《Lost in the shadows of love》 Lost in the shadows of love chapter 1
CHAPTER 1
Tamara''s perspective My eyes fluttering open, i groaned at the discomfort that engulfed me. My head felt like it was being pounded by a thousand hammers, and a low moan escaped my lips as I squeezed my eyes shut. A moment later, the headache subsided enough for me to open my eyes and take in my surroundings. Unfamiliarity greeted my gaze. This definitely isn''t my room. There''s no mirror here, and my favorite teddy bear, "Tom," is missing. He''s always right beside my mirror at home. "Where am I?" I croaked, the question hanging heavy in the air. My eyes landed on a tray with medical instruments on a nearby shelf. My heart skipped a beat. "A hospital?" The possibility sent a wave of fear through me. Was I sick? Had I been in an accident? Glancing at my clothes, I saw my school uniform ¨C intact, with no signs of blood. So, why am I here? Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing a face that sent a jolt of recognition through me. It was Bryan, and in that instant, memories flooded back. [Flashback] "Ugh!" I groaned in annoyance as my alarm blared loudly, nearly deafening me. I grabbed it from my bedside table, slammed the snooze button, and threw it across the room, landing who knows where. Ugh, I rolled my eyes and tucked my hair behind my ears. What in the world am I supposed to do this morning? And why would Mum or Liam even think about setting my alarm when I''m still on holiday?I grumbled, trailing off as a realization dawned on me. "Wait, it''s¡­ it''s the first day of grade 9!" I jumped for joy on my big mattress, practically screaming with excitement. I''m not excited about school, but for something else entirely. Today is the day, the day I would finally confess my feelings to Bryan, my long-time crush. It isn''t just a crush; it is love, pure and simple. He is everything I could ever want: handsome, kind, and with eyes that could melt glaciers. We''d been friends since seventh grade, and throughout that time, my love for him had only grown stronger. He''d been there for me when I was ostracized and labeled "Fatty Mara." He''d defended me against the relentless bullying, he is my "beacon of light in a sea of darkness". Back in middle school, I was overweight and didn''t feel very confident in my appearance. I was surprised and thrilled when Bryan, a guy I had a crush on since sixth grade, became my friend in seventh grade. We, along with Ellen, formed a close group. Only Ellen knew about my secret feelings for Bryan, though. Back then, I didn''t have the courage to confess because I wasn''t comfortable with how I looked. And now, I am no longer that same girl. I am stronger, more confident, and undeniably beautiful. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The transformation had been drastic. My once chubby frame had sculpted itself into a model-like figure. My big blue eyes sparkled, contrasting beautifully with my glowing brown skin.My straight, black hair flows down my back, and my lips were perfectly shaped. I can''t wait to see the look on those bullies'' faces when they see the new me. They knew me as "fatty Mara" throughout eighth grade, but now, I''m returning to nineth grade as "the most beautiful Mara." My transformation was complete. I imagined the shock on Bryan''s face when he will see me the way his jaw would drop, and the breathless question that would escape his lips Inevitably, no man could resist such beauty. All thanks to Ellen, my best friend and confidante. She''d helped me through it all, and now, it is time to reap the rewards. Panic knotted my stomach as I glanced at the wall clock. 6:50 ¡°am running late!" I muttered under my breath, rushing towards my wardrobe. I flung it open and grabbed my neatly ironed school uniform: a crisp pink shirt emblazoned with "Makers High School" in black, and a white pleated skirt paired with black knee socks. I tossed them onto the bed and darted towards my dresser. With a swift motion, I pulled open a drawer and took out my undergarments. Closing it back, I crouched in front of my shoe rack, carefully selecting a pair of new black shoes. Placing them beside my uniform on the bed. Head held high and shoulders squared, I marched into the bathroom, grabbed my toothbrush and toothpaste at the sink. The minty aroma of toothpaste greeted me as I squeezed a dollop onto my brush and began brushing my teeth. Catching a glimpse of myself in the oval mirror above the sink, I cracked a grin. My reflection mirrored my good mood with a grin of its own. I couldn''t resist humming along to "Sorry" by Beyonc¨¦, the upbeat tune filling the bathroom with its infectious energy. With a sigh of satisfaction, I rinsed the brush, watching the minty foam swirl down the drain then returned my toothpaste and toothbrush to their rightful place I reached into the vanity cabinet and grabbed my pink shower cap, towel, sponge, and a bar of soap. With the towel hung on the closet door, I tucked my messy hair under the cap, stripped down my pink pajamas, and jumped into the warm embrace of the shower. Turning the faucet, I welcomed the tiny jets of water as they danced excitedly on my skin. With a satisfying lather, I scrubbed my sponge and soap together, creating a creamy cloud that I used to wash every inch of my body. After a few minutes of invigorating cleansing, I concluded my shower with a final rinse and turned off the faucet, i grabbed my towel and wrapped it around myself. I dried off as I made my way back to my room. There, I grabbed my "de-care" body lotion and applied it liberally to my skin. Then, my underwear, followed by my school shirt. I buttoned it up before slipping on my pop-socks and my short, flouncy skirt. I pulled off my shower cap and sat on the stool facing the mirror. I grabbed my hair brush and lotion from the shelf and started applying the lotion to my hair. After applying hair lotion, I brushed my long, silky hair back until it flowed smoothly down my back. Feeling content with the straight, sleek style, I decided to leave my hair loose for the day. With a little lip gloss, I finished off my look. Standing up I smiled at my reflection in the mirror, satisfied with how I looked. Tossing my phone into my backpack, I flung it over my shoulders,shoved my feet into my black shoes and headed out the door, ready for the day. To be continue¡­.
