WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 7

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

It's two days now and I still can't face the fact that Gabriel is taken. Also, the fact that Aaron hung up on me for no reason? For whatever reason, I can't help but feel sorry for myself. I'm in the phase of self-pity. Poor, poor me...

I went to school, determined to continue ignoring Aaron. You know, I love my plan, a lot. He tried to speak to me yesterday, but I avoided him. We'd get even. And I'd show you how. Lara walked up to me in the school halls. She was like the usual Lara. Gave me a pat on the back, a little too hard. And then, she'd go, "Dude, you gotta eat up, it feels like I can pat you like that and you'd crumble to the floor..."

And I'd mumble, "Then stop doing it."

But Lara is always like that. I don't know why, and I don't bother to find out why. It's not like she's trying to kill me or something. Right?

Target in sight : Aaron Rodriguez

"Hi ALICE!" Aaron greeted. Lara rolled her eyes.

I was furious. Scorching furious. Like ssssssssttttt scorchin'. But I bit my tongue and tried to ignore him.

"Alice?" Aaron asked.

"It's Alyse!" Lara snapped.

Thank God Lara was there. Or else, I would have give into my temptation to snap back, slap him, hit him, punch him and lay a bruise on every part of his skin available until the bruises became his second skin colour. I think it's Fate that brought us together, cruel Fate. I just don't know why I get irritated by him. Every single time. No, actually, I DO know why, because I need someone to release my tension on. Since he's new, I'd just put it all on him.

Why not?

"Sorry, Uh-leaaaase... I kinda slept off, that night... I am really sorry... really..." Aaron explained.

I held my hand up. He stopped talking. I walked away. I felt pride in my steps, at the same time, I felt something wrong... tingling deep in my heart. But I can't seem to lay a finger on it. Is it guilt? Or confusion? Frustration? Anger?

Well, I don't know. I walked to my class and spent the whole day reminding myself to not respond to Aaron. Aaron kept talking to me, I don't if he was blind or he's just dumb that he couldn't see I was not even nodding like I usually do... maybe he's just dumb... too bad!

Anyway, that night, I went to sleep feeling weird. Avoiding Aaron is hard because I have to keep reminding myself to not respond to Aaron's babbling. It's really tiring you know? I think I slept cause I suddenly was in my classroom and I can't seem to finish my English paper. And English is one of my favourite subjects! How can I???

Suddenly, I was woken up by the shrill ring of my mobile phone. I reached out for my phone and declined the call. After a few moments, it rang again. Gawd? Who calls people this late? This is so crazy? Maybe it's wrong number? I should just keep declining the call until the stupid caller finally realise that it's a wrong number.

After the 5th ring, I picked it up and said drowsily, "Hello? I think you called the wrong number..." I opened my right eye and squinted at my alarm clock. 2AM??? Who calls at 2AM???

"Uh... I don't think I called the wrong number, Alyse," a familiar voice said down the phone.

"Oh, you know me?" I asked sleepily, as my mind searched for the voice recognition section.

"I'm sorry for calling you this late," that person apologised.

"If you're sorry, you wouldn't call me at 2 AM IN THE FREAKIN' MORNING! Now, it doesn't like an emergency, can I go back to sleep now?" I snapped.

"Sorry, but it is an emergency," the person explained.

"What emergency? And who are you anyway? How'd you get my number?" I asked.

"Oh, erm... please don't hang up," the caller pleaded.

"Wait, you're... Aaron!!!" I said suddenly, as realisation kicked in. I was ready to hang up but he said...

"Yes, please let me explain...3 minutes?"

"30 seconds..." I said.

"1 and a half minutes?" he pleaded.

"15 seconds..." I replied, sleepily.

"30 seconds..." he finally agreed.

"29, 28, 27, 26..." I started counting.
"I'm sorry that I hung up. I can't help it, I was too tired. I slept... I promise you that won't ever happen again," Aaron explained.

"Hmm..." I thought. Should I forgive him? Yawn... Well, whatever! I just know my bed is really comfortable and my Kingdom of Slumber is awaiting me on the other side... I can literally hear the birds sing, taste the fresh air on my tongue... ahh... this, is what I call Paradise... the rainbows... the azure blue sky... it's soooo... perfect...

RRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!!!!!!!

Wha... huh??

I opened up my eyes. I was so tired. And this Aaron is still bugging me... like my alarm clock... sigh...

Wait, my alarm clock??

OH MY GOD!

OH MY GOD!!!

IT'S MORNING!!! Damn it, I'm late!!! I'm supposed to wake up when my digital alarm clock beeps, but this is the bell alarm clock... that means... I'M SUPER LATE!!!

I rushed to the bathroom. Took my shower while brushing my teeth. Oh shyte! The heater! I forgot to turn on the heater! My toothbrush ended up in the toilet bowl by accident, again. Then I wore my uniform inside out, so I had to take it out and wear it again which took me about 3 minutes to untangle when the zip got caught in my hair. Then I drank my Vico. Actually, I ate it and washed it down with hot water and burnt my tongue in the process. I grabbed and folded the French toast into a smaller square and stuffed it down my throat while I was running to the bus stop but missed the bus because I was choking on the toast.

Well, after all that suffering and self-torture, I was still late. Too bad...

Upon reaching school, I saw Aaron running, his hair dishevelled and his uniform messy, from the opposite direction. We couldn't stop in time and collided into each other. Then, we were both late for class. Just great!

As usual, we both are the latest people to reach class. And as usual, our teacher gave us The Tardiness Lecture despite the reasonable excuse I gave about missing my bus because I was busy sticking my finger down my throat to get the stuck toast out of my trachea. Well, too bad, she's just too old to remember that she was once late for school too... I think... she's the kinda lady who, according to Lara, never had a full scoop of ice-cream in her life before (Lara's way of saying enjoying life. I can agree, because we both love ice-cream!)

Aaron whispered to me, on the way back to our seats, "I guess we're equal... now that you've slept on me too. And hey! I recorded your snores..." my jaw dropped and he winked. He winked! Oh my God! Someone could have lined his right eye with super glue so that he'd never open his eyes when he winked. Hah! That'd serve him right!

"Don't worry, I'd just post it in the school's website," Aaron leaned in and whispered.

"Try doing that, and you'd understand why girls wear panties instead of boxers!" I hissed in reply.

I see his face paled, and I smirked.

We're equal now.

WEINI

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WEINI - "Are You There" - Part 2

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

Hey people! This post isn't planned, but since it was requested. Here it is!

Nigel can't seems to focus on anything. How can Natalie be in two places at the same time? This is really weird. Maybe this is some kinda joke? Does that mean, she went all the way to set up this prank with Lisa?

"BOO!!!" someone hit Nigel's shoulders from the back. Nigel jumped.

"Wha.... what?" Nigel turned around. "Li-saaaa..." Nigel said, feigning irritation.

"What?" Lisa asked, pretending to be confused.

"You got me there..." Nigel admitted.

"Oh yea!" Lisa pumped her fist into the air. "So, what's up?" she asked.

"Uh, the ceiling?" Nigel answered.

"Ahh... that's an outdated come back," Lisa waved him off.

"Then what?" Nigel asked.

Lisa shrugged, "Dunno..."

The school bell rang. Someone tapped him on his shoulder, he turned around and said, "Lis-" there was no one behind him but a pillar. He quickly turned the other way round, hoping to catch someone who's trying to scare him. But the closest person was about 5 feet away and he didn't even know who is that girl.

Nigel shrugged off the matter and walked to his class.

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In the class, Lisa hissed across the class, about 3 seats away. Nigel turned towards Lisa. Lisa held up a piece of A4 paper. It wrote:

NATALIE WANTS TO TALK TO YOU!!! 9 P.M! SKYPE!

Nigel nodded. He's so excited! He can't wait to go home!
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When Nigel reached home, he ran to his room and turned on the computer immediately. He connected to the Internet and logged in to Skype. 6 hours and eleven more minutes to 9... he logged in to Facebook and check some updates. After that, he left his computer on and went and had his lunch and took a shower. He was too excited but decided to take a nap to pass time.

About 7.58 pm, he woke up. Took his dinner and sat his computer. Lisa was online. So he chatted with Lisa to pass time first.

At 8.54 pm, there was a notification saying that Natalie just came online. He told Lisa that Natalie has just come online. However, Lisa said that she didn't see Natalie's name online. Lisa said, maybe it was her connection problem and that she'd restart her connection and log in again. Nigel said, okay and opened the Skype's window and clicked on Natalie's name to call her. The line was connected and Natalie's face appeared on the screen.

Nigel smiled. After a few seconds, he noticed something amiss...

Natalie was wearing the shirt she wore about one week ago. Maybe she liked this shirt... Nigel thought to himself. Natalie smiled back at Nigel. And he dismissed the thought completely. But something inside was telling him that something is not right. Not normal. Yet, Nigel kept telling himself that it was nothing.

Lisa came online again. Nigel asked Lisa again, but Lisa said she didn't see Natalie online at all. Nigel was beginning to sweat. What is wrong? Natalie is there, as usual, sitting at her computer and smiling back at him while talking. How can Lisa not see Natalie?

