Elusive Bella

"Bella , Bella, Bella"My dad called my name ... "I'm so sorry , i was never really there for you and your brother".

I thought i was having a hallucination but i wasn't , it was a dream.

I am Bella Neil, a seventeen years old high school kid. Let me go back a little , I will be eighteen years old in three months time. And i have a rare disability called prosopagnosia also known as face blindness, i can't recognize faces Or my face .

My accident happened four years ago when me and my dad was on our way to a carnival, our car collided into a bus my dad died while saving me, blocking me from all the Glass and the collision, he died instantly.

Before my dad died i was a rich and spoilt kid, my dad was the owner of kohli steel and lines. A major dealer with steels and material for constructions. He was more like a womanizer and gambler. But he made sure he gave his family everything they ever wanted.

I live my life just like every other teenager about to graduate from high school in 6 months.

I was at my bestfriend's house , Nathan Macdonald , We have been friends since childhood, I guess that was when we were four years old. We do everything together and he's not the only one who do , pamela leon , she's on a vacation with her family.

"My mom is at it again" Nathan said.

"Come on, going to harvard is big a deal" i picked at him , "i will be alright, besides cambridge or harvard I will be fine "

I assured him.

"You are my bestfriend and i love you , i wouldn't want you to be anywhere all by yourself"he was looking so cute with his puppy eyes.

"The earlier you realize that we are no longer kids , is the day you grow up." I teased.

"Besides we have more than half a year to have fun together , we can have so much fun during summer" i wasn't just saying those to make him feel better , i meant every word.

"Yeah..but our fun won't last". he cried.

"Neither will i stay in school forever ". i said.

He replied me with a smile.

"I prepared a bucket list ...Full of fun content. " I said handling the paper over to him.

BUCKET LIST TO DO.

1. Go skydiving .

2. Play guitar while mrs humprey is in

class.

3. Get Matching BFF's tattoo.

4. Go to a paint and wine night.

5. Get mini-pedis.

6. Set each other on a blind date.

7. Take a cooking class

8. Have spa day.

9. Go on a camping trip.

10.Go on scary roller coaster ride.

11. Throw a dinner party.

12. Stalk each other ex' s on social

media.

13.Go to disneyland.

14. Go to a bonfire.

15. Go wine tasting .

16. Go on a double date.

17. Pretend to be insane and see a therapist.

18. Make a photo memory scrap book.

19. Join a bookclub .

20. Go bee hunting.

21. Have a pajamas day out.

22. Go to a driving movie.

23. Attend a music festival.

24. Prank call .

25. Wear matching outfis for aweek.

26. Have a cut crafts day.

27. Write a letter to be opened in the nearest future.

28. Do pottery

29. Order a food and make a fuss.

30. Learn Quran.

"Wow, but isn't all these too much?" Nathan asked looking so off board.

"No it isn't, this is for summer " i said

"And there might more ". i added.

"You are so scary right now" He said with a smirk .

"I know right! Opps i have to go now , mum will be home in a few hours, i have to prepare dinner " i frowned .

"Okay see you at school" he said .

"Won't you see me off ?", I asked.

Bella's POV

I arrived home , but mom was already back from work and she was also about preparing dinner.

"Hi mom, you are back so early" i said with a full mouth of oats .

"Yes i am " my mom replied me .

"How was work?" I asked frantically.

" Hectic as usual" my mom replied me in a low tone.

" Can you stop littering the whole place" i yelled at my little bro (Donald). " I am going up want to shower".

Donald is my little bro of Nine years old and in grade four . He is so cute with his sea blue eyes always letting me yell at him.

"Okay when you are done , Come down and help me with dinner" my mom said .

Some minutes later* *

" So what do you have in mind for dinner?" I asked.

" How about macaroni and cheese" my mom said.

"Yummy mum , what's the special occasion?" I asked.

"Guess" my mum said.

"Mum, you know i am not good at guessing, what is it mum?" I asked out of curiosity

Everyone was in suspense

"I got promoted today" my mum said with smiles all over her face ." And i am here to celebrate with my family" she added.

"Wow , mum that is wonderful congratulation" i said hugging her".

"Mum i have something for you" Donald said .

"What is it baby" my mom replied starring at me .

"Squat mum" he said giving my mom a peek on the cheek.

"Thanks baby" My mom complimented him.

Silence filled the room for a long time , from preparing of dinner to when we started eating .

"The food is delicious mum" my bro said giving my mom a thumbs up giggling with smiles.

