It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, Drake had invited Anna to his family's house to meet his sisters and Mom. Anna had accepted the invitation and she just arrived at their doorstep.

As she stood in front of the door, she was feeling nervous. This was the first time she was doing something like this and she was anxious about what the outcome will be like. Minutes passed by before she pressed the doorbell. The door flew open within a minute and Drake appeared in front of her.

"Hey," she greeted shyly.

"Hey, you're right on time. Come on in" he said ushering her in. She nods and followed him inside. When she got inside, Drake's two sisters were standing halfway to the door smiling widely.

Drake's immediate younger sister Kylie who is fifteen years old walked up to Anna and stood in front of her.

"Hi, my name is Kylie, you are welcome" Kylie greeted and hugged her briefly while Anna slowly hugged her back.

"Thank you" she smiled and released her from the embrace.

"Hello Anna, my brother has told us so much about you. I'm Julia" Julia the youngest in the house introduced.

"Really?" Anna replied sounding surprised and she squint at Drake who shrugged in response.

"You are pretty," Julia said smiling shyly.

"Ha! Thank you" Anna chuckled nervously.

"Ann, meet my sisters, Kylie and Julia. I know they've introduced themselves but I just did again" Drake chuckles.

"I'm pleased to finally meet you girls. You girls are really beautiful" she replied smiling.

Kylie and Julia shared a glance. "Thank you" they both giggled.

"Julia and I prepared something special for you. Come to the dining to have a taste of what we've prepared for you" Kylie said and turnaround. She led them to the dining table just at the left-hand side of the parlor.

"Where is mom?" Drake asked walking Anna to the dining.

"She's in her room. She said you should let her know whenever Anna arrives" Julia answered.

"Ok, I'll do that right away. I'll be right back Ann" he told and left to go get his mom while Anna took a sit on one of the dining chairs.

"My brother likes you, he has never brought a girl home before. You are the first person he is bringing home," Julia said in almost a whisper.

"Really?!" Anna exclaims with wide eyes.

"Yes, this past few days all he talks about is the new girl he just met which is you. I'm sure he is shy to ask you to be his girlfriend" Julia continued.

"Julia!" Kylie exclaimed and shot her sister a warning glare while Julia pouted. "I'm sorry, Julia can be so nosy most of the time".

"Ha! I see, it's okay though. I like her, she's outspoken" Anna replied smiling nervously.

"We are back" Drake announced and Anna's nerves calm a little. She glanced back to see Drake holding his mom, he was standing right behind her.

She stood up and gave a slight bow. "Good day, ma. Drake told me about you, I'm sorry for all you must have been going through."

"Oh Drake, he doesn't know when to keep his big mouth shut" Drake's mom joked in a weak voice and laughs lightly.

Anna smiled and stole a glance at Drake who smiled back at her.

"Don't just stand there and stare at her, you both should have a sit" his mom chewed out and walked over to her favorite seat at the right-hand side of the dining table.

The four of them glanced at each other and snickered at their mom's authoritative words.

Anna sat down back on her seat and Drake took a sit beside her. Kylie served the pasta and tomato soup to everyone and they all began eating in silence.

"Humm. This soup tastes good. This is the only good food I've tasted since I got here" Anna said licking her lips as she took more pasta into her mouth.

"Really?!" Kylie clamored and Anna nods. "You must have been doing more of junks then."

"Yes, I have. I missed my mom's delicious meals. I think you'll have to teach me how to make delicious soup like this one" she replied.

"With no hesitation, I will," Kylie said.

"Point of correction, we will" Julia butted in and they gazed up at her and laughed. "We both cooked this food, she shouldn't give credit to herself alone" she continues and frowns at her sister.

"Kylie you are cheating on your sister again. I told you to always acknowledge the little help she always offers you," their mom said.

Anna squints at Drake and he shook his head while she smiled. She glanced at both girls and she saw the cold glare in Julia's eyes as she stared at her sister.

