WHO ARE YOU?

"Princess."

"Princess."

"Prrriinceeesss." The voice said stressing the word, Amelia opened her eyes, and to her surprise Liam was sitting on her bed looking down at her face.

"What are you doing here?" Amelia yelled

"Your parents and my parents went for a business trip, and I came to say hello. Princesse." Liam said like it was obvious and she was just pretending not to know the reason he was there.

"That's not what I mean Liam, why are you in my room? And you didn't even knock."

"Since when is it a problem for me to come to your room without knocking? factice. Stop pretending like you have changed since the last time...." Liam was about to continue talking.

"Liam!! We are older now, I am sixteen and you are almost seventeen. I think it's time you learn this word "privacy"." Amelia uttered air coating the word privacy. Liam placed his hands on her shoulder and shook her hardly telling her to get up. Amelia hit his hands away and pulled her blanket to cover her face then told to him go away.

"You better get up now princess, or I'll do something you'll regret."

"Oh please, stop with the empty threa.." Before Amelia could complete her sentence, a bucket of water was poured on her, her body and her very soft bed was soaked. She was so angry, she would never let Liam get away with this. She stood up avoiding the fact that her very light dress was wet and now almost transparent. Liam could see 'her', but this was not the first time.

"You are so going to pay for this Liam!" Amelia muttered angrily as she went to get a bucket of water, as she was just about to pour the freezing water on him, someone entered her room.

"What are you doing Amy?" Her older brother came in the room asking her angrily. Of course he had to see her in this position, that is how it has always been.

"I didn't do anything, he started it first. See.....my body is soaked and...." Amelia stopped because she could feel the disbelief that pierced through her brother's eyes, she knew explaining would just be a waste, it has always been.

"Do you have to lie against Liam everytime? That is just stupid and pathetic." Her brother said with disappointment in his voice. She bowed slightly apologetic, as she turn her face to Liam who was grinning and had his hands across his chest. She hated him so much.

"But..... Reggie.... I." She tried to explain herself again but she was shunned and her brother walked out of the room telling her to dress into something decent."

"Oh chère, Princess. You didn't have to be violent." Liam said teasingly, grinning from ear to ear.

"When will you stop referring to me as princess?" Amelia asked irritated by the way the word princess came out of his mouth almost every two seconds.

"I don't know, when you are not princess anymore. I guess." He said shrugging his shoulders and looking at her in a way telling her to wear something more decent.

"I hate you so much." Amelia mouthed then she turned away from him. He chuckled lightly.

"Isn't it so nice that we feel the same about each other? I hate you more princess." Amelia scoffed after hearing what he had said and made her way to her bathroom.

"Liam!" A voice echoed through the room, catching Liam's attention. He turned around and his eyes landed on a petite figure, a little girl with sparkle in her eyes. It was Amelia's younger sister. A wide grin broke across Liam's face as she sprinted towards him, her laughter filling the air. In an instant, he scooped her up in his strong, loving arms. The warmth of her tiny body enveloped him, and he reveled in the abundance of her affection. Soft, delicate kisses rained upon his cheek like blossoms in bloom.

"Was Amy giving any trouble?" She asked, her voice tinged with concern. With a frown on her face, she struggles to get down from Liam's embrace, seeking independence,he gently released  her, letting her tiny feet touch the ground. With determination, she marched with her small body, still frowning. With a sense of urgency, she knocked the bathroom door where Amelia was with her petite fist, knocking with a mixture of apprehension and determination.

"How dare you try to hurt Liam? You know I love him so much. If you try to hurt him again, you will regret it." She warned her, pointing her fingers at the door, as if she could see her. She then gave Liam a reassuring smile and a thumbs up, signalling that she has reprimanded Amelia.

"What are you doing in my room, Kelilah? Get out now! And don't forget to take your lovely Liam along with you." Amelia yelled from her bathroom. She doesn't mind being rude once or twice sometimes, they already think she is rude, so what is the point?

Kelilah and Liam chuckled quitely about how weird Amelia's voice sounds when she is angry.

"Liam, it is almost 5:00pm, let's go to the park. Please." Kelilah said looking at the wall clock in Amelia's room. It has been a while they've spent time together, so she was determined to make the most of the rest of the day with Liam.

