Agreement.

"I'm heading out to get lunch. Be right back," she told her colleagues and before they had a chance to reply, she was out of the office.

The moment she came out of the lift, she could see his car parked at the side of the road. "Let's get this over and done with", she told herself, took a deep breath and walked out of the building to the car.

She got into the car clumsily (as always) and saw his amused look. Ignoring it, she said hi to his butler/driver before turning to him, throwing the device at him and sticking out her left hand. He caught it with ease and turned over her hand.


The third day of their agreement and it was not getting any easier. She didn't like this arrangement but it has to be better than having him sending expensive lunch boxes for the entire office and calling at the front desk everyday. While her colleagues didn't mind the lunch boxes, she was bothered. He chose to walk out of her life back then so why is he back here? This little arrangement was the only way to keep her colleagues from nosing around.


"Right. Looks good. You can go," he declared, trying to keep the smile off his face. She grabbed the device from him and was about to exit the car when he said, "Wait. Here's your lunchbox."


"But you ..." she argued.


"I promised to stop buying lunch for your colleagues. Not you," he cut in, a smug look on his face. She snatched the lunchbox from him and stomped back to the office. 


This sucks.


(2 weeks later.)


She climbed into the car and threw the device at him, "Get on with it." she barked. 


He was annoyed but he could also sense that something was not right with her. She looked pale and tired. He caught his butler/driver's eyes and nodded. Not soon after, the car started to move.


"What are you doing? Stop the car. NOW! Fuck this." she yelled and made to open the car door. He reached over and grabbed her arms. When she calmed down, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ears and  left her alone. 


They sat in silence and not soon after, she fell asleep, her head resting on his shoulders. He dropped a kiss on her forehead and smiled. This feels familiar and so right. Gently, he took her phone out of her bag and text her boss. Telling her boss that she won't be back for the rest of the afternoon.


"Drive home, T. And call the doctor. I don't like how she looked today." he instructed his butler who nodded in acknowledgement.


Despite eating better, she's been losing weight. That worried him. Plus, her hands were freezing cold today, even though the sun was blazing. He glanced down at her sleeping form and sighed. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, "Please. Let me make it right."

Making it right.

He rubbed the scars on her wrists as she sleeps. Hoping that she would wake up soon but at the same time, hoping that she wouldn't. He knows what would happen when she wakes.

T walked in at the moment, bringing some food, "Sir. Have a drink, please." he said.

"I broke her, didn't I?" he muttered, guilt flooding over him. He looked at her sleeping face and frowned. Even in her sleep, she had to be in control. He remembered how she liked to sleep with her arms thrown over her head last time. But not anymore.

He couldn't believe she didn't tell him what happened. After they found her and caught that jerk of an ex-boyfriend, she pretended that nothing happened. Yes, she went to the hospital to get her wounds treated but she didn't tell anyone about the other thing.

No one knew. No one would have known if she hadn't fainted at home. T called to inform him that she hadn't left her house for a day and her lights were never switched off. Worried, he went to her house and used the key from back then and found her on the sofa. Unconscious.

He rubbed her cheeks with his thumb and her eyes shot open. She's awake.

It took her awhile to register where she was and when she finally did, she quickly pushed herself up. He was about to help her when she said coldly, "Don't touch me."

She grabbed the phone by the bed and told the nurse that she would like to change to another ward. Not this first-class suite that she cannot afford.

"I'll pay for it. Don't do this, C." he pleaded as he watched her walked around the room, collecting her belongings and clothes.

"You've done enough, sir. I can managed from here. Thank you," she said icily and walked towards the bathroom to change. Never once looking him in the eyes. She didn't dare. She didn't want to lose control of her emotions again. Because that's what got her here in the first place.

"Why didn't you tell me about what happened." he questioned her before she closed the door to the bathroom.

"It's none of your business."

"That baby was mine too!" he yelled.

She glared at him as tears start to cloud her eyes. "You can't decide to leave me, disappear and then come back into my life. Get out of my life, G." Slamming the door, she slide down to the bathroom floor and put her head between her legs as tears start to fall.

No. She needs to gain back control of her life. Letting go of it once back then was bad judgement. Letting go of it 2 months ago, was silly. This time, she won't. She won't let him back. She won't rely on anyone anymore.

He stared at the closed bathroom for a long time before T came in.

"I broke her, T. What can I do to make it right?" he asked, a pained expression on his face.

Written without inspiration.

"An extra value meal to go, please," she told the boy behind the counter and handed him the cash.

The past month has been tough. At work. At home. With him. Her health. Guilt starts seeping into her conciousness when she thought about it. She pushed it to the back of her mind, grabbed the paper bag filled with her comfort food and left for her favorite spot by the river.

