Amaya looked around, confusion etched on her face as she realized she was trapped in an isolated dark room. The air was thick and heavy, and an unsettling silence enveloped her. She walked around, her heart pounding in her chest, desperately searching for an exit, but every attempt ended in frustration. She felt a chill run down her spine, the darkness around her whispering secrets she couldn't understand, leaving her feeling utterly lost and alone.
Ama…
She froze, her heart racing wildly as she caught sight of her mom standing before her. The familiar figure felt both comforting and terrifying, a whirlwind of emotions crashing over her like a tidal wave.
You need to apologise to her and accept your damn fault before it's too late, Ama!"
Amaya flinched and turned to her right, where she found Seth glaring at her with a mix of fury and disappointment. The intensity of his gaze made her stomach drop, amplifying the tension in the air.
A-Ama, you've lost so much weight.
She instinctively took a step back as her mom moved closer.
I'll leave, Ama. I'll definitely leave someday if you keep acting like a rich spoiled brat.
Amaya's eyes filled with tears, bewilderment washing over her as she whispered, "Sid..." She ran desperately toward him, each step heavy with longing, yet no matter how hard she tried, the space between them felt impossibly vast, leaving her heart shattered and aching with despair. "Please.." she begged.
What happened? Is everything alright?
Out of nowhere, her mom appeared before her, reaching out to touch her cheeks with a tenderness that felt foreign. Panic surged through her, and with a heart full of fear and confusion, she pushed her away, running blindly into the distance, desperate to escape the warmth that only reminded her of everything she had lost.
Ama, Can't you see what state your mom is in?!
She turned around and was struck by the sight of her mom wrapped in the arms of her step-dad, his eyes blazing with anger. Her gaze fell on Seth standing behind them, his expression filled with betrayal and hurt. "Sid..." she breathed, the name escaping her lips like a desperate plea, her heart shattering at the painful scene unfolding before her.
Seriously, how could I be so utterly foolish to think you could ever change?
Amaya turned around and saw Demi standing there, her presence igniting a surge of anger. Her voice trembled with a mix of rage and hurt, unable to mask the turmoil brewing inside her, she snapped, "Shut the f—"
You'll end up alone if you keep going like this one day!
Amaya's heart raced as she locked eyes with Seth, disbelief etched across her face. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, each drop a testament to the pain swelling within her. "Why are you doing this to me?" she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. "I'm still your Ama, Sid. Why are you against your own Ama?" The desperation in her tone hung in the air, a haunting echo of the bond they once shared, now at the edges.
You're the same person who calls her own mother a b*tch and a pros*titute! How could anyone expect someone like you to understand what love and respect even mean?!
"I said shut up!" Amaya screamed, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. She covered her ears, shutting her eyes tightly as frustration boiled over, desperate to block out the chaos surrounding her. The world felt too loud, too overwhelming, and all she wanted was silence now.
Ama, please stop! I'm your momma!
Amaya opened her eyes, locking onto her mom with a mix of longing and fear, her lips quivering as she fought back tears. She took a hesitant step toward her, desperate for the comfort of her embrace, but froze in place when she heard a familiar voice call out from the side, slicing through the moment like a cold wind.
Shut the fuck up! A b*tch and pros*titute like you can't be my momma! You're a gold digger!
"Momma…" Amaya gasped, her eyes widening in horror as she took in her mother's terrified expression. In a frantic rush, she ran toward another version of herself, desperate to cover her mouth and silence the pain. But as she reached out, her hand passed right through, a chilling realization washing over her: no matter how hard she tried, she could never bridge the gap between them. She could never take it back.
Ama darling, don't you feel lonely?
"Pa–pa…" Amaya whispered, her voice barely breaking the silence as she slowly turned around on the cold ground. Her heart raced as she saw her dad approaching, kneeling down to meet her gaze. "Papa…" she called out, longing to feel his arms around her, but just as she was about to reach him, he stood up, carrying little Amaya in his embrace, leaving her feeling invisible and alone in that moment.
