It felt like a dream.

My body relaxed and all I could stare at was Noel's broad shoulders and smile whenever he turned to make sure that I followed him. Surprisingly, we heard the afternoon class siren when it rang, yet, both of us continued until we were on the roof of the tall, senior building. I watched as he quietly tilted his head to gesture at the dusty floor. "I'm not sitting there."

"Why? It is a good spot for viewing the school." He moved forward, then handed a thin cloth to me. "It's a picnic mat, don't ask where I found it."

A broad smile crossed my face and I had the pleasure of watching his expressions warm up too. "You are always prepared, huh?" Grabbing the mat, I quickly placed it on the floor before Noel sat and laid the bowls on it.

"My present?" There was a spark of excitement in his tone as he eagerly pulled it off my lap. An unexpected emotion rushed through me when he playfully perked my cheek, and I found myself swallowing the lump in my throat — the truth. If I told him that it wasn't my present, that would probably be the end of his excitement, though, what would be wrong about admitting the truth?

Curiosity got the better of me; and hence, I sat back and watched his fingers unwrap the pink box. To my surprise, Noel took out a tiny bowl of creamy cupcakes. "Homemade or store bought?" He gently pressed his plump lips into a thin line — a mocking expression that meant he might laugh depending on my response.

"Homemade."

"Wow, I didn't know you owned a bakery." Noel turned the bowl, then tapped the bakery label on it. "Who gave this to you?"

"To me? It would be shocking if I had one secret admirer." Frowning, I grabbed the bowl, then picked out the prettiest, creamy cupcake. "Ugh! It's orange flavoured with a little..." Unconsciously licking my bottom lip; my gaze fixed on Noel's pressed eyebrows and emotionless expression. "Jealousy."

"Really?" He had a cocky smirk on his face as his hands stretched and traced the collar of my white shirt. Momentarily, Noel closed the distance and stopped inches away from my face, his breath warm as he whispered. "It seems I'm on duty today, and you have quite a number of offences. Let's say; lying, a dress-code penalty, an off school premises violation, lack of moral conduct toward the prefecture board, off hours loitering during classes and in possession of prohibited materials."

"But you—"

"You are basically begging me to punish you, Miss Aurora." That sensual, authoritative tone, which made me feel butterflies in my tummy. It reminded me of the days before I, personally, knew him because he spoke calmly, yet convincing, whenever he stood as the council president or class representative.

Slowly, I bit on my lip and picked up another cupcake — taking the largest bite that could guarantee my silence when my cheeks heated up. "Hmm." Suddenly, Noel's laughter echoed in the vast space; a little relief spread through me before swallowing hard on the piece of baking. "You were teasing me, weren't you?"

"You are such a good girl; why should I punish you?" Noel smiled, then rested his head on my lap after numerous minutes of uncomfortably changing positions. "Will you tell me the truth? I know you of all people wouldn't purchase orange flavoured food for me, unless you forgot."

"I admit, a pretty girl downstairs told me to deliver it to you." I blurted.

"Do you like it? The cakes?" My eyes widened because I assumed that he would react to my confession. Unlike my assumptions, Noel stared up at me as though deciphering my thoughts.

"It's really nice and soft. Oh, the cream tastes delicious too." I whispered and smiled doubtfully — unsure of what he expected. Surprisingly, Noel stood up, then grabbed the bowl before capturing an image of it. "What are you doing?"

"... Keeping the brand name in case you need to order in the future." He paused, "I hardly share private gifts with the media, but she made you willing to deliver it — I'd be mean to ignore the smile on your face."

"Aww, I just want to kiss you." I teased before we laughed. "Seriously."

"Too bad, I'm on mental therapy."

Of course, he didn't kiss me. An hour had passed since Noel posted the image and sat back on the mat. Although the publicizing of the obvious admirer made me uncomfortable and angry, I found myself smiling whenever Noel hummed after the first bite. We silently watched the sky and made petty remarks about our childhood. Moreover, I liked how the conversation flowed because it would undoubtedly pave the way for my questions.

