One of Those Girls

One

Of Those

Girls

Hannah Roslan

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© Copyright 2013 Hannah Roslan.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

isbn: 978-1-4669-3207-4 (sc)

isbn: 978-1-4669-3208-1 (hc)

isbn: 978-1-4669-3209-8 (e)

Trafford rev. 12/27/2012

TFSG-logo_BWFC.psd www.traffordpublishing.com.sg

Singapore

toll-free: 800 101 2656 (Singapore)

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

My parents who read fairy tales for me throughout my days

of Snow White, seven dwarfs, mermaids and magic wands; brother and sisters for my days of Wonderland and Never Neverland; cousins, Helene Bergane, Joe Kendrick, Lauren Sason; and music.

Prologue

13th September 1997

The sun shone brightly and it looked like a giant spotlight in the bright blue sky. The grass swayed mildly as the wind blew them from side to side. Leaving flower scents in the air. A few children were playing kites in the field not far from me. Their laughs and excited voices filled the wide space when I was reading a novel of fantasy stories under the shade of a tall pine tree. I turned to the side and smiled. My best friend, Laura Hilder, was sitting next to me, playing with her two favourite dolls, Anna and Emily. I watched her picked up Anna. She put her into her backpack with a smile on her face. Here’s another childish moment. I can’t believe I still play with these at this age, she mumbled as she picked up Emily and shoved her into her backpack.

I chuckled. She heard me and she swiftly turned to me. What? she demanded. She was zipping up her backpack when I put down my fantasy novel.

Nothing, I answered. I mean, you should grow up, Laura. You’re fourteen years old now. You can’t play dolls anymore.

That’s the point, she said lazily. "You keep reading books when I always wanted you to talk to me. And now you’re saying I should grow up? I am growing up."

I rolled my eyes and closed my book with a rough sigh. Honestly Laura. You have to. We’re going to be in high school soon and… , I stopped as Laura jumped in. And your point is that we have to act more like high-school-girls-to-be. I know, she said. I’ve been hoping we’re not in the same class with Isla and her girl group.

Yeah. We’ve been in the same class with her for two years straight, I agreed with her in a tense tone. Could that get any worse? Laura stared at me and I can tell by the way she gave me her broken smile. She knew me. We had been best friends since we were both two years old. We stayed in the same nursery and studied in the same school and classes. I knew Laura was a bit childish but I loved her unique ways. She was a mature girl but she loved child things. She loved dolls and dipped chocolate chip biscuits into milk. That was her favourite snack. And one thing was mature about her for sure… she never left home without her journal.

Laura opened her mouth. I don’t know. Hope not, she said. I smiled and held her hand. One thing’s for sure, I said and she looked at me patiently. I chuckled. She… she scares me. We both laughed out loud.

Laura stopped laughing slowly and wrapped her arm on my shoulder. Aw, don’t worry, Poppy. We’re going to be fine. Nothing can change our friendship, she said confidently as I smiled to her. She smiled back. Suddenly, a ball was thrown to our way and rolled on the grass in front of us. We both looked up and a girl named Isla McNabb came running toward us. She was the popular girl in school and she was not a good person. She was not friendly and loved to make fun of others. She stopped and gave us an evil stare with a smirk on her face. Well, if it weren’t the two dearest best friends resting under a shady tree, she said sarcastically.

What do you want, Isla? Free publicity? asked Laura fiercely as she rose. Isla chuckled. Just the ball. Give it to me, she demanded and she reached out her hand. I looked down to the ball and turned back to her. She can pick it herself for the ball was just at her feet. I grabbed Laura’s hand before she could bow to pick it up. Laura turned to me with questions in her eyes.

It’s at your feet. You can pick it yourself, I said politely. Isla’s jaw tightened and I saw she was angry. D’you have any idea who I am? she asked and she looked furious with my quote. I did know her. Her father was one of the most respected persons in Bradford and her house looked a lot like a mansion. She had three rooms for her own in that house and her mother bought her a brand new Volvo for her last birthday. But she did not have her license yet, so that car was a free show for everyone who walked by her house’s front gate. In conclusion, she was from a very rich family.

I licked my lower lip and bit it slowly. I do, I answered. Laura turned to her and went silent. She set her eyes on the ball on the grass and slowly, she turned to me. Isla crossed her arms over her chest and glared daggers at both of us.

Really? That’s good to know. Now could you please? she demanded. She reached out her cold hand and still wanted Laura to hand her the ball. Laura looked away and ignored her stare.

Isla bit her lip and pulled her hand back. She glared at us and tightened her jaws. She looked angry with her red face and wrinkled forehead. She turned around to see her friends and they were waiting impatiently for her to throw the ball. Come on, Isla! shouted one of her friends, Jody, in the middle of the field. Get the ball and continue the game. It’s your turn!

Shut up, you lot!! Isla shouted back, furiously. She turned back to us and gave a warning look before she picked up the ball at her feet harshly. You’re going to regret this, she said as she turned around and walked toward her friends.

Laura exhaled hard and turned to me. I’ve always disliked her, she complained. Me too. I can’t believe a girl like that has so many friends, I said as I leaned against the tree and began to open my fantasy novel.

You’re right, agreed Laura. Why can’t people like us both have many friends? I chuckled behind the book. Somebody told me that if you couldn’t find more friends in high school, you can when you’re in college, I said. Laura looked impressed and her eyes wide opened.