Continuation of Lost in the shadows of love chapter 1 Continuation of Tamara pov With a little lip gloss, I finished off my look. Standing up I smiled at my reflection in the mirror, satisfied with how I looked. Tossing my phone into my backpack, I flung it over my shoulders,shoved my feet into my black shoes and headed out the door, ready for the day. I descended the marble stairs, tracing the cool smoothness of the banister with my fingertips. The delicious smell of hamburgers and coffee filled the air, making my mouth water. I practically skipped down the last few steps, eager to reach the kitchen. When I arrived, I found Mom just finishing up. She was placing a juicy hamburger and a mug of creamy coffee on a small tray, before returning her attention to the oven. Come in, Mara. I already knew it was you," Mum said, not turning around yet. I chuckled and hugged her from behind. "Aaaaargh Mum, you''re a witch!" I mumbled, hugging her from behind. "Is that how you greet your mother? Silly girl," she said, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Good morning, Mum," I corrected myself, a smile playing on my lips.She finally turned and kissed me on both cheeks. "Good morning, sweetheart! How was your night?" "It was good, Mum, did you set that crazy alarm"? I asked, feigning annoyance. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Yes, honey," she said with a smile, "I wouldn''t have needed to if you were one of those early birds. But we both know you''re not." I playfully glared at her. "Mum, you should apologize for setting the alarm without asking me." She laughed and squeezed my hand. "Okay, okay, I''m sorry, Mara. And you look absolutely radiant this morning, by the way." My playful frown melted into a smile. "Thanks, Mum. You always know how to make me feel better. "Taking a bite of the burger, I asked, ''By the way, Mum, where''s Liam?" Liam was my older brother, who had recently graduated from college and was now working alongside Mum to manage Dad''s businesses. Unfortunately, Dad had passed away a while back. He''s still in his room," Mum sighed, "he drank himself silly again last night." I rolled my eyes and groaned. "Typical Liam." "Now, start eating your breakfast and get going," Mum said, ushering me towards the dining room. "You''re going to be late for school." I picked up the tray and walked over to the dining table, placing it down with a gentle bang. As I started eating, a smile crept across my face. Mum was an amazing cook, and even a stressful morning couldn''t dampen my spirits when I had her delicious food to fuel me. I devoured my breakfast in record time, savoring the last drop of coffee as it warmed me from the inside out. With a contented sigh, I returned the tray to the kitchen and kissed Mom goodbye. "Bye, Mom!" I called out, already rushing towards the door. "Bye, honey! And don''t forget to eat lunch" she reminded me. "OK mom!" I replied back from the living room before stepping out into the sunshine. My driver, Max, was already waiting for me. "Good morning, Mara," he greeted with a warm smile. "Good morning, Max," I replied, returning the smile. I swung open the back door and slid into the car. Max wasted no time, taking his place behind the wheel, turning the ignition, and smoothly navigating us out of the compound. We arrived at the familiar sight of Makers High School''s parking lot. As Max expertly brought the car to a stop, I hopped out, waving a quick goodbye. With a spring in my step, I headed towards the main school building Tbc.. Lost in the shadows of love chapter 2 Good morning, Max," I replied, returning the smile. I swung open the back door and slid into the car. Max wasted no time, taking his place behind the wheel, turning the ignition, and smoothly navigating us out of the compound. ********************************** We arrived at the familiar sight of Makers High School''s parking lot. As Max expertly brought the car to a stop, I hopped out, waving a quick goodbye. With a spring in my step, I headed towards the main school building, The whispers of shock rippled through the crowd as I walked by. I could practically see students'' heads snapping in my direction, their eyes wide with surprise. Yeah, right? Who wouldn''t be blown away by my incredible transformation? Smoothing my skirt, I strutted forward, a triumphant smile playing on my lips as I caught snippets of the hushed conversations around me. "OMG is that really fatty Mara?" "She''s gorgeous!" "Check out that figure! It''s literally perfect!" "Wow, those legs go on forever!" The admiration fueled my confidence, propelling me forward with every step. Gone was the awkward, overweight girl I used to be. In her place stood a pretty girl who knew her worth and wasn''t afraid to flaunt it. A grin stretched across my face as I spotted my best friend, Ellen, leaning against the school''s pole, clearly waiting for someone. I practically sprinted towards her, excitement bubbling inside me, and pulled her into a hug. She quickly extricated herself, but I brushed it off. "I missed you so much!" I exclaimed, but she only gave a Curt nod, not returning my smile. Something was off. Was this really Ellen? What was she so down about? Did she have a bad mood? Or maybe... cramps? "Ellen, what''s wrong?" I asked, concern etched on my face. She shook her head, her eyes avoiding mine. "Is it your cramps?" I ventured, trying to find the cause of her sullen mood. "No, it isn''t," she mumbled, her voice barely audible. "Are you okay?" I pressed, worry gnawing at my insides. "Do I look like I''m not?" she retorted, a slight edge to her voice. I took a step back, taken aback by her snappish reply. "Well, I have a ton of juicy gossip for you!" I exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood. As usual, i reached out to hold her hand as I normally would. But she flinched and pulled away. This was getting serious. "Ellen, what''s going on?" I asked again, my voice firm but gentle. "Meaning?" she replied, her tone flat. "I mean, you wouldn''t normally act like this. Did I do something wrong?" I pleaded, desperately searching for an explanation. "Whatever" she scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ellen, I honestly can''t remember us having any kind of fight the last time you were at my house. Why are you being so mean to me?" I asked, my voice laced with worry. She crossed her arms and looked away. "We don''t have to fight for me to decide I don''t want to be your friend anymore." My heart sank. Ellen was my best friend, and the thought of losing her felt like losing a part of myself. "Ellen, wh-" I started to say, but the girls around us suddenly erupted in a chorus of high-pitched squeals, their eyes glued to something across the hall. I instinctively followed their gaze and my heart skipped when i saw Bryan He walked towards us, looking even more handsome than usual. His black curls bounced playfully on his forehead, his bright eyes sparkled, and his flawless skin glowed. A wide smile stretched across his pink lips, sending a tremor through my heart. I noticed Ellen''s face melt into a smile. