I ran faster than the wind. I just wanted to sprint home and bury myself beneath my shower.
One thing I needed to worry about right now was how to handle my parents. I finally arrived on our street and was almost by our house when I found both of my parents with Fiora in my dad’s Minivan.Owing to the stain on my body, I couldn't wait to address them because I was sure they were out to search for me. However, my eyes collided with that of my mum’s and I was sure they had seen that I was okay.Thankfully for me, the door was opened and I wouldn't have to wait for my parents to come with the entrance key.Hurriedly, I entered and found Cassey, our neighbor’s first daughter playing with Isla, my little sister.“Calista, your back!” Isla screamed upon sighting me after I stepped in.I was too drowned in shame to even look Isla in the eyes. “Yes, I am,” I stated and rushed to get to my room.“Did you not meet your parents on the way? Everyone went searching for you, Calista!” Cassey’s voice boomed from behind me but I couldn't care less about Cassey right now.She was a few years older than I was and I was sure Mum and Dad and begged her to come to stay with Isla while they went out to look for me. I was no baby. It irks me when my parents treat me like one.I heard Dad’s minivan’s ignition make some noises from outside and I even hurried faster to get in. There was no way their suspicions wouldn't be aroused should they glimpse the blood.When I got to my bathroom, I hurriedly scrubbed the blood stains away but I could already hear Mum screaming my name from the living room.“Oh, Calista, you're in trouble,” I murmured to myself, and after being satisfied that the blood was gone, I stepped out.Before I could even take two steps away from my door, I already found everyone in front of me.“Why the hell did you leave Isla in Fiora’s care when you know she has to be at home herself?” Dad first retorted.Mum interjected. “Is that even the most pressing part right now, honey?” And then to me, “What gave you the guts to not sleep at home?!” She barked at the highest pitch of her voice.I stood there, traumatized and speechless. If Mum didn't limit the pitch of her voice, I might end up passing out.“I never knew Ms. Chloe’s send-off party was an overnight one, Calista.” Fiora interrupted and I instantly felt a lot more better.Of course, Fiora was a smart girl. I had totally forgotten that our ethics teacher, Ms. Chloe was having a send-off party yesterday.Smart of Fiora to use that as a front for my absence. I knew I had to play along instantly and finally forced myself to speak.“Mum, Dad, I'm sorry. Everyone in the school knows I am Ms. Chloe’s favorite and I had to be there. I didn't plan on sleeping over but the party was concluded late into the night and Ms. Chloe wasn't ready to let me go at such an hour.” I lied.Even if Dad was going to be convinced and let this go, Mum would never.“And who is this Ms. Chloe that had you sleep over at her place without making sure if it was okay with your parents first?!” Mum interrogated, simmering with anger.“I lied. I told her you two already gave your permission.” I told yet another lie.Dad blurted out. “What?! You never even told us about this so-called party before not to mention having a sleepover.”“Yes!” I snapped, losing my cool and glaring at the both of them in the eyes. “Yes, Dad and Mum. I never told you because I knew you weren't going to allow me to go. You never allow me to have fun or be free and do youthful and fun things other kids do. All you do is cage me in!” I screamed, surprised by my braveness and anger.There was a pin-drop silence that lasted for the best of one minute until Cassey broke it.“Mrs. Whitaker, Mr. Whitaker, erm — I think it's time that I leave now.” She said, obviously trying to allow us to have a private family talk.Mum now tore her gaze off me and turned to Cassey. “Oh, thanks, Cassey. We’ll take it from here.” She smiled at her and within seconds, Cassey was out of our house.“You, young lady, have disappointed both your father and I. For a week, you are grounded. After the weekend, you are only allowed to go to school and come spend the rest of the day in your room.” She finalized and walked out.My Dad gave me a soft and sorry gaze before following behind her.As soon as they were out of sight, “Oh, geez, Calista, we were almost caught! You need to know how scared I was when your parents asked me to take them to Ms. Chloe’s house and how relieved I felt when I met you on the way.” Fiora, oblivious to my plight ranted while gripping her chest in relief.Now, I was free to break down. I googled at nothing on my fingers and then, the tears began to once again stream down.Fiora rushed straight to meet me. “Geez, Calista, did something happen?!” With concern, she grabbed my hands and led me into my room.While in the room, I cried my eyes out and narrated my ordeal to Fiora. I saw her face turn pink, then purple, and finally red all through my narration.