs on the tech work are astonishing"

"Astonishing? Huge vocabulary usage there, bud. I guess their lack of 'parenting' time definitely worth it in their inventions"

I'm shocked that I just said it but it's the truth. Edward gave me a sad look. I took a deep breath and just bugged it off. We both continued our discussion for several hours before meeting Caleb and Shasha at the Rose's.

While enjoying our meal at Rose's, four of us talked and asked questions about each other. Me and Shasha learned that Caleb is staying with Edward's meanwhile his parents are currently working overseas. Caleb told us a lot about his family and about his 5 years old sister, Katherine or Katie. Edward didn't mention much about his family but he seems lit up when Caleb talked about his family. But I can't help but wonder about Edward's family and his life.

'Maybe he is just like you, somehow abandoned by family'

'He seems lonely though'

I was lost in my thoughts for a couple of minutes. Then, Shasha asked, "So shay, have you decided where you are going for your family vacay?"

"Oh yeah, I'm thinking maybe the beach or maybe somewhere near my hometown. I would like to visit my nanna's soon."

"Family vacay? That must be nice" said Caleb

"That means you are taking a few days off school?" asked Edward

"Maybe a week, I guess but not too long. Probably after our presentation in class"

"So it's going to be you and your parents? Luke ain't coming with you guys?" asked Shasha

"I don't think so. He is probably busy working on a new project there. Besides, my dad did mention it's going to be just us"

"Who's Luke??" Edward and Caleb asked at the same time.

"My boyfriend."

"You have a boyfriend? Did he go to our school?" asked Caleb and Edward just stare at me.

"Nope, he is a year older than us but he is a dancer at Paris Opera Ballet."

"You are dating a ballet dancer? That means you must be somewhat involved in the dancing world, aren't you?" said Caleb

I can feel myself holding tons of emotions inside me. It's hard to talk about something that you already lost. Fortunately, Shasha was there to save me by saying "That's a long story. And we should go now. It's late"

I gave Shasha a thankful smile. She mouthed back 'You're welcome' and smiled. Since I went to Rose's with Edward, he also gave me a ride home too. The ride was silent, and felt weird, to be honest. I thanked him and went to my house then my room. I took a shower and changed into my pyjamas.

My phone buzzed and Caleb just added me into a group chat.

Caleb: WELCOME PEEPS!

Shasha: We should hang out more often now. I had a blast, guys.

Me: I'm totally up for it.

Caleb: I got to admit that you, ladies are fun to be around with.

Shasha: Are you trying to say that you expected me and Shay to be boring??

Caleb: Maybe? ;)

Me: LOL

Edward: Yeah you guys are cool.

I smiled at Caleb's and Shasha's text, they are cute. I got the feeling that someone is definitely going to be together soon. Luke called me a few minutes after the group chat.

"Hey"

"Hey, how are you?"

"Great but tiring though. How's your day babe?"

"Same. I went hangout with friends, studying, and stuff"

"Which friends?"

"With Shasha as usual. Oh yeah, me and Shasha just got to know two new boys in our school, Caleb and Edward. They are cool."

"Hmmm, boy huh? Should I be worried or jealous?"

I laughed and said "Nope, nothing to be worried about. You are still the only one for me, babe"

"Oh, I better be baby. I miss you, Shay. Way too much"

"I miss you too Luke. When are you coming for a visit?"

"Soon my love soon. Get some sleep, I will call you tomorrow"

"Okay, I love you, Lucas James Andrews"

I can hear his chuckle when I said his full name.

"I love you too, Shayna Elizabeth Asher"