I sat between Dean and James at our usual hideout, listening to Dean laugh about something James has just said.

I smiled as I looked at both of them. Moments like these were my favorite because just for a little while, I could just be in my own world and forget about everything waiting for me at home

Dean,James and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. Despite James coming from a different background, we had always found a way of remaining close no matter what anybody said

We did everything together whenever we had the chance to from, exploring the city together to telling each other how our day went

Dean and I came from a wealthy background with everything in the world we could wish for while James came from a poor family. His father was a fisherman while his mother was a market woman.

James worked at my house as our gardener and also my tutor. That’s how we were able to meet each other without anybody suspecting anything. My father saw James as one of our workers, and I’d like it to stay exactly that way.

“Anne, are you even listening to me?” Dean asked bringing me back to reality.

I looked at him “Sorry, what did you say.”

Dean shook his head and laughed “You weren’t even listening.”

James smiled “she’s probably thinking about how much trouble she’s going to get into when she gets home”

“My dad isn’t that bad” I said while I rolled my eyes

They both stared at me and we all laughed together.

For a moment everything felt perfect. I can just be in my own little world and forget about everything waiting for me at home.

The sun was beginning to set, and I knew it was time to head home.

“Hey guys, I have to head back” I said, standing up

“I know I know but can’t you stay for a little longer pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee” Dean said giving me puppy eyes

Before I could reply James said as he stood “You should go before he starts calling you” dusting the dusts off his body.

“I’ll see you tomorrow” I said smiling then he smiled back.

I picked up my bag and started walking away but after a few steps, I looked back.

For some reason I wasn’t ready to leave yet maybe it’s because I knew the moment I got home everything would go back to normal. The lessons, the rules, the tutors and this constant burden on my shoulder my father placed on me.

But here, with Dean and James, I’m not just a wealthy businessman’s daughter. I’m just Anne.

I smiled at them, turned around and continued walking back home.

When I got home, I saw him at the entrance, crossing his arms across his chest

“Where have you been?”he said with a cold voice

“With Dean” I answered immediately

“Dean?”

“Yes Dean, Father.”

He looked around and asked “And where’s James.”

My heart started beating faster. Does he know anything, why’s he suddenly asking?

“I don’t know” I lied

He looked at me trying to figure out if I was lying. I felt my heart beating faster and faster as if it would leap out of my body anytime.

“Anne, you know I don’t like you wandering around without telling anyone”

“I’m sorry, Father” I said bowing my head

He sighed “Go up to your room now, you tutor will soon be here”

I rushed straight to my room and let out the breath I don’t know I was holding. Maybe I was just overthinking everything. He knows nothing

A few minutes later I heard a knock on my door.

“Mrs Anne, your father asked me to remain you that your music tutor will be here in 15 minutes.”

I groaned and said “ Yes I know, thank you lane.”

I fell back on my bed and stared at the ceiling wondering what it would be like if I had a normal life. I just wanted to live like others.

No rules, no tutors, nobody constantly breathing down my neck, just freedom.

My thoughts immediately went back to James and I smiled without realizing it.

My father may just see him as a mere servant but James is really important to me and I hope my father never finds out about our friendship and ruins it.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,”I said lazily

The door opened and my music teacher walked in carrying his bag

“Good evening, Anne.”

“Good evening, Mr Stephen.”

“Shall we begin?” he said while pulling a chair to sit.

“Yes, Mr Stephen.”

Hr brought out some music sheets from his bag and placed it on the music desk of my piano.

He started explaining the piece to me but my mind wasn’t there.

I was thinking about James again. I wonder what he was doing. Maybe he was fishing with his dad.

I smiled at myself.

“Anne?”

I immediately looked up

“Yes?”

“You’re not paying attention.”

“I’m sorry.”

He sighed and pointed at the piano. I placed my hands on the keyboard playing the same tune I’ve been playing for the past 3 months.

When the lesson finally ended, I was so tired.

Mr Stephen packed his bag while reminding me to practice before I go to sleep.

The moment he went out of my room, I fell straight into my bed.

I couldn’t understand how my life ended up this way

My father provided everything I could ever need and more but yet I still felt empty like something is missing. Like there’s a spark in me waiting to be ignited.

I fell asleep without even knowing.

The next day, I woke up with a splitting headache and a little stomachache, but I knew no matter what, my father would never allow me to skip school as long as I wasn’t dyi

I dragged myself out of bed and looked into the mirror. My eyes were really puffy and I looked pale.

“Great,” i muttered

I told a quick shower and got ready for school. The smell of breakfast made me want to gag.

“Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mom.”

“Good morning, sweetie.” My mom said smiling at me.

“Good morning, Anne.” My father dad said reading his newspaper.

Mom looked at me strangely “Hon, are you okay?”

“ I have a slight tummy ache and headache .”

“Maybe you should stay at home today.”

I glanced at my father “No thank you, I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”Mom said

“Really, Mom, I’m okay. I don’t want to miss school.”

My mom looked at me worriedly.“At least eat something.”

I nodded, picked my spoon and forced myself to eat a little.