STELLA

Even with more than just a few bags on either hand, I come to the conclusion that I still have the strength to buy a few more things.

Besides, Riven and I are starting our first day at the new school tomorrow and I know for a fact that my brother won't be bothered to buy any of the necessary things.

He's the type of guy to ask one person for a pen and the second for some paper. He's never been prepared when it comes to school. Ever.

Stifling a giggle at that thought, I find myself walking into a stationary shop.

I gather a few things before I walk further into the store, seeing what else this place has. It's a little emptier here with only a few people.

To my right, two girls stand beside me, and I can't help but overhear their conversation.

"I'm still short by ten and I can't ask my parents for any help. I guess I'll have to put some things back."

The brunette says softly.

"I'm sorry. You know if I had the money I would have given it to you, but Dad's been acting weirder than usual and I can't bear to have him think I owe him more than I already do."

The other replies.

With a sad look on her face, she sighs before sorting the things out from her basket.

I take a quick look and notice that they're all children related things, and I can't stop myself from intervening.

"Hi," I begin as I drop my shopping bags to one side. "I'm sorry but I couldn't help but overhear you both speak, and I know how tough money can be sometimes. If it's okay with you, I wouldn't mind paying for the rest of your things."

The fair skinned girl looks between me and her friend, but the former stares at me with wide eyes. When neither one replies, I feel like I've made the wrong decision by butting in, but one of them finally speaks.

"Yeah, that would be perfect actually."

"Musa!"

The brunette hisses as she nudges her in the side.

I pretend to not notice as I pick up my bags again and drop my things into their basket.

"Sweet! If that's all, I can pay now."

The brunette shakes her head as she places her hand on my arm.

"It's fine, you don't have to do that. Thank you for offering, though."

I offer her a smile as I discreetly try my best to shake her off.

"I've been in your position before and I know how it feels to not be able to afford necessities. I don't mind helping out, honestly I don't."

Her lips part before she pulls me in for a hug and wraps her arms tightly around me. Surprised at the sudden touch, I feel my heart race but I try my best to remain calm.

"Thank you so much. My sister will be so happy to receive all these things for her new school."

I let a deep breath out before pulling away and nodding.

"It's no problem," I say as the three of us begin walking towards the checkout. "I'm Stella, by the way."

"I'm Flora," the brunette replies. "And this is Musa."

The latter offers me a little wave and in no time, all our items are scanned as I pass over my debit card to pay.


The three of us are currently sitting in the food court, eating.

The flow of conversation between us had been easy and it made it seem as though we've all known each other since forever.

I haven't even realised just how much time has passed.

"Shit! I was supposed to meet up with my brother twenty minutes ago!"

I grab all my bags before sliding out the booth, briefly hugging the girls as I begin to make a move on.

"Give us a call whenever you're free, Stella. We'll show you around here."

Musa shouts as I practically begin to sprint.

"I will do. Bye girls!"

Waving goodbye to them, I walk towards the escalator and make my way upwards towards the car park.

I hope I won't bump into that loser again.

When I reach there, I quickly scan over the space and let out a breath of relief that those boys aren't there. As I walk over towards the car, I spot Riven leaning against the side of the car.

The sound of my footsteps causes him to look up and when he sees that it's me, he gives me a knowing smirk.

"I thought you said you needed two hours?"

I playfully roll my eyes as I nudge him with my shoulder and pass the bags over to him.

"It's not my fault it took longer than expected. Besides, I got to know these two girls and stayed with them for some time."

Once he's got the bags in the car, we both take our seats and he begins pulling out of the car park.

Riven gives me a side-eye as I play some music.

"What? And these girls are the reason why you ended up taking another hour to shop? I'm sure Lilah is going to love hearing that."

My brother says as he laughs loudly.

I smack his arm gently as I give him a pointed look.

"You know we need to make some new friends if we're going to be here for the long run, Riv. Just be grateful I'm making friends with girls like these rather than the ones we had back home."

There's truth in my words and he and I both know it. We made plenty of friends over the years, some good and some bad, but most were trouble.

Including us.

It'll do us both good to make better friends, and meeting Flora and Musa is a start.

I just hope that my brother and I can stay on this good path like we've planned to.