Hello, Guys. Here is a new update. If you tolerate my grammatical mistakes, then I will be grateful to you all. This is a bit lengthy chapter. It took all my time, because this was one tough job. This may lack comedy. Because this is pretty painful chapter :(

*************************

Chapter 7 - Making Decision

Oh. My. Bloody. Fudge. Cake. On. Toast-bread-jam! What wrong have I done to go through this entire thing?

I was at the dead end. I knew it was over, my life was over. I was going to die now, right at the moment, at this place, on the very second day of being in London.

It was funny how my life turned into bizarre within a matter of two days. And now I was going to die a painful death at such a young age. So many things I had wished to accomplish before I die. I had already made a list of my wishes, which I always kept underneath my pillow. Every night I read that list in a hope to fulfill them some day. But now the time seemed so less to even peer at that piece of paper. The biggest tragedy of my life was I was going to die without saying good bye to my mum, dad, Juliana, Oliver, Jed, and Med.

I was going to die young in a pitiful manner, but the creature in front of me showed no mercy as it advanced on me. The hairs on my neck were already standing in fear. I needed to do something and the first thing I needed to do was confession. I didn’t want to share hell with Trystan as I was sure after some years he would enter in hell.

Dear, Father Lord. I seek your forgiveness for all my sins that I have done sometimes by mistake and sometimes purposely. I beg your forgiveness. Please give me one more chance and I will worship you with all my heart. Please save me, I quickly recited a prayer, asking for forgiveness. Please, dear, Lord. I Promise I will attend every Sunday mass. I will share my iPhone with Jed. Okay, he isn’t here, but please I won’t even fight with that freak Trystan- that is unless he crosses my path. Oh, I am just messed up. You know how I am. Please, help me- I stopped my mental rant as the reality settled in my brain that the distance between us was minimizing quickly.

I stared at the Golden Retriever, who had his tongue spilling out as if teasing me. It was an obnoxious sign of his victory. I was his precious possession today which I was pretty sure he wanted to show his master in a mount of pieces. He walked with pride and grace, performing a dance of disdain as he slowly lifted and lowered each paw with a heaviness of a wrestler. He stopped few feet away, probably calculating the distance to attack me.

Ours eyes did not leave each other. Neither of us blinked as if our life depended on this quest of eye lock. On my part, I didn’t want to blink my eyes as to give him any false alarm.

I won’t give up on my life so easily. I will fight back till my last breath. I narrowed my eyes concentrating hard on harming that dog somehow without touching him. How is that possible, though? I thought, still keeping an eye contact.

Hmm… will magic work if I try? Okay, let’s see. Abracadabra.

Nothing happened. Okay, I need to say it loud. “Abracadabra,” I said with full confidence, waiting to wind blow harshly and everything move but not even a leaf moved.

Let’s try one more time. “Petrificus Totalus.” I stated a spell from the Harry Potter series. I had read that novel series and seen that movie several times, leaving its charm on me. So you see I knew most of the spells by heart. The dod didn’t even budge. I went on casting spells on him. “Stupefy, Imperio, Impedimenta…” With a sigh, I gave last try. “Wingardium Leviosa.” The levitation charm supposes to levitate the object, right? But this dog wiggled his tail.

Guess what? It didn’t work. I need my wand. Where is my wand when I need it? Or my invisibility cloak?

I wished I knew some magic or I was a part of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry. I knew that wasn’t possible. It is just a fiction story, but my mind didn’t want to accept it. I was frozen for several seconds before I realized I should make a move. But the question was, how? I was going to die.

Call someone for help, my mind shouted.

Okay. “Kreptha… Lois…Lois…” My voice came out as if some cat was residing in my throat, making me meow with fear. Old cat and dog story!

No one turned up. I even doubted my voice reached their ear. I swallowed the cat in my throat. I had only three options and needed to make a quick selection. The first option was, run and jump into the swimming pool few feet away from me on the right side of the dog, but I had less chance of survival as golden retriever is a swimming fan. Second option was running towards the garden past the dog where in I was likely to fail the chase. Third and last option and probably the only ideal option was backing towards the door I had come from, which had more chances of surviving given that I find my saviors there.

