stories of mine..

Life's Challenges (Chapter Thirteen)

2009-03-16T10:03:00.000+08:00

“Miss Hebe Tian, may I know what is the matter?”

“Er.. Nothing. Nothing,” she said, shaking her head.

“Then, please sit. Today’s lesson...”

The teacher started lecturing about the Earth. Somehow, from that topic, she managed to fly to the topic of machines, then to the human body, then to the birds. One by one the students’ head plopped down onto their desks. Perhaps the teacher purposely ignored the plopping of heads, or maybe she didn’t notice, for she kept on jabbering non-stop. When at last, the lesson was over, Jiro asked Hebe what was wrong.

“Hey, Hebe, is anything the matter? Why shout ‘NO!’ all of a sudden?”

Hebe didn’t know what to say. How could she tell her cousin that she thinks that she had fallen for his best friend, whom she told him, was emotionless and cold? What would happen if he found out? Hebe started thinking of the possibilities that could happen. Jiro might make them go together on dates, she thought. Or he’ll just ignore me for life and what a wonderful life I’ll lead then. But he said Arron had me. Did he mean it? Or was he just joking? Oh no, what’s wrong with me? Why can’t I differentiate whether he was joking or not?

“Hebe?” Jiro said. “Hebe? Anyone home?”

“Huh?” Hebe stared at him. “Oh, uh, yeah, there’s someone at home. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with me.”

“Really? ‘Cause no one suddenly stands up out of nowhere and shout ‘NO!’.”

“I’m serious. I’m fine.”

“If you say so.”

~~~~~
Hebe laid on her bed, listening to Jiro snoring through the wall. Her closed eyes made her look like she was asleep and was peaceful. Actually, it was the exact opposite. Inside, she was wide awake and her thoughts were running wild. She tried to push the unwanted thoughts out of her mind, but the clearer they became to her.

In her mind, she saw Arron. The first time she saw him was on the first day of school. He had looked at her weirdly before snapping out of his gaze after Jiro spoke to him. Then, she was positioned in class to sit beside him. What was so bad? She had thought. And she got her answer soon after. She was caught by many fan girls and slapped continuously. Danson had saved her but she had gotten Jiro into trouble. Because of that, Jiro got injured and Arron had taught Danson and his pals a lesson. From that day, Danson never harassed either of them anymore. But was it really going to stay like that of was it just temporary?

Hebe sighed and shook her head. Her memories going round and round and repeating themselves in her head was making her go crazy. She took the pillow and screamed into it, hoping Jiro wouldn’t be able to hear her, although that was something that absolutely wasn’t going to happen (Jiro’s a heavy sleeper ).

Do I like him? She thought.

~~~~~
“Yo, Arron!” Jiro shouted from across the street.

Arron turned and saw him. Without thinking, Arron nodded. Jiro from the other end spoke to Hebe. “Am I blind? Did I just see him nod his head?”

Hebe nodded. She was surprised herself. Arron, who didn’t reply anyone and acted like no one existed actually nodded when Jiro greeted him. No way, she thought. But perhaps he’s changing for the better.

“Let’s go, Jiro. Don’t just stand there and stare into nothing. Arron’s walked off already. Move it,” Hebe said, clicking Jiro back into reality.

“I must be dreaming. This must be a dream. I...”

Jiro went on and on about it.

They had class, ended their classes and it was time to go back. Jiro quickly asked Arron to join Hebe and him for a movie. Expecting a negative answer, “Ok,” Arron replied.

“What?”

“What?”

“I...”

“Never mind, Jiro. Just move it,” Hebe pulled Jiro away.

Without changing his expressionless expression, Arron took his bag and followed them. Weird, he thought. Why is she getting weirder and weirder every time I see her? Perhaps she could be liking me? Arron’s heart gave a jolt, waking him up. No, it can’t be. She hates me. As much as I don’t like her. Wait, do I actually dislike her? Arron shook his head.

~~~~~
“Are you alright?” Hebe asked Jiro, worriedly.

Jiro nodded his head, afraid of opening his mouth. They had just watched a horror movie and Jiro had been scared to death and grossed out by the actions and mutilated bodies and the human insides. It was all fake, obviously. But apparently, Jiro couldn’t take much of things that looked real. So there he was, almost puking HIS insides out. “Are you really alright?” Hebe asked again.

“If you ask anymore, he’s going to hurl on you,” Arron said.

Hebe gave him an annoyed look. “No one asked you. And he’s your friend. Can’t you show him more concern?”

“It’s exactly he’s my friend that I don’t bother him. He usually prefers being alone after watching gruesome shows. He’s your cousin. Shouldn’t you know that?”

Hebe looked at Jiro and then at Arron with a suspicious eye. She didn’t know whether to believe him or not. He could be lying to her for all she knew. But why would he want to lie about Jiro when Jiro was right there with them and could hear everything they said? She looked at Jiro again and decided to listen to what Arron said for Jiro looked like he was going to throw up any time and she was not going to take it lightly if any of his hurl landed on her.

She moved away from him. “Listening to me, aren’t you?” Arron smirked slightly.

“No, I’m not. He just looks like he’s going to hurl anytime. I am not going to have any of that on me. So there,” Hebe retorted back. “By the way, you actually smirk?”

Without a reply, Arron turned his head away from Hebe and Jiro. He too had realized tat he actually smirked in front of people other than his step-sister. He turned around once more just in time to see Jiro opening his mouth to let out the hurl at Hebe. Hebe screamed.

“Aaaahhhhhhhhh!!”

-brenda-

Life's Challenges (Chapter Twelve)

2009-03-16T10:02:00.000+08:00

“How are you?” Hebe asked Jiro.

“I’m fine. That’s the hundredth time you’re asking me that. Chill. You’re not the one with bruises and injuries on your body,” Jiro replied.

“Hey, I’m just worried. If Arron were the one injured, you’d be as worried. Although I’m not so sure about him getting worried for you.”

“Aww.. Come on. Arron’s just some human who can’t express himself well. You’d understand after getting to know him.”

“I doubt that’s ever going to happen,” Hebe rolled her eyes. “I mean, he’s so cold and treats everyone like they owe him money. What is wrong with him?”

“Well, I don’t know. He never told me anything about his past. But he does know mine,” Jiro laughed.

“Who wouldn’t. You were born. You grew up with a pet monkey. You played like a monkey. You act like a monkey. And now, you’re a monkey.”

“I know I am,” said Jiro, feeling proud of himself.

Hebe shook her head.

~~~~~
Jiro and Hebe walked to school as usual. Jiro was still recovering from his injuries but he still wanted to attend school. “I get too bored by myself,” he had said. So there he was on his way to his beloved school with Hebe on his side, looking at him and making sure he doesn’t hurt himself any more. “Quite staring at me, will you? Hebe, you’re making me want to go home,” Jiro whined.

“Good. Off you go,” Hebe said.

“Come on Hebe. You know I’m only joking.”

“Yeah, yeah. Hey, that’s Arron,” Hebe pointed forwards at a mob of girls. Arron could hardly be seen. From afar, Jiro and Hebe could hear the words that they had been hearing for so many times that they were immune to it.

“Arron, you’re so cute,” a daring young lady said.

“Arron, why do you treat everyone so coldly? Never mind them. You’ll treat me special right?” another girl said, annoying Arron immensely.

Arron just walked on. But he could not seem to shake them off. They followed him around like a bunch of annoying brats. He wasn’t in the mood to say anything, not that he said much everyday, because his little stepsister woke him up three hours before he was actually supposed to get up. Now it was like he got up from the wrong side of the bed.

Seeing him in difficulty, Jiro grabbed Hebe and ran towards him. “Hey, girls. Leave him be ok? He’s got Hebe with him. But I’ve got no one. I should be the one having special treatment.”

Arron and Hebe’s eyes grew big. I have Hebe? Arron thought. Hm.

Since when was I with this annoying person? Hebe spoke to herself. What is wrong with Jiro? Did the injuries mess up his brain too?

They both stared at each other and caught each others’ glance. They quickly looked away. Hebe blushed. What’s with me? She thought. It’s just the annoying cold brat. There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Jiro, on the other hand, was getting really special treatment from the girls. “Aww.. You poor thing. How are your injuries? Do you want me blow them for you?” one asked.

“Er... That.. erm.. It’s okay. I can blow them myself. Hu.. hu... See?” Jiro blew at his injuries on his arm.

“We’ve got to go now. We’ll see you girls another time okay? Bye,” Jiro said quickly, and without waiting for their protests, he pushed Arron and Hebe into their school, and into their class. “Hah.. There’s no place like your own,” Jiro sighed happily. “I miss my seat.”

Hebe rolled her eyes while Arron, as usual, grabbed a book from his bag and started reading. In no time, the empty class became the opposite. The girls tried to sit as near as they could to Arron while the guys tried to do the same to Hebe. Arron seemed oblivious to his surroundings and went on reading. Hebe, on the other hand, had big eyes on but pretended not to notice anything. They tried to speak to both of them, the boys more daring.

“Hey, Hebe, want to go out with me later?”

“Hebe, don’t bother him. I’m much better, aren’t I?”

“Hebe, if you’re with me, you’re bound to have Valentine’s Day every day. So do you agree?”

Hebe buried herself in one of the biggest books she could find in her bag. Although shot with many questions, all about being theirs, Hebe did not blush or did anything to show that she was embarrassed. And actually, she wasn’t. She then thought about Arron. Just Jiro saying that he had her with him made her blush. Just that single sentence. And Jiro didn’t mean it.

What is this feeling? She thought. Maybe she was just too sensitive. Maybe..

The teacher entered the class.

It can’t be! Hebe thought. It can’t!

“NO!” Hebe stood up.

Everyone stared at her.

-brenda-

Life's Challenges (Chapter Eleven)

2009-03-16T10:01:00.000+08:00

“Thanks,” Hebe said, awkwardly.

Without answering, Arron turned to walk away. Though grateful, Hebe could not accept being snubbed by anyone. Least of all, him. She was shy, she knew. But those who knew her well knew that that was only the beginning of her. When she got used to the people around her, her different self appeared. And there she was, feeling angry that she was ignored. She had been ignored a few times by him even though they had only met the day before. Unfortunately, she was not the type who gets used to that type of treatment, no matter how often it occurred.

“Can you at least give a nod or something?” Hebe told him. “It is very rude to ignore what people say. The least you can do is let me know that you heard me.”

Arron was quite used to that kind of talking as he was frequently spoken to as such by his foster sister, which shows he didn’t really like opening his mouth even to make a single sound. Without stopping, he walked on, leaving Hebe fuming. She made her hands into fists and ran in front of him to stop him. “Look, you may seem like a nice guy, but you’re actually a snob. Is it really so hard to acknowledge what I said? It’s not like I’ll harm you or anything, which have the possibility of happening if do continue with that attitude of yours. I’ve not offended you. So why are you treating me this way? It’s a wonder you have such a great friend like Jiro. It is because of him I actually talk to you,” she said, looking at him straight in the eye.

Taken aback, Arron went wide-eyed. Looking at the new Hebe, he was surprised that the girl whom he just met the day before, who had appeared so shy and sweet, actually had such a character hidden in her. All the girls he knew, or rather who knew him, were always looking at him with fake eyes, fake sincerity and fake personality. And always, he could look through their fake characters. But for once in his life, he saw real, sincere eyes in a girl who stood before him. A girl who did not pretend. A girl who sincerely cared for someone instead of him. For a moment, he was dumbstruck.

“Hey, can you say something? I’ve been talking to myself here,” Hebe said again, feeling more annoyed, snapping Arron out of his thoughts.

“Uh.. I.. Whatever,” he replied shortly, confused at what to say.

“Thank you,” Hebe said sternly. “For at least talking. You know, thanks to you, I don’t have a single friend here other than Jiro.”

With that, Hebe turned and walked away, leaving him. He thought she was a weird girl, but at least she wasn’t like the other girls. Arron had always been one for thoughts. He was more of thoughts than words. It seemed like the phrase ‘Silence is Golden’ was the only thing that existed in his dictionary. He had always been that way since the woman of his nightmare came into his life. No one had ever invaded his thoughts, not that they were able to even if they tried. And some of those who failed were his foster family members, especially his foster sister, though now she doesn’t try in the least.

As he saw Hebe walking away, he couldn’t help feeling a kind of connection with her. It was like they had something in common, just that they didn’t know what or how yet. He stared at her for a moment until she finally turned at a corner to return to the nurses’ office. He shook his head and wondered what was wrong with him. He wasn’t attracted to her or anything, he knew. He was only interested in her character, her wild and sudden changing character. Perhaps it was because she was so different from the other girls, or rather, from the girls whom he had seen so far. Maybe he shouldn’t think so much about it. He shall just have to see how different her character can be.

He started a few steps and turned the corner. He entered the nurses’ office to see Hebe sitting near the wall. The nurses were bandaging Jiro who was still unconscious. Arron walked in and sat opposite Hebe and stared out the window. He realized Hebe stared at him but he didn’t do anything. Normally if anyone did that, especially a girl, he’d just walk off. But not Hebe. He didn’t know why. Maybe he felt that she was one interesting character that he let her, to understand her better.

“Why don’t you two attend your classes first? When he comes round, we’ll inform you,” one of the nurses said.

Without a word, Arron stood up and walked off, leaving Hebe, who quickly apologized for his behaviour, behind.

-brenda-

SP Chapter

2009-02-28T11:37:00.001+08:00

It was Biology and the teacher was absent. The students in class used the opportunity to chitchat with each other.

“Excuse me, guys!” Selina abruptly hollered from the front corner of the classroom as she entered in. “I have an announcement to make!”

Ignorance and more noise.

“It’s about the prom, people!” Selina yelled louder. Everybody dropped what they were doing and rushed back to their seats. Their eyes focused on Selina.

“Good. Okay. As you guys might know, we’re having-”

“A prom in two days time. Yeah, we know, we know. Get on with it…” Jiro continued her sentence boringly.

Selina glared at Jiro in anger. Jiro, on the other hand slowly sank in his seat in fear.

All the students in the class chuckled. Jiro, Jiro. Always getting on Selina’s nerves despite the fact that they’re together.

“Okay. I, Selina, as the president of the school club would like to seek help from you guys to prepare for the prom, which include decorating the school hall and performances. Anyone interested?” Selina asked, a formality tone in her voice.

Silence.

“Oh, come on people! I seriously need your helps on making it a success! A little help wouldn’t kill anybody, right? Besides, don’t you guys wanna have the best prom ever since it’s senior year?”

“Yeah, but not if we’re the ones who’ll be doing the work…” One of the students replied.

“But-”

“I’ll do it.” Someone from the back of the class said abruptly. Everyone turned behind in amazement. They saw Arron, grinning at them sheepishly.

“Yeah, me too.” Jiro added once he heard Arron.

“Me three!” … Calvin.

“Me four!” … And Wu Chun. Somehow, all four of them had the same thoughts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Ok. Arron, you carry and place that board over there. Jiro, move that pot somewhere less visible. Calvin, arrange that decorations nicely. Wu Chun, stop eating and get going to the shops to get all these things,” Selina ordered everyone about, giving Wu Chun a list.

“Mmph.... mmmhh.. MPH!!” Wu Chun was using an unknown language.

“Don’t understand what you’re trying to say. And, I don’t intend to understand, so shoo.. Go and buy the stuffs or I’ll set Ella on you,” she said, waving at Wu Chun who immediately looked a little frightened at the thought of Ella on him.

He nodded and left, taking many more bites on whatever he was eating which looked nothing like food.

“Done, Selina. What next?” Jiro asked.

“Help Calvin with the decorations. He’ll never make it as a designer,” Selina shook her head after looking at what Calvin had done. He had mixed the fake flowers behind the leaves instead of the opposite. The ribbons supposed to be surrounding the flowers were nowhere to seen.

“Ok,” Jiro replied cheerily as he went over to help Calvin.

-
“Dude, you girlfriend’s such a bossy woman,” Calvin complained to Jiro.

“Yeah, yeah..”

“Unlike Angela. She’s like an angel. Almost like her name. Hahh...” Calvin practically melted while thinking of Angela, while Jiro was not so sure of what he just said as he saw both Angela and Selina talking and they both gave evil grins. Oh no, he thought, what were they planning?

-
Hebe walked to Arron and gave him a peck on the cheek. He turned around and smiled. “One is not enough, you know,” he said as he tilted his head a little to ask for another on his other cheek. Hebe giggled and kissed him again.

“Need my help?” she asked.

“Of course not. How can I be a guy if I can’t even handle this kind of work? It should be do YOU need MY help?”

“I don’t even have anything to do. But I will if you’d let me help you.”

“No no no. Go chat with Selina if you’re too bored. Or you can order me about,” Arron said, with a twinkle in his eye.

-
“I’m back!” Wu Chun shouted at the top of his voice.

“Yeah yeah,” Calvin replied.

“Who cares,” Jiro added.

“Hey!” Chun said.

“Anyone who goes against Chunnie is pitting himself against me,” Ella appeared out of nowhere.

“I didn’t say anything,” Calvin immediately said.

“Nor did I,” added Jiro.

Chun smirked but frowned when he heard Jiro saying “Wimp”. “Hey!”

“Joking,” Jiro said.

“You’d better be.”

“Hey, look at the two love birds there,” Selina stood beside Ella, gesturing at Arron and Hebe.

Arron was shifting the board as Selina instructed earlier. Hebe was trying to make him let her help. She pouted, making Arron put the board on the ground and giving her a peck on the lips. Hebe blushed and looked away. Arron smiled. He started poking her sides. Hebe started wriggling and laughing.

“They’re so cute,” Selina said, envious.

“We can be too..” Jiro whined while pouting.

“Not when you’re like that,” Selina replied, laughing.

The others with the exception of Arron and Hebe started laughing.

“Guess we better get to work, or we won’t have enough time to complete everything,” Ella said.

-----
“Where are they?”

Selina, Hebe, Ella and Angela were at the prom, wearing beautiful dresses. They looked perfect that night. Selina wore a light pink satin dress with frills at the end. She wore pinkish make-up and had on pink high heels. Her hair was let down and curled a little. Hebe was wearing a light blue satin dress without any frills. Just plain and simple. She had light make-up on and did not carry any handbag with her.

Ella wore a black dress which the others had forced her to. Her make-up was just compact powder, a little blusher and lip gloss. As for Angela, she wore a simply but sophisticated white dress that made her look like an angel. Her make-up was light too and she walked nervously with everyone to find the boys.

“Where are they?” Selina asked, feeling annoyed that the boys were missing in action.

“Maybe they got held up by something. Let’s wait for a little while longer,” petite Angela spoke up for them.

“Why must you be so kind-hearted?” Ella said, shaking her head.

“That’s just the way she is. Kind and cute,” Hebe chipped in, smiling. “But anyway, the boys said they were going to come on time. It’s just another ten minutes before the prom startes. So let’s wait anyway.”

The four girls sat down somewhere far from the food because Ella’s eyes gleamed the moment they appeared in front of her. They waited and waited. But no Arron or Jiro or Calvin or Chun appeared. Not even a look-alike. They got impatient except Angela. She kept finding excuses for them.

“Maybe they’re busy.”

“I’m sure they’re on their way.”

“They will come. I know they will.”

Hebe sighed. “Just one more minute to the starting of the prom.”

Suddenly, the lights went out. Everyone panicked and some girls started screaming. It was pitch black. No one could see anything. The four girls held hands as not to lose each other. A few seconds later, the light on stage flicked on. Everyone turned heads to look. And who were there but the four boys whom Selina, Hebe, Ella and Angela had been waiting for. “Everybody,” they said. “We have an announcement to make.”

Whispers could be heard.

“Selina,” Jiro said.

“Hebe,” Arron said.

“Ella,” Chun said.

“Angela,” Calvin said.

They took deep breaths and, “Will you marry us?”

The girls gasped and stood still in their places. What did they just say? Were they joking? Were they serious? They looked at their faces. The boys smiled a little, looking afraid if they rejected them. The girls nodded at each other and ran up on stage and hugged the boys.

“We DO!”

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Epilogue)

2008-12-31T18:58:00.000+08:00

“He’s fine. But he has not regained consciousness, therefore, I strongly advise you not to enter yet. He’s wounds are quite serious but if he eats properly and is positive in time to come, he’ll recover very quickly.”

“Thank you, doctor. Thank you,” Uncle Tom was relieved.

The rest of them heaved sighs of relief. Hebe felt the burden on her shoulders lessen. She couldn’t help feeling happy and sad at the same time. She was happy nothing happened to him but she was sad because she didn’t know how to face him when it was time. Should she forgive him and return to him? Or should she reject him and never bother about him ever again? Or maybe she shouldn’t even think about anything but just let fate decide everything?

Yes, she thought. That should be the way. Just let fate do the job.

But what if she didn’t like the outcome? What if anyone came to harm? What if they stayed that way forever until their last breath? What if.. What if..

That was all she could do. Nothing more. Just merely thinking what could happen.

She needed more time to think. Pray, she thought. Let me think this through once and for all. Let me make the right decision.

------------------------
Jiro could not have felt better in his life. Just a moment ago, he was feeling panic and was almost at his wits’ end. Arron was safe, he thought. The moment he comes to, I’m going to be the first one he sees. Wonder how he’ll react, he imagined Arron lying on the bed, wide eyed.

Jiro smiled.

------------------------
“I think you should all go home and rest. When Arron regains consciousness, we’ll contact you,” Uncle Tom told them.

“Are you sure? Uncle Tom, you’re not getting any younger. You should be the one to rest. Why don’t you let Wu Chun, Jiro and I stay while you and the girls go home?” Calvin said.

“No, it’s ok. I’ll stay here. Jiro can too if he wants. But the rest of you should go back. Your parents should be getting worried,” Uncle Tom sounded insistent.

Calvin sighed. He wanted to be there for Arron, his long lost brother. But in no way could he persuade Uncle Tom to go home. Instead, he was the one making them do so.
“I’ll stay here. Don’t worry. If anything happens, you’ll be the first one to know,” Jiro assured Calvin, as the rest of them headed towards the exit after saying their goodbyes.

------------------------
He opened his eyes and was greeted by the morning sunlight. The sun so bright, shining at him from behind the curtains. He looked around. This place didn’t seem familiar. Instead, it had a most different feeling. One that he had never felt. So unfriendly. It was peaceful yet its peacefulness was emitting some kind of danger. It was calm yet it wouldn’t surprise him if anything terrible was happening at that moment. He felt distant. Like he was not there at all. Like his existent didn’t matter. What was this feeling?

Something moved at the corner of his eyes. It caught his attention, making him look, his eyes full of curiosity. Then his mind went blank. That figure, he could not mistake. That hair, that skin. So beautiful, so delicate. Who was it? It was so near yet so far. It was smiling yet sadness could be seen and felt. Those eyes. How strange. A mixture of feelings?

But wait a second. What, or rather, who, was he looking at? He seemed to know but was uncertain. Perhaps he was just looking at an illusion. Was he really imagining it? Or perhaps he was afraid to acknowledge it? He looked straight into the eyes of who he was looking at and..

“NO!!”

Arron woke up with a start. Before he could do anything else, someone barged into the ward.

“Arron! What happened? Why did you shout? Your injuries hurt? Are you ok? What... Hang on. Arron! You’re awake! Uncle Tom! Uncle Tom! He’s awake!”

Arron looked bewildered. He was stunned at what was happening.

“Jiro?”

Jiro stopped moving. “You remember me? You remember me! Great! Uncle To... Oh there you are! Come on!”

“Arron? How are you feeling?”

Arron felt the hands which had helped him since young. Whenever he had problems, it was the owner of these hands who comforted him other than Jiro. Sure Jiro was a great friend. But this person, this man, seemed almost fatherly. Arron could not help himself. He let a tear roll down his cheek as he hugged him.

“Uncle Tom,” he said.

“My, what happened Arron?”

“Nothing. I.. I just missed this feeling,” Arron replied, feeling stupid.
“You may seem grown up but you’re actually still a child,” Uncle Tom said, gently, as if he was talking to a young boy. He had flashes of memories going at fast speed. He could still remember finding Arron in an old house. He remembered how Arron had been afraid of him, but slowly opening up and making friends. He remembered Arron as a small boy to a young adolescent. From that same young adolescent to the young man he hugged now. All those memories melted his heart.

“Come here,” Uncle Tom motioned Jiro who had been watching them the whole time to join the embrace.

Jiro smiled slightly and hugged both of them. All three of them had been together for so long. It was like a reunion of a family except that there was no mother. After a while, they let go of each other. Jiro and Arron smiled foolishly and caught each other’s eye.

Arron looked down. He still felt like he owed Jiro something. But before he could straighten out his thinking, a hand appeared in front of his face. Arron looked up. Jiro had extended his hand out to him while he faced a different direction. Arron was very surprised yet he smiled and took the hand.

“Friends?” Jiro said, this time looking at Arron.

“Friends,” Arron replied as he stood up, pulled Jiro’s hand and hugged him.

------------------------
“So, you’re ok? Injuries don’t hurt?” Calvin asked.

“No. I’m fine. That’s practically the only question you’ve been asking me,” Arron said, smiling.

“Oh. Sorry.”

“Too worried? Hah. Come on. We know we are all close but you’re acting like he’s your brother,” Jiro said, laughing.

Calvin was dumbstruck all of a sudden. True, Arron was his brother. But did he want to reconcile with him? Did he want to have a brother he can be with? Or did he want to remain brother-less? He had thought a lot before Arron regained consciousness. A part of him wanted to acknowledge him yet the other part didn’t. He wasn’t even sure if Arron remembered having a brother before. For all he knew, Arron could have forgotten every thing that happened when they were young toddlers.

Perhaps it would be better to tell him. It would be better to take the risk of trying than not at all. Calvin nodded and spoke. “Arron, do you have a brother?”

“How.. how did you know?” Arron appeared surprised.

“Do you remember him?” Calvin ignored his question.

“I.. Uh.. Wait. How did you know this? I’ve only told one person about this and it was not you. Could it be that she told you?” Arron looked at Hebe who looked equally surprised.

“Arron, I’m your brother.”

“What?!”

Both Arron and Hebe looked at each other even though they weren’t on talking terms. The rest of them stared at Calvin as if he was nuts. Calvin on the other hand, merely stood where he was and did not do anything else. Arron was appalled. He could not believe what was happening. For more than ten years he lost his brother and now without even realizing it his brother was there with him all the time. He could not utter a single word.

Hebe was shocked. All this while she had been friends with Calvin, though quite annoyed with him at the beginning, but he had never told anyone about his life. And apparently, he had not even told Angela. It seemed he didn’t want anyone to know. At least Arron told her. Arron...

Wait, why was she thinking about Arron now? She should be thinking of more important things like the relation between him and Calvin. But why? Even now when Arron was there, she couldn’t help thinking about him. Arron was like an addiction. She needed him, she wanted him. But oh, she had to control herself, for the fact she might not be able to pull herself out of the addiction if she depended too much on it.
But how difficult it was. No matter how she tried, no matter what she did, she was still addicted. She needed him, she wanted him, she loved him. For now, for the future, for ever.

“Calvin?” Arron spoke, destroying the silence and interrupting Hebe’s thoughts. “How do you know?”

“I’ve been finding for you and our parents since I was of age to understand. Although they sold me off but they were still my parents. If it were not for them, I would never have met you guys or my new family. And without my foster family, I would never have found you, my long lost brother.” Calvin stretched out his arms, indicating a hug.

Arron smiled and he got up despite his injuries and hugged Calvin. “My brother,” he whispered, happiness overwhelming him.

“Come on! Don’t I get a hug too?” Jiro whined like a small kid.

Arron and Calvin laughed and let Jiro join in the merry making. “Sorry I didn’t tell you, mate,” Arron told Jiro apologetically.

“Ah, it’s ok. Just remember to tell me before you inform anyone else about a secret ok?”

“Ok, buddy,” Arron smiled. “I’m friends with Jiro again and I found my brother. How could my day get better.”

Then, silence.

Everyone paused at what they were doing. They knew what could make Arron’s day better. Hebe. But was Hebe ready to do so? Or was she going to make his day miserable? “I’m going to buy some food. The hospital food is not edible. Coming anyone?” Jiro quickly announced.

“Me. I’ll go. Coming Angela?” Calvin responded and Angela nodded.

“I’ll get some drinks. The drinks here are so.. erm.. undrinkable,” Chun said, escaping too.

“I’ll follow. Come, Selina,” Ella replied, pulling Selina out together with her.
The door closed. Only Arron and Hebe were left in the ward. The silence was intense. Neither of them said a single word to the other. Arron was actually surprised she had willingly stayed behind to perhaps, talk to him. Maybe she wasn’t angry anymore. Maybe she was willing to love him back and forgive him. To know the answers, he had to open his mouth.

“Hebe,” he said. “I know what I say might not change anything. But I’m willing to try to open your heart. I’m sorry for everything that happened and I know what happened can’t be changed. I did not want it to happen. I honestly didn’t. All I can say is this. I did what I did for you.”

“For me? You broke up with me after that incident, found Rainie and hooked up with her. And you say you did it for me?”

“Hebe, about Rainie, I’ve never liked her. She was the one harassing me. Even now, she still calls me but I don’t answer her calls. I don’t care how she blackmails me anymore. She can say I got her pregnant and have it on the newspaper, but I didn’t. If she really was pregnant, where was the evidence. Even if she was pregnant, we can always check the DNA of the child. It will never match mine because I did not go to bed with her. Hebe, I love you only. And no one can replace you in my heart.”
Hebe looked at Arron, her eyes glistening with tears. “But why did you go out with her?”

“I was stupid. So stupid and gullible I actually believed her. Hebe, please. I’m really sorry. Don’t cry,” Arron’s own eyes were getting watery. Just looking at Hebe feeling sad made him sad and guilty. It was all his fault he knew it. If only he hadn’t been so easily fooled, he would not be lying in the hospital and having this conversation with Hebe.

Suddenly, Arron felt a pair of arms around him. A pair of loving arms. How he missed the feeling of being loved. He looked up to see Hebe crying continuously as she hugged him. He hugged her back. Nothing, nothing will ever make him break the promise he was about to make. “Hebe, I’ll love you forever and never leave you. I’ll always be there for you and never do anything that displeases you. Hebe, forgive me?”

Hebe nodded, making Arron’s tears flow out. He was not ashamed of them. He knew they represented his love, his guilt and his pain. He kissed Hebe on the lips, both their faces wet. The moment was precious, but it was spoilt.

“We’re baaack.!!”

Jiro entered the ward, his hands full of food in plastic bags. Arron and Hebe broke apart, blushing.

“Oh, sorry. Wrong timing. I’ll go out again and you can pretend this never happened,” Jiro said.

“It’s ok. Just come in with the others,” Arron replied, holding Hebe’s hand as they both smiled.

“OK! Guys! You can enter now. They’re back together. We can celebrate!”

“You know, Jiro, you didn’t have to tell the whole hospital about them,” Calvin said.

Everyone laughed and everything was fine.

-------------------------------------------------
“Make sure you wait for us at the school gate and don’t run off.”

“Ok.”

A little boy ran to his school. His parents watching him go as they stood hand in hand, with smiles on their faces. After he disappeared into the school, they walked away. “We’re going to meet them, aren’t we?” the father asked. In reply, the mother nodded as she got into the car, ready for the next destination.

The father drove and in no time, they arrived at a restaurant at which they got off the car and entered.

“Hey! You’re here. You both are the last ones to arrive,” their friend greeted them.
“Sorry, Calvin. We’re were sending Xiao Dong off to school,” Jiro replied.

“Ah, how is he now? I heard he was ill,” Calvin asked.

“He’s fine now. Thanks to his wonderful mother,” Jiro smiled at Selina who giggled.

“So, how is baby Wu Chin?” Selina asked.

“Ah, she’s fine as you can see,” Wu Chun said, carrying his baby up, who had a lollipop in her mouth.

“Aw.. She’s so cute, isn’t she?” Hebe said, tickling her cheek.

“Come on, it’s not like we don’t have our own coming,” Arron said. “She might get jealous.”

“Arron, just because I said she’s cute doesn’t mean ours won’t be. Anyway, Calvin, when are you and Angela getting married?” Hebe asked.

“Tomorrow,” came the short reply.

“WHAT?!”

“Hehe. That’s the reason why we asked to meet you guys. Even my brother didn’t know.”

“Yeah, I definitely didn’t know. You’re good at secrets, aren’t you?” Arron looked at Calvin suspiciously. “How many more are you keeping?”

“Just one. Angela’s pregnant.”

“WHAT?!”

“But she still looks as skinny as before,” Hebe said, stunned.

“I’m less than a month pregnant. So my tummy’s not showing yet,” Angela said, embarrassed.

“Wow. You guys really know how to keep secrets well. Even in the company office you can act so normally,” Arron said in disbelief.

“It goes to show my acting skills are getting better. For all you know, I might enter an acting competition and win,” Calvin boasted.

“If you do join, none of us will support you except maybe Angela,” Jiro laughed.

------------------------
Eight of them, Arron, Hebe, Jiro, Selina, Wu Chun, Ella, Calvin and Angela were bound together by a bond so strong it takes a lot to break it. But what made that bond so strong? Experience and hardship. Without those, just a simple misunderstanding would be able to destroy it. The bond, so great, will last till their last breath.

That bond, was friendship and love.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Nine)

2008-12-30T16:41:00.001+08:00

Calvin ran to the others.

“Where’s Arron? We must find him! We must!”

“Calvin, what’s wrong?” Angela asked, worried.

“I’ll explain later. We just need to find him now. It’s important. Very important. I need to ask him something. Quick!”

“Chill. I’ll call him,” Chun said, wondering what just happened.

Ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring...

“Whose phone is that?” Calvin asked.

“Mine. Let me answer it ok. Hello?” Jiro said.

While Jiro answered the phone call, Calvin was pacing here and there, making everyone anxious and worried. He was not acting himself. Just a while ago, he was fine and normal. And the next, he seemed to have gone a little berserk over something which the rest of them didn’t know. “Can someone call Arron now?” he said loudly in a voice they had never heard.

“What?! I’ll be right over. Relax Uncle. I’ll come now,” Jiro said into his phone and immediately pressed the end call button.

“What happen? Can someone call Arron? I lost his number. Can...” Calvin kept asking, getting frustrated.

“Calvin! You want to see Arron, then let’s go,” Jiro said, shaking Calvin’s shoulders.

“Where is he? I need to ask him...”

“He’s in the hospital. He met with an accident. My orphanage’s owner just called me to inform me.”

“Hos..pital?” Hebe stammered as her eyes grew blur and she fell on the floor.

“Hebe!”

------------------------
Jiro ran up to Uncle Tom, who wore a worried face.

“Uncle Tom! What happened? Why is Arron here?”

“Jiro, he met with an accident in the middle of the road. I think he was going somewhere because he wore clothes that had an air of formality.”

“He must have been on his way to meet us at a restaurant. But why in the world would he walk in the middle of the road?”

“Jiro, I’ve realized both of you have not been talking to each other for quite some time. I gather that it should be the reason?”

“Oh.” Was Jiro’s reply.

Jiro didn’t know what to say. He never meant for Arron to be involved in an accident or anything that harmed him by not talking to him. He wasn’t actually really angry with Arron. He was mostly acting about being angry with him just to make him feel guilty. For him, it was not possible to be angry with your best mate for long, especially when they were friends since young and never been apart.

“So, where is he now?” Jiro said in a small voice.

“In the operating room. He’s having an operation now. I’ve not seen the doctor yet, of course. So, I guess we have to wait,” Uncle Tom said, sadly, his voice quivering a little.

------------------------
Hebe sat down on the chair with Selina and Ella on her either side. Angela was huddled in Calvin’s arms, sobbing. Jiro merely stood and leant against the wall near Uncle Tom, who didn’t seem to acknowledge the existence of chairs. All of them were worried. They couldn’t help blaming themselves a little after what happened. They had been planning to reach him in the restaurant but they did not put their plan into action.

Had anyone taken the initiative to call him, would he still have gotten into an accident? Or would he have been as safe as they were now? Or perhaps he would have already reconciled with Hebe and became friends with Jiro?

An hour and a half had passed, but no one had come out from the operating room. Perhaps it was all too late? Or were the doctors and nurses still working hard on him, not giving up the glimmer of hope that he would be saved?

Questions. The world was full of questions. Some answered, some not. Some with obvious answers, some with none at all. Maybe this was all planned by the mighty one, God. For every living thing to question what they don’t know. Human beings were curious creatures. Always, questions hover in their minds, making them feel like what they want to know was not answerable.

At that moment, the question playing in everyone’s mind was answered.

The light of the operating room went out and the doctor came out.

“How is he? Is he safe? Can we see him?”

The doctor looked around at all of them and replied.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Anniversary (Chapter One)

2008-12-26T17:05:00.000+08:00

She walked along the roadside, her mind full of thoughts. Reminiscing memories she never wanted to forget. Hopes of getting together with her loved one made her shiver in delight, letting a smile play on her lips, her cheeks rosy. It was snowing. A thick coat had been put on to block the chill, to cover her with warmth. Woolen boots, gloves and cap were worn. But she knew she didn’t need those to keep her warm. Just the mere thought of meeting him was enough. From where she was she could see couples huddled together, keeping each other warm. How she longed for that. She hastened her pace. She was one who could not wait for what she wanted. Patience was never in her.

She walked on, wondering when she would reach her destination for the day. She was looking forward to having his arms around her, giving her the sense of protection, happiness and warmth. She had never felt safer or happier when he was around. By looking at his eyes, those mesmerizing eyes, she felt contented. She liked everything about him. His face, his arms, his body build. But what she liked the most was his presence. Just knowing he was there with her made her on top of the world.

She moved on more quickly. She couldn’t wait to see him. She couldn’t wait to look at him. She couldn’t wait to hug him. Ever since she met him, she always had this special feeling like nothing could go wrong. Not the slightest bit. Everything had been perfect down to the smallest detail of her life. Everyday she woke up feeling fresh and ever so ready to start a new day. Every hour she would tell herself about how great today was. Every minute she would smile and talk to everyone. Every second she would think about him.

Right at that moment as she walked, her mind brought her back to her past memories with him. He had asked her to be his on New Year’s Day eve. He had asked her to arrive at the park at eleven, an hour before midnight. She had waited there for three quarters of an hour, believing he would not break the promise of meeting there. At exactly a minute before midnight, he appeared. She was half frozen, looking at him, blaming him for coming so late, making her wait for so long she could hardly feel herself.

