There were better things I could have been doing that night. Staying at home in my hello kitty PJ's as I listened to a podcast reted to child psychology or even doing my skin-care to relieve stress. But rather I'm being held in his arms.

  I'm Cra Wilson and this is My Story.

  Being in my mid twenties meant I had to live in the moment and enjoy life till I could because eventually A husband and kids ruin the vibe mom said. I wonder if she spoke from experience~

  I've come to accept the fws of my weathered past and swallow up my sorrows and fears- almost atleast. It's hard especially after being hurt by the only person who I thought I'd marry someday. I thought love was all about being selfless but I guess it was never just about love.

  Walking past students or I'd rather call them small companions has become a normal part of who I am as a Elementary Teacher. I chose this Job because it's only fitting for someone who's been lonely most of her life.

  Thud! I stop on my tracks and turn to look at the cause of the sound. I wasn't surprised.

  "Mikhail just texted me saying 'Gm'" she squealed unbothered by the stack of books on the floor as the kids reach out to help her.

  At times I wonder if Maya was a fellow colleague or just another child I teach.

  "You should focus on correcting those books" my right hand points at the floor with lesser books now. Kids running around. Some kid crying on the floor. I was 100% sure some kid was asleep and unbothered too.

  She pouts crossing her arms still holding her phone "But he finally texted after being unavaible for a week on insta!" I wonder what was lower, The books on the floor or her standards.

  I roll my eyes holding back my smile of amusement but couldn't resist as the corners of my lips twitching slightly "Is it your thing to be attracted to guys who like being princesses?"

  She shrugs finally slipping the phone to the back pocket of her Jean as she bend down lifting the books. "He's different" here we go again. I can't believe she keeps defending a guy like that. But she's done this before and she won't stop either. I've accepted that.

  "Right... Different" I mutter under my breath as I shake my head in disbelief. I wonder if her ancestors were regretting the fight they put up years ago for the continuity of their bloodline.

  I grab a bunch of books from the kids who helped "Miss Leya told me to inform you not to use phone during work hours"

  We walked beside eachother holding the books infront of us occasionally gncing at eachother. "Ya ya.. she's boring" she pouts again "hey but tell you what. Today I want u to accompany me on my date with Ryle" her eyes get lost in her delusions as I mentally sp myself for engaging in a conversation with her.

  "Who? The same guy who left u for a week?" I ask to give her a reality check.

  "No! I met Ryle through Tinder" she giggled.

  My back against the door as I push backwards letting it open. I stood there as Maya walks in. She was much taller than me. She stood tall at 170cm, we had a 10cms difference.

  "And here I thought you finally stuck to that guy-"

  "You're judging me. Only God can do that" she pces the books on her desk as she pants slightly. She may be taller but I was stronger than her. Probably because of her thinner build.

  "God? Pfft. Funny how you still talk about that to me" pces books on top of her pile

  "Girl, we can stop acting like he doesn't exist just because you are upset with him for well God knows why" she chuckled at her attempt to joke

  I shake my head slightly "It's just being realistic. And besides I don't need a sweet escape like you guys who like believing in God" I leaned back for support to her desk as I cross my arms.

  She rolled her eyes. "Give God a chanc-"

  "I'm here to work. Not to listen to your stories" my tone slightly sharpening as I look away

  "Okay. Jeez- Calm your horse down. You act like Gods worse than-"

  I didn't stand and wait for her to complete her God talk rather I step forward towards my desk and settle down to my seat absentmindedly typing on my ptop.

  She stood there looking at me and sighed in defeat eventually as she walked to her seat behind the desk and grabbed books going through it.

  I sigh as I realise her focus has now shifted onto the notebooks of her css.

  Ping! My eyes gnce at a new mail from....

  My pointer clicked on it as it read

  "Dear Cra,

  You are cordially invited to the exclusive unveiling of G Stone's fgship collection, Ect Noire, an evening of brilliance, art, and desire.

  Join us as we celebrate timeless elegance with the inauguration of our newest showroom at The Getty Center, Los Angeles, on April 12th, 7:00 PM. We will take care of your flight ticket and hotel arrangements.

  Your presence is personally requested by Mr. Gabriel Bckwell, CEO of G Stone.

  Formal attire requested. Sparkle encouraged.

  Kindly RSVP by April 5th.

  With anticipation,

  Is Mendez

  Executive Assistant to Mr. Gabriel."

  Frozen. Did I just recieve a invitation from the top Jewellery brand that I have seen Anne Hathaway endorse?! This had to be some mistake. There is no freaking way they told me that their CEO wanted me there?

  I have heard things about him. He's known to be reserved, malicious and Savy. He probably refuses to breathe without a purpose. Oh God what did I do? Am I in trouble?

  "You look like you've seen a ghost" Maya spoke going through the notebooks

  "I..." Hesitate if I should tell her about this but I choose not to eventually "oh nothing just a scary picture..." Mutters. I didn't like lying.

  She just nodded without gncing at me.

