Why did I live? I sat up, staring at the picture I took with my mother on the table. Took the photo and fiddled with it for a while.
Damn! I couldn''t sleep because of her words.
Chapter 4: Find the Part-time Job
''s POV
At night, the temperature rose to prepare for some heavy rains. I could not sleep because my father snored louder than the crickets in the yard. Morover, his voice disturbed my mind, and I sat up unconsciously.
¡°As long as you use my money, you have to listen to me.¡±
Crept out of the blanket, I moved closer to the little parrot. After looking out of the window, the moon was bright and beautiful today.
Wait, what were his words mean? Oh, I could see. If neither I used his money nor needed to obey anymore. That was right, I''ll be free. I would take my brush and draw amazing pictures.
¡°That day is not so far, Chi-Chi!¡± I looked at the cage.
If money could solve the problem, I must go make money; I would go find a job, then bought drawing tools.
Freedom, I was coming!
***
Noon at 12:30 A. M on August 8th
''s POV
Washed the dishes and then put them on a tray to drain; something was burning in my heart. Bolted to the bathroom to change into my school uniform. Stepping out of the bathroom, I slunk to the door.
¡°Rub! You''re so pretty today. You hate tutoring so much. So why are you so excited now?¡± my father exclaimed in surprise.
Excited, of course, I would go find a job and got out of your arms.
¡°I am going to school, bye-bye, dad.¡± Put my shoes on and turned to look at my father and could feel the satisfaction in his deep eyes, I replied.
¡°Okay. Have a good day!¡± The corner of his lips curved while he looked at me with a proud face.
Hmm, a tutoring class? It took me a long time at a boring place.
After I walked out of the house, the sound of birds chirping on the branches of the old tree. Walking in the alleys, I saw herds of dairy cows running around. A smile appeared on my lips, and the sun began to creep into my hair. Two rows of trees on the side of the road were full of flowers, and I turned into a small alley.
Stopped in front of a department store, pushed open the door, and asked the cashier if the place needed hiring. But he replied that they were not hiring any more staff.
Tried another place, this time a flower store where the owner had long brown hair and wore round glasses. The woman was sitting on the porch while watering the flowers and singing. I approached her and asked if she needed a shop assistant, and she replied that she did not.
...
In no time, it was time to go home. I passed a field of sunflowers, the red sunset peeking out from behind the hill. I asked for more than ten places, nevertheless, none needed part-time employees. Most of them hired full-time workers or had no need to hire employees.
Would my part-time job plan come to an end here? No! Too early to give up now. My stomach rumbled with hunger, perhaps I should get home before the sky got dark.
...
Day by day passed like that. In the morning, I went to class to attend the curricular time while skipping the remedial category in the afternoon to look for a job from noon until sunset. Notwithstanding, I still had not gotten any results because this town did not need part-timers like me.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
...
Evening at 19:00 on August 15th.
It got a week since I started looking for a job. It was already dark, and the street lights lit up the despair in my eyes.
So was all hope really gone?
My footsteps were getting heavier. Turned to walk back home, sweat making my hair sticky. Ordinary, The warm yellow light of a restaurant turned on caught my attention. In front of the restaurant was a fortune tree. Diners ate and chatted at a few wooden tables outside. Looking up while I could see the words ¡°Paradise Restaurant¡± in black covered with electric lights. But what caught my eyes was the recruitment poster posted in front of the restaurant. My heart trembled with joy then I could not wait to push the door opened and entered.
Inside the restaurant, soft melodious music along with warm yellow lights. Decorating a family-style, diners filled all the tables and enjoyed chatting. A tall, gentle-faced waiter approached me. He asked if he could help me, and I replied that I stood here to apply for a job. Hearing that, the employee took me to a separate room.
This was an ordinary office decorated in white. Sitting behind the table, the woman has brown skin, shoulder-length black hair, and wears a pink suit. The platinum earrings made her stand out even more. The employee told the woman why I was in there. At the same time, I bowed while her gaze swept over me. The employee walked out and closed the door, leaving me bewildered and nervous.
