•••

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

•••

Chapter Four

ALEX

"Lalala, wake up" I open my eyes to see a jumping figure on my bed, squishing me, making my body went all jelly and my vision, waved.

Oh....whoever it is, it really is going to pay.

I look up to see who it is and my anger cool off, it's Tommy Bear! "Hey, Tommy why are you up so early?" I said yawning while rubbing the sleep on my eyes.

"It's not earl, it's already 10 in the morning!" He answered back with a "duh" tone

"Oh, okay. Tommy, can you please go out for a minute? I'll change and after that I'll meet you later for I need to get ready for my graduation. "

"Oh, sorry I didn't know that. Bye" he said shutting my door.

I quickly took a bath and headed inside my closet to find my dress. I searched for it and found it at the the table where I put the shopping bags yesterday. It was a blue dress with a black ribbon at the back and it's really gorgeous.I slipped in my jeans and shirts then put it inside the paper bag and went out of my closet. Then I was tackled to the floor by no other than the twins.

"It's time for your Makeover!" They both yelled.

They drag me into a chair and tied my hand. They pulled out my favorite ice creams: vanilla ice cream and pistachios. One of them was shoving ice cream in my mouth and the other was applying makeup on my face.

Oh, heaven....

•••

Or, hell?

After 3 long hours of torture, they are finally done. I look at the mirror; the girl in front of me looks back with wide eyes. I realized that the girl was me. I squealed and gave them a hug

I gave them an all over and realized that both of them are all ready. We slipped on our dresses. Keith had a purple dress; Kathy has a pink dress and me, a blue dress. We put our graduation gowns on and walked out of my room, our arms interlocked with each other.

A black limousine was already waiting on our driveway, we headed in and after fifteen minutes we're already standing in front of Abraham Lincoln High School. Teachers greeted and hugged each of us and after that, we headed to the gym where all of our batch mates are seated on the chairs facing the stage. I put my graduation cap on and sat in between Riana Adams and Sadie Andrews. The twins are just next to Sadie for our seat plan was arranged according to our surnames. I convince Sadie to change with me so we two can have a chit chat with our friends for the ceremony hasn't been started.

As I settled in Sadie's chair, Kathy pulled me and I just realized that she has been crying. I looked at Keith and she shrugged. I comfort Kathy in my arms and later on she stopped and looked at me."I'll miss you Alex! I know that after this, we will rarely see you. I know that you will be busy. You should promise me that we would keep in touch, okay?" she said with a serious tone.

"Oh, come on we still have this summer to spend together!" But then I regret saying this to her for I know this summer won't be same as the summers we spend, all because of that stupid arrangement with Mr. Cold-foot! "Anyway, I promise." as soon as I said those two words Kathy hugged me again.

Our dramatic scene was cut short as soon as the principal went in front of the stage to say her speech. After an hour of listening to the principal and the guest speaker, Mrs. Hartley called me to the stage.I almost forgot that I need to go there and deliver my speech. After all the revelations I've heard this weekend, I doubted that I could recite what I have been practicing for a month now.

My thoughts were cut short when I reach the stage. Mrs. Hartley was there waiting for me. She handed me the microphone and I grabbed it with shaking hands, starting my little speech.

"Good morning parents, teachers and batch mates." I looked at each of them, and notice my parents looking shocked.

I gave them a smile and continued."We're here today for the Graduating class of 2012-2013. I guess all of you my batch mates we're happy that we are finally free of this torturous high school days and that we can proceed to college, be independent; follow our dreams," I smiled at them and they returned it also.

"It's like yesterday; I was standing in front of the Abraham Lincoln High School building, staring up and down with wide eyes and mouth. Horror struck me as soon as the first bell rang, taking a deep breath as I opened the door to my homeroom and can't find Keith and Kathy on it. I'm so worried that my friends may not be there at lunch, but glad when I spotted them" I smiled at the thought.

"It's been 4 years since we all started our freshman year here. I know some of us experienced being bullied, laugh at or being treated as an outcast. For those four years, I know sometimes that I zoned out of this world and to my own. I won't mind anyone…though I am glad because all of you were there to cheer me up.”I wiped the tears with the back of my hand, glad that the twins applied a waterproof makeup.

