Pipe Dream

Chapter 1

It was a cold night that time,
when I was once again drawn inside the book. I was already used to it because it always happens everytime I read a book. As a result, I grew up thinking that I can escape reality just by reading books.

Then again, it happened, I went inside the book. I was able to go out of my box, I was free. I was able to do what I want to do and feel what I want to feel because at school and at home I couldn't show it.

I was able to personally witness the love story of the characters, and their happy endings. And when the story ended, I knew I would wake up and realize that I was back to reality.

The End the story would say.

Another day came, I was really back, I realized. It was time to go to school. I went to our classroom ignoring the whispering behind my back after I pass through them.

I know and notice all of it, I'm not dumb. But even though, I just ignore all of it.

I spent the day like I was invisible. It was like I didnt exist at all, that was what I thought. This usually happen and I've gotten used to it already. This cycle repeats each day until classes was over.

And now, It was time to go home, the time I wasn't waiting for.

"Oh Stella, you're already home? How's your quiz? Did you get a perfect score?", and here at home the cycle continues.

My mom asked me that by the time I got home. She didn't even ask if I was okay but instead that's what she said.

They've got high expectations in me, I should always be in the top, that's what they want. They want me to become a doctor and I don't have any other choice but to follow even though it's not what I want. And all of that is the reason behind what's happening at school. Students gossip about how a "teacher's pet" I am, as they call me, when I'm certainly not.

"Yeah", I answered mom. I couldn't and shouldn't disappoint them.

"Good thing you did", Dad responded.

I am in a prison where there are rules everytime and I am not free.

As it wasn't necessary for me to stay there, I left and went to my room. And as usual, after I got ready to lie down in my bed, I opened a book, which became my daily routine, and the next thing I knew, I was already in a new free world. I was able to show my true self and I was able to enjoy and feel the true emotion of happiness.

It was then, as I enjoyed dancing together with the children in the festival. I heard someone chuckle then I spotted him. He laugh as he was watching me dance. so, I asked him,

"Why are you laughing?"

"You look cute when your dancing" His answer made me flustered, maybe because it is the first time I heard that kind of comment.

"Hi I'm Nathan. Just call me Nate", He said while waiting for me to receive his handshake  and he did all that while smiling. I didn't know how to react but still I reached out for his hand as a response and I can't understand myself why I did that.

"And you are?" He asked.

"Stella." I didn't know why I answered. I seem mesmerized by his actions.

As time passes by, I totally forgot I was inside a book. I enjoyed my time being with him. We spent most of the time together. I felt true happiness and was comfortable with his company. We spent each day filled with happiness and being able to do what I want to do.

Then this day came. He invited me to go on a date. And I totally agreed because I admit that I feel different about him. He was the only one who can make me truly happy and can understand me.  I fell, really hard.

As we were there completely enjoying the silent but comfortable ambiance. He suddenly said,

"I like you, no, i love you", and there, as he said that, I know I should respond.

"I love you too."

He was shocked. I think he didn't expect for me to respond.

"Really? Then by the time you said that, You Are Mine Now"