SCAR

Scarlet

I lay still on my bed, with my face facing the ceiling, chestnut hair scattered around my head, and my hands on my abdomen. I was unable to captivate my thoughts. They have always outsmarted me. Every single time they came flowing quickly like a river to the sea, but as if flowing in and out of my mind wasn’t enough, they’d be blocked from escaping, as if held captive by dam walls. I was used to it, though. All I had to do was take a few deep breaths and of course, suck in my bottom lip before saying my mantra multiple times in my head, ‘I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m okay…’

I lifted my head which felt like it weighed way more than it was supposed to, and sat up straight. I looked around my bed for my phone and spotted it near the edge of the bed. I reached out for it and just when it was almost in my grasp, my mother yelled out my name, “Scarlet!”

I grabbed my phone and ran downstairs. The moment I laid eyes on the two of them, I already knew what was going to happen or rather, what she was going to say.

“Me and your handsome dad won’t be back for a few hours. We are going somewhere very important so please do not call either of us. If you need anything you have Yolanda and Erin to help. Bye!” She yelled out the goodbye entering the car.

As if I’d even bother calling them.

I watched as her husband helped her push the rest of her golden ballroom gown in the car. I laughed to myself thinking of how much of a gold digger my mom was. I knew she didn’t love this man. I heard her say so herself. She only wanted the money and gain society’s respect for being the wife of the most famous business man in town. She only wanted the image and nothing more, and I was sure that she forced me to move in with them only to spite my biological father.

The alarm was so loud I couldn’t even hear myself think. The irritating ring forced me out of my comfort zone to press the hell out of that off button. As if I had been peacefully asleep for hours, I jumped out of bed and into the shower. I haven’t slept until 2am, only to wake up at 4am and kept busy by my thoughts until 6 O’clock.

I got out the shower and as usual, wore my baggy clothes; a baggy jean, oversized animated t-shirt and white sneakers. My hair was done into a simple pony tail by the time I gathered my books into my bag, and went downstairs where I was invited by a lavishing smell from the very top of the staircase. That was when I knew that Yolanda was making my favourite, pancakes!

I raced down the stairs to the dining table, where I was expecting to be alone as usual but surprisingly, my mom and Martin, her husband, were already seated. I sat down across the table, facing Martin who was glancing over at my mom.

“Morning,” I said with enthusiasm.

As if I hadn’t just made an unusual greeting, my mom glimpsed, “Good morning, Scar.” And turned back to Martin. I wasn’t hurt, I was used to it. I watched them as they whispered and laughed their hearts out.

“Morning, Scarlet!” Yolanda approached me with a smile, putting a plate full of pancakes in front of me. “How’d you sleep?” She sat next to me.

“Great, thank you. How was your night?” My enthusiasm returned.

“Usual. Peaceful sleep after a long day.” She smirked.

I took a bite from one pancake and looked back at Yolanda, “These are perfect, Aunt Yola. I appreciate it.”

“Anything for my pretty Scarlet.” She rubbed my cheeks and left the table. I was left staring at a 16-year-old couple that was madly in love with each other. I have never ate my breakfast that fast just to get out of their sight.

As soon as I’d finished, I grabbed my bag and ran out the door. I quickly got into the car and immediately smiled when I turned to my side. “Sleeping on the job I see?” I grinned.

“Hey, Scar.” Erin groaned, lifting his cap from his eyes and putting his seatbelt on.

“Had an awful morning, I guess?” I didn’t remove my eyes off him.

“The morning had only just begun, Scarlet.” He laughed, turning the engine on.

“You seem a bit tired.” I lied because he looked like he hadn’t slept at all.

“No, I’m fine.” He mumbled audibly, with his voice as soft as it could possibly get.

Erin was three years older than me but he looked too young, especially to be a driver. Traffic officers always doubted his age even when they had his license right in front of them.

I noticed how he was tapping his finger impatiently on the starring wheel. I could feel he was stressed but didn’t know where to begin to ask him, nor to even come up with a question to ask.

