Forbidden Love: The Chemistry Between Us

Elise POV

Holding the award closely to my chest and remembering how awesome highschool was, brought joy to my heart. I heard my name, Elise Henry, the second time, being called to the platform to get another award. I was delighted, I got up immediately and went.

On my way back to my seat, I saw my best friend Jonas Hart holding the hands of his girlfriend, Rachael Frank. Immediately, I became gloomy, my heart tightened, I have loved him since I was 14. But he had never seen me that way.

I saw him smile my way, I smiled back and went to my seat which was next to my cousin who was also graduating with us.

After all the procession, my best friend came to me and congratulated me. He hugged me and I was so happy. I congratulated him too and left.

On my way home, my cousin Kiera Winters informed me of the party tomorrow to celebrate. I have never been to one, I had no boyfriend and I was ready to be free this once.

I got home, Kiera helped me pick a beautiful red party gown. I wore it and I looked hot. My cousin picked a green dress that was perfect for skin.

I went to get my hair done. Later Jonas visited and I told him about the party. Of course, he was going with Rachel, but I was surprised when he told me firmly not to go.

Why, I want to be free, I said

"No, trust me. Don't go!", Jonas insisted.

I left angrily to my room and locked the door.

Jonas POV

Staring at the shut door was painful. I didn't want to see her in the arms of any guy. I have always secretly chased boys from her.

I didn't want my love for her to destroy our friendship. I didn't want to loose her, so I started dating different girls.

I was angry at her but I would still protect her from the guys at the party. After awhile, I left the house and drove home.

While driving, Rachael kept calling me but I didn't want to talk to anyone. I felt so bad, "why can't she just listen?", I said.

I drove straight home, saw my mom in the kitchen, found my dad watching tv. I greeted numbly and they seemed to have noticed .

After awhile, I heard a knock on the door, I knew it was either mom or dad, so I didn't go to the door. "Please, go away, I don't want to talk", I begged.

"Hell no, Jon", I heard the familiar voice of my cousin say.

"Chris, I don't want to talk", I said

Instead of retreating, I heard a chuckle and I knew I was in for trouble.

"Why, why now?", I murmured.

Having no choice,I got up from the bed, walked to the door and unlocked it. Immediately, my cousin cute face came in view. I couldn't help but smile at her.

"Come in", I said.

She stopped and stared at me before she asked, "are you sure?. I can always see you later, you know".

I rolled my eyes, "oh, please. You knew I was sad and that's why you remained at the door".

"Really?", She said.

"Yes", I replied.

I turned to go back inside my room but I couldn't close the door, so I didn't even try to fight over it.

"Actually...., It's true", she said.

"What's true?", I replied.

"Of course, I knew you were sad, I saw when you came in", she said.

"Really?", I asked.

I couldn't believe she was in the living room when I passed and didn't notice anything different, more or less my favorite cousin.

"No,no way. It can't be possible", he said while thinking about it.

"So, what's wrong. You don't look good", Christabel asked.

"Um, it's nothing. I'm just tired", I replied hoping she doesn't sense the lie.

I was so wrong. The intense questioning I got, meant that she knew.

"So Chris, how's Aunty?", I said changing the topic.

"Well, since you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you. Whenever you're ready". Chris said

I was so glad she didn't inquire futher.

"Have some rest, mom sent your favorite chocolate. I'd give you tomorrow. How's Elise, mom sent something for her too. Good night", Chris said and left.

Elise...

I knew that the way I reacted was wrong and harsh. Elise must be upset.

I have to apologize immediately.

I called her number but she didn't pick up.

I couldn't let the night pass, so I texted.

After typing it, I reread it to make sure, it cleared the issue.

"Sent".

After sending, my heart began beating very fast. I was so anxious, I kept turning from one side of the bed to the other.

Sleep was so faraway, this night. I got up and went to get a glass of water. After drinking, nothing happened.

I had hoped that after drinking the water, I would sleep calmly. I was still so restless.

All I could think about was Elise.

Jeez, this was driving me crazy.

I returned back to my room, making sure not to make any noise. I got to my room and slumped on the bed, wishing for sleep.

This was going to be a very long night.

Since I couldn't sleep, I decided to do something meaningful. I got up, went to my desk.

I started working on some unfinished projects. After sitting for an hour, I was so tired.

