Chapter 2: His Invitation

Chapter 2 

Leah's P.O.V

When I went home, I wasn't always alone. I had a friend—Melissa. But she was ill, and didn't come to school today.

Once I got home, I was usually alone, until my mother returned from work, which isn't until very late at night, and today would be no different.

Getting to the door, I exhaled in relief, my heart filled with joy. I don't know if I'm weird, but I'm usually happier when I return from school.

I took out my key to open the door, but realized that the door was unlocked. That's odd. My mother left for work the same time I left for school, and I remember locking the door with my own hands.

Could it be that thieves had broken into our house?

I pushed the door open and slowly entered, my eyes scanning everywhere like a detective. Nothing had been stolen yet—well, at least nothing from the dining and living rooms.

I could hear the running tap from the kitchen. Could it be that the thieves had left the tap running?

I peeked in the kitchen, and when I saw that there was no one there, I entered and turned off the tap.

“Leah?” a feminine voice called out my name.

I was startled! My heart raced to Everest and back. I almost screamed, but before my mouth could react, my brain recognized it as my mother's voice.

I turned around with a smile and rushed to hug her. “Mom!”

It was rare to find my mom at home by this time of the day. Though I was happy to see her, I was also worried if something bad had happened at work. Let's say like… being sacked?

“You’re back early. Did something happen at work?” I asked.

“I know what's going on in that small head of yours,” she chuckled. “Nothing bad happened, silly.” Mom brushed her index finger down my nose, and I giggled.

“My boss said I could go home early today. He knew you'd be graduating soon, and suggested that I spend more time with you before you go to college.”

“He sure is a nice boss,” I smiled. At this point, I finally perceived the sweet aroma coming from the pot. Mom was already preparing dinner! 

“Oh! You're making dinner! Can I be of help?” I asked. 

“Yes, but you should freshen up first,” Mom replied.

“Okay, Mom!” 

I ran upstairs to my room. I'm so happy I could finally spend some time with Mom after a stressful day in school. That night, we watched a movie and stayed up late, because the next day was Saturday. 

We spent the weekend together, and for once, life felt normal.

On Monday, I went to school in good spirits.

“Oh Lord, may things go well today,” I prayed silently.

I got to school early as usual, and throughout the day, Sky and his friends were nowhere to be seen, and I was very happy about that.

After the last class of the day, I walked to my locker confidently. Once I put away some of my textbooks and took the ones I wanted to read tonight, it'd be time to go home.

And just before I got to the locker hall, I heard a voice behind me.

“Hello.”

I froze in terror. I could already smell the danger behind me —it was Sky.

“I'm talking to you. Don't you know how to say hi to your friends?” he asked.

I slowly turned around and said nervously, “Hi.” 

“I'm inviting you to our basketball match. It will be in two days.

Since when did we become this close?!

“Um… I… I don't like sports,” I stuttered.

“It's not just an invitation, it's an order. If you don't show up, I promise you’ll regret it.” His tone lightened as he added with a smile, “After all, what are friends for if you don't support me in every step of the way?” 

Without waiting for my response, he left.

“We’re not friends,” I muttered.

I was relieved he didn't say much, at least this was going to be the last time I’d be threatened by him. Exams would begin next week, and that was a silver lining in the sky for me.

After high school, I’d never see him again.

The day of the basketball match came in the blink of an eye, and before Sky went to the court, he gave me instructions.

“Listen to me carefully. You're going to give me water and a towel when I'm done.”

I really wanted to slap him, but I could only nod in agreement. I hoped this game would end soon. The game started, and all I saw was a bunch of idiots running around on the basketball court.

After what seemed like an eternity, the game came to an end, and it seemed like Sky's team won.

When the players left the court, many girls rushed to give them water. Though it was against my will, I got up and went to Sky, but some girls brushed past me, almost pushing me to the ground.

“Seriously?!” I stared at the girls, speechless.

“Sky, look at me!”

“You're so hot!”

“I love you, Sky!”

“These girls are crazy!” I frowned slightly.

I glanced at Sky, who remained expressionless, his chin lifted, looking like a proud demigod. It made me want to punch him!

Then his eyes locked onto mine, a slow, knowing smirk pulling at his lips. 

My pulse stuttered.

The game wasn’t the worst part. It was what he planned to do after…