All this time, the girl she was with, the girl who now sat before her with a teasing smirk on her lips she was his sister?!

Heather couldnt believe it.

Are you really?

Sherin merely rolled her eyes. Oh Heather. She shook her head. Not only did you not recognize me, now you dont believe me too? Even when I tell you who I am?

I-its hard to believe you know? Heather was still in amazement. So you really are?

Sherin arched an eyebrow. Perhaps you can ask one of the peeking students here, she jerked her chin to where the other pupils sat in the cafeteria, and believe them over my words?

No, no, no. Heather shook her head, blinking several times, forcing herself to believe. I believe you.

Good. Sherin folded her arms on the table. Anyway, I was expecting you to ask me, Lucas Starvelths daughter?! Not Leonardo Starvelths sister?! Her smirk widened as she mimicked Heathers previous shocked tone.

Heathers cheeks betrayed her; oh dang it! I think thats because weve been hearing about your brother more than your dad lately. She suddenly came up with a plan to cover up her blushing reason. Obviously, it was not because she was hearing a lot, but thinking a lot about him. That was why he was the first person to cross her mind at the mention of Starvelth.

Sherins amusement vanished. Oh yeah. Her lips thinned. I almost forgot that.

Heather felt a twinge of guilt watching her frown. Im sorry, I really didnt mean to offend you or–

No, I understand. Sherin flashed a fake smile. You were only being honest.

No, no no, youre misunderstanding me. Heather protested, keeping her voice low. I dont think your brother is a bad person or anything, like the others are thinking. Her eyes pleaded with Sherin to understand. I dont even think that he is a criminal.

That caught Sherins attention. And what gives you the confidence that I dont have myself?

Heathers eyes widened slightly. I beg your pardon?

Sherin closed her eyes to inhale and opened them. Her gray-blue eyes were drenched in pain as her voice shook. My brother himself confesses that hes a criminal, so how can you contradict that?

Heather gulped; she really was talking with his sister and discussing him. She had to pinch herself. I just dont like imagining people are bad, no matter how bad they are. She shrugged.

A small smile that didnt reach her eyes pulled at the corner of Sherins lips. My brother would literally laugh at you if I told him this.

Heathers cheeks flamed and her eyes grew huge. Wait, youre not going to tell him about this stupid conversation, are you?

Sherin stifled a chuckle. Dont worry. Her voice was still miserable, as much as she tried to mask it; and Heather could tell how much Sherin loved her brother. Im not going to be reunited with him unless hes allowed bail.

Im so sorry Heather frowned deeply, truly sorry for her.

Thats what everyone says, Sherin shrugged, looking away.

Isnt there any way to free him from this? Heather blurted out. She had longed to know that.

He was betrayed, Heather, my brother got trapped. Sherin summoned the courage to meet her eyes again, her voice lower than before. And no; his situation is like a lions den. Everyone who doesnt like my dad for whatever reason is taking advantage of it to ruin his career, and Leo is now aiming to be– Sherin suddenly composed herself, blinking twice as she realized she was giving out too many details. Why am I even telling this to you?

Betrayed? Trapped? Heather pulled herself off from the shock of hearing the details given by Sherin, that she could never have known from anywhere else.

You can trust me, I wont tell a single soul, Heather promised her earnestly.

But Sherin couldnt believe Heather; after all, they just met.

Look, its all safe with me unless there were some invisible eavesdroppers nearby, Heather reassured her, still not getting a reaction from Sherin other than her shocked stare and look of regret for spilling such personal news to a complete stranger she met today. I wont even dare to tell my sister about this. You gotta trust me, she requested firmly.

Sherin inhaled deeply but was still stiff. Looks like I have no other choice, she breathed.

Maybe we should move onto other topics? Heather suggested.

Sherin gaped at her in slight surprise, before nodding. Oh yes, sure.

Heather searched her head for a conversational topic. Whats your full name? was the first thing that crossed her mind, before adding. If you dont mind me asking.

Of course, I dont mind, Sherin forced a friendly smile. Its Sherin Itallie Starvelth.

Italy, like, Rome?

Not exactly. This is I-T-A-L-L-I-E. Sherin smiled as she answered. Our Dad is half Italian and he wanted me to be named after that, I suppose? He prefers calling me Itallie than Sherin. What about you?

Heatherin Juliet Excaliver. Heather grinned.

Juliet? Sherin repeated with interest. Like, named after Shakespeares Juliet?

Of course. Heather nodded. That was my moms idea though, and Im so glad I got named after Juliet because I love her character. How did you guess that?

Gosh, my brothers middle name is Romeo! Sherin grinned. What a wonderful coincidence!

Heather felt a strange fluttering in her stomach and the smile she flashed was a nervous one. Really?

Sherin laughed. Youre blushing. Her bangs fell over her eyes as she erupted into laughter.

Didnt mean to, Heather muttered.

I dont blame you. Sherin giggled. Ninety-nine percent of girls I know blush at the very mention of my brothers name.