¡°Sit down, please.¡±
The woman reached for the cushioned chair in front of me, and I nodded and sat down. She introduced herself as Rose, the manager of the restaurant. Ms. Rose started asking fundamental questions about my age and when I could get the job. Accordingly, I made it clear that I had never done this job before and only did it part-time. But I promised to master the job after an apprenticeship for a week.
My hands started to sweat, and my whole body stiffened. I needed the job, so I mustered up the courage to promise like that. Ms. Rose thought for a moment. Finally, she accepted me and set a trial date. I said we could start tomorrow, and she agreed. I held her hand and bowed my head in thanks.
Out of the restaurant, I jumped with excitement. I finally found a job that could be better than a money-making plan. I returned home with endless joy, dancing and singing as I walked.
...
After I got home, my father stood with his arms crossed in front of the door. A serious expression on his face made me frightened.
¡°Why did you go to school and go home this time?¡± my father frowned.
¡°I got study group with my friends.¡± I rolled my eyes to the lights in the front yard.
¡°Do you have friends to study with? And since when did you become diligent?¡± Father looked me straight in the eyes.
Sweat poured down my face as I searched for a lie to answer his question. If he found out that I was truant, my life here would be over. The dream of freedom disappeared forever.
What should I do?
Chapter 5: Austin鈥檚 Regret
¡°I have brain-dead. I engage a group of learning. What''s unusual?¡± I answered through the chirping of crickets.
Doubtful gaze, my father was still present on his dark face. The howl of the wind mingled with our conversation. He asked no more questions, out of the way for me to enter the house.
***
Morning of August 16th.
The school drummed rang beck in playtime. I had a few boring lessons in the morning. With a slight yawn, I could not wait to relax a bit. Got up and opened the curtains, sunlight seeping through the glass. Sitting back in my chair, I looked up at the ceiling. The noise of recess made my mood annoying. But I returned to the stillness and ventured into my fantasy world. Took out my pen, I began to doodle on the pages of my notebook.
¡°, I have something to tell you.¡±
Looked up and saw a tall figure with a handsome face appearing beside my desk. Austin, whose face made me disgusted. Ignoring his question, I continued with my drawing.
¡°Why do I never see you come to the remedial class?¡± Austin asked.
I stopped the pen and paused for a few seconds. Deciding to pretend deaf, I turned to look out the window. This obnoxious guy ruined my imagination. He was a nuisance! Because he was the class president and the hunting dog for the headteacher.
All girls in my class fell in love with Austin to death. They were always talking about his handsomeness and generosity. As for me, I see him as a fake, always chasing after virtual values. He always put on a responsive, kind face to treat everyone.
Not only girls but boys also liked him very much. I admitted him as an exemplary class president. In addition, Austin also got a scholarship for two consecutive semesters. His achievements were respectable, but his personality was the smell.
***
Austin''s POV.
Why did keep dropping out? I had purposely marked that she still went to full remedial classes. But including today, she missed school for a week. I could not cover up anymore.
...
As soon as the school drum sounded, I stood up and looked at . She sat cross-legged on the table, leaning back in her chair. I stepped closer while she looked up at the ceiling. chewed gum with her soft lips. She always gave off a characteristic apricot scent. I asked her why she did not come to the remedial class. But completely ignored me and treated me like an invisible person.
Alright, . If you don''t answer, I''ll have to tell everything to the homeroom teacher. At that time, don''t blame me for your father know. Lose patience with her attitude, I said.
Hearing my threat, reacted a little. She stood up, grabbed my hand, and dragged me somewhere. My feet followed in involuntary, even though my face turned pink a little. Her soft hands touched mine, and my heart almost exploded. But I still tried to stay calm so that would not notice the abnormality in my shy expression.
¡°Where are you dragging me? Are you scared? I teased.
Out on the lawn behind the school, let my hand go. She turned and looked at me with sharp eyes. Her long jet-black hair attracted me, and was only about my shoulder height.
