A First Novel: A story about love and reality

By Angie Nongthombam

Summer Avery Hayes has had only one true dream: Netherlands. All she has ever done and worked so hard for over the years are only towards that. Now she’s starting college - the step which will take her closer than ever towards her dream and all goes very well until she meets Elijah. He makes her question things up to a point where she seemingly starts to realize a lot, especially about herself.
Then comes the history trip of their college which ends up bringing them together for a day, making her realize she doesn't want to neither deny what she feels nor stay away from him. And so does he. But, when all odds start turning against them, the choices Elijah is left with will either make or break Summer. However, if he avoids making a choice, she could end up destroying herself with her own hands. The main problem was the consequences of the right choice would snatch away from him the home he found.... again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers
• Release date: Dec 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9789357043847

Book preview

Chapter - 1

I stood there in front of my doorstep with a suitcase, a cabin bag and my tote bag hanging low and heavy as I pushed back all the thoughts and feelings I didn’t want to confront. I’d waited for this moment forever because it was one step closer to my all-time dream - The Netherlands. It honestly never mattered what I did there; all I ever cared about was being there. And beginning my college degree was the step that always felt the closest to my dream.

But, it was hitting in. Finally. People told me it would hit me in the right moment - in the moment leaving home would become a thing of the present, but I never paid heed. I guess I should’ve, because right now, I felt like shit and the worst part of it all was the fact that I didn’t have a single clue as to what to do and how to feel better.

Dad was backing the car out the garage, Mamma was packing dry fruit for me in the kitchen and Ethan was getting ready in his room. I was finally starting college in like two hours but this wasn’t the exact way I had imagined. All the excitement seemed to be nowhere. In fact, right this moment, I found it hard to look back even for a second because I’d end up doing the inevitable and it was honestly the last thing I wanted to do.

My dilemma felt very, very, convoluted because even though I felt like crap, I wanted to feel the absolute opposite. It was tiring to even talk about it because I knew that, either way, I would’ve felt guilty. But, I couldn’t deny one thing - that was for sure.

I was going to miss a lot of things here, things that had once annoyed and irritated me. I guess goodbyes can make you miss those things you once thought would be better if they were gone. I didn’t mean like it was a permanent goodbye or something like that, but it was a goodbye to the place I call home. And it was a goodbye to that home for the first time in my life.

As I lost myself in my melancholic thoughts, a honk brought me back to reality. Looking to my left, I saw Dad waiting, signalling me to bring all my packed stuff to the car. Forcing myself to snap out of my thoughts, I started moving towards him. Besides, it was a good distraction.

I walked down the pavement in front of my house and reached the car. Opening the trunk, I started loading my things in. Dad came out of the car to help me. As he loaded the last of it, he said, Honey, come on. Don’t ruin your mood because of a couple of months. You will be back in no time.

Startled, I asked, What do you mean? I didn’t want to admit it right away because I was scared that I would just end up crying.

Are you seriously going to act clueless? There was a calming comfort in his eyes that kept me on the ground. It was relieving to know that my father could see right through me. I gave him a surrendered smile before he hugged me lovingly - a long, tight one which seemed to say ‘You will be just fine’. Pulling away from the hug, he gave me a warm smile and held both of my shoulders as he reassured me, "Summer, you‘ve got this."

I sighed. There was so much confidence and belief in his eyes. I felt the hollowness and my quandary draining out of me as certainty took over. I searched for any clues or hints that could prove to me that he had just said it to comfort me but I found nothing - just pure honesty and faith.

Thanks, Dad, I said, with another smile. Not for his advice, but for him.

I didn’t do anything. It's you that made yourself believe that you can do this. But now, run inside and call your mother and your brother. We are running late. Virginia is two hours away and we have to reach there by two O’clock latest.

I nodded, smiling widely. I sprinted back, the air around me caressing my cheek as I felt a sense of closure. Everything vanished when I saw my brother dearest in the living room on his phone, not paying any heed to anything. I rolled my eyes.

Ethan please get up and go to the car. Dad is waiting. We are running late. I said. He didn’t reply, of course, it was not surprising at all. Rolling my eyes again, I turned back to call mom when I saw his still-not-touched breakfast. Ethan? You still didn’t eat your breakfast?! He still didn’t reply. He didn’t even look up.