Who wouldnt? Hes incredibly hot. Heather decided to change the matter.

I still cant believe I didnt recognize you, Sherin, she told her earnestly, shaking her head in disbelief.

Call me Shae, Sherin said, with a genuinely friendly smile that revealed her dimples. And of course, I cant believe you didnt either, while the others did, even with my changed appearance.

Changed appearance? Heather inquired, baffled.

Sherin smiled coyly. It was stupid though. I thought changing my hairstyle could help me from being recognized much and prevent drawing too much attention at least on my first day, she admitted sheepishly.

But it turned out that Im such an idiot. Sherin rolled her eyes at herself.

Wait a sec A bell rang in Heathers head. Of course, Ive seen you with your family in some magazines before, a long while ago I mean, and your hair was blonde!

Sherin nodded. Blonde is my natural hair color; I dyed it brunette and cut my hair like this. She ran her fingers through her smooth silky bob. Im not proud of myself for this.

You really didnt have to, you know? Heather smiled tenderly at her. If you had a brother like mine, he wouldnt have let you change your hair from blonde to anything. She winked. He just has a little obsession with blondes because we have none in our entire family.

Sherin laughed, followed by the bell ringing, announcing the break is over. Mind if we continue after school? Sherin asked as they both sat up from their seats, taking their food trays into their hands.

Oh. Sure. Heather agreed in a surprised tone, surprised that she wanted to talk with her again. Youre having calculus now, right?

Sherin nodded as they both placed their trays away and walked toward the exit. And you, physics?

Yeah. Heather nodded.

Sherin pivoted to her once they were out of the cafeteria, several eyes watching them. Mind if we hang out? The corners of her lips tilted into a small smile as she extended her hand to Heather.

Heather was taken aback a bit. Are you really asking me? she asked in disbelief but accepted her handshake. Like, to be friends?

Of course. Wont you do me the honor of being my friend?

Why me? she couldnt help but ask. Why her of all the others here? Sherin just dismissed them all like stray cats while she simply chose to hang out with her.

Sherin smirked a little. Because I like you already, Heather; you seem to be the type of girl I can befriend. And besides, youre the only one who didnt come to me asking, hey, youre Sherin Starvelth, right?

Heather laughed along, hearing her impersonation. Because I didnt recognize you.

Yeah, thanks to my dear dad and brother who dont like exposing me to the public. she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes along before fixing them on Heather. So Do you mind being the friend of the less famous Starvelth?

Heather chuckled. Of course, Id be honored.

Two years passed since that day Heather and Sherin became friends. During that time, their bond grew stronger until at last, they were the best of friends.

The link formed when Leonardo was sentenced to five years in jail and Sherin was utterly broken over the news. Heather made sure to be there for her friend, and slowly, they became inseparable as the days passed.

After two years in high school together, they graduated. Sherin and Heather decided to study at UCLA —University Of California, Los Angeles— and to move in together into a nearby apartment so they could attend classes from there. Both their parents gave them permission to do so, even Heathers dad. That had surprised her since she knew of his mysterious bitterness toward Sherins dad, Lucas. But as her father warmed toward Sherin after acknowledging she was a sweet girl and a good friend to his daughter, he couldnt help but approve and give Heather his permission to attend university with Sherin.

And now, it had been four months since they started their college year and moved into Leonardos luxurious penthouse in Los Angeles.

Leonardos penthouse.

Heather still couldnt believe the place she was staying in belonged to him, the boy who could still make her forget to breathe every time she came across his pictures. She was hesitant in the beginning when Sherin told her that they were going to stay in her brothers penthouse because Leonardo wanted his sister to be somewhere secure and wanted to care for her as best as he could, even from jail. So, he asked her to stay in his penthouse, and since he mentioned Heather could live under the roof as well, she thought it was a privilege.

Speaking of Leonardo, he had been given parole—for the second time now—and was at home right now. The first time he was allowed parole was after one year of imprisonment, which was only for two weeks. Heather hadnt even had the chance to meet him though she was eager to. But even being his sisters best friend didnt give Heather a way to meet him then, as he never left his house during the entire two weeks parole and didnt even want to see his friends.

Sherin apologized to Heather for not being able to introduce her best friend to her brother, but Heather sympathized with his situation. He mightve been depressed and she wouldnt want Sherin to force him to meet with her.

Hopefully, Ill see him the next time he gets parole. Heather remembered her words to Sherin a year and a half ago, as she now sat on the couch in Leonardos penthouse living room, which she had been treating as her own. It was decorated to Leos tastes, according to Sherin, which was modern but stylish. Sleek leather couches lent a masculine air to the living room and were softened by the cozy white rug on the marble floor. A few knickknacks decorated the bookshelves that flanked the television, where Sherin and Heather would often watch movies after finishing their studies.

