~RileyThe back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working.What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father.All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father.I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector.That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk.What hurt me the most is the betrayal. I cried my heart out to him that day, yet he made no move to accept the truth. It pained me to know they were having a
~SophiaTrixie barked at the television when Noah’s voice rang through the living room in one of the commercials. She missed him. I found myself smiling as I leaned further into the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position. We were going strong and steady for five years now.Noah has become a celebrated football player. I still didn't understand most of the terms used in football, yet I never missed a single match he played. It meant so much to him and the flying kisses he sent my way after scoring each goal was all worth it.Now, I was watching his game live on TV as I couldn't travel with him for this tournament. Trixie lay partially on my lap, her head positioned over my belly. The commercial ended and the game started with Noah’s team chasing the ball.I cheered as Noah sent a ball into the enemy territory and it hit the mark. I giggled when he sent flying kisses directly to the camera. I couldn't imagine how many girls just melted into a puddle by watching this.He got so
The calming breeze brushed against my skin and I inhaled the fresh scents of the ocean and the trees. Doing yoga on a fine morning was not only relaxing, but also refreshing. The luscious waves of the ocean sprayed my face with salty water and I smiled, opening my eyes, as I finished the asana.Gazing into the blue depths of water as the sun soared to the sky to perform its daily duty while listening to the rhythmic beats of the waves crashing into the sand itself provides the full effect of a medication.The distant sounds of seagulls provided an added effect, reminding me of the docks, which was not too far from here. Nothing will give you an instant sense of calm and relief as the sea.I can't imagine a day going without my morning routine, which included answering the nature's inevitable call, brushing my teeth, drinking a cup of warm water, then taking my baby girl Trixie to our private beach, where I did my yoga while she performed her morning rituals, fol
If one thing I was sure about Noah, it was that he liked me. Not just as a friend, but he wanted more. He never tried to hide his attraction towards me and it was obvious. They say 'an action speaks louder than words.' He was always caring and kind. Noah always watched for me, walked me to my next class, sat with me for lunch and gave the stink eye to anyone who dared look at me with a wrong notion. He blushed every time I complimented him on something and vice versa. I clearly remembered the day we met three years ago. "Sophia, honey, watch your steps," my mom's kind warning reached my ears a little too late as I felt myself slip and falling backward on the pavement. My hands reached down on instinct as I tried to prepare myself to cushion the fall. I am well known for my clumsiness and no one can beat my record in my town. I tripped almost over everything, even on the straight road and got injured at least once in a day
"Good Morning, Ava!" Noah greeted me cheerfully and I kind of melted looking at his smile, just like I melt whenever Trixie smiled at me. Also, no one except Noah called me Ava. That was reserved only for him–don't ask me why, because I don't know. Maybe that was a lie. I knew why and I refused to accept it. Gosh, why does he have to be so cute and sexy, all simultaneously? "Good morning, Noah! How was your weekend?" I asked as I occupied the seat beside him. "Just the usual… I worked and a bit of practice." That handsome grin got wider. "How about your weekend?" "I did gardening with mom and we both hit the nearby mall, had ice creams followed by movies and a sleepover," I listed. Again, don't ask me why I told him everything I did that weekend to him. It's just the way of things between us. There are no secrets between us. "So, um... I was wondering if you'd like to attend my sister's birthday party this Saturday," he asked hopefully
The smell of chicken stew wafted through my nostrils when I reached my home in the evening. "Hey, mom… It smells delicious," I stated as I perched on the kitchen stool. Trixie went to greet mom with a hug, tail wagging, and licking. "What took you so long?" My mom asked as she placed a cup of lemon tea in front of me. "I went for grocery shopping with Uncle Mac. You know, how forgetful he gets these days," I informed and sipped my tea. "Hmm... his sons are really worried about him. Mac just won't accept their invitation to move in with them," she mused, stirring the stew. "Hey mom, Noah invited me for his sister's birthday party this Saturday. He would love for you to join the party as well. Are you working this weekend?" "That's nice. It's been almost two months since I last met the Parkers. I am sure I can make time," she grinned and suddenly looked all young. Mom and Noah's parents got along well. They had a close relationship with