Suddenly, the screen went blank again. Natalie's line was disconnected. Nigel was surprised. Did Natalie hang up on him again? Nigel told Lisa what happened. Lisa said that this was creeping her out and she was going offline. Natalie was online again. This time, she called him. He connected his line and Natalie's face appeared on the screen again.

This time, her face looked a bit hollow. Her eyes had dark circles. Were his eyes playing trick on him or was it really that suddenly, Natalie was in another attire altogether? It was only a few seconds ago that the screen went blank. Natalie apologised, saying that her connection was really bad there.

She said, "Sorry, they don't let me come online for too long..."

Nigel nodded, "I see..."

They chatted about music, about school and about random stuff. Natalie said she had to go. So they say their 'goodbyes' and went offline. Nigel prepared himself for bed. When he's cleaned, he went and lie down on his bed, feeling really happy that he's finally chatted with Natalie like they used to.

He closed his eyes and suddenly, Natalie's face came into his mind. Something was not right... He replayed their conversation just now. Wait... who was the 'they' she talked about?

Nigel suddenly opened his eyes. At his bedroom's window, he swear he saw a something that was not part of the night. He has been staring at the window for years, but something was not right. Today, the night seemed darker... quieter than usual... He sat up on his bed and put his leg on the floor. His feet touched the cold floor and he shivered. He walked tentatively to the window.

Suddenly, his feet brushed again something furry. He stood up straighter. He squinted at the floor, it was only his cat. He continued walking to the window. He willed himself to be brave and looked out the window. On the tree by his window, was a blurr figure. Must be my imagination... he thought to himself. When he was going to head back to his bed, something flew past his window.

His heart skipped a beat. He slowly looked out the window. Sitting beside his window, on the flat roof, was Natalie... sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest and arms wrapped around her knees. She was crying.

Nigel felt his knees turning weak. But it was only Natalie... right? He opened his window, climbed out of it carefully and moved towards Natalie. When he was close enough, he gasped...

Natalie...

It was Natalie...

Nigel can see through Natalie...

Natalie looked up. Her face was sunken and sickly. Dark circles formed under her eyes. There was a long, deep gash, from her hairline on the right side cutting down to below her right ear. Blood was dripping down slowly her chin, mixing with her salty tears. Her shirt, the one she wore when they were Skype-ing, was bloodstained and smelt of hot iron and burnt petrol.

Drip... drip... drip...

"Oh my God..." Nigel whispered. "What is happening?"

Natalie sobbed softly, looking Nigel with her pair of sorrowful eyes. She shook her head, "I... I... don't... don't know..."

Nigel squated down beside her. He tried to put his arm around her but it went through her. Of course I can't touch her! She's not even here! It's just a dream! My figment of imagination... he thought.

"It's not..." Natalie said.

"Huh? What is not?" Nigel asked.

"It's not your imagination... this is not a dream... it's real..." Natalie explained and continued sobbing. Nigel so wanted to embrace her and comfort her.

"What happened?" Nigel asked carefully.

"It was too fast... I was in the car... then the truck came, and I was floating in the air... looking down at myself, bleeding... I was crushed in the car. I felt so helpless... I shouted for help. But no one heard me. I was so scared. So alone. I was so scared..." Natalie tightened her arms around her knees and started rocking, back and forth... back and forth.

It pained Nigel to see Natalie feeling alone and scared. Yet, he felt angry because he was helpless and there was nothing he can do to help.

"I don't want to go... I want my life back... it feels so weird to not breathe... I'm not ready to go, Nigel... I'm not ready to leave... not ready to let go... not ready to let go..." and sudenly, Natalie was gone..

Nigel closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. When he opened his eyes again, he realised, Natalie was really gone. He climbed back into his bedroom and walked to his bed and lied down. He couldn't sleep. Natalie's voice kept echoing in his mind like a haunted melody... not ready to let go... I'm scared... I want my life back... I don't want to go... I'm not ready to leave... not ready to let go... not ready to let go... not ready to let go... suddenly, there was a scream and Nigel sat up, wide awake and sweating on his bed. It was his alarm clock. It's morning already! And Nigel felt like he haven't slept.

He went to school, Lisa greeted him. She asked him what was wrong. He hesitated before telling Lisa what happened.

"Maybe it was a dream?" Lisa suggested.

"But Natalie told me it wasn't!" Nigel protested.

"Yea, well. Anything can happen in a dream..." Lisa shrugged.

"Good point..." Nigel agreed lifelessly.

"Did you pinch yourself?" Lisa asked.

"No..." Nigel shook his head.

"Well, too bad!" Lisa said.
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That night, Nigel went home and turned on his computer, hoping to see Natalie online. He didn't care if it was Natalie or not. He just want to see her again. Instead, Natalie's sister, Nicole, called him on Skype.

"Nigel..." Nicole started.

"Where's Natalie?" Nigel asked.

"She's in the hospital..." Nicole sighed. "Still in coma.."

"Coma??" Nigel asked, bewildered.

"Yes, didn't Lisa told you? She met an accident few weeks ago and now she's still unconscious. The doctor said that she had a concussion and she might not wake up," Nicole explained sadly.

"She will wake up..."

"We are praying really hard, Nigel... but there's nothing the doctors can do..." Nicole said.

"SHE WILL WAKE UP!" Nigel said loudly.

"Yes, I hope so too..." Nicole said with a sigh.

"She's not ready to go yet... She told me..." Nigel said, regretting immediately what he had just let out.

"She told you? Who told you what?" Nicole asked curiously.

"Natalie, she told me she's not ready to let go..." Nigel said.

"When? When did you see her? She's in coma!" Nicole said frantically.

"I know... but... she... her spirit came to me last night... she said she is really scared..." Nigel told Nicole.

"Oh my God!" Nicole gasped.

"I know... that was what I said too..." Nigel whispered.
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At about 2 am, Nigel's phone rang. He reached out for his phone blindly and answered the call.

"Hello?" Nigel said sleepily. Which idiot calls at this ungodly hour???

"Nigel!?!?" Nicole's voice asked. She sounded like she was having a panic attack. Nigel was wide awake now.

"What???" Nigel asked worriedly.

"It's Natalie... her heart stopped beating..." Nicole said, her voice broke and she started sobbing.

"Wha..." Nigel said helplessly as his phone slipped from his hand and crashed noisily onto the floor. He can't feel anything. It felt like... like his heart stopped beating too..
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Seven years later...

Nigel has lost contact with Nicole after the night she told her the news.

It's the day, seven years after the news. Nigel didn't get any news after that. Nicole didn't contact Lisa either. Nigel was walking in the street where Natalie and him used to hang out. He sat at the bench. Suddenly, he saw Natalie... then she was gone. Was it Natalie? He knew it was. Because he saw the scar. The scar that starts from her hairline and ends just right under her right ear. He stood up quickly and headed towards the direction where he saw Natalie just now.

But Natalie was nowhere in sight. He sighed. Suddenly, someone was beside him. He turned around to see Natalie. Natalie's smile. Natalie said, "I can't let you go..." she smiled. Nigel smiled back.

Suddenly, Natalie stabbed Nigel at his heart. Nigel gasped. He looks down and saw a piece of broken glass sticking out from his chest on the left. The last thing he saw, was Natalie's beautiful smile. The smile he thought, he's lost forever...
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On the newspaper the next day, Lisa read about a young man committing suicide on the street... she looked at the photo... the guy who committed suicide... it was Nigel... witnesses claimed that he was casually sitting at the bench. Suddenly, he stood up in a rushed manner and seemed to be looking for something... he took out a piece of broken glass from his pocket and stabbed it at his heart and fell down, dead...

Nigel... how long since she last met him... Lisa shook her head mournfully, folded the newspaper and went to work. It's another kill... since 104 years ago...

A few thousand years ago... in another lifetime... Lisa loved Nigel... but Nigel loved Natalie... Lisa committed suicide and vowed to never let them both together... now... it's their turn. No happy endings for them... she can't just let them go! She loved Nigel a lot. But she's not ready to give him away...

It's time, to find where they are both reborn to this time... again...

Lisa smiled evilly... it's time... again...

But she didn't know... true love... can overcome anything. Because somewhere... Nigel and Natalie was finally together... this time, they won't reincarnate...

THE END

WEINI

WEINI - "Are You There?" - Part 1

She was the most beautiful girl in the class. He was in love with her.

How can anyone not see the beauty of her smile? Always lighting up the room. Her presence envelopes people in calmness. However, he can see it. Every part of it. Her aura. They both talk and laugh at each other's joke. They have their own language no one else know. They both nod at what the other haven't said. They are a part of each other.They both became great friends. They both fell in love, together. They do everything together. Then, they got hurt together.

It was only the first year they've met each other. And they knew it in their own hearts, that they clicked. How can fate be so cruel to tear them apart? How?

Like this : Natalie is migrating to Canada. That's it. Just so simple.

For the last few days she was still in this school, they savoured every single moment together. Grab hold of it, and devoured it like gluttons. They texted each other every night. No, they are not together. They are not JUST good friends. They are not lovers either. They are better than lovers - soulmates.