The night was getting darker and darker but my eyes were so far from sleep. My eyes were still sharp and bright.

I knew my day was going to be hectic and I needed to rest but the opposite was happening.

While working, I kept checking my phone for a message or call from Elise but none came.

It was disappointing, so I decided to bathe and force my self to sleep when...

Jonas POV

I was close to the bathroom when I heard the sound of my phone beep. I looked back but didn't see any light on the phone.

I wasn't sure if I was hallucinating but it was disappointing. I went back to the bathroom and showered.

After cleaning up, I came out, dressed up and laid on the bed to sleep. With time, I didn't know when I slept off.

Elise POV

I was so tired, after wearing more than 5 outfits, just to find the perfect one.

"Finally, this feels great", I said.

"Woah coz, you look breathtaking", Kiera gushed.

I rolled my eyes and muttered "drama queen". I kept staring at her with a huge funny smile on my face, she was exaggerating.

"Girl, you're gonna steal everyone's attention. You're the party girl. Jeez, I always knew my cousin was the most beautiful girl on earth. In fact, I don't know what to describe this", Kiera said.

"Alright, that's too much praise, you know", I said I touched her arm lightly while stifling a laugh.

"Anyway, I know just the right finishing touch", she said grinning.

"Makeup"

"OMG, how did you know", she said feigning suprise.

I walked towards her and gave her a warm and tight hug.

"Ki, you're the best. I'm glad you're my cousin and sister and..."

"Best friend?", She cut in with a questioning look plastered on her cute face.

"Really? You know that's not true", Kiera said.

"Oh, forget about that", I said while praying to forget about Jonas and everything that happened this evening.

Sighing deeply, I turned towards the mirror, I liked what i saw. I smiled tiredly and got out of the dress.

After making sure that the dress was carefully kept. I decided to take a shower.

After cleaning up, I got into my favorite pink pyjamas. I picked up my phone to watch some short videos on Facebook.

While watching, I saw a notification about a text from Jonas. I was curious but it reminded me of what happened earlier.

I continued but after awhile, my curiosity got the best of me, I tapped it open.

"Just this?", I asked myself.

I was a little bit disappointed with the text.

I decided to remove such thought from my mind. I was expecting too much from him.

So, I replied him and went to sleep hoping the party goes as planned.

*****

The next day, the sun rose pretty early but I didn't want to wake up so early. My alarm kept blaring and I tried so hard to avoid it's noise.

This was frustrating and when I heard my mom's voice, I sprung up quickly from the bed and ran to wash up.

Locked and protected from my mom's anger, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're lucky, you're up, Elise", my mom said.

Stifling a laugh, I said "sorry mom".

"Get ready and come for breakfast. I have somewhere to show you", she said and left.

Nodding my head in response to her, I picked up my tooth brush. After cleaning up, I wore a purple gown, mom bought last time we went shopping.

After dressing up, I did a high bun on my hair. When I was done, I kept staring at my reflection, wondering where mom was taking us.

Wherever it was going to be fun, I was sure of that. Walking out of my room, I bumped into Kiera.

"Ash..., where do you think you're going?", I said.

With a bright smile, she said; "I was coming to meet my favorite cousin, besides I haven't seen you this morning".

Kiera just had a way of melting my heart, no matter the situation, mostly with her adorable smile. Hearing her words made me warm and I got a wide grin spread across my lips.

Then I put my hands on her shoulders and said "come on, let's go and eat".

We got downstairs, found mom almost done cooking.

"What can we do?", We asked after washing hands.

"Well, breakfast is on the table. I'm almost done with lunch", she said with a smile.

"Lunch", we both replied her with a confused face.

"Don't worry, just wash and dry the cooler. When I'm done, I'd dish this", she said and pointed the pot on fire.

I did exactly, then went to the dinning table and found breakfast set. I smile satisfactorily but within seconds, I remembered just mom handled all this.

"She's surely my superhero", I said.

"Yeah, she's the best", Kiera added.

I sat down and quickly picked up the pancakes mom made. I took a bite and couldn't help feeling on top of the world.

Mom always made the perfect foods and today was no difference. I decided to put my favorite fruit as placing.

"Jeez, this is heavenly", I muttered to myself.

"Oh, please", Kiera said rolling her eyes.

"Strawberry, really? Try banana, it's the best".

"Girls, it's enough. Hurry up with your breakfast", mom said cutting our bricking.

