My love from the star

Ch. 3 Memories in the jar

When you hear the word second chance what comes to your mind? Do you really believe in it? Actually. It is one immense issue for us. It has many meaning. There's a second chance in love, in job opportunities, a second chance to mend a relationship with someone because they said everybody deserves a second chance, though some people may not deserve it. But a second chance after a near death experience could really change your outlook on life. When I got into a motor accident. The realization hit me hard. Second chances are like diamonds, they are rare and precious. It's a doorway to a new beginning and an opportunity to make some changes for myself. I'm not the best person out there, they even called me black sheep of the family. But right now, I don't want to waste this second chance in my life for nothing. I want to do something meaningful. I slid my hand inside my pocket and gently sniffed the cold fresh air in the morning while walking through the empty hallway of the school. Sadly, my father dropped me off so early because he needed to meet this very important person for a business thingy. My mom is out of town and my sister is a b***h. She doesn't want to drop me off because she has a final presentation for her thesis today. I noticed a group of people in the middle of the open field. They are somewhat busy and i have no idea what they are doing. Then as if the world smile down on me when i saw the glimpsed of her beauty. I'm not sure if its only the sunlight making her more stunning today but Asteria is.... "Beautiful isn't it?" I was startled when I heard someone speak against my ears. It was Jen. I swear this girl will give me a heart attack one of these day. She was like a mushroom. Pop out here, pop out there. "Yes." My smile turned into a frown. To cover up my embarrassment. "Beautiful weather today."Jen chuckled. Remember, Jen was really good at reading people specifically me. "How was the party last night?" She decided to change then topic and asked me a different question instead. "I'm sorry if i couldn't make it, i was really busy." "It's fine." I answered as we started walking and there are guys in the corner whistling. "You just made a right decision because the party was lame." Slowly i turned around and gave the three bastards a middle finger. "Bitches!" "Let them be." Jen said with a shrugged. We sat at the bench facing the open field where Asteria is still playing with all her glory. Though she was only wearing a fitted grey shirt and skinny jeans. True. Simplicity is beauty. She is like a goddess that came from the stars. "I guess Mia was there too." Said Jen."Well of course." I said between sigh. "She was trying to flirt with me all damn night." My mind is reminiscing what happened last night at the party. "Mia wanted me to give her a chance." Jen got quiet for awhile. "Do you still love her?" I'm trying to understand what i am feeling. Do i still love her? "Maybe i still am but it doesn't mean that i will take her back."Jen nodded her head in understanding. "Mia is a good friend." We stared at the distance. "And I know that she really loves you." A frown set upon her face. "That is why i still don't know why she cheated on you Hera." "What's done is done." A heavy sigh escaped from my mouth. "Mia chose to hurt me and it won't change the truth that.” I felt a sting of pain in my chest. "We are really over."I know im doing myself a favor for not taking Mia back in my life right now. I know that im better this way and i know that i did the right decision. My first and second class had passed painfully slow. Heck, i even fell asleep in the middle of the discussion. Jen and Mia wouldn't stop nudging me from left to right just to wake me up. "Class is over, bitch." Mia whispered to me. I know that she is still upset to me because i denied her again. "Hera! C'mon! I'm hungry. Let's eat." I lazily pulled myself up and looked at her blankly. "Please Mia, I'm not really hungry."Mia crossed her arms with a scowled. Meanwhile, Jen is nowhere to be seen. "Don't act like a child Hera." I couldn't help but to laugh at her. "Me? " I asked pointing myself. "Who is acting like a freaking five years old girl between us Mia? I said I'm not hungry. Was it hard to understand?" Mia got quiet. "Just please, let me get some sleep and leave me alone." I know I'm being harsh to her but... "Please.." "Fine!" She snorted and stormed out the room. With a sigh, i leaned back and slowly closed my eyes. This is for the best, i want us to focus in our study and graduate in high school. After a few minutes, i left the room. Good news, my class is over. Bad news, i don't have a ride. So what will i do now? Wait for a magic carpet? Or peter pan to pick me up? I nearly jumped when a car honk so loud. My eyes drifted at the car that fully stopped in front of me. A shiny and shimmering black Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf. Oh my gosh... I'm drooling. "Hey, Hera." I heard someone called out my name inside the car. I recognized the voice though. "You need a ride?"I saw her clearly when the window fully rolled down on the back of the car. I swallowed hard. "Asteria.." It seems like there were stars inside her eyes because it's shining so bright and her smile making me feel so weak on my knees. This is all crazy. "Get in." I gave her a timid smile. "It's okay, my sister will pick me up soon."Asteria didn't say for awhile but stared hard on my face. No way. Don't tell me she can also read my mind like Jen? "But it's going to rain any moment Hera." As if on cue i looked up in the sky and Asteria is telling the truth because the everything is dark now. "So, let's go?" As if I have choice. Beside I really don't want to stay here any longer. I'm not in the mood to deal with Mia. Especially not to get sick because of the rain. I breath out and walked to her car. Asteria opened the door for me as i consciously sat next to her. The car smell brand new but Asteria's perfume making me want to sniff her. "Thank you." "Welcome." Asteria told me smiling. Mm. Why she looks so inviting for me now. "It's nothing compared for what you did for me last night. You have saved me and i owed you a big one." My face blushed. Heck, im not used to