Somewhere in New Zealand in a small town named Hamilton, sat a little girl on a couch, watching TV...
" mama, mama" she called out to her mum as she ran to where her mother was sitting..." Yes, honey...what is it?" The mother asked in a soft and pleasing tone..."make love, what does it mean?" Little Zoe asked Innocently and the mother was stunned at her questions..."Where did you hear that from?" Her mother questioned and little Zoe was very pleased to tell her..." From the movie playing on the TV screen, that lady told the other lady that they should make love?" Little Zoe explained and her mother could only shake her heart..." Only people that are in love make love" Her mother explains and little Zoe frowned a bit, she seemed to be thinking about something..." What is love, mama?" Little Zoe's question..." Love is when you find yourself wanting to be close to someone, all the time..." She explains..."just like how I want to be close to you?" Little Zoe asked and her mother nodded her head..."yes, honey" She smiles at her sweetly..." Mama, how does it feel like being in love?" little Zoe questioned again..."Listen, honey, being in love is the most wonderful feeling...you find yourself wanting to be close to the person you love, and being with the person seems to be the only thing that is happening...like it is only the both of you in this world and your heart will beat faster than normal" She explains with a sweet smile on her face as she seems to be thinking about something...little Zoe frown in confusion..."what if you don't find that person, mama?" little Zoe was too focused on what she was discussing with her mother that she didn't realize her father was right behind her..."you will surely find someone, honey...the world is too big" She explains, and little Zoe smiles..."Mama, do you feel all these things for Papa?" Her mother was a little bit taken aback by her question but a smile later on formed on her lips as she looked at her husband with so much love..."yes, honey...so much and more" She explains with a red face...she wasn't embarrassed but rather, she was shy to confess before her little girl...little Zoe look at her mother before looking at her father who seems to be lost gazing at his wife then a smile forms on her small lips..." Papa, does love hurt?" little Zoe stares at her dad waiting for an answer...He looks at his wife and she just smiles at him, indirectly telling him to answer his daughter's question..."No, sweetheart" he picks her up in his arms..." Then why was that lady crying?" little Zoe asked in confusion leaving her father speechless..." it only hurts if the person you love doesn't love you back" Her mother explains and the frown on little Zoe's head deepens further..." why would the other person not love her back?" little Zoe questions feeling sad...there were no words to explain it to her understanding..." Honey, why not go outside and play with Arabella?" Her mother said and little Zoe happily ran outside leaving her mother and father alone..." That was way more than I could handle" Marcus, Zoe's dad sighs in great relief..." huh? Feeling tired already? How sad of you...she's just like you, you know" his wife, Melinda, shakes her head and she smiles at her husband..."I know right? I am so happy she takes after you in beauty" He hooks his head on her neck taking in her sweet scents..." always so good at your words" She turned to him with a sweet smile on her lips..." she's quite talkative...always asking questions" She complains and her husband just laughs lightly..." Can you believe she asked me what it means by making love?" She complains again..." Really?" He questions and she nods her head..." if that is the case, then let's not only answer her question...let's do it first" he licks her earlobe and she shivers from pleasure..."no we can't do it here, I mean, Zoe might come in at any time" She could hardly talk as he kept on nipping on her earlobe..."Not anytime soon, remember she is with Arabella...you know how she likes spending time with her playing and doing other children's stuff..." He explains and carries her up, as she wraps her legs around his waist...they kiss ever so passionately making every touch count..." I was turned on by your response earlier, you know" he whispers huskily in her ears as he walks to their bedroom and places her on the bed..." it was the truth..." She explains shortly..." and I love hearing the truth over and over..." He kissed her again but this time, more hungrily and demanding...It didn't take long for him to undress her, making her completely naked before him..."You are so beautiful" he compliments and lends down for a kiss...She blushes hard, even though he is her husband and they have been married for eight years now, she still can't help but always feel like a teenager whenever he compliments her..." I love it when you react to my every word like this...it makes me want to tease you the more" he smiles mischievously at her..."not my fault, I can't help but