He let out a loud sigh, “Come on.”

“You know those traffic lights can’t hear you right?” I giggled.

“Shut up,” He smiled taking a quick turn after the light turned green. “Tell me, Scar. Do you think your mom would give me a day off if I asked for it? Or would she complain about me being unthankful for a job I don’t even deserve?”

“You were quite specific on the last one and that’s what makes it right. You know how she is. What do you need a day off for?” I looked out the window, spotting my favorite ice cream shop.

“My mother is not well. I want to spend a day with her, just to make her feel better. She told me that’s all she wants and maybe she’ll live for another year.” Erin pulled up at my school’s parking lot.

What he had just said was a stab in cold blood. I was so distracted by what he just said, that I didn’t even notice we arrived.

My blood ran cold through my veins and I was stuck between saying something and saying nothing, of which I failed to decide.

As if feeling how uncomfortable I was, he broke the silence. “Have a nice day, Scar. See you at two.”

I stepped out the car and nodded my head at him before closing the door. Then my mind gained conscious of reality again, I was at the worst place in the whole world.

I don’t know why I was always so anxious around people I’ve known for so long. They didn’t even talk to me, I was somewhat invincible. But that did not make me feel any better. It in fact made me feel worse

I took a deep breath, making sure I inhale as much air my lungs could handle. I started walking towards the wide and big open doors when I realized that Erin was there the whole time. He must’ve seen how anxious I was and I was sure he was going to bring it up somehow.

I walked anxiously through the hallway, pushing my way through the crowd to my locker. Grabbing my math book, I realized that I haven’t done my homework and it was my first class that day. I didn’t have enough time to go write it in the library so I ran to class, hoping to be the first to arrive. The book felt heavy between my hands and chest, it had around 400 pages and it was slowly slipping out my grip. It was more difficult pushing through the crowd with that book in my hands.

By the time I reached the end of the hallway my eyes had given up on me. They always had bad timing. My vision got blurry and I could see nothing but movement before my eyes. But class wasn’t far so if I walked a bit faster, I’d still make it in time to write my homework. I didn’t have much time to get my glasses from my bag so I carried on.

Class was now a few metres away and I let loose of my guard with the thought that I’ve arrived, but that wasn’t the case.

I hit on a hard surface just before I reached the door. My book collapsed from my hands and another one followed. I only had one book so who’s book was it?

I bent down to pick it up and when I raised my head, I hit into something hard again and fell flat onto the floor. I wasn’t sure what I hit until I heard a voice, “Ouch! That hurt. I’m sorry, are you okay?”

The voice was soft and slightly deep, so I assumed I bumped into a boy. Can this day get any worse?

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you.” I said shamefully, trying to stand up.

“Give me your hand, I’ll help.” He said, and without waiting for my response, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back to my feet.

“Thank you, and again, sorry.” I smiled, trying to get rid of my nerves.

“It’s okay. My name’s Quinton, by the way. Q, for short.” He said.

“Nice to meet you, Q. I need to get to class, bye.” I tried to walk away but realized that he was still holding my hand, and he pulled me back.

“So you’re not telling me your name?” I saw a grin through the blur.

“I guess not.” I said impatiently, pulling my hand from his grip.

“Take your book then.” He gave me my book and turned away.

I made my way into class and made sure to sit at the back. I started paging through the book with one hand as the other searched for my glasses in my bag. I pulled them out and my heart almost stopped at what I saw. The homework was done, but that wasn’t my handwriting, and all the answers were wrong. I closed the book to see the cover and written on it was ‘Quinton Davison’.

He gave me the wrong book!

Just when I thought of going out to look for him, Mr. Miller entered the classroom along with Aurora, the girl whose sit I had occupied. She made her way to me with a glare. I made sure to pack my books as fast as I could. By the time she threw her bag on the desk, I was up from her seat. I nervously suck in my bottom lip in realization that she was blocking my way through.

