NORAJust as I was about to hit the ice, I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist. I was pulled back to my feet, my thumping heart a living testimony of how scared I was.I turned to see Jordan's face, and I noticed the glint in his eyes. He wasn't concerned, he was teasing me. I pushed him away, trying to regain my composure. "Thanks for the assist." I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Anytime." he replied, a grin spreading across his face. I rolled my eyes and turned to skate away, determined to put that moment behind me.I skated over to where my father was standing, a smile breaking out on my face. He opened his arms and pulled me into a tight hug. "You did it." he said, pride shining in his eyes. I smiled up at him, knowing how much this meant to him. I looked over his shoulder, trying to avoid looking at Jordan. The last thing I wanted was to see the smug look on his face so I focused on my father instead.I headed to the dressing room, eager to get out of my d
NORAI turned the lock in the knob and twirled the key in my hand, firm on my words. Natalie stepped back, her brows furrowed. “I was just kidding. I’m only going there to be taught.” I knew what was really going on, even if Natalie was trying to downplay it. She was interested in Jordan, and I wasn't going to let her put herself in that situation. I saw the conflict in her eyes, but I didn't back down. I was determined to protect her, even if it meant hurting her feelings. "I know you're not being honest with me," I said, my tone unwavering. "You're trying to convince me that this is only about homework, but I know better."Without saying a word, I turned the key in the lock and opened the door, holding it open just a crack. Natalie took a step towards the door, her eyes meeting mine. I could see the indecision in her face, and I could tell she was torn. She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself, and then she stepped through the door. I watched as she hesitated for a moment
NORAI watched as Lucan revved the engine, his fingers gripping the steering wheel with determination. He gave me a quick smile, his eyes flashing with excitement. And then, we were off, speeding down the track, the wind whipping through my hair. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and I tried to focus on the road ahead, my eyes fixed on the finish line. But in the corner of my eye, I could see Jordan’s car, keeping pace with Lucan’s. We were in it together, and I felt a surge of adrenaline.I turned to Lucan, unable to hide the nervousness in my voice. "Can we win this?" I asked, my tone hesitant. Lucan didn't look at me, his eyes focused on the road ahead. But he nodded, his jaw set with determination. I tried to draw strength from his confidence, but my eyes were drawn to the other car on the track, the car driven by Jordan. It was pulling ahead, and I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. But then, Lucan did something unexpected. He shifted gears, his foot pressing dow
NORAI blankly resisted the urge to cackle into laughter.I looked up at Jordan, my heart beeping when his eyes went even much more intensified on me. His eyes were cold and unyielding, and I knew that he wasn't going to back down. I felt the sinking feeling in her stomach deepen, as I shook my head, he won’t be the one to tell me what to do."No." It was a blatant refusal. I don’t know why he suddenly wanted me away from the party I came on my own. "You can't make me leave." He didn't say anything, but his expression remained unchanged. As I stood next to Natalie, the music thumped in her ears, the bass vibrating through her body. The lights were flashing, the air filled with the scent of alcohol and sweat. The party was in full swing, the crowd bubbling with energy. I felt a little calmer now that I was with her, but I could still feel the tension thrumming through me.I watched as Natalie moved towards the dance floor, her eyes fixed on a boy across the room. My friend smiled fli
NORAI stood there, frozen in place, as I watched Jordan approach the guy who had been flirting with me. I don’t know how he managed to know what was going on here but here he is anyway, and I couldn't believe what was happening. When Jordan spoke to the guy in that low, threatening voice, I can subconsciously sense terrifying terror gathering across the guy's spine. And when the guy turned and fled without a word, I was left feeling both relieved and unsettled. What had just happened? Why had Jordan come to my defense like that? And why did his actions make me feel so conflicted?I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could utter a word, Jordan turned and walked away. I stood there, rooted to the spot, watching as he disappeared around the corner. And then, without thinking, I found myself following him. He stopped by his motorcycle, swinging his leg over the seat. I hesitated, unsure what to do. But then he patted the seat next to him, and something inside me compelled me to cl
NORAI rushed into the house, shutting the door behind me with a slam. My heart was racing, and I leaned back against the door, my hand pressed against my chest. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts and the steady blushing mess I was becoming. And then I opened them, looking up and finding myself staring into the stern face of my father. He was standing in the hallway, his arms crossed over his chest, a scowl on his face. "Where have you been?" he asked, his voice low and stern. I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out.I scratched at the back of my neck, trying to appear casual, but my father's gaze never left my face. I could feel the tension in the room, and I just wanted to escape. But before I could make a move, a maid appeared in the hallway, carrying a tray of tea. I saw my chance and started to edge away, but my father's voice stopped me in my tracks. "Nora, I’m going to ask again," he said, his voice hard and unyielding. "Where have you been?"At t
