Ring!
Ring!
Ring!
My phone was vibrating on the bed, and the screen lit up. I reached over and checked the caller ID.
It was Camila.
Camila Everton was my best friend. The only person in this entire world who could tolerate me and my attitude without complaining about it. We had grown up together since we were barely old enough to walk, gone to the same schools, and shared the same secrets.
She was the one person I actually wanted to talk to right now.
I picked up the call and pressed the phone against my ear. The familiar ringtone disappeared, replaced by the comforting sound of Camila’s voice.
"Hey, Lia." Her familiar warm voice came through my earbuds.
"Hey, Cam," I said. "What’s up?"
"I’m fine. But I hope you’re alright, Lia," She said, sounding worried.
"You heard what happened, right?" I asked.
"Mmm," she said quietly.
I nodded, smiling. "I’m fine, Cam."
Camila was quiet for some seconds because she knew I wasn’t.
"Let’s catch up." She said, her voice changing to something lighter, trying to cheer me up the way it always did when she wanted to pull me out of my own head.
"Mm—"
"I won’t take no for an answer." She said, interrupting me because she already knew what I was going to say.
"Okay. Where then?" I asked, smiling a little now.
"Our usual spot," she replied.
"Okay then, meet you soon," I said, hanging up the call.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
I went back to my assignment and started writing it quickly.
"Done," I said, stretching out.
I closed my laptop, stood up from the bed, and placed it on my reading desk.
I went to get dressed.
I wore an oversized cream hoodie that fell just past my hips. A black mini skirt peeked out beneath the hem, revealing my long, slender legs. And white sneakers.
I tied my hair up into a high ponytail and wore a thin gold chain around my neck.
I stood in front of the mirror, looked at myself, and nodded.
The cream hoodie felt soft and comfortable against my skin, a welcome change from the heavy gowns and jewelry I had worn yesterday. For the first time since my birthday, I almost felt like a normal teenager.
"This is sweet," I said, smiling.
I looked through my watch collection and picked a brown leather one and put it on.
I applied light makeup, picked up my small designer shoulder bag, and walked toward the door.
Immediately I opened the door, Sylvia was sitting right in front of it, her head drooping to one side, fast asleep.
I stared at her for a moment, closed the door quietly, and walked past her.
"Wait, Amelia." She called, opening her eyes.
I turned to her, tilting my head a little. "Is there something I can do for you?" I said, looking at her.
"No. But where are you going?" She said, rubbing her eyes and looking me over from head to toe.
"Do I need to report to you everywhere I’m going?"
"Not that, I—"
I turned and started walking away, interrupting her. But I still heard what she said last.
"I want to follow you." She said quietly.
I smiled to myself and went downstairs.
"Sir Martin," I called to the butler as I climbed down the stairs.
He came immediately, handing my car keys to me.
I was about to step out when Mom called me from upstairs.
"Amelia," she called.
I turned. Mom was already walking down the stairs.
When she reached the bottom, she walked straight to me and took my hands in hers.
"Where are you going, honey? I’m worried about you." Mom said softly, looking at me with concern.
I squeezed her hands lightly.
"I’m fine, Mom. I’m going to meet Camila," I said, smiling so she wouldn’t be worried.
Mom nodded and immediately I looked up the stairs, Sylvia was standing there looking at me.
I waved goodbye to Mom and walked out the door.
The hot afternoon air brushed against my face as I stepped outside. The scent of freshly cut grass drifted through the driveway.
I got into my car, started the engine, and drove off.
I drove to our usual spot.
Our usual spot was our favorite café. It became our usual spot when Camila developed a crush on a handsome Thai guy who worked there.
She always dragged me there whenever she wanted to see him. And we would pretend we just wanted a coffee specially made by him.
When I arrived, Camila was already there. The rich smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted me the moment I stepped inside. Soft music played through hidden speakers.
Camila wore a short pink gown. Her hair was curled loosely over her shoulders. She was wearing black heels and was carrying a black bag from her favorite designer.
"Hey, Lia." She said, waving her hand so I could see her.
I smiled and walked toward her.
I sat down, and her favorite server came to take our order.
"Hey, Daniel," Camila said, smiling up at him.
I shook my head smiling and set my bag on the table.
"Your usual, right?" Daniel asked, smiling back at Camila.
"Yeah," Camila said, nodding.
When Daniel left, Camila kicked my leg under the table, smiling.
"Isn’t my baby cute?" She asked, watching Daniel walk away to prepare our orders.
"I can’t remember when he became your baby," I said, teasing her.
Camila turned to me and poked me. "Can you support me a little?"
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head.
This was how Camila always was whenever she saw Daniel. Always extremely happy and funny around him.
"Back to you." She said, looking at me more seriously this time.
"What really happened, Lia?" She said with worry written all over her face. "My mom told me everything that happened when I came back from the business trip I told you about."
"I don’t really know how everything happened, Cam. But one thing is for sure, their real daughter is back," I said, forcing a smile.
"Don’t try to act strong with me, Lia." She said, leaning back in her chair.
"You may seem tough on the outside, but you are a soft little kitten." She said, smiling.
"Who are you calling a kitten?" I said, kicking her leg under the table.
Camila always cracked a joke whenever she sensed things getting tense. She always knew exactly what to say to cheer me up.
Daniel walked toward us with our coffee. Steam curled from the cups as he placed them on the table. The scent of roasted coffee beans immediately filled the air between us.
"Here’s your coffee, Miss Camila. And here’s yours, Miss Amelia," he said, setting them down.
He placed another coffee in front of Camila. "And here’s your specialty," he said, smiling.
"I think I’m being the third wheel here," I said, shaking my head while sipping my coffee.
"Thanks, Daniel. Every coffee made by you is the best," Camila said, sipping her so-called specialty.
"Enjoy it then," Daniel said and left.
"Oh! Amelia, did you see how Daniel smiled at me?" Camila said, giggling.
I let out a heavy breath and looked at her.
Then I looked outside through the glass window and saw someone peeking in.