"I deserve this meal,"she thought to herself as she tore the paper bag open. The smell of freshly fried fries was intoxicating. Comforting. Soothing. Sorely missed.

She took a bunch of fries and was about to put them into her mouth when she heard a familiar voice. A voice she has not heard for years.

"You really shouldn't be eating those." the voice said. Not a request or a suggestion. A command.


She listened to those words by habit and put the fries back into the paper bag.


"Good girl." the voice said. You can hear the smile in his voice. She took a deep breath and turned around. There he was. A smirk on his face and looking like he always does. Ever bit the dream guy of every girl.


He walked gracefully over to the seat beside her and looked up. She turned her head. Not wanting to look him in the eyes.


"What I eat or don't eat is none of your business." she said and stood to leave. 


He reached out to grabbed her arms, "Sit." he whispered, anger seeping into his voice.


"You haven't done your checks this week. The hospital called me." he said.


Shit. Her eyes widened and she turned to look at him. She has forgotten to update her emergency contact.


"Not that I don't already know." he said as he turns her hands over, frowning when he saw the numerous holes on her fingers. He kissed one of the fingers tenderly and sighed. Grabbing her pouch, he took out the test kit.


"No...I don't want to." she whimpered. Afraid. Afraid of the sting. Tired. Tired of having to analyse the results. 


"What does your boyfriend have to say about this?" he questioned. She shook her head and shrugged. "I figured." he continued. 


Holding on tightly to her left hand, he wiped one of the fingers with an alcohol wipe and took up the device. She tried to pull her hand away but he was too strong. "Trust me?" he asked.

She nod. He sighed and pricked her finger, took a drop of blood and stick it into the device. While waiting for the results, he put her finger into his mouth and sucked on it gently. That action shocked her but it took away the sting of the prick.

The device beeped and he looked at the results. "It's amazing that you are still here. Are you giddy? Nauseous? You haven't been eating. You haven't been sleeping well." he questioned. The fact that he knows what she has been doing both comforted and angered her.

"You HAVE to eat, C." he commanded, angry again.

She shook her hands free and stood up, swaying a little as her body adjust to the change. "It's none of your business. You lost the right to question me when you brought me home and left me. I'm not yours anymore. You chose those girls over me." she said as she grabbed her bag.

"I'll update my contact at the hospital. Good day, sir." She quickly turned around so that he won't be able to see the tears in her eyes. The memory of those times, of that day when she woke up alone in her room. They were many years ago. But it still hurts.

He watched her go again. His face twisted in an unreadable expression.

not the only one.

He watched as she slept. The scar on her arms slowly fading to nothing. He stroke her hair gently and eventually fell asleep. A frown on his face, guilt raging a war in him.

A few hours later, he felt her stir and jerked awake. She turned and snuggled into him. Something she hasn't been doing since she came here. Since he took her away from him. He was shocked but tightened his arms around her and smiled.

But as she gradually woke up, she pushed him aside. The snuggle was a habit. A reflex. She thought things were still chirpy. That they were back in the time before he went away, before everything happened. She still can't accept it. Still hated him for what he had turned into. What he had turned her into.

"Don't. Your arms..." he sighed and moved to touch her arms, rubbing the spot where the scar used to be. She didn't jerk away from his touch but glared at him.

"You...have a wife,"she said. Not a question but matter-of-factly.

"Yes, I do." he whispered and moved away from her. Avoiding eye-contact with her. He didn't tell her before. He was ashamed of everything he did to be who...what he is now. Ashamed of the way he treated her when she first came.

Just when he thought things were improving between them. She had to find this out.

"She's...not the only one?" she asked, trying to keep the emotions out of her voice. She didn't want to know but she had to know.

His silence confirmed her suspicion. She blinked the tears away. All this time, he made her feel guilty about falling in love with D when he was gone. All the pain he put her through. All the time.

"Get. Out." she whispered. No energy to yell or shout.

He looked at her and a sudden rage filled him. He didn't know why. But the rage made him grabbed her arm. The arm that just recovered and yelled, "I did what I had to did so I can be here. So we can be together. Don't put the blame on me. At least I didn't fall in love with your best friend like you did to mine. Slept with all those men. Fell in love with my best friend. Got pregnant. Ran away from me."

He shook her and it was not until he saw the blood on her arms and felt that familiar numbing feeling that he stopped. He stepped away from her, disgusted with himself. With what he just said, what he just used to excuse his behavior. And that numbing feeling. It can only mean that he had hurt her. That the pain was coming from her.

Her face was turned away from him. Not wanting to let him see her cry.

