Stella's POV
Still at the Garcia's,
"Stella I'll be off to the restaurant now'' my dad shouted from downstairs, while I was in my room, I quickly ran downstairs "Dad but you promised, we would have our game night today'' I whined, "Yes, nenita I almost forgot, I'll make sure to be back before 9 PM okay?"
"Yeah Papi," I said disappointed.
"Don't fall asleep before I come back" I hummed in response. When my dad was gone I suddenly remembered that Kehna hadn't called yet. So I started looking for something to eat, even if I knew what I was looking for wasn't available.
Kehna's POV
At the Arellalo's,
I did, as I said I was going to. The phone had been ringing for the past five minutes I was going to end the call but she picked up. "Hello?"
"Hi it's Kehna, we met today on the bus"
"Yeah, I already thought you weren't going to call anymore".
"No, I'm not like that, just I've been a little busy since I came home"
"It's okay, I wasn't going to bed anytime soon, so let's chat" there was silence because I didn't know what to say. "Okay, Kehna I'll start, so my name is Stella Garcia, I was born here in Tacoma, but because of hard times, we moved to Mexico city we came back a few years ago but, without my mother, because she found a man that was richer than my dad. She left us, but when I and my dad returned to Tacoma we started doing business. And here we are, we own one of the most visited restaurants here in Tacoma and I'm an introvert. That's why a lot of people don't know me and I like it like that". There was this silence again. "I'm sorry about your mum, but I guess it's my turn to introduce myself, I'm Kehna Arellalo, I'm new here, I haven't gotten used to it yet, I live with my parents, I don't have any siblings and I got into Amsterdam high school because I got a scholarship, that's one of the reasons why we came here''.
"Oh, I see, good to know I guess you're the intelligent one here''. I laughed slightly.
"Yeah, I guess so too. So why do you go to Amsterdam high school?''
"Umm... my dad he's been there for me, my whole life, and has never left my side even in hard times. I want to repay him even if I don't know exactly what I'm going to become later, but I just want to have a good education, so I don't have to worry about getting a job. What about you?''.
"Well, me too. I might have gotten a scholarship but I don't know what I want to be, but I want to work in some kind of company''.
"At least, that's already a plan, so how's school, I mean I'll understand if you say it's horrible''.
"It's okay, I guess. What are you doing right now?"
"Well, I'm on my bed waiting for my dad, we have a daughter's, father's day, or whatever you'd like to call it"
"You have something like that?"
"Yeah, have you never done that before?"
"No, not even with my mom"
"Oh, you should try it out, you get to spend time with your parent, you can do different things like shopping, watching a movie that's what I and my dad are going to do today"
"Cool, I hope you have fun"
"Yeah, I'm just hoping he doesn't come home late again"
"Do you always have to stay home alone?".
"Yes I mean, I don't know anyone and except for that, this city is way too dangerous to be walking around alone in, so I stay home"
"Okay, I have to go, now. I hope we see each other in school on Monday. We can maybe talk again"
"We will, we go to the same school remember?"
"You're right, see you then".
"Bye". After saying bye to Stella, I got up and went to do my evening routine. "Kehna!"
"Yes, mom?"
"So how did it go?"
"What do mean, by how did it go?"
"Well, your phone call"
"It was okay"
"Look, we came here mostly because of you. You know too many friends aren't really helpful. You have to focus on your studies and nothing else okay?"
"Yes mom, I will". And with that, I left my mom and did what I had planned on doing. I wanted to sleep early but, I was watching a movie. And she told me to go to bed early.
"Kehna don't stay up late, I am going to bed, you should too". Those were the exact words she used before going to bed. I finally got some sleep.
I woke up too early the next morning, so I decided to help mom do some house chores before she woke up.
When I was done with that, I took a shower and went back to doing my hobby, watching TV, of course.
"Morning, you're up already, it's early"
"Hey, morning yeah I couldn't sleep so I decided to get up"
"Ahh, okay did you help arranging?" She said from the kitchen.
