LOST LOVE, FOUND LOVE

"You are disgusting and really irritate me. I never really loved you so from now keep your face away from my sight" These were the hurtful words her once loving boyfriend said to her.

As Amberlynn remembered the words,her heart kept shattering all over again. She stood with her back against the wall as fresh warm water dripped down her body.

She was just returning from school. She had dressed up beautifully today for him only to get a heartbreak.

She recently got admitted into Hailsmith High School,a famous school where most of the top class and famous kids attend.

On her first day of school,She saw him - Ashton Collymore walk through the door with a brown bag hung across one of his shoulders with those killer smiles that made her heart leap.

He became her first crush from that. She always did everything she does to get his attention. She got it and he came to her accepting her.

She wanted to go to the top of the world and announce her relationship with him - Hailsmith High school's sweetheart.

She thought it was going to last and maybe end up till eternity but it didn't. She got dumped just only six weeks after acceptance.

It was hurtful because it had happened at the front of the school before the crowd of students. She could vividly remember the smirk on Bianca's face as she ran out of the school.

Her mother called up to her as she dashed past her in the sitting room. But she ignored the call.

She slowly slid down the walls with the water still running above her.

"You are such a fool. You should have probably asked questions before falling hard for me".

She smacked her forehead angrily. Yes, indeed she was a fool for letting her silly heart go after him

Another bout of hot tears gushed down her eyes as she remembered the last ice cream date she had with him. They had all varieties of ice cream and she made him promise to always take her for ice cream.

"I hate you Ashton – Son of a bitch"Amberlynn yelled grabbing her head with both hands.

"Amber-"A slow knock came on the door followed by a sweet soprano voice.

"Amber,Are you in there?"She asked.

"Go away Lisa,I want to be on my own"She replied in a croaky voice. That was her mother.

Yes,her mother. She referred to her by her first name.

"Amber,Are you sure you want me to go?"Lisa asked her again listening carefully.

A thin low sob was Amber's reply and she knew immediately that she was crying.

"Okay,Amber"With that,She walked out of the room.

"I hate you Ashton-I hate you"She yelled again stretching her legs and sitting on the floor.

Now,the dripping water was her only solace. She hugged herself tightly still reminiscing on the good moments she spent with Ashton.

She rose up and took a short bath before walking out of the bathroom. She opened her closet and picked a blue baby doll dress that stopped above her knee.

She drew a sharp breath before reaching out for the door knob but it was pulled before she could get to it.

"Hey Amberlynn"Gianna chatty voice rang from the doorway.

Gianna was Amber's childhood friend.

"Woah,Woah"Gianna exclaimed and held her shoulders.

"Have you been crying?"Gianna asked her seeing her reddish eyes.

"No,no Something got into my eyes"Amberlynn lied rather and chuckled nervously and began to rub her eyes.

"Really??"Gianna asked with eyes raised in suspicions.

"Yeah"Amberlynn nodded with a tiny fake smile.

Gianna was also Amberlynn's classmate at HHS. They gained admission same day and Gianna was fully aware of Amberlynn's affairs with Ashton.

Although,she had tried to talk Amberlynn out of it. She wasn't aware of Ashton's public breakup with her.

"If it is about your silly boyfriend,You know you can tell me so I can kick his balls"Gianna said again with a short smile.

"What!!"Amberlynn gasped loudly. A small pool of tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. Gianna was fast to notice it.

"It's nothing of such manner Gia-"Amber replied. Gianna could really swear that something was sure wrong and it must be all about Ashton.

"Amber–"She called again trying to talk about the tears she saw in her eyes.

"Amberlynn,Dinner is ready!"Her mother's Loud and clear yelling voice rang from the kitchen.

Amber took a quick glance at her wrist watch and then gave Gianna a short sad smile,"Mom's calling"She said.

Gianna nodded and they walked to the dining room hand in hand.

When they got to the dining room,fresh smell of roasted chicken hit their nose. Amber smiled as she took her seat.

At least there was something to smile about even though the chickens reminded her so much of Ashton.

"Gianna, You can eat with us"Lisa offered Gianna as she was about to leave.

"Thank you Ma'am"Gianna smiled and sat down next to Amberlynn.

The table was filled with six people: Amberlynn, Gianna, Amberlynn's parents and her twin siblings.