"Mom I didn't cheat on her, I only forgot to mention her name. I'll do that next time I promise" Kylie replied.

"Julia did you hear that?" their mom asked and she nodded. "Now eat your meal with happiness and not with a sad face."

"Okay, Mom" Julia answered and her lips parted into a small smile.

"So, Anna, it's good to have you here. Do feel at home and enjoy your meal."

"Thank you, ma."

"Oh dear, I'm not an old lady. I'll prefer you call me Violet" Drake's mom said and her kids giggled including Anna.

"Yes, ma...I mean Violet" Anna chuckles nervously and continued eating.

"My son told me you are the apple of your parent's eye, right or wrong?" she asked and Anna gazed up at Mrs. Violet.

"Uhmm, I think he exaggerated for telling you that" came Anna's reply and she shot Drake a glare.

"Well, I guess I'm the one exaggerating. Anyways you are welcome to my family. I understand we might not have much to offer you but you have our love and attention any time any day" Mrs. Violet said and she gave Anna a warm smile.

"Thank you so much ma-Violet" Anna corrected and they all laughed at her mistake.

"Can we now eat in silence?" Drake asked and sighs heavily.

"Is our conversation bothering you young man?" his mom raised a brow at his son.

"I bet not. Because if it does, we are just starting this conversation. So is either you put up with it or excuse us" Anna responded and everyone stared at her in a gape.

"I love her already" Mrs. Violet almost yelled out but she kept her voice on the low because of her health.

"She belongs here" Kylie giggled.

"You're most welcome, Anna" Julia added grinning sheepishly.

"Ah! You ladies are something" Drake groaned and ate in silence while his mom and the girls started an unending discussion.

In a matter of time, he embraced their conversation and laughed at some things they said. He watched in admiration as Anna laughed and flowed with his family, to him it was the best thing that has ever happened to him after such a long time.

After their lunch, Kylie came up with the suggestion of Drake calling his friends over so they could visit the beach and have some fun. At first, Drake wouldn't accept his sister's plea, but when Anna got involved he couldn't say no anymore. So he accepted and put a call through to Jay and co.

An hour later, Jay picked up Drake and his sisters including Anna while Brad came with Nicole in his car. They were all at the beach except Drake's mom who refused to join them.

"I don't have a girlfriend just like Brad and Drake. Hey Kylie, can you be my borrowed date for this beach hangout?" Jay asked wrapping his arms around Kylie's shoulder.

"Stay far away from my sister Jay!" Drake seethed from behind them and Anna chuckled.

"What? Are you going to marry your sister? Allow me to shoot my shot man" Jay replied his arms still wrapped around Kylie's shoulder.

"I'm not going to warn you again to stay clear from my sister!" Drake's voice went cold and deep.

"Kylie I won't tell you to stay away from him, but just be careful he's a real jerk," Nicole said and ran up to the sea while Brad chased after her.

Drake glanced at Anna and she raised a brow and shrugged with a big grin plastered on her face.

"I'm going over to the coconut tree over there," Julia said walking away from them to join a young guy of the same age as her. He was sitting all alone playing with the beach sand.

"Do not leave there without informing us, okay?" Drake called after his sister.

"Sure" she responded with a nod.

"Now if you'll excuse us, we are going into the water to have some fun" Jay spoke up wrapping his arms around Kylie's waist and she giggled.

Drake's nostrils flares up and he took a step forward and pulled out Jay's hands from his sister's body. "Don't touch her like that!" He barked. "And you Kylie, stop giggling like some kid being tossed a chocolate candy."

"C'mon brother, stop being hard on me. Jay isn't doing anything bad to me, we just want to have a swim that's all" Kylie replied frowning.

"He's too dangerous, he's going to burn you" Drake half-yelled and Jay snorted.

"Stop exaggerating D-cool. I'm a cool guy. Enough of the talking, you should spend private time with Anna while we're away" Jay said and took Kylie's hand and they both ran off to catch up with Brad and Nicole.