"Yes mum...totally" i added.

"Thanks babies" She said smiling , her eyes was so full, like she was about to cry "Donald , you are done eating go to bed , make sure you brush you teeth" i said.

"Mum are you okay" i asked ...

"Yes, i am "my mom said wiping her tears which was dropping down her cheeks.

"I thought we were over this mum" i asked in disappointment " Do you think Dad will be happy if he were to see you in this mood?"

"I miss him okay" She said in tears " it is not easy , i am trying to be so strong for the sake of you and Donald".

"We all miss him , but if you break down you leave us no choice to break down also" i said.

" i am also hurting mom , his death affected us in different ways, the accident affected me, the way i live is not as the same as before" i added crying.

"I am sorry ...i shouldn't have brought it up "She said wiping her tears which was pouring uncontrollably, she knew where i was heading to with what i said.

"It's okay, just go up and sleep , i will do the dishes". I said holding myself from tearing even more.

"Donald do not forget to wash up and brush your teeth" my mum shouted to donald hearing "you too bella , Goodnight.

* * * * *

I so much wanted the class to end , Mr fringe our history teacher was just babbling about the Great wall of China which i have heard from his teaching like 100 times now.

"The Great wall of China is an ancient series of walls and fortification totalling more than Thirteen thousand miles in length, located in northern china .It is the most recognize symbol of china and was originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century B.C as a means of preventing incursion from barbarian nomads and it prevents...

I was so bored on hearing that i so much waited for the class to end. But then a new student walked into the class.

"And yes there is a new student in our midst " he said gesturing to the boy beside him.

"Come on , introduce yourself" mr fringe said.

"Hello everyone, My name is Rafael Antonio and i am a transfer student from Highcrest Highschool and i hope to get along with everyone.

"Oh goodness , he sure is handsome " Nathan complimented.

"That's good for him, But shh.. you are most handsome Nat " i said shuting him up.

Nathan and pamela are my two best friends and the only two ...amongst my other friends who knows about my condition...We have been so close since childhood.

And even though i was to see this rafael i won't recognize him tomorrow, so i didn't bother looking up at him.

The only way i could recognize people is through his or her appearance, Voice , walking step , gestures, ways of doing things and that's how i differentiate my family and friends from others.

" i really wish for you to look up at him" Nathan was obviously admiring his follow boy.

"No , i wish pamela was here to see him , she would definitely die for his looks " i said .

He smiled mischievously.

"I know right"We said in unison.

Bella Pov

* * * * *

After class everyone was down to earth with meeting up with Rafael , most especially the girls , the boys either wanted to be friends or form a squad with him and the girls seeking for attention...i finally saw him and walked past but he kept on starring at me .

i was at the library stalking up books to read ...the books was super heavy which made them crashing down ..suddenly a figure approached and helped me to pick them.

" Thank you" i said looking up to see who the person might be.

"Hi, My name is Rafael Antonio...he greeted bringing his hand for a shake.

" Hi, Bella ...Bella Leon i said gesturing my hands to my books showing him my hands are occupied to my books.

" oh yeah " He muttered ". " I saw you earlier at class and in the hallway" he added.

"Okay that's great " I replied flinching my eyes.

"So what are the books for" He asked.

" Such a stupid question to ask , isn't it obvious that it is for reading?" i thought to myself.

" Reading " i replied to his unreasonable question.

"Okay i have football practice to go for" he said winking at me.

" I don't care ...duh " i thought to myself.

"Okay that's fine " I replied keeping the books on the table " Thanks once again" i added.

"Yeah ...your welcome " he said waving at me.

I stood outside of the school by the parking lot waiting for nathan to come out of the school. On some occasions nathan gets picked up by his mom , but we have to take the bus today, so there i stood waiting for him.

"Hi, Bella" said an unknown voice behind me .

I turned around only to see a boy standing in front of me " Hello" i replied .

"So you are waiting for?" He asked.

" i am waiting for my friend" i replied

"Do i know you, you just called my name".

He starred at me looking confused

"Yes , at the library, hallway and classroom, Bella Leon " he called my name again.

"Ohhh.. Rafael Antonio , Right? " i asked looking lost.

"Yes " he said beaming with smiles " So you really did not remember me ?" He asked.

"Umm, my mind wasn't here" i lied.

"Okay"he said in disblief.

"BELLA" someone called me from afar.

I turned and saw nathan running towards me.