Really? I can’t wait for that to happen, she replied. But I know I’ll never find someone like you, Poppy. I smiled a broken smile and I looked down. I felt horrible when it came to comparison between friends. Laura knew I did not like the issue. But maybe she accidently slipped that out. Stop it, Laura, I pleaded slowly. You know I dislike the friend comparison thing. I looked away as I felt a sudden heat on my face as I said the words ‘friend comparison’. It was a sensitive thing to talk about for me and I disliked it so much. Maybe more than just dislike. I could hate it too.

I’m sorry, Laura quickly apologized. She grabbed my hand and shook it slowly. I forgot you hate it. She stared at my face and she wiped something wet on the corner of my left eye with her hand. You’re crying? I’m sorry, Poppy. I made you cry for the first time! she shrieked in panic.

I touched my left eye and she was right. There was a tear flowing slowly down my left cheek. I was crying? That was weird. I did feel hurt about what Laura said but why would I cry? I wiped the tear away and turned to her. I don’t mind that. It’s okay, I said.

But why were you crying? she asked and she placed her hand on my shoulder.

I didn’t. But… I did feel hurt about what you were saying just now. To be honest, I confessed honestly. I shook my head and smiled. It’s getting late. Let’s go home.

Laura nodded. She quickly grabbed her bag while I put my novel into my file. We both walked into the neighbourhood and bought ice-creams on the way. I took a glance of the sky and looked at it back with wide opened eye. It was half dark and dim. I was looking at it while walking and suddenly, I saw a white light crossed the blue sky. I gasped. What is it? asked Laura in panic. I was still looking up when she asked me that. She did not receive any response, so she threw away her half-eaten ice-cream and held my hand. I turned to her quickly, stunned.

What? I asked her.

You gasped just now, she said. What is it?

I looked back to the sky and did not see the white light anymore. I sighed and turned back to her. Nothing. I thought I just saw a white light crossed the sky. Maybe I was dreaming or imagining it, I said slowly. Laura exhaled hard. It must have been the fantasy stories you’re reading, she commented. I shrugged and we both continued walking. After a while, we heard a girl’s voice calling out our names behind us. I turned around and saw Isla and her friends came walking fast toward us. Uh-oh. Trouble’s coming, whispered Laura. We both waited and when Isla was standing in front of us, she yelled.

I’m not through with you yet, she said and she pushed Laura’s shoulder hard. I helped balanced Laura’s weight when Isla pushed her hard and helped her stand carefully.

What’s wrong with you? I asked loudly. You could’ve hurt her.

Who cares? You dare to defy me, Isla yelled again.

We would never do that. For what reason would we do that? Just because you’re popular in school doesn’t make anything extraordinary about you. Isla was mad and I can tell by her getting-red eyes and knuckles clenched. You’ll be sorry for that, she said and she took a few steps away from us. She turned around and walked toward her friends. She grabbed a skipping rope and turned back to us. Isla!! called Jody loudly and in panic. What are you doing? Are you mad? Isla was not listening to her at all. She was busy walking toward us grudgingly and held the skipping rope tightly in her hand. She wrapped it around her hand and was about to give me a blow with its hardwood handle. I closed my eyes and turned away.

Say ‘repello yvas’, I heard a voice in my head when I was closing my eyes. Repello yvas, I said with a hand covering my face and right after I said the words, I heard Isla’s shriek.

Everything went silent.

I felt someone held my shoulders from behind and automatically, I touched the hands that were holding me. Poppy, called Laura. She sounded worried and slowly, I opened my eyes. Isla was staring weirdly at me. And so did her friends. They were all surrounding me with different expressions. Isla looked as if she was in a deep shock while her friends looked stunned. I was breathless. As if my energy was half gone and I felt a little nervous. I turned to Laura and she smiled bitterly. You okay? My mouth was opened but I could not say a thing. As if my mouth was glued or something. But all I knew was I was speechless. I took a deep breath and exhaled hard. What is it? What’s up? I asked.

What’s up?! I heard Isla’s weak but high voice. I turned to her and she quickly crossed her arms over her chest in anger. What’s up?! You just crushed my skipping rope to pieces!

What? I asked in confusion.

I said you crushed my skipping rope! she repeated even louder. I was going to hit you with it and… and you crushed it!

Poppy didn’t even do it, Isla, protested Laura. It happened all of a sudden. I turned back to Laura. What is she talking about? I asked her. Laura looked at me without a smile. A light came through your hand and destroyed Isla’s skipping rope, she answered slowly. I was in confusion until Laura eyed me to the ground. I slowly turned to where she eyed me to and surprised to see Isla’s skipping rope was crushed in pieces. They were not a skipping rope at all. They were more of a dust of the skipping rope. I gasped and looked at my hand swiftly. There was a scar shaped of a star on my right palm. I closed my eyes and coughed in silence. I touched my forehead. It felt warm. In all of a sudden, I felt sick and pushed Laura’s hands away from my shoulders. I walked away and after a few steps away from all of them, I ran. I was shock of what had happen to me today. I heard Isla’s scream behind me but I ignored her. There was something else in my mind right now that I could not just ignore. A light crossed the blue sky in the afternoon and a light came through my hand and destroyed Isla’s skipping rope in a blink of an eye? That was a weird story.

I burst in the door of my house and headed for the staircase to get into my room. My eldest sister, Lilly, was helping Mum in the kitchen and she saw me running up the stairs in such a hurry. I slammed the door of my bedroom close before she could open her mouth and called me.