He had smiled, walked up to her and hugged her tight, warming her from the coldness of the weather. Suddenly, fireworks could be seen. She looked up towards the sky, eyes shining. She had loved fireworks since young. She had wanted to look longer but he lowered her head to look into her eyes. “Be my girlfriend?” He had asked in a simple manner, though she could see he meant it. She had nodded, making him smile as he lowered his head and planted a kiss on her lips, making her blush and shiver feeling the love in him for her.

After breaking apart, “New year, new love,” he had said. She made a mental note of it and had never forgotten it since. From that day on, her feelings for him grew. Both of them spent as much time as they could together. They wanted each other each other. No other existence seemed to make half as much the impact they had for each other. Their love was whole, complete and undying.

She continued walking, feeling more excited. After all the walking, she decided to run instead. As she did, she could feel the cold air brushing against her face, chilling her to the bone. But she didn’t care. All she wanted was to be with him. She gritted her teeth. Although she saw him almost everyday she still couldn’t get enough of him. She wanted him for every day, every minute, and every second of her life.

Gradually, she slowed down. She had spotted him standing somewhere far off. She smiled as she burst into a run once more, happy thoughts lingering in her head. She had looked forward to this meeting the whole morning. Now that she only had a few steps to reach him, her eyes glinted. She hugged him from the back, panting. She was tired from all the running but it was worth it, she thought. “Yoochun,” she panted.

Yoochun turned around. On his face was a sad look, either indicating something grave had happened or something was going to happen. “Yoona,” he said, softly.

“Sorry I’m late. I couldn’t think of what to wear.”

He shook his head, not saying a word.

“Is anything wrong? Did something happen? Are you hurt?” Yoona was getting worried.

She had never seen him look so sad and badly wanted to comfort him, just to make him smile. She looked up into his eyes but she could not see any expression or fathom his thoughts. “Tell me. Did anything happen? Why do you look so sad?” Yoona was almost in tears. She wanted to know what was hurting him but she could not see how she would find out unless he told her.

“I,” Yoochun looked up towards the sky. “want a break up.”

-brenda-

Fifth Story

2008-12-26T17:01:00.002+08:00

Okay, I've not completed any of my stories but I've written a new one. It is called Anniversary and it is dedicated to another of my seniors, Natalie Chin, with the characters Yoochun and Yoona, her ideal pair. :)

It is a love story, again. I hope it is nice. I'm going to update a chapter after posting this. I think the story is going to be short, it could be a one-shot, but I'm not sure about that.

Well, I'm not going to write anything else about the story. To find out, you've got to read. Enjoy..

-brenda-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Eight)

2008-12-26T12:45:00.002+08:00

Jiro, Selina, Wu Chun, Ella, Angela and Hebe were at the restaurant, waiting for something which they had no idea about. They’ve sat down and to their surprise, they were the only ones at the restaurant. Strangely enough, they noticed that Arron and Calvin were not there yet, which meant, either of them was the one who planned the party that have not started. Or maybe, both of them were the planners. The six of them sat down patiently, waiting for, well, they have no idea what they were waiting for.

“Welcome everybody, to this restaurant of mine, Da Jia Wang,” a voice came.

“That sounds familiar,” Selina said, turning here and there to see who spoke.

“Yeah. I wonder who it is. I remember hearing this voice before. Who is it?” Hebe said, cracking her brains to remember.

While they were all thinking, another familiar voice came from somewhere close. “He’s my father.”

All six of them turned and saw Calvin standing with a hand in his pocket, smiling. He had a knowing look which indicated that he new something that the others didn’t. “I’m the one who organized this party. Did any of you guess?”

“Should’ve known. I forgot your father owned a restaurant. Funny, none of us knew this was the restaurant,” Ella said, not believing herself.

Calvin merely shrugged, still smiling. He thought that the point which everyone didn’t know about the restaurant was good. It gave him a good cover to hold a party without anyone’s knowledge, except his family of course. But that was not the only secret he had kept from the others. There was still his deepest secret that no one in school knew. Not even the maids knew. Only he and his parents.

This secret (shall be revealed soon), in fact, he wanted to keep from the others for as long as he could. He didn’t know why but he didn’t want anyone to learn about it. He was afraid it might ruin his reputation and cause him to lose friends. So all this while, ever since he was young, he did not say a single word about it. Even now, he hardly talked about it with the only people who knew, his parents.
“So, what’s this party for?” Jiro asked.

“Well, actually I want to tell you guys something that only three of us know. I’ll announce it in a while.”

Calvin walked off, the smile still hanging on his face. The six of them looked at each other, puzzled.

“You know, I think we should call Arron. Jiro, you do it,” Chun looked at Jiro.
“Why should I? My reaction is akin to how Hebe will react if you ask her. I’m still annoyed with him and anything you try is not going to make me talk to him. Period,” Jiro gave Chun an annoyed look.

“Never mind. I’ll call,” Selina offered.

“Why? He was the one who tried to break us up.”

“Jiro, he was annoyed and down. After you-know-what, he feels angry. So, its quite normal for him to do that. Anyway, the problem is cleared.”

“Seeing it was you he shouted at, I feel its absolutely normal,” Chun said, cheekily.
“Right. Hmph!” Jiro acted childishly.

------------------------
Calvin was just about to go and announce his secret, not the deepest one, but the one which he has long waited for to be told in public. He told the waiters that they were not to serve the food until he announced what he wanted.

“Yes, sir.”

He took a deep breath and walked out.
------------------------
“Erhem..”

“It’s Calvin,” Ella said, wondering what he was going to say.

“Everybody, I’m sure you’ve been waiting for what I’m going to say. Well, here it is. I’d like to publicly announce that I am going out with Angela.”

Gasps could be heard. Everyone wore shocked faces. Even Angela, although by now, her cheeks were damp due to the tears dropping off her eyes.

“You mean, he doesn’t have a crush on Hebe anymore?” Ella blurted out.

Calvin nodded. “Initially, this was a party I wanted to hold in honour of Arron and Hebe to apologize for what I’ve done. Then I thought, why not announce my going out with Angela too. Well, there you go. I’m going out with Angela and sorry Hebe and Arr... Where’s Arron?”

“No idea. He hasn’t arrived yet. We’ve been waiting. Well, all of us except Jiro that is,” Chun replied.

“You’re absolutely right I’ve not,” Jiro put his arms akimbo.

Calvin, Calvin, Calvin, Calvin, Calvin, Cal...

“What’s that? Isn’t that Angela’s voice?” Selina asked.

“Oh, that’s my phone. Hang on, I’ll be right back,” Calvin said, giving Angela a wink, making her blush.

------------------------
Arron was at the orphanage. He didn’t know whether he should go to the party or not. He wanted to see Hebe but he dreaded how her reaction would be when she saw him. Moreover, Jiro was angry with him for shouting what he did, practically splitting him and Selina up. He could not face his buddy after all that. He was ashamed of himself.

Jiro was right not to talk to me or even bother me, he thought.

Arron wanted to go to the party. He wanted to know who the organizer was and why did he organize it. What he wanted the most was to see Hebe and apologize to Jiro. He blamed himself for all that happened. He couldn’t bear having a life without either of them. He treated them and put them above his own existence. They were very important to him, even more important than his own life.

I’m going, he decided, whether they accept or not, I’m going to try.

------------------------
“Is it true, Angela? You were going out with Calvin and you didn’t tell us?” Hebe said.

Angela nodded and blushed bright red.

“When did you guys start?” Selina asked.

“Remember I was in the hospital? It was then.”

“How wonderful. Now all of us are couples except..” Ella looked at Hebe. “Hebe, do you still love Arron?”

Hebe thought about Ella’s question. Did she still love Arron? She did, of course. But she couldn’t really bring herself to forgive him although these few days, she was starting to open her heart more to him. She had felt, maybe she could forgive him. But she didn’t know how. After all that was said between Arron and herself, she was not sure whether both of them would still be as close as before if they got back together.

“I.. I’m not sure. I don’t really understand my own feelings right now.”

------------------------
“Hello?” Calvin answered his phone.

“Mister Chen?”

“Speaking. Have you found out more about it?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve found out about your brother.”

“He is? Where is he? What is his name?”

“He is...”

------------------------
Arron walked on. He was only halfway on the road to the restaurant. He wasn’t all that sure where it was, but he could not bother asking anyone. His thoughts still focused on Jiro and Hebe. How was he supposed to talk to them? Would they forgive him? Or would they ignore him and never talk to him again?

Arron was lost in his thoughts. He didn’t take notice of anything in his current surroundings. Not even as he crossed the road. Not until he heard a loud sounding horn as he turned and saw white..

Then, blank.

------------------------
“He is Arron Yan. He is studying in your school.”

Calvin dropped his phone.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Seven)

2008-12-26T12:43:00.000+08:00

From the classroom’s back door, Jiro watched Selina’s every movement. He looked at her beautiful face and longed to be with her. He could not bear just looking at her from a distance, not able to make a single sound or gesture towards her, although that was exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to go right up to her and hold her hands. He wanted to hug her. He wanted... he wanted... He wanted many things.

He was angry with Arron. How could he just shout out that he, Jiro, a man of his words, had snogged another girl. How could he? After being friends for so long, didn’t Arron know him better than anyone else? The way he acted had been like they’d only known each other for a few days, whereas they had actually been best friends for years. Their bond should not have been so weak.

From afar, Jiro could see Selina’s face. She looked sad and her eyes looked like they were going to pop out. He could see her eyes watering a little. She wiped them with her hands and continued keeping her things. All of a sudden, her books fell onto the floor but she did not bother picking them up. Instead, she just stood still, her head bent. Jiro could see droplets of water dropping onto the desk and her body slightly shaking.

Without further ado, Jiro went up to her and hugged her. He felt her body stop moving. She started pushing him away from her, pulling herself away from him. But he would not let her. He hugged her all the more tighter, as if not wanting to let her go. The more she struggled, the tighter Jiro held on. He would never let her go, he would protect her, he would be there for her, he would love her till the end of time.

Selina continued to struggle although she knew her energy was failing her and she would not succeed in breaking free. She felt her strength dying, not wanting to help her as she tried to prise herself away from the arms of Jiro, though even with the strength, to no avail. “Let me.. g..go.” He could hear her say, but he did not obey. He never ever wanted to let her go anymore. He loved her so, but because of what his best friend, or he thought was his best friend, said, he had to split with Selina. But to him, it was okay if only he was hurt. Unfortunately, he was not the only one, Selina was too.

After long last, Selina stopped struggling and just stood, limp, against Jiro. She no longer had the strength to fight him. She was devastated. She couldn’t help it. Sure, she had liked Arron at first. But her feelings for Jiro was stronger and was getting more so each day. She could not bear parting with him. She couldn’t imagine the day when she would no longer feel the warmth of his body. She loved him more than anything. She was willing to give up everything for him if said the word. But despite her overwhelming feelings, what did she get in return? Him cheating on her.
She sobbed into his uniform, making it wet. But he didn’t care. All he cared about was getting her back. He would not lose her ever again. “Selina, listen to me.”

“Why should I?”

“Selina, I did not cheat on you. Believe me. I really didn’t.”

“Oh yeah? Then why did Arron say what he did? He’s your best friend. If he said it, it has to be true.”

“But its not. Honest. Selina, I love you, and only you. I swear, cross my heart, I won’t cheat on you. Not in the past, not now, not ever.”

“Why should I trust you? You could be lying to me now. And you might continue lying to me in the future. You say you’re not cheating on me? Prove it.”

“You want proof? Ok. I’ll give you the proof. Follow me.”

Jiro took Selina’s hand and ran out of the classroom to the shop where Arron had seen him. He pulled her inside and called out.

“Genie! Genie? Where are you?”

“Yes?”

Jiro and Selina turned. There stood a pretty girl, smiling.

“May I help you? Jiro, is this the girl you said you want to give the flowers and necklace to? Aww.. She’s so cute.”

“Where are they? The flowers and necklace.”

Genie entered a room for a moment. Jiro and Selina stood still, Jiro still holding her hand. After a while, Genie came back with a huge bouquet of flowers, wrapped with white, light pink and darker shade of pink, with the words ‘I LOVE YOU’ written all over it. As Jiro extended his hands to take it, Genie held it out from his reach and shook her head and muttered, “Wait.” She placed it on the counter and started counting the flower stalks, which she then rearranged them and made sure the papers weren’t crumpled or ruffled in any way.

Then from under the counter, she took out a small box and placed it neatly inside the bouquet. Once more she made sure it was in good condition before she held it out for Jiro to take it. After he did, he looked at Selina. “Selina, this is for you.”

“Miss Selina is it not? There are 250 flowers in that bouquet you’re holding. If you look closely, you’ll see many small flowers below the bigger ones above. And placed on those small flowers is a present from Jiro to you,” Genie smiled at Selina.

Selina, surprised and touched, started weeping. She put a delicate hand in between the flowers and took out the small box that Genie had just placed in. She opened it and she saw a beautiful necklace and a heart shaped locket. She opened the locket and there were the pictures of her and Jiro smiling together with the words ‘J & S FOREVER’ across them. Selina could not believe her eyes. She looked inside the bouquet once more and saw a heart shaped card which she took out too.

She opened it and saw that Jiro had drawn cute pictures of both of them sitting together under the moonlight, both of them holding hands, both of them posing funnily, both of them hugging and lastly, both of them kissing with a huge heart surrounding them. Selina smiled through her tears. Jiro, feeling slightly assured, spoke, “Selina, this was I was preparing. I really did not do anything bad or wrong towards you. I honestly...”

Before he could finish what he wanted to say, Selina kissed him on the lips. In response, Jiro hugged her. They stayed in the position for a long while and when they finally broke off, Genie asked both of them for their phones. They passed theirs to her and she busied herself with something. When she was done, she passed them back the phones. They looked at them and blushed.

Apparently, Genie had secretly took a picture of them kissing and had Bluetooth the picture to them. They look at each other and smiled.

“You forgive me?” Jiro asked.

Selina nodded, still with the smile. She turned to Genie and thanked her. Genie smiled in return and said it was her pleasure bringing back a lovely couple. Jiro took Selina’s hands and when out of the shop after saying thanks and goodbye to Genie. They headed back to their classroom. As they were packing their bags, Selina realized a paper sticking out from under her books. It looked foreign. She took it out and read it. She turned to Jiro, “Jiro? Did you get a letter?”

Jiro was reading one when she asked him. “You received it too huh? Weird. Nevermind. Let’s get ready for the party and show everyone that you’re the most beautiful girl they’ve every seen. I wonder if the others received it. Hmm...”

“I wonder who is ‘your friend’,” Selina replied in return.

“Don’t bother that. Bother what you’ll wear, what make up, what shoes, what hairstyle...”

“You know, you’re more of a woman than me.”

“Do NOT mention that in front of anyone. You’ll just see me melting on the floor if you do.”

Selina giggled. “I’ll pick you up at 7.30pm? Ok?” Jiro asked.

She nodded and took her back as both of them got ready to leave the school together, hand in hand.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Six)

2008-12-26T12:41:00.000+08:00

“What? Why… Oh.”

The whole class gaped. Jiro and Hebe. They’re… holding hands. But why?

“See what I mean?” Jiro pointed out to Hebe.

“Jiro, chill…”

“I can’t chill. They’re…”

“Hey, Jiro! Hebe! Over here!” Calvin called out abruptly.

Jiro and Hebe walked towards the desk where Calvin, Ella, Chun and Angela were gathering. Well, of course, still holding hands.

Unfortunately, Arron and Selina saw that and believe me, they weren’t that satisfied. Arron clenched his teeth and Selina bit her lips in anger.

“Arron, Selina!” Calvin gestured for the both of them to join him and the rest.

Arron nodded and walked out of the classroom furiously, ignoring the fact that he was going to apologize to Jiro. Selina followed him out but walked off in a different direction.

“What’s up with them?…” Calvin muttered under his breath.

“Erm, Jiro, Hebe, Is there something going on between both of you?” Angela asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you guys were holding hands… and… we thought that…”

“Woah, woah. You guys are thinking too much. Let me tell you what actually happened.” Hebe told the truth to the gang.

Flashback.

Jiro and Hebe reached the entrance of their classroom. Jiro hesitated at the doorway.
“Hebe, I couldn’t enter the classroom. Our classmates… I am…I am scared that they’ll… criticize me…” Jiro said nervously.

“Jiro, don’t worry. They wouldn’t. Just follow me. You’ll be alright.” Hebe grabbed Jiro’s hand and entered the classroom.

End of Flashback.

“Oh……”

There was a long silence.

Hebe sighed silently. She was thinking of Arron. Was she a bit too harsh to Arron yesterday? Was Jiro right? Was she the reason behind Arron’s behavior just now? Hebe knew that, but she didn’t know that the matter will get this worse. Because of her, Jiro lost his best friend. What is she going to do?

Jiro was thinking of Arron and Selina. He lost his best friend and his girlfriend. How is he going to tell Arron and Selina that he wasn’t guilty and he was sorry when the both of them are really mad at him? How is he going to react to Arron in the orphanage when they are sharing the same room? Arron and Selina don’t even want to enter the classroom just because he's in. What is he going to do?

Angela was thinking of Calvin. Why didn’t Calvin tell his Chun and Ella about his relationship with her? Is it because… Calvin doesn’t want them to know? Is it because… he was too embarrassed of their relationship? No, it can’t be. Calvin wouldn’t do that. What should she do? Ask Calvin about it? Well, maybe…

“Erm…guys. I got to go now… See you guys later.” Calvin excused himself, causing Hebe, Jiro and Angela to leave their thoughts.

“But, the recess bell hasn’t ringed yet. Where are you going?”

“Erm… I’ve got something to do. I can’t talk right now. Bye.” Calvin ran out of the classroom.

The other five were puzzled. ‘Where is he going?...’

There was silence, again for the next five minutes when they recess bell rang. All the students went out of their classroom for their recess.

--------------
Ella and Hebe were walking to their lockers after their recess.

“Hebe, are you ok?” Ella asked.

“Ya… I’m fine.” Hebe replied, feeling down.

“Are you thinking about Arron?”

“Well, yes. Ella… do you think that I should have accepted Arron’s apology?”

“Hebe, Arron loves you more than anything in the world. And I know you love him too. If you sincerely love him, you should have accepted his apology by now. Yes, Arron made a mistake, being with Rainie. But, he had a reason for this action. You should listen to him, Hebe. He might have a lot more things to say to you but he couldn’t because you wouldn’t allow him to. But, it’s not too late now. You can still give him a chance to speak, Hebe. Both of you will be alright.”

Hebe realized her mistake. “I guess it was my fault to not to give a chance to Arron to speak. Ella… thanks for your advice. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem. Besides, what are friend’s for?”

The both of them continued their way to their lockers. When they reached their lockers, they noticed something odd. There was a white paper slid near under their locker doors.

“Hey, what is this?”

“Exactly…”

Hebe and Ella unfolded their papers. Hebe read the content of her paper.

Dear Hebe,
You are invited to my apology party. Kindly come to the Da Jia Wang restaurant tonight, 8pm. There’ll be a surprise waiting for you…
P.S I am really your friend and this is not a joke. So, please come. I’ll be waiting for you…

From you friend,
Anonymous.

“Woah, mine has the same content too.” Ella said, surprised. “Who’s this ‘your friend’ anyway?”

“Could it be… Arron?”… Hebe.

“I don’t know… Maybe?”

“Hey, Ella!”

Ella turned towards the voice. It was Chun. He was waving at her with a piece of wite paper in his hands. Ella gestured him to come to her locker. Chun jogged towards Ella.

“Ella, I received a letter…”

“Yeah, we know. We also received it.”

“I wonder who this ‘your friend’ is…” Chun started thinking pensively. “Maybe… It’s Jiro…”

“But, it might be Arron too…” Hebe said.

“Hebe!” … Now, it’s Angela.

“I received this…”

“Yeah, we know. We received it too…”

“Maybe it’s from…”

“Hey, guys!” …Calvin.

“Don’t tell me you received the letter too…”… Hebe.

“Erm…Well…Well… Yes…I received it…” Calvin replied, anxiously.

“Calvin, what’s up with you?” Chun asked.

“Nothing. I got to go now. Oh yes, don’t be late for it, guys…” Calvin smirked at them and left the place.

“It?”

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Five)

2008-12-26T12:39:00.000+08:00

Selina walked up to Jiro’s desk.

“Jiro, tell me the truth. Is it true about what Arron had said just now?” Selina asked him, a little feared of what he might answer.

“No…Selina…I can explain…I…I…” Jiro hesitated. He was thinking pensively about the saddening words that Arron said to him. Perhaps, he wasn’t even paying attention to Selina. His nervousness and unconvincing words made Selina assume that Jiro was guilty.

“Jiro, how could you do that to me? I thought I could trust you for the rest of my life. But, you proved it wrong. How could you let me down like that?” Selina exclaimed. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and her eyes were sore.

The truth is, she wasn’t crying for the fact that Jiro has betrayed her. But, she cried for the fact that she sacrificed a lot for him. Especially, Arron. She has liked Arron since the beginning but she knew that Arron would never take her as a girlfriend. Selina didn’t intend to give up Arron. However, she realized that Jiro liked her and he might be the one who can make her happy. But, she just couldn’t deem that Jiro will be disloyal to her.

“Selina…”

First, Arron. Now, Selina. He quickly ran out of the room, unbearably.

Yes, Jiro does believe that he wasn’t guilty. But, he just couldn’t take it if any other people, especially his classmates, criticize about him right in front of him. Of course, Jiro could convince them that he wasn’t culpable. Expect, that moment he didn’t have the guts to do that.

Selina walked out of the room, disappointed.

“What just happened? Hebe, do you know anything?” Calvin asked Hebe, assuming at Arron and Hebe are back together.

Hebe just stared at Calvin, speechless. She evidently heard what Jiro whispered to Arron as she was sitting behind of Jiro. And, she somewhat understood the reason for Arron’s reaction. But, she believed that it wasn’t Jiro’s fault either. Besides, she had the feeling that Jiro was innocent. Hebe pitied Jiro. And so, she decided to talk to him about it to clear things up for him.

Hebe stood up and walked out of the classroom, without replying a single word to Calvin.

Calvin, on the other hand, thought that Hebe wouldn't talk to him because of the incident happened a few weeks ago. He stared at Angela and Angela stared at Wu Chun and Ella, hoping that they knew something.

--------------------
After a long search, Hebe managed to find Jiro at the field. He was sitting down on the grass and staring at the clear, blue sky.

“Jiro, are you ok?” Hebe asked, sounding a little worried. She crouched down beside him. Jiro’s eyes welled up with tears. He was crying, to be clear.

“Oh, Hebe. What are you doing here?” Jiro quickly wiped his tears before Hebe sees him crying.

“Come on, Jiro. Tell me. Are you ok?” Hebe asked Jiro again as gentle as possible. She sort of understands Jiro’s feelings. It was rather shocking for Jiro when Arron spoke to him in that way, especially when Arron’s the only one he has other that Selina.

“I’m ok, Hebe…” Jiro replied, cheerless.

“Are you sure? You don’t sound ok…You know, you can tell me anything you have in mind now. I don’t mind.”

“No, Hebe. I’m ok...”

“Jiro, I know that you’re not guilty. Arron acted that way just because he was depressed…”

“Depressed over what?” Jiro questioned Hebe, hoping for a reasonable answer but Hebe just kept quiet.

Jiro stared at Hebe and in a flash, he knew why.

“But… why… why was he involving…some girl… in the matter…? I didn’t even do any wrong. I only loved Selina and I will always love her with all my heart. Arron knew that. So, why did he say such things about me? Why? Why?...”

Hebe grasped his hand. “Jiro, stop stressing yourself. I believe you, ok? I know that you wouldn’t do such thing. Well, I had the feeling that you won’t. As I said, Arron’s depressed. It’s better to not to disturb him for a while…”

“Is it because of you?” Jiro asked her straight forwardly. Hebe looked at him, surprised. Jiro, himself was surprised too, because he had no idea why he had asked her such question.

Both of them stared at each other, speechless. After a long pause…

“You know what? Let’s just head back to class before teacher enters…” … Jiro.

“Ya, we better go…”

--------------
Arron splashed some water on his face. He breathed heavily while looking at himself through the boy’s toilet mirror.

He seriously couldn’t take it anymore. Hebe. Hebe. Hebe. That’s all he could think of. He couldn’t get her name out of his mind.

He kicked wastepaper basket on the tiled floor and fisted the mirror aggressively.
‘Why?! Why am I like this?! I yelled at my best friend like a moron and insulted my best friend in front of the whole class just now. Why did I behave like that?! Is it because of Hebe? Is it because of her rejection? Oh, I DON’T KNOW!’ He thought while clenching his teeth, feeling angry towards himself.

He needed to solve this matter once and for all. But what could he do? He didn’t want to lose Hebe, the girl of his life. His destiny. But, it was all over. However, He couldn’t just forget about her as he loves her. Now, he’s in a situation which he most probably loses his best friend, Jiro who had always looked out for him every time.

There’s only one thing to do. He needs to apologize to Jiro and tell the whole class about what he said wasn’t true, even though the whole thing might be true. But, he trusts that his best friend wouldn’t do such thing. Jiro is ‘Jiro’ after all.

Arron walked out of the boy’s toilet.

“Arron?” …Selina. “Arron, Did Jiro really…”

“I’m sorry, Selina. I can’t talk right now.” Arron said abruptly and quickly walked to his classroom.

Selina heaved a sigh. She needed to know the ‘real’ truth from Arron.

Selina followed Arron to the classroom.

--------------
“Eh Chun, Ella, What’s up with those four?” Calvin asked nervously, hoping that those two will answer him. Besides, he wasn't even sure whether he's right about asking them because they haven't forgive him about the whole Angela-got-beaten-up thing.

“Err… We also don’t know what happened… But, Arron. Arron recently broke up with Hebe.” Chun replied.

"Yeah..."... Calvin.

“WHAT?! But how?! Why?! How come I didn't know that?” ...Angela.

"Err... You were in the hospital. So, we didn't get to tell you..."

"CALVIN, YOU KNEW… AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME?!"

Calvin thought he better shut up. If Chun and Ella know about him with Angela in the hospital, it'll be the end of the world.

Wu Chun and Ella were already puzzled. ‘Why would Calvin want to tell Angela about Arron and Hebe? Do they have any relationship together? Angela doesn’t seem to be angry with Calvin about what happened to her. That might be because Angela likes him. But, Calvin never liked Angela. He only likes Hebe. So, it’s impossible for them to be together. But… But it certainly looks like there’s something going on between Calvin and Angela… Oh well, if Angela isn't angry with Calvin about the whole incident, so we don't have a reason to be, right?...’

After a long silence, "Yeah...ok... About Arron. He had tried many things to get Hebe back. But, he didn't succeed. But, he ain't gonna give up on Hebe and he'll keep on trying to get her back, that's for sure..." Ella quickly made a move.
“Never mind about that. Calvin... where have YOU been for the last two weeks? Had you put up a disappearing act or something?” Chun asked suspiciously.

Calvin looked at Angela. After a long silence… “Erm… I was… I was… sick… Yeah, I was sick. That’s it. Sick.” Calvin replied anxiously.

‘Why isn’t Calvin telling the truth to Chun and Ella?’ Angela thought, confused. ‘But he does look like he’s up to something. Well, I guess I should ask him privately.’ Somewhat, she felt disappointed of Calvin.

“Oh, really?” Ella raised her right eyebrow and smirked at Calvin. Her eyes scanned Calvin, then Angela and then Calvin again.

“Ella…Err…Why are you staring at me like that?” Calvin replied, once again feeling anxious.

“Oh, nothing…” Ella muttered.

“Ok… Hey! There’s Jiro and Hebe.” Calvin said, when he spotted Jiro and Hebe entering the classroom.

“And there’s Arron…” …Chun.

“And Selina.” …Ella.

“Hey, wait. What are Jiro and Hebe doing?”

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Four)

2008-12-26T12:37:00.000+08:00

Arron walked along the pavement leading to Hebe’s front gate. It was all over. His eyes were shed with tears and he sobbed silently. Arron knew that he loved Hebe sincerely and there’s no chance for him to live without her. Why didn’t Hebe forgive him? Why can’t they be together as before?

Despite that, Arron realized that he too, had made a mistake. He shouldn’t have been with Rainie. He’s a guy and someone who has his own rights to say ‘no’ to her. So what if Rainie threatened him? That doesn’t mean that he can’t defend himself from her. It was indeed that Hebe wasn’t the one who made the mistake of not wanting Arron anymore. It was Arron who made her do that. Arron regretted his mistake.

Depression and uncertainty of what to do. Arron stepped out of the front gate. He turned around and glimpsed at the house. There was Hebe, standing in the balcony, with tears flowing down her cheeks continuously. It was certain, that was the last meeting for the both of them.
Arron was going to miss her. Her smile, her kiss and her embrace. With the sadness stabbing his heart, Arron turned back and made his way to the orphanage.

--------------------
He walked down the street and spotted a flower shop along the way. Somehow, something from the shop caught his attention. It was the bouquet behind the glass window of the shop. It seemed familiar to his eyes. Arron gave it a thought and remembered that it was the replica of the bouquet which he planned to give Hebe hand to hand as an apology gift.

‘It must be in her room. I remember that I put it on her bed. I really hope that a miracle would happen when she sees it,’ Arron thought.

Arron intended to enter the shop to buy the bouquet as a memory of Hebe. He headed towards the entrance door but hesitated half way. Apparently, he saw Jiro at the cashier counter, inside the shop. He narrowed his eyes to the cashier counter to confirm Jiro’s presence there.

“What is he doing here?” Arron whispered to himself.

In front of him was a girl who was in fact the owner of the shop. Arron was able to see her name tag and the name ‘Genie’ was written on it. Jiro smiled at her and wrote something on a piece of paper. It was unusual for Arron to see Jiro smiling at that girl because he never smiles to any other girl expect for Selina.
Jiro took out a bouquet of flowers from a plastic bag WHICH Arron supposed he saw before.

-Arron’s Flashback-

Jiro: Here you go. ( Jiro passed the bird cages to Arron)

Arron: Oh my god! What took you so long? And where did to get those?

Jiro: From a friend of mine.

Arron: Oh. What’s that bouquet of flower for?

Jiro: For you to give Hebe la.

Arron: Oh. What’s in that plastic bag?

Jiro: Nothing.

Arron: Oh, really? (Arron raised his left eyebrow)

Jiro: Really. Believe me.

Arron: Well, let me see what’s in it. (Arron reached out to grab the plastic bag)

Jiro: No, you can’t. (Jiro hid the plastic bag behind him)

Arron: Come on la. Let me see.

Jiro: No.

Arron: Why? If there’s nothing inside, why can’t I see it?

Jiro: Erm… That’s because…err…

-End of Flashback-

‘So, that bouquet was inside the plastic bag all this while. Why is he giving it to that girl?’

There was a small note written on the card attached to the bouquet. The word ‘With Love’ was very big and clear for Arron to see. Jiro also gave her a necklace too with a heart-shaped locket, which was the most shocking thing to Arron.

Arron suspected that something was going on between Jiro and that girl, Genie. Jiro didn’t mention a single word about her to Arron.

‘Could it be that Jiro is having a secret girlfriend or something? But, Jiro had only liked Selina till now. It isn’t possible that he doesn’t like her anymore, right? And that would be that Jiro’s betraying her, right? No! Jiro is not that type of a guy... Oh, just forget it!’

Arron couldn’t think anymore. After the incident, he didn’t even have to mood to care about anything, even though it was his best friend there, hanging out with another girl.

++++++++++++++++++++
It was another depressing day. Well, for Arron. The teacher gave some exercises for the students in class while he’s out. Unusually, the students behaved strangely by being quite in class. I mean, you can hear the pin drop from the teacher’s table loud and clear.

“Arron! What happened between you and Hebe yesterday?” Jiro whispered. He never got a chance to ask Arron at the orphanage because when he got back yesterday, he saw Arron sleeping already even though he it was only 8.00 pm.

Arron ignored Jiro and continued doing his exercise.

“Come on, Arron! Say!” Jiro whispered even louder than before.

Ignorance, again. But, Arron was beginning to heat up.

“Arron...Say la…Arr…”

Abruptly, Arron punched the table and stood up angrily, breaking the silence.

“JIRO! CAN YOU JUST SHUT UP AND STOP IRRITATING ME! WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?! FIRST, I SAW YOU MAKING OUT WITH ANOTHER GIRL! NOW WHAT?!”

Jiro’s eyes widened in horror and stood up.

“Arron…What are you saying?”

“Oh, just SHUT-UP!”

“Arron…”

Arron pushed his chair and table away and walked out of the classroom. Jiro was left standing there and the whole class stared at him. Rumours about Jiro were spreading around the class. Jiro sat down quietly, ignoring the gossipings of his classmates. He just couldn’t believe of what Arron had scolded him a few moments ago. And the worst thing was that Selina heard it all.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Three)

2008-12-26T12:36:00.000+08:00

He leaned closer to her. His eyelids closed slowly as he got closer to her. And he felt a hard slap on his face. He opened his eyes wide and stared at her.

In return, she looked fiercely at him. She was angry, absolutely angry. Not because he tried to kiss her, but because he wanted to before he redeemed himself from his mistake. She couldn’t forgive and forget. It was a case of remembering and being heart broken forever, even when bodies rot and decay. Even if time stands still or when it is the end of the world, she would never forget him or the mistake. She loved him for who he was but at the same time she hated him for the same reason.

She could feel safe and secured when he was around in the past. But now, she felt an extra feeling, unfaithful. She just could not get the scene out of her head when he kissed Rainie. She wanted him out of her life now. Se couldn’t stand being with a person who had been unfaithful to her.

“What are you trying to do?” she asked, although she knew the reason.

“I..I want to have you back. I’d do anything. Anything. Just tell me what to do, I’ll do it,” Arron looked at her seriously.

“Get lost from my life. It’s already messed up and does not need you to worsen it,” Hebe said, angrily.

“Hebe, please. Let us start afresh. Lets forget all that happened ad be together again,” Arron looked at her hopefully.

Hebe couldn’t say a word. She loved the way he said things and moved. She loved his eyes, his shining eyes which now had lost its shine and spark. She loved his company and loved the way he spoke to her in a gentle way. She loved the way he would hug her and give her a sense of security. And most importantly, she loved him.

At that moment, her body did not budge. Her head was practically screaming at her to run away, to not bother him anymore. But her heart merely whispered to her to hug him, to want him back. She wanted to follow her heart, but her head kept having flashbacks of him and Rainie. She just couldn’t get herself to do what her heart desires. She was heart broken.

Her eyes felt heavy. She didn’t know what to do. She was simply rooted to the spot and couldn’t bear to look him in the eye. She looked at the floor with tears threatening to flow out if she dared to blink. But she could no longer hold it back. Without even blinking, they flowed down her face, drop by drop.

Arron had been looking at her the whole time. He too didn’t know what to do and he didn’t seem to be able to fathom her thoughts. When he saw her cry, he couldn’t think. He looked at her as tears also welled up in his eyes. He had loved her so. He wanted her to be happy. But he wanted her by his side too. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her towards him to hug her.

Hebe felt herself being pulled towards Arron. But she wasn’t able to gather the strength to pull herself away. She had forgotten how it was to be hugged by someone, especially when that someone was Arron. She had forgotten how warm his hug was. How safe and secured she used to feel when she was in his arms. Now, she couldn’t hold herself back. She missed the smell of his hair and clothes. She missed the way he emitted warmth. She missed everything about him. She missed him.

But instantly, images of him and Rainie being together appeared. Him and Rainie holding hands. Him and Rainie hugging. And... him and Rainie kissing.

She immediately pushed him away. Indeed she wanted to be with him and forget all that happened. But her head did not let her. It seemed to be whispering to her not to let go of those memories, not to be with him, not to free herself from the flashbacks and sad memories.

“Let me go,” Hebe said, her voice slightly shivering.

“Hebe, please. Give me another chance. I’ll do anything for you, Hebe. Just give me a chance,” Arron sounded miserable.

“I’ve given you one chance too many. It wasn’t me who didn’t give you chances. It was yourself who didn’t realize them and let go. So how do you deem you are fit to get another chance?”

“Hebe, I know I was wrong. I could never forgive myself for hurting you. I’m really sorry.”

Without saying a single word, Hebe turned away and started walking off when Arron grabbed her left hand. She stopped in her tracks but didn’t turn around. She couldn’t face him. She was afraid if she looked at him, even at one glance, she wouldn’t be able to walk away.

“Hebe, I really am sorry for what I did. I never meant to hurt you. I’ve always loved you. Always. And I will never stop loving you. Not now, not in the future, not forever.”

Hebe did not utter a single word. She did not trust herself to speak. She was afraid to say the wrong thing. She debated in her mind. Whether or not she should forgive him. Her mind was in a whirl. Her once strong unbending ice wall decision of not forgiving Arron now seemed to have melted from his words.

Suddenly, she heard a thud behind her. She turned a little to look. She gasped.

Arron had went on his knees to beg her. To hope she would forgive him and love him as she once had. Tears rolled from his eyes which were now red and sad.

“Hebe, would you forgive me?”

She saw his eyes pleading with every ounce of energy he had left. She couldn’t bear to say no. But she had to stand firm in her decision. She replaced the picture in her mind of him at that moment with him and Rainie. It was the only reason she knew would help her to not give him a chance.

She braced herself with a deep breath and shook his hand off hers. With tears still streaming down her face, she walked out of the room, not once bothering the urge to look back at him.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty Two)

2008-12-26T12:35:00.000+08:00

Then, the door opened.

Hebe walked in cautiously. She seemed to sense something amiss. Somehow, her room wasn’t really akin to what she expected it to be.

At another corner of the room, Arron let go of the birds without waiting any longer.
Arron thought that any moment then, Hebe will be running towards him and embrace him tightly with a big smile on her face. Arron was certain that Hebe will love him back and both of them would be together as they were before. But…things didn’t go as well as he planned.

Now, Hebe was staring at Arron angrily. Feathers were stuck in her hair and her sleeves were ripped off badly. What’s worse that there was thick, white liquid dripping down her forehead continuously and it certainly smelled bad!

Arron looked down disappointedly.

It all happened in a flash. The birds flew towards Hebe and unexpectedly crashed on her. They started struggling as they were wedged on Hebe’s hair. Hebe was also having a hard time getting them of her wonderful hair. The birds end up messing up her hair and ripping off her sleeves.

It was a nightmare for Hebe. She despises anyone who messes up her hair. Unfortunately, Arron was responsible for all the trouble.

“Arron Yan Ya Lun! What were you thinking?!” Hebe’s blood boiled. Her eyes blazed in anger and hatred.

