All Chapters of Never Ending 17: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

9th September 202X The ocean glimmers beneath the melting sunset, as streaks of orange, pink, and purple splash across the sky onto the waves below, Layla picked up her sketchbook and began to draw. A subtle salty warm breeze flows through the open window, as the curtains, sketchbook pages, and the polaroids and photos pinned on the wall gently flutter. The sweet melody from the speaker on her shelf, mixed with the faint sound of waves and distant chatter from students at the beach below, an indicator of the new school term that awaits. Those transitioning from primary to high school, from high school to university and ultimately a career ahead. Dinner seems to be taking a bit too long today; I can't help but be lost in my own thoughts. Of all 17 years I've lived, the one before 18 seems to be the longest. My high school experience was what many would claim to be anticlimactic, 4 years passed by in the blink of an eye and the high school graduation I had fantasised about so dearly r

The air is cool and tranquil, as I sit in my dimly lit room watching the darkness get softened by the faint streaks of light peaking through the window curtains. Silver threads of moonlight cut through the shadows of my room, shining onto my face and plush bedding. I wish I could shine so brightly... doing what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m always forced to hide behind the wishes of my mother, almost like I don’t have a mind of my own. With every waking moment, and every decision I must make, she’s always at the back of my mind disapproving whatever I do. I know it’s logical to pick law... I know art won’t get me the paycheck that mum wants... but is it so bad to do what I want? Always trapped in these woeful thoughts, I’m ready to give up on the idea of ever making something for myself. Just four more months to choose my course before the January intake, yet it seems I’m at a standstill.“Sometimes I wish I could just fall asleep and dream forever... maybe then I’ll finally – “– bu

As I closed my eyes, Aria slowly began to lean in for the kiss. All my thoughts raced around my mind at once, the thought that I would be making a grave mistake in going through with this. Another ten seconds later, and I’m yet to feel her lips on mine. I opened my eyes to see her slumped over my shoulder already asleep. I let out a sigh of relief, though there was something in me disappointed that she didn’t go through with the kiss.I slowly lifted her up and placed her into bed. The moonlight leaking through my curtains reflected onto her sleeping face.“You’re so beautiful...” I whispered under my breath.Present “Lay are you even listening to what I’m telling you?” asked a dejected Aria.“No, no, I am. I’m sorry I just got a bit lost in some old memories.”“Really? Is it about me?”“Oh, how self-centred.”“I know, I’m just so sexy and amazing you can’t help but think about me.” Said Aria as they both chuckled at their sarcastic humour.“So, what were you thinking about?” asks Ar

Layla hesitantly walked out the supermarket, checking her surroundings to check if Nelle was still there. She has nothing against Nelle; however, her sudden appearance spooked her quite a bit. A glint of light pierced through Layla’s eyes, the once cloudy and stormy sky now clearing up almost like it was never there, but the results from the horrible weather could be seen on the streets as palm leaves wrecked the streets. Layla hurriedly picked up her shopping bags and began walking to the house to prepare for dinner, all her siblings ought to be home from school. As Layla walked into the house, she could see a pile of muddy shoes and umbrellas piled up at the door. She peeked over into the living room to find June and the twins watching TV, she walked back to the doorway to do a quick shoe count to see who else is home.“Okay, so we have Tommy’s sports shoes... Lina’s flats... the twins in the living room...” she silently muttered to herself. After the quick shoe count, Layla took

Morning arrivedAfter having some pancakes and juice for breakfast, all the siblings went to school leaving Lisa and Evey who began making their way back home.“Thanks for having us over Lay, the food was delicious as always.” Said a satisfied Evey as she rubbed her stomach.“Remember to call or text us if you ever need anything. Don’t go ghost on us like Ria.” Sternly said Lisa.“I’m happy you enjoyed the food, and I will be texting more frequently. It really means a lot to me that you guys came over today, I started kinda drifting in my own head a bit. You guys brought me back down to Earth.” Softly said Layla.“Awww Lay!!” both Evey and Lisa exclaimed. They could feel how genuine Layla was behind her words. All three girls huddled in for a group hug before everyone went their separate ways.Layla closed the door and turned to face the now empty house. All the kids went to school and Linda was due to come back that evening. She was once again left to her own vices, only this time, t