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"Lia!"

"Lia, are you okay?" I questioned, after catching up with her, while examining her eyes for any kind of hurt evident in them. There was this different look in her eyes, a broken look and without her even answering, I knew she was not okay.

"Lia, Isaac is not worth it, trust me."

"I know I've not been a very good friend to you and did not try to set you and Isaac up, but seriously, Isaac did not ever deserve you. You deserve someone who will truly love you and care about you, unlike that idiot who doesn't give a shit," I continued to say.

Lia engulfed me in a bone crashing hug, a sob escaping her lips. "I h-hate him Sophia! I can't believe I found him cute and gave my heart to that pathetic excuse of a human! And thank you so much for not setting me up with him. He is such an insane bastard!" I tried to console her by patting her back and I knew I looked like a fool. Can you blame me? Nobody taught me how to console people and what to say to make them feel better.

"Stop crying, please? That insane, pathetic excuse of a human isn't worth your tears, Lia. Actually, what he deserves, is a hard 'Lia-slap'!" I wiped her tears, my eyes catching a small smile curving up her lips.

"You're right! He does not only deserves a Lia-slap but many Lia-kicks and many Lia-punches," she chuckled as we made our way towards the cafeteria. She then looked like the old bubbly self of her.

Taking out lunch trays we seated ourselves on our usual table. It wasn't long before Lia started stuffing her mouth with noodles. "So what happened in the office?" Just when I asked the question, Lia paralyzed. Her spaghetti remained hanging out of her mouth and I could see her cheeks tainted pink. And at that time I realized that It was a 'must' thing to know.

"A-umm-the usual scolding. She suspended Isaac and... Jack.... well... he got detention for the whole week," I small, smirk crawled up my lips as I noticed her condition and I decided to make her spill each and everything. 'Cause if something was as clear to me as a crystal, was that something had happened. And that something might've been so personal or so embarrassing that Lia was hesitant to let me know.

"And?"

"And... I got detention for three days too," she swallowed her spaghetti and kept her head low, still blushing.

"And?"

"And... I thanked Jack for.... taking... a punishment... for me..." struggling for words, she let out her cheeks going completely red.

"And?" The smile forming on my face was a very wide, evil one.

"A-and... nothing!" Again, just as she said those words, she started filling her mouth with French fries. A small chuckle went from my mouth but she ignored it and kept herself busy with her food.

"Are you sure there's nothing you need to tell me? I think you are forgetting some interesting details..." raising my eyebrows, I questioned her again as I leaned closer to her on the table.

Her eyes went wide and she shook her head with such perfection that she could fool Sherlock she was saying the truth. "What interesting details? I told you... all the details. Nope, not forgetting anything." After swallowing, she answered.

I knew something had happened but I didn't pressurize her. Because I never told things to her and expecting her to let out everything would be wrong. Still smiling faintly, I started eating my own food when I felt someone nearing our table. As I looked up from my food, there stood Isaac just beside Lia. He coughed a little, calling out my name.

Just as Lia noticed Isaac's presence, I saw her glaring up in anger as she prepared herself to punish him. "I just need to talk to Sophia. Only five minutes. Will you please?" Hearing his words, Lia stopped in her tracks, while she saw his gaze fixed on me.

"Isaac I-I... no." After struggling, I refused him.

"Please? I'll only take a little of your time. It's really important." His persuasive tone had a huge impact on me because my heart was melting. Before I could accept his request, Jack appeared behind him.

"What do you need now?!" He barked, letting the whole school involved in this, in short creating drama.

"I'm not talking to you girlfriend bitch! I'm talking to Sophia!" Isaac shot back, both of them equally red. I gulped as I stayed where I was trying to comprehend what all of a sudden has happened to Jack. And where the hell this girlfriend crap was coming from.

"Keep your filthy mouth shut, you bunch of bones!" Even in such a situation that got me giggling, followed by whole school's laughter.

