"DARE!!!" Chad repeated our answers, causing the partygoers to celebrate. I think all the people in this party were already here to witness the war between Khloe and I. Obviously, we got all their attention and I was going to make sure that I'm gonna win. Or else, she would get all the credit. We were throwing this party to gain more popularity— for our cheerleading team to be the talk within the district and it would be ugly for our reputation if I lost.Clenching my jaw, I gave my opponent a piercing glare. She tilted her head a little and then winked at me. How annoying!The game was simple yet severe. First, you had two choices: Truth or Dare. If you choose TRUTH, you're going to be the loser automatically, the crowd will mock you for the rest of the night and the opponent will have a one day privilege of being your master.The TRUTH of being a total loser.However, if you choose DARE, a sequence will commence. There were a lot of sequences, actually but the crowd screamed for 'Ch
If there was another way around to keep my self-control, I would delightedly take that prospect. However, the circumstances at hand was so revolting to the extent that I wanted to just turn to dust and crawl through the gap of the door to escape this reality. The unforeseen pause due to the astonishing turn of event entombed my capacities to think straight. Some universal force must be punishing me for leading me into this small room with the girl who made my high school life so problematic.Why?There were a lot of reasons why I detested this girl and what was happening this night fired up the rising emotion within me. The alcohol in my system was not helping at all. I really had a lot and that was not a good indication. Usually, I would distract myself from drinking too much because I always had to take care of my girls. They were always my responsibilities and you could say I was the mother in the group. Bailey would be the father for handling us in terms of life and knocking wisdo
Those flashback drizzled out of my mind once I parked my car on our house garage. The machine of my Jaguar died down and the silence reborn in the surroundings. The air became so thick and cold in solitude. I assumed my parents were already on their way back home with news about Tiana. I dreaded to hear any possible outcome from all the raids which occurred all over the town.But it was very weird.... It was odd that I was reminiscing about Khloe during this severe moment. It might be due to the level of insanity of the events. It was nothing of ordinary and it reminded me of her. That must be it.After the promise I had made after the party, I went to a mission to prove her that I wasn't a bad kisser. However, each of our encounter resulted to the same exclamation - that I'm truly the worst kisser. Which contradicted the make out session inside the girl's bathroom during third period. The tongue-tied war between us inside the guest room of the Valentine's Italian mansion after their
Tell a tale of a girl who was in turmoil, sitting on the lap of another girl at the passenger seat of a car. With arm wrapped across another girl's shoulder, she remained her eyes close. In unexpected safety and in unexplainable contentment.For how long? I had no idea.It was a bizarre gesture.She was gentle. Against of how the people viewed her. In contrast to the first impression I had for her. Part of me didn't want to believe that she came for me, another part was confused and the rest of the feelings were somewhat imprecise. Of all people, Khloe was the one who comforted me to tender calmness.She was the one who brought me inside her embrace.For how long? Doesn't matter.As our hands were entwined on my lap, the radio turned into another pop song I couldn't recognize. It was sweet but I tried my hardest to ignore the melody.The last thing I wanted, is to make her feel awkward at our position. I didn't want her to retract her arms around my waist. I didn't want her to think t
"How's everything, Quinn?" I asked the blonde across the table who just resumed her class after her recovery.The familiar forest eyes shifted up to mine. I gulped at the intensity of them. It seemed like she knew something that she isn't supposed to know. I wondered if they were the kind of siblings that tells each other's everything. Well, there was nothing to tell anymore because Khloe and I were already friends.Yup, friends. That's possibly the start of everything good... I hope.Shit! No, girl. What type of 'good' were you referring? Of course, we could be best of friends. Khloe is a cool friend. She was someone between famous and infamous. Her popularity alone was above average among the students, even among teachers. Heck, she was so fine as an individual!"Are you okay, Ry??" I heard my captain questioned me as she waved her hand in front of me. She got my attention immediately. "My girlfriend is talking to you."I coughed to hide my embarrassment. "S-Sorry, I just can't stop
I'd been groaning a lot in my walk-in closet and it was still morning. I narrowed my eyes at the pile of clothes I tossed on my vanity. Obviously, I couldn't find a proper outfit for the day, causing me to glance at the clock. I only have remaining fifteen minutes before seven and Khloe would arrive soon to pick me up. I woke up earlier than usual because I intentionally set my alarm at five thirty last night. I had consumed my time too long at the bath, wanting to be perfectly cleaned and fresh. I finished contouring my face with light makeup on right places and dried my hair to a lovely braided hairdo, exposing my attractive face and defined jaw.The last problem at hand was a set of clothes that should match my style.I just despised being late and seeing that I couldn't find the right outfit for some unknown reason, Khloe might run out of patience and leave me behind. I wanted to know what would it feels like to spend time with my crush in the morning.Yes, I had finally admitted
"So what are you gonna be in the future?"I giggled, caressing the sunflower in the vase which was about to wither in due time. I gazed back at my sister with a small smile on my lips. She just finished her chemotherapy an hour ago and our parents were out to get some food for us.Unlike the sunflower, her blonde hair had completely withered to nothing due to numerous treatments. Her head was covered with the scarf I'd given her as a Christmas present. Her icy eyes were already mild of colors and I hated seeing her in this state. However, I had to be with her just like she'd done for me throughout the years."I don't know," I answered, leaning my forearms on the hospital bed. "How about you?"She quirked her eyebrow. "Seriously? You're asking that question to a leukemia patient who's eventually going to die.""You're not going to die!" I said, almost yelling. Congratulations! She stooped my mood again for being insensitive.Cassie, my sister, laughed at my outburst. "Easy, my crybaby.
