•••

Chapter 1

“Alex!”

I raise my head as the little boy mentioned my name. It gives me goose bumps every time I hear him call me. He was running towards me. He was holding a colorful kite on his small hands. He let go of it as he held the camera with the both of his hands. The younger me peek from above the tree and say hello to him. I remember this scene. I remember the old tree house, and the swing, and the movie nights. I remember those lazy days, those afternoons, everything.

I pause the video as it zooms towards the little boy’s face. I touch it tenderly and breathe out a sigh.

“Alex!” The second call came from my mother. Not from the old video I was watching a while ago, though. It came from the kitchen. I took out the disk from the player and turn off the TV before I sat still on the bed. Memories of the past kept on hunting me though I chose not to dwell on them. With a sigh, I snatch my bag from the floor and went out of my room.

I was looking at the pictures on the cream colored walls when I was suddenly envelope by the familiar smell of pancakes, making my nose perk up.

"Morning mom," I kiss her cheek and sat down, giving her a smile.

"Morning" She gave me a bright smile before flipping another pancake, "What made you go to school today? I thought-“

"I need to pick something up from school and maybe hang out for a little while," She handed me a plate and pass me the maple syrup.

“Well, I guess the three of you should go together and say your goodbyes.” She gave me another smile before flipping another pancake.

By goodbye’s, she meant saying farewell to our close teachers. It was a miracle when my parents allowed me to attend a normal school. I was used to be homeschooled then but when the accident happened, everything changed. I understand. They just wanted what is best for me.

I took a glance at my mom to see her talking over the phone, probably about business. "Mom, these are your special pancakes and you rarely made this except when you want something from me, are you--" I was interrupted by my father sneaking up from behind as he kissed her.

"Alexandra, we’re attending a meeting at the city. Do you wanna tag along? Maybe we can just drop you--" My father was interrupted as he looked at me, playing with my food.

"Dad, just Alex, okay? And no, I am going to spend time with my best friends" I added more maple syrup and stuffed the rest of the pancake on my mouth. One of my techniques so they won’t talk to me seeing as my mouth is filled. I walk out of the balcony doors with my bag hitch up my shoulders and sat down on the swing by our garden.

This is where I usually hang-out when I'm alone. My parents have been acting weird recently and I don't know how I would confront them with it.

I was taking my time, just walking down our driveway when I heard Kathy shouting my name "ALEX!" Her sister, Keith was sprawled on the back seat not caring about anything but her precious book.

Only them could make me feel free to giggle or smile or just do something without thinking about consequences. We are all best buddies since preschool and we all complement each other: The girly girl, the nerdy one and the goody two shoes. We made up a very perfect team--The kind that was indestructible and inseparable. Kathy is the bubbly fashion freak who loves to dress me up while Keith is the nerdy psycho who would memorize the whole book just for fun.

No matter how they were so different from each other, they were best of friends and never have I heard them have a serious fight before. They are my sanity and I won't be the same again without these two.

I snatched the book away from Keith and that earn me a poisonous glare from her. It doesn't affect me though, being born as an Anderson has its perks and also disadvantages that I will never forget. I hug the twins and got inside their convertible. I look behind and sure enough, the range rover is following me. The whole ride was filled with us singing with Paramore and as we park and got out, I headed unto a separate way for we have different homerooms. My bodyguards, Ron and Paul followed me as I walk through the busy hallways.

I don't understand why I need to be protected so much if the media don't even know I existed.

As soon as I open the door, Mrs. Hartley looked up and hugged me. She is the woman whom I considered as my second mother for she cared too much about me developing my talents. She grew me into someone who has a deep passion with arts.

She wiped the tears flowing down her cheeks and handed me my graduation gown. "I'll miss you, promise me you'll visit." I stared at her and just nodded, unable to agree with her about my future visit because I have a very complicated life. After what seem like hours, I dropped my arms at my side and sighed. I walked off, unable to look back for I'm sure she's bawling her eyes out.

I went on the back of our school and sit at the nearby bench. I was having flashbacks when Kathy caught me on a bone-crushing bear hug.

"Kathy---can'-t--breathe---need--air" I stuttered looking at her with half opened eyes

"Oh, sorry" she said.

"It's okay" I told her then Keith snapped up and said “Stop that dramatic scene, will you? I've had enough for today, okay?" We laughed at her sarcastic comment and after a minute she joined in. I reached up and hug them both.

"So, who wants Ice cream?"I asked them both

"Meeee!" they answered in chorus.

•

We ended up at the park, sprawled out on the mat we’ve brought. The ice cream I treat them with was long gone. I just stared around; reminiscing the old days I spent my time here. “Yah, Alex”

“Hmm?” I glance at Kathy as she stared at me.

“You remember those times we spent out here during the summer?”

“Of course, I remember pushing you at the pond thinking that it was fun to watch you swim with the ducks.” Keith laugh at that but that made Kathy punch her twin on the arm. “Well, at least I wasn’t the one who ended up with a tub of paint on her butt!”