"I remember those times we stood up together. We never leave behind those weak but instead we fight for them, and encourage them to be strong. Even in our last field trip, when we have to camp in the forest for the bus won't start then Kent and Aries were lost. We were so worried that time then all of the sudden Sarah found them sleeping in one of the tents." We all laugh at that memory.

"Well guys, all I want to say is that no matter where we go or what will happen to us in the near future, we should always be there for each other. Like what happen on our last days in our senior year, when we cried together, laugh together and together will be going to the next chapter of our lives!" We all cheered and together we throw our graduation caps.

The program goes on fast. They announce our names and handed us that piece of paper called diploma. Someone says that attending high school was just a waste for they would just hand you a piece of paper with your name in it, but they doesn't know how high school change our lives.

High School years brought us extraordinary experiences that we don't even know that it would happen to us. We laugh, we cry and just what that singer says, dance until we die, but high school doesn't end like that. It brings us new friends and companions that would accompany us into the new chapter of our lives. My thoughts were cut short by a bone-crushing hug on my side.

Oh yeah! Kathy

"I'll be missing you Alex, would you miss me too?" I laughed and hugged her tighter.

"Of course, Kathy!".

"What about me?" I looked up to see her twin sister, Keith

"Oh, you too. Of course! You two are my twin-zilla forever. I won't leave you whatever happens in the near future!" They look at me and they burst out laughing, I look at them and realized how cliché my little speech was. I joined them and together we headed to our parents.

We went to The Mill House and ordered our favorite pasta and pizza. Our fathers engorged with their wine and business and our moms talking loudly as the three of us laugh our heads off like what we do when we're still kids. Their young brother, Kal, was looking at us with wide blue eyes, his hands buried inside his mash potatoes, gurgling. I took a couple of pictures of us, dance with Kal on my arms as I planted a kiss on his forehead.

We headed home and I went inside my room to change and took a long bath. That night my parents went in my room when I was about to sleep. We talk about the deal and that I should prepare for Mr. Cold-foot, I mean Mr. Cole Ford will be coming any day this week.

I sighed as they took their leave. I guess my freedom ends as summer starts.

Summer, it’s like my favorite of all the seasons but at the same time I hate it....

•••

I woke up late, smiling as I stretch my arms. Alright! No more school. I walk inside the bathroom and took a very long bath.

After an hour, I walk inside the closet and found a white shirt and dark wash jeans. I blow dry my hair and went out of the closet and to my room to get my purse. I'm going go out today and have some ice cream. A tradition I have always done when summer starts

I went down the stairs looking for mom and dad when Krista pop her head out from the kitchen saying that mom and dad went out so early and that she doesn't know where did they go.

I went to our garage and brought out my bicycle. It's been almost four years since I used it and it's still the same as I left it here I wore my helmet and took off. I went at our tree house and regretted my decision as I turn the pages of our photo album. After a while I can't take it the pain anymore as I run out of the woods to the park and saw someone who is familiar to me.

I continue walking and saw his face.

I did a double take.

It’s him

I stared at him, alive and well and handsome, as always.

The leaves fell down around us. The summer sun’s heat pierces my skin but I couldn’t care less. The sunlight bathed everything with that fairytale glow. The sweet breeze blew. The kids walking hand in hand as they ate their ice cream sort of brought me back into the past. Today was like the day I met him: Me, riding a bicycle and him, walking down the pavement.

Except that in the past, I met him here, because he was crying but now, he is not. He is smiling so wide that he even has the guts to flirt with the girls. I grab the handle of the bicycle and watch him as he make his way towards me. I do not know why I feel nervous. A trickle of sweat drip on the side of my face, my heart beat fast and I could hardly breathe. He was meters away, until it grew shorter to a foot and then bam, he bumped into me and we fall down, him on top of me.

This felt like a déjà vu, like it was our very first encounter.

We scurried to get up but ended up bumping our heads together. I glared at him as he got up, He didn't even offer me a hand. He didn’t even give me a second glance.

He just passed by me. Not noticing me. Not even looking at me.

I do not know which hurts more. Hearing about his death and believing that I am delusional right now thinking of seeing him as a ghost, or seeing him, alive and well, as he passes me by. Not even a glance or a look of familiarization.

I felt my heart constrict and my face redden. I let go of the bicycle and turn to face him. I remove the helmet that I was wearing and grip it tightly before screaming, “YAH!

