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Can it be us 17
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it. ~Maya AngelouLyra. I hated this gathering, I hated that I was forced to socialize with strangers and most importantly I hated having to have been pulled out of my comfortable bed despite not feeling too well. All three of them knew I was unwell but still made me attend anyways, they claimed that if I could handle hours of school then I could do the same here, after all it was only going to last a few hours.Barely enough second after we had gotten here, even my mother, the woman who was always supposed to be by my side granted my condition disappeared on me to socialize with heaven knows whom. She didn’t even bother to tell me anything aside from the fact that I should behave and do nothing that would embarrass either her or my grandparents, basically, what she did was make sure I never forgot the warning my grandfather had given before disappearing, neither of them wanted to be seen with me and I honestly di
Can it be us 18
Each man has a built in kind of resentment against any kind of authority. ~Major Reisman [The Dirty Dozen]My blood run cold as the words left his mouth and his eyes bore into mine with a mix of different emotions flashing through them. I could tell he was thinking but couldn’t quite find the words to ask what exactly without triggering me. Quickly I tried to pull my arm out of his hold but he wasn’t having it.“Is it Marcus?” The question flew past his lips following a growl.“What, no.” I finally managed to pull my arm away and take a step away from him.That didn’t sit well with him because he took a step forward.“Just tell me, is it him or any of the guys at school.” He told me and I couldn’t believe his words.“No.” I retorted.“Then why the hell do you have bruises on your arm!” He whisper yelled narrowing his eyes at me. “Your neck too! Geez Lyra who the hell is hurting you!”My head was now spinning, the headache intensifying as I thought of a response that was anything apar
Can it be us 19
The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself. ~Chuck Noland [Cast Away] “Hi.” I smiled greeting Emilia who stood by her locker. “Hey.” She beamed pulling me into a hug. One thing I had learnt over the past couple of weeks was that she was a hugger, she loved receiving and giving hugs. I was never one to enjoy physical contact but I was gradually learning to accept it for what it was, she wasn’t going to stop hugging me or holding my hand every chance she got no matter how many times I told her not to. But yet again, I did realize maybe the only reason I hated physical contact was because I never really got any, I found myself meting into her hugs, they made me feel all warm and fuzzy. “I have practice, you should come watch.” She told me, I wanted to decline but I knew she was not going to have it. That was another thing I had learnt, she was never one to take no for an answer, if she wanted something she was going to have it. “Sure.” I nodded with a sm
Can it be us 20
Take a chance! All life is a risk. The man who goes the furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. ~Dale CarnegieLyra “Hey.” Raphael said as he put his bag on the table and slid into the booth.“You’re late Raphael.” I frowned.“I’m sorry, I had a lot to do.” I sighed running a hand though his already messy hair.“You’re lucky my driver won’t be here until later.” I grumbled.“I’ll make it up, promise.” He told me and I rolled my eyes.“Whatever.”He called the waitress over and she happened to be the same one from the first time we came here.“Hi.” She greeted in a flirty tone but he didn’t seem to pay her any mind, his eyes were glued to his phone.“Raphael.” I cleared my throat.Looking up quickly, his eyes met mine for a brief second before I shifted mine to the waitress standing beside me, he followed my gaze.“Oh, right, a black coffee please and a strawberry green smoothie.” He told her and she noted everything down.“Anything else?” She asked leaning to hi
Can it be us 21
Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, “What’s in it for me.”~Brian Tracey RaphaelLyra kept lagging behind as we walked out of the café and for some unknown reason it didn’t sit well with me that she was walking behind me. Turning back I got a glimpse of what seemed to have been the reason for her lagging, it was the waitress, she was eying her so intensely making her uncomfortable.Feeling a sudden urge to protect her, I tugged onto her sweater clad arm and pulled her to my side, if she was going to stare at us then I sure as hell was going to give her something to stare at. My actions clearly took Lyra by surprise because her cheeks turned red and she shifted her gaze from the waitress to me, then the floor.Opening the door, we exited the small building and made our way to campus grounds.“Did you sleep with her already?” Lyra’s voice came out so quiet I almost missed it.“What?” I asked not having clearly
Can it be us 22
If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.~Anthony RobbinsRaphael After I having a word with Leo, I had told myself I would stay away from Lyra, The words ‘Stay away from Lyra Colburn’ had become my mantra over the weekend, I wanted it to sink in my7 brain so that on Monday I would meet with Mr. Robertson and inform him that I would no longer be in need of Lyra’s tutorials and I could manage on my own.The weekend had flown by very fast, before I knew it, it was Monday and there I was standing in front of Mr. Robertson’s door contemplating if I still wanted to go through with the plan I had thought through the entire weekend, even during my father’s party, I was so distracted that even he noticed but luckily said nothing.Tapping twice on the door but not receiving an answer from the other end, I decided to knock just one more time, third time was always a charm after all, was it not? But before my hand could come into contact with the door, a tall bru