“Yah! It wasn’t my fault. Dwayne pushed me—“ Keith stop talking and look at me with her eyes full of concern. “So sorry, Alex. I—“

“It’s alright. It’s been a long time. He doesn’t even remember to pay me a visit, or call or even message me. I get it that everyone’s so busy. He probably is but I wish, he didn’t cut all the connections. He shouldn’t have made promises at all.” I clench my jaw and sigh. “That just makes it worse.”

“Anyways, past is past. Who would have thought that sweet little boy will turn up as a jerk?” Kathy laugh at loud and we join her. After a while we stopped laughing and I couldn’t help but sigh once again. I hated the fact that they are criticizing him but it is true. He was a jerk.

I push myself up and sat with my legs crossed. Kathy followed before asking another question again. She pointed at my body guards before looking back at me, “So, what’s your plan after graduation?” I look at her and she just continued. “When will you have your own life? Are you going to be like this, forever?”

“Not forever. I—“

“I know that you have to follow your parents. I know that you are bound to be their successor but aren’t you given any option at all?” She snatched my bag and empty the contents on the mat. My sketchbook, pencils, and watercolors with my brushes lay on the mat as if to prove Kathy right. “What about these? You dreamed about being—“

“Just, shut it.” I say through my clench teeth and she shot me a look of hurt. “You don’t know anything. I have to grow up. These silly dreams have no place on my life now.” I shove all of my things back inside my bag and walk out of there. I chose not to look back at her because I am a bit ashamed of how I acted. I feel bad for what I have done but I do not want them to judge my life like that. I don’t want them to rub it in my face that I couldn’t do anything with my parents’ decision.

I could hear my bodyguards following me out of the park but I didn’t pay them any attention at all. I kick the leaves littering the sides of the streets and glared at the people who are looking at me. I finally reach our drive way and I stop as I saw my mom, bursting out of our front door.

She pulled at my arms and we went inside the house. Dad was already sitting on one of the couch, a wine glass on his hand. He look at me and mom before pointing down at the unoccupied seat. I sat down and waited for them to speak.

“Alex, there’s something that we have to tell you.” My mother look at Dad before she took his hand an

I cross my arms over my chest and said, “What? Am I not your daughter or something?”

“Alex, this is not the time to joke about something so serious. We have negotiated with the Cole-Ford’s as to assure the future of our company. That means, you have to marry their son.”

"So you're telling me that, I as your only daughter, was being paired up to some random guy who would also take place to his family's business" I look at them with disbelief. "Mom, Dad, do you even know what sh*t you are asking me to do?" they stared at me with wide eyes.

I barely utter swearing words except when I'm very pissed off!

"Do you even think of me as your daughter? Do you consider my happiness, my freedom? Do you know him? Have you already met him? Do you know if he's kind or if I would even like him? Or if he would even take care of me or hurt me?" I got up and look at them in the eye while walking straight to them "Do you? DO YOU?!"

I stopped. I was in front of them now, my eyes blurry with tears. "Mom, Dad I know you love the business as well as me, but from the moment our company grows, I can't feel you. It's like you are just robots coming home for the weekend and after that leaving me to care for myself" I looked up and saw their eyes filled with guilt.

"Mom,” I turn to her and held her hand on mine, “you know that I made a promise to him. I am still in love with him. He will return. I just knew that he would" She crouched down and hugged me. "I know that Alex,'' she sobbed." I know you loved him and I know that he does the same to you too but, he's gone. He's not coming back." I looked at my mom with confusion.

"What do you mean he's not coming back?"

© A.G_2018

•••

Chapter 2

ALEX

“Mom, what do you mean he’s not coming back?” I stared at my mother with eyes full of confusion. I couldn’t understand why she was acting so sullen.

"You know that he's gone for seven years now right" I nodded. Of course I know it. It's been seven years, two weeks, three days and nine hours.

"Well, we didn't say this for we fear that your life would be at risk. We are afraid that your heart would totally breakdown like what had happen when he left you. But please, calm down as we tell you the secret we've keeping for seven years now" Dad bowed his head before he took my mom’s hand.

"Dad, what are you saying--"

"He planned on visiting you as a surprise for your tenth birthday but then, they encounter a storm. They sent signals but they're totally late. After two days their plane was found with the pilot in there, his hand on the handle but he hasn’t had the chance to remove his seatbelt. On the other hand, his dad and him weren’t there so they're hoping that they're still alive," Mom looked at me with tears flowing on her eyes "After 3 days of searching they found Mr. Collins in the ocean floating, dead. While Dwayne wasn't found--"

"But they don't know him. He's a good swimmer, the best I should say. When we we're six, I was drowning at the beach and he saved me! Maybe he swam on the near island right, right?" I looked at my mom with hope clear on my eyes.

No, he can't be dead. Could he be?

Mom looked down and sighed “I know that Alex, they also came up with those possibilities and so they searched for the nearby island. They can't found anything for months but then,"

She looked at me as a tear fell down her cheek, "Your father got the call from the authorities.” Dad qhug my mom and continue, “They found Dwayne's clothes drenched in blood. The DNA they have collected had confirmed that it was him! The island was surrounded by vicious and wild animals. That's why they came up with the conclusion that he's been killed for they can't find any trace beside his torn bloody clothes.” Dad shook his head. Mom looked at me with pity that I have seen from the past years, and I don't like people to look at me that way.