I locked the door and pulled away the curtains. I opened the window and sneaked out to the rooftop by climbing the wooden stairs next to my window. My windowsill was only a foot away from the rooftop of the house so it was much easier for me to climb up there. I rested on the roof and felt the wind blew my hair mildly. I was thinking about the white light crossed the sky, the voice I heard in my head and the light that came through my hand that destroyed Isla’s skipping rope. I felt horrible. What had happen to me this afternoon? I tried hard to find the answers but eventually, I sighed and looked at my right palm again. I gasped. The star-shaped scar on my right palm disappeared! I rubbed my palm hard, wishing it would appear again… but it did not.

I hugged my knees and began weeping. What was wrong with me? I started a weep before it ended with a silent cry. It was a feeling of regret for listening to the mystery voice and embarrassed that Laura, Isla and a group of girls had to see it. How was I going to be in school tomorrow? Or worse… for the rest of my school days? I cried even harder, feeling like I was not a normal girl. Normal girls would never do that. A light should never come through a person’s hand without a reason. After a few minutes crying alone on the rooftop of my house, a raindrop fell on my hand. I stopped crying for a while and looked up. The sky was getting darker and darker and it looked like it was going to rain heavily. I quickly rose and went down the wooden stairs slowly. My clothes were all wet when I jumped on the last stair and ran into my bedroom. I closed the window swiftly and the rain fell down heavily with thunders stroke in the sky. No white clouds were painting with it. Only dark ones began to floating by.

Someone knocked on my door and I jumped. I was shocked with the sudden rain and thunders when I heard a hard knock on my door. I grabbed a towel and covered my wet clothes and I headed for the door and twisted the doorknob. It was Lilly. She came into my room and shut the curtains. All of a sudden, rain falls and thunders strike madly outside. I thought the weather broadcast said it’s supposed to be sunny today, she said as she pulled away my towel and took off my sweater. My face reddened as I felt like she was treating me like a child and I quickly took a grip of my shirt before she could touch it. She stared at me and I smiled bitterly at her.

Yeah. It supposed to, I replied in a sore voice. I grabbed my towel back from her hand, wiped my hair a bit and threw it on my bed.

Lilly stared at me with her arms crossed over her chest. Were you up on the rooftop again? she asked slowly and nicely. I sighed before I nodded. She smiled. Don’t you feel odd that every time you’re there, in rains?

I stared at her. I wondered what she meant by those words she said to me. I tried to understand her meaning but it took me two seconds to get confused with the words. I looked away and made a face of a thinker as I bit my lower lip. I was hoping she would laugh about it. Uh… I dunno, I said and I half-laughed. Maybe the rain is jealous with me. Being alone on the rooftop that it decided to fall and be with me.

Lilly laughed and hugged me. She inhaled and slowly let me go. Well, it did love you, she teased. Now go and change. We’re making something special for Dad. I gasped and left my mouth opened in excitement.

How could I forget? It’s Dad’s big day! I shouted.

I grabbed dry clothes from my wardrobe and ran into the bathroom to change. Lilly was still waiting when I came out of the bathroom in a green T-shirt and my faded blue jeans. I dried my hair using the hair dryer in the bathroom too. She took my wet clothes in her hands and we both went downstairs. The rain was still falling heavily outside and it stopped after twenty minutes later. Dad was still at work and I helped Mum and Lilly in the kitchen, to prepare something for dinner. My other elder sisters, Rose and Daisy were busy doing decorations in the living room.

Make sure the batter looks smooth, Poppy, reminded Mum as she looked at me mixing the batter in a big bowl on the kitchen table. We don’t want the cake to be hard.

I know, I said as I mixed it with a long wooden spoon. I swirled the mix and thought about what had happen to me this afternoon. I bit my lip slowly when I thought about Isla’s destroyed skipping rope after the light from my hand hit it. I sighed and Lilly heard me. She took a single glance of me and continued coating chicken breasts with eggs and fried cooking flour.

Laura called just now, she said as she put the coated chickens aside. I stopped mixing the batter and turned to her. Laura called? When? I quickly turned away when she turned to me. She sounded worried. You both had a problem in school?

I bit my lip again and tried hard not to think about this afternoon’s incident. Uh—no. We’re fine. It’s just… , I stuttered. I grabbed the flour and I mixed the batter too slow.

Poppy, you over-mixed the flour! scolded Mum. I accidently dropped the wooden spoon on the floor and swiftly, she grabbed the bowl. She quickly poured the mix into a round-shaped cake baker and shoved it into the hot oven.

I’m sorry. Lilly distracted me, I said defensively and I turned back to Lilly, who was still coating the chicken breasts. Mum turned to me and smiled slowly. That’s alright, dear. I shouldn’t make you drop the wooden spoon, she said kindly. She picked the wooden spoon up from the floor and showed it to me. It had break in half! Because we only had one wooden spoon to mix the batter.

Mum and Lilly laughed while I just faked a laugh. I did not think it was funny after all. There was something else in my head when Mum was joking about the broken wooden spoon. Right. We’re going to need a new one then, I said. Mum shrugged and went outside the living room to check on Rose and Daisy.

Lilly had finished coating the chicken breasts and she put them aside. She rose and walked toward me with a sweet smile on her face. Her blue eyes shined perfectly with her beautiful smile. Tell me what happened between you and Laura in school, she demanded politely.

I sighed and played with my curly blonde hair. Do you have to know? I asked her in doubt. I did not think she would believe me if I told her. I do. Because you’re my sister and the youngest in this family, answered Lilly. I was not going to tell her… until she looked me in the eyes and held my shoulders lovingly. Poppy, if you have any problem…

We’re not fighting, I jumped in defensively.

Lilly stared at me and I can see she was just trying to help. Lilly and I were close and she knew everything about me more than Rose or Daisy did.