The entire scenario flooded the memory of my last encounter with a dog, which I can fairly say wasn’t funny. I was six when it happened. I was playing hide and seek with my neighbor-friend in her garden. Their dog rainbow was leisurely sleeping on their front porch. I didn’t still realize why they had kept name Rainbow to their dog. There wasn’t anything about him that defined rainbow as he was full black in colour. I didn’t understand why people liked to keep hilarious names for their dogs. It was a Doberman and if stood in shadows, he was undetectable which gave an advantage to the owner in case of burglar. So when I caught my friend from her hiding place, she started running across the garden, giggling and screaming. Being a kid, I started chasing her. I didn’t realize when that monster Rainbow came. He bit me with such an impact that the pain I felt sent wracking nerves of hurt through my butt. I was sure he had removed a measurable piece of flesh of my butt. And then the amount of medicines, and syringes that were ruthlessly pierced into my skin had almost killed me. This time I knew I wouldn’t be lucky as in either way I would die.

Seeing there is no escape as the dog neither backed nor moved ahead -his gaze fixed on me- I slowly lifted my leg and took one step back. But my movement didn’t go unnoticed by him and he took another step toward me. I stopped dead. He was acting like a police officer who just needs a mistake from criminal to shoot him; in this case I was his criminal and my one mistake would be my death warrant. So I needed to act smartly. Dogs never bit their friends and they befriend only those who give them biscuits. I wish I had brought some biscuits with me.

Oh God, I am going to die due to lack of biscuit! What am I supposed to do now?

Talk to dog, my mind suggested, and as soon as it registered in my mind I exclaimed, what?

Single thought about it ran a shudder through out the length of my spine.

Music! Dogs love music. As soon as I reached in my jean’s pocket to fetch my phone, a bark echoed in the area, tearing my heart and ear drum. I immediately dropped the idea and raised my hands above my head.

I realized the right thing to do was to talk and I found myself listening to my mind.

‘H-hello,” I stuttered.

A great start! Can’t you even talk to a dog properly? My mind interjected again, annoying me, as if it was an offence not to know talking to a dog. I so wanted to shut this voice and its rattle in my head.

I rolled my eyes mentally and continued my effort, waving my hands up slightly- you know, friendly gesture- though, it was more awkward.

“Err…Hi, Doggy. I-I’m Kiera. I-” Before I could say further, he stirred, making my heart jump up. I guessed he didn’t like my name or may be his name?

What should I call him- Tommy, Jimmy, Snoopy or Fluffy? That seems the best and famous name for a dog.

“Erm… Fluffy?” He again barked, but didn’t move from his place. Alright, his name is surely not Fluffy. I wish I had spent some time at my grandpa’s place. His house was a zoo. He loved animals. With nothing to do after retirement and loneliness after my grandma’s death, he indulged himself looking after dogs, cats, birds, etcetera, etcetera. Every injured dog or left puppy found their sole home in my grandpa’s backyard, where he had constructed a shelter for them. Now the total number of dogs there were fifteen. That’s the reason why I didn’t have any memorable summer vacations at my grandpa’s place.

Taking a deep breath and this time swallowing an elephant, I raised my hands in surrender and continued, “I… I am not a thief. I swear I am not. I- I was just wandering, you know erm… site seeing?” I managed a false laugh, waving my hands around. He tilted his head and looked at me through his beady eyes.

“I don’t belong here,” I lowered my voice to a whisper, “I am being forced to stay here. I don’t want to stay here. I want to go from here as much as you don’t like me here. So we have got a mutual understanding here.” I kept on ranting whatever words my mind formed, while he kept staring at me, listening to me. Slowly gaining confidence over my ability of calming down the Golden Retriever, I started backing towards my only escape, the door into the house.

“You are a nice dog, aren’t you? You- you really are a nice dog, a sweet dog, a cute dog, a-” he stood up taking a menacing step towards me, making me freeze. Using lots of good but false adjectives for an enemy is never a good idea when you are in danger. That’s what I learned here.

“I guess I need to go now. Nice meeting you Mr. Dog. I am going.” I was almost at the door. This time he didn’t stop and I knew I had to run. Without delaying I turned on my heels and ran for my dear life.

“Ahhhhhhh,” I screamed all the way while running in the house. I glanced behind and saw him following me, his ears flapping in air. I struggled hard to run fast, but the space between us seemed never increasing. His barks sounded closer with every passing second. Damn! He is fast.

Few times I saved my butt from getting bitten. He was too close. “Oww-oww-oww-owww-aahhhhh…”

“Michael.”