Natalie was really sad, having to leave her best friend Lisa. Most of all, she's heart broken having to leave Nigel. She told Lisa how much it hurts. How much all of this means to her. She cried when she told Lisa, how painful it feels. But no one, no one can understand how painful it was, because they weren't her.

On the last day she was here, she hugged Lisa. She so much wanted to hug Nigel too, but she can't because they should keep some distance. After all, they have more matured minds rather than those of their mates.

Years have passed, and they were still in contact with each other. Lisa became one of Nigel's best friend. They've even Skyped together with Natalie before. They had to set up a date and time because Natalie, you see, was living in a different time zone. It was hard enough to catch her online. So every minute was precious.

One time, Natalie was so busy with her school she felt so guilty because she couldn't come online to chat or reply to Nigel or Lisa's emails. She was having a dilemma whether to let her friendship with Nigel blossom or just keep a distance for now. Because of how much it hurts her. She feels the emptiness. That hollow feeling. It feels so weird.

One really weird night, when Nigel fell asleep while surfing the net, he had a weird dream. He dreamt that Natalie finally came home and he was waiting for her at the Arrival Hall. He was so excited he just want to run inside and greet her the minute she steps out of the aeroplane. Just scoop her up and hug her really tight and kiss her.

Natalie, on the other hand, had called him on Skype. However, he didn't pick up because he was asleep. Natalie didn't know. Of course, she was miles away in Canada. Natalie turned off the computer and went to school, heart broken.

About one week later, Nigel got a call from Natalie, excited, he connected the line. They chatted for hours. Just like before and Natalie didn't even bring up the fact that she called two nights ago. During the call, Nigel was checking his call history with Natalie, then he saw a missed call from one week ago. He asked Natalie about it. Natalie looked confused.

Suddenly, Nigel's brother called him. He turned around to answer. When he was going to answer, he realised that no one was at home. Everyone went out for dinner, he was alone at home. So who called him? When he turned back to the screen, it showed that there was no one on the other side of the line. It showed a room with a bed, a chair and a wardrobe. The chair, where Natalie was sitting just moments ago, was empty. Suddenly, the lights in the room was turned off, but no one was at the switch. The switch can be seen from the screen. Then the line was disconnected.

Nigel felt goosebumps rising at the back of his neck. What happened?

Then he heard the familiar jingling of the keys and the front door opened. His family was home. He ran down the stairs and asked his brother if he called his name just now. His brother looked at him worriedly and shook his head.

Nigel went to sleep with questions in his head that night. What exactly happened?

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The next morning, Nigel woke up feeling like last night was all a dream. He was late. He brushed his teeth and went to school without breakfast.

"Hi! Nigel!" Lisa greeted Nigel.

"Hi..." Nigel greeted back.

"What's up? You look like you haven't been sleeping for days and you didn't shave," Lisa commented.

Nigel's hand moved up to above his lips. Feels rough. "Nope, I haven't..."

"You look old... and look at your eyes. Haunted," Lisa said, she shuddered to give her words some effect.

"Haunted..." Nigel repeated mindlessly.

"Yea, something bad happened? You saw a ghost?" Lisa asked jokingly.

"I don't know, something weird happened," Nigel started.

"What? A ghost slept beside you?" Lisa prodded.

"No! What's with you and ghosts? Now you are scaring me!" Nigel said.

"I don't know. You're scared?" Lisa teased.

"No, haha. Scared? No, I'm not," Nigel said with a nervous laugh.

Lisa looked skeptically at Nigel, "Well, I'm not convinced..."

"Well, too bad then..." he said.

The bell rang. School has started. Nigel was distracted the whole day. When he went home that day, he was really tired. He took a nap. After dinner, he went online. Of course, Natalie can't be online at this time of the day, it's four in the morning in Canada! Natalie must be sleeping. But there it was, Natalie's name, online. He forgot all about last night. He clicked call on Natalie's name and the line connected.

Natalie's face came into the screen. She looked a bit... off... she was wearing the same shirt (or was it?) as the day before. This time, she looked a bit sickly. Like she was having fever or something.

"Hi! Why are you awake at four in the morning?" Nigel asked curiously.

"I couldn't sleep. I slept really long, since 6 in the evening. Too tired yesterday..." Natalie replied tiredly.

"Oh! So what exactly happened yesterday night... I mean, morning... you know, on your side..." Nigel asked.

"Oh... erm... I needed to go... hey, I have to go now... bye!" Natalie said and the screen went blank.

WHAT? Nigel thought. She just hung up on me!

What is happening?

Suddenly, the screen showed the room again. There was some shuffling at the mic on Natalie's side. However, no one was in sight except for the chair, the bed and the wardrobe.

"Hello? Natalie?" Nigel called out.

No reply, more shuffling.

"Hello?" Nigel called again.

The shuffling has become really deafening now.

"Are you there?" Nigel tried.

The shuffling noise has stopped. Now, there was an eerie silence.

"Are you there, Natalie?" Nigel asked, feeling goosebumps rising on his hands now.

The screen went blank.

Nigel was shocked for a moment, then he turned off his computer and went to revise.

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One week later...

One unread email.

From : <Natalie Sigman>
To: <Nigel Smith>
Subject: Sorry, for not being online for 2 weeks...

I'm sorry for not being online for two weeks. I was in the hospital and they wouldn't let me use the computer. I met an accident (but I'm fine now! No worries! ^_<) one day after I called you and you didn't pick up! So what happened? Why didn't you pick up?

Two weeks? But I just chatted with her one week ago and she hung up on me! Nigel thought to himself. Now this is really weird. He called Lisa and told her what happened.

"Didn't you know? Natalie's elder sister called me and told me about it! Oh gosh! I thought you knew! I was so worried. I thought that was why you looked so pale the other day... but I didn't dare to ask you straight..." Lisa explained.

"Oh... thanks anyway..." Nigel said. After talking a bit about school, they hung up.

What exactly happened?

From : <Nigel Smith>
To : <Natalie Sigman>
Subject : What do you mean?

You make that accident sound like it was nothing. YOU WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR TWO WEEKS!! How can I NOT worry? And sorry, I slept that day. Are you sure? Because... I thought I saw you online last week...

From : <Natalie Sigman>
To : <Nigel Smith>
Subject : What are you talking about?

Because I'm fine now. Okay, apology accepted and you're forgiven (^_^). But I was in the hospital the whole time! And as I said before, they wouldn't let me use the computer!

From : <Nigel Smith>
To : <Natalie Sigman>
Subject : What happened?

Then what happened? Because I saw you online that day! I swear! And then we had a call, and you hung up on me!

From : <Natalie Sigman>
To : <Nigel Smith>
Subject : I have no idea what you're talking about.

I totally have no idea what you're talking about because I was in the hospital the whole time. How can we Skype when THEY WOULDN'T LET ME USE THE COMPUTER? You're creeping me out, mate!

From : <Nigel Smith>
To : <Natalie Sigman>
Subject : Sorry, maybe it was a dream...

Maybe I messed up with a dream... sorry.

But Nigel was sure it wasn't a dream. It was real. And he was sure. So who exactly was it he saw in the screen for 2 times in the two weeks Natalie was in the hospital???

Who?

Was it Natalie's somehow spirit, coming out when she was asleep to keep Nigel company or something else???

WEINI

Next part

SUMITRA - I still remember - Part 1

Hey guys. It's been a while since I posted anything so here it is -a short story. Now it's not a series like Weini's 'I Love Him Not' or Joanna's 'This is L.O.V.E.' but it does have two parts, mainly because I didn't have time to complete the whole thing but at the same time, I didn't want to keep some of my friends waiting. So here's part 1. It's OK to read slowly. Stick around for part 2, OK? (:

I still remember Tyler and me, walking home from school in the rain. We had ditched the umbrella his mother had given us and jumped in puddles of muddy water all the way home. The next day, we both caught a cold and had to stay in our beds. We would laugh our little heads off, watching Saturday morning cartoons together, wearing nothing but matching Pokemon pyjamas. On Sunday afternoons, our parents would take us to our favourite ice kacang stall. I still remember coming home every Sunday, our shirts stained with sweet, red syrup and our fingers wet and sticky –not that we cared. I still remember everything. But Tyler doesn’t anymore.

Almost 20 years later, I’m 5 feet tall, successful but still single. I let out a sigh and pushed my trolley towards the breakfast cereals. A weak smile broke onto my pale face. “He hated these,” I thought, tilting my head a little. On the spur of the moment, I grabbed a large box of Corn Flakes and made my way to the cashier.

I knew Tyler ever since I was brought home from the hospital –according to mum. We lived next to each other. He was my first friend. And the first boy I…I like liked. But Tyler didn’t know that. And he would never know that.

I finished paying for my groceries and was determined to leave the shopping centre. GLEE was on that night. I grabbed my paper bag -careful not to break the eggs I had just purchased- and headed straight for the car park where my beautiful Passat awaited me. However, before I reached the parking lot, I saw something that made my jaw drop.

