Sounds very much a cliché! But isn't every story in it's own way starts with something cliché?
Like... a girl head over heels for a guy and she just cannot shut up about him. Cannot stop thinking about him, or having dreams every night about how it would feel like to touch him, hold him, kiss him and doing things beyond that.
Or.. a damsel in distress where her parents just don't love her and she is stuck in her castle for eternity, waiting for her prince to rescue her.
But, that is exactly how Pearl's story goes. With a twist of it's own, that is.
Pearl wasn't madly in love.. or in love with a guy situation. However, she was captivated by an unknown woman and just couldn't stop dreaming about her. A woman so enchanting, that her heart galloped like horse in her chest, even thinking about her when Pearl was wide awake.
On the other hand, she also had a special interest in one of her classmate and had thoughts of being violet-ed by her.
Pearl wasn't a damsel in distress. In fact, she was strong and had a mind of her own. She had her plans to get out of the shit hole, that everybody knew was her home.
Pearl knew she would soon be off to college, in a pretense to follow her prince charming 'Jayden' whom she will have to marry. Eventually.
Pearl wasn't looking for perfection, she just wanted a life filled with happiness, people with whom she can be herself. Instead of stifling silence even when she was surrounded by hoardes of people. She needed just one person to be hell lot of chaotic and beautifully serene with.
Pearl was brought back to the present, as soon as her car came to a halt. She realized she had been inside her head, dreaming and hoping about something she may not have. Eventually her parents will marry her off and she'll be someone elses burder to bear.
Closing her eyes, Pearl let out a breath. A sigh-- with hope and doubt at the same time.
Stepping out of her car, she pulled her lips into a smile and waved at the driver. But with a stoic expression, the driver gave a single nod and drove away leaving her waving at nobody. But, she'd be damned if one day, the driver smiles at her, leave alone waving her goodbye or--or wishing her to 'have a great day!'
Oh, how she hoped the driver she had known for, all her life would give a smile, at the least. Was it that difficult for people in her daily life to be good to her? Without expecting anything in return?
Pearl shook her head and started to walk towards the building, when she suddenly stopped on her tracks and gasped. That woman-- she was there. Standing in an extreme corner, barely visible and watching Pearl.. as she did every single day.
A thought ran through her mind. Pearl wondered, what would happen, if her plan of going to the farthest possible college came true. Would this women follow her there too?
Pearl had to audibly gasp and sprint towards the door of the building, when the thought of this women following her upto her college, ran goosebumps through her skin.
Pearl took lingering steps down the hallway, hugging her notebook to her chest. She didn't think she could deal with her parents anymore. She should have gotten used to it by now, but didn't. But, now adding to her ordeal is a woman stalker, a woman in her nightmares. Pfft!!
She wondered if her life was ever gonna be peaceful and bright. Exciting, but not chaotic. And definitely not claustophbic.
A smile spread across her face when Pearl's eyes landed on a familiar face. Jade's cousin, Sandy. She was younger than Pearl and her friends, but had remained a part of her group, ever since Jade became Pearl's friend. Sandy was adored by everyone, but shared a special bond with Pearl.
Her friend slash soul sister, Sandy was full of cuteness. Pearl always had an urge to go squish her cheeks and ruffle her silky hair. Sandy's over sized T-shirt was swallowing her tiny figure, but she loved wearing her brother's clothes, and didn't care even if looked hideous.
But, could anyone explain how was it ever possible for Sandy to have boys gushing over her despite those bulky clothes she loved wearing?
'Hey! Don't be surprised, she is secretly a chameleon.' Jade always joked, 'Sandy can change color depending on whoever she is with. That's the trick she uses to blend in and be friends with everyone, while still being herself. And it works like magic.'
A dramatic sigh left her throat and Pearl went to quickly hug her friend.
"How are you my cutie?" Pearl squeezed Sandy in her arms. "How am I a cutie?" Sandy grinned. "If possible, I could munch you anytime. You are as cute as a gummy bear." Sandy added. "I might as well, if I ever missed my lunchbox." she winked and Pearl rolled her eyes and pecked both her cheeks.
"What are you doing here?" Pearl inquired. "Missed you guys!!" Sandy drawled and pouted. "Dad was visiting Jade's, so I tagged along."
"Aww!!" Jade lamented, "We missed you too, sis. We were planning on visiting you soon. It's been ages we haven't met, isn't it?"