Then what? Why did you burst in the door, ran upstairs, slammed the door of your bedroom and went to the rooftop and cried? she demanded to know again. I sighed again and went to grab a glass. I filled it with cold water and sat on the kitchen’s table. I had to tell her the truth.

I stared on the table and bit my lower lip again. I closed my eyes, picturing her facial expressions if I finished telling her what had actually happen this afternoon. I could see her calm look, her angry look, upset look, confused look and stunned look as I closed my eyes. But between all of them, I could see her calm face clearly compared to other expressions. Lilly was hardly angry with me and that was why I hardly see her angry face. I turned to her and exhaled slowly. I destroyed Isla’s skipping rope. In pieces, I began. I waited for her response but she sat in front of me with a glass of water in her hand.

I stared at her, still waiting for her response. But she was very quiet. Lilly, I called her and she turned to me lazily. "I destroyed Isla’s skipping rope," I repeated with a tense tone.

How? she asked slowly. I scoffed and looked away with an angry feeling. How? What had got into Lilly? She did not even look as if she cared about my explanations. How did you do it?

I turned back to her. I didn’t. Technically and rationally, I answered. I felt tense at this moment when she only asked me how I destroyed Isla’s skipping rope. Lilly stared at me without a word coming out of her mouth. It wasn’t me. To be honest, it wasn’t.

Lilly finally opened her mouth. But with calm face. What do you mean it’s you but wasn’t you? she asked. I took a deep breath and sat up straight. This is it, I thought. I mean, it was me who did it. But it wasn’t my intention. Lilly tried to speak but I quickly cut her line. I didn’t want to do it. Isla was going to hit me with her skipping rope and… and… , I paused. I bit my lower lip and thought to myself. Should I tell her? What if she would not believe me? I had to try.

And what? she demanded again with a wrinkled forehead. And what, Poppy?

I inhaled hard and looked at her straight in the eye. Isla was going to hit me with a skipping rope and… a light came through my hand. It destroyed her skipping rope, I answered breathlessly. I didn’t mean to but the voice. That voice made me!

Lilly looked stunned but after a while, she smiled. I thought so. It’s you, she said slowly and mysteriously. She rose, grabbed my hand and walked me upstairs into my room.

She closed the door and I walked toward my bed. What do you mean, you thought so? I asked when she sat next to me. I was telling her the real story when she suddenly grabbed my hand and led me back to my bedroom. She smiled again and stroked my blonde hair. You know, when you were six months old, Mum took you and me out to the park, she began. And when we were resting, an old woman came and she told Mum that when you’re fourteen, something beautiful will happen. I laughed in sarcasm. Beautiful? I asked her and I chuckled with my mouth closed. Destroying someone else’s things is not beautiful, Lilly.

I know and I wasn’t talking about it. At all, she said. She looked down and after a few seconds, she turned back to me. Poppy, what I’m saying is you’re a special girl. Use it well.

She kissed the top of my head and left the room. I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. I closed my mouth. I rose and walked slowly toward the closed windows. I pulled away the curtains and watched the mist on my windows. I touched it and suddenly, a wind blew it dry. Not a single mist was painted on my windows. I gasped and looked outside. Am I dreaming? Does this specialty have something to do with the rain and the wind? I bit my lower lip and tried to think something that might hurt my feelings. I thought of my late Grandma but it did not work. There was no rain falling down. Not even close, the sky was bright and the clouds were rolling in and white. I sighed and tried to think again. I remembered about Laura. I thought about friends-comparisons and I felt like my heart was torn apart. I felt sad and I did not notice I was starting to cry slowly. The tears running down my face began to speed up and when I looked at the sky, it was already dark. And they were waiting to fall to the ground.

It worked. So it rained whenever I cried. Only if it was from sadness or the feeling of hurt. I ran downstairs to get Lilly. And I found her in the living room. I swiftly grabbed her hand and walked her to the kitchen. I turned to her. It rains if I’m sad or hurt, I said. I didn’t know it at first but it does. I thought this was stupid but it’s not.

Lilly smiled and patted my shoulder. I knew it’s you, Poppy. Don’t tell anyone, she said and she put something in my hand. It was hard and round. I wrinkled my forehead as I looked at my hand. I opened it slowly. Lilly gave me a round-shaped stone and she asked me to turn it into a ribbon.

What? Lilly, I’m not a witch. And I can’t change this silly stone, I exclaimed and I squeezed the stone in my hand. Just try, Poppy, she convinced me.

No, I said. I just told you about me destroying Isla’s skipping rope, I heard a voice in my head and it rains if I’m sad but all you ever told me about it is ask me to change this stone into a ribbon? I glared at her with my eyes wide opened. I’m telling you, I can’t do it!

Poppy, she called and she held both my shoulders gently. She was trying to convince me to do it but I was not as confident as she was. I was filled with doubts. Just close your eyes. Imagine a ribbon and squeeze the stone slowly in your hand.

I can’t, I said slowly and I looked into her eyes deeply. You know I can’t.

Try. Close your eyes and imagine it, she repeated slowly. She closed my hand with the stone in it and asked me to close my eyes. I exhaled hard and took a deep breath. I sighed when I was about to close my eyes. Don’t sigh.

I opened my eyes and stared at her. Why? I asked.

She smiled sweetly and stroked my hair. It shows you’re worried and in doubts, she answered patiently. My forehead wrinkled again. "I am worried and in doubts, I said sarcastically. She was still smiling when I said that. And I fully respected Lilly as she was such a patient elder sister and understood me a lot. She would never make me cry. Because all she loved to do was make me smile and laugh. Just close your eyes, Poppy," she requested.