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Ignoring the smile on her face, I turned to Bryan as he reached us. My smile faltered as he walked past me, his full attention focused on Ellen. He pulled her into a tight hug, and my breath hitched as his lips met hers. Ellen responded instantly, kissing him back with an intensity that mirrored my own growing sense of shock and despair. A sudden, powerful headache slammed into me, and the world spun around me. I felt myself falling slowly, as if in slow motion. A sharp, tearing pain ripped through my chest. Then, the hard floor met my body in a jarring impact. Dizziness washed over me, and my eyelids grew heavy, slowly closing until darkness swallowed me whole. End of flashback Tears stung my eyes, and my body cried out in pain as I rose from the bed, facing Bryan with a heart shattered into a million pieces. "Mara, are you alright now?" he asked, his voice as smooth as honey, capable of melting even the coldest hearts. He moved closer, his arms reaching out to support me. The moment his touch connected with my skin, my pain faded, the tears in my eyes dried up. It felt like magic. "I had to bring you to school infirmary when you suddenly fainted in the hallway. Are you sure you are okay?" He asked with concern. "Oh yeah i am okay" I murmured "Did you eat breakfast this morning?" he inquired, his brow furrowed "Yes" I replied weakly. "It always seems like you faint when you skip breakfast" he chuckled and gently pulled my checks. "I was planning on saying hi to Ellen, my girlfriend, before saying hi to Tamara, my best friend" Tears streamed down my face, hot and unstoppable. I clutched my chest, a sob escaping my lips. "Oh my God, Mara, what''s wrong?" he exclaimed, reaching out to wipe away my tears. But the tears kept flowing, uncontrollably "Do you want to go home? Are you sure you''re okay?" His voice was laced with concern, his eyes reflecting my own distress. Wiping away my tears with the back of my hand, I sniffled, feeling my heart ache. "I-i-I''m fine," I managed to stammer, forcing myself to look into his worried eyes. "Mara, you''re not fine," he said, his voice gentle. "What''s wrong?" "I''m really okay," I lied, my voice trembling slightly. "I just have a headache." He hesitated, then asked, "Are you sure? Can you go to class now?" "I''ll join you in a sec," I said, forcing my voice to sound calm. "I just need to splash some water on my face." "Okay, Mara," he said hesitantly, his eyes still filled with concern. "Are you sure you''re alright?" "Absolutely," I replied, offering a weak smile that barely reached my eyes. "I almost didn''t recognize you at first," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "You''ve changed a lot. You look more beautiful than before. I bet you have a lot of guys hitting on you." He winked playfully. I managed another small, sad smile. The moment he was gone, I crumpled to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. My chest tightened with pain, and I pounded the ground in frustration, holding it with one hand as if to hold my shattered heart together. Ellen, the one I trusted the most, turned her back on me after urging me to do what I did. She started dating Bryan, the only person my heart belonged to, the one I swore to be with, the only one who held the key to my deepest emotions. She knew the lengths I had gone to, just to win Bryan''s affection, the personal hell I had endured. My tears flowed freely, unheard by anyone, as I pounded my chest in silent fury. "How could I have allowed myself to love so deeply?" I cried, a whirlwind of emotions raging within me. Even after everything, even after Bryan''s is in love with her, I couldn''t help but love him more. My eyes ached from all the crying, and I couldn''t shed another tear. Feeling heavy, I stood up, staggering unsteadily. I planted my wobbling legs on the ground, sniffing as more tears threatened to fall. I opened my backpack and pulled out my phone, intending to call Max for a ride. But as soon as I turned it on, I flung it against the wall with all my might. The screen shattered into a million pieces. Tears streamed down my face again. My lock screen wallpaper was a picture of Ellen, her innocent face a stark contrast to my current state. But I couldn''t even unlock my phone, because the home screen wallpaper was a picture of Bryan. They were my whole world, the people I loved most. How could they betray me like this? Especially Ellen, who knew how I felt about Bryan. Or maybe it''s some kind of sick joke? No, it can''t be. They''re both deadly serious. How can I possibly face life without them? They were the only real friends I''d ever known. "Is this just a nightmare? Please tell me it is..." With a sigh, I walked over to my phone and picked it up. The shattered screen was beyond repair, i removed the memory card and SIM card, carefully placing them in a small case within my backpack, before dropping the phone itself into my pocket. I headed towards the infirmary restroom, needing to splash some cold water on my face. A few minutes later, I found myself wandering the streets, lost in a deep fog of thought. Tears streamed down my face, and I kept wiping them away with the back of my hand. I had lied to the security guard, telling him I wasn''t feeling well and needed to get to the hospital. He asked a few questions, which I answered with practiced deceit, before finally letting me through the gate. I walked for hours, my legs numb and mind swirling. To my surprise, I found myself standing before the familiar gate of my house. Quickly, I wiped away the last traces of tears and rapped my knuckles against the metal. "Who is there, please?" came James'' voice from the other side. He was the gatekeeper, a friendly man with a perpetual smile. "It''s... it''s Mara," I stammered, my voice thick with emotion. Tbc..... Lost in the shadows of love chapter 3 It''s... it''s Mara," I stammered, my voice thick with emotion. "Mara?" he repeated, unlocking the gate with a surprised frown etched on his face. He seemed shocked to find me standing there, my eyes red and puffy. "Mara? What''s wrong?" James inquired, his voice laced with concern. "School isn''t over yet, are you okay?" I simply nodded, unable to speak through the lump in my throat. James moved aside to let me through the gate, and I entered with heavy steps. "Is Mom in?" I managed to ask. "No," James replied. "She went to the company with Liam." I let out a sigh of relief. Finding me in this state would have undoubtedly worried Mom to no end. "Okay," I mumbled, my voice barely a whisper, before heading towards the main house door. I punched in the code, and the door clicked open. Stepping inside, I closed the door behind me, the silence of the house engulfing me. My legs ached terribly from the long walk, and I dragged myself up the stairs to my room. Opening the door, I tossed my backpack onto the floor and stared into the mirror. My reflection was barely recognizable. My eyes were swollen and red, rimmed with dark circles, and tear streaks traced a path down my cheeks. This wasn''t