ADELE; love crisis

CHAPTER ONE

ADELE:

I always thought loving someone, or rather people, meant going out of your way to please them, to prove to them that you're worthy of being in their lives, by showing up for them even when they didn't need you or didn't show up for you.

But today? today I learnt it's just bothering people and forcing your way into the lives of people who didn't know your full name.

Happy 16th birthday to me. My one wish is to find a way and get out of this hell hole. I blew out my candle on my cupcake and stared at the paddles of rain drop drizzle down my window

Now to me, love is an illusion made by sick people who thought giving presents or having s*x when no one's watching was love.

There's no such thing as love. Why? Because when people see you at your worst, when they see the face behind that smile, they flee. Avoid you like you're a plague. And worst, make your life a mess.

No one told me that the person you cherished the most will turn to your worst enemy. Life taught me...

"Adele" mom called as I got to the foot of the stairs. I looked up at her and saw a neglectful mother who forgot her own daughter's birthday. Well, that's if she's my real mom. She doesn't remember my middle name. I still think that the day I had that accident and they had come to pick me up, I wasn't the one who she was meant to take.

"Elise and I are going out. We won't be back till morning. You can order takeout or eat the slice of pizza in the fridge. Please don't microwave it. Just take it like that and go to bed. Good night". She said, grabbing the car keys from the top of the shoe rack and throwing on a coat before heading out the door but stopped before her hands could reach the door knob, probably waiting for me to say "goodnight, drive safe" like I did every time they went out and forgot about me.

But not today. I turned and walked back upstairs, not bothering to look back.

Tonight, everything changes.

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"Adele. Will you hurry up. I've got a train to catch." Elise screamed at me from the kitchen door.

"Why don't you serve yourself Eli?" I asked, sarcasm dripping in my voice

"What did you just say?" She asked.

If this had happened two days earlier, I'd probably be on my knees begging her to forgive me for something I didn't do.

But not today

I dropped the napkin on the kitchen counter and turned to my "dear sister''

"You've got hands, legs, you know how to lift things and use a spoon, so why don't you put this skill to the test and make yourself a bowl of cereal, hmm?"

God, I am loving this

She grabbed her coat from the door handle, opened the door and raced through.

I turned back to what I was doing only to be called back by mother devil

"That was rude. You shouldn't talk to your sister that way. " Mom said and I stared at her finally finding our what's wrong with her. She's blind. That's the only reason I can get. Because I don't understand how she doesn't see all the days Elise sent me on a full day hunger strike just because I had told her "but" when something didn't go well with me. But today, I asked her to prepare breakfast for herself for once. She chose to walk out that door. I didn't push her.

"Mom, did you not see when she used her legs to walk out the door? What's wrong in saying make breakfast your self. It's just cereal. For the love of God mom, give me a break." I said handing her the napkin and walking upstairs to my room

"Adele Lina Grant."

And here she is trying to act responsible

"It's Nathalie mom. My middle name is Nathalie." I said not bothering to look back and I heard the defeat in her voice before locking my room door.

I landed on my bed, flipped open my phone, then stared at the email I had received since last month.

I was planning on telling them on my birthday but thank God I didn't. They don't deserve me.

I finally clicked accept and snapped it shut jumping on my feet and heading to my closet.

But that was a bad idea. It just made my day even worse.

I have no clothes. All my clothes are hand me downs from my mom, to my sister. And it will intrigue you if I say,

It doesn't fit.

Elise weighs almost 200 pounds and mom weighed 250.

So obviously, their clothes won't fit someone who weighs 160 pounds.

Guess I'll have to buy new clothes then.

Right now, all that matters is me getting out of this prison before I die and finding out the truth. And this scholarship, is my ticket out.

I looked around my room one more time and found out that I won't miss this place. Just painful memories.

I leaned my suitcase against the wall to moms room before going in

"Mom, I'm going to see nanna then look for a job." I told her plainly.

I saw her about to argue, and not like I care or anything, I said

"Elise said it will be good for me" I said

That did it. She actually listened to Elise and not me.

"Fine. But be home before curfew" she said.

Next up, the airport.

It was getting pretty late.

My flight is by seven. It's nearly six and I haven't even gotten there yet. I need a quick way to get there but no taxi goes that direction.

" Need a little help?" I heard someone ask and I turned the direction to see one of mom's friends

"Hii Sarah" I said as she walked to me, grabbed my suitcase and pulled it into her cab

"Hey Addy. What's up?. What's with the luggage, Going somewhere?" She asked

"Yh. Kind of"

"What of your mom? Why didn't she take you?" She asked again and when I looked away,

"Oh. I get it. Don't worry Addy, I got you. To the airport right?"