They all knew it was the biggest lie, as there was no way Sandy did not spend her entire summer at Jade's house.
Well! Technically, with Pearl at Jade's house.
"You had me worried for a moment there," Pearl sighed. She almost felt like a tragedy had struck, when she suddenly found Sandy along with her friends, standing in the hallway. It was a relief that Sandy was here because her father was briefly visiting.
After Sandy kissed them goodbye, they quickly went to their classes. The days drawled lingeringly. Everything felt like under the weather for some reason. And surprisingly, it was not just Pearl, but also her friends, maybe even her classmates, who shared her feeling. They were constantly distracted and peaked at their watches every so often.
"Hey Pearl" She turned as soon as she heard the voice calling her name. Her eyes ventured down the hallway, and landed on a figure walking speedily towards her. It was Patrick. Without waiting for her to acknowledge her interest in the interaction or his presence, Patrick continued, "Do you have a few?" his determinded voice sounded, "I need to talk to you."
That wasn't a request or a question, by the way. He sounded like Pearl owed him. Wateva.. like she cared.
Without wasting a breath, Patrick demanded, "Go on a date with me!" A pause spread between them, then Pearl shook her head not believing her ears. She wanted to ask, 'What did you say?'
But, the moment she opened her mouth to question, Patrick said, "You heard me, Pearl. Go on a fucking date with me." he grinded his teeth and if that was not enough, he futher added, "This weekend."
Pearl could only scoff, not believing his words. "Seriously, Patrick?" she managed to say. "Trying to get somebody's attention, using me?"
"I don't know what you are talking about, it's just a stupid challenge thrown at me, by my friends, to take Ms. Bitchy two-shoes out on a date. That's all." he nonchalantly insulted.
"Oh, you mean. Goody two shoes?" Pearl smirked & perked her eyebrows at him.
All Patrick did was smirk back at her and say, "You and I, both know, you are a bitch acting all virtuous & flauting her daddy's status to earn attention in the name of friends. I mean c'mon... PEARLY.. I'm not blind."
Pearl would never know why Patrick always insulted her, when he was good to everyone, including her friends. But she wasn't an attention seeker and she did not need his validation for who she is.
"You must be very desperate to win the challenge. You are asking me out, at the same time making it clear that you hate me, Patrick!" Pearl crossed her arms at him.
He scoffed, "If not for my friends challenging me to take YOU out for the date... I wouldn't have wasted my breath."
Pearl chuckled, "I just have one request, Patrick. You have to take permission from my mother and of course Jayden... only then--
Patrick interjected, "I've already spoken to Jayden and he is okay. It's no big deal."
"Um-hmm!" Pearl nodded. "As for your mother, I will talk to her tonight." Patrick added, as if it was really no big deal. If only he knew what that meant.
Pearl clicked her tongue, "Well ok, Patrick! Let's dance!" and walked away. There was no point arguing here. His hatred for Pearl was very much evident.
As she walked towards the cafeteria, Pearl bumped into Violet. The touch of her body and whiff of her scent, sent electricity jolting through Pearl body. She staggered and it took a while for the realization to hit her, that, she was in the cafeteria, standing with her agape, slow blinking at Violet for a long time. While, Violet kept checking if Pearl was alright.
With no words forming inside her blank head, she started with, "Aahhmmm...." forced herself to say something, without further embarrassing herself or annoying Violet-- or her friends, any further. "I, ah, I'm fine. Perfectly fine." Pearl smiled ackwardly, "Sorry!" she added, "Sorry, for bumping into you and-- I..I hope I did not hurt you," she inquired.
Violet smiled, "No! No.. not at all. I'm okay." Then introduced her friends to Pearl.
Not that they needed introduction. Pearl knew Catherine, Jewel and others. After a simple hello, and awkward smiles, Pearl said, "Why don't you girls join me and my friends?"
Didn't they agree, that Violet was her friend now? So, Pearl wasn't ready to let go of an opportunity to introduce Violet-- and her friends, to her set of friends.
The moment they reached at the table where Pearl's friends were seated and watching like a hawk, as she acted silly and perplexed, Pearl knew she must curb her nervousness, before her secret is unknowingly out in the open. She was acting out of charecter and her friends were quick to pick up on the scent of something fishy.
