WEINI - Not Enough Time

Life is so short,
But how come
We never appreciate it?
Wasting so much
Of what we hold
Wasting so much
Of people's gold.

Time flies
Look at it;
It forgets
It heals
It forgives.
It kills
It breaks hearts
It steals.

How many times
You turn back
To look at what
I gave?

How many times
Have you turn back
To notice what
I saved?

How many times
Have you ever thank me
For lending you my time
For wasting years in my life?

How many times
You ever looked me in the eyes
And tell me,
'You're beautiful,
And I love you with all my life.'

One day,
It will be too late.
One day,
I will collapse
Out of breath
Out of beats
Out of time
Just before you reach me
And hold me tight.

You will whisper
In my dead, deaf ear on the left;
"You're beautiful,
And I would have love you with all that's left."

And I will hear it
Somewhere
In another universe and dimension
Waiting to be reunited
For a thousand years
A million years
And forever...

WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 10

Alyse agreed! She agreed to come! And she gave me Kitkat! I smiled quietly to myself in the car. I can't wait! Two more days..... two more days to sleeping late and waking up late minus the disastrous detention! I just can't wait!

The minute I reached home, I rushed to my room and checked my mobile phone. Oh... my heart dropped in disappointment. No text from Alyse yet. Maybe she haven't reach home yet. I mean, come to think of it, she was walking home today. So yea, I should wait for another hour. I mean, she's a girl. She probably need to shower and stuff...

One hour later...

Okay, this might sound stupid but I think I really like Alyse. She's different... like some kind of... ummm... I don't know why I like her. I don't know how I like her either. Like say, in a girl friend way or a good friend way. But then, is that a big difference? She's just different from the other girls.

It's one hour after school and she still haven't text me yet. But then, she never said she was gonna text me anyway right? Sigh... I'm overreacting. I should probably forget it. I mean, it's not like it's holiday yet. Yet, I have a feeling that she would text me today... hmm... sixth sense or something.

Another one hour later...

Shyte... I kinda have to admit that I'm staring and waiting (AND drooling) loyally like some kind of innocent puppy by my mobile phone. It's really nerve wrecking, really. I think I'm just gonna go get something to eat first...

I walked down stairs to the kitchen and poked my head into the refrigerator. Cabbage. Coke. Lollipops. Brocolli, urgh! I recoiled in disgust. Cheese. Ice cream. Leftover pizzas. Apples. A half eaten watermelon wrapped in plastic. Ahh! That's what I was looking for - Kitkat! Awh... she offered me her Kitkat. Now I'm addicted to Kitkat. Wait, I always have loved Kitkat. Anyway, now I love them even more.

I took the whole packet out and sat at the kitchen table. I unwrapped the foil slowly and took a deep breath in. Ahh... Kitkat's dark chocolate. I love it! The aroma was soooo... erm... what was that word??? AH! Therapeutic. I took a bit and chew it thoughtfully... hmm... is it me or the Kitkat tastes different today? The Kitkat tastes different today.

After finishing the whole packet of chocolate, I poured myself some warm water and drank it. I walked up slowly to my room, hoping that there is a text from Alyse waiting for me. But NO. There wasn't any. Sigh... this sucks... I started in on my homework. I just need to be patient. She never said she was gonna text me. Yeap, I'm getting pass that... At about 9 something in the late evening, my mobile phone rang and I practically dived at it. On the screen was the name of the person I've been waiting to hear from the whole afternoon. See? Patience is virtue. It's Alyse! I waited a few seconds before picking up.

"Hi Aaron!" her voice floated down the phone. I think I must be crazy to think that the way she says my name... is different. She makes it sound so special...
"Hey," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Are you busy?" I can hear her frown down the phone.

"Busy? Uhh..." I didn't wanna let her know that I was waiting for her call, so I shuffled some papers to make some noise, "I was quite busy... but... what's up?"

"The top bunk," she replied nonchalantly.

"Hahahahahahahaha! Right!" I laughed.

"So erm... I called you to... talk," she said lamely.

"Obviously! You didn't call to hear me breathe, did you?" I tried to joke. But it was lame and I slapped my forehead.

She laughed her laugh. "So what do you wanna talk about?" I asked.

"Hmm... do you know that... Gabriel broke up with his girlfriend?" she asked carefully.

"Owh... he did... he did?" I asked, I felt disappointed. He's single and available. That's not a good thing is it? No it's not a good thing at all.

"Yeah!!!" she said cheerfully.

"Good for you then. He's single again," I said, not trying to hide my disappointment.

"Yea! I was soooooooo happy when I heard that! I was practically floating on the air while I walked home! It's like sooooooo... uh... CRAZEEEE!!!!" she squealed.

I winced. It hurts my heart, like a needle had just punctured my heart. That feeling sucks. But she doesn't know that I like her and I didn't wanna risk our friendship by telling her that I like her. It's too early to do that.

"I see... " I added just to show that I was listening to her.

"Are you... okay?" Alyse asked with uncertaincy.

"Me? Fine? Uhhh... yeah... I was just a bit distracted..." I said while shuffling the papers louder. I paced my room and accidentally kicked my bed.

