"Why don't you wear contacts?" I heard Ginger's distant voice and loud footsteps. I turned around and Ginger snatched my glasses. My eyes widened in alarm and I protested, "Hey! Give me my glasses!" I pounced on her and grabbed the glasses before she could pass it to Marya. Anne was still rubbing eye shadow and makeup on my face. She scowled when I disturbed her by chasing Ginger. There was absolute mayhem everywhere. Brushes and bottles of lotions were flying everywhere, hitting and injuring everybody in process."Will you guys just shut up and let me do my work!" Anne shouted on top of her lungs, definitely annoyed. Ginger, Marya and I started laughing loudly which made her more angry. She grabbed my wrists and pushed me on the chair."No need to be so harsh, Anne," I muttered and scrunched my nose when she applied powder."Do anything you want but don't touch my hair!" I slapped Marya's lingering hand away from my wig and she grinned. Anne frowned at us and shoved her sister away.
The restaurant was huge, opulent and looked quite expensive. The tables were arranged properly without a single chair out of place. There were couples everywhere, silently eating and whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears. The waiters were swiftly gliding from one table to another, carrying delicious plates of exotic food, taking orders politely with a bright smile and clearing The tables as soon as the customers left. The light was dim with a smoky kind of soothing fragrance in the air and some couples were dancing slowly, moving to the rhythm on the elevated stage. There was an entire orchestra too with singers who beautifully sang soul songs.After a forty-five minute drive, we had finally arrived here, in the city. We were silent the entire ride with occasional awkward talks about the city lights and buildings. I didn't ask about Jessica nor did he tell me anything, but from inside, I was burning to know what happened between him and her."Sir, what's your order?" The wa
"Noah . . . Slow down . . . not this fast . . . Oh my God!" I giggled and gently slapped Noah's shoulder who chuckled in his deep rich voice which made his body rumble and I could feel his laughter.One week had passed by, Noah and I were laughing and talking. He was tutoring me for history of this country while I taught him polo regularly. Because of him, I scored incredibly well in history and he too learned polo very well. He had an astute mind and was a quick learner and improved efficiently if one would ignore the number of times he fell from the horse while playing.I still didn't tell Katy and Jack that I had seen Ethan the other day in the city. I didn't want them to get worried about me and if they came to know, then maybe I would be sent somewhere else. And I didn't want that to happen which would mean that I had to leave my new best friends and especially Noah. The words that Ethan said, 'I'm looking for her,' had been haunting me everyday, but he was looking for me in th
"Where is Kyle? Have you seen him, Amelia? The match is going to begin soon," Patty said, her voice laced with worry and concern and her attention darted towards the crowd of people gathered in the stadium."You sit here, I'll fetch him," I offered and Patty just nodded. I went to look for Kyle, the cute, naughty little four or five year old who was elated for his brother's match, but where did he suddenly disappear?I rushed to look for him in such a crowded stadium. The stadium was filled with so many people, dressed wonderfully in bright, coloured jerseys showing their support and love to their respective teams. The entire town had gathered and so many unfamiliar yet familiar faces, some or the other I had bumped at the park or grocery store. It was a very important match and in fact, two towns had gathered. The winning team of the town would be awarded with not only a trophy, but also several hundred dollars for their respective town fund and not damaging their pride.Losing was a
The scrumptious aroma of barbecue filled my nose. Roasted vegetables, marinated slow cooked meat . . . yum. The party was perfectly set up in the field itself with the entire town eating, talking, dancing and celebrating joyfully. Mainstream pop and rock music was played and the atmosphere was so inviting and delightful, like there was some festival or carnival going on.I was filling my plate with dollop of sour cream, lettuce cups and barbecued, saucy meat while listening to the talks of Ginger, Anne and Marya. Ginger couldn't stop chirping about the fights and romantic moments she had with Chad, they were really adorable."Do you and Noah fight a lot too?" Ginger asked suddenly and the spicy chicken stuck in my mouth. I swallowed it with great difficulty and drank orange juice. I gawked at Ginger and Mary who grinned while Anne who was busy stuffing food in her mouth, also looked up at me."Noah and me, well . . . we are not in a relationship like you Ginger," I reasoned out and th
"You know him?" I heard Noah ask from behind and my heart hammered against my chest wildly. My lips quivered and I blinked back my tears."Know w-who?" I stuttered and pretended that it was not him."My dad, his middle name is John," Noah confirmed my doubt and I took a few steps back until my back hit the shelf. I was beyond shocked, my entire body shook and twitched. All the old memories stormed in my empty brain, mocking my fate. Noah's deep blue eyes studied my face carefully as he tried to calm me."N-No, I . . . well, I don't know him! I-I just saw his name in one of the trophies!" I lied and went into a state of hysteria. I nearly ran away from the shattered photoframe which contained the photograph, but I tripped over something and Noah's strong arms immediately prevented me from falling. "I-I'm sorry about the frame, I didn't mean to-to break it."My mind was completely blank as I sat down to collect the pieces of broken glass on the floor."Hey, hey, hey, don't touch that! A
