The clouds oblige and rain descends in little gleam-drops of silver. If you were to stand in the meadow, the drops would feel as sparkly and effervescent as champagne bubbles hitting your skin. The sound of the rain is a harmonic thrumming, nature’s white noise. Silver trickles of water seep into the soil, renewing the life-roots of the plants beneath.

It started raining. As it showered, Noah find his way to Amber's house.

"I'm not going to ask if you and Sylvie kissed today. I know I had a crush on you since grade 6, but... I'm going to ask you if you truly love me the way I love you. Or even love me at all."

"Of course I love you, Amber. You're the only girl that sees me differently than others do. You try to bring the best out of me no matter how fucked up my life is but, I would be cheating on you if I don't tell you the truth today."

"What truth?"

"That I only love you as a friend, Amber. I know it's been five long years but I've been scared how you would take it, or Adam and Zayn! I've tried to forget about her but she's simply unforgettabl-"

"Stop telling me your feelings, Noah! To hell with both of you! I thought we could be more than friends, Noah. But I just realized that we would never be friends. You know what? I usually give people more chances than they deserve but when I'm done, I'M DONE! I just can't believe my best friends would betray me. But you dare treat me like an option? You're a fucking history! Have a nice day! Have a day you fucking deserve!" She shivered to the effect of the rain that poured while she walked back in feeling so pissed. Noah stood there, watching. Knowing he won't be able to do anything to calm her down. At least, not tonight.

Noah stood in the rain for a while, letting it's icy effect wash through him even more. To the thought of losing Amber, he turned back and motioned into his dad's old G-wagon. It shouldn't have happened this way... Or maybe it should have.  A smile spread across his lips as he drove off the empty road.

Amber watched him leave from the side of her window's pane, the rain giving it a blurry effect.

A solemn tear rolled down her check and an involuntarily whimper escaped her lips, making more tears spill over the sides of her eyes. Thinking of how she'd rejected his quest timelessly for her to visit his parents. To become his girlfriend everyone knows him with. It wasn't her fault. She couldn't help but to think he broke up with her because of that. Because she wasn't good enough. Or maybe it was meant to be. They were going to spent the night together as planned a day before. Now, everything is ruined.

***

The Next Morning,

7:58 a.m.

Walking into the school compound with students swimming in like a swarm of bees, I struggled and find my my way back n but my eyes scrolled through and over in search of Amber. Hoping to meet her and apologize before the first class commences.

Just then, my eyes caught her purple wavy hair. She has a wide smile on and was speaking with Selina and Cynthia.

I rushed to her with a gush of excitement. Knowing she was the kindest person on planet, earth.
“Hey... When did you arrive?” I interrupted their conversation.

“Do I have you report my every move to you?” her vice hissed as she turned to me, disgustingly. When she rolled her eyes at me, I could tell she's still pissed off.

My smile dropped almost immediately.

“I'm sorry for what happened on Friday night. I didn't know he would do that. I should have just left after prom but you dragged me to Kylie's house. What happened between Noah and I was nothing... Trust me, it was a sincere mistake.” I pointed out.

“Really?”

“And I'm so sorry, Amber... it was a mistake. It would never happen again.”

“Yes, sure it won't. Perhaps, it wasn't your first kiss with him.”

I didn’t know what to say. Why would this hurt her so much? I know very well that she wasn't ready to go on a real date with him but, we aren't even dating. It was just a stupid prom kiss.

But while these thoughts were going through my head, I noticed Amber wore a grave expression she motioned closer to me till there wasn't any space left between us.

“We aren't friends, Sylvia Morrison. I would never forgive you for this betrayal, trust me.”

“I know you're angry with me but I don't want anything to jeopardize our friendship.” her eyebrows were raise as if she wasn't even listening.
“I apologise to you already. You really need to control your anger and forget about somethings.”

"Yeah, sure. I'll forget you too and... I actually don't need to control my anger. Everyone around should control their habit of pissing me off. Especially you! If you'll now, excuse me" She hissed at me sarcastically while soft snickering followed. I looked back at Selina and Cynthia, they chuckled at the expression on my face as they walked into the class.

Ring! Ring!! Ring!!!

The school bell rang, making other student rush into their classes. Just then, I realised I was alone and maybe, Amber wouldn't forgive me for a simple mistake that wasn't even my fault. I still blame Noah for causing so much trouble. It was time for mathematics class. I walked into the class with the chaos in my head, just then, I realized Amber was already seated. About to join her, she took out the bubble gum from her mouth and stick it on my my seat, right next to her.

"Find another seat, Sylvie!" She told me.

