Chapter 9: The End

Chapter 9:

Lorin

I looked into the mirror, approving Alex’s work. We were in my house getting ready for the Winter Formal. Alex had fixed my hair and everything, transforming me. Even I agreed that I looked beautiful. I fixed my shawl again and watched as Alex, in his tux and holding a make up kit, fixed Annie who looked so gorgeous in the little black dress that I picked out for her.
It looked a little funny to see a guy as manly as Alex work so magically on girls. Even Alex looked good.

Mom went in my room, smiling at us.
“I remember when your dad and I were going to the Winter Formal.” She said, and I could see the sadness in her eyes. My heart felt tight in my chest as I smiled at her.
“I bet your parents told you to come home at 8 huh?” Alex said and my mom laughed.
“Right you are Alex. This time, it’s Lorin’s turn. Both you and Annie should bring her home at 8” she said.

I gave her an exasperated look as I pointed at the clock on my bedside table. It was 7 pm and being home at 8 was totally unfair.
“Just joking. You should be home at around…” she went deep into thinking the time and Alex, Annie and I looked hopeful.
“The time the Formal finishes.” My mom said. We all cheered and I hugged my mom. She was the best! She took out a camera and took a few photos of us together.

Then she left us to do some finishing touches…such us tie Alex’s tie. Then our limousine came. Really! A limousine. Annie had rented it for us and when we went outside, we all felt gob smacked on how the limousine was so long and nice. We went inside and on the way, we shared some nice apple cider and we laughed. I suddenly felt like the old Lorin again. When we had arrived at the venue, which was the school gym, everyone actually looked glamorous.

We gave our tickets and went inside. The Hall was transformed into a winter wonderland with a disco ball in the middle of the ceiling. There were huge tables of food and drinks on the corner and a bare dance floor for people. There was a band onstage and they were playing a rock song and everyone was doing head bangs. I laughed.

I felt Annie nudge me. I looked at her and when I turned to look where she was pointing at, I saw Marcus, standing there in the middle of the dance floor gazing at me. My heart did a summersault because he just looked so handsome in the tuxedo…too bad it was the wrong time for us to see each other. I felt the pain and embarrassment coming up again.

Marcus:

I looked at Lorin and felt the wind sucked out from me. She was just so gorgeous tonight and I wanted to hold her in my arms.

Why do guys always have to make the first move?

She looked at me and then bowed her head down and went straight to the tables of foods. I went after her and I took her hand.

“Marcus, please…” she said, her hand limp in mine. She wasn’t facing me but I wanted her to. I cupped her cheeks and gently made her face me. He eyes where filled with so much sadness that I felt so damn guilty on the spot.

“Let me explain, Lorrie!” I said, using my nickname for her. “I didn’t know Hazel was there. I swear we were finished a long time before.”
Lorin slowly took her hand away from me and without saying anything; she made herself busy by getting a punch to drink.
“Lorrie, please” I begged. I couldn’t stand her ignoring me for the night. She drank the punch and put it down and after a few seconds, she turned to me.
“Marc Marc, I know.” She said. I looked at her, shocked.
“What?”
“Annie and Alex told me…I’m not angry at you Marc Marc.” She gave me a small sad smile. “In fact, I’ve already forgiven you.”

Then the band did a slow song and I caught Lorin’s hand as she started to walk away again.
“Please, can I have just this dance?” I asked. She looked hesitant and then sighed.
“W-well…I suppose,” she said. I smiled at her and pulled her onto the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around my neck and I kept my hands on her waist.

“The whole thing was for you, Lorin.” I said looking in her eyes. She didn’t look away this time.
“I-I know…but I was stupid to think that maybe you didn’t love me. I’m not worth it Marcus.” She said.

“You are worth it Lorin.” I said. “To me.”
I pulled her close to me; I felt like we were the only ones on that dance floor and nothing else mattered to us. Everyone else had disappeared in my eyes and all there was is Lorin.
“I love you.” I said. “And I want to propose to you properly…”
“Marc Marc…” Lorin said, unable to say anything else but I knew she was happy inside, her heart was beating fast against my chest.
“Will you, Lorin Rosella MacDonnell, marry me?” I asked.

There was a moment’s silence and then

“Yes, Marcus.” She said, looking up at me. “I will.”




Lorin

I am totally in pure bliss right now. Marcus has just proposed to me. I know it’s way early but I am willing to love him for the rest of my life. I guess if you are in love, you are willing to love the person you love forever. Hey, I’m still planning the marriage after college.

We danced to that slow song, ate and drank happily with Alex and Annie. It was pure bliss for the four of us and I wished that it would never end.
“So…” Marcus was saying about our past, “I broke her Barbie doll.”

“In return, I broke his robot.” I said. Annie and Alex laughed.
“You guys are really made for each other.” Annie said. Marcus grinned, wrapping an arm around me.

“I don’t think there’s anything that can ruin our moment,” he said and I nodded in agreement.

There was another slow song and this time we switched partners. I danced with Alex and Annie danced with Marcus. It was quite funny because throughout the two slow songs, we kept on switching.
Lastly I ended up with Marcus and he seemed to know the song since he sang to it.

“Just to be loved by you,

Is like havin my all sweetest dreams come true.
You showed me something id never seen,
You gave me something id never feel before…”

I laughed because he was too serious trying to look like he was actually the one singing it and we ended up laughing when the song came to an end. Annie went to us and pulled me out of Marcus’ embrace.
“Pardon me.” She said. “Gonna borrow her for a little pamperin’.”

Marcus nodded and they stayed by the refreshments table just opposite of the bathrooms.
We went in and fixed our hair and laughed. It was the best day of my life.
“I’ll go ahead, Annie,” I said and Annie nodded, applying on her lip-gloss.
I walked outside but there was something wrong. The music has stopped and people were crowding around, backing off and whispering. And in the midst of these crowds, someone was shouting hysterically.

Annie came up behind me.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
We pushed our way through the crowd and I gasped.

Marcus:

“Pardon me.” Annie said. “Gonna borrow her for a little pamperin’.”

I nodded nonchalantly and they went off, giggling. I shook my head.
Alexander came up to me and we took some punch for ourselves and our girlfriends.
“You do know you need to wait a few years before the marriage?” he asked.
“Yeah, but who cares? Lorin and I have the all time in the world!” I said. He shook his head and drank his punch.
I eyed him. “You sure nobody’s spiked that yet?” I asked and he shot me an exasperated look through his drink.

“Watch it, or I’ll spike your drink.” He told me. I grinned.
Then we heard some whisperings and we turned to see people shooting bemused and shocked glances towards the front of the hall. We saw none other than Ted Roans walking towards me. They probably thought he was still in it for the formal thing but I knew better.

“How dare you!” he shouted at me when he reached me and the music stopped playing. Everyone in the hall eyed us.
“Look man, I think we should cool down and talk this over outside…” Alexander said.
“Shut up! I’m talking to this jerk!” he said facing me.
“What do you want, Ted?” I asked, with a bored look on my face.
“You ruined my life, my career, YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!” he shouted at me.
“You deserve it, sicko!” I said, trying not to raise my voice.

“What’s going on here?” The teachers asked. But Ted didn’t pay attention to them. He was still looking at me.
“YOU ARE PAYING FOR IT!” he said and he pulled out a gun from his jeans. Everyone gasped.
“Young man! Put that down this instant!” the principal said, though he was scared that he might get shot. I was getting scared at this point since he was in close range and he could blow my head anytime.

“Man, Chill it” Alexander said.
“Shut up! And if anyone dares to call the police I’ll blow his head off!” he yelled and his voice echoed in the empty hall.

