Chapter 01 - It Begins

I CLOSED MY eyes and breathed in the cold night breeze. The light blow of the wind messed with my long slightly waved hair. I tucked them behind my ears as I opened my eyes to stare at the night sky and watch as it seemingly gets darker and darker.

I played with the sand touching my feet, listening to the sound of waves. I'm gonna miss the beach. Summer is officially over and school's gonna start in 2 days.

"Happy birthday, princess." I turned my back when I heard someone greet me. Blake Cooper, my best friend. We've been friends for as long as I can remember. Our parents are also close friends so we grew up together, making it easy for us to be best friends.

"Thank you, for the nth time." I said and chuckled. I feel like he’s been wishing me a happy birthday nonstop. In fact, he’s been greeting me yesterday, and the day before yesterday, and the day before the day before yesterday. I think he’s more excited about my birthday than I am.

"What are you doing here all alone? It’s cold out here. Come inside, they’re having a karaoke party." He sat down beside me, staring at the dark sky with me.

"Not exactly in the mood to party. Kinda want some alone time." I looked down, realizing how I probably sounded sad and pitiful when I said that. A teenage girl who prefers to look at the stars and be left alone on her 17th birthday instead of having fun. Great. Also kinda cliché, something that happens a lot in the movies.

There was a moment of silence between us. "Is this about your dad?" He asked out of the blue. I looked him in the eye. He looked down, scratching his head, his face marked with instant regret of asking me about him. "I.. I'm sorry, Calista. I knew you didn’t want to talk about him. That's so insensitive."

"No, it's okay." I took a deep breath and looked at the sky again. "First birthday without him. And there's probably more coming up. I should probably get used to not having him around, right?" If I want to move on, I probably need to talk about him more. I just still couldn’t accept the fact that I basically have no father now. He’s always been there for me. How could he just leave home without even saying goodbye?

I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. I am closer to him than with my mom, he’s so much more fun, understanding, and kind. Mom’s always so stiff and strict, always watching what I’m doing, afraid of me making mistakes. On the other hand, dad kind of just wants me to learn through my mistakes, as long as I’m not committing a crime or harming myself or other people.

I still don’t understand why he left us. I’ve heard my parents fight, sure, but I didn’t think it was so serious. All parents fight, right? I’ve always thought our family was so perfect. Anyways, he left quite recently. It’s only been a month since he’s gone so I’m still not used to the feeling of not having him around.

"I'm here for you." He said and smiled at me, lightly patting my shoulder. I smiled internally, I know, Blake. You always have been.

"Hey, love birds." We both turned our heads when our friend Margaux spoke. "I think Carter needs your help with something, Blake. Do you mind helping him out?"

That was Margaux Garcia, also my best friend. We went to the beach to celebrate my birthday since I don’t want a big celebration like how my previous birthdays were spent. Just the four of us. Me, Blake, Margaux, and Carter. Just like Blake, I also consider Margaux and Carter my best friends. I guess I’m just closer to Blake because like I said earlier, he’s also a childhood friend. He’s like a brother to me.

Blake stood up and walked away and Margaux sat at the spot he was in. She smirked at me so I raised an eyebrow. "So… did you tell him?"

"Tell him what?" I asked, still raising an eyebrow because I seriously don’t understand why she’s giving me a silly look.

"Did you tell him that you like him?" She said and smirked even more. My eyes widened and I was left speechless for a moment. That caught me off guard, I guess I just didn't expect that she'd ask me that all of a sudden since we never really talk about Blake and me in a… I don’t know, romantic way, I guess?

"Are you crazy? What are you talking about?"

"Oh come on, Calista. You're not fooling anyone. I bet even Carter thinks you like Blake, in fact, I bet even Blake himself knows that you like him. It's so obvious. Anyways, I think he likes you too and you two would make a great couple!" She said and lightly tickled me, making fun of me for liking him. "Our sweet Cal is falling in love, huh? Well, you got my full support."

"Oh my God, Margaux, stop it. You’re so gross, we’re just best friends, I see him as a friend or maybe even as a brother, okay? Nothing more than that. And I guess that’s a good thing too. I mean, I don’t want to like him in that way, that’ll only ruin our friendship. And besides, even if I do, it’s not like he’ll like me back." I lightly patted her hand tickling me to make her stop. I looked down, but quickly looked back up and smiled. I don’t want her to think that I’m disappointed Blake won’t like me back, she’ll just make fun of me even more. It’s not that I’m disappointed, I really don’t care what Blake thinks of me.