"No, mom. No! He's coming back. This is just a dream, a dream! He'll come back. He promised me! " I said as I stood.

"Alex calmed down, sweetie. I know it's hard but listen!" Dad tried to comfort me but I couldn’t control myself.

He's gone. After all these years I've waited....he's really gone. Like really gone.

"How could you do this to me? How could you keep this information away from me?"

"Alex please calm down. You'll be stressed out!" Mom pleaded but it was no use.

"No, you're the reason why I'm suffering. You should be the one to shut the hell up and leave me alone! "

I'm guilty for making my mom cry but I've been living for seven years now in hopes that me and Dwayne could be together someday but this revelation had ruin it all for me.

I ran up the stairs, her muffled cries following me up to my room. I hated the fact that she was so broken. I locked my door, curled into a ball and cried. I stared at the wall with my tear-stained face and drifted off into a memory.

*Flashback

"Daddy!" he's heading on my way.

Oh no...

I stared at him with my wide eyes. "Dad!" He bumped into me and I watch my favorite ice cream drop on the pavement.

No one touches my ice cream! He's gonna pay for that.

I grabbed his shoulder and force him to face me. "Don't touch me!" he scream at my face, his green eyes are glaring at me making me afraid.

But I'm strong! I cannot be afraid.

I watch him walk away from me and headed on the swing to sit on. I followed him and stand in front of him.

"Hey! Look what you've done to my ice cream..." I yelled at him while showing him my empty cone. His eyes widen. He look at my face and the empty scope at my hand and back at my face again.

"That's not my fault! You are!" His eyes were glassy before he looked down. No, he's not the one who should cry. It's his fault!

"You should buy me another ice cream." I look down and gasped as I saw a tear fall.

"Wait, are you crying? Are you okay?" He hid his face and I sat down the swing beside him. I saw him wipe his cheeks. I rubbed his back and he cried more.

"Daddy told me he's leaving," he looked up at me.

"Oh, maybe he's just going to buy you a toy, right?" I told him trying to cheer him though he needs to pay for my ice cream.

"No, I don't think he's going to come back. " He cried harder

"Don't think like that!" I tried to reason out.

"I didn't stop dad, my momma told me that they won't be together from now on" he continue to cry on my shoulders and I do not know what to do anymore."I love them and I want them to be together so that we'll live like them." He pointed at the family who are having a picnic.

"Shh, don't cry anymore" I caught him in a giant bear-hug and let him cry on my shoulder.

He was about to dozed off but then I pulled him to the ice cream shop and bought two vanilla and pistachio ice cream.

"Here so you'll feel much better. My momma told me that it's a cure for a sad kid. It always cheers me up when I'm upset."He stared at me with his wide eyes again as I gave him his ice cream. “My mom told me that ice creams will make you lose teeth”

“No,” I covered my missing teeth with my tongue and continued, “it’s not. It’s normal that we lose teeth because we are growing up. Ice cream is not the only reason.” I turn back and was about to pay but then he held my hand. "Wait" he said while holding my hand. He paid for our ice cream and smiled as he tasted it.

"Hmm, yummy! I've never tasted ice cream before"

"Geez, I feel sad for you" I said while rubbing his back

"Are you new here?" he asked after a moment of silence.

"How'd you know?"

"I've seen you're van early this morning, big guys are bringing down large boxes to your new home beside us."

"Aww, so we're neighbors?" I giggled and offered my hand " I'm Alex. Alexandra Anderson, but call me Alex. You?"

"I'm Dwayne Collins, nice to meet you" he said smiling at me. I just notice that he has two dimples.

"Hmm, why are you screaming like crazy a while ago?" I laughed at my comment. He stared at me and I looked at him innocently. He sighed and answered my question.

" Well, Daddy can't hear me if I speak like this" He said with a little voice, a smile creeping up into his lips.

" Really, but still he can't hear you" he just shrugged at my answer and turned his back on me.

"You don't understand, you're not the one who has parents that are separated, you never know how upset I am when I watch them fight every night. You do not know! " he screamed, making me a little sad for him.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"I tried to tell him when he turned back to me, smiling.

"Come on let's not talk about this, wanna play hide and seek?" he suddenly asked.

"Really?"

"You’re it!" With that he jumped off his sit and run. I sat there and after a minute, ran behind him.

*End of Flashback

I stared at the photos; our smiling faces are like salt on the wound on my heart. I stood and pulled them off from my wall. I throw the artworks and throw my pillows on the floor, trying to divert my anger on the things around me. In everything I do, all I can see is Him. From my hobbies, to those summer vacations we used to have. The memory was still there and I can't just forget him.

My only option is to start a new chapter, a chapter without him.

I planned to accept the deal my mom and dad made with their partner. Maybe it won't be that bad, I haven’t even met him I didn't met the guy. I just wish he's not a jerk. And with that thought, I fall off to my dreamland...