And that was the fuel to the burning fire. Isaac, yeah surprisingly, the bunch of bones, slapped Jack, who in return punched him on the same spot he had earlier laid a punch. If you'd haven't witnessed a cat and dog fight yet, that had been the best Opportunity to for you. "Stop it! Jack! Isaac! Stop it!" I shouted at them. Jacks cloth were ripened while Isaac's shirt was having it's funeral.

"I'll talk. I'll listen to what you have to say," I said, helping Isaac up. "I give you five minutes,"

"Not here," Isaac shook his head, his hands going around my wrist and began dragging me along. Once we were out of the cafeteria into the garden, I raised my eyebrow at him with my hands planted on my waist.

"So... the important talk..." I started, knowing staying too long with him alone was not safe.

"I-I just want to warn you Sophie. Carter isn't good. Trust me. He will ruin you! He is a bad influence on you! Don't you see how much you've changed? From a sweet, shy girl, you've turned into a badass. I don't like this, Sophia. At all," he objected, while coming close to me.

"I'm not trying to impress you Isaac. Who cares if you don't like this change in me? It was necessary and so I've changed. Call it badass or whatever you want," I frowned at his choice of words as I shot back, moving away from him.

"Sophia, he's not a good company!" Isaac exclaimed raising his hands in the air to imply what he was saying.

"And you think that you are?!" I questioned him with the same tone.

"Sophie.... he doesn't loves you! Why have you given your heart to such a heartless guy when there are thousands of others out there who deserve it? Why Sophia? All he will do is hurt you, Sophie! You are blinded in love!" His words were like daggers.

"Isaac, that's not your damn-" I started to say but Isaac interrupted me.

"He won't ever love you back for fuck's sake!" That was it. I knew that Carter wouldn't ever love me back. I was aware of the differences between the both of us, yet I couldn't help myself being love with him. How do you fall out of love?

"I know that, Isaac! No need to rub it off on me! And for your information your five minutes are gone!" Glancing at my watch, I declared as I turned around to leave. But to my surprise, Isaac stopped me by grabbing my arm and turning me around.

He had a strong grip on my other arm too, so strong that it was beginning to hurt. "What the hell, Isaac?" I let out after struggling to let myself off his harsh hold.

"Why are you doing this to me, Sophie? You're driving me crazy! Why?" He shook me with force.

Raising my hand with all energy I could muster, I reached out for his cheek and laid a tight slap there. He deserved to be slapped. He let go off me, with shock evident in his eyes that were now burning with rage.

"Because you are not a human!" I turned around, and walked away from him, regretting my decision of agreeing to talk to him at the first place. Was this his so called important talk? If yes, then I was a fool to let him waste my lunch.

"You'll regret it, mark my words!" Isaac's voice echoed, but he didn't follow me. And I couldn't be more relieved.

As I made my way inside the school, to my surprise, I found Carter standing before me, blocking my way. Trying to not take notice of his presence, I attempted to move from the other side but he was quick to appear before me again. A frustrated sigh left my mouth as I backed away, forcing myself to confront Carter. "Will you please move aside? I have to go."

"What did Isaac say? What did he tell you, Sparkle?" He leaned his face closer, while the words left his mouth.

"I'm in a hurry. Please, will you move away?" I pushed his chest hard, an attempt to get rid of him. Because then, I wasn't in mood for any argument with anyone.

"Not until you let me know what lies he's fed you with? What shit has he told you? I need to know." With this sentence said, he lifted my chin up, making my eyes have a straight clear vision of his. "What did he say, Sophia?" Carter asked. Those eyes, which I've grown to love and admire, the eyes which make me believe in love, that pair of eyes which could melt me with just one look. And staring at them was not healthy for me. It was like falling in love with him all over again. That was why I hated them. I loose control of my feelings when I look into them. And that was bad for me. That was dangerous; highly risky.

