"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On my sixteenth birthday, a series of events took place that left me bewildered and emotional. I was at my mother's house when three expensive cars pulled up outside. Three men emerged from the cars, all wearing black suits and shades. I looked at my mother, hoping for an explanation, but she simply stood there with her arms crossed, looking indifferent.

One of the men approached me, holding out a piece of paper and a pen. He explained that he had a contract for me to sign, and gestured for me to take a closer look. Suspicious and confused, I read through the contract carefully. It turned out that my grandfather, who had passed away, had purchased all three cars for me as a birthday gift, just as he had promised before he died.

Overwhelmed by my emotions, a lump formed in my throat and tears began to well up in my eyes. My mother rubbed my back in comfort as I signed the contract, and watched as another car came to collect the three men.

The act of singing had lost its allure to me, and I had stopped doing it altogether. Singing had always been a symbol of happiness and contentment, but those feelings were far from my heart. It seemed like my heart was always in a state of unrest, ever since my grandfather passed away. With his death, peace seemed to have left my family as well. My cousin Leesha and I had grown apart, and our mothers were not on good terms either. My grandmother was caught in the middle, struggling to choose a side. Meanwhile, my aunt had gone through a divorce and was left to take care of her children, just like I was left fatherless.

As a result of my father's death, I had lost my faith in God. He was the only father I had ever known, and his sudden departure had left me feeling abandoned and alone.

•

"Are you ready?" my mother shouted for the umpteenth time.

I reluctantly got out of bed and smoothed out my dress as she entered my room, glaring at me."Wear your shoes Adara we're going to be late."

"Do I have to go? I mean you're the Nicole Legacy, it's a must for you to be there but me?"

"You're just as important as me, if you don't come down stairs I'm pulling your ears all the way there."

As I readied myself to step out, I slipped into my pair of heels. I took my phone and purse, ensuring I had everything I needed for the evening. My long natural curls cascaded down my back, and I gently brushed them back to get a clear view of my face. I then quickly plaited them into elegant French braids, the ends falling just above my bottom, adding a touch of sophistication to my appearance.

"Uhm, is my hair okay?" I asked as I got down stairs,

"It's perfect, let's go."

I took the house keys just as she took the cars and switched off the lights, locking the house as I went out and got into my mother's G-wagon.

"There's big pop candy lollipops in the dashboard, you can have one,"she said as she drove out of our home, the manual gate closing.

"Thank you," I sighed, taking the tropical flavor and placing it into my mouth.

We were having a party with all other celebrities, my mother was invited and she invited me. Not like I wasn't invited by them but she knew I wouldn't come that's why she insisted I go with her. The following week, we were supposed to have the met gala, I was supposed to go too. Which meant more wearing bob wigs that covered my eyes and nose. More speaking classy Greek other than the plain old slangEnglish I had gotten used to.

What was I even going to be doing there?

"What's the party about?" I asked breaking my lollipop and chewing.

"You don't know?"

"No, I don't-"

"Malani realesed a new art piece, everyone is going to be there to see it."

"Who?"

She gaped at me before focusing back on the the road, "Malani Falaq? Arabian artist? You can't be serious Adara."

"Ohh, that Malani. She's in Canada?"

My mother rolled her eyes at me, "You should focus more on the outside world than in your room Adara, really."

"I wouldn't have known still."

"No but you are supposed to know some certain stuff. She's never really available anywhere, always travelling. You shouldn't miss an opportunity to meet other people."

I slumped into my seat, "What will I even be doing there. You've got friends probably."

"Socialize."

I realized we were now nearing a building, cars packed outside and people littered everywhere. "I already do that."

"Well do it again. I heard there's a new hottie in the city."

My eyes widened at that, "Andd... what am I supposed to do exactly? What are you implying I should do?"

"Don't get me wrong child. He's taken already," she parked her car and took her purse from the backseat, "Go out there."

Watching her as she got out and was immediately greeted by a group of women her age, I sighed as I got out too.