“Shawn, that bastard! I knew he was good for nothing!” She hollered, completely taken with horrification.I stuttered, still in tears. “The pictures and clips, Fiora. What if they post them? They said they were going to get many likes from them.”Fiora removed her glasses before even muttering a word. “This is bad, Calista. This is bad!” She sniffed.Suddenly, my phone pinged in my pocket. It was a notification.Hesitatingly, I picked it up and saw Shawn’s name on the screen.As if Fiora already read it in my countenance, “It’s Shawn, isn’t it?” She asked with a disgusted gaze.“Open it.” Fiora impatiently said to me and I felt cold goosebumps lined all over my elbow. What could he want from me now?“Open it.”And… I did.‘Hey, Calista. I need you to know that had I thought you were this innocent, I wouldn't have pulled such a fast one on you. I'm sorry, girl. I know I owe you and won't ask you to forgive me because I'm undeserving of it. Instead, I'll ensure the pictures and videos are all deleted and never posted. Xoxo.. ♥︎’I read the content of the text out loud to Fiora.“Let me see.” She impatiently snatched the phone from me and read the message herself. When she was done with it, “Such a disgusting loser! Argh! I wish I could turn into a cat and scratch his So-called handsome face off!” She gripped at nothing in the air and ended up making the both of us laugh...The weekend was concluded and we resumed school. I did all I could to avoid Shawn and his friends but it was inevitable and they never failed to throw tantrums at me. True to Shawn’s words, the videos and pictures were never released.Well, not until we graduated. The moment we were done writing our exams, my nu
After checking with him, his secretary led me to his office and soon, I was inside. This should be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. To maintain composure after seeing Shawn’s face for the first time in six years.I knew if I had a gun at the moment, I wouldn't have hesitated to use it.“Good day, Mr. Donnelly.” I reprimanded myself and forced a professional smile on my face as our gazes interlocked.Shawn’s face was bland. His expression was numb as though he had just seen a ghost. I noticed how mature his face was now. His facial features were sharper. His jawline was more defined and his cheekbones were more central. I could remember his eyes were once bright blue but now, they were close to steely grey. His blonde hair remained the same though.Even if I hated to admit it, Shawn was more handsome now.“C — Calista?” He stuttered and my legs wobbled in response.I had to maintain my stamina and composure. I knew there was a chance he’d recognize me but since that unfortunate ni
I smiled at him but heaven knows it was a cynical one. “Alright then, Mr. Donnelly. I guess we’ll be meeting at the site tomorrow. Will you be arriving after all of our materials are moved or before?” I asked.“You look like someone who knows exactly what she's doing, so I'll trust you, Ms. Fairchild. I will arrive after the materials are moved to see for myself if everything is intact. I like to be precise.” Shawn stated with a professional lilt in his tone. Look at him acting like he's not so rotten on the inside; I grimaced to myself but played along anyway. “I’m honored to have your trust, Mr. Donnelly. You won't regret it. Guess I'll see you tomorrow then.” I extended my right hand in the initiation of a handshake.He stared at my hand for a split second before taking it. I could tell that he was battling something inside. Probably the guilt of his past misdeeds. Although I do not look like the old me, I was glad he was able to pick on Calista’s face on mine.It meant every time
