The door bell rang while Mom and I were having the lunch next day. I quickly got up from the chair to answer it but mom suggested, she would. Nicky turned on his back to run after mom but I stopped him, “Food first, Nicklaus.” using my brother's dialogue and he obeyed after giving me a look that put me in the edge of laughing, but I didn't.

“A parcel for Miss Hayline Houston–”

“From Bonnie Livingston.” I cut off mom who just entered the kitchen.

I turned to her with a beam and saw her carrying a cuboid box in her arms. “Where you expecting this?” mom asked amused, as she placed the box on table top.

“No, you know she doesn't let us know when she sends something. And besides, who on earth would send me something in a courier than her?” I said and reached out to the box but mom moved it away from my reach. “Food first.” she repeated my dialogue I just said to Nicky, with a playful smirk on her face.

We went on eating our food and my mind couldn't stop wondering and my eyes couldn't stop staring at the box, curious to know what kind of story books are awaiting for me in there.

“You don't have to keep an eye on it, no one's going to take the box away.” mom teased, seeing me not even looking at my plate whilst eating. Since we were having Macaroni and Cheese, I didn't had to be careful about anything than making sure I bring the spoon right into my mouth after refilling.

I opened my mouth to joke back but my attention turned to my phone as its screen lit up suddenly beside my plate on the table top. It was a call, –my phone was in silent mode?– with caller ID: Nott. I felt a sudden tug on my heartstrings; why is he calling? Now?

I quickly grabbed the phone from table before mom could read the caller ID –she was sitting opposite to me– and dismissed it. “Who's it?” mom asked.

“Harry.” I lied, not sure why I said Harry instead of Nott. “I'll call him after food.” I said and quickly felt my heart burning for lying to my mom's face. I swallowed hardly as mom nodded and went back to eating, and I sent Nott a text; Sorry I wasn't able to take your call; I'm having food with mom, I'll ring you later. I quit back immediately because I saw him online.

Yesterday we chatted all night until I wasn't able to keep my eyes open. He asked me a numerous questions about this and that about me, saying, he's trying to get to know me better and make friends since he has not many. I felt pity to hear that, and didn't regret staying up late, praying in my heart all the time that my brother or parents won't see me active online. I've always been open to friends and let's say, Nott was different.

I saw my phone screen lit again, –before I put it into my pocket– this time with a message from him that read, It's alright, maybe I'll call you at night, so you'll be free.

That didn't sound a good idea to me, because I'm still nervous around boys, not with my brother, his closest friends, cousins or my friends but outsiders. In the beginning, I've been shy around the people I've listed above but later as we became close, my shyness and all disappeared into the thin air. So I knew, I should always give that same time and chance to all who wants to befriend me. Still, I think I prefer chatting than talking with him.

I finished the lunch soon and opened my cousin's delivery. To my greatest delight, there was a box full of chocolates on top. I gasped a bit too loudly and mom turned to me from the sink. “Chocolates!” I laughed before she asked me the reason of my gasp.

I saw her roll her eyes, “That was not so nice of a dentist to send her cousin, to whom I've told to take a break from.” she said to herself, the amusement dripping from her voice.

“Because, she knows chocolates don't hurt people and she don't know I'm in a break at all.” I said and went straight to the refrigerator with the chocolate box. I ate a lot yesterday which both Charlie and Nott bought me so maybe I can take one day break before digging into this one.

And on the other hand, I didn't care if I can have the chocolates since I've got five books this time, to my huge surprise. And after hurrying to help mom in the kitchen, I selected a book and ran out to our backyard and sat under my favorite shady tree to start dig into the book after texting my cousin a big thanks.

Later that night after dinner, I was talking through FaceTime with Emmy#2 in my bedroom. She explained how she's been spending time with her family and how beautiful is California, which made me wish if I could go there as well. Next week, she and her family were heading off to Canada, where her mom grew up. Whilst we were talking, suddenly the line was interrupted by a call, Nott's call. I told Emmy that I'd call her tomorrow and answered his call. I don't even know if she heard me.

“Hello.” I said.

“Hey, how are you?” Nott asked.

“Always good. What about you?”

“I'm good too. Hey, I thought you might be bored.”

“Nah, I was, when Jonny was off to work but when he's back, it's like someone has waved a magical wand over our home.” I chuckled.

Nott gave a hearty laugh, “Yeah, I can see that. I noticed when I visited you, you both share such a special bond.” he said.

“Thanks. I almost forgot to ask, do you have a sibling?” I asked curiously.

“Yes, a younger brother who's going to get engaged soon.” he said, in a rather uninterested tone.

“Oh, that sounds interesting. Is he going to propose soon? Sorry if I sounded nosy–”

“No, not at all.” he cut me off chuckling, “I know you're just curious about it because one day someone will–”

“Oh please don't,” I cut him off, cupping my cheek with my free hand as I felt it heat up, especially because I remembered Rilden at the moment. “I better not think about it now.” I said, not being able to help but to let out a giggle.