I said seat down." Miss Alex instructed as she turned to me.
"What are you still doing there, miss Morrison?! Don't you have a seat?!"

"Join me." Noah signalled at me.

I looked to Amber once more looking really pained. I never thought we would break up like this. It's so funny how once could change overnight. Amber Feldman has literally been by sister in the last five years, and now she's looking at me like a stranger. No, she isn't even looking. I faced back at her and she pointed her middle finger at me.

I looked away and concentrated on the work on the board. Tears split over my eyes... I couldn't resist. I gently buried my face in my palms to cry as my lip quivered. I didn't know how to control myself but I felt really hurt.

"Don't cry, Sylvie. I'm with you now." He whispered in a very low voice.

"Don't talk to me!" I spat at him hatefully, making everyone turn to us in concern.

"What's happening if I may ask?" Mr Moses, our Mathematics teacher queried.

An involuntary whimper escaped my lips as more tears spilled over my eyes.

"She's sick." Noah gently placed his hand over my shoulder and lied.

"I'm not sick!" I spat at him with nothing but hate in my my eyes.

I don't know what happened but I was out of control for a while. Even if the maths teacher called me back, and Noah had pleading eyes, and Amber literally pretend that I'm invisible or maybe dead to her, I just grabbed my bag and left the class. My vision went blurry, making it different for me to see. I wiped my tears away and went into the lavatory just to be alone. I washed my face in the washbasin and looked at my reflection at the mirror. I was surprised at my sudden ugliness. My eyes were red and swollen and my face was the definition of full and pale. I

Is this how break-up feels? Because this feels really terrible. And how dare Noah think we would become friends because of his sudden affection towards me. This shouldn't have happened. Not now... Not ever! I thought we would have graduated high school, at least. I dried my face and and was thinking about going home when I heard the bell ring. It was lunch period.

A black skin girl with cornrows plaited on her head, burst into the toilet. As if she was scared of seeing me, she frightened a little before entering the restroom to use the water closet. Another girl entered so I wasn't feeling comfortable. I just left.

Walking out the lavatory, I felt a hand grab me by the wrist and we were by the corner where no one passed. Looking up at the bold figure, I saw Noah.

"You again?! Why are you doing this to me? Why?!" I almost broke down into another series of tears when his wide palms covered my mouth.

"Don't shout, please. People might hear you." His voice begged.

"What's your issue?! You complicated things between me and my friend and now you're playing the role of a gentle and innocent guy? Congratulations, Noah! Hope you're happy now?!" I whimpered with more tears running out of my eyes. As I turned back to leave, I could feel the tension within him.

"Where are you going?!" His voice shivered to the question. As if he wanted to do something to help me but no, it was too late. I don't need it. I don't need him.

I find my way into the school cafeteria to beg Amber one last time. Maybe she'd reconsider.

Entering the crowded room, I felt an eye turned to me. It was Zayn's then Richie and his girlfriend, Selina. They were seated on the same table with hotdogs in their plates. I felt other students gawk at me as I find my way through.

"Oh my God! Why is she looking like a zombie?" I heard a junior student whispering to her colleagues. "Did they have an argument?" Another snickered.

Davis, Cynthia and Kylie gave me a look as I find my way to their table. Amber must have joined their group now. I concluded. Standing right next to her, her coal-lined eyes and perfect makeup face turned to mine. Then she rolled her eyes at he and bluffed.

"I'm sorry, Amber." I felt my voice quivered like that of a convulsing child but I continued.
"Even if you're still angry at me... I just want us to be on good term. I want you to see me as a-" the next thing I hard was a dirty, hot slap across my face. I shivered in pains as she grabbed my dark fixed her red painted nails into my dark shoulder-length hair. My breath suddenly thickened with more tears, flowing down my face as usual. Amber felt the same but she look spiteful and angrier.

A cry of dismay filled the room as someone chuckled at the background. I turned to look at the person. It was Kylie taking a video of the whole scene.

"I would have beaten you blueblack right now but having anything with you would drop my social status so... Get lost!" She took out the bubblegum from her mouth and stick it to my forehead before pushing me away like a piece of trash. Other students clamoured at her attitude towards me. It isn't the first time Amber did this but... It was me. I felt goosebumps growing on my skin as I came to the realization that Amber hated me now. I felt so ashamed and overwhelmed, I couldn't even find the courage to stand.

Just then, people turned to their backs as if someone important was entering the room. Well, it was the king of bullies. Seeing Noah walk up to me pissed me off even more... I didn't know when I stood up. I took a gander at his eyes that were focused on mine. I wondered what he was looking at, all I felt was shame. The next thing he said made me wonder if I really worth it.

"Would you be my girlfriend?"