Chapter 1

Jenny’s POV

*You were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles, and my daddy said, “Stay away from Juliet”

And I was crying on the staircase, begging you, “Please don’t go”

And I said …

Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone. I’ll be waiting, all that’s left to do is run.

You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess. It’s a love story, baby, just say, “Yes*.”

Swaying my hips along with the music, I hummed the lyrics of my favorite song while my hands were doing their job, painting. I had been in a really good mood these days that I couldn’t stop myself from drawing. Many ideas were flowing into my brain and I was basically turned into a robot that only knew how to draw and paint.

Now, my favorite song entered the view and it lightened my inspirations brighter than ever. I sang, drew, painted and lost myself in it, totally forgetting the reality.

I didn’t know why I am being like this.

*Maybe because the weather is nice and pleasant these days?

Or maybe because Bri didn’t visit me like she used to these days that I got many free time to daydream and visualize*?

Bri, in short for Britany was my friend since I was pretty young and the only friend I had in my life. Many people didn’t want to associate with me or even talk to me. So, being my friend was out of the picture but I didn’t think they hate me. They were more like afraid of me or should I say my dad?

Everyone here didn’t dare to offend him and tried their best to get alliance while some avoided us like we are some kind of danger. I sometimes wondered why they acted like that. We didn’t even do a mere harm to them but in their eyes, we were already the monsters that would eat them alive.

Papa used to tell me and my Mama not to care about this and we complied. Although I didn’t know Papa’s reason or his business as he didn’t say much about it when he was at home, I trusted him. He was the kindest and the best dad I could ever wish and I knew he wouldn’t do anything that would hurt me and Mama.

Apart from this, there was another thing I thought they were scared of it. It was the bodyguards that my dear Papa specially arranged for me. There were always two bodyguards following me wherever I went and I couldn’t say no to that.

Papa loved me so much that he was very protective of me. He would do everything I asked for except this. He worried about me all the time when I wasn’t at home or in his sight. So, I had to keep them by my side no matter what.

It had been like this since my kindergarten days and I was used to them. They didn’t bother or matter to me anymore but it wasn’t for the others.

They stayed as far as possible from me. They didn’t talk nor even look at me. For them, I was like the plague or some kind of disease that could kill them when they made contact. At first, I was sad. They completely shut me out of the society and I was always left alone.

I also wanted to have some friends like other girls and enjoy my life with them but I didn’t seem to have that chance. After all, I had the parents who were totally different from the others, very loving, very protective and very anxious.

So, I only had Bri who I could call as my friend. We played, ate and grew up together like the real family and the real sisters. She was two month older than me and that made her acted like my big sister. She bossed me around sometimes and I happily listened to every one of them.

In addition, she was also my neighbor who lived just across my house. She came to me every day, disturbing my peace and gossiping about the variety of people she met and she got to know.

She was really outgoing and a big extrovert who likes shopping and partying with her friends most of her time where I was the exact opposite, a big introvert. I would rather spend my time alone with various songs and paintings instead of doing those.

I continued humming the song and swaying my hips as I was moving my hands around the canvas. The painting I am working right now was the third one I did this week and it was such a surprise.

Normally, I took a week to finish only one painting and this was incredible. I couldn’t even believe that I am capable of that until now.

“Jenny Ruby Rowen!”

A loud banging noise together with my name in full boomed into my ears, exceeding the voices of the song.

I abruptly removed the headphone around my head and turned to the direction where all those noises came. Bri was there at the door, standing with both of her hands on her hip and glaring at me with those big brown eyes of her.

I didn’t know what was wrong with her. She looked so mad like she was going to eat me alive. Did I do something wrong? I opened my mouth to ask but she beat me first, “What the hell are you doing?”

Irritations were evident on her face as she said those words with her brows knitted together. I on the other hand still couldn’t figure out what her problem was and was looking like a dumb, staring at her.

“Painti-“I replied after a few second of speechlessness but it got cut as soon as my eyes landed on my masterpiece, “OH MY GOD!”

There was a huge thick red stroke brushed downwards from the middle of the painting to the bottom. God! I am doomed! How am I going to fix this?