"You should have let me died. If you hate me that much, then why rescue me? Let me starve to death. Or remove those locks from the window! LET ME GO! I don't want to try and salvage what's left. Or try and get back to where we were before that car accident. I DON'T WANT TO ANYMORE!" she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I'm...." He didn't have the guts to apologise. He knew that nothing can undo what he had said. He stood up and walked out of her room. It seems like the love he felt for her was doing more harm than good. He thought that they can be happy together. He didn't expect the hatred he had of her initially. Or the hatred she had of him.

They didn't see each other for a long while after that.

Just that simple.

He smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement before turning his attention back to the discussion. Guess it will be another long wait for her.

She walked passed empty tables and into his office, found a place to put the wet umbrella and stood at the window. The swish-swishing of cars on the roads, the occasional honks from drivers and pedestrian scurrying on the street, trying to stay as dry as possible.

"I'm almost done. Just give me awhile more!" His voice was a sharp contrast to the silence causing her to jump. He rummaged through his desk, found what he was looking for and went over to give her a peck on the forehead. "Be right back," he whispered before dashing out.

Sigh. She sat down on his chair and looked at the clock. 7.15pm.

--

"And that's all for today,"he raised his arms and plonked onto the chair. Chairs screeched on the floor as everyone rushed to leave the meeting room. Brushing a hand through his hair, he went through the notes from the meeting again.

As the last light in the hallway went off, he looked up and saw that it was actually 9pm. Shucks! He grabbed his stuff and ran to his office. She must be furious!

"I'm sor..." before he could finish his sentence, he saw her snuggled and asleep on that tiny sofa in the corner of his office. She has tidied up his desk in boredom. On half-played game of Solitaire on the computer. Her phone on the floor beside her. Must have dropped off when she fell asleep.

She must be exhausted. From the messages she sent him that day, it sounds like she had a tough day at work.

Deciding that work can wait, he went over to switch off his desk lamp. Gently, he scooped her up and carried her to the car. The whole time being careful, not wanting to wake her up.

[going nowwhere]

out we come.

Are you coming? It's getting late.

Throwing the phone back onto the bedside table, she stared into the darkness. He was supposed to be here by 11pm! It's 2am now. Never quite understand why she is trying so hard at this relationship, should have just let it go. Frustrated, she threw her arms over her head and stared at the ceiling.

The phone lit up and vibrated, "I'm 2 blocks away. Practice ended late and there's reporters everywhere. See you at the same place?"

Yeah, yeah. What's new? That's always his reasons. At first, it was okay. Now, it's frustrating. She's always waiting for him. She pulled a comb through her hair and sneaked out of her house. He never come to fetch her. She has to make her own way to the park 5 blocks away. Even at 2am in the morning.

-

She walked quietly over to him and sat next to him on the park bench, not wanting to be the first one to speak. She's angry. Angry for having to wait on him. Fed up.

"I can't stay long. Practice starts at 6am tomorrow," he said.

"Right. Okay then. Bye." she barked back and stood up to walk away.

He grabbed her arms, "What's wrong?"

She glared at him and tears started welling up in her eyes. She don't think she wants to do this anymore. Not being able to text him, not being able to go to the movies with him, not being able to take photos together, not being able to hug him. Nothing.

Instead, loads of waiting. Loads of pretending that he is single. Loads of short meet-ups. He looked around to check for reporters before reaching out reluctantly to tuck a strand of hair behind her ears.

"I can't do this anymore. I don't want to worry about your manager finding out about us or worry about reporters or your fans getting upset. Or pretending that I don't know you. I want to text you when I want to. I want to hold your hands and take long strolls. Go to the cinema. Cuddle up next to you. I can't. I don't even know where you live now. It's like I don't even know you anymore," she cried.

A night runner ran past and he quickly turned around, keeping his head low. She took this opportunity and walked away. He won't come after her. But this time, she was wrong. He did. He took her hands and dragged her to his car.

They drove in silence and stopped in front of a house. He got down and opened the door of the car for her.

'This is where I live with the rest of the boys," he told her fiercely before reaching out to unhook the seat belt.

With a firm grip on her hand, he brought her into the house. Walked passed his groupmates and up the stairs. He opened a door and there was his manager.

As his manager looked up, he pulled her towards him and gave her a brief peck on the lips.

"Sir, this is my girlfriend. Please let the media know that I like her and plan to get her to move in."

something missing.

This feeling. Like I am forgetting something. Not like a book or anything tangible. A person. A feeling.

This feeling. It was there one day. Just appeared.

When a certain song comes on. When the breeze is right. When I walk by certain places. A smile will creep onto my face unconsciously. I don't why I smiled. But I know they are associated with happy memories. With that fuzzy feeling people feel when they are happy.

I tried telling K about it but he just gets angry and walks away. Like he is afraid that I will remember something.

-

"If you want to leave her, leave. Don't visit her at night or leave things for her. You're making it harder than it is," K said and pulled a hand through his hair.

