CHAPTER 6

I looked down as I intertwined my hands. Neil and I were both sitting here on each end of the bench with distance between us. My mind's very conscious of his presence and I can't even utter a single word. I never thought a bully like him would make an interest of talking to someone like me. 

"Gold." He coldly uttered so I looked up and sit straight. I focused my eyes straight to the garden, still conscious of Neil's presence. 

"Y-yeah?" My heart started to beat fast. I felt so uneasy and I can't even move my own body. It's like I'm sitting beside someone superior. 

"Go to my party. I won't accept no for an answer." He coldly stated. 

I frowned and slowly faced him at my side. He's staring at me with no emotion so I can't read his mind. 

"What if... I say.. no?" I unconsciously stated. From his no emotion reaction, his eyes darkened and looked at me with strong displeasure. 

"I told you. I won't accept no for an answer." He moved nearer to me making my heart throb faster as if there's a race inside of me. I felt the roughening of my skin when I felt his arms touched my skin. Sweat started to drip off and I felt hot. I'm not used to this. 

"G-get away from me." I spoke in an airy tone. 

"And what if I won't?"

I gulped when he moved closer like he's crushing me. I couldn't take this anymore so I stood up and walked forward. I heard him chuckled but I didn't budge. 

"Okay, I'm sorry. Now, sit down," he commanded and I heard him pat the bench as if he's telling me to sit on that part. 

I let out a loud sigh and sat down again. But he's still close to me so I told him to sit a little farther. I thought he's going to complain but he followed me just like that. 

"I want you to be my partner." He suddenly stated so I widened my eyes in shock. Did he just asked me to be his partner? 

"Me? Why me?" I faced him as I pointed myself. 

"Because I want you."

"Huh?"

"I mean, because I just want to." He cleared his throat, suddenly felt embarrassed. 

"I'm not sure I can go. I can't promise you." I stood up and took steps away from him. I don't know what he's planning to do, but I'm sure, he'll just make fun of me. 

I was thinking twice in knocking the door. My older brother might be inside his room, busy. He might not want me to go inside because I would just disturb him. 

I took a deep breath and positioned my hand at the wooden door as if I was about to knock. 

"Brother?" I called as I knocked three times. I stood straight and waited for him to respond. Seconds later, the door creaks. 

"Yes, sis?" He opened the door widely and convinced me to go inside. I stepped inside and turned my gaze around the room. My brother is fond of watching anime so his room is filled with different paintings of his different waifus. It's dark in here but all his computers were turned on which gives a little brightness. His study table was beside all these computers and I think he is busy about the company and not about games. 

"So, how can I help my little sister?" He asked when he sat down on the side of his bed. He patted the space beside him, telling me to go sit there. 

"About my headphone. Your gift, do you remember?"

"Why? Did it broke? You want me to buy you a new one?" he calmly stated as if he doesn't care about the reason why the thing was destroyed. Should I tell him I was bullied at school? 

"Is it okay?" I asked him and he nodded. 

"Of course. Anything for my princess."

He smiled so I smiled back. My brother is the only person who motivates me in everything. He meant a lot to me, he took care of me even though I know his mind is full of works, businesses and the company. In Mom and Dad's eyes, he is the only person they can rely on, forgetting me. Do they even love me? Because I don't even feel a bit of love. 

"Aren't you gonna ask why the headphone broke?" I faked a smile as I lightly scratched the tip of my nose. 

"I already know, sis." He smiled. 

I widened my eyes and held my chest. Did he already know I was bullied at school? 

"You accidentally dropped it and step on it? Or maybe..."

I gulped when his face turned solemn. 

"...Is someone teasing you at school, sis?"

I avoided my gaze as I formed my hands into fists. 

"No, brother. I'm doing fine at school."

I don't want to remain a coward, seeking for the help of others. I want to keep myself strong and finish college on that university. I shouldn't let myself get driven by my classmates. I must be tough and brave in order to survive. 

"If anyone at school hurts you, just tell me and I will show them the beast." He laughed but I just smiled at him. If only you knew, brother. 

I examined myself from head to toe infront of the cheval mirror. I'm wearing a long-sleeved black dress which is 3-4 inches above the knee. The dress is paired with black boots making me look like a rockstar going to the concert. My brother called a make-up artist to help me fix myself. I never thought I'd decide to attend Neil's birthday party. But now that I've fixed myself, I wanted to back out. I'm not used to parties. 

When I arrived at the venue, I massaged my temple and tried to calm myself because of the crowd. There are too many people. Should I go home instead? 

I was about to turn around when someone called my name. 

"Marigold?"

I bit my lip and stared at the guy who walked towards me. Neil's friend, Kit Pollen. Goodness gracious, is this a sign that I must really enter the place? 

"Let's go inside." Kit extended his arm, convincing me to go inside the gate. 

"O-okay." When I completely step in, I immediately turned my gaze around the venue. Everything is beautiful. The lights, the decorations, everything. 

Kit guided me to a round table. I was literally stuck on the ground when I saw Ella, Audrey and Aubrey on the same table as Kit and Kenneth. The three ladies were staring at me sternly, like they wanted me not to join them. 

"You have a problem?" Kit asked. 

"I... I have to go home.." I took steps backward. 

I was about to turn around when Kit grabbed my arm, causing me to flinch. 

"It's fine, Marigold. I will protect you from them." Kit's words pierced through my heart. Is he serious?