“Explain.” She said, not taking her eyes off mine.

I looked away, “I… was doing… I was…” I stuttered. The whole class burst into laughter. Of course, their attention was on us, Aurora grabbed people’s attention everywhere she went.

“Do me a favor and make sure I never have to see your face ever again, or you will be on the next episode of life in hell. Am I clear?” Her intimidating voice made my stomach tie knots.

“Yes, Aurora,” I said, pushing through her to my seat at the front.

Mr. Miller insisted that we take out our homework, which I was hesitant to do because it wasn’t mine. He stood in front of my desk and nodded towards the whole class, “Since I know very well that you haven’t done your homework, I know that Scarlet did hers. Scarlet, your book please.”

“Sir, I have to tell…” I tried explaining.

“Now!” He shouted, taking the book from my table. “Why do you have Quinton’s book with you, Miss Browns?” He looked down at me.

“I didn’t… It was his book and… We were in the hallway…” I stuttered.

“Forget it, Scarlet.” He threw the book on my desk and carried on with his lesson.

I remained silent and anxious the whole lesson, with no focus at all. I kept replaying what happened in my head until the bell rang and I was the first to run out of the class. I ran to Physics class hoping to bump into Quinton again, but I didn’t, which made me more and more frustrated.

Immediately after the bell rang for lunch break, I ran down the hallway to the cafeteria. I scanned the room as it slowly got packed, and finally ran my eyes on Quinton and rushed to him.

“Cinderella is finally here to fetch her shoe. Took you long enough.” He smirked and I cringed.

“Give me my shoe… I mean book!” I laughed realizing I made an error and Quinton laughed too.

“Join me for lunch, princess.” He said, looking me straight in the eye.

I looked away, “Only if you promise to give me my shoe… book back.” I grabbed a chair and sat opposite him.

“I knew you’d come looking for me when I gave you my book.” He smiled.

“That’s smart for someone who got all ten equations wrong.” I rolled my eyes.

“I didn’t catch your name back there.” He gazed into my eyes.

I didn’t look away this time, “Scarlet.”

“You are beautiful, Scarlet.”

My cheeks immediately turned red, “Thanks, Q.” Then I noticed how his eyes were beautifully spectacular. They were brown but orange; orange but brown. I looked away when I noticed him grinning.

“I know I’m handsome but do you have to stare?”

I said nothing. I looked back into his eyes, puzzled. I’d swear I even squinted my eyes to zoom in.

I finally broke the silence, “What color are your eyes?”

“I get that question a lot and just like the others, you’ll have to find out.” He opened the lunchbox on the table and took a bite from what seemed like a chicken mayo sandwich. “Here,” He pushed the lunchbox to my side of the table, “You can have the other one.”

“No, I’m good.” I pushed it back.

He looked at me, looked down on the sandwich, smiled and pushed it to me again. “I wasn’t asking.” He stiffened his voice.

I reluctantly took a bite from the sandwich and what I tasted blew my mind. I looked up at him with my eyes wide from amusement. I immediately stuffed it into my mouth, as if I haven’t eaten in days.

I heard him laugh, “I thought you were good.”

“I was but the sandwich is better.” I smirked.

“Beautiful smile there.” He grinned and I ignored.

I took a napkin from the lunchbox, realizing that there’s only one, I tore it into half and gave another half to Quinton. “Thanks, for the lunch.” I genuinely smiled at him, still trying to figure out the color of his eyes. I pushed the lunchbox back to him and he put it in his bag, then took out my book. “It was nice meeting you, Cinderella.” He pushed it towards me with a smile. I pushed his book to him with a smile.

“It’s nice having my book back.”

“Mind if I show you something?” He asked, as I pushed the book into my bag.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

He stood up from his chair and came to my side to grab my hand. He dragged me out the cafeteria, down the hallway, up the stairs and all the way to the top of the school building. It was cloudy, and the cool breeze hit my naked arms. We walked near the edge and he held on tighter to my hand as we stopped.