He turned to face me and gave me a weird look. He just stood there and it gave me a moment to admire his beauty. He was like a real life Adonis. The young cupid has now bloom into a very beautiful god. My eyes held his blue eyes. His eyelashes are so long that it brushes his cheek every time he blinks. His nose was a bit crooked; maybe he’s gotten into fights before and his lips, same as before. They are shaped like cupid bows and have the color of the deepest red.

With all my might, I hugged him, closing my eyes and waiting for him to hug me back. I looked at him confused, why didn't he hug me? He looked at me and laughed "Look, I don't have time for you, I'm used on being chased by girls but look at you, and you’re not even my type!" He looked at my face and laugh.

I didn't speak for I was afraid that if I did, he'd be gone. He turned to leave and I stood there watching him. No, I won't let him leave, even if this is just a dream. I need to talk to him why he said those words earlier."Dwayne. Dwayne!" He didn't stop. I jogged the remaining distance and yanked him back."Why are you doing this Dwayne, Why? ANSWER ME!" I pulled his hand.

"I'm not Dwayne!" He shouted, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"No.You are!" I shouted back at him. Why is he playing this sick joke? If this is truly a dream I wish I could--

"Look here, young lady. I'm not Dwayne! I don’t know who the fuck he is and who you are!” He yelled so loud that I have this urge to cover my ears and cry. I looked at him in disbelief.

He gave me an angry sighed and explained "I am Caiden. So, if you still insist that I'm Dwayne, just go to the medics for you sure needed to be cured!" He said stalking off.

NO! This is the most stupid joke I ever have!

"Please, stop joking." I grabbed his hand and look at him.

His laugh caught me off guard as it woke me from my admiration. He took my hand and said in his now deep voice, “Lass, back off. The likes of you are not my type. You have the body of a little girl and that doesn’t impress me much. Good day.” He wink at me before letting go of my hand. My hands curled into a fist and before I know it, the helmet I was holding was already flying towards him.

I raise my hand as if to save him but it collided with his head right before I could even react. It sounded a hollow thump and a pronounced groan. His hands made his way to the back of his head as he turn and face me. I stared back at the eyes that seem like it was murdering me, he chased me off and I hastily took my bicycle and headed towards Kathy and Keith’s house.

I couldn’t help but feel mix emotions as he ran after me. This was like before. This was like that summer, that summer I met him.

It didn’t take long before I arrive at Kathy’s driveway. I look around only to see no one. Not even Dwayne who was running after me. Was I dreaming? Or was it that his ghost is following me? Geez, I should stop thinking now. This made it seem creepy. I tried to open the Blake’s gate but it was locked. I found a letter which says that they have gone to Los Angeles for five days to visit their grandparents. With a heavy heart I pedaled towards the direction of our house chanting, “This is just a dream. This is just a dream" while looking around. I went up to my room and collapse on the bed, thinking.

How can I let this happen? Maybe that boy wasn't him. He isn't like that. He won’t treat me like that. How could he?! How could he forget me that fast? How could he reject me like some piece of sh*t!

I heard voices from the living room. Maybe mom and dad are here. Oh! I should tell them about this. I rush towards my bathroom and freshen up, removing the leaves entangled on my curly hair when a knock sounded. “Yes?”

"Ms. Anderson, I'm sorry for disturbing you but your mom and dad would like you to go downstairs." Krista said from outside my room.

"Ok, I'll be down there in a minute. Thanks, Krista!” I yelled back.

As I descend down to our living room, a million thoughts crossed my mind. Why do my parents wanted me to go down? They don’t usually ask for me when they are talking to their business partners so as to not reveal who I am. Is there something they didn't tell me? Is it one of those stupid deals again?

I don't know if I could handle another one.

I entered the living room and saw a figure of a guy sitting on my favorite seat facing mom and dad. My parents look up and saw me. They stopped talking with the guy and stood up.

"Alex, we would like you to meet," my dad looked at me and continued, "Mr. Cole ford; to be exact, Mr. Caiden Archer Cole ford." The guy stood up and turned his body on my direction.

All I know is I'm gonna hate him. Oh! I already hate him and I really wanted to rip his cocky arse head off and throw it into nowhere that he won't be able to find it ever again!

© A.G_2018

•••

Chapter Five

CAIDEN

This was just plain ridiculous.