“Why not? You're fourteen now, aren't you?”

“Thirteen currently but yeah, fourteen soon.” I corrected him, although feel like I'm already fourteen.

“You're grown enough to have a boyfriend.” he said.

“But.. I don't think I'm yet ready for that.” I lied and my heart began to race.

“That's a lie.” Nott snorted.

“No, it's not.” I protested.

“Yes it is,”

“No. It's not.”

“Of course it is.”

“Oh come on!” I groaned, “That's not true.”

Nott chuckled, “Okay, okay, but at least, you might have a crush on somebody.”

How can he guess?

“I don't.” I said firmly.

“Whoosh, that's impossible but okay, I'm not going to push further but...” he paused for a second before continuing, “Maybe someone might have a crush on you.”

“Err, I don't know about that.” I said, scratching my head. Clearly, I haven't thought it in that way.

“You can't know, but you wait until he tell you his feelings. I mean, you're a beautiful angel and, I'm pretty sure every boy who has ever laid eyes on you might've developed a secret crush on you.” he said.

I chuckled silently “I don't know...” I said, “Maybe we should skip into any other topics.” I suggested because it has my cheeks on fire and heart racing. Oh Rilden.

Then, a question popped into my head, if it's friends that he wants, why isn't he interested to talk with my brother and befriend him instead of me, a girl who's barely a teenager? But I pushed it away as I heard him talk.

“Oh. Okay. That's fine.” he sounded a bit not okay with my suggestion, “Alright then, we'll think of something...” he then began to ask me about my hobbies and interests as later I asked him about his. To be honest, I haven't had such conversations on phone even with Harry, my only best male friend.

After we were done with hobbies section –he was trying to engage me in another conversation but– I excused myself saying that I'm a bit tired. So thankfully he hung up, wishing me a sweet goodnight.

This continued for almost a week, every night and I began to feel a bit uncomfortable. Especially since he told me a story; which he claims to be real but God knows if it is. He was telling me about the girls he had been in relationship with and honestly, I felt a mixed feeling of pity and disgust.

He asked me if I've heard about...–he told me a name, an Asian name that I don't remember now– a girl who won gold medal in Olympics. I said I don't and he continued the story. She was just an ordinary girl in her age of 16 and fell in love with a 40 year old man –I felt to vomit at this part– . That's when she was selected to perform her talent for her country in Olympics and she won the golden medal. But even though she became such famous, she didn't let go of her love for that man and they got married when she reached her age.

I only reacted to that with an "oh" because I wasn't sure why is he telling me this.

“That was pure love; she didn't mind how old he was. She could've gotten someone better than him since she became so famous but she didn't. I was quite impressed.” he told me and I just hummed surprisedly to satisfy him and soon managed to end the call to escape him.

Sometimes I felt so bothered and didn't attend his call but called back some minutes later because I felt guilty.

“You shouldn't feel guilty about it.” Rex said during our group FaceTime which included her, Emmy#2 and me.

They both knew each other because I had once introduced one to another and we had countless FaceTime events even though they never had got a chance to meet in person. I called them for a group talk today because I wanted to share this with someone so desperately and these two were just perfect.

“Why don't you tell Haxsel, Hailey? You can't always keep everything from him at least, you know, since he's a nice brother.” Emmy said.

I bit my lips, “I can't. I just... can't. What if he tries to take it in a wrong way? Then everything is spoiled, my brother's got a pretty nice temper at times and if he thinks Nott is up to something bad –that he isn't– oh man, I can't even imagine his fury over him!” I sighed, and burried my face in my hands.

“About that, I don't think he's good at all. He sounds creepy to me from what you told us; especially from that story he told you.” I lifted my head up as Rex said it.

“She's right, Hayles. I too am having this feeling that's making me so disgusted.” Emmy said and made a face.

“But guys, I don't think so. What are you trying to say?” I inquired.

“He's just..not good for you to hang out. Just please listen to me. We are no one to judge people but I'm only trying to save you, my friend, if he's not a good type. Try to ignore him and his calls and...” she paused for a moment and I didn't miss the smirk that slowly formed on her lips, “the better way to avoid him and his sweet trapping words is to think of someone else.” she said, giving me a knowing look straight through the camera.

“You mean, Rilden, her crush?” Emmy asked Rex, not being able to hide her smile and I bet my face looked like a tomato at the moment.

“Oh stop it.” I snapped with an uncontrollable grin but I really appreciated their support. I can't think of anyone other than Rilden in that place. But, Nott is not as bad as they're saying, is he?

“He's pretty nice, Rilden I mean, –”

Suddenly all went still and to my slight annoyance, Nott was calling, again. I groaned loudly, this time, wanting to pout like a small child. I dismissed the call out of fury because he interrupted my talk with my friends.

