Chapter 7

"MOM, maybe you need to control Fatima's food."

I looked sharply at Tristan.

"Your brother is right." Mom agreed with him.

Tristan smiled at me. "When you lose weight, Kier will definitely be happy."

"Why would he be happy?" I raised my eyebrow. "He might be sad when I lose weight. Because he can't bully me anymore. I guess I'm the only one who gives pleasure in his daily life. I don't want to diet."

"Can you please listen to us? What we're saying is for your good."

"Mom..." I said sadly. "I might get sick when I don't eat my favorite sweets."

"It’s good and you mentioned it," my mom said. "Starting tomorrow, I don’t want to see you with a chocolate bar in your mouth, huh? You have to count how many calories and carbs you consume in a day."

I winced. Mom was serious about torturing me. It's my brother's fault!

"Mom, don't torture me," but she ignored me. She shook her head.

I finished my dinner. I stood up and simply approached the fridge.

"Oh, what are you doing, Fatima?"

I was surprised. Annoyed, I turned to Tristan.

"I'll just take my vitamins." I simply picked up a chocolate bar. Fortunately, I was carrying my shoulder bag. I told my parents that I was going to my room. I hurried out of the dining room.

A week after.

I forced myself to wake up earlier than my normal waking time. Last night my mom asked me to keep an eye on ‘Lover’s Café’ at Sports Lover’s Arena in Wellington in the province of Maxvilla. It was an exclusive club made for basketball players and enthusiasts.

According to my mom, her assistant at Lover’s Cafe located in Tres Cruses near the exclusive school at Harvard College University has resigned. So my mom had no choice but to be busy finding her new assistant.

I'm so happy. For one week I haven’t tasted Milky ice tea. I also want to eat cake. My mom doesn’t let me go to Lover’s Cafe. Her list includes 'Lover’s Café' for her ‘supposed’ control over my diet.

"At last!" I want to jump for joy but I can't.

I haven't tasted sweets for a week, but even a kilo has not reduced my weight. Because I secretly eat other kinds of junk foods in my room.

I was singing when I came out of my room.

"Happy! Lalala! It's so nice to be happy-" I stopped singing.

Well, well, well, what is Kier doing, here? I asked myself.

"What are you doing here? It's only seven o'clock in the morning." I saw him sitting on the sofa. I raised an eyebrow.

He ignored me. He just glanced at me and then turned his attention back to watching TV.

My attire was a loose T-shirt, baby pink color, and denim shorts that were just above my knee. I wore slippers instead of sneakers.

Wow, miracle! Kier seems to have forgotten the magic word he often uses to annoy me.

'Shouldn't I be glad? Why do I seem to be more focused on astonishment?

'Fatima, she is not yet in the mood to annoy you!' I warned myself.

"Goodness! Early in the morning, you're watching a horror movie?!"

Kier shrugged. His eyes focused on the television screen. It’s like he’s saying I don't care what he wants to watch.

Geez. This is our house. He didn't even ask if he could watch television. I rolled my eyes.

"Hey, Mr. Williams, I'm asking you. Why are you here?"

"I'm waiting for Tristan."

I smiled mischievously. "Why? Do you have a date with my brother Tristan?"

Kier stood up and approached me. I didn’t expect what he did next.

"Ouch!" I complained. I was hurt when he patted my forehead. I slapped him on the shoulder. "Hey! You, you are too much."

"It's too early for you two to fight." Tristan tried to get their attention.

"Your friend," I complained to Tristan. I glanced at my brother. He was wearing a basketball jersey suit. I had an idea the two would play basketball.

"Fatima, you're going to Sports Lover's Arena now, aren't you?" Tristan asked me. He put the backpack on the sofa.

"Yes, brother," I replied.

"Let's go together."

"What?" I exclaimed.

"Why do you look so shocked?" Kier spoke.

"Why at Sports Lover's Arena? You can play basketball outside near our swimming pool. You often play there, don't you?"

"Do you care, Fat?" Kier is using his magic words again.

I stared into Kier's face. I seem to be looking for something on his face.

Is it pimples?

Or maybe pores?

"You can play here, why in Lover's Arena?" I folded my arms and then stared at Kier.

"Because the basketball court there is wider and we will also meet our friends," Tristan explained.

"Fine!" Annoyed, I said. "If you're going to Sports Lover's Arena, I won't take my car. I'll ride in your car, Tristan."

"Kier will ride in my car," Tristan replied. "I can't have three people in my car and the tire might be flat."

I looked badly at Kier as he burst out laughing. "I wish your stomach hurt, monster."

I frowned and averted my eyes from Kier. My snout twitched when I looked at my brother then gave him an annoying look.

"Hey, Fatima!"

"Tse!" I ignored Tristan. I held the strap of my bag tightly.

"Sister, don't get mad, you're getting ugly. Seriously, Kier and I are going somewhere later after we play basketball."

"Whatever, no need to explain!" I replied, disgusted, I marched in front of them. And when I was in front of Kier, I intentionally bumped into him with my shoulder bag. "Step aside!"

I headed to the garage. I still can't get over my annoyance. I opened the car door and threw my bag inside.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. I inserted the key into the keyhole and then turned on the engine. I was about to leave the garage when I saw Tristan and Kier.

Maybe the two were talking funny because I saw Kier laughing. Then he acts like he's going to shoot a ball. I shook my head, and just focused on driving.