1- The Tickets.

It was the last day of high school.

Thank God!

I pushed open the door to my house and walked inside, hoping to find my mother inside the living room, waiting for me but I was surprised when I couldn't find her there.

"Mom! I'm back." I called out to my mother but heard no response.

She was always at home by this time of the day.

My mother was a businesswoman who sold fruits at our local market but she always made sure to get back home before 6 pm.

"Mom...?" I called nervously.

I ran up the stairs towards her room but it was locked.

Why is she not back yet?

This is a big surprise.

I bring out my phone from my backpack and dialed her number.

She picks up her phone on the second ring and I let out a sigh of relief.

At least I know that she's safe.

"Where are you, Mom? Why are you not at home I was worried."

I pouted my mouth and tapped my foot rapidly on the tile floor as she said "I am sorry sweetheart, I got a call that your grandfather is sick so I went to visit him. I'll be back tomorrow. I kept food for you in case you get hungry."

Oh.

Now I understand why she isn't here.

"Is he okay?" I asked. Grandfather was the only father figure I had in my life. Ever since I learned how to talk I've never come in contact with my father.

Mother wouldn't talk about him. I have learned to stop hoping for him to come back.

I don't need him anymore.

I was 18 years old.

A man who suddenly appears in my life and claims to be my father at this age will get it from me.

I was scared to have my grandfather taken away from me as well.

I can't imagine it happening.

"He is getting better, it is just a little fever. He will be fine." Mother responded.

I bit my bottom lip and fumbled with the necklace on my neck.

"Tell grandfather I said hi."

" I will, take care of yourself as well and I love you."

"Love you too, Mom."

I hung up the phone and lazily walked past her room to mine.

I push my room door open and walk inside.

I walk further inside the room like a robot and dropped my bag on my reading table then fall back on the bed.

Way to go!

This news has ruined my f**king mood.

****

I woke up early the next morning feeling so good. I was feeling myself.

I felt like something great was going to happen today.

I had a feeling.

I place my phone on the kitchen table and my eyes trail off to the screensaver.

I smile and pick up the phone again, my eyes specifically fixed on the man on my phone screen.

Hardin.

Is it bad that I'm in love with a 30 years old man?

Am I weird?

I don't think it's weird. I simply can't change how I feel about him.

I have been listening to SHAKE ever since I was a child.

SHAKE is a boy group that consists of four members.

Hardin; The leader, rapper, and singer and then there is Scott, Marcel, and Danny.

They are the ultimate nation crush.

I wish to see them on stage one day, to at least fulfill my fan girl fantasy.

I fell in love with Hardin the first time I watched SHAKE'S live performance at an award show.

His charisma, his fashion, his expression, his aura.

He just pleases me.

Everything about him pleases me.

He is my very own dirty desire.

I had no chance with him anyway.

But I don't care, as long as I can see him in real life for once, I'd be grateful.

I started singing because of Hardin.

From everything I've learned about him, he is a man that values and respects talent.

Ever since I was a kid people compliment my voice and called me the Whitney Houston of my generation.

I applied the form for an audition that GY Entertainment created. The audition is for the new girl's group that they wanted to debut.

I have prayed and fasted for this opportunity to come true for me.

Not only am I finally going to fulfill my dream as a singer but I also got to be in the same company as Hardin!

Killing two birds with one stone was a person. Lol.

I put back my phone on the kitchen table and walked towards the cabinet, I opened the cabinet and brought out two packs of Ramen noodles.

My breakfast.

I didn't complain about the kind of household I was born into.

I loved my mother and I was grateful for her, but sometimes I just wished things were different. I just..... I just wished that we were a little bit rich.

Stop spoiling the morning vibes Emmabelle.

****

I sat down inside the living room with a bowl of hot noodles and diet Coke in front of me.

It was 8:00 a.m and mother wasn't back yet. She hasn't called either.

I was worried but I won't call. I didn't want her to think that I couldn't be alone myself.

Just as I grabbed my fork A knock came on the door.

I groan, my ears reddened in anger.

Who the hell is it?

I sure hope that it isn't our nosey neighbors.

I walk towards the front door and peep through the keyhole and then rolled my eyes.

I pull the door open and turn around to walk back towards the living room.

"Not happy to see me? I am sure you're eating." Lizzy, my best friend said to me.

I smiled but quickly masked it. I sat back down on the couch and picked up the fork that I dropped earlier.

I was hungry and had no time for nonsense.

"I have good news, something that you'll go crazy about," Lizzy said and I turned to look at her.

"What is it?" I questioned. My eyes stared into hers challengingly.

"Guess it." She said and I rolled my eyes.

I gathered the noodles with my fork and brought them to my mouth.

I chew on the noodles and nod my head systematically.

Damn.

Food is my ultimate crush.

"Whatever. I wanted to tell you that I got two tickets to SHAKE'S concert." She said and I jumped up from my seat.

"Two.....two tickets?"

"For me and you, silly."

Oh my God.

Oh my gosh.

Oh my goodness.

Somebody, please hold me.

I was going to see Hardin on stage for the first time since I knew of his existence!

I couldn't believe it!