"Bella , what are you doing?" He whispered to my hearing .

"Umm...Rafael meet Nathan my bestfriend and Nathan i suppose you already know Rafael!" I introduced each other.

" Hello, nice to meet you " Rafael said.

" Yeah, same here". Nathan replied.

"Rafael, we have to get going " i said dragging nathan.

* * * *

"What was happening back there ?" Nathan asked me.

"So in the library my books fell and he assisted me in packing them ...we talked for a while and it seems like he has been watching out for me , he said he saw me at the classroom, hallway". I said vibrating.

"Why are you shaking bell ?" Nathan asked me.

"Am i ...i need. you help , so before you came he walked up to me and i couldn't recognize him and i asked him who he was i feel like he will start being suspicious" i said .

"Did you sound suspicious, were you shaking ?" He asked mimicking how i was shaking and that made me laugh so hard.

"Seriously, it is not funny" i said .

"Don't worry , i got you covered" He assured me.

* * * * *

We reached the bus stop, boarded the bus and when we were about to depart he started crying .

"Oh! My cry baby , what is the matter?! Do you want candy ?" I teased him

"i don't want to go" he said keeping a cute face.

"Nat come on we will see tomorrow, you always look cute with that facial expression ".i told him.

"When are we starting the bucket list ?" He asked smiling.

" i don't know yet, let's wait till pamela returns and we can talk more about it" i said "now go home". I

After few seconds of starring , he alighted from the bus and waved farewell at me.

I went to brother's school to pick him from school , then we went home together

* * * * * *

"Mum are you home?" I asked because the door wasn't locked properly.

"Yes baby , I am " my mom replied me from her room. " i have some goodnews to share " she said running down the stairs with so much excitement.

"Mum, becareful" i warned , wondering what the fuss was all about.

"So i was giving a month leave and not just that ...i was also given a free trip to maldives all expense paid". She said peeking Donald on the check.

" That's great mum...i am so happy for you" i congratulated her in a sad tone, i was happy and sad at the same time for her because I know that this is a trip that i know will be fun but won't be able to go.

"No ..no , be happy for us , is a trip for the whole family" she said cheering me up.

"I have exams by the corner " i told her almost choking on my words " but you and Donald can go and have as much fun as ever ". i said rubbing Donald hair.

"Bell" my mom called , it was obvious that she was worried but I could not fathom why or what she was worried about

"I got an idea" i yelled " Do you want to make it up to me?". i asked.

"Can i do that?" My mom asked.

"Yeah...Give me five thousand dollars" i winked at her.

" five thousand dollars, unbelievable" she said. " "what for?" She asked .

" i want to go on a trip with Donald and pamela" i said " but within this state." I added.

"When?" She asked.

" I don't know yet " i replied.

" The three of you?" She asked.

" Yes, mum" i replied.

"Okay that's fine..Get your brother things packed up , we leave in two days " she said .

"Thank you mum" i hugged her. I went up to do just as I was told to do but then a thought came to mind . Just what if we go for a vacation . Rather than do a bucket list. Or while in the vacation get the things listed in the bucket list done .

It was 3pm in the afternoon and on Wednesday and i was at my par-time job , customers were trooping in and out and i was so stressed out it hadn't been long. I went into the restaurant. I felt like i had been there for a decade. There was a customer who was yelling and another that just starred at me, so i took up courage to go meet him and ask for his order. I

Hello, welcome to Big Franco's chicken ...what can i offer you ?" I said the normal customer service line said by every employee of Big Franco's chicken.

"Hi, i would like one medium-sized bucket of honey chicken and a coconut milkshake please". Mr said.

"Okay, one medium-sized bucket of honey chicken and a cup of coconut milkshake coming right up sir... "I said, putting on a bright smile.

"Bella, Can you please add fries and no ketchup "he said .

I turned back to look at him. How could this person know my name?

"Excuse me "I said. "How do you know my name?" I asked.

"Your crest... It has your name on it , besides we have met before at school, Normark High-school ...in class, library, hallway , parking lot." He added "You don't remember me?"

"Oh yes ..i do remember Raphael ", i nodded.

That moment became awkward* * * *

"BELLA" a familiar voice called my name behind me , it was nathan's my saviour .

"Bella, my stomach hurts ". He collapsed on a chair and rubbed his stomach rigorously

I need food and i miss you", He said, keeping a baby face.

"Okay", dragging Nathan along before things got more intense.