Mara staring back at me. It was a stranger, a broken version of myself. Grabbing a wet wipe from the drawer, I scrubbed my face vigorously. But the mirror showed no change. Frustrated, I stripped off my school uniform, socks, and shoes, eager to freshen up. I picked up my towel and headed towards the bathroom. I stood under the cold shower for what felt like an eternity, hoping the water would wash away the pain. But it wasn''t happening. I turned off the water and grabbed a towel, wrapping it tightly around myself. I then took another towel and wrapped it around my dripping hair. Walking back to my room, I sat on a stool in front of the mirror, examining my face. The redness had lessened, but my eyes still ached. Opening the drawer, I grabbed my hair dryer, plugged it in, and switched it on. I began drying my hair, but stopped after a few minutes, feeling too weak to continue. Picking up my teddy bear, Tom, I walked to my bed and laid down with a sigh, hugging him tightly to my chest. "Tom, I''m heartbroken," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. And then, I drifted off to sleep, tears still clinging to my eyelashes. Ellen''s POV School was finally over for the day, and as Bryan and I strolled hand-in-hand towards the parking lot, I couldn''t help but roll my eyes at the students staring at us. Of course, dating the school''s hottest guy was bound to attract some attention. Ugh, the price of popularity. We reached the parking lot to find our drivers waiting by our respective cars. I waved to mine in greeting. Good afternoon, Rollins," Bryan greeted his driver, who grinned in response. "Ugh, his teeth are so yellow," I thought to myself, unable to stop the critical thought. "Let''s go check on Mara at home," Bryan said, a worried crease forming on his forehead. "She doesn''t seem fine, and I haven''t been able to reach her all day." "Is there really a need for that?" I asked, my voice tight with annoyance. "Of course there is," Bryan replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Maybe she just wants to be left alone," I persisted, my anger simmering beneath the surface. "No, we need to check on her. She''s clearly not herself," he said with a determined glint in his eyes. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to remain calm. "Okay," I conceded, swallowing my anger. The truth was, I was furious. Why did Bryan care so much about Mara? Didn''t he realize how much I just wants to be with him? Mara. The name itself sent a wave of jealousy crashing over me. Now that I had helped her lose weight and become "beautiful," everyone was looking at her. I should have just let her stay the way she was, overweight, unnoticed and unappreciated. "You head home, i''m going with Bryan." I said to my driver Bryan raised an eyebrow and frowned. "There''s no need for you to come with me. We can ride in separate cars so your driver can drop you home after we check on Mara." "I''m coming with you," I insisted, a little too forcefully. With a sigh, Bryan gave in. I settled into the passenger seat of Bryan''s car, watching as he slid in beside me. His yellow teeth driver took his place behind the wheel and started the engine. The car pulled out of the parking lot, heading towards Mara''s house. I sat in silence, sulking, and stole a glance at Bryan. He was completely engrossed in his phone, ignoring me completely. "Shouldn''t he at least say something to me?" I muttered under my breath, annoyance bubbling up inside me. Tamara pov Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. I was asleep when I heard my mom''s voice say, "Angel, you have a fever." I groaned and yawned, my head pounding. When I opened my eyes, Mom was sitting beside me on the bed, trying to wrap a towel around me properly. "Mom," I called weakly. "Angel, I''ve told you to always wear something when you sleep. What if your brother or someone walks in and sees you like this?" she asked, placing a hand on my forehead. "I was too tired, Mom. I was just..." I choked back tears as they rolled down my cheeks. "What''s wrong? Why are you crying?" Mom asked, concern etched on her face. "James told me you came home earlier than usual. Are you not feeling well? Did someone hurt you?" I simply nodded, unable to hold back my tears. I wasn''t used to keeping things from my mom. Do you want to talk about it?" My mom asked gently, her voice laced with concern I shook my head, tears still streaming down my face. Okay, honey. But can you do me a favor? Please try to stop crying. I sniffled, trying to control myself. I know you''re hurting, but crying isn''t going to solve anything. Look at yourself, you''re all red and puffy and you''re burning up. Mom pulled me closer, her arms wrapping around me like a warm blanket. Her hand gently stroked my hair, and she began to sing softly into my ear. My mom''s singing usually calmed me down when I was hurting, but this time it wasn''t working. Nothing was working. "Mom, my heart aches so much," I cried into her shoulder. "I know, Mara," she said, her deep black eyes filled with concern. "But please stop crying. It hurts me to see you like this." My tears wouldn''t stop, and my head and eyes started to ache again. "Please, Mara, just stop," she pleaded. "Do you think your father would be happy to see you like this? Remember your last promise to him?" Her words struck a chord with me. I wiped away my tears immediately. The memory of my father''s loving face and the promise I made to him brought a wave of guilt and determination. I wouldn''t let myself fall apart like this. I forced a smile and wiped away the last traces of tears. "Dad... I promised him, yeah, I promised him". "Good girl," Mom said approvingly, her smile reaching her eyes. "You''re burning up, though. Want to go to the hospital?" "No," I mumbled. Hospitals were the worst, with their sterile smells and gloomy atmosphere. "But you have a fever, you need to..." I''ll take some aspirin," I interrupted, not wanting to argue. Mom sighed and got up from the bed. She rummaged through my drawer, found the aspirin bottle, and popped out two pills, handing them to me. "Let me get you a glass of water," Mum said gently, leaving my room. I stared blankly at the wall, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill again. It was a losing battle, and soon they were rolling down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away before Mom returned, not wanting to worry her further. "Here," Mom said, handing me the glass of water. I tossed the aspirin tablets into my mouth and swallowed them down with a big gulp of water. "Your friends are here to see you," Mom announced, and I nearly choked on my saliver "Bryan and Ellen?