Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Amelia's p.o.v;

After Two weeks of working with Andrew on my book every night,

"AMELIA! GET UP!" Ash yelled in my ears to wake me up, but I feigned not to hear him by covering my ears.

"AMELIA!" he exclaimed again.

I couldn't take it any longer and awoke, asking, "What do you want?"

"I've got a game today, come with me."

"Don't make me laugh! How will I come with this hand? Are you teasing me? And why should I come with you?"

"Come with me, it'll be fun."

"Do you believe our parents will let me accompany you?"

"I'll assist you slip out," he said after a moment's contemplation.

"What?"

"Yes, I'll assist you in sneaking out. Come along and watch me play."

"OK, why are you so stubborn? Are you going to play a prank on me?"

"No. I didn't."

"Even if I come with you, won't you leave me alone and go with your friends?"

"Let's deal with it later. First, take a shower and change into something good. You're reeking of sweat." And exited the room.

After he left, I sniffed myself to know if he's right, nah! I don't smell that much. Maybe a little. What am I going to do with my extroverted brother?

I showered and changed into the clothes he mentioned. Hannah called when I was waiting for my brother.

Hannah, "What are you up to?"

"I'm preparing for a game."

"Are you going out?"

"My brother compelled me to attend his game. What are you doing?"

"I'm on my way to class. Today is a quiz test, according to Mr Miller. I neglected to study. Now I'm at a loss on what to do."

"All the best, my best friend," I answered, laughing and then the call was terminated.

"Let's head out," Ash said as he entered.

"What are you whispering about?"

"Our folks are still down there so be silent," he shushed me.

"How are we going to go out then?"

"But they're smooching each other in the kitchen. Let's take advantage of this and sneak out through the front door."

I sighed and inquired, "How does my attire look?"

"It's fine. Let's go outside now."

We exited the home and began driving to the stadium.

I leaned back in my seat and inquired, "There are still two weeks for healing. What if I break my hand and get hurt?"

"You won't, you can be rest assured. And, how long will you be in your room, aren't you bored?"

"It's actually rather enjoyable."

"How? By watching films?"

How could I feel bored if Andrew visited me one every night to accompany me with my work? It wasn't boring at all. I enjoyed my alone time with Andrew. It was like living off a fantasy.

"It was enjoyable for me. I was enjoying my alone time so happily. I could watch movies all day, read books, it was rather comforting for me."

"Don't talk rubbish," Ash muttered with a flip of his wrist.

"How long will we be staying there?"

"We're not just going to watch the game since I'm in the middle of a match. It will take more time than you think."

"How much time?"

"No more than 30 minutes."

I sighed and slumped back in my seat.

He ruffled up my hair and said, "I'll buy you snacks."

We arrived at the stadium.

"Listen to me, always be in my sight, don't roam anywhere. Understand?" Ash stated as he led me to the locker room rather than the audience seating.

"Is it really going to take 30 minutes?" I asked him.

Some men came in and taunted us.

"Is this your girlfriend who you chat to all day?" a man questioned over Ash's shoulder.

"She looks fine, Ash," says another guy.

What are they on about? Ash's girlfriend?

He handed me cash and added, "Inside the stadium, you can get any food you want. Leave." He shoved me out of the changing room and shut the door.

"What are you hiding from me?" I said as I stood outdoors. And pounded on the door, exclaiming, "Open the door! Ash, open the door!"

I turned to go after pounding for a while but found a guy standing beside me. He looked taller and looked like he's out of comic World.

"Do you want to meet someone inside?" he asked me.

"Yeah, But they locked it from the inside," I responded quickly.

"Wait, I have the key."

"Thank you so much," I murmured as he pulled out the key and opened the door.

"It's fine." He gave a smile and walked in after he opened the door.

I approached Ash and said, "Don't lock me out!"

Ash asked me, "How did you get in here?"

"He assisted me," I responded, pointing to the guy who allowed me in.

"What prompted you to open the door?"