She let out a squeal when Liam said yes and hugged him tightly.

"I told you guys to get out of my room!"

__________

BARBARA

I am studying really hard for the mathematics test tomorrow, it is just me, my pen, textbooks and a pile of papers. Don't get me wrong, I am very good with mathematics, but I'm not passionate about it, unlike physics, I study physics for fun.

As I sat in silence, engrossed in my studies, the distant sound of a ringing phone pierced through the air. A curious sensation washed over me, for it had been an eternity since I last heard the melodic chime of someone calling me. Startled, yet intrigued, I reached out and cautiously gripped the smooth edges of my phone. With anticipation, I swiped my finger across the screen, causing its vibrant glow to come to life.

There, appeared the name "Joel" inscribed in bold letters. Baffled and apprehensive, my mind wandered through a labyrinth of possibilities, I hopped nothing was wrong because he has never called me before. With hesitant breaths, I pressed the phone closer to my ear.

"Hello." I heard his deep but drowsy voice.

"Hey, why did you call?"

"Should there be a reason for me to call? Because I have none."

"Oh okay, so..."

"You know it's not fair, right?"

"What are you talking about?" I asked him with a frown on my face as I walked away from my study area and sat on my bed.

"You know, I asked to be your friend first and then these bunch of other people came and I'm sure that whenever they call, you have a lot to talk about." He said, his voice still drowsy. I smacked my lips in annoyance. Is he really going to turn this to an issue?

"So... What is your point Joel?"

"My point is...you are going out with me today, whether you like it or not." He muttered and I can swear that he is smiling sheepishly right now. I pinched the skin between my eyebrows tightly.  There was a silence for about twenty seconds.

"I can't. I'm studying for the mathematics test tomorrow, and you should be doing that too." I replied breaking the silence, then I laid down on my bed facing the ceiling.

"We both know that you don't need to study for that test. Besides, I didn't make it a choice. I'll pick you up in twenty minutes, so be ready." He said but this time his voice wasn't drowsy again. To be honest, I liked it better when it was drowsy. I chuckled as I fluffed my pillow and rested my head on it.

After a while, I checked the time and it was 4:56pm. I stood up and went to my mirror taking a good look at myself. Should I really go? But if I am being completely honest, I've been unfair to Joel, I hang out with everybody except him. I let out a heavy sigh, and all of a sudden like a memory switch was flipped in my brain, I remembered that mum was at home. Her boss gave her a week off because she has been working her butt off these few years. 

As I paced back and forth across my room, my mind filled with anticipation, I decided to get ready. With a deep breath, I made my way to the bathroom, the warm water cascaded over my skin, a gentle embrace that awakened my senses and invigorated my spirit. I took a few extra moments to savor the sensation, allowing the droplets to dance upon my face, before reaching for my toothbrush and refreshing my smile, just to make sure.

Feeling rejuvenated from my shower, I made my way back to my bedroom, to my closet. Fingers gliding along the hangers, I selected the perfect ensemble for autumn. There it was, nestled among the array of garments, an off-shoulder mustard yellow sweater. I slipped it on, relishing in the way it draped effortlessly across my shoulders, embracing me in its warmth. Next, I reached for a pair of jeans, the denim hugging my curves in all the right places. Then I reached for a vibrant scarf to adorn my neck. I styled my hair in my classic two buns.

I looked at myself in the mirror and reached out for my strawberry lipgloss and sprayed my cherry perfume. It was nice.

I heard the doorbell ring, my heart skipped a beat, and I quickly glanced at the clock, it was 5:35pm. It must be Joel and he is right on time. I was still applying my lipgloss when the realisation hit me like a lightning bolt - my dear mum was downstairs, and I am sure that she will sprinkle her own brand of charming embarrassment. I slipped on my shoes and hurried downstairs. I really cannot believe that I finished in twenty minutes.

"You can wait for a while dear. I am making moussaka and I am sure you will enjoy it." I heard my mum say, i sprinted towards them and looked at her questioning her with my eyes.

"No need mum, we are actually heading out." I said trying to convince her because I know my mum, she can make us stay and embarrass me more. I didn't want that.

