Amaya was just coming out of the school canteen after having her favorite snack if yorghurt and burger when her bestie, Anita bumped into her.

"Here you are," Anita said smiling sweetly. "I have been looking everywhere for you!"

" So here I am , "Amaya smiled back." What's up and buzzing? "

Anita took her hand and they headed back into the canteen where Anita made the usual order if yorghurt and burger.

"Now, tell me sweetheart, have you heard the news?"

Amaya was momentarily taken aback. What news could Anita be probably talking off? In her capacity as queen summer Jayden of Asrock High School, she was to be abreast of any information going on. So, what news could it be that she hadn't heard?

"Tell me, Anita, what news? Because I'm sure there is no news I wouldn't know of. And for the time being, I haven't heard anything. So bring it on."

Anita was shocked." Are you kidding me, right now? How can you claim ignorance of news that is all over the school? "..

" I insist that I haven't heard of anything. So I'm all ears for this news of yours. "

Anita sighed and placed a hand in Amaya's." I'm sorry, Hun. But this is not the kinda news you really want to hear. It's about Leo. "

Amaya's face turned sour at the mention of the name Leo.The kinda sourness she felt when she ate sour grapes from the market . What has he done again to warrant Anita talking about him? She worried in her head .

"Now tell me, what's up with Leo?"

"Well, simple and short, he took Clara out on a date today and the blabberduck has been blabbering about how she has finally managed to win Leo over.It was so annoying."

" Leo? "Amaya was surprised but sighed to contain everything." Well,I ain't surprised. He is such a fool."She smirked and Anita got angry.

" Amaya how is Leo a fool now? "

Amaya looked at Anita In mock horror. "Leo is a fool because whenever we're on good terms, he is always curious to find out who my boyfriend is but the very minute we break apart, he takes my worst enemy out on a date? No, who does that? He would have even gone for girls like Janet or Sandra... "

" If I could still clearly remember, he dated Janet before and you guys quarrelled the whole summer about it.But wait,Amaya , don't tell me you are jealous? "

Amaya's face turned red. Her pride was just stung." Jealous? You think I'm jealous? That is the worst and most unfair thing you ever said to me! "

Anita could see that she had hurt her cousin who was her only bestie. She sighed calmly and apologized. "But Amaya, don't you think its high time you guys reconcile? I mean this banter and quarrel can't continue for long. Just forgive Leo and ..."

" Give him another chance to hurt me again. I like my peace . I would rather spend my time in the hospital with Phoebe than with Leo and you know just how much I hate hospitals. "She said standing up

Anita stood up too and they hugged and she said," Say hi to pheebs for me. I would check on her in the evening."And with that, both girls walked out of the canteen but In opposite direction.

**********************

It was already noon when Amaya opened the door to the living room where her dad, Arnold was reading the papers."Hey dad." She said and slumped into the soft sofa, behind her dad.

"Hi Honey, how was stress today? Did you see Phoebe?"

" Yes, "came as a simple and short reply from Amaya. She reclined her head back and closed her eyes. Her dad dropped his papers and examined her closely. He found it absurd that his own Amaya could be this quiet especially on a Friday. Something must be definitely wrong somewhere.

"Maya Honey, what's wrong?"

Amaya was startled. "What, dad? Do I look sick?"

"Not in a bit but Fridays without you..."

" Oh yes, daddy. I've got enough picnics and party for the weekend. And guess what? "she cried excitedly.

Her dad winked at her and said," You and I know that that is the only game I have you as a partner. "

Amaya folded her arms momentarily annoyed but then he was right. They were both patners." Daddy, we are going Summer Camping!!! "she said as gleefully as a child.

" That's nice. I would arrange everything for your trip."

" Thanks Dad. "

" You're welcome, young lady. Now, why don't you go up and have a quick bath? "

" I will do just that, daddy. "she replied and grabbed her purse and then turned in the direction of the stairs.

"Maya?"

"Yes, dad?"

"is Leo still coming for the proposed lunch tomorrow?"

"I don't know, Dad," she replied and quickly ran up the stairs to escape further questioning.

Once, up in her room,she quickly freshened up and changed into a pair of trousers and an off shoulder's top ,then she packed her hair in a ponytail.

She was about to lie down when. her mum's voice rang over the stairs summoning her downstairs for lunch. She headed downstairs almost immediately.

"Hi mummy."

"Hi Maya," her mum, Emily replied. "Did you see Phoebe as planned?"

"Yeah, and I must admit that she is really in a bad state. I'm afraid that her situation is very critical."

"Don't worry, we'll be praying and praying for her quick recovery."

The meal was served and for the first time in forever, Amaya sat down to eat lunch with her parents. It was a tradition she never kept. Everyone settled to the meal which was moving on well as a car skidding on a newly paved road until trouble reared its ugly head.

"That reminds me, is Leo still coming over for the proposed lunch?" It was Emily.

Amaya ignored her.

"I already asked her," her dad chipped in.

."And what did she say?"

Amaya stared daggers at them.

What is their problem?