¡°Can you keep a secret for me?¡± softened her voice.
Keep secret? What''s the matter? I asked as my eyebrows raised.
That''s how I dropped out of school. rolled her eyes in the other way.
¡°But why did you do that?¡± I asked.
¡°Um¡ I worked part-time during tutoring times.¡± spoke as her eyes glued to the land.
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WHAT?!! Are you crazy? I jumped up.
¡°Respect we used to be friends. Please help me this time. If my father finds out, I will die.¡± She said with pleading eyes.
You''re scared, but you still do it? I really couldn''t refuse. Pausing for a moment, I continued, Alright, but I can''t hold out for long. You''d better hurry back to school.
Thank you. You''ve paid me back my childhood debt. From now on we owe no one.¡± The lovely glittering eyes suddenly changed into the cold everyday eyes, replied.
She left behind the faint scent of perfume while the words pierced my heart like a knife. I stood silently, remembering the story of my childhood. When I was in elementary school, I was a shy boy, so I could not make friends with anyone in my class. Then one day, appeared...
¡°Hello everyone, my name is . I''m a new student transfer.¡±
***
''s POV.
Austin, that bastard, I never thought I''d begged him one day. I still had not forgotten the cowardice he did as a child. He betrayed our friendship. The memory of the past when I was a seven-year-old kid. After my whole family moved to Wind town, I transferred to Wind Village primary school.
...
So sad. Why doesn''t anyone want to be friends with me?! Why? Why so? I lowered my head to the table before darkness enveloped my surroundings.
Playtime, you guys had fun laughing together. As for me, sitting at my desk, was strange for a new transfer student like me. I wished class never ended and recess never came. Loneliness devours the fragile heart of a seven-year-old.
Hi. I''m Austin, can we be friends?
A deep voice from a boy. I could not believe my ears, he greeted me, unbelievable! I stood up, looking straight into his smiling eyes.
¡°Hi¡ I¡ I- m¡¡±
Tried to stop the tears from coming out because it would be embarrassing to cry, I turned to the window where the position was opposite to Austin''s vision.
You''re , aren''t you? I heard you introduce it before.
We played sandcastle building and the husband and wife games. We gradually became close, until one day...
Hey, city girl.
A little girl with a pompous face, a fat body, and a disheveled dress looked at me. She opened the bark of the lollipop tree and put it in her mouth. Brisked, the other two with sly faces stood behind. Calming, I kept walking after the fat girl began to lose patience. She rushed to grab my hair.
Are you insane? Cried out in pain, I asked.
You brat, do you think you''re a city dweller. So you brazenly talk to us? Without saying a second word, they rushed to beat me up.
I tried to fight back, but because three hit one, I could not resist. My hands kept swinging wildly. I hit whoever I could hit. No matter what, determined to fight to the end. After a flash of light in the sunset, I saw Austin. He was here. He would save me.
¡°Austin, help me¡ Help...¡±
Tightened his hand, Austin wanted to come forward to save me. Step by step, but I did not know why he stopped. Austin did not come... He was afraid... He turned and ran away, leaving behind my despairing eyes and my screams touching through the sky.
Chapter 6: New Experience
Afternoon at 13 o''clock on August 17th
''s POV
I dressed in my school uniform, with my backpack on my shoulder. Told my father that I had to go to school and then I jogged to Paradise restaurant. The place was bustling as every day, I met Ms. Rose. After greeting each other, she handed me the staff uniform. She told me to follow her to the changing room.
We passed a kitchen, glancing inside, the kitchen was spacious and animated. Everyone wore white chef uniforms, with flexible hands and feet cooking and cleaning. The sound of frying with kitchen utensils hitting each other made the air more buoyant.
A tall man with a strong voice was leading the other chefs. I looked at him closer, and the face of Mr. George appeared. Impossible!!! He was working here. I couldn''t let him find out that we worked in the same restaurant. The story may reach my father''s ears, although I knew that George was not a talkative person. But the precaution was better than nothing.