•

"Dwayne!" I woke up, sweaty and with tears flowing down my eyes. I remember the happenings yesterday. The secret my parents have kept away from me.

The plane crash, his body not found, in short, his death...

Ever since that day he left, I kept on dreaming about him. I just can't seem to forget about the things we did and the memories we shared.

I look at the clock beside my bed and groan. If I wanted to start a new chapter of my life, I should be willing to forget about the past. I have many things to do today and that is enough to distract me. As I made my way to the bathroom, I spotted a box under my work table. I crouched down and pulled it only to sigh as I open it. The memories played inside my head as I pick each picture. As I empty the box, I was surprised to see the necklace that Dwayne gave me on my Tenth birthday, the last birthday I've celebrated with him.

He can't find me the perfect necklace for he can't go to the city alone. He was so happy when he gave me this and I won't forget the way he hugged me after he put the necklace around my neck.

It was a star and a moon, connected together. The moon was hugging his little star like what Dwayne does whenever I'm sad or upset.

I was his star and he was my moon.

The star was mine but Dwayne took it with him and gave me his moon. He promised me that because he told me whenever he comes back to visit, our necklace will be joined. Like a happy reunion between the two of us.

I wore the necklace and promise myself that I will keep it with me no matter what happen.

I remember what happen last night and I decided to apologize for what I did. I found myself descending down the stairs and was surprised to see my parents eating breakfast.

My dad look up and tap the chair beside him, an act that I've known since I am a child, the one that says 'we need to talk'. I raked my hands on my hair and sat in between them. We looked at each other as if saying 'you first'.

Dad broke it off as he start to speak "Alex," I looked at him and saw guilt flashed on his face but he quickly replace it with a blank face.

"We're sorry that we kept that secret from you. I know it's a very important part of your life but we don't want you to be at risk. You're our only child which is why we wanted to protect you. Don't blame your mom for it for I was the one who told her to keep it. She was against me but you should understand us because we are just concern for you." My dad hugged me as I kissed my mom and hugged her closer to us.

"Mom, Dad, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't be too emotional. I just can't accept it. I mean, he promised me. It's unfair, very..." I cried harder on my mom's shoulder as she whispered soothing words to calm me.

"No, Alex. You know that he cares for you. He loves you, but it's all an accident and no one can ever predict it or stop it." Mom said while trying to make me look at her eyes.

"About the deal, if you want I'll cancel it. Maybe Mr. Cole-ford can let our company be partners with them without having you as a payment. Though according to his other associates, he's not that kind when it came to business. He was a monster and he doesn't have pity, but I'll do everything in my power so you will not be forced. Maybe I can still find a way out of this mess, come out with some idea to save our company and--" he was now blabbering and I've got to stop him or else he'll be speaking nonetheless.

"Dad" he stopped talking and looked at me. "I'll take it. I want to move on. I want to end the story of me and him since I am in the loosing team. He’s already gone, what can I do?. Maybe it won't be so bad to start a new story with the boy you're talking about a while ago, who's that again? Uh Mr. Cold-foot?" I told them smirking. The three of us laughed at that.

How I missed this; me sitting in between them, laughing and joking around. They used to be the ones who prepare me for school when I was still a kid. Daddy ties my shoes while mummy brushed my hair. A pinched in my cheeks brought me back to reality and there, smirking at me, was no other than my dad.

"Dad, it hurts!" I whined. He pulled me into a hug and kissed my stinging chin.

"Alexandra, you know it's useless. I'll just keep doing this. You know that I won't stop doing that becau--"

"Because you made a promise that you'll pinched my cheeks every time I did things that makes you proud. Like when you taught me how to skate when we're at the city" I smiled and watch him as he recalled all of it.

"Damn right!" My dad said proudly while mom extended her hands only to flick his nose.

"Language, mister!" She said while glaring playfully at my dad.

“Sorry my sweet Sandra, I just love our daughter so much” He looked at me with disbelief, his mouth open slightly. "I remember that day when I've brought you to my meeting and you keep on fidgeting on your sit for you really are excited to skate. You are so delighted that you just want me to cancel all my meetings and bring you there and when we reached the dome, you pulled me and said 'daddy! Daddy! I want to learn to skate can you teach me?'" he imitated my four year old voice and it really sounds funny. Mom and I laughed as he continued.

"You were so happy that you even made me promise to always take you there. I thought you would stop for your knees were full of scratches and it's bleeding. When I was about to stop you, on that same moment you twirl and do that perfect sliding pose of popular skaters. You flashed me your dazzling smile and so I took a picture of you. When we arrived home, your mom was so angry that I am afraid that she will tie me on the back of our car and dragged me around New York.” We all laughed and mom playfully slapped my dad on his shoulders.

He stopped and looked at me "Alex, sometimes I wished that we just stayed in California and not here. I wish you didn't meet him in the first place. If it did happened, maybe I can still have my carefree little bubble that love ice skating." his voice was so smooth that it made me want to cry.

