I woke up to bright rays. The sun was out already. I grabbed my phone and the time was 11:13. What can I say? I'm a heavy sleeper. Also, I didn't quite sleep early. I wanted to snuggle with my panda boo. It was the stuffed panda toy dad got me when I was four. Always kept it close. But I had a full closet to pack and only two hands. Martha had the maids bring some moving boxes for my stuff. I reluctantly got out of bed to the bathroom. After making myself a hot bath I got relaxed in it. It had just been an hour when I heard Martha shouting outside my room. She told me to hurry out of the bathtub. And I told her I was in the shower, but she knew I was lying. She warned me to get out of the bath else she'd drag me out. I knew she wasn't kidding. I immediately got out of the bath. I got ready fast, I just made my hair into a quick messy bun, threw on some sweatpants, and started packing. Everything I touched reminded me of something. There were so many memories here, and it just broke my heart to leave. This has been my home for as long as I can remember. And this room was my safe space. At least no more Freya, which is a score. That unbearable witch, she was not even worth this much. I was surprised she didn't come scolding Martha and me for all the noise we were making last night. Today, she's not outside my room ranting. What am I even complaining about? She can go to hell for all I care. I know I can be cruel sometimes, but she started it. Last night, after I had dinner with Martha in the kitchen I went back to my room. took a shower and dropped to my bed. I couldn't sleep. Ended up watching a two-hour documentary on Tourettes syndrome. It was a recommended feed and I decided to take a peek. Honestly, I enjoyed it. It was insightful and educative. Also quite sad. I decided to check social media and my Insta account was flooded with messages. Most people asked and commented about my trip with Art. Our pictures were getting so many likes. Someone commented on a picture of me and Art. 'they look so good together I just scrolled past it. well because we all knew where that was heading. These immature teenagers, tsk. Another read. 'Asia you're the queen. Can't wait to see you at school." It had a lot of likes. I scoffed and thought to myself if only they knew I wasn't coming back. These people were going to lose their queen. Well, Regina can gobble it up now. Regina was my arch-rival at school and everyone knew. I should just straight up say, she was JEALOUS. Well, I didn't have actual friends in school but it was still a nice place. I wanted it like that. I had Arthur. Arthur completed high school last year and I was left all alone. He felt bad about it, but I assured him I could manage. I know he wasn't fully convinced, but it would be silly to act on that. Last night was great. Talking to Martha was nice. Ever since mom died she's been taking extra care of me, making sure I was OK. I liked her. She's been around for as long as I can remember. I was halfway through packing when Art texted me, saying he'd come to take me to the airport. It was nice I got to spend a little more time with my best friend before we depart. He was going to Oxford and I was going to New York, such a great distance. We had already talked about plans and visits. Also about how much we'd miss each other. My mind drifted to what Martha said yesterday about Art, it was just silly. I went to the closet to pack some bags. I plan on shopping for more in NYC along with some other stuff but there were some I simply could not leave behind. This was slowly turning into a no accessories left behind the operation. I guess everything just looked so good on me it would just be a waste to just leave it. Yeah, narcissistic me. I randomly picked a bright orange-colored handbag. It was the Kelly bag mom got me from Hermes. "hey pumpkin, I have a surprise for you " what ?" I asked so excited. I didn't even wait for her answer as I wildly assumed for myself ." you're finally gonna let me get that tattoo of JJ Quinn." I asked squealing in excitement. I was out of this world at this point. "No. what?" She asked with a confused face. Then continued "I said no tats, you're fifteen." But I wasn't giving up. This was JJ. My favorite pop idol! "It would just be her face" I pleaded earnestly trying to force a sad face. "nope." came the quick reply. "OK her autograph." I tried again. "no missy." I could see the irritated look she held. It failed