“YOU RUINED MY LIFE! Everything’s gone! Nobody wants to accept me anymore!” he shouted.
“It’s your goddamn fault!” I shouted back. “If you hadn’t tried to hurt Lorin, I wouldn’t have done that! YOU-DESERVE-EVERY-SINGLE-THING-YOU-GOT!”

He glared at me and then that’s when I knew it. He was pulling the trigger. I shielded myself with my hands.

“NO!” I heard someone scream and there was a bang. I didn’t feel anything and there was a heavy weight in my heart and I knew something bad had happened and I was correct. I looked to see what had happen and I saw Lorin standing in front of me. Ted looked shocked.

“LORIN!” I screamed. Lorin turned to face me, her hands covering a part of her stomach that seemed to be bleeding. She swayed and I caught her before she fell, my eyes starting to fill with tears.

“Lorin…” I said. This wasn’t supposed to happen!
“Marc Marc…” Lorin said, lifting up a hand and touching my face. “This was the most wonderful night of my life. Thank you.”
“Call the ambulance!” I screamed, tears running down my face. “DO SOMETHING!”

Annie knelt nearby me, also in tears.
“Marcus! The Limo!” she said and in a flash I carried Lorin to the Limousine, Annie on my heels and I told the driver to drive as fast as he could. I couldn’t bear let Lorin die in my arms tonight.

“Annie! Call Aunt Tina…she’s got to know what has happened.” I said. Annie nodded and started to dial her cell quickly.
“Lorin, you’ll make it!” I said and Lorin smiled weakly up at me, fighting to stay conscious.

We arrived in the hospital and Lorin was quickly rushed into the Emergency Room. We sat in the waiting room, waiting…it was a torture to see the result. Alexander came in. He had caught Ted before that demon was about to escape and is now in the police station. Aunt Tina, looking grief-stricken came running towards us.
”LORIN! Oh, what’s happened to my baby?” she cried. I was sure she didn’t mean to panic but I guess this was the same thing that happened to Uncle Norman a few years before. I gave a comforting arm to Aunt Tina.

After a few hours, the doctor came out and we all looked at him…

Marcus:

2 Months later…

For now, I realized that when I say we have all the time in the world, I was wrong. I should have spent and cherished all my time with Lorin.

“You were unfair you know…” I said to the gravestone that was in front of me. Snowdrops, which I had bought, lay on it.
“I guess you left too soon and everyone still needs you here. I know you are watching over us right now and all. Don’t worry; I’ll take care of Aunt Tina. She’s like a mother to me already.” I smiled sadly at the candle that was lit and the flame serenely swayed.

“I miss you, too you know.” I said.

“Marcus?”

I turned to fine Lorin smiling at me in her white dress, which made her look like a complete angel.
“Hey baby” I said, extending a hand. She took and came to me and we embraced each other.
“You weren’t saying one of your ‘time is precious’ speech to Dad were you?” she asked. I looked at uncle Norman’s grave and grinned.
“Of course not.” I said.
“You were the one who gave me the snow drops weren’t you?” she said. I feigned surprised.
“How did you know?” I said with sarcasm.

“Isn’t it obvious? Still, it’s funny we love the same flowers. Dad and I.” She said.

“Lorin.” I said.

She looked up at me and I smiled. There were no words to say to her now and only one thing can.
I kissed her on the lips and we were joined with a gentle breeze as if Uncle Norman was also happy as we were.
Maybe we won’t stay like that forever but I know one thing for sure.

Time is precious…

The End

Writer’s message:

Hey guys! I know right now you all want to kill me but please, spare me a moment. If you all liked this story, which I know you do since some of you were always shouting at me for leaving you hanging (don’t deny!!!!!), then you might be pleased to know that there is another one that I have already started on. Yes I have but you all have to wait! [Insert evil laugh]

XOXO,

Mary Grace (Ria!!!!!!)

Chapter 8:

Chapter 8:

Lorin:

“Lorin! Honey, you’re home early…” My mom said as I threw my bags on the floor and closed the door.

I took the last trip back to Hong Kong Island and arrived home just as it turned 11 pm. My mom had a questioning look on her face, I saw out of the corner of my eyes and I couldn’t bear look at her. I didn’t want to tell her of what happened. It was all a mistake.

A stupid mistake.

“I didn’t feel well so I came home early. I-I’ll tell you about my trip tomorrow.” I said faking a yawn.
“Okay honey…” she said looking at me a few more seconds before returning to her reading her magazine. Sam came up to greet me and I held out my hand, which he licked. Then I made my way back into my room. I closed and locked the door and with an aching heart, I sank onto my bed. Filling with tears and unable to stop myself, I cried.

The phone beside me rang and I picked it up before anyone.
“Hello?” came a familiar voice on the other line. “Lorin, please, if you’re there…talk to me.” It was Marcus. That…Je-I couldn’t say it. No matter how my heart ached remembering what happened only hours ago, I couldn’t bring myself to hate him. I hoped to much that he’ll love me and I made a mistake.

“Marcus.” I said my voice different. It was flat and I knew I was going to cry harder any minute soon. I had to do what was best. I was going to leave him alone and he can live happily ever after with the girl he loves.

“Lorin! Thank go-” he started but he stopped short when I said his name again.
“Marcus…I get it. I’m happy for you all right? I wish you well with the girl you love. Good luck. I-I’ll cancel the marriage as soon as possible. Goodbye.” With that I hung up and the phone rang again but I pulled the cord.

I stared at the phone.
The tears slowly came and I cried…I cried myself to sleep knowing that I would never

be happy again.

“Goodbye Marcus.” I said.

Marcus:

“She won’t talk to me!” I said with frustration. “I can’t contact her. She has it all misunderstood!”
“I think…” Annie said. “You should give her some time.”
“Yes. I’ll try to talk to her.” Alexander offered.
I sank down on the sofa and gave a low growl. I was angry and I couldn’t handle it. I knew that it’s bad to take on revenge but it wouldn’t hurt to do a small one. When I was in the bedroom, alone, I quickly dialed a certain number that I stole from the net.

“Yeah, hi. This is Marcus Brown,” I said into the receiver. “I’d like to do a schedule a meeting…I have a very juicy tip about Ted Roans that you might like to hear.”

“Okay” the female voice said. “Tomorrow at Atlantic Coffee, 3 pm sharp.”
“No probs,” I said and hung up. Tomorrow was going to be a very, very interesting day.

Right after I went home earlier than Alexander and Annie, I was off again, this time to meet a very important person in my revenge. I saw a pretty young woman with blond hair and brown eyes with spectacles. I think she was in her 20s. She was looking out the window and on her lap, was a notebook. I fixed myself before entering the coffee shop, then acting cool, I went forward to her.
“Claris Raymond?” I asked. She looked at me and nodded.
“And you are Marcus Brown, right?” she asked.
“Yeah.” I said sitting down and ordering a drink.
“So…” she said. “Should we start?”
“Of course.” I said. “Ted Roans, a superstar and famous with all the girls. That’s why nobody actually thinks he’s a huge jerk.”
“Really?” she said, interest showing in her eyes as she starts to scribble something down.
“Yea, I should know.” I said and I told her the story how Ted went to the school and all, cutting off after telling her about finding out that Lorin was the girl he was playing with. I stopped briefly as a waiter came with my mocha.
“So…he was playing behind Christalle’s back? That’s a huge shock! Christalle is such a nice girl!” Claris said.
“And the girl he was going to hurt was the girl I love so I had to stop him. That day, I cornered him by the lockers. I told him to stop and he did.”
Well, that wasn’t the whole story…

This was~

I cornered him by the lockers, furious.
“Lay off Lorin” I said to him.
He sneered at me and said, “Make me”
“Maybe I will…” I said, defiantly. “Maybe I could talk to a dear reporter friend of mine and tell the whole country or maybe the WHOLE WORLD how much of an ass you are. I have proof and I overheard you that day in the bar.”
That did it and he couldn’t say anymore.
“Fine, I’ll cancel the date, just don’t tell anyone.” He said.
I smirked at him and started to walk away.
“Hey,” I heard him say and I turned back to face him. “Mark my words…I’ll get back on you.” Then he left.