"Ohhh, so is he your boyfriend?"

"What are you talking about mum? No." I replied immediately and her mouth formed an "o", I heard Joel giggled lightly. I really wanted to smack him so hard.

"Goodbye mum. You need to rest. Lots and lots of rest." I kissed her forehead and told her that I'll be back as soon as possible. I am sure it was very weird for her because she has never seen me gone out of the house with a friend before.

"Hi Joel." We turned in perfect synchrony, our gazes converged on Mordecai, who stood there with an infectious grin, his hand raised in a lively wave. With a joyful glint in his eyes, Joel reciprocated the gesture, his hand gracefully sweeping through the air. Soon enough, we went out of the house and got in Joel's awaiting car.

As he started driving, there was a silence. It was not awkward, it was the kind of silence that was comfortable. After a while I decided to break the silence.

"Errm.. where are we going?" I asked as I turned to face him. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders but didn't say a word.

"I'm sorry about what happened at my house," I whispered, an almost silent giggle escaping my lips, barely audible. But to my surprise, his laughter erupted like thunder, echoing through the car. He locked eyes with me, mischief glimmering in his gaze, as his laughter echoed in harmonious waves. Finally catching his breath, he managed to utter amidst chuckles,

"She thinks I'm your boyfriend," His laughter renewed, an uncontainable mirth that seemed to dance in the air.

"Hey, that is not funny." I pinched him on his shoulder and I started laughing along with him. He stopped the car.

"We are here." He got down from the car and I followed. The view was beautiful.

Vibrant large trees dressed in hues of gold, orange, and red, their leaves gracefully dancing in the crisp breeze. The ground is carpeted with fallen foliage. As sunlight filters through the branches, it casts a warm, gentle glow, illuminating the scenery with a touch of magic.

It was strange because there was no one around the area, it was like a very large park, I wondered why no one was here to see this beautiful view.

"This is my happy place. You are the only one I've brought here."

"Awwn, I feel so special." I said sarcastically and we both chuckled. He dragged me by my hand to the most beautiful area of the landscape and my jaws almost dropped. We sat down on the fallen leaves admiring the view.

"I really love autumn." I said with a sigh escaping my lips.

"I love Autumn, but I also love the dark rain that washes the Summer sins away, right before Autumn. Where the sky gets dark and the wind whispers "I'm coming."

"Huh?" I said, looking at him with a questioned look.

"You are really good with your words."

"I know." He said will pride and smiled at me.

"You said something like that about my dance, remember?"

"Yeah I remember. I said your dance moves, they were like poetry in motion, a mesmerizing rhythm that I've never witnessed before." He paused for a while.

"I really like literature but my parents are not going to let me live my life the way I want to."

"Oh. I honestly can't say I can relate to that, but I don't think they get to control how you live your life." I smiled and he smiled back. He placed his hands on my cheeks and rested my head on his shoulder. I didn't feel my heart race, it was just peaceful. We stayed there talking till sunset.

It was an autumn sunset, with a breathtaking masterpiece painted across the sky. Imagine hues of warm oranges, fiery reds, and soft pinks streaking across the horizon like brushstrokes on a canvas. The sun, in its final moments of the day, casts a golden glow that blankets the world in a cozy embrace. As the sky transforms, the colors deepen, creating a captivating display that seems to ignite the entire atmosphere. It was magical.

"This reminds me of where my dad..." Did I just say my dad? I don't remember the last time I said dad. Oh no, this brings back so many memories I tried hard to forget. I didn't notice when a tear rolled down my cheek.

"Your dad what?" Joel asked me still mesmerised by the sunset, when he didn't hear any response he turned to me, cleaned the tear drop with his hands and hugged me tightly.

"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it." He said and I hugged him back, tears rolling like a stream from my eyes to his clothes. I felt bad for ruining his clothes so I pulled away.

His clothes were on point for fall - a stylish plaid flannel shirt, paired with a dark wash jeans and a layer of a lightweight jacket.

"I have to go to the grocery store." I uttered, standing up and wipe away my tears. It has been very long since I've cried, it was as if ten out of the hundreds of bricks that I carry on my shoulder were lifted. But I was still embarrassed.

