I think I have been suffering from insomnia since the day I got to know about Phoebus being Bella’s boyfriend. It was indeed a difficult night to spend alone thinking about both the men who have asked me out but still I felt it would be better to go with Amor than to go with Phoebus since I am almost at the end of my way to get over him. That would be good for all of us, me, Bella and Phoebus. If they continue their relationship for a longer time and ever have plans to have a baby, i will definitely be a good aunt who regrets stepping back but anything for Bella. She is the most important person in my life.
I will always choose Bella before any boy, even if it is Phoebus himself.
Amor seems to be a learned dancer which I am definitely not. What if he rejects me after knowing that? How will I tell him?177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbbFg7JueN
I stood in front of the mirror and made myself understand that he has not asked me to dance with him yet in the language that I know. He should not know that I was that curious about knowing what he said to me last time. I might keep a copy with me and write all the words he says in Spanish, obviously the spellings won't be correct since I never paid attention in the class when they used to teach us Spanish in high school. I realised that if I ever paid attention in that class, I would be communicating to Amor in Spanish only.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAkLXFWCnK
I went to college, seeing Amor standing outside the college, looking again and again at his watch. I think he was waiting for someone. I tried acting like I didn't see him but he stopped me.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyNaPVQdOH
“You remember you wanted to do something as an apology for your behaviour that other day?”
I wish I could say no but my expression changed as if he could understand that I was lying.
“Yes, sir.” I said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCMveI1mFt
“No sir. I have told you a lot of times. At least not outside the college.” He said and I nodded.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sgogjclBK
“I said something in Spanish and I think you did not understand.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R5GBxPidC
I wish I could tell him that I already knew.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QkAOugqxB
“It means dance with me. So, daphne I don't know why I am feeling weird but let me put it straight. Will you dance with me?” He continued after a pause, “You do not have the pressure of accepting my proposal. I will be waiting. It's just a small family function where I need you to act like my girlfriend and dance with me. Just for a few hours. Think about it.” He left after saying that.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CbdpGXQLi
He left me in deep thought. It's not just a dance but also to act like his girlfriend in front of his family. I really don't know how to dance. What if I made a bad impression on them?177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCvWwnmQjQ
I really needed time to think. I sorted things a few minutes ago and again it came back to the time when I started thinking about whom to choose.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94zrHqFiim
All day I kept thinking about it. I do not remember anything that happened in the class or with me after entering college.
I went to Amor.
“I will come with you.” I said. I can do anything.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUMWwRQEA5
His face brightened.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ8VUX5dPR
“Thank you, Daphne. It means a lot to me. The party is this weekend.” He said with a wide smile.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mFE6OW4iK
I nodded once and went back towards my home.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPdise9sdn
I did accept his proposal but I need to ask for permission from my parents too. What will I tell them?177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAKreFETQG
I kept practising the things I needed to tell my parents.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLLubuYJ5X
“I need to act like a girlfriend of my professor just for an event.” I murmured.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgw7WnEi9P
No, this does not sound good. I need something that will make them accept it instantly. Maybe I can use Phoebus. My mother likes him but what if he comes to my home. I can't even tell him about the dance thing, he might feel bad. I can go to dance with him too someday. It's just an act. I can tell them that I have a party for a successful project in college or a birthday party for one of my friends, Bella doesn’t know.
At dinner time, I cleared my throat before speaking and gulped.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrR8CDDpPJ
“Hi, my dear family.” I said with a smile.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfAn4y0lTW
“Hi baby.” said my parents.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpAUJbRJc6
“What do you need?” Arena said. I looked at her with anger.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLUO8L1ArO
“Obviously, you never speak this politely until you need something. Speak out.” She said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF6pWtf30V
“Arena, why do you think like that? Sometimes it's good to greet family unlike you.” My mother said.
I felt sad for my mother thinking like that, well she was right though.
“It is, I know but I know her too.” Arena said instantly.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAJsi4B0OB
“You think you know me but this time you are wrong so just shut up.” I said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UMg083ANx
“Why do you all need to fight at the time of dining? Eat your food.” Father said, half mouth filled with food.