We looked up to see mom coming from the kitchen.

"I'd be back, a very quick shower", she said and disappeared down the hall.

We continued eating and shortly after mom joined us.

"Aunt Kathy, what's going on, where are we going?, Kiera asked mom.

I sat drinking milk and listening.

After sometime, mom said, "well it's a surprise".

I couldn't hold myself any longer, so I blurted out "suprise?".

She turned to me with sparkling eyes and said "yes, you'll find out soon".

Since she wouldn't tell us, we just had to wait.

"We'll be going to a party with our schoolmates this evening", Kiera informed mom.

Oh, the party. I had totally forgotten about it. I'm glad Kiera remembered to inform mom, after all she was the party girl.

Mom narrowed her gaze to stare at me. I avoided her gaze.

"We?", She said.

"Yes, I and Elise, right?", She said to me.

"Yes", I said.

I knew my mom could say a word and that could be end of the party. I secretly wished she agreed because this could affect Kiera's going to the party.

Jonas's POV:

"Okay?" I said out loud to myself. I was reacting to the curt reply Elise had given me.

"Just okay? How dare she reply to me like that? I apologized for heaven's sake." I continued, disappointed.

Well, I wouldn't blame her, my pride would not let me apologize properly. My ringing phone jolted me back to the present.

"Hi, babe," I started, it was Rachael.

"Hey sugar," She answered sounding so jovial. I wondered what she was excited about so early.

"Why are you all giddy?" I asked, surprised.

"It's just the party you know, I am so excited about it. Can you guess the dress I got? I promise you, it will be the most expensive dress at the party and I will be crowned 'Best Dressed of the Night'. I will be turning heads tonight. My makeup artist is none other than..." Rachael was saying before I interrupted her.

"Babe...Rachael..., please," I begged.

"What? You don't want me to talk about it?" She inquired, a hint of anger in her voice.

"No, babe, it's not that. It's just that you didn't even ask if I slept well and you just jumped into talking about the party. The party will only last for a few hours and after that, we'll still be here," I explained.

"Whatever. It is going to be our last day of high school, everyone is going nuts about it. Why aren't you?" She asked.

After waiting for an answer and not getting any, she asked again, "Have you picked out a dress yet?"

"I was considering staying at home today and just resting, you know."

"Don't you spew that to me? You're my boyfriend and you're expected to go to the party with me. Everyone in school knows that." She was whispering, possibly to prevent her many friends from hearing what it was she wanted to say.

"You can find somebody else," I suggested.

"I'm not finding anybody else, that will only fuel the rumors that we have broken up. You better find something to wear and show up at the party, and this is not a request." She finished.

"Are you...?" I asked and she already hung up the phone. She hung up on me, imagine that.

"You alright in there?" Christabel asks.

I sighed and said, "Yeah, I'm good."

"Women trouble, eh?" She asked mischievously.

"Shut up," I yelled with a smile.

"But it's true, I just knew from the sound of your voice." She insisted.

"That was Racheal, threatening me to better make it to the party." I let out.

"Did you have plans of not going?" Christabel asks with raised brows.

"Well, yes," I answered rolling my eyes.

"You've got to be kidding me, and stay up all night doing what?" She continues with her numerous questions.

"I could sleep, would be a good rest for me," I said, doubting that myself.

"Oh, like you did last night?" She mocked.

"You!" I gasped.

"Oh, I knew. You couldn't sleep but I just imagine must be from whatever happened to you yesterday and by the looks of it, you have not gotten over it yet."

"Look I'm not saying you should forget about it, all I'm saying is that you should not miss this. I mean, it's a memory you deserve to have, one of your last days in high school. Come on now, what story would you tell your kids?" She finished with a wink.

"Alright," I admitted, "I think I'll go to the party."

"Yas! Now let's find you something to wear," she says offering me her hands.

Elise's POV:

"Please don't say no", I said to myself.

The cold stare from Mom gave me goosebumps, this is going to be hard.

After what seemed like hours, mom's decision was, "alright, you girls can go. Be responsible".

Staring at Kiera,I could see the excitement, and I secretly thanked God for mom's decision.

"That was a tough one. I trust you both. Be good", mom said with a sigh.

I was so curious to know why she finally agreed, even when it seemed like a closed case. So, I asked mom; "why did you agree?"