I gave her a smirk and did what she told me to do. I closed my eyes and started to imagine a ribbon that I had always wanted. I squeeze my hand with the stone in it. I opened my eyes and looked into my hand. The stone was still there. I turned to Lilly with raised eyebrows. Do it again. This time, focus, she ordered. I sighed again and repeated the steps. Without a second doubt and being focused, I thought about a ribbon I had always wanted while I squeezed the stone slowly. After a few seconds, I felt something soft in my palm. I opened one eye and took a look in my hand. Lilly, I gasped. I showed her a blue ribbon in my hand with my mouth opened.

Good one, Poppy, exclaimed Lilly, excitedly.

Is this normal? I mean, for me, I asked with a doubtful grin. Lilly stopped smiling and looked at me seriously. You mustn’t tell anyone about this, Poppy, she warned me. Not even Laura? I asked. She stared into my green eyes and nodded. But I have to! She is my best friend in my entire life and she needs to know what’s wrong with me.

There’s nothing wrong with you, she said defensively.

Then why not?

I don’t want people think you’re weird, she explained slowly. I know you’re weird about this and by not telling others could avoid bad things from hitting you.

That’s stupid, I commented and I crossed my arms over my chest. Please tell me I can tell Laura. Just Laura.

Lilly stared into my eyes before she slowly smiled. She nodded. Just Laura, she said and she hugged me. I smiled to myself and felt better that she let me told Laura about my specialty.

Chapter 1

14th February 2008

It was windy outside when I was staring at the sky. I felt my eyes watered as I closed my eyes slowly. A flashback started to play in my head and I quickly erased it from my thoughts. It was painful and hard to remember. I crossed my arms across my chest and looked to the front. My neighbour, Taylor and her family were going to move out. I saw she was busy helping her mother packing up their things. Her three young sisters were running around her house and I saw her older brother, Alex, was busy chatting with his girlfriend, Victoria, on the sidewalk bench.

I sighed and looked back at the dimmed blue sky. It was almost night time. I suddenly remembered something. I quickly took a glance of my calendar on the wall. It was Fourteenth of February. My birthday!

Suddenly, I heard someone opened my bedroom door. I ran inside, closed the door of my balcony and grabbed a book from my table. I pretended to read it on my bed. It was Lilly. She came with a big package in her hand. I turned to her and smiled as I put down my book. Well, that’s a big package for someone who has two sons, I said in humour and we laughed. Lilly was married to her best friend, Drew and they had two twin sons named Farris and Carl. They both were seven years old. While my other two sisters, Rose and Daisy had engaged. Lilly sat next to me on the bed and gave the package for me.

Lucky me if this package is mine. But, this is for you, she said.

My forehead wrinkled. My package? For me? I asked. I put my book away and pulled the package doubtfully. She nodded.

Yes, she answered.

Who is it from? I asked again. She laughed and patted my shoulder while I was in a state of confusion. What? I demanded.

She stopped laughing and cleared her throat. Well, Poppy dear, she began. She held my shoulder. This is your birthday present from me. Got it? she said as she touched the package I was holding. My mouth dropped and she pretended to closed it back. Pre—present? I asked in stutter as I lifted my eyebrows. She nodded again and smiled. I was very excited that I hugged her happily. Now you’re being a child, she complained. I laughed and I felt my eyes watered again. She saw it and quickly pulled out a tissue. Your eyes watered again, she said as she wiped my watery eyes slowly.

Is that a sign? I asked sarcastically.

Very funny, she replied. Oh and here’s another present. It’s from Drew. She handed me a small square-shaped package. I took it and unwrapped it.

I screamed hysterically and Lilly jumped in shock. Poppy, if Mum hears you, you’re dead, she warned me. I looked at her with a grin on my face.

I know. But this is… this is . . , I stuttered as I thought for a perfect word to describe my feeling. This is… thrilling! I said.

She sat close to me and was as excited as I was. Your songs. Your very own CD, she said.

Uh-huh, I replied simply.

She looked at me weirdly with wrinkled forehead. But how? she asked. I looked at her and half-laughed. Lilly, don’t you remember? I asked her back. She quickly shook her head. I rolled my eyes. She did not know? Well, Drew took me to his studio last time. And he said he wanted me to sing my own songs. I didn’t expect him to turn it into this, I said excitedly and showed her the CD. She took it from my hand and scoffed. It has ‘Hidden Eyes’? she asked me. I nodded. ‘Hidden Eyes’ was her favourite song. I took the CD back and walked toward my CD player.

The player had spin the songs and when it came to ‘Hidden Eyes’, Lilly sang it beautifully. But when the song changed to a song entitled ‘Your Brown Guitar’, I felt a sudden sadness. I looked away and a brown guitar which was on the floor caught my eyes. It reminds me of thousand memories and it was hurting me.

Well . . , began Lilly and she made me snag a little. I realized the CD had stopped spinning all of my twenty songs. . . . Go change. Mum and Dad are going to have a birthday party for you, she told me. She rose and was about to closed the door behind her when I called her name. She turned.

What’s the theme? I asked.

She grinned and threw plastic lavenders to me. Ball, she answered and she went away.

I was checking out the dress Lilly gave me. It was a milky white satin dress. And she put a pair of wedges inside the package with the dress too. I put them on my bed and walked to the balcony again. I remembered the time Lilly told me that I was special. She said it was true. She was closed with me compared to my other two sisters, Rose and Daisy. I realized the specialties in me compared to them. The three of them were brunettes while I was a blonde. My hair was curly while they had straight and wavy hair. Lilly had blue eyes and I had dark green eyes while Rose and Daisy had brown eyes. Lilly also told me things like it rained whenever I was sad or hurt. I did not believe on this one but it had happened more than I ever thought. It rained heavily and I was surprised myself. I smiled alone as I looked down to the floor.