He doesn't like to talk while eating.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYsH4vEFLJ
I could not directly ask for permission just because of Arena.
As we were about to end our dinner, I tried to ask them.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGmmTlqkqs
“I had to ask something.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkrnAsDxCL
“See i knew it. I told you.” Arena popped.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRRyDdYarn
“Shut up!” I continued, “There is a birthday party for a successful project of one of my friends. ”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2KZU1mYBp
“What?” Mother asked.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeQAzUavYt
I realised I mixed up things.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6CKmpjtxY
“I mean, I need to go to a birthday party of one of my friends this weekend. I needed your permission.” I said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eg425zjc6
“Sure you can go.” my father said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpZjQ5GDSv
“Is Bella going there too?” Mom asked.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvkC8EQUM1
“No. Actually you know her. She is socially weird so that girl doesn’t like her thus she won't be there and also don't tell her about it. She doesn't know. She might feel bad.” I said in one flow.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6xZCjGkRR
Everyone was satisfied with my reason.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfNnhvSwj8
“What about Phoebus? He is going to be there, right?” Mom asked.
“I..uh- I don’t know about his bonding with her. Maybe or maybe not.” I said in a bit of shock because I was not ready for that question.
He should not be there, obviously he won’t be there, it's a family gathering.
I took all my shimmer dresses out, there was none left in the cupboard. Shimmer dresses made me look highlighted but I do not need to be in the spotlight. It's just an act so I should not wear something like that.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdFaBkrA6K
My mother entered, seeing all the mess on the bed.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkjCEF2sXa
“Can’t find something to wear?” She asked.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlnc4yo0Ui
“Uh..no. I neither want to wear something that will make people stare at me nor something very dull. It's a small gathering but with high profile people.” I told her, sitting tired on the bed.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bHClpogeC
“It’s fine, dear. We have bought enough clothes for you that you haven’t worn in years. Use them. I am not going to throw them out unless you use them and they rot.” she said with her arms crossed.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XQEc6CU5S
I know she was not sarcastic. I do not wear most of my clothes because I do not go to parties like others but i can't fight with her due to this.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtL74AHpVb
“Yes, mom. I am checking them out. What do you think about this black dress?” I asked, standing in front of the mirror. I loved that dress.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwU6hhld9p
“I would definitely like to sell your black dresses. Don’t you have any other?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2tYQsRhiR
Yes mom, I do. I do not understand her sometimes, it's irritating.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u0UO5P6uM
I took out my dark blue net gown. This was the most simple and beautiful dress I ever had. The sleeves falling from the shoulder, simply designed with blue threads. I love it!
“You can. You have never worn this. Wear it.” She said and left.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL810aY6FG
Who will let her know that the gown was bought by her for the wedding of my uncle a few years back which never took place and then I never got to wear it because we never went to such kind of parties.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnv9yR3XFZ
Oh dear mother of mine!177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV5kB1oKix
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQsNFSrxF0
I was as nervous about the party as I was happy for the weekend. The day had come. I really acted weird that day. My parents were amazed too. They said it was just a birthday party, not my wedding. Who will tell them the truth?
I got ready and planned to meet Amor behind the school. It definitely looked weird that I was walking in a gown that evening. I somehow increased my speed and reached the place he was waiting. For me. No one does.
He was wearing a white suit and the same shade of shirt as my gown, ironic.