I was now in distress, trying to wipe off the paint desperately when Bri came closer and stood in front of me and the painting, “Jenny Rowen, it isn’t time for this. Did you forget what day is today?”

One of my brows arched up, “Ummm? What day?”

I had no idea what she was talking. It wasn’t like today was my birthday or hers as far as I remember. I was out of clue and moreover, my brain was too busy thinking about how to mend my precious baby.

“Lord Jesus!” she exclaimed a little bit louder into my ears, “Today is our graduation day. Don’t you know? How the hell did you forget, Jenny? We have been waiting so long for today.”

Our graduation day?

Oh … Hell … No! 

My panic rose more after hearing those words. How could I not remember this? Our special day!

“I am sorry, Bri. I’m really sorry. I forgot about it totally but trust me, I didn’t mean to do that. Okay?”

She was still narrowing her eyes at me but I tried my best doing the puppy dog eyes and begged her. It was my fault that she acted like this. I could understand her. She had been so thrilled to reach this day and here, I was completely lost sight of it.

“Whatever!” she finally sighed while shaking her head a little, “Look at you! Are you painting the canvas or your body? Go wash them quickly and take the shower as fast as possible. We have no time. I don’t want to be late. Got it?”

I beamed at her, “Okay, okay! I will be quick.”

The shower didn’t take long as I managed to finish it just within fifteen minutes. The paints weren’t that hard to remove and they were all gone after a single scrub with the soap. It was a huge glad for me. If not, I would be dead meat in Bri’s hands. She would kill me for sure.

She always warned me not to wipe my face or skin when I paint. She said it was dangerous for my skin and it could cause damage or even cancer. I kind of believed them but I couldn’t help myself. I always ended up coloring my whole body.

“Here, wear that! I bought it for you,” she rushed towards me as soon as I came out of the bathroom and shoved a dress into my hand.

My eyes couldn’t help but lit up instantly, “Really?”

It was a simple off shoulder white dress which is not too short or too long. I pressed the dress to my body and viewed it in front of the mirror. I was certain it would look great on me. Bri had sharp eyes when it came to fashion unlike me. I was bad at those. My eyes were only good for the art.

“Of course! I am not going to sit and watch you wearing those granny clothes to our graduation.” She said, rolling her eyes. A chuckle escaped between my lips. She knew me too well. I would absolutely like that if she didn’t prepare this dress.

“Okay. Thank you, Bri!” I gave a peck on her cheek before I ran back to the bathroom and put that on my body.

“Wear fast! We are not done yet. You have to put some makeup, girl. Hurry up!” she yelled from the other side of the door while I was struggling with the zip, “Just a minute!”

Even though my hands weren’t short, I often had problem with those zips especially when they are at the back. I couldn’t made it in the single try. I had to pull two or three times to finally reach the top.

Bri was already at the vanity chair, waiting for me when I came out, fully dressed.

“Finally! Come and sit here. We are running out of time.” She ordered as she rolled her eyes again, “Sit still! Don’t move and also don’t talk.” She continued ordering me like my Mama and started her works.

I didn’t say anything further and did like she told. She first blew dry my still wet hair before she curled it a little to form some waves. It looked nice and suited with what I was wearing.

“Close your eyes, Jen,” she said and began her masterpiece on my face. She chose art major only to become a professional makeup artist. She had been dreaming about that since she turned fifteen and she had high hopes for producing her own makeup line one day.

“Here you go! You can open your eyes now.”

With that, she removed herself from the front, revealing me in the mirror.

“Wow!” I couldn’t help but awed at my looks at this moment. I looked so natural and didn’t even look like I was wearing a single makeup. My face was glowing flawlessly and radiantly, “It is really beautiful. Thank you, Bri. You are the best.”

 “Of course. You would be! I am the best makeup artist here, don’t you know?” she scoffed and gave me a pair of white pumps she chose from my closet. I grinned and took them, “I know, I know. Let’s go then.”

We didn’t waste any time and went downstairs. Mama was there in the living room alone and knitting. She looked so peaceful with a small smile on her face but it got wider the moment her eyes laid on me.