FOR GOD’S SAKE REPLY! ARE YOU DEAF?! My annoyance peaked now.

What. Do. You. Want? He answered, a minute later and finally looking up from his stupid phone. I glared at him angrily.

Yeah, keep on glaring. You look bad anyways, This was our usual routine by the way.

Oh, so you heard what I said. I am so surprised! I am going to put this in the newspaper whenever I come back that Ethan finally heard what I said.

I heard everything that you said okay? It's just that I think answering your 24/7 blah blah blah isn’t a useful thing. You know, saving my energy. He emphasized on my energy a lot more to piss me off more. I folded my arms and kept on glaring at him angrily as he rolled his eyes at my reaction.

Now what happened? Mamma said, coming out of her room. We both looked at her. The same old one. Your daughter shouting at me for useless things, Ethan answered immediately, again back to his phone and rolling his eyes. I cringed at it; he looked really bad doing that. I whispered an ‘ew’ under my breath but it was not like I was scared for him to listen.

Yeah right, telling him to hurry up and getting angry at him for still not eating his breakfast is useless, right? I defended myself, still looking at him. And besides, don’t roll your eyes because you look bad. As usual. This time, I emphasized on ‘as usual’. He frowned at my insult before looking at me and narrowing his eyes.

You look worse, I added, laughing in an evil way. And your witch laugh is disgusting. He commented back. Stop it, you both, Mamma cut us off. Ethan, will you ever take anything seriously? We are running late and if you don’t eat your breakfast in like five minutes, you are staying back.

That did its work. Fine okay, He answered, traces of annoyance in his tone. I victoriously smirked and chuckled softly, but loud enough for him to hear. He looked back at me and frowned to which I raised my eyebrows, smiling evilly. He didn’t retaliate.

I won. Walking up to the dining table, he started eating his breakfast. I walked up to the fridge to pack some sodas when Mamma called us out from the door. Summer, wait for your brother and come together. You two better hurry. It’s already late. Lock the house after you.

Sure! I answered. I packed three to four cans of soda in a paper bag that I found in one of the cupboards. I looked over to check if he was done or not. His eyes were still glued to his phone but he was eating too, so there was progress at least. It was all boring waiting for him until I heard the sound of a text. As far as I knew him, he rarely talked over text; it was always calls or nothing.

Who are you talking to? Psycho Chloe? I teased him.

"I have told you so many times that we broke up."

Yeah, I know. I just didn’t believe she let you go. She was so in love with you,

Please, I was never serious with her to begin with and she being in love with me sounds like a joke, He chuckled. She was hooking up with the entire baseball team so yeah. There was no trace of sadness or hesitation on his part.

Oh dang, harsh. Glad she is gone, she was a bitch anyways. He didn’t reply and ignored me again.

I sat down on one of the chairs and opened an extra can when he suddenly looked at me and said, You know what, I’m seeing someone.

I felt my eyes widen as my chin dropped open so wide. WHO?!

Calm down dumbass. Her name is Evelyn; she lives three blocks away, moved in three weeks back from Philly. I’ve had my eyes on her since like the first day.

Is she a witch too, just like your previous groupies?

Shut up, He answered. She is just so… nice and kind to everyone. Doesn’t feel the need to fake and even stood up for the boy who everyone bullies for his weight. I was so impressed. I started liking her since then. He had gotten all shy now.

Damn! My brother is serious with a girl? I leaned back and smiled. That sounds almost impossible. I’m sure she is something.

She is, He assured, blushing and still eating.

Tell me more. I said, putting my elbows on the dining table.

Not now, I’ll tell you in the car. If I continue now, I am not sure I will be alive to be with her. He pursed his lips, and I knew exactly what he meant.

Okay, I get it. But I should be the first one to know if something ever happens. I pointed my index finger at him, giving him a glare.

Geez, okay fine, now let's move. I don’t want to die. He got up, keeping the empty plate in the sink. I nodded happily.

We fought a lot, precisely at least five times a day. But sometimes, we got along just fine, just like now. It was a sibling thing; we never felt the need to apologize because deep down, our fights never affected us. We knew we got each other’s back, always. And that, that was enough.

Chapter - 2

Mamma woke me up saying, Honey, we’ve reached. Wake up.