“Hermosa!” he said without blinking for a few minutes, looking at me. Again a different language and I guess he has said that before too.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QfyGPJpXR
“Huh? I am sorry but, frankly, you need to understand the language you say, I do not understand at all. I am from America and you may be from Spain like you speak Spanish most of the time.” I said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRUStAfUoW
“You want to know what I said?” He asked, bending a little towards me.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktxnPMaTQ8
“Yes. I want to.” I said looking at him.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLFbJyjjQP
“I said that you look beautiful, a lot. Today.” He said, looking at me, still bending towards me.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmumly3NRJQ
I gawked a while and in a slow voice asked about him saying the same word the day he went to buy formals for me. He nodded. I blinked and stepped back.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtUebHAw5x
“Do I have to know something about your family too? You can teach me something in Spanish, that might help.” I said, clearing my throat.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpTlUibkkM
“Well I can teach you Spanish a bit in the remaining minutes but my family knows English well. Let's get in the car first.” he opened the car door for me and I sat. I took a deep breath before he could enter the car.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BoHfkf0Du
He taught me a few basic words in Spanish. I hope I can say them clearly when the time comes. We reached the place. It was huge and amazing, I never thought to visit such a place in my life. He was definitely rich.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jKPOIcMYa
“You didn’t tell me about your family. I should know about your family. They might doubt me if I don't.” I said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapZfQfNgX1
“Sure. I’ll tell you.” He said, getting out of the car.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRrnrKxblr
Strange.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKingJwXKJ
He opened the door for me and held my hand unlike the last time when I refused to take his help getting out of the car.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoflKyTsm7
“I lost my parents years ago. I went to Spain. I came back when my grandfather died, a few months back. I shifted here and joined the college as a professor.” he said while we entered the huge marvellous hall.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1muEdYEWOx
“I am sorry that I mentioned your family.” I said with an apologetic look.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTO0kkrOUh
“It’s totally fine. You should know.” he said with a smile.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmYTO9KU1X
He introduced me to a few of his family members and I greeted them in Spanish but they replied to me in English. I could not believe myself. They looked at me as if they didn’t know the language I spoke, maybe I said it wrong.
I was really enjoying the party. It was an amazing change for once in a while. He stood beside me the whole party.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoo1YLKV1G
One of his aunts came and asked, “Where is he?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOXSm98dX1
“Who?” He asked.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXUMHwvCpm
“Your brother, idiot. Did you forget about him?” She said fiercely.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgU8QSYQxW
“Oh, how would I know? You know us very well.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKKkChDUP5
“I don't know what to do about you both. Why are you boring her by standing? Go dance. The floor is yours. Enjoy!” She said rubbing my back.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gl4ZzOT1G
He stood in front of me and asked me to dance with him in Spanish. This time even if I didn’t know the meaning, I could understand the actions.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSOUjgVt7H
“Amor. I had to tell you something.” I hesitated.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQcRG9q0iT
“What?” he asked, concerned.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCf6nGRq6C
“I don’t know how to dance. I am sorry for not telling you about it earlier.” I said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahLegYhwO7
He laughed and grabbed my hand with both of his palms and said, “Just follow me. Everything will be fine.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6e9akw2wV
We went to the dance floor. He told me to lose myself as much as possible. He made me feel comfortable and I was dancing like a pro. He was right. Again!177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RTCu3UCYU
“You have a brother?” I asked him while dancing with his hands on my waist and mine on his shoulders.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yU3jpFJEh
“Yes. A younger brother.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV97LSlLj6
“That’s nice. He stays with you?”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgxEIu9svr
“Yeah but we are not on good terms. He doesn’t like me and that goes both ways. We are used to it. I do not interfere with his life and he does the same.” He said, looking away.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61B2iUB1Da
I nodded slightly and continued to dance.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKJhhePyiW
We were really enjoying the dance until I saw him.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti1okuaqLw
“Phoebus!” I shockingly said, pushing Amor back.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29JN9PvmEW
Phoebus was there. Looking at me. He was far but I could see the pain in his eyes. I stepped towards him but Amor stopped me.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnyRLWA10q
“What are you doing?” he asked.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iJqeQLBn2
“Amor, I saw Phoebus. He’s here.” I said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHstJerBs3u
“Yes, he is my brother. He has to be here.” He said.
“He’s your brother? Is this a joke?” I frowned.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib3AqgO8xU
“You are saying as if it’s a big deal.” He said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTIBdMHFUr
“Amor, do you understand what you are saying right now? He is your brother and you didn’t tell me about this earlier. Why?” I shouted.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGvH9C4FPy
Everyone was looking at us.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzSaF1ybnt
“What are you doing Daphne? Everyone is looking at us.” he said, coming near me.