"Well, this is the end of high school, go and have fun before college comes. Have fun but remember that spies from your colleges may be there. Do what you're proud of and what you wouldn't sigh about in the future, okay?, She replied.

Her question kept popping up in my head. I hope I make the right decision tonight.

"That's enough, get your lazy ass up, we're late. I hope we don't miss much", she said.

We sprinted up and dashed out of the house. Mom took the wheels since she doesn't let us drive.

We journeyed down north, chatting and listening and singing to our various artists.

The car halted at a very large compound, mom was beaming with her cute and lovely signature smile.

We got down, while I adjusted my glasses. I stared around, this place gave me chills right down my spine.

As we approached the door, a young man appeared, gave mom a slight nod and walked up to me with gorgeous eyes.

Those blue eyes...

I stifled a laugh, when I saw Kiera drooling over him. Well, he deserved it.

"Alright ladies, follow me", he said.

We followed him and as we entered the building, I couldn't help but be amazed.

"Woah, an art museum. Mom's the best", I said.

I loved art.

We got in and met the curator, he showed us around. It felt so unreal.

He took us to the different sections: history, science, children, nature etc.

Each section had something unique to show.

The paintings, carvings, sculptures, photographs, fabrics and lots more.

I couldn't help but take every picture, touch the ones allowed, feel every piece.

This was the first time I was seeing the famous Mona Lisa painting. It always looked different, every time you looked.

By the time we were done, it was mid day but the best was yet to come. Mom kept smiling mischievously and I couldn't help but wonder what was about to happen.

We got to a big hall and saw it decorated.

"What's going on?", I asked Kiera.

She just shrugged, having no idea.

We were given seat numbers and directed to our seats. We sat patiently but full of curiosity.

Mom was no where to be found. I tried calling her phone but it kept going to voicemail.

"She's busy", the young handsome guy with us said.

"How do you know?", I asked.

"I am her Assistant. I'm Lucas", he said with a warm smile.

"Her assistant?" Kiera shrieked.

"Did you know this?" She asks me.

"I'm as confused as you are," I admitted.

Turning to Lukas, I asked, "Excuse you but I'm a bit lost here, you're my mom's assistant and you work in this museum?"

"Yes, I do. But for now, let's enjoy the presentation, shall we?" Lukas suggested.

"Do you think Aunt Kathy is hiding something from us?" Kiera asked.

"I do not think so. It would be pretty much hard to hide anything from the both of us now, is it not? But this, I am surprised. I've always wondered where my love for art came from but with this, I do not have to worry anymore." I said with a sigh.

"Yes, it sure feels good. Anyway, like Lukas said, let's enjoy the presentation." She added and I nodded in agreement.

The silence between us only piqued our curiosity more.

Soon, the presentation began and we began to look at the works of one of the greatest painters in the history of art, Leonardo da Vinci.

He was introduced as a Painter, Sculptor, Engineer, Scientist, Theorist, and Architect who was known for painting, drawing, engineering, botany, geology, etc.

His most notable works were shown to us as well, such as the Virgin of the Rocks of 1483-1493, Lady with the Ermine of 1489-1491, The Vitruvian Man of 1490, The Last Supper of 1495-1498, and perhaps his most popular work, the Mona Lisa of 1503-1516.

"Oh, my God!" I gasped.

Kiera was in tears from the presentation. We just got to see the works of Leonardo da Vinci firsthand, something most notable artists couldn't even boast of.

"I love you, Mom," I mouthed. This was a day I would never forget in years to come, it was one for the history books.

The audience stood up clapping as my mother made it up to the stage as the presentation came to an end. It was a beautiful presentation.

She put an end to the show noting that it was sad that we never got to see how much more of what Leonardo da Vinci could do as he died at the age of 67.

While we exited the showroom, I was lost in thoughts and Keira must have noticed because she asked, "Are you alright, El?"

"Yes. Do you remember what Mom said in her closing speech?" I questioned.

"Never be afraid to do what you want to do, who knows, you could be the next Leonardo da Vinci?"

"Yes! That part of never being afraid." I smiled.

"What about it?" Keira asked, confused.

"I think my plans for the party tonight just changed." I blurted out.

"Ooh girl, I like the sound of that. Mind telling me what plans changed?" Keira asks mischievously.

"You'll find out soon enough," I assured her with a smile.