I got up from my sleeping position and forthwith saw Ethan using his phone, smiling and typing which elicited my curiosity causing me to look over. It was in formal terms, an invasion of privacy but it was Ethan we were talking about. He was too busy to stop me anyways. My suspicions were correct; he was chatting with that Evelyn girl since god knows when. I shot him a teasing smile, raising one eyebrow which led to him hitting me on my elbow. Hard.

Ouch, that hurt! I snarled.

I don’t care! He snapped back.

Please, for god sake! Not now. Mamma snapped, overpowering our petty fight. We reached your campus, Summer. Get up you both. I looked up with my left hand still on my right elbow where that trash-face hit me and saw a square building with three floors — it was built very simply with white-washed walls, several single-hung windows equally spaced apart in each floor with a gigantic entrance door right at the middle where hung a big ‘WELCOME’ banner above it.

As we got out of the car, we didn’t waste any time going inside. Walking inside the building, I noticed that the interior looked much better than the exterior; it had a much classier look with contemporary paintings and pictures hung almost everywhere. A sofa set with a big T.V was kept on the left side of the huge hallway while the staircase was down the hallway, around 20 steps from us. My first thought was I didn’t think anyone used the T.V often as everyone had their phones 24/7 with them.

Excuse me? May I help you? A woman asked us, approaching from a different direction. I turned to see a short woman dressed formally and smiling warmly. Hello, I’m Victoria Johnson, The woman introduced herself. And I’m the caretaker of the hostel. How can I help you?

She had short wolf-cut hair, heart-shaped face, brown almond eyes that radiated a welcoming aura. She had some papers clipped to a clipboard and a pen in her hands.

Hi, we are the Hayes family. We are here for our daughter, Summer Avery Hayes. Mamma said.

Okay, let me see. Please wait for a while,

It took her a minute to confirm. Yes, she is in Room 5 and she is sharing her room with another girl, Yvonne Roberts. She will be arriving soon. She is a freshman, right?

Yes, Mom answered.

Okay. Here is the key. The staircase is on the other side from here and her room is the fifth one from the right. Have a good day, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. Mrs. Johnson wished, smiling warmly.

Thank you, you too, Mrs. Johnson, Mamma wished back.

As we moved to the other side of the building where I saw a glimpse of the stairs, I started examining the place all the more. It was bigger than I expected. Finding my room wasn’t hard since we got it right away; Dad unlocked the door and stepped back to let me get the first look. Once I saw it, I felt satisfaction surging within me. It turned out way better than I expected it to be, and I couldn’t have been more thankful. The room gave off cabin vibes because of the types of furniture used - all were made from wooden materials; the floorings were done with Parquet flooring, formed from short wooden blocks or strips arranged into a geometric pattern while the walls were covered with Rio wood.

There was a wooden bunk bed at the left corner of the room and a small bedside table which was the only non-wooden furniture in the whole room. A door was just beside it which turned out to be the bathroom. Then, there were two wooden study desks with a small lamp on each and there was a small-but-enough-for-two attached closet on the right wall. One of the study desks was placed beside the entrance door on the left while the other desk is placed beside the entrance on the right. There was also a big wooden cabinet with four drawers and a small sofa with a table beside the cabinet. The room was bigger than I imagined.

Do you like it, honey? Mamma asked, smiling down at me.

Yeah, I think it's perfect, I answered, smiling.

I am glad you liked it, Dad said, smiling back.

Yeah alright, she likes the room and everything else, I am happy for her and good for her, but I am getting bored, Dad, can we please go take a walk so that I can breathe in the fresh air? Ethan asked, frowning in irritation.

Can you not be annoying for once? I narrowed my eyes at him.

I want to. None of your business, He answered, unbothered.

Okay if you are just going to continue fighting, we are leaving. Ethan, find your own way back. Dad interrupted.

But, I’m 17. How will I? Ethan asked hurriedly, worried now.

Exactly our point. Who fights at 17 and 19?

We shrugged, letting it go. But even as we moved downstairs after a bit of my unpacking, we showed each other our tongues as an act to satisfy our egos. I couldn’t let him win, and it wasn’t any different for him.

We visited the campus cafeteria for a quick snack as Mamma and Dad decided to head back now. The feeling from earlier this morning was now coming back eagerly as the realization hit me that I wasn’t going to be seeing their faces first thing in the morning. There was a painful lump in my throat as I tried to swallow the food in my mouth before failing miserably. It was another hour until they finally headed out to leave. Before leaving, they all hugged me.

