19 | Z A C K

The Halloween was quite alright but wasn't as exciting as I predicted. Students enjoyed the party and had the best time of their lives. I barely relish my presentation because of the overwhelming affliction of the children. Jenna had no problem posing as the ‘princess’ and taking pictures with the kids that I think she forgot about my existence. I watched my mates present their awesome exhibition while I stood in the dark blending with the wall.

My friends were unavailable at the time. They came with their lovely partners and did an excellent work in their presentation. There were jokes cracked, truth or dare played and so many other Halloween fun activities but nothing quest my bored state. Jenna spent the day entertaining the kids and I had nothing to do. I hate to say this but I agree with what Daisy said; A Halloween without a great adventure is nothing. In my opinion.

I started to notice girls – one by one approaching Jenna and joining her clique. I was proud when I saw her in a big circle, joking and laughing with her new friends. Her smile spoke of joy and her eyes were as bright as the sun. The only disappointment – apart from having nothing to do at the party – was she never once glance my way to see if I was fine or not.

I tried to grab her attention a couple of times but she always turn her back on me. Some girls tried to hit on me while others tried to befriend me. I accepted their kindness but wasn't ready to chat with anyone. Though, I enjoyed the food and snacks which was the only good thing at the party.

"I freaking love you, Zack!" Leslie exclaimed and jumped on me as I drop the tray of mushroom and spinach lasagna.

While our parents are on a double date, my friends and I decided to hang out. It was the next day after the party and we had nothing to do. We wanted to go to the movies in the night but that's my work time so we decided to have a picnic at the park. The park was peaceful, a good place for hanging out or daily exercises. We came here a few times and had picnic. The day is cold and beautiful and the weather was flirting with the ideas of freezing fog.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my potato gnocchi with beef Ragù." Korbin removed the cover of the food flask and the mouthwatering aroma of the food whisked into my eager nostrils.

Although she never prepared it, Maya brought the broccolini pasta salad and the fruit and nut triple. Shawn brought the creamy shrimp pasta. There were so many delicious food on the table and we're about to devour them.

"I brought the sandwich and Jupiter brought the cupcakes." Eric had Jupiter sitting on his laps as they seductively play with each other. They'd steal kisses and give each other peanuts.

I couldn't help but stare at them. It's surprising that my notorious player best friend abandoned his reckless lifestyle for Jupiter after all the fights in the past. He looks happy and radiant like never before. Jupiter had bewitched his mind and soul. Nothing seems to make him delightful than being in her company.

We sat comfortably on the picnic seats - three facing four. We embraced Jupiter's recent entrance into the squad. She's the total opposite of Daisy so we aren't complaining.

"Are you guys starting without me?!"

The gentle sway of her hips in the slinky jeans captivated my attention. She wore an oversized, plain sweater and a pair of black boots. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and her lips were colored bloody red. She was holding a box of pizza and her ponytail dangled as she approached us. It was my first time seeing her in blue jeans and sweaters. Her clothes had always being black and tight fitting shirts. Could it be the bump?

"What the heck is she doing here?" Maya furiously grumbled from beside me.

"She's Jupiter's best friend. We had to invite her." Eric answered.

"Hey, guys." Daisy settled the pizza box on the table and sat across me. She received a deadly glare from Maya and questioning looks from Korbin and Shawn but never seemed to mind.

"Guess what? You're not invited." Maya whispered to Daisy who just gave her a kind smile in return. Woah. I wasn't expecting that.

"Hey love." Jupiter and Daisy gave each other an air kiss.

"I'm currently obsessed with my weight. I don't want to even add a pound on what I have. I want it to remain constant." Shawn said, ignoring the fight between Maya and Daisy.

Leslie glowered at him in shock. "Shut up! For the past couple of years, all you do is eat. You literally ate five noodles for your lunch three days ago. Meanwhile, I only ate a piece of chocolate cake a month ago and added three pounds. You have no mouth in this."

"All I currentlydo is eat and spend my night in the bathroom puking the fuck out of myself." She said as she served herself the potato gnocchi. They nodded but said nothing. Daisy took a spoon of the dish and her eyes mildly closed. "Damn. This is amazing. On a scale of ten, I'll rate it a twelve! Who cooked it?"

Korbin's cheeks reddened and he used his dorky glasses to hide it. "It was me."

"Wow. Not only are you a talented genius but also a stunning cook. Well done, Korbin."

I almost choke on the pasta I was eating. The kindness blended with astonishment in her voice was hard to believe. Our gaze collided and I held hers for a moment. She smirked before looking away and diving into her food.

"I thought you don't recognise all my brother's friends."

Daisy shrugged at Maya's words. "There are people I wish to know, dear Maya. Korbin is an inspiring guru to me. I respect people that respect me."