“I saw the house burn down the next time you entered the kitchen and tried to commit this grave crime of cooking!” I snorted, catching Alice off guard.Though flabbergasted, she chuckled and then gave me a pet Pat. “Why you!” Another chuckle. “It can't be that bad. I need a few more practices and then, I'm good. By the way…” She waved her hand. “How was the meeting?”For a while there, I forgot all about Shawn and my worries but now, they came rushing back. “For starters, I’d say fine.” I shrugged.“But then why did your countenance suddenly turn ugly?” Alice wasn't convinced.My chest had begun to tighten again. “Nothing, Alice. I just need a refreshing bath.” I replied, walking out of the kitchen.“And some finely cooked Lasagnas!” Alice called behind me and I couldn't help but smile again.She was just a sweetheart. Her husband sure was damn lucky. However — men? I bet he’d still cheat on her if he could.I entered my room. It was not so big but manageable room that Alice and Bill,
I had to wake up very early the next morning since it was the first day of the construction. I needed to give the right impression.First impressions matter.It wasn't just to Shawn but also the entire board of directors. This was like a way of buying their favors and being in their good books. A promotion awaits me in our company when I successfully carry out this project.Alice was still sleeping and so, I moved swiftly and silently as I made myself a whole-grain toast with avocado spread. I brewed a cup of coffee too as I slept late last night, working and had few hours of sleep.After consuming my brief breakfast, I dropped a note for Alice to inform her that I left for work already. Girl’s heavily pregnant and needs as much rest as she could get.I drove my car out of the garage and then, out of the house. Danileigh’s ‘The Plan’ was a little above the average volume as I vibed and sang along. Music and singing even if I got the words all wrong helps keep my spirit alive...I arr
SHAWN DONNELLY~~He hated to get up this early. It was no doubt that the Shawn of his childhood was more mature now. He had shed a lot of his recklessness but somehow, old habits don't entirely die.If at all they’d entirely elude him, it takes time and process. And — he had been working a lot on that. Lots of processes have been yielding fruits in all sincerity.He was able to make it to the top with a little sprinkle of his old bad-boy attitude and a lot of his newly found reserve and knowledge. He knew he had to change — not after his family nearly disowned him after that incident six years ago.That incident took a lot of his spirit away. He almost committed suicide out of guilt. He has had sleepless nights and restless days for more than a year.Once, he went for confession at the chapel and the priest told him this...“You have committed the sin, brother but you have suffered for it with guilt. Your Punishment is the memories that linger to haunt you but your salvation lies in
Shawn and his secretary strode outside where they met Landers, his driver who was already ready with the car.“Good morning, Mr. Donnelly!” Landers called the moment he sighted them.The other workers had also bowed their heads in respect at him. Shawn waved at them. As he goes nearer to Landers, “Morning, Landers. We are not going to the office today but to the new site.” He provided as the man rushed to get the car’s passenger door for him. “Good morning, Mr. Landers.” He heard Gia chirping in a greeting at Mr. Landers as she sat beside him in the front seat.“Good morning, Ms. Gina. Looking radiant as always.” Landers returned Gina’s greeting with a compliment as usual.Landers was king of throwing compliments here and there. Although Gina did look radiant but, to Shawn, Gina always did too much to improve her appearance. Like the excessive makeup always plastered on her round face and the heavy earrings amongst others.However, her professionalism has prompted their working togeth
He got seated beside her with Gina standing a few meters away and Landers returning to the car. “I see you aren't wasting time at all.” He commented as he allowed his eyes to scrutinize the view behind his dark-shaded glasses. He probably looked like a first-grade robber right now. He took the damn face mask off. The air couldn't be that bad. The moment the dust-filled breeze blew to him, he suddenly realized Mr. Jacob had complimented him even after not seeing his face.He was right; ‘believable flatters’.Serenity’s reply was prompt as usual. “The earlier the better.” She sighed, using his previous line.That – was humorous. He chuckled. “Good one. That's a good one.” He couldn't help but commend her brain. “You are doing a good job.” He added after his laugh subsidized.He meant it too. “I’m glad you think so highly of me from the first day, Mr. Donnelly. My boss will be happy to hear it.” She replied, maintaining the professional composure. She makes everything about work! Well