“So that’s it?” Claris said. “He just cancelled the date just like that?”
“Yes and no.” I told her. “He made some reprisal. You see, when I was going to confess to that girl, he ruined everything. That’s why I’m telling all these to you.”
“So it’s in a matter of payback?” Claris asked, scribbling madly on her notebook.
“Well, not entirely. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt.” I said, finishing off my drink.
“This is very interesting and I’m sure it will make the first page tomorrow and, Ted Roans will go down before you can say, bite me.”
I nodded, satisfied.

Then I looked at my watch.
“I have to go.” I said. I noticed that the day had run by so darn fast that tomorrow was the Winter Formal. Seriously. I had to get my tux ready before tomorrow and I have to tell Lorin of what I really feel. After that, I’ll have a very nice semester break with Lorin, if she forgives me. If not…I’ll see what I can do if that happens.

I stood up and Claris stood up with me. We shook hands.
“Thank you very much, Marcus.” She told me.
“No problem.” I said. “It’s going to make the first page tomorrow right?”
“Not only tomorrow…it’ll be in today’s news, too.” She said.
I smiled.
“Perfect…” I said.

Lorin

I woke up, my head aching a little bit. The phone was ringing and I looked at the clock.
1pm. Mom wasn’t home…darn.

“H-hello?” I answered.
“LORIN!” I heard Alex said, more cheerful than a humming bird. I also heard Annie in the background saying hello. “I can’t believe you! Leaving us like that and oversleeping in the most important day for all us!! Stand up and get ready!”
I was puzzled. “What? What important day?” I asked.
“Winter Formal, you mannequin.” I knew he meant dummy but he only wanted to be more polite. “The dress?”
“Oh…” I said. “Well I’m sorry guys but I don’t think I can go.”
“What do you mean you can’t go?” Annie asked, snatching the phone from Alex and I heard Alex protesting in the background. “Girl, you can’t do that!”
“I can and I will…I’m sorry guys but I can’t handle not having a date and seeing Ted there too.” I said.
“No way, we won’t accept that!” they said.
“Well I’m really sorry…I don’t want to talk to Mar- that guy either.” I said. “Sorry guys I have to go…my mom’s calling me see ya.” I said and I hung up, ignoring the protest they were giving. I sighed and fell back on my bed again.

Then to my surprise, my bedroom door bursed open and standing there were Alex and Annie. I gapped at them.

“You can’t get rid of us that easily.” Alex said. Then he turned to Annie. “Annie, if she doesn’t want to move, we’ll make her. Ready?”
Annie nodded and the next thing I knew, Annie has my arms and Alex has my legs and they were really dragging me outside my bedroom.
“Okay, Okay!” I said to them. “I’ll go!”

The finally released me, with smug smiles in their faces. So I had no choice but to go with them…

I got ready and I let them drag me to the mall.

“So…how did you get in?” I asked them as we looked at the dress racks.
“Your mom called Alex and asked if we could do something to cheer you. She knew something was wrong. So she left the key for us and there.” Annie said, picking out a white spaghetti dress then shook her head and put it back again. I numbly looked at the dresses.
“Why did you leave so suddenly?” Alex asked.

“I-I didn’t know what to do…I acted like a fool.” I gave a hallow laugh. “Can you believe it? Marcus loving me? Never in a million years.”
They looked at each other.

“But…he really does.” Annie said softly.
I looked at her.

“That night in the party, that poem was for you…” Annie said.
“But I saw the girl” I protested.
“That girl was Marcus’ ex who he didn’t want to see. Ted Roans told her to make you see that Marcus doesn’t love you because he knew Marcus loved you.” Alex said.

I looked at my hand, which was on a dress, unable to say anything.
“I don’t think I can go back Annie, Alex.” I said with a sigh. “It just hurts too much and I really need space.”
Annie and Alex gave me a comforting hug and I smiled at them.

“But you are going to the Winter Formal right?” they asked me, managing the best puppy faces they could manage. I smiled again. I couldn’t believe that I had such great friends that stand by me, always.

I looked at them and they were still expecting my answer. I can’t stay around being depressed and glum…
“You know what…Maybe I will.” I said.
Alex wrapped an arm around me while Annie cheered.

“That’s the spirit!” Alex said. I smiled again.

“Hey, awesome dress.” Annie said suddenly. I looked at her, wondering what she was talking about and she pointed at the dress my hand was on. I took it from the rack and looked at it. It was a emerald dress decorated with sequins at the body and the dress flowed like water. It also had a shawl with it. I kind of like it too.
Alex checked the price and nodded.
“It matches your eyes.” Alex commented.
“Try it on!” Annie urged, taking the dress and pushing me towards the changing room.
“Okay!” I said, laughing for the first time on how Annie looked liked an eager kid.
I put on the dress, fixed the shawl on me and walked outside. Annie and Alex both stared, speechless.

“What? Do I look that horrible? Oh maybe we can choose-” I said, looking sadly at the dress but Annie cut me.
“NO!” she said. “Y-You look gorgeous! It’s just that…I didn’t recognize you since…you just look…”
“So…amazing.” Alex finished for her as they kept on staring at me.

“Oh…so that’s a yes to the dress then?” I laughed, turning a little hot in the face and they both nodded.
I changed back and held the dress while I helped Annie to find a dress for her while Alex tried to find the right Tux for him in another section.

“I can’t find a good dress…I mean, all these look lovely but I just don’t have the feeling…know what I mean?” she said and I looked around. Then I spotted a simple little black dress in another dress rack and I quickly showed it to Annie. She gasped with glee.
“Lorin, this is it!” she said, hugging the dress. “Thank you!”
“You’re welcome” I said and we both went to look for Alex.





Marcus:

“Aunt, Uncle, Dave! I’m home!” I shouted. There was no reply and I hung the tuxedo in my wardrobe.
I went into the kitchen and I read the note they left me.

“Going out huh?” I said to myself. “Oh well.”
I went into the living room and switched on the T.V. Then I flipped the channel to something interesting. Then I came to the news.

“Finally,” The newscaster said. “A shocking report about Ted Roans. Apparently, he was found to have been two-timing his girlfriend, Christalle Maxton, the daughter of the famous music producer, Raymond Maxton. Christalle had cut off their relationship and Mr. Maxton was furious with Ted Roans. According to Ted’s ex-Manager, all of the music producers are now refusing him. Is this a downfall for the famous Ted Roans?”

I switched the T.V off, smirking.

“He deserved it.” I said to nobody.

Then I went off to get ready for sleep. If only I knew what I did was wrong…and it was going cause so much things. If only I knew, I wouldn’t have done it.

Chapter 7:

Lorin:

I felt his hands leave my face and I realize he had fallen asleep already. I looked at him, still shocked. Then I quickly scrambled off him.
I mean, one second he was fighting me and the next, he was going to kiss me. And he didn’t finish what he was going to say!

I left his room, going back to mine still feeling my cheeks, where just a minute ago I was slapped by a guy I didn’t know. But when Marcus cupped it, the pain seemed to disappear.