“Oh! My baby is looking so beautiful,” she stopped all the work and walked towards us, “Congratulation, dear. You are finally graduated. You made it!”

She then engulfed me in a warm embrace which I returned gladly, “Thank you, Mama. Where is Papa?”

“I am here, princess. Congratulations!”

My dad popped out from I think his office room, wearing the biggest smile I ever saw. I smiled back and ran to him, “Thank you, Papa!”

I was again welcomed by another warm hug. I really enjoyed their warm hugs. They always made me feel secured and peace. I wondered if there is another one in this world who could give me this kind of hug.

“Uncle, Auntie, sorry to interrupt you but we have to go now. We are going to be late.”

Bri, being an impatient one, cut our lovely family bonding. I knew we have tiny time but still, I wanted to stay here a little more, “Alright, let’s go!”

“We will follow you later, sweetie. See you at the university.”

“Okay, mama. See you.”

…

The drive to our university was smooth. There were no traffics or accidents on the way but our mind weren’t. They were full of excitements and thrills that we couldn’t stop trembling as well as chatting.

We have no idea what we were talking at that moment but once the car entered the university ground, our conversation died down instantly.

“We are here,” Bri said, grabbing both of my hands tightly. There were many people strolling and taking picture around. We didn’t waste another minute and went directly to the venue where our graduation ceremony was.

Bri was welcomed by her friends as soon as we reached there while I was welcomed by the professors. They liked all most all of my artworks that they always told me I have the gifted hands. I didn’t know if that was true or not, I love to draw. It was like everything to me. I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

I continued greeting the other professors while Bri was busy chatting with her friends. Time had passed pretty fast and by the time we reunited, we already had our certificates in our hands.

“Congratulations, Bri,” I grinned at her. She just finished getting hers and went down from the stage. I already received mine a while ago as I was the first one to do. So, I had been waiting for her.

“Congratulations, our honor student,” she chippered and wrapped one of her hands around my waist, “Let’s take a selfie, come on! Take out your phone.”

I chuckled and did like she told, “Okay, okay, here.”

We were having fun, taking several selfies and solo pictures around when our parents came to us with giant bouquets in their hands, “Congratulations, dear princesses.”

“Papa, Mama, Uncle Brendon.” I called and took the bouquet my dad was holding, “Thank you.”

Bri also did the same thing, accepting the bouquet from her dad, Brendon, “Thank you, dad. Jen, can you take a photo of us? I will do yours too.”

“Sure! Give me the camera.”

She only had her dad in her family as her mom died a long time ago. She passed away when Bri was just two years old because of the heart disease. Uncle Brendon was so miserable at that time and Papa and Mama helped him look after Bri and that way we became the closest friend.

We posed and laughed like there is no tomorrow. We captured a lot of pictures either with our parents or only two of us or alone. This was indeed such a joyful day for me, for her and for our families. I was sure today will be one of the unforgettable day in our future.

“Jen, shall we go now?”

It was already 4pm in the afternoon when we finished with the shooting thing. Bri looked excited more than she did when she received her degree and I knew the reason clearly.

As I said, today was a special day but it wasn’t because of our graduation. It was because I finally got a chance to go out without a bodyguard beside me.

It was like a big deal to me and it wasn’t so easy to get this chance. It took us an entire month for this. Papa at first didn’t allow and we had so many difficulties persuading him. We begged, convinced and did everything for him to say okay. So, it was really special for both of us, especially me. I was able to experience what freedom was.

“Okay! Papa, mama, can we leave now?” I asked with the same excitement like Bri shone in my eyes. I couldn’t wait to see and enjoy what Bri had planned for the later evening. She didn’t tell me what we are going to do and she planned it alone. She said it is surprise and I should wait. So, I had been doing that patiently.

“Sure but come back early. Don’t be too late and you know Britany, don’t go to the nightclub or bar. It is dangerous for you girls and don’t leave Jenny alone. Stay with her even to the restroom and-“Papa started ranting like nonstop that Bri had to interrupt and cut the conversation short,

“I know, I know. I got it. I got all of them, Uncle Robin. Don’t worry, she will be okay with me around. You can rest assured.”