“Why are we stopping?” I looked up at him.

“I am afraid of heights.” He cleared his throat.

“Then why are we here, genius?” I laughed.

“Actually, I regret doing this. Let’s go back.” He said, turning on his heel to go back inside.

I pulled him back and looked him in the eyes, nervously. “Come on. It’s too late now.”

I pulled him slowly as he reluctantly took small steps behind me. I stopped a few inches from the edge to look back at him, and he had his hand over his eyes. I laughed and removed the hand, avoiding the urge to question the color of his eyes again. “Take deep breaths and see how beautiful the town is from here.”

He did as I instructed and looked over me, to the beautiful view below.

“Wow, I have never felt so scared my whole life.” As if having a fear of heights too, I also felt anxious as I turned to look at the view parallel to him. My heart beat got faster by every blink I took, I don’t know why but it just happened. I tightened my grip on Quinton’s hand and fixed my gaze at the view. I took deep breaths to calm down which were clearly audible in the silence.

“Afraid of heights too?” He looked down at me.

“No, I just feel nervous. I have never felt this way before.” I was being honest.

“What’s making you feel that way?”

I looked up at him and said, “I don’t know.”

Now we had a gaze fixed on each other. The mood suddenly changed and everything inside me felt warm. The nervous feeling disappeared and I turned oblivious to the world around us. It started raining, from smaller drops to bigger ones and then we snapped out of the moment.

Quinton and I ran back inside and sat on the staircase, laughing. He took my glasses off from my face and looked through the lens.

“Don’t you think life would be easier if these things had wipers? Like those on cars?”

I laughed, “No, dummy. That would look stupid.”

He turned to look at me. “Can you see me?”

“Yeah. Those are just for back up reasons because my eyes like acting up unexpectedly.”

He looked back at the glasses, “And I thought you look pretty with them. Turns out, you look even prettier without them.”

I blushed quietly and looked at him. “What color are your eyes?”

He grinned turning his focus towards me. “You’re not fooling me that easy. What color are your eyes?”

“Black.”

“Brown.” He argued.

“Dark brown.” I said, firmly.

He said nothing, just stared into my eyes as if making sure. He nodded, “Dark brown.”

“And yours are…” The bell interrupted me and Quinton stood up.

“I have Math class now. You know how Mr. Miller feels about being late. See you after school?” He handed me my glasses.

“Yeah, sure.” I smiled up at him as he ran down the stairs and for some reason I was still seated on the stairs when I should have been running to English class.

I waited impatiently for Erin to arrive as the rain poured. I was getting cold waiting under the parking lot shade. I knew I was getting anxious when I started saying my mantra again, ‘I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m okay...’

I felt an arm go around my shoulder and a voice so familiar, “Are you okay?”

I looked up to see Quinton looking down at me, his eyes locked with mine.

“Yes.” I looked back at the rain pouring before us.

He didn’t say anything after that. I felt him remove his arm from my shoulder and when I looked at him, I saw him taking off his hoodie.

“You need this more than I do.” He smiled, handing me the royal blue, soft material in his hand.

“Thank you.” I nodded and pulled the hoodie over my head and it went all the way down to my thighs. I folded it inside in the back and let it go over my thighs.

“Blue looks good on you. That’s my favorite hoodie, keep it safe for me.”

I looked up at him and smiled, “I’m lucky I met you.”

He grinned, “So says the girl who wanted nothing to do with me in the hallway.”

I laughed. “How are you getting home?”

“My mom is picking me up, unless she forgets like she always does. I am guessing your mom picks you up too? ”

“No, Erin is.”

A car hooted behind me and I turned and spotted Erin grinning at me from the front seat of my Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

“Is that Erin?” Quinton asked.

I looked back at him, “Yeah, I better get going.”

“Wait, your numbers?” He handed me his phone.

I typed my number in, gave him his phone and threw my arms around his neck. “See you tomorrow.”

