"Hey, Chloe."

I turned around recognising the voice, Fiona was strolling towards me with a toothy smile. I stood there a few metres away from the car, dad loading the bags in the trunk in meantime. She halted when reached near me and pulled out a card. I frown as I grab it, it was looking like a business card.

"Recently, I got a degree in fashion designing so I've decided to start my own business. That's my business card. In case, if you need to buy designer clothes or if your friends are interested..., I'll appreciate it if you shop from my place." She explains.

I bob my head even though I was completely not interested in paying for designer clothes nor do I have any friends to suggest except Bree, I'm pretty much sure, she'll decline the offer. Sighing, I slipped the card in my back pocket and waved a bye, reaching dad. He was done with stuffing. With one final wave to the Flynn family, we got inside the car and hit the road.

I was gazing through the window, breathing the swift air which was completely ruining my set bun, the trees and other vehicles passing by along the way. I sighed, leaning against window peeping at every acquaintance passing by.

"What was that card about?" Dad asks, his eyes still gazed in front.

"Fiona's?" I ask not knowing what was he talking about. The response was only a slight hum along with a nod clarifying my confusion. I slipped my hand in back pocket taking out the greyish card and reading out loud.

"Presenting FINER THREADS by Fiona Jenson. Masters in fashion merchandising from Lakeridge university. For further enquires, call..."

I glanced at dad, he was engrossed in some grave thoughts. I called his name out loud, that's when he jerked and gaped at me.

"Dad, you alright?" I ask plopping the card back into the pocket.

"Yes, I'm good," he whispers. I frown but didn't ask farther. I wasn't understanding the reason for the unexpected change of the mood.

"Chloe?" I snap my attention back once again to him.

"Yes?"

"Have you decided what career are you going to choose? You're going to graduate high school this year, Chloe, I don't want to force you into anything. I just want you to be happy whichever path you'll choose, but you should start deciding from now on." He lets out, now looking at me.

"I got it, dad," I mumble, nodding. He hums and rest of the ride went silent.

When we reached our house, my phone from the side pocket buzzed. I pressed the unlock button and Bree's name popped up. Agreeing on seeing later, I locked my phone sweeping it back into the pocket and moved to help dad carry bags inside the house.

When everything was done, I wished dad 'goodnight' and we both branched out into our own rooms switching off the lights. I locked the door behind and stepped into the bathroom. After having a warm shower with peace, I put on my night comfy clothes, drying off my hair and jumping on the smooth sheets on the bed. I heaved a sigh when my skin touched the smooth fabric under me. I began stretching my back a little due to today's event. It was exhausting. I was close to letting the darkness embrace me but I recall Bree's message. I grabbed my phone and unlocked it, clicking on Bree's name. I clicked on the message.

Bree [8:00 pm]: Hey Chloe, Have you prepared for tomorrow's test? Well, I haven't..I'm pulling a study night tonight much to my sadness...

Bree [8:01 pm]: Anyways, I have to tell something important to you so don't rush quickly after submitting your test.

Bree [8:01 pm]: goodnight :)

Thinking now, I wasn't broadly prepared for tomorrow's test seeing it was prof Lee's test. It was a math test but I could care less. I frown at the next text of her. It was making me wonder what she wants to talk about. I shrug it off and let the curiosity slide a bit. Replying 'goodnight', I turned the silent mode on and placed it on the study table, finally saying hello to the darkness and my nightmares.

They both never cease to stop chasing me, they were like shadows. Never ever abandoning us. Just when you think, they are gone, they'll again appear. The awfully same reason for the dark patches under my eyes.

-

The test went well. For me, it was my decent attempt, I was able to tackle a lot more questions than my previous test. I was moving in the right direction. I was finally getting decent in math. The feeling was overwhelming. The sound of the bell echoed in my ears and I saw, Mr Lee rising from his chair and starting to collect our papers, I settle my pen down and organize the paper before handing them to Mr. lee.

He announces us to leave the room silently, I grab my bag and stroll towards the exit. Making my way to Bree who was already lingering at the door for me, I smiled. She beamed and we two strolled to the gate.

She clears her throat and speaks, " Chloe, there's a request..."

I stayed expressionless, but several questions were seeping at the back of my mind I agreed on not to utter. She once again clears her throat letting out a deep breath.

"How about you join Lee's party...It's his birthday part...hey hey WAIT," she yells staring at my retreating figure as I stride towards the gate, I should have realized. She always does that. Always.

"Chloe, please listen to me," she catches my speed making me increase my pace even faster simultaneously I was noticing the shortness of breath. I was never a sporty person or an active person which got me problems even if I walk a little faster.

