niqya

Selena’s POV.

“There was a snowstorm last Christmas, right? He was very eager to leave me alone at the rest house. He said, he wanted to go home. But I can’t let him drive in the middle of a storm! He insisted that he must go. When I didn’t agree, he grabbed a knife and pointed it to me. I just stood frozen while he was asking where did I put the car keys. I’m afraid that he would kill me so I just followed his instructions. After that, he left. And, a while ago, I was walking over the parking lot when someone grabbed me. It was Josh! Again, pointing a small knife on my neck. He said that I must stay away from both of you. But I can’t Hayley. You’re the only one that I can trust, now.”  I explained, trying to keep the lie smooth.
“I. I don’t believe this.” Hayley mumbled. Her eyes were filled with tears.
“It’s true. I.. I’m not lying.” I winced and started to cry again.
“Come on, Sel.” Hayley took my hand and help me get up.
“Thanks.” I mumbled.

KRINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

The bell rang and students started to head to their class. Hayley gave me a hug and I left.

I wiped my tears away. “Stupid.” I mumbled to myself.


Hayley’s POV.

Is it true? Did really Josh try to kill Selena? No. I know Josh. He won’t do it. He won’t totally do such thing. I headed to my class with my book clinging to my arms.

“Hey. You okay?” Josh asked over as I took my seat. He moved directly beside me and leaned in.
“Yeah.” I grinned.
“Great.” He smiled and headed to his seat.

Madam Cornelia, our English teacher. A boring one. Huge glasses like those in magnifying glass. She’s wearing baggy clothes most of the time and loafers. She has a huge mole, sitting right in front of her big nose. Okay, so probably my description is a bit sarcastic? Oh whatever. And the way she talks, ugh. How I wish I was listening to the crickets at night instead of listening to her “un-womanly” voice.

She was having a discussion about Odyssey. Gah. Someone called my attention, an airplane paper landed straight into my desk. It was no ordinary paper but rather a beautiful one. I slowly unfolded it and see the message written.

Mrs. Hayley Farro,

 I’ll pick you up at 7:30pm. Well, what will happen later is gonna be a secret for now. I LOVE YOU.

Your husband,
Josh Farro

I giggled.
“So I guess Ms. Williams knows the answer to my question. What is being thrown at the banquet hall?” Madam Cornelia asked. Her boring eyes are making me sleepy.
“Oh. The golden apple.” I answered.
“Very well then. That‘s right.” She smiled, satisfied on my answer.