That night when S brought her back, she had scars, bruises and blood was all over her. His kind did it to her. HIS! She was terrified and was screaming from pain. We had to keep her unconscious. Make her sleep. When the injuries were gone, she was still frightened. Always screaming in her sleep, locking herself in the room. Not letting anyone near her.

Gone was the cheery girl. Gone.

That's when they decided that it was best for S to leave. To make her forget and to leave. To protect her.

"I can't. She can't take care of herself," S said.

"Well, it's time she learn to, isn't it? Leave, S. Leave. If she remembers...I don't even want to think about it."

[going nowhere again]

Been a while since I wrote here. I don't even know if I will ever start writing again.

It feels like I have lost that part of me. That part where images will pop into my head.

That part where I still have the energy to link these images together to form a story.

But here's something that did come into my mind while watching a show. A bit rough, but ohwells.

Facing forward, sitting side by side. Shoulders almost touching but not that close.

Our conversation was random and short. Going on and on about the same thing.

Easy company this was. No walls were necessary. No need to feel the need to be upbeat.

Just easy. Comforting. Relaxing.

Stretching my arms, I stood up and took in a deep breath. Wrong move! "Ah choo! *HUGE SNEEZE* Crap," I said. He looked up with that semi-amused face and shook his head. I know he is about to tease me.

"No! Don't even start! I told you before! I warn people before sneezing! Don't!" I said in an almost whiney voice.

"But..but..Why do you need warn people? It's..." he replied, obviously amused and enjoying my reaction.

We've been through this quite a few times. We know the teasing and "argument" will go nowhere. But it's like a skit that we almost always play out. I know I can just ignore him, but he knows how to poke me. And I CAN'T JUST GIVE UP LIKE THAT!

I got into the animated mode that is pretty rare these days. Explaining my theory and when that failed, teasing him right back. And mid-speech with arms still in the air, a huge huge sneeze came up causing me to bend down.

He laughed and came towards me. I was about to come back with a smart retort but before I can do that, he sneaked a quick peck on my forehead. Shocked, I blinked furiously at him. Okay, this is new. But sweet. New. Weird. But not too bad.

Okay, I need to say something. SAY SOMETHING! This is getting awkward! COME ON!

I punched him on his arms and went, "Watch where you are going! Your lips just touched my forehead. Ewww!" I laughed and skipped away.

Sitting on the garden bench, swaying to the song that only she could hear. She waited patiently for him. The note that she left in his room, her first venture into asking him out. She had always enjoyed his company and vice versa. He is always teasing about them becoming a pair but she always choose to ignore them. Not anymore.

She checked her watch. 30 minutes late. She tugged her hair behind her ears and glanced around. Oh well.

The sky was getting darker by the minute. The fireworks were about to start. Where was he? Could it be that he didn't see the note? No, she saw him read it. She was getting worried. 1 hour late. She stood up and walked around the small garden. Except for a few homeless individuals, no one was around. She sat down on the bench again and waited. Drawing circles on the ground with her feet. Disappointment building up. Maybe she has been mis-reading his actions.

"Hey," she heard someone said. Finally! He's here! She glanced up expectantly with a grin on her face.

"Oh, hey. What are you doing here?" the smile disappeared as she realized that it was his brother. He has always been kind of a jerk. Always so competitive and rude.

"Cotton candy?" he offered and sat down next to her, " I am on my way to the carnival and saw you here waiting. The fireworks is about to start. Want to go catch it together?"

She sneaked a peek at him, wondering if he meant what he said. Don't look like it. He is actually smiling and offering her his cotton candy. She checked her watch one last time, took some cotton candy and nodded.

*At the carnival*

As they made their way through the crowd on the bridge, the firework lit up the sky in a burst of colors. She smiled but couldn't help to feel a little sad. She wished he was next to her instead of his brother. If he was here, she would be leaning on his shoulders. He would have stuffed her hands into his coat to keep her warm. And most importantly, he wouldn't be talking like his brother who is going on and on about how he had helped to make this carnival possible. Just shut up already!

As the fireworks came to an end, she saw a familiar figure standing at the end of the bridge. It's him! Did she get the meet-up location wrong? Oh no!

She raised her arms and was about to call out to him when she spotted another person next to him, holding on to his hands. The lady stood on her toes and kissed him before wrapping her arms around him.

She quickly turned away and when his brother saw what she's looking at, he commented, "That's E with his fiancée! What a lucky guy! She is quite a looker!"

She nodded and quickly wiped away the tears that was quickly welling up in her eyes. "I've got to go," she mumbled and ran away.

As he watched her retreating back, he pulled out a note that said, "Hey E, meet me at our garden bench @ 6pm! Let's head to the carnival! That's what couples do right?:P" He smirked and crushed that note. It took quite a bit of effort to make sure that his brother didn't get to read his message. Took a little more effort to convince him to go out with his 'fiancée'. But it was all worth it.