As Pearl was done with the introduction, which was not even needed, Jae pulled her down to sit beside her. Pearl maintained her composure, despite her fluttering heart and butterflies in her belly.
When everything settled, Jae nudged Pearl and pushed back her spectacles. "What is this?" she whispered. "When did you become friends with Violet?"
Even if she wanted to, Pearl was not capable of ignoring her reactions in her body to the proximity of Violet. So, she chose not to start the conversatoion, she was sure she wouldn't be able to answer. She needed to settle down-- more like curb down these t-th-things her body was doing. So, she simple smiled, "Let's eat, Jae. We wouldn't want to be late for our next class."
By the time she reached home, Pearl had completely forgotten about her encounter with Patrick or the date.
There was no point denying that Pearl had a special interest in Violet, right from the day she'd first laid her eyes on the new student. However, this was just like every other thing that she liked, but her parents didn't allow it, so she had locked away her interest in Violet too.
Even though Violet had been around for quite a while, they had shared a few words, nods or a quick smile with each other on certain occasions. But it was only a few nights ago that Pearl got her chance, that too, an unexpected one, to have a quick conversation with Violet. Especially when there was nobody around them to judge her words.
In addition to that, her parents were not at home so Pearl could heave a sigh and dwell on those moments for some more time before she drifted off to sleep. A smile arose on her face, and she twisted and turned gleefully on her bed. A loud giggle escaped her lips, and she clapped her mouth shut, hoping nobody had heard her.
Darkness fell upon and the dreadful dream came to prey on her once again. The place where she would be back to her torment, teleport to unknown places, watch the mysterious woman hovering over her, and roll with all those bizarre feelings she felt when that woman was around her before she woke up in the middle of the night once again.
Pearl shouldn't have been shaken, these nightmares were her nightly routine, yet here she was crying herself to sleep after waking up with sweat all over. Something about this was unnatural.. uh, correction, everything about this nightmare was strange.
She'd been having these dreams for a long time now but still didn't know a thing about who that person was, where that place was, or what happened in the end that always tore her apart and made her cry as if she was broken. Pearl felt deeply connected to everything she saw in her dreams, even though she knew nothing about what it was about.
As soon as Pearl slid open her eyes, she felt tired and wanted to go back to sleep, minus the nightmares. However, that wasn't an option. Her alarm screamed at her to wake up already and get her arse going. Pearl languidly rolled and slipped out of her bed, then stumbled with sleepy eyes on her way to the bathroom. Once she was done brushing her teeth, she quickly jumped in to take a shower.
The warm water cascaded down her body, and she relaxed even more. After spending more than fifteen minutes in the shower, she stepped out of the bathroom to get ready for the day. She looked around for her clothes, bag, and other things, then gradually slipped into her clothes and brushed her hair.
Pearl stood before the mirror in her bedroom to take a look at her reflection one last time before heading downstairs for breakfast. She wasn't among the girls who liked to dress up or wear makeup. At least not to the extent of painting her face with all the colors possibly available.
She'd rather wear jeans and a hoodie or her PJ, so she didn't have to feel claustrophobic in her innerwear. She preferred to tie her dark brown hair into a bun. Ah! The freedom. Just thinking about it made her feel like she could freely breathe. Sadly, she couldn't dress as she likely preferred. Wasn't allowed to.
Her house was an open door for guests. There was hardly any time in the twenty-four hours when there wasn't anyone visiting her parents.. and sometimes, her friends stopped by too. Yes! You rightly guessed. Pearl wasn't allowed to bring her friends home. And if they came, or Pearl went to visit them, it must be short and Pearl needs to be back in her room by eight.
Of course! Sandy was an exception. Even her parents knew Pearl shared a deep connection with Sandy and had come to accept the fact that during summers Pearl would spend most of her time at Jade's house, as her cousins would visit.
But on other days, her dead-line was eight pee-em... which, by any means must not be extended or she would be dead meat. Her mother would never let her live it down.
Because Pearl must study.. alone. Had to keep up her grades and friends are a huge nuisance. That included Jae, who had been Pearl's friend since kindergarten. Though, there was an exception. Jayden could visit her any time... night or day. Okay, that was a little exaggeration. But, the fact was Jayden had a green signal for everything.
Because there were various people frequently visiting her house, Pearl's parents were very certain about being properly dressed and ready with a courteous smile at all times around their house. Numerous times, Pearl dreamt of clambering out of the window and escaping the visitors, but her parents were smart. Pearl's room was on the second floor and she was damn scared of heights.
