Chapter 8: A Minute Radiance of Hope

Monday. I have no choice but to go to school. I prefer sulking in the classroom than to be stuck here with Ingrid in the house. I got on the family car. I then realize I forgot something so I went back inside. When I did return, the family car was nowhere in sight.

What the? Where’s the car?
Cassie? You’re still here? I thought you left earlier so I told Harris, then he took the family car with him. I’m sorry, hunny.
Thanks for nothing.

I found my skateboard so I jumped right in and went to school. As I proceeded inside the classroom, the professor spoke.

Prof: You’re late Miss Appelbaum.
Yeah, I know that.
Prof: Sit in front then we’ll resume our class.

I went to the back of the room and sat on the last chair.

I don’t want to seat in front, Ma’am.

The professor seemed irritated. Yet she continued her lesson. After some time, Harris showed in the classroom door.

Prof: Mr. Gelles! Where have you been? Don’t you students know the value of education?

I tapped the back of my classmate in front of me.

What’s he doing here?
Classmate: He’s our new classmate, Harris Gelles. He was introduced this morning. Then he went out and returned just now.

I turned to my right and saw Harris seating beside me. He had a strange look in his eyes.

Where have you gone to? I was looking all over for you.

What? He’s been looking for me?

Chapter 7: What's in the Name?

The guy smirked at me.

Am I funny or something?
I thought you were in a hunger strike, missy.
I want to eat, are you bothered by that? Maybe you’ve forgotten that I am the daughter of the owner of this house?
Sorry.

That shut him up. I continued my meal while looking at him. He went to get a drink. Then he made his way towards the table. He sat in front of me while I continued munching my food. He was staring at me now.

You look cute when you eat like that. You’re the only girl I’ve seen that could swallow food that much.
What? I’m hungry?

He laughed. When he did, two dimples appeared on each side of his cheek.

You’re not bad at all. What’s your name?
How could you not know?
Oh, right. Cassidy. Dyan Cassidy.
What are you still doing here? You’ll wake up everyone.
Do you want to be alone at this time of night?

I gulped. It is starting to get scary if this guy hasn’t showed up.

Wait for me. I’m almost finished.

The guy smiled the sweetest one to me.

What’s your name big guy?
Its Harris.

Chapter 6: The Great Escape

My stomach was rumbling that night. I haven’t eaten anything since this morning. I wish I ate during dinner. But, I hate facing Ingrid (I will never call her step-mom or mom for that matter) and that shirtless jerk who stole my room. I’m not also in the mood to be with my father because of my bad behavior. I know he’s angry at me but who cares anyway. My tummy rumbled again. I have to eat!

I went outside my ‘new’ room then went down the banister. It was dark and I can’t see anything in my way. I don’t want to wake anyone up by turning on the lights either. I tiptoed my way to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Inside, I saw some food so I took them out and settled them in the table. I didn’t bother to heat them in the microwave for I can’t take my hunger anymore.

That Ingrid can sure cook delicious food.

I was enjoying my little meal when the kitchen lights suddenly went on. My eyes adjusted on the sudden brightness of the room. When I can see clearly, the figure of the shirtless guy stood before the kitchen door.

I thought there was someone here.

Chapter 5: .. And You Feel Like You're Being Left Behind

Full of rage, I attacked the culprit.

What do you think you’re doing?!

He was in deep slumber I guess, so I shook his broad shoulders to wake him up. Wrong move! He suddenly grasped my arm then pulled my whole body with him in the bed. I am now facing him with his leg over mine. What am I, his pillow? I was now really mad. So, I punched his face. That must’ve woken him up.

Hey! Who are you?
I think the question is who are YOU?

I made my way out of the bed. His hazel eyes revealed confusion. I stared at him hard. Perhaps my father heard the small fuss. He appeared through the room’s door. Ingrid followed after him.

Cassie!
Oh, sweetheart. I should have told you earlier.
Who is he? And what is he doing on MY room?
He is the son of my best friend. His family is living in Korea, so he would temporarily stay with us until they will come back.
And who gave you permission to do that?
I did Dyan Cassidy.

Dad is real mad now. He only calls me by my two names when he is angry. But I don’t care. I’m furious too.

What, I was gone for a week and this house turned into an orphanage?

The shirtless guy suddenly spoke.

If you really want your room, you can have it. I didn’t know it was yours.
You wrecked this place then give it back afterwards? No thanks, I don’t like the color of this room now anyways.

I can’t take being in this room anymore. I started leave.

I’ll help you bring your things to your new room, sweetheart.
Don’t tell me what to do. You’re not my mother.

Chapter 4: The Unwanted Visitor

We’re home.

I went down our car and surveyed the three-storey mansion. Nothing seems to change.

Welcome home, hunny.

Ugh, correction. Everything will be changed from now on.

Hello, Cassie. I’m glad you’re okay now.
You wanted me to die, admit it.
I would never! C’mon, I cooked breakfast.
I’m not hungry.

Actually, I could eat a mountain right now. The food at the hospital sucks. But then, I suddenly lost my appetite. I went across the porch to our living room and scurried upstairs. I went to my room. When I opened it, my eardrums almost exploded from the loud music that seemed to fill my space.

What the heck--?

My pink coated room was almost covered with posters of boy bands and rock stars. The cabinet on the corner was overflowing with GUY clothing. Everything was a mess!

In my bed, in my precious queen-sized bed, lay my culprit. A shirtless guy was snoring his way to sleep!