"Oh my goodness!" one of them exclaimed, walked over to give me a hug. "Is this Adara?"

My mother smiled as she examined me from head to toe.

"Oh she's now so beautiful."

I mentally rolled my eyes, people liked sucking up to my mother about me too much.

"Look at you!" she took my hand and made me turn around, "You now look like your mother when she was your age. She has the beautiful curves at the right places, the perfect hourglass figure, just like you Nikki."

"Thank you, the apple didn't fall quite far from the tree."

"She's your exact duplicate. And I love the hair. It has grown quite long during the years hasn't it?"

I flashed a fake smile as she kept talking, looking for a way to escape.

"Uhm, let's go inside, has the party started?" my mother asked pulling her away from me.

She gave me a look before turning away and walking into the building. I really did not want to be here.

"Adara! You're here?" a familiar looking face said as I walked in. I squinted my eyes before rolling them, coming to a stop.

"Eva," I sighed.

"I thought you wouldn't come, I mean, you hate parties."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. And Malani is here." I said, my teeth tight.

I was way taller than Eva and I hated it. Short people like Eva always made me feel intimidated for some reason. She was just too extreme for me to get along with, always so focused on things that I didn't really care about. But I will give her credit, she could handle school to a certain extent.

"Oh my goodness, I've met her already. She's full of herself. I'm like a celebrity too, she doesn't need to feel so important."

As we delved further into the building, Eva Monte hooked her arm with mine and continued to ramble on. I couldn't help but feel uneasy around her, knowing that she was friends with Leesha and Nianna Kaine, who I had a strained relationship with. Leesha and I were no longer on good terms, which is why I tried to avoid anyone associated with her. But Nianna was another story altogether. She was not only a troublemaker but also a skilled fighter, making her someone to be avoided at all costs.

She could start a war and win it. Using her fists. Nianna was a world known pugilist. Going to competitions with other boxers and winning. People had always underestimated her because she was a girl and she proved them all wrong. I wouldn't deny it, she was really good at what she did but I'd never want to be a victim if she got angry. You send her over the edge, your nose gets broken, you get a bruise under your eye. If you really send her over the edge, you'll need plastic surgery. And I'd seen the way she acted, because she learnt at my school. I was once this close to being punched if Jimmy never stepped in. She had annoyed me, and I annoyed her back. Simple.

"Anyways, did you hear Nianna's boyfriend has come back from boarding school?"

"Really?" Who's Nianna's boyfriend again?

"Yeah. He was in Mexico but decided to come here. And he's learning at Ignatius College. She really left me for him. How stupid."

As I stood there, my eyes widened to the point where they almost fell out of their sockets. Ignatius and Aptitude were bitter rivals, and the tension between them was palpable. I attended an all-girls Catholic school, while they attended a similar school, but for boys. It was drilled into us to never associate with them unless it was absolutely necessary, such as during school events. However, this rule was often disregarded by the girls at my school.

Nianna was an influential figure in our school and was likely to be selected as a prefect. This made the situation even more complicated. To make matters worse, my cousins were students at their school. Unless you were in the school uniform, you were unlikely to get into too much trouble, but it was still a precarious situation.

It didn't help that my cousins were learning there. Although as long as you weren't I the school uniform, you wouldn't get into that much trouble.

"But it doesn't matter. I'm glad they are back together even though I'm pretty sure he'd be good with me don't you think so?"

"Definitely," I gave her a fake smile before stopping a bartender and taking a tropical drink. "These are not spiked are they?"

"No, I don't think so. Oh my gosh, there's Nianna, let me go say hie," she squealed removing her arm from mine and fixing her hair. I fought the urge to roll my eyes again.

I walked over to the food table, tasting the chocolate balls. I closed my eyes, the chocolate melting into my mouth.

"You like?"

I saw a girl standing in front of me as I peered through my almost closed eyes and my eyelashes. Her hair was dark blonde and styled in wavy curls that reached past her shoulders. She was wearing blue mom jeans and a purple sweater that matched her earrings and eyeshadow.