“Hebe….I…I can explain…”

“I don’t wanna hear your stupid explanation! Just get out of here!” Hebe replied angrily.

“But, Hebe…Listen to me…I’m…I’m sorry…Please accept me…” Arron grabbed Hebe’s hand.

“Shut up and let go! You have no right to touch me! Besides, you have no right to even be here! First, you broke my heart! Now what?! Are you trying to kill me?! Just leave me alone!” Hebe’s eyes were shed with tears. She pushed off Arron’s hand and walked towards her bedroom’s door. But, Arron managed to grab hold of her arm and pushed her against the wall.

“Let me go! Let me go!” Hebe struggled to get free but Arron was holding on her very tightly.

“No, Hebe, I won’t. Just listen to me! It’s not my fault…I didn’t mean to break your heart.” Arron tried to convince Hebe but she ignored him.

“I don’t want to listen to whatever crap you’re saying! Aren’t you satisfied after breaking my heart?! What do you want more?! Why are you doing all this to me?! I thought you were a good guy but now…you yourself proved it wrong! Let me go!”

“Hebe, I love you. I do…Please…Please accept my apology…” Once again, Hebe ignored of what he was saying. Arron didn’t give up though. He leaned closer to her…

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty One)

2008-12-26T12:33:00.001+08:00

Arron stood near the window and gazed at the nature surrounding the orphanage. He was quite nervous, wondering whether the plan would work. After he heard what Hebe had to say to him, he totally lost faith in love. But, he still refused to give up. This plan might be the only chance to get back together with Hebe, so as he thought. Arron took a deep breath.

Jiro entered the room with three cages of lovebirds; Six lovebirds in each cage. He was also holding a bouquet of flowers and a plastic bag containing something.

Jiro: Here you go. (passed the bird cages to Arron)

Arron: Oh my god! What took you so long? And where did to get those?

Jiro: From a friend of mine.

Arron: Oh. What’s that bouquet of flower for?

Jiro: For you to give Hebe la.

Arron: Oh. What’s in that plastic bag?

Jiro: Nothing.

Arron: Oh, really? (raised his left eyebrow)

Jiro: Really. Believe me.

Arron: Well, let me see what’s in it. (reached out to grab the plastic bag)

Jiro: No, you can’t. (hid the plastic bag behind him)

Arron: Come on la. Let me see.

Jiro: No.

Arron: Why? If there’s nothing inside, why can’t I see it?

Jiro: Erm… That’s because…err…

Arron was sure that something was up with Jiro. If there’s nothing, Jiro won’t get that nervous that all. Arron intended to ask him again. If Jiro doesn’t want to tell him the truth, he considered to find out the truth himself. But first, he has to solve his problem.

Arron: Ok. Jiro. Forget it. Now, help me bring those cages to Hebe’s house. I’ll be there in a moment.

Jiro: What? You expect me to carry all these and walk to Hebe’s house ah? Now, I’m like half roasted after a long walk here. By the time I reach there, I’ll be burnt. It’s a very hot day. You cannot help meh?

Arron: Erm…I got something to do. Please…Jiro…Please…I beg you…Please…

Jiro: Ok, ok. But you owe me a very big favour.

Arron: Alright.

Jiro left Arron alone in the room. Arron remained standing, wondering what was in the plastic bag.

Was he supposed to take it? Or... or did someone give it to him? Otherwise, why would he be so secretive? That must be it. Someone gave it to him. But who?
Wait, if he is keeping it, then, isn’t he cheating on Selina? Oh no. That can’t be. Selina is such a good girl and Jiro, of all people, is cheating on her.
He’s got to tell her. But, hang on, wasn’t he supposed to do something? Oh yeah, Hebe. How could he forget.

Ok. Jiro had said at twelve o’clock, Selina would ask Hebe out for lunch and it was at that time, Jiro would help him to do the decorations and all the other preparations. Now what was the time? Half-past eleven. Good. He had half an hour to reach her place and get everything going.

(Outside Hebe’s house)

Was she out yet? It was already half-past twelve and still Selina and Hebe have not come out of the house yet. And even worse, Jiro was not there.
Suddenly, he saw a figure coming towards him. Who was it? A bodyguard? He’ll hit him out if he must. But it was no bodyguard but just Jiro, walking a slow walk.

“Can you like get down here quickly? What if Hebe sees us?”

“Ok. Ok. Chill.”

“How can I, when you’re going to make us blow our cover?”

Jiro was about to reply when Arron hushed him up. He had noticed Selina and Hebe leaving in a black car. This was the chance, Arron thought, the chance to get back with Hebe again. All of a sudden, he felt himself being pulled up by Jiro. “Let’s go. The coast is clear. First, we get the things out of the bushes.”

They quickly brought out everything and went up to Hebe’s room. Arron knew which it was as he was there before. The moment they were in it, they started and worked like never before. Arron wanted to make the surprise unforgettable and lovely. So, he did up the balloons on the ceiling while Jiro blew the balloons and positioned the bird cages at the door. So that the exact moment Hebe entered the birds would be let free and Hebe will fall in love with Arron again.

These thoughts kept Arron up with the work. Just thinking about Hebe gave him energy to do anything especially this. So he worked on. After an hour, Jiro was exhausted from blowing up balloons and folding paper cranes. But Arron was not. He went on and on until he heard a car purring into the drive.

She’s here, he thought. He had to make sure the surprise was not a failure. Jiro immediately scrambled away from the room. He went out of the door and went to a different direction in case Hebe saw him. Arron waited patiently in the room. Any minute now, he kept thinking, Hebe will fall in love with him again.

Then, the door opened.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirty)

2008-12-26T12:31:00.000+08:00

Arron walked to the orphanage from Hebe’s house. He felt extremely sad that he was rejected. He never knew he had loved her so much. So much that he felt his life was empty, meaningless because he couldn’t have her back. His heart hurt so much, he felt like dying. He reached the orphanage. He entered it and into his room where Jiro was waiting impatiently for him.

The moment the door opened, Jiro sprang at him with questions. “How was it? Did she accept you? What did she say? What...” Then he stopped asking abruptly. It was a moment of silence. Jiro looked at Arron’s dejected face. He didn’t know what to say. From the look of Arron’s face, Jiro got the feeling that Hebe rejected him again. Arron didn’t look at Jiro in the eye but just said, “I’m tired. I want to sleep.”

Jiro merely nodded and Arron went to bed without undressing.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(The nest day at Wu Chun’s room)

Ella awoke. She looked around her surroundings which was unfamiliar to her. While she admired the beauty of the room, someone popped into her view.

“BOO!!”

“Aaahhhh!! Wu Chun! What are you doing here?”

“This is my room la dong dong.”

“Your room?”

Wu Chun nodded. Ella was surprised to be in his room. So she asked how did she get there.

“Oh, you forgot? I found you in a park. You ran after Hebe remember? I called out to you but you were terrified of me. When I hugged you, you screamed out loud. You got me worried for a moment there. You fell asleep in the car. So I brought you here.”

“You didn’t do anything to me did you?”

“Well...”

“WHAT DID YOU DO?!”

“Er.. NOTHING. I was just pulling your leg. Anyway, you’re better now. Come on, lets skip school today.”

“Huh? Erm.. ok.”

Wu Chun smiled warmly at her and hugged her tightly. Ella hugged him back. Although she like the feeling she was getting, she doesn’t seem to be able to get rid of another feeling that was in her heart, insecurity.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(At school)

Selina was very worried about Hebe. Throughout the whole lesson, Hebe didn’t seem to pay attention and looked like she was going to break down any moment. Hebe had never been like that before. Selina just didn’t know what to do. So she confided in the next person who she trusted, Jiro.

Selina: Jiro, we need to help get Hebe and Arron back again. But.. but I don’t know what to do.

Jiro: Oh, so you came to your smarty pants boyfriend. How smart of you.

Selina: No, I came to you because Ella is not in school. I think she and Wu Chun went out together.

Jiro: Aww.. so you think I’m dum dum? (pouting)

Selina: No I don’t. but I sure trust you. (smile)

Jiro: Ok. (brighten up) So you want me to think of an idea for Arron and Hebe to get back together? Ok. Let the smarty pants put his head to thinking mode.

Silence.

Jiro: I KNOW!

Selina: You got an idea? Great! What is it?

Jiro: (whispered to Selina)

Selina: ...........

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(At the orphanage after school)

Jiro: Arron.

Arron: What?

Arron was lying on his bed, thinking. Why did Hebe reject him? Was he really that bad? Did he really treat her well enough? Then Jiro interrupted his thoughts.

Jiro: Tell me. Do you really love Hebe?

Arron: Isn’t it obvious?

Jiro: Nope. Not obvious enough.

Arron: Well, I do.

Jiro: Ok. How many times have you told her you love her?

Arron: erm.. one?

Jiro: Only? Arron, you’re such a loser at love.

Arron: What? Well, how many times do you tell Selina?

Jiro: Everyday.

Arron: ..........

Jiro: Ok. Nevermind. I shall continue. I have got just the idea for you to get back with Hebe.

Arron: What? (getting interested)

Jiro: Its like this. Remember last time we talk about what animals we liked? Well Hebe said she liked birds right?

Arron: (nodded)

Jiro: Ok. So, all you have to do is get many birds, creep into her room to put them there. Then when she enters the room, let go of the birds. The birds will fly at her and she’ll feel like she is free. When the birds are gone and she look at you, all you have to do is say ‘I love you’ and hug her.

Arron: Wow.. You can actually get that kind of idea?

Jiro: Of course. I’m a smarty pants.

Arron: ........

Then they started planning when to do it.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(At Wu Chun’s home)

Ella was in her thoughts once more. She kept feeling insecurity and that Wu Chun was getting further and further away from her. Wu Chun on the other hand, was wondering what Ella was thinking. She had seemed very distant of him since she ran after Hebe in the rain.

Wu Chun: Ella, what’s wrong?

Ella: Huh? Er.. nothing.

Wu Chun: Tell me. Come on. You know you can trust me.

Ella: I.. I.. I don’t know how to say it.

Wu Chun: Try. (smile warmly)

Ella: Well, I keep thinking that I don’t feel enough security from you. I’m afraid we might end up like Hebe and Arron. I just don’t know what to do.

Wu Chun: Ella... I don’t know what to say.

Ella: I know. I know you’re disappointed in me for having this kind of thoughts. But I just can’t help it after seeing Hebe so sad. (start crying)

Wu Chun hugged Ella tightly. “I’ll never leave you, Ella. Never.”

She looked at him. “Really?”

“Really.”

And she hugged him back. This time all feelings of uncertainties were all gone. She now felt safe and wished that moment would last forever.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Nine)

2008-12-26T12:29:00.001+08:00

Calvin smiled as he walked on, thinking how cute Angela was when she laughed and joked. Suddenly, he saw someone coming. It was Arron, who had a confident look on his face. But he was looking at the ground so he did not notice Calvin. Then, they bumped into each other. Calvin purposely said harshly, “Watch where you’re going’, yeh little twit!”

“Sorry, sir. So sorry,” Arron quickly apologized.

Calvin: Arron! Its me, Calvin. Can’t you recognize my voice?

Arron: Calvin? Oh Calvin.

Calvin: Now you know.

Arron: Oh, sorry anyway. Erm.. I have something to ask you.

Calvin: What is it?

Arron: You like Hebe don’t you?

Calvin: Er.. Yeah. (he had to say that in order to keep his relationship with Angela secret until he announced it to everyone)

Arron: Oh.. Well, I’m going to try and win her back. You won’t mind, would you? (feeling stupid for talking like that to his rival)

Calvin: Huh? Erm.. no. Of course not.

Arron: Are you sure? ‘Cause the last time I was with her, you tried to, so called, kill me.

Calvin: Er.. hehe.. My bad. Sorry.

Arron: But I somehow get the feeling that you like someone else.

Calvin: (feeling nervous) Why do you think that?

Arron: Because although I said I was going to win Hebe back. You didn’t seem to bother. If you still liked her, you would at least say something different.

Calvin: Oh.. er.. Really?

Arron: (smiling) Come on, spill. Who is it?

Calvin: No one!

Arron: Don’t lie. I’m sure you don’t love Hebe anymore. So tell. Or I’ll the whole world you walked down the street naked today.

Calvin: Hey!

Arron: So?

Calvin: Fine. I’m only telling this for the sake of my reputation. So don’t think I’m doing this for you.

Arron: Whatever. Just spill.

Calvin: (take a deep breath) Angela.

Arron: What?!

Arron stared at Calvin as if he was insane. He had never thought that he, Calvin, known as the playboy of the school, would actually fall in love with a studious girl, whom, in returned, loved him too. It was just too unbelievable. Calvin looked at Arron and made a gesture. “Arron?”

Arron: Oh my God! Hebe will be over the moon! She...

Arron stopped. He was certainly happy for Calvin and Angela. But he had forgotten that he had broken up with Hebe. He longed for her even more now. It was silent for a moment. Then, Calvin broke the silence. “I know what happened between you and Hebe is all my fault. But I do have to say this to you. Go for it. Make Hebe love again as she had always done so.”

Arron smiled at Calvin. Someway or another, he knew Calvin was right. He should go for it and win Hebe back. He nodded his head and replied that he was going to her house now. They both bade goodbye and went their separate ways.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(minutes later)

(in front of Hebe’s house)

Arron again stood in awe of Hebe’s house as he had done the first time he saw it. He stared at it for quite a long time when suddenly someone tapped him on the shoulder. He quickly looked in front and a woman was standing there. “May I help you, mister?”

“Oh, er.. I’m looking or Hebe Tian. Is she in?”

“I’ll find out for you. Do you mind waiting for a moment?”

“Not at all.”

“Oh, mister, may I know what is your name?”

“Tell Hebe I am Arron Yan.”

The woman bowed and turned around before walking into the humungous house.

Arron continued staring at the house. He couldn’t seem to understand why he was looking so intently at a certain room window. Suddenly, he saw the curtain move a little. He blinked. He looked again but it didn’t move. He continued waiting when at last the woman appeared. “Mister, please follow me.” And he did. She brought him to the living room but he saw no one. She told him to wait. And he was wondering how many times did he have to wait. Then, Hebe appeared. She walked to him, looked at him and sat down on a sofa.

“What do you want?” She said, coldly.

Arron: I want to say sorry for what I did.

Hebe: What did you do?

Arron: Huh? I mean, I’m sorry that I hurt you. Sincerely.

Hebe: Sincerity doesn’t seem to be in your dictionary.

Arron: Huh?

Hebe: You said you’re sorry. Explain then.

Arron: Well, I did you wrong and...

Hebe: And?

Arron: I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean anything I did.

Hebe: Oh really? Then why did you kiss Rainie? Don’t tell me you didn’t mean it either.

Arron: I..I..I really didn’t. She forced me to be with her.

Hebe: Under what circumstances?

Arron: She blackmailed me. She said she would tell everyone especially you that I got her pregnant. She...

Hebe: You got her pregnant? How dare you!

Arron: No, I didn’t. She just wanted me to be with her. And that was not the only reason. She said she’d ruin my whole reputation by saying many unthinkable things. And she also said she’d hurt you if I don’t follow what she asks me to do. Since I didn’t want you to get hurt, I just followed.

Silence.

Hebe: That’s it?

Arron: Erm.. no. Actually.. I also have another reason. Er.. Its because of that Angela’s incident. I didn’t want you to feel bad if I got hurt so... I... did what I did.

Hebe: Is that all?

Arron: Er.. yeah.

Hebe: I don’t care any more. So, you can leave now.

Hebe got up from her seat and walked off. Arron quickly ran up to her and pulled her hand. She stopped, not looking at him. She couldn’t because if she did, he could see in her eyes that she was lying that she didn’t care.

Arron: Why are you doing this? I said I’m sorry.

Hebe: Some things just can’t be forgiven and forgotten with the mere word, sorry. Let me go.

Hebe pulled away from him and ran up to her room. Hebe forced herself to lie to him. She still loved him. But she couldn’t accept the fact that after all he had done, he only tried to get her back by saying sorry. She just couldn’t forgive him. Not yet. Arron stood there, recollecting her words. Then he walked out. As he did, he felt a tear dropping from his eye.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Hebe’s room)

Hebe looked out the window, watching Arron walking away. She saw him wipe off something from his eye. She couldn’t help feeling sad but she could not forgive him just like that. After all he did to her, he expected her to forgive him that easily by just saying sorry. No, she won’t.

But despite what she was thinking and what she had said to Arron, she couldn’t help tears welling up in her eyes as they rolled down her smooth, gentle face.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Eight)

2008-12-26T12:27:00.001+08:00

“Ella.. Ella..”

She heard her name being called softly. She felt terrified. What if that was a kidnapper? Or a rapist? Or a murderer? Or...

“Ella.. Ella..”

She stopped her breathing and held her breath. She felt more and more afraid. What she needed now was Wu Chun’s warm hug. She felt so alone and insecure. The figure, she saw, was walking towards her.

“Ella.. Ella.”

The figure started walking towards her. She didn’t know what to do. She quickly got up and ran away from the scary figure. As she did, she turned just to se the figure running too. Her practically stopped as she tried to save herself. Then, she fell. Her clothes were now drenched and full of mud. Suddenly she felt arms around her.

She screamed.

“Ella, its me, Chun. Don’t scream. Calm down. Its just me.”

Ella stopped in surprise. She looked into the face. As she saw he face of her beloved, she gasped and hugged him tightly. Wu Chun embraced her back while carrying her up to stand. He had never seen her so terrified. He was worried about her. He carried her through the rain into his car. In the car, he covered her trembling body with his dry jacket. He then sat at the driver’s seat and started driving to his home.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(At the orphanage)

Jiro and Arron laid on their beds, staring at the wall in silence. Since they got back from the restaurant, they had not spoken to each other.

Arron felt that it was unfair of Jiro to have punched him on the face just now. It was not like he was in love with Hebe or anything. Or is he? No, he couldn’t have fallen in love with her. Jiro loved Selina not Hebe. Right? He wouldn’t fall in love with Hebe, right? He would stay faithful to Selina right? He loved Selina the best in the whole world right?

Arron had never felt insecure about Hebe and himself. He had always thought that they were inseparatible but the unexpected had happened. His heart felt heavy and he felt weary, weak, not knowing what to do. Arron secretly looked at Jiro but no expression was found on his face. As Jiro moved a little, Arron quickly look back up at the ceiling.

Jiro, on the other hand, was thinking mostly about himself and Arron. They had been friends for as long as he could remember but never have he encountered such a never-before-encountered situation. Now he didn’t know how to speak to him or ask him anything. It would look so awkward. Jiro had thought he knew Arron well inside and out but this incident made think otherwise. It made he feel that even if you think you know this person, it doesn’t mean he or she is known well enough by yourself.

Suddenly, he felt Arron’s eyes on him. Jiro moved a little. From the corner of his eyes, he spied Arron looking up at the ceiling as he had been doing. Without any apparent reason Jiro felt the urge to sit up. So he did. But as he did so, Arron did the exact same thing at the same time. They stared at each other as if communicating with their mind. Out of the blue, Jiro stood up, went over Arron and punched him in the face.

Arron just sat there, wide-eyed. He had not expected a straightforward punch like that. He turned to look at Jiro and stood up. “What d’you do that for?” Arron demanded, harshly.

Jiro: To wake you from your senses.

Arron: Oh, I can think very well if you can’t see that.

Jiro: I definitely can’t see that since you’re hurting the girl you love the most.

Arron: (silence)

Jiro: Nothing to say huh? That’s what I expected. You’re nothing but a loser who didn’t even think about whom you love. You..

Arron: I did think about her. It was because of her I did this.

Jiro: Well, I don’t believe that. You call a man dumping his girlfriend for another girl the reason why you love her?

Arron: Its because..

Jiro: Of what? You’re so unreasonable. You can’t even tell your best friend why you left her.

Arron: Its because of Calvin!

Jiro: Calvin?

Arron: Yeah. Its because he loves Hebe that I’m leaving her. I know she loves me. That’s why I left her. If I get hurt again by Calvin, Hebe would feel devastated and hate Calvin.

Jiro: Because of that?

Arron: Of course.

Jiro: Have you ever thought of Hebe’s feelings?

Arron: Huh?

Jiro: What would she feel if you just leave her without telling her a proper reason? You said you loved her but going by your actions, you don’t seem to.

Arron: I..I..

Jiro: Did Calvin ever say he loved Hebe? Maybe he didn’t really like her. Maybe it was just a crush. Maybe he’s in love with someone else now.

Arron: (silence)

Jiro: Did you even think of the consequences before acting out what you did?

Arron: I..

Jiro: DID YOU?

Arron: I..

Jiro: So what do you..

Arron: I’M SORRY!

Jiro: Sorry? That’s not enough. You should go kneel before Hebe and ask for her forgiveness after what you did to her.

Jiro and Arron looked at each other. Arron didn’t know what to say. He knew Jiro was right. Why didn’t he think of it before? Now he had made everything a mess and hurt the girl he loved. “Its too late.” He said.

Jiro: Its never too late. If you still love her, go and do what you’re supposed to.

Arron: Jiro?

Jiro: What?

Arron: (punched Jiro gently on the shoulder) Thanks.

Jiro: What for?

Arron: For being my friend and waking me up.

Jiro: (smiled) Now go and do everything you can to have Hebe again.

Arron nodded, smiled and ran out the door.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Calvin walked along the roadside. He had come out of the hospital to buy food for Angela. She said the hospital food did not suit her liking.

(flashback)

Angela pushed the food away.

Calvin: What’s wrong?

Angela: The food. Taste it. (Fed Calvin)

Calvin: Yuck! Is this how they treat their patients here? I’m going to find the director..

Angela: Hey, no need to get so worked up. Its just food.

Calvin: But they can’t treat my beloved applekins like this. It’ll ruin her.

Angela: (giggle) Stop calling me that. And don’t go and find the director or I’ll kill you.

Calvin: Oo.. I’m so scared. Haha..

Angela: Oi!

Calvin: Fine. I’ll go buy outside food then, ok?

Angela: Ok. Make sure you come back safely.

Calvin: No problem, my applekins. (walk out the door after giving her a peck on the forehead)

(end of flashback)

Calvin smiled as he walked on, thinking how cute Angela was when she laughed and joked. Suddenly, he saw someone coming. It was.......

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Seven)

2008-12-26T12:25:00.000+08:00

Arron walked in the restaurant. He didn’t seem to have noticed his friends there because he just walked on to a table for two and sat down. His friends looked at each other, exchanging glances. They wondered why was he there and who was he meeting. Arron continued sitting there. A waiter came to take his order. He said something and the waiter nodded before walking away. He looked around, looking bored. His friends got tired staring at him. Suddenly, he looked up, with a disappointed look. In came a girl with a flowing flowery dress. She smiled and sat in front of him. She started chatting long-windedly. But Arron just sat there with a bored expression. Jiro got up and walked towards him before anyone could stop him. His face wore a weird expression that looked like a mixture of many different feelings.

Jiro: Arron.

Arron: (look up) Jiro! What are you doing here? (realize his other friends were there also)

Jiro: Eat of course. What else. What about you? (turn to the girl)

Arron: Oh.. er.. eat.. er.. hehe..

Girl: Honey, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend? (batter her eyelids)

Arron: Huh? Oh.. this is Rainie. Er.. she is..

Rainie: His girlfriend. (smiling)

Arron: (suddenly saw Hebe and got a shock)

Jiro: Girlfriend?! Arron, how can you?

Wu Chun got up and walked to them.

Wu Chun: Yeah. How can you?

Jiro: Don’t you love Hebe anymore? Don’t you care about her feelings?

Arron: I..I..

Wu Chun: Disgraceful. A failure to the men race.

Jiro: I thought I knew you Arron, actually, I don’t.

Ella stood up. She turned to Hebe and pulled her towards everyone.

Ella: Arron, do you have anything to say for yourself?

Arron: I..I.. (not daring to face any of his friends)

Hebe shook her hand free from Ella’s clutch and ran off. Arron moved a little. He wanted badly to go after her but he couldn’t. Rainie continued smiling, not caring for anything. Ella went after Hebe. At the same time giving Arron a disappointed look. Jiro used both his hands to pull Arron’s collar, dragging him to stand up. Suddenly, Arron felt a punch across his face.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
His phone rang. He picked up the phone. Calvin was still with Angela in the hospital. He secretly went out to answer his phone while she took a shower.

Calvin: Yes? Do you have any information?

Speaker: Young master, after investigations, we found out that your brother is still alive.

Calvin: Are you sure? Where is he now?

Speaker: We are still investigating on that. I just thought I could inform you about him being alive.

Calvin: Okay, Keep me posted.

They hung up. Calvin went back into the ward, thinking hard.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hebe ran across the road. Ella followed. Rain started to fall but Hebe didn’t care. All she wanted was to get away, as far as possible, from Arron and the girl. She now hated herself. Hated herself for loving him so deeply. Until now, she still could not accept being dump by him. She still loved him so.

She continued running, till she reached a park where she fell and hurt herself. Ella quickly went to her to help her up. They were both wet. Rain was falling heavier than ever. Tears streamed down Hebe’s face. Ella didn’t know what to do. So she just hugged Hebe as Hebe hugged her back. Her feelings were getting more and more confusing and she didn’t know what to do.

They stayed in that position for a long time. Hebe just didn’t know what to do. She felt helpless and all she felt like doing was crying. Her heart was shattered into a million pieces. She would not have believed Arron would do such a thing unless she saw with her own eyes which she had. She now felt her heart would never mend from the hurt she was going through.

She had loved him from the bottom of her heart and still couldn’t accept what he had done to her. Hebe turned to Ella.

Hebe: Am I a failure at love?

Ella: Not at all. You’re just going through one of the difficulties in life. It happens to everyone.

Hebe: But it hasn’t happen to you or Selina.

Ella: (nothing to say)

Hebe: Why me?

Ella: Hebe, you never know. Arron might regret what he did and come back to you.
Hebe: Impossible. That girl is prettier than me. He should like her more than me since he’s with her now. He doesn’t love me anymore.

Ella: You know what Hebe, I somehow got the feeling that Arron’s being forced to have that relationship with that girl.

Hebe: Why?

Ella: Didn’t you realize his expression when she came? It looked so disappointing. Like he was actually hoping that she wouldn’t come.

Hebe: Really?

Ella: Positive. See, you still have a chance.

Hebe: No. I don’t want break their relationship. I would be seen as a third party if I did.

Ella: No you wouldn’t. She was the one who broke your relationship. She...

Hebe: Enough Ella. I don’t want to think about this anymore. I really want to be alone.

Hebe loosened her arms around Ella and stood up. She looked up into the sky with the rain pelting down onto her face. She smiled at Ella and walked away. Ella sat on the ground, watching Hebe fade away in the darkness. Ella sighed. She didn’t know what was happening to everyone. Why do people change? Why do feelings change? Suddenly she felt insecure about her relationship with Wu Chun. What if he also stopped loving her and left her? What would she do?

Ella tortured herself with these thoughts, thinking about all the possibilities of Wu Chun leaving her. She too loved him a lot and was afraid the same thing that happened to Hebe would happen to her. She looked into the darkness ahead and saw a figure.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Six)

2008-12-25T23:09:00.001+08:00

It had been a week since Arron broke up with Hebe . They haven’t talked to each other since that incident. Hebe tried to, but Arron just ignored her.

Calvin was still taking care of Angela. Calvin had thought of plan to get back his friends. He’ll be doing it after Angela is discharged from the hospital. He intended to tell the others about Angela and him.

(WEEKEND)

In the hospital…

Calvin woke up early in the morning and bought breakfast for Angela.

When he came back, Angela was still sleeping.

Calvin started planning for an apology party.

“Hmm…What can I do?” Calvin thought for a while. Finally, he got a hit on a perfect plan.

Calvin took out a paper out of the drawer and started writing something on it.

Angela woke up. She rubbed her eyes.

“What are you doing…Callybeans?”

“Erm…nothing.”

“Come on, just say…” Angela peeked on the paper.

“No! It’s a secret for now. You’ll find it out soon.” Calvin hid the paper behind his back.

“Ok…It better be good.”

“Don’t worry. It is…” Calvin said while smiling widely.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jiro, Selina, Wu Chun and Ella were chatting in a restaurant.

Jiro: Arron’s been acting weird.

Selina: Yeah. Remember at class? He suddenly just ran away for no reason.

Ella: Yeah. Something’s wrong with him. He doesn’t talk to us at all, including Hebe.

Wu Chun: Ya. Do you think we need to help him or something?

Selina: I don’t know. Jiro, any weird stuff happened in the orphanage?

Jiro: Like?

Wu Chun: Like he started crying for no reason la, stupid.

Selina: You want a beating, Chun?

Ella: Selina…I’m still here.

Selina: So? He can’t insult my guy like that.

Ella: I know. But I’m still here. You just could have asked me to kill him or something, right?

Wu Chun: Hey!

Selina: Good! Ella, tickle him where he’s ticklish.

Ella: No problem.

Wu Chun: Hey! Not fair! (Ella start tickling him on the ribs)

Jiro: Good. See your punishment? Next time, think before you act or speak. Or you’ll regret it. Haha.

Wu Chun: (whispered to himself) But I can get back at you when you’re alone. Muahahaha.

Selina: What did you say?

Wu Chun: Nevermind…Hahahaha... Oh my god! Ella, stop!

Ella: Fine. Remember next time, don’t be too smart and go bully other people’s boyfriend in front of me. Tickling you is very tiring.

Wu Chun: Hehe.

Jiro: Anyway, Where were we?

Selina: Arron. Did anything happen to him or something?

Jiro: Not that I could remember.

Ella: Nevermind. Hey, isn’t that Hebe? (squinted)

Hebe was eating lunch in the same restaurant.

The four of them walked towards her.

“Hi Hebe.” All four of them greeted Hebe.

“Hi guys…” Hebe replied.

“Do you know what’s wrong with Arron?” Selina asked Hebe.

“Erm…no. I…I…am not seeing him anymore.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Ella asked, confused.

“Arron and I broke up.”

“WHAT?” All four said at once.

“Yes. It’s true.”

“But how? Why?” Jiro asked.

“I don’t like him anymore.”

“WHAT?”

“Yes…I rather not talk about it.”

“Come on and say. We’re your friends, right?”

“Ya…but…”

“Hey, just say.” Jiro convinced Hebe.

Hebe sighed. She told the whole story to them.

***
“Arron, wait!”

“What do you want?” Arron said in a bored voice.

“Arron…what’s wrong with you? Why are you acting so strangely?” Hebe asked him curiously.

“It’s none of your business. Just get out of my way.”

“Arron…”

Arron ignored Hebe and walked towards a girl. He started chatting with her.
“What is he doing?” Hebe thought.

Out of the blue, Arron kissed that girl’s cheeks and hugged her.

Hebe could feel herself burning in anger.

“ARRON YAN YA LUN!”

***
“Oh my god! Arron did that?” Selina asked in shock.

“Yes…” Hebe said disappointedly.

“And here he comes…” Jiro said the moment he spotted Arron coming in through the restaurant’s main door.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Five)

2008-12-25T23:07:00.001+08:00

“Excuse me, guys!”

Hebe ran out of the classroom and went finding for Arron. She broke in every room in the school but still she cannot find him.

Hebe suddenly realized that she hasn’t check one particular room, which was the boys’ bathroom.

“Arron must be in there…”

Hebe waited for Arron, outside the boys’ bathroom. (I mean, she can’t just break in there. It’s a BOYS’ toilet and you can imagine OR you might know what is inside there)

Arron came out of the bathroom. He was about to walk to the classroom when Hebe stopped him.

“Arron, wait!”

“Hebe?”

Hebe noticed Arron’s face was pale.

“What happened to you?”

Arron tried to open his mouth to say the four heartbreaking words. But, he just couldn’t because he loves her so much.

Arron’s flashback

(Arron’s POV)

She’s so beautiful. So sweet. So...

(End of POV)

“Hey!” she tapped him on the shoulder. He was startled and went a step back. Almost losing his balance, he moved his body forward and fell towards her. They fell on the ground, him on top of her. Their lips almost met, only by a few millimeters but he stopped himself in time. Their eyes opened wide and Arron quickly got up, dusting his clothes. He blushed bright red and turned away to hide his face from her. On the other hand, Hebe was still lying flat on the ground. She bated her breath for so long though she didn’t know she could bate it for so long. She looked up at him as he turned away and suddenly realized she was still on the ground. She stood the right way up immediately and turned away too.

~~~~~~~~~~
Hebe hugged Arron. “You have me,” she said. “I liked you since you came to school. But I didn’t dare to tell you.”

Arron: (hugged her back) Me too. I have been in love with you all this while. But I didn’t have the courage to confess till now.

Hebe: (looked at Arron) Are you sure?

Arron: I love you. With all my heart. Are you willing to be my girlfriend? (blush)
Hebe: (wipe off her tears, then his) I am.

Arron kissed Hebe on the cheek. “You don’t mind me being an orphan?” he asked. “What do you think?” she replied. “Erm... No?” he said, blushing. “Smart boy, hehe,” she giggled.

~~~~~~~~~~
Calvin: .................................. Arron.

Arron: Me! Why?

Hebe: I know why. You’re jealous because Arron’s with me. Aren’t I right?

Calvin: (nodded)

Arron: But why? We’re friends. Even if you’re jealous, how can you do that?

