Ava became worldwide famous for planning successful weddings and shortly was presented with a national award. Ava never wished to become prominent, but she was very talented and organized. She wanted her daughter to live a normal life and not expose her to the press. She wanted her to be known as the person Valerie was instead of being known for being the daughter of a wedding planner Ava Bliss.

Valerie, on the other hand, was only ten when all these events occurred. Mysterious people following them and asking an endless amount of questions. Such a confusing time for Valerie and Ava wasn't ready to introduce her to the real world. Ava told Valerie multiple times to lock herself in her room. 'Why? Where's mom? Why does she always order me to go to my room?' Valerie looked down at the photo of her mom and her, glumly. 'I'm sorry Valerie. You're not ready. I should be spending time with my only daughter instead I have to deal with this. People, get a life and stop being so concerned mine,' Ava thought, shouting at some paparazzi's , as politely as she could, to get off her property.

Valerie dragged herself through the mass of elementary students, the next day at school. On mute, Valerie sat down at her seat, depressed.

"Look at the board!" a little boy announced to the class.

On the blackboard, in enormous words, was written, 'Ship of the day is George and Valerie.'

"Ooo, George and Valerie sitting on the tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G," the class sang in awe.

George was a boy in Valerie's class, who had been crushing on her for three years now.

"Who wrote that?" Valerie demanded.

The class fell quiet. Valerie already knew who did it. She recognized the handwriting; Ivy Lee.

"All of you are annoying," Valerie mumbled. 

"Admit it Valerie. You'll get married to George. You're just being evil by not giving him a chance. He changed this year because of you, did you know?" Ivy snickered. 'Yeah, he changed, for the worst. He still doesn't care about his grades, thinking he'll impress me by doing so. Acting stupid and always making me wonder if he has a brain or not. Do you think I want to date a guy who says 'the only reason I like her is because I want to smash her,' then act all holy in front of me? No. Boneheads.'

"Sure. I'll marry a guy whose name isn't George. When that happens, I'll invite you to my wedding and laugh in your face," Valerie look at Ivy, in a tedious manner. 'I can't think of any comeback. Damn,' Ivy thought, staring at Valerie with brooding eyes. Valerie smirked knowing she won.

'Should I tell mom what happened today?' Valerie kept asking herself, while walking home from school. Continuously changing her mind, she finally decided not to. By the time she arrived home, it was already dinner time.

"I'm home!" Valerie called out, once she walked into her cozy house.

"Kumusta Valerie. Change your clothes and come have dinner! Your dad will be home soon," Ava called from the kitchen.

Quickly changing into a pair of new clothes, Valerie rushed downstairs.

"How's school?" Ava asked, once she spotted her daughter sprinting down the stairs.

"It was alright," Valerie replied, hesitantly.

"How's that cute boy George?"

"Mom!"

"I can picture you two together. His mom gave us some of her specialty banana earlier."

Valerie got up from her seat. "Mom! Enough, please. Stopping saying I'll end up with that guy. I don't even like that pervert," Valerie snapped. 'I didn't realize Valerie would have those problems.'

"I'm sorry sweetheart," Ava apologized, giving her a hug.

Valerie spilled everything from being shipped with George to him only wanting to smash her. After that day, she kept no secrets from her mom and so did Ava.

Valerie was greeted by the fresh smell of Febreze. She always wished to have an adorable dog to greet her and keep her company, but she knew she was too irresponsible and busy. Once she was in her bathroom, she removed her brown contacts and short haired wig. She gazed at herself in the mirror. Natural sky blue eyes and long curly black hair. 'The real me. Am I really Asian?' Valerie had a theory her dad Peter Noel, wasn't blood related to her. Her actual dad would have a strong blood for blue eyes, but Valerie had to face reality, Peter Noel was her real father.

Valerie changed her outfit into a white loose t-shirt matched with black legging and fashionable green jacket. Keeping her pearl earrings and black choker. She changed her shoes into white sneakers and kept her curls slightly messy. Valerie made one last check to see if her outfit was on point. "Perfect," she smiled, eyeing herself. 'Finally I look like myself. When I'm hidden with those contacts and wing, I don't feel like I'm me.'

Valerie bolted out down the stairs, past the door, and into the silver Honda her mom owned. Ava was smiling at her phone when Valerie settled herself on the passenger seat. 'Wow, when was the last time I saw mom smile like that. At least she's happy without that douchebag.'

"What are you smiling at mom?" Valerie giggled, softly.

"I've been talking to this guy for awhile. His jokes are so cheesy but cringe worthy."

"Are you sure you're ready for another relationship?"

Don't worry, I've healed. The guy I've been talking to is named Vince Guy. I already know you want to laugh since his last name is guy. He's so sweet," Ava beamed. 'Mom's only thirty-nine but she still acts like an awkward teenager in love.'

"So how long have you been talking to him?" Valerie asked, while Ava drove.

"Probably over two years," Ava smiled, focusing on the road ahead. 'Apparently, after their divorce, mom decided to talk to this Vince Guy. It's kind of hilarious how his last name is Guy.'

"Also, we're meeting him and his son at the restaurant."

"He has a son?" Valerie questioned.

"Yeah, about your age." 'I'm not that interesting into meeting this Vince guy nor his son, but I'm interested in what food we are eating. I especially love asian food.' Valerie predicted her mom told Vince about her love on Asian food, because she found herself standing in front of a restaurant that sells Thai food. Since the two arrived early, Valerie decided to order food while Ava had to make a few calls. A tender feeling flowed through Valerie, when she felt the sun make contact with her skin. Valerie smiled, 'Beautiful.'

"Excuse me, are you Valerie?" a male voice asked, disturbing Valerie's peaceful moment. 'I'll chop your head off for disturbing me,' Valerie thought darkly, turning her head.

