CHAPTER NINE

Morning, guys!

It's Tuesday, January 11, 2021. I'm getting dressed for the school party. I put on a yellow short gown with a fluffy white jacket and black heels. Then I remembered the judge my dad bought for me last night, so I decided to wear it instead, pairing it with the shoes.

I shouted in front of the mirror and powered down my hair, securing it with a red band in front since I was wearing a red dress. I took out my wristwatch and wore it on my left hand, then went into the bigger wardrobe to look for my red handbag.

I got downstairs without applying any makeup when my phone beeped. Goodness! It wasn't an alert but rather a message—dad had already sent me the money: $15,000. I have to spend it carefully because I'm sure he won't give me another one until February unless I ask Mom.

"Good morning, Mother," I greeted immediately after spotting her in the dining room.

I went over to sit in my usual place as the chef served breakfast. Then Dad came downstairs.

"Leaving already?" Mom asked.

"Yes, I'm very late," he replied.

"Morning, Dad! Thanks for the money."

"No problem," he said, pecking me on the cheek.

"I'll be away for some time, my angel. I have to go to Italy for business. I'll be back next month," he said, looking at me. "But I'll send you some things, so don't worry. Now, enjoy your party, okay?"

"Yes, Father," I replied.

After eating all I could, I went back to my room, kept my diary in my secret place, and locked my room with the key in my bag.

"See ya, Mother!" I called out as I climbed into my car, and the driver sped off.

"Hey, Rocky! You look beautiful," Maria said, and Liz agreed.

"Thanks! You don't look bad yourself," I replied, eyeing their outfits.

Maria wore a short blue top that exposed her stomach, paired with white sneakers, and her brown short hair fell like a bob. Liz, on the other hand, wore a long yellow plain gown designed with red flowers and black shoes.

"Play it cool, Rocky. I think someone's been dying to see you," they teased, glancing in a direction.

It was Kyle. He had been staring at me the whole time.

"Hey, beauty. You look like the stars—or should I say, even more beautiful than the stars themselves?"

"Oh, come on! Stop flattering me," I said, blushing.

He took my hand, and we entered the party together.

"Hey, Rocks! You actually dressed up today—not too bad. Can't afford makeup?"

Diana teased in her usual bossy tone, but I ignored her. She was wearing denim shorts with a white half-top that exposed her stomach.

Despite everything, the party was fun. And yes—how could I forget to tell you about the part when Kyle and I kissed… or did we?

"Hey, I want to show you something," Kyle said, gesturing for me to follow him.

Curious, I followed him outside. He looked at me and said:

"Rockie, the love of my life. From the day I saw you, my heart beats for no other. Let me be your heart, and you be mine. Your name is wonderful because no one can break into a rock unless the rock itself permits it. Rockie, please, permit me... I love you."

Tears welled in my eyes. Then he said, "Rockie, this is for you."

Suddenly, fireworks lit up the night sky, forming the words: "Rockie, I love you", along with a picture of me.

I went over to him, hugged him, and then, suddenly, I kissed him. Certainly, he kissed me back. But then—

Flash!

"Kyle!" someone shouted.

I turned to see Kyle running, but he was killed with a sword. Suddenly, the entire scene changed. Everyone was lying on the floor—dead. My family... my friends... everyone I knew.

I opened my eyes, almost forcing myself to separate from Kyle's lips, and hugged him tightly.

What could that flash mean?

I looked behind Kyle and saw Velvet standing there.

"The war is drawing closer, Rockie. You have to be prepared. I told you so," she said before disappearing.

My God... why can't life just be normal?

I sighed. "Gosh, I'm so tired," I muttered.

I was sitting inside Kyle's car as he drove me home since mine had broken down on the way.

"How did you like the fireworks?" he asked.

"Yeah, I loved them. Thanks."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, thank you. See you later," I said as I got down from the car.

At home, no one was around. I grabbed a big bowl of ice cream and a medium-sized chicken bowl from the freezer, then headed to my room to watch Netflix.

"Hey, Rockie."

Oh, not again! It was Velvet.

"Why don't you leave me alone?" I groaned.

"You've seen the flashes. The war is real. If you lose this battle, everything and everyone you love will be lost..."

I just stared at her with no expression at all.