“Cool.” He hugged me back, a bit longer than I expected.

I let go and waved him goodbye as I ran to the car, leaving him waving back at me from under the shade.

“You’ve got a nice one there.” Erin laughed. “I didn’t know you have a boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend and he won’t be. He’s just a friend I met today.” I somehow blushed.

“That smile tells me otherwise.” The car stopped at a red light, I spotted my favorite ice cream shop at the next corner.

“Can we go there?” I looked over at Erin.

“At such a weather and you want to have an ice cream?” He smirked at me.

“Please, I’ll buy you a double cream sundae.” I did the puppy eyes, which I knew was his weakness.

“Fine.” He groaned and I smiled.

We drove past the green light into the parking lot.

“Is there an umbrella in here?” I asked.

“Check it in the backseat.” He said, taking off his seatbelt.

“Wait, are you going in with me?” I grabbed the umbrella.

“I am responsible for making sure you arrive at every destination safely. Should anything bad happen, I will be liable.” He opened the door and came to open mine. “Let’s go.”

He held the umbrella open for us until we entered the store, where I heard a laugh I could recognize anywhere. I looked to my left, where I saw Aurora and Everest, her boyfriend, sharing a milkshake. I quickly looked away when she saw me.

“Let’s order and get out of here.” I hurried to the counter and ordered two cups of ice cream for myself and Erin, who stood tall beside me on my right, as if he was my bodyguard.

I felt someone poke my shoulder from my left and I turned to face Aurora.

“I didn’t know you had a boyfriend, Scar.” She smirked over at Erin. “I mean you don’t deserve such a handsome man. I bet your mother paid him to be your boyfriend, feeling sorry for how lonely you are.”

Erin snorted and said nothing.

“Do you have anything to say?” Aurora made eye contact with Erin.

Erin said nothing and snorted again, but louder this time.

“I see you don’t want to hurt your girlfriend’s feelings. Why don’t you say something on his behalf?” She looked back at me.

As if taking after Erin’s lead, I scoffed and said nothing. Seeing how frustrated that made Aurora, I enjoyed it. I looked down at her feet, up to her amazingly glossy hair and back at her feet again, then snorted. I turned to look at Erin and we both laughed.

“Pathetic attempt.” Aurora walked back to her table.

“Order for Erin and Scarlet?” The lady at the counter said with a smile.

“That’s us, thank you.” We took our ice creams and left the store.

Silence followed as we entered the car. Then Erin said something, “Hold this for me.” He gave me his ice cream cup and started the engine.

“Thanks for what you did out there.” I said.

“I did nothing, you did.” He laughed as he drove past a green light.

“No, I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for you. I’ve never been able to stand up for myself but with your help I was able to. Thank you.” I licked my ice cream.

“Do me a favor and start speaking your mind where it’s necessary, otherwise everyone will take advantage.” He reached out for his cup.

“I’ll try.” I gently put the cup in his hand and dug into my ice cream. Then I remembered something that Erin said earlier about his mother. I was afraid to ask but I had to, so I did.

“About what you said earlier, I think I can talk to my mom for you.” I looked over at him and the small smile on his face faded.

He cleared his throat, “I’d appreciate that.”

Silence followed.

He parked in the front parking of the house and I hopped out and ran inside, hoping he would follow. When I looked back outside, he had his head dropped on the steering wheel. I wanted to go back to him but it started raining harder just then, so I went to my room. I threw my bag on the floor and fell onto the bed. I closed my eyes for a moment of two seconds and opened them again. I recalled what happened today and my heart failed to believe it – I made a friend. I never thought I’d ever make a friend again, at least not a real one. I have felt invincible at that school since eighth grade, but now I felt like a real human. I smiled to my self thinking of how we would have never been friends if Quinton didn’t pull that stunt of his. My phone interrupted my thoughts with a buzz. I dragged myself over to my study table where my phone was. I forgot to bring it to school that day, not that I needed it.