Amberlynn's father - Mr Colton cleared his throat and reached out for his cutlery.

"We need to pray hun"Lisa's voice made his hands halt midway.

Everyone at the table shut their eyes. Lisa looked over at everyone's face before closing her eyes.

"Dear father –"She began in a quiet voice.

"We thank you for the air we breath,the food we eat and the water we drink. We also thank you for the birds of the air and the grasses"Lisa continued slowly and gently.

"We are sorry of all our misdeeds. Please,find a place in your heart and forgive us".

"May this meal today strength and replenish our bodies in Jesus name"She ended the short prayer and everyone chorused an"Amen".

Soon, the sound of cutleries hitting plates filled the dinning room.

The family ate silently with no-one raising any discussions. A minute later, Amberlynn's father rose up and walked out after cleaning his mouth properly with the napkin.

Her twin siblings followed suit.

"Good night Mom - Good night Amber"Zoey,the first twin said and walked to her room.

"Good night"Ezekiel- Zeke for short said and wheezed away.

"Amber -"Lisa called immediately Zeke was out as though she timed his leave.

Amberlynn didn't reply or make any move to reply. Gianna sat beside her staring at her with wide eyes.

Lisa sighed but continued since she knew she was listening to her,"What's eating you up?"Lisa asked.

The sudden drop of Amberlynn's eating cutlery made her believe that she heard her.

"Nothing is wrong with me Lisa. I am fine"She stressed returning to her meal.

"Are the kids at school giving you hard time?"Lisa asked.

"You know you can speak to me. I can call up the principal -".

"Lisa,I am okay"Amberlynn said emphasing on the last word.

"I love my school and besides I am new there. Everything will fall in place in two months"Amberlynn reassured.

"Are you sure baby?"Lisa asked and reached out for her hands.

"Yes"Amber nodded with a little smile.

"I will clear the table"She rose up and took the plates to the kitchen.

She placed the kitches in the sink as a stiffled sob left her lips. She was at verge of crying again. The tears she held in all the while were threatening to come rolling down.

She could hear her mother say some inaudible words to Gianna. She heard footsteps behind her and quickly sniffed in to hide in the tears.

She moved the plates and pretended as though she was washing them.

"Amber -"Gianna walked to her and placed her hands on her shoulders.

"What did I miss at school today?"Gianna asked cos she was absent.

She took the already washed plates and began to wipe them clean before placing them on the racks.

"Nothing much-"Amber chuckled.

"Mr Sean was planning a project for the fresher men but it couldn't hold"Amber informed and carefully placed a plate on the counter.

Gianna waited for her to continue but hearing no words from her,She confirmed that she was done.

"Is that all?"Gianna asked.

"Yeah,What else?"Amber said facing her.

"School was fun and good but of course boring without you"She chuckled.

"So- Any plans with Ashton for tomorrow?"Gianna asked.

Amber's happy face dropped and immediately turned dead. She turned around and continued washing the plates.

She was quiet for some time

Again,Gianna got a feeling that something might have happened between her and Ashton.

"We have no plans for tomorrow. Ashton wasn't at school today -"She lied with a sullen face.

"Really?? Did you call up?"Gianna asked.

"No-"

"Why?"Gianna asked with wide eyes because she knew Amber wasn't the type that wouldn't call to check up on a friend who wasn't in school.

"Please Gia, Let's drop the talk about him"Amber groaned and wiped her hands dry with a napkin.

"Let's talk about you rather "Amber said as a cute little smile found it's way to her face.

"Me??".

"Yes, How are you feeling now?"Amber asked as she handed a napkin over to Gianna.

"I am fine now"She replied.

They walked out of the kitchen together. They found their way to the sitting room.

Amber plopped herself on the couch giving a tired groan.

"Hey,Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"Gianna asked.

"For tomorrow? What day is tomorrow?"She asked confusedly.

"Geez-"Gianna exclaimed and sat beside her.

"Don't be ridiculous girl, Tomorrow is freaking Saturday"Gianna yelled at the top of her voice.

"Keep it down Gia".

"Oh my bad,But don't tell me you forgot? Gianna asked and waved her head.

"I guess I did"Amber replied and they gave a short laugh.

"So,do you have any plans?"Gianna asked.

"No, not any one I can remember".

"So,no dates with Ashton huh?"Gianna asked with raised brows slightly hitting her shoulders.