1:14 AMIt was already past one after midnight and being frustrated was an understatement. Khloe was probably sleeping already.My friends were still up and it looked like they were not planning to sleep yet. We were in the third series of Harry Potter but they were not even watching it. Well, neither was I because I was thinking about how to sneak out of this room without being caught. However, they were not making it easier for me.My captain brought an alcoholic red wine although she knew that she was light when it comes to the drinking game. Fortunately for her, Bailey was the one who drank most of the beverage. I had no idea if it was a good sign, seeing that she was dancing on the top of the bed like a ballerina. Quinn managed to control her girlfriend from drinking but Arisa seemed hyperactive at the moment as she hummed a classic piano piece, playing along with Bailey.Quinn was sitting on the other side of her bed, back against the headboard as she watched the two in amusemen
Extraordinary.The day had become extraordinary since I'd met the person who completed my half-empty canvas. My life had changed so drastically as love and struggles forced us to bloom into a broad picturesque of a happy family. Khloe and I were led to a life of imperfect yet seamless routine. Our life opened up to countless possibilities and we created our future together through ups and downs. We both aspired to be a better individual, not only for ourselves but also for each other.After 'the incident', Khloe suffered greatly from trauma and we didn't have a choice but to seek help. I was traumatized too so we went together and helped each other to get healed from the past tragedy. Years had gone by and so we'd grown. Now, I was already the art director of a private museum, the Caslary Art Foundation, that was being financed by Quinn Blackburn for already two years. Not only did it showcase talented new artists, but it was also established for a cause, and that was to help the chil
The harmonious chirps of the birds lurched me out of my daydream, illuminating the polar night before my eyes. The painting had an emotional value in my heart. It was a hidden gem hanging inside a wooden treehouse, an art which was denied from the world. For me, this was more authentic than any art I have ever seen. Because it seen memories and growth. It was seeing the fruition of my existence through the age of time. Its original painter was no longer in this world, and yet every time I stare at it, it would always make me feel alive. Now it was watching me about to step closer to another chapter of my life."You need me?" the familiar voice asked, causing my eyes to avert from the magnificent painting.Mad stood a few feet away from me. And I looked at her dashing presence. She was wearing a long burgundy velvet dress enlightening her feminine persona. Her medium short curls were braided in style. However, I could still feel her menacing presence as she sat on the couch, next to me
*trigger warning*The rain poured out of nowhere, causing me to bolt into the cab in a hurry. Once I was in, I placed the box of art material beside me with a smile. I was certain that Hilary was going to give me an earful of rant for buying her another set of brushes. Last month, I had surprised her when we went to an art gallery of her favorite modern artist. She was so ecstatic to see those modern arts with me. She even managed to buy one of his masterpiece as a keepsake for attending a launching event for the first time.All I ever wanted is to make her happy. Since we moved in together three months ago, our relationship got stronger. Although there were some arguments, we wouldn't let it pass midnight and would just talk it out like a mature couple. We shared our dreams with each other and we adjusted our flaws according to our individuality. We both struggled to manage our schedules because she'd started her part-time job in a library near the university just two weeks ago while
The deadly silence of the room enamored the scene underneath my sight. I couldn't hear anything but I was seeing his bare body towering over me, his hands around my neck. The dark shades of his orbs were the roots of evil, anger was prominent as they stared at mine. The air was so rare, serenity was nowhere to be found. My lung wasn't functioning as it tried to seek even an ounce of life.He had a mad smile on his face, relieving himself using my damaged soul. It was sickening, how he moved against my body. I wanted to shut my eyes and just take all the illusion away. I was aware that this was just a nightmare I had no control with. The nightmare that could possibly happen afterward, if all else had failed.At least, there was no pain. But only deadly silence. And once I finally found a chance to breathe, I screamed at the top of my lungs, knowing it would be my key to reality.Once again, I jerked up and raced for a breath of air. Then I quickly moved my eyes to Hilary, but this time