Can it be us 23
The only real valuable thing is intuition.~Albert Einstein “What’s going on with those three?” I asked Raphael as we stood at a distance watching Jasmine and Emilia who had been bickering over who knows what and putting Leo in the middle of it all, we had left them at it a few minutes ago when we went to get some drinks for everyone. “Long story.” He sighed shaking his head.“I’ve got time, doesn’t seem like they’ll be off each other’s throats, or Leo’s anytime soon.” I shrugged taking a seat on the wooden bench and patting the empty space beside me.“Look at you being nosy.” He teased but still sat.“I’m not being nosy.” I shrugged.“And what do you describe what you are doing right now?” He cocked his eyebrow at me, eyes glimmering playfully under the sunlight.“I’m being a caring friend-”“To who, seems like you associate with both of them, no.”“I do, but Emilia is more of my friend than Jas is-”“You are even on a nickname basis now, swear Emilia will have you for dinner.” He
Can it be us 24
You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. ~Johann Wolfgang von GoetheLyra Getting home, I took a quick shower before changing into a comfortable lounge set and taking my medication. Samoan had informed me that my mother would not be returning for the night because she had a business meeting out of the city so it was just going to be myself and my grandparents that night. I hadn’t been alone with my grandparents since I was 10 and that made me nervous, I could still remember everything that was said to me that night and I dreaded what would be said tonight.“Lyra!” My grandmother’s sharp voice called from the bottom of the stair and I hurriedly scrambled out of bed to see what she wanted, I had told myself I would only have to see them during dinner or when they called for me.“Yes grandmother.” I responded reaching where she stood with a suitcase on her side. “Are you going somewhere?” I quizzed.“Yes, your grandfather and I will
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Can it be us 36
When you're doing the work you're meant to do, it feels right and every day is a bonus, regardless of what you're getting paid. ~Oprah WinfreyLyra It was strange, everything was strange, from how he ignored the constant calls to his expression when he went away to answer it and the jovial expression he held upon returning. I thought my family had bipolar people but I was wrong, Raphael Vicario topped the list.After escorting me to the car like he always did, I expected him to call me later in the night―like always. I anticipated his call but I never came, after all the effort he had undertaken to get a hold of me I thought he would call, Bria did to but he never did, maybe he was done with me.Shifting my focus from Raphael to the upcoming makeup test, I studied hard, I even woke up extra early just to patch up on anything I had missed while I studied the previous nights. When it was almost time for school, I took a quick shower and dressed up.◘“I’m sorry I’m late.” I apologize
Can it be us 35
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. ~Muhammad AliRaphael “What is this?” My stepmother growled looking between me and the guard that carried my unconscious brother.“Is the doctor here yet?” I asked one of the house helps and she nodded. “Good, have him set up in his room.”“Raphael!” Stepmother growled angered by my decision to ignore her.“Also,” I continued to converse with the young help. “Have the chef prepare something for him to eat when he wakes up.”“Raphael Oliver Vic-”“Can you not take a hint lady!” I snapped. “Do I need to spell it out that I’m ignoring you, is that what it will take for you to understand.”She was taken back by my reaction, I never raised my voice and that shocked her.“You, take him to his room.” I instructed the guard who nodded curtly before taking to the staircase.Rotating my shoulder blades, I made my way to the kitchen, I thought after yelling I would be left alone be left alone but no, the heels cluck
Can it be us 34
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do. ~Henry FordRaphael Replacing the navy shift on my body with a black one, I changed my shoes and added a jacket before moving to grab two large duffle bags and stuffing them with paper and a few dollar notes on the top to make it see as though they where filled entirely with money.I had waited until my tutorial session with Lyra was over and she had safely gotten into the car before making my way to Leo’s, he had everything in place and I had less than an hour to rescue my stupid brother.“Crates are in.” Leo told me as he walked into the room.“Thanks.” I nodded zipping up the last bag and dropping it to the ground. “If you have something to say just come out with it already.” I grumbled.Since I got here he had been watching me intensely, he only ever did that if he had something to say and after this damn rescue mission, I was not going to be in the mood to have a conversation.“I noticed you and Lyra.” He said quietly.“
Can it be us 33
