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Chapter two

Amelia got to her apartment, and sat on her bed, her arms placed on her thighs with a loud sigh escaping from her lips. She couldn't believe a dream of hers will be returning to her comfort zone which is her home. It was like a dream farfetched, but here it is...she's back home. To the only place she can be herself.

"You're back."

She looked up at her roommate, and friend coming out of the kitchen. Her eyes were hazel, her black hair curled down her shoulders. She smiled, and nodded. "Yeah."

Stephanie sat down on her bed with a worrisome look. "And how was it?"

"Scary, but..." She gulped rubbing her hands. "Somehow I was able to....defeat this day."

Stephanie nodded. "At least. No one saw you weird?"

Amelia sighed. "That's expected. Although I made two friends. They're nice."

Stephanie smiled somewhat feeling relieved. "That's nice. Those two friends were nice to you, right?"

Amelia nodded with a smile. "They were. They didn't even bother to ask much questions about why I'm in a hoodie. They accepted me wholly, and were nice."

"That's good, Lia. That's really good."

Amelia perceived the air in the room. "Hmm. Chicken noodle soup. What got into you?"

Stephanie scoffed. "We're celebrating, Lia. You're officially a university student. This is a way of saying I'm proud, and my welcome gift."

Amelia got up with a grin, and went to hug her. "Thank you, bestie."

Stephanie patted her back, and pulled away. "Your matric. How is it gonna be? Your parents..."

Amelia shook her head. "There's no need for them to concern themselves with me. For now. I assured them I'll be fine."

"But they'll be sad, Lia. Especially your dad knowing how much he loves you. Your matriculation is a big thing, and his one wish is to present you a bouquet of your favorite flower, and have nice pictures with you."

Amelia blinked knowing that. She felt pity, but she couldn't....her parents has to be where they are, and she has to be where she is, and live her life.

"He'll understand, Steph. I already explained why. The entrance ceremony is nothing. They'll definitely attend my convocation." Amelia told her.

Stephanie nodded knowing she has concluded from the beginning. "Okay. Just make sure you call them from time to time."

Amelia smiled. "Of course. I'll disturb them with endless calls."

Stephanie smiled back at how cute she is. "Okay go freshen up, so we can eat."

Amelia nodded.


The ceremony was blast for a lot of people. So many students laughing with their parents, taking pictures, playing with siblings, and once again Amelia felt alone.

She walked down a path watching everything like a movie, and somehow wished she had her parents with her. She wanted them badly. To take nice pictures with them...laugh with them...see them happy, and looking fulfilled...she was disappointed in herself for not giving her parents just that.

She blinked realizing tears was already building in her eyes, and took her phone to call them. She screened the call icon, and clicked her dad's number.

After two rings... "Oh, my snow..."

Amelia smiled as she strolled. "Dad. How are you?"

"I'm fine of course. You're the one I should be asking. You're all alone."

Amelia shook her head. "I'm not alone, dad. I have Steph with me. And I also made friends too."

"Oh seriously? Your mom will be elated to hear that."

Amelia chuckled. "Yeah. How's she?"

"She's coping. She misses you though, but we all understand. You've gone through a lot. A change of scenery is best for you."

Amelia nodded. "Yes dad. After this, I'll call her next."

"Today is the ceremony, right?"

She could feel a faint sadness in his voice, but nodded anyways. "Yes. It is. But do not worry, dad, I'm not alone. I'm having fun with friends." She lied to calm him down.

"I wish I was there." He said in a brooding voice.

"I know, dad. But rest assured I'm fine. Don't be too bothered, and focus on work, and your wife."

She heard him chuckle. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right, snow. Call your mom then."

Amelia nodded, and hung up. As she was about to click it, she saw some legs stop in front of her, and it made her look up. She blinked, almost stumbled seeing Kelly Roland, together with a brown-long haired girl which she recognized, and another girl with short black hair.

"Hi. Amelia, right?" Kelly asked with a slight smirk on her face giving her an oppressive gaze.

Amelia nodded, fear slowly tiptoeing into her being. "Y..yeah."