I pushed him back.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXSbHbxw2D
“I don’t care.” I said and ran from that hall, following Phoebus.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR2sl13SMa
The pain I saw in his eyes was not explainable. He might be sad because I didn’t tell him about me coming with Amor or maybe because I didn’t reply to him about his dance proposal but went with Amor instead. I don’t know but all I know was I had hurt him. I ran in the heels just to find him.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DJWjhRVnF
Sequence of questions kept running in my mind.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiqLeCRJoL
How can Phoebus be the brother of Amor? They are related this close yet no one let others know about it, why?177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPbBDvklDN
He was sitting, facing down near the footpath, in the dark just like he did in the park the other day. He was hurt about something then too.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH7xo6kXut
I went near him.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRTQyUFhZY
“Phoebus, I am sorry. I know I have hurt you. I didn't know he was your brother. Sorry.” I hugged him as he started sobbing.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpJJudNuGr
The man who always made me smile in any form was crying because of me that day.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDoufQsMcp
“I am sorry.” I cupped his face, wiping his tears.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInT91JnMzL
“Why him?” He asked and I had no answer to that question.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqQBMCbWYI
“His name is not even Amor.” He said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf6dbv6r8L
I asked his real name.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbYnROyJTW
He said, “Ares. His name is Ares. He had to run far from home because he was involved in drug peddling. He ran to Spain and years after he found out that I shifted here so even he came back to the country. All I wanted was to start a simple peaceful life but I can’t just because of him Daphne.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3qwIeyqUs
Ares? The boy who made my sister’s life miserable? The man due to whom we had to leave our home?177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT7Rc1vqRG
“But you said you were from Delaware, right? You are from there then- then how…how?” I held both of his shoulders, showering the questions altogether at him.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvuVuKZtRO
“Yes, we are from Delaware. Our father worked in New Jersey, we lived there. After my parents’ death, I found Ares was involved in drug peddling. I complained about it to the police. He and others involved in it were arrested. I heard Ares ran to Spain after some days. I lived in Delaware with my grandfather until he died a few months back. I wanted to start a new life so I came here but he came back in my life, bringing all the terrors I had in the past. Since then he has wanted to hurt me.” he cried holding me tight.
Phoebus is the brother of someone who has messed up with my sister’s life, my family’s life.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRIGqwmpq9
He continued, “Don’t you understand all he did was just to hurt me. He is using you.”177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtUNa3lZJy
I was blanked. Whatever he was saying was incomprehensible to me.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnThcGgG4Ch
“Why me?” I asked him.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7mjJviXhd
“Because I love you. I love you.” He said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSfERken9n
Everything stopped for me at that moment. I didn’t know the way to process the thing I have been waiting to hear for months. He loves me?177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBZWbGG5K1
“What the hell Phoebus? You are the boyfriend of my best friend. Did you get that? Stop saying such things.” I pushed him back.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6uNlwmCes
“Daphne, listen to me. I fell in love with you at first sight.” He said.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8akngusxYx
“Stop it, I said. You are Bella’s boyfriend.” I kept walking back.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEeOOtrMps
He said, "I could have but I found you...you, Daphne" my name from his mouth felt as soft as Bruno Mars's Just the Way You Are.
Bunch of personalities inside my head except the one I showed on my face screamed buss! I kept looking at his lips while he kept saying something until I felt warmth on my face. He was close, so so close. One could cross the ocean and travel through the forest through his eyes or could be stuck there forever if they wanted to. And I want to. Fuck! He's driving me crazy. I... I can't do this with Bella.
I pushed him back but my foot twisted and I was about to fall. I felt a force against gravity and I was surrounded with warmth, his arms. He squeezed me into his arms as if he was scared of me getting hurt.
“I can’t promise to never hurt you but I can’t let others hurt you too. I know the reason behind your denial. We’ll get out of this situation. We will. Once you know the truth.” I could feel his hot breath as he whispered into my ear.
Wait. We? Truth? What is the truth?
I looked into his eyes with a question, was he going to ditch on my friend with me? Oh god, no he can’t!
I pushed him back and ran without saying a word.
More than us, us? me and him, I was scared of losing Bella. She is my childhood friend with same ambition and more than our family gathering gossips, I am used to her stupid unstoppable talks.
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt02dsle92
Dear Diary,177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl67gNBvgb
I hope you don’t but,177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZUtwruVLi
do you feel whatever I am doing is wrong?
and then Add to home screen.