Chapter 3

MIREYA'S P.O.V:

Breathe in, Breathe out.

What the heck is happening around me!

I was going to school like it was a normal day, but things have turned out to be different. Alexander was there in the cafeteria. I never expected him to show up this soon. He talked with me. He and his popular crew always come to the cafeteria later, but they came soon yesterday. Isabella didn't say anything about this which means she handled the situation by herself and I'm glad she did it.

Holy molly! Alexander made a conversation with me.

I was in a full happy mood while I worked in the cafe. My co-worker Amy asked me what's got me so happy, but I was just laughing at her. I know that I'm being foolish for laughing without any reason. But Alex had a little chat with me soared my mood up to the clouds. Even though I was a bit rude to him, he smoothly brushed it off. 

I tried so hard not to blush and to be obvious that I'm attracted to him. I don't want him to think of me like others who are clinging to her sister for him. I handled it smoothly I think. My heart drummed against my chest when he talked with me. My hands sweated as I kept hard my posture straight. At the same time, I was nervous. If he comes to know about my problem, he would think of me lowly. Besides, Athena, Isabella, mom, Adrian no one knows about my disease. I shrugged the negative thoughts to the back of my mind. I focused only on Alex, who at last noticed me. 

I narrated the whole thing to mom as she squealed and advised me that play hard to get. I never hide anything from my mom or Adrian. They are the family I left for myself. I miss Adrian so much as left today. I rushed home to send off Adrian for his auditions. He said that he will call me once he reach there. The kids were doing their homework quietly as I helped them with some.  Finally, I was happy at the end of the day. But I'm bracing myself for the five days that I'm dreading to meet. I checked my tablets they were finished. I guess it is on the way to torture me.  

At last, Ryan and Isabella made some talk. I don't want to invade their privacy so I didn't question them. But the way she blushed made me guess what happened. I'm happy they did some improvement in their relationship. It's so difficult to play a cupid.

.....

In the morning, I was heading to the classes and I have transferred to AP Calculus along with Isabella. Isabella said that she has to submit her due assignment to her staff so I let her go. I went inside the class as my anxiety pushed me up. They were all seniors and their scrutinizing gaze brushed me, but I ignore them all. I took a deep breath and I took the seat next to the window at the back. I stared at the empty wall as a soft breeze brushed my hair. 

Chairs scraped indicating that someone sat beside me. I saved a seat for Isabella at the back. 

"You too got transferred to this class." Alex's voice snapped me to reality. A voice I could recognize in chaos. I forgot that I got transferred to Alex's class. To my surprise, to my side, Alex was sitting beside me and in front of me, Ethan sat and beside Ethan Adam sat. 

Adam was the exact copy of his twin Alex, the only difference is their eye color. Adam has blue eyes which I like so much. He too has an athletic body and his hair, is messed up. He looked so handsome just like Alex. But not as Alex. He is a friendly and outgoing person compared to Alex. How lucky to have these handsome boys around me! Every girl would be thinking of me as hers in this place.

Ethan has alluring green eyes that would make every girl ogle at him. He is indeed handsome. His sharp jawline and a little cut mark on his eyebrows make him so hot man. 

I looked at the boys as their attention was on me. I cleared my throat and answered his question.

"Yeah, I'm." My answer was cut short. Adam looked confused at the conversation between me and Alex. 

"Remember the girl who threw glitter glues at Bianca. She is her." Adam and Ethan chuckled looking at me. 

"You are that girl. I'm seriously surprised by that stunt. You indeed put her in place." Ethan ruffled my hair. I was shocked by his action acting all friendly with me. I knew they are all good guys, but it scares me. It scares me that someone would care for me and leave me in the end.

"I was like never mess up with this girl." Adam let out a breathy laugh remembering the incident. Alex bit his lips from laughing hard. 

"You know about us and there is no need of introduction, I think?" Adam asked me as I nodded quietly smiling. I forgot to tell you that Alex's crew considered these two crazy idiots, Kayden and Carter.

"Who is this little chic over here?" Kayden asked as he sat behind Alex. Why am I surrounded by these guys now? When will the teacher come? 

"I'm tired of introduction!" Alex slumped in his seat as I giggled at his posture. 