Come on, . What are you thinking about? Ms. Rose asked.
my head, I followed Ms. Rose while always thinking, I was looking at Mr. George engrossed in his work, and my heart fluttered with an indescribable emotion.
...
After getting out of the dressing room, I wore a beige shirt and dark brown trousers. The light brown apron tied around my stomach fell over my knees like a dress. I put on a proud face when Ms. Rose praised me for looking much more professional.
Ms. Rose said my job was as a waitress and introduced me to a young waiter. He had a long face, his tall slim body making him look like a pole.
Hi, I''m James. Nice to meet you. Our main job''s to take orders, clear tables, and deliver food and drinks to guests. Follow me! I''ll give you specific instructions. The man smiled gently and said.
Yes, sir, I replied and followed him.
Since I was a newbie, everyone helped me enthusiastically. I started with the job of accepting applications, which required an introvert like me to open my mouth to communicate. James taught me how to carry food and wine and hold a tray properly.
As a new person, my mistakes were inevitable. Sister Mia was the one who helped me every time. She was also the one who taught me I must ask everyone If I didn''t understand something. Although my stubbornness led me always try to do everything alone, I liked the friendly people here. They were really different from the people at school.
Mr. James and Ms. Mia were diligent and enthusiastic. My cold heart became a little warm because of feeling the so-called human love.
...
It was time to go home. I went inside to change into my uniform and went in and got my backpack from the cashier. A tall and stout man passed by.
Mr. George again!
He was walking while talking to his colleagues. I ducked behind the counter, my heart beating faster and faster.
? What happens? Who are you hiding from? Mia saw my strange behavior and asked.
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I put my index finger in the middle of my mouth to suggest that Mia be quiet.
¡°Ah, which chef are you hiding from?¡± She glanced at the group of chefs walking out the door.
It''s okay, sister, just ignore me, I said lazily.
Hide and seek love? She smiled and said.
I leaned over the counter and checked to see if Mr. George had left.
It''s not. I have personal suffering. Making sure I was safe, I stood up straight and answered Mia.
Ms. Mia laughed again, saying a few sentences roughly to support her opinion. After that, she packed up and prepared to leave. When I got to the main door, I bowed to Ms. Rose, and she replied with a smile. Mr. James and Ms. Mia said that they only had an hour to eat dinner and had to go back to the restaurant for work on the evening shift. Being an adult was really hard, I only ran the table but my feet were blistered.
Unable to delay any longer, I had to go home before Mr. George returned to the restaurant and my father got home from work. Out on the sidewalk, the orange sunset made my heart flutter.
...
Stepping in front of a wooden door, I breathed a sigh of relief that my father still had not come home. I took the key from my backpack and opened the door entered. Closing my eyes to feel the victory scent today before the wind moved messed my hair. I have had many new experiences and new friends. Everything went smoothly amazing.
***
August 25th at 15 o''clock at Paradise restaurant.
''s POV.
I worked extremely hard. I was a bit clumsy, but I used my agility to make up for it. With the enthusiastic help of colleagues, it only took me three days to master the job. Every day that passed, I lied to my father and ran to a restaurant to work.
I usually come home later. Therefore, I carefully studied my father''s timetable to defend my lie. Today, there were not many customers at the restaurant then I was free. Standing dumbfounded for a while, I felt the scary, cloudy eyes looking at me. Goosebumps started to emerge, and I shivered as I looked at the man. He was chubby, wearing glasses and a black suit. That person was a regular customer who often come here in the afternoon.
Miss Mia, do you see anything strange about the guest at table number 07? I turned to ask Mia when she was free.
What''s so strange?! Mia looked at the man. ¡°I see, he''s looking at us.¡±
His eyes are scary. I touched my left elbow.
Nothing at all. You must be too sensitive. Mia turned to leave.
Was I too sensitive? Was it really so? I wanted to believe it. But every time I brought food and wine to the table seventh, the old fat man flashed a mysterious smile. His eyes fixed on my chest as if he wanted to devour me with his disgusting lust.