And my mother forced me to wear a dress and Legacy heels.

"I'm Malani Falaq," she extended her hand for me to shake.

So this was her. "Adara Legacy." I shook her hand with a sincere smile.

"I know. I've heard so much about you."

"Really? Should I be concerned? I heard a lot about you too."

"Thank you, and of course not. My brother has a hopeless crush on you, so he basically keeps track of everything you do. Not to scare you or anything, he's not a stalker but he is a very strange weird type. You should probably watch out for him in this party."

"I'll need to make sure my pepper spray if full then.."

She laughed, "That would be much better if I didn't send him on doing errands. How are you liking the party so far? The art piece is about to be revealed in a few minutes."

"I'm bored. No offense or anything but I really preferred staying at home."

"Me too! My mother forced me to come and release it today. I was just on a good chapter on my novel."

"What book were you reading?"

"Ace of spades. Started it yesterday."

"I'm also reading the same, but I started it today in the morning. I accidentally fell asleep but it was starting to get interesting."

"Gosh, especially with Devon right."

"Am I the only one who thinks he and Chi would be a couple if he wasn't gay?"

"You're not!" we laughed at the same time, "That is my favorite book so far. And I love your hair."

I gently patted it, "Thank you."

"Are you mixed?"

"Half Italian yes."

"I'm half indian, mom's side."

"You're mom is Indian?"

"Yeah, it doesn't show right? Everybody thinks she's Arabian."

"I would have never known if you never told me," I said taking another chocolate. "I think you're needed over there."

She looked at the direction of my finger and let out an exasperated groan, "I need to go. Nice meeting you though."

"You too."

I walked over to my mother who was talking to her friends and looked at the stage. Malani was already there, talking to one of the guards as they drew back the red curtains.

"Did you talk to her?"

"Yeah, she's nice."

"She's now attending your school."

I gawked at my mother, "How do you know?"

"Her mother told me. She'll now be considered one of the pillars there, probably will be the president of the English and drama clubs along with Leesha. I heard she loves poetry."

I scoffed hearing Leesha's name. "I wish her the best of luck."

"Has she really become that bad?"

"She's friends with Nianna what do you expect."

Over the past four years, she had not only made friends with those around her, but had also developed a sense of pride that was reminiscent of her mother's. This pride seemed to suggest that she was somehow better than everyone else and she was aware of it. Despite her habit of disrespecting people older and younger than her, she never spoke of her attitude. However, her love for poetry had elevated her status in school. Lately, she had been sporting a buzz cut with bleached blond hair, allowing her curls to fall to one side. And to top it off, she had become a vision of beauty - an exact replica of her mother. With her hazel eyes, small peach lips, and peachy cheeks, she was a sight to behold.

They both were the opposite of me and my mother, in terms of body appearance and character. "She's now like aunt."

"Well that's a disaster."

The room fell silent as the lights slowly dimmed, casting a shadowy hue over the audience. The air was filled with a faint hum, a sound that seemed to grow louder with each passing moment. Suddenly, the host appeared on stage, holding the microphone with a sense of purpose. He wore a black suit that shimmered in the spotlight, and his shades concealed his eyes, adding an air of mystery to his presence. The audience held their breath as they waited for him to speak, captivated by his commanding presence.

Why was he wearing shades indoors?

"Ladies and gentlemen, and of course the gentle ladies at the corner right there," he started and I immediately rolled my eyes.

"We have a visitor, a girl that is rare to find, mostly because she loves to stay cooped up in her bedroom instead of exploring the world."

The crowd made soft sounds of laughter and my mother joined in.

"But either way, I present to you, THE Malani Falaq."

A rapturous applause rang through the building as she walked on stage, slightly wincing at the blinding lights but covering with a genuine smile. "Thank you Ashwick..."