too. "OK I'll settle for the name." I remain optimistic hopping that if I pushed just the right buttons she would budge, but she didn't change her mind. "you're not settling for anything, you're gonna be tattoo...less probably forever". She said as the look remained on her face " You're serious?!" I couldn't hide my disappointment, it was evident in my voice. Her face said it all and I didn't want to push it. "OK what's my surprise" her mood changed and she smiled bringing her hands from behind her up in my face. She had it in them, my new favorite item. "Look at this heart stopper darling?" she said happily. "wow, this looks amazing. Thank you." the bag looked divine. "It's new from Hermes. I got it just for you." she added. I took the bag and checked it out "Now I'll show Regina" I said with a mean grin. "Yes, baby. I saw how she rubbed that Versace Medusa in your face at the club last month." Was she seriously telling me to get even with the girl who's been making my life hell at school? "Everyone was looking at her" I sulked as I said that. "kill her with this baby. And also this is me gracing you with feminine power." she smugged as she said this and pointed to the bag. "now I'll show everyone." So you see me and Regina did not just happen, it takes years to build so much hate for someone. And it was almost time for reaping. It didn't matter if I was leaving, I still hated Regina. I was beyond ecstatic at this point. It didn't matter that she was helping me sabotage another insecure teenager, what mattered was she was on my side. She came to stand behind me placing her hands on my shoulder so delicately. "Let that two-faced wannabe B-I-A-T-C-H! know who rules." I was shocked as she never used such words before so I turned to ask. "is it OK to curse now?" "no" came the short reply. "we don't want your father giving us a lecture about 'how our words contribute to our formed personality' She said mimicking dad's voice so well. "Damn, that's savage." we both burst out laughing. 'Thank you mom, I love you." "Love you too Asia." I opened my eyes to see Martha's worried face. "Mi Amor, are you OK?" I touched my cheeks and found them all wet from the streaks of tears coming out of my eyes. Taking in my surrounding, "I must have dazed out." I said unsure of what just happened. "yes you did." "I came to ask you what you wanted for breakfast and found you like this" she added. Her voice was low and sounded worried. I got up from the bed and took my cardigan from the coat rack by the closet then grabbed my phone from the bedside table. That was when I heard Martha ask, "Asia where are you going?" I refused to look at her and said," I can't talk right now I've got to go." But she sounded really worried. Guess my sniffling wasn't helping things. "don't leave like this." I completely ignored her and put on the cardigan. I dipped my hands in my pockets and found the car key. Staying adamant she asked "At least tell me where you're going?" her voice sounded so weak, she was probably holding back the tears. I just walked out of the room leaving Martha dumbfounded." I rushed downstairs straight to the garage. I got in the car, took a deep breath then sped off. I didn't know what I was doing. the only thing I was sure of was that I needed to see my mom. I got to the cemetery. And from where I packed the car, I could see mom's grave. I took slow short steps there. I was glad that there were fresh flowers, at least someone still remembered her. I let out a loud cry all on impulse. And there was no need to deny it anymore. The tears fell and I felt at my weakest. My knees completely gave in and I just let it. There, on the ground; worn out from crying, I thought of only her and how life was better when she was around. I didn't know how long it had been but there was a shabby-looking old man who tapped me on the shoulder and immediately I jolted back. He must have been doing it for a while. I got up and apologized. he must be the caretaker. "I'm sorry Sir" I felt a little embarrassed. He just smiled and then said, "It's OK miss, let it all out." I just stared at him. "I'll leave you then". I just nodded and he left. I looked back at the grave and found myself reminiscing on memories. I spent another hour with mom. Telling her all about the trip, moving to New York, and also about Freya. Even told her about how well Martha was caring for me. I felt much relieved after that. The stuffy air around me was no more.
