''I'll be right back ok. Please don't move. Are you paying attention Key?'' Lucas asked as he looking directly at me, trying to catch my eye.
I nodded barely taking my attention away from my grape popsicle which was starting to melt. I slide back on the brown park bench he perched me on and swung my legs back and forth slightly rubbing the toes of my shoes against the floor, I hummed to myself. Lucas joined the line to get another ice cream cone since the one he previously bought fell in a sad heap on the ground. I glanced at the melting puddle of cream and saw ants begin to gather around it, I smiled as I wondered what it would be like to be an ant. Suddenly, a downpour of water washed them away, I gasped and looked up at the perpetrator to see an older kid maybe ten or eleven with a now empty water bottle, grinning at the drowned ants like the evil boy he was.
''Hey, why would you do that? That's mean'' I snapped and marched over to him.
He f
I scrunched my eyes and got really close to the picture as I tried my hardest to stay inside the lines. I wanted it to be perfect, if I couldn't control everything else in my life I could at least control this.''Do you wear glasses?'' I glanced over at my partner, his name was Jacob and he has been my table partner since the start of kindergarten. ''Then why are you so close to the paper? My mum says that's how you become cross-eyed,'' he said after I shook my head.''Really?'' I asked in shock and jerked away from the paper, ''I just want to make sure I'm in the lines,'' I said sadly and stated aimlessly colouring in the vast space of the dog picture I was given to make sure there were no white streaks.Jacob glanced over at my colouring and smiled,'' I think it looks good, you stayed within the lines,'' he then furrowed his brows and looked glanced between both my eyes, he tilted his head slightly, ''Plus you don't look cross-eyed, so its a good day for you h
A week passed by in a blink of the eye, before I knew it I was sitting beside Auntie Kris getting pedicures and manicures at a salon in one town over. We barely made it to our appointment in time- the hairdresser took longer than expected. I had to practise in the morning and we got the rest of the day off so Auntie Kris and I got to spend more time together. ''How much does it cost to go to L.A for your trip?'' she asked ''I think it's about a hundred dollars, but I got it covered,'' I told her. She nodded,'' I can't wait for Nessa to be old enough to join us,'' she smiled. Sometimes I forgot the Auntie Kris wasn't actually my mother and that she had her own daughter, maybe when Nessa got older she'll feel more like a sister than she does now. I smiled but said nothing. She suddenly squealed like a teen girl and turned to me, with a sparkle in her eyes. ''I can't wait to see you in action again. It feels like it's been a million years s
Recap: Kiara and Zack's mum, Kristen, spent the afternoon at the spa as a way to relax Kiara before her play Saturday evening(which would be today). They saw Kevin with somebody, they didn't see who. ''You need more passion, more enthusiasm, more oomph, you need more,'' Ms Fiddleson barked at my co-star who looked like he was about to throw up or pass out. I honestly wasn't sure which one he would prefer. ''Take it from the top,'' she said as she walked off the stage, possible to shout at someone else. ''I don't hear rehearsing,'' she shouted after she walked for two seconds. I turned to my partner and nodded, he started his monologue again with much improvement might I add. Fear really does work wonders. We continued only taking ten minutes every hour- which she only gave to us because it would be considered a crime if she did not. I felt bad for the stage crew though, they received the sharp end of the shank. I got a fair share of scolding myself but, after
''Please, I don't want to go,'' I begged my mother. I was willing to get down on my knees if I had to, I was already halfway there. ''Mum, if she doesn't want to go I don't think you should force her,'' Lucas said as he walked into the kitchen, he took out a juice pouch from the fridge and gave it to me with a pat on the head. ''Lucas, sweeties, you spoil her. It's not she's going to die, you know,'' my mother said. She was always softer on Lucas, it wouldn't take much to figure out who was the favoured child. ''But, mum,'' ''Enough Lucas, she's going and that's final,'' my mother said decisively before she left the kitchen, probably to have one of the maids pack my bags. I was surprised she didn't give in to him but it was probably because the issue pertained to me. ''Lock I don't want to go,'' I said as tears began racing down my face. ''Hey, Key, it's ok, it's just a few days. I promise I'll be there to pick you up. I know you don't
''Dr Jackson,'' I called the attention of the man who sat across from me as he wrote on his little notepad for what seemed like ages. ''Yes, Kiara?'' he said, still making notes. ''My mum didn't go on holiday, did she?'' I said while I plucked some fluff from my bunny's ear. ''Why would you say that?'' he asked, finally making eye contact with me. His gaze, as he peered over his glasses, was extremely intimidating to me. I was thankful he did not wear them every day. ''I think she's avoiding me because she's grossed out and mad at me,'' ''Why would she be mad at you?'' ''Because I made her sister look bad,'' I said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. ''I'm not following,'' I released a sigh as I contemplated whether or not I should explain myself. ''It's okay Kiara, I won't judge you. I simply want to follow your train of thought,'' he said to me, he leaned back and crossed his ankle over hi