There, on display, was the most exquisite pair of stilettos I had ever seen. They were red, open-toed, about 6 inches high and I swear they were calling me. “Don’t we look cute, Hailey?” the left shoe asked. And then the right one said “Yeah Hailey. Come. Come try us on…”

I obeyed.

I reached out and grabbed the right shoe. I began to caress it. An older couple nearby stared at me, half expecting me to start making out with the shoe, but I ignore them. Slowly, I turned the shoe to its side to see how much it cost, but before I even got a glimpse of the price tag, a salesgirl grabbed the stiletto from my hands. She shoved it into a box along with the other pair and handed it over to a woman talking on the phone dressed in a tight, denim dress.

I just stood there, my hands clutching air. I was flabbergasted, bowled over, stunned. The woman ended the call and continued to stand there as if she was waiting for something. (For another pair of shoes to be snatched away from an innocent lady and handed over to her again, perhaps.) Then the unthinkable, the unimaginable happens.

Not a moment too soon, a young man, buffed, about 6 feet tall grabbed her waist from behind, catching her off guard. She giggled uncontrollably and wrapped her long arms around his neck, making my view of her lover clearer. Then it dawned on me.

The man was Tyler Lee Smith, the guy I’ve loved all my life.

And then they kissed.

I’m astonished, incredulous, taken aback. My groceries fell to the floor, as I lost my grip on the paper bag. The couple released each others' embrace to see where the sound had come from. The woman immediately expressed her disgust. "Ew...!" she said. “Who would do something like this?” Tyler asked. There, on the floor, they saw a paper bag, almost torn. They saw egg yolk everywhere. But they didn’t see me.

A security guard yelled from behind me, but I kept running. I sped past rows and rows of shops and there were tears on my face. No doubt, other shoppers were looking and pointing fingers at me, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to go home.

It was 7 p.m. I was sitting on a stool -in my shower. I stopped crying a while ago and found myself staring at my shampoo bottle as if it was some kind of magic mirror that would tell me what I saw an hour ago wasn’t real.

“She’s prettier than me,” I said softly, “She’s taller. She’s thinner. And she must be funny. Tyler likes funny girls, he told me once. I bet she has more money than I do…” I stopped for a moment. “Or she has no money at all and is using Tyler!” My eyes go back to their original size and I let out a sigh. “She sure has good taste though.”

The tears started to roll down my cheeks again, and breathing was getting harder and harder to do. I stepped out of the shower and cleaned the huge, foggy mirror with my hands. I stared at myself. The guy that has been in my life ever since day 1…the guy who I’ve shared my laughter and tears with…the guy that I thought, at the age of 4, was the guy I was going to marry someday…he was taken from me. And he didn’t even tell me. I thought I was special to him. But was I? Or was I just the girl he came to for advice? The girl he could make fun of without getting into any trouble because the second he looked into her eyes she’d melt like butter and they’d both start laughing?

All I knew was there wasn’t going to be any GLEE for me that night.

TO BE CONTINUED...

SUMITRA

WEINI - Starting with 'U' - Chapter 6

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

It's here.

The day after the last recess with Alyse. We've bonded. I'm sure we did. And I'm sure we're friends now. I mean, two weeks of going to recess together must become a habit somehow, right? Although I'm a bit sad and disappointed that our 'contract' is over, but I'm sure she won't mind if I sat with her during recess, because her best friend, Lara doesn't sit with her (I don't know why she still calls Lara her best friend when Lara leaves her alone to hang out with her boyfriend and his friends).

I saw her looking really deep in thought. Her eyebrows creased, like she always does when she's concentrating on something or really upset. I've noticed that for the past few weeks. I walked up to her and tapped on her shoulder. She turned around slowly and looked up at me straight in the eyes. I felt a really intensed and sorrowful feeling when the light brown eyes were looking right into me.

I shuddered at the intensity of it. Her eyes were never like this. It used to be lively and brilliant. Warm. I asked, making sure I was correct this time, "Alyse? You alright?"

She just stared at me emptily. She was so near. But her eyes stared into emptiness, a void... some distance away. She didn't look like she heard me, even though, I know she could. I can't stand it any longer so passed her notebook back to her. She took it but didn't say thank you or anything I thought she would. I figured she need someone. But at the same time, wanted to be left alone. So I turned and walked away. However, I can still feel her intense stare even though I'm not facing her anymore. And it burns.

During history class, I can't help but keep glancing at her. I don't know why, maybe to make sure she's alright. Not fading away. She looked pale. And although she looked like she was paying attention (I know she pretends to pay attention all the time, and does a great job of it... but today...) I know her mind was miles away. Because her eyes gave it all away. That creepy distanced stare.

What was she thinking about?

Then the bell rang for recess. She stood up stiffly, packed her things away as always (she's a really tidy person). Pencil box tugged away in her desk. Bottle at the exactly same spot on the right side of her table and the 3 pencils arranged neatly according to their lengths. Eraser at one end of the pencils to the left. She pushed her chair into its place and slowly made her way towards the door. I wonder if she knows what she's doing half the time. Was she doing these routine consciously or sub-consciously? It's like, she has some obsessive compulsive disorder or something...

Sometimes, I'm so worried she might knock into something and not realise that she's hurt until she passes out, unconscious, because of excessive bleeding. Gawd! Now that's scary!

I followed her to the canteen and stood in the queue to buy my food. She walked over and sat at the table with her own lunch box and was nibbling at her food. I took my food tray and sat in front of her. I greeted her in my most cheery voice, "Hi ALICE!" and I made sure I got it wrong. I like it when we argue. But today, she didn't seem to hear me. Usually she'd snap back. But today... it's not normal. I tried again.

"Um... ALICE?" I exaggerated.

Still no response. Just her mouth chewing that indicated that she was still alive.

"Alyse?" I asked, feeling really worried this time.

Nada.

"Is something wrong?" I asked as shook her shoulder lightly. Suddenly, her eyes was back. The ones with life in it. I felt relieved for a moment. Then, some recognition took over her eyes and her eyebrows creased again. This creasing was different, it's the one she puts on when she's annoyed or irritated.

Then she said, she didn't snap, "What I want is that you keep quiet or go away..." but it was still harsh. I like it better when she snaps. That was normal. This is not.

I didn't want to leave her alone. In case, something happened. I don't know what, maybe you know, someone tripped and the hot soup splashed at her and scalded her and she might still sit there as if nothing bad had just happened. She can be really lost in her thought sometimes. So I just kept quiet and glanced worriedly at her every now and then until recess ended.

I've never seen this side of her. She didn't look like the person who would scream at cockroaches. Giggle at everything and nothing. Cry for little things. In fact, she looked like a really stoic person to me. Maybe this was her way of being strong. Detaching herself.

During class after recess, I saw her doodling really sad stuff in her notebook. Then she was writing something. There was a period when there was no teacher in the class. Lara came over the her place (which is beside my place) and sat in half of Alyse's chair. I overheard her telling that Gabriel was seeing Stephanie Weatherly.

Stephanie Weatherly is pretty. But not as pretty as Alyse. She is quiet too. But she is the kind of girl who giggles. And gives me goosebumps when she does. Now I know why Alyse was being so emo now. Because Alyse likes Gabriel, that freakin' nerd, and now he's with someone else.

My heart went out to her. I don't understand why Gabriel can't see how great Alyse is. And in his face that he can never see that. His loss. Suddenly, I feel lucky. And I feel selfish. I don't wanna share Alyse wth anyone else. Because she so cool and nice. Such a great person as a friend.

Then Lara said, "I'm sorry sis. But seems like, Mr Charming is taken... any new target?"

Man! I felt like slapping that girl! She's not only not helping. She's rubbing salt into Alyse's wound! Some best friend she is... pfft!

I went home and took a shower. I played the PSP and had a nap. I woke up for dinner much later and did some homework and revision and Alyse's forlorn eyes was still haunting my thoughts. At about 11 in the night, my phone rang.

I was surprised. Who would call me this late? I reached out to my phone and looked at the screen. I was more surprised than very surprised. On my screen was a really unexpected caller.

calling...

I picked up my phone, wondering why she would call me this late. She didn't say hello. So I did.

"Hello?" I started.

"Hello..." her voice floated down the receiver. She sounds better, although her voice was a bit hoarse. Was she crying?

"Yes?" I asked.

"I called you," she said.

"Yea. You are calling for?" I asked patiently.

There was a short silence before I heard her voice, a bit broken, "I want to talk to somebody..."

"Oh..." that's it? She wants to talk to someone and all I can manage is 'oh'??? I slapped my forehead.

"So what do you wanna talk about?" I asked.

"Anything..." she simply said.

"Anything? You called to talk to when you have nothing in mind to talk to me about?" I asked, then I regretted for saying that because it sounded a bit harsh.

"I like piano..." she said. Now that was random...

"I play the piano..." I told her.

"I'm a music-instrument retard..." she informed.

"Oh... do you want to learn how to play the piano?" I asked.

"Yeah... I always wanted to be a pianist," she said.

"I can teach you... someday..." I said.

The conversation flowed after that. I learnt what kind of music she liked. I learnt what she dislikes. And I learnt a lot about her. The surface stuff. I still haven't made it to the deep stuff. I need to take things slow. It's one more step to our friendship.

