Emma's POV
As soon as I finished checking out all the fancy things Mark got me, I settled to stalk Kevin. At least I now knew his name. I searched the name up on all my social media, but I was never really good at stalking things, so I couldn't find him. Plus there's a very huge chance he wasn't going to be using his real name. I searched Kayla, this time I was determined to find her. The occurrences for Kayla wasn't as much as that of Kevin, plus the ‘23’ she had written on her bag must definitely mean something. I added it to ‘Kayla’ in my search, and her name popped up. Apparently, she has done a bit of modeling. Her page looked so full and classy. They must be rich people. I searched all her followers and in no time, saw Kevin. I held my breath unconsciously before clicking on him. As soon as I did, I couldn't hold back. I looked at all he's ever posted, and all the ladies, especially. He seemed to roll with only cute model girls. I didn't think I stood a chance. The least I could do was at least feed my eyes. Little did I know I had been liking all his photos “Woah! Slow down.” He said in a personal chat. I didn't even add him up, how did he know I was looking through his page? Is he tapping my phone? That can't be possible. “You're liking too many videos at once. I'm a sexy man, but give it some space.” I was too stunned to even text. “Speechless?” He texted again. I really was. I didn't know what to reply. Should've known better than snooping on him online. I immediately closed the chat and put my internet off. I really hope he doesn't realize I'm the one who he met a few hours earlier. I was a fool for him both on and offline. And a joke for his sister too. They were such a beautiful sight to behold. “Sorry.” I texted. It felt weird to leave his text on read. Disrespectful, in fact. I was a nobody, and it was my first and last chance at shooting my shot at Kevin. And the earlier I did so, the better. The girls at school were already gawking over him, making shortlists of who would approach him. “No need to be.” He texted back. If only he knew who he was talking to. “You don't have a picture on your profile, that's scary.” He added. He was thinking the exact same thing I was! Just that I hoped he wouldn't. I get the fact that he would like to put a face to the bimbo who had been on his page for over an hour. “I don't have worthy pictures.” I replied, honestly. In all the selfies I ever took, if I managed to hide my fat face, there'll always be some other give away that I was not the typical slim sexy school girl. “I don't know what that means, but I want to see YOU!” I swear I heard him scream. I had to do something! Kevin wanted to see me! That's a once in a lifetime thing. I quickly bolted my room door even though I knew mom was too busy with Mark doing who knows what. “I'd just take one now and send.” I texted before throwing my phone on the bed, bolting to my dress and touching up my face in all the ways I could, including a generous amount of lip gloss. I took a picture that I felt was enough and sent to Kevin, holding my breath. “You're gorgeous.” He replied. I was blown away. He thought me gorgeous? That was an irreversible boost in my ego. “Wait, I saw you earlier today.” He followed up. I didn't know whether or not to admit it, but telling the truth always worked. “Yeah, you did.” I texted back. “Let me guess. You've had your mind on me ever since then. Probably couldn't wait to get back yo stalk me?” He added some laughing emojis that made me feel stupid. But then he was still typing. I could not take any more jabs at my dignity. How would I face him tomorrow if the conversation ended on this note? “Me too.” I didn't realize I held my breath until I finally breathed out. So Kevin, my little Greek god, was daydreaming about me too?! That was amazing! “Are you being serious?” I started loosening up. “Yeah.” He sent it immediately. “I'd love to see some more pictures.” That was a deal breaker for me. With the amount of girls who would literally pull their underwear for Kevin the moment he snaps his finger, he's interested in me! Poor me! I immediately took to taking pictures of myself from all angles, some goofy faces and I didn't know what exactly he wanted. “Do you like them?” I asked after sending all hundred photos to him. “I do.” He replied. “Could you take the camera a bit lower?” That was a no-no for me. But not for Kevin, I'd bend my rules. I pulled my floral PJ down and took a picture with the upper half of my breast exposed. ‘it's just the cleavage’ I told myself. “Woah!” Kevin responded immediately. So he was really waiting for it all the while. I sent a teary eyed emoji, I really was. I knew it's something I wasn't supposed to be doing, but I couldn't even bring myself to not. Especially not after seeing what I saw earlier today. “I'm about to say something, but I don't know how you'd take it.” He said after typing for a really long while. I was expecting some really lengthy text about how great I looked. Did Kevin not find me attractive anymore? I shouldn't have sent him my saggy boobs. “What is it?” I asked finally. “I want to see you.” He replied. “I'm outside your apartment. My folks aren't home. We could catch up.” That sounded like being in heaven, but mom was him, with Mark! There was no way I could make it past that door.Emma's POV “There's no way I'm making it out of the door.” I replied to him. I was heartbroken. If not for the fact that the stars never aligned in my favor, mom wasn't supposed to be off work. But Mark decided his sperm bladder couldn't hold on any longer. Ugh! Life sucked! “That's okay.” Kevin texted back. I felt bad for him, and for me. “We could make the best of here though.” He added, with a winking emoji. Now that was exciting. At least he wasn't giving up on me. “That's perfect. What do you say we do?” I was brimming with joy. I was really good at online games and riddles, so I did not have to worry about him trashing me at it. “I'd love to see more pictures.” I was surprised. That definitely wasn't what I was expecting. “Okay.” I replied. I was really still on the fence about it, but it was HIM, KEVIN! “...without clothes.” He added. My heart flip-flopped in my chest. I was excited and scared at the same time. “Why should I trust you?” I asked him.
