Where I Belong

by Stella Andrew

  “Go for it tough guy,” I say balling my fists and pointing it at him. “If you did something outrageous like asking Uncle Cam for help, then this is easy peasy.”

  Chuckling he gets to his feet and bumps my fist with his.

  “Thank you. For everything.”

  “What can I say? I’m a legend in hearing other’s worries.” I joke and he ruffles my hair messing it up. Now I have to take a trip to the restroom!

  Adrien leaves first. Once he’s out of sight I sit back on the stairs and sigh deeply.

  What’s going to happen once everything is out in the open?

  Adrien knew where to find his friends during lunch break.

  “I better hurry. The break is about to end and those two wouldn’t spare me a second more when the bell rings. Punctuality freaks.” He mutters under his breath and picks his pace towards the student council room.

  Adrien flung the door open, and just as he thought, Evan and Esmee were in there, eating their meal while laughing at something. He felt he’s being a bother but he had to get this done.

  Like Mia said. It’s going to be easy peasy.

  “Adrien? I thought you were having lunch with Amelia?” Evan asks when he notices his best friend standing by the door. “and what are you doing way over there? Viens par ici.”

  “Why do you look so conflicted? Is something the matter?” Esmee asks worriedly. True enough Adrien’s brows were in a frown.

  Taking a deep deep breath, he looks at both his friends who were very precious to him.

  “There’s something I need to say to you guys.”

  “Quelle?” It was Esmee who asked.

  Adrien wasn’t sure if what he’s doing was right. This could end their friendship. This could ruin them maybe. But he still wanted to gamble the risks.

  “Back in junior high.” He began. The other two were confused now. “In our second year, I- I was in love with you Esmee.”

  “What?” she breathed out unable to take in what her dear friend had said.

  “It’s true. I did have feelings, more than just a friend towards you. I was a coward to express how I felt. And when I thought I was ready; you and Evan had already started dating.” Adrien said with a sad smile and a shrug.

  “So, he finally grows a backbone.” Evan joins the conversation. He doesn’t seem fazed or bothered at all.

  “You... You knew!?” Adrien asks shocked. What the actual fuck?

  “Well, it wasn’t rocket science to figure it out. I mean you were only kind to Esmee. Plus, you left too many signs.” He says in a carefree manner.

  “Then.” Adrien began but then stopped. If he knew, then why did he...

  “Because you were a coward, Adrien.” The latter looked at his friend flustered. “you never fought for the things you wanted. You always gave up without a fight. With Esmee as well, your feelings were so obvious, yet you never made a move. You always were a step back. And so I stole her from you.” Evan was now standing right in front of Adrien.

  Rather than angry or betrayal, Adrien felt regret and acceptance. What Evan said was true. He had been a coward. But not anymore. I’m going to fight for what’s mine. For what I need.

  “That doesn’t mean my feelings are second to yours. I equally loved Esmee. No, maybe more.” Evan speaks out. Adrien gives a solemn nod.

  “Adrien- I” Esmee starts but Evan holds a finger quieting her.

  “There’s more right? What you have to say to both of us.” Evan says looking Adrien in the eye. He had still not heard of what happened to him in the past weeks. He thought Adrien would fess up sooner or later but he was done waiting.

  Sighing Adrien replies. “oui.”

  And so once again he begins his disgraceful and unhappy story on what had happened. From the beginning on how he came across the thugs and the dealings, until the part where they’re caught and Esmee’s pictures deleted.

  Evan was lost for words. All he could do was gape at Adrien in shock.

  Esmee broke out crying, falling on to the near couch.

  Evan walked over and tried to comfort a hysterical girlfriend. Adrien kept rubbing the back of his head not sure what he’s supposed to do.

  Out of nowhere a hand grabs, Adrien by the collar and a fist hits the side of his face. Tumbling and tripping Adrien staggers back surprised.

  “Eve!” Esmee cried out

  “The hell? Dude what the...” he stops. Evan was beyond irritated. His expression morphed to pure anger.

