He lied.

Everest lied to me and it broke my heart.

He said he wouldn't leave but when I strutted down eagerly -- hoping I didn't break a sweat on the way down, I didn't see him there. I was met with an unobstructed view. Did I waste that much time? Did he get fed up and leave? My fist clenched, curling my toes in. My chest ached at the thought, I knew I shouldn't be crying over a man I had just met but I couldn't help it! I even tried calling but he didn't pick up.

I didn't understand, if he was going to leave, why did he tell me otherwise?

"Amelia, come out of your room already." Abel had come to knock on my door three times now if I was counting correctly; it made it all the more embarrassing. He had teased me about getting all dolled up for our date, and he saw me race back to my room when I didn't see Everest.

Argh! He must have snickered at the scenario. I knew Abel wasn't like that, but still! The voices kept mocking me.

Perhaps Papa was right.

It was a long shot believing he was going to like a childish, tardy girl like me. I mean, he was mature! Handsome, and...I think he was -- or is in the military. I'd seen the tag on his neck, and the silver pendant stood out, almost in sync with his bold stature at the same time. That was so brave of him, risking his life like that. Yet here I was, wasting his time so that I could look a bit decent.

I sniffled loudly, trying to suck my tears back in. Ugh! Why wouldn't they stop!? If he saw me now, he'd probably leave again.

"Amelia." Abel snapped, getting frustrated.

"Abel, I'm fine. I'll come to eat later." Much to my dismay, my voice gave out in a croak. Revealing that I was crying if he didn't know that already. Abel groaned, banging louder on the door. "What happened? He didn't show? You just ran back up without an explanation."

I wanted to hug Abel, really, I did. But I was too mortified to do so. I had been so giddy about our date, waking up early to clean up the house.

Look how that turned out. Gosh! My cheeks had most likely turned a darker shade of brown from how much blood rushed into them.

"So you aren't going to open up?"

My chest tightened. I didn't want Abel to be mad at me too.

With Papa not speaking to me, Abel and Darrick were the only people I had.

Oh, Darrick...If I told him this, he'd probably smirk and scold me on how he warned me. I wouldn't let Darrick grin triumphantly over my distress, running my hands over my nose, I rubbed my mascara away. I looked like a mess.

Staring at the floral dress that bent over my chair, I sniffed away my sadness. Everest had the right to leave if he wanted to, it wasn't his fault.

But I was still mad at him! And... really hurt too.

Since Papa had gone on a two-day business trip, Abel had to stay home with me instead of with his girlfriend as per usual. He didn't deserve the attitude I was throwing his way, he was only trying to help I guess. With a big sigh, I tried puffing out my deflated shoulders.

"Fine...hang on."

As I opened the door, I stared at the tiled floor, counting how many boxes they were. Thankfully, Abel didn't ask any questions, he just pulled me into a comforting hug. Inhaling his masculine scent, I quietly thanked him, basking in his warm hug.

Would I even be able to face Everest if I ever saw him again? If he found out I cried over him, he'd get freaked out and bail. Goodness, I was thinking too hard, my heart ached and my head too.

"Maybe he had his reasons."

I hoped that was true. Sniffling, I shrugged my shoulders, pretending not to care. But we both know that was a flimsy excuse because I held on to his words. Why was he letting me ponder so much? He could have at least sent a text, did I anger him to that extent?

"He didn't call or text back."

"I don't know, Amelia. He'll explain later. Just don't think about it too much."

"Did I waste that much time? He did say he'd wait. Maybe..."

"Amelia." Abel deadpanned, holding my forearms and pushing me back until I was in his line of sight. I could see the strictness on his face well enough to hold my tongue. Sighing, I nodded sadly. Don't think about it, easier said than done, Abel.

"So...about that leftover, you spoke about." Abel chuckled, directing me to the dining room where I was met with a covered plate and orange juice. "When I saw you run up looking so sad, I decided to warm up something for you."

I blushed at his words, embarrassed. Okay, maybe food did make me feel better sometimes. Alright, most times.

"Thanks," I muttered with puffed cheeks.

I had changed out of my dress into my shorts and tanktop, my face was still padded with light makeup. After wiping the powder and mascara off with wipes, I slumped into the chair with a sigh. At least I got to eat Abel's cooking, even if it had been in and out of the freezer, it still tasted yummy.

"So, remember you promised dad you'd look for a job."

Abel brought up cautiously, staring at me. "I know, and I will." With or without Everest. Was that why--no! Don't think about it. "I'll check tomorrow."

"You know you don't have to if you don't want to." He was so thoughtful, it made me grin, playfully hitting his arm. "I can handle it just fine, big brother."

The truth was, doing that task made me nervous. A job...how was I going to manage that? High school was a challenge, not to talk of a job. Goodness, my palms shook at the thought. But, a promise was a promise.

For the rest of the day, Abel and I spent together. When he got off the phone with his girlfriend, he and I spoke about different things. He ranted about how Ramona's car broke down and she didn't want to bother him with a phone call.

I admired his and Ramona's relationship, it was so genuine, and they seemed like best friends. I wanted that too.

Darrick was my best friend. But I couldn't imagine dating him, or you know...kissing his lips. No way! It would be like kissing Abel!

As the time ticked graciously, I and Abel decided to bake. Although he did most of the baking, I directed him on what to do with the video I got from the internet. It was a rainbow cake with cinnamon frosting.

The mess we -- fine, it was mostly I -- had coloured most of the kitchen white. So, we began cleaning up. Settling with a round of board games.

Unlike Darrick, Abel was much more of a competition. He had beaten me twice now and it was unfair! I should have won!

"Again!" I protested stubbornly, making Abel grin.

"Not a chance."

He stuck out his tongue, wrapping a dread that fell loose around his bun. Before I could plead with him, the doorbell rang, making me look up confused. Papa said he wasn't going to be around for another two days. Glancing over at Abel, I smirked, was it his lady?

"I'll go get the drinks." I cooed, skipping over to the kitchen. "She didn't say she was coming," Abel murmured under his breath, I found it so cute that she wanted to surprise him.

Humming, I arranged the apple juice along with the cups, skipping back to the living room until I heard a name that almost made the tray in my hand slip.

"Hey aren't you that Everest guy?"

My heart sped up until it began beating in my throat. What was Abel saying, was Everest here? His doppelganger? My stomach churned at the thought. I couldn't move from the spot, I could hear words but didn't understand them.

My mind told me to sprint up the stairs but my feet remained grounded. Everest was here. Was he truly here?

In my home?

At this hour?

I was smelling like flour and eggs!

"Amelia? I didn't know you knew Everest." Abel said, strutting back in with a caucasian man coming in after. My chest jumped at the sight of the man I had just cried over. He was here, his cheeks tinted red, his eyes never leaving mine. Everest was here and I couldn't say a word.

And just like that, a tear left my left eye and crawled down my cheeks.

Crud!