"Yes, I did"
"Oh, you didn't have to"
'I could have also accepted a thank you, I thought to myself.
Kehna's Mom POV
I opened the fridge and realized that we didn't have much left at home, so I thought I and Kehna could just stroll out and pick some things. "Kehna can you follow me to the supermarket today?"
"Well, it depends, can I or must I?" I chuckled hearing what she was asking "I guess you must"
"It would be my pleasure then".
"We'll have to wait till your father wakes up"
Kehna's POV
"Okay," We waited for a couple of hours since I woke up early. It was around 11 am when I heard the door open so I thought I'd check since my mom was in the bathroom.
"Morning dad"
"Morning"
"We're going to the supermarket soon, so we've been waiting for you to wake up, now we can go but, mom is busy taking her bath." After she finished taking her bath...
"Kehna are you ready, have you eaten?"
"Yes, can we go now?"
"Aren't we going to make a list first?"
"Mom, it's better we don't make a list because we're going to forget something anyway. If we make a list or don't"
"You seem very eager to go" "Yes, let's go now. Bye, dad!" I waved at my dad already, going to the door but my mom was still talking to my dad, so I have to wait for her outside. There were a couple of guys drinking and smoking I just tried to avoid them but couldn't, cause I kept thinking of how young they looked.
"Okay, let's go"
"I've been waiting for you. What were you doing?"
"Oh, I was asking your dad if he needed something" after that, we decided to finally leave.
Two hours or more later, we were done shopping. We were going home, at least that's what I thought, but my mom and I went to a restaurant.
"This is the restaurant, I'm going to ask if there's space or any kind of job for me".
"Now?"
"No, I don't think it is a good time"
"Well mom, the earlier the better because, what if next week someone already asked for the job, use the chance you have if not you'll lose it"
"Look at you baby of yesterday being all smart with me" she chuckled a bit.
"Okay, let's go inside" we went in, it smelled like food. What a surprise, but I had the urge to try the food. I helped my mom with the bags and stood in a corner because there were no chairs left.
Kehna's Mom POV
"Hello, please is your boss around?"
"No, he isn't" the cashier answered arrogantly "Do you maybe know when he'll be here?"
"I don't, just check if you're lucky you meet him and if you're not you don't, simple".
"Okay, thank you very much, miss".
Kehna's POV
I could see the disappointed look on her face "How did it go?"
"Umm...She was rude, I tried asking her when her boss would be around and she said I should come more often maybe by any chance, I might be able to see him"
"Okay, then let's come back on Monday" we went home and later that day when I checked my phone I saw several calls from Stella, so I called and she picked right away.
"Hey, you called, what's up?"
"Can't I call a friend?"
"Yes, of course, it's just you called so often"
"Yeah, there's this festival every year, there are a lot of activities to try out and there's food and a lot of cultural stuff" while she was talking the only thing I was thinking about was if my mother would even allow me because she thinks this city is crazy and dangerous.
"Look Stella I'd like to come but I'll have to ask my mom first and I don't know, where this festival is supposed to be occasioned".
"No problem, of course, you have to ask your mom first it starts... Uhh, I don't know how to explain this to you but if you've asked your mom and you can come then we'll pick you up okay?"
"We?"
"Yes, I and my dad are going"
"Oh, cool I don't think she'll say no, once I tell her your dad is going to be there too"
"See you then" she was about to hang up
"Wait, when is this festival?"
"It's on Monday why?"
"On Monday!"
"Yes, are you already planned?"
"Yes, kind of"
"Oh well, it's the whole week just it starts on Monday and we aren't so sure if we're free the rest of the week"
"Anyways I'll still ask"
"Adiós"
"Bye," I hesitated to go to my mom but did anyways.
"Mom?" She hummed in response "You remember the girl I told you asked for my number the other day?"
"I don't remember again. Who is she?"
"Her name is Stella"
"Okay, yes I think you said something about her"
"Yes, so she said there's this festival, that it starts next week Monday. And ask-"
"And you told her you were going?" She sounded mad "No, I told her that I was already planned and I'd have to ask for permission first"
"I know about this festival, I saw a few flyers"
"So? Are we going?"