"You two should come back here!" Drake yelled making a move to go after them but Anna held his wrist. He turnaround and glanced up at her.

"Let them have fun, I'm sure Jay won't hurt your sister, besides it's just swimming," she said.

"You trust him?" he asked raising a brow at her.

"Not that I trust him but I just know he wouldn't do something that will ruin your friendship."

Drake stared at her for a moment allowing what she just said to assimilate into his mind. He sighs and held her hand, and he flashed her a smile. "Just because of you, I'll let them be."

"Thank you. Now, what would you like to do? Do you want to join them in swimming?"

"No. What about you? Would you like to swim?"

"No, I'll prefer to stay out here if you'd like that."

"I'll love that. Come with me let me walk you around" Drake offered and entwined their hands.

They both walked around the beach. Anna came to an abrupt stop and bent over to scoop some water with her hands and she sprinkled it on Drake's face. She laughs and ran away while Drake chased after her. When he got hold of her hand, he pulls her close and his arms wrapped around her waist.

Drake carried her into the water and held her still while he let the water splash on her face. The scream emerging from Anna excites him, he puts her down and began using his hands to splash water all over her. Giggling, Anna joined him in the water splash game.

After several minutes had passed, Drake reached out and grasped Anna's waist, pulling her close to his chest. Their eyes locked, and at that moment, it felt as if time itself stood still, allowing them to hear the synchronized rhythm of their hearts beating.

With a tender touch, Drake's thumb brushed against Anna's right cheek, eliciting butterflies in her stomach. As he leaned in closer, his eyes closed, and he hesitated slightly, nervous about kissing a girl for the first time, afraid he might make a mistake.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally pressed his lips against hers, and Anna's eyes widened in surprise. This was also her first kiss, and she was unsure how to react to the unexpected gesture. It took her a few seconds to gather her thoughts before she responded to the kiss, mimicking what she thought kissing should be like.

A couple of minutes later, they both pulled away from each other, stealing glances as they processed the moment they had just shared.

"I... I'm sorry I kissed you. I-"

"It's fine. We both wanted it, isn't it?" she interrupted staring up at him.

"Yes, yes. I'd always wanted to kiss you after our first date" he reached out for her cheek and rubbed it gently. "I like you, Ann."

Anna blushed and glanced down. "Hey you two, we've been looking all around for you guys. Were you two making out here?" Nicole's voice startled them apart and they groaned when they saw her.

"Just shut up and mind your own business" Drake shoo her away but she ignored him and walked over to them.

"You two are my business!" She retorted standing in between both of them. "So what are you going to do about that? Kick me away?" she deadpanned and Anna snickered.

"Where is your boyfriend? He should always be with you, that's the only way you won't cause trouble" he replied.

"I hate you so much Drake!" she yelled to his face and walked away and then she halted, turnaround, and walk back to them. She held Anna's wrist and said, "I'm going with her" and with that, he dragged Anna away from Drake.

Anna glanced back at Drake with wide eyes and Drake shook his head. "Nicole let her go, we were having a conversation before you intruded on it!"

"I don't care. This is what you get for pissing me off. I'll steal her throughout our stay at the beach, so is better you get yourself busy with something else. Your friends are waiting for you over there!" She called back to him.

"I hate you, Nicole!" He yelled to her hearing him gritting his teeth.

"I love you too baby!" She yelled back giggling.

**

Their beach hangout ended up well and Drake brought Anna back home.

"Thank you, I had so much fun today. Your family was nice to me, they made me fall in love with them on our first meeting."

"I should be thanking you for honoring my invitation. I wish we could do this more often."

"It'll be a pleasure" she replied smiling.

"Thanks for coming into my life. I'm happier than I used to be. You should get some rest. I'll text you in the morning" he stepped forward and kissed her lightly on her forehead. "Goodnight Ann."