"You got to listen to me...," she whispers catching her breath making me stop in my track and allowing a chance for her to talk.

"Okay, so here's the thing, I- I know I always ask for you to tag along, but you've to understand, you're the only friend. My best friend. If you'll not come along, who'll go with me...and I promise there'll be no trash bags, I swear Chloe." She pleads. Trash bags was the name assigned to Laura's gang by Bree.

I hum and she indirectly understood, I needed some time to think about it. Bree wasn't a bad person which made me not want to lose her. So, I decided to think about it. She smiled lightly and waved a goodbye turning her way to the bus stop.

I waved back and walked to my house listening to music all way. This year was coming to be even more dreadful than my previous one. The similarity in both the cases was, even my last year wasn't expected to be the way it was and this year was also appearing the way I haven't imagined. Perhaps, it's true, we never know what tomorrow will bring us. A ray of light or a wave of darkness.

The time I reached home, my feet entirely gave up. I took slow steps towards the door, the pain was increasing with every step I was taking. I should have gotten used to this travelling by now but I wasn't. It was still tiring out.

I knocked once, leaning against the wall. Shortly, dad opened the door with an uneasy smile which made me stiff in alertness. I knew he did something. I didn't comment and let him tell me without asking any questions. Keeping that in mind, I entered and tossed my backpack on the sofa and letting my body meet the soft surface with a thud. I let out a deep sigh and closed my eyes.

"Welcome home dear," he says. I hum in response, eyes however shut but I could make out, he was standing to my right with the voice of his.

"Hey, food is ready..go fresh up," He tells, his voice coming to be faint with every word making me realise, he was stepping away, to the kitchen.

I opened my eyes, although they weren't fully awake. I grab my backpack and was making to the stairs but I saw stains. Footprints. Footprints that were surely not belonging to human. They were of an animal.

The prints were throughout the way, making me follow them to reach the source. They ceased in front of dad's room. I clutched the knob and unlocked the door revealing a dog. A puppy it was. He was relaxing on the bed while scratching his thick white furry tail. He glimpsed at me tilting his face to the side wondering who was I. I made my towards him bending down to the level of the bed, I stared at him. He stared at me. And this continued.

After exchanging a few glances, he barks with satisfaction seeing no threat and jumps right into my embrace totally shocking me. I grip him tightly, not knowing the right way as I never hold a dog in my arms. He adjusts himself and starts sniffing me. My scent. I caress his fur earning back a purr which made me laugh out. He wages his tail looking at my laugh. He was really cute.

"Oh, I see you met our new member." I hear the voice of dad from behind, I hum in response caressing the little one's fur but soon realisation hits me.

"A new member?" I yell, the puppy flinches and wiggles a little whining.

"Umm...yeah..actually, I know you like dogs.."

"When did I ever say that?" I huff, he simply rolls his eyes.

"When you were young, you used to always whine to me for getting a dog. I kind of remember that incident yesterday and decided to..." He smiles nervously. The dog bounces in happiness, he sort of understood, we were speaking about him.

"Dad.." I whisper stretching the word longer.

"Yes?" He says.

"You concluded too soon dad, congratulations. I'm impressed," I mock him with a sly smile. He huffs and leaves the room shutting the door behind.

I sigh and gaze over the dog. He was staring at me again. I smiled at him, "c'mon, you'll stay with me from now on. I can't risk you staying with that old guy. He can't even take care of himself." I chuckle, he swirls his tail approving my statement.

I climb upstairs to my room and place him on my bed, he again starts scratching and caressing his tail.

"I've to name you doggy," I hum over my thought thinking of a suitable name for him. I came across a few names in my head but wasn't sure which one to pick out of them.

Suddenly, he stands and starts walking on the bed through the soft covers, occasionally rolling over them. I finally found a suitable name for him.

"Eve. You'll be called Eve," I grin. He barks out happily liking his new name.

Eve. Full of life and energy. Just like him.

"Eve," I call him and he immediately responds by jumping into my awaited embrace. I snuggle closer to him. He starts barking enjoying the snuggle.

That's right. Eve suits him well...

I let go of him, he whines a little making me chuckle. I decide to shower. Taking out my night clothes from the closet, I stroll to the bathroom but my phone's screen brightens up with a ping. I picked it up to see who was it. Unlocking, A message from unknown caller pops up.

Unknown number [7:37 pm]: Hello Chloe.

---

Your thoughts?

Isn't our eve cute? If you like him..well obviously you've to like him. He is cute. Period.

Any guesses who is this unknown person?

This was the longest chapter I've written.

Thankyou.