I looked down and saw Noah climbing on the pipe swiftly and I gasped in shock. He had already managed to climb half the way effortlessly and was now on the slippery part, struggling to push himself upwards."Noah, go away," I whispered meekly and he stared at me. All I wanted to was just hug him, but then I remembered Uncle John."I want to talk to you. I want to know if you are okay.""I'm okay, alright? Now please leave." I may have sounded rude, but that didn't stop Noah from making his way up.I sighed audibly and walked away from the window quietly."Hey, where are you going? Help me up." I could hear Noah's deep rich voice whisper-shouting from a distance. I ignored it and entered the bathroom to quickly fill a bucket with water. I carried it or rather dragged the heavy bucket towards the window."Glad that you came back, now help me up--- "The moment he looked at me, I lifted the bucket and poured the water over him, emptying the bucket. He went sliding down the pipe and lande
I didn't go to school and I wasn't planning to go any time soon either. Besides, there wasn't any necessity for me to go. I was home schooled back in London and I was already ahead in studies compared to any other average, seventeen year old student.Today, Katy and Jack had gone on a date to the town's festival and to make sure that I would be okay, they left the two bodyguards who I had met the day I came here and met Jack too. I still remember that creepy, bald, short bodyguard who had a mole on his left cheek - no maybe right cheek with tiny hair sprouting and---Ew, I should stop.Anyway, Katy looked absolutely stellar in her purple, short, sequin dress and smoky eye make up accentuating her cloudy grey eyes. Her hair was tied into a loose bun with a shiny, silver clip which made her soft, voluminous locks spill over the back of her head. It seemed a bit over the top, but after that festival they were heading towards a club so the outfit was appropriate.Katy and Jack gave me a l
Five Years Later :The sky was so dull and grey like it could start raining any second and the biting cold wind caressed my bare arms. My lips quivered and I rubbed my arms to give me some warmth. The dark, green grass underneath tickled my ankles through my sandals. I was dressed in a plain black dress which was soaked wet, either by my tears or rain. The driver held an umbrella over my head which seemed useless. He handed me a fresh red rose and the thorns pricked my fingers, but I cared less for I stood in front of the grave of a great man."Madam, it's time to go," the driver said and I nodded. I prayed for a few minutes and sat near the grave stone, placing the fresh rose there. I wiped my tears and whispered, "I'll always love you and your sacrifice wouldn't go in vain, I promise."I got up, straightening my dress and followed the driver towards the car. The driver shut the door when I got in and I looked over the cemetery. My eyes were fixed on the rose which looked more fresh
"Little Princess, come out. If you don't, then say goodbye to this kid," Ethan said coldly as his eyes were searching all the blonde masked women present in the room. I was safe behind the pillar and he couldn't even see me, but I needed to go to Ethan so I could save Kyle."Noah, let go off me, I need to go! Please, let me go!" I protested, struggling against him as he leaned closer, trapping me more."No, stay right here," he whispered and my eyebrows furrowed."What is wrong with you?! Kyle is your brother, damn! Don't you care about him-mmphn!"Noah placed his large hand over my mouth as I wriggled against him. I was in a state of bewilderment since I couldn't believe that Noah was so evil. He was always loving and caring then what happened today? How could he leave Kyle right there in the arms of the ruthless murderer?"Princess, come out . . . This is my last warning, enough with this game of a mouse. You do care about this child, don't you?" Ethan asked with a sinister smirk an
I hid behind Noah and Kyle, my body trembling with fear. Noah pulled me in front of him by my arm and I pleaded him with my wide eyes. He knelt down and let go of Kyle who ran away immediately to play around. I could hear footsteps approaching me and I shuddered."Amelia? What are you doing on the floor?" I heard Carla's soft voice. I was actually holding Noah's leg while he tried his best to lift me up. I looked like a crazy, mad woman and prayed that nobody noticed me in this position. I felt a soft tap on my shoulder and I flinched. Noah finally pulled me up and forced me to turn around as my head hung low in shame."Amelia, it's okay, I know everything. Your dad informed me everything and it's okay," Carla said and smiled ruefully."He did?" I asked in astonishment and she nodded. I had been staring at her gorgeous heals for a while, but after I heard her, I lifted my head up and gazed at her curiously. Both Carla and Katy smiled warmly at me.How could they forgive me? They were
