The month of November passed by in a breeze, I got myself occupied with studies and also NYX'S design. After days of hardwork and dedication I was completed with my dress. Going over and over the design, the fabric, the accessories until I am satisfied.
The long sheath shaped off shoulder dress. The cream color fabric is decorated with blue shades of gemstones at the neckline and waist. Highlighted with white lace near the ends of its tail.
Even after the dress was ready I was procrastinating whether to send it or not,I was thinking about failing even before I submitted it.
The first round was to test our designing skills and this round is for testing our choices and stitching the dress together. After a lot of courage I was able to agree to finally submit it, though the due date was far away.
Liam helped me out with the packing and sending the dress, I had to use the garment bag to carry them out because of the delicate gemstones on it. Hopefully it reaches there safely and doesn't get ruined.
With that, it's my last day at Liam's apartment as I have completed the task and there's no reason for me to stay. I really enjoyed staying around him, yeah I could meet him anytime but here it felt really comfortable and safe.
I don't wanna be a nuisance to him. He already did so much for me, yet my heart still feels low thinking about leaving this place. I would even miss buddy, that cute fur ball Golden retriever, a total sunshine. I thought I would have a hard time with him but I bonded quickly. He always stays around me and accompanies me when I am stitching or studying he doesn't disturb me and just sits there quietly until I am done and then plays with him
December has always been my favorite month, as the cold atmosphere faded away and brought up the warmth and joy. Many countries celebrate Christmas with winters, Australia has another way by celebrating the festival with summer.
I could try on all of my summer fits and dresses I have been saving up. Best time to explore and go on dates
After sorting out everything and cleaning up we finally settled down on the couch to relax. Which meant reading a book for me, I took my pens and sticky notes ready to annotate. That relaxing relaxing turned into cuddling because of Liam sulking about me not paying attention to him.
He looks all serious and calm type but not in my case
I agreed, of course I would. I love cuddling. It's the best way to relax and spend time. Curled up in the warm embrace as we lay on the couch which somehow fitted both of us. Liam's arm wrapped around my back keeping me secure from falling down as I was near the edge. His other hand being an amazing pillow for my head, like a giant teddy bear
Our bodies intertwined and heads pressed each other, his breathing slow and steady while he was deep in slumber. His face soft and relaxed, showing no signs of tension or discomfort. There's a subtle sweetness in the air having him around.
My fingertips gently hovering over his face feeling his features, his forehead, those cheeks and lips. My fingers trace his sharp jawline until I reach his neck. I quickly pull back thinking if I would take him up.
He is really mine?
I keep admiring his face as much as I can, taking in every detail as if I won't get this moment again. Making sure my moments don't affect him, I slowly grab my own kept on the table, opening the cap with the help of my mouth because I can't move my other hand.
Holding the pen cap in my mouth, I slowly trace out the lines on his t-shirt, it's a sky blue color. Just above his heart I write 'Mine' in my best cursive handwriting which I could ever use.
I nod feeling satisfied with my work
I giggle softly, this is what happens when I read too many books with possessive characters. Got to claim what's mine. My eyes go up to his face, he stays asleep even after I have written on his t-shirt
"God has really taken good time to make you" I mumble slowly, the pen cap between my lips making my words harder to come out. The corner of Liam's lips curls up as he opens his eyes. I blink at him being dumbfounded by his sudden waking up. That smirk lingering on his face shows that he was awake. I squint my eyes at him studying his face
"So you were just pretending to be asleep huh?" I ask, pointing out his play. He nods "Yeah, I didn't want to disturb you while you were so into admiring me" he pulls me closer closing the invisible gap between up, his hand resting on my back. I could notice the playfulness behind his words.
I open my mouth to come up with a reply but my brain decides to shut down forcing me to stay quiet. I sigh, deciding to change the topic "I am really bored"
The NYX project is done, there are no exams around and our break will start soon. Leaving me with nothing to do and I can't help but feel bored and that's not good! I love lazing around but I still wanna go out and enjoy the warm weather
"I need some kind of adventure in my life!" I add
He breathes out looking away for a moment to think of something, suddenly a slow satisfied expression crept on his face as he looks back at me "Get up, I am taking you on an adventure" with which he slips away from the couch walking inside his bedroom.
I get up and sit up straight on the couch still processing what he meant. Buddy slowly walks towards me and sits near my legs waggling his tail. I bend down and start rubbing his ears which he really loves "do you know what your dad meant?" I ask, as if he would reply. But he just gives me a soft bark enjoying the attention
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"Are you sure this isn't the way to heaven?" I murmur under my breath, the warm and fresh air blowing on my face as I look down at the water below. Liam's laughter echoes through the trees mixed with the sound of the waterfall running down.
His hand holds mine as I keep moving back and forth on the small platform attached to the hilly rocks.