When I entered the room we were staying in, Annie was already sleeping. I quickly changed my clothes into my nightclothes, a t-shirt. Yes, a large T-shirt that reached my knees. That’s the only thing I wear. But I feel comfortable anyway.

With what just happened in my mind, I slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning I woke up to find that I have already woken up late and Annie wasn’t in the other bed anymore. I yawned and stretched. Just my usual morning routine. I stood up, preparing to get ready. Hey, I was only in a t-shirt…with underwear of course, but I couldn’t risk going out like this. There were 2 guys in the house.
I opened my bag, which was in the end of my bed and took out a nice top and jeans. I stood up, admiring the top when I felt the door open.

“Hey Lorrie…” a voice said and it trailed off.

I saw Marcus and I stood staring, shocked. He seemed shocked too. Then I went out of my shock and covered my front.

“Don’t you ever knock?!” I screamed. “Pervert! Get out! GET OUT!” I threw all the pillows on him and he quickly went out, red faced. I sat on my bed, also red in the face.
Then one thing popped into my mind.

Oh my God.

Marcus:

“Marcus, can you go see if Lorin’s up?” Annie asked me that morning. I gave a small grunt. I was still having a little bit of a hangover and I still remembered that I got into a fight because of her.
I guess she was still sleeping anyway so I didn’t bother knocking. Which was a big mistake.

“Hey, Lorrie…” I started but trailed off, seeing Lorin in just a T-shirt. I stood staring, transfixed and mesmerized by her beauty. I mean, she looked so…hot.
Lorin, who was shocked too, covered her front. It wasn’t like I can see through it.

“Don’t you ever knock?!” she screamed. “Pervert! Get out! GET OUT!” She threw what was nearest to her, which thank goodness were pillows, and threw them at me. I quickly got out and closed the door.

When I went down, Alexander and Annie were looking at me questioningly.
“Girls!” I muttered, sitting down with them and eating breakfast.

Lorin came down later on, ignoring me. Hey, I can live with that anyway. When Alexander and Annie had gone off somewhere, she finally talked to me.
“Thank you…for last night.” She said.
“No problem.” I said, annoyed and remembering about last night. “Next time, don’t go there alone!”
“Hey!” she shouted, angry. “It’s your fault for not going home! We can’t just leave you there!”
“Oh yeah?” I shouted back. “Maybe if you didn’t be so over reactive, I wouldn’t have stayed there!”
“You started it all! You shouldn’t have invited us if you didn’t have fun with us!” she screamed. We stared at each other, red at the same time from all the screaming.
“Fine” I said. “Be that way.”
“I will!” she replied stubbornly.
“Fine!”
“Fine!”

She took a plate and started to eat. I stood up and went to the living room to watch. If she wants war, I’ll give her war.

Why the heck do we always end up fighting?!

Lorin:

“Guys!” I heard Alex come in the room. “Hey, let’s go play volleyball!”
“Oh wow,” I said, standing up from my book. “That’s great. Count me in!”

Marcus came out of the kitchen where he was just eating lunch and I glared at him. He glared back and looked at Alex, who looked confusingly at both of us.

“Sure, but do you mind if I team up with Annie? She’s more better to get along with,” Marcus said, implying it on me.

“Oh yeah? I’ll team up with Alexander because he’s a better guy to hang out with!” I said.

“Fine!” he said. “I’ll be with Annie, Alexander.” He left the house we were staying in. Alex with a big question mark on his face, looked at me.
“You don’t want to know,” I growled.

Alex and I went to the beach after I had changed. It was a beautiful cloudy day and it was windy. It was autumn already and I didn’t want to swim. The water was so cold!
I tied my hair and went onto one side of the net where Alex was warming up. Annie and Marcus were talking to one another on the other side.
“Let’s start!” Annie said. She threw the ball in the air. I went forward hitting it on my wrist. Marcus hit the ball back at our side where Alex managed to hit it back to theirs. We spent the whole afternoon playing the volleyball where, sadly to say, Annie’s team was winning.

I ran to hit the last serve of the ball but I found myself slipping and falling, face first, in the sand. I heard Marcus roar with laughter.
“Lorin, are you alright?” Alex asked, helping me up. I saw Annie looking with irritation at Marcus, who was rolling in the sand with laughter.

“Not yet” I growled. I stood up, picked the volleyball up and went to Marcus. When he saw me, he laughed harder.
“That was so darn funny!” he said through laughter, “It was classic!”

I smiled at him with sarcasm.
“So you liked that? How about this?” I threw the volleyball down at him, hard, and it hit his stomach squarely. He groaned a little and glared up at me.
“Then how do you like this?” he said, suddenly pulling my legs from below me and I fell…on him.

Alex and Annie bursted into laughter.

I glared at Marcus and I got off him quickly. Alex and Annie were hugging each other and were laughing so hard that they were sinking slowly into the sand. I sighed. Sometimes, life has its nasty bits.

Marcus:

“Pass the honey please.” Annie told me later that day while we were having a barbecue in the beach. I slowly extended my hand and reached for the honey. I felt something soft and warm and I realized that Lorin also reached for the honey and I got her hand instead. She glared at me. I released her hand

“My honey!” I growled, reaching fast for the honey bottle and holding it tightly.
“Mine” she growled back and tried pulling it from my grasp. I pulled it back and she pulled it as well and we were stuck on a Honey bottle tug-of-war.

Alexander quickly took the honey from our hands with a sigh and passed it on to Annie.
“Seriously…” Annie said to us, squirting honey on the meat. “You guys are like kids, fighting over small things!”
“Hey, don’t blame me.” I said, pointing to Lorin. “It’s all her fault.”
“Not mine, it’s yours!” Lorin snapped back. They sighed again.

◊
“Marcus, can I have a word?” Annie asked me while I was eating my 8th barbecue. Hey, playing volleyball is tiring!

I nodded and we walked out of earshot.
“You know Marcus,” Annie said. “The reason you came here was to propose properly to Lorin right?” I nodded, taking another bite of my food.

“Well what you guys are doing instead is fighting. At this point, I’m sure she’ll say no to you. You have to apologize to her later. Alexander and I found out that there’s a party tonight here at the beach. And it’s only for teens. There are going to be performances on a stage too.”
“What the ‘ell does that have to do with me proposing?” I asked, my eyebrows raised.
“Well…Since you have the ‘ring’ with you…Xander and I reserved a moment on the stage for you.” She said. One moment I was peacefully eating my barbecue, the next I was choking on it. Annie helped me by hitting me on the back, hard. It took a few minutes before I can breathe normally again.

“WHAT?!” I shouted. Annie rolled her eyes.
“You, Marcus Brown, will go on that stage tonight and apologize. Then you will give that box to her and pop the question.” Annie said.
“BUT-” I protested but Annie only cut me off.
“No buts.” She said.
“You’re insane woman!” I shouted at her and that earned me a smack on the head.
“You are doing it tonight. Be thankful that Xander and I actually help you or you’ve already lost Lorin.” She said. I nodded. What could I do? I really wanted to be all right with Lorin again and I had to do what they told me.

Only I hope Lorin will say yes. Then out of the blues, I saw a familiar figure waving at me…

No! It can’t be!

Lorin:

I looked at my clothes uneasily. We were going to a party and all I can wear are jeans. Well, I still have all my jeans and those are the only clothes I have for now. Nobody told me we were going to a party while on this holiday! Anyway, we were leaving tomorrow night so I guess it’s better to enjoy now.

“Lorin!”