I continued to work in an uneasy mood. Pretend he was invisible, even though his eyes still bothered me. The sweat downed on my forehead. Not only because fatigued from work but also from fear of those dark eyes.
Chapter 7: He Wants To Kiss Me
Sunset, I went home in insecurity. I felt like someone looked behind me and followed my steps. My heartbeat was fast when my eyes turned back to check it out. But nobody here; the air was quiet, the street light illuminated. I heard the footstep, but I just saw a black cat walking when I turned back. I obsessed with the eyes at the restaurant and fell into the fear of the footstep following me.
***
August 27th at 14:00 at Paradise restaurant.
I talked to a guest, and she came to book a table for the wedding anniversary. Since starting work, my communication skills increased significantly. After she left, I brought food to serve table 12. Moving agile, I was shocked when I saw my father through the glass window. He stood outside in front of the main door, pulling a cigarette from his pocket.
I walked too fast while being surprised to see my father, a "bang" resounded in the noise in the restaurant. Broken bowls and dishes along with the food on the tray were scattered all over the floor.
"Oh my god, why are you so careless, Abony?" Mrs. Mia said as she ran over to help me clean up.
"I''m sorry."
Ms. Rose, the manager, ran to help me apologized, and reassured the guests at table 12. Then, she turned to remind me. I just kept apologizing and cleaning up the mess on the floor. The door was all designed with glass doors. That was why I was scared when I saw my father stand outside. I glanced over at my father while he still had not left. Father was facing this way. My face was hot when I didn''t know what to do.
Luckily, I breathed a sigh of relief when my father walked away. Disaster struck my head when a customer had a broken glass pinned to his shoe. His brows furrowed, he calmly sat down, took a piece out of his shoe, and called the manager to come. Ms. Rose bowed her head in apology repeatedly while my hands were shaking for fear of being fired. After work, Ms. Rose asked me to stay at her office. Accordingly, I stood in front of the door, took a deep breath, and entered.
"Come in." Looking into my eyes, Ms. Rose said.
"Hi. Ms. Rose." I walked close to her and sat on the chair.
"I think you know why I told you to come," she said.
"Well, what''s wrong with you? You have a mental health problem or something?" she continued after I nodded.
"I''m so sorry about those messes today, ma''am," I said as my eyes glued to my sweaty hands.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
"You know, all mistakes have to cost. So, I''ll reduce your salary this month. Do you have any questions about my decision?" Her stern eyes stared at me.
"Yes, it''s my responsibility," I replied with my jubilant heart.
"Alright. You could go," she said.
"Thank you so much, ma''am." Stood up and walked away, I said.
"By the way, I want to tell you one thing," ms. Rose said as I stopped. "Remember, Abony. Negligence in any profession is also no conscience."
"Noted with thanks, ma''am." I lowed my head.
Outside, I thought about her words and my carelessness. Just one day, I fell into fear a second time. But everything went fine. My lie didn''t expose or lose my job. But I felt a stranger following me again, though I didn''t see anyone behind prove my feeling. It was so scary.
***
September 9th.
Today, I got my first salary. I could not wait to stink to the department shop to touch my dream drawing kits. The energy of happiness surrounded my soul when I opened the shop door. Jogging to the shelf had drawing kits, but nothing in there. I walked around to find it but was hopeless. I approached the checkout.
"Can I help you?" an assistant asked.
"Hello, I''m Abony. I''m finding a drawing kit. May you help me?" I said.
"Okay, just wait a minute." she checked the information on the computer. "Sorry, Abony. All drawing kits are out of stock."
"How long I can wait to buy it?" I asked with my disappointed eyes.
"Maybe three weeks or more. I''m not sure about that," she replied.
"Alright. I''ll come back next time. Thank you," I said as walking away.
"You''re welcome." She smiled.