E has everything. Their father's approval. The looks. The brains. And probably the family business. She. She will be the one thing that he cannot have. The ONLY thing.

no more.

The video has been on loop since she came to show it to her. She switched off the TV and turned to grab her bag. She left the keys by the dresser and put on her old tattered sneakers, kicking outside the new ones he bought her. She doesn't want anything to do with him anymore.

She dragged her luggage across the courtyard and headed to the band's rehersal room.

"Hey, Mrs Band Leader! Heard you guys got engaged last night!" T yelled as she entered the room. She grimaced. Didn't know what to say. The very thought hurts. The lies that he told. She couldn't believe she didn't know. She never should have let her guard down. Because this is what happen when you did. Choosing emotions over practicality. How stupid.

"Hey guys," she gave a weak wave to the rest and head over to G. G was her best friend. The person she ran to when things are bad. When she was confused about her relationship with him. G was the one who looked after her whenever the both of them fought. G was like her brother.

"I'm leaving. Just wanted to say thanks. I'll see you around," she said and leaned forward to hug G who was sitting on the sofa, frowning over some papers. G grabbed her arms as she turned to leave, a look of concern on his face. Tears threatened to escape her eyes. She blinked them away and forced a smile onto her face.

"See you guys around! Jana!" she chirped as happily as she could mustered and ran out of the room. The cab she called for was waiting down the driveway. She grabbed her luggage and walked towards it.

-

He whistled to himself as he came out of the band's manager room. The tour details are confirmed! She accepeted his proposal. They are getting married! Things couldn't get any better. He smiled to himself and walked back to the rehersal room.

"Hey, babe!" he yelled as he spotted her coming out of the room. She ignored him and grabbed her luggage. Wait, luggage? Where is she going? He quickened his footsteps and called out to her one last time. When she didn't reply and start to walk even faster, he ran towards her and grabbed her arms.

"Where are you going, babe? What's going on?" he asked.

She turned around and the look on her face was one mixed with hurt, anger and hatred. She glared at him and shook his hands off her arms. Turned around and continued walking.

She knows. She knows everything. How or why, he didn't know. He panicked. He hurt her. Just when she trusted him. She found out and she's leaving. She's leaving. For good. Forever. He reached out to grabbed her arms again but this time, only got her left hand.

"Don't go. I'm sorry. It was just that once. Just that once. I'm sorry,"he begged and hoped that she will listen to him. He couldn't lose her. Not after everything they have been through.

"Once? Don't lie. I saw it with my own eyes. Many times. What was that you called me? Unstable. Ugly. Frigid. Let go of me." she whispered fiercely. Not turning around to face him.

"They are lies. She made me say them. Don't go, please. I love you!" he muttered, holding on to her hands tightly.

"Love?" she turned around and looked at him. "Obviously, that's not enough to stop you from sleeping with her. From lying. From everything." Once again, she shook his hands off and this time, she took out the ring he gave her last night. The very first time they had made love and she told him that she loved him. She took out the ring and threw it at him.

"I don't need your lies," she said as her voice began to break. Memories of last night, of their time together flooding into her head, mixed with images from the video. The video of him cheating. She ran to the cab and told the driver to start driving. She has no idea where she is going but first, she needs to get out from here. To a place where she can cry.

-

He bent down to pick up the ring and held it tightly in his hands. So tightly that his fingers cut into his palms, drawing blood. He didn't care.

He walked to their room. No, it's his room now. The place emptied of all her belongings. Of all the cozy little things she likes. Photoframes were emptied of pictures. The shoes he bought her, lying on the floor. And right in the middle of the coffee table, a box filled with pictures. Pictures that they took together. Pictures that are cut up. With her removed.

too much.

sometimes, it gets a bit too much.

the constant search for something you like to do. the constant need to have a reason for everything. it hurts a little too much when your good intentions, turned out to harm another. to learn that the people whom you trust the most are taking you for granted. that there is no way out of your situation, yet you do not wish to conform.

there comes a time when the cognitive dissonance becomes too much. and after prolonged period of ranting to friends and anyone who would want to listen, you start keeping things to yourself. you really don't wish to talk about it. you keep everything to yourself, hoping and praying that perhaps, you might find a solution. you start doing circles in your head.

and that's where she find herself these days. growing quiet. growing silent. thinking of giving up the very thing that she loves to do the most - photography. why? because everytime after she shoots, the problems will flood back. and the bite is 10 times more than before.

she sits at the bus stop, watching as the last bus drove pass her. it's way past the time for her to go home. a 30-minute walk home, just turned into a 2-hour walk. the songs her mp3 is playing is just background music. kinda like those music they play in the shopping malls. random noise.