"OUUUUUWWWWHHHH!!!" I shouted in pain. I bent down to rub my toe. Damn it!!! How can such little thing hurt so much? I was really frustrated. But what can I do?

"Is everything alright over there?" Alyse asked worriedly.

"Ouwwwhh... erm... everything is fine over here. I just kicked my bed by accident. No big deal... " I tried assuring her.

"You sound busy..." Alyse said. Yeah! I'm busy nursing my wounded heart... and toe, that's what. After she told me that news, I wasn't in a mood to chat with her anymore.

"Yeah, in fact, I just remembered there are some... things that had to be done and have been postponed too long..." I lied. I'm such a bad liar... for add-on, I'm such a jerky, bad and idiotic liar.

"Owh..." she said disappointedly. "You go on with your work then... we'll chat next time then! Bye!" and she hung up.

"Bye..." I said to the receiver. I sighed. Why did Gabriel exist? Why did he broke up with his girlfriend anyway??? I punched my pillow repeatedly. I punched them till I was too tired to move my arms and I fell, dead tired onto my bed. I breathed hard. I closed my eyes, took my pillow and pressed it on my face and screamed into the pillow. My muffled screams make me think more about it. This is me. My heart. Screaming, but muffled by Alyse's love for Gabriel. Not wait, Alyse may tell me a lot about Gabriel, but it's not love. I'm very sure. It's just... an interest. A crush. I'm sure. I closed my eyes and calmed my breath.

I think I slept off because the next thing I open my eyes, sunlight was pouring into my windows. I closed my eyes again. Wait a minute! Sunlight??? Oh damn it! I'm late again!!!!!!

I jumped off my bed and ran to my bathroom, washed my face and got ready for school. How come no one bothered to wake me up??? I ran down the stairs into the dining room. My parents were sitting at the table with my siblings.

"Why did no one wake me up???" I said angrily.

"Oh... we thougth you were sick... or unhappy. Areli heard you screaming in your room yesterday. Was something wrong?" my mother asked worriedly.

"Nothing, I'm fine. But I'm late, " I said. I took a piece of toast and ran into the car. I told the driver, also my most trusted friend, Malvolio, to drive fast because I was really late. I looked out the window and I saw Alyse, running towards school. I laughed. She must be late too. I told Malvolio to stop and shouted to Alyse and told her to come with me to school. She came in.

"Thanks!" she thanked me.

"Welcome..." I said.

"How's your foot?" she asked, concerned. My heart fluttered.

"Foot? Oh, that? It was nothing..." I said, I can feel blush rising up my neck. Malvolio stiffled a laugh and coughed to cover it. I glared at him dangerously through the mirror.

"Anyway... *sneeze*" Oh GOSH! That was embarrassing!

"'Scuse me..." I said, wiping my nose.

"Ewww... that was disgusting..." Alyse commented in disgust.

"Sorry," I wiped my hand on my pants.

"Now, that was even more disgusting," Alyse said.

Oh shyte. What was I thinking???

"Owh. Erm. Habit," I said. Habit??? Alyse just said it was disgusting and I said it was habit? I mentally slapped my forehead.

Alyse raised her right brow, like she always does when she's going to say, 'Riiiight...'

"Riiiight..." Alyse said. See? I told you!
"I mean, erm... I'm trying to kick this bad habit. It's really bad. I know that..." I said. I wish I could just shut up.

"Riiiight..." Alyse added and nodded to herself. She looked at me for a moment but I avoided her look. Then she turned to look out the window.

Suddenly she turned and said excitedly," Hey!!! You know what?"

"No," I frowned.

"Of course you don't! Not until I tell you!" she said.

"Right. What?" I said, uninterested.

"I was chatting with Gabriel online yesterday and he knows me! But he was like... 'owh! Are you the girl who is always late?'. That was totally embarrassing..." she said.

"You chatted with him? Since when do you guys chat online?" I asked, suddenly curious to know more.

"Since last night. I gave him a bad impression... sigh..."

"I'm sure it's not that bad. Once he gets to know you, he might actually like you afterall. Guys prefer girls like you anyway," I said with a shrug.

"Really? They do?" Alyse asked happily.

"Yeah!" now I'm regretting what I said. What if she knows that the 'guys' I  referred to was generally me?

"That's good! I've got a chance! YAY!" she squealed in delight.

"Yay..." I cheered unenthusiastically. My life just can't get any worse.

WEINI - Remember When?

Note: This is not my work. But I post this because this is exactly, EXACTLY, how I feel... credits to TaylorMarie on http://www.inkpop.com/

Remember that time?

Remember that place?

Remember that person?

Remember that face?

Remember when we were so close together?

That we thought we’d last forever?

Remember what we once were?

Cause now everything is a blur.

Do you remember me?

Look at me and what do you see?

A person from the past;

Good things never last.

I guess we were too good.

Closer than we ever should.

You don’t know what you meant to me.

But now I’ve gotten where I could see.

We weren’t meant to be.

Remember when we thought we were best friends?

And when we thought it’d never end?

You broke a promise you should’ve kept.

I would have forgave you except.

You forgot about me, about us, about we.

When you’re with her, you don’t see me.

But what do you see?

A girl from your past,

You didn’t know we wouldn’t last.