  “Why the fuck do you have to handle every goddamn thing by yourself!?” Evan shouts so loud, Esmee is afraid someone would hear the screams and come running in.

  “Eve.” Adrien starts but then stops because, to be honest, he’s speechless.

  Evan clenches his fists tight, his body seething with anger.

  “What’s the point in having me as a friend if you’re not even going to rely on me?”

  Adrien hung his head feeling guilty. Evan ws right. Damn it he should have consulted with him. Esmee was his girlfriend for crying out loud! But- at that moment he couldn’t think straight and before he knew it he had confronted the bad guys.

  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you had to face all those hardships.” Esmee grasps his hands together in hers, tears trickling down her face. Adrien was devastated seeing her so broken.

  He gives her a kind smile, taking his hand away from hers and patting her head gently.

  “It’s alright. What’s done is done. Next time I pick a fight with some, I’ll get your help and stand on the sidelines while you get beat up.” He jokes to lighten the mood in the room. And it does. Both Evan and Esmee crack smiles.

  “Well, then lovebirds. Carry on with whatever lame jokes you two were laughing at before. I’ve somewhere else to be.” Saluting at the two of them he turns to leave, but then is stopped by Evan.

  “Keep this in mind Adrien. Friendship above all. Before Esmee and I being a couple, is our friendship towards each other which includes the cocky you.” Evan states with a hard look. Adrien felt a light breeze pass him. He felt the breeze within him. He internally sighed in relief. Now, more than ever he was sure with all his heart and soul, their bond wasn’t going to be severed but actually strengthen even more than before.

  “Oh, and one more thing,” Evan spoke up. Adrien waits for the rest of it. “You referred to your love on Esmee in the past tense. ‘I was in love with you Esmee’, ‘I did have feelings, more than just a friend towards you’, which means you’ve moved on.”

  Adrien smiles at his smartass friend, almost grinning he nods.

  “And to move on, you need someone else to replace the broken heart. Am I right Adrien?”

  Damn, just how smart is this guy!

  Adrien couldn’t hold back and chuckles which was followed by Evan and Esmee. With that he turns around and walks out of the room, grinning like a kid on his first school trip.

  Now then, all that’s left is to find her and say ‘Mission Accomplish’.

  CHAPTER TEN

  I didn’t know a single call could ruin happiness. But that’s what happened to me. Shattered my newfound bliss.

  Adrien and I grew much closer ever since he confessed everything to the President and Esmee. We were totally on good terms. Surprisingly, good enough to go out and grab a bite or for a match or two of bowling and arcade.

  Which was more of a shock to me, than happiness?

  I mean weren’t we fighting and jumping at each other’s throat just a while back? And now we happen to miraculously be BFF’s or something. Not that I minded it of course. It felt good. Spending time with the jerk face who was less of a jerk face now.

  That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped sabotaging his precious omelets! I’m not that of a good girl.

  Wow, immature much Amelia?

  Adrien even makes me his special Panko and Parmesan-Crusted Cod Fillets (mouth-watering... mmm) when I want to eat it. I don’t have to be heartbroken and a sappy crybaby to have him make the dish for me.

&nb
sp; Apart from being weird with his good naturedliness (if that’s even a word!) towards me, he’s doing pretty good if not more at school. To begin with he’s a smartass with a very high IQ. So it’s not a surprise it took him only a few referring of pages to get back to the top of the class!

  All was well and everyone is happy and unicorns and sunshine.

  So why am I locked up in my room bawling my eyes out like I just heard news the world’s coming to an end?

  “Amelia, Honey-pie. You need to come out of there.” Aunt Felicity’s worried voice penetrated through the closed door.

  Just leave me alone!

  I wanted to scream at someone or something at least.

  “Amelia? I’m getting really worried out here Hun.”

  Aunt Felicity didn’t do any wrong. So why am I acting like some bitch hurting a lady who’s only trying to comfort me?

  Dragging myself off of the messy bed, I trudge towards the door. Sighing aloud I stare at the mirror and suck in a breath.