night joggers ran passed her. many turned and took a second look at her. she shouldn't be out this late. at this deserted stretch of road with construction going on.

but she couldn't bring herself to leave the bus stop. she loved the way her hair flies when the cars zoom by. loved the flashing lights of the cars. the noise the cars made when they zoom. love to imagine a story for each car. it was a temporary distraction. to distract herself from her thoughts.

and at this bus stop, she's nobody. not someone whom everyone counts on to be responsible. not the middle child that has to deal with everything. not the girl who is always expected to be happy. not the girl whom has to keep her emotions in-check. she's nothing. no strings, no responsibilities.

her handphone rang for the umpteenth times. not the person she hoped that will call. she looked at the number and for the umpteenth times, press the off button and threw it back into the bag.

she stares off into the distance, looking at the fresh wave of cars that's going to come when the traffic lights turn green. perhaps, maybe. this wave of cars will bring her troubles away.

Just that paragraph.

She pushed back her chair, stood up and walked quickly out of the room. Quick enough to get her out of there but not enough to draw attention. The wind hitting her legs and pushing her hair back. Those used to make her feel confident. But not anymore. Not when she was trying not to let the tears fall. So many impressions to manage. She couldn't take it anymore.

He stood up and walked over to where her date was sitting. "Go after her. Whatever you just did or said, it won't matter after that. Just go, " he whispered urgently in his ears while smiling at the rest of the guests at the table.

The date shook his head and waved him away. He stood there shocked. No idea what to do next.

(whatever. time to switch off the lappy and read.)

the laughing care.

"Stop it!" I yelled and reached my hands out to swipe him.

He took a step back, just out of my reach and continued to shrug his shoulders and turn his head from side to side. The very actions that I cannot do right now. URGH!

I grabbed the nearest book and threw it at him. Wrong move! I yelped in pain as he came running towards me.

"You okay?" he asked as he rubs at my shoulders, attempting to ease that "bundle" of muscles and the pain. His attempt to hide his laughters failing. Biting his lips to kill the smile that is threatening to creep onto his face.

I pouted at him and that made both of us burst out laughing.

"Silly girl," he whispered and pecked me quickly on the lips. As the laughter died down, we sat there looking at each other. His hands cupping my face, looking at me. His expression unreadable. The silence was nice but at the same time, I'm afraid of what's going through his mind. Afraid that those thoughts will bring an end to things.

"You do know that I can't move my head so you are going to lose in this little staring 'competition' that we have going on right?" I joked and stick my tongue out, poking his cheeks.

That disrupted his thoughts and a huge grin appeared on his face. "Whatever! You still can't do this!" he teased as he got off the sofa and started running in circles around me, dodging left and right.

I glared at him and growled before collapsing in laughter on sofa.

This is just what I need. Someone to laugh at my neck with me. To show concern and yet let me know that, "hey, it's no big deal". the laughing kind of care. it's that kind of care that got me through my leg cramps. and it's that kind of care that will get me through this neckless period.

the last summer (of you and me).

(the title has nothing to do with the post)

As she lay her head on his chest, he wrapped his arms tighter around her and tugged her feet under his. The familiarity of her smell - a mix of baby shampoo and soap. Her hands and feet are cold like always.

He pulled the covers tighter around them, making sure that her entire body was covered. It doesn't matter that means he is half-covered and that his nose will start running soon. As long as she's warm, no leg cramps will hit her and maybe finally she can sleep properly.

Her breathing slowed to a steady pace, the pounding of her heart is now a gentle thumped. She's asleep. He held her hand up gently to the light and see the ring sparkled. The ring she initially refused to wear. The ring that showed that she is beginning to trust him.

He was elated when he saw it on her hand. But as what he did the previous evening when they fought flooded back. All he can do is pray. Pray that what he had done will be kept a secret. If not, he will end up hurting her. The very thing he wants to protect.

She rolled off her chest and shifted to her side of the bed, giving him room to stretch. But tonight, he don't want that space between them. He moved closer to her and spooned.

a blue beautiful day.

sometimes, the hustle and bustle of life gets too much. everyone seems to be going after something. but what? a job, a career, wealth? do they really know where they are heading? why they are doing it? i don't think so.

but crowd effect occurs. because everyone around me seems to chasing after something, i joined in the race. but self-deception doesn't work for me. i got tired.

"You okay?" he turned his head and asked. Stretching himself and sitting up.

I nodded and forced a little smile before turning my attention back to the clouds that are passing by. A rare sunny day. A rare day that I have with him. Running errands with him, just sitting around and not feeling the urge to speak.

I may appear noisy, chatty, outgoing and airhead-ish. But sometimes, I just feel the need to be quiet. Not alone though. I would like to have someone beside me while I go wandering with my thoughts. Occassionally throwing out random comments.

