Chapter Two

Kyle enthusiastically narrated the entire story of how we met to his mother, Carla. I had already contacted Katy and informed her that I was having dinner with Kyle's lovely family so that she wouldn't get worried unnecessarily. She reluctantly allowed me and it took a lot of convincing since I didn't want to say no to Carla. Carla had insisted that I should have dinner with them, to thank me for helping her son and welcoming me as their new neighbour.

So, here I was having cheesy rolls as starters, pasta with creamy, white sauce as main course and vanilla ice cream as dessert which was not served yet. Carla looked elegant dressed in a purple, strappy summer dress which was simple yet pretty. Her silky, dark brown hair was just like Noah's and was braided, a beautiful white flower was stuck in her hair near her ear. She had warm brown eyes unlike her children, who both had mesmerising blue eyes. Maybe the boys got their eye colour from their father which made me wonder who and where their father was.

I consciously put the fork of pasta in my mouth and chewed when I felt Noah staring at me. I was getting a bit ticked off because of his blatant staring like I was the food he was eating. When the creamy sauce dripped from the corner of my mouth, I quickly wiped it off with my fingers in embarrassment. I could barely eat because of him.

"Amelia, where did you stay before shifting over here?" Carla asked while spoon feeding Kyle who was busy playing his video game. Though he was four, he was getting fed which meant he was pampered a lot. I met Amelia and Noah's curious gaze and sipped water.

"I lived in . . . " I started reciting like a parrot about what I had learnt before coming here. " . . . the city with my dad. But then my dad's job was transferred to Afghanistan so he travelled there. Since the living conditions in Afghanistan are of course not favourable, I was sent here to live with my Aunt Katy."

Carla looked stunned and so did Noah. She asked curiously, "Your dad is in the military?"

Suddenly, Noah cleared his throat and put his fork down. I pushed the glass of water a little further and Noah quietly took it. He sipped the water while glaring at his mum. Kyle who was busy playing video game had also stopped abruptly and stared at his brother.

"Ah yes. He's in the military, but that shouldn't bother me." I shrugged casually and all of them stared at me like I grew a yellow minion head or transformed into a unicorn which would actually be cool. I quickly continued to divert the topic, "Katy completed her education and recently brought a pretty, little house over here."

"Where is your mommy?" Kyle asked in a high pitched voice and his nose was now buried in the bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Carla snatched the bowl and knocked his head lightly. "Kyle, eat properly with a spoon. And apologise to Amelia, you shouldn't be asking personal details."

I smiled and said, "No it's fine really. Kyle can ask anything since we are friends now, aren't we?"

"Yes!" Kyle exclaimed and I laughed. From the corner of the eye, I noticed Noah silently eating food without any noise.

I averted my eyes towards the table and lied shyly, "Mum and dad got divorced five years ago. Dad took custody of me and my mum of my older sister. It wasn't that difficult at first, but now I miss my sister. When Dad was transfered to Afghanistan, he didn't wanted to trouble mum, so he sent me to Katy."

"I'm sure your family is doing good now. I'll pray for the safety of your father. If you need any assistance any time of the day, don't hesitate to ask us for help. We'll be happy to help you," Carla offered and I smiled weakly.

* * *

I finished the bowl of vanilla ice cream clean and went to help Carla with the dishes. We were now in the kitchen, while Noah and Kyle were in the living room watching television. Kyle insisted on watching Sponge Bob whereas Noah was keen to watch the football match. Eventually, Noah and Kyle ended up watching Sponge Bob much to Kyle's joy and Noah's disappointment.

I wiped the plate with a cloth and asked Carla dubiously, "Where is Kyle and Noah's dad? You don't have to answer me, you know, if you aren't comfortable. I was just curious."

Carla turned towards me and said nonchalantly, "He died."

I gawked at her and placed the plate on the rack before it could slip from my fingers and get shattered into tiny pieces. I regained my posture, the minute her words started processing in my mind. Carla was engrossed in arranging vegetables and products in the refrigerator while I looked down and apologized in a low voice, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. I didn't mean to--- "

She interjected quickly, "Oh no, don't be sorry. My husband left us two years ago because he found a job at his best friend's place. He told us that his job was as risky as an army man or a police officer."