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. "Of course, silly. Do you have any other friends?" Mom teased, but I knew she was just trying to lighten the mood. My heart hammered against my ribs, threatening to burst out of my chest. The headache I thought had subsided returned with full force. It took every ounce of strength I had not to cry. Mom strolled over to my wardrobe, pulled it open, and picked out some fresh clothes and underwear for me. She closed it back up and walked back to my bedside. "Now, get dressed, fix your hair, and come downstairs to meet your friends," she instructed. "No! Just tell them to leave. I don''t want to see anyone right now," I mumbled, pulling the covers tighter around me. "Really? You don''t want to see the people who took the time to come from school and check on you? What''s wrong?" Mom asked, concern etched on her face. "I just don''t want to see anyone. Please tell them to leave," I repeated, my voice barely a whisper. Mom stood there for a moment, a surprised expression flitting across her face. "Come on, Angel," she said gently. "Get up, get dressed, and come meet your friends downstairs. They''re worried about you." "No, Mom," I insisted. "They should just leave." Mom''s eyes narrowed. "What''s wrong?" she asked, her voice firm but kind. "Nothing," I mumbled, avoiding her gaze. Mom wasn''t convinced. "There''s nothing wrong, and you don''t want to see your friends? I''m going to tell them to come meet you Mom said, already heading towards the door. "Okay, Mom," I sighed, getting out of bed. "I''ll go see them." "Good," she replied, a relieved smile replacing her worry. "I''ll be in the kitchen." I picked up the clothes she''d laid out for me: a blue tank top paired with a white knee-length skirt I finished getting ready, brushing my hair out of my face before leaving my room. The urge to cry threatened to overwhelm me as I descended the stairs to the living room. Seeing Bryan and Ellen sitting on the couch, I took a shaky breath before greeting them with a simple, "Hi." Both their heads turned towards me. "Mara, you look like you haven''t slept in days," Bryan said, his voice laced with concern as he stood up from the couch, approaching me. I felt the familiar pull, that intense attraction that led me down this path, that caused me to fall deeply in love, and that I can''t escape no matter how I try. "How are you feeling now?" Bryan asked, his hands gently resting on my shoulders. My heart leaped in my chest, as it always did when he touched me. "I''m fine," I mumbled, trying to hide the sniffle escaping my nose. He led me towards a couch, and I sat down. Bryan settled beside me, but then but then I noticed Ellen getting up from the couch she had been occupying and coming to sit next to Bryan on the other side. I stared at her face, trying to piece everything together. How could Ellen do this to me? How could she be so insensitive to my feelings? "Mara, talk to us," Bryan pleaded, concern etched on his face. "Is something wrong?" I shook my head, but the tears betrayed me, leaving glistening streaks on my cheeks. "No," I mumbled, "I''m just not feeling well." Bryan wasn''t convinced. He knelt before me, his warm hands cradling my face. "Your face tells a different story, Mara," he said gently. "You don''t cry when you''re ill. What is it?" I hesitated, unsure of how to express the emotions churning within me. "It''s nothing, Bryan," I whispered, averting my gaze. He saw through my facade. A playful glint entered his eyes. "If you say so," he teased, then cupped my face in his palms and started singing in a deliberately off-key voice: ??Fatty fatty Mara,?? ?? Running on a field,?? ??But ended up falling flat,?? ?? With her fatty bum bouncing like a ball.?? I couldn''t hold back my laugh. Despite the silliness of the song and his terrible singing voice, his attempt to cheer me up warmed my heart. Even though Bryan''s singing was hilariously bad, he was a master when it comes to drawing. He could capture the entire living room, with all its intricate details, without breaking a sweat. His talent was undeniable. My room was a gallery of his work, each sketch a testament to his incredible skill. Every time I looked at them, a smile played on my lips. My laughter finally subsided, leaving a lingering smile on my lips. How ironic, Bryan, the cause of my sadness, had just made me laugh. "Wow, I did it!" he exclaimed, puffing out his chest with pride. "I whipped up that song on the spot, and I bet my voice sounded even better than Rihanna''s." His ridiculous boast triggered another round of laughter, and this time, Bryan joined in. The sound of our laughter filled the room, washing away the tension that had been hanging heavy in the air. Suddenly, Ellen''s voice broke through our amusement. "Bryan, I think we should go now. My parents will be expecting me." Tbc.. Lost in the shadows of love chapter 4 Suddenly, Ellen''s voice broke through our amusement. "Bryan, I think we should go now. My parents will be expecting me. As abruptly as it started, our laughter died down. Bryan frowned. "That''s exactly why I said you should come with your driver. I wanted to spend more time with Mara. I can''t leave her in this state," he insisted, his eyes filled with concern. "My parents will be worried sick if I get home late," Ellen said, glaring at Bryan "Alright, alright," Bryan sighed, reaching into his pocket. "Here, have some cash for a cab." "Ugh, you know how much I hate cabs!" Ellen exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "Fine," Bryan conceded. "My driver will drop you off first, then come back for me." "Bryan!" Ellen yelled in frustration, while he just raised an eyebrow in response. "Okay, Bryan, you two are free to leave now. Just go with Ellen, I''ll be fine," I said, forcing a smile. "No way, Mara," Bryan insisted, his smile fading. "I want to spend more time with you. We didn''t see each other the whole holiday, and you didn''t even come to my house party! I''ve missed you." "I missed you too, Bryan," I replied softly, "but we''ll see each other at school tomorrow. You two should leave together, okay? I need to rest." Bryan shrugged and shot Ellen a withering look. "Wow," I thought sadly, "They''re barely acting like they''re even dating." A pang of longing shot through me as I wished I could be in Ellen''s shoes. I fantasized about making Bryan fall head over heels for me, but I knew that was a foolish dream. Bryan wouldn''t be mine again. With a heavy heart, I pulled Ellen into a hug, then turned to Bryan and hugged him too. "Bye," I choked out, barely able to hold back my tears. I turned and ran up the stairs, my heart feels heavy with heartbreak. The Next Morning I sat at the dining table, dressed for school and picking at my breakfast. "Mara, you''re going with me to the hospital, right now!" Mom said firmly. "Mom! Seriously? I''m fine," i raised my voice in response. I absolutely hate going to the hospital, and she knows it! "Don''t expect me to believe that. You were crying and burning