"You’re in denial. At this point, I feel like I know you better than you know yourself. But okay. You say whatever you want to make yourself feel better." She said and put her hands up, as if she’s given up trying to convince me to tell her that I like him. I mean, she’s right. She has always known me better than I do myself, but it’s not that I’m in denial. I am also confused about… well, my feelings for Blake. It’s not that I haven’t thought about it, there were a few times when I feel like I’m into him, but the thought of us together also grosses me out so I’m not sure if I actually like him romantically or just as a friend. I realized I shouldn’t pay so much thought into it since Blake likes someone else and he will never like me.

"Shut up." That's all I said and just laughed at her reaction.

That was our last night at the beach resort. We had to leave the next morning since we needed to prepare for school.

The thing about school is that most people would say they hate it, but then, when they’re actually in school, you'd see this big smile on their faces and hear laughter in the halls. People would say they hate it but the truth is, sometimes being at school is better than being at home.

Back to school used to always get me excited. Some teens hate it, but I really love school. Being back and seeing your friends again after the summer break is what I'm most excited for. I used to wake up really early on my first day out of excitement, now I'm just not in the mood. I’m afraid they’ll ask me about my father. My parents are kind of well-known around here since they’re very active in events and they contribute lots of money for our town and our school.

Still, I picked myself up to put on my blah-boring high school uniform and tied my hair up in an also boring ponytail before walking out the door.

When I got out of the house, I saw Blake leaning against the wall, waiting for me. He raised his hand, waving, when he saw me so I walked towards his direction.

We always walk together to school since he’s house is only a couple steps away from ours. This is our usual routine. Blake will go to my house, then we’ll go to Carter’s. Lastly, we’ll go to Margaux’s place since her house is the closest to school.

While walking on our way to Carter’s, Blake and I are just having a nice little chat about how we spent our summer and about how he had so much fun during our beach trip. I wasn’t really paying attention to what he was saying, I was thinking of other things.

Did he get taller? I feel like he got taller since the last time I saw him, which is like only two days ago. Or maybe it’s just the uniform? He looks so good in our school uniform, he looks so clean and smart and cute. That’s why a lot of girls in our class like him.

"Yow, 'sup man?" Carter playfully greeted when he saw us and fist-bumped with Carter. "M'lady." He said and even bowed down so I playfully and lightly hit him on his head.

Comparing the three of them, Carter is the one I met most recently. I’ve been friends with Margaux since elementary, Blake since I was a baby, and I only met Carter in 7th grade, when his family first moved here. Anyways, we’re in 11th grade now so we’re all super close because we’ve been friends with him for four years now.

Once we picked up Margaux, we went straight to school. We were all talking and having fun like we usually do during walks to school but I was so out of it. I am too concerned whether the news of my father leaving us has spread and the people at school would ask me about it. Just like how I always saw my family as the ideal, perfect family, I know my classmates see us that way too, so I’m sure they’d talk about me. I don’t blame them, they’re probably shocked. Even I was. It’s just so embarrassing, I’m always used to being seen as the girl having the “ideal” life, and I’m used to being talked about, but it’s usually because of the good things. I don’t understand how I’m suddenly in this mess.

And just like I expected, when I arrived at school, they were looking at me and I could hear nothing but whispers. In a small town like Hillwood, news spreads fast, so you don’t have room to make mistakes. And I never made any mistakes. But somehow, I feel like it’s a sin that dad left us, like I did something wrong. I hate how they’re talking as if me having a broken family affects our whole town.

“Oh my gosh, Calista, are you okay? I heard the news from my mother, we’re both very concerned for you and your mom, it’s such a horrible position to be put in. I can’t believe your dad left you, he seems so kind and you all seemed very close and lovely.” A girl from my class, Angela, asked, stopping us from walking down the hall. I’ve known her for a very long time since her family’s been in Hillwood for so long like our family, but we were never really close. I guess I just didn’t like how she talks a lot and she’s not very nice either.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I answered shortly and walked past her. I can still feel her eyes on me, she was probably expecting more from me. I don’t think she’s concerned at all, she just likes a good gossip. I can feel Margaux’s hand on my shoulders, trying to calm me down. She can probably sense that I’m uncomfortable. I just looked at her and touched her hand, letting her know that I appreciate her concern.

And the day went on without me having fun. First days are always so boring. I can’t believe there are still some teachers who ask us to introduce ourselves, despite the fact that most of us have known each other for such a long time. Some of us have been classmates since elementary, some since early days of high school. What’s even more ridiculous is that my classmates are acting all nervous, as if they’re gonna introduce themselves to new faces.

