I was furiously typing on my laptop when my phone started ringing, making me groan loudly.

I was in the middle of finishing my homework. I didn't like anyone disturbing me during my studies. It interrupted my flow and then it became hard to concentrate again.

When my phone rang again, I decided to check the caller ID, making my eyes widen.

I mentally debated for a few seconds before swiping and answering it, "Hello."

"Hey sis, how are you doing?" A very chirpy, familiar voice asked me.

"I'm doing great, Charlotte. Thanks for asking," I replied sarcastically.

The line remained silent for few seconds before I heard her sighing. "I'm sorry for not calling you earlier. Dad asked me not to."

"Then why are you calling now? You could be in trouble if your dearest daddy gets to know about it."

"Ash, please. Don't talk like that. I can understand what you're going through-"

I cut her in, my voice getting louder. "No, you can't. No one can understand my pain and how miserable I felt for the last eight months. I didn't expect this from you, Char. When I needed you the most, you weren't there. Instead, you decided to fly to France on your stupid trip, leaving you own sister alone in hell!" I shouted and added when she didn't say anything, "I don't know why the hell you're calling me right now. To see how I'm coping or did Dad ask you to check up on me? Tell me Char, don't..."

I stopped when I heard her sobbing.

Damn! I cursed myself.

I could tolerate anything but not her tears. She was my little sister and I loved her more than the world. Quickly, my anger melted away and I gulped. "Char, I'm sorry. Please don't cry,"

"Please... Don't..." She hiccuped and added, "be mad at me."

"I can't be mad at you Char," I replied softly.

"I swear, Ash," she choked out. "I didn't want to go but Dad forced me. He asked me to leave you alone. He said that you needed to face this situation by yourself. It would make you stronger and our support would weaken you... I didn't really understand it at the time but I can see the results now."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Dad did this to make me stronger? And here I was cursing him all along.

But how could I forgot these eight months? I've been through hell without anyone to talk to!

"Does he know about... You know calling me?" I hesitantly asked.

"Yes. He allowed me to talk to you," she informed me and I could sense the happiness in her voice.

"Now? But why?" I asked.

"Ash, you're doing a great job there and it's not hidden from him. He can see the changes in you."

That made me feel better and increased the tiny hope inside me, but I couldn't feel excited. This was only the first step.

“Thank you for making me feel better, Char… but I just can't forget everything. Now, he allowed you to talk to me, but it doesn't mean you will call me daily.”

“Please, don't do this Ash. I really miss you... I want my sister back. Please…”

I rubbed my forehead and took a deep breath, “Char, I just don't want to get distracted. Try to understand.”

"I get that, Ash, but I am with you.”

“I know, but I want my parents to be with me too,” I said quietly, holding back a tear.

“Oh Ash, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize how miserable you must be feeling right now. Ash, if you ever need someone to talk then I'm here. Okay?” She asked hopefully.

No, that's not okay. I don't need anyone now. When I needed them, they turned their backs and now they expect me to forgot everything so easily?

Forgive me for thinking like that but I'm human and I have feelings too.

"Of course," I lied smoothly; I could hear her taking a sharp breath.

"When will I get my sis back?"

Her question caught me off guard. I didn't want her to get hurt but I couldn't forget what had happened. She could have contacted me, if she wanted to.

"I'm trying, Char. I need time," I mumbled.

"Okay," she replied quietly and added," I miss you."

"Goodbye, Char." I ended the call, as I started feeling angry with her. How could she expect everything out of the blue?

A tear fell from my eyes and I quickly wiped it away.

No more crying!

I’m done with crying.

I want my life back and I'll get it at any cost.

**

The next day, I reached school earlier so I could have a chat with our Math teacher. I went to the staff room and opened the door slightly, knocking on it.

"Yes?" Mrs. Gail, our English teacher snapped her head towards me.

"Um, I need to talk to Mr. Sinha," I said, opening the door completely and stepping inside.

Mr. Sinha lifted his face from his laptop and smiled, recognising me. "Yes, Ashley, right?"

"Yeah," I replied shyly and scratched the back of my neck. "I wanted to ask about AMC."

His facial expressions changed into surprised and his mouth fell. Then he chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know why I got so surprised. I mean the girl who got promoted to Advanced Math classes within a month of joining school and topped the first pop quiz," he stopped, realising the slip of tongue.

"I scored the highest?" I asked astonished.

He nodded and smiled, "Yes and congrats. So, you are interested in AMC?"

"Yes. I want to win AMC." I stated confidently.

"You do know that it's a very prestigious and difficult American Mathematics Competition?" He raised his eyebrows and I nodded. Then he added, "well then you don't know that our school qualified lots of time but never entered in the Top 5."

"I'm aware but I also know that our school won it last year in junior class category.”

He looked impressed. "I guess you did your research. But it's not the same for senior class category.” His face fell when he added, “Competition is very tough and students don't take it seriously.”

“I won't disappoint you sir,” I replied firmly.

He smiled, “Did you get the form?”

"Yes. I've already filled out the form. I just need your approval," I replied, pulling out the form from my bag and handing it to him.

He eyed the form carefully and examined it. Then he put it in a folder and looked at me, clasping his hands together. "Well, only two student are allowed from one school so I'm going to review all the forms and then finalize my decision. I'm expecting a few more applications so you need to wait a couple of days."

I stared at him in disbelief. He must be joking, right?

He himself admitted that I was the one who topped that test out of the whole senior class. He should have accepted my form. That was the whole point of studying like a dog!

"Do you want to say something?" He asked when I didn't move to leave.

"Yeah... Do you think I can make it? This is really important to me," I said softly.

"Of course," he replied quickly and sighed. "Look, Ashley, I know you're doing very well in your studies but there are other students too."

My face fell and his face softened. "But the list is not very long and you have high chances to beat them."

His words sent a warm happiness and I felt butterflies in my stomach. "Thank you" I mumbled quietly and bit my lip to hide the smile.

In the next moment only, I was out of the door, smiling widely.

Now, I had to be on my best behavior, especially in front of Mr. Sinha, and needed to impress him more.

I couldn't afford to lose this chance!

*

When I entered the Math class, I found Melissa and Ashton engrossed in a serious discussion. It seemed like she was scolding him. I decided to leave them in that state and went to my seat.

After a few minutes, Mr. Sinha entered and everyone got silent, moving to their seats. I looked around and noticed Ashton was sitting beside Melissa.

My eyebrows furrowed.

I clearly remembered Melissa saying that Ashton was her younger brother. So what was he doing in our class?

Ashton must have felt my staring as he turned his face and winked at me.

I stopped myself from showing him the middle finger and went back to studying, cursing him mentally.