"You're still not ready? The guests have already arrived for the ball." Noah stood at the doorstep while I was struggling with putting on the dress. It was forest green in colour and glamorous, but it was long and I had to be careful to not trip on it since I was wearing emerald studded stilettoes, one of the most expensive footwear I owned.Yes, it was the designer's idea to waste such expensive gems on shoes although they looked beyond amazing. The dress had an attached emerald necklace and the dress was simple enough to let the necklace and the shoes stand out. It had strings instead of a zipper which annoyed me the most, but the fabric was so delicate and smooth."I'm waiting for the maid, she'll help me with this dress. I can't reach till the back and pull the strings," I said and continued battling the war with the dress."I'll help you with that then." Noah walked and stood behind me. I pushed my long, blonde hair on one side of the neck and cocked my head. His fingers trailed
"You were going back home, so go away. You needn't stay here for a selfish soul. It's like I'm blackmailing you and it's making me feel more guilty. The feeling is getting worse, Noah and I don't think I can bear it. I give up. I don't deserve to live. I really don't--- ""I care about you! I was just going to tell you that I already forgave you and if you see, it wasn't really your fault. It was my dad's job to protect you and I know you had to keep it confidential so don't do this," he spoke so softly and gingerly, but I shook my head. I couldn't get distracted. I had already disappointed numerous people and I didn't deserve to live, I had inflicted much pain on everyone around me already."You needn't do this. I know you're doing this to save me--- "I was cut off mid sentence when I saw Emma entering in calmly, pressing the button of her wheelchair. She didn't give any reaction as I threatened to kill myself, but she didn't listen to me. My body was shaking to take any spontaneous
I was sprawled on the bed, my pillow soaked with tears. I was so dehydrated and exhausted. Zen had helped me to cope up with my issues, but the moment he left and I was alone, I got those same dreaded thoughts back. Everything was my fault and I deserved to carry the entire burden on my shoulders.Countless maids tried to feed me, butI just couldn't swallow a morsel of food. My chest felt tight and I couldn't breathe properly. My eyes barely could open because of the puffiness and heaviness.There was a knock on the door and the next moment, the door flung open and in came my mum, unannounced. With great difficulty, I sat up on the bed, leaning against the wall. Mum strode briskly and sat on the chair erectly."Why are you here now?" I asked as mum never came up to me to ask or talk about my problems. The maids were sent instead of her. Dad was with Emma looking over her operation. I felt horrible for not being there for Emma. I didn't had the strength to face the challenges, but mos
Present :" . . . Ethan just disappeared after that, partly because he was guilty since he shot Emma, the love of his life. He didn't accept Emma in this terrible condition and swore to take revenge on me." I swallowed a lump formed in my throat and concentrated on the road ahead. From the corner of my eye, I saw Noah sitting erect and stiff like a rock. There was an uncomfortable silence and it was eating me up. The guilt was gnawing me inside and I could feel it, I was on the verge of bursting into tears."Uncle John was a great man, he was like my own father. He was always there for me and he loved you Noah, your family and especially you. You were very dear to his heart and I feel miserable to-I'm so sorry. I'm s-sorry, I can't . . . " I apologised softly.I couldn't control my tears as we arrived at the cemetery. My hand was trembling on the steering wheel and I parked the car in one corner. I turned towards Noah and he was still the same. His face was stoic, his eyebrows drawn i
Six months ago :"Emma, Wait!" I shouted as I ran behind my sister. Her long legs carried her swiftly and on the other hand, I struggled to match her speed.We ran towards the garden and both of us plopped down on the soft grass and sighed loudly. It was a bright evening and the sun was just setting. The birds were chirping and the entire palace was filled with our silly laughter.Today was my mum and dad's anniversary so they had already gone to the city's biggest hall where most celebrations took place. Most of the bodyguards and maids had accompanied them. The entire city was going to be present there. Emma and I were going to perform a dance, but our entry was much later. We were given time to rehearse in the palace itself and now that we had completed practising, we were just chasing each other and fooling around.I dug my hands deep into the mud and fixed a small plant which I had carried with me. Emma helped me to put some fertilizers."Emma, there's mud smudged on your cheeks,
"Dad, listen . . . Please don't publicize my engagement with Zen. I don't wish to be with him, I love Noah." I held my dad's arm and begged. He stared at me as if in deep thought. My eyes turned watery when dad told me that it was time to make my engagement public. This was all because of my stupid fiancé."Does that boy has knowledge about what's going on here?" he asked and I pretended to be confused."What do you mean?" I asked, although I knew exactly what he meant. I quietly let go his arm. "But I love Noah and does love me too. Just postpone the announcement of this engagement please . . . ""What if Noah comes to know everything? He'll let go of you, Mia. You were lying to him all this time," he pointed out and sudden anger seeped within me. Dad was the one who sent me close towards Noah. He was the one who gave the job to Uncle John, not me."Don't blame me for all this dad! It's not entirely my fault! Besides, I'll tell Noah everything and that too now!" I yelled as I stormed