I glanced at Josh and whispered “yes”.

~~~***~~~
 I tried to look for Selena all over the rooms before I go home. But unfortunately, she’s nowhere to be found. She must have left the school early. I headed straight home. I have to do my assignments first before I have a date with Josh. Oh yes. Another date again.

“Umm. Sis’ Cheska?” I asked over as soon I opened the house door.
“Oh, sis’ Hayley?” She replied with a smile on her face. She popped her head from the kitchen. Which reminds me of Mom. I brush away the thought ‘cause I’m afraid that I might end up crying.
“How’s your day here at house?” I asked, as I dropped my bag and headed to the kitchen counter.
“Quite good. Never mind me anyway, so. How’s school then?” she asked as she handed me a plate of cookies and a glass of orange juice.
“Pretty normal. Nothing has changed.” I replied. Stuffing one cookie to my mouth.
“ ‘Kay. So.. Hayley, I want to tell you this, since February. But I don’t know how will I say this to you.” Aunt Cheska said, as she took a seat across from mine.
“What’s that? You can tell it now, I guess.” I smiled. I wonder what is she going to tell me.
“Well, I’ve been staying here for a few months. Just to let you know Hayles, I just file a leave for three or four months. If I exceed on that leave, I will lose my job there at New York. I don’t know what’s gonna be your reaction but we have to move there as soon as possible. I don’t want to stress you out honey. I’m so sorry.” She said with a shaky voice. I don’t want to be such a heavy burden to Aunt Cheska after what she have done for me.

I remained silent.

“Hayley, I’m so, so, sorry, honey. Goodnight.” Aunt Cheska planted a kiss on my forehead and went upstairs. I just nod.

This is going to be hard for me. I can’t leave everyone behind. Josh. Zac. Emily. My childhood memories. I bowed my head in confusion and say my prayer. Asking for God’s guidance and wisdom. No one’s gonna look after me if I’ll let Aunt Cheska go alone. It will be hard. A tough decision must be made.

A few moments later, I’m getting ready for my date with Josh. I wonder where are we going. Hmmm.. Then, the doorbell rang. I quickly stuffed my things in a small knapsack and hurriedly made my way downstairs. I don’t really have to be in a formal dress. I just wear a red stripes tee and a black skinny jeans.

Josh took me to a cozy restaurant that I’ve never been before. The place is very comfy and someone is singing on the background, live. There were couples and families around us too. Enjoying their pizzas, pastas and fries. The waiter handed us two menus and waited for our orders. After that, Josh and I began chatting.

When our food arrived, Josh and I started pigging out. We ordered frappés, fries, burgers and pasta too. I don’t know why we ordered many foods, probably because we‘re stressing out with school? Or something? We just keep the conversation going as we eat.

Josh stood up from his seat but he’s not yet done, so do I.
“Where are you going?” I asked as I stopped from chewing.
He didn’t reply. Instead, he just flashed a smile. I followed him with my eyes and I cannot believe what I’m seeing. He has a microphone on his right hand. He will sing, won’t he? The music started to play and he held up the microphone close to his mouth. A spotlight is focused on him.

“When the visions around you,
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surround you,
Are secrets and lies
I’ll be your strength,
I’ll give you hope..”

Josh came down to the stage and made his way to me. I don’t know how will I smile. The happiness down in my heart is really indescribable. As soon as Josh reached me, he took my hand and help me get up.

“And I will take
You in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you.” he sang.

He planted his lips on mine and kissed me passionately. The people in the restaurant started to applaud and you could hear them cheering ang whistling. I giggled and hugged Josh after the kiss.

“Umm.. Hayley, I know, this is kinda early. But..” Josh kneels down. And he revealed a small box on his hand. “Ms. Hayley Nichole Williams, will you marry me?” The crowd got silent. I could only hear my heart beating against my chest.
Before I say yes to him. I remember what Aunt have said. I’m planning to say yes to her and let us live in New York. How about Josh then? The more I think about it. The more I get confused.

You could hear everyone in the restaurant saying ‘congratulations’ to us as we left. It’s too early to get married. We haven’t graduated yet.

“Josh.” I mumbled. “I..”
“I know, it’s early. I’m sorry. But I can’t wait till next year to propose.” He apologized.