"Goodnight Drake" she kissed him on the cheek and he smiled and stepped backward. He tripped on his toes but composed himself before he'll fall face flat.

They both chuckled and he waved at her one last time before turning around and climbing onto his bike.

Anna got inside her house smiling sheepishly as she remembered the kiss she shared with Drake. She made her way to her room and she flop on her bed still smiling. While she was still mesmerized by the kiss with Drake, there was a loud noise that came from inside her house which got her frightened.

She stood up and ran to the sitting room glancing around for what had fallen. Her gaze fell to the floor close to the TV stand and she found her family picture frame on the floor. She gasps with wide eyes staring at it with a gape. Her hands flew to her mouth covering it in a shudder. "What just happened?" she mumbles nervously.

***

Anna woke up the next morning with a knock on her door. When she got out of her room and went to check who was at the doorstep, she saw no one. She looked around to find who had knocked but no one was in sight.

"Is this a joke or what?" she asked feeling upset while her gaze never left her surroundings. "Drake are you out there?" she half-yelled and no response came her way. "It obviously can't be Drake, if he was the one, his bike would be parked outside," she thought.

After a long wait and no one showed up, Anna went back inside and slammed the door closed. "Maybe I heard wrong, right?" she thought again and glanced back to the door briefly before returning her gaze to where she was heading which was the kitchen.

She tried to shut down all negative thoughts but the more she tried the more the thoughts of her being in harm kept coming up. She lost her appetite over the meal she had prepared and she turnaround and went back to her room.

When she got in front of her room door to open it and get inside, another knock came on her door. Fear and anger crept into her mind and she tiptoe back to the door. She quietly unlocks it and opens the door and a loud gasp escaped from her mouth.

"Ann, are you okay?" Drake asked on seeing her staring at him like he was a ghost.

"Did you knock on the door a few minutes ago?" came her reply and Drake furrowed his brows.

"No, I did not, I just got here. Why are you not dressed yet?" he asked. Anna stared at him suspiciously not believing him.

"I'm being serious Drake, did you knock on my door a few minutes ago?" she asked her voice beginning to sound high and shaky.

"I just said no. What happened? Are you okay Anna?" he asked looking worried and reached out for her cheek and held it.

"Yeah, yeah...I'm fine. Come on in" she replied and stepped aside for him to go inside while she glances around before going inside as well.

"Why are you not dressed yet?" Drake asked again.

"I'm sorry I woke up late. I guess it's because I slept late last night. My kitchen is over there, go make breakfast for yourself while I rush in and have a shower."

"Don't worry about me, just go have your shower. I'm giving you 10 minutes to do that."

"Don't be silly, I'm a lady I'll use more than that" she replied and he grins.

"I'll be gone in fifteen if you're not here" he threatens and she shot him a playful glare before rushing back to her room.

When she got to her room, she shut her door closed and rested her back on it. She covered her mouth and everything that just happened replayed in her mind once again.

"This can't be real right? It's just an illusion trying to drive me nuts. I'll never give in to it, I'm smart and brave than that" she encouraged herself and went to have her shower.

When Anna was ready, both of them got out of the house. Before she got out of the house, she made sure everything was in place and her windows were closed. They got to school and went to their different classes.

Almost all the courses Anna had in the morning, none of it was getting into her head. Her thoughts kept deviating to what was happening around her if it was real or not.

"Anna Greg, do you have an answer to my last question?" Miss May her English lecturer asked. She's fond of having Anna answer her questions during her classes these past few days, she felt today wasn't exceptional as well. "Anna!" she yelled a bit louder and Anna got startled and stared at her.

"Yes Miss May?" she answered quietly and gulped saliva down her dried throat.

"Someone is daydreaming of her boyfriend" one of the female students behind Anna scoffed giggling and Anna squinted.

