Chapter 18 ~Wishes~

"It isn't hard at all to make a wish. The difficulty lies in how to make what you wish for a reality."

Iris's POV.

I woke up this morning drenched head to toe in my sweat with echoes of my screams ringing in my ears. I sighed when I realized I just had another nightmare. It was evident that the sun hasn't risen yet, so it was probably five in the morning. This is how I have been waking up from time to time. Sometimes, I would be so frightened to sleep.

I crossed my legs and rested my elbows on my legs and sobbed silently. A lot has been happening lately, my nightmares and my dad's health on the other hand.

Day by day, I feel like I'm losing him, yet he still keeps that brave face on.

Sometimes, I wish mom was here. I wish she would tell me what to do. I wish she would tell me that everything would be alright. I wish she would tell me to live my life like a normal teenage girl and not worry about anything. I wish I still don't care about her but unfortunately, I do.

Sometimes, I would even blame myself for her sudden disappearance. I remember her last words to my dad like it was yesterday.

"I need to do this for them, most especially Iris."

I laughed without humor. My life is pathetic.

I stood up from my bed and tried cleaning every tear on my face with my sleeves, as I walked into my bathroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and sighed as sadness clouded my features. I shook my head and mentally gave myself the usual motivational speech.

I don't think I am ever motivated with those speeches.

After I performed my usual morning routine. I walked into my closet searching for what to wear. I picked faded ripped boyfriend jeans with a white turtle neck that said 'Brows before Bros'. I styled my hair into French braids and wore my white Nike sneakers.

I stared at my reflection and frowned when I noticed the bags under my eyes. I applied a little makeup and smiled slightly at my appearance.

At least I don't look like a walking zombie.

I strolled into the kitchen with my backpack and smiled when I saw my dad at the kitchen counter.

"Morning dad." I smiled and kissed his cheeks.

"Morning sweetie."He greeted and smiled softly.

"Why are you up so early?" Dad questioned as he passed me the cereal box and I grabbed a carton of milk from the refrigerator.

"Umh, I couldn't sleep well, but it's no big deal." I shrugged as he gave me a look of sympathy. He probably knows I still have nightmares.

"So how are you feeling?" I asked, changing the topic as I sat at the kitchen seat and munched on my cereal.

"Sweetie, I'm okay. I haven't had any side effects from the medications, so that's a good sign." He smiled sadly.

"Okay, if you say so." My forehead creased.

I continued. "Remember, you are gonna have your surgery in three days. So dad, please don't stress yourself. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to call Devon or me." I stated firmly.

"Yes, mom." Dad saluted with a smile.

I was really glad dad finally agreed to go through with the surgical operation for his brain tumor. The doctor said it's been getting worst and it would be better if he does the surgery on time even though there might be complications after the surgery.

"I heard my name, morning beautiful people." Devon walked into the kitchen with his messy hair and smiled as he draped an arm over my shoulder.

"Ugh! please don't ruin my precious morning." I frowned.

"Your morning is never precious without me." He smirked.

"Touché," I stated as I removed his arm from my shoulder and ruffled his hair.

"Not the hair." He whined and dad laughed.

"Why are you up earlier than usual?" Devon asked as he took a bite from my cereal.

''Nothing." I shrugged and they both shared knowing looks.

"Okay! If you say so. I have to go, I have football practice." Devon said as he kissed my cheeks and waved at Dad, before running out of the house.

I checked my phone and realize, it was 7:28, meaning I still had a lot of time.

"Dad, I think I should go too," I stated as I stood up from my seat and draped my backpack on my shoulder.

"Isn't it too early for you besides Chris would pick you up?"

"Nah! It's fine. I told him I would like to walk to school today." I stated as Dad nodded.

"Okay bye." I pecked his cheeks and left the house.

I was glad I wore more comfy clothes because it was really chilly. My eyes twinkled as I stared at my surrounding. The leaves of the trees were moving slowly with the cool morning breeze. The breeze blew my black raven hair lightly even though it was in a braid, sending a tickling sensation to my face.

I smiled slightly due to the calming sensation the autumn weather brings. I put on my earphones listening to a random playlist, as I walked to school.

I arrived at school and I realized I was twenty minutes early before normal school activities commence. I walked aimlessly around the school until I came across the enormous soccer field. I smiled when I spotted Zander and some of the boys from the soccer team, having a training session.

And boy! They all look hot.

But not as hot as a special someone. My subconscious teases.

It's not really surprising that they were having practice early in the morning. Lately, Coach has been drilling both the school's soccer and basketball team. Apparently, this was the season for both sports.

The coach said and I quote:

'Y'all better win every damn match we go for or else you wouldn't like what would happen to you.'

Lucas spotted me and waved like a kid while screaming my name, everyone stopped what they were doing for a second and just stared at me. I shifted uncomfortably on the spot.

"Lucas! Get back to training!" Coach, as usual, yelled making Lucas scowl, while his teammate laughed.

They all stopped laughing when they saw the look Coach gave them.

I chuckled silently as I left the soccer field, and continued my aimless walk until I heard the first-period bell.

I walked into biology class and smiled as I spotted Lizzy, Treasure, and Chris. Our biology teacher, Mr. Freeman walked into the class with his usual ugly scowl plastered on his face.

I guess someone doesn't like his job.

He adjusted his oversized pants despite wearing a belt, literally every second, and in return glares at anyone who tries to laugh or smile.

