1.Bad news

Amaya was just coming out of the school canteen after having her favourite snack of yoghurt and burger when her bestie, Anita bumped into her.

"Here you are," Anita smiled sweetly." I've been looking everywhere for you."

"So here I am," Amaya smiles back. "What's up and buzzing?"

Anita took her hand and they headed back into the canteen where she made the usual order of yoghurt and burger.

"Now tell me sweetheart, have you heard the news?"

Amaya was momentarily taken aback. What news could Anita be talking about?In her capacity as the crowned Queen Summer Jayden Of Avalon High School, she was to be abreast of any information going on.So what news could it be that she hadn't heard?

"Tell me, Anita. What news? Because I'm sure there's no news I wouldn't know of. And for the time being, I haven't heard anything. So bring it on."

Anita was shocked." Are you kidding me? How can you claim ignorance of the news that is all over the school right now?"

"I insist that I don't know what is going on.So I'm all ears for this news of yours."

Anita placed her hand in Amaya's ." I'm sorry, honey. But this isn't the kinda news you wanna hear. It's about Leo. "

Amaya's face turned sour at the mention of the name Leo.The kinda sourness she felt whenever she ate sour grapes from the market. What has he done again to warrant Anita talking about him.She worried in her head.

"Now, tell me what's up with Leo?"

"Well, simple and short. He took Clara out on a date today and the blabber duck has been blabbering about how she has managed to win Leo over. It was so annoying. "

"Leo?" Amaya was surprised but sighed to contain everything." Well I ain't surprised. He is such a fool." Amaya smirked and Anita got angry.

"Amaya, how is Leo a fool now?"

Amaya looked at Anita in mock horror. "Leo is a fool because whenever we are on good terms, he's curious to find out who my boyfriend is. But the very minute we break apart, he takes my worst enemy out on a date? No, who does that? He should have even gone for girl's like Janet or Sandra...."

"If I could clearly remember, he dated Janet when we were in year two and you guys quarrelled the whole of that summer. But what Amaya,don't tell me you are jealous?"

Amaya's face turned red. Her pride was stung."Jealous? You think I'm jealous? That the most unfair thing you ever said to me!"

Anita could see that she had hurt her cousin who was also her only bestie. She sighed calmly and apologised. "But Maya, don't you think it'd high time you guys reconcile? I mean this bantering and quarrelling shouldn't continue for long. You should forgive Leo and let bygones be bygones..."

"And give him another chance to hurt me? I like my peace and I would rather spend my time in the hospital with Phoebe than forgive Leo. Besides, you know how much I hate hospitals." She said standing up.

Anita stood up too and they hugged." Say hi to Phoebe for me. I would check on her in the evening. " And with that, both girls walked out of the canteen but in different directions.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was already past noon when Amaya opened the door to the living room where her dad, Arnold was reading the papers." Hey dad." She said and slumped into the soft sofa beside her dad.

" Hi honey. How was school today? Did you see Phoebe?"

"Yes," came the simple and short reply from Amaya. She reclined her head back and closed her eyes. Her dad dropped his papers and examined her closely. He found it absurd that his own Amaya could be this quiet and on a Friday too. Something must be wrong somewhere.

"Maya Honey,what's wrong?"

Amaya was startled." What dad? Do i look sick ?"

"Not in a bit but Fridays without you..."

"Oh yes daddy, I've got party and picnics and seminars for the weekend and guess what?"She cried excitedly.

Her dad winked at her and smiled." You know that's the only game I have you as a partner."

Amaya folded her arms momentarily annoyed but then he was right. They were both partners." Daddy, we are going summer camping!!!!"she said as gleefully as a child.

"That's nice. I would arrange everything for your trip."

"Thanks daddy."

"You are welcome young lady. Now why don't you go up and have a quick bath?"

"I'll do just that." She replied and grabbed her purse before turning in the direction of the stairs.

"Maya?"

"Yes dad?"

"Is Leo still coming for the proposed luncheon tomorrow?"

"I don't know,"she replied and quickly ran up the stairs to escape further questioning.

Once up in her room, she quickly freshened up and changed into a pair of trousers and an off shoulder's top and then packed her hair in a ponytail.

She was about to lie down when she heard her mum's voice rang over the stairs summoning her for lunch. She headed downstairs almost immediately.

"Hi mummy."

"Hi Maya," her mum; Emily replied." Did you see Phoebe as planned?"

"Yeah,and I must admit that she is really in a bad state. I'm afraid her situation is very critical."

"Don't worry dear. We'll be praying for her quick recovery. "

The meal was served and for the first time in forever,Amaya sat down to eat lunch with her parents. It was a tradition she never kept. Everyone settled down to the meal which was moving as smoothly as a car skidding on a newly paved road until trouble reared it's ugly head.

"That reminds me. Is Leo still coming over for the proposed luncheon tomorrow?" It was Emily.

Amaya ignored her.

"I already asked her."her dad chipped in.

"And what did she say?"

Amaya stared daggers at them.

What was wrong with her parents anyway?