After a long hour drive Liam brought me for hiking, we climbed the hill surrounded by greenery and the sun shining right above us. When he said adventure I thought this was it and we would go back but No-
The adventure he meant was jumping
Into the pond
Near a waterfall
So, this area had a small fresh waterfall, it didn't have that much water force or capacity to be dangerous. That leads to a small pond which provides water to small streams around here. And this is actually a spot where people like to dive from, that's why they have made few platforms for this activity but it's not free. Liam paid some good amount so that we could have this place for ourselves with no disturbance
The birds chirping with the sound of trees moving due to wind, the water brethren and the waterfall is clean and pure. The atmosphere is really calm and peaceful to make me relax until I see down again. We are not even at much height, it's tested and safe to dive in water as it doesn't contain harmful rocks or organisms. The waterfall is so far away from us that it won't hurt us
But I have never done this and it's scary
"Choice is yours, if you say no we will return. If you say yes we jump" Liam says, his eyes flickering between me and the water. "I have done it many times and know it's fine, I wouldn't have brought you here if it may cause you any harm. It's your decision" he adds squeezing my hand gently
I glance at him and then back at the water again, taking in deep breaths to calm my racing heart "Are you sure about this?" I ask, trying to convince myself into this stunt. "Yeah, wanna try?" He replies, he is too calm and unbothered by this because he has done this Many times
Whereas me?
Totally shaky
After debating with myself for almost as eternity I take a deep breath calming down my nerves. Liam waits patiently beside me, he doesn't say anything and does not try to rush things. Gathering my courage I look at him and nod "Okay let's do this"
His smile widens, a spark of excitement in his eyes. He takes a step forward towards the edge, I grip on his hand a bit tighter following his steps "On the count of three, together" I don't reply to him nor look at him, my gaze fixed on the water. He starts the countdown "One"
I close my eyes feeling my quick and shallow Breaths
Breath in
Breath out
"Two"
My heart pounding in my chest, the blood flowing through my veins sending me electric energy. Slowly I feel myself getting better the fear fading away and a new feeling of anticipation taking over me
"Three!"
My hand grips on his tighter than before as we both dive into the water, I keep my eyes closed as the water surrounds me, the sudden cold shock refreshing me makes me feel light. My breath snuck in my lungs when I opened my eyes, finding myself underwater. The water ripples with my moment, the sun illuminating above it making the water clear for my view
Liam grabs my arm pulling me up to the surface, a loud gasp escapes my mouth finally feeling the air flowing through my lungs. My eyes automatically get shut due to the water dripping down my hair to my eyes. His fingers trace over my face tugging the wet strands behind my ear.
My eyes flutter open after a moment, my arms wrapped around his neck as he holds my frame against his until I calm down "That was" I say between my breaths "Amazing!" I scream, my voice loud and filled with excitement. Liam chuckles at my reaction "you liked it?" He asks
"Yeah! I was scared at first but after trying I realized how fun this is" I confess, my heart is still beating fast but not with fear. This rush of adrenaline makes me feel alive. He raises his eyebrows amused by my reaction, because of my sudden change. "Oh really? Should we try again?" He teases
The smile wipes off my face "Oh no thank you" I quickly reject. One time was fine, I don't think I can do it again. Liam shrugs off nonchalantly with an impish grin on his face "If you say so"
He gently rubs my back "Are you okay? Any discomfort?" He asks, his voice gentle and filled with concerned. I glance around myself as we both float at the surface of the water. "Yeah I am fine" I reply.
The cool water makes my tensed muscles relaxed, the trees around the pond and waterfall moving along the breeze. Making this hot weather more light. Liam slowly moved away from me "why don't you try exploring the water?" He suggests
I smile while nodding at him "Let's do it!"
"
No way!" Stella shouts, dropping her spoon on the plate realizing the crowd around us she ducks her head a little and leans forward towards me "Really? Your Aunt suggested this place?" She says whispering.
I chuckle at her reaction and lean forward on the table. "Yeah, she was the one who told me about this waterfall." I whisper back, matching her tone. After the whole cliff jumping thing, I brought her to a nearby ice cream shop. It was hot and we were kinda hungry.
I had brought an extra pair of clothing for both of us as I knew it was needed. We both had to change our clothes in the restrooms. But while selecting the clothes I didn't think how much I would like seeing her in my clothes. The black t-shirt and pants which were fit for me, became baggy to her figure. She looks cute though
Her damp hair tied up with a claw clip, as she sits opposite to me enjoying her ice cream. Her face glowing with the sun rays passing through the glass windows. She is too beautiful that it hurts to take my eyes off her.
Her smile is like the morning sun illuminating the dark clouds and turning them warm
"Liam!" Stella taps on the wooden table to grab my attention, I shrug myself out of the thought and respond to her "Yeah?"
She takes her ice cream bowl in her hand and leans back on the chair while eating it "I must say you have a really cool Aunt" She comments, moving her spoon in the air. I smile at her words "Couldn't agree more, from the biking to surfing to this. Everything because of her" I reveal, it's the truth. I have got all these hobbies because Aunt lia forced me to try them.