"Nathan, you came at the right time , you are my savior for today and i owe you one ", i said, dragging his cheeks.

"Whatever! I am hungry" he cried out. " Beside you just said you owe me one, so give me a small sized burger and chicken."

"There is no way you will eat without paying today, your days of eating here and i have to be the one to pay for it, it's overrr" i said, dragging my last word , showing how much i meant what i said.

"Bella , please i will die if i don't eat now," He cried out.

"What colour of coffin would you prefer" i teased him.

He hissed* * *

" You always do get money from your mum and dad, so use that and buy some food for yourself...no more free food." I yelled.

"Okay fine" he said, bringing out his ATM card.

"That's better, your order will be up in a few minutes "I said, walking away.

* * * * * *

My shift was over for the day and here was I, walking home with nathan.

"The burger tasted so gross today"he said.

"It was probably from your taste bud or maybe because it wasn't free" i teased.

"I hate you, you know, right?" He teased.

"Sigh* I hissed.

* * * * *

Hello guys are you going that way , because that's where i am heading. I could give you guys a lift if you mind", A voice said ...and it sounded like a Rafael.

It's Rafael " Nathan alarmed me. "Oh yes! We do mind "

"We don't mind" i said, poking Nathan in his arm. My legs are killing me, so if i act arrogant it won't ease away the pain. All of that was in my thoughts , of course! " He is so naive".

"That's fine, come on in" Raphael said, opening his door. "Where are we going to ?" He. asked.

"Nathan house, No Twenty Six Rogue Street" i replied.

"So you really do not remember me" he asked.

"No, she was occupied with her work" nathan spoke in my place.

"He's right, I was so busy with work "I winked at Nathan ." Besides, you can't bring up personal matters to work.

"So are we private" he asked.

"When i mean personal, i mean things outside of work matters " i corrected.

"Okay if you say so" Raphael said.

We got to Nathan's house * * *

"Thanks for the ride, Raphael", Me and nathan said in unison.

"Yeah, you're both welcome" He said and zoomed off.

"Nathan is your mum at home" i asked.

" How would i know that if I hadn't been with her?" He asked.

"Is anyone at home ?" I said, climbing up the stairs.

There was so much moaning sounds coming from Msr Tomika's room.

I opened the door and saw Mrs tomika on a man and i immediately slammed the door.

"Bella , i can explain" she called out as she ran after me down the stairs. We both bumped into nathan and immediately the man came tying only a towel round his waist.

Nathan was devastated at what was going on. " Mum , how could you?" Nathan said, climbing the stairs to his room.

" Nathan, slow down "I said, trying to get a hold of him.

He played a deaf ear and nearly pushed me down. I ignored what happened.

"Nathan calm down, you might do something drastic" i cautioned.

" How can i be calm, Huhh" he yelled.

" Now what do you want to do ?" i asked.

"Packing , moving out of this house" he replied.

" You're moving to where?" I asked.

"To your house, hotel, anywhere from this place. " He replied

" Hmm, I am downstairs" i said, helping him with some of his luggages.

Nathan can be dangerous when he is angry. When we were little (i, nathan, Pamela), I was always seen as the eldest amongst the three of us because i always acted as one, always protecting them, and when we were aged 12 Nathan went for some judo training to protect us, and he is so good at it.

"Bella, "Nathan called out to me, throwing a car key for me to catch.

"Start the car ", he ordered.

"Nathan, i am so sorry, i can explain", his mom said.

"You can't explain shit" Nathan yelled at his mom.

"Nathan, can you listen "the man said .

" You still have the guts to say something?" Nathan asked.

And in less than three seconds nathan gave the man a huge blow. He went to his mum's purse and took a handful of money.

His mom stood there feeling guilty and embarrassed, unable to say a word.

Nathan was at a really high speed, and we almost collided with a car.

" Can you please drive a little slower "I said, holding myself to a cliff. " If you don't value your life, i value mine," I said out of breath.

"We got home fast, in less than twelve minutes, because of the speed Nathan was at.

* * * * *

Nightfall came really fast and Nathan was a nighter ... I stood on my balcony admiring the stars .

" How are you feeling now, nat" I asked, handling him a cup of hot chocolate. It was his best.

"Thanks pam , I am much better" he replied.

"Okay, that's cool "I said.

"I am really sorry for pushing you earlier, pam , i wasn't myself and i promise not to repeat that again ", he pleaded.

", it's alright, nat" Pam said, stroking his back to calm his nerves.