"I don't think so, we still have to check that restaurant"
"Yes, but we can go to the festival for like two hours and then we can pass by, the restaurant and except for that she said, if I can go she and her dad would come to pick me up"
"If that's so then, I guess you can go but you know you won't go alone because I can't trust you with someone I don't know".
"Sure".
The next morning,
"I'm going" I shouted while Holding the doorknob "Hey, have you eaten?"
"No, but I'm not hungry"
"At least eat something," she said dragging me to the kitchen, I was already late so I quickly ate a toast with marmalade on it, and rushed out. I went to the bus stop but noticed that my bus had just left. It had finally happened, I would be coming late to school I was struggling on, what to do when a black tinted car approached me immediately stepped back "Get in!" The Man said, I stepped back again ready to start running and shouting, but the window in the back seat opened revealing Ruby. "Are you just going to stand there or are you going to enter" I hesitated because I was used to not following strangers or entering other people's car, even if I knew Ruby it still felt odd.
I quickly entered "Hi" she looked like she was annoyed or forced to give me a ride, so I didn't say anything since she wasn't in a good mood.
We arrived at school, I waited till the car completely stopped before opening the door, but Ruby wasn't planning to get out. She was waiting for the driver to open the door, while she was waiting, I opened the door and said "I'm sure you're still angry at me and you have all right to be, but all I wanted to say, is thank you for the ride, see you in class" and with that, I left.
Ruby's POV
"Is that your new friend, miss?"
"Yes, why?"
"I just wanted to remind you to be careful, not to spill too much, and don't get too close, I speak on behalf of your father"
"I know Miguel, thank you" I smiled and went straight to my first class and could see Kehna entering class, we had Mr. Alejandro I then remembered Kehna saying miss Kelly was harsh but, I don't think there are words to describe how strict, harsh, mean... Mr. Alejandro was, I chuckled softly while walking in the direction of our class. I slowly opened the door, he turned to me waiting for an explanation.
"She was with me, we brought her it wasn't her fault"
"Look, Ms. William, I know you and your family are wealthy and can take my job away from me but before you do that I won't hesitate to tell the truth, I don't like it when you badge into my class as if nothing happened. Even if she's one of your associates, it still distracts me and the others".
I could only stare out of amusement "And as for you Ms. Arellalo, I'll take this as nothing since you're the newbie here, now take your seats... both of you!"
I was stuck in my thoughts and I just kept getting fascinated by this teacher even Ms. Kelly wouldn't dare to talk to me like that. Cause she knows, I could make her life miserable in a second. But Mr. Alejandro talked like he didn't care at all.
Alejandro was right, he could lose his job. He knows how my father is. What a pity.
Kehna's POV
As we got to our seats, I had to come back to myself after being scolded like that, but what I couldn't leave unnoticed was how Ruby was staring at the teacher, she looked deep in thoughts, and she was grinning like an idiot, I looked at her with a disgusted look.