up all yesterday, and wouldn''t even eat! You''re going to the hospital with me, and there''s no arguing about it," Mom said. "Mom," I called softly, knowing once she makes a decision, it''s pretty much set in stone. "Don''t waste your breath," she responded firmly. "You''re going to the hospital with me." Ugh, Mom can be so stubborn. (I thought to myself) "Mom, I was just having cramps yesterday, but I''m feeling fine now," I lied. "Don''t even try that with me," she said. "I know the signs of your cramps. You''re going to the hospital, there''s no arguing about it." "But Mom, Mara''s not a kid anymore," Liam interjected, a smile playing on my lips. "She said she''s fine, so just let her be. She already missed the first day of school, do you really want her to miss the second one too? You know how far the teachers would have gone by now. If you''re determined to take her to the hospital, it can wait until after she gets back from school." I knew Mom couldn''t resist Liam''s logic. Mom glanced at Liam before turning back to me. "Alright," she sighed, "but if you''re still burning up or having a meltdown when you get back from school, you''re going straight to the hospital. No ifs or buts." With that, she retreated back to the kitchen. Liam and I exchanged a high-five, a playful chuckle bubbling from his lips. "Best brother ever," I declared. He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Someone has to save you from Mom''s wrath." Liam is strikingly handsome, his eyes mirroring our mom''s captivating depths, his nose sculpted with delicate precision, and full red lips that curved into a charming smile. His blonde hair, styled in a perpetual spiky mess, framed his face perfectly, and his athletic physique drew admiring glances from girls wherever we went. Unfortunately, it also fueled his reputation as a bad boy. I couldn''t help but hope that beneath the surface, there was more to him than just looks and popularity. I longed to see him shed the bad boy facade and embrace the positive aspects of his personality. Despite his occasional rebellious streak, Liam''s intelligence is off the charts. He consistently graduates with honors and even topped the entire university! Whenever he has free time, he patiently tutors me, especially in math. I understand his explanations far better than anything my teacher could teach. My brother is the absolute best! "So now that I saved your butt from a hospital trip," he grinned. "So?" I asked, rolling my eyes dramatically. "Uh-huh... please don''t tell Mom I threw a party here while she was in Italy," he pleaded. "Oh, I''d completely forgotten about that, but thank goodness you reminded me! I''m going to tell Mom right now," I threatened playfully. "Come on, Mara, please," he begged. "Mom!" I called out. I burst into laughter as he frantically covered my mouth with his hands to stop me from speaking. "Damn it, Liam! Are you trying to suffocate me?" I rasped with his hand still clamped over my mouth. "Okay, okay, I''m sorry!" he blurted, hastily removing his hand. Scowling, I declared, "I''m still telling Mom!" Liam flashed his most charming grin. "Please, Mara. Okay, how about a pizza peace offering?" Pizza is my absolute favorite, but today, it wasn''t hitting the spot. "No," I said, to his utter shock. Refusing pizza was practically unheard of in my world. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Shawama? No? $200? Cappuccino? Strawberry cake? French baguette? Novels?" Liam rattled off a list of tempting treats, but each time, I shook my head. With a furrowed brow, he sighed in exasperation. "What do you want then?" "A new phone," I replied, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. Liam''s eyes widened. "What happened to your phone?" It slipped out of my hand and fell," I lied. He shook his head and said, "Okay, done deal!". "Really?" My eyes widened in surprise, a grin spreading across my face. He winked. "Yep, just tell me the model you want, and you''ll find it waiting on your bed when you get back from school." "Aw, thanks, Liam!" I planted a kiss on each of his cheeks and excitedly told him the model I''ve been eyeing before hopping up from the dining chair. "Bye, Mom!" I called out towards the kitchen. "Bye, angel! Have a good day at school," came her reply. Exiting the house, I greeted Max and hopped into the back seat of his car. As we drove away, I fell silent, my mind drifting back to yesterday''s unsettling thoughts. Finally, max pulled into the school parking lot, and brought the car to a gentle stop. I pushed open the door and stepped out, a walk down the hall to my Grade 9 classroom. Lockers lined both sides, their metallic doors adorned with stickers and graffiti. The scent of freshly waxed floors mingled with students'' murmur of chatter and burst of laughter. As I passed, heads whipped in my direction, curiosity glinting in their eyes. Whispers followed me like a swarm of autumn leaves caught in a sudden gust. "Isn''t that Mara?" someone whispered, their voice barely a whisper. "Why is she so beautiful?" another chimed in. Their incessant whispers, laced with envy and curiosity. With a forced smile, I brushed them off, my steps quickening to my classroom. As soon as I walked in, the room went pin-drop quiet. Everyone stared as if I were some kind of celebrity. Despite the curious stares drilling into me from all corners, I kept my head down in search for my seat name tag. Ignoring the whispers and wide-eyed glances, I scanned the rows of desks until I finally spotted it Settling into my new seat, I hung my bag beside the table. The buzz of activity picked up again as people returned to their tasks. It felt different This new class feels like a whole different planet compared to eighth grade. Honestly, I''m kind of missing it. Grade 8 was my jam: spacious, airy, and with a window seat overlooking that dreamy garden. Fresh air, flower smells, the whole shebang. However, this place isn''t bad i guess, it''s got its own kind of beauty. Tons of chairs, desks, and lockers, all neatly lined up. Shiny whiteboard on the wall, some Cool posters thrown up, and even marble floors ¨C fancy upgrade from ceramic tiles in eighth grade. lost in my thoughts, a tap on my shoulder startled me back. Bryan and Ellen stood there, hand-in-hand. I blinked away tears that threatened to well up. "Mara, how are you?" Bryan asked, messing with my hair like he always did. I''m fine," I mumbled, the word tasting like ashes in my mouth. "Come on, Mara, this isn''t you. What''s up?" he pressed. "My heart screamed, ''It''s you! You''re the one sending me over the edge!" Ellen''s gaze was sharp, her arms crossed protectively over Bryan''s shoulder. My heart hammered in my chest, and tears welled up, blurring my vision. I tried to swallow them, burying my face in my arms on the desk Mara, hey, what''s happening? Why are you