"Alex, all I want is for you to live life. Spend your time out with your friends and not waste half of your life by secluding yourself in this house, just entertaining yourself by painting or playing the piano. I am proud that you are talented but every time I see your eyes, soulless and empty, all I want is to go back in time and never transfer here." I looked at my dad and wipe the tears in his eyes. "Alexandra, I wish you would return to that carefree skater girl. I do love that kind of you and we missed it" he finished and hugged mom closer to him. I look down and made my decision.

"Mom, Dad" they look at me and I sighed. "I think it's time. I would try to forget Dwayne and change. Maybe I can go back to skating, it's summer after all." I said trying to convince them that everything's going to be okay. They pulled me into a hug and laughed.

"So, everything is settled now. I could finally return back to my old life but in order for me to return into that, I needed to be free so can you please," I looked at my dad with puppy dog eyes that melt him like chocolates on the sun "Please let me go to the city with Keith and Kathy? I need to make it up for them. I was such a bad friend." Dad avoided my gaze and look at my mom, asking for help.

Well, my mom shrugged her shoulders and smiled, knowing that daddy would soon melt with my puppy dog eyes. My dad bowed his head and shook it. "Well, you know the answer right?" He sighed defeated. Only mom and I can do it to Mr. Ace Anderson, one of the known cold-hearted business tycoon in the world. We are his weakness.

I squealed and hugged them both while mumbling thanks, over and over again. "Thanks daddy. I love you!" I squealed and place a sloppy kiss on his cheeks.

Before I went to take a bath, I called Kathy. I told her that I was very sorry of how I acted yesterday and that I wanted to make it up to them by treating them into a meal. She was delighted to hear me apologize, of course and she also told me how she was sorry for acting like that yesterday too. I smiled as I ended the call, falling in my bed, hugging my pillow close. I had hope for this day to come, that I could get over from my story with Dwayne. And as my life slowly falls into the right places, a new story will begin with Mr. Cold-foot. I laughed at that thought of mine. Oh well... I couldn’t wait to use that to tease him.

But first let me get this straight. I need a day-off, a girl's day-out with my friends and a total makeover. I remove all the black dresses and realized I need to shop to complete my over all desire of change.

I guess, the old Alex is resurfacing and I can't wait to let her go from her leash.

This will be a long day and I'm excited to start it!

© A.G_2018

•••

Chapter Three

ALEX

"So, where are we going?" Keith said as we pulled out of our driveway.

"You know the usual" Kathy squealed and side-hugged me. I am glad that we fix our issue right away. I turned the radio up and sing with Katy Perry with the song ‘Party in the USA’. We went to the ice rink which is near the mall and look for a parking space.

After that we paid and got our ice skating shoes. A hand snatched my arm from behind and I turned around to see a smiling Keith.

"Keith!" I shouted as she started to drag me at the center. She chuckled, pushing me more then she took one last glance at my place, contented. She left me there with my mouth hanging open and eyes with the size of saucers.

"You can do it" Kathy yelled and she whispered something to the DJ.

The song ‘when you're gone’ by Avril Lavigne played. I blushed not that I'm embarrassed but angry. I soon cool off as I saw their cute puppy dog faces.

I prepared myself and dance gracefully. People started gathering and soon many of them are taking videos. I don't mind though. I am used to that attention since I was a kid.

I stopped doing figure skating when Dwayne left. He's my partner after all. After my operation and the therapies I undergo, I tried to do this but then just seeing another memory of me and him broke my heart. It's like a part of me would die every time I skate. From the moment he left, a part of me has drifted away with him and never returned.

He took this away from me and now I can do it without him. I smiled as I felt being free without his memories hunting me, without his face looking at me with pity.

I didn't know that I had tears on my eyes while I'm dancing gracefully. When the music stopped Kathy wiped it with her free hand while she hugged me.

We went to the mall to have lunch. And as we are done, the twins grabbed me again and dragged me inside the clothes department.

They had evil grins plastered on their faces and I swear, I have goose bumps on my arms and neck. It's just the two combination of both evil were unpredictable and they are most likely good on doing pranks. They covered my eyes with that blindfold and then

Boom! I can't see anything...

"What are you going to--" I was cut off by them pushing me inside on what I think is a dressing room.

They pulled my hair, strap me off my dress, applied a little bit make up and dragged me over again.

•

"Oww" I groaned as they remove the blindfold. My eyes hurt a little as they adjust to the brightness of the light.

"Surprise!" They yelled. I look at the mirror and gawked. Oh my goodness, they have transformed me into a paramore-type model.

My usually auburn hair was changed unto a short pink razory wig with bangs that hangs just below my eyes with a goofy blue bug pin. My blue dress was changed into a pink latex swing dress , a white band t-shirt on top, a belt on my waist and my black converse shoes on. I really look like Hayley Williams.

"Here" said Keith. I looked down and notice that she gave me a microphone.

"What am I going to do with this--" The two giggled as they dragged me again to the center of the mall. What with this two! They're like balls of energy that got out of nowhere.

They left me there standing. After a while Rico, Damien and Kobe arrived with their electric guitars and drums set. I looked at the twins and they were also astonished to see the three. I guess it's not a part of their plan. They set everything on the stage while I was trying to calm my nerves. The three of them look at me and noticed that I'm not yet ready.