"He reminded me of something that I had forgotten." My answer came. "He reminded me of who I am," I continued, my eyes boring into his before I made my way into the school leaving him perplexed.

Inside the class was pin drop silence when I reached. It was clear that I was extra-late. As I looked I found the teacher busy lecturing. Before he could notice me standing at the door, I made my way inside and took my usual seat beside Alex. He, like usual gave me a smile after which he continued with his work.

"Acids and bases... are two very corrosive subs-people. The Ph value of Carter is low while Sophia's Ph value is always high. Carter is popular. Sophia is not. Carter is sour, Sophia... she's better.... I hope you people are taking notes. " I blinked my eyes at the teacher, not getting why was she talking about me. Shaking my head several times I tried to concentrate. What the hell did that poison do to my head, my ability to think is totally ruined?!

It seemed like a total waste to have arrived to school that day. All I did was think. And that I could do well at home. I still had a month of school left before the summer break. Everything looked like a mess. I missed some days of school and I couldn't get whatever the teachers were delivering. Blame my mind which was occupied with unnecessary thoughts which weren't planning on leaving me. I felt a poke on my shoulder and turned my head.

I saw one short-heightened girl gesturing towards her hand, where laid a small paper ball. "Huh?"

"It's for you," she stated, throwing the ball at me. It hit my chest before falling on my lap and man, did it hurt. I began doubting if it was really a paper ball. I picked it up and opened it to discovered a small egg plant. It was actually a cute one. Staring at that plant had confirmed who was the sender of the note.

Seriously, Carter? A damn egg plant?

Not being able to control my curiosity, I waited for the teacher to turn towards the board. Just as he did I flipped open the note.

The last part actually made me smile but not to look like a fool, I recovered. What was Carter This is all an insane act! My first thought was to throw the note away, being good at sport would've helped me greatly but I realized I should just inquire.

Wrapping the paper back on the vegetable, I passed it to the short girl behind me. "You guys are crazy or what?" She looked at me with irritation oozing out of her glare. Smiling guiltily at her, I tried to plea. She shook her head and muttered something under her breath, letting me know that my message would be sent.

The teacher kept giving her long boring lectures. Almost half of the class had slept but what always surprised me was Mr. Wilson's patience. He always let that all happen. Either, he himself realized how bad of a teacher he was or how dry the subject actually is.

Chemistry is boring when you don't understand it. It can be fun but the point here is when you understand it.

Unlike my expectation, Carter's reply never came. Thinking, he already had given up made me feel nauseated it that was what I wanted all along. That was what I wished. But a little part of my heart was still crazy and in love with the fantasy world I was living in. That part was still obsessed with the happiness I felt being with Carter. That part still cared.

The bell rang, indicating end of the day which meant end of the drama. My driver was already waiting for me but I stayed inside to meet Lia. After what felt like centuries, my eyes found Lia approaching. "What did Isaac say? I've been dying to know!" She squeezed the life out of my shoulders as she exclaimed.

"Lia, it's getting late. I'll talk to you on phone, okay?"

She nodded as a reply and waved. "Bye. I'll definitely call. And I've been missing Joshua so much. I'll talk to him too." A sad smile passed my lips, hearing my brothers name.

Like Carter wrote, 'I was missing him. And it was killing me.' I was really missing Josh and it was killing me.

Going home, felt exciting. Knowing that, the house I was going to, was now full of life. The ones who hated me with everything they had, the ones who were my only sole support in this world were with me. Though they were still really cold but at least they were there for me.

I reached home, wondering if Dad would be there because I couldn't see all of the cars parked in the porch. I went inside the house where I was greeted by life. From there I could clearly see mom through the transparent door that lead to our launch. Mom was busy talking on a phone with her feet on the chair. There sat a girl on the floor beside the chair who seemed to have been working on Mom's nails.