Hebe: Do you realize, even if you did that to Arron, I would still be with him? No matter what happens, I’ll always be beside him. And no one can take me away from him......

~~~~~~~~~~
(Arron’s bad thought were back in his mind)

On the bed, Arron saw a sad picture. Of a girl, a harmless one, who was attacked, looked so forlorn, weak and frail. Her whole body full of injuries, bruises and cuts. She was too weak she needed to stay in bed and can’t move for any movement even slight would be too painful to bear.

End of Flashback

“And all this happened because of me…” Arron thought.

Tears rolled down his cheeks, again.

He tried to fight back his own feelings. He kept on reminding himself to break up with Hebe for his own good. (Personally, I think that breaking up with her is definitely NOT for Arron’s own good. What do you all think?)

At last, he managed to force himself to do such so.

Arron: Hebe…I want to…break up with you… (Arron’s tears dropped continuously)

Hebe was shocked to hear what Arron had to say.

“Arron? But why?” Hebe said softly, heartbroken.

Arron looked at Hebe for a while. Now, his tears dropped faster than ever.

Suddenly, he just ran away. He just couldn’t help to look at her. (I mean, he knew that Hebe will be heartbroken for sure. He will not bear to look at her in that condition because he loves her so much)

Apparently, Hebe also cried. (I'm also crying now. lol)

Hebe’s P.O.V

But why, Arron? Why? We’ve been together for so long. I can’t stop loving you and I know you won’t stop loving me too.

But, why do you have to do that to me?

I can’t simply forget you…Please come back…

End of P.O.V

All she hoped was for hoped that Arron to run back there and hug her while saying, “What I meant just now is not true. Please forgive me. I love you so much…”

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Four)

2008-12-25T23:04:00.001+08:00

Angela: Callybeans! Ya, that’s it! Cally…beans…Cally…beans…

Calvin: Hey, that name is not nice, ok? Call me with a wonderful name…like ‘sweetheart’ or ‘darling’ or…

Angela: Nu-uh. I’m gonna call you that for…like…ever! You can’t change my mind. Don’t even try.

Calvin: (sighed) Fine…You can call me that…

Angela: Ok, Callybeans!

Calvin: Anyway, let’s go to sleep. I’m tired.

Angela: Ok, Callybeans!

Calvin: Alright! That’s enough for one day, applekins.

Angela giggled.

She was so happy to be with Calvin.

Even though she was still weak and looked half-dead, she felt so full of life and energetic after talking to him. Especially, when Calvin kissed her. Let’s just say, that night was the happiest moment of her life!

Calvin kissed Angela’s cheeks as a goodnight kiss. Angela blush a little but Calvin didn’t realize that. Both of them went to sleep.

Calvin’s P.O.V

Wow…I feel so relaxed now. All this while, I had a burden in my heart. After all this confessing, I feel so tranquil and calm. This is a nice feeling I suppose.
I’m so happy to be with Angela. She’s so kind and good. I just can’t believe that I almost rejected her for Hebe. But the truth is that I actually loved her in the depth of my heart.

I just hope that everything goes well, especially between me and my friends. They all seemed angry with me after that incident. I really shouldn’t have done that. Now, they’re all disappointed of me. I suppose they don’t even bother to be my friends anymore.

No, I can’t let that happen. I must do something about it.

End of P.O.V

Calvin started planning what to do. His brain was too tired to think until he went fast asleep, just after the few seconds.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(THE NEXT DAY)

Jiro and Arron walked to their lockers.

Jiro: I just can’t believe that Calvin would do such thing. Can’t you?

Arron: I…don’t…either… (looked down sadly)

Arron’s P.O.V

Because of me, Calvin did all those things. He targeted me but Angela paid the price.
Oh! It’s my entire fault. I shouldn’t have fallen in love with Hebe in the first place. If I didn’t, nothing like this would have happened.

Why didn’t I guess that Calvin likes Hebe all this while?

What should I do now? Should I give up Hebe for Calvin? (sighed)

End of P.O.V

Jiro noticed Arron sighing.

Jiro: What’s wrong, Arron?

Arron: Erm…it’s nothing… (muttered softly)

Jiro: Doesn’t seem like that. Come on, just say.

Arron: Seriously, it nothing…

Suddenly, Hebe and Selina appeared.

Selina: Hi, guys.

Jiro: Hey.

Hebe clutched Arron’s arms and smiled at him. Arron looked at Hebe.

Suddenly, Arron pushed away Hebe’s hand. He then walked away to his classroom.

“What’s wrong with him? Did I do something wrong? He looked a bit stressed.” Hebe thought.

Selina: Hey Jiro, something is wrong with him. You know why?

Jiro: I don’t know. He doesn’t want to tell me.

Hebe: (sighed) I just hope he’s fine.

Selina and Jiro: Ya…

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arron sat on his place and started doing his homework. But the problem is that he couldn’t concentrate at all.

Arron’s P.O.V

Why did I ignore Hebe like that? Is it that I don’t love her anymore? No, that can’t be.

But when I looked at her just now, I keep on remembering about Calvin liking her and Angela getting hurt. Oh no! This can’t happen. I truly love Hebe and I just couldn’t give her up.

But, Calvin likes her. Who knows that he may plan another attack upon me and it affects on another person, again? I can’t let that happen.
What should I do now? Do I have any other choice than breaking up with Hebe? Oh god! Please help me!

End of P.O.V

Hebe, Jiro and Selina entered the classroom and walked straight to Arron’s table.

“Hey Arron, what’s wrong?” Hebe asked.

Arron saw Hebe and froze. All the unpleasant thoughts were back in his mind again. But now, it kept on repeating again and again in his mind.

“No! I can’t take this anymore!”

Arron quickly ran to the boys’ washroom.

Wu Chun and Ella noticed Arron running out of the classroom. They quickly walked over to Arron’s place where Jiro, Selina and Hebe were.

Wu Chun: Hi, guys. What’s up with him?

Jiro: We don’t know. He just ran off like that without saying a word.

Ella: Something is really wrong with him then.

Hebe was eager to find out his problem. She put her brain to the test.

Hebe’s P.O.V

Why is Arron ignoring me like that? Why does he look so stressed? He’s acting weird…after that incident happened! (Hebe bright up)

That’s it! He’s feeling guilty about what had happened. He thinks he’s responsible for what had happened to Angela.

But, actually, it’s not his fault! Calvin pulled off that plan on Arron but it surprisingly affected on Angela. Even though Angela got hurt, it’s not Arron’s fault. It’s not that Arron wanted to harm her or something.

It was just a big accident!

But one thing is still not clear. Why is he ignoring me?

Well, I must to ask him to find out.

End of P.O.V
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile......

Arron washed his face for a several times. He then wiped is face and leaned against the wall.

Suddenly, tears started rolling down his cheeks.

“I can’t take this anymore! I need to get all this thoughts out of my head! (sighed) I have no other choice. There’s only one thing I can do. And that is to…BREAK UP WITH HER and get on with my unfaithful life……”

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Three)

2008-12-25T23:02:00.001+08:00

Calvin walked out of the hospital. He could not believe what he had done. All this happened just because he wanted something that would never be his. He badly wanted to take everything back. Angela being attacked. Ordering the hopeless men to carry out his plan. Everything. He wished all the things had happened to him not Angela. But what was done was done and he could not change it.

Although so many things happened, and it was not exactly sweet, he did realize something. He had actually loved Angela. For Hebe, he actually had only liked her, a normal, common crush. But for Angela, he loved her. Now after what happened, his heart felt like it had been stabbed and was bleeding. He felt that each injury on her body meant a cut on his heart. Since there were hundreds of injuries, it meant hundreds of cuts on his heart. He could not control the pain he was feeling.

The girl he loved, had almost died due to what he thought he wanted and now it was all too late to change anything. So he decided, he would make amends. He would be her slave until she forgave him. No, he would be her slave forever. Even if she’d stopped loving him, he would be there for her for eternity, loving her, taking care of her. Even if she married another man, he would still be there. For he loved her.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Few days later)

(In the hospital)

Calvin was sitting on a chair beside Angela’s bed. She has still not regained consciousness even though a week has past. Calvin was sleeping on the chair. Although Angela’s injuries were healing, there were still half left. Everyday since the *accident* took place, she had not move even a finger. But that night, for no apparent reason, Calvin woke up.

He looked at Angela with a sad face. Suddenly her finger moved. He was not sure he could believe his eyes for it was just for a moment. Then her eyelids moved. A moment later, her eyes opened. “Calvin?” she whispered.

Calvin: Angela? You’re awake!! Hang on. I’ll call the doctor.

Calvin quickly ran out of the ward and called for a doctor. Immediately a doctor came with two nurses. They examine Angela then announce that she was recovering well and in no time she would be able to walk and do what she used to do. Then the doctor and nurses went out.

Calvin went over to Angela.

Calvin: Angela? How are you feeling?

Angela: Calvin? What are you doing here?

Calvin: I’m the cause for all these that happened to you. (tell whole story) I’m sure you hate me now. I’ll leave now. I know you don’t want to see me know but I’ll always be beside you. Forever.

Calvin stood up and got ready to walk away but Angela grabbed his hand.

Angela: Don’t go.

Calvin: But I thought you hate me.

Angela: I never said so.

Calvin: Oh. (embarrassed)

Angela: I guess you still like Hebe, huh? (lower her head)

Calvin: No. Not anymore.

Angela: (raise her head) You don’t?

Calvin: After all that happened, I realized... I... like you more. In fact, in the past I only liked Hebe but you.. I love you. Would you be my girlfriend?

Angela: I hope you’re not doing this because you feel bad about what happened.

Calvin: Not at all. So, would you?

Angela: Erm... I sort of.. like someone else now.

Calvin: Oh. (feeling sad)

Angela: (look at his sad face) (smile) Just kidding.

Calvin: You mean.. you agree?

Angela: (nodded)

Calvin: Great. (smile) I have a present for you. A little sorry.

Calvin bent over to her face and kissed her on the forehead. Then the cheeks. And her lips. Then he broke off. Angela was blushing. Calvin thought she looked like a rosy apple.

Calvin: So applekins, how do you like your present? (smiling)

Angela: That was no present. That was presents. Why are you calling me applekins?

Calvin: You look like a rosy apple.

Angela: Yeah, right. Nevermind. Lets go to sleep. Wait. How come you’re allowed to stay here? Visiting hours are over.

Calvin: Oh, this hospital belongs to my long distant uncle. So he let me stay. I told him I have to. For the sake of my applekins.

Angela: Stop calling me that. I’m not an apple. If you continue, I’ll call you something too.

Calvin: Try.

Angela: (thinking) A-ha! Got it.

Calvin: So what are you going to call me?

Angela: ..............

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty Two)

2008-12-25T22:58:00.001+08:00

“Let them go, you brutes,” a voice said.

Hebe: Arron! Quick. Save Angela!!

Arron: I’ll save you first. Let her go or I don’t know what I’m going to do. (clenching his fist)

H1: Why should I? You wanna fight? Lets fight. (not realizing he let go of Hebe)

Arron: Hide!

H1: What? (Hebe quietly went somewhere to hide) Now, what was I doing just now?
Arron: (say to himself) Stupid. Let prisoner go also don’t realize.

Arron ran to Angela and H2 and H3.

Arron: Let her go.

H2: Why should I? I mean we.

H3: Yeah.

Arron: Didn’t you know?

H2: Know what?

H3: Yeah.

Arron: I called the police. (slowly take out his phone, hiding it from H2 and H3, signaling Hebe to call his phone)

H2: I don’t believe you.

H3: Yeah.

Arron: Are you deaf? Can’t you hear?

Arron’s phone rang and it was the police sound. On the way to the park just now, he had seen the three guys bullying Hebe and Angela so he made a plan. He changed his ringtone. And it came in use.

H2: Oh no!

H3: Yeah.

H1: Run!!!

The three humans ran off, thinking the police were really after them. Hebe came out from her hiding place and ran to Arron and Angela. Arron was trying to carry her but she seemed so weak that he was afraid he might break her bones. Angela was so weak and frail, she could not walk or even sit up. Even raising her head was painful for her. All over her body, her hands, her face, her legs, there were injuries, bruises and cuts. In the end, Arron called for an ambulance.

In no time, one came. And the nurses quickly brought out a stretcher and carefully placed Angela’s injured body in it. Angela had fainted. They quickly brought her to the hospital with Arron and Hebe.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Calvin: How was it?

H1: Er... sorry master.

Calvin: Why?

H1: Er... (told the whole story to Calvin)

Calvin: Are you stupid as you look or are you brainless? (it’s the same thing I think, lol) I told you her friend was a guy not a girl! And how can you be so dumb to tell her my name? She’ll know its me now.

H1: But master, you didn’t tell us to not mention your name.

Calvin: Oh, NOW you remember. (giving him a look)

Calvin’s phone rang. He answered it. “What!!! I’ll come immediately.”

Calvin: I’m going out now. When I come back, I’ll deal with you.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hebe and Arron were waiting for the doctor who was examining Angela to come out. In the meantime, they had informed their friends. Jiro and Selina appeared first.

Selina: How is she?

Jiro: What happened? (Wu Chun and Ella appeared)

Wu Chun: Sorry if we’re late. What happened?

Ella: Tell us. Tell us.

Hebe: Wait. There is one more person. And I think this person is important.

Few seconds later, Calvin appeared.

Calvin: Sorry I was late. Held by the jam. So what happened?

Hebe: You are seriously asking me that?

Calvin: Huh?

Hebe: After what you did to her, you’re actually ASKING ME THAT!?

Calvin: What do you mean?

Hebe: (tell the whole story) So, who else knows me with the name Calvin?

Calvin: I..I..

Ella: How could you! She’s our friend.

Selina: And a girl.

Jiro: A skinny one at that.

Wu Chun: A harmless one.

Arron: And a nice one. How can you!

Calvin: I..I..

The doctor came out.

Hebe: Doctor, how is she?

Doctor: She’s fine. Surprisingly for a small body, she actually pulled through.

Selina: Can we see her?

Doctor: Yes, but don’t wake her up. She needs a lot of rest.

Ella: Thank you. Lets go.

They went in. Calvin walking the last. Afraid of what he will see. And when he saw, he felt like dying. On the bed, everyone saw a sad picture. Of a girl, a harmless one, who was attacked, looked so forlorn, weak and frail. Her whole body full of injuries, bruises and cuts. She was too weak she needed to stay in bed and can’t move for any movement even slight would be too painful to bear. All this happened, all this, because of Calvin.

He felt a feeling he never felt before. Full of pain, misery and regret. His heart was splitting. He could not control his emotions. He just broke down and tears came.
“Angela. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was you. How can I forgive myself? I...”

Hebe: What did you mean, you didn’t know it was her?

Selina: You mean, the attack was meant for another person?

Ella: Who? How can you!

Wu Chun: Who was it for then?

Jiro: Yeah. (sounding like H3)

Calvin: .................................. Arron. (in a small voice)

Arron: Me! Why?

Hebe: I know why. You’re jealous because Arron’s with me. Aren’t I right?

Calvin: (nodded)

Arron: But why? We’re friends. Even if you’re jealous, how can you do that?

Hebe: Do you realize, even if you did that to Arron, I would still be with him? No matter what happens, I’ll always be beside him. And no one can take me away.

Calvin: I’m sorry.

Ella: Sorry indeed. Look what you’ve done to an innocent girl.

Calvin: (look at his friends then walked away)

Selina: Hey! You can’t just....

Arron: Leave him alone.

Selina: But he..

Jiro: He regrets it. We know. Just leave him alone.

Selina: (sigh) If you say so.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty One)

2008-12-25T22:55:00.001+08:00

(On the phone)

Calvin: Did you find out?

Speaker: Yes.

Calvin: And?

Speaker: I’m sorry to inform you that they have all passed away.

Calvin: Thank you. Please find out more clearly. I want to know every single detail.

Speaker: Yes sir.

(Both hang up the phone)

Calvin was making a plan how to make Arron and Hebe breakup. After a long time, he got just the plan. Immediately, he took action. He made some calls.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arron and Hebe were strolling in the park near her house, chatting. All of a sudden, the saw a familiar figure walking at the side of the road. “Angela!” Hebe shouted. Angela turned her head and saw Arron and Hebe. She walked to them.

Angela: Hi.

Hebe: Hi. Where are you going?

Angela: I’m going to the shop over there to buy some stuffs for my mother.

Hebe: But don’t you have a chauffer? Why are you buying anyway? The servants are supposed to do that.

Angela: I do have a chauffer. But I’m used to doing simple chores like this.

Hebe: Oh. What....

Arron: Sorry if I interrupt this girl meeting, but while you girls talk I’ll go to the shop to buy some drinks or ice-cream, ok?

Hebe: Ok. Do you mind helping Angela to buy her things?

Arron: Ok. What do you want to buy?

Angela: Its ok. I’ll go by myself.

Arron: I’m the boss here. Everyone must listen to me.

Angela: Fine. Here’s the list. (pass the list to Arron)

Arron: There’s a list? Nevermind. I’ll be back. (peck Hebe on the cheek and went off)

Hebe: Where were we?

Angela: You were asking....

While the two chatted after Arron went, they didn’t notice that some people were watching them from behind the bushes.

Human 1 (H1): Are those the two?

H2: I think so. He said two people and that girl is exactly the one in this picture.

H3: Yeah.

H1: Ok. This is my plan. We walk to them and pretend to ask for the way, saying we’re foreigners, ok?

H2: Ok.

H3: Yeah.

H1: Then we do what we’re supposed to do. Understand?

H2: Ok.

H3: Yeah.

The three stood up and walked towards Hebe and Angela.

H1: Excuse me.

Angela: Yes?

H2: Can you help us?

H3: Yeah.

Hebe: Help you what?

H1: We want to know how to go to this place? (pull out a piece of paper with an address)

H2: We’re foreigners.

H3: Yeah.

Angela: You don’t sound like it.

Hebe: Yeah. Anyway there’s no such place is there?

Angela: No. Whose address is this anyway.. Aaahhhh!!!

The three humans separated Angela and Hebe. One pulled Hebe to one side of the park and the other two pulled Angela to the other side of the park. “Let us go!” Hebe screamed.

H1: Remember what the master said. Leave the one in the picture and attack the other one. So do your things boys. (holding Hebe)

H2: Ok, boss. (holding Angela)

H3: Yeah. (holding Angela)

H2: But she’s a girl.

H3: Yeah.

H1: Just do it. Follow what the master said.

H2: Ok.

H3: Yeah.

Hebe: Who’s your master?

H1: Why do you want to know?

H2 & H3: Yeah.
Hebe: Tell me. Or I’ll kick your you-know-what.

H1: Ok ok. Master Calvin.

Hebe: Calvin? But... Aaahhhh!! Leave her alone.

H2 and H3 were hitting Angela. She was screaming in pain while Hebe was screaming to let Angela go. Then they punched Angela. They found stones on the ground and started throwing at her face. “Let me go!” Angela shouted, her voice getting softer and softer. Suddenly, “Let them go, you brutes,” said a voice.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Calvin was sitting happily on his chair in his room. His thought his plan was wonderful.

(Flashback. Calvin talking with the three humans)

H1: Master.

H2: What do you want us to do?

H3: Yeah.

Calvin: I want you to find this girl and her friend together. Then I want you to NOT harm the girl but attack her friend. Do you understand?

H1, H2& H3: Yeah.

H1: But are there only two people?

Calvin: Yeah and her friend is a guy. Do you know what to do now?

H1 & H2: Yes sir.

H3: Yeah.

Calvin: (look at H3) And please do something about his talking. Oh yes, before I forget. After attacking her friend, say loudly, so that both of them can hear. Remember to pay back what you owed my master. Do you understand?

H1, H2 & h3: (nodded)

Calvin: Good.

(End of flashback)

(Calvin’s POV)

I’m sure my plan is going well. (smile) After it happens, Hebe is going to realize Arron owes people money. And by the looks of it, a mafia boss or loan sharks. She will leave him and into my arms she come. Haha...

(End of POV)

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Life's Challenges (Chapter Ten)

2008-12-25T22:53:00.000+08:00

Jiro walked to school with a dull look on his face. Hebe, who was behind him, couldn’t help feeling, well, helpless. She was very sad and troubled. Just on the first day of school, she had managed to get Jiro into trouble. Normally, he wouldn’t mind, but this time, it was the worst thing that could happen. It was only her second day, but Jiro was going to get beaten by the school’s worst person. She felt nervous. If Jiro did or did not retaliate, would Danson let him off? Or would he continue hurting Jiro until the Jiro was unable to come to school? How she wished she was the one getting hurt instead of her beloved cousin.

Jiro, too, was feeling nervous. Scared, rather. He couldn’t think properly. He remembered seeing many of Danson’s victims getting admitted to the hospital, due to injuries. He knew his life was going to get worse everyday, starting from that certain day. But that was not all. He wouldn’t mind if only he was getting hurt. After all, it was just physical injuries. But Hebe was going to be hurt too, mentally. How was he going to protect her if he was injured. Could he depend on Arron? He didn’t think so. Arron didn’t really care about anything. Speaking of Arron, he had forgotten to go to his house so that they could walk to school together. Forget it, Jiro thought. After all, it was better if Arron was not there. What if Danson appeared? Arron would be getting hurt too. And that was not helping anything. What he needed the most now, was someone to protect Hebe when he was going to be injured.

Both Jiro and Hebe walked on, feeling numb. They couldn’t imagine what was going to happen the moment they set foot on the school grounds. As they got nearer to their school, their hearts got heavier. From where they were, the school was just about ten metres or so away. Jiro stopped, causing Hebe to bump into him. He muttered a sorry and she answered with a shake. He looked up into the sky and smelled the air.

Then, he looked back onto the remaining steps he was going to take to reach doom. He took Hebe’s right wrist in his and walked, conscious of every single step he took. When at last, he was one step away from his horrifying destiny, he let go of Hebe’s hand and took a deep breath. He then put a foot onto the school compound and continued walking, pretending he wasn’t expecting anything. As he was half way through, he felt a hand holding his left shoulder.

He closed his eyes and opened them. He turned and...

WHAM!

He felt a punch go across his left cheek. He fell onto the ground. He could sense everyone’s eyes on him. He touched his face and realized there was already a few drops of blood trickling. He tried to stand, but was immediately pummeled back onto the ground. He could feel the blood, his blood, flowing slightly on his face as he was continuously punched and kicked.

Hebe, feeling guilty, pushed her way towards the gathering crowd to Jiro and tried to stop Danson and his gang. Despite her courage, she was slapped across the face by Danson and fell back. Danson stopped hitting Jiro but he commanded his other two members to continue. He walked to Hebe with a smile on his face. “Do you want me to continue that?” Danson pointed to the badly beaten Jiro.

Hebe immediately shook her head. Danson continued smiling. “Then be mine. And I’ll stop it.”

Hebe’s heart stopped for a moment. Indeed she wanted to save Jiro, but she didn’t want to be Danson’s. Who knows what he would do to her. What should she say? What can she do? She was terrified. Danson went nearer to her and she could hear Jiro groaning in pain. She shut her eyes. She was afraid. She couldn’t decide.

Mustering the rest of her courage, she slapped Danson. It was so silent, the slap could be heard everywhere. The other two members stop hitting Jiro and stared at her with eyes full of anger. As they made a gesture to move towards Hebe, Danson held up his hand to stop them. He touched his cheek and smiled again. He pulled her up. Hebe knew she was dead meat. He was going to hit her in front of everyone and she would be helpless in everything, especially helping Jiro. As Danson raised his hand, as his palm was only centimetres away from her face, someone stopped it.

Everyone gasped. All eyes were now not on Jiro or Hebe, but on Arron. He had appeared on time to stop Hebe from getting slapped again. He and Danson looked at each other with eyes that could kill. Danson pushed Hebe down onto the floor and swished Arron’s hand from his. He was smiling no longer. Never had anyone retaliate against him. Never anyone had the nerve to stop him from doing anything. Never, and that was not going to change, he thought.

He lunged towards Arron with a fist that not many could have avoided. But Arron merely dodged and stuck his leg out, tripping Danson in front of the whole school. More gasps could be heard. The other two, seeing their leader falling, went towards Arron with fists as dangerous as Danson’s, but once more, Arron dodged and with a swift kick, managed to land them on their faces.

Not satisfied, Danson and his other two buddies attacked Arron but again and again, were thrown onto the ground. They were getting tired, it was obvious, but looking at Arron’s face, no one could tell that he just fought. He looked the same as usual. All the girls in the crowd were wearing soppy looks on their faces, as if Arron was confessing to them.

Hebe, as soon as the two bullies left Jiro’s side, scurried to him. Jiro had blood on his face and countless injuries on him. Hebe immediately took out her packet of tissues to wipe them off. But there was too much, the tissues couldn’t do much. Suddenly, Jiro fainted, his head on her thigh. Hebe looked around to see of anyone could help her to bring him to the nurse’s office, but no one was looking at them at all. Everyone was paying attention to the fight that was happening between Arron and the other three. She was surprise at how supple he was. He was moving and dodging the attacks easily and continuously like he could predict them and didn’t seem in the least tired.

The other three on the other hand, were obviously exhausted from their attempts to hurt Arron. None of the attacks seem to be able to touch Arron at all. After long last, Danson stood up with his body slightly bent, indicating that he was hurt. He looked at Arron and threatened him. “You’ll regret this. You just wait and see. You’ll regret this.”

Arron merely looked at him with the usual empty eyes, “We’ll see.”

The three bullies staggered away. Everyone made way for them. Although they were beaten badly and lost pathetically, everyone was still afraid of them. After they were gone, Arron walked to Hebe and Jiro. He grabbed Jiro’s arm and put it over his shoulder. “Follow me,” he told Hebe, who nodded in an instance.

He carried Jiro all the way to the nurse’s office and laid him on the hospital bed available there. The nurses panicked when they saw him and quickly took out the tools needed to heal him. They started wiping off the blood and treating his injuries. Hebe sat down on a chair and was given a damp cloth to wipe her face, which was very pale, she looked like she was ill. Arron stood at another corner, staring at the nurses efficiently looking after Jiro.

One nurse went to him and Hebe and passed them new sets of uniforms to change into as theirs were quite bloody, from bringing Jiro. They took them and went to change. They came out at the same time from the changing rooms and stopped. After a while of silence, Hebe spoke.

-brenda-

Life's Challenges (Chapter Nine)

2008-12-25T22:51:00.000+08:00

He paced up and down in his room, his hands swinging to and fro. His mind was all a whirl. He couldn’t think straight. What with Danson targeting for Hebe as his next victim, he warning Danson and Hebe being silent the whole time he dragged her home. He just felt like destroying his brains and becoming a mad person. But he knew he couldn’t. He just couldn’t bear to leave Hebe like that. She would become a prey for Danson and... and.. and wouldn’t... be... clean anymore. How was he to explain to her parents, his aunt and uncle, then? He couldn’t just turn his back on her.
A knock came on the door. He ignored it but went on pacing. The knock repeated and this time he answered.

“Come in,” he said, in an annoyed voice. He wanted to think but the person on the door was making his brain stop with all the knocking.

Hebe came in nervously. She had not seen Jiro angry before. He had always been cheerful and full of life. But because of her, his normal behaviour seemed to have all disappeared, making him... abnormal. She had never been afraid of him before. But now, she was walking slowly from the door, which she closed silently, to him. He was pacing. She understood why. She wanted to comfort him. She wanted to be there for her dearest cousin. Since young, he had always been by her side and was the closest person to her. Whenever she was sad, he’d cheer her up. Whenever she was happy, he’d make her even more joyful by cracking jokes even though they were not funny.

At that moment, she felt helpless and did not open her mouth at all. Jiro kept on pacing like he didn’t even know she was there. She stayed silent. She didn’t want to disturb his thoughts. She stood a little far from him, making way for him to pace for all he wanted. She just wanted to keep him company, although he might not realize her existent there. At least, she thought, it was better than being with Arron downstairs, who was simply too engrossed with his book that after telling her about Danson and Jiro’s difficulties, just continued reading ad lost himself in the world of illusions.

Suddenly, Jiro turned to her and shouted. “What do you want?!”

Hebe stood absolutely still. She didn’t even dare to breathe. She didn’t even know she bated her breath for she was getting more and more afraid. Not a word came out from her lips. Jiro, looking at hr scared state, soften. He could never be angry when Hebe was around. He didn’t know why. It was just like that. It was like she was his anger suppressor. He spoke once more, in a softer tone. “What do you want, Hebe?”

“I... I... I.. I want to...”

“You want to know why I’m so angry?”

Hebe shook her head.

“Then why are you here?”

“I.. just want to comfort you.”

“Comfort me? You want to comfort me? You don’t even know what the problem is and you want to comfort me? Look Hebe, I....”

“I do know what’s the problem,” she interrupted.

“You do? But, how?”

“Arron told me. He told me everything about Danson and the consequences of talking back to him.”

“Ar.. Arron told you?”

She nodded. “Why? What’s the problem with him telling me?”

“Its just that, Arron had never talked to anyone in the school except the teachers and me. Why would he suddenly tell you about me? And about Danson too. What is his motive?”

“I expect he just wanted me to comfort you. I mean, he’s a guy and I’m sure he’d feel shy to comfort a friend who’s a guy too.”

“Well, I think there’s more than meets the eye.”

“Jiro, leave that problem. Focus on what you’re going to do tomorrow. Have you thought of what to do?”

“I have. I’m going to just show myself and let what will happen, happen.”

-------------------------
Arron noticed that Hebe had ran up the stairs to Jiro’s room. He heard the door click open and Jiro shouting at Hebe. Then he heard soft mutterings. He knew Jiro was troubled and as his friend, he should think of something to help. But nothing came to him. Arron knew that he didn’t express himself well enough. Somehow, he preferred being silent most of the time. Without Jiro, his life would be dull with no colours at all. Jiro was a person who made everyone like his presence no matter where he was. Now, Jiro was in trouble. He had to help him some way or another. But how?

Suddenly, something clicked in his brain and pieced everything like a puzzle. He suddenly knew how he could save Jiro from Danson and indirectly, save Hebe too. Although he knew what to do, he had to plan it properly. He had to make sure everything was plotted properly and go according to his brainwave. He neatly put his book into his bag and zipped it up. He stood and left, taking along his bag, thinking a plan on the way home.

-brenda-

Life'sChallenges (Chapter Eight)

2008-12-25T22:44:00.000+08:00

As she was dragged, she tried to squeal through her unopened mouth but only a muffled one came out, which was not loud enough for Jiro to hear. She felt afraid, afraid of what might happen to her. She was also worried, worried whether that certain day was her last. She tried not to think of negative thoughts but they just came streaming into her brain. She just couldn’t help it. She imagined herself being tortured, caned and slapped. All bad thoughts kept appearing in her mind. She wanted them to stop but they would not. She felt her head bursting. She couldn’t take it any longer.

She screamed. But immediately, hands started to slap her. She could take it no longer. She started to fight them off with all her might. When, suddenly, the hands let her go. She was free. She blinked her eyes to see what was happening. Someone with spiked hair came to her rescue. But she didn’t know who it was. He stood with two other students who appear to be his bodyguards. He looked at the girl fans. Hebe realized the ones who were trying to silence her were a bunch of Arron fans.
The student spoke. “Who is your leader or president for this fan club?”

No one moved. It seemed that everyone was terrified of this person. Then, a few girl fans pushed up a girl towards him. “So, you’re the president.”

He stared at her name tag and then pushed her away. He walked to Hebe, who was still on solid ground, and pulled out his hand. She stared at him, wondering who he was. He gestured her to give her hand, which she did. At that moment, she heard Jiro’s voice. “Hebe! What’s taking you so.....”

He stopped dead at his tracks. He could not believe what he was seeing. Arron slowly walked up beside him and looked through colourless eyes. He understood why Jiro couldn’t do anything but just stand with angry eyes. All of a sudden, Jiro walked to the person and pulled Hebe up, saying, “Don’t you dare lay a hand on my cousin or you’re so dead. Keep those filthy hands off her.”

Jiro pulled Hebe past all Arron’s fans and the three students angrily. Arron silently followed. All the way to Jiro’s house, Hebe kept thinking of what happened. How she was slapped. How Arron’s fans got afraid of the person. How Jiro had seem to angry just as he was saving her. She just couldn’t understand. Why everyone’s behaviour was weird. She had never transferred to school like that before. Just what was wrong, she couldn’t figure out.

Arron had followed Jiro and Hebe to Jiro’s house. Earlier, Jiro and himself had agreed to study together. Or at least, Jiro wanted to. Arron agreed reluctantly because Jiro was whining like a small kid. So, he had to agree, just to save himself from the inhuman whining of Jiro’s. Jiro had been very protective of Hebe, he had seen. The school bully had not even touch her hair, from what it seems, but Jiro had flown into a rage. He had never seen Jiro like that, not even for the past five girlfriends he had.

Jiro unlocked his main door and entered. He walked straight up to his room, leaving Arron and Hebe alone. Arron didn’t really mind. He placed his bag on the sofa while sitting and taking his book to read. Hebe, on the other hand, stood behind the sofa, not uttering a single word. Arron didn’t bother to tell her anything. He knew she was confused by the events that recently happened but did not dare to ask him for she was new. So, he minded his own business and went on reading.

“Arron?”

Hebe started to speak. She was still unsure of what to say. But she felt if she started, she could just let her questions flow out of her mouth easily. So, she took the chance. But, Arron did not respond. Instead, he somehow pretended not to have heard her.

“Arron.”

Still, he did not reply or even move the slightest. Annoyed, Hebe walked to his front and asked him, “Are you deaf? Or are you mute? Why can’t you answer me?”

“Why should I?”

“Because, it’s a polite way of talking to someone. Even if you’re not close with him or her. And in my place, her.”

Arron couldn’t be bothered to answer her, so, he flipped a page and read on.

“You’re rude. Jiro’s fuming upstairs for God knows what reason and all you can do is read your book. Aren’t you in the least worried of him? I mean, you’re his friend.”
“Since you’re new, I guess you really don’t know anything about the school. That person who saved you was the school bully. His name is Danson. It is a popular saying in school that if he lays his eyes on any girl, that girl won’t be... clean anymore. And if anyone dares to oppose him, his life would be in hell, unless he can fight better. In your case, Danson has set his eyes on you and Jiro had opposed him despite the saying. So, do you think no one knows why he’s like that now? Ca you understand his feelings? You can’t. No one can, but himself.”

Hebe stared at Arron in horror. Not only the school bully wanted her. Jiro was in danger. She didn’t know what to say. What was she going to do? She couldn’t fight Danson, nor can she think of any ways to save herself and her cousin. She felt totally hopeless as she broke down and cried in front of Arron.

-brenda-

Happiness For You (Chapter Eight)

2008-12-22T22:52:00.000+08:00

“Everything that happened yesterday was a painful and unforgettable experience for you, I know. But we hope you your life won’t be affected.”

“Why?”

Allen took a deep breath, then exhaling slowly.

“The person you saw yesterday was the Sennen Hakushaku or otherwise known as the Earl of Millennium. He is evil.”

“He kills?”

“No. Actually, indirectly, yes. Or at least, he plans the killing most of the time and asks his weapons to do his dirty work.”

“Weapons?”

“Yes, weapons. I’m sure yesterday you saw one of the weapons. It looked like a huge, round cannon ball, right?”

She nodded, her face damp with tears.

“Well, it was actually a human soul.”

“I don’t understand. It’s a soul? But.. but..”

“I know its hard to believe but, it was a human soul, a tortured human soul called Akuma. You see, the Earl is someone who takes human souls and turn them into weapons to kill humans. He wants them to rule the world and he would rule them. Earlier, he wanted you to help him turn your sister and mother into Akumas.”

“But how? How can I help him when he is powerful and I am... weak?”

“He needs your voice.”

“My voice?”

“Yes. In other to turn them into Akumas and have power over them, he needs their loved ones to call their souls to come back. After calling them, he would ask them to kill you.”

Allen was silent for a moment. Everyone was silent. No one knew what to say. It was too shocking for Nozomi. She couldn’t get over the truth about her sister and mother gone. Gone forever, from this world. How could she live on? Then, something struck her as amiss.

“Then what about you? And the rest? How do you know all this?” Nozomi cried, then soften her voice.

“Who are you?”

This time Lenalee told her.

“We are Exorcists. Normally, exorcists to people are those who make ghosts go back to their own world and stop harassing the human world. But, we are different. We do not have anything to do with ghosts. We specialize in Akumas. We destroy them to free their souls. Haven’t you ever think of why Allen has this weird drawing on his face? Its because of his curse. A curse of which he can see the souls suffering within their cannon-ball like exterior. This makes him want to save and free them. All of us here are Exorcists, even Inari.”

“But, how? How do you free them?”

“Each of us has Innocence. Each Innocence is the fragment of a box-like object. This object has been broken into a hundred and eight pieces. Each of these pieces gives us the power to destroy Akumas and save their souls. Innocence could be the in your body or an object. It depends on who is compatible with it.”

“How do you know if you are compatible?”

“In a way, you’ll know. Like, if you can use a certain something but others can’t It means you’re compatible,” Lavi started instead.

“So, am I?”

“Erm.. no.”

Silence followed. She couldn’t say a word. Everyone had an Innoence except her. She couldn’t accept it. All of them could save souls but her. But there was something she was not sure of.

“So, my sister and mother died, because of the Earl?”

“Most probable,” Krory stated, looking at another direction.

Nozomi looked at the ground. She couldn’t help it. After all that happened, she felt helpless and that her world had came crumbling down on her.

-brenda-

Happiness For You (Chapter Seven)

2008-12-22T22:50:00.000+08:00

She screamed.

A well-rounded person stood in front of her. She didn’t know whether it was a man or woman for it looked like neither. It wore a weird hat and had weird teeth, so big that its mouth couldn’t open properly to speak, it seems. It held onto an umbrella with a pumpkin as the umbrella’s head. The fat person wore a whitish coat which appeared tight, making its middle wobbly. It reminded her of Kojimi, the nightmare. But that was no time to think about him. There was only time to think how she could get away from the person in front of her.

“Good evening, Takahashi Nozomi.”

Who was it? How did it know her name? Was it a mind-reader? Or was it something more horrible?

“You seem terrified. Don’t worry, I’m a good erm.. human. I’m here to ask you this. Do you want to get your mother or sister back?”

Who in the world is this... human?

“I see you don’t believe me. Well, all you have to do is just call out one of their names and they will come back to life.” He went up-closed with her and whispered, “Trust me.”