They gave me a reassuring smile. Then Kobe mouthed 'everything will be okay' then smiled. I decided that I'm going to do this for I really wanted to return to my old self. I took a deep breath while ascending on the make shift stage.

"One, two, one, two, three, four" Kobe counted and started.

"Can't count the years on one hand that we've been together"

A crowd was forming and I fought the blush that was forming beneath my light makeup.

-memories of me and him together flashed in front of me like a movie. The swing, the beach, the pranks we made and the wishes-

"I need the other one to hold you make you feel, make you feel, better"

I looked around the stage and saw the crowd getting thick by the second.

-I remembered the first time we met at the park, him stumbling on me, crying his eyes out and sharing our ice cream together which made the both of us be friends forever, but I guess forever is not happening now-

"It’s not a walk on the park to love each other...."

-I remembered the days and nights we stayed at our tree house. Him, rowing our boat into the middle of the pond, watching those meteor showers and finally making our wish-

"But when our fingers interlocked can't deny, can't deny you’re worth it."

The days we spend together flashes in front of me, it was so vivid that I found myself looking afar. He surprised me on everything he does. Like he was my own box of surprises, he never failed to surprise me every time he's beside me.

"Cause after all this time I'm still into you."

-I looked at the boys and the three of them smiled genuinely at me. I glanced at Kathy and Keith below me and continued.-

"I should be over all the butterflies, I'm into you, I'm into you."

-The feeling I felt every time he's there with me was unexplainable. Those times we sing together while playing the piano makes me wanna cry and be with him again.-

"And baby even on our worst night, I'm into you."

-I remembered those times when we had a fight over the little things and then after so many hours he'll be there begging for forgiveness then after that we'll have ice cream-

"Let 'em wonder how we got this far, 'cause I don't really need to wonder at all,"

-I smiled to myself realizing that we had a really nice time together but we didn't have our happy ending. I wonder where our friendship would lead after all this years.-

"And after all this time I'm still into you."

I danced around the stage. The guys were enjoying it for I can see it on their eyes. The crowd was busy recording my video but it's ok, I don't care anymore.

"Thank you! Thank you New York!"

The crowd cheered for me and together, they clapped their hands. I went to my friends and hugged them. The three guys were watching us from a far and so I ran the remaining distance and captured them on a giant bear hug.

"Oh Alex, how I really miss you" Damien said with that little girly voice and the four of us laughed. The twins joined in and so we had a feast of it. After a long five minutes of laughter feast, the six of us recovered.

"So, who plan all of this?" I asked looking at them seriously.

"Mine" Kobe and Kathy said and the two of them glared at each other playfully.

"Well, it's mine really, but then my big snot of a brother has an ear of an elephant and heard about it"

"Of course I'll hear it, for you had a very big mouth with the size of the world" Kobe waved his hands dramatically on the air and formed it on a circle.

"No, I don't!" Kathy snapped

"Yes you have!" Kobe retorted

"No"

"Yes"

"Stop it you two!" Keith snapped as she pushed the two apart.

Oh well! Here she comes Keith, the drama-hater.

So let's stop right here and let me introduce you the indestructible, inseparable, The Three Idiots! Well, I used to call them the three idiots from the moment that movie came out on air.

Kobe Blake: He was now on his First year on college. He was very addicted to music. Played a lot of pranks on me and the twins (he still love him after all even if he's sometimes an as*hole) and he's my very own Cubby! He was always there through thick and thin, rain or shine or whatever; he was what I wanted for a big brother.

About his two very loyal minions who were always there beside him even if they have differences, they all complement each other. If Damien is sick they would care for him, If Rico was bullied they will fight for him and if Kobe got a detention they will joined him there, sleeping or doing homework together.

Damien Clarke-David, Rico's adopted brother. He was orphaned when he was still three because his parents died in a car accident. He’s a very charming guy with that cute British accent. He was the master mind of all pranks and if you find out that you can't find your shoe, he's the one to be blame.

And lastly Rico David, a very shy boy with his nerd looks. He was always the sober one, the kind, the gentleman. All of us like him for he's very responsible. He was the one who will carry the two when they are drunk, drive them home, save them from detention, woke them up every weekday morning and the one who was always been left out when they do pranks.

They weren't that close but then one day on their kindergarten years, Damien cried and Rico don't know what to do. Kobe the always nosy kid he was, saw them and convince Damien to stop crying. From that day on, they were the town’s trio and nothing can stop them.

They look like a runaway from a juvenile, they had a bad-ass behavior that scares away every student but they didn't know that inside this scary strong, attractive, sexy and hot behavior they are our little cuddly bears.

"Com'on my friends, stop it now." Kathy and Kobe pouted and I heard a very faint 'fine' from both of them.

"So wanna go shop?"

"Nooooooooo!" The three exclaimed.

"You don't want to accompany me on buyin’ a dress?" I asked with my little voice and my signature puppy dog eyes.

