𝑭𝑨𝑳𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑳𝑰𝑲𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑺[paused due to lack of inspiration]

Chapter 1.

Leah

The purple glow of the dusk reminding us about the chances we lost eternally and the memoirs we embraced, never to relive them further. The disturbed ocean waves hit against the coast and the lukewarm water upon my feet soothed my mind. The breeze swept my brunette hair on my face while my sundress swayed in the wind's path.

I was in profound thought while I fixated my aquamarine eyes on the horizon. Feeling stifled back at the clubhouse, I escaped from the crowd. After a triumphant soccer game, the Armadillos along with the whole school was celebrating.

I observed the huge waves hit the shore with awe and wished that I could surf. Deep in thought, I hadn't realized a figure walking up to me until I saw a shadow. Halting my thoughts, I pivoted to meet my gaze at Neil Johnson.

His sharp features were the only thing that made him likable apart from being popular. His originally amber hair bequeathing him with alluring dark brown eyes.

Before my sophomore year, he was all I ever wanted (every girl wanted). This was not the lusty feeling, but I could have done everything just so he would notice me. And he did. After which I've never spoken to nor would like to speak to him.

We used to share chemistry and during one of the class experiments he said, 'hey, would you care to join me for a coffee after school?'

'Umm sure.' I smiled

(the bell rings)

'It's a date, so you know' he said smirking and left class.

Like a pathetic fool, I reached the Diner and sat on a table. He asked me out! It flattered me. I glanced around the Diner and spotted something I shouldn't have had. To my horror, he was kissing Natalia (another girl like me who had a crush on him also, the most popular girl in school.)
He broke off the kiss and started towards me saying something but I reached for the exit and left. From then on I always have been ignoring him.

We stared at each other for a long time until I broke the silence and asked, 'What do you want?'

'Nothing.' he replied

'Then why are you here?' I questioned him getting annoyed

'To check if you're okay. What are you doing out here alone, anyway?' he asked

'None of your concern Neil Johnson.'

'Why are you so hard on me Leah?' he asked his temper rising gradually

'Why shouldn't I be?' I responded and walked back to the clubhouse.

*~*

There were still two months left until graduation. Regularly at dinner, my parents would talk about which college should I go to. Tonight wasn't different. They wanted me to take on architecture.

I sat quietly playing with my food until my parents noticed me.

Oh, no! not the same shit again. 

'So how's high school, Leah?' Dad asked 

'Great Dad' I smiled. 

'So which colleges have accepted you so far?' Mom spoke.

'I've got one from Xavier's and one from Stevenson's this morning' I replied

'Xaviers's good.' she added

'Great place Lee!' Dad chimed in

'Yeah, I hope so.' I fake smiled and excused myself.

And so I was going to Xavier's. My parents wanted me to be an architect but that wasn't mostly what I wanted. They thought to be an author wasn't so benefitting and I decided to listen to them for one time. It wasn't like I was a good kid to them hence I felt that I owed them something and maybe this was it.

The future I planned when I was to become a writer. I'm even writing a novel based on a crime thriller. When I was a kid, I used to read and watch fairy tales (what?! Every girl does that when they're a kid) and I loved making up my own stories.

Neil

I arrived back from the clubhouse and lay down in bed thinking through the day.

After what went on today at the beach, something troubled me. Why was Leah so fierce with me? What did I do to her? I kept thinking about something that makes her despise me so much. 

I kept thinking of that some reason when it struck. What a douche am I? How could I neglect what I did well not I necessarily, but I did upset her. Maybe reality is just a cliché.

My phone rang and displayed Shay's name. I've been dating Shay for a few months now.

'Hey' I said as I received the call

'Hey, babe' she replied. For some reason today, I didn't like her calling me babe. It just felt strange. I didn't really know what was on my mind these days.

'Reached home?'

'Yeah. Where have you been today? At the party I mean.'

'Just with the team. Why?'

'Just needed to show you off in front of Lana, the cheerleading captain.'

Girls 

I sighed

'You can do that next time Shay,' I said bored

'um yeah. Anyway, goodnight babe gotta go'

'Yeah. Goodnight'

I hung up and drifted into a deep sleep.

*~*

The next morning as I headed to school, I checked the post. Among the several others, there was this one envelope which could take me where I would get a better opportunity at soccer and also in the field of engineering. I ran back to mom to tell her the news. My mom was everything to me. She has suffered so much in her life, taking care of my Dad and me. She has always supported me in everything, guided me through my tough time and always cared for me. That is why I want to make her proud by graduating into such an esteemed university.

'Mom! They've accepted me.' I told her delighted

Mom seized me into a hug and sloped a smack on the cheek before she said, 'Congratulations son!'

'Thanks, mom,' I replied and added 'Bye mom.'

'Bye. Love you' she said as she left me

'Love you too.' I said as I returned her a kiss as I reached for the door

Truly a mother's hug lasts even after she lets go. And, yes mothers do deserve someone who loves them but what they deserve most is contentment. Whether they are alone or not. For all that, she's done for me and I want to make her happy in every feasible way.