She didn’t know what to do. Definitely she wanted her mother and sister back. But something doesn’t feel right about the person or rather, monster. Does she call out a name? Or does she ask questions first before deciding again? But before she could do anything else, another figure appeared and kicked the monster. She gasped.

It was Allen. But an Allen with a brand new look. His hair was more spiky and he had a cloak with fur on it. His clothes tight fitting and he looked better than he was before. Both his hands weren’t normal looking. One was white and bony, the other had sharp claws. And he was fighting with the monster, who was easily dodging all his attacks.

Suddenly, another figure appeared. The figure was wearing tight clothes too. It looked like a girl. A very familiar girl. Did she know her? Then she realized. It was Lenalee.

After a while, another one came. This time it did not look human. It looked more like a floating cannon with a face which looked like it was suffering. Nozomi staggered backwards. She could not take in all these horrific happenings into her brain yet. What with all these, a monster, Allen and Lenalee with different looks, and more monsters coming. She felt like her brain was going to burst soon.

Right at that moment, the cannon-like monster flew at her and pointed all its gun-like weapons at her. Was it going to attack her? She closed her eyes tightly as she heard the monster started fire.

Quick as lightning, something or someone pulled her away. She opened her eyes and caught sight of something bluish. It was someone’s hair. Not just anyone’s but Kanda’s. Kanda? But what was he doing there? And not only him. What were Allen and Lenalee doing there? And why were they fighting with the monster? Hang on, who was that?

Another one had come. And who was it but Lavi, the red hair guy. Nozomi’s head was going to explode soon. She just couldn’t take in everything that was happening. One by one her classmates appeared, making her feel like she didn’t really know them. Any minute now, she might just see Inari.

The next moment who would come, but Inari herself, as Nozomi predicted. Now, what was she doing there? Nozomi couldn’t take it. She fainted.

-------------------------
Her eyes opened a little. The vision in front of her was blurry. She could see a figure. Who was it? Her eyes opened bigger.

“Nozomi?”

Who was calling her? She still couldn’t see the figure properly.

“Nozomi? Can you see me? Its Inari. Can you see me?”

More figures appeared. Her vision became clearer and clearer. She could see Inari, Lenalee and Miranda. What were they doing there? Where was she in the first place? Did she faint? Her head hurts.

“Nozomi, are you alright?”

She nodded.

“Great. Allen, Lavi, Kanda, Krory, Nozomi’s awake.”

More figures appeared. All of them were in sight. They looked their normal self. Wait, why did she just think that? They looked their normal self? What did it mean? Then, memories flooded back into her mind. A monster appeared. Allen appeared. Then Lenalee, another monster, Lavi, Kanda and Inari appeared. And before that, her mother and sister, they were gone. A tear rolled down her face.

“What’s wrong?” Lenalee asked.

“My...my mother.. and sister... They’re gone.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Nozomi, don’t be sad. We’re beside you. Always beside you,” Miranda said, gently.

“Yes. We’ll always be here for you,” said Inari.

“What happened? Why did you all come to my house? Who were the monsters?”

No one replied. They looked at each other but did not utter a single word.

“Well? Somebody tell me. I need to know. Otherwise our friendship is over.”

Allen spoke.

-brenda-

Happiness For You (Chapter Six)

2008-12-22T22:45:00.001+08:00

The door opened and everybody’s eyes, excluding Allen and Kanda’s, bulged out.

Right out there, was a tray. Not just any tray, but a huge tray filled with delicacies of many kinds. Cupcakes, muffins, puddings, toasts, creamy buns, and many others. A young girl was holding the tray. She smiled sweetly and held out the tray, signaling us to take it. Krory reached out his hands and took it. Then he looked at the girl once more and back at the tray.

The next moment, he was already digging in. “Ooooo.... I’m so hungry. This is the best!” he said while stuffing all the food into his mouth.

Allen laughed and pointed to the door. Everyone saw that beyond the girl were dozens of trays filled with many more food, junk food, sweets and tons of others. Miranda clapped her hands and squealed like a little girl and found all eyes on her.

“Hehe.. Old habit of mine. Squealing when something delights me,” she said sheepishly.

The girl at the door spoke to Allen.

“Young Master, here are all that you asked for. For anything else, please inform us.”

She bowed low and went off.

“Who was that? Why did she call you Young Master?”

Nozomi was confused. The girl was so young, around her age. But she called Allen Young Master?

“She’s one of the servants here. The youngest.”

“How old is she?”

“18. Why all this sudden interest in her?”

“Nothing. I just thought she was your sister or something.”

Allen smiled knowingly and took the next tray of snacks into his room. Krory’s mouth was full of crumbs and cream. And he was still stuffing his mouth with the food. Miranda was choosing which to devour first. Lenalee and the others just laughed at each other and brought in the drinks outside. They started toasting each other and seemed to enjoy themselves very much.

In midst of all these enjoyment, Nozomi realized that there was a moment when Inari gestured Lavi to follow her to a small corner of the room. Without them realizing, she tries to listen to their conversation but only caught a few words like she, know, never, and secret. It boosted her feeling of wanting to know what they were talking about. As she tried to go nearer to them, they turned towards her and walked. She immediately fled to her original place before.

“Where did you go?” she asked them casually when they reached her side.

“Oh, I asked Lavi to teach me a math question,” Inari said, smiling.

“Oh ok.”

The rest did not seem to have realized anything amiss. Miranda was still choosing her first snack and the others were chatting happily together. Although Nozomi was not satisfied with Inari’s simple explanation, she could not tell her that she spied on them. It would show that she did not trust her friend. So she tried her best to get on with the party as normal as possible.

After the party was over, everyone left Allen’s except him of course. It was very late and the streets looked creepy to her. She walked cautiously until she reached her house. As she stepped on the doorstep, she could sense that there was something amiss. Like something had happened. She could not shake off that certain feeling. So braving herself, she placed her hand on the door knob and turned it.

And her eyes opened like never before. The living room was a mess. Everything was in different positions and overturned. Vases and other fragile things were smashed into pieces. The couches were ripped with the insides all over the place. Most of the furniture were broken. Everything was practically ruined. Nozomi felt afraid.

What if the person or thing who did all these was still in the house? What if it was more than one person or thing? What about her mother and sister? Were they alright?

She slowly took a step towards the kitchen. A few more steps followed and her mouth dropped open. On the floor lied her mother with blood surrounding her. A dagger could be seen upright on her chest. The kitchen was also a mess. But she had only found her mother. Although she knew she should inform the police, she couldn’t bear to. She wanted to find her beloved sister first.

So up the stairs she went. Step by step, her legs like jelly. She peeked into her sister’s room where she found the same situation as below. But her sister was not in sight. She continued looking into her mother’s room and her own, which was where her sister was found.

Her eyes stared up into the ceiling. Her body not moving. No blood surrounded her. Only a small amount on her head. It appeared as if she was shot straight at the skull. Nozomi fell onto her knees. Tears welled up in her eyes. They fell.

One drop.

Two drops.

Three drops.

Four....

She stood up. She turned towards the stairs and started towards it. Down she went to the kitchen. Tears were still coming down, except it was now flowing down her face. She took a look at her mother and she had flashbacks of old memories.

Her father had died when she was five years old. He had stroke and passed away one night with a silent heart attack. She didn’t really feel the pain because he did not exactly spend his time with the family. Instead, he kept working and working, making money for the family. He hardly came home, leaving her mother lonesome. Her mother, sister and herself have had each other since then. They went through thick and thin together, no matter what happened.

And now, before her eyes, they were lying dead on the floor with no justice found for them. She must seek justice for them. Find the culprit and do justice for them. She must....

A voice was heard.

She looked up the stairs. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except the mess. She looked back intently at her mother’s lifeless body. Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of her.

She screamed.

-brenda-

Happiness For You (Chapter Five)

2008-12-22T17:00:00.001+08:00

Allen hit Krory on the head. “They’re not possessed.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...”

“Ok. Then, what’s wrong with you people?”

Nozomi replied, “Private joke.”

“But how can you make jokes when you didn’t even talk?” He was getting extremely confused.

Allen hit him once more. “Don’t mind him, both of you. He’s always lost.”

Nozomi and Inari nodded and smiled. All of them followed Allen up the stairs. After a few flights, Nozomi started to pant. “When are we reaching wherever we’re going?”

Allen looked at her and slapped his forehead. “Ooopss. I forgot that this is your first time here. We should have taken the lift.”

“The lift?”

“Yeah. You’ve never heard of a lift in a house?”

“I have. Its just that, why didn’t you tell me before? Then at least I could’ve reminded you to take it instead of the long stairs.”

Everyone laughed. In the end they decided not to take the lift but just walk up till they reached Allen’s room. And what did they see? A room fully furnished. The walls were painted white and the room was very spacious. There were sofas, a computer, a television, two beds, cupboards and many other things and furnitures. Everything seemed expensive, which made Nozomi and Inari afraid to touch them in case anything got spoiled or scratched.

Allen told them to have a seat while he went to take some stuffs. He went off and the rest, excluding Kanda, started talking.

“This house is great. I can’t imagine living here. Its huge!” Nozomi said.

“I know. Its like a palace when I first came here.” Miranda smiled at the memory.

“Uh-huh. When I arrived here, I was like, are we in the wrong place?” Krory stated.

“Haha. All of us were like that. Except Kanda of course. I don’t know why, but he doesn’t seem to have any expressions.” Lenalee said.

Everyone looked at Kanda and he stared into space. He was not even listening to their conversation, what’s more joining in. While everyone eyes him, Lavi spoke, “Maybe he’s too shy to express himself.”

And he received a deathly glare from Kanda. He’s so scary, Lavi thought.

“Anyway,” he quickly changed the subject. “how did you get to know Inari, Nozomi?”

“Oh, we were you know in the last class since the first day of school until last year. Then I had to study hard so that my mum didn’t carry out her threat. And I’m in the first class now. Although its fun there, I kind of miss my old friends.”

“Aww.. We miss you too,” Inari said and immediately blushed.

“Oooo... Someone’s blushing.” Lavi teased.

“No I’m not.”

“Who said I was talking about you?”

“.......”

“Hey, what’s taking Allen so long? He said we were going to have a party. Where is he?” Lenalee was getting impatient.

“Yeah, I’m hungry,” said Krory.

“Miranda agreed. The others with the exception of Kanda agreed too and they waited for a longer while until at last Allen appeared. He stood in front of the door.

“Sorry for making you guys wait. I was getting ready many things. Here they are.”

The door opened and......

-brenda-

Happiness For You (Chapter Four)

2008-12-22T16:59:00.001+08:00

She looked up and gasped.

It was a woman with dark brown hair. She was very tall and wore spectacles. She wore a black shirt, a black skirt. Her nail polish was black. She had black eye shadow and black eye liner. Everything about her was black except her skin and hair. There was a rumour that she was going to dye her hair black soon and that she was trying to get her skin tanned.

Nozomi continued staring at her. No, it can’t be. The most horrible teacher in history. She was the one, the only evil teacher, Miss Takayaki.

“Takahashi, I guess the news about you transferring to the best class was true. Although I don’t think you’re fit to. In this class, everyone has extremely good results in every single test which, I’m sure, you won’t be able to.”

Nozomi saw the teacher smiling a little. The sides of her lips twitched a little. She had hated the teacher since she first stepped foot in the school. Every single time they met each other, she would ever fail to humiliate her. The teacher seemed grudged against her. Right at that moment, Nozomi felt anger and rage growing in her. She felt ready to retort back to the teacher. She felt it was high time she got back at the teacher for seemingly despising her.

“Oh, I very well CAN get the results I want if I want to.”

“Really? We’ll just have to see about that.”

Miss Takayaki walked to the teachers’ table and sat down. As she did, the school bell rang. “Time for our lesson,” she said, coldly.

A shiver went around the whole class. None had ever liked her or her teaching. She was very harsh and always asked extremely difficult questions. For Nozomi, it was like living hell throughout the whole lesson and she was tremendously happy when school was over. She happily skipped out of school and bumped into her friend from her last class, Yoshida Inari.

“Nozomi-chan, where are you going now?”

“Inari-san, me? Home of course. No other place to go. You?”

“Same. So, how was....”

“Takahashi!”

Nozomi turned around and saw her monitor waving at her. She waved back. He walked towards her. Then she realized he wasn’t alone. Right behind him was Lenalee, Miranda, Krory and the most unexpected person, Kanda. Nozomi stared at him. His gaze met hers and she blushed. Suddenly she realized that Allen had been waving at her.

“Uh.. Yes?”

“You wanna hang out with us? We’re going to my house for a party.”

“A party? What for?”

“To celebrate senior year. So? And by the way, who is this?”

“Oh, one of my old classmates, Inari. Say hi.”

“H..h...hi,” Inari stammered.

“Well, you can join us if you like to.”

“Really?”

“Of course. As long as you’re a senior. So Nozomi, coming?”

“Sure. Come on, Inari.”

“Yes, yes.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(At Allen’s house)

“This is your house?”

In front of Nozomi was a huge house, or rather mansion. It was white with a little pale beige colour on the sides. The garden was massive and full of flowers, trees and various types of other plants. The doors were wooden and the windows clear. They entered the mansion and Nozomi gasped as she saw the living room. Many furnitures were antiques and the room gave a very warm feeling of being at home and welcomed.

She stood with awe, staring at the living room, admiring everything when a voice interrupted. “Anyone there?”

She looked straight with a blank look and muttered, “Huh?”

Lenalee went up to her and said, “Surprised huh? I was too when I first came here. Your friend seem a little lost in her own world. You mind calling her back?”

Nozomi smiled and immediately said, “Earth to Inari, Earth to Inari. Can you hear me?”

Inari’s eyes met hers and all of a sudden they both started laughing.

The others with the exception of Kanda wondered what was wrong with them. “Oh no! They’re possessed by the ghosts in your house. I knew it was haunted . but I never knew the ghosts here liked newcomers.” Krory started panicking.

-brenda-

Happiness For You (Chapter Three)

2008-12-22T16:58:00.001+08:00

Suddenly, a hand touched her on the shoulder from the back.

As she was annoyed and thought it was the irritating buffalo, she took the hand and pulled it. The owner bumped into her and they both sprawled on her desk. The whole class was looking at both of them. Her face was a slight pink. She was under and the owner of the hand was above her. “Get lost, you pervert!”

“Hey! Cool it. What did I do to you?”

She suddenly just stood up and the person above her fell down with a bump. She had realized she made a mistake because it was not Kojimi who was above her. Kojimi was in front of her. She turned and looked on the floor. It was a guy with red hair. He looked familiar, especially with his headband. But she couldn’t remember where she had seen him before. “Excuse me, can you at least help me up?”

“Oh my God! Sorry.”

She helped him up and dusted his uniform, repeating her apologizes. He seemed overly offended. He kept looking at her with a glare. But it was so weird, the so called glare looked fake in a way. A glare was supposed to look scary but his seemed to have a twinkle, like he was purposely doing it. She stood there string at him like he was something fascinating and a never seen before thing after dusting his uniform. He looked uncomfortable with her staring and said, “Hey, I know I’m good looking. But you don’t have to stare at me like that.”

Nozomi burst out laughing.

“You? Good looking? Hahahaha...”

“What’s happening here?”

A voice came. It belonged to a white haired guy. He was skinny and extremely good looking, but Kanda is better, she told herself. This guy looked serious and a little fierce. His eyes seemed to scan her from top to toe. She felt a strong feeling from him, like he was waiting to pounce on her and attack her anytime. She was feeling fear in her stomach. While he did, the whole class was silent. So silent even the sound of flies’ wings could be heard. It was like going through something that needs everyone’s attention. She felt everybody’s eyes on her again. She closed her eyes.

Then...

“Accepted!”

She opened her eyes in surprise. Accepted? What did he mean?

“I.. I don’t understand.”

The white haired guy smiled and all her fears about the guy disappeared.

“Let me explain. But firstly, my name is Allen Walker, the monitor of this class. And these are the others.”

The girl whom Kojimi sat with came out from behind him and gave a big smile. “I’m Lenalee, his assistant.” Pointed at Allen.

Another girl walked to Nozomi and shook hands with her. “Miranda. Nice to meet you.”

Then, a guy with black hair with his fringe dyed white smiled at her and waved at her. “I’m Krory.”

She could see a few of his teeth were sharper than the rest. She smiled nervously as one by one, all her new classmates introduced themselves. They were all very friendly and warm. Too friendly and warm that she actually forgot the existent of the most annoying person on earth until he butted in.

“My fellow classmates, can’t you see that Nozomi is feeling uncomfortable with all your talking? Please...”

“Hey! Who asked you to butt in? Who said I’m uncomfortable? I never said such a thing. They are all so nice. Not like you. So get out of here.”

“You see, my classmates? She is feeling stressed right now. She...”

Nozomi was red with rage. Who was Kojimi to step into her life and ruin it? Who was he to come and butt into anything she sis? Who was he to talk in her presence? Who was he to talk for her? He does not belong in her life. Nor does she belong in his. They were two different people and should stay out of each others’ lives, which was exactly what she did. But did he?

No! He had to worm his way into her life and destroy every single ray of light and hope of being free from him. He was such an annoying brat, exactly like a mosquito. Always flying around, but hard to hit and slap away. Right now, at that moment, she had never felt such a feeling of anger and rage. She hated him and whenever she had to treat him nicely because he was her cousin, she always gritted her teeth. It was like treating your greatest enemy with the utmost respect, which was totally unimaginable.

He now looked at her through concerned eyes, as if she was ill or something drastic. “My darling, what’s wrong with you? Is it because of them? I’ll...”

“Would you just keep your mouth shut?! Why should you care for me? I never asked you to. If you think I like you, think AGAIN! I’ll never like you. You have so many bad points and you expect me to like you back? Impossible. Not in a million years. You’re nothing to but a person who irritates me every single second you are near me. So GET LOST!”

Nozomi stomped away from everyone who crowded around her desk. She was fuming and nothing could soothe her. She walked to the classroom door and..

BUMP!

“Who in the world just bumped into me?! I’m feeling like murdering someone now. So if you don’t mind, get out of my way.”

She looked up at the person and gasped.

-brenda-

Happiness For You (Chapter Two)

2008-12-22T16:56:00.001+08:00

(Nozomi’s POV)

I banged my head on the table, making everyone stare at me. I couldn’t believe who I was looking at. Oh my God! It just can’t be real. It can’t. I’m doomed. I’m..

“Hi, Nozomi!”

I slowly lifted my head to look in front. But immediately I slammed my head back on the table. Everyone turned to look at me again. I couldn’t see but I was sure my face was burning red. I just couldn’t bear to face the person I disliked the most (I’d use the word hate, but that would seem too harsh). I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“Nozomi, don’t you recognize me? I’m sure I’ve change a little but don’t tell me I’m unrecognizable. I mean I didn’t change that much.”

Oh, sure... his right. He didn’t change that much. In fact, he didn’t change at all. And he could actually say he’d changed a little? Not in a million years. Kojimi was still as I had seen him three years ago. Round, fat, annoying, think himself so great, think he’s so friendly, boring, talkative, full of nonsense, loud voiced.....

Arrggghhhh.. There’s no end of bad things that I could think of him. He just had to be in the same class with me on my senior year. How dare he!

“Nozomi? Don’t tell me you really can’t recognize me? Nozomi? Say something.”

“What... do... you... want?”

“Nozomi, why do you sound so upset? Did someone upset you? Tell me who it was, I’ll kill that jerk.”

‘Like you could,’ I whispered to myself.

“”What? Who?”

“No one. Just go do what you’re suppose to. Move!”

“Ok ok. Calm down. I’ll talk to you later.”

Kojimi walked back to the front and took a deep breath. The teacher gestured him to introduce himself, which he did, in a most embarrassing way.

“Hi class! My name is Takahashi Kojimi, Nozomi’s cousin and lover. We’ve been together for a long time although she hasn’t accepted me yet. But she will one day. Till then, I will express my love for her. I...”

“Mr. Takahashi? You’re supposed to introduce yourself not your love,” the teacher said, looking at my direction.

I could have just died of embarrassment. Not only was the teacher staring at me, which was bad enough, the whole class including Kanda were staring at me too. And that annoying Kojimi was smiling at me with a sickening smile that was so frustrating. I wanted to scream at him but I couldn’t. I have already lost my face in this class and it was not even ten minutes. I couldn’t screamed, it would make me have no face at all to face anyone. I felt like killing Kojimi.

“Mr. Takahashi, you may sit now. Why don’t you sit beside Lenalee over there? She’ll help you in class if you need anything.”

Kojimi smiled that frustrating smile again and I felt like dying. He walked heavily with his tummy swaying here to there again and again until he reached a seat where a pretty girl sat. he asked if she was Lenalee and got a ‘Yes’ as an answer. Then he practically squeezed into his seat which seemed too small for him.

The lesson went on and ended. Then another lesson started and ended. And it was recess. Apparently, no one from this class goes for recess. If they brought any food, it will have to be shared with the whole class, no matter how little it was.

Luckily for me, I didn’t bring any food that day because I was trying to lose weight. And since I didn’t have anything to do during recess, I just let my head drop on the desk and tried to nap.

But it just HAD to be ruined.

“Nozomi-san, are you hungry? I have a little food here. Have some, my beloved,” Kojimi said in a voice he thought was romantic.

“No I’m not hungry AND I’m not your beloved. So move it!”

“Come on. You must be starving. Have a little at least.”

He tried shoving the food into my mouth that I just lost my temper, stood up and shouted at him.

“Can you just GET LOST! You’re NOT wanted at all. Why do you have to join this class on my final year! I wanted to have peace on my senior year but you’re NOT letting me. Its better if you don’t exist in my life! How wonderful THAT would be!”

I sat down again, not looking at him. Suddenly, a hand touched me on the shoulder from the back.

-brenda-

Life's Challenges (Chapter Seven)

2008-12-22T16:54:00.000+08:00

Everyone turned to see Arron’s expression. He did not seem bothered at all and looked like he did not even hear what the teacher said. He continued reading his book as if nothing happened. He appeared oblivious to his surroundings. Then, as if he felt uncomfortable, he shifted a little in his seat and looked up. He was surprised that everyone was looking his way but he kept his expressionless face on.

Hebe, on the other hand, walked merrily to his side and sat down. Gasps could be heard all over the classroom. Hebe looked up in wonder. Were they surprised at how lightly she took it when the teacher said she was to sit beside him? Or was it because he didn’t seem to mind in the least?

The lesson went on as usual except for the extraordinary silence. Even the teacher, who was used to the noise made by the class, felt uncomfortable and seemed to make a few glances at both of them when he thought they weren’t looking. Other than him, their classmates too were glancing at them and did not seem to bother whether they knew or not. Girls have Hebe the cold look which somehow – to her – meant ‘He’s mine. All mine, so get your filthy hands off him’. But the boys merely looked at her with nice smiles because they knew even if she liked him, he would never like her, which meant, she was free for anyone to get.

Hebe herself was not happy. The cold glares the girls gave her made her felt like she was an outcast, although the boys were making her feel most welcomed there. She didn’t know what to do. She realized that the boy beside her, Jiro’s good friend, was extremely popular, especially with girls. And if she did just a single mistake, or rather a mistake in his fans’ eyes, punishment would come her way. So, throughout all the lessons, she sat uncomfortably beside him. When school was over, she heaved a sigh of relief and left the classroom with Jiro.

“So, how was first day?” he asked.

“Okay, I guess. Only, I can’t really stand the looks the girls gave me. It was like I killed someone.”

“I know the feeling.”

“How?”

“Not sure. But I just know the feeling.”

“Okay. Anyway, why did the girls do that? I mean, I did not actually offend them, did I? I didn’t even do anything to them. What’s more, I don’t even know them.”

“Well, for starters, you’re sitting with the most popular guy in school. Next, its only your first day. And you’re a girl. And you’re pretty...”

“Excuse me?”

“What?”

“Pretty? I don’t think I belong to that category.”

“Why not? You’re beautiful. Anyway, do you want me to go on?”

“Its okay because I think you can go on for a whole 24 hours.”

“Not exactly. I could go on for two days, at least.”

“Never mind, Jiro. I do not really want to know all the reasons.”

“Sure?”

“Yes. So, shall we eat first? Or shall we go home and eat?”

“Why don’t.... Hey, Arron! Over here.”

Apparently, Jiro spied Arron walking towards the opposite way he and Hebe were going. He wanted Arron to have a meal with them. So, he shouted for him, which was a terrible mistake. Because practically every single girl within earshot ran towards Arron and started babbling loudly around him.

“Can I have your sig....”

“I love you for.....”

“Can you be my......”

“Oh my God! You’re so.......”

Arron pretended nothing happened and went on walking towards Jiro and Hebe. As he did, the whole crowd of girls followed. When they reached Jiro, all the girls started staring at him instead of Arron. But Jiro didn’t even seem to realize it. It was like his world only consisted of Arron and Hebe at that moment. Arron looked at his fans from the corner of his eyes. They appeared to realize it and immediately blushed and became embarrassed for they felt they were not being faithful and loyal to their handsome prince.

“Let’s go,” Arron said, ignoring the looks on their faces.

He turned and went on walking. Jiro ran towards him and put his hand around his shoulders and chattered non-stop, leaving Hebe behind, forgetting about her. Hebe turned slowly to walk after them but was pulled back by some hands. She started to shout but a hand was placed on her mouth, silencing her, making her struggle, in vain. The more she struggled, the tighter the hand grips were on her. Suddenly, she felt herself being dragged backwards. She tried to move her body but nothing seemed to work. It seems that her only option was to struggle, although there was not much difference it could make.

-brenda-

Life's Challenges (Chapter Six)

2008-12-22T16:53:00.000+08:00

It was Jiro. Beside him was a girl with short hair. He looked at her and she hid behind Jiro shyly. She seemed to blush slight red. She wore a loose black shirt and jeans. She did not wear make up like most of the girls in his school did.

He took note of every single detail about her, top to toe. Her hair was dark brown and layered. Her skin was delicate and smooth. Her eyes, beautiful. Her lips looked sweet and her features were practically perfect in every way. He stared at her for a moment until Jiro butted in. “Hey, dude. Quit looking at her. You should be looking at me, your friend not her, an unknown stranger. Right, Hebe?”

The girl nodded shyly. She seemed nervous at the same time and looked like she didn’t dare to utter a single word. Her head was bent forward. He stopped looking at her and Jiro seemed relieved. “Wow, Arron. You’re like the only guy who had ever stopped looking at her at just one command. I mean, all the guys who saw her stared at her for like hours. But, you? I just say a word and you’re done looking. You’re the man.”

“And you’re the other man.”

The girl giggled. He had his eyes on her once more. Somehow or another, he couldn’t seem to keep his eyes of her. Not because she was irresistible but because of something else, her aura. He could sense a little mystery from her, like she keeping a deadly secret unknown to everyone. But then again, what did he know? He had only just met her. Not to say, he hadn’t even started talking to her and yet there he was thinking he hid some terrible secret.

“Shall we go?”

“Great! Come on,” Jiro signaled her to follow them.

On the whole journey to school, Jiro skipped, jumped, hopped and did a whole lot of other things. It was surprising that anyone would even bother to do them but he had seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly. Hebe, on the other, kept giggling at the sight of Jiro doing weird things. She had known him all her life and knew that he was weird. But she liked him in a way. He never failed to amaze her and make her laugh. He seemed the world to her.

Arron just kept walking, looking straight. Not even bothering when he heard Jiro say, “Ouch!”. He always appeared cold and distant even to Jiro. He didn’t seem to like being warm and friendly. He was always mysterious and never answered anybody’s question unless it was about studies or if Jiro spoke to him.

Numerous girls had tried talking to him but to no avail. Some had even asked him to go out with them. And his response was? Just don’t say anything and appear like he never heard anything, like the girl was invisible. He never ever thought of looking or trying to attract girls. It was always the girls who took the initiative. He even had a fan club in school organized by them. The girls from the fan club would try to get a picture of him smiling for there had been a rumour about a bet all of his fans made. Whoever took a picture of him smiling would be the president of the club and no one could fight with her over him.

This had made him terribly annoyed. Who were they to try to do irritating things like that? Don’t they respect his privacy? He had some girls prowling around his house sometimes, trying to snap a photo of him. It had made him absolutely mad that he told them off on the spot, making them nervous whenever they saw him. But other than that, he never spoke to anyone else except Jiro, which made him proud to have befriended the coldest guy in school.

At that moment, his school stood solidly to the ground in front of him. Students were walking through the main entrance. He continued walking towards the building. Its history goes all the way back to more than a hundred years before although it still looked new because it was repainted a few years ago. Jiro was making funny faces at Hebe, causing her to have a fit of giggles.

As Arron walked through the main entrance, all eyes were on him. Mostly were girls, thinking when would he smile and when would they be able to be with him. As for the boys there, they were wondering why do the girls like a person as cold as him and who wouldn’t even bother to look at them. But then again, what do they know about girls.

Arron as usual walked quickly leaving Jiro and Hebe alone. He reached the hall to assemble with all the other students. After assembly, he walked on to his classroom. There, he chose the last seat at the back. No one dared to sit beside him. So he was always safe from the chattering of anybody beside him. He took out a book to read. It was a new book he never read before. As he opened it, Jiro came up to him.

“What book are you reading now? Aww.. Do you have to keep reading books concerning studies only? You actually have the mood to study on the first day of school? You’re so predictable,” Jiro smiled.

Hebe stood a little way behind him again. She looked at Arron straight in the eye, which made her blush once more. He immediately rested his eyes on his book. Jiro spoke, “Could you stop reading? Its only the first day of school and it seems to you that we have a test tomorrow.” He received no respond.

Right after that, the teacher entered. Everyone scrambled into their seats, the quickest, Jiro. He knew he had not been in the teachers’ good books since he joined the school. So he always tried to do his best, or at least, only on the first few days, in front of the teachers. After that, he’s back to his psycho self. Now, he sat, looking as innocent as could be. But he didn’t know that the teachers all knew about his thoughts, which meant any look no matter how innocent, wouldn’t work on them. Too bad for him.

“Alright class, this is a new year and your next will be your last. You would have to take an important examination which I hope all of you will pass, no exceptions, he said, looking at Jiro, for he knew although Jiro was smart, he didn’t use his brains much. “It would be extremely tough, though I don’t think some of you like Arron would have any problems passing. Even....”

He looked at Hebe who was standing as she didn’t have any seat. She smiled shyly and the teacher nodded. “As I was saying,, Hebe, our new member would not mush problems in passing the examination. Now, Hebe please introduce yourself.”

She moved forward and stood in front of everyone. Murmurs could be heard all over the whole class.

“H..hi.. erm.. I’m Hebe Tian. I’ll need your help in the future.”

“Yes, Miss Tian here was from America but her parents decided to come back to their hometown here for certain reasons. Help her if she needs anything. Hebe, sit beside Arron there. He is at the back, the only one who does not have a desk partner.”

Everyone turned to see Arron’s expression.

-brenda-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twenty)

2008-12-22T16:41:00.001+08:00

(In school)

“Hi everyone!”

Everyone gasped. Selina wanted to tell the whole class that she was with Jiro. And she did just that. All her boy admirers gave up. They couldn’t be with Selina now. Selina and Jiro sat down. Then another gasp went around the classroom. Hebe and Arron walked through the classroom door. They stopped as the class was so quiet. Then they continued to walk to their places.

Their classmates (except those who know already) stared at them. Hebe’s admirers felt sad as those who liked Selina and Arron’s admirers kept looking at Hebe with a kind of look that says ‘How dare you go near my guy. He’s mine, girl. MINE!’. But they didn’t bother the looks. Then they sat down. Selina and Hebe sat in the middle of the classroom and Jiro and Arron sat at the back of the classroom. So Selina and Hebe had their girly talk while Jiro and Arron had their boy talk.

(Girly talk, not exactly girly XD)

Selina: Tell me how you and Arron got together.

Hebe: No.

Selina: Tell me...

Hebe: No...

Selina: Tell or I’ll spill about your secret.

Hebe: What secret do I have?

Selina: About...

Hebe: What?

Selina: Ok I don’t know any. Still, aren’t I your friend? Tell.

Hebe: (smile) No. Unless Arron agrees.

Selina: Then I’ll force him. (stood up)

Hebe: Not now. Later. Look, teacher is here already. (pull Selina down)

Selina: Fine.

(Boy talk, not exactly boyish)

Jiro: Come on. Tell me.

Arron: N-O, NO!

Jiro: Why not?

Arron: Unless Hebe allows it.

Jiro: I’ll ask her right this minute.

Arron: Don’t blame me if teacher kill you. He’s coming.

Jiro: I’ll ask her later then.

They had their lesson, history, which everyone felt was boring except Arron and Hebe, who liked every subject (they’re psycho, they like every subject).

-------------------------
(Weekend)

“Ella, be quick!”

Wu Chun was taking Ella on a date. Their number 10th date (Wu Chun counted). Now he was waiting for her in her house. His chauffer was waiting outside. Ella was in the toilet. She just entered for a few seconds and he was already making her come out.

“Eh, I just went in only and now you want me to come out. You crazy ah.”

“Just be quick. There’s a limit to my patience.”

“Wah. You are soooo impatient.”

“Just be quick.”

“Coming la.”

Then she came out. Wu Chun immediately grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the door and into the car. He drove to a big house. All along the way Ella kept asking where was he bringing her. And he kept saying the same answer. Secret.
So when they reached the big house, she was feeling suspicious. What was he doing? Bringing her to a house. Wu Chun pulled Ella inside. “Follow me,” he said. Then he went around in the house and seemed to be finding something. Ella just followed him around, still feeling suspicious. Then when they arrived in front of a door, Wu Chun stopped. Ella too.

He opened the door, poked his head inside, breath a sigh of relief, then closed the door and turned to Ella. “May I present to you,” he said. “Your surprise.”
He opened the door and Ella’s eyes widen in-as Wu Chun said-surprise. Then she gave Wu Chun a hug. What she saw was simply unbelievable (to her). The room was brightly lit with candles (actually its not exactly bright. Just picture this. A dark room, full of candles that have been lit). In the middle of the room she saw a table with two chairs. Wu Chun led her to the table and pulled the chair for her to sit.
Then he sat opposite her and clapped his hands. A waiter entered with two plates. He served them and went out then came in again. This time with a bottle of wine. He poured some into their glasses and went out again. Then he didn’t enter anymore. “I made the steak,” Wu Chun said. “Really? Hard to believe,” Ella said. “I’ll cook in front of you one day,” he replied. Ella nodded.

They ate the steak and drank wine. When they finished, Wu Chun clapped his hands again and music came out (slow music).

Wu Chun: May I have this dance?

Ella: Sure.

They danced to the music. After a few moments, Wu Chun pressed his lips on Ella’s. it was a long time before they broke off. When they did, Ella rested her face against his chest, her face burning.

-------------------------
Calvin was walking to a nearby bookshop to check out the books. He didn’t use his car because he wanted to think about Hebe, Arron and Angela.

(Calvin’s POV)
How can Hebe be with Arron? Its not fair. I’ve been trying to date her since last year and Arron just came for about a month but she’s with him already. But since she likes him what can I do. Anyway Angela likes me. Maybe I could go with her. But.. I like Hebe more. Life’s just so unfair. I guess I have to let go of Hebe and accept Angela.
(End of POV)

Suddenly he saw two figures somewhere near. He looked closely and realized they were Arron and Hebe. They were having snacks at a stall and were laughing together. Calvin felt a kind of feeling within him. It was a kind of mixture of anger, jealousy and revenge. He clenched his fist, controlled himself and went back home. He didn’t care about the bookshop anymore or Angela. He didn’t care about Arron. All he cared now was Hebe. And he would do anything to have her.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Nineteen)

2008-12-22T16:37:00.002+08:00

Selina and Hebe happily went from shop to shop to buy clothes and cute things. Jiro and Arron tagged along (as they carriers). “You’re lucky Hebe doesn’t buy that much things as Selina. Look at the things we’re carrying. Hebe’s are not even half of Selina’s,” Jiro grumbled to Arron. “Lucky me,” Arron replied, as the girls came out of a new shop.

Selina: The things in the shop are sooo cute!

Hebe: Yeah.

Selina: We bought so many things.

Hebe: Uh-huh.

Jiro: But both of you’re a lot are different.

Arron: Lucky me.

Selina: Don’t worry. After all these, I have a present for you.

Jiro: (lift an eyebrow) Really?

Selina: You don’t trust me?

Jiro: Of course I do.

Arron: Can we eat now? I’m starving.

Hebe: Me too. Lets go. (hook her arm with Arron’s)

Jiro and Selina stared at them.

Jiro: You didn’t tell us that you...

Arron: Oh... (blush)

Selina: Not fair. Tell. Come on.

Hebe: Secret. (blushing also)

Jiro: Not fair.

Arron: Secret.

Selina: Wah. Now people agreeing and saying the same thing.

Arron: You also what.

Hebe: Ya.

Jiro: Ooo...

Arron: Say some more I’ll...

Jiro: You’ll what?

Hebe: Isn’t that Angela?

