"How did you go from being an ugly duckling in grade 7 to one of the most beautiful girls in grade 8?" Jassie, one of my old bullies, asked with a wicked grin.

“That’s none of your business,” I retorted, feeling satisfied by my newfound confidence.

I walked out of the bathroom and into the school's parking lot, where Max was waiting for me. Bryan and Ellen were nowhere to be seen. I felt tears welling up in my eyes again but tried to hold them back.

I greeted Max and got into the car. He started the engine and drove off, eventually parking under the shade.

I grabbed my backpack and headed into the house, only to find my mom and Liam crying.

"What's wrong?" I asked in shock, rushing to them.

"What's wrong?" I screamed rushing to them. "Mara," Mum called. "Huh?" I answered worriedly. "Today marks two years since your father passed away," she burst out crying. My face dissolved in a cloud of tears. Dad...my dad!

Mum hugged me together with Liam and we all cried, remembering Dad.

Mum wiped our tears with the tip of her finger. She sniffed, "Today being your father's second year , I want you both to do something for me."

"What, Mum?" we asked.

"Liam," Mum called. "I've been telling you this for a long time, but you haven't listened. So, I waited for this day, knowing you'd honor this day, Please, Liam, stop your bad-boy lifestyle. Stop smoking, it damages your health. I can't bear to lose another one of you. Please, Liam, stop it," Mum pleaded, her voice thick with emotion.

Liam's face fell. "Mum, I promise I'll try my best to stop those habits," he mumbled.

Mom pulled him into a hug and kissed his blonde hair. He pecked her on both cheeks, a gesture that brightened her face.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

She then faced me, her gaze filled with concern. "Tamara, darling, what's causing you so much sadness? Seeing you cry breaks my heart. You look different lately. My beautiful daughter Even if it's heartbreak, I know it can be painful, but please let go of..."

"Heartbreak?" Liam asked with a frown. "Who broke your heart? I swear down I'm going to chop his head off! Is he crazy?" Liam fumed.

"Come on, Liam," Mum said. "Mara, there are a lot of guys who want you. You're not ugly and fat anymore, all thanks to Ellen and the procedures she helped you with. Don't cry anymore, Mara. Just let it go."

Mum, I will try but "I love him so much. My heart is in so much pain."

"Who is the guy? I'll talk to him for you," Liam said.

I shook my head negatively, unwilling to expose Bryan's name. I knew Liam wouldn't just talk to him; he'd punch his nose off.

Mara, of course I understand how your heart feels," Mum said. "You can always love him, but you don't have to cry. Did you think I didn't know you cried yourself to sleep last night?"

"Who is the hell is this guy?" Liam demanded, banging his fist on the table.

Liam had always been like that. He couldn't stand to see me cry and wouldn't allow anything or anyone to hurt me. Even when I was overweight and bullied, he'd walk me to school and dare anyone to mess with me. Yeah, that's what you expect from an older brother, but Liam took it to another level.

"Liam, it's okay," I mumbled, trying to calm him down.

He moved closer and used his shirt to gently wipe away my tears. "Tam, don't cry anymore, okay? One stupid guy isn't worth your tears."

I nodded with a sad smile. 'If only they knew it was my best friends who were making me cry 'I thought.'

"Mom pleaded, 'Mara, would you promise me you won't cry anymore?'"

I hesitated before nodding.

"Please, Mara, for your father's sake," she said earnestly.

That phrase always held so much weight in our family.

"Yes, Mom," I said. "I won't cry anymore, for Dad's sake."

Mom hugged us both tightly, kissing our hair. A warm feeling spread through me as she did.

"There you go," she said, a smile replacing her tears. "Now, let's make your father's favorite dish. Come on, Liam," she called out, dragging a frowning Liam towards the kitchen.

"Mom, I need to freshen up first," I said.

"Yeah, I know," she replied. "Liam will help me in the kitchen. Go get cleaned up and join us soonest."

With a laugh, I grabbed my backpack and hurried upstairs to my room. Liam shot me a mischievous grin and whispered, "The phone's on your bed." I grinned back and gave him a thumbs up.

Just then, Mom caught us. "What was that all about?" she asked, a playful suspicion in her eyes. "Are you two planning something behind my back?"

I chuckled and picked up my backpack before racing upstairs to my room.

Tbc..