Emma's POV “Hey.” Kevin texted, about an hour after they got in.My nerves calmed a bit. “What's up? How was today? Didn't see you much?” There were a million other questions I wanted to ask, but that could suffice for now. “It was a lot.” He replied. He was still typing, so I held my breath hoping he would explain the ‘a lot’ part. “Hey, it's Kayla.” I got another text. Now I was torn, and curious. Why was she texting me? “I stole your contact from Kevin.” She admitted. That was cool. I'd love to be friends with her if Kevin and I were ever going to amount to anything. “Hi Kayla. Didn't see you much today. What's up?” I replied to her. Kevin was still typing, there must be a whole lot he wanted to say. Why didn't he just call? I didn't want to send any text so I wouldn't interrupt his thought process, so I decided to wait it out. “There's something I think you should know.” Kayla said next. “What is it?” My heart was beating twice as fast as it normally did. “Kay
Emma's POV “What was that, Emma?” Mom demanded as soon as I walked in. “What are you talking about?” I asked her, weakly. She noticed I didn't come in with as much strength as I stormed down. “What's wrong, baby?” She asked again. “Everything.” I replied “What does that even mean?” She continued probing. I was walking to my room, ready to shut the door behind me, but she was hot on my tails. “I want to be alone.” I said. That never worked, I wasn't expecting it to. “Emma, I know a lot of things are wrong with us. And I promise to fix it as soon and as fast as I can, but please, please, what's wrong? I can't stand seeing you like this.” She was already tearing up. I hated myself more. I was her only child after my dad left us. I always promised myself that I wasn't going to cause her pain after I watched my dad walk out on us almost six years ago. Al she did was work her ass off, except the brief alcoholic phase, but all she had been to me was an angel. I can'
Kevin's POV I wasn't proud to tell anyone why Mom had moved us across the country. But it was supposed to be a fresh start. I promised I wasn't going to get entangled, which is also partly why we were attending a private school. A lot of the girls there were unlike what they appeared. Meek in school, but quite raw and crude beyond the four walls of Royal Province High. Unfortunately, though, the whole thing was beginning to look like rinse and repeat. I can't deny my attraction to most girls, and I am so stupid that I always play along with it. “Do you agree, Mr Holden?” The gruff voice interrupted my musings. “Yeah.” I replied. I had no strength to deny anything. There was no point. I had a record. It's why we moved uptown. “We would like to have your statement now.” He said. Monica was instructed to go out and wait while they took my statement. “We want to know what happened.” The kind woman across the desk, seated next to ‘Gruff Voice’ said. “Monica and I, well
Emma's POV “Mom!” I screamed as soon as Kevin jumped off my mom's moving car. It was a day that would never leave memory. A lot of fucked up things were happening. Just when I thought the day had ended, that had to happen. And in fact, it was the worst of all. Mom helped me with Kevin. After we got him tucked at the back, she jumped on the driver's seat and turned right back, headed for the hospital. It was about to be far too messy and we all knew it. Just when we thought we were done with the police. Hopefully, Kevin would be graceful enough to admit that he jumped out on purpose rather than let my mom take the hit. I was thinking up so many ways it could end, and none of them were good. The only good part was that we didn't have to worry about money. As soon as we got there, Kevin was wheeled in and we were told to wait at the lobby. None of us insisted on going in with him because we both knew he wouldn't be so keen on seeing our faces first when he's revived. I stalke
Emma's POV “And to what do I owe this?” Mom said, disappointed. I could already guess who it was. I remembered her cologne. “Can we talk like adults? The kids look up to us.” She replied, as snidely as she did earlier. “And how's he out so soon? We barely got back.” My replied, still standing in the doorway, making no effort to shift. “It's just a broken bone. We can manage that outside those scary white walls. I wasn't going to subscribe to a reminder of how I lost their dad.” She said, still without emotion. “Mom!” I heard Kayla and Kevin chorus somewhere from behind the door. “He must be worth a tonne.” My mom said as she tore the door open for them to come in.I did not know how to act. For all I care, I still have unfinished business with my mom, then this. “Hi, Emma.” Mrs Harwell said. “Hi.” I was both shy and nervous, but it was polite to reply when someone greets me. Both Kayla and Kevin avoided my eyes as they made their way to the seat next to me.
