292: glow in the dark

glow in the dark

[FLASHBACK]2

"Paula?" 

"Hmm?"

"Should you move in with us?"

"Huh?" The young teenage Paula turned her head to her side, and her gaze instantly landed on the beautiful young Heaven. 

The two young teens were lying on Heaven's bed, staring at the glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling. Heaven had this beautiful subtle smile as they gazed at the stars in her room, talking about anything they could broach. 

"I was just thinking how nice it would be if you can stay with us," Heaven explained with a short hum. "I'm really happy whenever you're here."

Paula's eyes softened as she smiled. "Should I?"

"Why not?" Heaven slowly turned her head to face Paula. "They're just hurting you whenever you come home. Dad is worried every time you have to come home to your place. Did you know he was standing outside your house under the pouring rain when he dropped you off the last time?"

"He, what?"

Heaven chuckled. "He said so he could barge in and beat your stepdad's ass."

"..." Paula was rendered speechless, staring at her and watching Heaven peel her eyes from her. 

"You are like a family to us, Paula," said Heaven, setting her eyes back to the glow-in-the-dark stars they put on the ceiling together. "You might think that since we are not related, but to us, you're my dad's daughter and you are my sister."

Heaven's face softened, thinking of the hardships Paula had to endure. 

"You Paula, I've always admired you," she continued in a soft tone. "You are beautiful and kind. Even if your mother is like that, you always come home regardless of the beating to take care of her. I don't think you are weak at all."

Listening to Heaven's sentiments moved Paula's heart. But at the same time, it brought this inexplicable guilt. Because at this point, Paula was having this unwelcomed feeling of jealousy toward her best friend. A feeling Paula had always tried to ignore, knowing Heaven was a pure-hearted girl who hadn't done anything but loved Paula as her sister. 

"Though I must admit it annoys me," Heaven added with a deep exhale. "I wanted to protect you, but you were so stubborn and willingly steps foot in danger."

Heaven cast Paula another look. "Can you please take care of yourself? Or else I might end up locking you up here if that means protecting you."

"Heaven Liu, are you crazy? How can you call it love if you imprison your friend?"

"Hehe. Maybe I am crazy."

"And you say that while giggling? Wow." Paula shook her head mildly, setting her eyes back to the ceiling. 

"Aren't they beautiful?" 

"Hmm?"

"The stars." Heaven smiled brightly as they looked at the stars they put together earlier today. The reason they were just lying on the bed, starting at the work they did almost the entire day. 

"Yes, they are. It feels like we're in the field, gazing at the sky full of stars." A smile also dominated Paula's face, knowing it was raining outside and yet they could enjoy such scenery. Even though the sight wasn't even close to the beauty of the thousand suns in the sky at night, it wasn't any less comforting. 

"Paula, once you become a star, I'll bet my life that you'll be the most beautiful, shiniest star." Heaven grinned, making Paula turn her head to her. "And I'll make sure to be there and watch how you shine the brightest among the stars."

Paula couldn't help but just stare at Heaven's side profile. Her countenance grew even softer the longer she stared at Heaven. 

'I'm so dumb,' she told herself, eyes still on Heaven. 'How can I get angry at this girl? She's so precious.'

"Paula!" Heaven then turned to face Paula, grinning from ear to ear. "Once you become an A-list, don't forget about me, alright?"

"Why would I forget about you?"

"I'm just saying, duh? Also, you can hire me as your personal assistant. Or maybe your manager!" 

"My manager?"

"Mhm! In that way, I can meet celebrities too like Leo Wu! Also, I need to be close so I can protect you from the guys from breaking your heart! I heard having a celebrity lover is tough because of the competition." Fire burned in Heaven's eyes as she raised her fist, already fuming at the thought of any guy who would hurt her dearest friend. "I want to see who tries. I'm going to break their bones if they break your heart."

Paula couldn't help but laugh at Heaven's energy just at the mere thought of Paula dating a celebrity. The two girls chatted, sharing laughter and silly thoughts like they would usually do. 

Knock Knock

After an hour of chatting, a knock from outside the door caressed their ears. Both girls turned their attention to the door, only to hear Heaven's father.

"Girls, dinner is ready! Come down now, alright? Also, Heaven, your voice! I can hear you talking about boys! Stop corrupting Paula! Now, come down and help me prepare the table."

"What!?" Heaven sprung up on the bed, pouting. "I'm not corrupting Paula, Papa! I'm telling her I will protect her from any jackass!"

"Same thing! She might become a single old lady if you keep doing that!" Heaven's father's voice faded, indicating he was leaving.

"Hmp! Being single is better than lowering your standard just to be in a relationship." Heaven harrumphed, folding her arms under her chest. 

"Haha." Paula chuckled as she sat up lazily. "Heaven, I haven't been into any auditions. You're a little advanced since I'm not even sure if I can become an actress."

"What?!" Heaven gasped before she suddenly grabbed Paula's shoulders. "What are you saying? You will become an actress. A successful one at that!"

"I mean, of course, I wanted to give it a go, but it's better not to jump ahead in advance."

"I know you can do it!" Heaven nodded encouragingly. "Also, whether you become a celebrity or not, I'll still protect you from some useless boy."

The corner of her mouth curled up into a smile, squeezing Paula's shoulder blades. "I promise this to you, Paula. If in the future someone breaks your heart and makes you think you're not enough, don't hesitate to go to my room. Don't cry alone, okay? You always have me."

Paula didn't answer immediately as she assessed the innocent smile before her. "Of course."

*******

[PRESENT TIME]

Paula didn't know how she reached home after Primo left her all alone. All she knew was that she had been bawling her eyes out, sitting on the floor beside the bed, face buried in her arms that were on the edge of the bed, and under the glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.

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