react this way every single time" she complains pouting her lips..."I know right? But I don't mind" He presses on her breast making her moan in pleasure...before adjusting himself on top of her as he pushes into her..."so tight" he muttered under his breath, trying hard to keep his cool..." I love you, Malinda...always have and always will" it was like a reminder of his love for her, he kisses her lips, then on her forehead..."I will forever love you, Marcus" she confesses and they both smile at each other before he starts thrusting in and out of her...It was just as perfect as it was from the beginning, both loving each other to the core. Their lovemaking session lasted for thirty minutes because he took turns after turns, not willing to stop if she didn't beg him...she hard to prepare food and all he said was, he doesn't need any other food when he is already having hisfavouritee snack...those words made her red all over, maybe she will never get used to his pervertedness, she doesn't even want to get used to it...not even in the next life."Rabella?" Zoe calls out to her friend..." Yes, Zoe, "Arabella replied as she turned to her friend with a cute smile on her face..." Let's go to the field...it will be much more fun playing there" Zoe proposes and Arabella agrees by taking her hands and pulling her in the direction of the field... Zoe follows her patiently with her gaze never leaving Arabella, they walk and sit on the field, gazing at the bright sky..."Do you like spending time with me?" Zoe asked her friend and she nodded her head smiling..." why?" She asked again..." Because you are my best friend, you understand me more than my mum and dad...and I love spending time with you" Arabella explains and a smile creeps on little Zoe's jaw... Arabella hardly spends time with her mum and dad because they are always working, not like they don't care about her but that always makes her feel bad thinking they don't love her..." Does your heart always beat faster when you are around me?" Zoe questions again but this time
"What is wrong, honey?" Her mum questioned after she seemed to have settled down a bit..." mum, dad...am I a bad person?" Her question made her parents look at themselves in confusion..." No, honey...you are the sweetest and kind person in the world," her mum said and her dad just nods his head with a smile..." What's wrong? Why were you crying?" Her mum questioned and little Zoe wipes her nose..." I did something bad today mum..." little Zoe tells them as her eyes become teary again..." And what might that be, honey? you know you can talk to mum and dad about anything and we will help you fix it..." Her mum tries to ease her aching heart..." I-I hurt Rabella today..." Zoe burst into tears, it was so hard for her to think about it..." Oh, honey...I am so sorry..." her dad hugs her tightly..." what happened?" he questioned for the very first time..." We were on the field playing together and Rowan wanted to take her away from me...I tried to push her hands off his but I ended u
When Arabella notices her by the door, she turns her face in the other direction. She was still sad, and with no other choice, Zoe walked to her bedside..."Rabella?" She called out but didn't receive any response from her..."I know you are mad at me and I am sorry..." She said apologetically and still, Arabella didn't say a word and just kept on gazing in the other direction..." Please, forgive me" she continued, not being able to take her silence, it was killing her slowly..." you hurt me, Zoe," Arabella tells her in a teary tone..." I didn't mean to...it was an accident" Zoe explains..."You know I can never hurt you intentionally...you know it Rabella '' she continued..."but you did...why?" Tears roll down her cheeks as she stares at her friend with so much pain..." I didn't mean to...and I am sorry" Zoe didn't know what else to say sorry with teary eyes..." promise you will never do it again, ever?" Arabella said and Zoe nodded her head in response...she pulled her in
"Did you feel like you both were the only people in this world when he was with you?" Zoe asked and she nodded her head shyly, this left Zoe sad but seeing her friend all happy, she had no choice but to be happy with her..."What does it mean, Zoe?" Arabella questions as she stares back at her friend with eyes full of anticipation... Zoe didn't know if she should tell her or not, but at the end of her long thought, she decided to tell her..." Mama says if you are with someone and you feel like it's only both of you in the world, it means you are in love..." She explains and Arabella frowns, not understanding what she is talking about as she stares at her with a confused expression..." What is love?"Arabella questions, she was clueless about what it meant and the curiosity to know the meaning was way stronger..." Uhm, mama said love is when you always want to be close to someone" Zoe explains and this got Arabella to frown more..." But, I like spending time with you," she said...