I can't believe this. I mean, the girl whom I'll be married with was that crazy girl whom I shouted at the park? I touched the swelling bump in the back of my head and wince, glaring at her.

She looked at me with anger and hurt. She is clenching her hands that I couldn’t help but distance myself from her. I turn to look at her again and checked her out. Hmmm, well she has a nice body and oh yeah. It will be great for her to be in my bed. My thoughts snap when I heard her irritated voice speaking "Dad can you just make this meeting fast so I could go back to sleep and rest?"

"Well, Alex. Caiden here will be staying for two months so that you two can have a good time and also, you'll be the one to be his tour guide, understand?" Her dad looked at her but she just nodded her head like the matter was nothing to her.

"Understood" she answered while moving far away from me but it gave me the urge to move closer to her. Well, I'm a tease...

"Like I really have a say" I heard her mutter beside me.

The girl, Alex, went up the stairs and disappeared. I turned to her parents as they began to talk to me. "Caiden, this is Krista," an old lady pop out from behind Mrs. Anderson and settled beside them. "She'll be the one to assist you and would guide you to your room for you know that we and your parents needed to attend the meeting with the Moore's" Mr. Anderson shook my hand while Mrs. Anderson trap me into a bear hug " Don't be shy to call me Mom," She gave me a smile before heading in their Maserati. I watch their car went off before I followed Krista upstairs.

While we walk, I notice the picture frames lining the walls. It was the girl. She was so cute and adorable, so far from that mean girl who threw a helmet at me. We reach the last room of this long hallway. Our house was big but I'm used to it, this house was new to me though it felt very familiar to me.

Krista opened the door and a room with a shade of navy blue and black welcomed me in. Hmm, just like my room back home. I went to my window and was amazed with the scenery.

A knock interrupted me, from the door -the chauffeur from a while ago carried my luggage in.

"Just put it in," I look at his nametag and acknowledge him, "Jake, then you could leave." I saw him nod as he put my things inside the room. He left without another word. Not having anything to do, I decided to just tidy things up.

I opened my luggage and brought out my laptop. I put it on the table near the window. Next my clothes then shoes. As the sun went down, I was finally finished.

I went to my bed and plan to have a nap but before I fall into my dream world a knock interrupted me. I opened it to see Krista. "Dinner is ready, Mr. Cole Ford" Krista said bowing her head.

"Give me a minute and I'll be down." I fix my shirt then checked myself in the mirror. Hey, I know I'm a man but shouldn’t we need to look nice to be attractive?

As I descend downstairs to the dining hall, I saw Alex look up and then down to her food again. Her parents are still not here so the two of us remain seated, eating, not saying a word. The silence was lingering even the clattering of our spoon and fork was barely heard.

After having her meal she went up and left me there. Krista saw me staring at Alex’s ass and slap my arm. "Hey!"

"Hey to you too, mister! Haven't you learned any manners? How could she be nice to you if you look at her like you wanted to-to-to have-“

“what?”

“Like you wanted to have sex with her?" Krista stopped, her face growing red.

"Your words not mine." and that gave me another painful slap on my shoulder. “Ow! People here are so sadist!”

“We are not sadist. You are just so bad so you need a good beating.” She raise her hand to hit me a

"No, I'm not bad. She just have a nice--" I tried to reason out which results me to receive another slap.

"Stop right there. I tell you, if you get to know her, you would really treasure her! She's a precious jewel, very sensitive, vulnerable little flower. I promise you if you forget to be an egoistic as*hole, she will get closer to you and treat you as a friend or maybe even a lover," with that she left me there astonished at her choice of words.

Hey! I didn't know that old people nowadays speak like us.

I went upstairs and strip off my clothes, settling in my boxers before I lay down on my bed. I turn off the light and fell asleep

•••

"Ow." my head bumped again at the headboard. I've been staying here for more than a week now. Sometimes I'll go out of my room and to the park but most of the time I talk on the phone with my clients.

I cursed some more and sat up. This thing usually happened to me when I have my nightmare. I usually dream of what happen to us on that car accident.

I can't remember all of the details just a little part of it. It sucks though, not to remember your name, where you live or who your parents are. When the accident happened my parents weren't with me for they went on a business trip.

I undergo a brain operation for I’ve got a head injury. I also had a leg fracture and five broken ribs. Lucky though, I'm alive. My father was furious though. He fired my driver right at that moment and from then on, every driver of mine went on a special training before they were hired.