"Damn girl! You have different colored eyes. I love it." Carter held my face in his hands as Alex stiffened swatting his hands away. 

"I know Carter." I turned away not wanting to carry the conversation. The girls have already given me killer looks of attracting them. Isabella came in and looked at me with her eyes wide. She quietly took a seat back from me looking at others. 

"Why are you all sitting here?" Isabella whispered. 

"You got transferred to this class. I'm so happy." Kayden riled up her. 

"Since you have been missing me so much, I came here to see you." Isabella glared at him. Kayden backed away not saying anything. I wish this class gets finished as soon as possible. I was desperate to run to my art class as my fingers were itching to draw something. Alex was close to me as his citrus aromatic cologne invaded my senses. 

I have been quiet as the guys made up conversations to talk to me. I was being a stubborn bitch. I know that I'm being rude. I don't want to add more problems on earning the jealously from the girls. After finishing the classes, I packed up and jumped to get out of the class. I could see that Isabella waved at me and I ran without looking back. I was so slow as Adam and Alex caught me. 

"Why are you guys following me? Don't you have classes-" I was cut off by Adam.

"Why aren't you talking to us?"

"Why should I?" I asked Adam. I was already getting stares from the girls. I don't want to be the center of attention.

"I know, Mireya. You don't need to be afraid of people talking with us. Just treat us like Isabella." Alex's hand was still warm on my cold ones. I couldn't take it from his hands. 

"You know it. Leave me alone." I snapped and grabbed my hand from his hold instantly missing his warmth. 

"We are not!" They said as they threw their hands on my shoulders and dragged me to my art class.

"Go to your classes, you idiots." I tried to push away from their hold, but it all ended in vain. I entered the class as I swatted their hands and scurried off to sit along with Ryan. 

"I can't belive they dragged me here." I look up to see Alex and Adam sitting in front of us. Ryan laughed at me as I glared at him.

"You both don't even belong to this class," I said as Adam turned and smirked. Alex gave the same smirk as his twin.

"Well think of it having me as your model, babe." Alex said making my cheeks turn red at his nickname. 

Don't be obvious, Mireya. I scolded myself. 

Ryan was quietly enjoying the conversation between us. This idiot I'm going to kill him.

Mrs.Whiteman came in with her cute smile and greeted us. 

"Ah! I see the models have arrived." She clapped her hands happily. My heart was racing a million beats per minute. What if I'm assigned to Alex? I can't handle him while my heart here aching for him.

"Alright! Students come here and pick up your model." She held a tray of folded papers. Everyone groaned and most of them were girls. They expected that she would let them select for themselves. I prayed that Alex will be assigned to me. Ryan's turn came as he picked his paper up and he laughed his ass off after settling beside me. 

"Guess what?" He controlled himself. He turned the paper to see Adam's name. Adam groaned loudly.

"I was wishing that a girl would sketch me. Not you." He said clearly his hopes were crushed. I wanted to laugh, but Adam looked like a kid sitting there pouting. My name was called as I wiped my sweaty hands in my jeans. 

"You are going to nail your drawing. I'm looking forward to it." Mrs.Whiteman grinned. She always encouraged me and I was her favorite student. I smiled and picked up my card. I turned it to see Alexander's name. Fate is playing games in my life. I mentally jumped up and threw my fist in the air. I was happy would be an understatement. I hid my smile as I glared at Alex who was grinning at me as his dimpled cheeks popped up. 

That damn smile!

"Who is your model?" Ryan asked his grey eyes full of curiosity. He would be hoping that Alex would be paired up with me and it worked out. Ryan gave me a mischievous smile. I want to run and hide somewhere and I can't hide the blush on my cheeks. Alex snatched the paper as he smirked at me.

"You should be honored that I'm your model, babe." Alex couldn't get any cockier. He is so full of himself. 

"You should be flattered that I'm your artist," I muttered. 

"Alright students exchange your places with your models and just sketch the thing that you admire or like in them." Mrs.Whiteman said as she sat on her desk. Alex and Ryan exchanged seats and Alex sat beside me. 

"What do you admire in me, babe?" He smirks twirling my hair in his hand. I didn't answer him.