crying? Talk to us," Bryan''s voice softened as he patted my back. The touch, though meant to comfort, sent shivers down my spine. Bryan, if she doesn''t want to talk, let her be. Ellen''s voice was laced with a surprising indifference. Crying has its way of clearing the soul, so let her tears flow. My head snapped up, disbelief clouding my vision. Is this still my Ellen? The one who always soothed my cries, whose embrace was my safe harbor? A choked sob escaped me as I reached for my handkerchief with my trembling fingers, the fabric cold against my burning cheeks. Each dab felt like a betrayal, a stark reminder of the stranger behind her familiar features. "I''m okay," I mumbled, my voice thick with a lump I couldn''t swallow. Bryan''s hand reached out, hovering over mine, but his question, "Mara, are you sure?" died on his lips as the teacher walked in. Everyone scrambled back to their seats, a flurry of nervous energy. It was then I noticed Bryan and Ellen''s seats were next to mine ¡ª Ellen to his right, sandwiching him between us. Turning my gaze, I spotted an empty seat beside me, the name "Kelly Yates" boldly emblazoned on the nameplate. Looks like we''re getting another classmate. Good morning, class," she greeted. Good morning, Miss Ardsley," the class chorused, their voices a patchwork of eagerness and apprehension. Some leaned forward, eyes sparkling with anticipation, while others shuffled in their seats, brows furrowed in anxiety. A faint smile played on Miss Ardsley''s lips, its warmth barely reaching her gaze. "Alright everyone," she announced, her voice firm but not unkind. "Let''s take a quick look back at yesterday''s work. To refresh your memories," she confidently grabbed a marker, then turned to the board and began writing. The classroom went dead quiet as Miss Ardsley turned from the whiteboard. All eyes were glued to the equation that now dominated the white board. A flicker of recognition flashed through my mind as I looked at the equation. Liam had taught me something similar, but the details remained frustratingly fuzzy in the corners of my mind. "I need a brave volunteer to tackle this equation on the board," she said. Didn''t Ms. Ardsley just teach them this yesterday? Why isn''t anyone standing up?" I wondered, scanning the bewildered faces. Even Bryan, the brain of the class, seemed stumped. Suddenly, Ellen''s voice boomed across the room, "Mara!" Her finger jabbed directly at me. "She says she can solve it!" she declared. My breath hitched as eyes turned to me. "But Ms. Ardsley, she wasn''t even here yesterday!" Bryan interjected, throwing Ellen a bewildered look. "It doesn''t matter," Ellen countered, her voice firm. "She just told me she can help. Let''s give her a chance." Just as Bryan was about to step in again, I took a deep breath and cut him off. "I can solve it!" I declared, my voice a little shaky. He arched an eyebrow, skeptical. "Really?" I met his gaze with a firm nod. Wiping away the tears blurring my vision, I took a few deep breaths, trying to recall Liam''s patient explanation. Then, I grabbed the marker and started working, step-by-step. It wasn''t easy. I made a lot of mistakes, erasing and trying again. But with each attempt, I felt a little closer. Finally, after a tense few minutes, I solved the problem. I dropped the marker and hurried back to my chair. After a moment of silence, Miss Adsley confirmed with a "Correct!" A wave of applause washed over me, and Bryan greeted me with a grin and a high five. My face broke into a wide smile as I settled down, feeling the warmth of excited gazes from all corners of the classroom. "Wow, you surprised me! What''s your full name?" Miss Ardsley asked. "Tamara Weston," I replied shyly. "That''s incredible, Tamara! You weren''t here when we covered this topic, yet you solved it perfectly. Very encouraging!" "Thanks, Miss Ardsley!" I beamed. "Class," Miss Ardsley called out. Everyone answered, "Yes, Miss Ardsley!" "Don''t you think Tamara deserves a chance to be our class representative?" Miss Ardsley asked. "Yessss!" the whole class cheered loudly, clapping their hands. My jaw dropped in surprise. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ellen fiddling with her fingers, her brow furrowed and eyes narrowed. She wasn''t happy, that was clear. The excitement calmed as Miss Ardsley clapped her hands. "Alright, let''s dive into today''s topic!" she declared, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. She grabbed a marker and started writing on the board like a professional, making sure everything was crystal clear. Every explanation was punctuated by a pause, her gaze sweeping across the room to ensure no one was left behind. All heads were nodding eagerly. Finally, it was time for her exit. "See you tomorrow, class!" she called out, a smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. "See you tomorrow, Miss Ardsley!" we chorused back, our voices echoing in the now-quiet classroom. As soon as Miss Adsley walked out, Bryan leaned over and whispered, "Fatty Mara did it!" I couldn''t help myself. I giggled, then burst into full-blown laughter when he started tickling me. It felt amazing, happier than I could ever remember. Tbc.. Lost in the shadows of love chapter 5 As soon as Miss Adsley walked out, Bryan leaned over and whispered, "Fatty Mara did it!" I couldn''t help myself. I giggled, then burst into full-blown laughter when he started tickling me. It felt amazing, happier than I could ever remember. Bryan¡¯s Perspective: I watched Mara worryingly as we sat in the cafeteria. She seemed upset, picking at her fries, tears welling in her eyes. What could be wrong? Mara is always cheerful. Is she sick? No, she doesn''t appear ill. Could she be Heartbroken? But who would break her heart when she looks like an angel? Or perhaps she had a fight with Ellen? It seemed likely, given their silence and Ellen''s behavior in class. When I glanced at Ellen, she was absorbed in her phone, oblivious to Mara''s distress. ¡°Mara,¡± I called softly. She looked at me with puffy eyes. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry,¡± I said, offering her my handkerchief. ¡°You¡¯ve been crying since yesterday. Are you okay?¡± Mara shook her head, indicating she wasn''t sick or heartbroken. ¡°Did someone hurt you? If so, I''ll go and talk to them,¡± I offered, but she didn''t respond. When Ellen suddenly laughed loudly, we both turned to her. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± I asked, irritated by Ellen''s behavior. ¡°Can¡¯t you see Mara is upset?¡± Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Ellen shrugged. ¡°Why should I care? It¡¯s not my problem,¡± she replied casually. Shocked by her indifference, I asked, ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± ¡°I just don¡¯t want to be friends with Mara anymore,¡± Ellen declared, turning back to her phone. Mara stood up, tears in her eyes, and walked away without a word. ¡°Mara!