But do you, remember when?

The Way Life Is

If your first fall was your first heart break,

Then you're not even halfway done.

If you don't bother to get well from being love sick,

Then you will never know the meaning of fun.

Life is not all about the guy in high school,

Because chances are slim that he'll be there to see you win.

So wake up from your dream of a fool,

Because denying God's gift - happiness in life - is the greatest sin.

Why torture ourselves with blameless worries,

When we all will meet at the end ultimately?

Life is made up of a million stories,

Might as well choose the good endings and live happily.

If the hardest thing in life is to hold on,

Then the strongest thing to do is to let go.

If feelings can be described in words and songs,

There is probably a lot about a person you can know.

So live up to only your own expectations,

Let no one dictate your life for you.

For the end will be marked with celebrations,

When you see yourself through.

Good Bye My Love and Our Friendship

It's been eight days.
I feel wasted.
Patience, I only have patience.
They say, sometimes, doing nothing is doing everything.
Yes, I tried to do something.
I tried so hard, I'm so tired now.
All my efforts...
Going down the drain.
You know how it feels when people don't appreciate your efforts, but have you EVER appreciate others'?
Have you ever seen what others do for you?
What your family, your friends do for you?
I'm so tired now, I've decided it's time I stop trying.
Stop trying, mourn a little for our friendship.
Huh!
Our friendship which you say is not possible anymore.
A friendship... which I feel so heavy-hearted to part with.
But I'd mourn a little for it.
I'm not heartless.
I'd probably move on.
Yea, I'd do that.
Perhaps one day, when we meet again, if we ever, we'd smile and retrospect our silly days together.
Foolish tears shed.
Silly days... that's what they always say.
But it's not silly for me... yet.
It's serious, it's hurtful.

People take my patience for granted.
I know that, but I don't know why I still let people do that.
It's so sickening.
Now, I don't want to do anything.
Why is that so hard?
I tried to stop you because you are heading towards the cliff.
I don't want you to plunge into the ocean's dark.
I want to save you before it's too late.

I don't want to be the person to always say sorry first.
To break the ice.
I want to hold my ego for once, just this once.
I want to be selfish just this once.
But sometimes, feelings muddle up your head.
Sometimes, feelings make you do stupid things.
But I don't want to be stupid anymore.
I'm glad you know you break hearts with your ego.
Yes, your ego is THAT heavy.
But just knowing is not good enough...
It's not good enough.
Knowing it and DOING something about it, is something that should be done.
Sometimes, who knows when, the outcome for how you reacted to it might be desirable.
Don't think you know everyone's mind and everyone's next words.
Because everything is unpredictable.
Life is full of surprises...

The world doesn't revolve around you.
But you could be the centre of the universe for someone.
And also, sweeping the dirt under the carpet only makes the place seem presentable, it doesn't make the place cleaner.

So I shall bury this friendship 6 feet under and move on.
I shall mourn for it and visit it in my memory from time to time.
I shall move on with life.
But I will never forget all of it.
How it's been part of my life and how it's changed my life for the better...
And how it's departure, has also deeply changed my life.
Now, a part of my life is gone.
I wish it never did.
I wish it would return.
But sometimes, letting go of the things you love the most, is setting yourself free.
Someday, that missing slot, will be filled.
I regret the times together I didn't cherish.
But I'm grateful for the times it was still around.
Thank you.
And good bye.

WEINI - Darkness Deep In My Spirit (A Poem)

Loneliness.
It bites you from inside.
Then work it's way out.
Disappointment.
It drops like a stone through the air.
And falls on your empty heart, loud.

Hurt.
It flies through your body.
Like poison coursing in your veins.
Tears.
The veil which separates.
Or the carrier of pain.

Silence.
The deafening sound.
The knife which cuts through a bond.
 Distance.
The route of an adventure.
The ribbon attached to something long gone.

Love.
The same music that plays.
In two soul's heart.
Memories.
The manuscipt filled.
With everything that brought us together, then tore us apart.

WEINI - A Cliche Love Story (but I am a lucky girl)

I knew from the start, this would happen.

Is it a cliche story? Is it? Cliche or not, it has to be told. I have to let it out. Or... or my head would explode. My heart will crumple under the weight of it all. My soul would be crushed to ashes. My... okay! Cut the crap! Moving on!

Yes, yes... it ALWAYS starts with a girl in love. The guy doesn't love the girl back and yea, you could guess what happens next. ALL THE TIME... Korean drama? Nope. Sick romance? Nope. True story of an ordinary teenage girl? Yeap! But yes, that is exactly what happened to me. I write this because I thought it is such cliche that everyone would have been through this before and therefore, can relate to it.

It all started when I met him (yea, yea, I can imagine you roll your eyes and think, doesn't it always happen that way?). Yes, of course I met him. If I didn't, there wouldn't be a love story to write. Is there?

He is a guy no one would give a second thought to. Nor a second glance. He's not special. No supermodel hotness. As far as I know, he has no abs either. Hmm... muscles? Maybe a little... But certainly no abs. I'm sure of it. Anyway, I am not the kinda a girl who like someone for his abs, looks or popularity. Yea, I've heard every girl say that. But whatever! He was no Prince Charming either. Although I have to admit he has a brilliant smile (which only I noticed). Nah, it's not blinding. Trust me, if it was, I would have been blind long ago.