Honey, you are going to be away from us for the first time. Be careful of what you do and your actions. Whenever you need anything, call us anytime. Be careful and stay safe. I love you. Mamma said, tearfully. It was visible how harshly she was taking it all in. I tried my best not to tear up but due to my vulnerability being on its peak, I couldn’t stop myself.

I nodded. I love you too. She hugged me tightly then but this time, I could feel that she didn’t want to let go. I could hear her weeping on my shoulder softly which made me weaker. She pulled away and weakly smiled. I forced one out too because no matter what, I couldn’t tear up like her. One of us had to stay strong.

She stepped back, letting Dad take her position. What did I tell you this morning?

That I have got this and I will be just fine, I replied, trying to hide my tears.

That's right. Always remember that you are stronger than you think you are. Take care. I love you, honey. We will miss you a lot.

Dad was kind of those people who was super reserved about his feelings and emotions. For some reason, he always avoided letting it all out. He was also an expert at hiding it but it was not like he was bottling it up - it was just his way of coping. But today, his face betrayed how he felt. I wasn’t going to be there with them for the first time and that affected him. His facial expressions destroyed the mask I wore just so I could hide my tears.

I love you too, I heard myself saying right after. I didn’t continue because I could hear my voice breaking and knew I would lose it if I spoke more. He stepped back, seemingly trying to hold himself together.

Ethan came up then. Take care, witch. Don’t focus too much on boys and study. He made funny faces, trying to loosen up the situation. I mentally thanked God for the distraction. And don’t worry about Evelyn. You will be the first person to know if anything happens, I promise.

He sighed, going quiet for a second before adding, I never told you this before because it's a really sentimental and cheesy line but I hope you know that no matter how shit you are, I love you. And I got your back. Always. His eyes shone in the yellow light of the evening sun over the horizon.

I laughed through the tears, nodding. I know. And I feel the same way about your disgusting ass.

This is the first time I don’t feel annoyed at you for insulting me.

I laughed again. Same.

He hugged me then as I immediately hugged him back. His strong arms emitted its brotherly warmth, wrapping me like a quilt and I hoped his warmth would stay around me forever. We pulled away heavily as he flashed me another sad smile before walking towards the car, following them. They drove away slowly, all of them waving a heavy farewell to me before finally driving out and soon out of my sight. I sighed heavily, feeling the lump still in my throat as I lost it. I cried softly watching the now empty street, aside from a few other families doing what we were just doing.

I let myself cry openly, not wanting to go back inside full of unshed tears. It took me another ten minutes to recollect myself. Once I was sure of it, I exhaled quickly, wiping my tears as I fanned myself with my hand, letting the wind slightly freshen my face up. I turned to go back inside but I stopped on my tracks when I noticed the sky. Squinting my eyes, I looked up and saw the clear, pleasant sky of Virginia. I looked around and realized just how beautiful evenings were out here, especially inside the campus.

I looked up again. The orange-yellow mixture of the sky stayed still, calm and peaceful; the wind slightly picked up its pace, bringing a cool effect on my face. It felt nice. I closed my eyes and let the moment just go on, wanting the sky to impart some of its calmness and peace to me as well. As if it heard me manifesting it, I felt a strange kind of peace and calm swirling its way in, slight at first but picking up its pace rapidly as it went on. I opened my eyes. The orange-yellow now seemed to be smiling down at me which I returned wholeheartedly. It made me remember what dad had once told me when I was very young, sticking with me ever since.

’Try looking at your surroundings as an indication for something when you are in a situation. The situation might be a bad one or a good one. It doesn’t matter. But I simply believe that nature wants to help us in many situations only if we pay attention to them and observe them.’

His words had helped, as I always knew it would. Everything that I had just experienced was proof that I was at the right place, and at the right time. I believed in it completely. I walked back inside with a smile on my face, the new-found confidence burning me with such enthusiasm and motivation alongside excitement. I was now looking forward to the next three years and beyond because I really was getting closer to my dream, and no matter what happened, I was going to fulfil them. But everything vanished for a while when I saw a woman sitting on the sofa in my room, checking the place out.

