Chapter 1: It’s summer holidays

Fiori Rivers(POV)

“Bye mom!”

“Bye sweetheart”

I walked very fast inside and quickly kept my stuffs in the locker

Today was vacation. And I couldn’t hide my happiness

Summer holidays are always long vacation holidays. And not just that, it helps us to stay away from certain annoying people for long

All plans for this upcoming holidays have been made already

And now I just have to get my report cards and the celebration can begin

“Hey Fi… you’re in early”

“Sort of Vivian. I can’t wait for this summer holiday’s plans. Where is Jennifer?” I asked anxiously

“Amm… I guess she’s at the cafeteria. Why don’t we check up on her there?” Vivian suggested

“Yeah. I guess that’ll do”

Vivian and Jennifer are the two best girlfriends I have in this school

We’ve been doing everything together. Pay each other visits and also in the same class

We’re popularly known as the three musketeers in the school and we definitely love that

Vivian wasn’t wrong after all, Jennifer was indeed at the cafeteria but looked like she was having some issues at hand

She was there with her boyfriend Ben. But the tone and expressions on their faces didn’t look friendly at all

Looked like they were having a misunderstanding or something like that

I wanted to go and help her out, but Vivian suggested we give them some space and time to solve their own issues

This was one of the main reasons why I advised myself to stay away from these relationship stuffs

Arguing and quarrelling wasn’t my style. But looked like it was a natural thing in all relationships

And I didn’t have the heart for that

Vivian and I went back to the classroom for our report cards as they were ready

There was said to be a closing ceremony at the auditorium around 10am. And it was one of the things I was seriously waiting for

I wanted to look through the report card to know my grades but it was sealed up in an envelope

And there’s no way my mom will spare me if I open this envelope up before getting home

“Beep…beep” speaking of my mom, her message appeared on my phone

And it read “ sweetheart I need you to come home as soon as you get your report card. It’s very urgent”

My mom’s message felt weird, but I still panicked slightly

I didn’t know her reason for sending that message but it got me feeling uneasy

Maybe because my little brother was at the hospital. And his condition wasn’t getting any better. Deteriorating over and over again

I just prayed nothing had happened to him

Or this message was no where related to him

I looked at the report card in my hand and felt maybe it would be best if I leave now

Though I wanted to be part of the closing ceremony, but…..

I guess I’m not meant to be there this semester’s vacation

I went to my class teacher and explained everything to her first

After getting the go ahead from her, I told Vivian and left

We had planned on spending some quality time out there after the closing ceremony for the upcoming summer holidays

But….

Maybe another time

I took a cab and headed home straightaway

When I finally got home, I saw some bags outside beside my mom’s car

And I thought possibly my little brother had been discharged from the hospital even though it sounded impossible

Because his condition was way too dangerous for the doctor to have discharge him already

To clear my own doubts, I quickly run upstairs to my mom’s room. But when I got there I saw something I didn’t want to see

My mom was crying and packing some stuffs of hers into some trunk. Which is very unusual of her too

“Mom, what’s going on?” I got closer and hugged her tightly

“It’s your little brother. He…”

“What happened to Caleb mom? Tell me he’s absolutely fine” I got out of my mom’s embrace and asked anxiously

“He’s not sweetheart. Your little brother is not fine. The doctor has referred us to a specialist at China. If we can get your brother cured, then we must take him there” my mom explained with tears streaming down her cheeks

“Oh my God. So you’re leaving today?”

“Yes. Now”

“Huh? What about me? I’ll be left here all alone” I asked worriedly

“No sweetheart. You remember aunty Emily? Her son Leo will be coming over to stay with you while I’m still away. Aunty Emily too has travelled so I suggested she let Leo come and stay with you” my mom explained

“I don’t know any Leo. What if I don’t like him?”

“He’s a nice guy. He’s been here with us before but you were a little younger at that time so you might not actually remember him. Don’t worry, he’ll take good care of you” my mom caressed my cheeks

“I’m not a kid mom. I can take good care of myself anyway.” I rolled my eyes anxiously

“I know. But you still can’t stay here alone. Here, take that bag and let’s go to the car”

I sighed out helplessly and followed my mom outside with the bag as she kept on explaining

After packing everything inside the boot, my mom gave me one last warm hug and got into the driver’s seat

“Be a good girl Fiori. Leo will be here by evening. Make sure to prepare the guest room for him. And don’t go out too much because of this summer holidays. I love you, bye!” My mom started the car and drove off

I stared at the back of the car sadly until it vanished out of sight

It really hurt me that I couldn’t see my brother before they left. But it’s okay

Maybe I should just start preparing the guest room for this cousin Leo of mine

Augh! It sucks to be having someone I don’t know here with me this holidays

I just wish he doesn’t even show up