That's why I am glad that I found him. He is the stand-in while she's overseas. I miss her!

"Look! A running rabbit!" I exclaimed and pointed to a cloud. He turned and gave me a funny look. I stretched out my legs and kicked him.

I know he finds it totally pointless and a waste of time to just sit here and stone. Yet, he knows that it will help me get over my lousy mood, so yeah.

- random picture that popped into my head. even though the first 2 paragraphs reflect actual feelings -

been a while.

"Hey," she said as she climbed into the car. The awkwardness creeping in, surrounding them. The anticipation, the knowledge that something will happen later. It hanged in the air.

She started singing. It seemed to be the only common ground. She didn't know what to say. Scared of saying something stupid. And he started whistling. No conversation. But yet, the awkwardness is ebbing away. His hand slipped over and grabbed hers. She smiled.

And so the game begins. This awkwardness that will be missed. Because it reeks of excitement. Because it's forbidden. This anticipation that will be missed. Because once it's gone, it's just plain old routine.

caught up in the madness to grow up. everyone seems to moving at an amazing speed. getting jobs and moving on. i think i feel safe when i am with you. but thats not right either.

Giving him up.

She pretend to be sleeping when he came into the room. The squabble was childish and foolish but she was angry. He climbed into bed and wrapped his arms around her. The familiar pain shot through her. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

---

She heard voices outside. Soft mumbling. But they sound urgent and worried. "What time is it?" she wondered as she searched the bedside table for her watch.

3am in the morning. Who could be here? She climbed out of bed groggily, stumbling to the door, opening it a little and peeked out.

He was sitting in the sofa with his face buried in his hands, shoulders slacked. The visitor came over and pat him on the shoulders. As if comforting him.

"I'm just so tired. I don't know what to do anymore. She's tired too. Her temper is getting worse. It's just stupid. Every time I touch her, I know it hurts. I don't know what to do anymore," he told the visitor.

He looked up and she quickly closed the door. Afraid of being spotted. Was that tears in his eyes? At that moment, she made up her mind.

---

"Wake up, babe. We've got to go. They're here!" he shook her urgently.

Her eyes sprang open and she jumped out of bed. Worried.

"Don't worry, we'll be okay," he assured her, forcing a smile. She nodded without saying a word and held on tight to his hands as they started running. As fast as their legs could run. As far away from their hunters as possible.

---

"Stay here. I'll be back! There's just a few of them. I can handle it," he helped her hide behind several large boulders and ran away.

She didn't stay. She crept out and followed him to the forest clearing. Hiding in the shadows of the trees, watching him fight. Clearly outnumbered. He was determined but it was no use. She knew what she had to do.

"STOP IT! STOP! HEY!" she yelled as she ran out into the clearing. The fight stopped. Everyone was shocked. Not expecting this. He was looking at her, confused.

"Well, well. Who do we have here?"

She turned and there he was. His voice was smooth, his skin beautifully pale. Walking towards her.

"I'll go with you. Just leave him alone. Promise me!" she said, looking at the man. She ignored the protest coming from him. Ignoring his pleas.

The man came up next to her and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.

"Really now, princess? You know what that means, don't you?" he hissed the last part next to her ears. His tongue flickering out like a serpent, licking her ear lobes.

She nodded.

He was running towards her now. He was yelling for her to run away. Not to give up. But she was determined. The man swept her hair aside and buried his head into her neck.

He ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Towards her and that man. No, please. She cannot give up now. He knew she was tired. That she was angry with him. That she was angry with herself. But no, this cannot be happening.

He was almost there when he saw her body sagged. She was draped over his arms like a rag doll, her hair falling behind her. Blood stained her shirt. Dead. She was dead. He stopped and stared as the man brought his wrist to her mouth and forced something into her.

Suddenly, her hair turned black. Back to her natural color. Gone were the highlights. Her hair grew longer. Halfway down her back. The length she always wanted but never had the patience to grow them. Her back straightened and she jerked awake. The man laughed and tightened his grip around her.

"Well, well. Aren't you a beauty?" the man sneered and forced a kiss. She pushed him away and glared at him. "You'll get used to me soon enough. Come now!"

The man grabbed her hands and she yelped in pain as his nails dug into her palms. Punishment for pushing him away.

Before they disappeared, she turned to him. He was still standing at the spot where he stopped. He looked defeated and depressed. But she knows that he will be okay. This is the best. He can stop feeling tired. Stop dealing with her bad temper. Get on with the life that he was supposed to have before he met her. Live.

She smiled at him sadly and waved. Blood tears falling onto her cheeks.

Pauses.

"Why would you marry her when you don't love her?" he yelled at his brother.