"She was knocking on the door with her hand in a cast, dude. What do you expect me to do?"

"Thanks for the help again!" I said as he was walking away.

He smiled and proceeded to his locker.

I inquired of Ash, "What exactly is going on? What did your friend tease you about? Who have you been conversing with all day? Even i wanted to ask you about this but forgot to do so. Do you really have a girlfriend like they tease you?"

"I'm your older brother. Don't meddle in my affairs."

"Oh, you're serious? Fine! Then, why are you interfering with mine?"

He pressed his fingers on my lips and muttered, "I made a blunder by bringing you here. Leave the locker room now. We've got a game to play."

I looked at him and asked, "You can't go away from me forever. Wait, I'll discover it on my own."

I exited the room and went to where the other audience members were seated.

While I was searching for a place to sit, I noticed a man selling popcorn and stopped to buy some for myself.

With my popcorn in hand, I took a seat in the front row. I placed the popcorn over my cast and began eating it. Out of many ways, I use the cast as a stand too.

"When will they start the game?" I inquired of a neighbouring girl.

"In a few minutes," she responded, looking at my cast.

"All right, thank you."

"What happened to your hand?" she inquired about my hand while pointing at it.

"I ran into a brick wall."

"All right." She resumed her conversation with her friend.

While individuals passed by, I sat back on the seat and shielded my hand from them.

After a while, the game began. They turned on the lights on the loop, and the players began to line up on the line. I'm not sure how I'm going to make it another thirty minutes. Definitely, I'm going to kill my brother because he brought me here. He should have come by himself if he wanted to play. Why bother bringing me here and then abandoning me?

I finished my popcorn and continued to watch them play the game. The girls next to me are going insane seeing guys in jerseys. They were squealing and cheering so loudly that my ears were almost deafening. I couldn't even sleep because they were screaming like crazy people. Halftime arrived.

Ash approached me and inquired, "Do you enjoy the game? Did you notice how I scored?"

I was so enraged that I clutched his hand and whimpered, "Let's head home. It's dull here."

"You'll get used to it if you watch the rest of the game," he rubbed my head. And then he departed.

"Is that your boyfriend?" asked the girl next to me. Excitedly inquired.

"Brother."

"Could you please give me your phone number?"

"I apologise, he has a girlfriend already. And, she's damn hot."

She pouted her lips and resumed her conversation with her pal.

After the game, everyone began to depart the stadium while I waited for my brother to take me home.

"Are you waiting for your brother?" said the person who helped me get into the dressing room earlier.

I agreed by nodding.

"Don't you recognise me?" he remarked as he took a seat beside me.

"Have we ever met besides this morning?"

"Yes, I visited your home with your brother when you were little."

"I'm sorry, I don't recall."

"I believe you were five years old at the time. I just got back from London."

"All right. So you were…"

"Seven years old. Me and your brother came to your house before leaving for the summer camp." "I purchased it for you," he said as he handed me the drink.

"It's all right. I had a drink not long ago."

"Oh. Have you got a boyfriend?"

When he asked, I was taken aback. How do I respond to him?

"She has a crush on someone." Ash stated. When did he arrive?

I rose from my seat and said to Ash, "I'm starving. Let's head home."

"OK," he murmured, patting my head. He turned to his companion and stated, "We're off. We'll meet tomorrow at college."

When I looked at him, he appeared to be upset.

"Your friend said weird things to me."

"Like what?"

"Like he knows me and asked me if I remember him. Why did he ask me that?" I inquired of Ash.

"Because he had a long-standing crush on you."

"What?"

"Yes, he asked about you as soon as he landed here."

"Really? I had no idea I had someone like that."

I turned and looked at him. He made a wave at me. Without realising it, I returned his wave and smiled at him.

Ash, "Enough waving at him, face front when walking and avoid colliding with anything."

"He looked upset when you said about my crush. Why did you say that suddenly?"

"Amelia, we can't adore everyone who likes us."