I closed the door of the balcony again and went for a shower. I had to get ready for tonight. Today will be my twenty-fifth birthday. I cannot wait to see my best friends, especially my best friend forever, Laura Hilder.

I had put on the new dress and shoes. And I was brushing my curly hair. Lilly wanted me to straighten it but I did not want to. I loved my hair to be naturally curly. Then, I heard someone knocking on my door. I stopped brushing my hair and turned around. Come in, I said. I turned back to my mirror and continued brushing my hair without glancing at who was coming in. I had a feeling that it was Lilly.

Lilly came and she looked beautiful in her white feminine tuxedo. She walked toward me and took the hair brush from my hand. You’re not wearing your ball gown, I complained. She laughed. I’m going out with Drew. He’s taking me out to dinner, she said. She helped me brush my hair while I wore my earrings.

I like your blonde hair, she said again. They look perfect with your dark green eyes. I smiled and half-laughed.

But not as perfect as a chosen one, huh, I teased her. She stopped brushing my hair and looked straight at me. Poppy, don’t say that. You’ll hurt again, she said slowly and she looked sad. I cleared my throat and faked a laugh. Of course I wouldn’t think of it, I replied. Don’t worry, Lilly. It’s a history. I took my hair brush from her hand and rose. I rose, showed her the dress and she loved it. Perfect, she commented with a funny crooked smile. I laughed so hard that suddenly Mum came into my room.

Poppy! Lilly! What are you laughing about? The guests are already here, she announced with an angry face. I bit my lip while Lilly tried so hard not to burst out laughing.

Sorry. Lilly told me that this dress is perfect, I said as I took a glance of Lilly, who was still trying her hardest not to laugh. Mum smiled happily. You are, dear, she said and she closed the door behind her.

Thank you for helping me, sis, I said to Lilly, sarcastically. I took my hair brush back and brushed my hair for the last time.

Well, at least good for you, she said. She headed for the door and turned to me. Hurry up. I’ll wait outside, she ordered and she closed the door behind her.

I was sitting on my bed when my pet rabbit, Puffball, hopped on my feet. I snagged for I was thinking to myself. I sighed in silence and held her in my arms. You really love to snag me, aren’t you? I asked her. She stared at me with her cute dark eyes and kept quiet. I rose and headed for the door to go downstairs. Lilly was waiting for me on the staircase and when she saw me holding Puffball in my arms, she planted her fingers on her hips. You’re going to meet our family members and your friends while holding Puffy? she demanded. My forehead wrinkled when she called Puffball ‘Puffy’.

She’s Puffball, I corrected.

Okay, okay. Puffball, she said. But you can’t bring her downstairs, meeting our family and friends. I put Puffball down and half-laughed. Who says I want to? I asked. Before she could open her mouth and fought with me, I went down the staircase, laughing to myself. Lilly grabbed my hand. Don’t leave me like that, she said in humour. I laughed. I can’t believe you’re a mother of two, I replied. Her eyes widened and they looked like they were going to pop out.

Okay, fine. Say whatever you like, she said, giving up.

Chapter 2

Lilly and I walked down the staircase and I felt my knees were shaking as the guests stared at me. I leaned in to Lilly. At least they’re people, I said in a trembling voice. She laughed slowly. We both walked toward our parents who were waiting for us near the stage. Both of them smiled to me happily. Happy Birthday, honey, wished Mum as she hugged and kissed me. Dad patted my shoulder. You’re a big girl now, Poppy, he said. I saw his eyes watered. Maybe excited, maybe sad because I would be leaving this place and find my ambition.

Aww… Dad, said Lilly. She patted Dad’s shoulder tease fully and Mum laughed.

Well, I’m off to meet my friends. See you, I said and before they could say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, I already left to meet my friends.

I walked through the crowd to find them. Instead, I met my uncles and aunties. I talked to them for a while and invited them to help themselves on some food and drinks. Then, I continued looking for my friends. Happy Birthday, Poppy! wished someone behind me. I turned around and was thrilled. Taylor!! I cried excitedly and I hugged her. Whoa, there, she said and we both laughed. I quickly loosened the hug.

I thought you’re moving out today, I said, still could not believe it was Taylor who wished me from behind. Well, I told Mother today’s your birthday. So, we changed the plan, she explained.

So when are you going to move out? I asked. It was good to see her before she left. On the day after tomorrow, she answered.

But at least we meet here. This party would be miserable without you, I said and she laughed. As if! she said. We both talked for a while before her phone rang and she excused herself.

I went to look for Laura but someone else caught my eyes. He looked familiar. I felt like I knew him somewhere. I tried to follow him but he did not see me in the crowd. I walked pass my family members and was close enough behind him. But before I could pat his shoulder, my friends called me. I turned and faked a smile so that they would not suspect a thing. Chloe, Roxxi, Susan, Alicia and Alexa came and wished me ‘Happy Birthday’. Hey, you look pale, complained Chloe in her American accent. She was an American. To be exact, she lived in Los Angeles but both her parents were originated from Bradford. Her family decided to live here and she told me she was very happy living in Bradford. I touched my face when she said that. Pale? What do you mean? I demanded. Susan touched my forehead and half-laughed. You don’t look pale, she said. I turned to Chloe and she shrugged her shoulders. My bad, she replied in humour.

So, you’re old now, said Roxxi as she took a bite of a brownie from her plate. We all laughed. But not that old-old, added Alicia.