A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. ~Ayn RandRaphael She hit me, Lyra Colburn had just balled her small hand into a fist and hit my chest. It did not hit hard enough for it to hurt or leave a mark but it was enough to make me notice. When I averted my gaze from her little fists to her face, I noticed her entire demeanor had changed, she was no longer uneasy and her eyes where calm despite her best efforts to glare at me.“Did you just hit me?” I smirked finding her small action amusing.“Yes.” She raised her fist and hit my chest again twice.“I will report you for assault.” I suppressed my grin.“Go ahead.” She scoffed hitting me again. “Don’t you ever threaten me or Bria.” “Bria?” Grabbing her arm and holding it in place. I repeated the name confused as to who she was talking about.“Yes, the girl you threatened.” She stated pulling her arm away.“Clarify, I threaten a lot of people you know.” It came out as a joke but it was t
Can it be us 32
Everyone can master a grief but he that has it. ~William ShakespeareRaphael“Glad people with emergencies could join us.” Jasmine’s voice came sharp and taunting as her eyes trained on Lyra who in turn drew a deep breath.Her fingers flew to the hem of the cute peach sweater she had on that went really well with the soft tone of her skin and the rest of her outfit which consisted of a dark jeans, a white button down―I assumed based on the collar and the bottom that peaked out of the sweater and a pair of converse. Even though her outfit was basic and simple, it looked perfect on her―everything did.“Leave her alone.” Leo grumbled beating me to it. He held an irritated expression at Jasmine’s words to Lyra.“I was just-”“Leave her alone.” He repeated this time with more authority than the last.“Alright, geez, y’all are coming to her rescue as though I’ve even attacked her.” She scoffed after Leo had interrupted her.“You are picking unnecessary fights Jasmine.” Pedro chimed in, cle
Can it be us 31
Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and at last some crisis shows us what we have become. ~Brooke Foss WestcottWalking through the halls of the school, my heart thumped louder and louder blocking out all the chattering noises from the students present, it was packed with people but what did I expect, for the first time in forever, I was dropped off late―My mother happened to have overslept but I did not complain, the longer I took to get to school the more time I had to come up with a proper explanation as to why I had been ignoring Raphael, knowing him, he would be by my locker waiting for me to explain.‘You aren’t that important.’ My subconscious scoffed.“Calm down Lyra, calm yourself.” I took deep breaths and rubbing my hands against the fabric of my seater, I wiped off the seat that had formed on my palms.Calmly I continued to walk until my eyes lan
Can it be us 30
Character is what you are in the dark. ~UnknownLyra It had been a week and so far so good, I had managed to steer clear from Raphael and any trouble that came with him―I couldn’t find myself getting attached to him, not now, I needed to focus on school, he was a distraction, after a careful analysis and receiving my B+ graded paper, I knew my mother was right, I paid little no concentration on my school work since he had come into my life and the big letter marked in red on my answer sheet proved that.Every time I saw him in school or when he called my heart could skip a beat. I wanted to speak to him, to go back to having our late night conversations but I couldn’t, especially not after my encounter with that girl, he was taken―had a girlfriend that was willing to fight tooth and nail for him and I was never the type to ruin people’s relationships hence, I was going to stay away from him.“Are you awake?” Bria asked quietly shutting the door to the study.“Yes, I am.” I nodded ra
Can it be us 29
The pursuit of truth will set you free even if you never catch up with it. ~Clarence DarrowRaphael It had been a good weekend, one I hadn’t experienced in the longest time and it was all because of one person. Small as she was, she held so much power and could turn even the shittest of days into the best with only her words.Over the past 3 days we had spoken, I found myself smiling and chuckling at memories of our late night conversations that would flash in my mind every now and then. I rarely smiled or was happy to talk to someone the way I did Lyra.Lyra Colburn, without even knowing it was slowly breaking down every wall I had built up and melting away the ice around my heart, she made me feel emotions I had trained myself never to experience and I had been doing a great job until now.This girl had me excited to go to school, the only reasons I ever did attend school were Leo and Emilia, they made it worth sitting in a classroom for hours listening to a teacher blubber about
Can it be us 28
A promise made is a debt unpaid. ~Robert W. ServiceRaphael After spending the rest of my day with Lyra, I couldn’t seem to get enough of her. Her presence brought a certain calm to my life and I wanted to feel that at all times. Especially after getting back to my parents― my father and biological mother at each other’s throats as my stepmother tried to step in and my older sister quietly watched them sipping on her margarita, it was never too early to be drinking in our household.“There you are.” My sister announced and all eyes snapped to me.Great, just what I needed, I knew my sister had probably been trying to get away from our parents and whatever where arguing about but had failed miserably, but now that I was here, she had her opportunity and was not going to let it slip away, it was always like this.“Raphael, where have you been?” My mother went straight to scolding.Unlike most parents and children, mine and I rarely shared pleasantries when we met, it was always some s