“What just happened? You went all still all of a sudden.” Rex asked once I was able to catch up onto the line.

Emmy answered the question for me, “It's him again, isn't it?” she asked me and I gave a lazy nod. “This happened the other day when we were FaceTime-ing.” she told Rex.

“Block his contact, Hayl.” Rex said.

“Then he'll text me on WhatsApp or call via any other of my social media.” I groaned.

“Block him entirely.” she said.

“But that'll be like I'm trying to hide from him.” I said.

“Of course, that's exactly what are you're trying.” Emmy said.

“Maybe, but I don't want to be a scary cat in his view. I know he doesn't think yet of me in that way but he's bothering me!” I almost exclaimed.

My both besties were silent for a moment, thinking, before Emmy talked, “Maybe you should tell him some excuse... something like, your brother won't be forgiving–”

“Skip that, I already tried it.” I waved a hand dismissively at her. “Thanks for you help guys, I think I'll work out something. It's becoming too late here and Rex, you need to start your new day.” I said.

“Already started it.” Rex rolled her eyes and Emmy giggled. We wished each other goodnight and good morning and ended our chat.

I closed my eyes for a moment and prayed, Dear Father, please help me and grant me your wisdom. I need your help.

I sighed and took my phone again and prepared to text Nott. I was hoping he won't call me since today was his relative's housewarming party, the main reason his family came to Chicago from Colorado but, my hope was worth nothing.

I saw a message from Rex as I entered WhatsApp.

Whatever you do, please keep these three things in your mind. 1). Seek God's help. 2). Don't forget about Rilden. 3). If anything goes wrong, –i felt like God wants me to tell you this– DON'T hesitate to tell this whole mess to Haxsel. Take care.

I almost laughed at the second thing and texted her back.

Thanks Rex. I've already done the first two; don't worry, they're firm within me. What will I ever do without you?

You'll always have me.

She texted her usual words to me and I took a strong will to face whatever is on the way. I opened his chat and texted him.

Hey. Sorry I had to dismiss you call. I was talking with my friends. Talk later. Hope you enjoyed the event.

I did saw him online and that he saw my message but to my huge relief, he didn't text me back, only, to my great disappointment, he called me, again.

I stared at the screen, with a glare fixed on his ID and answered the call with a tired hello purposely so I can make an excuse to hang up soon.

“Hey, how are you?” he sounded cheery. I wonder if he's drunk.

Rather than using my odd 'a bit tired', I asked him, “Are you drunk?”

“What? No! Not at least today. Do I sound like that?” he asked. “I haven't touched anything ever since you said you don't like boys who drink and smoke; I swear!”

I flinched as he swore, “Erm, you don't have to swear, I believe you.” I gave a forced laugh.

“That's good, I thought I'll have to give the phone to my cousin to make you believe.” he chuckled.

“Hahaha, very funny.” I rolled my eyes, not knowing what else to say.

“Oh, and I've got a good news.” he said.

“Hum? What's that?”

“Charlie and I are coming to your house this Sunday again before we leave on Tuesday.” he said.

Oh. And here I was thinking that I don't have to see you again.

“Oh. Really? But Haxsel didn't tell me.” I said.

“Charlie haven't told Hax yet. We just discussed a moment ago.” he said, “And so, we can finally meet again. You will be there, won't you?”

“Yeah, probably.” I shrugged.

“That's good, because I really want to see you again.” I noticed the tone of his voice change into something... gentler and that alone accelerated my heart beat.

“Hehehe.” I chuckled nervously in response.

“Hailey?”

“Yeah?”

“I wanna ask you something.”

“Go on.”

“Do you feel anything for me?”

My heart skipped a beat. “I..uh, wh-what do you mean?” I asked.

“Like...you know, something...” he paused, and I can sense that he was breathing faster. “I know I haven't told this to you before but Hailey, you're such..a wonderful beautiful girl, or I must say, more than a girl; you're something more, more than any girl I've met before and I wish for a girl just like you.” he said.

I felt my heart rising and falling against my chest so rapidly and I sensed fear within me but I squeezed my eyes shut silently crying to God and picked up my courage. “Oh that's so sweet. And you will get one, in time, someone better than me.” I said. I know where he's taking this to.

“No, you're the perfect girl.” he said and the tone of his voice made me shudder.

I sighed, “Nott, I don't know what you're talking about.” I said.

He sighed, too deeply. “Hailey,” my name came as a sigh from his mouth, “I-I like you. I mean, I'm in love with you.”

And my heart stopped dead there.

—— • ——

A/N: Sorry this chapter is short. And, I've been occupied with some important things this week, so I haven't had the next chapter ready yet and can't promise it in time for next week but I'll try my best ❤ Thanks for your huge support guys.

And, would you do me a favor and follow our Christian Prayer chain community here called WarriorsOfChrist created by my good friend Anna AChildofGod4EVER who inspires the character of Emmeline in this book.

Thank you, may God bless!