LOGINFor some reasons, my eyes watered at my dad's questions. "I'm also part of the reason she returned. It's all my fault. I joined other kids in bullying her and landed her in trouble. Now she's here.” I sniffed."Why would you do that?” My dad asked calmly. "That doesn't sound like you.”"I know, right? I was such a fool. I was trying so hard to hide my feelings for her only to express it that way.” I forced a bitter laugh."So you're here to apologize?”I clicked my tongue and blew my cheeks. "Not exactly. I'm actually here to see you. I just thought I could say hi to her if she's really here.”I was glad he didn't remember to bring up Ralph. He ought to be aware by now that he's back.Saying hi to Grace became a mere wish by daybreak. While my dad went to drop off Kal, my driver, at the airport that early morning, I found my way to the church. Though I would have preferred being with my dad since we haven't seen each other for a long time, but I felt this was the only opportunity I h
"I think Xena has something really strong against you.” Terry mulled thoughtfully. "Didn't Grace steal some things from her phone then that you were trying so hard to get back?” "I doubt he was able to get it.” Matt studied me. "You know he got so emotional about hitting her in the first place. He later went ahead and gave it to Suzella.” Terry scoffed. "That's dumb. Very dumb of you. You let your emotions override your judgement. Just when you had the cake in your hand, all you had to do then was remove the icing, but you simply returned it.” Matt snickered at Terry. "What's up with you, dude? You also have a crush on her.” "HAD.” Terry emphasized. “Besides, it's past tense. And at least, I didn't make a fool of myself like him." I was going to ask Terry how I made a fool of myself, but I didn't feel like indulging him, instead I sighed deeply. “Guys, my hands feel tired holding this phone. If you've really got nothing else to say, I'd just hang up.” "Wait, Ash.” Matt stoppe
I bit my lower lip as I eyed him, feeling mad he was intruding my privacy. "Welcome home.” He slumped down on the bed next to me, inching his face closer to mine. “Tell me, who is the girl? I heard you have no girlfriend." “Why are you here? Were you chased out of school or expelled?" His expression faltered for a moment but was replaced with a quick smile. “I missed home. I guess I just had to return to guard my stuff before they slipped away from me." His smile widened as he got up from the bed. That was when I noticed the clothes he had in hand. They were a new set from my closet which I was yet to use. "Those are my clothes. What are you up to?” He looked down at his arms with a smirk. "Didn't you hear what I said? I returned to look after my stuff so they don't slip away from me. When you came for the first time, my mum let you use most of my things before she finally took you shopping. So let's say, you're repaying me the favour." He winked at me as he walked out
I rubbed a hand over my face in exasperation. "Actually, she's a cousin. A distant cousin, but I call her my sister.” Was lying actually necessary?Well, I bid my grannie farewell and set off with them. I wouldn't lie, I had fun. And so I hung out with them for the rest of the week after school, whenever I wasn't practicing, and even stopped by at their place sometimes. I saw a lot of reasons why Grace enjoyed their company.They were so cool and good.Though I dreaded Ralph's coming which ought to be on Friday night. Among the shit Grace sent from Xena’s phone, there was the dirty chat with Logan. I wasn't surprised she must have slept with almost all the male teachers in school. She also kept sex tapes to threaten them with. Little wonder she had them on the palm of her hands.What broke me was when I saw she had one of me too. Now, I wouldn't blame Grace for thinking so less of me. Though mine wasn't as explicit as the ones she had with the teachers, but still, it passed a wrong m
I woke up two hours later to my aunt's and grannie's nudging. A doctor was around. They fussed over me, made me eat and take my medications, before I was left alone again.I think I was way too hard on Grace. Afterall that was her way with words, and that was how we rolled with each other. Saying things we don't mean to see who gets hurt. So I decided to phone her again before going to bed. But I was surprised to hear a masculine voice.“Who am I speaking with?" I asked in surprise.“Who did you have the intention of speaking to?" I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Shouldn't I be the one asking? I mean, why are you with the owner’s phone?" Who the hell was he anyway? All my guts screamed Alex.“Tell me why you should be the one asking, jerk.” My heart fell. Jerk. So I was still a jerk to her. My eyes drifted to the name of my screen. Bitchy. I edited it that moment."Listen, I am not a jerk, okay? She only mistook me for someone else, that's why my name is saved that way.”“Then what’s yo
“Why are you making everyone believe I am your son?” I asked my aunt after a long silence. “Do you feel so sorry for me or do I look too pathetic?”She folded her arms and gave me a straight stare. “Because you are family, Asher. I once had no family. I was an only child and lost my parents to an accident after graduating high school. I had no family till I met your uncle. I was hoping my husband would have a family I could embrace, so my kids wouldn’t feel lonely or go through the same experience I had. But I was disappointed when your uncle said he lost his family after a fire incident. But one day, he found his brother, your dad. I was so happy.” She paused with a sad smile. “I was happier when I learnt he had a family too. I was so eager to meet you guys.” she paused again with a deep sigh. “It was so unfortunate we lost your mum that period, and later, Gabrielle. So why ask me why I make everyone believe you are my son?”Wow. I was so impressed by her sincerity. She apparently s
Asher also saw her from the corner of his eye. He pushed me back, and I fell into the row of well-trimmed flowers behind me before he rose to his feet."Are you okay?” Suzella helped me up as I stood. The ground was wet, so the back of my clothes was ruined. I felt awful.As usual, Xena was flanked
She gave me a sheepish grin. “Hey, cool it. It's no big deal, stop shouting. I can do it myself anyway." Well, the chemistry teacher walked in just then, and I was forced to keep shut and pay attention. I barely heard anything that was said throughout the class until the bell rang. I grabbed my b
“You… you braided your hair?” Mia asked, looking as stunned as the other girls. Yeah. Asher was actually looking incredibly handsome this morning, despite the fact that he currently looked vexed and angry. If only the next teacher would just step in already.“Did she bring explosives to school?” A
Honestly, I don't know how we did it. But I believe we must have gained some super powers in that moment. Because Asher shoved me off the bed just as I made a wild leap down, almost crashing my jaw on the ground, and then rolled under the bed. I had barely rolled under the bed as the door opened.