"So class, we will-" He stopped what he was saying as he glared at the boys who were about to walk into his class.

"And how may I help you?" Mr. Freeman questioned as he adjusted his glasses.

"We never asked for your help." Zander retorted with a bored expression as the whole class snickered.

"Why are you late for class?" He questioned with gritted teeth.

"We had soccer practice this morning." A guy with dirty blonde hair answered and the remaining boys nodded in confirmation.

"And what does that have to do with me? I do not care if you were even dying, one thing I hate is being tardy. So leave my class now." He yelled.

"I don't think we would do that," Aspen mumbled.

"You know, it wasn't our fault we had practice this morning and both the Principal and the Coach are aware. So Mr. Freeman, if know you love your job, which I know you do, you would allow us into this class, without any problem." Zander said as he faked a smile and Mr. Freeman stared at him with his face already beetroot red in color from embarrassment.

"Sure, y'all should go take a seat". He mumbled and they all beamed, except Zander who had a poker face on as they took a seat each.

We spent the period learning about the theoretical aspect of dissection. Mr. Freeman looked like he would pee in his pants every time he looked in Zander's direction.

As soon as the bell rang indicating that the period was over, Mr. Freeman visibly breathe out a sigh of relief as he dismissed us.

"Hey Iris, I hope you haven't forgotten about our plan after school?" Aspen asked as we were about to walk out of class.

"What plan?" Both Zander and Treasure said simultaneously.

"We are working on our history project," Aspen answered and I nodded my head profoundly.

"And no, I haven't forgotten," I stated.

"Okay, meet me after school," Aspen said and I gave him a thumbs up while Zander muttered sometimes I couldn't really hear, which made Henry, James, and Lucas laugh.

I rolled my eyes as they walked through the hallway to where ever God knows.

"I have basketball practice after school, so I guess Aspen can take you home after your project," Chris said and I nodded instead.

"Okay, bye ladies. See you at lunch." Chris said specifically to Lizzy and pecked her cheeks before walking away.

Treasure and I both grinned at a blushing Lizzy. She tried covering her face with her strawberry blonde hair, which made both of us laugh even more.

"What?" She asked shyly.

"Nothing," I responded with a huge smile.

"Whatever." She glared.

"Oh shit, guys I need to use the restroom. I will be right back". I said and they both chorused an 'okay' as I ran to the restroom.

As soon as I finished my business, I adjusted myself in front of the bathroom mirror and smiled at my reflection. I grabbed my stuff and walked out of the restroom.

As I walked through the hallway, I bumped into someone, knocking off her handbag.

What's with me and bumping into people?

"I am so sorry." I apologized as I picked up the bag, I raised my head and sighed in disbelief as I stared at the one person I wouldn't want to see.

Charlotte freaking de Lewis!!!

''Watch it bitch, don't you know how expensive this bag is. It's the latest Chloé crocodile pattern bag. I am very sure you can't afford it."

Umh, No one asked!

She gave a maniac smirk, as she snatched the bag from me dusting a speck of non-existing dust from it.

"Iris, what took you so long?" Lizzy asked as she dragged a nagging Treasure into the scene. They both stared at Charlotte and I.

"What's going on here?" Treasure asked as both of them stood beside me.

"Nothing," I replied as I adjusted my glasses.

"Since she's not gonna tell you guys, I will. Well, this doesn't know how to mind her business." Charlotte said as she pointed her perfectly manicured fingers at me.

I scoffed. "I don't even know if you are mad about your handbag or something else. Whatever it is I don't have time for this. Guy's let's go, I am not really in the mood to cause any scene."

"Just because you were given a mere scholarship into this school, doesn't mean you can act like you belong here. I'm not surprised that your mother left you." My eyes widened in shock and both Treasure and Lizzy gave me questioning looks.

"Don't be so surprised, I have my sources. Remember when you got me into trouble during volleyball, you even turned Zandy against me. This is just a tip of an iceberg, I can find every detail about your filthy life and there's nothing you can do, as for you two, I don't care. Just don't cross me." She smirked wickedly as my hands clenched into fists as they tremble.

"Seriously you need help, I guess this is why you don't have friends. You always act like you are above everyone just because of your parent's wealth and connection even though you are not." Treasure said which made Charlotte press her lip into a thin line.

"And as for the scholarship, she earned it. And as for Zander, he doesn't even care about you, you keep forcing yourself on someone who doesn't even look at you. So quit feeling your non-existing brain with shit." Lizzy retorted and smiled.

I smiled at the two people I call my friends, even though they have known me for just a short while, they still defended me despite not knowing my story.

"She can't even defend herself, keep acting like her guard dog, and you." She pointed at me as she glared.

"They will leave you very soon, just like everyone in your life."

"I don't care, just because you don't have true friends doesn't mean others won't." She scoffed and walked away and I sighed in relief.

"Are you okay?" Lizzy asked with concern laced in her voice.

"Honestly, I'm not." I laughed bitterly.

"I think I owe you guys a lot of explanation," I said.

"You don't have to explain anything." Treasure retorted.

"No, you guys deserve an explanation," I muttered and they both nodded.

Here goes nothing...

***

Hey, ibby again!

A longer chapter for y'all, please vote, comment, share and follow for more.

Quick question: What's your thought on Charlotte?

Love ibby