I looked up to find Annie beaming at me from the doorway. She and Alex had been smiling all night I was wondering if they were hiding something.

“Are you sure this is fine?” I asked.
“Yes, it’s good.” She said. “Come on, let’s get going!”

Annie grabbed my hand and dragged me all the way to the beach where Alex and Marcus were waiting.
“Lorin!” Alex said, also beaming. Seriously, I think they are hiding something. “Glad you could make it! Let’s go party!”
Annie hooked her arm around Alex and they went ahead, leaving me with Marcus. He was unusually quiet tonight.

The beach was packed with teenagers and I hoped we wouldn’t run into that wacko guy who tried to harass me the night before.
When we arrived, there was a guy and a girl doing a duet, which looked so sweet.
Then a guy who did some breakdancing came next. To tell you the truth, I was actually enjoying myself. It was fun singing and dancing with the performers.

“Right, guys!” A teen guy, who was the MC for the night said. “Tonight, we’ll see a guy express his love to the girl he loves. Give it up for, Marcus Brown!”

What? You have got to be kidding me! To who will he express his love? He came here with only Alex, Annie and…me. Marcus grinned at the audience as he climb up the stage.

“Right guys, This will only take a short while. So bear with me.” He said and everyone around us laughed.

“I want to express my love to the girl of my dreams and I have prepared a poem for her too.”

I didn’t want to hope much but I think it’s me. I mean who else will Marcus tell his love to? The other night…what he was going to say…I think it was for me.

Marcus then started his poem…I didn’t even know he knew how to make poems!



“You are in my dreams,

I can’t breath when you’re with me.
My heart skips a beat when you are there.
I love you…only if you can see.

I have kept my love for you,
the way my heart beats fast.
Or when I want to touch your face,
or when I wish for a moment with you to last.”

My breath was stuck in my throat and I just gaze up at him. I felt like I was the one saying the poem because what I felt was exactly the same! I…I was in love with him.
He left his eyes off the paper and he gazed onto mine, sending chills down my spine. It was as if he was telling that to me.

“So baby, I want to say
How much I love you.
Tonight I will confess of my love
And you know all I said was true.” He finished, his eyes never leaving mine.

There were enthusiastic claps from the audience and I felt my face heat up as I realize, maybe it was actually for me.

“Wow!” I heard the MC say. “That was one heck of a love poem! Give it up everybody for Marcus Brown!” Marcus gave a low bow.

“But he isn’t finished yet. Whomever he loves, will be revealed!” The MC said and everyone cheered. I felt my heart beat really, really fast. Alex smiled at me and took my hand actually leading me to the front of the audience. WE stopped right at the front.

“I want to say I’m sorry for acting like a real jerk and I want to give this ring to you to say that I love you,” Marcus said and everything started to go so slow at that moment.
“I love you…Lo-” he was about to say my name…or I think it was when this girl went on stage. She had this straight honey blond hair which swayed along with her movements.
“Marcus!” she said.
“Hazel!” he said, surprised.
“I’m sorry too and I want to say that what you did for me tonight was so sweet. I Love you too!” with that she went forward…and kissed him on the lips.
The crowd went wild. Annie and Alex looked at me, shocked as well.

Only I couldn’t see their faces. Everything went blurry and all I felt was my heart breaking into pieces. I made my way through the crowd, ignoring the calls that Alex and Annie were shouting and ran.

Marcus:

“Hazel!” I said surprised. I was hoping she wasn’t here and I was trying to avoid her all day.
“I’m sorry too and I want to say that what you did for me tonight was so sweet. I Love you too!” she said, smiling at me. I looked at her confused, about to protest that it wasn’t for her. Only I couldn’t because she kissed me.
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Alex and Annie shouting and Lorin…was gone. Damn, Damn, DAMN! Everything was going wrong!
I pulled away from Hazel and led her backstage, which the crowd thought was part of the act. I could hear the MC presenting the next performance. I led Hazel far from the party, out of earshot from the audience. Annie reached me, glaring daggers at Hazel.

“Marcus” Hazel said, like I was still her boyfriend. Well, I used to be but not anymore. She two-timed me and I’ve had enough of her. Each second, I remembered what she did and anger boiled up inside me. “Baby, I’m so happy of what you did. If you are asking me to marry you I’ll-”
“WHAT THE HELL DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?” I shouted at her, unable to control my anger any longer. Hazel looked taken aback.
“But, baby, I thought-” she started.
“Don’t call me baby, Hazel. Why are you here?! To hurt me again? Who told you where I was?” I shouted.
“Marcus…I left my ex. I realized, I love you more and when you came here, I asked your friends and followed you. The superstar, Ted Roans told me that you were here and…” She said. “Baby, I thought-”
“Well you thought wrong.” I told her icily. “I don’t love you anymore. You aren’t even a part of my life anymore.”
“You can’t do this to me!” Hazel said, in the verge of tears. But she couldn’t fool me anymore. I knew that she was just faking it.
“Watch Me,” I said. “Tell that Roans jerk to watch out cause he’s in for a huge hell.”
“Marcus!” she screamed as I took Annie’s hand and left Hazel there. “Damn you Marcus you can’t do this to me!”
But I left her without another word. For Ted Roans, He’ll see what its like to mess with me. Only I hope Lorin will understand.

I told Annie the whole story of what happened between Hazel and me while we were going back. Annie told me how Lorin cried when Hazel kissed me and I felt bad but at least I know she loves me.
“Xander followed her. I’m sure he’ll be able to cheer her up in no time!” Annie said but it didn’t feel reassuring. When we reached the summerhouse, I saw the lights on and I quickly went inside, eager to see Lorin and comfort her.

Only I saw Alexander first and he had a grim expression on his face.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Annie asked.
“Lorin…” Alexander said grimly.
“Is she alright?” I asked, worried that maybe something happened to her.
“Lorin’s gone.” Alexander said. “She had packed her bags and left.”

Chapter 6:

Lorin:

“Lorin come out. It’s not you. It’s me. I made Ted cancel the date, all right? So come out already!” I heard Marcus tell me. What was Marcus doing in the girl’s toilet? And he was the one who made Ted cancel the date?
I opened the door and looked at him.
“Why?” I shouted. “Why did you do it?”
“Because he was using you!” Marcus shouted at me. Alexander and Annie looked at each other and moved back.
Those words made me feel like I was slapped.
“What?” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

“He was using you.” Marcus said again. “I overheard him. He was going to use you like a doll. He did it for fame. He knew he was going to break your heart but he didn’t care.”
“He’s that kind of person?” The girl, Annie from 4D said.
I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say.
“I’m sorry Lorin.” Marcus said. I looked at him, for the first time and noticed that he still looked like the Marcus I knew. Looking at him made me remember the old days. I smiled up at him, which took him aback.
“Thank you, Marc Marc.” I said, wrapping my arms around him and giving him a hug. I felt him relax and hug me back.
When I pulled apart, I looked at Alex and Annie and smiled.
“Alex. Do it.” I said. Annie and Marcus exchanged confused looks.
“B-but.” Alex said, becoming nervous.
“Go on!” I said. Alex cleared his throat and I pulled Marcus to me. We all watched Alex. Alex looked at Annie and took a deep breath.
“Annie,” he looked pleadingly at me then he turned back to Annie. “Will you go out with me and be my date for the Winter Formal?”

There was silence as Annie looked at me.
“But…isn’t he your escort? I saw him ask you out. You hugged him too.” She said. I recalled that memory and laughed.
“It’s a long story. But that was the day that Alex told me that he likes you.” I said. Annie looked at Alex and smiled.

