✯ Anaya Cassiano ✯

i looked at the wall clock, it was not clear due to darkness but moon's light helped me to guess the time. Its around 2:30 and i am still tossing and turning on my bed.

"Anaya, sleep just sleep, you have a war to be fought tomorrow. So just sleep." i blabbered to myself.

i don't know when i fell asleep but thank god i slept. its from past 4 years that i don't sleep for more than 5 hours. i don't know what's the reason.

I woke up at six in the morning and prepared breakfast after having shower. It was weekend that means i need to spend my whole day with my family, a family which earlier used to love me a lot, which used to pamper me with their care, which used to spend time with me, which was once my happy place. i don't really know what had changed in last five years. I will be turning 21 after two days and none of the family member is showing a little excitement for my birthday. Now, i'm used to it yet it's difficult. My online buddies are even more excited than my family. Sometimes I feel like leaving everything and going to some place where no one from my family could find me but the thing which holds me back is my cousin's love and their pranks. Although we all meet up once in the whole year that too on Christmas and only on Christmas I get to live my life like a normal people. My one big family unites on Christmas for three days and those days are like three hours.

'Happy times end soon.'

"Anaya, is breakfast ready?" my mother asked as she stepped into the kitchen.

"yea mom, Neil's pie is left, he is requesting me for that from yesterday. should i make him one?" i asked in very polite voice so that my mother won't get angry and let me make pie for my brother, whose back i always had no matter what.

"No, make toast for him or he'll eat pasta." she replied and walked off.

i felt sad because i could not fulfill his wish. i know how much he loves pie.

"Breakfast is ready, mom dad Neil granny." i called everyone after arranging the breakfast on table.

Everyone had breakfast, they were laughing, making jokes over my mom as always dad points out her every action for teasing her. I missed this thing, why can't i sit with them and have fun anymore? I remember me and dad used to make the strongest team. If we are together then we can roast any human on the earth but no one even dare to point anyone of us out. I smiled recalling those days, tears were flowing from my eyes without my knowledge.

"Anaya, take these dishes and wash them quickly, we have to leave for my best friend's birthday party. So it’s better if you complete all the work in my presence.” Mom shouted from dining area.

Her best friend, Mrs. Morgan Lutkins is my favourite and we both are very much fond of each other yet she is not taking me there. i completed the dishes and all the kitchen chores. i was sitting in my room completing my assignment when mom came to my room and asked me get ready. i was shocked at first and happiest person on this earth but i didn’t expressed it. Although my parents' behaviour has been changed from last five years, they don’t love me anymore neither they show any care or affection towards me yet they financially support me. In short, for them i do the house chores and everything they ask me to do and in return i get my expenses done by them, they brought me outfits, pay for my college fees, pay for equipments i need for assignments etc.
i brushed all the thoughts aside and get ready in my white lining navy blue jumpsuit. Just then i recalled one of my friend's words, “You’ll look sexy in dresses glued to your body because you have a perfect shape and curves at right places.” I don’t know if she was joking or serious but i never take such compliments serious.
   Yet i decided to wear something fiting my body. So i opt white off shoulder top and navy blue skirt reaching till my knees. As usual i applied eye liner and lipstick.

“Anaya, let’s go.” Neil called me from hall.
I was continuously praying for him to not ask me to change my dress and to my shock he didn’t instead he gave me a compliment that was totally unexpected.

“My little sister has grown up into a beautiful lady.”

“Bro, are you high?” i asked with my eyes wide open.

“not at all dear sis, it’s damn true. But yeah stay with me in the party, i don’t want any asshole approach you.” He said with slight concern in his eyes.
“Aww, my bro you look damn cute when you warn me like this.” Saying this i hugged him.

“Let’s hurry up otherwise we’ll miss the cake.” he chuckled and i rolled my eyes saying, “oh my all time hungry bro, you are impossible.”

✯ Chris Watson ✯

“You have to come with us in that party, son. Your aunt Morgan specially invited you.” My mom tried to convince me again.

“Mom, you very well know that i don’t go to any party without Array. He is not in here and i don’t want to go there.” I finally blurted out the truth.

Although the party is in his house only and it’s Morgan aunt's birthday, his mother’s birthday. Yeah Morgan aunt and i are super fond of each other yet Array's absence will make me bore.

“Okay! Well i thought it to keep a secret but let me tell you now, Array is back from Brooklyn. We planned a surprise for you and here you are...”

“What? Are you serious, mom. Don’t tell me you are joking. Array is here.” I didn’t let her complete as my excitement took over me.

“You can ask him yourself. If you don’t trust me.” She replied pouting.

I hugged and kissed her cheeks, “you know what, mom? I love you, you are the best.”

“So you are coming with us, right?” she asked and i could feel excitement in her voice.

“I think you know my answer.” i replied raising my brows.

---★★★---

Anaya Cassiano

Chris Watson

Neil Cassiano