  I look hideous! Like some girl after a major breakup.

  Fuck.

  Fuck all this.

  I turn the doorknob and the door creaks open. Two arms plunge forward and wrap around me. My face comes in contact with a warm chest.

  “You silly girl. Making me so worried!” Aunt felicity says hugging me tighter. I wrap my arms around her slim waist accepting every warmth I could get. I realized I was shivering.

  “C’mon. let’s get you something to eat. You haven’t eaten anything all morning.”

  I simply follow her without a word. As we go down the stairs my mind is suddenly clouded with worry.

  “Hey, Aunt Fel. Does Adrien know about what happened?” I manage to ask. My throat felt dry after all that useless weeping.

  “No Honey-pie. I was hoping to tell him when he comes back for dinner tonight.”

  Ah, that’s right. He’d gone out with a couple of friends from school.

  “Don’t tell him.”

  She seems to be taken aback.

  “What? Why?”

  “Please.” It was all I could reply.

  I couldn’t understand why I sounded so desperate. But aunt Fel seemed to sense I wasn’t alright and agreed to my terms.

  Why am I so worried about how he’ll react?

  Earlier that day, when I was about to go meet Ninnon to go for some make-up and shoe shopping I was stopped with a video call from my parents.

  Nothing unusual there of course. Just your typical parents wanting to have a chat with their one and only daughter. At least that’s what was supposed to have happened.

  Until Dad ruined everything.

  “Amelia, It’s high time you come back to America” was what he had told me.

  And just like that, every single effort I’d been taking these past months to make a home for myself here in Lyon was torn apart.

  Endless arguing, a little screaming and even a few drops of tears, yet nothing changed my father’s mind. He was hell-bent on getting me back home to America. Even Mom who has always been on my side, took his side this time.

  I begged to stay back. I’ve never begged so much. Even when I’d been heartbroken after Sarah’s death I didn’t beg so much to get away.

  I don’t know why. I don’t know when. But by the time I realized I’d already gotten used to Lyon so much that my love for this place surpassed my love for back home.

  Is it because of Ninnon? Ethan? Pierre? Because of everyone in my class who had been friends I’d always wished for? Is it because of the Valentin family who had been gracious enough to accept me into their family? I have no idea. All I know is it’ll be unbearable to leave everyone and everything behind and go back to the life I had before Sarah’s death.

  Why can’t Dad understand? Why is he so unfair? Why is Mom not supporting me!?

  God Damnit all!

  Later that night I heard a soft knock on my door. I continued hugging my pillow and staring at the colorless ceiling.

  “Mia?”

  I bolted up and sit up straight. Adrien!

  “You awake?” he calls out.

  I don’t dare to even breath. Please just go away. I don’t want to see YOU of all people.

  Before Adrien came home, I’d gobbled up my food and rushed back to my room.

  God, what if Aunt Fel had told him?

  Why in God’s name am I fucking panicking!?

  This is not me. Why do I care what he thinks?

  Oh God. What am I saying? I’m terrified to see his reaction.

  “I’m coming in.”

  WHAT!?

  The doorknob turns and to my horror, it opens letting the light in the hallway spill into my darkroom.

  Why in god damn blazes is my door fucking unlocked!?

  “What the hell?” Mia, why is your light turned off?” Adrien reaches for the switch at the same time I bury myself under the sheets.

  The lights turn on and I hear soft steps approaching me.

  “What, are we playing hide-n-seek now?” He says and tries pulling the sheets off of me. Tries.

  My grip is steel-like, grabbing the sheets for dear life.

  “Mia stop this! The hell are you doing woman?” he continues trying to pry it off and I continue holding it close to me. He finally gives up and steps back.

  “What are you in your periods?”

  Oh no. you do not say that to a pure maiden!

  I would have kicked his spot for being so vulgar-tongued if I wasn’t in a slump. I let it drop gritting my teeth. I hear him sigh and then he sits on the bed. I scoot over to give him space.

  Seriously Amelia?

  “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” his voice so gentle, it made me want to bury myself on his shoulder and cry my eyes out.