NORA"Can you drop me off near my house, but not right in front?" I asked Jordan, my cheeks reddening. I didn't want to risk anyone seeing me arrive home on the back of a motorcycle. I felt a bit embarrassed about the whole situation, even though I knew it was silly. "Of course.”We drove to a spot just a few blocks from my house, and he pulled over. I hopped off the bike and thanked him, my heart still pounding from the ride. I watched him drive away, and then I turned to head towards my house.I watched as my therapist entered our house, looking as professional as ever in her business suit and glasses. I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me, wondering if she had seen me on the back of a motorcycle. I debated whether to go inside or not, torn between wanting to avoid an awkward conversation and not wanting to have any talks whatsoever with her, by all means. The sky grew dark and gloomy, and I took it as a sign to head inside. I took a deep breath and opened the door, bracing myse
NORAI could feel Jordan's breath on my neck, his words echoing in my mind. I tried to focus on my notes, but I couldn't seem to get my thoughts in order. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I jumped, startled by the touch. I turned to see the teacher standing behind me, a concerned look on her face. I forced a smile, trying to hide my nervousness. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice gentle. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.As soon as the teacher walked away, I felt a shiver run down my spine. I could hear Jordan's voice in my ear, a smug smile on his face. "I guess I really left you dumbfounded, huh?" he said, his tone light and teasing. The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and I bolted out of my seat. I gathered my books and rushed out of the room, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. I heard a snicker behind me, and I knew it was Jordan, enjoying my discomfort. I kept my head down as I walked down the hall, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone.His words wer
Third Person’s Pov{Seven Years Later}“Do you know who my mother is?” Sky blue-eyed golden curls, Caily leapt on her feet, screeching.“No, you! Do you know who my father is?!” Aged five deep brown-eyed Nico with a mass of tousled dark curls boomed across the field, running unscathed to shelter the door. “Do you know who my daughter is?” Spencer challenged the two kids, stepping out of his car to squint his eyes at them, taking their sights in. Their resemblance was what alarmed him first. Nora had informed him at the jail five years ago she gave birth to a baby boy and four years ago too, that she’s already pregnant with a baby girl just a month after giving birth. It was risky but he remembered giving her his blessings. These can’t be his daughters bearing. They look too handsome and pretty for a child— the girl taking after her mother and the eldest, the boy taking after the father. “Who’s your daughter here, sir?” Caily’s pouty face turned serious. “We happen to know our pa
NORA {College, Three Years Later} Stony Brook University. Just the asignsment alone drives me crazy. I don’t have a choice. I became pretty much popular after my father’s scandal three years ago and luckily, people didn’t treat me bad because of that. Instead, they placed burdens on my shoulders. No events comes without me been among its planners, and you don’t speak of the teachers’ favorite without including me. I never thought I was going to experience such privilege in my life, even though it was so exhausting. Somehow, I have managed through three of my years here, left with just one year and I will be free. The fact that mostly half of the school would miss me not enough to encourage me to fail my last exam, and lag behind just to continue staying with them. “How are you able to read and write in such a noisy atmosphere as this?” When my roommate, Alice, came in, that was the first thing she asked me. “The fear of failure kept me going. Then again…” I hit my pe
JORDANAfter the night spent with Nora two days ago, I told her we should schedule our next meeting for when I have spoken with my mother. I want to introduce them to each other. I want my mother to see the girl that captured my heart. My mother and her boyfriend are somewhere around New York, and ever since she told me of their address, I never had the chance to visit them. Until now. The taste of calling him my mother’s boyfriend remained bitter on my lips. They better get married, being her husband would make far more better meaning. “You didn’t tell me beforehand you’re coming.” Was the first thing my mother said when she saw me at her doorstep. It’s a rented apartment meanwhile she gave me an owned bigger one, bought in my name. Where would I have been by now? At my friends’. Embarrassing. “You want me to go back?” I carefully asked before stepping insude. She shook her head and let me in. She walked me around the house and the only impressive thing about it was the big