Korbin and Shawn chuckled while Leslie tried her hardest to conceal her laughter. Maya didn't seem offended but refuses to add further questions.

"Daisy, I'd like to invite you to my sister's small wedding. Jupiter had agreed to be my date. It'd be a pleasure to have you at the wedding." Eric said.

His older sister, Catherine had suddenly returned with her boyfriend, Michael with the intention of getting married in two week. She lives and studies in the big apple. It has only being six months since she started dating her millionaire boyfriend and I feel like it's too early to tie the knot. But I'm not here to judge. The couple were obsessed with each other. They were like the younger version of my lovely parents and there's nothing Michael wouldn't do to have Catherine as his wife.

"I'd like to come. When is the wedding?"

"In two weeks."

"Cool." She used the chopsticks to whirl the creamy shrimp pasta. Her eyes closes as she devours the delicious food. Shawn must have anticipated it because he wiggled his eyebrows proudly at her. She chuckled when she realised what he the message was.

With the exception of Maya, my friends enjoy cooking just like me. We cook together instead of ordering most of the time. That was one of the primary reason which brought us together and strengthen our friendship.

"Would you like to have the last cupcake?" Leslie asked Daisy.

We conversed as we eat. Daisy has being quiet for a long time, obviously enjoying her meal. The only sounds coming from her were the moans and slurps. Pretty often, I caught her staring at me. I still hadn't spoken to her even when she positively complimented on my lasagna. Her eyes were soft and tender and there was a new aura going on. It was not like Candy but rather the Daisy I got to see yesterday. Could it true? Has she finally changed?

"No." She shook her head in response.

"Actually, Daisy dislikes chocolate." Jupiter proclaimed.

"Wait... What?" Maya questioned with huge eyes.

I knew why she was surprised. During our childhood, Maya ate nothing but chocolate. She was obsessed with chocolate she'd cry when our parents refused allow her to eat for a day. The only solution to stop a monstrous, screaming Maya was chocolate. The only thing that made Maya to study was chocolate. The only friend she had was chocolate. The only meal she wished to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner was chocolate.

But the chocolate infatuation altered after her tenth birthday. Anything with chocolate became a nightmare to her. She find chocolate disgusting and nauseous. It was none biographical related, it was just a change of heart.

"Is it not okay to hate chocolate?" Daisy's eyebrows furrows as she awaits the reply.

"I have the same repugnance. Was that for real?" Maya was shook herself.

"How's that even possible?" Korbin added.

"I was born like that but not completely. Because of my recent issue, chocolate was all I care about but I rarely eat chocolate."

"Just like me. I loved it when I was young but I don't anymore. Ballet was all I fantasise about." Suddenly, they were talking amiably like nothing negative happened between them.

"Ballet? I was a ballet too. Hang on, was it an academy or class?"

"It was just classes. You know the Floorlords dance centre? I joined when I was eight."

I watch Daisy as she animatedly interact with my sister. They were talking like two lost long best friends. While Eric and Jupiter kept it to themselves all the time and Maya, Leslie and Daisy formed a clique, I was left alone with Korbin and Shawn. We talked about our favourite topics but nothing seemed to drag Daisy out of mind.

I keep stealing glances at her when no one was watching. Suddenly, I adore her billion dollar smile and her dazzling blue eyes. Her perfect set of white teeth flashed at me when she laughed and the beauty in her soul was mirrored in her eyes and expression. My heart fluttered when she started to making faces in a comical way as part of the conversation she was so focused on.

Maybe - just maybe - Daisy isn't who I think she is.

***

"I enjoyed this picnic and all I have to say is just thank you. You guys fucking made my day."

"Can I have a minute with you?" Daisy questioned after delivering her speech.

I nodded and we moved away a bit far from the others. "Yeah?"

"You don't want to speak to me, fine." She has a dark gloom pinned on her face as she scrolls down her phone.

"Daisy! We have to go!" Jupiter yelled from afar.

Daisy waved back in response. "Just a sec." She turned back to face me. "Check this out."

I hesitated before taking the phone from her clutch. On the screen was a message delivered by some unknown number.

I know what you're hiding from the world. Don't worry, they'll soon find out. You have a dirty secret with Zack Hudson? Positive I know.

I know what happened that night and everyone will soon find out.

"I blocked the number. I don't really care because it's what it is." She took the phone from me and stared at me.

"Someone knows about this pregnancy." Her face was relaxed and looked not bothered by the situation.

"I know but I don't care. Sooner or later, they'll find out. We should inform our families before it's too late." She turned on her heels and walked away.

People take advantage of every situation to get what they want. Someone out there knows about the pregnancy and is willing to use it against us. But that wasn't what bothered me. I don't want my family to hear from anyone except me. My reluctance is trying to take control and soon enough, I'll loose it.