Okay, okay. I hear you squirm in your seat. Patience, darling, patience. The story has just begun...

I met him in school. Years and years and years and years ago. Nah... actually it was just 15 years ago. But I can still remember how we met very vividly. I didn't fall in love immediately. I DON'T BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. Because that would mean it started with infatuation. Maybe love at first word then. Hey, laugh all you want, but people can fall in love with someone's voice, you know? Imagine, waking up to a sexy-voiced 'good morning, hunneh/darling/love/dear' every morning. Ahhh... who wouldn't be turned on and feeling good for the rest of the day? Anyway, I'm getting off topic, again.

So yes, we met in high school. I was innocent, naive and stupid and foolish and an idiot. Man! I wish I could go back and tell my 16 year old self what I know now. Now I'm 31. So it's pretty safe to say that I was indeed, a fool in love back then. Now, I'm all grown up and grown up. (wow! It feels good to say you're grown up. Grown up. *heart flutters with excitement* Grown up. *giggles*)

Anyway... we started talking (of course we did! I feel in love with his voice. And smile. And... him...). I never gave it a thought about our future. That in another few months, we're gonna be very close friend. That in another 1 year, we'd secretly fall in love with each other. That in another 1 and a quarter year, he'd tell me that he loved me all along when we were drunk (he was drunk, I wasn't.) because we secretly bought beer and indulged in drunkenness.

Opps. I just told you what happened. Yes, that's what happened. No, we didn't have drunken sex. We just lied down by each other in silence, staring at the night sky. Enjoying each other's presence. That's what I love about him. I learnt that night, that loving someone doesn't mean loving him. It's loving the moment you're with him. Loving the comfortable silence between you both that doesn't need to be filled in. Loving every inch of your life when he's there.

Okay, telling you that we just lied down in silence and did nothing special for the whole night is a blatant lie. But nope, we didn't have sex (I'm strict in my own principle. Sex is only allowed in marriage. I value these kinda things greatly). We kissed. My first kiss. What's that I hear? Laughing? Hey, I value my first kiss greatly I don't mind giving it away only when I think the time is right. Even if I was already 17 and a half by the time I gave it away when all my other friends were already WAAAAAY ahead of me.

I didn't regret giving my first kiss to him. I never will. We didn't jump into a relationship after that. But eventually, we fell out of each other. He said he wasn't ready for a relationship. Don't ALL guys say that. I was heart broken of course. We graduated high school. Went our separate ways. Ever heard of a quote 'if you fell out of love, it wasn't love at all'? I agree. We fell out of each other. But I never ever stopped loving him even once. Not once. Not ever. Even though I met a few other guys after him. None of them was as awesome/loving/deep/special/unique as him. No one could match up to him. Or replace his place in my heart. It's all reserved for him. I know that even if I got married with someone else, he will still be my first love, my first kiss. And I used to wish that I would be his last kiss too. When I grow older, I thought it was silly to think that way. People fall out but life goes on.

People out there? Girls want to be a guy's last kiss. Guys want to be a guy's first kiss. Trust me. Think about it, and you'll all agree with me.

About 7 years after the first time we met, we met in a cafe. I was typing a story on my laptop. He was there for a cuppa. He greeted me. He grew taller. Tanned. His voice, I noticed, was deeper. Of course he grew different in some ways. And he was pretty a successful 23 year old. It's 7 years! What do you expect? But he's still the same old him on the inside. And his smile... I've checked! He's still him. Same old humour. Same old jokes. He could still make our private jokes funny. The person I loved. The person I love. The person I will always love.

After a few dates, he wanted to be in a relationship. A serious one. So I accepted. Our courtship began. It was funny. Sweet. I wouldn't say short. But it was romantic. Not overly-done though. It was almost perfect... except for the time when we argued because I was sick of eating out and he didn't want to eat in. Or the time I didn't wanna have Italian for dinner but he insisted. Or the time when I wanted extra caramel in my popcorn and he said it was bad for my health. Or the time he insisted on paying for the bag I've been saving for ages for and I said no but he paid in the end. Oh! We didn't speak for 2 days until he said he'd accept my money in return. Or the time he said he's bringing me to the park for a picnic and he said I shouldn't prepare anything because everything was planned and I was like, what the heck? I wanted to plan it!

Other than all those big fights up there, there was nothing else that could spoil our courtship. Because I always win the arguments. I know he lets me win all the time. Sometimes, I wanted to let him win. Most of the time, he makes up to me later. The longest time we've never spoken was like... 4 days? (The extra caramel in popcorn argument) Nah, we don't stick to each other like Siamese twins or some icky-over-romantic couples out there who stick their tongues down each other's throat every single second and all over the place. Eww! I hate those kinda things! We gave each other space but we love each other each and every moment. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, doesn't it?

After about 2 years of courtship, he said "I love you". Did I mention that he never said those three words before? Neither did I to him. So when he said it, it was very precious. See? That's why I said, I don't like being like those icky-over-romantic couples out there. They say that to each other almost every other day. It will become meaningless and eventually, it becomes like a routine. Which in other words - boring.