NORA‘He’s leaving the country.’ Early in the next morning after I barely managed to sleep, the text woke me up. I don’t step out of the house without taking my bath but it was so tempting to do it for the first time. What stopped me was the bad smell drifting from me that would discourage Jordan even if he eventually decide to take me back. I took my bath but it was snappy, the shortest I have ever spent inside the bathroom. I didn’t get to make choices from my closet. I opted for the first one my hand reached. I knew first impression was everything but this wasn’t the first time Jordan would see me and then, I still remember him telling me how beautiful I look even without trying. “Where to?” It caught me by surprise that Liam was at home then it dawned on me it's Saturday. I wanted to turn around and just go back to my room but it's more scary not trying.“Jordan’s.” I responded. I waited for him to stop me from moving or even go as far as locking the door. I won't put it p
NORAA Month LaterI haven’t even applied to any college. It’s been a month of me constantly locking myself in my room, each time I go out only happening because I need to take my meals. My life has been upside down. A month of heavy changes in our family— my father no longer being the prime minister, my mother still forming enmity with us and her children. And above all, Jordan still not wanting to see me. Or should I say I don’t even know his whereabouts? Theodore kept checking up on me, not understanding I don’t want him here, not anywhere close to me. I don’t want to see anybody. I have tried chasing him off but he won’t leave. I know it’s Liam’s handiwork, thinking Theodore can get me to leave the walls of my room. He's a good guy though. He's not considering my behavior though I am trying to change towards him. If I don't want to remain a loner.Over the month, I went to the jail to check on my father and unlike what I expected of him, he didn’t chase me away. I told him o
LUCAN“No, you’re staying here with us.”I’m instantly on edge, tensed beneath my parents probing gaze. My decision to corner them before leaving for work, failing woefully. “I have nothing doing here.” I again try to persuade. “No, you have school here. Your resumption is barely two weeks away.” My father interjected this time, again turning the dice on me. Cassidy’s burial was just yesterday, and I am already fed up staying at New York. Everything reminds me of her, her memories too disturbing for me to live with.I don’t even get myself. If I ever want to, I need to vacate to another country. The problem now been my unyielding parents. If I ever want anything from them, what I know so far was how I have to work my way for it, by persuading then like there's no tomorrow.“You are capable of transferring schools for me. I’m tired of NY, I just want to change location. Nothing else, I promise.” I’m being wise. Staying here, I won’t even be able to mind my studies, everywhere I g
Third Person’s Pov{Feelings At The Burial}Mere looking at the casket being lowered to the ground almost had Jordan tearing up. The fact that ought to be him and not Cassidy, has his brain on a pause, discarding every other thoughts. If only he was in the right sense to chase after Jasper that day. With his own very hands, they would have killed him away, accepting to live the rest of his lives in jail. Then he saw his mother. The person who has been long murdered by the two devilish husband and wife. He wanted to go to her, to check if he was seeing the reality but the dead body in his arms was much more worthy than running after the woman who abandoned him. If she wasn’t dead, she should have came for him but that was a now. She left him with her heartless ex husband to witness nemesis. And when he saw Nora at the Ford’s, the fear of rejection once again appeared before his face. He’s still dealing with a loss, having her come to tell him they can’t work would be another bruis
A Week LaterNORAThere’s going to be a burial, for Cassidy. The burial is going to take place at the Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn.Together with Natalie, we are going to be visiting her family first to offer our condolences before we all head to the Cemetery. The school announced her death about five days ago through the school news portal, since the school has been on break. A few were saddened, most were gladdened receiving their freedom. I almost felt like punching holes in their faces whenever one or two of their disheartening comments popped up but I’d just injure myself by punching my phone. It would have been better face-to-face. How can people be so cruel? A little sympathy even if they don’t mean it most definitely won’t hurt a fly.The Ford’s family are rich, even if it looks average. The security guard must be having a tough time opening and shutting the door, for the numerous visitors. “They’re inside.” He directed us and I gave him a nod. A little more and I’d for
NORAYou want to know that one time I feel like jumping over a cliff? The moment I ran to the scene, and got there only when the deed was done. Fate didn’t even give me the chance to be in her stead. You think I wouldn’t in a blink? I would. What use was life to me before? Nothing. The guy I want, I can never get. I got him, I must not stay. Now what? If anybody doesn’t, I’m going to make sure Jasper regrets the ruin he caused. I’m angry, I feel annoyed, I want to drag my nails over my face. Cassidy fucking died! She was murdered. I saw her being rushed into the ambulance in cold blood and my body lost all blood. How can a father be so insane to go as far as killing his own son? If not to get out of prison, then I wonder what his motive was. And my father? I don’t know how else to say he’s in trouble.To be frank, Jordan didn’t even want to speak with me. I remembered running towards him, where he was on the floor wailing, and it was unexpected when he totally ignored me befo