Denied Love

Chapter 8

Changed Hailey to Amina to fit the storyline more. Hope that clears any misunderstandings.

***

Today was the day. Seventh of June. My birthday. My body was brimming with excitement, my hands clammy just thinking about the afternoon to come. I wanted it to be perfect. It was still a shame that Antonio had to come. I knew my mother would be confused and somewhat suspicious if I asked her to refrain from inviting him. It wouldn't be overlooked by his parents either if I, or my mother, told them their son couldn't attend and I didn't have any plans on making a fool of myself, especially on my birthday.

Leaving one of my classes, I made my way to the next. A gleam appeared on my face as I heard many people say Happy Birthday. Being acknowledged like this made me feel giddy and I didn't try to hide the growing smile on my face. One of the girls from my year had given me a small gift box and a large hug. My cheeks started to hurt from smiling so much and the little but very much appreciated gift almost brought me to tears.

God, I'm so dramatic.

***

Slipping out of my daydream, I faced my friends who were still frustrated that they wouldn't be able to come this afternoon. As much as I enjoyed their company, I don't think my parents would approve of them attending.

Amina was Nigerian and quite crazy to the public eye. Her father was an esteemed lawyer and her mother worked as a secretary to some CEO I didn't bother to learn the name of. They were pretty uptight and strict, making her act out even more.

Amina was a fun person to be around and never feared to say what was on her mind. Something I adored about her was that she wasn't fake and we both knew our boundaries. Besides, the way she whined put all of us black girls to shame. She often liked to taunt and seduce people, girl or boy, and could easily cause a scandal with something as simple as words. Her beauty played a huge role in writhing her way into people's hearts and businesses. Basically, she's a player. But the truth was, she was a hopeless romantic at heart. Sadly, no one was ever 'right' for her, so she justified it all with her favourite motto.

"Hoe life or no life except for the love of my life." She changed it a little.

Without a doubt, she was the life of the party and I couldn't help but admit that I was scared of what she might say and do if she came over. So I lied and made up an excuse.

Veronica was the polar opposite of Amina. She wasn't loud and didn't talk much at school, but when she did, everyone seemed to listen. Captain of the swimming team and with an alluring charm, Veronica was fierce with her eyes and sharp with her tongue; always making sure people shifted under her scrutinising gaze. Her small, feline orbs seemed deadly and her pale face was smooth. Still, she was loved by many, mainly because they respected her for always knowing the right thing to do. Or was it the fact her father was the Mayor? I don't know.

Unlike her quiet and angelic demeanour at school, behind closed doors, she was a whore. But I don't say this in a bad way, in fact, I love her for it. Simply fucking whoever the hell she wanted without caring about social opinions. They're outdated anyway.

"You're making it up to us with food. I know there's going to be loads of food at that party and you're making me miss it all," Amina rambled on. When I say she's a romantic, sometimes I wonder if food is her soulmate. But who could blame her, food was the best thing to enter this earth.