He proposed. About one month later. In that freakin' Italian restaurant. This time, he really, really, really insisted that I go there. I gave in easily. Seeing that it has been sometime since we last went there, so yea, I didn't mind. It was romantic. It wasn't cliche. It was thoughtful. But it wasn't over-done. Just like him. Simple and meaningful. Just the way I like it. Am comfortable with.

There was no sudden musicians playing violins out of nowhere. There was no cake. He just went up to the stage, took the microphone, sang "Only You" and knelt down in front of everyone and proposed. I remember exactly the words he said, "Hey everyone. Today, I sing this song specially for someone whom I've loved for a long, long time. Although we've went our separate ways before, fate brought us together again. Today, is the 10th anniversary of our first meeting way back in high school. Also, today, I would like to ask this special girl *he kneels down* will you marry me?"

I could hear girls in the restaurant gasp. I could sense every girl in the room looking at me with envy. Some were saying "huh! You never did that for me!". I was proud. I was in love. I was crying with joy. A girl shouted, "Say yes!!!" then the others followed. I nodded slowly at first. Then I nodded faster, happily. And I said, "Yes, I will."

He jumped up in joy. He ran down the stage, towards me. He embraced me and planted a kiss on my forehead. Everyone clapped. After awhile, the crowd settled down. He slipped the ring on my fourth finger and kissed my hand. After the bills was settled. We went home to tell our family the news. Aaaaand it turned out that everyone knew. Everyone except me.

A wedding ceremony was held 3 months later. It was a perfect white wedding. The ones girls die for. The ones girls dream about. It was perfect. It was cliche. It is my story.

I love him forever and ever.

WEINI - Unlike Yesterday's World

His name was Brent.

My name was Hanna.

Yes, my name was Hanna. I'm not Hanna anymore. No one can call me Hanna like how Brent did. No one can make Hanna sound magical, special and beautiful like Brent did. It was an ordinary name, but to me, Brent made it special. My name is now Leah. Because Brent has gone... so must Hanna.

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

"Brent!!!!" Hanna ran up to him. She couldn't stop herself in time and collided squarely into his chest.

He laughed his special laugh that never failed to soothe Hanna, "What is it, Hanna?"

"Brent!!!!! I found a spider!!!" she squealed in delight. "By the window!!!"

"Oh!!! Let's go catch it!!!" Brent said excitedly.

So they both went and caught the spider in a container which added to their collections of their 'captives'.

"When I grow up, I want to be a scientist!" Hanna said loudly.

"Well I wanna be your teacher!" Brent said jokingly.

"Huh! Why do you always get to be my teacher? I wanna be YOUR teacher too!" Hanna whined.

"Fine, Hanna! You can be my teacher," Brent said.

"Yay!!!" Hanna whooped in joy.

"Just for today..." Brent added.

"Awhhhh... but that's not fair!!! You get to be my teacher EVERY DAY!" Hanna whined again.

"Well, today is your special day. So you get to be my teacher. If you become my teacher every time, then it wouldn't be special anymore, would it?" Brent said.

"Okay, today, I will be your teacher," Hanna grinned widely.

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

"Brent?" Hanna called.

"Yes, Hanna?" Brent replied.

"Can I come in?" Hanna asked.

"Sure... what's up?" Brent asked. "You don't look very happy... something bothering you?"

As if on cue, Hanna started crying. "Oh my God... Hanna... what happened?" Brent asked, carefully, as he moved towards Hanna.

"It's Jason..." Hanna sobbed.

"Oh... Jason... has he hurt you or something?' Brent asked.

"Yes..."

"That bastard!!!" Brent hissed angrily...

"Right here... it hurts..." Hanna touched her chest where the heart was supposed to be.

"Oh Hanna... shhhh..." Brent said as he hugged her tightly and rocked lightly as Hanna sobbed uncontrollably.

"He lied... and it hurts..." Hanna cried softly. "He lied... he said he'd love me forever... he lied..."

Brent nodded. He knew... guys are unreliable. That's why, he never gave his words of love in any form of promise to any girl. Because he was afraid he'd hurt someone. And he never want to hurt anyone.

Brent hugged her tightly as he rocked her, consoling her with his warmth. Comforting her with his embrace. He didn't have to say anything. Because he knew, nothing can mend a broken heart. And sometimes, silence is the fastest way to move time. And time sometimes, can make someone give up the hurt. But it can never, EVER, heal a wound. He knew. And he knew Hanna does too. And crying is the only thing in present that she can do. And he let her do it.

After hours and hours of crying, Hanna fell asleep. Brent moved her and placed her lightly on his bed. He looked at her. His delicate little girl. He leaned in forward and kissed her forehead. Sigh... first love always hurts, don't they?

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

Hanna was crying. Brent just held her hand by her side. Looking down at Hanna. They were at a funeral. Hanna's parents' funeral. They died in the car-crash which orphaned her. Now is just her. And Brent. She was alone. And Brent was her closest love. Her only love.

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

"Hanna!" Brent whispered. "Stay where you are! Do not come out no matter what!" Brent warned.