I went home after that. Today was an off day of the month at the restaurant. I thought I should go to the tutoring in the afternoon. But my mood was so low. I sat on the rocking chair under an old tree in my yard. The first time I put my feet in this town, I used to look here as a wonderland. But today, I saw dowdy and backward in here. The simple thing like the drawing kits also didn''t have. My eyes were glued to the ground, my hands held slightly to the rope fixed the swing, and my feet put to the swing moved. The empty feeling in my heart while I didn''t know how long I could buy a drawing kit.
"Hey, Ebony. What''s up?" A man approached me and said.
"I''m Abony. Stop the nonsense." I looked at the man as I knew he was George.
"Here. For you." He put in front of me a beautiful rose, smiled, and said.
"I love anytime you smile, Abony. Keep the smile in your mouth more and more." He stared at me with the sweet eyes and put his hand rubbing my hair.
My face was pink while my heart skipped a bit. George was so kind. I never thought I would vibrate in front of him. I received the rose and said thanks to him. He made my worries disappear. He was like a bright sun I never could touch while I was always in the darkness and negative feeling.
No, no. no, no, no, oh crap, oh crap. George moved close to me and wanted to kiss me. His face moved a distance from my face at 1mm.
"Sorry, I have to go," I whispered as my heart wanted to jump out.
"Alright," he said.
I stood up and jogged as fast as into my house.
Chapter 8: A Gift For You
Abony''s POV
"Would you buy me a drawing kit?" I arched my eyebrows.
"Sorry, it''s not available." The cashier shook her head.
---
"Does my drawing kit available?"
"Sorry, it doesn''t."
---
"Does my..."
"Nope."
15th September.
The noon, I sat on the chair and looked at the hot sunshine after eating lunch. Until now, I did not know how simple goods like a drawing kit were hard to find. It was not logical. Trying repeatedly, I get in the store to ask the cashier like a fool. Of course, it did not work. But the magic dropped on my face for the first time in my life when the ringing doorbell rang.
"I''m coming," I raised my voice.
"Excuse me, is there Moroe''s house? Would you mind letting me see Miss Abony Monroe?" the guy in the shipper clothes said.
"It''s me. I''m Abony. What''s the matter, sir?" I asked.
"You have a package." The shipper smiled.
"For me? Are you sure? I had never heard about that before. Maybe it''s a mistake. Please check it out again." I stepped back.
"One hundred percent exact this house. Look! On the package, it wrote your name," the shipper said with a high-toned.
"Where is this package sent from?" I rolled my eyes at my name with confusion.
"Someone loves you who sent you this. I have no time. Reaching in here to stop, goodbye, miss." The shipper put the package on the floor and went away in a flash.
"Hey!" Impotent, I said.
Throwing the doubt package in the corner of my house. I prepared to go to the restaurant where I had a part-time job. The magic part was when I went home from work. Unavoided my curiosity, I decided to open the package, thinking to myself just saw a little. The mystery light spread out from the paper box.
"It''s..." I put my hand to my mouth to keep me saying nothing.
That was a new version of drawing kits!
I never saw it outside. The only time I saw it was in an advertisement on TV. I cried out in happiness. Nobody could understand why my tears fell. Jumping and dancing around the living room, I must hide them before my father realized they existed in his house.
Wait! Thinking carefully, the shipper said this was a gift from the one who loved me.
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Who did love me?
Just could my mother.
Wow, this was amazing! Thank God, thank Mom.
I would use this carefully and always remember you, mom.
Abandoned me in here to follow your selfish dream. Mom, I thought you would be okay. Today, I received this gift, but unmeant I forgave your act. When you left, I could not count how much I missed you. Even I could not remember your face clearly. I always wanted to draw your face on my pictures, but it failed. Now, we did not have any connection or relationship.
You and I became a stranger!
George''s POV.
15th September.
I passed by a small store, buying some eggs. Seeing Abony jogged like a rocket into the store. I did not negate that I took my eyes on her or was excited when I met her. That thing happened when I looked at her soft lips and desired to give a kiss on them. That sounded crazy, but it did. Abony became a sexy woman in my eyes, with her sweet lips and cute face. Damn! It did not true. I just looked at her as my younger sister.