She tucked a strand of her silky hair behind her ear and continued, "After a year or maybe some months later, we received a letter stating that he was dead. We didn't even get to see his body. Just a mere letter. We also got money in an envelope every month. Soon after his death, I mysteriously got a very well paid job."

"That's strange. Didn't you try to find out how he passed away? I mean, there got to be a reason," I said thoughtfully but quickly realized my mistake. I placed my hand over my mouth and shook my head."I'm sorry again. I don't mean to pry--- "

"Believe me you're not. And certainly there has to be a reason. We tried our best to find out but to no avail. Anyway, it doesn't matter much now," she said and paused. "When I look at you Amelia, I get inspired seeing how brave you are. How difficult it must be knowing your father's life is in danger. I realized that we have to live through and with it."

A fresh wave of guilt and sadness washed over me. I felt awful, after all, this was all a lie. I was no where near being brave, I ran away from my ugly past. I was nothing but a big fat liar.

I swallowed a lump formed in my throat and blurted out, "Carla, the dinner was delicious! I should probably leave since Katy might get worried. Thank you for your hospitality."

I walked hurriedly and clumsily bumped right into Noah.

"Oh I-I'm so sorry. Anyway, b-bye," I stuttered and rushed outside.

Noah just nodded and I made a quick exit while muttering a short 'bye' to Kyle.

"My brother can walk with you till your--- " Kyle shouted and before he could complete his sentence, Noah quickly placed a firm hand on Kyle's shoulder, indicating him to stop. Noah and I both knew that it would be quite awkward for him to walk me home which was only a few steps away. So, without paying much attention to them, I continued walking.

I felt very guilty of lying. Guilty of having the sympathy of these sweet people. I didn't deserve all this. I had a better life maybe a better life than the story I recited to them. Atleast my parents weren't divorced. By now, I already had tears rolling down my cheeks. I quickly wiped the salty tears and put on a cheerful façade since Katy was standing right at the door, her arms crossed and her feet tapping impatiently on the doormat.

"You are quite late, you should have been in bed by now. You have school tomorrow, right? Wait . . . Is something wrong princess? What happened back there?" Katy asked worriedly and started bombarding me with numerous questions.

I groaned and yelled at her, "I'm fine! I'm just guilty for lying to those sweet people back there, they don't deserve to be lied at. I don't deserve their kindness . . . "

"Oh, no, Amelia. That's not your fault honey. You know that you are bound by the circumstances, so you can't be completely honest, can you?" Katy reassured me and I sighed.

"Yeah, I get that. I guess I'm just overacting, I shouldn't think about all this now. You're right, I should be more strong. I can't cry over little lies like these, but it's just hard, you know?"

I hugged her tightly and wished her goodnight. I entered the house which was neatly set up by now. No large brown boxes to lying around. More new, polished furniture was set up to look more homely. I went upstairs where my room was supposed to be.

"If you need anything just call me, Amelia!" Katy called out.

"Okay!"

I yawned and entered my bedroom. I was immediately welcomed with the sweet fragrance of my favourite scent of lillies. I looked at my room with wide eyes, definitely impressed. Sure it was way small than my previous one, but it seemed so cosy and comforting.

Everything was according to my liking. No pink, no purple! The furniture was off-white and champagne coloured, so were the walls. The bed was large with lots of pillows, most of them brought from my old bedroom. The wardrobe was small, but just enough to fit all my belongings in. Of course, I couldn't expect a walk in closet and in some ways, I didn't even want that luxury. I was more than satisfied with this gorgeous room. Katy had even put up fairy lights on the walls which I adored. Everything was so simple yet so inviting and nothing was fancy.

There was even a small dressing table in one corner which consisted of neatly arranged cosmetics. Humming some stupid advertising commercial song which unfortunately got stuck in my head like glue, I happily removed my fake glasses and threw the itchy wig, causing my long, blonde hair to cascade down my back. I had to ask Katy to buy good wigs since these were just so uncomfortable. I stripped out of my unappealing clothes and wore soft pyjamas. I fell on the bed, my body bouncing and closed my eyes to mumble a short prayer. After my prayer, my mind immediately drifted to a certain blue-eyed boy who was my next door neighbour, Noah.