Hanna nodded. She was scared. It was written all over her face. Brent ran off leaving Hanna in her hiding place. After what seems like hours, she heard a guy shouted and then she heard a gunshot.

BAMB!

And she knew it. A shiver went down her spine. She trembled in fear where the merciless soldier would find her in her hiding place. She shivered at the thought at what they would do to her. They would probably do what to her what they did to the others.

Capture her. Bring her to the horrible laboratory. Inject her with a kind of virus. Or rape her first, maybe. And she will become like them. Mindless soul. Walking zombies. Feeling-less body moving across the borders and fighting for the merciless Landlord. That greedy Landlord who wants everything to himself. She saw them all. She saw her friends getting killed. She saw her mindless cousins walking like zombies towards the army from the other side of the border. Their heads being shot off and they were still walking. She'd rather die human. She'd rather.

"Hanna..." a breathless whisper startled her.

"Brent?"

"Hanna... you need to run... faster!" Brent said.

"I need to run? What about you? What happened Brent?" Hanna asked, panicking.

"Just go!" Brent's voice sounded painful.

"What's wrong Brent?" Hanna asked worriedly.

Brent grunted as he pressed his bullet wound by his right side.

"You're hurt!" Hanna said, tears streaming down her dirty cheeks.

"Don't worry about me. Run!' Brent said, pushing her. "Quickly!" Brent said impatiently while clutching at his wound.

The sound of the soldiers' feet was getting nearer and nearer. Hanna tried to put Brent's arm on her shoulder but he wouldn't have it. Instead, he kept moving away. In the end, Brent gave in and ran along with her.

They found an old warehouse and hid inside. They settled down in a corner. Their heart pace quickened when they heard the soldiers marched pass. They exhaled in relief when the soldiers' footsteps faded away.

"Brent..." Hanna whispered.

"Hanna... you should have run when I told you to..." Brent said in pain.

"But you were hurt! And I couldn't leave you alone!" Hanna said tearfully.

"Hanna... come here..." Brent said.

Hanna moved towards Brent and Brent embraced her. "Hanna... remember when we were younger? When you were six and I was nine?" Hanna nodded. "We caught a spider and mom freaked out..."

Hanna sniffled a sob. "When you were 15 and I was 18? I was working on my assignment and you came into my room? You cried because your first love broke your heart?" Hanna nodded. "You cried to sleep..."

"Stop Brent... don't..." Hanna knew where this was getting to...

"When you were 17 and I was 20? Mum and dad died in that horrible car-crash?" Brent continued despite Hanna begging him to stop.

"When you were 21 and I was 24. The Landlord defeated The Government and everyone who was captured were Infected with The Virus?" Brent said as he winced, remembering the horrible incident.

"Brent..." Hanna sobbed. Brent was dying. Only people who are dying talk like that.

"Hanna, I won't be here forever and I want to tell you that... I love you... Hanna..." Brent said.

"I love you too, Brent..." Hanna replied.

"Thank you, Hanna. For being my sister. For being my little girl... forever..." Brent said.

Hanna shook her head. No! She cannot lose Brent too! She can't! "Brent! Stop it! You won't die! I won't let you die! We'd get the bullet out and stitch the wound up. We'd go to the hospital!"

"You know the hospitals are corrupted. You know The Soldiers are everywhere. We can't go out of hiding," Brent said. He was giving up. This wasn't the Brent Hanna knew. This wasn't him.

"Hanna... you won't be alone. I may not be here with you, but I'd be in your heart. Forever," Brent said softly.

"I don't want you to be in my heart. I want you to be here with me too!" Hanna said.

"You know that's not possible... Hanna..." Brent said.

"It is possible!!!" Hanna said in exasperation.

Brent NEVER gave up!

"I love you Hanna..." Brent said for the last time and his breath faded away.

"BRENT!!!" Hanna screamed as if that would bring Brent back to Earth.

It never did.

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

I'm Leah. I'm 28. And I had a brother whom I love. He is the person I love the most. He is my first love. No one can ever replace him.. He was there when I was happy. When I was sad. When I was lonely. He will always be in my heart. My dear brother, I love you.

WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 9

EEEEKKK!!!

Who is scratching the table with the pencil again! I turned to find Aaron smiling stupidly and waved at me. I rolled my eyes and shook my head in annoyance. I really can't understand him.

Scartch, scratch, scratch.

I clenched my fist and jaw. I can't take this anymore!!!!! I banged on my table and stood up, "Will you stop it?" Wrong move. Now I feel everyone staring at me.

Aaron stared back at me with a shocked and innocent look. Why am I so mad at him? I glared at him. He gulped and I rolled my eyes before turning back to my work. People around us started whispering. Gawd!!! Why did I shout at him???

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. I can't help it... I'm mad at him. At Aaron... for... I don't know what reasons. Why am I mad at him?? He slept off on me and I slept off on him. We're equal... cool down, Alyse... deep breath...

Focus!!!

"Just... just... stop scratching..." I said through my clenched teeth. Argh!

-----------------------------------------------------
During recess, I noticed that Aaron kept adjusting himself uneasily in his seat. I kept glancing at him. His uneasiness made me feel uneasy too. I cleared my throat and said, "You okay?"

He nodded but he didn't look at me.

