Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs- 7

I had planned to attend Will's university. All the preparations were done and all I had to wait for was the new term to start. Ever since we started going out, I had never expected myself to be in Brighton while Will is in London. But unexpected incidents always happen and now for me it is better for my life if I never see Will again. Especially when he is that happy with Lillian.

After everything that happened with Will, I didn't know what I was supposed to do. I had taken a gap year just to take care of him and yet, after he woke up, he told me to stop annoying him and to get out of his sight. That had hurt me in ways I can't even comprehend. But of course I didn't give up hope but things get more serious afterwards.

I decided only then that it was better to give him time. Meaning I should move away. I told my parents I was going to study in Brighton. They didn't want to let me go unfortunately. However, it was my mom whom understood what I was feeling and told me that she'll support me in my wishes. My brothers were not easy to convince. They had not liked Will from the very start but they had come to be in terms with it. However, when they saw my sadness, they had also agreed to let me go.

With the events that had enfolded with Will, our faces were on most of celebrity gossip tabloids. It was great that Will wasn't as well known as he is now because we were not on the headlines. No one recognised me when I started attending, unlike when it was in London. That reassured me that this university life will be better than what I'm portraying in my mind.

For the first three years, I am alone. I can't bring myself to make new friends as it makes me feel bad whenever I think about the friends back home who are worried about me and the messages that I've completely ignored. I buried myself in my lessons, making sure I'm at the top of every class.

But now, Mag and Trevor seems to be getting through to me. Dave however, still doubts me but he doesn't speak of it. I don't have much knowledge about them but apparently, Meg has followed Trev when he cut his ties from his family.

I overheard Mag's conversation on the phone with someone, someone who I suppose is their mother. I wasn't trying to pry into their lives or by any means trying to eavesdrop on her conversation but I heard her conversation when I went upstairs one day in the evening and when Trevor was out with Dave on an errand.

Mag had been furious. Her hands were flailing around and her shoulders were tensed as she spoke with a low, controlled voice into the tightly clutched phone.

"No, mother. When I followed Trevor after he left, that was the end of everything. We don't need your money," there was a short silence. "Dave's parents know about it. You know how they despise you. Don't worry, you can't destroy our cafe. Dave's company has given its full support for us. There's no need for us to return to that sick family." She stopped once more to listen.

"So after three years he has finally realised his mistakes?" Meg scoffed. "I can't imagine why he couldn't even give the call himself. There's nothing more I have to say to you. Just remember, we don't have anything to do with either of you anymore."

My phone rings and finally snaps me out of my thoughts. I hold it out to check who's calling.

Dad.

I hover my finger above the red to end the call but after contemplating that there's nothing I will loose by speaking to him, I pressed the green instead.

I love my dad. I really do, but everything that has happened just makes me drift away form him.

"Hello papa," I greet into the phone.

My mother's mother is of a Chinese descendent so that makes my mom half Chinese and me, a quarter. Ever since we were babies, she has always made us use the words papa and mama as it sounds more Chinese than saying dad or mom.

"How are you, sweetheart?" papa's familiar voice asks me.

"Better," I reply as I sit down on one of the wooden benches in the campus.

"Your mother told me you moved," he says.

Our family has a tendency to always get things to the point.

"That's true. I don't like my previous place," I tell him

He makes a voice to state that he's listening but that doesn't mean that he is really proud of my choice.

"I figure you've already seen the article," he says. It's not a question, but a statement.

"Yes, I have. He seems to be glowing with love. Lillian as well."

"Sweetheart, I know you are hurting. I've already talked to your aunty and uncle about it. Apparently they had no clue about the two of them, his parents as well," Papa says. I can hear the anger in his voice.

"The parents have nothing to do with this mess," I remind him. "Don't let what is happening between us disrupt the merger."

"I know. You know you can always tell me to break it off. I'll do it for you." I know that he is determined to hear me say the word, but I'm not going to get in the way of business.

"I'm never going to ask you to break it off."

"But keep in mind that I'll always do it for my little girl. And, they told me that he still doesn't remember. I swear he is just acting-"

"It's okay. I'm okay now. I don't really ind anymore. I have to go papa. I love you," I say into the phone.

"Love you too. Stay safe. Call me if you need anything."

"I will," I murmur and hang up.

William Everdeen is the nation's favourite pop star. We had been agreed to be married when we were young. Our mothers had really wanted us to be together. Of course, there was also the issue regarding monetary situations. William's parents' company was having difficulties with their employees' salaries and there were larger issues with their public relations department. Their company was losing more money that they were earning. The employees were on strike and the company was on the edge of closing down. The bank loans were rising and the company's situation was plummeting at a risky speed.

Our parents were close friends. So at that time, the most reasonable situation for our mothers were to agree William and me to marry when it's time. That was the merger's official agreement. That happened when I was ten and William, twelve.

It is a very surreal agreement when I think about it now.

It all happened twelve years ago and at that time, William despised me to no end. I of course admire him. He was the perfect golden boy. As the news of the merger and the agreement spread, Will got teased and bullied. I got teased as well. But those events didn't last for long.

Gradually as we grow older, we had to meet up at least once a week to 'bond', as our mothers like to call. Usually, we would just stay and talk while our mothers have tea in the garden.

Slowly, William grow out of despising me and soon we were madly in love with each other. Our love wasn't love at first sight. It wasn't swift. Even though it didn't happen fast, it did happen. From 15, I dated him. I knew that I will give my heart to him when the time comes. He is my everything and I, his.

But that changed when something tragic happened five months before my 19th birthday. It was something I never want to go through ever again. 

A/N: It'd be awesome to vote for this story if you liked it. It'll keep me motivated!

Tell me what you think about taking gap years.

Don't forget to comment as I'll be dedicating the chapter to anyone who comments first but I won't dedicate someone I've dedicated twice. It wouldn't be fair for the others~

XxVic