"Uh--uhm--uh. Uh, Fine!" Kobe sighed defeated

"Well, come on!" I replied, glad that I accept them back to my circle of friends. I really miss this three. Since the incident, I acted like a total bitch at them and I didn't care about it. I wanted to make it up to them that is why I'm doing all this.

The six of us headed to the clothes department again. I paid for my dress and then headed to the girls who are looking at the mannequins. An idea popped on my head as I looked over the boys. Oh, the twins are going to rejoice with this plan I had on my mind!

I ran to them and whispered my plan. The boys look at us curiously for Kathy and Keith were laughing like mental patients.

Keith excuses herself for a while and went to buy a smoothie. It was one of the favorite drinks of the boys, and it's very girly! As we waiting for her, we entertain ourselves looking at those funny clothes.

After ten minutes or so, Keith arrived. The boys saw those three tumblers and they let out a girly shriek. I swear that this three act like gay sometimes. If they didn't hook up with all those schools sluts, I would really classify them as gays!

They eagerly drunk those smoothies and I laughed as the three of them slumped down to the cold floor, asleep. Well, I told Keith to buy these smoothies for them purposefully, then she put sleeping pills in it. It will take them an hour to wake up.

•

We dragged each of them with us inside of the dressing room then got out to get a chair.

After an hour of carrying them, pushing them, holding each of their faces, we're finally done. We laughed at our masterpieces and took pictures of them as they are still asleep.

We went out of the dressing room and was shock to hear someone call me “ALEX!”

Kobe came out with a blonde wig and yellow tank top on. It doesn't cover his navel for it was cut short to make the one who would wear it, sexy. He also wore 4 inches blue heels. Kathy took a picture of him while he's fixing his clothes. Kathy forgot to shot off the flash and that alerts Kobe.

"Kathy! Give me that " she was about to give it to him but Keith snatched it from her and took a picture of Damien which is about to get out. He was wearing a neon green dress with black spots. He also has a sky blue wig on and red 5 inches heels. Damien look up, his mouth agape.

"What are you three-"he was cut off by another shot from me, for Rico just woke up from his deep slumber. They look at each other and to us. We ran around the department store with them in tow.

After a while, Rico found us inside of a tent at the department store. He snatched the camera from me then looked at the pictures. He found a few pictures of them and he deleted it in a hurry. I silently laughed knowing that I've kept the back-up memory card inside my jacket pocket.

He return the camera to me and as we looked at him, with his long blond curled wig, green sundress with pink ribbon and a white and black striped 3 inches heels, we laughed. I realized that I really did a good job with that. I wonder how they ran so fast for they wore high heels.

As we are about to let them return to their jeans and shirts, a running boy bump into me.

He looked up at me then speak "Hayley, is that you? And the boys ooohh" he giggled and he saw Kobe, Damien and Rico.

"They look ridiculous! What did you do to them paramore! I mean Hayley Williams!" he shot me an angry look and he laughed. As in laugh his genuine kid laugh.

"Nuh, I'm just kidding I know you're not Hayley Williams" he looked at my back and he sighed "I guess it's time to say good bye uh...uh…what's your name?"

"I'm Alex."

"Oh, okay! Bye..." He hugged me and ran clumsily to his mother. I looked at him while they are talking. We were about to go when he grab my knees again.

"Mom, but I want to hang-out with them, please? I rarely got any friends" he shouted back hugging my knees tighter.

Surely if he doesn't look like a child I would probably classify him as a teenager boy, he acts like one! We laughed and he hugged me tighter. Geez! I'm going to have cramps if he doesn't let go.

His mom looked at me, turn to his father, to my friends, then back to me again. She smiled and gave me a nod. I smiled politely at her then look down to pick him up.

"Okay, buddy you can go with them, but remember we're just on the food court if you needed anything" his dad said while he squirmed and I let him go.

The boy kissed his mom and dad and tell them goodbye as he watch them go. He look up at me when they're gone and smiled as he took my hand.

The boys changed into their usual outfits. As we waited, I picked the boy up and ask him where to go. He just pointed to the nearest toy store and gave me a goofy grin.

"I forgot to ask you li'l boy, what's your name?" I say which made me look at me with disbelief, crossing his arms he said, "I'm Thomas Jayson Parker. It's too long so they just call me Tommy." He grinned. He squirmed on my arms and I let him free. He ran and disappeared unto one of the toy shelves and after a minute or two, we became worried for he didn't came out.

"Tommy?!" Oh no where is he? His parents are going to kill us. We decided to look at him separately, screaming his name out loud like a lunatic.

"Tommy?!" I called out again. After a few seconds someone hit me on my head. So I turned around to see who did it and got hit again on the forehead.

I look at the thing and scrunched my nose up with disgust. It's green putty, the newest, slimiest and the grossest toy I have ever seen. And as I look up Tommy was standing in front of me, dressed on an astronaut suit, ready to aim! He threw a handful of green slime at me again and run clumsily bumping unto the toys spread out on the floor.

I chased him and with that process bump into Rico, Damien and Kobe.

"You too?!" I exclaimed as they grunted, removing the remains of that slimy thing on their hairs. As we are looking for toys that could attack Tommy, we were hit again but this time it's not Tommy.