compliment. "It's fine Ash—""Ash?" Asteria asked with the biggest smile on her face. I was taken aback. Wait, did i just call her Ash? Can't blame me though. It was long name so better have a shorter one. "I'm sorry.." I apologized. "I didn't mean to call you Ash. I mean. it's just.. " Asteria laughed softly and it was the most beautiful sound ever. "Hera, it's okay. Call me Ash if you want to—" She was interrupted when her phone rang. "Excuse me." I just stay quiet. "Hello dad?" Not to be mean, i diverted my attention outside the window. Also, i sent my sister a text message, i told her not to bother to pick me up because im already with someone. "Hera..."I turned my head to her. "Yes?""My dad wanted to meet you." Asteria said with a blushed. "And if it's okay with you, will you have a dinner with us?" The truth uis, i don't know what to feel. I barely know Asteria and now she was asking me if I could have dinner with her family? I really want to say no but by the way she look at me is irresistible. Why not? Beside I don't see anything bad meeting new people. "Sure.."We talked about so many things during the ride. I found her so funny and a person full of substance. She showed me a different side of her that she didn't shown at school. Some student called her Ice Princess because she was very cold and never showed any emotions. "We are here.." She announced when the car parked in front of the huge two storey house inspired by roman architecture. We jumped out of the car and walked to the front door. A guy opened the door for us and Asteria let me in first inside the house. It wouldn't surprise me to see expensive paintings hang against the wall in the alleys and there's a vaseline aquarium glass in the corner. We went to the living room where an antique american empire mahogany claw foot sofa with beautiful detailed carvings sets in the middle. A large LCD TV screen attached against the wall with a music system. "Do you want any drinks? Water? Tea? Soda? Asteria offered and we sat down on the sofa. "No, its okay Ash." Her nickname Ash spilled out of my mouth naturally. I could feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. "Are you sure?" She asked again with a smile. Such a smiling face. I see. Asteria stood up. "I will just call my dad. Maybe his in the office right now." I smiled and nodded my head "Sure..." "Feel at home Hera." She said before walked away. When she is out of my sight. Of course. Me of being Hera. I snooping around the living room. I made myself busy by looking at the paintings. I'm pretty sure that these paintings are worth thousand dollars. Then something caught my attention. I saw this twelve mini jars with a white powder inside of it on top of the accent table. I was about to get one when i heard footstep behind me. "Hera.." Asteria called out my name. With a slight nervousness, i turned around and face them. "This is my father David Hale." My eyes focused to the person next to her. Mr. David Hale breaks the stereo image of a super tycoon business man. He looks so young. He has a brownish hair color and blue eyes. His body is fit and very athletic. "Dad.." Asteria looked at her father." This is Hera Parker." Mr. Hale gave me his dazzling smile but i was really off guard when he gives me a hug. "I'm so happy to finally meet you Hera. " And then he steps back and release me. "Asteria told me what happened at the park." He frowned and hold his daughter in his arm. "I don't know how to thank you for saving my daughter from those bastard, they deserve to be in jail." "I just did the right thing Mr. Hale." I replied, smiling and feeling a little proud for myself. "Still thank you Hera. I can't have anything happen to my baby." And he kissed Asteria's forehead softly. "She is my princess." I must admit that I felt a little jealous watching them so sweet and very affectionate with each other. The truth is, my father and i never had a chance to talk like that because he is always busy working. But, Mr. Hale is one of the famous and prominent business tycoon in this country but still can afford to spend time with Asteria. "Dad. I'm not a baby anymore." Asteria tried to argued. "I'm seventeen."Mr. Hale pouted. "But you are my baby.." Asteria playfully rolled her eyes to him. Which the first i have seen. "Okay fine daddy."Mr. Hale chuckled. "I will cook for our dinner." Oh wow he can cook. My father would probably burn down our house. "Just enjoy Hera.""I'm sorry about that." Asteria apologized as she gracefully combs her fingers through her long silky brown hair. "Father is..." "No.." I said with a shake of my head. "Don't be, it's actually cute. You and your dad really close to each other." My eyes drifted down the table in front of me with those mini jars. "Anyway, what are those?" "Oh.." Asteria smiled. "A sands.I turned my head towards Asteria with a puzzled look. "A white sand?”She has a meaningful on her face. "Every time we had a vacation out of town or country. We always go to the beach and I will take a sand and put them inside the mini jar. Like this.." Then she reached out for a mini jar and show me. I noticed a hand written on a white tape Oahu's. "This white sand was came from Oahu's Beach in Hawaii." She picked up another mini jar "This one was came from Mallorca beach in Spain." She gets another one again. While I'm just only listening to her "Zakynthos beach from Greece." She pointed out the next mini jar. "This one came from Kuta Bali in Indonesia and this one came from Boracay in the Philippines.""Why are you doing that?" I couldn't help but to asked her."A remembrance that i have been to this places." She replied shortly and gave me a sideway glance. "Weird ha?""Not at all." I paused. "That's really interesting hobby though." Asteria chuckled and nodded her head with a little pride on her face. Damn. This girl is super cute. "Well, I guess." "C'mon girls let's eat." Mr. Hale said behind us. The three of us went to the dinning room. There's a long table. I think it can accommodate twenty people. Too big for the two of them. We ate in silence but Mr. Hale couldn't help asking some questions about myself and my family. I chose not to tell him about me being lesbian to avoid any complications. Also, to protect Asteria from any homophobic person.