Also, her nightmare which included falling from some height did not help either. Maybe once or twice, out of sheer frustration, Pearl had attempted to climb out of her window and maybe sneak out to go to Jae's house, but she was sure to soil or pee in her pants. Or maybe break a bone or two from passing out the moment she put her head out of the window.
Pearl was very self-confident. Maybe not always, but she pretended to be. And easy-going... Well!! At least she tried to be. It was just a facade that clung to her like a second skin, so only she could see it. She often craved to have some alone time. But could barely find a moment.
Still standing in front of the mirror, Pearl blinked her eyes which looked red with exhaustion, and let out a sigh. Pushing her thoughts away, she turned around to leave her room, before she got late for one more day for her school. More than that, her parents were waiting for her at the breakfast table, and dare she allow herself to be late. Again.
But, then again she could not be late because now she had someone special to hang out with.. of course in the pretense of being friends.
Until... her secret is revealed. It might as well be her last day on the earth.
In truth, Violet had been around for a while. However, the easy aura that Pearl carried, somehow vanished every time Violet would be around. It felt like she was extremely nervous, but at the same time excited. Nevertheless, Pearl was glad that nobody had noticed it yet, but now she was friends with Violet, and that meant they would have a chance to get close to her.
But the biggest question in her mind was, how was Pearl supposed to hide her burning cheeks.. or clamp her hussy side? Pfft! Guess she would have to find out.
Just the thought of seeing Violet at school had been giving her the right start for the day. Now that she would be able to be up close and personal with the very person was giving Pearl so many goosebumps, as she had never felt before.
Excited to start her day, she took a deep breath and let it out. Mentally prepping herself that she would handle it well and then left her room to head downstairs.
As Pearl sauntered down the steps, she could hear the kettle whistling while boiling its head off, and right then the aroma of fresh coffee hit her nostrils, curving her lips into a smile. But, she curbed the excitement of coffee, because that was another one of those things that were not allowed for her.
Not to mention, her mother's mood had been unpredictable for quite a few days-- months or was it years, Pearl had lost count. Pearl hated it when she wasn't allowed to do what she loved to do, eat, wear-- just be herself. But, what else could she do than huff and puff out-- silently? So that her mother does not notice.
In brief, Pearl had no idea what would tick her mother off, but she wasn't going to test the waters.Her mother could be described as an abstruse person, and Pearl was scared of her sometimes. Maybe, all the time, if she had to be honest with herself.
Pearl forced herself to smile, wished both her parents a good morning, and kissed her father on his cheeks, before taking her seat at the table. Mr. Millers kissed her forehead and returned a big smile, after wishing her a good morning. Her mother, however, gave a small smile.
Like mother, like daughter. Both forced a smile at each other.
Pearl slapped the butter on the bread and spread it leisurely on it, reluctantly pouring milk into her bowl adding cereal to it, and taking eggs. She scooped a spoonful of cereal and shoveled it into her mouth. A bowl of cereal with milk was anytime better than a glass full of milk, which made her feel like gagging every time. She disliked the smell of milk, but with something to go with it does the work.
"My dear, I hope I've taught you well and you are aware that you must focus on your studies right?" A curt pause later, "Put your skirt down and always know your limits?"
Pearl was well aware and very mindful of her limits. Then what was her mother on about? Whatever Pearl had done to deserve those words, a reprimand.. this early morning, she had no idea. Pearl could sense the hint of acid in her mother's tone, but all Pearl did was lower her head and eat her breakfast, while she poked her eggs and dissected the bread.
Either nobody noticed or nobody cared that she had a grim look on her face. Her mother's words hurt her heart, but there was nothing she could do but clamp her mouth shut.
Maybe Pearl was good at schooling her emotions, perhaps the years of practice had started to pay off. This can also be the reason why her inner turbulence wasn't showing either.
As Pearl made her way along the campus and passed by throngs of students, her eyes were searching for just one person. And, of course, it was not Jayden or any of her friends. Pearl wanted to see Violet, preferably first thing every morning before they hustled to their first class.
Nervousness seeped in but at the same time filled with excitement she galloped towards the entrance of the building and with brisk footsteps, she entered the corridor. A little excited voice was squealing inside her head, 'Yay!! I'm friends with Violet. I get to be close to her from now on.'