"I'm sure she's dreaming of our Drake, is such a pity that Drake doesn't even find her attractive enough to make her his girlfriend," another of the female student on the right-hand side of Anna said sarcastically and they giggled.

"Enough girls! Be quiet, I wasn't talking to you girls" Miss May shushed them and they twitched their faces and glanced around. "Anna, do you have the answer to my question?"

Anna stared up at Miss May and shook her head in response. "I'm sorry Miss May, I wasn't paying attention."

"Anna this should be the last time you'll do that, it's not tolerated in my class. If you have something to worry about, you can share it with me after the class."

"Uhmm, okay ma'am" she replied with a slight bow, and Miss May continued her class.

Miss May's class ended and it was break time. Nicole rushed into the class and walked straight to Anna's seat. "Hey babe" she chirped and hugged Anna.

"Hi Nicole" Anna forced out a smile.

"C'mon, get up, let's go to the cafeteria, they are waiting for us," Nicole said cheerfully holding Anna's hand.

"I'm not hungry, go ahead" Anna replied.

"Don't make me beg now Anna, let's go already" Nicole said still holding her hand.

"Oh Nicole, you're just too stubborn. Fine, I'll go with you."

Anna stood up and both of them walked out of the class. They got to the café and Drake and his friends were already there seated and having their lunch. Anna and Nicole were served and they carried their tray of food to the table they were sitting at.

"Hey guys" Nicole greeted with her high-pitched voice and took a sit beside Brad.

"Hello, ladies" Brad and Jay responded.

"Ann" Drake said her name in almost a whisper his gaze fixed on her.

"Of course, you'll only say hello to Anna because she's your girlfriend!" Nicole nagged and Anna rolled her eyes and took a sit beside Drake.

"Hey guys" Anna greeted ignoring Nicole's comment.

"You are such a busybody, Nicole" Drake retorted.

"Don't call me a busybody dude if not I'll cut off your balls" she replied shooting him a playful glare. They all laughed except Anna who just stared at her plate of food lost in thoughts.

"Anna is going to kill you if you try doing that," Jay said and they chuckled. They all noticed Anna wasn't laughing along with them and she seems to have zoned out.

"Ann, are you okay?" Drake asked staring at her. She slowly gazes up at him with her hand placed on her right jaw.

"Were you talking to me?" she asked in a low tone of voice.

"Of course! We've been making jokes but you weren't even paying attention. You zoned out completely. What's going on in that mind of yours?" Nicole asked.

"Ha, is nothing. Just work on my mind and me missing my parents" she lied.

"Oh Anna, is my uncle stressing you at work?" Nicole asked.

"No, he's not, I.. I-"

"You are taking a day off today" Nicole cuts in.

"No, no, I'm really fine. I don't need an off, don't bother about it" Anna objected.

"You are taking a day off and nothing is changing that. I'll call my uncle and tell him some little lies about school projects and he wouldn't hesitate to say yes to my request. Don't worry you'll see" Nicole said and brought out her phone to make a call to her uncle while they all stared at her.

Anna shared a glance with Drake and he nods slightly at her. They all watched as Nicole placed the phone on her ear.

"Hello Uncle, I have a little favor to ask of you. Anna and I have a serious project with other students and we're meant to finish up today before submission tomorrow, can you please give her a day off to do this?"

"Sure, she should take her time and do whatever she wants. You know how much I value education, besides Anna has been so helpful to me, it's my little way of repaying her" Nicole's uncle replied on his end, and Nicole grinned excitedly.

"Thank you so much uncle, you are the best. I love you, bye" she hung up and squealed excitedly and they all stared at her with raised brows. "He said yes!" She exclaims and they all sigh in relief.

"You really shouldn't have done that. I'm strong enough to work" Anna said weakly.

"It's already done girl" came Nicole's reply with a shrug.

"So what am I supposed to do after school?" Anna asked. She doesn't want to go home all alone during the day and stay there till midnight, she wanted to be at work perhaps she'll get her mind off all that is troubling her mind.