"To the airport"

"So, I don't mean to pry, but where are you going? And why? Things not good at home? You throwing a tantrum?" She asked

"No. Nothing like that. We're good actually. I'm just chasing my dream.

I got into Benison Bay international School as a scholarship student"

"That's great news Addy. I'm so happy for you. "Thanks Sarah" I said

"So, where you headed?" She asked again

"Promise you won't tell my mom?" I asked to be sure and she held up her pinkie finger. I laughed because it was childish but still looped my pinkie with hers

"I'm going to Florida" I said and she choked on nothing

""Florida?" She looked shocked

"That's basically the other side of the world." She said

"I'm serious Sarah. Swear. You won't tell my mom or Elise."

"I promise. I'm actually worried about you. Do you have anywhere to go in Florida? Do you even know anyone there?' she asked

"I can't change my mind Sarah. I've accepted the admission. I can live in the dorms till school resumes, no biggie."

"Ok. I'll trust you. Better make sure to call me if there's anything you can't handle ok?"

"Of course" I said then smiled and looked out the window and watched the buildings roll by.

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Florida is a whole different place from Australia. It was busy even at night. The cab I took had driven around town for 2 hours, and dropped me off, well, here

I didn't know where I was.

I was starting to rethink my decision.

I had no idea where Benison Bay was, and even if I did, it wouldn't make any difference cause they won't even let me in tonight. Talk more of processing my scholarship and giving me a dorm to stay.

I just had to look for somewhere.

Maybe I could search for a hotel around here and stay the night.

I looked around and saw a*****e, then walked in and ordered two bars of Nutella and a pack of Oreos.

I had nothing to eat in the plane.

I flipped open my phone and searched for hotels in Florida then used my GPS to find the closest one. And finally, I found the one.

Just then, a messaged popped in as I made my way back to the roadside to get a cab.

It was from mom 'where are you? Get home now. We need to talk'

Then another

'I'm serious Adele. Just pray this isn't one of your games or you'll be sorry once I find you.'

I scoffed and snapped my phone shot.

This is all she's done ever since I turned 12. Threaten me and give me a new scar once she finds me

But this time, she won't.

I was too far gone in my thoughts that I didn't hear or see a car speeding my way. Before I knew what was happening, I was on the floor.

Luckily, my luggage had protected me, else, I would have been the one to get hit and thrown to the sidewalks.

I wanted to so beat up the person who did this, but then I remembered I was in a whole different continent.

I got up and dusted myself

"Oh my God. I'm so sorry. Are you ok?" I heard a voice ask

"Well what do you think?" I murmured then looked up at the person.

A girl. She looked older than me and really really really pretty.

Also, she looked like those spoilt brats that gets their daddy to do everything.

She had blonde hair with shades of pink around it. She looked like a princess going for a rockstar performance.

Black suede shoes, black mini skirt with chains around the waist, and a grey tank top.

She helped me up and got my luggage from the side of the road.

She was acting too nice for my liking.

"Please get in. I'll drop you off. Where do you live? Gosh I'm so sorry" wouldn't have ran into you if I saw you. Just let me drop you off and get whatever you need as compensation." She said

Since she's insisting. I might as well get her to drop me off at the hotel I found.

"Fine. Whatever". I said and she smiled then got my luggage as I got into her car.

I noticed there were a lot of tools in the backseat and I couldn't help but peeking.

"Curious?" I heard her ask and I nod

"It's a long story. Can I continue?" I nod again.

"My boyfriend has been cheating on me with my ex best friend. So I want to give him a surprise. He doesn't know. I'm coming. I don't love him. He's just one of dad's investment plan. But he made a mistake. Treating me like a fool and taking me for granted.

But I'll drop you off first then complete my mission"

I didn't know why i was suddenly interested in her love life, but I asked

"Can I come?"

She look at me before looking back at the road and let out a soft chuckle

"You want to?"

"Yh"

"Then let's go" she squealed then swiftly turned the car and sped down the road. We came to a halt at an estate gate. She gave the guard a pass and he handed her a green card then she drove in.

"Let the fun begin" she said as we halted in front of a villa.

"Feel free to use any toy of your choice" she said then took out a baseball bat and a golden chain from the side of her seat and my mouth literally dropped. I looked at my side and saw so many weapons. I took a pen knife

She unlocked the door of the villa then went in minutes later dragging the chain along with her with someone's leg tied to it.