Okay, okay. I’m old but not old-old, I said as I tried to straight it out. My best friends were funny. And it was a lot better when they were with me.

Yeah that, said Chloe. So, since you’re old… she stopped as she began to laugh. . . . What are you going to do in your life? she asked. I looked up and thought to myself for a while. Well, more songs to write, more… I stopped as I was thinking what else I can do in my life.

Okay, we know, Alexa jumped in.

You do? I asked her as I lifted my eyebrows.

She nodded confidently. To be in conclusion, more music, she answered. I nodded while the others laughed their hearts out.

After talking to them for an hour, Dad took a microphone and stood onstage. Attention, ladies and gentlemen, he began. The guests stopped talking and turned to him. My mouth dropped as I turned. He had changed his clothes into a fine suit and Mum wore a beautiful lilac gown. Chloe leaned in to whisper. That shoes look good on your Mum’s gown, she commented. I laughed. One thing Chloe was an expert of. It involved fashion.

Good evening, everyone. I just want to wish my dearest daughter, Poppy Alyssa Skyblue… he said. I leaned in to Lilly, who was standing not far from me.

Do they have to know my middle name? I demanded but she preferred to laugh rather than answering my odd question.

. . . A very Happy Twenty-Fifth Birthday. You’re a big girl now, Poppy. And your Mum and I believe that you can do better in your life rather than… he stopped as he looked at Mum beside him.

Music! shouted Rose and the guests laughed as they looked at me. My eyes widened and I felt a sudden heat burning on my face. She turned to me and I narrowed my eyes. She bit her lip as she tried not to laugh. Dad cleared his throat and gave a warning look to Rose. Funny, Rosey, he said and the guests and I laughed so hard. Rosey? That was an awful name for her. I turned to her and she pulled her face away in sulk. Dad turned back to the guests. I wish every happiness to you and I hope you’ll be happy forever. Always know that your Mum, your sisters and I love you more than anything else in this world, he said before he passed the microphone to Daisy.

Thanks, Dad, she said when she took the microphone. She turned to the guests and smiled nervously. This was her second time to be onstage. The first time she went onstage was when she was sixteen and was performing Snow White in school.

Well, I just want to say here that, Poppy, since you’re twenty-five years old now, you know what’s good and bad for you. I just hope you won’t forget the things we shared and did together when you leave this place we call home, she said and she stopped. She tried to catch her breath before she continued. And exactly like Dad said, we all love you. So, good luck in whatever you’re doing. Especially music, she said and she stared at Rose. Rose grinned. She turned off the microphone and gave it to Lilly. Lilly turned it on and smiled to me. I gave her a thumb-up with a grin on my face. She laughed. Okay, Poppy, she began. I stopped doing the sign and paid attention to what she was going to say.

I want to wish you ‘Happy Birthday’. May this will be your chance to see the world and since Dad told you that you’re free if you’re twenty-five… she stopped as the guests started to laugh. . . . Which obviously, you are now… she said and she stopped again when they laughed again. . . . I just hope you achieve everything you dreamed about. You’re a big girl now, so don’t cry if things get out of your hand. You know what happens if you do, she said, giving me a knowing look. I nodded. Only Lilly and I knew what would happen if I cried.

She smiled. Well, I guess that’s all, she said. Oh, do you want to say anything, Poppy? she asked me. I gasped and was about to shook my head before Chloe and the others rooting my name. Yes! Yes! She wants to! they shouted excitedly. I turned to them and half-laughed.

No… No… No… I said but they wanted me to say something onstage. I had no choice. I sighed and slowly walked through the crowd. I saw the familiar person again. And this time, he smiled to me. Both his dimples showed on each side of his cheek. I tried to recall his name but failed. Eventually, I ignored him and went onstage.

I took the microphone and took a deep breath. Onstage, I can see the familiar person clearly. I snagged when Lilly touched my shoulder. I faked a smile to cover up my feelings and looked to the front. Except for that person at the end of the crowd. I cleared my throat. Hi, everyone, I began and I admitted. I was very nervous that time and could not take my eyes off of the person. I felt like I knew him very well.

I don’t know what to say actually. I don’t have a note about this, I admitted but the crowd laughed. They thought I was joking. But it’s good to be here again and I just want to say thank you to my parents, for having faith in me throughout all these years. Raising me up and for being there for me when I needed them the most, I said and I turned to Mum and Dad, who were smiling to me. I smiled back and turned back to the front. Second, for my sisters. Lilly, you helped me a lot and I’m glad you like my songs. Especially ‘Hidden Eyes’, I said and I half-laughed. At least, you taught me how to express my feelings through words. I dedicate that song to you, I added and I spoke the words of the song a bit.

When I stopped speaking it to the guests, I took another deep breath. And for Rose, I said as I looked at her with lazy eyes. You know perfectly well that you’re the one who loves to crack something up, I said and they laughed. Including Rose herself. And you know well I love you.

I stopped laughing and cleared my throat. Now, Daisy, I called. She looked at me and smiled. You’re a great sister a girl could ask for. And I’m lucky to be your sister. She grinned. I raised my hand a bit and smiled. Love this ring. Thank you, I said as I looked at it. It was a silver ring with a blue square shaped diamond on the top and she gave it to me as a present. I took a deep breath swiftly when I realised the crowd went silent. I faked a sweet smile on my face and turned to my best friends.