I was in comma for five and a half month. Had a therapy for three months and a frequent headache for that whole year, but now I'm perfectly fine. Seven long years have passed since then.

I took a bath and after that walk inside the closet. I settled on a white shirt and cargo pants and went to find my running shoes. I crouch down and saw it under my bed. I locked my door, went downstairs and saw Krista putting flowers in the vase. I told her that I am going out and that I'll be back by breakfast.

As I open the door, the cool breeze blew on my face. It is a little bit cold outside but bearable. I put on my earphones and sang with ColdPlay while jogging.

Not knowing where I would go, I was brought by my feet to the park. I continue to jog and as I pass the third tree I saw a girl sitting near it, her back facing me.

I went to sit with her and ask why she's here but I'm surprise to see Alex. She glared at my hand which is resting on her shoulder. I swear, I almost felt my hand tingling with just touching her. As I was looking at her eyes, I almost felt guilty for what I did to her, but I have my reasons.

I was surprised to hear a smack, and found my head tingling. Did she just hit me? Was it her way of greeting me? I glared at her and said, "What's the matter with you?! Is that the way you treat a person which is concern for you? Tell me what your problem is!"

*smack* And that told me to shut up and not yell at her. She glare at me with those gray eyes that I found myself being hypnotize. I shook my head as I hear her start talking.

"First off, you invaded my personal space, second you shouted at me and laugh at me, and third you as$hole will be marrying me and will be staying with me for the rest of my life! "

“Well. We could easily get a divorce after that” She spit on my face and walk off without looking back.

Hey I didn't see that coming, I sat there astonished. I wiped the spit off my face, stood up and jogged unto her.

I would show her that she spit on the wrong person!

•

ALEX

I was sitting at the tree where I usually hang out when suddenly someone put a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and I glared at him but still he didn't get the message. I smack him upside the head and he glared at me. How dare he glare at me like I'm the one which is wrong here!

"What's the matter with you?! Is that the way you treat a person which is concern for you? Tell me what your problem is! "Oh he speaks! I smack him again and glared at him.

“First off, you invaded my personal space, second you shouted and laugh at me; third, you f*cking as$hole will be marrying me and will be staying with me for the rest of my life! "

“Well. We could easily get a divorce after that” I spit on him and walk off without looking back.

I ran until I reach our neighborhood. I was about to go inside our house but I was yank by someone. I look down to see Tommy. He stared at me curiously and ask, "What's your problem Alex? Please tell me"

"It's nothing you should worry about, Tommy" I pick him up and settled him in my arms. I look behind him and sure enough the devil is standing there watching us curiously.

"Can you please stop following me Cold foot!" I glared at him and look back at Tommy but notice that he was staring at him too.

"Alex, is he the one who made you cry?" Tommy locked eyes with him and they had a staring contest. Dway-I mean Caiden bowed down after a while making me cheer. Yey! Tommy bear won.

"Kid, can you please leave us alone? I need to talk to her" The devil told my Tommy bear but he just shook his head furiously.

"No! I won't leave my sister! " and with that he force me to put him down and hug my knees closer. I smiled down at him but saw the shadow of the devil is coming closer.

He yank Tommy's hand off me and drag him out to the road.

"Alex! Help me" Tommy keep on repeating this but the devil was already dragging me back home. He locked the door and ignored Tommy's banging on the door. Caiden glared at me and I return it back.

"What do you want?" I asked after a moment of silent.

What he did surprise me.

He put his finger in his mouth, took it out and wiped it on my face. I stood there shocked. He took out his phone and took a picture of me with mouth open wide. And that made me chase him.

"You as*hole will going to pay, Rraaa!" I screamed while chasing him upstairs, but then he is a fast runner and he locked his door before I got him.

I look under and heard him laughing his fat arse! Oh, I'm going to make him pay. As I stay outside his room Krista called me out for breakfast. I went downstairs open the door and let Tommy in.

We sat on the bar stools and ate our waffles. Tommy put too much maple syrup on our waffles and that made us hyper. We even ordered Krista to make us her special hot chocolate.

As we finish all of it, an idea pops inside my head. I told Tommy about it and he also gave me his idea of revenge. We laugh hysterically as we plan the things we will do to him.

Caiden Archer Cold foot, You Are Going To PAY!

© A.G_2018