"How about we come to know where you live?" Nicole suggested and all gaze fell on her.

"I think is a great idea," Jay said smiling.

"I guess is cool" Brad added.

Anna glanced at them and then at Drake. "Drake are you coming?" she asked.

"Uhmm would love to, but I'll be going to work" he replied.

"Call and tell them you are sick or tell another lie. Just don't go to work" Nicole said.

"Nicole?" Drake raised a brow at her and she shrugged.

"Nicole is right, you are always working anyways, a day off wouldn't kill you" Brad concurred.

"Do you guys know what you are saying?" Drake asked in disbelief.

"They mean no harm with your job Drake, they just want you to be there when we are all having fun," Anna spoke out. Drake glance at her and she nods at him.

"Just say yes already D-cool" Jay drawled.

"Don't call me that sick nickname, asshole" Drake shush him and they chuckled. "Fine, I'll join you guys under one condition."

"What?" They all asked him. He flashed them a cute smile and they raised a brow at him.

"Nicole will have to place that call that she talked about" he answered fixing his gaze on Nicole and he wiggled his brows at her.

"What? Why me?" she asked with a frown.

"Because you are a good liar" Jay answered and Drake snorted while Anna snickered.

"Are you saying I'm a bad liar?" Nicole asked feeling offended and Jay shrugged.

"Baby he didn't mean that, he just meant you cook up better stories than the rest of us do" Brad replied rubbing her back and she glanced at him with wide eyes.

"You are also calling me a liar? It's over Brad!" she yelled dramatically and all gaze in the cafeteria fell on them.

"Calm down Nicole, they are trying to get you pissed, don't give in to their pleasure," Anna said trying to cover up for the guys.

"You think so?" she asked and Anna nods.

"Just do it for Drake just like you did for me," Anna said.

"Fine, I'm doing this for you not for these three jerks sitting right next to us" she replied with an eye-rolling.

"Yay! Thank you, you are such a sweetheart" Anna said smiling sweetly.

...

After school hours, Anna took her friends to her apartment and they played all kinds of games, watch Netflix, and also visited the small park not far from her house. It was past 7 pm when the three of them left off to their homes leaving Drake behind with Anna.

"I must confess your friends are really fun to be with. I enjoyed every moment spent with them," Anna said while they were seated in her living room.

"That's why I'm still with them" Drake smiled.

"I'll be right back, let me quickly do the dishes. Can you help me put the living room in order before I get back?"

"Sure I can, and if you want I can help do the dishes as well" he winks at her and she laughed.

"No, I can do it myself. I'll be right back" she stood up and went to the kitchen. She walked to the sink and started doing the dishes they used for eating.

Outside the kitchen window, a haunting sight awaited Anna - her stalker, dressed in all black with a terrifying mask and gloved hands, watching her intently. As his breathing grew heavy and aggressive, his left hand ominously reached and pressed against the windowpane.

Unaware of the lurking danger, Anna was engrossed in mopping the water off the dishes she had washed. Her gaze inadvertently shifted to the window, and she caught sight of those large, eerie hands. A startled squeal escaped her lips, and she trembled with fear, accidentally dropping the plate she was holding, and shattering it on the floor. The noise drew Drake's attention, and he rushed to the kitchen upon hearing Anna's distressing cry.

"Ann!" He yelled her name on getting to the kitchen and seeing the broken plate on the floor. "Are you okay?"

"Someone....a...hand... there" she pointed to the window trembling in fear and couldn't make a complete and meaningful sentence. Drake's gaze travels up to the window but there was no one there. Anna's mouth remained ajar.

"Calm down and breathe," Drake said gesturing her with his hands. Anna tried to breathe just like Drake had advised but nervousness wouldn't let her be. Drake stepped forward and hugged her to his chest. "It's okay, there's no one there. Just stay calm, I'm right here with you" he patted her back and she hugged him tightly.

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