I don't know what happened after that, because suddenly, I saw myself playing duet on the piano with Alyse in my house's second living room. It's so romantic. It's like a dream...

A dream...

A dream???

A DREAM???!!!

I opened my eyes. I looked at my alarm clock. It's 6.33 am! It's morning already and I don't remember saying 'bye' or 'good night' to Alyse! Oh my God! I slept!

Shyte! I slept!

WEINI

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WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 5

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

Finally!

The day I've been waiting for, for the past two weeks! It's the day my recess is finally Aaron-free! I was smiling all the way to school. Even when I was in the toilet. No doubt, when I brush my teeth of course! And I got my notebook back! Aaron haven't even say anything or called my name wrongly! He just tapped me on the shoulder and passed it to me then he walked off.

Then, this really horrible news blasted my ears on this particular morning...

Gabriel has a girlfriend.

I know right? How horrible is that? When I am finally Bug-free, this kinda thing just have to happen. I didn't even pay attention in class. Not like I always do, but I couldn't even be bothered to try to, today. When my History teacher asked when did World War 2 happen, I couldn't even answer! That was like, the easiest question my teacher ever asked (well, she asks easy questions when she finds someone has floated to the castle in the sky... which means, I failed in pretending like I was paying attention, but as I said, I couldn't even be bothered.)

Who IS that girl? Why did Gabriel choose her? Is she pretty? Maybe she is smart, like him. I was wondering and wondering.

Then, recess came. I was supposed to be happy, but I wasn't. I ate my food thoughtlessly and didn't even notice Aaron was sitting in front of me as usual until he asked, "Is something wrong?"

I think he asked a few times and I didn't respond, because he started shaking my shoulders lightly. Why was he here? Two weeks of torture wasn't enough for him? I think, like how he made himself my best friend, he had also made this his seat.

I didn't have the mood to snap at him, so I just shook my head. However, he didn't let it pass so lightly, that brat! He kept asking what I want before I said (yes, I said. I didn't snap), "What I want is that you keep quiet or go away."

He didn't say anything after that, much to my relief.

I started doodling and writing in my notebook again. Then Lara came over and told me the same thing I heard this morning, that Gabriel has got himself a girlfriend. And that person was someone from my class, Stephanie Weatherly.

NOW I have started wondering what I am missing. Stephanie is nice. She's average looking, she's not any smarter than me. She's just... average... like me. I kept wondering if she had this wild streak when she's outside school, you know, like put on heavy make ups, wear mini leather skirts and body-hugging V-neck shirts. Yet, when I thought about it, I didn't think Gabriel was the kinda person who likes crazy girls.

The first impression of Stephanie on me was that, she's tiny. Yeap, like super tiny. And Gabriel was super tall. Then I thought about when they kiss, which disgusted me and at the same time, made me laugh. I just can't imagine how, they are gonna kiss. Gabriel would have to stoop super low or she can jump and kiss him or stand on a small stool or something. Stephanie was quiet too, like me.

So what was it that Gabriel saw in her and not me?

Lara said, "I'm sorry, sis. But seems like Mr Charming's taken. Any new targets?"

That didn't help a bit. She made it sound like I'm someone who would let go of someone so easily. I felt more hurt. How can she say that? She knew how much I feel for Gabriel...

To make matter worse, my sister had to add a piece of rotten cherry on a pile of dung. She was finding for her nail file. How in the hell would I know where she left it? Not like I know how it looks like anyway. She never let me come into her room. Our house is like that big, and her nail file is like super small. And her room was a super mess, could be worse than a post-hurricane. She wanted my help and I helped. Then she blamed me for not finding her 5 dollars nail file.

Like seriously? Who spents 5 dollars on nail file? You can get one for like 1 dollar. I don't even use a nail file... well, I bite my fingernails, so no need for that. It's faster and cheaper. Not very neat though, but still a pass under the discipline teacher's nose.

She was like, "You're not trying hard enough,"

And I was stuck in the middle of a stack of books (almost towering DANGEROUSLY over me) by the wall and a pile of dirty clothes (actually, I don't even know if it's dirty or clean, I don't think she has a proper wardrobe) and some CDs, some of which are broken. I replied, "Yeah right, I'm not trying hard enough. I'm just lingering around your messy room with a stack of books threatening to topple over me and some broken CDs to cut my soles. You know what? I'm so outta here!"

You. Should. Have. Seen. Her. Face! Hah!

However, when I was not arguing with my sister at home, I was alone in the room, mourning over my lost chance with Gabriel. I couldn't take it anymore, bearing with this alone, I called Lara to 'share my pain'. She was with her boyfriend, Brandon. Brandon is a really cute guy and they both kinda match. After awhile, I felt that Lara was quite distracted by Brandon, so I lied that I was fine and hung up.

I was all alone. I screamed into my pillow (they say it helps, but really, it didn't). Then I kicked the chair (they make it seems so painless in the movies) to which I regret because I broke my toenail. Then I screamed more until my voice was hoarse and I couldn't scream anymore.

Then I did the unpredictable, unexpectable and impossible... I called Aaron. Well, now I have 3 reasons for calling him:
1)Because there is no other friends I can trust.
2)Because I only have one friend and that is Lara, who is busy with her boyfriend.
3)Because I only have Lara and Aaron's number on my phone. And of course my family members'.

So, I called him to talk about it. He picked up on the second ring. Which was really fast. I didn't know how to start. In fact, what was ironic was that, I was the caller, but he started talking.

I don't know how or why, but we ended up talking about music. And turns out, we both like the same music, and he plays the piano! Like wow! I like piano, but I don't play the piano. I'm a music-instrument retard. And I felt so much better. Unbelievable! When I was getting to the part where I was gonna start whining, I heard a grunt. I asked, "Huh?"

No reply. "Hello???" still no reply.

Then I heard a click. He hung up on me! I tried calling back, but his phone was off. Great! Just great. That was really nice, Aaron. Keep it up, and I'd keep up with my hating. And I'm good at that.

You mark my words.

WEINI

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WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 4

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

I was so excited! I can't wait to go to school the next day. I want to know if my plan works. I so wanted to know! I feel like everything was going my way. You know feng shui? Yea, I can feel it, in my soul. And heart. And brains. And hands. And everywhere! I don't know if I used that term correctly. But if it's something good, then I feel it all the way to school.

When I reached school, I can feel like everyone is smiling at me. Even the sun is shining on me (okay, well, the sun is always shining, but... oh! You know what I mean).

But you know what disgusted me? It's the first sound I hear when I made my first step into the school - The Nerd's laughter. I can hear it really well. Look, I am not the kind of person who have archenemies and stuff. But I guess I'd make an exception for that Gabriel guy. I just have no idea, how over the few weeks I'm here, he just make me feel like I wanna punch him in the face.

I mean, it's not like he did anything mean to me. Like force my head down the toilet bowl and try flushing me down. Or try to hit me down the middle with a baseball bat. Or... I don't know why I have this bad feeling that someone is going to hurt me down there all the time. Is it normal? To be fearing about it all the time? I mean, the last time some kid knocked me down there, it hurts like hell. It hurts so bad I thought I saw the angels descending from Heaven to escort me to Heaven. Yea, it's that painful. I can't even take a piss properly for a whole two weeks!

Not like he's the kind of person who would do it. But you never know... you never know.

Anyway, I rolled my eyes and then I saw Alyse. I waved at her. But she looked so worried. And I felt sorry for her for a moment there. But then again, that's not supposed to be part of the plan... the feeling sorry for her part. So I greeted her with my usual cheeriness, "Hi Alice!"

Then I realised I said it wrongly. She shouted at me. She thought I did it on purpose. But I didn't. I don't know why sometimes, I just forget. I felt every one's eyes one us. I felt awkwardness blanketed over us.

I apologised umcomfortably, but she blamed herself for it. I said, "Must be PMS..." I heard girls get mood swings when they get into this Pre-Menstrual Cycle. It's erm... Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. Where they got all these mood swings and weird stuff...

She said, "Huh?"

I pretended to not know what she was saying. When she asked what I said, I kept denying it. It went on for awhile until someone shouted at us, "Why don't you just go somewhere, kiss and make up?"

I felt myself blush and I cleared my throat. It's what I do when I'm nervous. It's what EVERYONE else do when they are nervous. Or they want to break the awkwardness.

Then she asked when I was going to give her back her notebook.

I didn't know when actually. I haven't get to that part of the plan yet. I just planned to use this notebook as a ransom so that she'd go recess with me.

She asked, "What about now?"

I wasn't gonna fall into THAT trap.

I said not now. Of course not now! I can't just let this chance pass me by! Her face went really red. She looked really angry. Then she exploded and she showed me her 'anger level'. But I made a joke out of it. And she exploded more. I think I saw her spluttering smoke. I like seeing her becoming angry. She looked so... nice when she's angry. Make me just want to hug her and calm her down all the time. I always wanted a sister. And I wished she was my sister.

So I grinned. I know it was stupid. But I grinned. And I noticed her face had went beyond the colour of red. It kinda turned charcoal red. You know, black plus red kinda colour. Yea, about that...