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After the lesson was over, Kehna's POV " -And that's how you hit a high note. Well, that's all for today, you can start packing your stuff " I could for some kind of reason understand why Ruby was drooling over a teacher, because the bell hadn't rung yet but he's already asking us to pack. And not just that, he looks like he actually knows what he's doing. Everyone already went out, as usual. I also finally came out of the classroom, I was walking peacefully to my locker, when someone tapped my shoulder I turned around and to my surprise, it was Stella. "Already forgot about me?" we hugged each other "So?", "What do you mean by, so?" "Are we picking you up today?" "Oh, yeah about, that my mom is also coming" "Okay, great" "Want to go outside?" she asked. "Umm...what about the cafeteria, I mean I'm also okay, with going out but-" "Let's g
Kehna's POV "Mr. Garcia, I've been coming here to help out a lot, since my mother started working here. I thought maybe, it would be better if I asked for a job here" "You're right, you've been helping a lot, but does your mother know about this?" "Of course, I'm going to tell her once you accept to give me a job". "I'm not sure Kehna" "Sir, I can do anything, washing dishes, sweeping, or even serving" "I know, but what I mean is that your mother won't like that, and except for that you're close to my daughter" he had too many good reasons for him not to give me a job. So I had to think quickly about how to persuade him. "Sir, you have a point, I and your daughter are close but come to think of it, my mom won't have a choice because the money both my mother and father earn won't be enough for us as a family". I was thankful he was kind of convinced with my speech. When
Kehna's POV "Mr Garcia, I've been coming here to help out a lot, since my mother started working here. I thought maybe, it would be better, if I asked for a job here" "You're right, you've been helping a lot, but does your mother know about this?" "Of course, I'm going to tell her once you accept to give me a job". "I'm not sure Kehna" "Sir, I can do anything, washing dishes, sweeping or even serving" "I know, but what I mean is that your mother won't like that, and except for that you're close to my daughter" he had too many good reasons for him not to give me a job. So I had to think quick about how to persuade him. "Sir,you have a point, I and your daughter are close but come to think of it, my mom won't have a choice because the money both my mother and father earnwon't be enough for us as a family". I was thankful he was kind of convinced with my speech.
Stella's POV Ruby took Kehna out for fresh air, I couldn't comfort Kehna since Ruby was clinging onto Kehna. I decided it wouldn't be a good idea to start a fight, it wouldn't do her any good at the moment. My dad went out to get us food, we had been in the hospital for a while. "Stella!" I tried looking for where the voice came from. "Oh, dad you took a bit longer than planned, where were you?" "Well as I said, I went to get food for you guys, before you all get grumpy" "Do you think we are interested in eating right now?" "Stella, I know but are you going to starve yourself?" he whispered. "You should be less worried about me not eating. because have you thought about how I'm going to get to school tomorrow? And except for that, you can stop whispering, we are not planning an assassin" I was about to leave but he grabbed me by the wrist. "Why are you so mad? I'm trying to make sure
Kehna's POV I and Stella talked for a long time, everyone else was asleep. After a while, Stella also slept off. I still couldn't fall asleep, after turning and grumbling around, I sat down with my back facing the wall. "Kehna, you aren't asleep yet?" "No" "Are you hungry now?" "No thank you, Mr. Garcia" I knew how much he was trying to make a difference out of everything, but I was kind of traumatised and nothing was going to change that anytime soon. "Mr. Garcia thank you for caring so much. Can I maybe go outside again? I think fresh air would do me some good" "I would love to say yes, but it's already late and dark outside. The doors already closed... So you can't go out now" I understood what he was trying to say. "But can I just walk around?" "Kehna... I'm not so sure about, that I mean there are a lot of patients here and I don't see it as safe" "Okay" I agreed with him, but I wasn't
Kehna's POV After Ruby was done forcing me to eat the food she bought, we were preparing to leave when Stella came in. "Oh, great Stella is here," Ruby said sarcastically "Kehna where have you been?" She said almost out of breath "Did you run in a marathon?". "Very funny, Ruby," Stella said annoyed "We woke up and you were nowhere to be found, so we all split up to search for you" "So everyone is looking for me right now?" "Yeah" she finally sat down and started eating the leftovers. "What do you think you are doing?" Ruby asked with curiosity. "Eating, what you were going to throw away!" "You're so annoying" it was entertaining seeing them rebel against each other. I couldn't stop grinning and they, fortunately, noticed after a long while. "What?" Ruby asked "Well, if I only had my phone with me, I would record you" they both glared at me after I said that. "Have you