I walked the perimeter of the rug in my room multiple times, I was trying to psyche myself up so that I would go knock on Lucas's door. I extended my pacing path to reach my bookshelf and collected our book. I gripped the worn copy cover of the velveteen rabbit and slowly made my way to his room. Ever since the incident his door has been locked, not just closed. He used to leave the door unlocked and sometimes opened a tiny bit so I can enter as I pleased, that was nothing but a faint memory now. I raised a clenched fist only to stare at it as it hovered over the dark hardwood. It remained still no matter how I willed it to connect with the surface, it was as if there was an invisible force that prevented me from completing the simple act of knocking. ''Come on Kiara, you can do this,'' I whispered to myself. I secretly hoped that he would hear me, open the door, pull me in and give me the comfort I so desired. As far back as I could remember it has always been the b
''I thought I was going to have to find a new best friend,'' Zack told me. We were sat under our usual tree, I ate a ham sandwich while Zack had leftover mac and cheese. ''So quickly?'' I asked ''Well I didn't know where you were and Jacob told me that I would need a new friend. Of course, I didn't believe him, he's no good you shouldn't talk to him, then you disappeared forever. I figured if you weren't home Saturday then I'd have to mourn you for ten years then find a new friend,'' he recounted. ''Ten years? That's a long time,'' I told him. ''Yeah but I'd be sad for ten years if we weren't friends,'' I held out my pinky to which he immediately clasped his own around, ''I promise to always be your friend,'' ''And I promise to always be yours or I'd have to give up mac and cheese and pudding cups forever,'' he promised in return. ''Even pudding cups?'' I asked incredulously. ''That's how you know I'm serious,''
Her solid intense stares were like knives slowly dragging along my skin, it wasn't making my nausea any better. I took a deep breath and did my best to get lost in my character once more. I mentally repeated that she wasn't here and she was locked away someplace far from here. No matter how many times I repeated this statement to myself, I knew she was still here. I heaved a sigh of relief when curtains dropped for intermission after act three. The hustle and bustle was simply a background noise as I paced to and fro backstage with hopes of getting rid of nerves and nausea. ''You can't come back here,'' I turned to the commotion to see my brother marching towards me, his brows basically touching. ''That bitch won't leave,'' he spat. It seems he found her here. ''I'm training to be a medical professional, but I'll be a bouncer if needs be,'' I sent him a small smile. I wanted to tell him that it was okay, we both know I would be lying. ''Sir, you can't
I listened to Kiara crunching on the bright red apple she grabbed on her way out the door. My eyes quickly took in the neon yellow numbers on the dashboard. According to it, I did not have enough time to stop by Starbucks to get Kiara some breakfast. Of all days I did not have food stashed away in my car, this was the day. Usually, I had at least a granola bar, but when I took my cousins on a joyride the other day Charlie gobbled it up. I don't blame her, they were delicious. Unfortunately, I forgot to replenish my stock. I tried to recall if I had any snacks in my backpack. What about the pack of nuts? No, I ate them one morning when I had to rush out with food. You had a bar of chocolate, where did that go? Oh right, I gave it to Kayla when she was feeling lightheaded. I was truly out of options. I feel so bad. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kiara would get extremely crabby without proper nourishment. Plus, she would not focus in class and she really needed to focus
I stood outside Kiara's house and just stared. I left earlier than usual to enact my plan. I was going to sneak into her house and make her a feel-better breakfast. If she felt like talking I would listen, if not then I would simply share a meal with one of the most important women in my life. Yet, I could not seem to get myself to move. I was scared. Scared that she would turn me away, just like that night. I was terrified that she would blame me, but nothing made my heart ache more than the thought of never seeing Kiara again. Before I could turn away, my cousin's voice resonated in my head. When she was leaving yesterday she told me such simple words, something you could easily get off the internet, yet coming from her it made sense. "Just be there for her. It may not seem like you're doing much, but it would mean the world to her," Just be there for her. I could do that. I was great at cooking. I would be there for her while providing delicious food. Food made everything bett
I put down my textbook, accepting defeat. There was just too much noise for me to study. Can't a guy relax with some chemical equations in his own home anymore? Where was the humanity? The consideration? The house was extra packed today because my mum's side of the family is in for a visit. Mum has a younger sister named Auntie Abby. Auntie Abby is amazing, she has always made me feel like a part of the family even though I was not related by blood. Auntie Abby has two daughters, twin girls who are just as nice as their mother. Uncle Patrick, Abby's husband, and I also got on since we both loved science. In fact, Uncle Patrick was a scientist and last I heard he was researching a new bacteria that was found frozen in the Arctic. "Where's our little cousin?" Bernie asked from outside my door. "You do realise that I am older than you right," I opened the door and welcomed the bear hug from both Bernie and Charlie. "Shut up," Charlie laughed. They always said they were the older