Lunch time finally came, Margaux and I are sitting at our usual spot here in our school’s little outdoor picnic table area, while the boys are in the cafeteria, buying our lunch. That’s how we usually do it, me and Margaux will reserve the table since there’s not that many picnic tables out here and Blake and Carter will order. We don’t like eating at the cafeteria since it gets very crowded and noisy.

"I swear to God I’m gonna study hard this school year. I need to make up for my failing grades last year or else I feel like my mom’s gonna kick me out for real this time." I laughed at what Margaux said since I remember her saying that as well last school year. "I can’t believe you’re laughing at me, Calista, are you belittling me because you get good grades all the time? Get ready, I’m gonna kick you out of your number one spot." She joked and we laughed together.

“It’s getting hard to believe that, I think you say that to me every year and you do well at the beginning, then you lose all hope and motivation in the middle of the school year.” I joked, she rolled her eyes at me and playfully hit my arm. “That’s not very nice, but at the same time very true.” She said, still laughing.

"No one believes you anyway, Marg. Be like me. I’m not going to study hard at all this school year. I’m just gonna be chill and have fun because next year is our final year of senior high school. That’s when I’ll study hard." We both turned around when we heard Carter’s voice. He and Blake sat in front of us and placed the tray filled with the foods they ordered on the table.

"Nonsense. That’s so stupid. You’ll have a hard time achieving high grades next year if you’re so chill this year. Bad influence, you’ve always been such a terrible friend, Carter." Margaux replied while rolling her eyes, Carter mocked her by making silly faces so Margaux threw an apple at his face. “Hey, don't waste food!” He yelled and threw it back at her.

I laughed at the sight. I love it when the both of them argue, they fight all the time but deep down, they care for each other so much. Carter was Margaux's friend before he became a part of our friend group. Margaux was the one who introduced him to us.

My phone suddenly rang while we were having our lunch. "I'm sorry I need to pick this up." I stood and walked away to give myself some privacy.

I read the contact name, 'Daddy'. This is the first time he called me since he left one month ago. "Hello? Dad?"

"My little princess! I missed you! Belated happy birthday, my sweet girl." I shut my eyes tight. Oh my God, it feels so good to hear his voice again. I missed him so much.

"Thank you daddy. I miss you too." I replied, tearing up a little bit. Even though it’s late, his birthday greeting is the best one I received. It would be better if he could say that to me in person, though.

"Ah.. Listen, I’ll be in town later. Can I see you at around 6:30 PM at Appleberry Restaurant?" That made me smile from ear to ear. I thought he only called to greet me, I wasn’t expecting that I’d see him. Not that I’m complaining, I’d love to see him!

"I would love to, daddy. I'll meet you. Will you pick me up at home?" I asked and placed a hand on my chest, feeling my heart beat fast because of joy and excitement that I'll see my dad again.

"I can't, baby. I don’t think your mom would like it if I visited the house. Just meet me there, ‘kay?" That made me sad. Mom is really really mad at him. I don't know if they'll ever talk again or see each other again. I hate that I don’t know anything about their fight yet I’m being affected by it so much.

"Sure. I'll be there at 6:30."

-

I was so excited to see him again, I arrived early. It’s 6 PM and I’m here already. It’s fine though, I prefer being early than late. I know how much my dad hates waiting, he likes to be on time.

I’m mentally preparing myself for all the questions I need to ask him since my mother won’t answer any. My mom and I don’t talk a lot. She’s always busy working and when she’s at home, she takes a long rest. We talk, of course, but I don’t talk a lot with her about personal things. With her, I feel like I’m walking on a thin line, one wrong word and she’ll get angry. I always try to understand why she’s like that, maybe she’s just tired from working so hard, but I can’t deny that I hate that about her. She always acts so nice when we’re around other people though.

I waited for about 30 minutes until the doors finally opened and I saw him again, the man I love the most. I know it’s only been a month but it felt like forever. I quickly got off my seat and I was about to run to him when he was followed by two women, one who appears to be in her mid-40s, the other looking like she's the same age as mine. I was left speechless, especially when I saw my dad wrap his arm around the older woman’s waist. Who are these girls? Thoughts filled my brain but I didn't want to believe them. I couldn’t. Not my dad. He wouldn’t do this to us, he loves us, we’re his family. No. No way.

"Hi, princess. I missed you so much." He said and kissed me on my forehead, a feeling that I surely miss. I didn’t reply, I just smiled at him, waiting for him to introduce the girls. "Um.. Okay, Calista, I invited you here because I wanted you to meet them. This is Rose Hart. She's... my fiancée. And this is her daughter, Bianca." My jaw dropped. Wait, what?

