Regal Obsession

nt for a run early this morning before doing my usual routine of bathing and doing chor

to investigate, but as I approached, the driver suddenly drove off. It was strange be

was surprised to find Kevin

waving my hand in front of

re early," he said,

a head start," I replied

his head.

y?" he asked

aught off guard

e looked pale since yesterday,"

ne," I

sure?" he

to him. "I've been having nig

ll he said

ou know that," I added, trying

e know about you, Aaliyah

one to know about the mess that was my life. My inner demons were cons

one thing over time: h

ind a smile. My life seemed like a facade. What people saw on the outside was com

ove. Even though I can't remember his face because it was befor

But deep down, I would do anything to protect him. I did what I did back then becaus

emember his name. It's strange how I managed to forget about him, yet I know how impo

he gave me: 'Sunshine.' He believed I brought brightness to that dark pla

ou lost in your thoughts again?" Kevi

replied, givin

Let's go inside," he said,

t make its presence known with a rumble. Kevin turned to look at

t time you ate, A

embarrassed. I've gotten used to not eating much, especial

arves you? That's messed up," he

assured him, but he d

to tell people how much it hurts, so you keep

ctically ordered me to finish it. I couldn't help but smile as I

n here?" Kaylee asked, sm

g, Kaylee,"

Kevin started to explain, but I sho

n turned to Kaylee with a s

ebrows skepticall

assured her, f

e a big sister, and I knew she might even go to my Aunt if she found out. That's why I'm gratefu

lot of customers today, thanks to Kaylee's amazing coffee-mak

e toll the hard work was taking on me. I grumbled about it, but ulti

ey looked expensive, like they belonged to wealthy people. But why were the

ch, and two strangers on another. They were new faces to

he man said to Aunt

ow I'm lying?" Aun

Miss Aaliyah anywh

i

sked, completely bewild

and this is Brooklyn," the man replie

ur boss?" I in

r," Brookly

as slipping from beneath me. How could tha

alive?" I stammere

k for him when he was a

g out for me. I had hoped he was still alive,

ere?" Aunt Tanika interje

and we noticed she hasn't been going to school. So, w

always wanted to go to school. When I brought up the idea with Aunt and U

anika protested, glaring at me. Even Keisha shot me a

ng to school, why can't

Aunt Tanika stuttered, unable

c interjected, turning to face me. "You

Tanika, Keisha, and I al

t prestigious school in the country, atte

e starting soon,"

more details, they

o Crest Hill School was a dream I never thought wo

r their faces, but I didn't care. I was finally getting the ch

wl. "You think you're so special no

ling a sense of excitemen

de," Brooklyn instructed me. I

ow us?" sh

head. "No

uld be so proud of you," she said with a

d my father would be proud

me time. Why are you only showing yourselves now, after everything my

ime, and when that comes, we'll get

is that?"

hs, let's tidy things

, already feeling tired o

she con

u take me to?" I q

glance with Dominic,

ing something fro

ow, take this money and buy what you need for sch

't let your aunt see i

ning my school uniform. "We'll

I agreed

to call him if I ever needed help. But I decided not to contac

needed to start my new life. All I had to do was get through my t