As I gazed around, my eyes locked on Nianna, who was standing to my left. She had her arm draped over a muscular young man, who appeared to be my age. His lustrous, chocolate-brown hair caught my attention, as it shone brightly under the sun. I couldn't help but wonder if he had applied too much oil to his hair

So this was her boyfriend.

"He's probably ugly," I said under my breath.

As he turned around to face Eva, I immediately swallowed my words, taken aback by his breathtaking appearance. His smooth caramel skin was adorned with a cascade of freckles, which were playfully scattered around his nose. His cheeks and lips had a rosy tint, giving him a youthful and charming look. His physique was equally impressive - his body was chiseled to perfection, resembling that of a Greek god. All in all, he was an extremely handsome man, who effortlessly exuded both confidence and charm.

I focused back to Malani, as she continued her speech while a huge covered portrait was brought into view. I knew him from somewhere, if not from the internet, then I must have surely met him physically before.

Nah. I don't think so.

It's unbelievable that someone like Nianna could win the heart of a Greek god. This couldn't possibly be the way the universe works nowadays.

"What are you thinking about," my mother whispered bumping her shoulder with mine playfully. "See a boy that you like?"

"Why do I feel like you're on a mission to get me a boyfriend?"

She pinched my arm and I winced, looking at her through my periphery sight. Her eyes were still fixated on the stage but a ghost grin lingered on her lips. "I just want to see if you're still normal."

My attention was drawn to Nianna's boyfriend. I didn't believe in love at first sight; I was simply admiring God's beautiful artwork.

•

Malani was a remarkably affable person, whose infectious laughter was nothing short of majestic. There was an air of authenticity around her, and nothing about her seemed contrived or fake, not even her smile. It was evident that she took pleasure in smiling, and her genuine demeanor set her apart from most celebrities who often put on a facade for the cameras.

Many of my former high school classmates were present at the event, including Leesha who was dressed as a mermaid. Her outfit was eye-catching with bright colors and a mermaid tail dress that trailed behind her. Her hair was dyed blue, and she was conversing with Eva, Nianna, and her handsome boyfriend. Meanwhile, I felt like a stalker, watching them from a distance.

Let me stop.

As Malani greeted her friends and family before leaving, I felt a strong urge to ask my mother for the car keys and spend some time in it. Malani's younger brother Kartik, a renowned tiktok star, was also present. He seemed to be engrossed in taking videos and talking into his phone, all while being mischievous and teasing his five sisters and mother. Kartik had a reputation for being a delinquent, although he was adored by many for his humorous and entertaining content. Surprisingly, despite his small brain size, he had managed to make a name for himself on social media, and his pranks were loved by all who watched them.

Nianna appeared into my view holding a glass as I scrutinized everyone. "Adara."

"Nianna-"

"I hope the party isn't too overwhelming, I know the way you're claustrophobic."

Since when?

"I should be asking you, your eyes seem tired. Do you want me to call your daddy so that he takes you home?"

A smirk played on her lips, "Oh no, I'm perfectly fine. Just enjoying the party, this wine is really top standard. Want some?"

I narrowed my eyes at her.

She pretended to look shocked. "Oh my goodness, I forgot you're underage. It's a pity. You're missing out."

"Funny, I don't think it's a pity. And missing out? On what, classy alcohol? Water tastes so much better, you should try some-in fact I could get some for you right now-"

I smiled at her scowl, "-Maybe not I guess. Pity, you're missing out."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After church on a Sunday evening, my mother practically forced me to go into the city, again. This was getting really tiresome.

"What are we doing here again?" I asked as she parked in front of Dr Phil's penthouse.

"It's a surprise," she replied getting out.

Dr Phil was an exceptional individual who played a significant role in the life of my family. He was a close friend who encouraged my mother to pursue her dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. As a child, I grew up with his first and only born child, Fontaine, who was four years older than me. Fontaine had a significant impact on my life, as she was like a sister figure I needed. Despite being one of the popular girls at school, she always made sure to show me off as her baby sister. Her support and guidance helped me to pave my way in the same school. I became well-known and respected among my peers for being like Fontaine's younger sister. However, I was determined to achieve success on my own terms. I worked hard and climbed to the top of my class, earning recognition and respect for my own achievements. I was proud of my accomplishments, and I knew that Fontaine would be proud of me too.