I sat down on a chair and saw a text from an unknown number. I opened it and it went as follows: ‘Hey, it’s Quinton! Please call me when you get this text.’

I smiled and phoned the number immediately.

“Hello?” It was Quinton’s voice from the other end.

“Hey, it’s Scarlet. I got your text.”

“Oh, hey! I didn’t think you’d call this soon.” He laughed.

“I actually just arrived home.” I laughed too.

“Oh, I’m still at school. I take it my mom forgot to pick me up.” He lowered his voice.

“Does this happen everyday?” I asked, trying not to be insensitive.

“No, just the days when she’s too busy at her salon, but don’t worry. I’ll walk home after the rain stops. It’s not too far from here.” He tried laughing but his voice was weak.

I didn’t know what to say so I remained silent, trying to come up with a topic that will keep him busy.

“How about we hang out Saturday late? The movies maybe?” I wasn’t thinking when I said that.

“Yeah, sure. It’s not like I have much to do.” His voice cleared up.

“So what kind of movie are we watching?”

“Action, horror or a thriller. One of those and we’ll be good.”

“What? Come on, why not comedy?” I argued.

“Are you scared of such movies? Is little Scarlie gonna cry for mommy?” He laughed. We argued the whole time about which movies are better than the others, even when he was walking home. We moved from topic to topic until he reached home and had to hang up. Although I wanted to beg him not to, he hung up and I was left alone again.

I went downstairs to go check on Erin but before I walked out the door, Martin showed up from the top of the staircase.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He said, his voice firm.

“Outside.” I kept it simple and turned to face the door again.

“Not so fast.” Martin said, walking down the stairs. “I need you to do me a favor.”

I looked back at him. “Since when do I do you favors?”

“Starting from today. I need you to keep your mom busy, I want to go buy your mom something. It’s a surprise and I don’t want her to come with me. You’d better do as I ask or else.” He pushed me from the door and walked to the G-Wagon that Erin was driving. I saw him get into the passenger seat and slam the door to wake Erin. I could see him saying something horrible to Erin before they drove off. I dragged myself to the lounge, where I tried looking at my favorite series but my mind was absent.

I couldn’t stop thinking about what Erin said about his mom. He said that maybe his mom would live for another year – Could it be that his mom was dying?

I had to do something to help him out, and just when I thought of that, my mom sat beside me on the couch.

“What are you watching?” She asked.

“Good afternoon, mom.” I greeted genuinely, we’ve never really had a chance to sit down as mother and daughter since Martin came along, so this was my chance to bond with her.

“Is this one of your stupid cartoon series?” She shrugged and took the remote from my hand, as if she didn’t just hear me. She changed the channel and said, “This is what you should be watching. Rich and famous models’ lives, that’s if you want to be something in life. I actually wanted to talk to you about something.” She looked down at my outfit and looked me in the eye.

“We need to make some changes with your appearance. You cannot be my daughter and be wearing such in public. I didn’t know you wear these stupid stuff to school until this morning. You are turning me and your father into a laughing stock!” She yelled.

“Martin is not my father.” I mumbled.

She pinched my cheek with her long and sharp nails, “Martin is your father, not that poor Harry! Now listen to me clearly before I slap that attitude out your system, we are going shopping tomorrow morning and I’m burning those graphic T-shirts and extra large jeans in your closet.”

Tears filled my eyes, “I have school tomorrow and you can’t do that to me. You can’t choose what I wear and what not to wear. You can’t. Please don’t.”

She let go of my cheek and held my hand. “I don’t care about your school. It won’t do any good for you, it’s just a waste of money! You would’ve been a famous model by now if Harry didn’t poison you with education. It is all a waste of time. I think it’s about time you let me help you. I’ve let you do as you please for way too long. Now we’re doing things my way. Now wipe those damn tears off your face! Cover girls don’t cry.”

I quickly wiped the tears off my cheeks and ran to my room.