"By the way, who is the girl you're madly in love with?"

"I don't have feelings for anyone."

"Don't tell any lies. Please tell me who it is."

"You are not required to know."

"Why? I'd like to know who my brother likes. What's the problem with that? Do you think I'll tell our parents? Don't worry, I won't tell them. I swear not to tell them who you're in love with. Please tell me, brother."

"No."

"Why are you being so obstinate? You know all there is to know about me, but I know nothing about you. Is she your friend at your university? Is she one of your fans?"

"No."

"Fine! You can be as stubborn as you want. I'm not interested in knowing anymore. I'm sick of asking you questions. Keep your girl all to yourself."

Late at night,

I went to my room after finishing my dinner. I waited for Andrew to arrive. While I waited for him, I played games on my phone.

"Hi!" Andrew called me.

"Hy!"

He approached me, sat down on the couch, and asked, "What chapter are we in now?"

"This is Chapter Twenty."

"So, fifteen more to go, am I right?"

"Yes."

He sat down in front of the computer and began working. I got lost in my thoughts when asking him to edit since I was thinking about my brother.

Andrew jolted me and asked, "I called you several times. Did you not hear me?"

"Sorry about that, I was thinking about my brother. Let's keep going."

"Okay."

While we're working, I'd lost my train of thought yet again.

"Excuse me, did I do it again?"

"What's bothering you?"

"My brother has fallen in love."

"Really? However, he does not appear to be in love. Why is it bothering you?"

"I have no idea who it is."

"Inquire with him."

"I tried, but he didn't respond."

"Why do you care so much about it? Simply leave it. He'll tell you if he wants to."

"How can I just leave it like that? He knew everything about me and my... he knows everything about me."

I'm glad I stopped in the middle because I would have blabbered something about Andrew.

"It's not good to meddle in other people's affairs."

After hearing that from him, I grinned.

"Why are you smiling?"

"My brother stated exactly that. I need a favour from you, Andrew."

"What exactly is it?"

"I'll let you know tomorrow. Now, let's get back to work."

He nodded and assisted me with the editing.

The following day,

"Shhhh." I shushed Andrew who was shooting questions continuously at me.

"Why are we here?" Andrew asked quietly.

"Shhhh."

"What's the point of shushing me and whispering to each other?"

"Because we're hiding, we need to stay quiet." I said.

"Who are we hiding from?"

I pointed to the shopping centre where my brother was hanging out with his mates.

"Why are we watching him?"

"That's what you'd call watching out for him."

"However, it is spying."

"Shhh. Keep an eye on him. We have to find who that girl is."

"By the way, Why are you dressed like a beggar?" Andrew questioned me while I was looking at my brother through the binoculars.

"This is how a detective seems. A large coat, a hat, and a mask are all required."

"However, you appear to be a beggar, and where did you obtain these binoculars?"

"Hiking supply store."

I kept looking at my brother and saying, "I assumed he was going to hang out with his girlfriend when he mentioned the shopping centre, but he's surrounded by his friends. Will he go meet his girlfriend after hanging out with his friends?"

"Why are you so interested in your brother's girlfriend? What are your plans once you discover who she is?"

"I haven't considered it yet. All I wanted to know was who that girl was. That's all I'm worried about right now."

"Did you really buy this from a shop?" he groaned.

"Why do you inquire?"

"Because it smells bad."

"Really?"

I sniffed it and found it to be as stinky as he said. I pulled out a pocket spray and sprayed myself and said, "It will no longer stink."

I reinserted the pocket spray into my coat pocket and checked the binoculars, my brother was not present.

"Sh*t! I lost him."

"What?"

I got to my feet and said, "Come along with me. Let us go find him."

Andrew moved slowly, so I grabbed his hand and forced him to run beside me. I searched the place where he was standing along with his friends and started to look at every floor for him.

"What happened to him? Where did he go? I'm not sure how he's so much faster than me. Did he notice us? Did he notice us and depart the shopping mall? Or did he go see his girlfriend already?"