"Ah, isn't it the baby Nikki and her beautiful flame, welcome" he said with open arms.

My mother smiled as she walked into his embrace, "Always a pleasure Phil."

He turned to me before pulling me into a hug, kissing both my cheeks like the way my grandfather used to. I laughed, wiping my cheeks.

"Come on in, come on in. The little flame's surprise is in Fontaine's bedroom. I specifically chose it for you, and I knew you'd like it."

I raised my eyebrows in confusion as he led me up the stairs. My mother remained behind, and I heard her talking to Perrie, Phil's wife.

"Take a peek."

I opened the bedroom door tentatively before my eyes widened in shock. "A puppy?"

He laughed, "Yes."

"A blue merie puppy," I said in a baby voice walking towards the sleeping mammal on Fontaine's bed.

"This was the last one being sold, I got it by luck."

"Is it for me?"

"Well Fontaine hates puppies, the only daughter I know would like it was you, and I know how much you desired these kind of puppies."

I gently picked it up, stroking its soft fur. It smelt like a baby. "Thank you so much Dr Phil, this means so much to me."

"You're welcome. It might wake up soon, I guess it will need a walk. You can get your skateboard in the basement."

This place had become a second home to both my mother and me, and we would often visit here. I enjoyed accompanying Fontaine and her boyfriend on their dates, knowing that on Valentine's Day, I would also receive chocolates and grapes just like them.

I had chosen the name Benjamin Blue Legacy for my little puppy, and when it woke up and learned its name, it was overjoyed.

I went to the basement and took a blue skateboard. Then, I searched through one of the boxes to find a leash, knowing that they had a dog in the past.

"Don't come back late, young lady," my mom said as I went out.

"Alright."

As I glided out of the driveway on my skateboard, I felt the sun's warmth on my skin and the wind in my hair. My furry companion, Benji Blue, excitedly chased after me, wagging his tail with joy. I plugged my Studio Buds Beats into my ears and hit play on my favorite playlist on Spotify. The upbeat tunes filled my ears, and I couldn't help but sing along. As I skated down the sidewalk, I cradled Benji Blue in my arms, feeling the softness of his fur against my skin. Time flew by, and before I knew it, the sun had disappeared over the horizon, leaving behind a stunning display of colors in the sky.

The moment I stepped onto the beach, I was struck by the breathtaking scenery that unfolded before me. The waves of the sea were crashing against each other with a rhythmic sound that was both calming and invigorating. The full moon loomed over the sea, casting a magical glow on the water. As I gently placed Benji on the soft, white sand, he darted around joyfully, barking with excitement.

I took a seat and crossed my legs, feeling the cool sand against my skin. The fresh, cool breeze that swept across the beach was so refreshing, and I felt alive. The sound of the waves washing up on the shore was therapeutic, and I couldn't help but gaze into the dark blue sky, which was shining brightly due to the moon's light reflecting on the clouds. The sky was also blanketed with stars, twinkling brilliantly, and I couldn't help but yearn to be up there with them, experiencing the moon's beauty up close.

I wished I could jump into the clouds and look down upon the earth, seeing everything from a new perspective. I wished I could see my grandfather, I wished God did not forsake me. I had no father anymore.

As I lost myself in my thoughts, the sound of my phone vibrating jolted me back to reality. I realized that my mom was probably worried about me, so I reluctantly stood up, brushing the sand off my clothes. Benji had curled up beside me, completely mesmerized by the beauty of the sea. I ran my hands through his soft fur, feeling its texture, before picking him up and heading back home on my skateboard. As I skated away, I could still feel the cool breeze on my skin and for some reason, it brought me anxiety.