“Oww…Ahhhh…”

“Oh my god!”

“Oww…Ahhhh…”

“Lois.”

“Oww…Ahhhh…”

“Michael.”

“Michael.”

Between my screams, I heard many voices calling out. I knew I was on the safe ground right now, but the dog didn’t stop chasing me. They kept on shouting one name- Michael. Since I had not heard this name before, I assumed it was the dog’s owner’s name. Oh, Michael, come fast.

“Michael… Michael…” Tossing, turning and dodging the objects on my way, I made my way towards the couch and climbed on it, screaming the name ‘Michael’.

“Michaaa…” my voice trailed off into a deadly silence as I sensed no one was saying anything. Everyone was quite. Is this Michael someone from underworld? I thought and then face palmed me. I should really stop watching thriller movies. I took in my surrounding. Kreptha was at the dining table with her eyes wide. Rest of the servants along with Lois were scattered in all directions. Brandon was at the lower end of the staircase and they all were looking at… me? That stupid dog was too looking at me, calmly poking his tongue out as if he did nothing. Had I grown two heads?

I was out of breath due to the chase. I bend over my knees, trying to bring my breathing to normal. Through corner of my eyes, I saw Brandon making his way towards the dog. He caressed his fur and lifted him on his paws. I was confused. What was happening? Where was Michael?

“Where is Michael? Whoever he is, please tell him to take his dog and never bring him back here,” I said in a shaky breath.

“This is Michael,” Brandon answered me; pointing at that golden furred animal he was holding. It took me few seconds to digest it. My jaw dropped. Michael is the dog’s name? See? People always acted weird when naming their dogs. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to laugh, but the entire situation in which I was involved wasn’t funny.

“You are weird,” Brandon cackled. How many times did I hear it till now?

I scoffed. “People naming their dog with weird names are calling me weird. Ha! What this world has come to?” I laughed dryly, but no one seemed to acknowledge it. Everyone in this house, even Michael wanted to prove me weird. But I needed to save my dignity and so I needed to prove them as weird. Of course they were! “Who fudge in this entire world keep Michael as a name to their dog?” I shouted, placing my hands on my hips. I looked at Brandon, awaiting a reply. Seeing no reply a satisfactory smile was about to make its way on my lips when a voice came from behind me.

“I kept that name. Do you have any problem?” Trystan walked in through the main door. “Are we playing some jumping-dumping game over here?” He cocked his eyebrow, glancing at me. I quickly got down off the couch and shrugged.

“Problem? Of course not. Everyone is entitled to be stupid, so also you,” I said with a smug. “But you abuse the privilege,” I added.

Trystan narrowed his eyes for few seconds before he replied, “Well, I could agree with you, but then we both would be wrong.” He shrugged his shoulders, crossed the living room and slumped leisurely on the couch next to where I was standing.

“You act like arrogance is your virtue and instead of brain all you use is dick to think.”

“Wow, the smartest word to ever come out of your mouth is dick.”

“Shut up!”I clenched my palms into fist. Brandon simply shook his head and mumbled something I didn’t hear. He joined Trystan on the couch and put on the T.V. All the others resumed their work and I on the other hand glared at both the brothers, trying to bore hole into their head. “And what the hell this stupid dog was doing at the backyard?” As soon as I finished saying it, Michael barked on me, making me stagger back.

“I mean-err- he could have made to sit here. At least I would have known his presence. You should have told me there is a dog here. I would have never come here. Now that I am here, I have right to know each and everything about this place, with whom I am going to stay and my god, I have to stay with this dog. I never thought I would be going through this entire thing. What have I done to mess up my life so much? I was about to die today a painful death. I had almost missed saying good bye to everyone…” I kept on babbling.

Both brothers ignored me. Trystan had his earphone plugged in his ear with his eyes closed- listening to music- successfully avoiding me.

I huffed and turned to go to be only blocked by that stupid Michael, because of whom everything happened.

“And you,” I pointed menacingly at Michael, “you stupid, stupid dog. Don’t ever dare to come close to me. Stay away fro-” He barked at me, threatening me. Barking dogs never bites, but what if they bite? “I guess I should be the one to stay away from you. Fine.”

I heard comments from Trystan and Brandon which I ignored completely and went up to my room.

