Around You

Chapter 1

8 year old Allie just came home from school when suddenly, papers were thrown in front of her.

It was her test results that all failed. Allie looked at it in horror as she kneeled down to collect all the papers.

"Why did you hide all of those?" Allie's step mom asked, coldness is evident in her tone.

Allie didn't answer as she continued to pick up all of her papers, avoiding her mother's gaze.

She felt a forceful hand held her chin. Her step mom forced her to meet her eyes.

"Answer me you little brat!" Allie tried to hold back her tears as she felt the pain from the older woman's grip. She just stared at her step mom blankly.

The older woman let go of her chin and stood up. She massaged her temple as she slowly paced around the living room.

"Bakit hindi mo gayahin 'yung kapatid mo? She's good with sports, academics, and all!" Allie kept her head down as her step mom continued to talk about her sister.

"I don't want to see your face right now, go to your room!" Allie's step mom told her.

Allie rushed upstairs to go to her room. She let her tears fall as she went inside her room.

She was about to bury her head on her pillow when she noticed a girl sleeping peacefully on her bed. She wiped her tears as she cautiously approached the girl.

When she was close enough, she had a better look on the girl's face.

The girl had long and pretty eyelashes, with thick brows and pointed nose, the girl also had a pinkish lips and cheeks. The girl looked like an angel sent from above. Allie was eyeing her closely when the girl slowly opened her eyes and revealed her mesmerizing dark orbs.

Allie took a step back when the girl stared back at her as she sat.

"S-sino ka? Anong ginagawa mo sa kwarto ko?" Allie asked, trying to sound stern but failed because she was intimidated by the way the other girl is staring at her.

"Calm down, anak ako ng friend ng mommy mo. My mom left me here for a while kasi she needed to do something, sabi ni mommy mo, dito raw muna ako sa room mo so I can play and rest while I wait for my mom." the mysterious girl explained.

Allie nodded hesitantly. She was about to ask the girl's name when she noticed that the girl was eyeing her curiously.

"Umiyak ka ba?" The girl asked. Her head tilted slightly as she eyed Allie curiously.

"Hindi ah! A-ano... napuwing lang ako." Allie replied as she rubbed her eyes.

The other girl got up from the bed and walked closer to where Allie is standing. Allie felt like her feet was glued on the ground when she felt a warm body wrapped around hers. They both stayed quiet for a moment until soft sobs were heard.

"Ginagawa ko naman lahat! Pero it's still not enough. I'M STILL NOT ENOUGH!" Allie released all her frustrations as she hugged the other girl tighter, burying her head to the other girl's chest.

"Simula nang mawala si daddy, nawalan na rin ako ng reason to live. Nawala na yung taong sumusuporta sa akin, wala na 'yung may favorite sa'kin, nawalan na rin ako ng kakampi." Allie stated, slightly calming down.

Allie felt a hand brushing her hair softly. She felt safe from a stranger's arms. The other girl loosened her hold from her. She held both of Allie's cheeks as she stared at her, sincerity is evident in her eyes.

"Andito naman na si Mave. Siya na ang bagong susuporta, magiging kakampi, at may favorite sa'yo." Mave stated as she wiped the tears from Allie's cheeks.

Maybe it's the exhaustion from crying or the warmth and comfort from being in Mave's arms that made Allie feel sleepy. Mave felt this and lead both of them to the bed. She used her arm as a pillow for Allie's head.

Allie stared at her with sleepy eyes as she felt Mave's hand gently stroking her cheek.

"I'll always be here. Around you." These were the words Allie heard as she fell into a deep slumber.

Allie felt contended. Those were the words that she always wanted to hear. Someone who's willing to be there for her. For once, she felt at ease. Her worries were replaced with calmness and joy. If this was a dream, she would never want to wake up from it.

❤️‍🔥