I got back home and I found Martha talking to one of the maids. she was yelling and the maid was fidgeting. It was funny. She always did this when she was stressed. She heard me giggle and turned to me. She had the look. It was as scary as always. I immediately shut my face up and prepared myself mentally for what awaited. And truly without disappointment, the yelling and insults began. I kept myself composed but the Spanish overtook me. Just imagine your angry nanny scolding you in Spanish. The words rolled off her tongue and I couldn't help it anymore. I cracked up. She stopped and the angry look on her face looked worse. I told her I went to see my mom and she sighed and completely calmed. " I understand mocosa mimada." She sighed "I give up. Just get upstairs look at everything I packed make sure everything is OK and come down for breakfast. it's not breakfasted anymore now is it?" "Don't worry Martha I can eat both, so let's combine both and make one big brunch." I jokingly said clapping my hands together. Martha gasped and smacked me on the head, well she didn't think it funny. Another one was on the way but I dodged it and quickly dashed to my room. Martha did a good job. Everything was nicely done. My phone chimed and I saw a text from Art. It said he was on his way. I went downstairs again and did as Martha ordered I didn't want to get her angrier than she already was. She told me Freya had to go on a last-minute business trip. So that's why I haven't heard her nonsense?
I went under the shower real quick, and started getting ready in the closet when I heard Arthur's voice. "hey, I'm here." I replied, "Yeah I'm almost done." I came out of the closet for my laces. "hey just five more minutes" All I got was an "mhm". I looked over at Arthur and found him staring at me. That was strange. Why? Then the realization hit me! I was only wearing a mid-thigh chemise which hugged my body. But this was not the first time Arthur had seen me like this. I've been half-naked in front of him like a thousand times. Does he like me? Was Martha right all this time? He didn't notice I was in turn looking at him cause his eyes roamed all over my body. His mouth was a bit agape. I didn't know what to feel at that moment, just knew that this was wrong. But it did turn me on a little which was crazy cause this is Arthur. He lifted his eyes to my face and that was where our eyes met, I felt glued to the spot. I thought he was going to apologize and excuse himself but no he didn't. He casually got up and took slow steps toward me and my feet fondled each other. Arthur came
to stand right in front of me. He was so close that a little bend on my part and I would find me falling on him. He put both his hands behind his back. It was something he normally did, which was always charming. He closed the little gap between us placing his mouth on my ear. A wave of fright went over me and I found myself shaking a little. Then he said "why do you always do this? I'm not wood Asia...the fact that we're friends doesn't mean I don't want you." He pulsed for a while and that split second was enough to take in everything he just said. Arthur wanted me? So basically he wanted to sleep with me. I should have been disgusted but truthfully I was excited. Asia, you are crazy, everyone knows that but this is your best friend. Damn...I'm dead. "It's taking me a lot to hold myself from doing anything to you." He blurted out. All I could say was a faint "what?" I was really shy and could feel my face turning red. "Tell me something Asia? What is stopping me from bending you over and taking you right here right now." I didn't reply. It sounded so good. I wanted this too. I wished he would just do it. He nibbed on my ear and I moan as I had never felt this before. "fuck this" I heard Arthur whisper. He continued with the kisses as he trailed them down my neck. My neck felt moist and I felt pleasure from whatever Art was doing to me. His two hands grabbed my waist and my breathing quickened. His hands went down my ass and groped them. The kisses continued and I found myself completely melted when his one hand ravaged my body and found its way to my boobs. "Oh my god Art." I moan out his name and he was quick to reply in his musky voice which affected me further. "I want you Asia. I want you so badly" That was when everything came to me, I am making out with my best friend. Without thinking I pushed Arthur off of me. But my little hands couldn't do much. Arthur stood still staring at me and I knew this was not going to be pretty. I was mentally judging and cursing myself at this point. I let anger overtake me for I couldn't do this with a clear mind. "I'm sorry..." I didn't let him finish as I slapped him on the left cheek. "what he'll be that Art? we're supposed to be best friends." "I know, I just lost control." he looked embarrassed and you could see he felt awful, but I wasn't letting go "and you think losing control is OK?!" I asked in an angry voice "Asia it didn't mean anything. Let's not do this." I could see the tears from his eyes threatening to fall. "so it meant nothing?" He was reluctant to answer but he did "yes." My heart sunk and I felt hurt. But I kept