  I read the letter again. This has to be some sorta joke right? I mean, I'm the most broke person in Astoria, Queens. Ironic because I live in New York, doesn't change the fact that I don't get paid enough when we look at the current economy!

  There is no way this is happening right now. And that too to me?! I don't remember even wearing a Jwellery since forever. That's how broke I am. Both in and out if you're wondering.

  Time flew past quick and the rest of the day goes by peacefully. As I try to act normally like I didn't just receive a very weird invitation to some party personally invited by a billionaire. I pack my bag and gnce at my phone screen slightly. My eyes still at the screen as it dimmed down, a message from an Unknown number?

  Unknown: Do u usually avoid ppl?

  I grab the phone before my screen fades away as I unlock it. I look at the message and at the number- (213). Someone from L.A.?

  I press my lips together, confused but curious as I type back

  Me: is that ur way of a introduction?

  Reply comes back almost instantly, almost as if the person behind the screen was waiting for me to reach back.

  Unknown: No, but I'm gd I have your attention now.

  I raise an eyebrow reading that. Who is this?

  Me: do ik u?

  Unknown: No. But I'd love to know u, Love.

  Me: Love? I have a name, Thank you.

  Unknown: I didn't catch it yet then.

  Smart fucker. Lured me into getting to say my name before I processed the conversation. I give in- for now.

  Me: Cra Wilson. n u might be?

  Unknown: I could be urs.

  What a bastard. Flirting with me now? Who is this? A guy or a girl? Knowing how dry my lovelife was, I'd probably change my sexuality just for a good time.

  Me: You sound like a guy.

  Unknown: Don't wound me. I'm a man.

  Pfft arrogant. Definitely a man.

  Me: Figured.

  Unknown: Don't tell me you're disappointed, Love.

  Me: Stop w the name-calling.

  Unknown: Dw, Love, I have plenty for different occasions.

  Me: I still dk who I'm talking to.

  Unknown: n ur still typing? Never heard of stranger danger, Love?

  Me: should I be afraid?

  Unknown: Probably. Bcz I'm not going away anytime soon.

  I click on the Block button. Men really think they can talk like that and I'd be impressed? Embarassing. I slip my phone in my bag as I slinged the strap on my shoulder, walking, towards the door, out of the staffroom.

  I have grown to become comfortable within these streets. Everyone here is Nice. Some Look for Love. Some Look for God. Me? I Couldn't care less about either of it.

  I guess the reason I refuse to believe in it was a result of my upbringing in my orphanage. I was put there when I was 10.

  Both my parents loved talking loud, breaking stuff and hitting eachother or even me to steam off the heat. One thing lead to the other and my mother killed my father in sleep by slitting his throat. I saw that take pce with my own eyes.

  She looked at me holding the small bde now bloody "I won, Cra" her voice heavy with revenge from years of torture she had endured in her marriage life. Soon the high from killing her husband turned into guilt "what have I done!" She sobbed loudly as she slit her own throat colpsing to the ground. I stood there in shock.

  I'd say it was too much for a 10 year old to process even though I had seen them fight eachother off, but seeing this was a whole another level.

  Eventually I went to my neighbour. He was a old grandpa living alone after his kids abandoned him. Police were called, I had to deal with their investigation. I had a counselor who tried to help me, But the damage had already been done.

  Almost admitted into the mental asylum, if not for the grandpa saying I'm just a kid and need some time. I thought maybe he'd take me under his wing after everything that had gone down.

  But The Cops said that wasn't a great idea since he was just a neighbour and a old man living alone with no blood retion with me. Pfft. He was better than my parents individually.

  But now I understand the concern because well... No matter what he was a Man. They're just unreliable. And besides months ter, he passed away.

  I stood infront of his grave now holding onto my bag strap tighter slightly. He may not have been family, but he felt like the closest thing to it. More than either of my parents.

  I stand there for a while. I gnce at the other few who stood infront of the graves of people I think they loved because of the tears they shed and silent prayers they mumbled under their breathes.

  I usually just stood there looking at his name on his stone. Almost as if memorizing it again and again to memory. Even though I had every small minute details of even the surroundings in mind.

  Ting! I fish out to grab my phone from my bag. Another unknown number.

  Unknown: Did u just block me, Love?

  U think dats enough to keep me away from u?

  Try harder, Love. I love a good Chase.

  No way. It's the same guy? I Blink at my screen in disbelief.

  Me: R u dat desparate?

  Unknown: Only if the price is worth the effort

  Me: I'm not an object u think u could win.

  Unknown: You're not any object. You're the object of my desires, Love. And I always win.

  Me: You must be sick in ur head.

  Unknown: den be my medicine, Love.

  This bastard must be mentally sick in his head. Does he not understand rejection?

  Me: retching.

  Unknown: I'll give u smt to retch on, Love. N here I thought we were taking things slow? So impatient. Just my type.

  He did not just- did he just- disgusting. Men.

  Me: Keep ur mind out of filth.

  Unknown: I can behave... only for You.

  And just like that. I had a feeling this guy was not just any guy.