Her back was turned to me. She had long brown curls with blue lowlights that hid the upper-half of her body flawlessly, her hands inside the pockets of her beige cargo joggers which she paired with a solid white tank top. She sighed softly before turning to me. The moment she saw me, her lips curled up to a bright smile. Hey! You must be Summer. I’m Yvonne. Yvonne Roberts. She approached me and offered a handshake.

I, as awkward as usual, just stood still, staring at the woman right in front of me who I was still trying to figure out if she was really a human or a goddess. From her eyes to her nose, lips, brows and everything, it all looked as if God sat down and carved it all in the most tender and careful way. It almost felt unreal because never did I think I would get to see someone as beautiful as her, let alone roommate.

Hello? She waved at me, confused and a bit of concern flickering in her blue eyes.

I quickly snapped myself out of it, not wanting to create a bad impression in front of my new roommate. H-Hi! I’m so- I’m so sorry…

She flashed me another bright smile then, her perfect white showing this time. It’s okay. Don’t worry about that.

Th-Thank you, I managed to speak. My introverted ass was failing miserably at keeping up with her. She sounded like the perfect deal. Beautiful and looked kind as well. I knew it was too fast to say it but I was all about instinct and the aura she emitted felt comforting and kind to be in.

It’s your room as well so come in, sweetie. She took my hand and took me inside.

I’m actually kind of introverted so… forgive me if I make you awkward. I admitted softly.

Oh no, nothing like that. That’s normal, She smiled kindly again. But, my handshake is still pending. She added.

The next thing I knew, I was laughing at her words. She looked at me gratefully. I’m glad I made you laugh.

Definitely a kind person. I was now smiling too. You sound so kind.

That’s what the quote says. Why be anything else when you can be kind? Being kind in this world is satisfying. Try it.

I found myself smiling again. Taking my hand out to give her, her pending handshake, I said, I will,

She shook my hand. Friends? I nodded excitedly.

For some reason, it felt like the start of something beautiful.

Chapter - 3

I walked out of the bathroom just to meet a glaring Yvonne.

What happened? I asked, chuckling.

She kept on glaring at me. But then, her desperation she had suppressed earlier shoved its way out and sat evidently on her face until she couldn’t anymore. I want to pee! She squealed in desperation, pushing me out of the way and closing the door on my face with a bang. I jumped slightly, still wanting to laugh.

Sorry! I shouted.

You are not forgiven! She shouted back. We both knew she was kidding but my apology was actually genuine.

The previous day, she showed us around a bit which bonded us. She was majoring in Anthropology with a minor in history while I was doing my major in Journalism with a minor also in history. Growing up, Netherlands was my sole dream but one day in 9th grade, I had volunteered to join the journalism club in my school because we all had to join at least one club and that was how my second dream was born. I had combined them both hence wanting to become a journalist in the Netherlands became my ultimate dream.

The bathroom door opened. Phew, Yvonne muttered, relief all over her face. I’ll forgive you only on one condition. She added, wiping her hands on the towel beside her bed.

What is that?

There is a party tonight hosted by Jason. Jason James. Or more commonly known as JJ.

Okay, where will this party be held? And who is Jason James?

Son of a business tycoon. I have known him and his gang since school. Start of a new semester that’s why he is throwing a party, She explained. But mind you, they are all in their second year.

I nodded. Okay. Count me in. I was introverted. I knew that. But I didn’t want to stay the same. I wanted change. And this party would give me the opportunity to do so. It was going to be hard but I wanted to socialize, even if it was a little bit because something was better than nothing. And my high school experience was the exact definition of nothing.

Damn, I didn’t think you would give in so easily. She gave me an impressed look, throwing the towel she was using at me. I caught it on time, keeping it on her bed for her.

Yeah, I want some change I think.

I’m so glad. Trust me, I won’t make you regret it. She winked, before grabbing her car keys and walking out of the room. Be ready by six. I’ll come pick you up.

Where are you going?

To exchange the car with my car which my brother had taken for his road trip. She answered. Yvonne lived 30 minutes away from our campus. Talk about being lucky.

I’ll go then Hayes. Bye! See you!

Yeah sure. Bye! I said, as I watched her go. I grabbed a book from my rack (I was finished with my unpacking by this morning) and sat down by the window as I read.

* * *

We reached, Yvonne announced, unbuckling her belt.