Emma's POV “What happened ‘earlier’?” I asked her, shooting her the most disgusting of looks. I apparently wasn't the only one doing something the other person would not be proud of. “I don't owe you that information, young woman!” She looked very pissed. I tossed her phone on the counter top and walked out. I really could not believe what just happened. Mark was such a sweetheart, why Mike? I heard her newly done nails clank against the counter top as she picked it up. “A word with you, Emma.” Her tone was shaky. “What would make you think I want to speak to you?” I shouted from my room. I was pissed for so many reasons. At myself, and at her. That was definitely not how I envisioned the day would go. Firstly, it was at Kevin's house, then the police station, then the hospital and now, that?! “Baby, please.” She said as she barged into my room. “Aren't you tired of all this drama?” I asked her. “You mean yours or mine?” She shot back at me. “Well I d
Emma's POV And like a slave, I was bundled out of what had been my home for all the eighteen years of my life. I felt sad and broken, I was low-key glad that I would never see Kevin anymore, but there was no proper closure and I could imagine how various videos would have him staring like a fool while trying to apologize. Back to me, well, life wasn't looking promising. It was a three hour drive to Mark's house in County City. It was beautiful , and I'm sure I would have appreciated it more if I was in a good mood. We left our home sometime in the evening, and got to Mark's house two hours to midnight. It was nice seeing the ladies half naked and going clubbing. Shirtless hot men driving convertibles like it was a normal thing. “Hey kiddo.” Mark broke the silence in the car. “You alright back there?” He asked, referring to me. “No. Not really.” I replied to him. “I get that.” He replied. My mom was silent all through, save for sighs at irregular intervals. “It's n
Grayson’s POV “Hey Man.” Chase rang me up. “What's up?” “Nothing much.” I replied. “Just stuck here since Jessica and Lily have found friends in each other.” I slipped, sadly. “I kinda noticed that. What do you think is up with them though?” He asked, in the most demeaning tone I might ever have heard. “They both my women. I won't take that now, fam.” I replied, shutting him up. “What did you want to say?” I asked. He must've called for a reason. “Uhmm, well, I just got in.” He sounded really excited. I could hear the reverberation of his voice, meaning he actually was in his space. “I'm proud of you, man.” I said. I was really excited. A yard of ours to host parties and orgies, finally! “Is she there?” I asked, lowering my voice. “No, she isn't. Dummy!” He said. “She will be soon. Just thought to call you first so you don't disturb the rest of our evening.” He added, light-heartedly. “Oh. This is what you do to a broken man?” I asked, feigning hurt. “Get out
Lily's POVIt all seemed like a dream to me. like a very big joke. Chase had the guts to do all that, in a crowd of people he'd been with almost half of the ladies. “Oh friend.” Jessica said, smiling so mischievously. “Don't call me that.” I protested. “Pardon me if I do not know what to say. One would think you'd be next to your friend now, you know, in her time of need.” She said, I knew Jessica was gloating over me, and I kinda deserved it for nursing any feelings for Chase, ever. “Jessica, this is neither the time or the place.” I said. My eyes had begun to water. I didn't see it coming, at all. I thought there was nothing more to a jewelry box than a necklace. Chase asking Emma to marry him, to me, wasn't even a remote possibility. It felt like it was gonna be a high school fling at best. “Welcome to my boat.” She said, smiling. “We certainly are not needed here. Let's row along, shall we?” She asked. We got out of the dining hall and headed straight to the cla
Emma's POV I was obviously already being relegated to the benches at the show of my own life. I was the last person who knew Chase was gonna propose. I had a lot to say to my mom and him, but that could wait. Mark got a ton of good stuff from wherever it was they said they visited. “Oh, these are so pretty.” I said, glancing at how much stuff there was and how glittering the whole place looked. He got a big sized teddy, some scarves that looked Hawaiian, anklets, waistbeads. They must've gone somewhere funny to have brought back all that stuff. “You can have this.” I gave Patty some beachwear. I made a mental note to ask Mark how often they got breaks and when they did. Firstly, I must thank him for all that stuff. I saw some other girly things but I could open all those later. I dashed to Mark's room, with one of the scarves in hand. “Thank you so much.” I said, jumping on him. “That's a nice ring you've got there.” Mark said, deflecting. I look back on the ring,
Chase's POVI literally was the happiest man on earth. I had just bagged Emma, and one of the most important things to me. “How do I look?” Emma asked, straightening out invisible creases. “Perfect, my love.” I replied, “Besides, they are family.” I said, laughing. “I know, I know.” She sighed. “But you're nervous?” I asked, looking at her. “Very.” She added. Emma took a deep breath and went to meet her mom. I wasn't so enthusiastic about meeting them. For all I cared, I had a done deal. “Hey mom.” Emma's voice sounded strained. Her mom pulled her in and it seemed like a bear hug. I could understand. They had been gone for two months. Two freaking months that might be the genesis of my emergence. My dad didn't even spare me a second look. I laughed deep within me, knowing that he knew I had become a player in his game. Emma's mom took her left hand and admired the ring, during which Emma turned completely red. I busied myself enjoying the spectacle cause th