"Keith? Kathy?!" Kobe exclaimed. The two giggled as we chased them down. We even went inside a fun house and run all the way out. Finally we collapsed into the floor mat of the toy store, exhausted. After 5 minutes someone was writing on my face. I snapped my eyes open and saw an astronaut. Oh! It's Tommy. The others woke up and I laughed at their faces.

We continue the chase until Kobe and I, caught Keith while Rico and Damien caught Kathy. We tied them on a chair and laughed.

"Tommy bear! Please surrender that slimy thing now and get back here or this two would end up--" Damien was cut off by another slimy thing directed to his nose.

"Ha, caught you blonde head!" He pointed to Damien while trying to run off, again.

"Not this time little buddy," Tommy squeaked while being caught in Rico's grip. Rico gave him to me and I sighed.

"Tommy, why did you do that?"

"Well, I...uh, just wanted to make some fun" he looked at me sheepishly and continued "it's my first time to have friends, nobody in my class want to talk to me, to make friends with me "He looked at me with teary eyes. I hugged him close to me and said. "Don't worry about that, Tommy bear, we're for you. Right guys?" they all responded 'yes' while doing a group hug.

"Thanks to you all but can I ask, what are your names?"

They introduce in front of him and we let him repeat all of their names.

"The blonde head was Damien, the one with eye glasses was Rico, you tall guy was Kobe, and the two look alike which is Kathy and Keith" he looked confused then he look at me "uhmm, Alex how can I know if it's Kathy or Keith?"I looked at Kobe and took him from me.

"Tommy, you know that I'm their brother right?" He nodded." I'm confused like you when I first saw them. So let me tell you my little theory about them" Tommy gave a squeak as Kobe continued, "Kathy here was the bubbly type. She won't stop talking unless it's a serious situation, while Keith was the silent type you would always find her with a book and oh, she's also handy for she acts like a walking encyclopedia. They are opposites and so the two of them balance each other." when Kobe finished his explanation he returned Tommy to me.

Tommy grinned with his perfect white teeth. I envy him though. When I was a kid, I always smile with my toothless grin. I wonder how old he is. I was about to ask when Rico asked the question I had in mind.

"How old are you Tommy?"

"I'm five, why? Do I look so old?" He asked with a worried expression. Oh, how adorable! I'm really falling in love with this kid.

"No, it's just. You act so old and intelligent" Keith comment back.

"Yup, a lot of people say that to me, so I have to explain, again" He sighed and spoke calmly. "I have Asperger Syndrome" we looked at him with our mouths open."Close your mouths will you! The flies were swarming already" he laughed as he took a sit in the middle of the hallway and continued.

"I am two years old that time when they brought me to a game show for my aunt would be joining and my mom should be there to cheer for her. I watched the show and when they started to ask questions, I started answering nonstop. I don't know; the words just came out naturally so my parents just didn't make an issue of it."

"Then one morning, my aunt brought her art supplies with her for she's going to babysit me. Later that day I found it and played with it. She then found me painting the scenery which you could see outside my window. I just laughed at their horrified faces. The next day they brought me to a doctor and confirmed that I have Asperger syndrome" he looked at us.

"I have a problem keeping my balance and when I run I bump into things and I hate it! Kids start avoiding me at school that's why I don't have friends. Teachers rank me as their favorite student, for I always excel their expectations. That's why I'm already in second grade, but do you still accept me even if I have this thing?"He looked at us expectantly. I grabbed him tighter and plant a kiss on his forehead.

"Of course little buddy" he laughed and hugged me too.

We brought him to the food court and on the way there he kept on asking questions on where we live.

"We leave at Ollerton Street, across their street" Damien answered pointing at Kobe.

"We live three houses next to Alex." Kathy grinned

"But, what street?" Tommy asked looking at me in the eye

"Kingsbridge. Why , are you going to invade my privacy?" I asked suspiciously, glaring at him in a funny way. He giggled and return to being serious again.

"No, I'm just curious for I saw the twins’ convertible on your drive way. By the way I'm your new neighbor! Our house was beside you" He said while hugging me tighter.

Oh, they are the one who bought Dwayne's house.

"So, I expect to see you every morning right?" I told him while putting him down "Of course, Alex. You'll be my big sister now and I'll be you're li’l brother! Bye Alex" he hugged my knees and took off running clumsily.

I watched them laughing, as he talked about the things he did to us. We headed home with Kathy's convertible and Rico's truck.

•••

As I lay down to sleep I remember that Tommy was across from my room. I opened my balcony door and when I was about to turn on my flashlight, a squeaky sound caught my ears. I looked at the source and found Tommy waving his hands wildly.

After a half an hour of shouting at each other one of our neighbors shouted at us to keep quiet. Tommy got an idea and wrote it on a paper. He inserted his paper into a canon thing and shot it to my room.

I opened it and smiled. He told me that he was sleepy and that he'll just visit tomorrow morning.

"Night, night Alex!" He shouted one more time

"Good night too, Tommy bear!" I shouted back

And with that we turn off the light and fall to our dream world...

© A.G_2018