She looked up at a boy, with golden brown hair and dark blue eyes that almost look black. 'If Ivy saw a boy with this package, she would surely give up on Matthew and fall head over sneakers in love. He looks familiar, but I don't quite remember. Maybe he looks like a celebrity. He's average if I had to grade him.'

"Yeah, why are you looking for me?" Valerie asked, uninterested.

"To follow you cause my mom told me to follow my dreams," he grinned, sitting down opposite from her. 'So, he's a guy who's good with words. Probably with that pickup line, cupid must have shot multiple girls." "

I hope your dreams come true, but keep in mind nightmares are dreams too," Valerie girnned. 'Smooth, your turn sweetheart.'

"I wouldn't care. You'll be my beautiful nightmare," out smooth her smoothness. 'He's good,' Valerie admits.

"Great, you two met," Ava smiled at the kids, "I have to go. Vince is at the hospital saying he broke his ankle." 'You're so bad at lying mom.' Ava gave a small peck on Valerie's cheek and handed her a hundred dollar bill.

"You kids be good," Ava waved, rushing out the door.

"Wait, I didn't catch your name," Valerie realized.

"Coal," he answered.

"Well, I have a feeling my mom just lied to me," gazing out the window.

"She did. I definitely know my dad isn't at the hospital with a broken ankle. Look there," pointing to a young couple. Ava was hugging an older version of Coal. Her cheeks was a tint cheek when she said a few words until they shared a passionate kiss.

"I'm guessing this isn't the first meeting. I don't think she would kiss a man on their first date."

"Correct. They met at a wedding reception at my aunts wedding. After a lovely conversation they decided to exchange phone numbers." Coal studied Valerie; her silky but curly hair, the sky in her eyes but so distant, her smiling face as she gazed at her mother. 'You still haven't figured out how I am yet, do you Val? I got to admit, you grew up so beautifully.'

"You're Asian right?" She turned her head to face Coal.

"Yeah. You're probably confused with my eyes. I'm half a third Filipino, Thai, and British."

"They're mesmerizing. But your eyes will never reflect me," Coal whispered.

"Sorry?" Valerie didn't catch what he said.

"Nothing," he smiled.

Valerie noticed he had two dimples on both cheeks. His left dimple wasn't real deep but his right was.

"Now I know why mom was so excited when we left the house earlier," Valerie slapped her forehead, laughing softly.

"Why?" he tilted his head.

"It's just a feelings but I sure she was setting me up with you. Although that wouldn't make sense. If our parents got married and we were dating, wouldn't that be awkward."

"Oh," suddenly looking disappointed.

Valerie was lost for a second until something struck her like the rays of the sun. She laughed hysterically, "I'm sorry but this always happens to me."

"W-wait?" Coal asked, puzzled.

"It's either you're gay or you already have someone you're involved in at the moment. Don't worry, I'm only thirteen and I don't plan on dating until I'm eighteen. I live under a strict Asian household with a strict dating policy," Valerie reminded him. 'I think I already know the answer.'

"I'm am one-hundred percent sure I'm straight. I do have a girlfriend. I didn't think you'd be thirteen, you look so mature. I was guessing sixteen."

"So, how old are you?"

"I'm fifteen."

Finally after a thirty minute wait, there food was served. At the moment Valerie took a bite of her orange chicken, she was in food coma. She rubbed her stomach once she finished her plate.

"I have to get going," Valerie watched the sun slowly sink. 'I feel insecure staying with someone I just met. No matter if he's the son of the president, night is a dangerous time.'

"Already?" checking his phone, for the time.

"I really need to go," gathering all her belongings, as if she has somewhere important to go.

"Wait a second," tearing a piece of paper and jotting down his number.

"Call me, I need to know if a girl is home safe."

Valerie nodded, playing with the piece of paper.

"See you Valerie."

Valerie stroked his head, as a friend gesture, "Goodbye." 'Shoot it's almost dark. I hate the night.' Valerie rushed to the counter where a cashier was patiently standing. Her ginger hair was tied up in a neat bun and her gray-blue eyes looking down at me. "Excuse me. I'm sorry, but can you pay for that table over there," pointing to the table Coal was sitting in.

"Alright Valerie. Fifty-two dollars and forty-two cents," she politely stated, while Valerie handed her a hundred dollar bill. 'Wait, she knows my name,' studying the girl in front of her.

"Harper. Hey!" Valerie greeted.

"Again, thank you for saving me this morning. I must look different that's why you didn't recognized me. I was bullied since I entered that school for being smart, I guess. I'm going to be a senior next year."

"How can you act so shy at school when you work at a restaurant? Also, how do you recognize me?" Valerie questioned, curious on how she would answer.

"Being shy is all an act. I've been working here for a few months now. I remember your accent Ms.Bliss."

Valerie narrowed her eyes, suspiciously,"Why act shy?"

"I'm the same as you. I hide myself. I'm the daughter of the owner of this company and your the daughter of a famous wedding planner. Yes, I'm third Thai, Filipino, Australian. We both have special powers," she whispered.

Finally, realization struck her.

"You're a Bliss. Your parents must have strong blood of redheads and gray-blue eyes."

"Correct and wrong. Like you, I wear a wig and colored contacts. My hair is black but straight unlike yours and my eyes are gray. Let's talk outside in private," telling her coworkers she'll be on break.

Once they were outside, it became silent.

"This is a lot to take in," Valerie states, breaking to silence.

"For you, of course it is. After your mom left to marry Peter, my dad found someone he wanted to spent his life with," Harper explains.

"You're my cousin then?" Valerie confirms.

She nods, wordlessly.

"The Secret of a Bliss, sweetheart. You should run home, before it gets dark," Harper suggests.

"Yeah. Thanks-" Valerie turned, but Harper was already gone.