Amber felt her throat being dry as she struggled to force a smile.

"No"She said lowly.

"Okay,Do you mind joining me for shopping?"Gianna asked her.

"I will think about it".

"No,no,no-"Gianna waved her head in disapproval,"You are coming with me and that is final".

Amber only chuckled and said nothing.

"I will come pick you up at four. Be ready girl"Gianna said more like an order.

The clock on the wall ticked nine.

"Shoot!!! I have stayed out late"Gianna freaked out rising to her feet.

"What's wrong?"Amber asked following suit.

"Mom said I should be back by eight and it is already nine"Gianna said and ruffled her hair.

"You can tell her you were at my place".

"She would still be mad".

"I am not sure -"Amber said walking Gianna to the gate. Gianna turned swiftly giving her a look that says'You don't know my mom'.

"Goodnight bestie "Gianna said and pulled her to her short hug.

Her cologne hit her nose and immediately she was reminded of Him again. A lone tear fell off.

"Goodnight Gia-"Amber said and pulled out of the hug. She waved her goodbye as Gianna jogged away.

As Amber was about to walk into the house,She saw a figure clad in black standing afar off under the street light. He seemed suspicious.

Amber watched Gianna as she walked past him and then took a corner that led to her house.

Amber prayed for her safety as she strode back into the house.

She walked into her room and laid on the bed with her phone next to her.

The blanket covered half part of her body. She was still reminiscing those loving moments with Ashton.

She remembered the day they made out. She was the one who gave out her body to him because she loved him dearly. She cringed at the fact that she had messed up.

A player just took her virginity and she was sulking. She was sure her parents or friends won't believe her when she tells them that she had done it more than once and that too with a scoundrel.

She had failed her parents who had so much trust on her. Even her siblings who looked up to her. More tears found its way to her eyes.

All his promises of love were fake and unreal. She was the only one trying to make the relationship work but she failed to see it since Ashton always took her out and bought her lots of goodies.

Her parents never found out because she always covered it up with Gianna's name.

Her door clicked open and her mother walked in. She quickly shut her eyes pretending to be in a deep sleep.

"Goodnight Amberlynn"Lisa said calling her full name. She crouched low and placed a short kiss on her forehead.

The short kiss was much better than all the long kisses she ever shared with Ashton.

She wished she had played wisely with him. Lisa stroked her hair and she felt love - a different type and a special one.

The lights went off and Lisa walked out shutting the door quietly.

Amber popped out of the blanket with wet face. She wanted to scream loudly and tell her parents what she had done.

Her parents had continuously warned her to keep away from any intimate relationship with an opposite gender. Now,she understood why.

Her tender heart was crushing over and over again without any cure.

"Why, Ashton Why?"She muttered and got her phone.

A photo of Ashton popped up in the screen. She moved her hands on the screen reminiscing how handsome he always looked.

She always thought he looked handsome just for her but she never knew it was to woo other girls.

She scrolled and more pictures of him came up. Some were pictures of them with happy smiley faces.

It was only six weeks and he had to end it.

Another picture popped up with her pressing her lips tightly on his cheek. She remembered she did that when he bought her her favourite phone pouch.

A pouch which she always wanted,it was expensive and she couldn't ask her parents to get it for her.

Another picture came up where Ashton was giving her a piggy ride. That day,they went to an amusement park where they had so much fun.

Amberlynn chuckled when she remembered the silly face Ashton made when she fed him chocolate ice cream. He spilled it on her body.

When he was asked why he did that,he confessed that he despised chocolate ice cream and they looked like a child's poop.

Amberlynn laughed hard. But,she was only doing that to stop the uncontrollable tears.

"What have you done Amber?"She said in gritted teeth.

"You are so cheap that I can never take you for my second side chic. You are shameless and I guess your mom would surely be hiding her face in disgrace wherever she is ".

One of Ashton's many hurtful words to her. Bringing it back to mind made Amber cringe. He even called her sweet poor mother who knew nothing about a scoundrel like him.

She had given her all to this relationship. She could remember she heard side talks about Ashton but never cared to listen cos she believed him.

Her eyes moved to the closest which was filled with beautiful dresses. Most of them were gifts from Ashton.

She rose up and walked to the closest. She opened it widely and inhaled softly.

She ran her soft smooth hands through the beautiful dresses bought by Ashton. She pulled out a blue shirt that had her name "AMBER" written beautifully at the front.