“That’s okay.” I smiled. “You don’t know how happy I am tonight. Thank you.”

My heart is dictating me to ask him about what happened last Christmas. I really want to ask. So bad.
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finally! an update. =) how's everyone? good? waaaa. im totally freaking out. im not yet done with my assignment&project. : hopefully, i can finish it after 2 hours. haha. thanks to those who read the last chapter.

i am starving + sleepy. :(

goodmornight. :(

Hayley’s POV.

I reached the house and managed my way to the front door. Just few more steps, Hayley. I said to myself while I forced my feet to move. When I entered the house, I heard Auntie was talking over the kitchen. I bet she has a friend over, you know. I made my way to the fridge without even looking at them. After I grabbed my drink, I turned around, thinking that I must greet our visitor. And to my surprise, my boyfriend, Josh Farro was there. Wearing a stunned expression on his face.

I just stood there like a doll for a few minutes. I really don’t know what am I going to say or act whatsoever. Aunt Cheska cleared her throat, “I guess, I’m gonna go.”

As soon as Aunt disappeared from my sight, I’m about to say something when Josh interrupted me from doing so.

“Why did you lie?” He seems like he’s about to cry.
I remained silent. I don’t know how will I respond from his question.
“Hayley, please tell me the truth.” He held my arms. “I promise not to be mad at you. But please, tell me. What’s going on? We haven’t talked for almost one week.”
“Will you wait here for a sec? I’m going to grab my jacket and let’s have a walk outside. Is that fine with you? Then, we’ll talk.” I couldn’t even look directly on his eyes. I’m already caught. But how?
“Sure. I’ll wait for you outside.” He agreed, then I urgently excused myself to go upstairs.

When I entered my room, I felt my cell phone snoozed. Someone’s calling.

“Hayley?” A voice asked on the other line.
“Yeah, speaking. Who’s this?” I asked over while I’m looking over the pile of clothes.
“Sel! Oh my gosh! I’m right here outside your house. Oh gee. Shoot. Mom ask if she could borrow the necklace, I said I lend it over to a friend and get it now. What am I going to do? Oh please. Help me!” Selena exclaimed over the line. Is it the bad luck night?
“Sure, but uh.. Okay. Wait, I’ll give it to you now. But it’s not sufficient. I’m sorry.” I mumbled. Crap. Josh would really caught me in the act. There’s no need for me to lie again this time. I’m gonna tell him everything he must know. Every detail.
“That’s okay. I’ll just borrow any amount of money to Cecilia. I’ll wait for you. Thank you so much Hayley! You really are my savior! I owe you so much!” She said, I’m hoping she’s not disappointed about the money.
“Okay. Wait up.” I said, then hung up. I grabbed my another wallet, where I put the saved money for Selena.

I hurriedly made my way outside the house. And look for Josh and Selena.

///

Josh’s POV.

I got outside of Hayley’s house and wander over. Afterwards, I saw a tall girl over the sidewalk. She seemed familiar to me. Selena.  What is she doing here? Is she stalking me? No, that’s not it.  There’s a particular reason why she is here. Really. There is something.

“Ha-ha! Yes! We succeeded! Hayleygirl will give me the money now. We got her now! I’ll drop by at your house afterwards. Bye.” I heard her. I’m about to take a step towards her when Hayley called my name.

“Joshie.” She mumbled, as she took my hand. “Come on, let’s go.”
“What’s that? In your hand?” I asked. There’s a brown envelope on her hand.
“I’ll explain it to you later.” She whispered as she squeezed my hand.

“Selena?” Hayley called.
Selena turned around, perhaps delighted. Then, she looked directly on our intertwined hands. Her smile just faded and replaced by a miserable expression. Hayley ran up to Selena and gave her the brown envelope. They both hugged each other and Selena thanked Hayley and left.

“Okay, what’s that all about?” I asked, confused. They have some negotiation going on and I don’t have any clue what’s that.
“I gave her the money she needed.” Hayley answered. “Okay, I’ll tell you everything that has happened.”

Afterwards she narrated the story. She also mentioned about Emily, telling her that it was all a lie of Selena. But she didn’t believe it. Selena is just using Hayley for some purpose.

“Hayley, you better stay away from that girl.” I warned, as we came into halt.
“Josh. Okay, I’ll try. But why? Are you making that all up? I mean, Selena won’t do that to me.” She argued.
“If that’s what you want. And if that’s your decision. There’s nothing I can do.” I give up. Selena just brainwashed my girlfriend. I just bowed my head in defeat.