“Yes.” She said, hugging Alex and tears came down her face. I smiled at Marcus, who smiled back at me.

“Guys,” Marcus said after a while. “Do you mind? I’m becoming uneasy being in the girl’s bathroom.” We all laughed.

Marcus:

“Marc Marc!” I heard someone call me and I found Lorin looking at me and smiling. Life had become perfect. Annie and Alex were ‘the hottest item’ in school and Lorin and I…well, we didn’t need to be ‘an item’. We were engaged anyway and it was the week of the Winter Formal. Okay, so we were just friends to her, but to me, we were engaged.

“Hey” I said, looking up from the railing where I was standing. “What’s up?”

She stood next to me and looked out to the open sea where I was looking at. We were on a small vacation in my family’s summerhouse, except its nearly winter, and we were sleeping over there for 3 nights. No parental supervision… hurrah. Not that I was thinking about bad stuff, I wasn’t…most of the time, but I only thought of how I could actually get to be with Lorin…

“It’s really beautiful here.” She commented, smiling at me which made my heart skip 2 beats.
“Yeah,” I said looking at her and I moved closer…
“So, let’s go? Alex and Annie are waiting for us. They’ve already finished cooking dinner.” She said, suddenly moving away. She didn’t notice that I was just going to kiss her. Oh damit.

I nodded with disappointment and we both went back inside and ate dinner. Thank goodness for Annie’s cooking.

“Hey, Alexander!” I said to Alexander during dinner “Some guys are having a party at the nearby beer house. You want to go?”
“You bet!” he said.
“Hun…” Annie said, shooting an annoyed look at Alexander.
“Don’t worry, baby.” Alexander said, wrapping an arm around her. “Just going to keep a lookout for Marcus. You know him. He can’t control himself.”

I rolled my eyes. HE wanted to party that badly too. He was a real party boy and I really can’t believe that he thought he was gay, according to him and Lorin. He was more like those jocks he hangs out with.
“You guys shouldn’t be going that often to those parties.” Lorin said.
“Aw come on, Lorrie! It’s just a party. We wanna have some fun.” I said to her. She looked at me, her eyes filled with an emotion I couldn’t see.
“I see…” she said coldly. “So hanging out with us isn’t fun?”
“I didn’t mean…” I started but she cut me off.
“You meant it Marcus.” She said, standing up. She turned to Alexander and Annie with a nod and left. I stared after her and after a while I heard the front door slam.

“You shouldn’t have done that, Marcus.” Annie said, looking at me with exasperation.
“What did I do?” I said angrily. “She started it.”
“It’s unbelievable how you guys like cat and dog but still stay friends.” Alexander commented. I looked at both of them whose arms were wrapped around each other.
That was how I wanted Lorin and I to be…but instead we were fighting. Fighting over stupid things, which she just couldn’t understand. Damnit, I don’t understand it either! I stood up, frustrated.
“Whatever, man.” I told Alexander. “I’ll see you in the party.”

I wore my jacket and went out the door with a slam and went on to the party. I needed a drink.

Lorin:

I wrapped my sweater around my cold body. I couldn’t understand Marcus. First we reconcile about our problems and then he says he wants to have fun so he invites us for an overnight trip. He said just hours ago when we had first arrived here, that it was the most enjoyable day of his life. Now he says he wants to have some fun. Wasn’t being with us fun? Wasn’t being with me fun?

I sat on the sand, letting the winds blow on my face and listening to the water. I needed time. I felt a little calm after watching the sky grow dark.
“Lorin?”

I turned to see Annie, barely visible because it was nighttime, standing behind me. I smiled up at her.
“Hi…” I said. She sat beside me.

“Funny of how I used to be jealous of you and Xander.” She commented. I gave a hollow laugh. Her new nickname for Alex, which was Xander…
“Xander and I wanted see if we could do anything to help patch you guys up.” She said.
I kept my eyes on the stars that were glowing in the sky above us.

“Don’t worry about it.” I said, my voice in a flat tone. “It was my fault anyway.”
“You shouldn’t gotten mad at him that quickly.” She said. “You know he didn’t mean it.”
I sighed, looking at her. “I know, Ann. But the point is, I was hurt that he thought being with us wasn’t fun enough.” I told her.
I saw her shrug her shoulders. “They are guys. You should know by now that they aren’t aware of how sensitive we are.” She told me, reaching out and giving my shoulders a reassuring squeeze. “If he doesn’t understand you, you understand him.”
I smiled gratefully at her.
“I guess you’re right. Where are they?” I asked.
“The party.” She answered.
“Oh…” I said. Typical. The party. “How long have I been out?”
“An hour or so.” She replied. “I was getting worried so I went to find you.”
“Oh…Thank you.” I said, thankful that I had someone to talk my problems to.
“Why don’t we go back? We can play a game of monopoly.” She suggested. I nodded and stood up, dusting sand off my pants.
We walked the long way back, talking like we had known each other longer than 2 weeks. I played monopoly with Annie, did the dishes and do anything to keep time going as I waited for Marcus. I wanted to apologize to him first but when 10 came, he still wasn’t back. By half past ten, I was getting worried when I heard the front door slam. I looked to see if Marcus was back but it was only Alex.
“Oh…welcome back.” I said.
“Hi Lorin... Marcus is being stubborn again. He still doesn’t want to leave. He’s drunk twice the amount I have drunk.” Alex said. I rolled my eyes.
“Fine” I said, sighing deeply and getting my sweater. “I’ll go get him”

I arrived shortly at the beerhouse. When I arrived there, I can’t believe how most of them were teens and they were serving them beer even they were below 18.
I spotted Marcus in a corner, stock of beer bottles piled on the table and he was still drinking, I guess, his 17^th one.
I scowled and walked over to him but before I could reach him, I felt my hands being pulled by a teen my age who clearly seemed to be drunk. I also didn’t like the look on his face.

“Heey Baby.” He said, slurred and I could smell the alcohol in his breath. I tried to release his grip from my hands but I was a little too weak.
“Let me go.” I growled, glaring daggers at him. “Now.”
“Come on baby, don’t cha wanna have fun tonight?” he said again, moving closer, cornering me by a wall. I looked around, panicky. I hope people around us could see but they were all literally drunk.
“Let me go!” I said once again, my voice raising and shaking my hand hard.
“Come on baby, just fun” he said and leaned forward while I tried hard to kick him. But he was leaning so close, I could smell his stinking breathe near mines. Why did I have to come on my own? I could’ve asked Alex to come with me! I closed my eyes, fighting this dumb guy who was trying to kiss me. I didn’t even know his freaking name. Fighting him seemed to annoy him.

“Let me go! Let me go!” I shouted at him.
“Hold still you!” he cursed.

“Hey.” I heard someone say. I felt the guy in front of me moved.
“What do you want?” he snarled. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
“I think the lady doesn’t want to be here with you.” The new guy said. His voice sounded familiar. I opened my eyes and I saw Marcus standing there.

“Mind your own damn business.” The guy in front of me said. I took this opportunity to kick him in his groin…a technique I learnt in martial arts class. He cursed but he didn’t let me go.
“Why you!” he said with another curse and he slapped me hard on the face.
“Let her go now.” I heard Marcus say, his voice so cold I shivered.
“No effing way, man. Go get your own girl and mind your damn effing business.” He said.
“You get your own girl.” Marcus said, shoving the guy and pulling me behind him.
“What’s your effing problem man?” the guy said, moving closer.
“Keep your hands off my girl!” Marcus shouted at him. I was taken aback, hearing him call me his girl. I wasn’t his girl…yet.
“Y-your girl? You’re crazy man. I found her first, get your own!” the guys said, shoving Marcus hard.
Then all hell broke loose.
Marcus pounced on the guy, punching him hard on the face.
“Marcus stop!” I screamed. But the two guys were too busy fighting each other. The people in the bar immediately pulled them off each other.
“Leave my girl alone!” Marcus shouted at him, shaking off the grip that the people had on him. He took my hand and pulled me outside without another word.

