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Author: RailaJean
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.

~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Lyra

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   25

    Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian. ~Dennis Wholey“Earth to Lyra.” My name rolling off Raphael’s tongue brought me back to reality. “Huh?” Was all I managed to say.“You went quiet pigtails, thought you hang up on me for a second there.” He told me. “No, I’m still here.” I mumbled. “Clearly, now talk to me.” “I have nothing to say to you Raphael, it is almost 9:30 you should be getting ready for bed.” I retorted. “Or better yet studying.” “Bedtime!” He laughed. “What am I, 4.”“Yes bedtime, if you not going to bed early doesn’t mean I don’t either.” I snapped suddenly enraged by his laughter. “Calm down tiger.” He chuckled. “I was just joking.” The line went silent after his words, I thought he had hang up and that made me remove the phone from my ears to check. He was still on the other line but was silent, I hated the silence but had no idea what to say so

  • Can it be us   26

    They who give have all things; they who withhold have nothing. ~Hindu proverbArriving at the restaurant, we were shown to our table in the VIP lounge and we sat as beverages that George had ordered for everyone where served.“You know your mother was one of the smartest girls in the class.” He turned his attention to me after completely disregarding my presence the entire time, not that I minded.“Was she.” I smiled taking a sip of my drink, it was awful but because I didn’t want to seem rude I forced the liquid down my parched throat.“Yes she was, in fact I think she was the brightest in the class, boys had nothing against her.” He smiled.“Do not tell her lies George.” My mother gasped playfully. “I was intelligent yes, but the smartest in the class.”“You where, the only person you ever competed with was-”“You.” She finished laughing “But even then, I was better than you still.”“Yes, how could I ever forget when you beat me in the accounts, I dominated in that course but someh

  • Can it be us   27

    We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. ~Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWaking up the following morning, I made my way out of the library into my room where I prepared myself for school. I had barely gotten enough sleep but somehow I was more energetic than a person that had slept for over a decade.Taking a shower and putting on my outfit for the day, I pulled my hair into two pig. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, a feeling of satisfaction settled in the pit of my stomach and I smiled.Grabbing my bag and coat, I made my way to the kitchen where I found Bria. She was all alone and I took that as an opportunity to express my gratitude, I took it. “Brenda.” I called and she looked up from the pan to my direction.“Yes?” She answered. “Did you need something?”“No, no.” I shook my head quickly and moved closer. “I just wanted to say thank you, for last night.”“It’s no big deal.” She shrugged.“It is actually.” I smiled.Not only had she brightened my day but she also saved m

  • 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

  • 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   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   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   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

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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

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