bully love

chapter 4

Bright sunlight filtered through her curtains, warming my face.I blinked slowly and sat up.

Aunt stella stood near the door, wearing a wide grin .

"Good morning, Bubble come downstairs fast . Breakfast is ready", she said cheerfully before walking out .

I rubbed my eyes and Stretched .A huge yawn escaped my lips as i glanced at the clock.

10:00 A M .

Wow!!! I can't remember the last time I slept this late.No school.No rushing.No yelling.

It felt strange.

Peaceful...... but also a little empty.

maybe because I am not used to it .

Anyway, today I am definitely going to irritate Lee .

I showered and took extra time with my hair. Lately, i never had time or energy to care for it.But today,i made sure my wavy curls shine perfectly.

When I walked into the kitchen, Aunt stella smiled warmly. dad sat on a stool reading a newspaper while she fried eggs.

For a movement, I stood there.

So this is what a normal family morning looks like.

Quiet,calm .No shouting.

I wished it could stay like this forever -but deep down, i knew it wouldn't.

Dad briefly glanced at me, more of a glare than anything ,then went back to his paper.He was avoiding me.

Not that I cared.

Everything between us was already broken.

"Here ,honey .Dig in," Aunt stella said, placing a plate of fried eggs, bread and coffee infront of me- exactly how I liked it.

We ate quietly . After finishing, I washed the dishes while aunt stella cleaned the counters

"So, what are you doing today?" she asked casually.

"Maybe I'll hang out with lee.I need to tell her I'm moving,"I said, trying to sound relaxed .

She looked at me softly."Go live your life, Hope.You deserve it."

Those words stayed with me.

When was the last time someone told me I deserves happiness?

Because of a dad,I was always buried in homework .I forgot how it felt to just .....live.

I ran to my room and called Lynn.She answered immediately.

"What's up,my cutie.

I rolled my eyes ."Nothing much , sweetie.I'm thinking about hanging out ."

"OMG.The great hope wants to hang out?

Am i dreaming?" she screamed.

"Lower your voice! I still haven't found my true love.I don't want to go deaf before that," I complained dramatically.

She laughed."We are going to have so much fun!"

"I'll be ready in forty minutes."

I changed into demin jeans and a fitted shirt, tying my hair into a ponytail.For once, I looked at myself in the mirror without criticizing something.

Maybe Chicago was already changing me.

Aunt Stella came into my room holding money.

"Take this for shopping."

"No way.I have my own savings,I protested.

She pushed the money into my hand anyway."Keep your savings for emergencies.Just enjoy today."

I hugged her tightly."Thank you."

Lynn honked outside like the world was ending.

"I'm coming! stop announcing it to the entire neighborhood! I shouted back.

The mall was packed with noise and life .

Lynn dragged me straight into H .M and started grabbing clothes like she owned the store.

"Are you going to stand there like a statue or actually shop ?.

"Fine, I laughed.

We brought clothes, accessories, bags, perfumes, jewelleries and sandles.I don't think i have ever shopped this freely before.

For once .... i feel normal.

"Hope ",Lynn whispered dramatically . Look at that guy . He's so hot ." I'm going to ask for his number."

The guy picked up his order and walked to a table -where a girl was waiting .He kissed her forehead.

I brust out laughing.

"Stop laughing !" lynn groaned.

"I can't ! your timing is horrible!"

After ordering burgers,we sat down.

"Do you have a crush?" She suddenly asked.

I hesitated.

"No"

"come on ".

I shrugged . "You know my life . I'm curvy .I don't even make friends easily .A boyfriend ? That is out of my league."

She looked at me seriously ."You're wrong . There's someone out there for you . You just don't see it yet ".

Before i could response I took a deep breath.

"I'm moving to Chicago."

Her jaw dropped.

"What?! When were you planning to tell me ?"

"Five days"

"But-"

"We still have five days, i said softly.

She sighed .Then we are making them unforgettable."

That night , after organizing my shoping bags and showering, i lay in bed staring at celling.

My phone buzzed.

Lynn: I have a surprise for you . Meet me tomorrow . Don't be late . And don't ask Questions - I won't tell you .

I smiled .

Me : Fine .I won't bug you , you little devil.

Lynn: Good night.

As i put my phone down ,a small spark of excitement flickered in my chest.

For the first time in years......

Tommorow didn't scare me.