"I have to go to the grocery store too. I wanted to pick up somethings anyway, so let's go together." Joel muttered grinning from ear to ear. I nodded my head and hopped in his car.

In this city, the stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor. They make it so evident, even in the aisles of the grocery store. For the poor people, the store is like an old weathered shack, the shelves are lined with simple and cheap goods, their faded packaging displaying the wear of countless hands reaching out for sustenance. It has this smell that nobody can figure out where it is from, it's origin still remains a mystery to all.

And then there's the other side of the store, where the opulent souls tread. I must confess, I haven't had the opportunity to venture into this realm myself, but from its exterior, it exudes an air of exclusivity and enchantment. It beckons with immaculate displays, adorned with the finest delicacies and gourmet treasures. The atmosphere seems to shimmer with sophistication, as if stepping through those grand entrance doors transports one into a world of abundance and luxury.

I opened the door of the grocery store and noticed that Joel was hesitant to follow me to this part of the store. But he followed me with a smile. I picked few things and went out of the store.

He pulled me by my hand to the opulent side of the store, my jaws dropped, it was far better than I've ever imagined. It was the real definition of luxury. I really didn't want to go, but I didn't want to miss my only chance.

He was picking few things, when I saw a scientific part of the store, I didn't know that science equipments can be seen at a grocery store. I walked to that part of the store and as I was looking at it, I remembered Liam and chuckled silently.

"It seems like you have a crush." I turned my head with shock and saw Joel standing in front of me. He had a wide grin on his face.

"Huh?"

"Okay. Let's do this, I'll mention names of some boys in the class and you will tell me who you have a crush on."

"Huh?"

"Felix."

"No. Eww."

"Me."

"Nope." I said with a smile.

"Marv."

"Nah."

"Liam."

"Huh?"

"I knew it." He simply said and start walking away. What was this all about? He moved faster when he noticed I was trailing behind him.

"I don't have a crush on him." I continued saying as I followed him. Why was I defending myself? He can think what ever he wants to think. He opened a door and went inside. When I was about to opened the door, I bumped into someone and spilt his coffee.

It was a guy with a head full of lustrous copper hair, creating a mesmerising halo around his face. Each strand seems to possess a fiery energy, radiating warmth.

As I looked up, I gaze into his eyes, he gazed into mine too, It was like a spark, I think he felt it too. His blue eyes held a mix of confidence and mystery. This guy effortlessly embodies the perfect balance of hotness and coolness, even with the combination of his copper hair and blue eyes. As I gazed deeper in his eyes, I felt like I've seen those pair of eyes before, but I haven't seen them. This was my first time of meeting this guy but he still looks so familiar. It was obvious he felt the same way, he looked at me with the same questions my eyes showed.

"What are you doing here?" His deep voice said still looking into my eyes. It was as if time and space stopped for five seconds. His eyes moved away looking at something, I trailed with my eyes and I couldn't believe it. It was the boy's bathroom.

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to spill your coffee." I said ignoring the question he asked trying to clean out the coffee I spilt with my hands.

"Don't be fucking stupid that would never work!"

"You were the one who acted stupid first. I mean, who takes coffee to the bathroom." I replied angry that he had called me stupid. I wanted to walk away when he pulled me by my hand, I was so close to him that I could feel his hot breath on my face.

"I haven't seen you here before. Who are you?" He asked still gazing deep in my eyes.

"I don't have to answer that question." I said softly and yanked my hand away from his grip. This is going to be tagged the most annoying moment of my life. I walked away and waited for Joel in a corner.

He came out soon enough, and we went out of the grocery store. He was driving me home when I said.

"I really don't like Liam that way."

"Okay. If you say so." He replied then we chuckled quitely. I still don't know the reason I had to defend myself.

When I got home, it was already dark and mum was done with cooking my favourite Klefito. She insisted that Joel should take some home with him. I ate with content and slept peacefully.

Thanks for reading this chapter ❤️❤️

"Tears are words the heart can't express."

                                        – Gerard Way.

"If tears can relieve your pains, then cry.

If yelling loudly can relieve your pains, then yell. Don't bottle up your emotions, let it out and free your mind."

                                       – Anonymous.