Soon the classes were over and the five of us excluding Noah, Alec and Hayden went to the football ground. Our university was well known for its sports activities and has created a few well-known sports champions. We had an exclusive football stadium built a few years ago. It was the first time for me and Riley, going to a football game. I was glad I had company. I sat at a safe distance from the field while Sana and Riley went to buy snacks and soft drinks for us. The stadium was filling up with students and lecturers just as eager as us to see their students win this match. Jennifer informed me this match was important for the trio sportsmen, who are our best friends. The university would select the best players and will be sending them to the mega football tournament which starts next quarter. I've heard about the mega football tournament between the well-known universities in the United States. I have never realized how important this was to Noah
I screamed in frustration when I failed for the umpteenth time to concentrate. My mind kept wandering back to the recent happenings. Wasn’t meditation supposed to ease my mind? Trust me, it didn't help today. Nothing helped. Not the calming sound of the ocean, the gentle breeze or my yoga. Trixie barked and nuzzled my neck before licking on the side of my face, making me sigh. It's not that every day I felt restless. Just on certain days like this. I didn’t like that I couldn’t pinpoint the reason for my restlessness. "I want to speak to Noah," I mused aloud as I ran my hand absentmindedly on Trixie's fur. She gave me a bark in reply. "What, you miss him too?" I cooed and got another bark as she wagged her tail. "Then, let's go see him today," I said, getting up and she followed me as usual. Doctors have discharged Noah with an advice of two days compulsory rest, so he should be at home. Somehow my mind seemed to settle down thinking a
~SophiaTrixie barked at the television when Noah’s voice rang through the living room in one of the commercials. She missed him. I found myself smiling as I leaned further into the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position. We were going strong and steady for five years now.Noah has become a celebrated football player. I still didn't understand most of the terms used in football, yet I never missed a single match he played. It meant so much to him and the flying kisses he sent my way after scoring each goal was all worth it.Now, I was watching his game live on TV as I couldn't travel with him for this tournament. Trixie lay partially on my lap, her head positioned over my belly. The commercial ended and the game started with Noah’s team chasing the ball.I cheered as Noah sent a ball into the enemy territory and it hit the mark. I giggled when he sent flying kisses directly to the camera. I couldn't imagine how many girls just melted into a puddle by watching this.He got so
~RileyThe back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working.What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father.All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father.I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector.That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk.What hurt me the most is the betrayal. I cried my heart out to him that day, yet he made no move to accept the truth. It pained me to know they were having a
The morning was warm and pleasant as usual. A thrill coursed through my veins when I thought about my wedding with Noah. We hardly had two days left. We haven’t met mostly due to his practice, and we also kept Riley’s warning in mind. Our nights were usually spent talking, sexting and what not’s. A smile tugged at my lips when I thought about Noah’s sensual messages. We won’t meet until the very moment of the wedding itself. Something about the bad omen. Though we would travel in the same jet, I wondered how our friends would keep us apart. A knock distracted me and my frown deepened wondering who would come at this time of the day. It was still early–9:30 in the morning. Mom has left for work while Grandpa and Grandma has already left for Hawaii with Noah’s sisters and parents to supervise the wedding arrangements.My frown turned into a scowl when I came face to face with Irwin. “What are you doing here?” My voice came colder than I intended it to be.“I just wanted to talk,” he r