The week went by a bit faster than usual and for once, I started enjoying school. Quinton was turning out to be the best friend I have ever had, and mom hasn’t took me shopping or burned my clothes like she said she would. Me and Quinton had a movie night planned at the mall the next day, Saturday.

As soon as I got home from school, I hurried inside to have a snack and had Erin drive me to the mall.

“What’s the occasion? You barely ever go shopping.” Erin smiled over at me.

“Going to the mall doesn’t mean I’m going shopping, Erin. I actually need to ask you something.” I looked at him as he drove into the parking entrance.

“No, Scarlet, I am not afraid of spiders.” He rolled his eyes. He finally answered the question I’ve been asking him everyday since he ran out the car when he saw my biology project – a tarantula, on Wednesday.

“No, silly,” I laughed, “It has something to do with a gift for Q.”

Erin dramatically turned his head to face me and squinted his eyes at me, “Please don’t tell me that you and that boy are…”

I interrupted, “No, we’re not dating. We are going to the movies tomorrow night and I don’t know what to buy him.”

“Maybe that’s because you’re not supposed to buy him anything.” He looked back through the windscreen, scanning his eyes around for a parking spot.

“You don’t understand, Erin. Quinton is a very good friend. I never thought that I’d ever have a friend like him again. He means a lot to me and buying him a gift sounds right.” I argued.

“Okay, okay, fine. What do you want again?” He parked into a space near the mall entrance.

“What do you guys like as gifts?”

“A car, most preferably a Mustang.” He blankly looked at me then he smirked.

I smiled and punched his shoulder, “Then why aren’t we at the dealership?”

Erin took off his seatbelt, “I don’t know really, but I know he’ll be grateful for whatever you buy him.” He smiled, “I actually have an idea.” He got out the car and I followed him into the mall.

We stopped in an elevator where I was finally able to question his idea, “Where are we going?”

“The third floor.” He pressed the button.

The third floor was the electronics floor.

“Follow me.” He said as the doors opened. I had no choice but to do as he said. He stopped at the entrance of an iPhone store – The iStore.

“You told me that Quinton’s phone looks old right?” He looked down at me.

“I like the way you think.” I smiled and ran inside. I made sure to buy him the latest version, the one similar to mine but with a different color. Mine was cream white and his was black.

“Congratulations on your purchase ma’am! Have a nice day.” The manager said as Erin and I left the store with the iPhone in a gift bag in my hand.

“Was that all you wanted?” Erin asked.

“Not quite.” I stopped at the entrance of an arcade. “When last did you visit the arcade?”

“I don’t know, when I was fourteen.” He laughed.

“Great, then I guess you’ll enjoy it more than I will!” I dragged him inside and we had a blast. He was good at all the games we played and he actually won a lot of tickets.

After two hours of having fun, we went to the arcade gift shop. Erin had thousands of tickets and I couldn’t stop asking him what he would buy with them.

He stood at the counter puzzled as I was leaning against the entrance. I saw him whisper something to the cashier guy, who stole a glance at me and smiled at Erin. Moments later Erin walked up to me with a huge pink bear in his hands.

“I didn’t know you cuddle bears.” I laughed.

“Can you believe that this thing costs two thousand tickets?” He maintained eye contact. “It’s definitely worth it.” He gave it to me with a smile.

“No, wait! You bought this for me?” I smiled at him with awe in my eyes. “Thank you so much, Erin.” I went up onto my toes to hug him, which was warmer with the bear.

“I appreciate everything you’re doing for me right now. No one has ever done such, except for my mom, you always remind me of her.” He held my hand and we left the mall, and damn, it was late.

I got in the car and checked the time on my phone, it was seven, and I had a missed call from Quinton. I quickly called him.

“Hey, buddy. Where have you been?” He answered my call.

“I was busy with something, but I’m back now. What’s up?” I smiled to myself just thinking of him.

“Nothing much. I was helping my mom lock the salon and we’re on our way back now.” He said.