My first thought was to go and greet her but the events of this morning started to appear in front of my eyes and I became hesitant. Even then, I walked towards Mom. They had been away for so long and to open up to me they need to be close. Whatever time they were staying here, I had decided to prove myself to them. To let them know I wasn't a mistake. To make them proud of their daughter. To make them love me like every other parent does. If they had done efforts by coming home and living with me then now it was my duty to serve them and to change their opinions about me. They were trying and being their daughter, I had decided to try too.

I knocked on the door stealing Mom's attention and I saw all colour draining from her face as her eyes landed on me. Her eyes went wide like she wasn't expecting me there. Those expressions had started to make me suspicious but then she presented a smile to me. It wasn't a real smile. Even a brainless horse could tell that it was a forced one. And that meant, even though she wasn't happy to see me, she was portraying as if she really was.

In a blink on an eye she kept the phone back as I entered instead de the room. "Hi Victoria," I greeted, placing myself on the sofa opposite her. A strange emotion passed through her eyes. "Hi Sophia. How was your day?" She enquired, her expressions unreadable.

It was full of unnecessary drama. Trust me you don't want to know. "It was great Victoria. I saw you were talking to someone. Was it your friend or someone? If I'm disturbing then I'll-"

"Sophia, have you changed your clothes?" She asked, squinting her eyes at my outfit. I shook my head as her answer. "See these are the manners you don't have. If I were you, before going to disturb someone I would've made myself presentable. That's what shows who you belong to." Her words came out as daggers and even though I was trying hard to block the tears from coming they did gathered at the corner of my eyes.

I belong to you.

Crying was not the solution and I didn't let the tears escape out of my eyes. Maybe she was just teaching me like a mother does to a child but her tone was what pained my heart. "I told you Vic, she is one reckless girl. She wouldn't listen. It would've been better if we did not have a child at all." I heard Dad say.

They regretted making me.

I stood up for myself. "I'm really sorry m-Victoria. I'm sorry R-Richard. I thought you'd like if I greeted you after coming home. I mean, I-most parents wait for their kids to come home. I just-came to say hi to you. I'm sorry to disturb you guys."

"I promise, from next time I'll keep that in mind. You aren't around that much.... so I don't know your likes and dislikes. I'll learn manners, I will not act recklessly, Richard. I'm so sorry you've to see me this way. I really must look dirty. I'll be right back," gulping, I told them and without wasting a single second I left the room.

It was a mistake. A huge mistake to have thought of going and talking to them. What I had decided was to impress them. No matter what. With this thought in my mind I went up to my room and looked for something presentable.

When I was finished showering, I began wondering what to wear. At the end I came up with a blue and white striped shirt and a jeans that matched. Doing my hair into a high ponytail, I applied a little lip gloss as I stared at myself in the mirror.

Presentable enough?

With cautious steps I entered the kitchen in order to find Rebecca. As soon as her eyes caught my appearance a smile crawled up her lips. A real smile, unlike Mom's.

"Judging by your smile, I think I do look quite presentable," I asked with raised eyebrows.

"You look perfect, darling. Your parents will surely be impressed." She stated her eyes looking appreciative.

"Sure?" I found myself confirming.

"Get confident girl. You look even more presentable than your Mom," she let out a chuckle, winking at me. Building up some courage, I went straight to the monster room; the dining room. I had learnt earlier when I was bathing that my parents were waiting for me in the dining hall.

Finally checking myself out, I planted myself inside the room and walked towards the dining table. Actually, what I never thought would happen was happening. They were waiting for me.

As dad saw me approaching, his face expressions turned into one that you make when you feel like vomiting. Mom, however looked surprised to see me. Sitting on the same chair from this morning I started, "am I presentable Mom? I mean Victoria?" I gestured towards my clothes and she nodded.

Dad was busy making constipated faces. Mom uncovered the dish and my own face started to twist. If there was some food, I had always hated, It was fish. No offence to fish lovers but I just have this weird feeling when it's placed before me.