She asked how I got her notebook. She had this skeptical look on her face. What? Is she suspecting that I stole her notebook now? I told her the truth. She didn't look like she believed me. She asked me what she was supposed to do before I would return her, her notebook. I said I would return it to her safely, if she fulfiled one condition - to accompany me during recess for two weeks. So we can work up a friendship. Which I have to admit, I desperately need.

She asked me a really stupid question after that, what if she didn't come to recess with me? I simply replied that I won't give it back to her.

Then, she sulked for the whole day. And I knew it. She agreed.

----------------------------------------------------------

During recess, I followed her to the canteen. I just can't help it but stare at her. You know, I feel the urge to hug her every time I see her. And I don't know why. Because I'm sure I don't have the kinda feelings for her. I mean, when you like someone, you just know it, right? Can you like someone and NOT know it? Well, to be honest, I don't know.

We sat down at a table and started talking about my sibling. She seemed bored. So I told her about my haircut, again. Which was lame. I just stared at her when she ate. I don't know why. I know staring is rude. You know, that cliche line : My momma told me to not stare because people will come and punch you for doing so.

But I just can't help but glance/stare at her every chance I get. And I made sure she didn't catch me doing that. Or else, I don't know what would happen.

I was hoping our conversation would flow. But it didn't. That wasn't part of the plan! I was starting to panic. Then I asked, "So what are we gonna do now?"

She simply replied, "Eat?"

Yea! Stupid me! Of course we eat! So I ate my food and finished before her. So that I can stare at her eat, which is much more ruder than staring at someone who wasn't eating. But she's not watching. So I just kept staring...

Then, she sighed.

Oh gawd... why did she sigh?

WEINI

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WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 3

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

I was feeling as if everyone was looking at me today. Did they know? About my secret crush?? Did they know that I write love poems?

Then I saw Gabriel, laughing with his friends, as usual, outside The Elite Class. I felt my heart stop. What was he laughing about? Did he know? I want to melt into the background right now. It's not wrong to like someone, is it? Then a familiar voice called out, "Hi ALICE!"

It's like he did it on purpose, to irritate me. Now I didn't care what was happening, if anyone was talking about me. I. AM. ANGRY.

"What is your problem, Aaron? Why can't you just get my damn name right? It's Alyse! Not ALICE!!! DO YOU GET IT!" I said from a hiss to a full-scale-shouting.

NOW everyone's looking at me. I can see Aaron's face, shocked into silence. His eyes bulged. I was panting. Of anger? Or because I shouted?

"Oh, erm... sorry... Alyse," he apologised uncomfortably.

I sighed and said, "No... it's my fault. I'm sorry. I don't know what's got into me..."

He mumbled something, but I couldn't get what he said.

"Huh?" I asked.

"Huh what?" he asked back.

"What did you say? You said something..." I said.

"I didn't say anything," he denied.

"Yes, you did!" I pushed.

"No, I didn't!" he denied again.

"Yes, you did!" I said louder this time.

"No, I didn't!" his voice rose too.

This went on for awhile until everyone was staring at us again.

Then someone said, "Why don't you just go somewhere, kiss and make up?"

There was a silence between Aaron and I. My face flushed. I felt it. Aaron looked away then cleared his throat. Then I started, "So are you... where is... the... my... when are you... going to... give my notebook back to me?"

"I dunno," he admitted.

"What about now?" I asked, hoping that he would.

"Now? Oh, not now," he said.

"Why?" I asked, feeling my anger level rising again.

"Just because," he simply replied.

"WHAT?!?!" I whispered loudly. "Hey! My anger level is right here just now," I put my hand below my neck, indicating my 'anger level', "Now it's here... somewhere!" I put my hand above my head and waving like I was chasing some fly away.

"That is not even part of your body," he said. Was he trying me? I can practically feel steam coming out of my ears and nose. And I can feel fire on my tongue and the only thing I want to do is to spit it at Aaron's face.

"YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!" I hissed loudly. If this is going to continue like this, then I'd probably die because:
1)My blood veins burst.
2)My heart pumped too hard it got dislocated.
3)I burnt myself with the 'fire' within me.
4)The heat of my anger burnt my brain cells.

He grinned. Man, I want to slap him right now! He still have the cheek to grin! GRIN! What is wrong with this picture???

"Okay, okay! I'd give it back on one condition!" he said, holding up one finger.

"There is a condition???" I asked. Like what??? That is my notebook! He stole it... wait. Did he steal it?

"How did you get my notebook in the first place?" I asked suspiciously.

"You left it on your table," he replied with a shrug.

"Oh, I did... I did?" I asked.

"Yea, you did," he repeated.

"So what is the condition?" I asked. Then realising what I just gave into, I asked again, "Why IS there a condition? That's my notebook!"

"Because you misplaced it," he replied with The Grin.

I rolled my eyes, "Fine, what is 'the condition'?" I asked.

"The condition is that, you have to go recess with me for two weeks," he said happily.

I felt my mouth open and my jaws broke loose from its place and the screw came off. Then, my jawbone hit the floor the moment my heart stopped pumping.

"Tw... two... two weeks," I stuttered.

"Yea, then you'd get your notebook back. Safely," he said.

Safely? What did he meant safely? Is he going to tear out the pages? Or is he going to photocopy all the embarrassing poems and send it out to every student in the school? What if he photocopied all of it and publish it as a book for all the student? Or he will flush down all the important things that I jot down as a reminder down the toilet? All the horrible pictures went through my mind like a blurr of films.

"What if I didn't?" I asked carefully.

"Then you're never gonna get it back," he replied.

Oh shit! That's it. My life! The end!

"Fine," I said, and I can't believe I said that.

"Fine, good!" he said, with The Grin again.

I sulked for the whole day.

---------------------------------------------------------
During recess, Aaron tagged behind me like an excited fool. You can imagine with his Grin and his tongue lolled out to the side and eyes shining like some kids going to the themepark or something.

"So, do you have any siblings?" he asked, when we sat down at the usual table I sit at.

"No... I mean yes..." I said mindlessly.

His cocked his eyebrows, "O-kay... I have a brother. An annoying brother, he steals my PSP and plays my 'saved game' slot all the time and lose all the time, his name is Areli," he said.

"I know, you told, but isn't that a girl's name," I asked boredly. I can't believe I'm still stuck with him for 13 more recesses. THIRTEEN! Bad number... bad luck... I'm starting to hate him more. Why of all people he chose me to annoy? Yet, I felt bad that I thought his brother's name was a girl's name.

"I did, didn't I? Well, my parents wanted a girl. But well, it was a boy. But they already got a name, so he was named Areli. He acts like a girl anyway." he said, like it was the most normal thing in the world to say.

I totally know his brother's feeling. For having an unusual name. So I gave him that look that says, "What?"

"I'm going to have a haircut," he said.

"Yes, you told me that. Yesterday, " I said with a yawn. An exaggerated yawn. Is he serious? Or did he have a short term memory?
"Yea, I did tell you that, so what are we gonna do now?" he asked excitedly.

"Eat?" I said. Isn't it obvious? It's recess, we come to the canteen and we eat. What else do we do?

"Oh! Yea! Eat!" he said, as if it's the most exciting thing to do in the universe.

"Yeah, now shut up and eat your food," I pointed to his untouched food. I was already half way done.

"Right," he said, starting in on his food.

He finished before I did.

Now, I'm gonna bore him to death. I wish I can literally do that. You know, BORE-HIM-TO-DEATH.

Sigh...

WEINI

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WEINI - Starting with 'U' - Chapter 2

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

I hate changing schools. I hate making new friends knowing that I have to leave them someday soon. But this time, my dad promised me that he won't accept anymore career promotions or move anywhere else. And I really hope he keeps his promise. I hate being a kid with rich parents and annoying siblings. Especially my brother. He steals my PSP all the time. ALL THE TIME. And he plays my 'saved game' slots. AND ends up losing ALL THE TIME. So what if my parents are rich? It's not MY money.

On the first day of school in my new school, I was really nervous. What if people here didn't like me? What if I don't like anyone? What if they decided that I am a snob? What if they think I'm a freak and I become and outcast? All the nightmares I had before came back haunting.

When I stepped into the class, I didn't dare to look up. But then, I decided to be friendly when the teacher asked me to introduce myself in front of the class. So I stood in the middle, in front of the class and went on with the procedure I came to be so familiar with. That was when I started scanning the class for 'potential friends' where I can start with.

There was only one empty seat and I was assigned to sit between a sleeping guy and this really quiet girl. The guy was sleeping throughout the first hour and I decided that he won't be awake any soon (and I was right because he slept all the time). So I turned to the girl. She seemed so absorbed in her work. I can't wait any longer. I want to make friends. However, I didn't know how to start. Do I go, "Hiya, gorgeous. Wassup?" but what if she's not the kind of girl who flirts? Then she gives me a slap or a kick in the balls *wince*.

Then these words tumbled out and I regretted it because it sounded stupid, "Hi, I'm Aaron Rodriguez." I realised I already introduced myself just now. She nodded but continued with her work. She didn't even look up! So I cleared my throat and told her where I was from and why I was here. I also told her about what I liked to do. But not once she acknowledge me properly nor did she told me off. So I continued what I did the best when I am nervous. Keep talking.