"... Afterward, I went home and found you with my dad. But, Ruby came over and advised me to speak to her. That's how I'm in this situation. I don't know if I'd let my mother adopt me after abandoning me." I explained the crisis at home after half an hour of narrating about my mother and father.

"I understand your standpoint." He cleared his throat. "Imagine being your mother — married to a man you loved and sponsored. Then, after years, that said man begins to ignore you and your daughter because of work. Doesn't provide security or attention to you whilst being deserted by your family because of the marriage."

"But, I could sacrifice for my child." I protested, then smashed the bottle back on the ground, causing a small crack.

"Living in an unloving family with hopes of change isn't that simple a concept as you imagine. Accepting pain for another person's happiness is even harder." I clicked my tongue, then rolled my eyes at his remarks. Though Noel was direct and logical, I'd have preferred if he took my side.

"You are not trying to understand me! I know that she searched for comfort in another man because of all the fights and lack of affection, but — why aren't you on my side too? Ruby and you, now?" I covered my face, then painfully bit hard on my quivering lips. I shouldn't cry. My shivering hands clenched the skirt before another warm touch caressed the back of my hand.

"Hey, baby, I'm always on your side." He took a deep sigh whilst pulling me into his warm embrace. At that moment, all I could hear were my inaudible chants to avoid tears and Noel's smoothing heartbeat. "I don't mind if you cry, it's okay to cry if you feel things are out of your control."

No, I wouldn't cry. "I... you won't leave me too, right?"

"I'd never leave you." Liar. I could feel the truth in his stressed voice and raced heartbeat.

"My father will leave me too, I'll be all alone. I... I'm scared." I held on the tears that fought for release; leaving my cracked voice as the only window for my emotions. "A... and you'll leave, they'll leave and everyone will leave."

"What makes you certain that I'll leave?" Noel pulled me onto his lap as he patted my back. A little while later, he held me at arm length and stared at my face.

"Because you are a liar! What do you know about my worries, huh? You probably wake up and worry about which freaking brand to promote or music to play. Gosh, I'd rather live a strict lifestyle with two healthy parents than worry about everything. You most likely haven't lost anyone who is important to you!" The words got out quicker than I thought. Immediately, my eyes widened before my palms covered my mouth. "I..."

Noel's hold on me weakened whilst guiding me off him. There was a slight hint of pain in my expression as his eyes fixed on the faraway building. For several seconds, I watched his quietly, composed state until he shifted with a forced smile. "Sorry, I'm terrible at advising." He forcefully chuckled as he rubbed the crease on his forehead. "It's almost the end of classes, shall we head downstairs?"

Noel almost stood up before I grabbed his arm — pulling him downwards. "Uh, can we clear up before heading out?" I nervously stared at the opposite rooftops of the junior building. "I don't want us to argue, and I shouldn't have said that. I was wrong, I'm at fault."

I watched him for countless seconds until he sat back on the mat. At that moment, I figured it would be best to maintain silence in case I blurted anything that I would regret. Hence, for many minutes, we silently sat in the corner of the blocked building. The silence felt like a sharp sword that pierced my chest every passing minute, hence, causing the previously pleasing, colourful surrounding seem grey.

The blue sky felt suffocating, and the sounds made by the birds were annoying. Moreover, I disliked the shivering fingers that clenched my chest and the unbearable, uncontrolled sighs that flowed unwillingly from me. It felt different, if only Noel could make a readable expression to prompt me to engage in a conversation — then, the place might be pleasing again. Only a little attention... a word...

"I lost my father when I was eight years old." He inaudibly whispered. It seemed like he paused for my response, but I couldn't have said anything to ease him. I was scared that he would be quiet again. "Actually, he didn't just naturally die, but was experimented on."