Stella's POV I realized acting like I hate Ruby, which I did, didn't help Kehna acknowledge that Ruby isn't a person she should be mingling with. "So? Can I come with you?" I knew this was a bad idea. "Yeah, sure if you need to" I also knew how much she despised it and that made it even more fascinating. "But, Stella don't you think asking your dad would be a good start?" Ruby, you're such a sly fox, I kept on thinking. "You're right, I should probably go look for him and the staffs, there's the possibility that they are still looking for you" "I don't think so, it's been hours" Kehna added "Yeah, but he hasn't reached out to me, so go I'll look for them" "Or you could also just call him?" "Good idea, Ruby!" I slightly glared at her. "I'll call him right now" I dialled he's number waiting for him to finally pick up the phone. "Hey, dad" "Stella where are
Kehna's POV It's been two days now, It's been two days since my dad burst into rage and since then we haven't exchanged a word with each other. My dad and I never had a father, daughter relationship, but when he arrived at the hospital and said those things he said, I felt like I'd been living with a stranger. Stella, Ruby, Mr. Garcia and the staffs were supposed to wait downstairs for us because, what my dad was going to discuss, with the so-called doctor was personal. I was hopelessly standing in front of the doctor's office waiting for my dad.Suddenly the guy I met in the cafeteria, came out of nowhere. "Hey, you're still here?" I was a bit shocked to see him. "Yeah, we still have a few things to settle" "Oh, I see! So... How are you feeling?" He asked in a very weird way, so I knew something wasn't right "You also heard my dad that day, didn't
Author's POVAfter Kehna and her father left, Ruby quickly went to look for the 'so-called shadow' Kehna saw."Seriously?" She shouted furiously as she waited for an answer."You really have to learn how to knock," the 'so-called shadow' said in a surprisingly calm tone "Look, I'm not here to joke around with you, just tell if you went out today""Yeah, I did. And so what?" Ruby groaned slightly knowing how stubborn the 'so-called shadow' was "You're not-" she proceeded on saying but was interrupted halfway "Yes, I know I have nothing to do out there, most especially not when 'you' have guests" he said as he let Ruby figure out her next argument "But you do know that dad doesn't really care about that man right? I don't know what he's planning this time, but it can't be anything good" he added. "I don't care and except for that should be an irrelevant matter for you" the 'so-called shadow' chuckled looking at Ruby
Author's POV "Oh my Gosh, Dad! I've been looking for you all over. Where were you?" He looked at her with disbelief "What? Can't I just go out for a second? Are you now my bodyguard?" "I was worried" she whispered but her father ignored it and went to the living room. She was left in the kitchen with her thoughts but what she realized next was that she had to make breakfast for her and her father. So she decided to make fried egg so they could eat it with toast. "Dad I made breakfast," she said proudly as she walked into the living room. "I already ate," he said emotionless and at that moment Kehna lost her appetite and went back to the kitchen with the food she had prepared. She started asking herself where her father must have been that early in the morning and he also already had breakfast. This made Kehna think so much even if she shouldn't. After a long time of eating, Kehna finally finished her meal a
Author's POVAfter the discussion between Ruby and Kehna, there was a bit of tension, in as much as Ruby tried to break that tension Kehna always refused."Please take as much as you want," Mrs. William said before sitting down like everyone else. The food looked delicious and it also was, but Kehna couldn't bring herself to eat much she knew she would regret it because that was probably the only meal she would have for that day. And she couldn't bring herself to believe that she would never taste her mom's breathtaking food ever again.She stopped eating and stared at the food in front of her unknowingly till... "Hey, you okay?" She tilted her in the direction of Ruby and nodded "Do you want to go out after we finish?" Ruby asked again and Kehna said nothing but nodded. It was starting to piss Ruby off, but she had to put herself in Kehna's shoes. A couple of minutes passed by and both teens didn't spare a glance at eac