If she was annoyed, she didn't show any sign. So I continued and I gained my confidence. She smiled at me once. And she was really pretty. She has this cute dimples and her eyes sparkle when she smiled. I just kept going on with my mindless crapping. After school that day, when she was packing up, I said, "Bye Alice!"

"Uh-lease," she corrected politely.

"Oh, sorry... Uh-lease..." I corrected myself.

She smiled and left.

For a few days, I just kept on with my mindless talk while she just listened (or I think she was listening) and wrote in her notebook. From time to time, she would nod and smile. Sometimes, she will say something to indicate she was listening like, "Really?" or "Oh, that's nice." or "Hmm..". From days, it turned into weeks.

Every morning, as usual, I would greet her:

"Hi Alice!" I would put on my most enthusiastic voice.

"It's Alyse. Uh-lease," she would correct me politely.

"Uh-lease," I would correct myself.

She never seems to change her expression. Or have any expression at all. Sometimes, she did things which make her so different from everyone else. It feels like she's this charming girl, daredevil, she's just different. I'm not saying that I like her now. She just intrigued me. Always.

Sometimes, I talked about my brother. Sometimes, I talked about my phone. Sometimes, I talked about random stuff.

I just don't know what happened, because one day, when I greeted her, she just snapped back at me. I was talking about getting a haircut, and yea, it's lame I know. I was taken aback, but at the same time, I was really glad, because we finally had a real conversation. I took it as a step forward to our friendship. Yet at the same time, I was hurt. Maybe she woke up at the wrong side of her bed?

But I didn't care. It's still a step forward. She finally acknowledged me!

But I was silent the whole day that day because I was afraid that if I spoke, she might kick me in my balls, like in every nightmare I got. I don't even know why I thought she would, I just know, I don't know anything about what's going in her head. I just know she is that mysterious.

Until school was over that day, I said, "Bye Alice" and climbed into the car. I was waiting for her to shout 'Alyse! Not Alice' after me, but I didn't. So I turned to the window and saw her colliding with Gabriel. That nerd from The Elite Class.

Then I saw him pull her up. Then her dreamy face staring after he walked away. Then I knew it, she has a crush on him. My heart sank, I want her to like me too. I mean, not the like like way. I want to be liked. By everyone. Accepted. No one cares or acknowledge me in this school. I didn't try to make them like me either. Lara seems to hate my guts. And the worms in my guts too. She snapped at me every single chance she gets.

I sighed and opened my bag. I pulled out the notebook. Her notebook. She forgot to put it in her bag. I touched the cover. Vintage patterns. Flower printed on black background. So her style. I was so tempted to open the book and read what was inside. It's her privacy. Should I barge into her life? I was having a dilemma whether to open it or not. I mean, really, what was she writing in it every time I was crapping, trying to get her attention?

When I reached home. I took a shower, had my lunch and laid down on my bed. The book was teasing me. On my table, come and read me! it says. After dinner, I couldn't help it. I opened the book. There, on the first page, it read:

Alyse Rallison a.k.a Mrs Sanchez

Then the second page was a poem. A love poem. So was the next five pages. Her writing was neat. On the sixth, the date on the top right caught my eyes. It was the date I first came to this school. I read:

He is so annoying. This Aaron guy...

The entry wrote about how annoying I was. How I was disturbing her. How she can't believe I would be sitting next to her for the rest of the year.

I felt so hurt. That was the first impression I gave? This is really bad. Why didn't she just told me off? As I continued reading, gobbling every single word on the page. It ended with:

I have a new phone! FINALLY a phone of my own! I told Lara my new number. I mean, she is my best friend. Actually, rephrase, she is my ONLY friend. I made her promise to not tell anyone my number.

At the end of the entry, was her number. The first thought that came into my mind was, she is so stupid! Who writes their number in their notebook. But then again, she might have wrote it to remind herself. Moreover, this notebook is supposed to be hers. I think, no one else was supposed to read it. I was thinking whether to call her. In the end I did.

"Hello?" said her voice, it's weird talking with her on the phone. She sound different. Calm. Soothing. I felt all my nervousness melt away.

"Hi Alice!" I said, trying to cram as much enthusiasm as I can into my voice.

There was a pause before she said, "Alyse." I chuckled to myself. Typical her.

"Alaise," I said. I liked to get her name wrong. I like her correcting me. But I think it's starting to get on her nerves.

"It's ALYSE!!! Uh-lease! Do we have to go through the same procedure every single day???" she said in an exasperated voice.

She knows! She knows it was me!

"How did you know it was me?" I asked.

"I don't know who you are!" so she doesn't know... "But if you're Aaron, which sounds suspiciously like you, then get off the phone now! But if you're someone else, then I'm sorry for shouting." I don't know what came over her today. She was really crappy and snapping at me all of today.

I told her that her notebook was with me. I told her I will give her back tomorrow. But on second thought, I didn't want to. I had a plan in mind. To force her to acknowledge my existence. Then we can be friends from then on. A new way to start being friends.

And I was really excited.

WEINI

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WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 1

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"Hi ALICE!!!!!!" that, was Aaron.

I rolled my eyes, "ALYSE!"

"Alaise," he corrected himself.

"Alyse! Say Uh-lease..." I said, like I was teaching a kid to pronounce 'apple'.

"Uh-leeeeease..." Aaron dragged my name.

I frowned. You know, every single thing he does irritates/annoys/disturbs me. So it's really no point that he tries to make me laugh or happy because when he's around, there's only one expression I am capable of putting on my face, that is frowning.

"What?" I asked boredly.

"You know what?" he asked excitedly.

"Can I not know?" I sighed. Either way, he will still tell. Over the weeks, somehow, I don't know how, he had officially made himself my best friend because all he does is talk and talk and talk and talk and talk, to me.

"But I want you to know!" he said.

"Exactly," I said. "Either way, I will know. Whether I want it or not, so why don't you just get to the point and leave me alone in peace?" I snapped. I try to be mean to him, but he never, never, EVER get me.

"Well, guess what?" he asked excitedly.

"Do you want to tell or not? Because I don't want to waste time guessing something that I don't want to know to amuse you. Now just get-to-the-point and leave-me-in-peace, will you?" I told him rudely.

"Okay... I'm getting a new haircut!" he said happily.

"Uh huh! So you disturbed me to tell me that you are getting a haircut?" I asked, feeling angry for I don't know why. I mean, you are supposed to be angry! Whoever stops you from doing your work just to tell you they are getting a haircut?? When you get a haircut, everyone knows. That too, if anyone cares to notice. I pointed to my bored and frowning (okay, make that two expressions), "Do I look like I care? No. So stop talking to me, 'cause I really want to concentrate on my work. And for goodness' sake, can you not scratch the table with your pencil? It really gives me goosebumps," I said.

"Oh, sorry..." he mumbles.

"Mmm.."

He was silent the whole day after that.

That's how it is every single day. He'd suddenly pop up with a random statement and I'd snap back at him and then it all ends in silence for the rest of the day. That's if it was a lucky day for me. If it's an unlucky day, he might come up with another random statement and then he'd start babbling again. Then I would just ignore and give him a nod to indicate that I was alive at all, at the right intervals...

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When school ended that day, he said, "Bye Alice!!!"

I said bye back. Then I realised he said my name wrongly, I turned around to correct him but someone collided with me and I fell down, flat on my butt. But the other person was still standing up.

I caught a glimpse of Aaron climbing into his car and I let my eyes roll up and sighed. Then I looked up and mumbled a 'sorry' and I saw light. I saw HIM. It was like I was seeing God... his face was dark because it was the sun right behind his head. It was just like seeing God, I am confirmed.

It was Gabriel Sanchez... it was him, alright. Even though his face was in shadows, I know it was him because only he will have light shining around his head.

"Are you alright?" said him to me. He-talked-to-me!!!

"I think I am..." I said dreamily. Oh my God! That was a stupid thing to say.

He held out his hand and said, "Here, let me help you..."

I took his hand and he hoisted me up. He was strong too. When I stood on my own feet, I mumbled a thanks and he grinned then said, "No problem!" and walked off.
For the first time in 2 years!!! He FINALLY talked to me. Now I sound like some immature teenagers in novels. Okay, well, I was happy. Now he knows I exist!

I think my knees were going to buckle under me when he smiled. My stomach was so twisted. I feel so dizzy... with LURVE...

---------------------------------------------------------

Aaron called me that night, and I have no idea how he got my number. The only people who knows my number is my sister (who is annoying and loves teasing me about my results just because she's better and loves taking my things without asking for permission FIRST and also just because she's older than me, she thinks she can bully me and order me around. Anyway, I'd get to that part later), my brother (who is closer to me than my sister, I like him the most out of my two siblings. He's the oldest and he's fun to be around with) and also my parents and Lara, my best friend (but we are not that close actually, because she's the only person I ever talk to other than my family members. I'm a loner.)

"Hi Alice!" the person who called me said.

"Alyse," I corrected.

"Alaise," the guy repeated.