"You sure?"

He nodded some more. I looked at the Kitkat chocolate in my hands. I looked at Aaron who was still looking really interested in his food. I looked at my chocolate again. Should I offer it to him?

"You want one?" I offered.

He looked up slowly. And his eyes suddenly light up, "Sure!" and he reached out to my 'peace-offering'. I smiled and he smiled at me too. Somehow, I feel something lifted up my shoulders. So why did it bother me so badly in the first place?

"Sorry," we both said at the same time. We looked at each other and laughed. I guess we're back to ourselves. It's nice to be friends again. I guess we have a love-hate relationship. Yeah! Some fights and arguments make a friendship more exciting.

After recess, we were friends again. We never had long fights... one thing is because, we don't know each other long enough to be having The Real Fights yet. But nothing of cat-fights and stuff, I assure you on that one.

Anyway, after school, Aaron walked up to me and asked, "Hey Alyse... umm... it's school holidays next week. You wanna come over to my house to hang out or something?"

"Okay... what day are you free?" I asked back.

"Every day!" he said excitedly.

"Okay! I'd give you some surprise then! Hahahahaha!" I said laughingly.

"Right. My address..." he passed me a note.

"Okay. See ya!" I took the note and shoved it in my pocket.

Aaron grinned and walked towards his chauffeured car. Yeap! We're officially friends now.

I turned around and walked towards home (I walk home sometimes). Two more days to mid-term holidays. I can't wait for the days when I can sleep super late and wake up super late and NOT get detention for it. Loiter around the house like some lost soul. Surf the Internet 24/7. Read novels and cry my eyes out (nah! Just kidding. Romance novels which make you cry? Not my type AT ALL!)

Then a gaggle of girls walked pass me. I overheard their conversation:

Girl 1 : Hey, have you heard?
Girl 2 : What?
Girl 1 : Gabriel broke up with Stephanie!
All the other girls : Really???
Girl 1 : Shhh!!! I know right? And do you know what that means???
All the girls : GABRIEL IS SINGLE!!!
All the girls : Shhhhh!!!

Aaaannd they giggled. Sigh... although usually, what they did would have probably irritate my soul outta my body. An exception for today. Because TODAY, I felt divine and decided to forgive them for their silly giggling. I mean, how much better can the day get? One more missing point? Gabriel just haven't confess his undying love to me. If he did, it will be a PERFECT DAY!

Should I tell Aaron about it? Or Lara? Hmm... I'd tell both of them. Ahhhh! I can't wait to see Stephanie's face tomorrow... mwahahahahahahahaha! Gosh! I sound so sadistic now! Anyway, mwahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

WEINI - An Escapade

She stood up painfully. She was sick, but she went to the table and picked up her mobile phone. She dialled a number which is so familiar - my father's. She started crying, tears streaming down her face. Her pretty cheeks that was once pink but still flawless. She was beautiful when she was younger. I swear she was, I saw the pictures. When her smiles was carefree... When wrinkles of worries, didn't line her features like railway...

"Why are you outside? Where is your conscience???" she half shouted, and half cried down the phone.

"Wha... what?" he said angrily.

"MUM!!!" I said, preventing her from saying anything that might anger him further. I know he was drunk. I could hear the slurr in his voice. And I was scared.

She hung up the phone and broke down. I was angry. I was angry why she did that. Didn't she know how he'd come back with blood-shot eyes and threaten to kill her? Why was she doing that?

I knew something bad was going to happen. I sensed it. I told her to keep quiet when he comes home. She said she's been really patient. She was really patient and she's tired of trying to put up with him. Trying to keep it all together.

He came back. "What did you say just now? What was the last line you said?" he asked in a low hiss. I saw his dangerous eyes. His crouched posture. I knew what was coming. I knew. I closed my eyes. Wishing all of this would just go away. When he suddenly shouted, my eyes sprang open instinctively. It was coming. It was coming.

"I said you have no conscience!" she said. Shut up! Shut up!!! Stop!!!

"What???" he shouted. I said SHUT UP!!!

"What have you ever done for this family?" she said tearfully. No!! No!!!

He grabbed the nearest thing, a bamboo chair and wanted to hit her. I jumped in front of her as she shrunk as small as possible, like a frightened child. I should be the one shrinking. Kill me! Not her! She knew it was coming too. I can see it in her eyes. My sisters were crying. How can you do this to your children??? They are so young and innocent! They don't deserve to see this! Their father! I ushered them into my room and closed them in.

I tried to cool the both of them down. After a long time, I the calmed down. I felt that he was too much! He was blaming everything on my mother. She hyperventilated and I panicked. A father can show his love to his children by loving their mother. No, he didn't know what was his responsiblities as a father other than working and feeding us. His friends were more important.

After they went to sleep. My mom in the room and my dad in the living room, I went back to sleep. I was in and out of sleep. I was afraid that something might happen if I really slept. I strained my ears for something fishy. Just in case one of them decided to do something stupid when everyone was asleep. When no one could stop them. I was afraid.

Morning crept in sorrowfully. In a very melancholic way. Like it's mourning over the post-arguments. The house was quiet. Too quiet... what was wrong? I opened my bedroom door carefully. It squeaked painfully of rust. My dad's gone. Working.