All the things she did for him. All the time she waited at home for him. Unappreciated. Unnoticed. All he ever does is to yell at her. Criticize her. Making her feel inadequate.

If she was his girl, he wouldn't be treating her like that. He'll make her feel like a princess. Protect her from his mother who had been placing tremendous amount of pressure on her. Take care of her. Not like what his brother is doing. No.

He hated his brother for the way he treated her. He didn't understand why she didn't just walk out of the marriage. Because his brother obviously did not love her! But she loved him. All the tears she cried. It just wasn't worth it.

His brother turned around and hissed, "Because she's the one thing that you cannot have. You had the looks, the smarts and our father's praises. I had nothing. She's the one thing that you cannot have."

"Jealousy? That's it?!" Anger took over him and he grabbed his brother by the collar. "You married her to spite me? Is that it?" He raised his arms, ready to punched his brother.

"Haa. YES! If you like her so much, then maybe you shouldn't have reject her in the first place. It made everything so much easier. It wasn't much of a challenge or...fun." snorted his brother.

"Rejected her? She..never..." he stuttered.

"Yes, brother. Don't make me sound like some asshole. You weren't much better. You toyed with her feelings and smashed it. She waited so long for you that night. But you never came. Don't blame me for swooping in and charming her away."

(okay, no more mood!)

Teen Fiction?

It started with me crying on the school steps during the summer holidays. No one was supposed to be there but he was. Him and his dark hair, blue eyes and athletic built came and sat next to me. Offered me a ride home and left me his e-mail address.

From there, a funny relationship started. We will walk past each other in the hallway without acknowledging each other. Him and his popular clique. Me and myself. In a group discussion, he will try to keep communication with me to a minimal. It's like talking to me will decrease his cool-ness.

But online, we will talk to each other once in a blue moon. We will flirt and tease. Saying things that we know that's never going to happen. He got me to do things I would never do. He even persuaded me to go to his house where I ended up parading in my undergarments and pretending I am one of Victoria's Secrets angels. Giving him his personal fashion show. Falling asleep, snuggled up tight and arms draped over each other. A brief peck on the forehead as a morning call.

I know it was nothing. I was not in love with him. He was so not the kind of guy I was looking for. But it was nice.

I started to notice a pattern. We will only talk when he is having a lull in his relationship/social calendar. After a bad break-up or when there's no other girls to go after and trick into bed. That was when he will come to me and start the whole endless game of teasing.

I've grown used to this funny thing we had. It was nice and it worked for me. Well, at least in the beginning. Gradually, I realized that whhen I needed him for physical comfort or just some teasing fun, he was never there. I don't like that. Because if it's a fling or whatever that we have, it's only one-way. No. That's why I called to ask him to meet me on the steps today.

"Hey," he said and settled next to me on the steps, wrapping me into his embrace. Just because no one was around, it was okay for him to do that.

"What's up?" he asked and tried to peck me on my lips.

I turned my face at the last minute and the peck went to my cheeks.

"This is not working. I...Just leave me alone okay? I like whatever that we had. But if you are just going to treat me like dirt and used me, then I'm not going to be sticking around," I said and stood up to leave.

"Keep those stuff I gave you. I don't want it back," I hissed before running away.

No, I am not going to cry. It was a summer thing that had dragged for too long. Just like a plaster that has stayed on for too long. You don't want to remove it because you are so used to seeing it there. Afraid what's underneath. But once you removed it, the sting. And the horror of what's underneath revealed.

I can see what's underneath now. I am still as messed up as I was when he found me on those steps.

From a dream.

We finally made it out of the horrible place. Lying under the bed, next to dead bodies. Watching those trolls devour human after human. It was just too horrible.

"Here. Grab my hand," I reached my hand over the edge and pulled her up. We stood there on top of the hill. Relieved.

We paused for a moment to catch our breath. "Come on!" I said excitedly and ran towards the forest, "I think they just won a battle!"

I can't wait to see him. I picked my pace as we reached the edge of the forest. The sound of horse hooves, the jubilant cheers and the shouts of victory!

I see him! There he is! Sitting on top of his horse, at the front of the pack. Next to his father and his brothers. Giving each other a pat on his back. A huge grin plastered on his face. His father, the king, looking at him proudly. A look of approval and love.

The same look that is probably on my face right now.

It's been ages since I've seen them getting along. A long time since he looked so relaxed. A long time since...Wait. I turned to my companion and told her, "You go ahead. I am heading back home," and walked away.

I don't want to be that person anymore. The one that drove them apart. That caused the rift between them. I turned and started running as tears poured down my face.

"Take care of yourself. I promised I'll come back when the war ends," he whispered into my ears as he wrapped his arms around my waist, kissed my shoulders and buried his face in my hair. I wrapped my arms around his and watched as the sun began to rise.

I won't be there. I can't.