Don't do this to me, Alex!

"How about my d-" He started but I snapped his mouth shut with my palms. I don't want to talk about his dick now. He is teasing me to hell. 

"I was about to say my eyes, babe." He called me that again. I'm mentally dying here. 

"Don't call me that!" I huffed. He ignored that comment and asked me,

"Well... I like you to call as Kuschelbär." 

"The what!" I didn't understand what he said not even a letter. 

"Kuschelbär, it is!" Ryan snickered in front of me making me smack his head.

"What does that mean?" I was curious to know the meaning that my only love of life gave me.

"What's the play in it if I tell you the meaning!" Alex wiggled his eyebrows at me. I turned my attention to my drawing and sketched Alex's eyes. He was looking at my drawing intensely as I stared into his eyes. I couldn't take the intensity of his eyes. I was not an expert in reading eyes. I could just tell he is watching me. 

"Quit staring," I mumbled, but he continued anyway. I like it when he looks at me. How fast the day changed! Alex wants to be friends with me. I still had a quiet nagging behind my mind as if it was wrong, but I pushed it aside.

"I love your eyes, Kuschelbär." My eyes snapped to his face to see he was joking, but it held a small smile and sincerity. He was telling the truth. I do get compliments, but they are from my mom or Adrian or Alex's mom or Isabella or Ryan. I don't know what to reply to.

"Thanks," I said quietly as he continued his staring. I was halfway done with his eyes.

"You do have some talent. It's excellent actually." He looked surprised. 

I do have a collection of your drawing in my home, idiot!

"Don't fall for the drawing, Alex." 

"I may not but I will definitely fall for your eyes." He flirted with me. 

Stop making me blush, Alex!

"You are so poor at flirting." Adam accused Alex who rolled his eyes at him. 

"Yeah, you suck at it." Ryan snickered. I giggled at their bantering around me. Maybe I could make some friends. I liked them being around me and it makes me feel less lonely and distracts me from thinking about my body condition. 

"I want you to come to our match tomorrow." Alex asked out more like ordered.

"I have my shift at Mary's cafe." I was going to come anyway because I never miss any match that Alex was going to play. I hate football, but I started to watch it for him. Ryan gave me a secret smile. 

"I could ask Mary to change your shift." Adam butted in. 

"You could be my lucky charm, my Kuschelbär." Alex winked. Que swoon moment. 

"Argh! Tell me the meaning and call me that." I gave away. Alex shook his head playfully. Adam and Ryan groaned. I grunted plopping my head on the desk. 

"You are coming and don't forget to cheer us." Alex said finally. The bell rang as we all got up to leave the class. The three boys scurried off to their next class bidding me bye. Isabella came over with a big grin plastered on her face.

"Alex is my model." I bit my lip from smiling too much.

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe it. My hard work paid off, at last." Isabella squealed. 

"Now my soul will rest in peace." She sighed contented. 

"Your brothers invited me to their game tomorrow." Isabella showed her full-blown smile.

"I'm happy for you, Hope." She giggled and continued,

"You were going to be there anyway." I shook my head smiling as we headed to our next class. 

After finishing school, I started my shift at Mary's cafe in the evening. It's always pretty hectic on weekdays. Amy and others were running to get orders from the people. 

"Mireya, could you take the table for me?" Amy asked me. I nodded and went to the table she pointed to. I glanced to see Isabella's mom and dad were there. I cleared my throat as they look up to see me. Athena hugged me tightly into her motherly embrace. I smiled hugging her back. She is a hugger and she likes to hug. 

"It's been a month I saw you." She scowled. I held my puppy dog's face making her melt. Liam ruffled my hair hugging me as I was sinking into his fatherly warmth. They are like second parents to me after Carina. 

"You should come home, little one. Everyone was asking about you." Liam said.

"Raymond has been nagging and asking about Mia." Athena sighed. 

"I have been pretty busy with my work and I will visit this weekend. I promise." Athena was satisfied with my answer. 

"Both out on a date night huh!" I teased Athena. She rolled her eyes but blushed anyways. 

"Stop teasing my baby girl." I giggled at Liam who was secretly enjoying her blush.