"You now appear to be a stalker."

"What? I am not a stalker. I'm only concerned with my brother. Is it wrong to be concerned about my brother?"

"Your words and actions are not consistent."

"First, let's find him, so come with me."

I dragged Andrew along with me while I looked for my brother.

"Wait," Andrew whispered, pulling his hands away from mine.

"Why? We must locate him. I'm sure he went to see her. He has to be with her right now."

"Look for yourself," Andrew replied as he tilted my head to the left.

When I looked in the direction Andrew had directed me, I noticed my brother and his pals at the shoe store. The boys were laughing with their hands on each other's shoulders, showing the shoes to each other.

"I believe they came to buy shoes." And I gave a shaky chuckle.

Andrew, "Enough of chasing after your brother. Let's go and have some dessert. Come along with me."

"No, we have to... look..." Andrew appeared irritated. I said, "Okay. Let's get some breaks and we'll go look after my…"

He shushed me and asked me to follow him. I couldn’t say no. My hand slipped into his as we walked along the sidewalk, my thumb rubbing circles on his skin. It felt like a million miles away, but he was right there beside me, still holding onto it with everything in his being. He pulled us inside one of the many dessert shops, taking the place at the far corner table. I sat across from him and watched outside the dessert shop, searching for my brother.

Andrew led me to a dessert shop and handed me a menu, asking, "What would you want to order?"

"Anything we could finish quickly." I said while looking outside the shop.

He placed the menu card in front of my face blocking me from looking outside and said, "Order."

"Cinnamon roll and iced Latte," I said, looking at the menu.

He nodded and placed an order for a cinnamon roll, an iced Latte for me, and a panna cotta for him.

"Do you know something? There is a notion that we can discern someone's personality by the cuisine they eat."

"Really?"

"Yes, I read this in a book," I responded, nodding.

"What is mine?"

"Wait."

I took out my phone, opened the webpage, and said, "What kind of food do you enjoy? Sweet, sour, fiery, or salty?"

"I like sweets."

"Okay, um... Sweet food eaters are sociable, agreeable, and enjoyable to be around. You have a lot of friends, you agree with people's decisions, and you keep everyone happy. Wow. It's really true about you."

"How do you know that?"

Did I say something else? Will he consider me a stalker as well? What should I say at this point?

"I've seen you in the music club and in front of me so I guessed it."

"What kind of cuisine do you prefer?" he inquired, nodding.

I believe he accepted my response. It's really difficult to keep a secret crush. He doesn't seem to notice though, because the next time I see him after our discussion I don't catch a glimpse of his curiosity, or hear the soft murmurings that escape his lips as I was looking at him.

"It's sour food."

"What does it have to say about sour foods?"

I said, while keeping my phone in my pocket, "I was already aware of it. Sour food people are thought to be critical and harsh, yet they hold themselves to high standards."

"I believe they made an error."

"How?"

"Because you're neither harsh nor critical. You're the type of person who is nice among people they know, a thinker because you write novels, impatient because you want to know your brother's girlfriend, talkative when it comes to your book, peaceful at other times, and ultimately, passionate about writing. Nice, impatient, chatty, calm, and enthusiastic."

When Andrew mentioned me, I smiled to myself and felt happy about how Andrew thinks about me in his mind. I've never heard somebody describe me in that way so I felt happy. It's been a few weeks since we started speaking like friends, but it feels like we have known each other for years.

"Should we go?"

I agreed by nodding.

A beggar approached us on our way to the bus terminal and peered at me.

When Andrew offered him money to make him move, he refused and stood like a mannequin, staring at me.

Andrew, "What exactly are you looking at?"

I came to a halt in front of Andrew, removed his coat and hat, and handed them to him. He left the room with the coat and hat.

"Did you buy it from a beggar?" Andrew inquired.

"Yes, I purchased it from him. Because I was in a rush."

He burst out laughing and remarked, "Add humour to that personality list." And he kept laughing.