Her hand ran up to my face and lifted it. “Josh. Sorry. Okay, I’ll stay away from her. If it’ll make you pleased?” She smiled.

I slowly placed my hand on her cheeks and leaned in, crushing my lips from hers.

///

Selena’s POV.

Once I received the money from Hayley, I said my thank you and hurriedly left. If I stay there any longer, I will slap Hayley’s face. And Josh’s too. I can’t really believe Josh is there with Hayley! I thought they wouldn’t be together after what I’ve done. I headed to Cecilia’s place afterwards and told her everything that I saw.

“Calm down, Sel.” Cecilia said while letting her new painted nails dry.
“How am I going to calm down! I thought Josh and Hayley would split up! They are this close from splitting up.” I illustrated my thumb and index finger, so close to each other.
“Can’t you just move on? I mean, Josh and Hayley. They haven’t done anything bad to you. What’s with all that revenge? You’re just making yourself a bitch.” She mumbled as she rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know. I just don’t know. You have to help me, I want them to split up or anything!” I raised one brow.
“No, not anymore Selena. Will ya stop it? Damn! You’re making their lives miserable. Soon, it‘s gonna be your turn to be miserable. I‘m telling you.” She warned.
“Are you threatening me?” I asked over.
“No, I’m not. Why? Are you threatened? I’m just telling the truth.” She replied.
“You’re not a friend!” I yelled and left her.

Whatever. I have something in mind.


Two weeks later.

///

Hayley’s POV.

This is really an amazing week for me. Josh and I spend so much time together. We went to the park, have a picnic or anything we can do under the sun. I already developed all our pictures and have it pinned on my wall.

I’ve taken Josh’s advice at heart. I stayed away from Selena.

I was over by the lockers when Selena caught me.
“Hayley, I have to tell you something!” She exclaimed. You could see her sweat all over her forehead. Her make-up is a mess. Her hair needs a comb. What happened to her? Then she began to cry. Sobbing like a child, as she slowly sat on the floor. Selena wouldn’t do this. I swear.
I wonder what happened.

“Hey, what happened? You okay?” I bent down.
“Hayl..Hayley. Josh tried to kill me again.” She said between sobs.
“Wait. Josh tried what? Kill? You? Again?” I asked, puzzled. Josh wouldn’t kill someone. Duh. With his personality? Attitude? Come on. He’s not like that. I know him since we were kids.
“Yes. Didn’t he tell you about what happened last Christmas? Of course, he won’t tell you. He wants to make himself neat.” She mumbled, like she was only talking to herself.

____________________________________________

EEEEEEP. :S tsk tsk. Okay, so. This story is so close to the end —I guess. Please excuse the errors. THANKS FOR READING.
If you have something to say, just please.. do drop a comment. :) thank you. God bless.

shoot. sorry, late update. super late. haha. i wonder if you guys will still read this, whatsoever.

anyway, thank you.

------------------------

Hayley’s POV.

I should not have hopped in this car. I should not have. I said to myself.

“Okay. Okay. First, Zac. Please don’t tell Josh about this.” I wailed. My eyes were focused outside but when I glanced at Zac he was on his phone, talking.
“Oh Josh! Hayley’s with me. See you at home. Yes! Exactly! She’s helping Selena. Stupid necklace. Don’t you know anything about it?” Zac exclaimed.
Oh crap. How am I going to explain this to Josh? He might get mad at me for not telling him. Think of something, Hayley. Crap! Zac. I can smother you now!
I grabbed the phone of Zac and began to talk.
“Josh. It’s not Selena—not your ex. It’s my cousin.” I defended myself. I don’t want Josh to know anything about this. I swear. But why? My conscience asked me.
“Oh.” His tone sounded offended. “I thought it was her.”
“No. She’s not her.” My voice sounded hoarse and this lying on him is not really right. It seems like I’m betraying him. Throwing away his trust. Everything? Zac looked up to me. His facial expression was puzzled. Like he didn’t believe me.
“Hayley, why did you lie?” He whispered. I signaled wait and whispered my goodbye to Josh a few minutes later.

“Zac.” I began, my head is spinning. “Sorry about that, but please don’t ever tell Josh about me lying.” I admitted.
“But why? Hayley? Haven’t you listened to what Emily told you? She’s right. Why don’t you believe her?” Zac retorted. I remembered the night when Emily and I had a little argument regarding that necklace. Necklace? Is that really the problem? Or is there something else?
