What do you want?

Kehlani 

Maddie cries out again and Elliot shoves Trevor's hands rushing towards her. “Baby, are you okay?” 

She winced, hiding her belligerence. “She almost choked me.”

“I didn't–”

“That's enough.” Elliot's cold voice cut through. “I don't ever wanna see you around her and stop trying desperately to be her. You can never be her.”

I grimaced in confusion and doubt, watching him shield her away as they left. I would never even attempt to sound like maddie. I'm left standing alone with Trevor. I wanted to say thank you but I swallowed it. The asshole refused to accept my application document. 

I ran away. 

The entire class, I'm thinking about Trevor. Not him, but why he didn't take my form just because of an hour late deadline shit and also, why he interrupted in the argument between Maddie, Elliot and I. Gosh. The moment school's over, I clutched my bag ready to go home to work.

“So, what are you going to do now?” Olive asked curiously as we strolled out of the hallway. 

“Nothing. I guess my photography dreams are shattered.” my smile is forced, I have come to accept the reality that I'm a failure.

“Hey, don't say that. Who told you a scholarship program is the only way to success? You can monetize your skill too.”

“I know but at least, I wanted to start from somewhere.” I sighed. “It's fine. I'll just face my job for now.”

“Okay. Well, I'm waiting behind. There's a game I wanna watch.” She glanced at their watch. 

I smiled, reminiscing over the moments I stayed on the rink. Oh, I missed it but I already promised not to go there anymore.

“Alright. Bye.”

—TOVA PASTRIES—

Since I got heartbroken by Elliot, I went back to my Dad's shop to help him. I just needed something to do to escape reality. I'm sitting on the chair, reading a magazine and waiting for customers when Dad walks in..

“Hey, pookie.” He pats my hair. 

“Hey, dad.” I smiled and hugged him.

“I really thought you were joking about coming back to work here.”

He sits besides me. I drummed my fingers on the magazine, clamping my lips. “Well, I've stopped going to the rink due to some issues and I want to keep myself busy.” 

“Ohh. I see.” He smiled. “Wanna share?”

I laughed. “No, Dad.

“So, were you able to submit your application?” He inquired, grinning to hear my response and I explained everything that happened. Well, not totally everything. I just let him know I exceeded the deadline's submission. He started confronting me but I let him know I'm okay. 

I'm happy to be here, although I may think about Elliot, the work here would help with my healing process. 

“Anyways, I have a guest coming soon. He's my childhood friend and he's coming to pay a visit.” 

“Ohh.” I raised a brow. 

“He's coming with his son..They're important guests. Please set the table for them. They're gonna be trying all our best cakes and dessert!” Dad clapped dramatically. 

“Hmm.” I shrugged and went to clear the table of the customer that had just left. Wiping it down, the scent of expensive perfume fills my nose. I hear Dad welcoming the supposed guests they were expecting but didn't look back. 

“That's my beautiful daughter over there. Kehlani, come say hi.”

Sighing, I turned. An extravagant looking man. “Hello, sir.” I smiled and we exchanged handshakes. 

“This is Mr Richard. Richard, this is my daughter, Kehlani.” Dad says joyfully. 

But then my jaw dropped when I saw the other person. 

Trevor……

My eyes widened. Hold on….This is Mr Casper? Trevor's Dad? Trevor's Dad and my Dad were childhood friends? Trevor narrowed his eyes, surprised to see me, I guess. He relaxed his body like he's at home. 

“Hi, Kehlani.” I'm taken aback by his greeting. He greeted me first. But that nonchalant face is still there.

“Do you know her?” His Dad asked.

“Yes. Classmate from school.” He shrugs. His eyes are still on me and I'm shy. Like nigga, quit staring at me. 

“Awesome.” Mr Richard starts to laugh happily. 

“A coincidence indeed.” Dad joined him and both Trevor and I threw our faces away. They began to talk and talk and made me sit too. Richard complimented Dad's shop and ordered a dozen of our signature cupcakes with drinks. Trevor only takes a milkshake..

Trevor and I seemed to be constantly staring at ourselves….with hatred. I never expected to see or have him here or his Dad since he ignored my potential. 

“Remember you said your daughter, Kehlani, is good at photography?” Richard starts up. So, dad told him about me. “I hope she joined the scholarship program hosted by us.”

I gulped. Trevor paused from drinking his milkshake. Giving me this weird eye. 

“Oh, she didn't. She said she couldn't submit because of the fixed deadline. Isn't that right, baby.” Dad brushed my hands softly. 

“Yes.” I pouted, acting remorseful as my brows fell. The problem here is your son. My thoughts rang. 

“Don't worry Kehlani dear. You could still try. Trevor, make sure you collect Kehlani's application form and submit it to the scholarship committee. It's the least I can do for your daughter. Then, you just have to work hard from there.”

My eyes fell on Trevor's and he suppressed a laugh. I smiled mischievously. Seems like he'd be accepting it after everything. 

“Oh, Richard. Thank you.” My Dad appreciated it and I joined him too. Dad is smiling. He seemed to express more happiness than I did.Then, They both shook hands.

“Do well to give it to him at school tomorrow and make sure you collect it.” His Dad clarified.

“Okay.” Trevor replies flatly. I smiled at him and he stared at me with the type of ‘challenge accepted’ look. A few minutes later, our Dads excused themselves to go out and talk. We were now left alone. 

“Small world.” He licked his lips and I looked away. He's just too attractive.

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, small world. Who'd thought we'd meet aside school.”

He nods, approving my words. “Nice spot here. Great milkshake.”

“Thank you….so, um, I'm happy now because at the end of the day, you'd still be helping me out after refusing before.” My tone is full of mockery. 

He smirked and leaned in. “Depends on what I get in return.”

I paused. “What do you mean?” 

“Nothing is free.” He slouched back on the chair. 

I chuckled. “I'm sorry, your dad gave the order. What are you talking about?”

“He's not the boss of me. And he can't do anything if I still choose not to help you.” His voice is like a threat. 

My smile vanished. “So, what is it you want?”

“Something from you.”

I grit my teeth. “I know what guys like you do. I….am….not…. going….to….. sleep…. with…you.”

He burst into laughter. “Shut up, please. His tone is calm. “I don't want to do that, okay. But I'm never going to help you unless you give me what I want from you.” His lips curled in mischief. 

My heart is racing. Eyes opened. I'm curious. “What?”

“Bring your ears close.” He whispered and I did so, waiting to hear what he wanted from me. 

“Okay. Probably tell you tomorrow!” He slumped back to his chair and I scoffed. 

“Hey, that's not fair.” 

He stood up from the chair. “Life's not fair, Kehlani.”

My eyes narrowed and I felt like punching him hard. 

“See you at school tomorrow.”

My heart is pounding in anticipation. What does Trevor Casper want from me?