"What?" I gasped. "Why?"

There was a long pause that I almost believed that he had stopped talking before he sighed. Though ignoring my questions and interests in the story. "Actually, I was born with a weak system and most of my internal organs were affected by my pheromone imbalance. Hence, my previous family doctor, Mr Li, told my parents that I might die earlier than expected because of my weakening organs. But, my father was keen on saving me that he involved house Chester to borrow their biologist and medical personnel from the Li health organization. But..."

My brain continued to process the information until the siren echoed, and I realized that he had paused. "What happened after?"

"Aurora..." The phone vibrated in his pocket, which he picked up with a frown on his face. "Yes, I'll be there, mother."

"Oh, you have something planned for after school?" I quickly picked up the bowls and folded the mat. Though, he was half across the place, I decided to avoid provoking him any further. "Noel! Wait for me!"

"Can you take this to the SCR office and inform them that I'll miss today's meeting!" Noel walked ahead of me, eventually, I guessed that it was time-sensitive.

With that, I walked slowly as he left the warm scent behind, as usual, it was unidentifiable. Luckily, after a long walk downstairs, I managed to deliver the message and mat to the representatives' office. Moreover, after the longest day, I wished to rest; hence my plans with Fiona had to be cancelled.

Ten minutes had passed by since the dispensing siren rang, and I stood at the public bus station that was a short distance from the school. Though my thoughts constantly diverted to what Noel had said, I made several mental notes to enquire about it later when he was relaxed. Moreover, some of my questions were answered. But, it's shocking that his father died years ago. Yet, none of it was broadcasted.

In that case, who was the current owner of the Parschel businesses? It was reported that the main figure, who was his father, went to reside in the countryside due to his poor health for a decade. Hence, his wife and uncle played the part of the overseers and acting representatives for years. Could it be that they waited for Noel to become an adult to avoid losing funds and support? That couldn't be because he was never raised in the business world, unlike his older sister and younger brother. Unfortunately, he was more of a pretty, musical mannequin trapped in a transparent box.

If I could assume that he was raised to succeed his mother's position in Avon entertainment, then Noel wouldn't replace his father. Well, his health was a limitation, and his father wouldn't have fully believed that he would be alive after ten years old. Although, it couldn't be Leticia because she held a strong influence, yet hadn't been officially given a position in the company. Noel's brother seemed younger than eight years old, but I'd assume that he was six years old if he possessed a childlike, notorious behaviour. It was unlikely that his father could have placed a title on an unborn child.

"Everyone knows that Noel is the heir of house Parschel." I mumbled, then sighed. "No, something is missing. What exactly was the experiment that made his father believe that he might live to succeed as the official heir?"

"Which official heir?" I heard a familiar voice before turning toward the lady who stood beside me.

"Ah! Am I hallucinating now?" Rubbing the frown on my forehead, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Moments later, my gaze wandered around the crowded bus stop before flinching. "Uh? It is really you."

"You are taking it better than I did when I spotted you." She smiled, then crossed her hands on the baby bump. "I was told that you'd be visiting; we can head home together."

"Home?" I scoffed, then rolled my eyes.

"I meant..." My attention was on the diamond ring on her hand that caressed her hair nervously. Shockingly, she seemed different from before — her attitude was suspicious.

"Are you being good to me now because of the adoption process?" I crossed my arms over my chest as I waited for what she had to say.

"I'm sorry about last time, sweetie—"

"Don't call me that!"

My clenched teeth bit hard on my quivering lips; I had forgotten that we were in public until the sounds of whispering voices filled the background. It wouldn't be good to have a commotion in public, and Ruby would be disappointed if I couldn't handle it maturely. Thereafter, I cleared my throat and smiled.

"I don't mind being dropped off at home." The bus seemed to be late, moreover, it would be easier to communicate with her without Fiona's presence. I sighed softly, whispering my false gratitude as she led me toward the parked car. Our steps were in sync, which made me walk ahead of her.