To my best friends—Laura, Roxxi, Susan, Alicia, Alexa and Chloe, I called their names and I was looking for Laura but she was not in the crowd. Well, Laura’s still not here yet, but that’s okay, I said. For all of you, thank you for being great friends in my life. I still can’t believe we’re not in Headington Campus anymore and hanging out under our favourite shady oak tree, I said and they laughed. I laughed too. That’ll be okay. I’m hoping we could find a shady tree next time and rest under it together, I joked and they laughed again. And now for the guests, I said and I laughed as I saw them rooting my name. "Well, you’re my family members and I am so glad to have such supporting family members. You understand my work and most importantly, you love me, I said in humour and they laughed. Thank you so much for being here. This is an honour for me. And please, help yourselves with the food and drink. P/s, Mum made them all," I said in humour again. They laughed and suddenly, I saw my cousin, Emily, held up her hand into the air.

Yes, Emily? I asked.

She pulled down her hand and smiled sweetly. Are you still writing songs for singers, Poppy? she demanded.

I half-laughed. I write songs everyday. But right now I’m not sure I’m going to send one to whom, I answered. I had write so many songs and popular singers sang them. The most favourable songs were Lilly’s favourite ‘Hidden Eyes’, ‘When You’re Here’ and ‘My Song’.

But not all of my songs were sent to them. I kept some because the others were very personal and I did not want to publish them. Especially ‘Your Brown Guitar’. I wrote a new song too but could not finish the last two paragraphs of it. I called it ‘Heart Song’. Something told me to leave it like that. I wondered why but could not tell it myself.

Can you sing your latest song to us? requested my other cousin, Tim. He grinned at me and I faked a laugh. This was getting harder.

No… Well, I… I can’t. Sorry, I said as I stuttered. I did not want to sing my latest song live on my birthday. My latest song was ‘Your Brown Guitar’. It was very personal.

Please, Poppy, pleaded Jane. I shook my head and laughed. I felt like the situation was out of control. I looked at Dad but all he did was nodding his head. He wanted me to sing as their request from me. I sighed and faked a smile to them. Okay, I said and they cheered excitedly. I pulled the microphone off from its stand and thought of a song to sing. I must not sing ‘Your Brown Guitar’ to them. I got it. I took a deep breath and sang them ‘Something Good’. I only sang half of the song because to be coincidence, I had a sore throat.

Well, that’s all. I have a sore throat. I’m very sorry, I apologized but they gave me a huge applause. I half-laughed and felt like about to cry for they were very supportive. I thanked them and put the microphone away.

Chapter 3

I walked toward my sisters as I saw Chloe and the others helped themselves with the food and drink. Lilly, Rose and Daisy greeted me with happy faces. Now I know who sings beautifully in the bathroom, Daisy joked. I laughed and slapped her arm slowly.

Shut up. At least my singing voice is better than yours, I replied. She dropped her mouth and scoffed.

Excuse me? she demanded.

I stopped laughing and looked away. I was still looking for Laura but at the same time, I was looking for that person. After a while, I heard Rose shrieked. I quickly turned to her. What is it? I asked. She looked at me apologetically and gave me a broken smile. Edward called me just now and I forgot to call him back, she said. Edward was her fiancé. He was in New York, doing research about polluted water. Oh Rose. You just shriek like that just because you forgot to call him? asked Daisy. Rose glared at her.

Of course. You don’t know Edward. He can be unpredictable, answered Rose. She quickly took out her phone and dialled Edward’s number.

Um—Rose, I called. She turned to me.

I think you’ll need privacy, I commented. She laughed and patted my shoulder. Yes, you’re right, sis, she replied. Bye, all, she said before she walked away.

Well, I’m off to find Laura. She should’ve been here hours ago, I complained as I crossed my arms over my chest. Both Lilly and Daisy nodded.

Good. Because I have a date with Mike tonight, said Daisy. I gasped and I slapped her arm. Ouch! she cried.

You didn’t tell me you have a date with him tonight, I scolded her. Mike Liveken was her fiancé and they planned to get married on December. Mike was from Liverpool but he had an apartment here in Bradford. He worked at Dad’s hospital and he really got along with Dad. Daisy rubbed her arm slowly and made an angry face to me. Well, what if I told you? she demanded. I rolled my eyes and Lilly saw me. Poppy, don’t roll your eyes, she advised me.

Sorry, I simply replied. I turned back to Daisy and gave her a serious look. But deep down inside, I tried hard not to laugh. If you tell me before, I’d ask Dad not to invite you from the first place, I said confidently.

Daisy’s eyes widened in disbelief. What? Why? she demanded again.

Well, I think it’s very lucky of you he asks you for a date tonight. He can’t take you out every night, I answered.

Really? she asked me for the third time.

I frowned harshly. Stop asking me. Now go, I said in humour as I pushed her away from me slowly. She laughed. Anyhow, this is for you, she said as she handed me a present. I took it and when I realized she was still standing in front of me, I pointed her to the gate. The gate’s outside. And uh— . . . I stopped as I saw a black car parked outside the gate. You better go. He’s here. She turned around and quickly turned back to me.

Well, toodles, she said and she quickly went away.

I went to look for Laura again after I talked with Lilly. She went to her husband and her twin sons after we talked. And I saw Drew gave the twins to Mum and took Lilly out with his car. I walked through the crowd and started looking. Suddenly, I felt someone patted me on the back. I turned and was surprised. Laura was here! Laura!! I cried excitedly and we hugged each other. After minutes of hugging, we loosened our hug. I thought you won’t come, I said. She laughed.

Of course I will come, she said with a sweet smile on her face. I half-laughed. She had a point. Oh really? Then why are you late? I asked. She looked up and thought for a while. "Well, I was driving here when suddenly my car broke down. But lucky me, someone helped me by giving me a