Unfortunately, Heather couldnt meet Leo this time, either. Though Leonardo was allowed parole for two months, there was no way either she or Sherin could leave UCLA to go and meet him. They were far too swamped with schoolwork, assignments, and tests to make the trip—not even for one day; the distance between LA and their homes was a bit far to make it back and forth; and Sherin says, she wont be satisfied with just one moment with her brother whom she hadnt seen over a year if they had to return on the same day.

There has to be a way. She wanted her best friend to be happy and not gloomy. Perhaps they should try convincing their professors to give them extensions?

Heather! Suddenly, Sherins voice exclaimed with a squeal from the direction of the staircase, pulling Heather from her thoughts as she blankly scrolled through her Instagram feeds.

In the living room, Shae! she called out to her, stroking the mane of Sherins Persian Longhair cat Pesaphonia, who curled on her lap.

Oh, Heather! Sherin was soon next to her with the excitement of a five-year-old in her nineteen-year-old eyes. Hes coming! Hes coming this Saturday!

Heathers eyes widened. Leo? she whispered, more to herself, in disbelief, her heart tripping suddenly.

Who else? Sherin snorted as she sat down next to her. She tied up her now medium-length hair, which was blonde again, into a loose bun. What? You thought I was talking about my ex-boyfriend or something?

Heather pursed her lips and gave her a disapproving look at the casual mention of her ex-boyfriend.

Her ex-boyfriend was the reason for Leonardos current situation. When Sherin had accidentally spit out the information about Leonardo being betrayed—the first day they met—Heather had been curious to know more. And later when they become close friends, Sherin eventually told her all about it. Her ex-boyfriend was formerly Leonardos good friend and he was the one who gave the FBI a tip about Leonardos drug party. How was Sherin so certain that he was the one? Because he was one of the many who got invited, and the only one who hadnt attended the party. No one else knew about this and so it was certain that he was the traitor. And learning this from her brother, Sherin immediately broke up with her boyfriend, who only laughed at her breakup declaration before hanging up.

The hangover from the sudden breakup and her brothers situation was the reason for the grumpy and rude Sherin whom Heather had encountered the first time at school; but later, she was an absolute sweetheart. So much so that Heather doubted this was the same Sherin she had first met.

Heather then rolled her eyes. I was only confirming.

Sherin flashed her a sweet smile. I know, girl. She waved her hand dismissively. I cant wait for Saturday!

Thats so nice of him to come and see you here. Heather smiled at her friends happiness.

Of course, he misses me too. Sherin sighed and ran her fingers through Pesaphonias fur. And he wants to clear his head a bit. His words, not mine.

A thought suddenly struck Heather in realization; if Leonardo was coming, that meant he would be staying here; and that meant she would have to stay somewhere else. She didnt mind though, as her dad had an apartment close by where she could go.

But she would be alone and Heather disliked being alone. But since she had no other options, this must be done.

Okay, so Ill be moving to my dads apartment on Friday, she announced, placing her phone on the small glass coffee table.

Sherin blinked. I beg your pardon?

Heather looked to her as Pesaphonia moved to Sherins lap. My dads apartment.

Sherin narrowed her grayish-blue eyes at Heather. Did I tell you to leave?

No, b–

Then what on earth are you talking about?

Well, your brother is coming over, and–

And hes perfectly okay with the fact that youll be here–

But I dont want to get in between your privacy–

What pri–

You two are being reunited after a–

So what?

Pessa leapt from Sherins lap down to the floor, onto the furry mat, so her nap wouldnt be bothered.

I care!

Oh, Heather sweetie! Sherin laughed suddenly, side-hugging Heather. Arent you the sweetest friend in the world?

Glad you understood I care.

Bah, youre not leaving this penthouse. Sherin declared and held up a hand to her as she tried to protest. Leo is completely fine and hes eager to meet the Heather from my stories; he asked me to make sure you dont leave because of him. You dont wanna disappoint him by leaving and make him feel guilty, do you?

Heather sighed helplessly. But, if my dad finds out–

Your dad doesnt have to know, Sherin assured her. Just tell your siblings, thats all; Freddie and Arel.

Heather hummed in response, thinking. She didnt want to stay alone in her dads apartment, but at the same time, she didnt want to interrupt the privacy of a reuniting brother and sister, who didnt seem to mind her being with them at all. Perhaps this would be a great opportunity to not only meet Leonardo but befriend him as well; the very thought gave a wild fluttering in her stomach.

Are you sure you dont mind me–

Gosh, Sherin interrupted sarcastically. I forgot to smack your head before telling you all this, so I dont have to repeat myself! Of course, I dont mind! Please?

Okay. Heather laughed, trying to ease the already forming nerves in the pit of her stomach about meeting the famous, stunning Leonardo. Ill stay.

—— ★ ——

a/n: Sorry I had to skip two years from the day Heather and Sherin met, because I had nothing important to add in between. And hey, we wanna meet our Leonardo, don't we? The more unwanted things we skip, the faster we get to meet the hero.

Who's ready to meet our Leonardo?