The stranger swallowed and shifted on her foot, not answering my question. I’ve seen her before, though not in person. Her face was familiar. “Who are you?” I asked again.“Miss Valentine?” Her voice wavered, her eyes shifted with discomfort.“That’s me.”“My… I…” She stuttered, her hands fiddling with her coat.“Why don’t you sit first?” I suggested, and she nodded before moving to occupy the single couch beside the table. By now, my friends had filled out the living area with puzzled looks.“I’m Madison. Madison Brooks.”That name rang a bell. “Wait, Madison as in the girl who caught photographed with Pierce.”“Y-yes.” Her uneasiness grew while I wondered what she wanted to do with me.“Why are you here?” Noah asked and came to sit beside me. The living room was soon occupied with my friends.“Well… it was a bad idea,” she said and stood all of a sudden. “I shouldn’t have come.”“Madison, wait,” I stopped her before she could leave. “These are my friends. Why did you come here?” Whe
"Trixie! Are you ready, girl?"A bark came as a reply from the living room, drawing a chuckle from me."Grandma, I am going to Alec's place. I'll message mom on the way.""Sure, honey. Will you be back for dinner?""I'm not sure, grandma. I'll call you, okay?""All right, my dear. You take care now.""I will. Don't forget your medicines.""I won't."I kissed her cheek before leaving the warm comfort of her home. She followed. "Where's grandpa?""Oh, it's Saturday. He went to meet his old buddies in the diner.""That's great. See you later, grandma.""Bye, sweetie."I hopped in mom's car and tightened the seatbelt around Trixie. Mom gave me her car since Nolan mostly dropped her at the office. I expected her to move in with him as soon as the divorce was finalized.I picked Tracy and Sana from the B2 bus station before continuing onwards. The drive towards Alec's home took thirty minutes through the traffic. The guys stayed over last night."Where's Jen? I thought she'd be with you guy
When we reached the venue which was once again Irwin’s mansion I loathed, the media surrounded us like hawks. Lightning flashes and clicks enveloped us, yet there was no warmth.“Miss Valentine, who is the gentleman with you?”“Is he your friend?”“Is he your boyfriend?”“Are you breaking up with Mr. Pierce?”“Are you calling off the wedding?”I shook my head at the meaningless questions that deafened us before being securely led away by the securities on duty.“That was crazy,” Riley whispered.“Tell me about it.” I rolled my eyes, wanting nothing to do with the attention.The huge ballroom I danced with Hector earlier was transformed for the night. Red curtains embellished with gold embroidery flowers hung from the ceiling. Everything from the red carpets to the mountain of foods showcased the wealth the Pierce’s possessed. Men and women of all ages, adorned with luxurious clothes and jewelry waltzed on the dance floor for a slow music.“Are we in Buckingham Palace?” Riley gawked at
"Why are you looking at me like this?" Riley asked with a suspicious look.I bit my lip, averting my gaze. How am I going to ask him?“There is something we need to ask you?” Noah drawled as I cast an uneasy look at him. He pulled out his phone as my frown deepened. I watched as his fingers typed away on the keypad. “Here,” Noah slid the phone to Riley. “Have you seen this man before?”My posture relaxed and stiffened simultaneously at this question. Relaxed because we wouldn’t offend Riley if he isn’t Hector’s son. Stiffened wondering what if Riley is, in fact, the illegitimate son of Hector?"Yeah, that's Uncle Hector. Mom's friend," Riley said, returning the phone. "Why do you ask?" His eyes swept through everyone in the room before locking with Noah’s.Our eyes were glued to his face, unable to believe that we had the heir among us all this time. That explained why his mother wasn't affected when Irwin targeted my friends. Hector must've done something.Noah asked for my phone an
~SophiaTrixie barked at the television when Noah’s voice rang through the living room in one of the commercials. She missed him. I found myself smiling as I leaned further into the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position. We were going strong and steady for five years now.Noah has become a celebrated football player. I still didn't understand most of the terms used in football, yet I never missed a single match he played. It meant so much to him and the flying kisses he sent my way after scoring each goal was all worth it.Now, I was watching his game live on TV as I couldn't travel with him for this tournament. Trixie lay partially on my lap, her head positioned over my belly. The commercial ended and the game started with Noah’s team chasing the ball.I cheered as Noah sent a ball into the enemy territory and it hit the mark. I giggled when he sent flying kisses directly to the camera. I couldn't imagine how many g
~RileyThe back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working.What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father.All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father.I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector.That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk.What hurt me