“M-Marcus?” I said softly. He stopped and took his hand off my hand, which I wanted him to keep holding…and vomited.

I wrinkled my nose in disgust. Marcus was wiped out. He had drunk too much.
“Come on.” I said, putting his arm over my shoulder and half dragged, half lead him back to the house.

I put him on his bed and looked at Marcus. He was a real mess. Alexander walked into the room, shaking his head.
“He’s a real mess.” Alex commented. Hey! That’s what I just said…. but I didn’t say that to him.
“Yeah, what am I supposed to do now?” I asked.
“You could start off by cleaning his face.” Alex said. I wrinkled my nose again.
“Oh well.” I sighed. Alex went back out and left me alone with Marcus. I sighed again. I took off his shoes and took a wet towel, wiping his face clean.
Marcus surprised me by taking my hand and pulling me to him. I landed on top of him.
“M-Marcus, what are you doing?” I asked, turning red.

“Lorrie…” he breathed. I gulped.
“I lo-” he started but he didn’t finish. He cupped my face with his hands and raised his head, his lips moving toward mines. I gulped and closed my eyes, blushing furiously.

Chapter 5:

Marcus:

“No way!” Lorin shouted, standing up.
“Honey, please listen…” Her mom said but Lorin cut her off.
“Why do you keep wanting to ruin my life?” She screamed and she ran to her room, slamming the door.
“I knew that would happen.” Aunt Tina said.
“Well, Tina.” My mom said. “I think we should give her more time. But we are really continuing the marriage.”
“Marcus, do you want to continue with the marriage?” Aunt Tina asked me. I wanted to shout, HELL YEA. But I had to act cool, even I am very happy.
I cleared my throat trying not to smile.
“Of course,” I said.
“That’s great then! We will be going now, Tina.” Dad said. “Give Lorin some time and she’ll be more better.”
“Yes, Tina.” My mom said, giving her a last hug. They looked at me.
“Sweetheart, we have to go back to England. Are you fine here?” Mom asked. I felt disappointed but I nodded anyway.
“Great. We’ll talk later on.” Mom said.

I walked towards my Aunt’s house feeling, at the same time, happy and disappointed. I went to a small bar, not the bar where they sell beer but where they sell great milkshakes. I went in and ordered.
“Double Mocha Choco shake with lotsa Cream.” I said. They nodded and worked on the shake as I went to find myself a table. I sat down near the far corner of the table waiting for my order to come. I noticed some guys were talking behind me and I didn’t want to listen to them but I caught a word, “Richardson International School,” So I perked up and listened to them.
“Hah,” One of the guys said. “Ted really is doing himself good, eh?”
“Right.” A familiar voice said. “I don’t want to forget about Christalle. But there’s this new girl in that school I can’t resist.”

Ted? That must be the so-called Ted Roans behind me.
“Really?” Another voice said “Another girl?”
“Yea. She’s got a great body and a beautiful face.” Ted said. My order arrived and I thanked the waiter and drank the shake, returning to my eavesdropping Ted. “Only I don’t love her of course. That’s only for the publicity of the school.”
I scowled at this. Ted Roans was really a jerk. He was using a girl to become famous in school!

“What d’ya want us to do?” His friends asked.

Ted’s voice became lower but I could still hear him.

“All four of you make sure the press doesn’t hear about this. This’ll be a large scandal. My manager warned me that if ever I date a girl again, nobody would accept me. You know Christalle’s father. He’s got power.” Ted said.

I smirked at this but I wanted to know who the girl was. I have to tell this girl about Ted’s plans…even I know she wouldn’t believe me. They left right after, not noticing that I was there.

Lorin:

“A-and they said we were getting married…” I said to Alexander, nearly in tears. Hey, I didn’t want to cry but when your life is going great and suddenly, your mom and your most dearest aunt and uncle plans an arranged marriage for your dead father, it’ll tear you apart.
“They said that?” Alex asked, appalled.

“Yes…But the marriage will happen when we are old and out of college.” I said.
“Oh…If you want to run away, my apartment’s always ready.” Alex said on the phone, which made me smile. Since his parents are away almost everyday, this left Alex with his nanny and his driver.
“It’s alright.” I said to him. “I guess the trip to the mall with you will cheer me up. Thanks anyway.”
“Are you sure you can live with it? I mean, you can just say no…” he said. I looked at my daddy’s picture, which seemed to be smiling sadly at me and I sighed.
“No Alex. If it was daddy’s last wish, I’d do anything to make it come true.” I told him.
“Alright then. If that’s your choice, I’ll support you all the way!” he said from the other line and I heard a familiar thumping of a football hitting a wall and back onto his hands in which he repeats throwing the ball to the wall.

“Thanks, Alex.” I said. Then deciding to change the topic just to take my mind out of the marriage, I asked casually, “So, when are you planning to ask Annie out?”
“Don’t change the subject.” Alex growled on the other line. I grinned.
“I wasn’t. We were done with that right? Unless you want me to start crying and then be depressed which will lead to suicide, then fine.” I said.
“You always get the better of me.” He said while I finally laughed. “Finally I made you laugh.”
“Yea, yea. Thanks. So, when will you ask her?” I said, repeating the question. There was silence on the other line for a while.
“I don’t know.” He said.
“You don’t know?” I said, unable to believe it. “The great Alexander Cordell. The famous linebacker in RIS and one of the hottest guys in school doesn’t know when to ask a girl out. Wow. You must have been hit by cupid…hard.”

“I’ll try to find a right timing, alright? Now get off my case already.” He said.
“I will.” I said. “See you at school tomorrow.”
“See you then.” He said.
I put the phone down and looked at the Snowdrops. I sighed sadly before going to bed.

Marcus:

I arrived early at school the next day, which was unlike me, but I needed to see who the girl was. I didn’t even want to warn the girl but I had this feeling like I needed to warn her. I ran my hands through my hair, sitting on the steps of the school, watching everyone coming in, as bored as a sloth.

I spotted Annie walking through the school gates, trying to look happy but she failed at it. It was obvious she was still disheartened by what happened yesterday. So was I, but it was just a damn party. We were getting married anyway. I didn’t want to sound to hopeful but I know she wouldn’t let this pass. She loved her father as much as I loved mines.
Annie looked up to see me on the stairs and gapped. I arched an eyebrow and gave her a little wave.
“How’s it hanging?” I asked. She still looked shocked to see me and sat beside me, her bag in her lap.
“You’re early today huh?” she said. “Why?”
“Let’s say I know that Ted Roans is a lowlife freak and I’m to stop him.” I said. I saw a familiar car come in and I saw Alexander go out of the car. I expected Lorin to go out, too but she didn’t. In fact, Alexander went into the school, alone.

Annie and I stared at each other, surprised.

“Where’s his girlfriend?” she asked.
“Probably crying her eyes out since they broke up?” I said, with sudden happiness.
“Huh? They broke up?” Annie said, digesting all these information. “Wait, how do you even know that?”
I looked at her and smiled. “I just do.” I said. Ted Roan’s car came next and I stood up.
“Look, I’ll just see you at break, alright?” Annie said, standing up too. I nodded and she left me there to deal with the lowlife pop star.