So fast? I was trying to unbuckle my seatbelt but that stupid seatbelt wasn’t just getting unbuckled.

Yeah, I drove fast too. The party house is nearby; I told you that before.

It took us only around 5 minutes to reach the party house. But as she said, she actually drove fast. Not like the way in races but still fast enough. I did tell her to slow down since we were in no hurry but her answer was, The road is pretty deserted. Don’t worry. I mentally thanked the lord for not making someone cross the road out of the sudden.

We got out of the car and started walking inside. The Iron Gate to the house where the party was headed was visible clearly even in the dark from the parking lot. She took the lead, the sound of her stilettos steady and confident, mirroring her usual confidence. A guard opened the gate for us as we walked in. The noises from inside the house were now clearly heard, with music blasting from each and every corner of the house. Few were outside smoking and drinking.

I was never a party person and I could literally count the number of parties I have gone to in my life. This was like the fourth or the fifth one for sure.

Come in Hayes. It will be fun, She said, taking my hand and smiling. She gave me a light squeeze, a sign of reassurance that she was there with me. For me. She was the first person with whom I had felt this comfortable so quickly. It was almost as if she knew me and the kind of person I was the moment her eyes landed on me. A good person reader, or maybe I was just too easy to read. Or she was what we call, our platonic soulmate, for me.

We walked inside, hand in hand as we witnessed a bunch of people dancing, drinking and laughing wildly as if the party had already started. The moment I stepped in, the air of the party hit me. This was exactly what I had avoided my entire high school but ironically, I was at one. So much for change.

But nevertheless, I had to admit: the house was cleaned up pretty well; the host knew exactly how to plan a party. I sighed, impressed but my confusion hadn’t been expelled from me yet so, I looked over at Yvonne and to my surprise, she was taking a look around with a confused glance.

Hey, the party starts at six right? I asked, raising my voice because the music was too loud.

Y-Yeah. I mean Jason told me it starts at six. Actually, don’t ask me, I am confused too,

I continued to stare at her with folded arm, to which she shot me back a look which spoke, ‘Don’t give me that look. We are in the same boat’.

Come on, let’s just join in. Maybe he made a mistake? I said. I myself couldn’t believe I was saying those words.

Jason never messes with the party timings, espec—

Hey Yvonne! Welcome! Why are you late, dude? Someone with a deep voice interrupted her from behind. I turned around to see a tall guy with hair as dark as the night sky and tanned skin. His brown eyes glowed under the disco ball all around, his chiselled face making his cheekbones stand out in the ever shifting colour of the party lights. He flashed a toothy smile at us, making him look more attractive than he already was.

Jason, you told me that the party starts at six, Yvonne confronted.

Okay, so he was Jason James. Or JJ.

Oh shit. Didn’t I text you that it's been shifted to five because the Dean said it's a college night so the party has to start early and end early?

No. She answered, annoyed.

Oh shit, sorry mate. I promise it won’t happen again. His eyes gleamed with sincerity and guilt, and for a flash second, I felt as if they already had something going on or they shared something in the past. The familiarity in their chemistry was just too evident.

It's okay, but anyways, I don’t plan on drinking heavily tonight because I came for her, Yvonne said, putting her left arm over me. She is Summer Hayes, my friend and roommate. She looked at me and smiled.

Oh hey there newbie, His eyes shifted to me. I’m Jason James and the host of the party. Welcome to Dalewood, where you get to meet the most amazing kind of people, starting from our squad. He said in an amused tone. This guy was surely proud of his squad. He then lends his hand out for a handshake.

Hi, I’m Summer, I greeted back, lending out my hand for the handshake. And the party is amazing! You sure do know how to make a party thriving. Thank you for the warm welcome.

Oh, thank you so much. That's so sweet of you. Feel free to hang around and do anything, He offered me a warm smile, before turning back to Yvonne. Yvonne, the whole squad is upstairs and it's been so long so you got to join us. Bring her with you. That way, she can meet more people.

Not any other people but your squad. If there are any pole dancers upstairs from your dad's bar then I’m not coming. She won’t feel comfortable.

Yeah, my squad are also people and don’t worry, there are none. We’ve all been taking a break from that. He assured her.

Yeah right, as if I don’t know that you can’t live without sex and girls but okay, I believe you tonight. But, if you lied about it, you are dead, Jason.