Emma's POVI heard his keys jingle, I also took it as a pause sign. We were definitely doing too much on school property. “That's too many keys.” I said, smiling. “It’s a crying shame it doesn't have the one to your heart in it.” Chase said, smiling. I laughed, Chase could be amusing when he wanted to. “We really should get back.” I suggested. Chase was hysterical, and so was I. “I can't wait to get home.” I said, shyly. and I really couldn't. I remembered the statement, ‘there's light at the end of the tunnel', maybe Chase's proposal was the end of my tunnel. “I'll see you later.” I was so excited and it was getting increasingly harder to tear myself off him. He gave me one last peck on the cheek and I sauntered back into the dining room, with my ring and necklace still on. I was hoping to see Lily, but I could not. Lunch break was almost done, so I just went back to class, where she was sitting. Lily and Jessica were alone in the hall, and I found that kinda
Emma's POV Lily came back to sit with me, but it was too late. I watched Chase scream at everyone in his way as he approached. I was prepared to get away, but he told the girls in my way to stop me. “Please, please Emma.” We were making a show the crowd was only dying to see. I didn't like it. Chase was embarrassing me, us. “Chase, please.” I had just a little break from crying, and that was the classes. I cried through the night, I cried myself to sleep, same thing when I was preparing for school. “Emma, no. Please. Don't do this to us.” The crowd was ‘oohing’ and “awing”, I had never been in the public eye so much. It looked so similar to the Kevin issue, just that I couldn't run. “We can do this somewhere else.” I said, shaking my head. “No, Emma.” Chase replied. He was already holding my hand in his. I didn't want to embarrass him. What I didn't understand is why he was still doing this after last night. I thought running to me at the car park in the mornin
Grayson’s POVJessica and I spent a lot more time together after the ugly incident with Rudd. I told Chase about it, and while he did seem remorseful, he didn't look surprised. “You don't look surprised.” I observed. “Are you?”He retorted. “Come on man. This is our friend here.” I said, hitting him on the chest. “Whatever.” He said, looking away. “We all knew she's had this sort of thing coming. I mean, she's been sleeping with him since forever. The school trip was their honeymoon. They've been in all sorts of clubs and hotels since then. It's on school property and so it becomes rape?” He asked. “No man.” I said, annoyed that he was thinking that way. “She was drugged.” Chase turned to me, alarmed, and then tried to mask it. “You see what I'm talking about?” I asked him, pressing the severity of it in. “And then he goes ahead to leave the school.” “I did that.” Chase said. “You drugged Jessi…?” I asked. “No, fool.” He said, slapping me playfully on the ba
Lily's POVWhen I saw how Emma looked, I kinda did an itsy bitsy leap of joy in me. She came in a ride I had been on twice. I always loved the car. I loved it better when Chase rode me in it. “Come out.” I shoved her out. Her eyes were red and swollen and I could tell she was seeing in 360 pixels. I rummaged through the car for the rest of her stuff. Chase's signature cologne was all over the car. It was so strong. I smelled it in my sheets weeks after… I had just stumbled on something when Emma dragged me out, running out of the lot like Chase was after her. It was a jewelry box, a female jewelry box. It was so fucking fancy, frosty and shiny. The box had stone cuts that sent light straight into my eye. It was somewhere below the driver seat. I didn't think Enaa saw it yet. I took the box, but Emma chose that exact moment to drag me, so it fell on the floor somewhere. I thought I'd be able to go back to get it, but Emma needed me. “Emma, what's going on?” I had been d
Emma's POV I cried all the way out. I want to believe I even say pity in Patty's eyes for the first in a long time, I had never been this emotionally wrecked, not even back in Starry when the whole school got my pictures. “Why? Why does this have to happen to me?!” I screamed to no one exactly. It felt like my world was caving in and there was nothing I could do about it. The next day came by fast. I didn't know how I got in my bed, cause last I closed my eyes, I was still outside. I woke up around five in the morning, it was still on my mind. I knew Chase was gonna break my heart. I already knew about all that. I was still hurting inside, scared as fuck to fall in love. Worse still with someone who'd leave me shattered. In all honesty, no one I've been with or had a crush on felt like Chase, but I still had to be cautious. I knew I was not the best at choosing others. My past speaks for itself and I didn't want history to repeat itself. I continued rolling from side to s