Lonely? But I've momma and papa. Ama doesn't need others.
"I only need you, papa, momma…" Amaya whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability as her gaze began to soften. She slowly stood up, moving behind her dad, her eyes filled with longing as they searched his face, desperate for a connection that seemed just beyond her grasp.
But darling, don't you wish to have a little cute sister or maybe brother?
She watched as her mom approached her dad and little Amaya, their eyes filled with warmth and affection as they looked down at the little girl, creating a scene that felt both comforting and painfully distant for her.
No! I hate sharing my papa and momma! Both of you are mine! Only mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!
"They're only yours, Ama…" Amaya whispered, her heart aching as she ran towards them to embrace, but in her rush, she stumbled and fell to the ground, the moment of connection slipping away from her grasp.
Mom!
Amaya's pupils dilated as she turned to see another girl nestled in her mom's arms, her warm gaze lingering on the child. "No…" Amaya gasped, her eyes widening in horror as she tried to run, only to feel the weight of a thousand chains wrapping around her body. "Momma!" she cried out, struggling to break free, her voice filled with desperation. She screamed and sobbed, but no one seemed to notice her struggles. "Momma! Ama is here!" she shouted, but instead of the usual warmth in her mom's gaze, it was cold and distant, shattering her heart into a thousand pieces.
"Momma…"
Amaya shot opened her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks, her body drenched in sweat, hands shaking as she gasped for breath. In the dark, silent room, all she could hear was the pounding of her heartbeat and her frantic breaths. Slowly, she sat up, her hands trembling, gulping as her pupils dilated in fear and confusion.
"Poor Tina, maybe she wanted Seth as her partner in the project. Zeya, you should totally swap with her!" Sophia teased, wrapping her arms around Somiya, who was practically bouncing with laughter.
Tina's face turned a deep shade of crimson, her eyes wide in disbelief as she turned her head to the side, cupping her burning cheeks. "Y-you don't n-need…" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, but the embarrassment was written all over her.
Somiya, Sophia, Zeya, and Demi exchanged mischievous glances, their laughter echoing through the hall as they walked toward the canteen. "Actually, I can totally exchange if you want," Zeya added with a cheeky grin, winking at Tina.
"Really?!" Tina's eyes lit up like fireworks, sparkling with unexpected enthusiasm, catching everyone off guard.
"Oh~ someone's ready to make some bold moves, huh?" Demi chimed in, raising her eyebrows playfully. "What's next? A confession?"
"Wait, shall we give you some effective tips for your project date?" Somiya added, stifling her giggles.
Tina's face turned into a tomato as she buried it in her hands, her hair falling like a curtain to shield her from their relentless teasing. "Shut up, you guys!" she squeaked, her voice muffled but filled with laughter.
Zeya's smile flattered her as she caught sight of Seth, Fred, and Elli at the canteen, their laughter echoing around her like a warm embrace. She absentmindedly touched the necklace at her neck, feeling a wave of loneliness wash over her without Amaya by her side. With a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and dialed Amaya's number, her heart racing as she walked slowly, each step heavy with longing.
"Yes, sweetheart. Miss me?" Amaya's voice came through, hoarse yet playful, sending a wave of warmth through Zeya but also a sharp pang of ache in her chest. "How is your fever?" Zeya asked, her voice laced with worry, her brow furrowing as she imagined Amaya curled up in her room.
"Well, it seems fever loves me more than my sweetheart. One left me alone while the other is still clinging to me," Amaya replied with a playful tone, and Zeya couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head in amusement. "Seems like you're recovering," she whispered, her eyes softening as she caressed the necklace, feeling the cool metal against her fingertips like a soothing balm.
"I miss you, sweetheart…" Amaya whispered, her voice softening, and Zeya felt her heart swell at the longing in those words. Just as she was about to call out Amaya's name, she heard her soft, soothing breathing on the other end, making her chuckle lightly. "I love you, wifey…" Zeya whispered, kissing her phone gently, her eyes shimmering with genuine love and longing, as if the distance between them could dissolve with that simple gesture.