“Tests are coming up and all you do is play around?” He shouted at her.
She flinched and tears started rolling down her cheeks.
“I am sorry.” She apologised.
“Sorry? I told you to always read so that you won't disappoint dad but here you are running around.” He complained.
“What? You have always told me what to do. Don’t I have my life to live? I am a grown girl, will you please stop controlling me.” She shouted out of frustration.
“That is where you are getting all wrong.” He said.
“You are my sister and I will always want the best for you. But whenever I see you slacking off. I just get enraged, you know. Dad…” He said as he pulled her into a hug.
“We are not from the same mother but I love you so much like a real sister.” He said as he pecked her forehead.
“I am sorry for annoying you. It is just that..”
“I know, I understand.” He said.
“I wish to be as free as the stars in the sky.” She said as she looked up.
The stars were in their brightest form that night.
He sat beside her and stared at the sky also.
“I also wish for that too but guess fate is so callous.” He thought aloud.
“This is ten minutes past ten.” He said as he looked at his wristwatch.
“They will close the gates of the dorms in thirty minutes time, hurry and go before they close it.” He said as he stood up.
She stood up sluggishly.
“Good night.” She said and left.
He nodded his head.
He looked at her retreating body and exhaled. He wishes for the best for her.
“Sleep tight.” He said knowing fully well she would not hear and left.
****
“Never knew you loved flowers.” Jake heard a feminine voice say behind him.
He smiled and said,
“My mom loves flowers, you know she has a garden..” He was still talking when he stopped. He turned around to look at the person that was talking to him and saw no one.
He ran forward and looked around.
‘What?’
‘I heard the voice, right?’ He thought.
‘I am not hallucinating or am I?” He thought as he scratched the back of his neck.
He stopped abruptly and looked back but found no one.
“Hey, what happened?” Jayson asked as he came into view.
“Hmm, it is nothing actually. It is just that.. It is nothing. Don’t worry.” He said as he waved it off bit Jayson knew something was bothering him.
“Spill it out.” Jayson said as he took a seat on the grassy floor.
“Just now I heard a voice talking to me.” Jake Said and looked around.
“What did it say?” Jayson asked.
“That she never knew I loved flowers.” He replied.
Before you know it, Jayson burst out laughing.
“Wait, you said you heard a voice telling you you loved flowers.” Jayson asked amidst laughing.
Jake frowned and exhaled.
“Oh boy, you are missing your mom.” Jayson said as he patted his shoulders.
“Yes, you are right. I do miss her.” Jake said feeling nostalgic.
“Not only you bro, I also miss my mom especially Tricia but you are not allowed to tell anyone not even her because she will be all over the place shouting.” Jayson said.
Jake smirked.
“I would not tell her only if..” Jake was still talking when he was cut off by Jayson.
“Only if what?”
“Why don’t you let me complete whatever I wanted to say?” Jake asked.
“Only if you give me the PS5 your aunt got for you.” Jake said.
“Guy, you could just get yours.” Jayson said and looked at him.
“Nope, I want yours.” Jake said and shook his head.
“Okay, okay. When we go for holiday.” Jayson said.
“Nice.”
“Gosh I am so tired.” Jake said and yawned.
“Let's go in.” Jayson urged him.
They stood up and left.
After she had made sure that they already left. She came out of her hiding place and stared at their retreating back.
She inhaled and exhaled. Gosh, she was been holding her breath for so long.
When will he ever notice her?
Would that day come?
Should she make the first move?
These were the questions infiltrating her mind.
But right now, she had the chance to talk to him but could not face him.
What is wrong with her exactly?
Why was she feeling so nervous?
He would insult her or yell at her, right?
A lone tear slipped off her eyes. She swallowed dryly and rubbed it off.
She definitely won't give up on her love for him.
She turned and left.
*
“Where are you coming from?” Maureen, her friend asked.
“Somewhere.” She replied gruffly.
Maureen scoffed and looked at her.
“Just hope you don’t get hurt.” Maureen said and went into the bathroom.
“I have to do something about it if I want to be noticed by him.” She thought.
She sighed and slept off.
**Next Morning**
“Hey, sleepy head.” Elsa said as she tapped her sister.
“Stop touching me.” Ellie said sleepily and pushed Elsa's hands off her.
“Hey, have you forgotten we are going to class?” Elsa said as she took her seat in the bed.
“Jayson, I love you so much.” Ellie said and brought her lips forward for a kiss.
Elsa hissed out at her sister's stupid behavior. She took her hands and slowed it hot, she was about to land it on her sister when Ellie jerked up instantly.
“And what were you about to do?” Ellie asked.
“Slapping you so that I will bring you out of the senseless dream world.” Elsa said and kept her hands back.
“What time is it?” Ellie asked.
“6:40 AM.” Elsa said and hissed.
“Oh my gosh, we are almost late.” Ellie shouted as she stood up hurriedly and ran towards the bathroom.
“Hey, you forgot your towel and toothbrush.” Elsa shouted after her.
She frowned and ran back to take the things.
“Be quick.” Elsa said.
“Sure.” Ellie said.
***
“I thought you wanted to use the entire time in bathroom.” Elsa said as she lifted her bag.
“Oh, please, let's go.” Ellie rolled her eyes and they exited the room.
They walked down the corridors heading straight to their lockers.
As Ellie was about to open her locker, she heard someone talk.
“Hi.” The feminine voice said.
Ellie turned and saw the least of the person she had ever thought of talking to.