**************

I checked my cell for any miscalls to find none. I was waiting for call from my home, but no one did. I slunk back, shoulders slumping. Neither did I, because I was always known for my stubbornness and didn’t want to change that. I couldn’t understand the reason for having no calls from any of them, though. Didn’t they miss me? Was I a burden on them and now that they are rid of me, they don’t want to call me?

Don’t think stupid, Kiera. They would never do that to you.

But then, how to justify this? Two days since I am here I didn’t get any call from Mum or anyone. But I knew whatever happened during past months had shaken our life. We all needed this break.

I shouldn’t expect more from them, I convinced myself and lied back on the bed. While I was staring aimlessly at the ceiling, my phone rang. With a hope it is from my family, I shot up. Picking it up, I checked the caller ID. It was an unknown number. My heart sank when I realized it wasn’t them, but then who it was? Hesitantly, I picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Keira? Did I disturb you?” a voice that seemed familiar chirped on the other end. I jumped when I realized who it was. I couldn’t believe it belonged to that person

“How come you have my number?” I asked Jennet in disbelief. As long as I remembered I didn’t give her my number.

“Erm… I noted it down when you had written it on the form. I hope you don’t mind,” she asked apologetically. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I didn’t want anyone to have my number. It was meant only for my family and Med. There was lot of things because of which I didn’t want my number to pass to anybody. But now that she has it already, would saying something change it?

“No. It’s fine.” I replied half heartedly.

“So what have you decided to do?” she asked me hopefully.

It dawned on me what I had lurking on me the next day and I had not even taken my decision. The strangest thing was I was under the same roof where Trystan was. I rubbed my temple. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with a pain in my head.

“I really don’t know,” I replied with a sigh.

“I know what you are going through, Kiera. And if I try to think from your point of view, I can understand it’s a very difficult decision for you, but in my opinion it is very easy.”

“What do you mean?” I asked her totally confused. How could she say this was an easy task?

“I know you won’t like this, but you need to listen carefully,” she paused for a while, and then continued. “Go for a kiss.” When she said this, what I wanted to do was shout, yell at her. She didn’t know me. How could she suggest me that? What the hell did she thought of me? I wanted to ask her, but no words formed.

“Kiera,” she added. “If you complain about him, then he wouldn’t give a second thought on making your life hell. I will be there with you, always supporting you. Don’t think I won’t, but it is the wisest thing to do right now. Dancing in cafeteria can put you in trouble with teachers. Discipline is very important in our school. We need time to think what to do about this which we don’t have right now. I hope you understand what I am saying.”

“I can’t believe you are saying this. Weren’t you the one to say you don’t like students being bullied?”

“I am sorry, Kiera, but since I know what it is like challenging that ‘It’ group, I want you to go for the easy way.”

“This is not an easy way, Jennet. I- I don’t know what to do.”

I heard her sigh. “Kiera, it was just my suggestion. Whatever decision you make, I will stand for you, right beside you. No matter what, I won’t leave you alone to handle this all,” she said it ever so softly, melting my heart. Her words were enough to go on. A smile made its place on my face. Somehow I was glad to find her.

“I know and I am really glad you are with me, though I can’t say what decision I’ll make. I’ll need a sleep and a fresh morning air to clear my mind and focus on my task.” I replied honestly.

“Okay. One more thing, had you noticed Bianca’s expression when Trystan asked for a kiss?”

“No,” I replied shaking my head sideways as if she could see me. I didn’t understand where this conversation was going though.

“Her expression was priceless. It was as if someone had painted her grey.” Jennet chuckled.

“Why?”

“Erm… Trystan and Bianca had a thing, but didn’t last for long. Though Bianca wants him back as he is a popular boy, Trystan is not giving her a shit except taking her as a friend. Also, Trystan never asked anyone for a kiss any time before. He never required asking. Girls just threw themselves on him, so what he asked you was certainly shocking for everyone.”

I took all the information Jennet gave me and locked it in my brain. Interesting, I thought.

I knew what I had to do now. I was so honored that Trystan asked me for a kiss. I smirked as a plan formed in my head, a plan that would satisfy me. Saying good night to Jennet, I cut the call. I was so going to enjoy tonight’s sleep. I needed a nice sleep to look HOT.

*********************************************

AN: Yay! At last I updated the chapter. See, I told you it’s pretty painful chapter. What Kiera is going to do next? What has she decided? OH, I am already excited to write the next chapter. I have an intuition