Selina: Where? Oh there. Oh my!

Everyone turn to look at where Hebe and Selina were looking. And they got a shock. In school everyone wears the same outfit (boy and girl different of course). So whatever makeover wouldn’t make much difference. But right in front them stood a most beautiful Angela. They walked over to her and caught her by surprise.
Angela: Oh, hi guys.

Hebe: Oh my god! You look so pretty.

Angela: All thanks to you.

Arron: Hey, what about me?

Angela: And you too.

Hebe: You didn’t help.

Arron: Oh yes I did.

Hebe: In what way?

Arron: Keeping the makeover secret.

Hebe: Haha. (in a lame voice)

Selina: Don’t care about them. You look great.

Jiro: Awesome. Like an angel.

Selina: Hor.. See someone pretty don’t want me anymore ah?

Jiro: No la. You still the prettiest.

Selina: Really? If she’s an angel, then what am I?

Jiro: Oh, very easy. A goddess.

Selina: Good.

Angela: Excuse me, am I invisible to you guys?

Hebe: Sorry. Nevermind. Lets have dinner together, ok?

Angela: Ok. Who’s paying?

Arron and Jiro looked at each other. They were the guys there and they should be the one paying but they didn’t have a lot of money so they didn’t know what to do. Angela saw their faces and solved their problem.

Angela: Its ok boys, my treat.

Selina: Why? Let me pay.

Angela: If you think I haven’t noticed, I know you guys are couples now.

Hebe and Arron: (blush)

Jiro: How’d you know?

Angela: Selina holds your hand. Hebe hooked her hand with Arron. Its obvious. So to congratulate you guys for being new couples, my treat.

Arron: Thanks.

Angela smiled and brought them to a café and introduced the food to them. As usual, Arron and Jiro ordered cheap food. But Angela ordered extra without their knowing.

(Angela’s POV)
They keep ordering cheap food. Nevermind. I’ll order more. Then I’ll say I can’t finish it and they have to eat. Hehe.
(End of POV)

Since she was smart, her plans always worked. And this one goes without saying. Angela was small sized so she didn’t eat a lot. But they didn’t know. She ordered three times of what she normally ate and ate as much as she normally does. So there were a lot of leftovers.

Angela: Arron, Jiro, help me finish the food.

Arron: Ask the girls la.

Angela: Eh, you say already girls. Don’t tell me you want them to become fat. They don’t want to be. Eat!

Arron & Jiro: Ok.

So they ate. When they finished, they realized that Angela suddenly blushed. So they looked around to see what’s wrong. And immediately they found out. Who did they see coming in the café but Calvin and a woman who they think should be his mother. Arron looked at Hebe and nudged her to look at Angela. They smiled. Angela was as red as beetroot. And she kept looking down on the floor. Selina called her name but no response. Hebe tried, a little louder. But her a little louder was quite loud and Calvin turned around and saw them.

After that, Angela replied, “Huh?”

Jiro: Ooo.. Saw someone handsome is it?

Arron: Ya lo. After seeing then don’t want to bother us anymore ah?

Hebe: Arron, jealous ah?

Arron: No la. Got you already jealous for what. I mean she can’t just abandoned her friends.

Selina: Hey, he’s coming this way.

Calvin: Hi.

Jiro: Looking for SOMEone?

Calvin: Not exactly.

Selina: Oh. Who’s that woman?

Calvin: My mum. She forced me to follow her shopping. Like I have nothing better to do. Anyway, shall we have dinner together. (look at Hebe)

Hebe: No thanks. We just finished. But Angela ate so little. We make her eat but she doesn’t want. She’s so thin. Eh, help us force her.

Calvin: Huh? How?

Angela: Oh no. I’m not eating anymore. I’m bloated.

Calvin: You don’t seem bloated to me. In fact you look like a deflated balloon. (Angela blush)

Arron: Can Jiro and I go first? We got stuffs to do. (wink at Jiro)

Hebe: I’ll follow.

Selina: Me too.

All except Angela and Calvin: Bye. See you in school.

Everyone left, leaving Angela and Calvin together. Before the others disappeared, Calvin noticed that Arron and Hebe’s arms were locked together.

(Calvin’s POV)
Why are their arms together? Don’t tell me they are together already. Can’t be. I won’t believe. But..but..
(End of POV)

Calvin’s mother: Calvin! Come here and eat.

Calvin: Angela, erm.. why don’t you join us?

Angela: Huh? Erm.. ok.

Calvin brought her to the table his mother was at.

Calvin’s mother: Who is this?

Calvin: My classmate, Angela.

Angela: Hello, Auntie. Nice to meet you.

Calvin’s mother: Oh. Well lets eat together then. Come on.

They had dinner (Angela again). But Angela ate very little because she already ate just now. Calvin’s mother kept making her eat but she was too full. In the end, Calvin’s mother couldn’t do anything. But she kept saying how pretty Angela was. When everyone finished, Calvin’s mother asked him to send Angela home. He did and when they reached her house, they were both silent.

They didn’t know what to say. But Angela broke the silence.

Angela: Thanks for the ride. Erm.. bye.

Calvin: Bye.

Angela got down from the car and went in. Calvin drove off.

(Angela’s POV)
I wish something had happened. At least we would be together longer.
(End of POV)

Angela did her homework, bathe and so on. Then she slept.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Eighteen)

2008-12-22T16:34:00.001+08:00

Hebe: We were discussing how to... how to...

Arron: To what?

Hebe: Erm.. hehe.. to confess to you guys.

Arron: We? Who? Me and who?

Hebe: Don’t you know? Jiro.

Arron: What?! Jiro?! Selina likes him?!

Hebe: Yeah. I guess she was right. No one else knows about it.

Arron: So what was she going to do? I mean how was she going to confess to him?

Hebe: I won’t tell you. I’ll show you. (look at her watch) Its 5.20pm. I think we still have time. Come on. (pull Arron’s hand)

They called for a taxi and headed for the mall. Arron was wondering all the way to the mall. He just couldn’t figure out why were they going there except to find Jiro there. At last they arrived and stepped out of the taxi. Arron paid the taxi driver and Hebe practically dragged him all the way through the mall. Suddenly she pulled him to the side. He was just going to ask her what’s going on when he spied Selina behind Jiro. She tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned around, his eyes bulged out.

(Jiro’s POV)
Selina? What is she doing here? She can’t be the one who smsed me? Can’t be. She doesn’t have my number.
(End of POV)

Selina: Erm.. hi.

Jiro: Hi. (blush for no reason)

Selina: So you received my message?

Jiro: Yeah. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

Selina: Oh yeah. Hehe..

Silence...

Selina: Jiro?

Jiro: Yeah?

Selina: Ilikeyou...

Jiro: What?!

Selina: (blush) I... like you..

Jiro: Huh? Er... Me too!

Selina: (look at him) (smile)

Jiro: (blush) Would you... be my... girlfriend?

Selina: Yeah! I mean ok.

Jiro: (hug her) Shall we go somewhere?

Selina: Ok!

Jiro: But I don’t have much money.

Selina: Its ok. I’ll pay.

Jiro: But..

Selina: Lets go!

Selina pulled Jiro into a boutique. Arron and Hebe could hardly believe their eyes. “That was so quick. She didn’t even ask about his past. Wow,” Arron said. “Yeah. Shall we follow them? And surprise them?” said Hebe.

Without waiting for an answer, she took Arron’s hand once more and pulled him to the boutique that Selina pulled Jiro to (now the story’s full of pulling instead of thoughts). Outside the boutique, Arron and Hebe spied on Jiro and Selina. They couldn’t help giggling, watching and listening to them talking.

(In the boutique)

Selina: Hold for me.

Jiro: Ok.

Selina: This also.

Jiro: Ok.

Selina: This too.

Jiro: Ok.

Selina: And this.

Jiro: Ok.

Selina: And this one.

Jiro: Ok.

Selina: Oh..and this too.

Jiro: Excuse me.

Selina: And this.

Jiro: Excuse me.

Selina: This one also.

Jiro: EXCUSE ME!

Selina: And.. Yes?

Jiro: What are these? (carry all the clothes up to show her)

Selina: Clothes. Don’t you know? (eyeing Jiro, wondering what’s wrong with him)

Jiro: What am I?

Selina: A human?

Jiro: A human or a clothes carrier?

Selina: Ermm..Both! (giggle)

Jiro: Oh so you don’t want me already is it? You want me to be your clothes carrier only?

Selina: No la. Ok ok I’ll take the clothes.

Jiro: No. I’ll throw them in the drain.

Selina: NO! (squeal)

Jiro: Haha. I am the clothes thrower. Where is the drain? Drain, here I come.

Selina: No! Don’t you even THINK of doing that!

Jiro: Too late. I’m already thinking. Haha.

Selina: You... (suddenly saw two people laughing outside the boutique)

Arron and Hebe couldn’t control their giggling that they simply burst into silent laughter. But it took a lot to even make their laughter silent. So in the end they just laughed. The passers-by stared at them thinking they just came out from a mental hospital. Then, Arron felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and immediately stopped laughing. It was Jiro who tapped him. He looked at Hebe. She had also stopped laughing. Right in front of her was Selina. Both Jiro and Selina were staring at them while their looks were like, demanding an explanation from them. Arron and Hebe looked at each other. Suddenly they had the urge to laugh again that they did just that. Right in front of Jiro, Selina and all the people walking pass, they burst like an atom bomb.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA”

Their laughter was so contagious that Jiro and Selina joined in. Some passers-by even had a hard time to stifle their giggles. (hey, I’m giggling too, lol)
When they eventually stopped, Selina asked them what were they doing. Arron explained to her and Jiro.

Selina: Hebe! How can you do that?

Hebe: Hehe.. Sorry. But it was too hard to not see. I thought you were to meet at five o’clock. How come when we arrived here at half past five you just started to talk?

Selina: Oh.. I was in the car. I arrived at five sharp but I was in the car. I didn’t know how to confess. So I stayed there for twenty minutes when I finally found the courage to tell him the truth. All the way I walked slowly. That’s why I was late.

Arron and Hebe: Oh..

Jiro: At first, there was another person who tapped me and I turned around. I tell you, I got a fright. It was a guy. I asked him whether was he the one who sent me the message and he said yes. I was wondering why and I asked him. But he kept saying, “Yes, yes, yes”. I was so annoyed. Then I started to get a little suspicious. Suddenly, a few guys came and took hold of the guy and kept saying sorry. They said he was from the mental hospital and he got out. I tell you I got a great shock. Good thing he didn’t harm me.

The other three laughed.

Selina: Shall we have our dinner together later?

Hebe: Ok. In the meantime, lets shop.

Selina: Yeah!

Arron and Jiro looked at each other and had the same thought again. This is going to be a loooong day (I mean evening, hehe).

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Seventeen)

2008-12-22T16:28:00.002+08:00

Arron saw Hebe sitting on a bench at the park. He cautiously walked to her. “Hebe.”

She turned around and saw him walking towards her. She slowly got up and went to him. When they were right in front of each other, Arron looked away and Hebe looked at the ground. A moment of silence followed. Then, “Arron?”

Arron: Uh...Yeah?

Hebe: I.. erm.. You mind... telling me about it? (blush)

Arron: (blush) Oh. Ok, I guess. Er.. I....

Hebe: Its ok if you don’t want to.

Arron: I must. If I don’t get it out now, I never will.

Hebe: Don’t force yourself.

Arron: I have to. Here goes nothing. (take a deep breath) My father was a drunkard. My mum was a homemaker. Every night without fail, he would hit my mother in his drunkard state. But she still believed he loved her and that he hit her because he was sad as we were poor. Everyday, we were hungry. We didn’t have enough to eat. I guess my mum was right that he still loved her because in the morning he would try to put things right. One day, some loan sharks came to my house. We owed them a lot of money. My father took my mum away and left me in the house. I didn’t know what to do. I hid while the loan sharks tore down the whole house. Then they left. I starved in the house for a few days. One day, I fainted. I woke up in my orphanage. The owner is called Uncle Tom. He was the one who cared for me all these years. My parents abandoned me when I was only six. Since then I stayed in the orphanage. A few weeks after I lived there, Uncle Tom showed me a newspaper clipping. It was about my parents. The loan sharks found them and they were tortured. They died and the loan sharks went to jail. Ever since then, whenever there was any assignment about families in school, I wouldn’t do it and was always punished. I hardly had any friends. Jiro was the one who helped me. He was my one and only good friend. He was the one I spent almost my entire life with. He is my best friend and no one can take over his place. I have nothing else in this world.

Hebe listened to Arron’s story. When he finished, she saw a tear drop. She herself couldn’t help feeling the sadness he went through that she cried. Then she hugged him. “You also have me,” she said. “I liked you since you came to school. But I didn’t dare to tell you.”

Arron: (hugged her back) Me too. I have been in love with you all this while. But I didn’t have the courage to confess till now.

Hebe: (looked at Arron) Are you sure?

Arron: I love you. With all my heart. Are you willing to be my girlfriend? (blush)

Hebe: (wipe off her tears, then his) I am.

Arron kissed Hebe on the cheek. “You don’t mind me being an orphan?” he asked. “What do you think?” she replied. “Erm... No?” he said, blushing. “Smart boy, hehe,” she giggled.

-----------------------
(Jiro’s POV)
Do I ask her or not? It seems blunt to ask her straight. Yet it seems cowardly if I don’t. Should I or not?
(End of POV)

Jiro was debating with himself whether he should ask Selina to be his girlfriend. Just as he took his phone, it rang. He received a message. He opened it and the message said, “Meet me in the mall at 5 o’clock.” He looked at the number but he didn’t know whose it was. He looked at the clock. It was three o’clock. Two more hours to go to the mall. In the meantime, he could call the number. He dialed but no one answered. Guess I have to wait, he thought.

(4.30pm)

Jiro peeked out of one of the rooms in the orphanage. He didn’t want to meet Arron anywhere. He was sorry he blurted out their secret. He knew Arron would kill him the moment he saw him. Just as he was going to tip-toe out, he heard something. He hid behind the door and saw Arron go out. After a while, Jiro came out to check if the coast is clear. It was! And he went on his way to the mall.

(In the mall)

Jiro was at the mall, looking around to see if he knew anyone but he saw none. He had been waiting for ten minutes. He decided the message was a prank. He was going to leave when suddenly someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned and gasped.

-----------------------
(At the park)

Arron and Hebe were sitting on a bench, talking.

Arron: Why didn’t you say anything at school?

Hebe: I just didn’t know what to say.

Arron: Actually I have something else to tell you. I have a brother.

Hebe: Really? How old is he?

Arron: Same age as me. But he’s not a twin. His birthday is earlier than mine. So he’s older, though same age.

Hebe: Oh. Which school is he studying in?

Arron: I don’t know. We were separated since we were three. My parents were too poor to feed four mouths so they gave him away for some money. I really sort of miss him. He was very kind and we were very close even though we were so young at that time.

Hebe: Oh, I’m sorry. What was his name?

Arron: I’m not really sure since we’ve been separated for so long.

Hebe: Ok. Anymore secrets? (smiling)

Arron: Er...

Hebe: Its ok. You can tell me.

Arron: I used to have a girlfriend.

Hebe: (stop smiling) Oh...

Arron: But we broke up. She said I wasn’t good enough for her because I am poor.

Hebe: Its ok. (looking at Arron’s sad face) You still have me.

Arron: Yeah. Yeah, I do. I think I want to try to find my brother. I know it will be hard. Still, he’s my brother.

Hebe: I’ll help you.

Arron: Sure? It’ll be hard.

Hebe: I know. But I’ll have you. (smile)

Arron: Of course you have me. You’ll be having me forever. (smile)

Hebe: Really? Prove it.

Arron: I don’t know how but I can...

Arron lowered his head. His lips went closer to Hebe’s. She could feel his breath. Then their lips met. It seemed like forever before they broke apart. They looked at each other and blush.

Arron: Was it your first?

Hebe: (nodded)

Arron: (in a soft voice) Me too.

Hebe: Are you sure? You had a girlfriend but you didn’t kiss her? Not even once?

Arron: No. We hardly met. Her father didn’t want us to be together.

Hebe: Oh.

Arron: By the way, what did you and Selina chat about in school just now when everyone was questioning us like the police?

Hebe: (giggled) Secret.

Arron: Oh no. you’d better tell me.

Hebe: Nope. Unless what we planned goes well.

Arron: Come on, why can’t you tell me?

Hebe: Secret.

Arron: Spill.

Hebe: Nope.

Arron kept urging Hebe to tell but wouldn’t say a word. In the end, he tickled her and she couldn’t help feeling ticklish so she told him.

Hebe: Ok. I’ll tell.

Arron: Good. What was it about?

Hebe: ..........

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Sixteen)

2008-12-22T16:22:00.003+08:00

Jiro and Arron entered their boisterous classroom. As they step foot in it, it became silent. Even if a pin drop somewhere, it could be heard. Both of them stood still for a moment then continued their steps. Jiro and Arron did not dare to look at Selina and Hebe. It was too hard for them to even glance at them. They sat down and pretended like nothing happened. Suddenly,

“Is it true?”

“Do tell us.”

“How did you dare to say it out like that?”

“Why didn’t you tell us before?”

“Not fair.”

Both of them were wide eyed. The classroom seemed so still and quiet a moment ago. Now it was noisy again. The two of them didn’t know what to say. They were not sure whether to tell their friends or keep them in the dark. They looked up at their friends and realized Hebe and Selina weren’t asking them questions at all. In fact, they sat in their places and did not seem to intend to ask them anything or even look at them. Jiro and Arron eyed each other and nodded. They decided to tell everyone the truth. But just as Arron was going to talk, he noticed that Hebe leaned towards Selina and whispered something to her ear. Then, they stood up and went out. Arron badly wanted to know what they were going to do but first he had to deal with the questions flying around.

Arron: Its true.

Jiro: We’re orphans.

Ariel: Why didn’t you tell us earlier?

Rainie: Yeah, not fair.

Arron: Well.. we didn’t want to tell yet but this person (looked at Jiro) had to blurt it out.

Ella: So if Jiro didn’t say, you weren’t going to tell us?

Arron: Not exactly. We were thinking of telling you when we were ready.

Jiro: Just that we still aren’t.

Wu Chun: You mind telling us about it?

Jiro: I guess not. But first, tell us about you and (look at Ella) her.

Wu Chun: (blush) erm.. we’re together?

Arron: Some kind of explanation.

Wu Chun: hehe...

Calvin: You should have told us.

Angela: Uh huh.

Jiro: Ooooo. Some people are agreeing with each other. (wink)

Calvin and Angela looked at each other and blushed while the others teased them. Then their teacher came in with Selina and Hebe. And the lesson started. During recess, everyone went out to have a little snack except Arron. He stayed behind for he didn’t have any appetite. Their recess break lasted for half an hour. A minute before it ended, Hebe entered the classroom. She went to him and dropped a note. Then she went back to her place. he wanted to say something to her but the next minute, the whole class entered. So he couldn’t possibly say anything to her in private.

-------------------------
(At home)

(Hebe’s POV)
I hope he reads the note. I wonder what he would think.
(End of POV)

-------------------------
(At the orphanage)

Arron opened the note. It was short. It read:

Arron,
Can we meet at the park near my house at five o’clock? I’ll be there waiting for you.
Hebe
He checked his watch. It was only half past two. He had two and a half hours more. He’d better get on with his homework first. But on the other hand, he’d better think of what to say to her.

(Arron’s POV)
Am I to tell her the truth? Or do I just answer what she asks? I don’t know what to do. This is difficult. Even more difficult than any test. Ohhh...
(End of POV)

He lied on his bed, thinking about it.

-------------------------
Ella: Can you believe it?

Wu Chun: Believe what?

Angela: About Arron and Jiro of course.

Wu Chun: Oh. I don’t know. Its hard to believe but it seems true enough.

Calvin: Yeah. Who would have thought about it. If they didn’t had an argument with the teacher, I doubt we’d have known it.

Ella: I wonder how long they wanted to keep it a secret if they hadn’t argued.

Ella, Wu Chun, Angela and Calvin were hanging out together to discuss about Arron and Jiro. It had been shocking to know they were orphans.

Angela: But really, if I were them, I would have wanted to keep it a secret.

Calvin: Uh-huh. Its very sad not to have parents. What do you think its like?

Wu Chun: Ooohhh.. SOMEONE agreeing with SOMEONE again.

Ella: Ya lo. Ya lo.

Calvin: (blush) Eh, don’t you also agree? Its very sad to be an orphan.

Wu Chun: True.

The four of them continued to chat. At the same time, Ella and Wu Chun kept on teasing Angela and Calvin. And Angela and Calvin kept blushing. Later on after a while, they decided to go back home.

-------------------------
(At the orphanage)

(Arron’s POV)
Its already half past four. I should get going. Gosh... I really don’t know how to face her. What’s more, I have to talk to her. I really don’t know what to do.
(End of POV)

Arron went out of his room and out of the orphanage. He had to walk to the park. On his way, he did more thinking. But he just didn’t know what to say to her.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Happiness For You (Chapter One)

2008-12-22T16:08:00.000+08:00

She stood in front of the school gates. As she stood, she felt freedom, a new way of life, a feeling she never felt before. At the same time she felt nervous. She certainly wasn’t starting a new school although she felt like it. In front of her was her old school, ok not exactly old, the school she had been going to for the past four years. Now she was eighteen and at her final, senior year.

But that wasn’t the reason of her feeling freedom and nervousness.

She thought to herself and remembered what her mother had said. “Next year is your last year, you’d better get good results and enter the first class next year. If you don’t, I don’t know what I’ll do with you.”

She shivered at the thought of it. Whenever her mother said that, she meant it. The last time her mother said that was when she was fifteen years old. Her mother had asked her to do something, to record a program on the television, and when she didn’t do it, her mother had said the exact same words. What her mother had done was something she hated and would remember it for the rest of her life.

Her mother had invited her worst cousin for dinner and asked him to stay over. Sure, everyone’s supposed to like their cousin and so does she, except this certain one. She always kept a long distance away from him when she found out a deadly secret (to her, that is). Apparently, he had had a crush on her ever since they met. And this so-called deadly secret was announced to her the following day after she’d found out.

If he was a cutie who looked shy while confessing his crush, she would have at least given him a chance. But he was exactly the opposite. He was a fat boy who had a huge round belly that wobbled each time he took a step. And when he confessed? That was the worst thing that can happen in history.

He had held her hand in a sickly way. He looked into her eyes, looking confident that she would accept his love.

“I, Takahashi Kojimi, now pronounce my love for you, Takahashi Nozomi. My love awaits your acceptance, which I think, you have no problem with that.”

She had staggered back two to three steps and almost falling over but not quite, for he was still holding her hand. As she almost lost her balance, he pulled her towards himself and protruded his mouth. She, in fright, had screamed out loud and slapped him hard, causing herself to really fall. Her butt landed on the floor. Kojimi was in a state of shock after being slapped by the girl he liked.

He looked at her for a long time, trying to understand why she did it. Then he spoke, “Why did you do it?”

Nozomi continued not moving, on the floor. She didn’t say a word.

“Tell me. Why did you slap me?”

Again and again he asked but she did not answer. She couldn’t possibly. She just couldn’t tell him that a fat guy like him is one of the people whom she would never be a girlfriend to. Not only is he fat, he eats like a pig. The amount he eats for every meal is at least three to five times more than her and the way he eats is like, oh my god, he practically pushes everything down his throat without chewing. His whole face will then be full of crumbs and gravy. It disgusts her.

“Why did you slap me? Aren’t I good enough for you? Haven’t I been good to you? Treating you nicely, making jokes to make you laugh, singing with my melodious voice, dancing my funny dance and even laughing at your lame jokes.”

She just stared at him. Did he honestly think that he was that good a catch? She thought he thought too well of himself. “You! You are certainly not good enough for me. If you think you’re that good, how come you don’t have a girlfriend?”

“Well, you don’t have a boyfriend either. So what have you to complain about?”

“Oh, then why do I have someone crushing on me?”

“Hey, if I’m not crushing on you, would you have anyone else doing that?”

“At least I have some dignity to know how I am like and not too full of myself, unlike you.”

Kojimi was silent. He did not think that she would have thought so badly about him. But, he decided, he won’t give up on her. In fact, he was going to pursue her until she agreed to be his.

She on the other hand was thinking that he would back out after all she said to him. But what she thought was wrong because the next day, he acted like nothing had happened and continued to act according to his plan, which, she didn’t know about.

Again she shuddered at the thought of the memory. Well, she had achieved what her mother wanted. She got good results in her last year and because she did a bit too well, she’s got to leave her class and join the smarties of the first. Maybe that was why she felt freedom. Because she’s got a new life at a new class, where she would meet new friends.

And why was she nervous? That has a secret behind it.

Because in that first class, studies a boy named Yu Kanda. And this Yu Kanda was the one and only person whom she had a crush on. He never seem to be interested in anyone and always liked to be alone although he had his own group of friends. She had never thought of confessing to him for that would show that she was a desperate person in search for a guy.

She always kept out of his sight whenever she thought he was looking. No one, not one living soul, knows about this crush of hers. She kept this wonderful secret since the first time she saw him which was four years ago. She was never in the same class with him.

But this was her lucky year. She and he same class. They might even talk to each other, although she wouldn’t know how to open her mouth if he was around. She will get tongue-tied.

She didn’t really mind being in the same class with him although they didn’t really know each other. But what will happen if her feelings grew? And what will she do if he found out? She definitely didn’t want that to happen otherwise she swear she could just die at that moment, or maybe not die but just faint out of shock and embarrassment. And when she regained her consciousness? She will just have to faint again or melt away from sight whenever they see each other.

Well, she told herself, that will never happen. She took a deep breath and walked into the school and then to her new class.

When she reached there, she stood at the door, surprised. She had thought that the first class would be silent but to her surprise, they were worse than her last class. Her last class could still be called noisy, but this was, WOW! This was havoc. She looked around and saw her target which was of course Kanda. Only he was quietly sitting in his seat, not making a single noise. Suddenly, the class became silent.

Pin-drop silent.

She looked around once more and found all eyes on her. She opened her mouth. “Erm.. Hi, I’m new in this class.”

“Er-hem.”

She turned around and saw the teacher.

“You are the new student, I expect.”

“Oh, I’m new to this class, old to the school.”

“Ah... The girl from Class E?”

She nodded, embarrassed.

“Well, welcome to this class and have a seat. Why don’t you sit next to Kanda? He’s over there.”

The teacher pointed at him and Nozomi’s heart pumped against her chest. ‘Oh my God! I’m going to sit next to him! Oh my God!’ she thought.

When she looked at the class again, they had already sat down at their respective places peacefully and did not make any sound.

She meekly walked to her new seat. As she did, she glanced at Kanda who was staring at her. She smiled a little, expecting him to do the same but he failed her. He just looked back in front as if she didn’t exist. She felt annoyed. Who does he think he is, although she liked him, she couldn’t help thinking. She then sat down.

“Class, as you have seen, we have a new member of this class. Why don’t you introduce yourself?”

She stood up. “Er.. Hi, m..my name i.. is Takahashi Nozomi. I am.. am glad I am able to.. to be in this class. I’ll.... be needing your... your help in.. in the future...”

“Now, Nozomi, you don’t have to be so nervous. The whole class, I’m sure, will welcome you like their long lost friend. You will feel one with this class in no time. And..”

A knock came on the door and a figure appeared.

Nozomi peered at the figure and almost fainted. ‘No, it can’t be. It can’t be. Oh my, my life is ruined.’

The teacher continued.

“Oh yes. As I was saying, we are also going to have another new student.....”

-brenda-

Story Three

2008-12-22T15:59:00.002+08:00

This story is dedicated to one of my good friends in school, who is also my classmate, Yi Lin. She likes D.Gray-Man, an anime, which I'm also crazy about, but let's not get into too much details.

The title for my third story is 'Happiness For You', with an anime character and a sort of 'fictional' character as the main.

Yu Kanda is the main character, who is from D.Gray-Man. Takahashi Nozomi is a so-called fictional character because that is Yi Lin's japanese name. There will be other characters from the anime and additional fictional characters, which includes me, Yoshida Inari.

The story is based on the real anime but the scenes will not be copied. All would be from my own imagination.

Life's Challenges (Chapter Five)

2008-12-22T15:53:00.001+08:00

It was a bright and sunny morning. The sun shone brightly outside. Another day was born. His room was tidy and everything was in place, not that it had ever been messy. In fact, everything in his room looked stunning, even him, as he laid on the bed. He was curled up, fast asleep. The alarm clock beside him showed seven o’clock, which meant he was to wake in an hour’s time. On his pillow lied his smooth and flawless face. A face envied by all, including girls.

In his bed, he suddenly shifted position, face towards the window and back towards the cupboard. A few moments later, his position changed again. This time he lied on his back. In no time at all, his eyes opened. He stared into the ceiling, his mind blank. His eyes went to the alarm clock and he sighed. He got up and staggered into the bathroom. Minutes later, he came out, took his school uniform and went back in. The next time he came out, he was all ready.

Overall he was perfect, except one thing. His expression. Since there was still time, he walked to the balcony. The sun rays were streaming and shining upon his delicate face. He could hear the birds chirping outside and saw the trees swishing and swaying side to side following the wind. Everything was so calm and peaceful that he felt he was one with nature. The cool breeze blew.

He closed his eyes, just as he was feeling the peacefulness, a knocked came on the door. “Come in.”

The door opened and in came a lady in her fifties. “Young Master, its time to have your breakfast. Master, Mistress and Miss are already waiting for you.”

He nodded and followed her downstairs into the dining room where his foster family waited for him to have breakfast together. All three family members said good morning. He merely nodded and sat down. Excellent sets of breakfast were served. All of them ate in silence. It seemed that it was all too hard to bear for his sister that she spoke loudly, complaining to their parents about him. “Mummy, Daddy, yesterday when we were waiting for Brother, I went up to call him down. He said he would come but he didn’t. he made me wait outside his door for so long and didn’t even say sorry.”

Their parents smiled. His sister was always like that, liked to complain even if it was a small problem. But that was what made the whole family lively. She made them laugh. He looked at his foster parents and was suddenly reminded of his first stepmother who treated him like cow dung. He remembered the day he ran away from home when he was thirteen.

He had gotten lost. It was raining heavily when he saw two figures. He had felt afraid. Afraid what they might do to him. Afraid that he was lonely. Afraid that he was alone in the rain and darkness. As they went nearer and nearer to him, he backed off step by step until he could back off no more. His back reached a wall. He may have stopped but the figures haven’t. They came closer and closer. He closed his eyes, expecting something horrible to happen. But instead, a soft, gentle voice spoke, “Little boy, why are you out here alone? You should go home. Where do you live? We’ll bring you home.”

The voice belonged to a lady in her twenties. With her was a man in his thirties. They were smiling and looked friendly. He felt safe enough to tell them the truth. Not the whole truth, but part of it. “I ran away from home. I don’t want to stay there any longer. She tortures me everyday.”

“Who tortures you?”

“My.. my.. stepmother.”

They were silent for a moment. They didn’t seem to know what to do. They kept glancing at each other, wondering the same thing, what do we do with this boy? In the end, they made a decision. A decision that changed his life for the better.
“Little boy, why don’t you follow us home. Then tomorrow you can go back to your own home. Okay?”

“No. I don’t want to go back home. I’m not wanted there at all. Take me with you. I’ll be your new son. I’ll do anything. Just take me with you. PLEASE!”
The man knelt down and looked at him. “Boy, you may follow us back. We will discuss this tomorrow again, okay?”

He nodded. The couple brought him to their house which was now his own, four years later. He smiled at his sister. He loved her dearly for she was the one who made him smile and get on with life, although he was not exactly enjoying life to the fullest due to memories and the pain of his past. But still, he tried to get on with his life as well as possible. He wanted to forget that he was ever the son of Jack Yan and that he ever had a stepmother who didn’t care tuppence about anyone or anything but money.

That was why he was trying to open himself more to the world but it was taking a lot of him to do that because it was like he had never been able to do it before. He had been trying for years since he joined his new family. It was definitely hard work for him and he didn’t really have any confidence in doing it properly.
At that moment, his father spoke, “Son, are you okay? You’re not eating and you seem distracted. Is everything okay? Are you nervous about first day at school? Its not your first time.”

He smiled and replied, “I’m okay. Just thinking about some things. Not about school.”

He silently continued eating and when the whole family was done, he immediately stood up, took his school bag and out the door he went. He was used to walking to school. He didn’t really seem to be interested in vehicles no matter what they were even though his parents had tried to make him buy a car. Ever since he was a member in the family, his parents had kept trying to make him buy expensive things but failed terribly. He had never, not even once, showed any interest in anything but story books. Watches, wallets, even girls every man dream of, none had ever attracted him. His face was always expressionless. Only when he was with his sister would he smile and laugh a little. In school, there was only one person who befriended him.

Jiro was a hyper active teenager in the same class. As good-looking, smart and sporty as he was, which was just a little different from him, he had actually gone through the pains of trying to befriend him. He had gone through hard times before he was accepted as a friend. In spite of being a new student in the year before, Jiro kept trying to talk to him because he had no friends there and he was the one sitting nearest to him, which was in front of him. He, on the other hand, didn’t bother to reply him.

Jiro was very talkative and always trouble-prone. In his first week, he had gotten detention due to too much talking in class. When the teacher said he was to have detention after school that certain day, he had talked back to him and received extra detentions plus punishment. He had to clean the whole main hall floor and windows.

As he remembered that little amusing memory, he smiled to himself. Jiro was really a funny and weird person. For once the thought of Jiro actually made him smile. If he knew, Jiro would be jumping the whole day at school, giving no one peace. Beside him, his sister went on and on about him making them wait the day before. His parents were listening while making little jokes while laughing.

They’d eaten the last of their wonderful breakfast of the day. They left the table and went to get ready. He took his school bag. Without saying anything, he just left the house and was on his way to school. He looked at the ground the whole time. Suddenly, he bumped into someone. It was....

-brenda-

Love Life At School (Chapter Fifteen)

2008-12-22T00:10:00.001+08:00

“We’re going to be late for school! Be quick!”

“Alright, alright. I’m coming!”

Jiro was rushing Arron to be quicker because their lessons start in just half an hour and they had not even had their breakfast. Before lessons they even have assembly, which left them less time to stay at the orphanage. Jiro had had a headache and had difficulty in sleeping the night before. He had been tossing and turning almost all night long before finally was able to sleep properly but he only slept for four to five hours. As for Arron, he was thinking a lot. Ever since he went to Hebe’s house, he kept thinking about his parents. How cruel they had been to abandon him. How hard-hearted they were not to have left anything for him. Not even a single cent or thing. All he got was bitter memories from his past. After a few months they abandoned him when he was six, Uncle Tom had told him his parents died in a car accident and that it came out in the newspaper. But he had also been thinking about Hebe. How he hadn’t dare to confess his feelings for her. How beautiful she was. Because of these, he hadn’t a good night sleep, causing him to wake up late the next day. Now they were rushing as much as they could. They simply stuffed their breakfast down their throats. They left only twenty more minutes. If they had any transportation vehicle, they would have reached their school in ten minutes. But unfortunately they had none. So, they walked, or rather, they ran, though Jiro was a little slow from his old leg injury.

They reached school at the last minute but one. The moment they went to take their places during assembly, everyone stared at them. When they stood in their places, a teacher went up to them.

Teacher: Why were you two late?

Arron: But, we’re not late. We came in time.

Jiro: Yeah.

Teacher: Really? Then why does my watch say its already 8.01am?

Arron: That’s just a minute. We reached here right on time.

Jiro: While you walk here, it took you a minute. That’s why your watch says a minute late.

Teacher: How dare you! You will have detention for three days.

Jiro: Not fair. We were not late at all.

Teacher: Five days!

Arron: Teacher, that is totally unfair.

By this time, all three of them could be heard throughout the whole place where they have assembly. Everyone kept quiet, watching the show going on. They agreed Arron and Jiro were not late but the teacher was just being unreasonable.

Teacher: Ten days! And your parents shall be informed.

Jiro: (lose his temper) Go ahead! Go ahead and tell our parents. They can’t do anything to us anyway!

Teacher: Oh, we shall see about that. Whenever we inform parents about their children’s wrongdoing, we make sure they hand out severe punishments.

Jiro: Oh! And how are you going to do that? Rise them from the grave? Then make them punish us?

Teacher: What!?

Jiro: For your information teacher, our parents are not alive. We’re orphans!

Everyone gasped when they heard what Jiro had to say. They had never thought the two new students were what Jiro had said, orphans. Arron stood beside Jiro, not uttering a single word. But he was horrified with Jiro. How could he say all that? What would Hebe think of him now? He never told anyone about his parents. He had wanted to keep it a secret until he was ready to announce to everyone but now his plan had been spoiled by Jiro. Suddenly, a voice called out. “Enough!”

Everybody turned and saw the principal standing nearby. “Arron, Jiro, follow me,” he said, grimly. “You too,” he addressed the teacher.

The three of them followed the principal, quietly into his office where they stood in front of the principal’s table while the principal sat down on his comfy chair. They were silent. No one spoke a word. Then, the principal broke the silence. “You two, why were you arguing with your teacher?”

Arron and Jiro looked at each other, not daring to speak. So they stayed silent. The principal waited a few moments waiting for an answer. Since none came, he asked the teacher instead. “Perhaps you would tell me,” he looked at him.

Teacher: Of course. Principal, these two were late to school, yet they keep denying it.

Jiro: We were not late, I tell you.

Teacher: Still denying it, are you? But no point in doing that. You were late.

Jiro: We were not!

Principal: Enough! Enough is enough. Fighting does not resolve anything. The same goes for arguing. You, Arron, You tell me what you think. You’ve been silent around here. At least someone knows not to argue.