"Fine, mate. Now let's go. We have a lot to catch up with. He said we have a lot to catch up with" more quietly as if he didn’t want her to hear but as I was nearer to him, I heard it which added up more to my little suspicion. But, I couldn’t guarantee the fact that she didn’t.

Soon, both were leading the way so I quietly followed them. I trusted her and it was enough for me. We took the stairs, stopping when we reached the third floor. It was less crowded and quieter which brought instant relief to my soul. There were even lesser rooms, with the only sound coming from the opposite end of the floor - faint and lighter. He took us both to the same direction from where the sound was coming, multiple voices laughing and talking while we were fainter earlier clearly heard now.

There was a huge entrance door right at the end of the massive hallway, leading to a huge room inside. Jason entered, spreading his arms out as he excitedly said, Yo! Guess who’s with me right now?

There were around 5-6 guys in the room as expected, all with a full glass. They all looked up, hearing his voice but I noticed one of them in particular. With warm olive skin, blue eyes, dirty brown hair and sharp features, it almost felt impossible to not notice him. As he looked, his chiselled face got more into shape showing off his perfectly-shaped jawline and cheekbones, a natural blush of pink glowing all over his cheeks. Even from a distance, I could see his freckles on his pointed nose, scattered bit by bit while his thin bow-shaped lips parted ever so slightly making him look so adorable. His mysterious aura felt thin yet calm. It was almost as if this guy could just breathe, and I’d still find it worth admiring. His serious eyes then suddenly fell on me and I was sure I would faint because of how intense and deeply beautiful it was. I suddenly could see the sparkling ocean water on his eyes, swaying gracefully, all bathed under the warm sun accompanied by the sound of its satisfied waves. The unknown guy right here legit gave me a full-on virtual ocean visit experience at just one glance and it shocked me to my core that someone did that to me. To say he was the most beautiful human I had ever laid eyes on sounded less than the bare minimum; I needed beyond words to do justice to him because all the words in the dictionary fell short in front of him.

He was that beautiful. God really had favourites.

What was he? What was the instant connection that I felt? And why couldn’t I explain it?

Summer. Hello? Yvonne shook me hard. Dude, are you even listening to me?

Oh yeah, I snapped out. I’m sorry… I wandered off.

Yeah, you did. Anyway, I would like to introduce you to some people, She said smiling. Summer, they are the squad. Back in grade 10th, few people started calling them the squad because they’d always hang out together. Ever since then, this is what everybody calls them collectively. They are all sophomores,

Then, she pointed her finger to the guy on my left and began introducing. This is Ryder Hudson, Ian Hastings, Liam Brown, Preston Miller an—

Elijah. Grey. The mystery Greek God stood up, interrupting Yvonne and introducing himself.

I felt too numb to speak. When he stood up, I noticed him more - with a tall and muscular figure, he stood confident, looking at everybody from time to time, laughing alongside and never saying a word. The conversation going on was on mute to my ears because my eyes were fixed on this man. He wore a plain white t-shirt that covered his neck fully on top of which he wore a white and blue varsity jacket pairing it with light blue boyfriend jeans which folded slightly at his ankles showing the plain white striped socks he wore with white Nike Air force. His dirty brown hair was messy and untamed, adding more to his beauty. Suddenly, his deep piercing blue eyes met mine with such intensity that I felt like he would hypnotize me the next second if I didn’t look away.

Except that I didn’t.

I couldn’t.

It was like my whole body and every part in me had signed an agreement that allowed him to hypnotize me just by his eyes. If eyes could capture, I would have been captured, happily. And that was the problem.

Instantly and immediately, I hated the way he made me feel because I felt so powerless and so dependent and the elephant in here wasn’t how he made me feel - it was how I had never felt like this for anyone else ever before.

I had always felt I had everything because I was blessed in many ways of life - at least I considered myself to be. I got everything that I had always asked for and I didn’t ask for more because I never felt the need to. And why should I? I was happy and content. Like truly. It felt like I had everything. Every single thing.

Until tonight.

Now, it was almost as if my bag of happiness wasn’t really enough anymore. Something else felt missing. And this something else seemed so strong and powerful because the desperation in me to find out what it was made me grow so restless in the middle of the party. It was then it hit me that it had always been missing but it took tonight and a chance encounter of one beautiful guy to make me realize it. But now the problem was, I couldn’t really figure out what. What was it that I was missing?