my cool "and it will never happen again?" He immediately replied "Yes. Asia don't overthink this, we're Asia and Arthur, Asian-Art remember? I'm sorry I let this happen forgive me" My mood quickly changed as I became much calmer. I didn't want to lose my best friend because of some stupid hormones which can't stay in check. "I can't blame you for this, I kinda let it happen too. Arthur you're my friend and I don't want to lose you." I hugged him tight, it felt like seconds before he hugged me back. He murmured a sorry. I felt so guilty. "We don't have to talk about it or make it weird." We let go and I could see the hurt in his eyes. He just nodded severally to show consent. This was our last day together until God knows when and I didn't want it going down like this. I would make it up to him somehow. I got back to the closet and finished dressing up. I put on a little make-up cause my face looked pale. Arthur and I went downstairs afterward. I was glad things weren't awkward cause, he was my best friend and I didn't want to lose him. We said goodbye to Martha as Paul and some maids put my things in the car. I tried to make the ride less awkward as possible. I decided to be my self-absorbed self and get as much reaction from him as possible, and it worked. It was just like when we would hang out. I made us stop for ice cream and we talked. He'd leave for school after he dropped me off. We just talked about random stuff. We even talked about the number of times we would make visits. I asked him about San Francisco, which was where his parents lived, he didn't like talking about it cause it reminded him of his mom. She's been sick for a long time. She's been bedridden for five years. I cried the first time I saw her. That's why he came to live in Washington with his cousin Jake. Jake was good-looking. Art and I would always argue because I had a little crush on his handsome cousin. I rubbed my hand on his back to give him a little comfort. We got back to the road and soon we were at the airport. We said goodbye and I boarded the plane. We talked about these kinds of stuff a lot. About how we didn't have to over-dramatize our goodbyes and we'd even rehearse them. We were funny like that. It felt too cringey in the movies. Part of me wanted to run back to Art. But this was also good to let the awkwardness settle. Everything was happening too fast. I called a flight attendant and asked if I could get some water. She came back with it and I kept making unnecessary requests, "could you please check one last time for me." I asked again "ma'am I did and your luggage and other belongings are all intact." she didn't change her mood once in any of the four times I pestered her. And she kept a kind polite smile. I could never do that. I managed to relax. The first-class flight won't get you a lot of people to talk to. Everyone just went about their business. soon enough I fell asleep.
I'm currently in a car with a man called Sam. My dad had him pick me up. Dad told me about him. And also he's my new chauffeur. I didn't know why I needed a driver but I didn't want to argue with dad on this. The flight was swift. I woke up before the plane landed. When I got down the first thing I did was breathe the NY air. It is considered good luck or so I read somewhere. And it was remarkably different. Just like in Washington, a lot of people moving about. I got my luggage, I had a porter help me carry it out cause Sam was late. I already didn't like him. That was when I saw him. So we're now on our way to the house dad got here in New York. My phone chimed and I received a text from dad. 'Sam told me you're here, see you at the weekend.' I looked at my phone annoyingly and then at the driving mirror right ahead. He could see me through the mirror too. His face looked indifferent and I just scoffed. I took my eyes off the mirror. Is he a spy did dad hire a spy to be my driver? So he's going to be taking notice of my movements? If that's so, then he's going to have a hard time. My phone chimed again and it was another text from dad 'Oh Honey I forgot to tell you school starts tomorrow ' 'you'll do great.' I scoffed infuriated at the sudden discovery. I just got here and I have school. I knew it wouldn't be pleasant. If dad were here I would argue my way out of this, but he's not. My phone chimed and I was just pissed, it was probably dad. I checked and it was an unknown number the text read,
#' welcome back Asia.'
# 'I want you in a skirt tomorrow.' What the hell?! I was seriously annoyed.
*'Who is this?' I texted back.
#'your one and only' That creeped me out. But I decided to play it cool.
*'Do I know you?'
#'used to.' came the quick reply
*'How do you know me?'
#'not important.' my curiosity left and I was officially pissed,
*' listen here you fucker. don't ever text me again. I don't know you and I don't want to know.'
I was about to hit a block when another message came through,
#' you sure about that? OK. you'll regret this. I'll see you tomorrow at school.'
I didn't reply and continued to block the number. I ignored it. I didn't want to give my mind to it. It might be one of my dad's rivals. Just one of their stupid games to get to my dad.