Pearl tried to keep her grin at bay and also tried not to stumble or stagger because of her wobbly legs. Just a quick smile at whoever approached her along with a slight nod. Even in this situation, she couldn't forget that she had an image to maintain for the sake of her parents.
With her back straight, she looked around while walking toward the locker, with her shoes tapping against the marble floor. Jae was told to arrive early by a teacher, so she would directly meet her friends in the class. But where were her other two friends? She texted Jayden to check on him and without waiting for his reply she called Jade.
Suddenly she felt a slap on her butt and a phone ringing. Pearl didn't have to guess who was standing behind her, she let out a grunt and turned around. "Ja--
"Hey, sexy arse! Looking for me?" Jade interrupted whatever Pearl was about to say and grinned at her. Pearl huffed, "Can't you be a little normal and not try to embarrass me in the corridor?" Jade's eyes went wide, "Who me?" she drawled at the accusation. "We're friends, Pearl! Why would I do anyting to embarrass you baby?"
Pearl could only roll her eyes at her friend. There was no point arguing with Jade. She was the weirdo of the group and shall remain that way-- forever. "What Pearl is trying to ask is that, are you sure you don't have hots for her?" Jayden joined them out of nowhere and teased Jade. "I mean, you are pretty handsy with her. I thought, maybe... there are some sparks here?"
Pearl arched her eyebrow and thought to herself, about what Jayden had just implied, certainly provided food for thought. "Oh, is it?" Jade questioned as she stood crossing her arms across her chest. "Why? Are you jealous by any chance?" she smirked. "Does Jae know... about your secret interest in Pearl? Or... is it som-"
Before Jade could say anything more and start a fight, it was Pearl who spoke first. "I see why not?" Both her friends turned to look at Pearl, so she continued, "I would love some spark or fireworks with Jade." Pearl shrugged her shoulders and blew a kiss at Jade. "Right, babe?"
"Hey! I was trying to help you here." Jayden threw his hands in the air opposing Pearl's intervention. "Really?" Pearl tilted her head at Jayden, "Were you trying to help or pick a fight with Jade?" she narrowed her eyes at Jayden. "Listen carefully, Jayden. Jae and Jade were my friends... before you became our friends. If you fight or hurt either of them, you will find me standing against you."
Jade chuckled and stuck out her tongue at Jayden. Then wound her arm around Pearl's waist. "Let's get to class... love." Pearl narrowed her eyes at Jade, "If you don't stop behaving audaciously in the corridor, I will strangle you one day, Jade." Pearl feigned annoyance as she warned her friend. "Hmm!!" Jade drawled. "But.. does that mean I can spank your sexy arse in the classroom? How about in the restroom?" she asked, feigning innocence.
"Jade!" Pearl shrieked, "I swear to god, I will strangle you." But a smile tugged on her lips. "Stop being so naughty." Pearl knew that Jade would not stop teasing her, and she didn't need Violet witnessing this stupid banter between them. So, she sprinted to the classroom as quickly as possible. "Pearl!! Sweetie, I am thinking next time I'll take you to the teacher's lounge and spank you. What say?"
"You are incorrigible," Pearl said over her shoulder. "Oh C'mon!" Jade threw her hands in the air, "You know I was joking." she groaned. "Besides, I'm fairly certain if I were to really kiss you right now, you'd cringe to no end."
Jade stated it like it was the only obvious reaction from Pearl. True, Pearl would cringe. 'Coz there is no way she would want to kiss Jade. However, if only Jade knew the secret about Pearl's interest in the same gender, she'd cringe for sure. Pearl did not think she could give any reply to what Jade said, so she chose to ignore her.
However, in the back of her mind, Pearl kept wondering that out of all the girls she personally knew, Jade topped the category of 'men at my heels.' Then what could be the reason for her being so handsy and flirty with Pearl? Did Jade know about the secret? Or was she too the type with a romantic interest in the same gender?
"Shit!!" Pearl mentally cussed. 'Was Jayden right about what he accused Jade of?'
A shiver ran up her spine. Pearl hoped her friends were not ganging up against her and tricking her into confessing her secret to them. Pearl wasn't sure if she could trust them with this secret. She had never told a single soul about this.. she barely ever let herself think about it. Pearl knew whatever the case, she had to be careful and subtle about how she would be around Violet.