I looked back at my mum who sat on a bench to the side, naturally, she chose to be seated in the shade. She was texting someone on her phone. It should be anyone, but the one person I really hoped it was not was Uncle Lionel. My parents tried to hide what happened between them from me, but I hear things. Today was supposed to be a good day, I should focus only on good things. With that mentality, I turned towards the beauty. If all the girls at my new school were this pretty then I definitely would not mind moving. Initially, my dad lived close to his family which meant I got to visit my aunts and cousins whenever I wanted. They were the only ones who kept me company when Dad had to travel or be at the office until two in the morning. I also loved our old apartment. It was big enough for me, him and Roger, the dog. It was our only little cosy place. Before my dad got married, he told me that we would have to move somewhere else since the apartment was not big enough for all of us. I
I puffed out my cheek, using a finger I poked each one. In my head, I figured I looked exactly like a chipmunk so what better thing to do than chirp like one. I barely paid attention to my stepmum as she hushed my little brother. He cried a lot. He also slept a lot, but I figured if you spend half of the day screaming you'd spend the other half sleeping. My stepmum, who I call mum, says babies cry because they miss being around us. I do not think I believe her but babies did stop crying when you gave them atention so she could be right. "Hey honey. Are you excited to spend the day with your mother?" she sat beside me on the couch. Daniel's fat little arms reached up to grab her hair. The day he was born I felt so happy because I finally had someone who I could spend time with. My dad sad I'd have to wait a bit longer befoe I could actually spend time with him. "I guess. It'll be nice to see her again after four or so months. What time is she supposed to get here?" I held my brothe
"How long is the cake going to take?" I whined. The sweet scent of the cake permeated the house. This was not helping my craving. Kiara checked her imaginary watch, and with a look of concentration, she told me that the cake had ten minutes left. I had no reason to call her bluff. I would be satisfied as long as the cake was not burnt, I would eat it. After all, Kiara took time out of her day to bake a cake with me. Who was I to disregard her efforts? "Can you turn off the lights?" Kiki asked as she finished straightening the bedsheets. From where I was standing I could already see her pulling up the movie. It did not take long to find it since the page was already bookmarked on her laptop and mine. I turned off the lights as she requested and slid into my usual spot- on the left side of her bed. Within seconds her attention was glued to the opening scene. The very same scene we had seen so many times that I could rewrite the entire script from memory alone. I knew the exact sce
I gathered as many ingredients as I could while Kiara got the bowls and cake pan. I took a backseat while Kiara measured and mixed everything. There was something mesmerising about watching her move around the kitchen so naturally. For someone who did not like Maths and Chemistry, she did really well at creating recipes. I would suggest becoming a food scientist if she were not such a natural actress. "Am I going to need to add vanilla?" Kiara shouted over the sound of the pastel blue stand mixer I got her a few years ago. "What?" I called. "I know you heard me!" she jabbed me in the side with a spoon. "Yes, you are going to need to add vanilla," I smiled at her while she rolled her eyes at me. I dipped a finger into the batter after Kiki had mixed the flour and sugar with the other ingredients. I would risk salmonella any day just for some raw batter. Kiki, on the other hand, was cautious and complaining. She complained about the butter being too cold and the eggs not being warm
I wanted cake. Carrot cake to be specific. Actually, any cake would do. Perhaps it was because I was truly craving something sweet or perhaps it was because I was currently smelling Kiara's shampoo or it might have been one of the products she used religiously. It smelt sweet, yet I couldn't pinpoint exactly what I was smelling but I liked it. It reminded me of cake. I was about to angle my head so I could get another whiff of Kiara's hair when she spoke up. ''Why do you think we're friends?'' she started. She looked up at me with her beautiful big caramel-coloured eyes. She blinked her long dark lashes as she waited for my answer. I wonder if she could hear my heart race as she rested her head on my chest. I prayed my shirt could somehow muffle the sound. I glanced at her laptop which was playing a sitcom we found. I guess we both decided to use it as background noise. I thought about her question. We were friends because I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and wanted to
I glanced over at Kiara. Her eyes were closed. Her hand moved along to the beat of Alicia Keys. Did she know she was humming along? I doubt that she did. I have found that Kiara lacked awareness from time to time, I didn't mind nine times out of ten. I found it cute how she would sing louder at the parts she was sure of and mumble along to the parts she forgot. With Kiara's singing, my mind went back to what happened when I was dragged away that morning. I ended up missing the first session of the day. I would need to ask Kiara and the teacher for the notes because if I knew my best friend I knew she had mostly doodles with a sprinkling of words in her book. I locked the meeting room as Kiki and I watched towards our lockers. I tried to get her to talk about the game, but Kiara preferred to ignore things. That was one thing I wanted to change about her. Discussing what upsets you is a good thing, we don't have to do it the second a misfortune happens, but it needs to be done.Since