"What do you guys want to eat?" I noted down their dishes and went to bring them leaving them their privacy. After finished eating, they stayed until I finish my shifts. I asked them to go home, but they refused and said that they would drop me home. 

"I would have walked home." 

"It's dangerous to go out alone during nights, little one." They were right. I usually call mom or Adrian to pick me up from the cafe. 

"Do bring the kids on the weekends," Athena said with a glint of happiness in her eyes.

"It's difficult for me to bring all the kids to home." 

"I will send Alex or Adam to drive you all there." Athena asked me. I couldn't say no to her. I nodded at the end. She loves kids more than anything. Their family is close to our kids. Kids adore them as much as they do. They even spent some time during Christmas or Newyear making the kids happy.

"Take good rest, little one." Both of them dropped me home and left. It was a long day. I entered the house to see Mia was crying loudly as mom was consoling her. I crouched to her and picked her in my arms. 

"Why is my little devil is crying?" I wiped her tears away as she hugged my neck tightly. 

"Shh... You know I hate when you cry." I kissed her forehead as she didn't stop crying and held me as if I was going to disappear. I asked mom as she sighed heavily.

"She doesn't want to go with her soon-to-be adopting parents." I now understand why she was clutching onto me like I was going to leave her. 

"Mia, come on stop crying. We are not going to leave you." I placed her gently on the chair and I sat in front of her wiping her tears.

"You are lying, if they adopt me, I will never be able to see you." She sniffled. 

"Mia baby, it's for your good. You will get a new family and parents too. They will buy you whatever you want and cherish you." I said those bitter words. I don't want her to leave us. We all have bonded so much to leave each other and it is painful. 

"I do have a family. I have you all as siblings. I have a mom and my dad passed away. You all buy me what I want more than I ask." She pointed to mom as Carina and her husband as a dad. Mom came and hugged her tightly. 

"I don't want to go," Mia mumbled. I had to look away blinking my tears away. 

"It's for your good, Mia. You need to adapt to new life. They will love you more than we do." I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Please," Her lips quivered as I shook my head. I want a bright future for her. We can't afford it for all the kids. It's difficult for us and she must need a family to join the college and kinds of stuff. She should get adopted. I left the home unable to see my mom and Mia cry. I walked where my leg carried me wiping the tears. It's even harder to see them cry. I never want Mia to leave, but she needs life support. She needs a family. I know she considers us as family, but she can't stay in the orphanage forever. 

I stopped crying and for a moment I forgot where I was. I could tell someone was following me. I didn't turn around and started walking fast and the footsteps behind me followed me fast. I jumped when a hand landed on my shoulder. I was about to shout, but Kayden yelled at me.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Kayden shouted at me as I looked around the surrounding. It was an alleyway and he was mentioned the drunken people. 

"Don't raise your voice at me, Kayden!" My voice cracked and was hoarse because of crying. 

"Why the hell are you crying?" His voice softened and looked concerned.

"That's none of your business." I snapped, but I started crying anyways. I don't want anyone to see me cry or be miserable. I don't want anyone to see me vulnerable and it makes me weak. 

"It is my business, Mireya. You don't have to tell, just cry." Kayden stood there beside me leaning against the wall while I cried. I couldn't stop. The people I love will leave someday, but that doesn't stop me from loving them. 

"It hurts, Kayden. The pain in my heart squeezing it and it's unbearable." I paused and he remained silent for me to let out. I don't know why I'm even saying this to him, at the moment, I needed someone to be there with me. 

"I don't want Mia to get adopted, at the same time I want to give her a family. She needs to leave us someday and the day has come. Now she is adamant and she doesn't want to leave us. Honestly we too, but she needs to move on. It's, even more, worse to see mom and Mia cry. I just ran away from home not able to see the sight of them crying. It's just difficult." I ranted as Kayden pulled me for a hug taking my surprise.

"I don't know how to console or shit." He grunted but held me against him. He patted my back unsure what to do. I chuckled at his odd behavior. 

"Don't laugh at me." He grumbled. He continued patting my back. I was back to normal within a minute. Oddly I liked his hug. I needed it. I pulled away as he gave me a small smile.