Arron: (looked at Jiro) We were not late, principal. We arrived exactly right on time. But teacher came and told us we were late and even gave us detention for telling him we were not.

Principal: Hmm.. So, you were not late? I see.

Teacher: But sir, I certainly do not see it your way. Sir, they were...

Principal: At what time, your watch read, they came?

Teacher: At exactly 8.01am, sir.

Principal: Interesting. They were only late for a minute? But do you realize our school rules states that students were to be in school in time, not in the HALL in time. Which means they arrived in the school grounds in time.

Teacher: But... But...

Principal: No buts. You as a teacher should know the rules better than the students. Yet you argued with them? I don’t see the need for that at all. And how can you give detention just like that? I have said detention was only for serious matters. I will deal with you later. You may go first. Tell the students that no assembly will be held today.

Teacher: Yes, sir. (go out of the office)

Principal: Now with you two. You know very well the teacher was in the wrong. But that does not exactly put you in the right. You were not late, that’s obvious but you quarreled with a teacher. And that is serious but I will not give you detention. What I’m going to ask you about is did you tell anyone about your background? Except for me of course.

Arron: No.

Jiro: No.

Principal: Did you intend to do that?

Arron: In time. (Jiro nodded)

Principal: Then why did you announce it to the whole school like that, Jiro?

Jiro: I.. I was angry. I lost my temper. Who wouldn’t? When someone accused you straight at you face.

Principal: True, but do you realize this, now the whole school knows. Students are going to badger you two to tell them your past stories. How are you going to answer them?

Jiro and Arron stared at the principal.

(Jiro’s POV)
What was I thinking? Selina wouldn’t like me now.
(End of POV)

(Arron’s POV)
I’m going to kill Jiro. My reputation is ruined. I don’t how to face anyone, especially Hebe. Jiro, you’re so dead.
(End of POV)

Principal: I shall not bother you now. Go and attend your classes now.
Jiro and Arron walked out of the office slowly. They didn’t know what to do. They hung their heads all the way to the hall to take their bags and all the way to their classroom with heavy hearts. They were making themselves mentally and physically prepared for what they think were waiting for them in there.

The principal in his office looked out his window when Jiro and Arron went out.

(Principal’s POV)
They got themselves into trouble. And they have to face it bravely. I guess no one goes through life without hardships. Well, that’s how we get experience anyway. Hope its good for them.
(End of POV)

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Fourteen)

2008-12-22T00:00:00.002+08:00

(Weekend)

Arron walked all the way to Hebe’s house, resting a few times on the way in case when he arrived he looked puffed out. Then, she’ll think he’s poor and won’t like him. Maybe not even want to be friends with him. I must be of same status of her, he told himself. Well, almost, quite far of. As he thought of these, he started comparing himself with her.

(Arron’s POV)
She’s rich. I’m poor. She has everything. I have nothing. She has parents. I don’t. She has a family. I...don’t.
(End of POV)

Arron reached her house. At the gate he stood and stared at her house as if it was his first time. Then he saw someone come out. It was Hebe.

(Arron’s POV)
She’s so beautiful. So sweet. So...
(End of POV)

“Hey!” she tapped him on the shoulder. He was startled and went a step back. Almost losing his balance, he moved his body forward and fell towards her. They fell on the ground, him on top of her. Their lips almost met, only by a few millimeters but he stopped himself in time. Their eyes opened wide and Arron quickly got up, dusting his clothes. He blushed bright red and turned away to hide his face from her. On the other hand, Hebe was still lying flat on the ground. She bated her breath for so long though she didn’t know she could bate it for so long. She looked up at him as he turned away and suddenly realized she was still on the ground. She stood the right way up immediately and turned away too.

Silence took over for a long moment. Then she broke it. “Erm.. shall we go in?”

“Oh.. of.. of course.”

He followed her into the house where he gaped at the spacious rooms and expensive furniture. She led him to a room. There he saw a radio and a mirror wall. He realized it was not just a room but it was a dancing studio. “It’s huge!” he cried.
She stared at him. “Huge?” she inquired.

Arron: Yeah. Why?

Hebe: You call this huge?

Arron: Er.. yeah. What’s the problem exactly?

Hebe: Everyone who goes to our school are rich and more than capable of having huge rooms or whatsoever.

Arron: Oh.. (realize his mistake)

Hebe: Aren’t you?

Arron: Not exactly. (blush)

Hebe: Oh... Nevermind. That’s not important.

Arron: Ya. So what do you want to learn?

(Hebe’s POV)
My... it was awkward when we fell. I’d better not tell him about my feelings. Anyway, I don’t know how to go about it.
(End of POV)

-------------------------
Selina was shopping on her own. Her mind was whirling with thoughts (everyone seem to be thinking too much). But again she wasn’t paying much attention to what she was taking.

(Selina’s POV)
Why does everyone I like seem to like other people. First Arron was getting to like Hebe. Then Wu Chun like Ella. Now both of them are practically officially together . Why am I so unlucky in love? Jiro seem to be the only one whom I like who did not seem to like anyone else but me. At least he’s faithful. Maybe I might consider going out with him. He treats me awfully nicely. Yeah. I’ll do just that. But not now. Oh no! What did I take?
(End of POV)

She quickly put back everything she took and began to concentrate on her shopping properly, leaving her thoughts.

-------------------------
Angela: You two! Oh my god! I don’t believe this!

Angela was sitting on a swing in an empty playground in her neighbourhood. She was thinking (again).

(Angela’s POV)
I really don’t know what to do. Calvin hates me now. I know. I shouldn’t have kissed him. I really shouldn’t have. Ohh.....
(End of POV)

Then something interrupted her thoughts. She saw Ella and Wu Chun holding hands and she cried out to them. They stopped and looked around. They saw her and started to blush (really, I don’t know what’s wrong. Everyone are thinking too much and blushing. Haiz..).

Wu Chun: Er... Hi Angela.

Ella: Hi..

Angela: I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Is this real?

Ella: What do you think?

Angela: Wow!

Wu Chun: What do you think? I mean of us.. being together.

Angela: (speechless)

Wu Chun and Ella: ( getting uncomfortable with her silence and starring eyes)

Ella: I think we should go.

Wu Chun: Erm.. yeah. Bye Angela.

Angela: Huh? Oh.... bye... bye..

They walked off, leaving Angela with her thoughts once more.

-------------------------
Jiro was helping himself to the food at the orphanage. Since he had nothing to do, he sat on his bed in his room that he shared with Arron. He stuffed his mouth with junk food. And he just did that. He was not doing anything other than that. Nothing at all. No, not even thinking (at least SOMEONE has some sense to not think). He tried to go to bed but he was wide awake. So he just lied on the bed and stared into the ceiling, feeling extremely bored.

-------------------------
“Master, here is your food.”

“Thank you. Put it on the table and leave me alone.”

“I take my leave now, Master.”

Calvin was at home in his fabulously luxurious room. He was also lying on his bed (like Jiro). But he was thinking about his love life (thinking again, what’s wrong with everyone? Except Jiro of course).

(Calvin’s POV)
What am I to do now? How can I love two girls? I have to make a decision. But who? Its so hard. Hebe is beautiful and sweet whereas Angela is beautiful also and kind. Gosh! I’d better make a decision soon. This is ruining my life. Arrggghhhh....... I should rest my mind and have my lunch. Yes.
(End of POV)

He went to the table and started to eat, putting all his thoughts away.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Thirteen)

2008-12-21T23:54:00.002+08:00

(Arron, Hebe and Selina POV)

Arron sat down at his place, blushing a little. Oh my god, he thought. I'm late! For once. In front of Hebe too. Oh my! While he tortured himself with horrible thoughts of what he thought Hebe was thinking, Hebe was thinking the other way round. He is so cute when he blush. He looks so embarrassed. Aww... he looks so adorable like a little boy, she thought. But she was not the only one thinking about him like that. Selina was too. But she was thinking about a different thing. Hhmmm.. why was he late? Was he meeting someone? Was it a girl? No, he can't. He can't do that to me. But.. he doesn't know I like him. Wait, but I like Wu Chun not him. Ohhh!! What's wrong with me. First I like Wu Chun, then Arron, then Jiro. (sigh) Who do I like??

(End of all POV)

Lessons end and Jiro asked Arron.

Jiro: Why were you late?

Arron: Was eating your food. The ones Wu Chun bought.

Jiro: What the! Eh, my food le. How can you eat without my permission? And... Wait.. now where's the food?

Arron: What? Oh, I left the food in the cafeteria. Why?

Jiro: Oh no.. My food. My precious food. How can you? I was going to save it for dinner and supper. But now its all gone.

Arron: But.. but.. Nevermind. Maybe the food is still there. Lets go and check.

Jiro: I hope its still there. Or you'll get it from me. Come on.

Hebe: (appeared) Where are you guys going?

Jiro: Looking for my food. Arron left it in the cafeteria table.

Hebe: Gross..

(Arron's POV)
Oh my god. Just now she thought I am a latecomer. Now she thinks I'm disgusting. Oh no. Next she might think I'm a pervert.
(End of POV)

Jiro: Come on Arron. Don't daydream. You can do that after we find my food. If not, you won't daydream, you'll get a nightmare. From me. (look at Arron angrily)

Hebe: Can I help?

Arron: Erm..

Jiro: Sure!

The three of them ran to the cafeteria in time to see a woman cleaner taking Jiro's food to clear away. Jiro went to the cleaner and told her the food was his.

Jiro: Excuse me. The food is mine.

Cleaner: Yours?

Jiro: Yes. My friend left it here.

Arron and Hebe: (came beside Jiro)

Arron and Hebe nodded and Arron said HE was the one who carelessly left Jiro's beloved food there and did not tell him. The cleaner looked at them suspiciously but let them take the food. Then they thanked her and left, carrying the food. Jiro told Arron that good thing the food was still there otherwise Arron would have gone to school the next day in blue black. Arron didn't say anything but just nodded. Hebe asked whether were they going home and they replied yes. She offered to let her chauffer drive them home but they declined because they didn't want to let anyone know about their family and that they were orphans. Hebe asked why but they were tight-lipped about it. Arron said his brother was sick and his sickness was contagious so Hebe better not follow as his brother would be outside the house and Hebe might contract the sickness. While Jiro said he was going to do something secret and no one must know about it so Hebe better not send them home. In the end she agreed since they were insistent. They went back to class to take their bags and went to the front gate of their school. There Hebe bade them goodbye when her chauffeur came. Jiro and Arron heaved a sigh of relief when she went.

Jiro: That was close.

Arron: Good thing we thought of something.

Jiro: Yeah. Anyway, lets go home.

They walked home together.

-------------------------
Calvin was in his car, his chauffeur driving. Calvin's mind was full of thoughts, of Hebe and Angela.

(Calvin's POV)
What am I to do? I can't love two people at the same time. Its too unfair. Ohh.. What to do? What to do?
(End of POV)

Calvin went home feeling uneasy and full of uncomfortable thoughts.

-------------------------
Angela was at home. She had rushed home from school, not able to face Calvin again that day after what happened.

(Angela's POV)
I wonder what he thought of it. I regret kissing him. He'd think that I am a loose girl and won't like me anymore. Oh no. I did a bad thing. I shouldn't have kissed him. Oh no. Oh no.
(End of POV)

She laid down on her bed and thought of these thoughts again and again. She also replayed the memory of her kissing Calvin again and again in her head. She sighed many times.

-------------------------
Ella was on her way home. She had told her chauffeur not to fetch her. She needed time to think about Wu Chun. And there was no time like the present. As she walked, she had to pass a road. Normally there were hardly any vehicles so she did not have look out. Unfortunately, as she crossed the road, she did not hear a big lorry coming. She walked on, oblivious to her surrouding. Suddenly, something pulled her. She fell down on the ground which surprisingly did not hurt her in any way. She blinked her eyes and saw Wu Chun on the ground below her. As they fell, she had heard something wizz by. Now she realized what had happened. The vehicle had been coming towards her but Wu Chun had come to her rescue by pulling her away from a monster vehicle. She looked at him and he looked at her.

(Wu Chun's POV)
She's beautiful. She's so light. She.. She..
(End of POV)

(Ella's POV)
My hero. Thank you. You're so...
(End of POV)

They looked into each other's eyes. Wu Chun's head went higher. Ella's head lowered. Their lips were just going to meet when... "HEY!"

They turned and saw Selina. She was in her car, starring at them with huge eyes. They looked at each other again and quickly scrambled up. Then they turned to Selina.

Ella: H..H..Hi..Hi.

Wu Chun: H..He...Hey..

Selina: What were you doing?

Ella: er..

Selina: You like each other don't you?

Wu Chun: (turn away)

Ella: (blush)

Selina: (angrily close her car window and told her chauffeur to drive off)

Wu Chun: Erm.. Ella?

Ella: (turn to Wu Chun) Yes? (in a soft voice)

Wu Chun: I.. I... like you..

Ella: (gasp)

Wu Chun: Canyoubemygirlfriend?IknowthelasttimeIsaidthatyoudumpmyheadinthetoiletbowlbutIreallymeanit.Pleasebemygirlfriend.

Ella: Huh? (blur)

Wu Chun: .....

Ella: (blush, understanding at last what he said) I... ok.

Wu Chun: (cannot believe his ears) Really?

Ella: ... Yeah..

Wu Chun: (hug Ella) I love you. (practically shouted)

Ella: Don't shout.

Wu Chun: Oh.. sorry. (looked at her and lowered his head)

And you know what happens...

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Twelve)

2008-12-21T23:46:00.002+08:00

Jiro: She told me that she doesn’t like you.

Wu Chun: What? She said that? Did you ask her why?

Jiro; Nope.

Wu Chun: WHY DIDN’T YOU ASK HER?

Jiro: Eh, she already gave me an evil stare. She asked me the reason I’m asking. I suffered to hide the truth le.

Wu Chun: What the?

Jiro: Anyway, I already asked her and now you know her answer. Now, where’s my food? I’m really hungry. Hurry up.

Wu Chun: But it’s not fair. She doesn’t like me.

Jiro: WHAT WAS MY DEAL, CHUN?

Wu Chun: Fine…

Wu Chun took out a big pack of food from under his chair.

Jiro: Wah…got char kway teow, chicken chop, satay and more…(saliva started dripping from his mouth)

Jiro started digging in the food. The moment Jiro started eating, Wu Chun thought, “Oh my god, why is he eating like that? He looks like a wolf which didn’t eat for centuries.”

-------------------------
Arron and Hebe were eating lunch while chatting.

Arron: What time should I come to your house this weekend?

Hebe: Hmm…Why don’t I come to your house? Besides, I really want to meet your parents.

Arron: No…It’s ok. I will come to your house. My parents are…out of station now.

Hebe: Oh…

Suddenly, Jiro came up to their place and put all his food on their table.

Jiro: You guys want some?

Arron: Oh my god! Where did you get all this food?

Jiro: Chun gave me.

Hebe: Chun? I thought both of you don’t get along.

Jiro: We’re ok with each other now.

Arron: Is that chicken chop? OH MY GOD, I LOVE CHICKEN CHOP! Can I have some?

Jiro: Sure, dig in. Hebe, what do you want to eat?

Hebe: No thanks, Jiro. I’m already full.

Jiro: Ok then.

Arron and Jiro started eating. Hebe was busy admiring Arron.

Hebe’s P.O.V
Wow, he looks so cute when he’s eating. His eyes are so enthralling.
(sighed) When am I going to tell him? I really want to stay by his side…
Ah, I can tell him when he comes to my house. Ya, that’s it…
End of P.O.V

Hebe then started daydreaming about what was going to happen at her house when Arron comes.

Arron noticed Hebe daydreaming. “Hebe? He…be…?” He waved his hand in front of Hebe’s face.

“She’s not here, Arron. Maybe her soul is kidnapped by a devil.” Jiro reread his words in his mind. “Oh no!” He then started shaking Hebe. “Hebe, come back! Don’t go! Don’t make us to arrange your funeral!”

Arron rolled his eyes. He thought Jiro was insane.

Hebe: Huh…what?

Jiro: Oh, thank goodness you’re back. What did the devil tell you before letting you go?

Hebe: Ah? What devil?

Arron: Don’t mind him, Hebe. He got some serious mental problems.

Jiro: I DO NOT!

Arron: YOU DO!

Jiro: I DO NOT!

Arron: YOU DO!

All the students in the cafeteria starred at both of them.

Ten minutes later…

Jiro: I DO NOT!

Arron: YOU DO!

Hebe: That’s it. I’m getting out of here.

Jiro: Ya, me too.

Jiro and Hebe walked away in different directions.

Arron: Well, I guess I’m alone…with all this food. (smiled widely)

He then started eating. “Wah, so delicious,” he said, mouth-full. Suddenly, Arron realized that he was the only one in the cafeteria. He checked his watch. “OH NO, I’M LATE FOR CLASS!”

Arron quickly washed his hands and ran to his classroom.

-------------------------
Mr.Lee was teaching the student in the classroom.

“Pss…pss…where’s Arron?” Selina whispered to Hebe.

“I don’t know.” Hebe whispered back.

Suddenly, Arron entered the classroom. He started begging on his knees in front of the teacher.

Arron: SORRY I’M LATE! SORRY I’M LATE! I WON’T DO IT AGAIN! I WON’T DO IT AGAIN!

Everyone chuckled when they saw Arron on his knees.

Mr.Lee: Arron, why are you late?

Arron: Erm…erm…erm…erm…erm…erm…erm…erm…erm…erm…

Mr.Lee: Nevermind. Go to your seat. Do not repeat this again.

Arron: Ok. Thank you, sir. (sighed in relief)

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Eleven)

2008-12-21T23:17:00.002+08:00

(THE NEXT DAY)

‘KRINGGGG!’

The alarm clock rang. Angela quickly got out of bed. She then took her towel and went in the bathroom to bathe. After 10 minutes, she came out and got ready.

‘DING DONG!’

Angela went and opened the door in excitement, hoping it is Hebe.

“Hi, Hebe.”

“Hi. Shall we start?”

Angela brought Hebe to her bedroom.

Hebe: Ok, we shall start with your make up. Please sit on the chair, in front of the mirror.

Angela: Alright.

Hebe took out her make up kit from her bag. “Here we go.”

She then started applying foundation on Angela’s face. After that, she put on compact powder, eye shadow, mascara, lipstick and others. After a few alterations, she was done.

“Ta-daa…”

Angela starred at her face in distrust. “Oh my god! Is this really me?” she thought.

Hebe: Ok, now for your outfit. Where is your closet?

Angela: It’s right over there.

Hebe opened the closet and started searching for a suitable cloth for Angela. She tossed the clothes one by one, all over the room. “Hmm…Hebe…”

Hebe combed out the whole closet but still cannot find one. At last, she gave up.

Hebe: Angela, do you have any other nicer outfits than this?

Angela: Sorry, I don’t think so…WAIT! There is one dress…

Hebe: Just bring it.

Angela went out of her room. After a few minutes, she came back in. “Here it is.”

It was a knee-long, white dress. It had a beautiful design of flowers.

Hebe’s P.O.V
Oh my god…It is so beautiful… I wonder how Arron will react when I wear it…(began daydreaming about her, wearing that dress and Arron flattering and admiring it).
End of P.O.V

Angela: Erm…Hebe? Are you still here?

Hebe: Ah…Ya. It’s so nice…Wear it on.

Angela went to the bathroom and changed her clothes. After a while, she came out.

Hebe: Ok…Just a little adjustment…Done. You look perfect.

Angela looked at herself in the mirror, once again. She was thrilled with Hebe’s effort.

Angela: Wow…Thank you so much, Hebe. I really appreciate it.

Hebe: Hey, what are friends for?

Angela checked her alarm clock. “Oh no, we’re late for school! Come, let’s go…”

-------------------------

Arron and Jiro were already at school.
Arron: Jiro, you go to class first, I’ve got something to take care of. See you later.

Jiro: Ok, bye.

Jiro walked to the classroom.

Arron looked at his watch. “Ok, still got 45 minutes before class starts. Where’s Calvin?” he thought.

Suddenly, KRING KRING! KRING KRING! Arron’s phone rang.

Arron: Hello?

Hebe: Hello, Arron. This is Hebe. I and Angela are at the school garden now. Where are you and Calvin?

Arron: Calvin is not here yet, I’m still waiting for him.

Calvin came and walked towards his locker.

Arron: Calvin’s already here. We will be there in 5 minutes. Bye.

Hebe: Ok, hurry up. Bye.

"CALVIN! CALVIN!" Arron called out.

Calvin: Oh, hi, Arron. What is it?

Arron: I’ve got a…erm…surprise for you! Tie this blind folder over your eyes.

Calvin: What surprise? (puzzled)

Arron: You will find out soon.

Calvin blindfolded himself. Arron then brought him to the school garden.

Arron gestured at Hebe from far. Hebe signaled back.

Hebe: Are you ready? Just be brave and tell him your feelings about him.

Angela: (sighed) Ok…

Arron brought Calvin to the spot where Hebe and Angela were.

Arron whispered to Hebe, “We should go now.”

“Ya…”

Arron and Hebe hid behind the bushes, peeking at both of them.

Angela: You can take off your blind folder now, Calvin.

Calvin: Ok…(wondering whose voice was that)

Calvin took off his blind folder.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew his hair. His heart was beating so fast.

Calvin’s P.O.V
Wow...Angela is so pretty. I think I found my true affection…(He was thinking about Angela so deeply until he forgot about Hebe).
End of P.O.V

Calvin: Angela…What are you doing here? (Actually, he wanted to say that she looks pretty but he ended up saying another phrase)

Angela: Calvin…there’s something important that I need to tell you.

Calvin: Erm…go on…(hoping the next phrase will be ‘I LOVE YOU’)

Angela: I like you since the first day of school. But you don’t even bother about me. I know that you think that I’m a nerd or something else. But, I still won’t give up from endearing your heart.

Calvin: You LIKE me? (disappointed)

Angela: Well…Yes…

Calvin: Erm…Actually, I like you too. But…

Suddenly, Angela kissed Calvin on the cheeks. Calvin started to blush.

Arron: Woah…

Hebe: Well, at least he likes her too.

Arron: Ya…

That scene rang a bell to Arron about Hebe and him. ‘When am I going to tell her?’ he thought.

Hebe, on the other hand, had the same thought, ‘When am I going to tell him?’

Arron and Hebe came out from the bushes.

“Well, another problem solved.” Arron said, gladly.

The moment Calvin saw Hebe, he dashed away from that place.

Hebe: What’s wrong with him? He was fine just now.

Arron: I don’t know. Maybe he is shy or something.

Hebe: How can Calvin be shy? No way…

Angela: Maybe he doesn’t wish to talk to me. Especially when I kissed him unexpectedly.

Arron: No. How can he resist you? Maybe he had something urgent to do.

Hebe: Ya…maybe…

Arron, Hebe and Angela walked through the main door of their school.

Calvin was squatting on the floor, laying his back on his locker.

Calvin’s P.O.V
Oh no! What have I done? How can forget about Hebe? Now, I’m in love with Angela AND Hebe. How can a guy fall in love with two girls?
Who should I choose? Angela? Hebe?
My head hurts!
End of P.O.V

Arron, Hebe and Angela found Calvin sitting down.

Arron: Calvin, what’s wrong?

Calvin: (tried to calm down) Nothing…It’s getting late now. Let’s go to class.

Arron: Oh, ok…

-------------------------
Wu Chun was talking to Jerry when Jiro appeared at their desk.

Jiro: Hi Chun. Jerry.

Wu Chun: Hey…

Jiro: You got anything to eat? I’m very hungry.

Wu Chun: Got…But, why are you asking me?

Jiro: The whole school told me that you’re a giant eating machine. So, I asked you, thinking that you might have hundred packs of food in your bag. (giggled)

Wu Chun: WHAT? The WHOLE SCHOOL told you?

Jiro: Erm…Actually, not the whole school. Ella is the one who told me that all the students call you that.

Wu Chun: Oh…Ella…

Wu Chun’s P.O.V
Is she trying to insult me or eulogize me by telling Jiro that I’m a giant eating machine? Well, who knows? If she was praising me, she surely likes me. Then, I can ask her out without any fear. Ya, that’s it!
But what if she was insulting me…Well, I must find out!
End of P.O.V

Wu Chun: What else did she tell you about me? (asked eagerly)

Jiro: Erm…that’s all. Why are asking me so keenly?

Wu Chun: Oh…it’s nothing.

‘HOW AM I GONNA FIND OUT WHETHER SHE LIKES ME OR NOT?’

Suddenly, he got an idea. “Excuse me, Jerry.”

Wu Chun dragged Jiro outside the classroom.

Wu Chun: Jiro, can you do me a favour?

Jiro: Sure, what is it?

Wu Chun: Listen, I like Ella. Can you help me to ask her whether she likes me or not?

Jiro: You like Ella? Unbelievable…But Ella is a tomboy. She hardly likes boys, especially a guy like you.

Wu Chun: What do you mean by that? (starred wickedly at Jiro)

Jiro: Erm…nothing. I will ask her if only you provide me food whenever I want. Agreed?

Wu Chun: Fine…Anyway, please keep this as a secret. Do not tell anyone or else you will pay.

Jiro: Ok…

-------------------------
(LUNCH TIME)

Ella was eating lunch with her sidekicks when Jiro sat beside her. Wu Chun was watching Jiro from another table.

Jiro: Hi, Ella. What’cha doing?

Ella: What do you think I’m doing? (showed Jiro her food and thought that he was dumb or something)

Jiro: Oh, eating. Erm…can I ask you something?

Ella: Ya, what?

Jiro: Hmm…erm…err…

Ella: Wei, hurry up la.

Jiro: What do you think about Chun?

Ella: Why are you asking me all of a sudden?

Jiro: I…I am just asking.

Ella glanced at Jiro suspiciously and evilly at the same time. Jiro smiled nervously, trying to hide the truth.

Jiro: Seriously, I just wanna ask.

Ella: O…k…I don’t know…I think he is…

Ella stopped her words.

Ella’s P.O.V
Wait…What if Wu Chun asked him to ask me? It seems like that. Besides, both of them are friends now. They would do anything for each other. No, I must not reveal my true feelings…
End of P.O.V

Ella: Erm...I...don’t really like him.

Jiro: Oh, ok then. Bye…(ran off to Wu Chun’ table)

Ella saw Jiro running to Wu Chun’s table. “Just as I thought…”

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Ten)

2008-12-21T14:46:00.002+08:00

“YAY! I WON! I WON!”

The whole school heard someone’s voice, including Arron, Hebe and Calvin who were in the classroom.

Arron: Who’s that?

Calvin: I don’t know.

Suddenly, someone ran inside the classroom.

Jiro: Arron, I won!

Arron: Jiro? You won? What happened to Chun?

Jiro: He’s down there, injured.

Arron: INJURED? I think we should go and help him.

Calvin: Ya…

Jiro: But, why should we? He was the one who started it.

Arron: Jiro, think about it. If something happens to him, you’re the one who is responsible. Worst of all, you beat him up at school. If the teachers find out, you will be expelled for sure.

Jiro: Oh no…

Arron, Jiro and Calvin ran to the basketball court.

-------------------------
Wu Chun was lying on the court. His mouth was bleeding. Ella was beside him, trying to help him.

Ella: Chun, get up.

Wu Chun: Ella? Why are you here?

Ella: I’m just here to help you.

Wu Chun: Thanks.

Arron, Jiro and Calvin ran towards Wu Chun.

Arron: How are you doing Wu Chun?

Wu Chun: Why do you even bother?

Calvin: Because we’re your classmates and we care about you.

Arron looked at Jiro. He whispered to him, “Say sorry.”

Jiro nodded, “NO!”

Arron gave Jiro a pouty look. “Do it for your best friend?”

“Fine…”

Jiro: I’m sorry, Chun. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It is just that you got on my nerves until I felt like getting rid of you from my life, once and for all. I’m sorry, again. I hope we can be friends. I don’t want to fight anymore.

Wu Chun starred at Jiro for a while.

“Alright.” Wu Chun slowly got up.

Jiro: Friends?

Wu Chun: Ya, friends. Sorry for the trouble I caused.

Jiro: Never mind. I’m okay with it.

Wu Chun and Jiro shook hands.

Arron thought, relieved. “Problem solved…”

-------------------------
(THE NEXT DAY)

Angela was at her bedroom.

“I like Calvin so much but he doesn’t even bother about me. Hmm…what can I do to win his heart?” She muttered to herself.

Angela walked towards her dressing table and looked at herself in a mirror.

Angela’s P.O.V
How can I impress him with this looks? I need a makeover. But the problem is, who should I ask help for?......
Ah! I can ask Hebe. She knows about looks. Besides, she is way prettier than me.
End of P.O.V

Angela quickly went to the bathroom to have a shower as she was late for school.

-------------------------
Arron and Jiro walked to their lockers.

Jiro: Arron, you got any plans during the weekend?

Arron: Yes…Hebe asked me to teach her some dance moves. I am going over a place. How about you?

Jiro: Well, I plan to ask Selina out but I don’t think so that she will even bother to go out with a guy like me. But still, I have to try.

Arron: Good luck with that, buddy.

Jiro: Oh ya, did you tell Hebe about your ‘special’ feelings for her?

Arron: Hey, how did you know about that? DID YOU READ MY DIARY?

Jiro: Well…(cleared his throat) Sort of…(Arron gave Jiro an evil stare) Yes! I admit it! Yes!

Arron: WHAT? HOW COULD YOU READ ANOTHER PERSON’S DIARY?

Jiro: I’m sorry. Actually, it was your fault. You put your diary on my desk. I thought it was a storybook. So, I read it. But after reading it, I found out that it was your diary.

Arron was about to knuckle Jiro on the head when…WHOOSH!

Angela ran as quickly as lightning to the classroom. She knew Hebe will be there.
Arron paused. His hand was still in the air.

Arron: What was that?

Jiro: I don’t know. Maybe it’s a ghost or something.

Arron: Cannot be la. How can there be a ghost in our school?

Jiro: You never know…

Arron: Well, who cares? Now, what I wanted to do just now?

Jiro: Knuckle me la…

Arron: Oh, you actually want? Ok…

Arron again almost knuckled Jiro was Selina stopped him.

Selina: Hi, Arron, Jiro. What were you trying to do, Arron?

Arron: It’s nothing (put his hand down). I guess I will be going now. You guys chat for a while.

Jiro: Why are you leaving?

Arron whispered, “Why do you think I’m leaving? Quit bothering about me and ASK HER OUT!” Arron ran off to the classroom.

“Oh…” Jiro became nervous.

Jiro: Erm…Selina…

Selina: Yes…what is it, Jiro?

Jiro: (said in a rush) I like you…Would you like to go out with me? Because I think we should. We can watch movies, eat ice-cream and many more. If you’re not interested, I’m ok with it. So, will you? WILL YOU?

Selina starred at Jiro……

-------------------------
Meanwhile, Hebe was studying in the classroom. Angela ran towards her.

Angela: Hebe…can you do me a favour?

Hebe: Ya…sure. What is it?

Angela pulled Hebe to the back of the class.

Angela: I need a makeover.

Hebe: But…why?

Angela: You see, I like Calvin but he doesn’t even care about me. I had a feeling that it was because of my looks. I really want to win his heart. So, I need your help to create a brand new me. Can you, please?

Hebe: You like Calvin? (surprised). You’re so brave, girl. You don’t even intend to give him up even though he doesn’t care about you. Ok, I will help you. I will come over to your place tomorrow morning.

Angela: Oh, thank you so much.

Angela hugged Hebe in pleasure. Without them knowing, Arron was secretly listening to their conversation.

Arron: Angela? You like Calvin?

Angela got a shock of her life. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

Arron: Don’t worry. I won’t tell him anything. Besides, I wanna help.

Angela: Thank you so much, Arron.

Hebe: Help? But what are you going to do?

Arron: Hmm…I don’t know…I can do anything…

Hebe then thought of a plan.

Hebe: Arron, tomorrow morning, get Calvin to meet Angela at the school garden.

Arron: Ok!

“Jiro, I don’t understand a thing you just said…” Selina said, confused.

Jiro sighed. He then asked Selina all over again, but this time he was unusually tranquil. Jiro hold Selina’s arms. “Selina, I like you…Can you go out with me during this weekend?”

Selina was surprised, at the same time happy.

Selina’s P.O.V
Oh my god! A guy just asked me out for the first time! Should I say ‘yes’? Should I say ‘yes’?
End of P.O.V

“Erm…OK…”

“Thank you so much!” Jiro kissed Selina on the cheeks. He then ran around the whole school for a few times. “YAY! I’VE GOT A DATE WITH A GIRL I LOVE!”

Selina blushed.

"OH MY GOD! JIRO JUST KISSED ME! THIS IS THE HAPPIEST MOMENT IN MY LIFE! I THINK…I’M IN LOVE!

But wait, what about Arron? I like him very much too. Hmmm…what should I do?"

-------------------------
During recess, Jiro and Arron were studying in the classroom. The rest had gone for recess. Arron can’t get his head on the book as he was speculating about Hebe.

Jiro: Arron, are you okay? You look stressed.

Arron: I’m fine…

Jiro: Doesn’t seem like that. You’re wondering about Hebe, right?

Arron: Sort of…

Jiro: You better hurry up and tell her the truth. Our exams are coming soon. If you keep straining on other matters, you won’t be able to do well. You better hurry up and solve the problem.

Arron: I guess you’re right…Anyway, what happened to you and Selina? Did she agree?

Jiro: Well…SHE DID!

Arron: Oh my god, you’re one lucky boy. (relieved because he notion that Selina won’t disturb him anymore)

Jiro: Ya…I was so happy until I kissed her and ran around the whole school for about…7 times!

Arron: YOU KISSED HER? AT SCHOOL?

Jiro: Ya, on the cheeks. Luckily, no one saw.

Arron was relieved, again. He just couldn’t visualize Jiro kissing a girl ‘directly’ and the whole school seeing them.

Arron: Oh, on the cheeks…No one saw…

Jiro: Ya, why? What were you thinking then?

Arron: Nothing…I’m going to the toilet now. Bye.

Jiro: Ok…(suspicious)

-------------------------
Meanwhile, Ella was eating lunch at the cafeteria. Wu Chun came and sat beside her.

Wu Chun: Hi, Ella.

Ella: Hi…How are you doing?

Wu Chun: Fine. Thank you for bringing me to the sick bay.

Ella: You’re welcome.

Wu Chun: Erm...Can I ask you something?

Ella: What is it?

Wu Chun: I want to ask…

Wu Chun stopped his words. Suddenly, the worst moment in his life emerged in his mind.

FLASHBACK

Ella: How dare you ask me out?

Ella dragged Wu Chun to the boys’ toilet. She then dumped his head in the toilet bowl. Wu Chun endured to breathe because he cannot bear the smell. Worst of all, his face was all covered with the toilet bowl’s ‘water’.

Wu Chun: STOP! STOP! STOOOOP!!!...

Wu Chun sobbed everyday, after that incident.

END OF FLASHBACK

Wu Chun: It’s nothing. See you later. Bye.

“What’s up with him?” Ella thought. “Maybe he was sleep talking or something. He must be tired after that fight. So, he must have been sleeping and sleep walked here. Ya, that’s it.”

-------------------------
(AFTER SCHOOL)

Arron was waiting for Hebe, near the main gate. ‘Where is she?’ He thought while checking his watch.

Selina was waiting for her chauffeur at the bus stop. Suddenly, she saw Arron. She strutted towards him.

Selina: Hi, Arron. (said in a very sweet and sharp voice)

Arron startled after hearing her voice. He thought it was a witch or something.

Arron: Hi. (ignored her and looking for any sign of Hebe)

Selina: Who are you waiting for?

Arron: No one…

Arron saw Hebe walking out from the main door. ‘Excuse me!’ Arron ran towards Hebe.

Selina’s P.O.V
What’s wrong with him? Why doesn’t he like me? Everytime Hebe…
What does Hebe has more than me? I’m way smarter, sweeter and prettier then her.
So, why is he disregarding me?
End of P.O.V

Suddenly, Jiro appeared.

Jiro: Hi, Selina. Are you excited for our weekend date?

Selina: Erm…Ya. You know what? I’ve to go now. My transport is here. See you, Bye.

Jiro: Bye…(waved goodbye)

Jiro’s P.O.V
Hmmm…she is too hard to be resisted. I wonder what are we gonna do during our date. (started dreaming about Selina and him watching a horror movie and Selina hugged him in fear, go shopping and Jiro buying Selina a ring, and both of them kissing each other…)
What am I thinking? Like that’s going to happen. Anyway, where’s Arron?
End of P.O.V

Arron: Hi, Hebe…erm…what time you will be at school with Angela?

Hebe: Around 10.30 a.m.

Arron: Hebe,…

Hebe: Oh no, can’t talk right now. My chauffeur is here. See you tomorrow. Bye.

Arron: (sighed) Bye…

Jiro found Arron near the main door.

Jiro: Arron, what are you doing here?

Arron: Nothing. Let’s go now.

Jiro: Ok…

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Nine)

2008-12-21T14:41:00.002+08:00

Selina came in the classroom, followed by Wu Chun’s and Ella’s gang. She saw Hebe and Arron together. "Why do both of them always get to be together? Why can't I be with Arron?" thought Selina.

She was about to interrupt them when Jiro entered the room. He spotted Wu Chun there. He shouted, “WU CHUN!!!” The whole class started starring at Jiro, including Arron and Hebe. Jiro ran towards Wu Chun. He almost gave him a punch when Jerry stopped him. “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?” Jiro pushed Jerry away and went to get Wu Chun.

Wu Chun: Eh, are you crazy?

Jiro: Ya…you’re the one who made me like this! Now, prepare for my slaps and kicks, Chun!

Arron quickly ran and stopped Jiro. He got hold of Jiro’s hand. Wu Chun wanted to beat up Jiro but Jerry stopped him.

Wu Chun: If you’re stronger than me, PROVE IT! See me later during recess at the basketball court. You and I are gonna FIGHT!

Jiro: Ok…if that’s the way you want it, BRING IT ON!

Arron pulled Jiro to the boys’ washroom.

-------------------------
Meanwhile…

Calvin was walking slowly to his classroom, wondering about what happened yesterday.
‘How am I going to face her? I was like a coward yesterday when I ran away from her’.

Angela: Calvin, wait for me!

Calvin: Oh, hi, Angela…

Angela: Hi…You acted pretty weird yesterday. What happened?

Calvin: It is nothing…sorry for leaving you alone there.

Angela: It’s ok…Thank you so much for helping me yesterday. I would have fallen down and broke my leg again.

Calvin: hmm…you know what? I have to go now…I have to finish my homework in time. Bye.

Angela: Bye…

Angela went to her locker to keep her things inside.

Angela’s P.O.V
Why is Calvin avoiding me? Did I do anything wrong? Well, maybe this is faith. Both of us are not meant to be together…even as friends.
End of P.O.V

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Arron: What were you thinking just now? Why do you want to fight him?

Jiro: Arron, it is between me and that Chun. Please don’t involve yourself, I’m begging you. He got on my nerves until I feel like killing him!

Arron: Jiro, what if you get hurt?

Jiro: You don’t have to worry about me. I will be fine.

Arron: If you’re thinking of inviting me to see the fight, just forget it. I am not coming to watch your battle with Chun. I just can’t bear to watch my friend getting hurt.

Arron got worried about Jiro. Jiro patted him on the back and convinced Arron that he will be ok.

Jiro: Let’s go back to class.

Both of them walked back to class. They met Selina there.

Selina: Jiro, are you ok?

Jiro: Ya… I am calmed down, but not for long…

Selina: Hey, relax…

The science teacher came in. Everyone sat on their own places. “Good morning, class. Turn your textbook to page 36. Today, we will be learning about…”

-------------------------
It was recess. And it was time for the fight. The rest went for lunch. Some of them went to watch the fight.

Arron: I am staying at class. I’m not hungry. How about you, Hebe?

Hebe: Ya…me too. Besides, I can finish up the science homework our teacher gave just now. Hmm…You can’t bear to watch the fight either, right?

Arron: Ya…you got that right. I just can’t watch my best friend getting hurt.

Hebe: Hey, Arron. I forgot to ask you something. I heard that you are expert in dancing. Can you teach me some moves? I am also learning how to dance various dance routine from my personal dance instructor. Since you’re also an expert dancer, I want to learn from you too.

Arron: Ok, no problem. When you wanna learn?

Hebe: Erm…maybe during weekend. Are you free? Should I come to your place?

Arron thought about it for while. He realized that he hasn’t told Hebe that he is an orphan who lives in an orphanage. On the other hand, he doesn’t want tell the truth either.

Arron: I’m free. It’s ok…I will come to your place.

Hebe: Oh, ok.

-------------------------
Jiro and Wu Chun were standing facing each other in their own side of the court. The crowd were yelling, “FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!”

Selina and Ella were also there. They wanted to stop the fight but they couldn’t. At last, they decided to support either Jiro or Wu Chun.

Selina’s P.O.V
Who should I choose? Maybe Chun. No! How can I support him when did bad things to Jiro? But I like Chun…and Jiro...Oh god! Just forget it. I am supporting neither of them. Besides, violence is not a way to solve problem. So, why do I have to support them?
End of P.O.V

Selina walked away.

Ella’s P.O.V
Eh, why is she walking away? Maybe she is going to toilet or something. Well…who should I support? Chun? Jiro? (Ella thought about it for a very, very long time) Ok, I will support Chun. In fact, he is stronger…and handsome…
Ella, stop admiring him. You’re a tomboy, remember? You are supposed to act tough, even in your mind.
End of P.O.V

The fight began. Wu Chun ran towards Jiro to kick him but Jiro avoided it. Jiro punched Wu Chun’s stomach. OUCH! Wu Chun punched back. OUCH!

Wu Chun: Too bad you cannot kick me…and even play basketball. Serves you right.

Jiro: WHAT??!

Jiro looked at his foot. Suddenly, his whole body started to burn up. “WU CHUN!!!!”

-------------------------
Arron and Hebe were doing their homework.

Calvin was on his way back to class. He saw both of them sitting close to each other. Calvin felt himself becoming jealous.

Calvin’s P.O.V
Why do both of them always be together? Doesn’t Arron know that I like Hebe? Well, I must do something to interrupt them before they make up.
End of P.O.V

Arron’s P.O.V
Well, I think this is the right time to tell her my feelings for her. Well, here I go…
End of P.O.V

Arron: Hebe, I have to tell you something.

Hebe: Ya, what is it?

Arron was about to reveal his ‘special’ feelings to Hebe when Calvin crept behind Arron like a ghost and…BOO!!!

Arron fell down from his chair. OUCH!

Arron: Hey, what do you think you’re doing? Scare me to death, is it?

