1 ONE

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"Okay Anji, I'm out for work!"

I run downstairs to hug him and gives me a peck on the cheek.

"Remember, don't go out and open for anyone."

I nod in response.

As he walked out the door to the car he looked at me and waved before entering the car and driving off.

I lock the front door and run back upstairs to my room.

It had a sixteen year old feel to it.

Just the way I like it.

I plop on the bed and plug my earphones on my phone and increase the volume.

I was working on my online courses when a message showed up.

I tapped on it and knew who it was.

'Hey there beautiful...can I call you?'

I reply with a 'yes' and he calls almost immediately.

I listen to the usual ringtone and pick up the call.

"Hey..."

"Wanna meet up today? Please don't say no for like the millionth time..."

"I'm sorry Dez, but I'm not allowed to be outside, remember?"

"So I can come to your place then?"

"No, my dad wouldn't allow that."

"C'mon, you're old enough aren't you?"

"Yeah I am but my da-..."

"Forget about your dad, he's had his days, what time does he arrive home from work?"

I turn my head to look at the clock to see that it's half past nine.

"About ten hours from now to be exact."

"Excellent, I should find you outside in thirty minutes...No buts this time, I want us to finally see each other, physically..."

"But Desmond I told you that I can't g-..."

He cut the call.

"Damn it."

I sit on my bed and think. It's been three years since I met Desmond online. He's really been there for me when dad was away.

But if I go my dad will....

No.

I stand up as I go through this dilemma.

I started fighting with my conscious on whether I should go or not.

It's been sixteen years Anji...go outside!

No.

Why do you think your dad has been keeping you inside for all this long? Away from your friends?

No..He-..He's protecting me..

From what?

Nothing...

"He hasn't really told me for all these years, but that I had a sickness...."

I make my decision and go to the bathroom to change.

I come out wearing a black skin-fit dress with my hair tied up to an afro bun.

I grab my phone and keys and run downstairs re-thinking my decision but brush it aside.

I walk out the house and lock the door behind me.

The sky looked bigger when you're outside than at the balcony.

I raise my arms up in the air and breath in.

I feel healthy and I am healthy.

A butterfly lands on my finger and flutters its wings, making my eyes dilate.

The green grass beneath me never looked more healthier than in the movies.

I turn round and there stood before me a huge tree. I moved forward to touch it, and a bird sat on it.

"You're a weird looking bird..."

The black crow put its neck forward and stared at me and I stared back making fun of it as it flew away.

I go further into the front yard and spin round as the Cool breeze blew on my skin.

I slip and fall on the wet grass as I started laughing at myself.

"I've never felt so...free."

"...or so beautiful?" A voice behind me said.

I turn my head and my heart rate began to increase as I saw him.

He walked towards my direction and stood in front of me.

"Need a ha-.."

"No thanks I'm fine.." I say as I stand up. "Let's get going."

"Sure..." Desmond said as he led the way.

"You remembered my directions?" I say as I play with my phone.

"Yeah, you're prettier in person." He smirked.

"Thanks."

He notices my uneasiness and moves closer.

"What's wrong? You're not happy to see me?"

"No I am! Really....it's just that, this is the first time in like, my whole life I've been outside!"

"Wow, your dad is that protective?"

I ignore his question and replace it with another one. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see..." He smiles.

I look up at the tall buildings and was memorized at the types of people here.

"This is better than what's on TV."

"Yeah, and it will be even better when we eat." Desmond said as he escorts me into a food shop.

"Your seat my lady."

We both sit next to the huge window, which exposed everything in the shop.

I put my hand on it and drag it down, living marks on it.

Desmond goes off to the counter to order us some food.

I stare at to small shop and close my eyes as I sniff all the delicious smells in the room.

"My dad used to bring me here..."

"Used to?"

Desmond sat down as he gave me a drink, and started sipping on his.

"Yeah he passed away a few years ago." He says in a low tone.

"I'm sorr-..."

"Don't be, you didn't do anything." He says not looking at me. "He was my only friend."

I smile at the brown haired guy in front of me.

"Don't worry, I also lost someone I loved, she was the best mom I ever had, and she's still alive, in here..." I touch my chest. "So is your dad."

Desmond grins as he looks at me. "You're one of a kind."

He reaches out for my hand as the food was served.

"Enjoy!" The waitress said.

I stare at the plate below me and my mouth watered.

"How are you going to manage to afford all this?"

Desmond gives me a reassuring smile as he sipped on his soup.

We talked as we ate and complimented each other.

After we were done eating, we walk out of the shop, with the bills taken care of, and head back to my place.

"Thank you...for all this..." I say shyly.

"C'mon Anji, ever since we met online I've never seen you in person, and today's the day I finally see you."

He walks me to the front door and grabs on my hands.

"Three whole years, we've been chatting on the phone."

This is going way to fast.

"Dez..."

He leans forward and I follow suit, but I forced myself to stop and run inside.

I close the door slump on the floor.

It's all happening to fast.

It's the first time we've seen each other in person.

But he helped me to at least go out.

I hurry up and opened the door and started running for Desmond.

I saw him bickering words and hitting his head as he walked slowly to his home.

"Desmond!" I call out.

He looks behind and sees me running.

Expecting a happy and grinning Desmond, he's expression was more of dear horror as I stopped in front of him.

"What's wrong?" I say as he pulls out his phone and shows me his camera as it dropped on the ground.

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Woah! First chapter!

Hope it's worth reading!!

Feel free to comment!!

More chapters will be coming soon.

Why do you think Desmond was horrified???

Read the next chapter to find out!!

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