LIFE IS A CHOICE

Chapter 4

Kia's POV

It had been a 12 hour drive to this place called Marowanda. It seemed like a quiet town. Nothing interesting. We finally reached our destination-the house we were moving into. It was a lovely home from the outside. Dad parked the car in the drive way. He got out of the car with mom both carrying our luggage and they entered the house. I took some time to get out because I was very exhausted. When I got out I walked straight to the door step; when all of a sudden I felt like I was being watched.

I turned around to the house across the street parallel ours and I saw a pretty girl staring at me. We locked eyes and I swore I've never felt qnything so pleasant. She had piercing blue eyes, dark-golden brown hair, the body of a Goddess, a very pretty and beautiful smile that was captivating. She got me debilitative. I felt like talking but I couldn't. I picked a rose from the garden and walked towards the street. As I was about to cross it, she immediately opened the door behind her and disappeared into the house. May be I was a bit impolite? My gaze scared her off. I couldn't tell. All I knew was that she had me under her spell.

I rushed inside and went to my parents who were unpacking. "Mother, father. Who stays at the house across the street parallel ours?" I asked. My father groaned. "The Republics my son", replied mom with a smile. I felt intrigued. I wanted to meet that beauty. The fact that I am her new neighbor is thrilling and most gratifying. I ran upstairs to my room. I unpacked my belongings. I couldn't get the thought of that girl out of my head. She was gorgeous and seemed quite nice and appealing. I just have to meet her and get to know her.

I went over my window pane and stared at her house. Within some minutes I saw her leave her house. My heart skipped a beat. The way she moves sent chills down my spine. "Damn!" I said to myself. I watched her walk away. Where could she be going? I had to follow her. I raced downstairs without saying where I was going.

She seemed tough, wild but tamed. She walked five yards before disappearing and I literally had to run after her. When I reached where I saw her disappear; I came across a large building written Private Property. It looked like an abandoned factory but hey I'm no traspasser. I awaited her outside for almost ten hours. I got tired but I didn't leave. When the clock struck 6pm I heard the large concrete door beside me open; and for the first time I saw her up close. Even more beautiful. She grimaced at me before walking past me. I quickly grabbed her by the arm and I swear I saw her shiver.

"Pardon me," I said with a wide silly smile. She turned to face me. "I don't mean to intrude. I saw you earlier leaving your house and I was desperate to meet you. Can we please have a cup of coffee at that coffee shop over there?" I continued shyly. She blushed and nodded slightly. We crossed the road and went into the coffee shop. We got ourselves a booth. We sat there and ordered coffee with velvet cake. I stared at her. "We haven't officially met, I'm Kia Xyllen. Your new neighbor." She smiled slightly sipping on her coffee. "It's a pleasure. I am Adriana Republic." After I got her name we began having a conversation like a nolstagic friendship. We had so much in common. It was like I knew her all my life. Damn, her voice and the way she talks puts me in a trance. She paused for a second. "So Kia, how old are you?" "I'll be 18 next week Saturday. And yourself?" She blushed slightly but not in a shy way, like she was embarrassed rather than crushing on me. "I am 15".

I was struck dead but I didn't judge. She looked older than her age. After we had finished our coffee, I offered to walk her home. She smiled in acknowledgement. We got out and started walking home. She had a mesmerizing personality and her charisma draw me to her.

She was outgoing and full of life. "Hey Adri what do you do around here for fun?" I asked. "Uhhm, there are a number of things I take interest in." She replied. "Like what?" "Like swimming, music, watching basket ball, spending time with my best friend yada, yada."

As we walked and talked, I figured that she and I had so much in common. Our personality traits were alike. Although somewhere deep inside me I liked her more and more; and I honestly didn't want to scare her off or to think weirdly of me. We stopped walking at a house cornering our street. "What's wrong?" I asked her softly. "My friend Penny said to wait for her here; I hope you don't mind." She replied, I nodded slightly. "No, I don't mind." After a while from a distance I saw this pretty girl coming towards us. She dressed so elegantly and walked gracefully. I'll admit she was cute but all I wanted was Adri.

"Hey Adri," she said hugging Adriana. "Hi Penny. This is Kia, my new neighbor" said Adriana gesturing to my direction. They talked all they had to and honestly I couldn't take my eyes off Adriana. I couldn't even hear their conversation due to my intoxication.

When we reached our street Adriana's friend bid us farewell. I was glad she finally did; she was jeopardising my plan. "So Adriana; do you have plans this upcoming Saturday?" She grimaced at me. "I mean it's my birthday." It was then when I saw relief in her glorious eyes. "Well Kia, Saturdays I'm always busy. I'd be lying if I said I have no plans. You see..." I cut her short before she could continue although it was rude. "Okay! I get it. I mean I totally understand."

With those words she waved goodbye and entered her house. Then it hit me that I hadn't asked for her number. "Fuck it Kia!" Why am I so stupid, it was already too late for me to call her back out. Anyways there's always tomorrow.

I got inside the house and dad gave me a funny look. "What?" I asked. Mom was preparing dinner. "Where have you been?" Asked dad. I rolled my eyes as I went to sit on the couch. "I'm not a kid anymore that you can always babysit dad." I didn't look at him but I could feel it; that his eyes were glued on me. "Kia! Don't invite trouble by getting close to that Republic girl. You know exactly what you did to that family so please keep away!" Lashed out dad. Even a blind man could see that he was so furious.

"Kia dear, you know that your father is right. Don't open up old wounds please. The Republics would and WILL never forgive us nor you for what you did." Mom's words triggered me, but hey I'm as stubborn as a mule. "But mama, whom can you blame for what my heart wants? I committed a crime...yes I know but..." "No but talks boy! Just stay away from that girl you hear?" Exclaimed dad walking upstairs; angrily and stomping like an ogre.

Damn this life! I thought to myself. I got tongue tied. It was no secret that mom and dad were telling the truth but, it's also no secret that I'm falling for Adriana. This might get a little too complicated yet, what is love without suffering. It ain gonna be a walk in the park but I'm willing to sacrifice all that I have to make it work. Baby steps as they put it.