"You're so creepy, girl. A ceremony as this, you're putting on a hoodie. Do you love hoodies so much?" The brown-haired girl asked.

Amelia knew it was best to nod. "Yes. I love hoodies. Very much."

Kelly scoffed. "I doubt that. Follow me."

"What." Amelia blurted out of shock.

"I said follow me right now."

Amelia gulped, and looked around for a save, but didn't spot any of her new friends.

"Do you want to be dragged?" Kelly asked with raised eyebrows.

Amelia immediately shook her head. "No."

Kelly left the path entering the grass towards where Amelia knew she didn't want to go, but without choice she followed hoping it might be nothing.

After a long walk, they stood in the side of a hall. The other two girls manning the place. Amelia could tell something was not right.

"Are you smart?"

She looked with furrowed brows at the sudden question. "Uh,..."

A slap landed on her face making her yelp as it was sudden. She looked at her wide eyes, but immediately held her hood as it was about to fall off.

Kelly grabbed the hood with a smirk on her face as she saw Amelia giving her the pleading eyes. "I ask you a question, Amelia...didn't I?"

Amelia immediately nodded, her eyes watery. "Ye...yeah." Her breath was getting heavy.

Kelly knew from the moment she saw Amelia, she's got a pawn. Things were already in her favor before she even started. "So what's my answer?"

"I..." A shaky breath came out of her. "Ye..yes. I...I consider myself...sm..smart." She stuttered, fear gripped her throat.

"Hmm. Then i guess you won't mind being an help to me...would you?"

Amelia shook her head slowly, biting her lips, trying to control the tears wanting to burst out of her.

"Good then." She let go of her hoodie making Amelia sigh in relief, and covered her face completely.

"Give me your number." Kelly gave her phone to her, and she took it hesitantly.

She saved her number, and gave it back to Kelly. Kelly scowled at the phone. "I'm gonna change the name later on."

She looked at Amelia who just stood there shaking and facing the ground, her legs wobbly.

She immediately removed her hood causing Amelia's eyes to widen in horror. She looked at Kelly with shock written on her face.

Kelly scowled looking at her very short black fringe hair stopping not too far from her ears. Her face looking paled, her lips chapped. "Oh wow. You should really hide that." She said snapping a pic of her.

"Wh...what did you just do?" Amelia asked hearing the sound.

"I snapped you." Kelly said like it wasn't a big deal.

"Bu..but why? I agreed..."

"This is just a fail-safe, honey. If you don't want this going viral, then make sure no one knows about this. About our little deal. Keep it to yourself, stick around me, and let people think we're friends. Do you understand?"

Amelia blinked covering back her face, a tear snaking down her eyes seeing as it was a blackmail. 'God. I wanted a free life. I wanted no problems. What's this? Why can't I ever be lucky?'

"Do you understand?" Kelly repeated.

"There's no need for you to be here." The brown haired girl stopped Spencer who happened to see Amelia with Kelly.

"I need to talk to Amelia. She's my friend."

Amelia turned, and saw Spencer walking towards her. "What's going on here?"

Amelia immediately cleaned her face.

"Nothing." Kelly answered. "I was just making a friend. She's pretty cool."

Spencer looked at Amelia. "Is that right?"

Amelia nodded hesitantly. "Y...yeah. We're...we're friends now." She said glancing at Kelly.

"Oh okay. If you don't mind, I want to...."

"Let's go together, wherever you want to go." Amelia interrupted her. She looked at Kelly. "Right?"

Kelly nodded. "Of course. I'm not your only friend anyways."

"Okay. Let's go. Beth is waiting." Spencer said, taking her hands.

Kelly watched as they left, her two friends meeting her.

"Did you see her face?" The brown-haired girl asked in curiosity.

Kelly chuckled. "Fiona, she's...she's so ugly looking. No wonder she hides her face. She's hideous under the hood."

Fiona gaped. "Oh. Expected."

"Did she accept..."

"Of course, Jennifer. She has no choice when I have what can ruin her completely. She's now under my leash." She said with an evil smirk. "Let's go enjoy the rest of the day."

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