"3$ in total," the cashier said.
"Sorry if I bother you, miss. But I want to ask about that girl." I rolled my eyes at a little girl getting out the door. "What did she talk about with you?"
The cashier was hesitant and kept silent in front of my question.
"Don''t worry, miss. I''m her brother. I want to care about her." I explained.
"Well, she often gets here and asks about a drawing kit. Unfortunately, it''s out of stock for a long time," the cashier said with a monotone.
"Alright. Thank you!" I said and got out of the store.
Uh-huh, that was the reason she looked sadly on the swing. Chuckling, I could not keep my mouth.
"She''s a real low-tech girl." Putting my phone up, I said.
My finger glided on the screen. Not full two minutes, I bought a drawing kit online. That was easy for me, but for Abony, It''s impossible. She had no phone in the technology era. Her father was an arbitrary person. He would rage if knowing I bought this gift for Abony. The matter that he hated every time I approached his daughter. Why did I know? Because he always looked at me with sharp eyes and a spicy voice.
Stalking around her house, I must ensure that her father was absent. Waiting for a ripe opportunity, I told the shipper to get my gift for Abony. I watched the shipper put the package in front of her house, although her brows furrowed and she looked like want to object.
Well done!
Night, I went home from the restaurant. After cooking for my mother, I spend my time relaxing. Pouring a little Vodka into my favorite glass, I nibbled it and enjoyed the melody of "Born To Die"; Lana Del Rey was the best singer ever. Looking outside through the window, I saw Abony jump up with her loveable face. She danced around her living room and laughed out loud. Unexpectedly, I smiled and followed her excitement.
She was so cute~!
Her happy face made my heart jump out of my chest.
16th September.
Abony¡¯s POV
After school, I got home in a gorgeous mood. Dropped by a second-hand store, I used my saved money to buy an old easel.
"Could you bring this alone?" The owner bloomed his kind smile.
"I think... No problem." Scratching on my hair, I said.
Looking into the poster on the wall, this was information about a painting competition.
"Wow, great," I exclaimed when I looked at the prize.
One million dollars for the winner!
"You want to join it, right?" The owner looked at my bright eyes. He took the poster down and gave it to me.
"Yes, I do. I''m an artist. But how can I join it?" I said as my eyes glued to the poster.
"On your phone, just send the email," he said and turned away to serve another customer.
Carrying an easel that a big challenge for me, but I had no choice. I could not think of someone who could help me. Damn! I was just a lonely pig. Trying hard to pick the easel up, I brought it to somewhere I could hide. Sweats poured from my face under the hot sunshine while I moved at the turtle speed and heavy like an elephant walking.
Suddenly, the easel lighter in an unnormal way.
Chapter 9: The Rainbow Behind The Rain
Abony''s POV
"Everything okay. Ebony," a deep voice resounded.
A kind of cliche joke was George''s brand. No matter what, I just hoped someone came to help me.
"Thanks for your help, George. By the way, call me Abony, after all," I said with a sharp voice.
"I would bring this to where? Your home?" he asked with smiling on his mouth.
"No, it doesn''t. Please bring it to the White Rabbit park." With a high voice tone, I said.
"I know you well, Abony. Just teasing you a little." George laughed out loud and carried my easel to the park.
Looking into his eyes, I dropped my heart skipped, the beautiful brown eyes sparkling under the sun.
Thanks to George, I could auspiciously bring the easel to the White Rabbit park. After saying goodbye, my heart appreciated it, obviously. He was perfect, at least to me.
Focusing on my business.
Painting!
Barking dog while the wind touched my cheek. I mixed some colors that I think it was to be good.
Some red mixed with yellow, and the pink in the end.
The mixture forms a mint color, a beautiful mint!
Continued, I mixed some colors flashing in my head. Lightpink, Blue-Violet, Salmon, Firebrick, Tomato, Lime, Forest Green, Aqua, Navy, and Chocolate.
It was not a mix of colors. It was a naughty game!
I forgot every worry in my life, hurt, dad, school.