Then she crouched down in front of the guy and started punching him in the face. And for the first time, I noticed she was wearing knuckles

Then all of a sudden, she was off the ground. Like literally. The guy grabbed her neck and lifted her off the ground effortlessly then started punching the wall with her back.

I needed to do something so I got out of the car with the pen knife in my hands, dropped my hoodie so low over my eyes and ran to him.

I needed a distraction. Then I saw the keys she used to open the door and another lying on the spot the guy was.

I sliced through his arm with the knife. Not enough to be serious but enough to hurt.

Her dropped her.

I grabbed both keys locked the door then dashed to the car with the girl following.

We got in, sped off while laughing.

"I feel kinda bad though" I said when I was sure we were out of danger

"Don't be. He deserves it"

"He only had a towel on" I said between giggles

"Caught him in the shower"

"How will he get back in?"

"Don't worry about him. He'll ask help from the guards."

"You're not scared he'll come after you?"

"He wouldn't dare. I told him what I'll do. He dared me. My brother gave me permission."

"Wow" was all I said.

"Wait. Where do you live?"

"Oh, uh, I got my phone from my back pack, flipped it open then showed her the hotel I found.

"Can you take me here?"

"You live in a hotel?" She asked.

"This is actually my first time here."

"Oh, I see. I have a better idea." She said then drove straight ahead

"So, why are you here? Don't you have family here?"

"Funny cause my family doesn't even know I'm here." I said

"Hmm. Rebellious. I like that"

"I'm actually here to study. I got a scholarship into Benison Bay. Would you help me find-?"

"Hold up. You go to Benison Bay?"

"Yh. You know there"

"More than know there. I school there"

"No way" I said

"Yeah way" she said then rode into an apartment, parked the car and we got down

"Is this a hotel?" I asked

" This is my apartment"

"What are we doing in your apartment?"

"You can spend the night here"

"What? No way. I really don't want to-"

"Stop right there. You literally saved my life girl.

It's no problem. Plus, it'll be hard for you to find a room in any hotel by this time."

"Thanks" I said. She took my luggage and we got into the elevator, then she pressed 9 and we went up.

"I'll just make your room." She said as we got to her condo. It was beautiful.

"Who are you?"

I turned sharply and came face to face with a black haired girl with grey eyes.

"Oh, hi uhm-"

"I asked a question" she snapped

Ok, rude

"Clarice. That's my guest. Go play with Hunter and leave her alone"

The black haired girl turned

"Whatever" she said then walked to a door but before she could get in, a guy walked out, picked her up and made her wrap her legs around his torso

"I've been looking for you" the guy said

"You knew where to find me" she whispered

His eyes shot to me for half a second before turning back to the girl.

"Who's she?" He asked quietly

"Blaire's guest. Leave them alone. Let's go have fun. She said then he spun around walking into the room and she squealed like a little child

"I'm sorry" I didn't get to introduce you two"

"It's ok. That was your sister? I suppose"

"Na. My cousin, Clarice"

"Oh and that was-"

"-her boyfriend"

"-her best friend"

We said at the same time

"Wait. Don't tell me you actually thought those two were dating. Eww"

I looked at her then at the room they disappeared into, then at her again"

"Why not?" I nearly screamed

"Did you not see them?" I asked

"Ugh. Whatever" let's go to bed. Big day tomorrow" she said

"What's happening tomorrow?" I asked

"I'm helping out. Taking you sight seeing, helping out with school work,"

"Right. Thanks a lot, but you don't have to''

"Yh I don't. But I want to. Now go to bed. Your room is the first after the hallway

"Thanks again" I said dragging my suitcase with me.

BLAIRE

I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to. I turned on the lamp, sat up, took out a blunt from my side table lit it and took a long drag.

It was suffocating in here

My air conditioner is broken and the damn repair man was taking forever to repair it.

I got up and went to our bar, got out a bottle of wine then made my way to the lounge chairs in the balcony.

I heard movements behind me then looked up and saw the girl I nearly crashed earlier

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked.

She shook her head then gestures to the lounge chair beside me

"Can I sit?"

"Sure" I said and she sat.

I had to say, She was hot. She got the cutest eyes, most kissable lips, nice fingers, smooth skin, and a killer shape. And she doesn't know it.

"You know it's weird how we've known each other for Almost five hours but we don't know each other's names" I said

"Shoot. My bad, I'm Adele. Adele Grant" she said

"Nice name.im Blaire Adams."

"Nice meeting you Blaire"

"Nice meeting you too Adele"