I picked up my iPhone from the bed, staring at it mindlessly. This was the sixth time I was calling that foolish Bernard. This was officially the last call. To hell with him! I was only showing concern for the sake of humanity. I tossed the iPhone back onto the bed and sighed.
I was bored out of my mind. Mom wasn't home. Neither was Zimba. He was probably at his company. Oh boy, you've not seen his gigantic company, have you? Zimko & Co — the award-winning manufacturer of electronics: headsets, earphones, music players, televisions, and all that fancy tech. The top dog of the industry.
I smiled, remembering how happy Zimba had been when Dad gifted him the company after he graduated college. When I was twelve, I once asked him:
"Zim! Why don't you buy your own mansion? You're rich but still acting like my guard. Isn't being rich about raising your standards?"
He'd laughed and said, "Big brothers are their little sister's guards. I'll protect you till my last breath. I love my sister too much — she's the only one I've got. And even if you're a celebrity, you should be humble. Yet strict. Slightly arrogant too. You'll grow up and understand why."
After that, he'd ruffled my afro hair — which was super annoying, by the way.
But damn, that idiot still calls me ugly.
Okay. Bored again. Ann was ignoring my calls — she's so dead when she gets back from Paris. I scrolled through my contacts and landed on Daddie. Tapped. Dialed. He picked up instantly.
"Hello, Daddy!"
"Is that my sweet angel? Please don't tell me you and Zimba are fighting again."
"'We' as in who?"
"You and your brother, of course! I'm tired of your daily drama." He laughed.
I laughed too. It had been a while since we talked.
"Switch to video call, sweet angel! I wanna see my grown-up daughter."
I flipped the call.
"Dad! You're growing a beard! Eww! Mom's not gonna like that."
"Relax, these are fake. About to shoot a movie in three minutes."
"Ohhh… but Dad, why are you always the villain? Can't you play a nice guy for once?"
"Being good in movies is boring! The bad guy gets all the fun." He winked. "And hey — don't forget, you're performing here in California next week. My baby's first international show!" He pretended to wipe tears.
"Dad, you're impossible. But yeah, I can't believe I'm finally coming over after so many years."
"Mr. Wills! Over here!" someone called in the background.
"Baby, that's the director. We'll talk later, okay?" Dad said, then hung up.
I sighed. Alone again. Should I call Zimba? Busy. Mom? In a meeting. Ann? Probably flirting with some handsome stranger.
"Zikora! Zikora!" Mom's voice rang from downstairs.
"Mom? You're back?"
"Come here, fast!"
"Don't get annoyed if I come down like a sloth," I yelled back.
"Don't make me get you a private tutor!"
"Then I'm moving out!"
"Then I'm moving out," Mom mimicked my tone.
I giggled. "Mom, it's only four o'clock. You're home early!"
I headed down the stairs, spotting her still dressed in office attire.
"I had a date scheduled today, remember?" she said.
"Oh yeah."
"Didn't you invite him? You should've told him."
"No, he's not coming. His dad had an international conference. He had to stay home," I lied smoothly.
"Fine. He should make out time to visit us, though," Mom shrugged, heading to her room.
"Mom, wait! I drank all the yogurt in the fridge!" I teased, grinning.
"You didn't!" She bolted toward the fridge.
"I said sorry! I was bored!" I cackled, dashing upstairs.
"Zikora Wills! You drank my yogurt?! That's one thousand dollars off your allowance!" she screamed.
"Do whatever you want! I don't care!" I shouted back, still laughing.
"You little piece of—ugh!" she yelled in frustration.
I collapsed onto my bed, still giggling, but my mind wandered back to the day's events. Bernard had almost kissed me. If Fred hadn't interfered, would Bernard have actually gone through with it? Of course he would.
But I had a plan. If Bernard wanted me as his girlfriend, fine — but I'd make him regret it. I'd do all the silly things he hated until he broke it off. Perfect plan, right? Honestly, I only accepted because I was tired of his nagging. Maybe I was getting soft. Too humble. Too sentimental. And it was Fred's fault. Ever since he came into school, I wasn't as feared as before.
Ugh. Fred.
I picked up my iPhone and texted Zimba.
Me: When are you coming home? We need to talk. Girly matters alert! And no, I don't need tampons or pads. Not on my period. I think I'm pregnant tho. Just kidding. I don't miss you.
Zimmie Bro: (＾▽＾) Aww, she misses me. Still haven't forgiven you tho. Don't talk to me.
Me: I wasn't talking to you. Thought I was texting Ann.
Zimmie Bro: Say sorry one more time, and I'll send you memes. Internet gold. About you.
Me: Fine. For the sake of boredom… I'm sorry! I was joking before, don't be a drama king. Oh, by the way, I saw your girlfriend at the mall.
Zimmie Bro: Really? What was she wearing?
Me: Send the memes.
Zimmie Bro: Here. 25+ photos sent.
I burst out laughing.
---
Hey guys!
I think I'm loving Zimba now — he's actually the funny one around here.
What's up with Bernard?
Ann? She's probably planning some dramatic entrance.
Remember: Vote Berzi 💕 Comment Ferora
Love y'all 😘
Stay tuned for Chapter 11
Your favorite teen authoress 🔰📑
Oziomajasmine 💝💝