Chasing Sunset (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER 1: My Secret Love

Marvelous. Not everyone has the honor to witness the beauty of a sunset. Spectrum of colors that grades from violets and blues at one end to orange and reds on the other, envelopes the brightness of the day.

A bathed in red effect is produced, the entire saffron hue as the clouds reflect the fading sun's red and orange glowing, allowing very little blue light from the upper levels of the atmosphere to reach the ground.

I waited a little more than five more minutes until darkness finally envelopes the sky before I decides to go home. This is what I usually end my day. Simple pleasures of happiness to fill my boring life.

I am Celine, a normal high school student, a nobody. I'm not sure if I am plain enough to be notice, or ugly enough to be avoided by my peers. No one wants to have me, aside from my bestfriend, Edward, whom I grew up with since we were five, as we were neighbors. He is currently the football captain of our school, the famous golden boy of our town, not only because of his charisma but also of his looks, tall, handsome, athletic, with round piercing eyes, and a smile that can melt any girls heart.

He was my everything, the shield that defends me from bullies, that's why no one dares to touch me at school. The sword that protects me from any hurtful words, and the carriage that brings me to wonderful fantasies, where fairy tale exists for children and feeling children like me. In short, he became the Dream Prince I wish I could keep forever.

But because of his protection, and the protection I had with my big brother, Chad, I never learned to stand on my feet. I grew up to be inferior, to settle in my own lonely world. I was sheltered to a life whom I don't know if its beneficial for my own survival, and this sunset is the only thing that makes me real.

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Today is the last day of this school year, the beginning of our summer break. The day when I realized that having not Edward around me, is empty. He is my ball of sunshine, his smiles always complete my day. I would love to stay like this forever, regardless if I stay to be his shadow, the girl who secretly watched his games alone in a far bench so people will not notice me. The girl he constantly keeps company to watch the sunset together, talking about our dreams and plans, where I am always included.

But today is different, he avoided me and he failed to join me this afternoon, for no reason. With all my text and calls, no answer. He's acting odd this past two weeks, cold and indifferent. I was trying to give him time, perhaps he may have things that needs to settle, sooner he'll share it with me but, the thing is, never did we miss the last day of school together.

I walk alone, while trying to reminisce our high school memories. It was fun because I always have him. I can be by myself; I can speak whenever I like, I can dance, I can sing with no one to criticize me. We use to plan our summers together. Earlier this year, we decided to stay at our beach house. However, it seemed that he's very busy, to neglect me, as if I don't exist. If this will go on, I don't think I'll be able to survive the whole summer alone.

Celine your home, where is Edward?

Hi Mom. Busy I guessed. I silently sat on the sofa, watched tv and pretended not to hear her.

What's with the long face? You know what? I have some good news. Paullete is coming! A high pitch Mom announced excitedly.

Woahhh!!!! Really? When?

Tomorrow!!!! As much as I wanted to keep it and surprise you, perhaps I'll be needing your help. I'm thinking of preparing a sumptuous lunch for her arrival.

Mom, you know I can't wait to see her. How about we surprise her instead?

Sounds a very good idea!

Mom and I planned everything for her. We decided to decorate the house and prepare her old room. I also accompany her in buying things that she will be needing for cooking.

Aunt Paullete is my Mom's younger sister. She's only 10 years older than me, that's why our bond is not so ordinary, as if she's my older sister, my fairy God Mother, my only girlfriend who knows my most precious little secret, and that is my undisclosed feelings to my bestfriend.

Aunt Paulette, is that you, you haven't change! I said as I hug her right after she entered the house.

Celine! It's been 5 years since I last saw you, look at you, you've become taller and prettier than me.

I have Mom's genes!

Hey I heard that Celine, you have your looks from me!

Ops... sorry Dad! Anyways, how are you? Any boyfriends?

Nah! Still waiting for Mr. Right! How about you? Are you and Edward.....? My eyes pooped out instantly, I just smiled at her, signaling her to stop.

Oh speaking, where is Edward?

That I don't know.

Its fine, I'm here. We'll make your summer more fun! We will be chasing potential boyfriends, for you and for me... She follows her statement with a wink.

And we laugh to ourselves like we own the world. That's what I like about her, very much independent. Chad and me were also blessed with a cool parents, we can talk anything and everything with them, though there are some set rules, they help us to own our actions and help us become responsible individuals.

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A week had past, Edward still didn't call nor answered any of my text messages. I visited him twice, sadly, either he's not home or he hangs out with his friends.

Celine, I'll be staying here before this summer ends.

Paulette, I heard a lot of good things about your school. Don't you think Celine will suit there?

My mom, Mary, is a college professor here in Bingham, same with Aunt Paulette, but she opted to stay here, despite a lot of offers from large schools and universities. As for my Dad, he owns a construction supplies business.

Sis, our university has the best and advanced facilities in the country and one of the top schools in the city, Aunt Paulette proudly announced.

Celine, since you've just finished your middle school, aren't you interested to study in a university?

Dad No! I promised Edward, that we will be in the same school until we finish college. How about Chad instead.

Nope, not going to happen. I just started my first year in my new school, and I have no plans to transfer. Chad said defensively. Of course, he's right, he just started College in this new school.

You may consider Celine, I'm not against your decision, but we are talking here about your future.

You'll not missed me? I teased them, though I already decided.

Of course, you are my precious pumpkin. But if it's for your own good, I'm willing let you go. Dad insisted.

Think about it, Celine, I'm sure Edward will understand. Mom agreed.

And if you're worried about Mom and Dad, I'm still here. But no boyfriend okay? Chad chirp into the discussion.

No one is interested in me anyways, coz you always scared them away, by looking at Chad, he just laughed back at me.

You'll have the whole summer to think about, Celine, don't worry I'll be happy to have you there, she really wanted to convince me.

I just finished my dinner silently, really not comfortable with the topic. It never crosses me, that a day will come, Edward and I will be separated, not even leaving this place where my precious sunset exists.