I watched as he asked a girl, who seemed happy by his attention, something. The girl looked around and shook her head. Ted thanked the girl but I saw him scowling as he went inside the building, passing me.
Now that was weird.

I sat in the classroom, really brainstorming on what was Ted up to. It was like trying to do a math equation of a university level. I hit my desk with my hands in frustration, making people around me jump. I saw Ted come in and look around, as if searching for somebody. That was my clue. The girl might be in this class!

“Okay.” The teacher said, coming in after Ted had gone. “It’s time for the roll call everyone.” And with that he said aloud each of our names.
“Brown, Marcus?” he asked and I called out a bored, “Present”
He continued on until he arrived at the Ms.
“MacDonnell, Lorin.” He looked around as if expecting Lorin to say present. So was I but I knew she was not here. He frowned, looking around and added a cross to Lorin’s name.
“That was unusual of Lorin to miss school. She doesn’t miss school often.” I heard a girl behind me tell her seatmate. “In fact, she’s the only one who isn’t here.”
Suddenly, I knew who Ted was going to use but I needed to make sure.


Lorin:

I waited that day, after my mom had left me a note under my door saying I didn’t have to go to school, in the mall. I wasn’t happy by this but I couldn’t face that jerk, oh excuse me, my jerk fiancé. Gosh, I didn’t even know if it was real that I had a fiancé. So I waited at our favorite café at the mall, yes at the mall, for Alex. I saw him coming after a few minutes and he sat down to join me.
“How was school?” I asked.
“Boring.” He took out some notes. “Here are the notes you asked me to take.”
I took them happily and put them in my bag.
“I can’t believe I have a fiancé!” I said, drinking my mocha. Alex ordered a cheesecake and turned back to me.
“Yea, sounds unreal but it’s so true.” He said. “Speaking of which, Ted Roans asked for you today.”
I looked up. “Really?” I asked.
“Yeah. Really.” He said. He dug in his spoon in his order, which had arrived.
“Too bad I didn’t go to school.” I said with a sigh, placing my head on my hand.
Alex nodded.
“Yeah. Seems like you got 2 guys heart at the same time.” He said, eating his cheesecake.
“Hah” I laughed sarcastically. “Only one guy. The other one hates me as much as I hate him.”
“But you don’t hate Marcus.” Alex said, surprised.

I shrugged and finished off my mocha. I looked up and raised my eyebrow at Alex, who was gazing deeply at me.
“Do I have something on my face?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I was imagining how I would transform you in the Winter Formal. You know, you are beautiful. You just haven’t shown it yet.” He said.
“What’s the point of showing it anyway?” I asked. He shook his head with a smile as we finished our order. We took the time going in and out of shops and I pretended to be the fussy girlfriend to Alex, which is the opposite actually.
He gave me some tips on clothes that I can wear and look nice and so and so.

I was looking at some dresses, which I can wear to the Winter Formal. As I thought of the coming event I wondered if Ted Roans would be my escort. I could see all the girls looking at me, with jealously. Oh well…dreams are dreams. They never become real.

“Alex…” I asked my best friend/ pretend boyfriend. “Are you o.k?”
He nodded, running his hair through his hands.
“Look, pick some clothes and I’ll be back soon. Just need to use the bathroom.” He said. I nodded and returned to picking some dresses. I wondered what was really wrong.

Marcus:

I sat, bored in the mall, just watching Lorin and Alexander. Alexander actually disappeared.

Then I felt hands pulling my shirt and I came face to face with Alexander.

“What do you want?” he growled. I pulled off his hands from my shirtfront.
“Look, I don’t want any trouble.” I said. He raised his eyebrows skeptically.

“I saw you following us the whole time. What do you want?” he asked again, serious this time.

“I- I wanted to ask something.” I told him. “Is Lorin the girl Ted Roans asked out?”
“Yeah, so what?” he asked. Then he slapped his hands on his forehead as if he did a mistake…which he did actually.
“Why did you let another guy asked your girlfriend out?” I asked. That was just plain weird…unless he’s a player. If he was, I’ll beat the crap out of him.
“Lorin is not my girlfriend.” He said.
“What?” I said aloud, surprised but happy with this new piece of information.
“But we’re dating.” He said quickly.
“So Lorin is the girl Ted Roans asked out!” I said to him. Then I quickly explained what I overheard in the bar that night. Alexander looked shocked.
“That jerk!” he said, but he didn’t say jerk.
“Yeah. You ought to warn Lorin.” I said.
“Why not you?” he asked.
“Dude, she wont listen to me.” I told him as a matter-of-factly.
“So you like her too?” he asked, like he knew it all along but was just making sure.
“Yeah.” I said. Then I saw Lorin coming out the shop and looking for Alexander.
“Hey, she’s coming. I’ll be off now.” I said and I ran off. I went behind the fountain just in front of the mall and watched as Lorin approached Alexander, who was looking for me. Then they went off to another shop. I grinned. So, they weren’t on…I know someone who’ll love to hear this.

But first, beat Ted Roans up…Marcus Brown style.

Or not. But I had a plan in mind to make Ted Roans cancel that date. I wont let anyone hurt Lorin, not if I can help it.

Lorin:

At school the next day, I was psyched to see Ted. I mean…I was prepared for our date today. Another chance for having a boyfriend.

“Lorin.” I heard someone say and I found Ted behind me, smiling.
“Hi.” I said, wondering of my hair was fine.
“Look, Lorin. Can I talk to you?” he asked. I nodded and he lead me somewhere we can talk without people eavesdropping on us.
“So, what do you want to talk about?” I asked.
“I wanted to say sorry…but I have to cancel our date tonight.” He said. I felt like ice had been poured on me on a winter’s day. I still smiled.
“Oh that’s fine.” I said.
He looked relieved.
“Really?” he asked. I nodded.
“I have to go to my classes now. See you around?” I said. He nodded and we went on separate ways. I entered the girl’s bathroom and went to a cubicle…and cried.

Marcus:

“Hey,” I heard someone say and I saw Alexander in front of my desk.
“Hello. What’s wrong?” I asked.
“I can’t find Lorin anywhere. Do you know where she is?” he asked. Lorin, missing?
“I don’t know.” I said. Then I looked at him. “Look, I made Ted Roans cancel the date.”
He nodded approvingly at me.
“That’s great but I think Lorin took the cancellation of the date too hard. She was looking forward to it.” He said.

“Marcus! Marcus!” I heard someone call. I saw Annie outside the classroom. I went over to her with Alexander following.
“Marc-” Annie cut off when she saw Alexander. “Oh, Hi.”
“Hey” Alexander said. I waved a hand in front of Annie’s face.
“Hello! Are you still with us?” I asked. Annie turned back to me, clearly remembering why she was here.
“I heard someone in the toilet and I didn’t care at first. But when I looked at the feet, I realized those were Lorin’s shoes. Lorin’s inside the girl’s toilet, Crying.” She said. I looked at Alexander who looked at me.
“Take us there.” I said.
And we both followed Annie towards the girl’s bathroom. She told us to keep quiet and went inside. After making sure that there weren’t any girls in the bathroom, she told us to enter. Alexander and I looked at each other reluctantly. We were guys. We don’t just enter girl’s bathroom.
“Oh, come in, hurry!” Annie hissed. She hung an ‘out of order’ sign in front of the bathroom as we entered and locked it.
We heard Lorin crying softly inside.
Annie went first and rapped on the door.
“Lorin…” she said. The crying stopped but Lorin didn’t open the door.
I knocked on it, hard.
“Lorin come out. It’s not you. It’s me. I made Ted cancel the date, all right? So come out already!” I told her. The door opened.