eleven years laterZoe lies on the bed reading a book. the door opens and Arabella walks in with two cups of coffee and hands one to her..."What are you reading?" she questions taking a seat by her bedside..." Nothing important...just a book" Zoe closed the book and placed it by the side, adjusting herself to sit upright..." thought as much..." she said and drank her coffee...Zoe was quiet, she seemed to be thinking about something..."What is disturbing you, Zoe?" her soft voice pulled Zoe back to the present as she stared back at her..."Nothing," Zoe said but Arabella wasn't convinced..." I am no fool to know that something is disturbing you...come on, tell me..." she urges." I am scared, Rabella...what if I don't get chosen for the audition, what if I am not as good as they think?" she asked, opening up to all her fears. Zoe is studying music and there is a contest coming up and so many people and Schools are allowed to participate...she is good at singing but she has this sel
Zoe walks out of the bath with a towel wrapped around her chest as she dries on her soft black hair. Arabella sat on her bed, humming as she writes in a book...She was humming the song "Stay" by Rihanna ever so happily and Zoe who enjoys her melodic sound silently listens to her..."if not for your love for business, I would have dragged you to study music with me" Zoe walked to her bed and climbed on it, they had their separate beds..."Guess there's always an afterlife" She jokes..." you better be ready then, won't be sparing you, not even for a sec" they both laugh at Zoe's words..." Where to?" Arabella, who saw Zoe all dressed up in a pair of blue jeans and a shirt with her hair tied in a messy bun, was confused as to where she was going..."Ms. Patricia asked me to come over for a little discussion..." she puts on her shoes, ready to go..." don't be late, I will be waiting for you" Zoe smiles at her..." sure...see you" She takes her in for a hug before leaving. On her way to
Coming back from Ms. Patricia's house, Zoe was happy knowing she will get to spend time with Arabella. She always spent her free time with Rowan, at his place while Zoe, gets to be left behind...And every single time she tries to make her stay, Rowan always comes up with something to change her mind...She knew he was doing it on purpose, it has been like that since childhood, always fighting for her love and attention but no matter how hard she tried, he still won...He's got her love, and now he's trying to get all of her attention to himself and it seems like it is working..." What a greedy bastard" she cursed under her breath feeling irritated at the thought of Rowan...One thing she didn't understand was, why he got to be the one she chooses to love. among all the guys, why him? Why not her? She has been with her since the very beginning but she didn't choose her, she never saw her as anything older than her best friend...it saddens her but knowing she is happy, she had no choice
It's been three days now and Zoe has been avoiding Arabella for reasons unknown to Arabella and it made her sad and worried, to see her best friend not talking to her as she used to..."I don't know what is wrong... I know something is eating her up but I just can't tell what it is exactly" she has been saying quite, hoping she will come around and open things up but it seems like it's just her hopes and nothing more..." Stop stressing yourself over nothing, Zoe is old enough to handle her problems" Rowan's lazy voice rings from behind her. She is in Rowan's apartment, sitting by his bedside..." How can you say such a thing? you know how close I am with Zoe and knowing she is disturbed with no idea what's wrong makes me more frustrated, and you are telling me not to stress myself?... I mean, what's even your issue with Zoe? 'cause I don't understand anymore" She wasn't a fool not to notice the difference in his behavior every time she made mention of Zoe's name..." Nothing...I am j
"what are you thinking?" Zoe asked, walking out of the bath with a hand towel as she wiped on her hair."Nothing" Arabella denies, running her hands through her hair. She stood up and walked to the cupboard by the side, pulling out the hair dryer."Let me," Zoe offers, takes the hand dryer and starts to blow dry her hair."There is nothing to worry about, everything has been taken care of" Zoe assures.Silent engulfed the room for a few seconds before Arabella demanded, "Did Ms Amanda understand the situation?" She is worried they might be offended by their relationship."Hmmm, she is always understanding," Zoe explains.Arabella nodded but didn't say anything even though she so much wanted to.Zoe could tell from her look that something is eating her up, she spines the chair over making her face her completely."She is understanding as well, but not as forgiven as her aunt. I don't blame her, I'm pretty sure everyone in her shoes would do the same." Zoe starts."I hurt her, Zoe. " Ar
"Why did you lie to her and make her believe she was the one you loved? Why did you do all those things only to let her down at the tail end? Why Zoe? " She yells, demanding an answer." I'm sorry aunt," Zoe said, tears running down her cheeks. She understands all that it means, the feeling of being lied to and she is more than sorry."I honestly thought I could keep her, that we could be something more but then, I realized I am not deserving of her love. " Zoe explains, "It was never my intention to hurt her, I swear, aunt, there has never been a thought in my head other than protecting her and taking care of her" she said with all honesty." Is that so? Why then did you hurt her this much? " Amanda demands furiously."The heart doesn't lie, you can be the judge of that yourself. I can't choose whom to love and neither can I tell my heart whom to beat for. I sincerely apologize for everything, most especially for toiling with your trust and love. I know how important Evie is to you,