I didn't want to admit it but I was saddened by the news that Mad was gonna leave today. Her job here was already done. Even though I'd only known her for a while, she'd already made a huge impact in our lives and someday, I would have the chance to pay her back for saving my life, that's for sure. Despite her assurance that we were going to be safe from now on, still, I was holding this poisonous threat in my heart. If I was to decide, I wanted Hilary's personal bodyguard to stay with us, like forever. I'd finally considered her as our friend already, despite my irritation towards her the first time we've met. She grew on me along with her insightful advice."Are you sure you don't want us to drop you off at the airport?" Hilary asked Mad, hugging her tight.As usual, Mad felt awkward at the gesture, causing me to smile endearingly at them. "You're squeezing her so hard, waltz. Let her breathe."Hilary stepped an inch away while pouting at her bodyguard adorably. "I'm gonna miss you,
"Are you sure about this?" Quinn asked, glancing at me curiously."I need this closure," I said faintly. It was still early in the morning and yet, the dark cloud was already blocking the rays of the sun. The weather seemed to match my mood at this moment— dreadful and dark. The wind caressing my hair and skin from the open window of my sister's car greatly sent the aroma of the cold daybreak.We were on our way back to our town. I had to do this so that I could see him with my own eyes— that he's gonna be there, confined with his life rotting away. My rage for him was so palpable but somewhere in my heart, I pitied him. In the first place, he was mentally damaged because of the life that was forcefully shoved into him. That Malum tortured and brainwashed Jet's whole existence like a trained lion in a circus. However, we all have choices and Jet chose to be consumed by his own insanity. He let others systemize his own beliefs and his own life. And those choices nearly called upon the
"Hey, you're still staring at your portrait? You love it that much, huh?" Hilary questioned, hugging me from behind. She gently swayed our bodies together side by side, toning the atmosphere into the essence of sweetness.With an unbreaking smile, I eagerly nodded. We were standing in my study room and I'd been gawking at the painting of mine since I came home from my last class of the day. It astounded me to the core that someone painted me for the first time.This work of art that Hilary had given me for my birthday was the best thing I'd ever receive as a present in my whole life. Aside from the fact that it was from perfect her, I was also overwhelmed by the smudges of bright acrylic dyes covering the grudges area underneath my whole feature. It was an absolute abstract of my face tinted with sophistication and beyond."I love it so much. I can't stop staring at it every time I come here," I said, beaming happily.Hilary giggled, kissing me on my shoulder. "I'm glad you do because
A soft caress stirred me awake from unconsciousness. Gently, I opened my eyes to see my gorgeous masterpiece who was holding my hand tightly on her cheek. Her eyes were already submitting to sleep but she was trying to fight it. I was about to reach out for her but a sudden pain at the back of my head halted me."My waltz," I groaned out, breaking her subliminal state to abrupt panic. Hilary blinked as if she was just dreaming. I squeezed her hand tightly to emphasize my presence while I lifted my other hand to touch my head. However, Hilary was quick to stop me, pushing my arm back down."No, Klo. They just put a bandage on your wound," she said, her tone was full of concern.That was my cue to scan the surroundings and I could tell that I was in a hospital room. My memories charged back in my head and it instantly produced a fear within my system. Pushing myself to sit up, my girlfriend carefully guided me as she stood up from her seat."W-What happened?"Hilary sat on the edge of t
"Happy Birthday!! Make a wish!"I timidly smile at them while Hilary raised the cake in front of me. I closed my eyes and only wished for the happiness of all the people I love the most. It was something general but would be worth it anyway in the long run. Opening my eyes, I blew off all the ninety candles and Hilary smeared my face with coffee frosting. I chuckled, giving her a warning look, to which she responded with a wink.Arisa and Quinn clapped as they seated on the other side of the table. We were in the VIP room of the dining restaurant that Hilary had booked for us. The place was already an old restaurant but just renovated months ago so the sophisticated interior looked fresh in the eye. It smelled like a scented paint mixed with the aroma coming from the kitchen. It seemed a popular dine-in stop as I noticed that the area was almost already full. I wondered how she had managed to reserve this private space, knowing that she had already spent half of her allowance for the