Author's POV Kehna and her father went home, that day with grieve. Ruby, Stella and their families proposed to follow them home, but after they saw how stressed they looked, they didn't bother asking them anymore. On their way home Kehna and her father didn't exchange a word with each other. As they got home both of them didn't bother to dinner or talk to each other. When Kehna reached her room she laid on her bed waiting for her to be woken up by her mother, so she could tell her all about the crazy nightmare she had, but unfortunately, that never happened so she decided to go to bed. Surprisingly, she slept without any struggle. The next day, the first thing she woke up to was the ringing of her phone. She was going to decline the call, but remembered that no one calls so early in the morning for nothing, so she picked up. "Hello?" She said in a sleepy voice "Hi, Kehn
Author's POV "So how and when do we discuss everything? Do you already have an idea of how it's going to be?" He was certain, that to Kehna's father, took his offer as very spontaneous and uncomfortable to accept. "Sir, I-" "Don't address me like that, I'm not even older than you" he chuckled before answering. "Well, I'll try not to address you like that anymore. But we planned on making it small, I mean it's not something we should celebrate." He wasn't ready to give in and Mr. William wasn't ready to give up either. "If possible, we would appreciate it, if only family members could be there, but none of our families will be able to show up" the more he talked, the more curious Mr. William became. "Why wouldn't they come? I mean it's a serious matter, and it's probably the least they can do" he nodded. He was about to answer the question when Rachel appeared out of nowhere. "Sorry, t
Mr. William POV Mr. William on the phone, "Pablo! What did you say about the mission? It didn't go as planned, but no one died during the process, right?" a long silence processed "Pablo! Answer me!" "I'm sorry, Mr. William. But it wasn't our intention, we got a stranger instead of him" I took a deep breath and exhaled "Was that stranger a woman?" He hesitated before saying "Yes, sir she was, but you don't have to worry. We took her to the hospital and the doctor promised to say, nothing" "And you think that will do" I shouted out of my lungs. "Pablo, do you realize how much you messed up? I'm sure you know what the consequence is" "I'm very much, aware of that" I hung up having that said. It was already hard enough for me to convince my own daughter, now I had to think of a strategy to convince everyone else, till I've settled this case. And I know exactly how.
Kehna's POV It's been two days now, It's been two days since my dad burst into rage and since then we haven't exchanged a word with each other. My dad and I never had a father, daughter relationship, but when he arrived at the hospital and said those things he said, I felt like I'd been living with a stranger. Stella, Ruby, Mr. Garcia and the staffs were supposed to wait downstairs for us because, what my dad was going to discuss, with the so-called doctor was personal. I was hopelessly standing in front of the doctor's office waiting for my dad.Suddenly the guy I met in the cafeteria, came out of nowhere. "Hey, you're still here?" I was a bit shocked to see him. "Yeah, we still have a few things to settle" "Oh, I see! So... How are you feeling?" He asked in a very weird way, so I knew something wasn't right "You also heard my dad that day, didn't
Stella's POV I realized acting like I hate Ruby, which I did, didn't help Kehna acknowledge that Ruby isn't a person she should be mingling with. "So? Can I come with you?" I knew this was a bad idea. "Yeah, sure if you need to" I also knew how much she despised it and that made it even more fascinating. "But, Stella don't you think asking your dad would be a good start?" Ruby, you're such a sly fox, I kept on thinking. "You're right, I should probably go look for him and the staffs, there's the possibility that they are still looking for you" "I don't think so, it's been hours" Kehna added "Yeah, but he hasn't reached out to me, so go I'll look for them" "Or you could also just call him?" "Good idea, Ruby!" I slightly glared at her. "I'll call him right now" I dialled he's number waiting for him to finally pick up the phone. "Hey, dad" "Stella where are
Kehna's POV After Ruby was done forcing me to eat the food she bought, we were preparing to leave when Stella came in. "Oh, great Stella is here," Ruby said sarcastically "Kehna where have you been?" She said almost out of breath "Did you run in a marathon?". "Very funny, Ruby," Stella said annoyed "We woke up and you were nowhere to be found, so we all split up to search for you" "So everyone is looking for me right now?" "Yeah" she finally sat down and started eating the leftovers. "What do you think you are doing?" Ruby asked with curiosity. "Eating, what you were going to throw away!" "You're so annoying" it was entertaining seeing them rebel against each other. I couldn't stop grinning and they, fortunately, noticed after a long while. "What?" Ruby asked "Well, if I only had my phone with me, I would record you" they both glared at me after I said that. "Have you