Calvin: Actually…yes. But I didn’t know you will fall flat on the floor. I am sorry, ok?

Arron: Apology accepted. Now, help me get up. My butt hurts a lot.

Calvin and Hebe helped Arron to get up. “Thanks.”

-brenda,co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Eight)

2008-12-21T14:36:00.002+08:00

Everyone went back home after having their dinner.

Arron: Bye, Jiro. Since you will be discharged tomorrow, I will come back and help you clear up.

Jiro waved all of them goodbye and went to sleep. Calvin, on the other hand didn’t go home. He crept inside Jiro’s room to find for his phone.

Calvin’s P.O.V
Where is his phone? I have got to delete that video before he sends it to the whole school. I just can’t imagine what will happen next…I won’t be able to show my face to the students, even the teachers. (Calvin rethinks again) Or maybe my butt…Well, who cares about my butt? Quit thinking nonsense and find for that phone now!
End of P.O.V

Calvin searched for Jiro’s phone everywhere. "Where is it? Where is it?"

Finally, he found it under Jiro’s pillow. Jiro was deep in sleep until he didn’t realize that Calvin took his phone.

“Here it is.”

Calvin browsed the phone but there was no video in it. “Maybe he deleted it.” Calvin browsed for the video again and again because he didn’t believe that Jiro will delete it. At last, he gave up. “He did delete the video. Well, lucky me…” Calvin smiled widely.

When Calvin was about to put back Jiro’s phone where it was, Angela entered the room.

Angela: Calvin? What are you doing here?

Calvin: Erm…I left my…handphone here. I came back to take it.

Angela: I know why you’re here. You probably wanted to get rid of the video, right?

Calvin: VIDEO? WHAT VIDEO? (trying to hide his plan)

Angela: It is ok, Calvin. I would do the same thing as you if someone took video of me doing embarrassing things. Well, I thank you for dance. And I’m sorry if I was the one who made you dance like that.

Calvin: Nevermind. Jiro deleted it already. I wonder why he did that. Anyway, how is your leg?

Angela: It’s getting better. I can walk now. Well, I have to go now. My parents are probably wondering where am I. Bye…

Calvin: Wait. Let me walk you home.

Angela: Ok…(wondering why he said that)

-------------------------
Calvin and Angela were walking by the roadside. Suddenly, a cold gust of wind blew. Angela started shivering. Calvin then took off his jacket and passed it to Angela.

Calvin: Here you go.

Angela: Thanks.

Calvin: So (wondering what to talk about)…how are your studies lately?

Angela: Oh, it is fine…hmm, how about you?

Calvin: Erm…same.

Suddenly, Angela accidentally hit her leg on a stone, on the ground. She was about to trip and fall when Calvin caught her. Both of their faces were so close to each other.

Calvin’s P.O.V
Wow, she is so pretty, kind, clever…I think I have feelings for her…(Calvin was in his illusion. He bent down and almost kissed Angela when…) WAIT! What am I doing? (he quickly bent up back) WAIT! I like Hebe. Why do I have feelings for Angela? Oh, no…I can’t do this…
End of P.O.V

Calvin quickly ran away. Angela was surprised. At the same time she was wondering what had happened to him. “Tomorrow, I will ask him at school” She continued walking and reached her house.

-------------------------
(THE NEXT DAY)

Wu Chun and Jerry were browsing their lockers for their books. Up came Selina and Ella.

Wu Chun’s P.O.V
Wow, Ella is so pretty. Not bad for a tomboy…Should I ask her out again?
NO! What are you thinking? Remember the last time you did that; she dared to drag you to the BOYS’ TOILET and dumped your head inside the toilet bowl!
You want some more?
NO WAY, MAN…
End of P.O.V

Selina: Hey, Chun. You shouldn’t have done that to Jiro. You think you are so strong, is it? Giant eating machine. Remind me to kill you if you do that again!

Wu Chun saw Jiro and Arron walking towards their direction. He then thought of a plan.

Wu Chun: Why? I cannot do that, meh?

He wrapped his arm around Selina's shoulders.He got his face close to Selina’s. Jiro, on the other hand saw Wu Chun’s action. He became so red. He almost wanted to walk towards Wu Chun and beat him to death but he knew he couldn’t do that. He tried to control himself. Jiro then ran to his classroom.

Arron: JIRO…WAIT!

Arron ran behind Jiro.

-------------------------
At the classroom…

Arron: Jiro, are you ok?

Jiro: Ya…I am…

Hebe walked towards them.

Hebe: Hi, guys…Jiro, are you feeling better?

Jiro: Ya…sort of…

Jiro excused himself to go to the toilet.

Hebe: Erm…Arron…can you help me with my math homework? I kind of don’t understand a few question.

Arron: Ya, sure…let me see the questions.

Arron sat beside Hebe. He then started teaching her.

Hebe’s P.O.V
Arron…you are so cute. Oh, when will I tell you the truth that I like you? (sighed) I just hope we will be together one day…
End of P.O.V

Arron: Hebe, why are you sighing?

Hebe: Oh, it’s just that…the questions are too hard to be understood.

Arron: Fine, I will explain to you properly, again.

-------------------------
Meanwhile, Jiro was in the boys’ washroom. He washed his face for several times.

Jiro’s P.O.V
Why does Wu Chun always get on my way? He once beat me up. Now, he is flirting with a girl I like. (Jiro punched the mirror in anger) WU CHUN, YOU ARE SO GONNA REGRET IT! Nobody can beat me when I am VERY, VERY angry…
End of P.O.V

Jiro ran out of the bathroom and went finding for Wu Chun.

-------------------------
Arron: You get it?

Hebe: Ya…thank you so much. I appreciate it.

Hebe started to write down her math equation.

Arron’s P.O.V
Wow…Hebe is so pretty. When am I going to tell her that I like her? Wait! But what if she doesn’t like me the way I like her? I need to find out. I have to find a right time to tell her my feelings.
End of P.O.V

Hebe: I’m done, Arron. Arron? Ar…ron…?

Arron: Huh? Oh, you’re done. Let me see your answers.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Seven)

2008-12-21T14:26:00.002+08:00

After school, Arron, Hebe, Calvin, Ella and Angela visited Jiro in the hospital.

Arron: Hi, Jiro. How are you doing?

Calvin: (asked teasingly) Ya, how was your day with Selina?

Jiro started to blush and seemed nervous at the same time. His whole face was red in colour.

Ella: hey, what happened to your face? Is there anything wrong?

Calvin: Well, let me guess, you and Selina…something something right?

Jiro was redder than ever. Everyone then started to tease Jiro.

Arron: Oh…looks like someone is in LOVE…

Suddenly, they all started singing.

‘JIRO AND SELINA SITTING ON THE HOSPITAL BED, H-U-G-G-I-N-G’

Suddenly, Selina entered the room. There was a long silence. The others were all starring at her.

“Hmm…hi, guys. Why are you all starring at me like that?”

Angela, Hebe and Ella dragged Selina to the corner of the room. Arron and Calvin just watched them. Jiro quickly crept to the bathroom and locked himself inside. Arron and Calvin turned around to talk to Jiro but he was gone.

Calvin: Eh, where is Jiro? He was just here a second ago…Oh my god! What if he was kidnapped by a devil or something? (shocked)

Arron: No la. He is probably inside the toilet hiding his face from us.

-------------------------
Meanwhile, Angela, Hebe and Ella were eagerly asking Selina, “Eh, what happened between you and Jiro today? Looks likes something went on between you both.”

Selina: Erh…nothing.

Ella: Come on, just tell us the truth.

Selina: (sighed) Alright. But promise me that you won’t tell the guys. It’s kind of embarrassing, especially for Jiro.

Angela, Hebe and Ella looked at each other. “Ok…we promise.”

Selina told the whole story. HAHAHAHA!!! The other three girls bursted out laughing.
Arron and Calvin looked at the girls. “Hmm…are you girls ok?” Ella, Hebe and Angela controlled their laugh. “Ya, we’re ok. Excuse us for a second.” Ella grabbed Angela’s and Hebe’s hand and ran outside the room. Suddenly…

HAHAHAHA HAHAHAHA HAHAHAHA!!!

Calvin: Oh my god…for girls, they have pretty loud voices. UNBELIEVABLE…

Arron: Selina, what’s wrong with them?

Selina: I don’t know. Maybe they took wrong pills or something. (pretended nothing had happened)

Calvin: I’m hungry. I am going to buy dinner for us. I will be back in 15 minutes. Bye.

Arron: Ok, bye.

Calvin walked out the door. He then saw Hebe, Ella and Angela there.

Calvin: Hebe, if you don’t mind, would you like to follow me to buy dinner?

Hebe: No, thanks, Calvin. I need to talk to Selina for a while. It’s very urgent. Why don’t you bring Angela?

Angela: Me? (surprised)

Hebe: Ya, you. See you guys later.

Calvin: (disappointed) Ok…bye…

-------------------------
Calvin and Angela were in their way back to the hospital after buying food. Suddenly, a group of gangsters surrounded them. They were all as young as Calvin.

Gangster 1: Where do you think you’re going? Besides, you’ve got a pretty lady right there. You shouldn’t keep her for yourself.

He walked towards Calvin and Angela. He wanted to ‘touch’ Angela but Calvin stopped him.

Calvin: Eh, what do you think you’re doing?

Gangster 1: What’s it with you? Move it, man!

That guy was about to ‘touch’ Angela when Calvin gave him a punch. “OUCH!”

The gangster fell down. The rest of his partners went to help him get up. Calvin grabbed Angela’s hand and ran away as fast as they could. The gangsters started chasing Calvin and Angela. Suddenly, Angela fell down.

Calvin: What happened?

Angela: I think I sprained my leg. OUCH…

Calvin quickly carried Angela behind his back and continued running.

‘Wow…she is so light…’

Finally, they reached the hospital. The gangsters stopped chasing them went the Calvin ran inside the hospital. They knew that it was too risky to go in. Calvin brought Angela to the doctor.

-------------------------
Jiro finally came out from the bathroom. He cannot bear the smell inside the toilet bowl.

Jiro: Eh, where are Calvin and Angela?

Arron: They went to buy dinner for us. But it had been an hour. They are still not back.

Hebe: I just hope nothing bad happened to them.

KRING KRING! KRING KRING! Hebe’s phone rang.

”Hello?”

“Hello, Hebe? This is Calvin. I and Angela are at the medical room. Angela sprained her leg. Can you all please come?

“Oh my gosh…we’re coming right away.”

Hebe disconnected the call and told the rest about what had happened. All of them quickly rushed to the medical room.

-------------------------
Meanwhile, Angela was resting at the medical room. She was depressed over something.

Calvin’s P.O.V
Angela looks depressed. Maybe I should cheer her up. Maybe I can…act like a hippo…No, it’s not silly enough.
AHH…I can imitate Wang Dong Cheng from Fahrenheit. In fact, he is the best singing and acting, golden-haired, human monkey in the world.
Well…here goes nothing.
End of P.O.V

Calvin then started dancing like a monkey. He even song a song related to monkeys. This is how it goes…

Golden-haired monkey is playing now,
playing now, playing now,
Golden-haired monkey is playing now,
playing with his butt…(‘London bridge’ tune)

Calvin started shaking his butt.

Angela started laughing like a freak. Calvin continued his silly dance. Without him knowing, Arron, Hebe, Jiro, Selina and even the hospital janitor saw his dance. Jiro quickly took out his camera phone and started recording Calvin’s action.

They all bursted out laughing so loudly. BOOM!

Calvin hid under the hospital bed and panicked. He thought that a bomb was exploded.

Arron: Calvin, quit hiding. It’s just us.

Calvin: Oh… (relieved)

Hebe: What were you doing just now?

Calvin: Erm…it doesn’t matter.

Jiro: Oh, ok…if it’s not so important, I think I am gonna sent the video to the all the students when I come back to school tomorrow.

Calvin: WHAT VIDEO? (confused and suspicious at the same time)

Jiro: You wanna see? But to bad…I WON’T LET YOU!

Jiro quickly walked out of the room, trying to run away from Calvin. He couldn’t run because his leg was not fully healed, but recovered.

Arron: Aren’t you going to chase him or something? Because he just told that he is gonna send the video of your silly dance to the whole school.

Calvin: WHAT? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME EARLIER?

Calvin ran to find Jiro. By that time, Jiro was gone.

Jiro went to his room’s bathroom and hid there, again.

‘JIRO, YOU…ARE…SO…GONNA…PAY…’

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Six)

2008-12-21T14:12:00.003+08:00

She purposely disturbed their conversation.

Selina: Hi, guys…May I join you?

Arron: Ya…sure… (not satisfied)

Hebe: Hi, Selina…you wanna order any food?

Suddenly, Jiro came to their table.

Jiro: Arron, can I talk to you for a while?

Arron: Sure…

Arron and Jiro walked to the back of the stall.

Jiro: I am going to the supermarket now. I need to buy some things. At late evening, I will come back to the orphanage. You don’t have to wait for me to eat dinner. I guess I will eat outside tonight.

Arron: Ok…see you…

Jiro: Bye...

Jiro then walked away. Without him knowing, Wu Chun and Jerry followed him.

-------------------------
Ella then went finding for Arron. She found him at the stall.

Ella: Arron, this is urgent. Wu Chun had planned something against Jiro. You better hurry up before it’s too late.

Arron: Oh, no…excuse me, girls. I got to go now. I am so sorry. I need to help Jiro. Hebe, here is the money to pay for the food. Bye…

Arron ran to the supermarket. On the way, he spotted someone lying by the roadside. Arron quickly ran towards that person to help him. It was…Jiro!

Jiro’s leg was bleeding.

Arron: (panicked) Jiro, what happened to you?

Jiro was trying to speak but he just couldn’t. Arron think fast and went finding for a cab. When he was busy searching the whole area, he bumped into Selina.

Arron: Hi, Selina. Jiro is injured by the roadside. Can you please go and check on him?

Selina: (shocked) Oh my god! I will go right away.

She then quickly ran to the roadside. She found Jiro there.

Selina: Jiro, are you ok?

There was no answer. Jiro was unconscious. After a few minutes, Arron came with a cab. Arron and Selina quickly carried Jiro and placed him in the cab. The cab driver then drove them to the hospital.

-------------------------
(THE NEXT DAY)

Jiro slowly came into consciousness.

Selina: How are you doing, Jiro?

Jiro: Fine…I guess.

Selina: You should take rest. Then you will be much better.

Jiro: Alright…thank you so much for admitting me in hospital.

Selina: Actually, you should thank Arron. He was the one who helped you from the beginning.

Arron entered the room, holding a plastic bag with medicines inside.

Arron: Jiro, how are you doing?

Jiro: I’m fine. Anyway, how long have I been here?

Arron: It had been a day. Selina took care of you for the whole night…Here's the medicine. Jiro, please take it accordingly, as stated.

Jiro was not paying attention to Arron. He was busy admiring Selina.

Jiro’s P.O.V
Wow…Selina is so kind. She spent her time just to take care of me. I wonder whether she likes me, or maybe love me…
No…it can’t be. She probably takes me as a friend. But why does she have to sacrifice time just to look after me?
End of P.O.V

That thought was all over his mind.

Selina: Jiro? Are you still here? (started holding Jiro’s hand)

Jiro’s thoughts: Wah…she touched me…

Arron: Jiro? Ji…ro…? Come on man, quit dreaming.

Jiro: Huh? What? Oh, ok Arron. I will finish all the pills in one day.

Arron: Eh, you will die then. Were you even listening to me? Let me remind you again. Take the pills accordingly, as stated.

Jiro: Oh, ok.

The doctor came in. he told Jiro that he had to stay in the hospital for two days for full medical treatment.

Doctor: You will be discharged after that.

Jiro: Ok, doctor.

The doctor then left.

Selina: Tomorrow I will come again and bring food for you. I have to go now. My parents are probably worried. Take care. Bye.

Jiro: Bye…Selina.

Arron stayed with Jiro the whole day.

Arron: What had actually happened to you? Why was your leg injured? Why were you laying by the roadside? (asked in a rush)

Jiro: Arron…slow down. I will tell you. I was attacked by two men. It was hard to fight them back. They hit my leg with bats until I can’t feel my leg. It was really frightening. Both of them were wearing black ski masks. I wonder why the only hit my leg and not my whole body.

Arron: Eh, You should be lucky that you survived. The person who did this to you must be Wu Chun and Jerry.

Jiro: How do you know?

Arron: Ella heard their plan and told me. I quickly rushed to save you. But it was too late.

Jiro: At least I survived. Thanks, Arron.

Arron: Hey, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

-------------------------
(THE NEXT DAY)

Arron went to school. He met with Hebe, Ella, Calvin and Angela.

Calvin: We heard that Jiro is injured. How is he now?

Arron: He’s fine.

Calvin: Let’s go and visit him after school today.

Hebe: Ok. But, we got one more problem. Selina is not here too.

Arron: Don’t worry. She is taking care of Jiro in the hospital.

Calvin: Oh…really? (wondering whether something happened between Jiro and Selina)

Arron: Ya…anything wrong?

Calvin: No…it’s nothing.

-------------------------
Meanwhile, in the hospital…

Selina: Jiro, I am going down to buy food.

Jiro: Ok.

Jiro’s P.O.V
I think this is right time to take a bath. I am all sweaty. Worst of all…I stink! Well, I should do it now before she comes back.
End P.O.V

Jiro was happily whistling while bathing. After a few minutes, he came out of the bathroom, wearing a towel. He then put on his top. He took out his towel to wear pants when Selina came in! Selina quickly turned towards the door the moment she saw Jiro in that condition.

Jiro saw Selina and panicked. He screamed in his mind. AHHHHHHHH!!! He quickly put on his pants.

Selina: What are you trying to do?

Jiro: (hesitated) Erh…erh…erh…

Selina: Never mind. I got to go now.

Jiro: WAIT! You…didn’t…see…anything…right?

Selina: Hmm…of course, NO! Now, bye bye!

Selina rushed towards the door. She suddenly realized that she was still holding the food she had bought for Jiro. She quickly walked three steps BACKWARDS to reach the table.

Jiro: Eh, why are you coming back? You better don’t do anything bad to me!

Selina: Relax. I am just going to put the food on the table and run away as fast as I could.

Selina did that and vanished in a blink of an eye.

Jiro walked back and forth in the room.

Jiro’s P.O.V
Zen me ban? What to do? What if she lied about not seeing anything? Oh my god! What if she saw my…
End of P.O.V

Jiro started to think crazy things in his mind.

!@#$%^&*!@#$%^&*

He quickly hid under the bed sheet and tried to calm down. After a few hours, he managed to do that and fell asleep.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Five)

2008-12-21T13:57:00.002+08:00

“Jiro! Arron!”

“Uncle Tom!”

Jiro and Arron were in states of shock, so was Uncle Tom. The normally neat and clean orphanage was now upside down. The chairs some here and there. Everything was not in their normal position and everything was a wreck.

Jiro: Uncle Tom, what happened?

Uncle Tom: I’m n..n..o..not sure either. When I came back from buying ingredients, the situation was already like this.

Arron: I think we’ve been burglared. I know it sounds impossible that an orphanage is burglared but it has its possibilities. Uncle Tom, did you check our funds and donations?

Uncle Tom: Oh no! I hope they’re not stolen. Check it for me. I can barely stand.

Arron: (run to Uncle Tom’s room)

Jiro: (help Uncle Tom to sit on a chair)

Arron: (after a while come running back) Uncle Tom! It’s all gone! Your room’s all a mess too.

Uncle Tom: (faint)

Jiro: Uncle Tom! Uncle Tom!

Arron: Don’t die! Don’t DIE!

Jiro dragged Uncle Tom into his (Uncle Tom’s) room. Arron quickly went to the kitchen. He took a mug and filled it up with water. Then he went back.

(Arron’s POV)
Where is Jiro? And Uncle Tom. How can they disappear at a time like this. They...
(End of POV)

Jiro: Arron!! Quick la! People die already only you know.

Arron: (run to the room) Eh, you bring him here without telling me, how would I know you were here. (throw the water over Uncle Tom)

Jiro: Uncle Tom? Hello??

Uncle Tom: Hhhh....

Arron: Yoo..hoo??

Jiro: Eh, don’t be like that la. Think of a way to wake him up la instead of saying nonsense.

Arron: Okay. Slap him la. (joking)

Jiro: (slap)

SSSSLLAAP!!!!

“OUCH!!”

Jiro: He said something....

Arron: Your head la. It was me. Your aiming so bad. My leg very piteous leh...

Jiro: (embarrassed) Aiya.. Don’t care about your leg. He haven’t wake up also despite your screaming.

Arron: I’ll call the ambulance. (takes his handphone and called the ambulance)

-------------------------
(In the hospital)

Arron: (pacing) What’s taking the doctor so long?

Jiro: (also pacing) How would I...... (BANG!)

Arron: OI! Watch where you’re going. No eyes ah?

Jiro: Your fault but you blame me?

Arron: Why you little.... (doctor came out) Doctor, doctor, how is he?

Doctor: He’s fine. Just shocked, that’s all. Sometimes if a person gets to much shock, the next thing that happens is fainting. Even like surprise party with TOO much surprise can stop a heart.

Jiro: Really? Thank you, thank you...so much.

Arron: Can we see him?

Doctor: Certainly but he has not regain consciousness for the time being. So I’d say you two go home and take a look at him tomorrow.

Jiro: We’ll do that after we look at him.

-------------------------
(In School)

Selina: Hi Arron! (in a sickening sweet voice, like it was full of honey)

Arron: Hhhuh? Oh, er..hi.

Selina: What’s wrong?

Arron: Nothing.

Jiro: Hi Selina.

Selina: But you look like you have a problem.

Jiro: Hello?

Arron: I don’t. (turn to Jiro) Hey boy, want to talk, talk loudly la. Otherwise people can’t hear you. (see Hebe sitting down on her seat) I go somewhere for a while.

Arron went to Hebe, leaving Jiro trying to talk to Selina and Selina staring at Arron while ignoring Jiro.

Arron: Hi Hebe.

Hebe: Hi.

Arron: Erm.. you wanna go out after school for lunch?

Hebe: Hhmm.. okay. I’m free.

Arron: Okay, see you in while. (smiling widely)

Hebe: What do you mean? We’re in the same class.

Arron: Huh? Oh yeah. He..he..

(Arron’s POV)
Yay!! She agrees, she agrees. Wait, why am I so happy? Its just a meal...
(End of POV)

(Hebe’s POV)
He asked me out... oh my god. He looks so cute when he’s embarrassed.
(End of POV)

-------------------------
(After School)

Arron: Hebe, can we go now?

Hebe: Okay. Where shall we eat? That restaurant? (pointing at a very expensive restaurant)

Arron: Err.....

Hebe: Come on, you can’t pay? Just kidding. So can’t I. We’ll go to that stall.

Arron: Right. (relieved)

Little that they know Selina was standing somewhere near enough to see and hear what they said. She felt a kind of feeling, anger. And little did SHE know that Jiro was looking at her nearby.

-------------------------
Wu Chun: (whisper) We’re gonna make them pay. No one beats us at anything. No one.

Jerry: Yeah.

Wu Chun: Here’s my plan. (whisper plan)

Ella passed by them and heard their plan. I’ve got to tell them, she thought and she crept away as quietly as she could.

-------------------------
Calvin waited for his chauffeur at the school gate. Angela came and saw him.

(Angela’s POV)
He looks so handsome... Calvin oh Calvin. But you’ll never like me. Not in a million years. I know.
(End of POV)

Angela went away.

-------------------------
Arron and Hebe were happily chatting in the stall. Then Selina appeared.

-brenda, co, written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Four)

2008-12-21T13:51:00.001+08:00

“You’ve not seen the last of us,” Jerry said.

“Whatever,” Jiro muttered under his breath.

Wu Chun’s gang left the court. Jiro and Arron were still half way rejoicing when suddenly someone shouted at them. “Hey! Arron! Jiro!”

They turned around and saw Hebe waving at them. They waved back and ran to her.
Arron: What are you doing here? Calvin and Ella too.

Hebe: Oh, Calvin invited us for a movie. We just got down the bus. The cinema’s over there at the shopping complex so we’re walking there when we suddenly saw you two. What were you doing?

Jiro: We just finish a game with Wu Chun and Jerry.

Ella: But why do you seem so happy?

Arron: What do you mean?

Ella: You lost, didn’t you?

Jiro: No. We won. Otherwise you think we so happy for what.

Calvin: You won? You actually won? But no one has ever beaten them in any game. Ever.

Jiro: Really? Guess we’re invincible. Haha.

Arron: Are you sure no one beat them before?

Hebe: Its true. Anyway, to congratulate you guys, why don’t you join us for the movie and I’ll give you two a treat after that. How’s that sound? (smile)

Jiro and Arron: Really? Thanks.

Calvin: But.. but...

But no one was listening to him. Even Ella was not bothering him. Calvin sighed and followed them to the cinema. Today was just not his day.

-------------------------
Selina was waiting outside the ladies for Ariel and Rainie. She had been waiting for almost ten minutes. At last they appeared.

“What were you doing inside there? Looking at people pooping?” Selina was getting impatient with them.

Rainie: Sorry.

Ariel: We did our make up properly in there because her lipstick got smudged and my blusher was too light.

Selina: And because of that you spent a whole ten minutes in there?

Rainie: Well, we said we’re sorry. Come on. Don’t be so petty.

Selina: (pouting) I’m not.

Rainie: Yes you are. Okay, okay, just kidding. (Selina gave her a look)

Ariel: Nevermind. We’ll give you a treat, okay? To say...

Rainie: Aren’t they Calvin, Ella, Hebe and what’s their names again? Alan and Giko?

Ariel: Arron and Jiro. Really, you memory’s going. You should...

Selina: Let’s go.

Selina dragged her friends to the others. They stopped in surprise.

Ella: You three are here? What are you carrying?

Hebe: Yeah, there are like...(counting the carriers the three were carrying)

Ariel: Don’t bother.

Selina: Hi Arron. (in an extremely sweet voice)

Everyone, with the exception of Jiro and Arron, gave each other a look and thought of the same thing.

‘Selina is having another crush on another guy’

(Hebe’s POV)
What is she doing to him? How can she do that to me? Wait.. why am I bothering? Oh god, what’s wrong with me?
(End of POV)

Arron: Hi. (embarrassed by the looks the others were giving him and disgusted with Selina’s voice.)

Jiro: Hi!

Selina: What are you all doing here? (ignore Jiro)

Ella: Going to see a movie.

Jiro: Want to come along?

Selina: Okay!

Rainie: Eh, why Calvin so quiet?

Ella: (poke Calvin on the ribs)

Calvin: Ow! What are you doing la?

Selina: Nevermind. Let’s go.

They walked to the cinema and watched a comedy. When it ended, they chattered on which restaurant to go to. The decision was made and they went to Jacob’s Café, the most expensive café in the shopping complex.

Selina: So who’s going to pay?

Everyone: (silence, looking at Hebe)

Hebe: Okay....

(Hebe’s POV)
Oh no. My allowance is going. I’m going to be broke. Oh no.....
(End of POV)

Everyone ordered what they wanted. Arron and Jiro were price-conscious so they chose very cheap food. But the rest were ordering whatever they liked. They ate and enjoyed themselves. Then paying time came. Hebe was just going to depart with her allowance when Calvin came to the rescue. “Nevermind. I’ll pay. I ordered a lot so I’ll pay,” he said.

Hebe gave him a smile of gratitude. Thank goodness she was not going to pay. Calvin was way richer than her and had no problem paying so she thought why not. He paid and everyone got ready to go home. Calvin offered to send Hebe home but she insisted on going home by herself. So everybody went home leaving Arron, Jiro and Hebe alone, waiting for a cab. They got into the cab and secretly, Arron asked for Hebe’s number.

When they reached her house, Arron and Jiro had a glorious view of her house. It was three stories high, very wide, had a huge garden and even a swimming pool. But they did not last there for a long time so they went back to the orphanage. And they got a surprise....

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Three)

2008-12-21T13:09:00.002+08:00

A group of about ten guys appeared and went over to Wu Chun.

Guy 1: Who’re you?

Guy 2: Yeah who? (the whole gang started chorusing what they said)

Whole gang: Yeah. Yeah. Who you? Huh? Who you?

Wu Chun: They ah.... challenge us to a game le.

Jiro and Arron: Huh? We did not.

Wu Chun: Aww..cowards.

Jiro: We’re not.

Wu Chun: Then accept the challenge. (looking at him with an evil look)

Jiro: Uh..

Jiro and Arron were hesitating because not only had Wu Chun a whole big gang with him. He was also the best player of every game in their school. His gang started repeating Wu Chun’s word.

“Coward. Coward. Coward.”

Jiro: Fine. We accept your challenge.

Arron: (stared at Jiro as if he was mad)

Wu Chun: Good. Since there’s only two of you, I propose you play with me and Jerry. (took the ball out of Arron’s hand) Now we start.

-------------------------
Selina was shopping with her friends in the most expensive shop in the shopping complex. But she wasn’t paying much attention to what she was buying so she simply took any clothes along the way.

(Selina’s POV)
Arron is so cute. His eyes so mesmerizing. His smile so captivating. His hair so adorable.......
What am I thinking? He’s just an ordinary kid. I don’t care about him. I care more about Wu Chun. Hhmm..
(End of POV)

Rainie: What in the world did you take? Everything?

Selina: What do you mean? (looking at what she was holding) Oh my god! I took all that?

Ariel: Yeah. Of course. What were you thinking?

Selina: Nothing. Help me put all these back.

-------------------------
Hebe was waiting for Ella to appear in the park they were to meet in. Apparently, Ella accidentally mistook Hebe’s book for hers and brought it home.

(Hebe’s POV)
What’s taking her so long? I’ve waited for at least ten minutes. Wait...I see someone. No.. I see two someones.
(End of POV)

Ella: Hebe!

Hebe: Ella. There you are. What took you so long?

Although Hebe was pretty and ladylike while Ella was sporty and manlike, they were still good friends. Many a time when they have problems, they told each other about them.

Ella: Him.

Hebe: (looking behind Ella) Calvin?

Calvin: Er.. yeah hi.

Ella: He saw me go off and followed me. Then he asked me where was I going and I told him and... you get the picture.

Hebe: (nodded, understanding)

Calvin has been practically sticking himself to Hebe whenever he could because he liked her. But he never told her. But it was obvious, the way he talk to her and everything.

Hebe: So, what brought you here?

Calvin: Erm.. do you want to go out for a movie?

Hebe: A movie? Mmm.. but Ella must accompany me.

Calvin: But.. but... fine. Lets go. (leading them to a bus stop nearby)

(Hebe’s POV)
Gosh. He is so annoying compared to Arron. Arron is so shy and nice. He is so.... Hang on. Why am I thinking of him?
(End of POV)

Hebe and Ella followed Calvin. Hebe was confused with what was going on in her mind.

-------------------------
“How do you do this question?”

“Like this.”

Angela was giving tuition to her younger brother and sister. Her parents agreed to pay her 50 bucks per hour if she gives them tuition. So she did. While they did their work, Angela started to think and daydream.

(Angela’s POV)
(sigh) I wonder how is it like to be loved. I know how is it to love someone but not to be loved by someone. Calvin’s so cute. So charming. But I don’t think I mean anything to him. (sigh)
(End of POV)

“Jie, how to do this?”

“This also.”

“Slowly la. I’m not a robot le. Anyway why you asking me how to do every single question? Learn how to do yourself la,” Angela said.

“Aiya jie, you’re suppose to give us tuition le.”

“I know. I’m suppose to give tuition not become an answer machine,” Angela gave another sigh and started teaching her siblings.

-------------------------
(Jiro’s POV)
Oh my god. He plays like a psycho. I’ve never seen anyone played like that. It would be good to beat him though.
(End of POV)

(Arron’s POV)
Jiro is so crazy. Agreed without me agreeing. Huh. Wu Chun is so good. He certainly live up to his name. but certainly there’s no need to kill us while we’re playing. Its just basketball.
(End of POV)

(Wu Chun’s POV)
They’re quite good. First time anyone got me tired while playing.
(End of POV)

All four of them were playing hard for neither group wanted to lose. So far neither group had shot a goal although they had been playing for half an hour. Then one of Wu Chun’s mate blew his whistle. Half time. They get to rest for five minutes. It was a good thing too. Jiro and Arron were tired. They had used up almost all their energy for Wu Chun and Jerry were tough players.

After five minutes, they continued. Five minutes passed. Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes. Twenty minutes. Time was moving but still no one shot a goal. Then they heard, “Two more minutes.”Jiro and Arron redoubled their energy and worked together.

“One more minute.”

(Jiro’s POV)
Oh no. We’ve got to win. We can’t lose. We’d be shamed for life. Must try harder. Jia you Jiro! Jia You!!
(End of POV)

Then suddenly Arron ran like a hare, dribbling the ball and WHAM, smacked the ball into the goal.

“TIME!” A whistle was heard.

The game had ended.

“YEAH!! We won! We did it! We won! YAY!!” Jiro shouted.

Wu Chun and his gang were bewildered at their lost. Never had they lost even a match. Yet, those two actually beat them. On the other hand, the two were rejoicing and do not seem to remember that they were tired and were sweating profusely. All that mattered was they won. Wu Chun and the rest stared at them.

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Love Life At School (Chapter Two)

2008-12-20T23:35:00.000+08:00

“I’ve written the names down. Now please vote. Raise your hands for whoever you want to vote for but only once,” Mr. Lee said, as if he was in a meeting. “Angela.”

A few hands rose and he counted. He wrote the amount down and did the same to the other names. After voting, he said, “We’ve come to a decision that.......Selina will be your monitor. The rest with lower votes will be put in the class organization following the number of votes. Now, shall we begin our studies.”

Groans could be heard all over the class except from Selina’s group of girls who had a triumph look on their faces. After studying, Selina suddenly went to where Arron was sitting and said, “Hi. We met just now. You remember?”

Arron: Yeah. Hi.

Selina: So, what do you normally do?

Arron: Nothing much. Just hang around with Jiro, right Jiro boy? (pulled Jiro to him)
Selina: Oh.

Jiro was still staring at Selina, who was looking at him with a suspicious look.

Arron: Jiro, say something.

Jiro: Hhh...hhh..

Arron: Talk properly. *Or she won’t like you* (**=whisper)

Jiro: Hi. Hi. I’m Jiro.

Selina: Er...hi.

Arron realize that Jiro seem to like Selina. Then he noticed that the girl who smiled at them just now was walking towards them. “Hi, my name’s Hebe,” she said, smiling again.

Arron felt a warm feeling towards her as he said, “Hi. Arron. Nice to meet you.”

Hebe: You’re Jiro right? (turn to look at Jiro)

Jiro: (no respond)

Hebe: Excuse me?

Arron: Sorry, I don’t know what’s come over him today. He seem to have got some kind of sickness.

Hebe: Oh. (giggled)

Selina: Hebe! Erm.. why don’t you get Calvin here to greet them too. (smiling a fake smile)

Hebe: What? Him? No thanks. You get him.

Selina: Come on.

Hebe: Nu..uh.

Then a girl and a guy appeared.

Girl: Hi. Angela.

Guy: Calvin. (shaking hands with Arron)

Arron: How do you do?

Calvin: What’s wrong with him?

Arron: (step on Jiro’s foot)

Jiro: OW! OW!What are you doing?

Arron: I had to do something before something happens to you. Everyone was talking to you. And what did you do? Stare into space?

Jiro: Huh?

Arron: Nevermind...

Jiro quickly shook hands with those standing around him, smiling sheepishly.

-------------------------
(WEEKEND)

Jiro and Arron went to a basketball court near their orphanage to have a game. But they saw someone there.

Jiro: Who’s that?

Arron: I don't know. Looks familiar though.

Jiro: (squinting) Its Wu Chun.

Arron: What the? Nevermind. Just share the court la.

They went into the court and started playing without bothering Wu Chun.

“OI!”

They heard someone shouted.

Jiro: Its Wu Chun. What does he want?

Wu Chun: Hey, this court’s taken. Go somewhere else. Or if you wanna stay, just watch us play.

Jiro: Us?

Wu Chun: Yeah. If you’re so blind, look there. (pointing behind them)

Jiro and Arron turned around.

Arron: Woah..

-brenda, co-written with ratana-

Story Number Two

2008-12-20T23:27:00.002+08:00

I've not finished Life's Challenges yet. Actually that was my second story. My first was Love Life at School, co-written with Ratana, a schoolmate of mine.

The characters are Fahrenheit, S.H.E and Angela Zhang (张韶涵). The pairings are:-
- Arron + Hebe
- Jiro + Selina
- Calvin + Angela
- Wu Chun + Ella

Hope you'll like the story too. Oh, and my first few stories will mostly be the pairings of those stated. This is because I was a crazy fan of Fahrenheit before. But now that I'm over them, its likely that I will use other pairings, although, I might use them in my other upcoming stories. So, be prepared.. :)

-brenda-

Love Life At School (Chapter One)

2008-12-20T23:24:00.001+08:00

“YAY!! We got it! We got it!”

“Got what?” Arron was annoyed with Jiro because he disturbed his reading.

“Look!” Jiro said, pointing at a piece of paper he was holding. “Look!”

“I am, I am,” Arron read the paper and his eyes bulged. Suddenly, “We did it! We got the scholarship. YES!!”

Jiro and Arron were celebrating their success in getting the scholarship by rejoicing at the top of their voices that the orphanage owner had to come and ask them what’s wrong. “What happened? Both of you were shouting your heads off. What were you thinking?”

“Uncle Tom, we got the scholarship. We got it. You don’t have to pay too much for us or use the funds now. You can save now. Yeah!” Jiro said, full of enthusiasm.

“Really? Have you really got it then? My boys, I’m proud of you. Congratulations. Keep up the good work and in no time you might be the boss of this company or the manager of that company or.......” Uncle Tom was already thinking too far in the future.

Arron then said, ”Uncle Tom! So fast thinking about our future already. We’re only how old. Still a long way to go.”

“Its said that next week we immediately attend school. Wow just nice. Next week all schools open after holidays. So we’re going on the first day,” Jiro said.

“Okay. So we’re the new students,” Arron replied with a smile. “I hope everything goes fine.”

-------------------------
(THE NEXT WEEK)

Jiro and Arron were packing their things such as books, pencil box and so on. They took their bags, bottles and files. Then they had their breakfast and bade Uncle Tom goodbye.

“Today’s the day. Are you ready?” Arron asked Jiro.

“Oh I am so ready. Are you?” Jiro winked at Arron.

Arron nodded and they set of to their new school. It was called Sheng Li High. As they did not have any transport, they walked all the way. When they arrived.....

“WOW!! Its huge! I wonder how many classes are there,” Jiro was already walking towards the main door. Then suddenly... BANG!!

“Hey! Watch where you’re going you monkey,” a voice said.

Jiro looked around and his eyes almost popped out from their sockets. Right in front of him stood the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her hair, so soft. Her eyes, so beautiful. Her skin, so smooth. Her.......

“Jiro! Hey what’s wrong with you boy? Walk also don’t know how to look in front is it? You...... Oh, er.. excuse me.. I mean us. We’re new here so we don’t know much. Sorry,” Arron quickly said when he saw the girl.

Behind her he saw a few girls staring at him and Jiro. He felt a little uncomfortable.

The girl in front of him seemed to stare at him. Then she said in a slow voice, a much sweeter one. “My name’s Selina. What’s yours?”

“Arron. Erm.. hi. He’s Jiro. We’re new. We got scholarships to this school,” he replied.

Selina was hardly listening.

(Selina’s POV)
He’s so cute. He’s eyes are so dreamy. He looks a little shy. He..he..he..
(End of POV)

“Selina? Selina?”

“Huh? What?” she said, realizing her friends were calling her.

“Time to go for class. We’re going to be late. Come on,” her friends pulled her away to the main door.

Arron just stared after her as she started to chatter with her friends. He turned to Jiro and what he found was a weird faced Jiro. He knocked him on the head but nothing happened, no reaction, nothing. Then he poked Jiro for Jiro was ticklish but still to no avail. At last, he pushed Jiro and at last, Jiro reacted.

“OI! What are you doing?” he almost shouted, almost falling over.

“You were staring into space. Whatever I do you don’t respond. I push you then only you do something. What were you thinking?” Arron said, eyeing Jiro with a suspicious look.

“Er... nothing. Just thinking. Come on. Let’s go. Office right? Okay. Come on,” said Jiro.

Jiro put his hand over Arron’s shoulder. Arron was still wondering what could have got his attention that made him not able to respond. It was surprising because it normally took a lot to take Jiro’s attention yet just only it happened to Jiro.

They asked around for the office and when they got there, they were informed that they were to go to class A1, the first class of smart ones. The principal thought that since they got the scholarship meant they were smart enough so off they go to the first class.

The office clerk brought them to their class. They stood at the class door way as the clerk informed their class teacher who deliberating with the students about the class organization, although no one was paying any attention except one or two. It was not until the students caught sight of Jiro and Arron that they suddenly became so quiet that you could hear someone’s heart pounding.

Both of them felt extremely awkward. Then Jiro saw Selina and started nudging Arron, whispering that Selina was there. The clerk went to them and pushed them towards their teacher then he went off. Their teacher welcomed them and told them to introduce themselves.

“Hi, my name is Arron and I’m a new student here,” Arron said in a soft voice, looking a little embarrassed.

Jiro then said as if he was starting work, “I’m Jiro. We’ll need your future guidance.”

“Well, I’m sure everyone will welcome you in a most gracious way. Both of you can sit there,” their teacher pointed at two empty seats at the back of the classroom. “I am Mr. Lee, by the way.”

They scurried to their seats and saw a girl smiling at them as they passed her seat. They sat down and looked around. The class was noisy once more and Mr. Lee was trying in vain to get their attention. At last he gave up and shouted, “Please vote for your monitor.”

All of a sudden, names were being screamed at Mr. Lee.

“Angela!”

“Wu Chun!”

“Selina!”

“Ella!”

“Calvin!”

“Hebe!”

Jiro and Arron looked at each other and had the same thought. This was going to be a looong day...

-brenda, co-written with ratana-