¡± I called after her, but she didn¡¯t stop. I turned back to Ellen, angry and confused. ¡°Why are you doing this? If you don¡¯t want to be friends with Mara, then don¡¯t be friends with me either.¡± With that, I followed Mara out of the cafeteria. Ellen¡¯s Perspective: Damn it! I hope Bryan isn''t falling for Mara. This is all my fault. If i hadn''t helped Mara becomes so pretty, if i hadn''t made her popular none of this would be happening. Why can''t I be friends with Mara anymore? It''s simple, I can''t be friends with someone who''s in love with my boyfriend. Where did both of them run off to? I stood up from the chair and started walking out of the cafeteria. I noticed Jessie staring at me from the corner, but I ignored her and walked away. Mara¡¯s POV: I went straight to the school¡¯s garden and sat on one of the benches, staring into space. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m so fragile, bursting into tears every minute. How can love make me feel like this? Just looking at Bryan makes me love him more, even though he''s dating my former best friend who betrayed me. Ellen knew how much I loved Bryan. She encouraged me to pursue him, and now she''s dating him. We talked on the phone during the holidays, and she never mentioned anything about Bryan asking her out. How could they be dating now? I wiped my tears with my school shirt, feeling heartbroken and in pain. Should I blame Bryan? He didn¡¯t know about my feelings for him, but why does it hurt so much? Yeah I¡¯m in love! School is over for the day. Students left in pairs. I packed my books and stood up, ready to leave the class. ¡°Mara, won¡¯t you wait for us?¡± Bryan asked as I headed out of the classroom. ¡°I need to rinse my face in the restroom. I¡¯ll meet you outside,¡± I replied, hurrying to the restroom to wash my puffy face. I splashed water on my face, trying to calm down. After wiping my face with the handkerchief Bryan gave me, I heard Jessie''s voice one of my old bullies, behind me. ¡°How did you go from being an ugly duckling in grade 7 to one of the most beautiful girls in grade 8?¡± she asked with a wicked grin. Tbc... Lost in the shadows of love chapter 6 "How did you go from being an ugly duckling in grade 7 to one of the most beautiful girls in grade 8?" Jassie, one of my old bullies, asked with a wicked grin. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business,¡± I retorted, feeling satisfied by my newfound confidence. I walked out of the bathroom and into the school''s parking lot, where Max was waiting for me. Bryan and Ellen were nowhere to be seen. I felt tears welling up in my eyes again but tried to hold them back. I greeted Max and got into the car. He started the engine and drove off, eventually parking under the shade. I grabbed my backpack and headed into the house, only to find my mom and Liam crying. "What''s wrong?" I asked in shock, rushing to them. "What''s wrong?" I screamed rushing to them. "Mara," Mum called. "Huh?" I answered worriedly. "Today marks two years since your father passed away," she burst out crying. My face dissolved in a cloud of tears. Dad...my dad! Mum hugged me together with Liam and we all cried, remembering Dad. Mum wiped our tears with the tip of her finger. She sniffed, "Today being your father''s second year , I want you both to do something for me." "What, Mum?" we asked. "Liam," Mum called. "I''ve been telling you this for a long time, but you haven''t listened. So, I waited for this day, knowing you''d honor this day, Please, Liam, stop your bad-boy lifestyle. Stop smoking, it damages your health. I can''t bear to lose another one of you. Please, Liam, stop it," Mum pleaded, her voice thick with emotion. Liam''s face fell. "Mum, I promise I''ll try my best to stop those habits," he mumbled. Mom pulled him into a hug and kissed his blonde hair. He pecked her on both cheeks, a gesture that brightened her face. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. She then faced me, her gaze filled with concern. "Tamara, darling, what''s causing you so much sadness? Seeing you cry breaks my heart. You look different lately. My beautiful daughter Even if it''s heartbreak, I know it can be painful, but please let go of..." "Heartbreak?" Liam asked with a frown. "Who broke your heart? I swear down I''m going to chop his head off! Is he crazy?" Liam fumed. "Come on, Liam," Mum said. "Mara, there are a lot of guys who want you. You''re not ugly and fat anymore, all thanks to Ellen and the procedures she helped you with. Don''t cry anymore, Mara. Just let it go." Mum, I will try but "I love him so much. My heart is in so much pain." "Who is the guy? I''ll talk to him for you," Liam said. I shook my head negatively, unwilling to expose Bryan''s name. I knew Liam wouldn''t just talk to him; he''d punch his nose off. Mara, of course I understand how your heart feels," Mum said. "You can always love him, but you don''t have to cry. Did you think I didn''t know you cried yourself to sleep last night?" "Who is the hell is this guy?" Liam demanded, banging his fist on the table. Liam had always been like that. He couldn''t stand to see me cry and wouldn''t allow anything or anyone to hurt me. Even when I was overweight and bullied, he''d walk me to school and dare anyone to mess with me. Yeah, that''s what you expect from an older brother, but Liam took it to another level. "Liam, it''s okay," I mumbled, trying to calm him down. He moved closer and used his shirt to gently wipe away my tears. "Tam, don''t cry anymore, okay? One stupid guy isn''t worth your tears." I nodded with a sad smile. ''If only they knew it was my best friends who were making me cry ''I thought.'' "Mom pleaded, ''Mara, would you promise me you won''t cry anymore?''" I hesitated before nodding. "Please, Mara, for your father''s sake," she said earnestly. That phrase always held so much weight in our family. "Yes, Mom," I said. "I won''t cry anymore, for Dad''s sake." Mom hugged us both tightly, kissing our hair. A warm feeling spread through me as she did. "There you go," she said, a smile replacing her tears. "Now, let''s make your father''s favorite dish. Come on, Liam," she called out, dragging a frowning Liam towards the kitchen. "Mom, I need to freshen up first," I said. "Yeah, I know," she replied. "Liam will help me in the kitchen. Go get cleaned up and join us soonest." With a laugh, I grabbed my backpack and hurried upstairs to my room. Liam shot me a mischievous grin and whispered, "The phone''s on your bed." I grinned back and gave him a thumbs up. Just then, Mom caught us. "What was that all about?" she asked, a playful suspicion in her eyes. "Are you two planning something behind my back?" I chuckled and picked up my backpack before racing upstairs to my room. Tbc..