“Zac, I know. Selena is not lying. Why would she lie to me anyway? Hm? Please, just for once. Try to understand. This is my decision. And please, try to cover up for me if ever your brother ask anything about it. Okay? Just keep this to yourself.”


Josh’s POV.

I was talking to Zac. He was telling me about Selena and Hayley. Well, it was all about this necklace. I don’t have any clue where in the world Zac got that message. Hayley haven’t mentioned anything about it and there’s no way she would hide something like that to me. Wouldn’t she? She said it’s her cousin. Not my ex. I sighed.

“Hey Josh.” A recognizable voice approached my puzzled mind.
“What do ‘ya want Selena?” I asked, annoyed.
“Nothing, where’s Hayley? You know, umm.. Please tell her that we’ll talk later. Thanks.” When I turned around, she’s not there anymore. She just vanished in the bustling crowd.

It’s been a long day and it kinda sucks. A day without Hayley around.
“Josh!” Hayley exclaimed as her door flew open. I dropped by at her house as soon as I left school. I really miss her, so much. She threw her arms around me, still shocked.
“Don’t you want me around? You know, I can disappear now.” I kid. I pulled away and took two steps backward.
“Not funny, Joshua.” She smiled. “How are you by the way?” She asked as she led me to their cozy living room. The refreshing scent filled my nose.
“Bad. Pretty Bad.” I flopped down on the sofa together with her.
“Why?” Her hazel green eyes were locked on mine as she pressed herself closer to me.
“Hmm.. Because you’re not around.” I said with a smile, slowly leaning into her.
“Oh Josh.” She said as she buried her hands on her face.
“Hey, why did you cover your face?” I took a pause and face her.
“Nothing.” She laughed. “I’m .. I’m not prepared. Want some juice or something?” She asked as she stood up from her seat and headed to their kitchen.
“Anything will do.” I replied and followed her. “Hayles, what’s with your cousin Selena? What happened? Can you tell me?”
“Not now Josh, I’ll tell you some other time. If that’s fine with you.” She grabbed the jug for juice at the fridge and started to fill the two glasses on the table.
“Oh. Okay. Sorry.” I replied. She’s not acting like this before. Afterwards, she handed me an almost filled glass of orange juice. She just sipped her drink quietly and sat down across my seat.


A few weeks later.

Hayley’s POV.

I saved up almost fifty dollars. Thirty to go. Few weeks have passed and I feel more exhausted. I’ve been doing tons of homework during my vacant period at school, like recess and lunch break. I barely have a chit chat with Josh or with anyone. Last week, I go straight ahead to E-mart for my work. No time for social life, that’s what I mean.

Hayley, I miss you so much. Let’s talk.
Love, Josh

That’s what the letter have said. I saw it over my locker just this lunch break. Josh. I miss you too. Just few more days and everything will be back to normal. I swear. I hope he’s not mad at me.

At work today, I nearly bumped into a pyramid of corned beefs. Good thing I managed to control myself for doing so. Whew. Or else, Ma’am Emily might kick me out of this grocery store.

It’s six thirty in the evening and I bid goodbye to my co-workers, and to Ms. Emily. I just work there at E-mart part-time. Aunt isn’t fully aware that I’m doing this, so as my friends, except from Zac.

Josh’s POV.

I really miss Hayley. Though we’re classmates, she barely talk to me or even glance at my side. When the bell rang every time, she hurriedly left the class room like she’s always on a rush. So, I planned to visit her tonight. Missing her is driving me nuts.

When I reached her house, her aunt welcomed me. She said Hayley’s not home yet and she asked how‘s school and all. I wonder what my girlfriend is up to this past few weeks. Then, I remember that I ask Hayley about her cousin Selena.

“I’m just wondering, does Hayley have a cousin named Selena?” I asked, trying to act casual.
“She doesn’t have. Why did you ask?” Her aunt replied.

_____________________________________________________________________

haha. oh yeah, im back! :D oh gee. it took me so long to update. so umm.. what can you say with this chapter? haha. btw, good morning! :) guess that's it. THANKS FOR READING. loveyaloveyaloveyaloveya. please excuse the errors.

will I update? haha. you know what? im stuck with writing chapter 32 for almost 5days! haha. :D im not yet done. then, i don't know if someone wud read it. it seems like i really suck at writing, haha. :D yeah whatever, i'll try to post chapter 32 later. haha! if i will ever get done with my school projects and assignments. okay. haha.

mowahaha.