Ashton got it especially for her. She hugged the shirt tightly and sat on the bed.

She could remember how he gave her the shirt. She gave out a short laugh embodied with tears. She laid back on the bed still hugging the shirt.

Still reminiscing,she didn't know when she drifted off to sleep. Everything became dark as her eyelids kissed each other. Soon,She was in dream land.

A golden crimson rose high in the sky. The birds chirped from one tree to another.

Amberlynn laid on the bed and didn't want to get up. But,Her tired body unwilling rose up. The sun rays penetrating through the window hit her eyes and she had to shut them back.

Slowly,She opened up her eyes.It was morning already. She sighed and gently placed her feet on the well polished floor. Her eyes were red and hurting.

She still felt a deep pain in her chest. Her eyes darted to a pretty necklace with love crest. It was reminding her again of him.

She was about to stand up and begin her house chores but she felt weak.

Maybe it was because she hadn't heard Ashton's voice. She always called him every morning and late in the night.

He never called her for once,it was always her. But she failed to realise it that he never loved her.

Tears slowly began to dance down her cheek.

The door creaked open and blonde hair with freckled face popped from the door.

"Sis -"Came a low and tiny voice.

Zoey walked fully into the room in a blue jumpsuit. She walked to Amber who was trying to hide her tears.

But the tears on her face and red eyes made her efforts futile.

"Amber -"Zoey called again and placed her hand on her shoulder.

"Zoey"Amber smiled widely.

"What's wrong? You have tears in your eyes"Zoey asked stretching her hands to her face. Slowly,she wiped off the tears.

"It's nothing Zoe"Amber chuckled and held her waist.

"There's something, Please tell me"Zoey persisted.

Amber clutched her stomach and whined alittle.

"I am having a little abdominal pain"Amberlynn said still clutching her stomach.

"I should call mom then"Zoey gasped.

"No,No, I will be fine. It will fade off"Amber interjected.

"Are you sure?"Zoey asked with a concern crease on her face.

"Yes-"Amberlynn groaned again.

"You can lay back. I will do your chores"Zoey offered.

"Really?".

"Anything for you Sis-"Zoey said with a warm smile as Amberlynn laid back on the bed.

"Thanks Zoey"Amber said and pinched her cheek lightly.

Zoey smiled broadly and walked out. As soon as she left, Amberlynn gave a sigh of relief.

She shut her eyes trying to shut off Ashton and all her worried. But his image kept flashing in her memory.

She rose up and dashed into the bathroom. She splashed water all over her face.

"Get out of my head-"She yelled tightening her grip on the sink.

She proceeded to take her bath after some time.

⁠✧✧

Her phone rang again for the second time jolting her out of the short nap she was having.

She stretched her hands for her phone. It was a call from Gianna.

"Amber-"Gianna screamed into the phone. It seemed like she was stressed or so.

"Gia-"Amber sat upright.

"What's wrong Girl? I have been calling for the past four minutes"Gianna stressed.

"It's just four minutes".

"Yes,I thought something might have happened to you-"

"Something happen to me?"Amberlynn asked confusedly pinching her brows.

"I am coming over to your house. Get ready,We are leaving for shopping "Gianna said at once.

"I am...."

"No,No"Gianna interrupted with a click of her tongue,"You are coming with me and There's no 'No' to that"Gianna said in an authoriative voice.

Amberlynn sighed,"I am on my way"Gianna said and hung up.

Amberlynn shut her eyes and laid her head on the headboard.

Few minutes later,Zeke barged into her room to announce Gianna's presence.

"Sis,How are you doing?"Zeke asked as he got to her. Amberlynn gave a warm smile. Obviously Zoey had told everyone.

At least someone loved her even though she didn't get Ashton's love.

"Gianna is here-with some girls tho"Zeke added and turned around.

"Some girls?"Amber wondered.

Zeke nodded and walked out.

Amber quickly slid her feet into her flip flops and made her way for the door.

She gently strode down the stairs. Her eyes and mouth dropped open.

"Mandy- Sally"Her lips quavered as she called the names of the two girls with Gianna.

"Hey"The girl with glasses,Sally said with a smile looking towards her direction.

"There she is"Mandy rose up and pulled her to a deep hug.

"Hey guys-"Amberlynn called them nervously and moved a strand of her hair behind her ears.