  I shook my head hoping he’d get the movement from under the sheets. What if he took it as a nod?

  “Then why are you locked up in here?”

  Thank god he understood. Slowly his hand crept underneath the sheet and searched for mine. He grabs hold of my hand, gently moving his thumb in circles.

  I grip his hand tight, forcing myself to not touch my face with his palm.

  He remained silent not pestering me for answers.

  I don’t know how long we were in that position. Adrien moved side to side adjusting his position since his body was growing numb with all the sitting still, but his hand remained on mine.

  After what seemed like hours, I felt his touch leave me. My eyelids were growing heavy, a yawn escaping both mine and Adrien’s lips.

  He stood up and stretched himself. Through the sheets, I could feel his strong gaze on me.

  “I’ll wait for you to open up to me. Till then I won’t bother you, Mia.” Saying so he ruffles my head which I slightly popped out of the sheets and he walked out switching the lights off and closing the door behind him.

  He should not know.

  Adrien should not know what had happened. He should not know I have to go back to America. Whatever this relationship is between me and Adrien. I don’t want it to be ruined.

  Therefore, Adrien will have to be in the dark till the last minute.

  “YOUR WHAT!?” Ninnon yelled so loud, the entire class stopped whatever they were doing to stare at us crazy duo.

  “What’s going on?”

  “A fight?” Ninnon and Amelia?”

  “What’s going on? What’s going on?”

  “Ninnon keep your voice down! Please.” I whisper-yell at her trying to shut her mouth. She slaps my hand aside.

  “Do not dare shush me.” Wow, she’s mad. Like really mad.

  Ninnon is always calm and clear. ALWAYS. So, of course, the class is going to imagine all sorts of crazy stuff since the class’s Miss-Calm just blew her head off.

  Pierre who was nagging Ethan to go play after school came over slinging an arm over my shoulder staring at Ninnon and me curiously.

  “Everything okay?” Ethan speaks out before Pierre could even open his mouth. He scowls at Ethan c
hildishly.

  “Everything’s fine. Just fine.” I said gritting my teeth hard, controlling myself from punching Pierre who was now braiding my hair? The fuck!?

  He’s made a mess of my hair now!

  “Everything is so not okay. Amelia, how could you?” Ninnon who was in a rage just a couple of seconds ago said now in a sad tone.

  C’mon Ninnon. Don’t do this. God people, just stop making me want to cry.

  “Alright, you two. Behind the school. Now.” Ethan says with a hard tone. I raise a brow staring at him and his cocky attitude. Ninnon had an identical pose.

  Uh hello? Who put him in charge?

  And what’s with Behind the school? What are we gangsters?

  Sighing Ethan scratches the back of his head.

  “Since you two aren’t willing to talk here. Let’s go somewhere where we could talk in private? And Pierre, what in God’s name are you doing?” He says the latter, after slapping Pierre’s hand away from my bird-nest hair.

  Thank you, Ethan.

  Ninnon turns on her heels and marches out the class. Groaning internally, I walk after her with Ethan and Pierre close behind.

  We stood behind the same bush I had cried my eyes out on Ethan’s shoulder.

  Wow, the good old memories. Not

  “So?” Ethan cuts through my thoughts. He has his arms crossed waiting for an explanation. Pierre rocks on his heels, hands dug deep into his parka pockets. A solemn look plastered on his face, the usual goofy grin long gone.

  Ninnon remains silent, staring hard at the ground clasping and unclasping her fists.

  I don’t blame her. Not one bit. If I were in her shoes I’d react the same way, or even worse.

  “I’m leaving,” I say.

  “Uh? Where? Leaving? Be a bit more understandable Amelia.” Pierre says staring straight into my face.

  “America,” I whisper. I bet they didn’t hear me. My voice was barely audible.

  “Sorry?”

  “She’s going back to America!.” Ninnon snaps.

  Ethan could only stare in shock. Pierre strode towards me and grabbed me by the shoulder making me look at him straight in the eyes.