Chapter - 4

You said just one drink, Yvonne. Just one. Nice joke, I scolded, trying to drag her till the car. She was pretty drunk and wasn’t in a good state to balance herself so I had to give support and take her to the car. Yeah, I know how she said she wouldn’t be surprised! She ended up drinking enough to put her in this condition.

She shrugged. Why… are we… leaving so… She hiccupped, So fast? She looked at me.

Because you are drunk and need rest. I took the keys from her pocket and opened the car's door.

Okay, She said but I was sure she understood none of my words.

After meeting the boys, she and I had gone downstairs to grab a drink - A DRINK. I was aware of how she contradicted what I just said. She even went against her own word. When we reached our building, we met Mrs. Johnson downstairs near the stairs. She smiled at us, her eyes glowing with gratitude that we chose to respect the little she asked from us.

Let her rest. She looks pretty drunk. She said, chuckling.

Yeah she is. I tried to hide the surprise on my face. This was not at all how I expected her to react. I expected a little bit of annoyance at how Yvonne came back but there wasn’t even a tint of it. I wished her a good night and started walking up the stairs to our room. When we reached our room, I put her on her bed and just collapsed on my bed. Neither did I think of changing in my sleepwear nor did I realize when I dozed off. I just did, and the next moment I realized what's happening, I heard someone sobbing and crying their heart out.

Curious, I looked down from my bed just to make sure it wasn’t her, and as partly expected, she wasn’t there, so I eyed around in the darkroom with sleepy eyes to try checking where she was, but in vain.

Sulking, I decided to step down from my bed which was the upper one to get a better look of her whereabouts, when instantly, my eyes darted to the small sofa and saw Yvonne crying there. I instantly ran to her as fast as my legs could.

Oh my god, Yvonne! Are you okay? What happened?!

She quickly turned. Realizing she woke me up and started wiping her tears, pretending everything was okay but she was too late for that.

Summer, I’m sorry I woke you up… I’m okay, really… yo-you go to bed and sleep, I’ll be there soon, She was stuttering.

For hell sure, I am not going back to sleep and for fuck sake you aren’t okay. Tell me what happened, I’m here for you. Talk to me, please,

Right after I spoke those words, she collapsed on me and started weeping. Witnessing her in this situation broke me; I had never thought a soul like Yvonne could also break down like this. She looked so weak and… helpless. Her frame against me shook slightly due to her bitter weeping that it scared me. The defeat that seemed to be burning on her skin and beyond rubbed some of its effect on me, making me realize how horrible she must’ve been feeling.

Hey, I whispered. I didn’t know what to say but I didn’t give up. Cry it out loud if it helps. As soon as those words escaped my mouth, she weeped harder and louder. Right at this moment, she looked so vulnerable that the darkness of the night failed to overcast her vulnerability, for it was gleaming on her like a lamp was placed in a fully dark room. I could see the pain behind those blue eyes flickering in the faint light of the corridor. And I couldn’t understand why.

I knew I’d known her for less than forty-eight hours which wasn’t enough to qualify me to speak about her in such a deep way as if I’d known her since forever but there were times when you just click with someone whom you have just met - Yvonne was one of those people to me. In just a short period, she had made a place for herself in my heart and our friendship was something to be cherished forever. It might not make sense to some people out there but to me, it did so perfectly. A true friend was something I never had until I met her. These one and a half days with her proved to me that friendship was something beyond priceless but only when you find your people. Behind her kind, cheerful, and always smiling face, there was something that was troubling her beyond imagination, and it broke my heart to know that I couldn’t be of any help so far.

I don’t even know what to say, I said honestly. But, I wish I knew. I wish that I knew.

She wiped her tears as she pulled away. You are already here for me. That’s enough. Thank you so much. Her voice was still breaking but I could hear the honest gratitude in her tone.

I won’t ask you to share but you know that you can. I can be your punching bag,

She laughed, softly hitting me on my shoulders. No, don’t say that,

Okay, I won’t.

She shrugged then, hanging her head low but her tears had ceased. I gave her the moment she needed. Another five seconds in, and I was proven right. She and Jason did share a history; a little less than a year ago, they had their one night stand with no intention or hope for anything whatsoever but little did they know, feelings stirred in after just a night which led to