"It's Alyse!!! Uh-lease! Do we have to go through the same 'procedure' every single day!!!???" I shouted at the phone.

"How did you know it was me?" he asked.

"I don't know who you are. But if you're Aaron, which sounds suspisciously like you, then get off the phone now! But if you're someone else, then I'm sorry for shouting," I dared to say that because I know it was Aaron. I can never mistake that annoying voice that buzzed in my ears every single day at school and every single night in my nightmares. It's just like me never mistaking Gabriel for Aaron. It's that simple.

"Well, I didn't call you to get off the phone," that, confirmed that the speaker was Aaron.

"What is it that you want?" I snapped.

"I just want to tell you that your notebook is with me..." he said.

"What notebook? I never lend you any notebook..." I said boredly. Then I realised, I only have ONE notebook and it's the one where I write all the embarrassing stuff in. Private and confidential!

"The one with the spiral and flowers on the cover and it says 'Alice Rallison' on the first page 'a.k.a Mrs Sanchez' and the second page is..."

"Enough! Close the book right now!!!" I cut in.

"Okay... that was cheesy..." he said, I can sense a smirk in his voice.

"How did you get my phone number?" then I realised that was a stupid question to ask because I wrote it in the notebook. "Never mind about that. So when are you giving it back to me?"

"Uh... tomorrow?" he said.

"Okay, good. Bye!" I said, I was going to hang up then I heard him say something.

"Sorry? What did you say?" I pressed the speaker to my ear again.

"I said, 'On second thought, I don't think I want to give it back to you tomorrow.', that's what I said. Bye!" he said and the phone clicked.

"What?!?!" I shouted helplessly into the phone.

I tried to dial his number but he didn't pick up. Now, I am panicking. What if he read all the poems and cheesy things I wrote in there? What if he read all the bad stuff I wrote about him? How am I supposed to say sorry? No wait, why would I care? But then... oh my God! So many thought were swirling in my head.

What if... what if... what if he told everyone about my crush? Omigod! Omigod! This is a nightmare!!!

I have to make him give it back and make him swear on his heart and hope to die that he won't tell anyone about what he read. If he knows what's privacy (which I really hope he does) then it's okay... but... what can be the worst case scenario?

Shyte. I. Am. So. Dead!

WEINI

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JOANNA - This L.O.V.E ~ E - Epilogue

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Honestly, I never thought this day would ever come. The day where I finally fulfilled my mother's wish of bringing a girl home.

"Jeremy, she's the most angelic person I've ever seen!" my mother exclaimed while taking Whitney's hand.

"Mom!" I whined.

"That's okay, Jeremy." Whitney said, "And you, Mrs Thompson, is the sweetest woman I've ever met!"

"Aww! You." my mother pinched Whitney's cheek. "Come, make yourself at home."

"Sure." Whitney said. "Your mom's...interesting." Choosing her words wisely.

"I'm sorry. She still thinks I'm her little boy." I apologized. I took her hand and led her to my room. "Welcome to my sanctuary."

"Wow. It's my first time in a guy's room." she said. "And it's not as bad as I thought it'll be."

"You think all guys' rooms are messy? Wait till you see my sister's. I tell you there are species in there that are still unknown to mankind." I said.

She chuckled. "I have to admit that your sister and I are quite alike."

"Really? Wow Whitney. Remind me not to go to your room the next time I visit your house." I teased.

"You!" she started poking my hip.

I laughed and hugged her as we fell on the floor together.

"Why didn't I like you before?" she tugged my hair behind my ear.

"Because you never noticed my macho-ness." I smirked, putting a bad boy look.

"Oh puh-lease." she continued poking my hip.

"Stop that! That's ticklish!" I exclaimed.

"Right. So much for being macho!" she rolled her eyes.

I giggled. And that's not really what I'll do in front of anybody, let alone my girlfriend.

"I like your laugh." she said, leaning in closer.

"I like the way you lean in closer to me." I leaned closer. Our faces only an inch away.

"I like the way we kiss." half an inch.

"I like everything about you." then, we kissed. The kind of kiss where the hero and the heroine kisses at the end of a movie. The perfect kiss. Just the way I always thought it would be.

Boo-ya!

The End ;)

JOANNA

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JOANNA - This L.O.V.E ~ E - End

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So, I went to college and tried to lead a new life. I met new friends, took up extra courses, started a new hobby but I can't seem to forget the one person I wanted to forget so badly.

I know Whitney is somewhere out there with Jeremy. I should have known. The way she gazed into his eyes that day, I knew that that was a gaze only for him. Because I've never seen that before.

I shouldn't have took things too fast. It's my fault I lost her. It is indeed a great loss. Being with Whitney made me feel so happy. The kind of joy I never had before. When I was down, she knew how to turn my frown into a smile. When she laughed, it's like the whole world's laughing with her too. Everything seemed so natural. She was one of a kind.

But Jeremy deserved her more. He'd loved her eversince third grade. He knew every part of her. Even the tiniest detail which some people might overlook. He knew what to do when something happened to her. He was a much better guy for Whitney than I am. I felt jealous of what she has. Jeremy was like her guardian angel. Maybe someday I'll be someone's guardian angel. And someone else will be jealous of us. For now, I'm happy for them.

"Oops! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you!" a girl apologized.

Deja vu. I thought to myself. "No, no! My fault for not concentrating on the road." And then I helped her pick up her books which were scattered everywhere.

"Thanks." she smiled. "Emily."

"Kevin." I helped her up. "You're new here?"

She nodded. "Law. You?"

"Wow." I said, impressed. "Architecture. Basketball ain't my thing after all."

"Ah, I get it. You're the basketball team captain and everyone's placed high hopes on you. You train and practise all day and night. Thinking that basketball's your thing. But suddenly, you just lose your interest." she shrugged.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"Cause I was the head cheerleader." she answered.

"Wow. Head cheerleader does law. Impressive." I said.

"And the team captain does architecture. Double impressive." she added.

"Say, why not you join me for lunch. And we'll see what else we have in common." I suggested.

"I say yes." she agreed.

Well, let's just say I got lucky...twice.

JOANNA

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JOANNA - This L.O.V.E ~ E - Elimination

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That very moment, I felt like crying. Because crying seemed like the best way out. I didn't want to choose between two amazing guys. They were both different in their own special way!

"Go for Kevin!" some shouted. "Go for Jeremy! He loved you longer!" another group shouted.

I couldn't breathe. This drama was too much it made me hyperventilate. And I haven't even got an attack for years already!

"She's having an asthma attack! Move out, people! Give her some space!" Jeremy started shouting hastily.

"Hey Mr Popular! Don't just stand there! Do something! Don't you know Whitney has asthma?" he shouted to Kevin.

"I didn't." Kevin replied.

By that time, I've been hyperventilating so much till I couldn't stand still. I started to feel dizzy. I had to sit down. And I started to breathe slowly and deeply, the way my doctor used to teach me when I was younger.

"Are you okay?" Kevin touched my forehead.

"She's not having a fever, for goodness sake! She needs this." Jeremy took out an inhaler and placed it in my mouth to slow my breathing. I wonder how he got it since I no longer bring it around with me anymore. My breathing slowed and it became even a short while later. I could finally breathe normally but my head was still dizzy. I decided to shut my eyes. Also, at the same time, listen to whatever the boys have to say.

"She's going to be all right, right?" I heard Kevin asked.

"I hope so. Let's bring her to the nurse's room." Jeremy suggested.

I felt my body was lifted and supported by two pairs of hands. It doesn't feel good at all to have two guys fighting for you. Surprisingly, they helped each other to get me to the nurse's office.

"You know so much about her." thinking I was unconscious, Kevin decided to start a conversation.

Jeremy smiled to himself. "I guess it's because I've loved her so long."

"And I supposed you bring the inhaler with you everyday, because of her." Kevin guessed.

Jeremy's smile widened, "She hasn't got an attack for years, so she doesn't bring her inhaler anymore. But you never know what will happen, right?"

"Like us talking to each other." Kevin replied.

"Yeah." Jeremy answered.

"Oh no! What happened to her? Come on. Quickly settle her on a bed." the nurse -- Mrs Bunnet said with concern.

They laid me down on the bed gently. And Mrs Bunnet began taking my temperature and everything else nurses do to their patients.

"It was nice talking to you. Jeremy." Kevin held his hand out, hoping for a handshake.

Jeremy shook his hand and said, "Yeah. Me too. Kevin."

"Then she's all yours." Kevin surrendered graciously. "Goodbye, friend."

"Thanks. And bye." Jeremy grinned and turned his attention back to me as soon as Kevin left the room. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah. She's fine. She just needs rest." Mrs Bunnet answered.

"Hey." I called out.

"Mrs Bunnet said you're gonna be okay." he said.

"I know. I heard." I admitted.

"Wait, so you heard everything? What I said to Kevin?" he asked.

"Everything." I nodded.

"Really? Then I'm sorry if what I said crept you out. Because I really like you and I didn't want anything to hurt you. So I thought I should --" he mumbled.

I touched his hand, "I'll be your valentine."

And then, we both smiled.

JOANNA

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