"Thanks, Kayden. I needed it." He nodded smiling.

"Don't tell anyone about this. The last thing I want is others to pity me." I said to Kayden as he zipped his mouth laughing. 

"Come I will drop you home." He grabbed my hand as we walked. 

"What are you doing in the middle of the night that too in the alley?" I asked him.

"Curious are we?" He quirked one eyebrow smiling. 

"Are you a bad boy? Don't tell me that you smoke weeds and do illegal stuff." I asked my eyes widened just to tease him. 

"That's what you think of me." He shook his head and held a mischievous glint. 

"Well, I can be a bad boy in bed too." He wiggled his eyebrows as I fake gagged. Honestly, Kayden has his bad-boy aura around him. His smoky hazel eyes in enough to make a girl fall for him and it was a sparkle with mirth. He had a devil-may-care outlook and a stellar smile. He had defined cheekbones and a concrete jaw. He had a deep voice. 

We reached home in no time. 

"Thanks for today." I thanked him for the umpteenth time as he rolled his eyes at me. 

"How will you go home?" I asked him. He shrugged nonchalantly. 

"At least you know... acknowledge me when you reach home." I said to him concerned. He is more capable of taking care of himself, but I wanted to reassure him.

"Asking for my number indirectly." He teased me. I groaned and glared at him. 

"Fine, here save your number. I will text once I reach home." He smirked. I saved my number on his phone as he waved me a bye and continued walking whistling some music. He is not bad after all. I sighed and went inside to see mom and Mia were sleeping loudly. I kissed their forehead and went to sleep. It was after midnight when I went to sleep and I woke up with a headache due to lack of sleep. 

I headed to Mary's cafe as mom insisted to take a leave. I brushed it off since it was just a headache. I ordered myself a black coffee strong. I drank it as it calmed my nerves down. Caffeine is bliss. I drank before Isabella came in. She guessed that I haven't slept yesterday. After drinking coffee I felt a lot better and managed to get to school along with Isabella. We were standing beside our lockers talking. An unfamiliar hand wrapped around my shoulders. I turned to see Kayden standing there with an innocent smile. Soon the others surrounded us. Alex was eyeing Kayden's hand on my shoulders with an unreadable expression. 

"You good?" Kayden asked me as I nodded looking at his concerned eyes. Alex narrowed his eyes at me. 

"When did you guys become this close?" Adam asked us. 

"Yesterday night we confessed our undying feelings for each other and I accepted her love for me." Kayden wiped his imaginary tear patting my head. Isabella rolled her eyes at his lie. I elbowed him in the stomach. Alex clenched and unclenched his fists. Bell rang as I had arts for the first period. Alex and Adam came along silently with us. I don't know why they are being silent. Ryan made occasional talks here and there. Alex sat beside me silently. His mood totally off. 

"Why are you in such a sulking mood?" I asked him unable to bear the silence. 

"I'm perfectly alright." He lied shrugging. I started to sketch anyways but my fingers and mind couldn't cooperate this time. 

"Come on, Alex. I can't focus on my drawing with you are sulking like this." I whined. He opened his mouth to say something but closed restricting himself.

"You can ask me anything." I offered him. 

"So you and Kayden..." He trailed off. I can't believe this stupid idiot believed what he told. I have my eyes only for him, not any other guy even he is the most handsome man in the world. I let out a ridiculous laugh.

"I can't believe that you believed him. He is just teasing me around, Alex. Nothing more." I said and he looked relieved at my answer. I turned my attention to my drawing. I scolded him mentally for thinking about it like that.  

"You is coming tonight for the match right?" Adam asked me as he turned from his desk. 

"You guys gave me a choice!" I exclaimed sarcastically. 

"You really don't have a choice. I will be checking out for you in the crowd, Kuschelbär." Alex whispered in my ear and I could feel his hot breath on my neck. I couldn't move an inch. He was so close to me and I sat there like I was paralyzed. 

"I was going to be there anyways." I muttered under my breath, but he heard it.

"Wait for me after I finish my match," Alex said and winked at me. I really don't have a choice so I nodded at him. After finishing the art class we all headed to our own classes. I hope they win this match since Alex and Adam wanted me to be there.