"I'm sorry for hurting you all these years, for judging you and leaving you when you needed me most" Arabella cries in pity."You did nothing wrong" Zoe tries to coax but Arabella is way too out of the league."No, I'm a bad person. I ignored your love for another, I bluntly hurt your feelings saying there will never be an Us. I caused you pain for years yet you never curse or judge me. I walk away from your life but you always stood by me and never made me feel less of the person I've always been to you" she explains in tears."You were doing just fine without me, so I was until I saw you after years of distance looking so happy with Evie. I didn't know why but I felt jealous, I felt hurt. Maybe I'm just selfish, maybe I just want everything for me" she cries."I never realized until I saw you two, just then I understood how egoist I am. Seeing you two made me feel things I've never felt before, not even for Rowan or Jack. I couldn't stand you two, that's why I left when you were sin
The truth is always hard to accept, and difficult to come to terms with.Zoe thought she could make herself come to terms with the idea of wanting to move on but it turns out feelings are not just something one can erase.Realizing she can't live without her one true love, she decides to go for it, it's her last chance anyways.If she gets accepted, it'd be a miracle and if she gets rejected, it'll be no surprise though she will be hurt.On the other hand, Arabella lay back on the couch staring at the white ceiling above all lost in thought.Nothing had ever been the same ever since she left Zoe's apartment. She's lost everything, her fiance whom she thought loved her until it turned out the opposite and her best friend whom she has always ignored her love until things start streaming from within bringing weird feelings she's never thought she had.A knock came at the door pulling her off her thoughts, she frowned wondering who it might be.Deciding to see who it is, she carries her t
Evie sits on the table not far from the door as her gaze stays fixed at the door. "You've been sitting there all day, why not take a break?" Amanda questions walking to the table."I don't want to" Evie denies, "she promised to be here today" she adds.Amanda sighs, taking the seat next to her, "what if she's tied up with something important? She can't just rush to you because of a mere promise" she explains.Evie didn't respond, her gaze never left the entrance. Zoe promised to come over and treat her to lunch and it's almost time she hasn't shown up yet." She's gonna make it" Evie grumbles in her stomach, not willing to accept something that might be so important to keep Zoe from fulfilling her promise." So positive "Amanda chuckles." Hmm, she will come," Evie repeats, with an optimistic face.Amanda stares at her for a long time before saying, "Why not try finding out what's keeping her rather than waiting? I'm so done with that face you have on" she grumbles and leaves.Evie
It's been close to a week now and Arabella was still trying to accept herself and her mistakes. Like any other day, she was busy with work at the office while hoping the day runs off in a blink of an eye.But as it turns out, the day was against her wishes and hopes but she didn't let it get to her as she forces herself to work till there is no more strength left.It was around three in the afternoon when she decided to visit Jack, it has been a normal thing for her.She grabs her bag and carries herself out of the company, enters her car and quickly drives away.Her car slows down before a large building, and she steps out and walks in. There wasn't a doubt in her identity as she was quickly led to the elevator leading directly to the fifth floor where Jack's office is.She steps out of the elevator as soon as it stops, walks through the corridor and only stops when she is before his office door.She takes in a deep breath, calming her worried and anxious mind. There is no way she c
Can you let go and see me instead? Can I be the one you see and want to be there with all the time? Can I?" Evie asked in tears, staring at the frozen Zoe."Of course, it's a no. I've known long enough and I wonder why it hurts" She turns and starts walking away."Why me? I can't be all you want" Zoe cries out, staring at Evie's excited back."I've never wanted you to be enough or perfect 'cause I neither am... I just want you to see me, accept me and love me... Is that too much to ask for?" Evie retorts."What if it doesn't work? What if we never get an Us in this?" Zoe wasn't sure of her feelings and desires and she was scared of hurting her.Evie turns around and takes counting strides toward Zoe. "Why not try and see if we are good or not? You never know what awaits us" Zoe had always known Evie to be an optimist but never would she have thought she would willingly throw herself for an experiment they both ain't sure of the end product." But it's ok, I get it... You don't wish t
The entire room was engulfed in total silence, everyone staring, waiting for Zoe to start.Zoe glanced at Arabella before she locked gaze with Evie, the smile on Evie's face was enough to bring a simple and genuine smile to her lips.She turns her attention to the crowd, "hi" she speaks out unsure of what to say. "I-i am honored to be given a chance to sing to y'all, hope you enjoy the song".With that, she walks to where the piano lay, her long slender fingers dancing on the keys immersing the room with the sound of a beautiful melody as she sings.It was the song titled " Falling " by Harry Styles.It's been like forever since Arabella heard her best and childhood friend sing and hearing her now made her realize just how distant they've become.Without realizing it, tears rolled down her cheeks, she stayed glued to the girl on the stage. Her heart aches for unknown reasons and she can swear she never thought she'd feel this hurt.Usually, Zoe always stares at her while singing but i
"more like Zoe" Arabella mutters under her breath, eyes glued to where Zoe stood."I guess your closeness is more than just a friend" Evie blurt without thinking."Excuse me!!" Arabella was taken aback by her questions.Evie clears her throat at the realization of what she might be thinking, "not like that, what I mean is, you guys look more like sisters than besties" she explains."Oh!" Arabella exclaimed with a sigh of relief, "You can say that our years of friendship define our bond." She gave a sweet smile.Evie returns the smile, "Right"."Here is your drink" Zoe spoke out, handing Evie a soft cocktail drink. "Simple non-alcoholic drink for a softy" she teased.Evie couldn't hold her blush, "I'm not that soft you know, " she complains."Says a baby" Zoe chuckles and sips down her drink.Arabella on the other hand silently watched them talk with an expression that couldn't be described."I'm not a baby!" Evie pouts and hits lightly on Zoe's arms feeling embarrassed."Sure?" Zoe ra