Thereafter, I entered the car as if it were my own and rested my back against the leather passenger seat. In no time, mother did the same and drove off. The drive through the busy, afternoon streets made the music that played through the speakers a little tolerable. Moreover, I could feel her constant stares at me whenever the car stopped at the traffic lights. I should have attended to Noel, at least his presence overcame the dreadful silence.

Imagine myself in her position. How funny, Noel. It wasn't as easy as he assumed it could be. Yet, because he said it, my mind unconsciously made me try — I rubbed my neck and stared at the tall buildings. For Noel, Ruby, my dad — I could clear up the situation, only for their sack.

"You seem happy, I mean..." I paused, "with your new family."

My eyes were fixed on the window as one hand slightly covered my mouth whilst the other acted as a pillow for my head. The last thing I wished to do was be relieved after watching her expressions. "Hmm? Oh, I guess."

"Great."

"How has it been at home? You've grown up, I couldn't recognize you for a moment after I saw you." She nervously chuckled, and I heard the tension in her tone disappear the more that she uttered the words.

"It has been the usual... surviving." She cleared her throat upon hearing my remark.

"That's unfortunate. Is your father's health improving?" I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, then covered my quivering lips when the bitter taste of blood coated my tongue after licking my bottom lip. I could imagine the engraved marks of my teeth on it.

"Is it ideal to enquire about your ex-husband's condition with such an expression on your face?"

"Oh, um... I thought your attention was on the external views, but the side mirrors seem to be functioning properly." She warmly smiled and stared at the wheel, "I'm glad that after all these years, my face doesn't seem to disgust you. I'm truly sorry, Aurora. I... Likewise, I have so many regrets in life, but leaving you behind was the worse I've ever done."

"..."

I watched as she sniffed in the cries and cracks in her voice. "I shouldn't have done that, I'm so sorry. I realized it too late, and abandoned you with a man that couldn't provide for himself. Gosh, he couldn't even afford to hire secured transport for you." She clenched her steering wheel, then stopped the car.

"He was unable to provide by your standards, but he was always there for me — more than you've ever been! Are you apologizing to me or aiming to degrade him?" I felt the frustration in my voice when I groaned angrily. "He changed, and was home with me whenever I needed him. Stop thinking about the past!"

"I see." She ran her fingers through her curly hair, then rested her back on the dark leather seat. "It seems, I have no chance to be in your life again." She chuckled softly, then sighed as she reached out for a paper. "I understand, if you ever feel like calling — here is my number."

We were both silent until I grabbed the paper from her hand. Immediately, my eyes scanned it, then wandered around the small, fancy car before realizing that the car had been parked several minutes ago. Parked at the entrance with the front view visible from the distance. "I'll be on my way."

Without hesitation, I quickly picked up my bag and jumped out of the passenger seat. When I was a distance away, I turned and noticed that she had been waiting for me to enter the house. "Aurora, if you don't know something about me; then, you are not trying to communicate. I can't guess what you want to know, neither will I tell you random information that might bore you. Try me, I might be easier to talk to than you imagine." With that random thought from Noel, I ran back toward the car and opened the door.

"Are you free for dinner on Wednesday? We'll be having a small family gathering; join us with your family if you are free." I smiled, then waved before running toward the entrance. Of course, I lied, but it was a lie that I would make reality. If father and mother's family could come to a solid understanding, then everything would be fixed. But, I couldn't act as a medium for marital issues, hence my bet was on uncle Nathaniel and aunt Emma, Ruby's adoptive parents, to equalize the equation.

Wednesday night would be a start of a new chapter in my life; the end of the family misunderstanding — if my plan succeeds.

🦋
Thanks for reading this chapter, support the story by commenting or upvoting.

I really liked writing this chapter because the drama is now exploding after the buildup.

Aurora was so upset and irritated in the entire chapter xo