"I am sorry I didn't tell you -"Gianna said in a low tone. But,there was something about her expression–it was cold and unlike Gianna.

"I called up the girls"She said looking straight into her eyes. She saw a glint of hurt in her eyes but she waved it off.

"Oh,Its fine"Amberlynn stressed and rubbed her eyes.

"Have you been Crying Amber?"Mandy asked as she took notice of the red and fluffy face.

"No–"

"Dont tell lies. I know you have been crying. He doesn't worth your tears"Mandy said softly holding both her arms.

"Uhm,I will be outside"Gianna said and excused herself.

"What's wrong with her?"Amberlynn wondered whilst Sally sighed.

"Please,Amber pull yourself together and get over him"Sally added.

Amberlynn gave a small smile even if she knows it would be difficult to forget him;Her first love.

"Let's go"Mandy gave her shoulders a light squeeze.

They walked out of the house together. Gianna's blue convertible stood outside the house.

Gianna was sitted at the driver's seat obviously waiting for them.

Sally sat at the front while Mandy and Amberlynn sat at the back seats.

Gianna started the car and it roared to life. Gianna drove speedily out of the compound.

Amberlynn glanced at Gianna's face at rearview mirror. She saw a tiny pool of tears at the corner of her eyes.

Gianna felt someone's eyes on her and she looked up. Her eyes met Amberlynn's gaze in the mirror.

She looked away and sniffed in. Amber had a feeling that something was wrong. She felt Gianna was angry at her but she didn't know why.

Soon,they got to BROWLE MALL. One of the expensive and classy malls.

Mandy got down first and drew a sharp breath. Sally followed suit same as Gianna. Amberkynn watched Gianna as she slowly walked down from the car. They walked together into the mall.

Heads turned around to take a glimpse of the beauties who just walked in.

A knowing smile spread on Mandy's face.

"I will check out the shoe section"Sally said and walked towards the shoe section.

"I think I will go with her"Mandy said and ran off with Sally.

"I think I will go for the clothes"Gianna said and turned around. Amberlynn trailed along with her.

They checked out some dresses and clothes. But,It was no fun for both Amber and Gianna.

The thoughts of Ashton still filled Amber's mind. Gianna was still checking up some dresses. She placed a red silvery gown on her body and stood before the mirror.

"Its Amazing"Amberlynn said giving her a thumbs up.

"Thanks"Gianna replied with a small smile.

"Gia-"Amber called lowly and walked towards her.

"What's wrong? You have been acting cold towards me"Amber said and tried to reach her shoulders but Gianna moved and her foot struck to a heavy metal table.

"Ouch!!"Amber let out a painful groan.

"Amberlynn -"Gianna called her and ran to her.

Gianna placed her hands round her waist and led her to the couch. Amberlynn was limping.

"You need to be careful Amber"Gianna chided as Amberlynn rubbed her leg.

"Thank you"Amberlynn mouthed.

"For what?"Gianna asked with a shocked look.

"For being the best friend ever"Amberlynn said with a deep smile.

Gianna scoffed and looked away.

"Is that the reason you had to keep me in the dark?"Gianna said.

"Keep you in the dark?"Amberlynn asked as she was confused.

"Why didn't you tell me about your breakup with Ashton?"Gianna questioned throwing her head forward.

Amberlynn gave a low sigh as her head fell low.

"After spewing so many curses on you right before every student in Hailsmith"Gianna half yelled.

"And you said nothing -"Gianna said and threw her hands up.

Her voice was obviously high as she attracted the other girls.

"Amber,I am your friend and we promised to never keep secrets but you failed the promise".

"Gia,I am sorry. I didn't want to tell you because I know you will cause trouble"Amberlynn's said lowly.

"Oh, Really!!!".

"Gianna, Please don't say anything to him"Amberlynn said in a pleading tone.

"I- I won't"Gianna leaned backwards with a wide crooked smile on her face.

"I don't trust that smile"Mandy said in hushed tone and Sally chuckled.

"Fine,I won't"Gianna said and threw her hands up when Amber was giving her a suspicious look.

"But you owe me one"Gianna said and the girls chuckled.

"Sure".

The girls got the things they needed amd headed to have ice cream.

Although, thoughts of Ashton still creeped up, her friends always made sure to keep her thoughts away from him.