"Damn- what about Lucas and Mia? Do they also go on these adventures?" She questions
I shake my head taking the scoop of my ice cream, the cold sensation relaxing me. "No, Mia is young but she may try later whereas Lucas" I trail off my words pausing for a while. Stella's eyebrows join together noticing the change of my tone. "He is more of an introvert, he would rather stay at home painting and studying than going out, he likes being isolated" I explain
Stella's eyes widened hearing the word "isolated? But why ?"
I sigh, keeping my ice cream aside, "Well when my dad passed away our family was going through a hard time, I somehow managed to engage myself in school work and find new hobbies but Lucas?" I finger tap on the table thinking about that time
"He always had a hard time expressing his feelings, only dad could understand him but when he also left. Lucas was broken but he didn't show. I tried to talk him out and make him open up but he refused.Dad always said 'Give him sometime' and I regret following his advice. We gave Lucas the time but that was my biggest mistake, that led him into depression maybe if I-"
"Liam!" She cuts me off, I look up to see her intense gaze. "It's not your fault, you were in grief too. Don't blame yourself for it, you need someone too. You did everything you could as an elder brother, you took the responsibility when you weren't even ready" she says softly, while holding my hand in her tender grip
I sigh deeply, my throat feeling dry as it becomes hard to make words come out of my mouth. Stella keeps her hand on mine giving me a reassuring squeeze, her eyes softens as she looks at me with sympathy "He is fine now, he got engaged into painting that helped him out. He is still a little hesitant to speak out but at least he doesn't push us away anymore" I complete
I try not to blame myself but it's hard
If I focused on him instead of myself then he wouldn't have gone through everything alone
For a few seconds Stella's eyes flicker at me, she wanted to say something but decided to stay silent.
Stella smiles slowly "tell me more about Aunt lia, you said she likes travelling and her work too. I always wanted to know if she got married" Stella adds, I can notice she is also trying to Change the topic looking at my discomfort
"Hm not married well she was engaged" I mumble, as this conversation is leading into something bigger. Her hand slips away from mine and her expressions changed into a frown "Engaged? To whom? There isn't any news about this"
"Louis Martin, they were going to get married"
Here eyes widen with shock almost too much with a wave of shock, her spoon drops down making a sound when the metal hits the table "What do you mean? How is that possible and why-"
"Let me explain" I say, stopping her from bombarding questions at me. No one knows about this and it's a huge surprise for her. "In the early 2000s when he came to Australia from Spain, he started to work under my mom. She was also starting her designing journey that time and Aunt lia used to help her. Uncle Louis and Aunt Lia became friends and started dating. I was really young and they used to baby sit me all the time when mom and dad was away due to work"
I smile remembering the fun times I had with them, they were like second parents to me. Stella's smile grows but I can catch the glimpse of sadness "but after the scandal" she mumbles under her breath looking down.
I nod with a shaky breath "Yeah, after the false allegations their whole life turned inside down. At that time, mom's name was becoming famous so for the sake of our family's reputation Aunt lia and Uncle Louis decided to never reveal their relationship and it got worse when he-" I pause, unable to say the word. Aunt Lia was able to clear out his name but it was too late.
"After that, Aunt Lia decided to stay unmarried because she loved Uncle Louis so much that she couldn't think about being with someone else" I add, my eyes meet Stella's. Her expressions filled with sorrow "She is a strong woman" her words makes me relived and proud
"Yeah she is" I reply, for years she has masked her feelings behind that sweet smile. Hiding the fact how lonely she is, that's why she always keeps traveling to divert her mind.
Everything
Everything happened because of him
Just for some money, Sebastian Miller decided to ruin one person's reputation without even realizing how many lives he ruined as well.
A sudden rush of rage fills my head, my grip tightens around the spoon just thinking about that guy. Taking a few deep breaths I try to calm myself, I glance at Stella hoping she didn't notice my behaviour. I smile lightly "let's finish the ice cream, it's melting already" I suggest, while eating the half melted ice cream
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By the time I dropped her back at the dorm, it was already dark. I enter my apartment to be greeted by silence and emptiness . The dim lights of the room making the atmosphere cold and lonely, I didn't think her leaving would affect me like this. Usually she would greet me when I come back but not anymore
It doesn't feel like home anymore
Taking a deep breath walking inside my bedroom. My eyes fall on my t-shirt laying on the bed, the word 'mine' written on it delicately by Stella. A smile forms on my face thinking about her, she might have done that as a joke. But I have a perfect idea to use it
Walking out of my room, my eyes search around the living room and kitchen. Finding no sign of buddy. Exploring I got inside the room which Stella was using for her designing. I sigh in relief when I see buddy laying near Stella's chair, his tail down and his expressions inactive.
I sit down beside him making him look up to me, I rub his head "You are missing her already?" I ask, noticing his low expressions. He pants looking at me and barks at my question. I chuckle a little, during this time even he has grown attached to her and he caught up the face that she won't be here often.
"Don't worry, she will visit you soon. She loves you too much" I say, petting his fur.
Message:
Freckles: help us-
Please come fast
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Author's Note
Guess what happened to Stella? It's not a joke guys the downfall is coming soon.....
Voting target-300+ votes and 120