Enchanted

Chapter 1

Nicolette

Hot and humid summer air filled the house despite having all the windows open wide. Summer holidays used to be fun when I don't have a whole load of schoolwork dumped on my study desk or when I get to sit under a shady tree and read a romance book while sipping refreshing lemonade or when I hit the road with my family or friends for a long vacation to escape the mundane small town in Texas.

I still went on short trips though but it was only at the beginning of summer. The rest of the time was 'well-spent' preparing for my senior year which will be starting in two weeks' time.

3 years at South Lake High School, I thought. This happened faster than my late-night shower after coming back from a run around the neighbourhood all sweaty. I never imagined I could close my high school chapter with the satisfaction of my accomplishment and drama-free years.

I quickly snapped back to reality when I realised I still have summer class homework to complete so I could be one step ahead when school lessons start. 1 more year, 365 ¼ days left of suffering till I graduate. I still couldn't pick a side on whether to conclude high school as a nightmare or a nostalgic period in my life.

The house was really quiet and the ticking of the grandfather's clock just got louder every second passed. I usually spend my study hours in the room but I guessed I got sick of the baby pink colour walls in my room.

Sometimes human just needs a change of environment, and that is no big deal.

My parents were away at work so I have the whole living room space to myself. I flipped through my thick Chemistry notes filled with messy words while writing down the answers in my worksheet.

Just as I was about to start my Mathematics worksheet marathon, the doorbell rang. I was not expecting anyone or anything. I sighed and furrowed my eyebrow as I made my way to the door.

The bell rang again.

Damn, this person is impatient.

I twisted the door handle and opened it slightly to peek at the anonymous person outside.

"Colette!"

I jumped.

"Geez, you should have texted me before coming. It's so good to see you." I reached out my arms to hug her. "I did text you but you did not reply. I even called you," she answered.

My phone must have died when I left it in my room to charge. I probably forgot to turn the switch on.

I welcomed Sabrina into the house and poured her a cup of Coke from the fridge. "Doughnuts?" I questioned playfully, knowing it was a rhetorical question.

"Yes, vanilla almond please," she replied casually while setting up the chessboard on the dining table.

Sabrina and I are not really talkative when we're with each other. When I'm with my class buddies, I could go on chatting forever but when it comes to playing chess with Sabrina, I would get serious as if I'm going on a war with her in real life. It just happens to be like this since day one.

"Sorry if I disturbed you while you were in the middle of studying," she spoke out of nowhere, probably after aiming my stack of schoolwork lying on the living room floor. "Nah, it's fine. I could complete those tonight," I said reluctantly while serving our afternoon snacks.

"White or black?"

"Black." I turned the cardboard chessboard around so the black pieces were on my side.

"Are you even the real Nicolette?" she gave me a suspicious look.

"Oh, come on Sab. I just thought playing black for once would be fair for both of us since you always played black." I replied, flipping my palms to the front in the air.