Everything was faded in my eyes!
Looking at the easel, the brush on my hand touched the canvas.
My hand started to shiver, and my body froze. The red sunset became gray, and the space dropped into darkness.
I couldn''t... Couldn''t draw or paint anything!
Something held back my hand. Unaccepted the truth, I tried again. But I failed. Time by time, I painted nothing, just a weird, ugly picture.
I lost all of my painting skills. All! Yes! All! I had nothing; nothing could hold my feet in the world. My knees dropped to the ground, and my tears couldn''t fall.
Got under the slide, shivering with lifeless eyes. The fire in the past came back through the raindrops. The fire burned the last picture that I created in my life. The picture painted a beautiful, confident woman singing with her micro under the sunset.
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The fire, alighting in my mind, burning in my eyes.
The woman was my mom; the picture was the last memory remaining.
The rainbow appeared behind the rain. The two kids dropped by the park with their umbrellas.
"Hey! Where are you going?" a little boy asked.
"I''m going to study to play the piano," a little girl answered.
"Oh, but you are a piano genius. Why do you have to study?" A boy round his eyes.
A girl replied with a chuckle that made her plait flutter. "My sister said nobody can be a professor if they don''t have a teacher," she said with a proud voice.
"Well, it''s not convincing. By the way, do you want to eat candy?" A boy took in his pocket some candy and gave it to the girl.
Jumping up. But froze my body again. After taking back my calm, I got out of the slide.
"Thank you! Thank you! Girl! You are a rainbow in my life." Holding a girl''s hand, I said.
Admitting what a kid said was true, and I was a weak person, but that was not a big deal.
"Excuse me, sister. Why do you say thanks to me?" a girl said as her eyes were scary.
"We have to go, Emily. Don''t talk with a stranger," a boy said with a vigilant voice.
Holding the girl''s hand, he took her going away. Ignoring my eyes following their steps, he went toward the sunset when Emily looked back at me with her curious eyes.
The thing I always find was the rainbow after the rain. In other words, I couldn''t blame or be plaintive.
I had to find a teacher who could teach me how to paint!
17th September, at school.
Abony''s POV
Something poignant in my stomach. F*ck! I needed to go to the WC. Ms. Milla never allowed students to go out of the biological class. Even if the reason was bellyache, headache, or even defecation. She was the weirdest teacher I saw ever.
Unfortunately, my reason was the last. Yes! Just because of eating a sweet potato for breakfast.
"Sorry, teacher. I need to go." Standing up, I sprinted to the WC despite my biological teacher frowning her eyebrows.
"Stop! Abony. I''m not allowing anyone to break my rule in this class." Ms. Milla growled.
After solving my problem in the toilet, it was rest time coming.
Washing my face, I looked at myself in the mirror. What a beautiful girl! I chuckled. I loved my black straight hair and my brown almond eyes.
These were the proud figures on my face.
If nobody loved me, that was okay. Because I was a person who loved me most. Thinking like this broke my lonely feeling!
I smiled and planned to find a teacher who taught me to paint after part-time work. Turning off the faucet, I got out of the WC. At the same time, someone holding my hair pulled me back to the toilet.
"Ouch! Aaa...! Aaa...! What are you doing? You insane, f*ck!" I yelled.
A girl pushed me down to the floor. Looking up, I saw three girls encircled me with their spicy faces. One fat, one short, and one thin.
"How you dare hold our prince Austin''s hand?" The fat girl took her phone with a photo on that. It was a scene of me holding Austin''s hand.
"So what?" I calmly answered.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" The three laughed in unison.
"So what?!" they mimicked my accent full of irony.
"Wait, why do you look so familiar?" A thin girl held my chin and asked.
They cogitated for a while, and a short girl screamed: "The city girl!"
"Ah! That''s you. Abominable girl in the past," a fat girl judged.
Gnashing, burning in my eyes. After a long time, unexpectedly, I met them again in this situation. Alright! I was not a little girl like the past, old owe, new owe, paying once!