Did I hear that right? One month of not being with mom and he already has a fiancée? Did he move on so quick that he was able to propose to another woman in just a month? Or was he dating Rose Hart even when he’s with us? Was he cheating on mom? What the hell is going on right now?! I feel like I am part of a family I know nothing about!

I can feel my chest tighten because of the mixed emotions I have right now. Anger, sadness, confusion.. I want to scream at him and ask all the questions I have. I want to ask him if it was even real, all the times he spent with us, everytime he called us his family. When he says he’s not coming home because he needs to stay for work, is he really in the office or staying in a hotel so he’s only a few walks away from the work place, or is he at Rose’s house?

My eyes started to get watery but I tried my best to hold it all in, I don’t want them to see me crying. He asked to see me because he wanted me to meet his new family. He... He's having a new family now. I actually thought he wanted to see me because he missed me and wants to spend time with me again. I feel like everything I know about my father is a lie.

"It's so great to finally meet you, Calista." His fiancée said and smiled at me as she clings her arm on dad's. "Your father has told me lots of good things about you. You are a very active and hard working student. Consistent honor student and you like joining school pageants since you were little. Lots of people admire you for your good looks and because you are a very smart and sweet little girl. He also told me you want to be a nurse like your mom. You and Bianca have so much similarities. I hope you could be good friends. Both are really good girls and work hard for their dreams."

I was left speechless. Did she prepare this long speech in hopes that I could be a part of their new family? Did they expect that I would just accept the fact that my dad cheated on my mom and moved to a new family in just a month?

"T-That's great," I said, not really knowing what to say. I took out my phone from my pocket and pretended that I just received a text. "Um, listen. I would love to have dinner with you, really, but my mom is asking me to come home. Maybe we could do it some other time?" I just want to leave this place. It feels like they’re planning on having a family dinner and I’m fourth wheeling.

"Maybe you could stay for a while, Cal? I'm sure Abby would understand. I’ll just tell her that you weren’t able to come home on time because I wanted to see you. I’m still your dad, after all. Don't be disrespectful please." Dad said, not looking convinced to mg excuse, but what triggers me is when he told me to not be disrespectful.

"No. I... I have to come home. Maybe she needs to tell me something important. I also don't wanna leave her alone for dinner. I'll go." I picked up my things and stood up. I still have to act polite. "It was so great to meet you, Rose. You too, Bianca." And with those words, I walked out of the restaurant.

I don’t really care if they think I was rude or if it was too obvious that I was making excuses. I don’t want to be with them and it’s fine if they don’t like me, I have no responsibilities, I don’t need to please them. If you ask me, I think they’re the ones being disrespectful. Dad asking me to meet him and then surprising me by bringing his new family is disrespectful. Not to mention the fact that it’s embarrassing, people will see him and know that he was cheating on mom! Why did they need to come to Hillwood Town?

Tears immediately fell from

my eyes as soon as I got out of that restaurant. I ran away, hoping that they can’t see me crying.

I couldn’t accept the fact that my dad is a cheater. This past month, I wasn’t talking to mom because I hated her for kicking dad out of the house. I hated her even more for not telling me the reason why, but now I know that she was jusy protecting me. She knew how much I idolize my dad and speak highly of him. She didn’t want to break my heart. Now I feel awful for breaking hers. She’s already broken because of dad, now she’s broken because I refuse to speak to her, or even celebrate my birthday with her. It’s like I stepped on the shattered pieces of her broken heart.

I reached for my phone and texted Blake. I feel like I need his company.

To: Blake

can you please meet me at brown brick?

Message sent!

I took a cab and told the driver to drop me at Brown Brick. It's a small cafe and resto located in our town.

When I arrived at the cafe, I already picked a table and ordered an iced coffee that I can drink while waiting for him.

During sad times like this, I know Blake will understand and comfort me. Margaux is also my best friend but she's just so outgoing and fun, sometimes I feel uncomfortable telling her my problems as I feel like I’m bothering her. It’s not that she’s making me feel terrible, I just feel that way. And besides, I already cried on her shoulder tons of times during summer break.

Blake is there for me through ups and downs. He’s always one call away. And now, this is the time I feel like I need him most.

That's why I... that's why I love him. He's really special. He's a shoulder to cry on and I know he’ll always be there for me.

From: Blake

sorry, cal. can't. i have stuffs to do. i'll see u tomorrow.

Or maybe not.

—