How To Kill Love

Chapter 8- Parties and Roses

"Elly you came! I thought you will not come because of your all anonymous biz." My publisher, Mr. Stox exclaimed.

I grinned. "Why would I disappoint the readers. Their support means the world to me."

"I wouldn't climb every mountain without-"

"The reason why my soul can climb." Mr. Stox interrupted. "Page 3, Quote 27"

"Wow, you did read it like how many times" I questioned shock. "Probably half as you read your book." He replied. We both chuckled as we entered the mall's stage with my mystery face and Anonymously E on the billboard as the author."

"It's your time to shine, Elly." Mr. Stox proudly said as if he was another image of a good father. "This book changed you so much. The philosophy about love is mesmerizing."

"Elly?" Kath saw me on the stage as she slightly screamed. "Elly!" She ran to the stage and screamed. "I know this girl!"

"Kath, I can explain."

"No need. No wonder you seemed like someone who can write." She smiled so hard. "I'm so proud of you." Then tears ran down her eyes as Harith and Mom smiled from a far with proud hearts. "One question, the poem in page 67 is still haunting me.

What if I changed my skin,
Changed my eyes to hazel,
My hair to blonde like the others,
Would you then love me too?

It's not as intense and dramatic as the others, but it explains how I feel about myself right now."

Flashback

2 months past the family gathering with Ash's family...

Everyday with Ash is different. I mean everyday with him in social media is different. He's just different in real life and in messenger. In real life, he is very shy that he can't even make eye contact. In messenger, he is so talkative and unlike himself as if we are really close in real life while we're just acquaintances.

School is coming and I'm not ready to face Senior High school nor Ash. It's not like I have a choice either so I had to deal with it.

I was in the back row while he was in the front row since the seating arrangement is in alphabetical order from male to female. I tried my best not to look at his direction, but I actually always did as if I am made to stare at his masculine back.

"Ash right?" His seat mate questioned. "Yeah, and you must be Dailan. What a surprise because my best friend back in Australia has your name as well." Ash replied. "We can be friends. Do you want to eat with my squad later in lunch?"  Alex nodded and of course he could fit in quite easily.

I had plans to ask Ash out for lunch in case he didn't make any friends, but he didn't just make one friend, but a squad. Bravo for your first day Mr. Friendly.

I then went to the cafeteria to meet up with my best friend Mary.

"Marsss!" I screamed. "Omg, gurl! We didn't laag (go out) during the summer. I guess we were just too busy huh." I nodded to that. "Yeah, I had a summer class thing for baking and tamales were all I've been cooking during the summer." She laughed. "No way, Mexican already? That's a step up in your cooking game, Sis!" I cackled with her. "You sound funny as always. I've been baking my specialty too! Some dark chocolate cake with oreos and apple pie." She grinned. "You should bring some soon which can be tomorrow!" Then we both cackled some more. "Hey Mary, I have to tell you something."

"What is it?" She replied. "You see, I have like this childhood friend. Remember the guy I texted to you about? He's in this school."

"Oh, the Australian boy."