She then smiled and hugged me from the side before she nodded at me and Papa for agreement. I couldn’t help but chuckled, staring at them. Papa still looked reluctant to let me go while Mama stayed silent with her head shaking a little.

“Okay!” he sighed after several seconds, “Just come back home early.”

“I will, Papa”

We were now over the moon, laughing and singing the song that was currently playing on the radio inside Bri’s car. We couldn’t hide how happy we were at this moment. We had been longing to do this and now, we had the chance. We were finally alone. There were no one watching us or following wherever we go. This was heaven.

We first went to a fancy restaurant Bri booked and had our dinner. We decided to eat whatever we want today despite worrying about gaining weight and ended up ordering a lot of foods, pizza, lasagna, steak, pork ribs and spaghetti. It was like we ordered all most all kind of food they had in the menu. At first, we thought we wouldn’t be able to finish them all but it was just a thought. We did somehow.

After that, we strolled around the neighborhood a little to digest ourselves. We were so full after dinner and we didn’t feel like moving but Bri said we still had a place to go so we walked around. I wanted to ask what that plan was but I chose not to. The whole evening had been wonderful and I enjoyed it a lot but that moment came to the end when Bri took me to a place which was said to be her so called plan, Night Flight.

“Bri, is it okay for us to come here? Papa told us not to go bar or nightclub.”

My peace was already gone at this time. This place was known to be one of the famous place when it came to bar and nightclub. It was also known as a stripper club in the town and I had no idea why she decided to go there. I had never been to a place like this, not even once. Papa always told me not to go since it was dangerous and full with crimes. Now, we were here, standing in front of the entrance.

I didn’t want to go and started panicking but Bri didn’t let me,

“We will be. Relax! This is your once in the lifetime chance to go out without a bodyguard. So, we have to come here. You need to see what a bar look like or nightclub at least once.”

“But-” I protested but it went fail as Bri cut me firmly, “No buts! Chill, Jen. There won’t be any problem. We are going to be okay. Don’t worry too much!”

Like this, I was dragged inside. There were so many people who were drinking, dancing and some busy chatting. I carefully walked behind Bri while holding her arm closely and tightly. I was afraid that I would get lost. The whole room was so dark although some flashlights were moving around the area.

Bri pulled me towards the dance floor and told me to dance with her but I couldn’t. My panic was too high for that and moreover, there was a little space for dancing. Even a little sway could touch the person behind or beside. So, I would rather not.

Finally after a few minutes, Bri gave up and we moved to the bar which was a lot quieter and brighter.

“You are such a party pooper, Jen. You should relax a little.” Bri said as soon as she sat down on one of the stools. I didn’t say anything back. She looked disappointed, ordering some drinks for me and her while I just stayed silent. I didn’t want to ruin the day so I chose to shut up.

We then dismissed that topic and started chatting about various things especially about our futures.

“Oh Lord, Jen! He is so hot.”

We were having a great chat until she blurted out those words that were completely unrelated to what we were talking at that moment.

“What?”

I was so confused. Just now, she was telling me about her plans to open a spa in the town but in a second, the conversation changed totally.

“The one sitting at the corner, beside the window. He is so handsome. Look! I have been checking him out the whole time but he didn’t seem to notice me,” she said with her eyes sparkling too much.

“Really?”

“Yes! He is really hot and … sexy. Oh my god! I think I am going to die. His eyes … So gorgeous. Come on Jen, look at him!”

I wasn’t actually curious at first but seeing her like this, I thought about looking. It wasn’t like something improper to do and nobody was going to be hurt by this. It would be just a glance. So, why not?

I slowly turned my head a little towards the table Bri told me and there, my soul was captured … Captured by a pair of eyes which have the same color as the ocean but shining brightly like those stars in the night sky.

Wow!

I was mesmerized.

They were the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen in my entire life, so dazzling and attracting like a magnet.

.............

Hope you enjoy this, my dear lovely readers ❤️

This is my first story here on this app and I hope you like my story. I am going to upload this story on two app, here (mangatoon) and wattpad. So, if you have time, you can check out my wattpad also. There is another story which is complete there.

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Thank you & have a nice day 😘

From,

Kelly H Yang

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