Hollywood Zenith

[Perspective change]

I never felt good about myself; everyone called me fat and chubby, which completely shattered my self-confidance. It was not like I wanted to be this way; it's not a choice.

My father left when I was two; I didn't understand anything until I was a little older. Seeing other children walk with both their parents made me question; why didn't I have a father? A father could help a mother with things and ease her burdens, right? It was painful growing up from my dilemma, but I achieved it.

How am I supposed to grow up when I wasn't raised?*

There was no time for dreams and aspiration of childhood; there was only helping mother and stopping her from falling apart. Grandmother tried for the last few years, but old age had taken quite a toll on her body.

I had always been good at singing, which unfortunately made someone jealous; I didn't know who it was, but who cares, all that mattered was that it made me a target. I was getting bullied like any other day in the back alley near the restaurant my mother worked at. It is not like I didn't want to tell my mother; but I didn't what to add more piles on top of her. I was already attending public school and getting music lessons from a prestigious institute; they recognized my talent and subsidised the pay.

Today was particularly brutal. On normal days I would only get injuries which I could hide, but I think I have to make up some new lies for today. I was thinking of all things trying to numb the pain when someone shouted.--

" Hey , why are you pestering a little girl? Have you got no shame doing such horrendous things?"

It was a young voice, but its majestic tone made to look toward the source instinctively. I saw a young man shielding a little girl; he had white hair like snow and a godly appearance looking at the bullies group with fearless appearance. He wore exquisite attire, which means he definitely came from a rich family. They argued a little bit, which made me a little worried; He could be a sheltered child.

I never wanted anyone to be involved in my fight. It seems something that comes deep inside of me, almost like I deserved it.

But something incredible happened; the boy suddenly disappeared and appeared in front of one of them and punched him hard, which made a resounded voice which I could also hear from so far away.

He scared them away like flies which, when looking at his stature, seemed impossible. He also advocated for me to the running headless chickens, which slightly warmed my heart. I didn't know if it would help or not, but seeing his domineering appearance made me look forward to the slightly better future.

He came up to me and said, "Are you okay? You look hurt."

I tried to reply casually, but I was shaking. I didn't realize it, but seeing my hand made me realize I was scared or was I excited? I didn't know, but I fumbled my words.

" y-yes, I-I am o-okay." I was slightly embarrassed and looked down instinctively. I was never a talkative person. I subsequently saw that when he bent down to help me up; he dirtied his cloth.

I panicked, thinking the only person who helped me from the constant passerby got troubled because of me. I tried to clean it off using my sleeve, which made it worse, but I suddenly felt hands on my shoulder.

" What are you doing? It is okay, don't worry about it. I don't mind. " he said, smiling, which melted my heart. I inwardly cursed myself from feeling so and frantically tried to free myself from him to finish what I started. The next few moments were truly shocking to me.

He hugged me tightly; I could clearly feel his heartbeat, which made me calm and came to my senses. I was dirty all over from the constant tossing I endured till now. I was a little wet too. I could literally see my grime transferring to his clothes, but he calmly held me until I calmed down.

Next thing I know, I am sitting inside a luxury vehicle getting my wounds cleaned by a middle age man named Oscar who was with the boy.

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[Samuel POV]

The girl was getting her wound dressed by Oscar in the car. I turned toward the birthday girl which I had been neglecting till now.

" I am sorry Hannah; I took you out to have fun but you had to see messy things on your birthday." I said.

" What? Big brother, you were so cool just now; I was in a daze till now. It looked especially awesome how you punched that bad girl bullying the poor sister. It's the best day ever." Hannah said.

I panicked. It would be a bad influence for her, so I corrected her quickly.

" Don't ever try to repeat it. Ok? I learned a few tricks which helped me. If the situation were not so dire, I would have asked the people following to help. Tell me you understood." I said.

She replied by nodding her head violently, which made me question her. I decided to remind her again after all the adrenaline rush was gone.

" How about we invite the big sister to the party, the big brother? She seems lonely by herself and we only have two people here. It will be fun with more people, right!" She said suddenly.

I was taken by surprise by the abrupt request, but looked into her eyes and thought, " This silly girl always a softie. I am worried about nothing."

I said, "Okay, as long as birthday girl wishes; it will be done."

She jumped up and down; she truly loved, being treated like a princess.

The little girl got out of the car and started looking at me curiously. I said, " Miss--"

"Adele Adkins, you can just call me Adele. Umm-" She said waiting for my name.

" Samuel, and this little girl is Hannah; We were going to the restaurant across that block. I pointed to the direction, " It's Hannah's birthday. We were wondering if you would like to accompany us; Hannah's been asking, and I would love if you come with us, you see we are the only ones going there." I was going on and on; rambling, which made me realize I had never talked to strangers alone before.

She smiled and said, " Actually, we should be heading toward the same place as your description. "