“Oh, funny how we’re also on our way back. Me and Erin went to the arcade and it was so much fun! They have new games there, and they upgraded all the other machines. We should go sometime!”

“That sounds great. I got the tickets by the way, so we won’t have to wait in line tomorrow.”

“Q, you didn’t have to. That’s great! I don’t know what I would do without you!” I turned to look at Erin who looked distant. I took the chance to talk to him when he pulled over at our front porch, after Quinton hung up.

“Hey Erin, are you okay?” I asked, taking my seatbelt off.

“Yeah, I’m just tired that’s all.” He sighed.

“Look, I’ve been trying to speak to my mom all week. She doesn’t have time for me, literally. I will try to talk to her right now and I promise to get back to you tomorrow morning, okay?” My heart broke into pieces just seeing him like that, imagining what he was going through.

“I… I already spoke to her.” He cleared his throat, “She said no. I explained to her that my mom is dying of cancer and she wants to spend at least a day with me, your mom said it was non of her business. She told me that if I want a day off, I should earn it and stop being lazy all day.”

I was puzzled as I stared into his eyes – Cancer? – and I suddenly felt angry at my mom. I knew she was evil but this?

“Erin, you’re coming inside with me.” I said firmly.

“No, I can’t do that. I need to go back to my apartment, it’s getting late.” He argued.

“No, Erin. I’ll request an Uber for you if I have to. Please come and join us for dinner.” I walked out the car and went to open his door. “Come on.”

Erin reluctantly followed me inside the house. I could feel him complaining from the inside but I wasn’t letting my mom get away with this one. One thing about me, I was a softy but not when it came to other people. I loved helping people even when I wouldn’t benefit anything. I just loved seeing people happy.

“Look who’s finally here.” My mom looked at us as we stood in front of the dinner table. “What took you so long?”

“We were at the mall, sorry we’re late.” I said pulling out chairs for me and Erin.

“We? Oh, Erin didn’t tell me he’s joining us for dinner tonight.” Mom looked at Erin with a cold expression.

“I told him he can stay since I made him late. I hope you don’t mind.” I tried to get mom’s attention off Erin.

She looked at me, “This had better be the last time you invite someone into my house without informing me.”

I ignored her cold words and started dishing up for me and Erin. He didn’t seem much comfortable so I tried to make him feel at home as much as I could. As usual, my parents were the high school couple and we had no choice but to watch. Moments before mom could stand up, I audibly cleared my throat in attempt to get her attention, which wasn’t so hard to get.

“Erin shall sleep in the guest room, if that’s what you wanted to ask.” She said.

“Actually, there’s something else. I am going out tomorrow, and I’m going to need Erin to come with me the whole day. So I thought I should check if that was okay with you.” I had my fingers crossed.

“Why do you want him to come with you?” Martin asked.

“Because you guys don’t trust me enough to let me drive. I am going to be busy and if I can’t drive myself around then I need Erin.”

“Then how are we supposed to go around?” Martin asked again.

“You can drive, just for one day dad.”

Notice how I call him ‘dad’ only when I’m desperate.

“Fine.” He gave in, “That won’t be much of a problem right babe?” He looked over at my mom, seeking for validation as always. “That’s okay if you’re driving all day.” She stood up and they both went upstairs.

Erin looked at me, “What was that for?”

I smiled, “You’re not very bright for a big brother, are you? My mom can’t monitor you if you’re not in her sight, so you can actually go spend the day with your mom.”

He smiled back, “That could actually work… But you, how are you going to convince them you went out the whole day. Where will you go?”

I didn’t think about that. Where was I going to go? I remained quiet as I sucked on my bottom lip.

“You can come with me if you’d like.” Erin said and for a moment I was quiet.

“Are you sure, I really don’t want to disturb your quality time with your mom.”

“No, you won’t disturb us. I’m sure my mother would be happy to meet the reason behind my smile. You have done so much for me so please take this as my way of saying thank you.” He looked sincere.

“I would be more than happy to.” I said.