My mum walked over and picked up her phone again. She called again. I tried and stop her...

I tried to talk to her. She told me about how she misses her deceased mother. She talked about how my dad promised her everything every woman want but like everybody else, didn't fulfil any of it. They never went on a honeymoon. But it doesn't matter anymore. She told me how my father's family treated her. Like a slave. Like a nobody. Like... life was something to be played with.

I cried. My grandparents? My uncles? My aunt? Doing that? I wanted them dead. I wanted ALL of them DEAD! I can't believe it. My mum! Crying! They don't deserve their beautiful, perfect life. They DON'T!

I'm afraid. Afraid of what might happen later. Of what might happen when he's home. He said he's calmed down... but he's unpredictable. I don't ever know how he'd react. I wanna hide. Sleep and never wake up. I want an escape. To a peaceful world.

But how? But when?

WEINI - Starting With 'U' - Chapter 8

First time reading this story? CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

It's two days now and I still feel so guilty for sleeping off when I was talking to Alyse on the phone. I tried talking to her, but it feels like the world was preventing me from talking to her today. Or is it that she's avoiding me? I can sense that she's really upset about the Nerd being un-singled by Stephanie Weatherly. Seriously, what does Alyse sees in him anyway?

I went to school, determined to apologise to Alyse. I feel really bad. It's rude. But I can't help it... so, I made sure I woke up extra early today and got ready. I spent about 20 minutes in front of the mirror, combing my hair down (bad hair day... bad sign??) and also practising my speech.

"Alyse, look, I'm sorry..." I tried with my puppy-dog eye. Weird.

"Alyse, look, I'm sorry..." I tried with my guilty-look expression. Pathetic!

"Yo, Alyse! Hey, look, I'm sorry about..." I tried casually. Nah, too fake.

"Erm... Alyse... look... I..." not confident.

"Hey... Alyse... I..." too... flirty..

After about a hundred tries, I finally decided to start with my usual line...
"Hi ALICE!" I greeted.

After about 15 minutes of waiting by my locker, Alyse finally came. I was going to walk up to her when Lara went up to her and hit her, really hard, on the back. Lara grinned when Alyse winced in pain. Alyse subconsciously rubs her back.

Lara said something perkily and Alyse mumbled something in return. Somehow, I feel that this girl, Lara, is up to no good. All the time. I mean, I might be too sensitive or something, but she seems to do things on purpose to hurt Alyse and then laugh or brush it off as joke. It might seem like a joke to others but to me, it's just plain mean.

When I greeted her, she didn't seem to have heard me.

"Alice?" I tried again.

"It's Alyse!" Lara snapped. The Mean B*tch, I call her.

I rolled my eyes at her and I looked back at Alyse. Her face was turning violet now. Okay, maybe she heard me...

"Sorry, Uh-leaaaase..." I emphasized on her name," I kinda slept off, that night... I am really sorry... really..." I explained but she held up her hand. So I stopped talking. I sighed as she walked away, leaving me feeling helpless as I watch her back.

After she disappeared down the hall, into the classroom, I made my way to the class too. I tried talking to her in the class. Saying how sorry am I and then changing it to other topics. I felt like I was talking to a dummy. Erm, a mannequin. She didn't reply, nor did she told me off. She just sat there and did her own work.

After school, I was thinking about a way to make her forgive me. Does she like flowers? Hmm... she doesn't look like the kind who gets impressed by flowers... nor chocolates. Teddy bear is out. How can she be the kinda girl who doesn't like what girls like? Maybe that was what made her different.

See? I knew Alyse is different from day one... anyway, back to the topic.

I was thinking what I should do just so she would forgive me. When I finally dug out an idea from my brain, that is, to call her. It was already 2 am. But she might be sleeping late. Who knows right? She hung up on me. After the 5th try, she picked it up.

"Hello? I think you called the wrong number..." she said in her drowsy voice. I suppressed my laughter. She's funny that way... how does she knows that this was a wrong caller? This is not even wrong!

"Uh... I don't think I called the wrong number, Alyse," I said, still trying really hard to control myself.

"Oh, you know me?" she asked sleepily.

"I'm sorry for calling you this late," I 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?" she said, suddenly so angry.

"Sorry, but it is an emergency," I explained.

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

"Oh, erm... please don't hang up," I pleaded desperately. Please don't let her hang up! This is my only chance!!!

"Wait, you're... Aaron!!!" she said, as it dawned on her that it was I, Aaron, on the line. I started panicking. PLEASE. DON'T. HANG. UP!

"Yes, please let me explain...3 minutes?" I begged. Please please please, GAWD please! If she doesn't hang up, I promise I will stop watching porn for 1 year!

"30 seconds..." she said firmly.

"1 and a half minutes?" I tried to bargain.

"15 seconds..." she replied with a yawn. She's gonna sleep!

"30 seconds..." I agreed.

"29, 28, 27, 26..." she 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," I explained as fast as I can.

"Hmm..." she said. Then, I heard her breaths become soft and steady.

Then there was a soft snore. Like a baby's. I can't help it now. I laughed. I recorded her snoring and hung up about a minute later. Wait, so did she forgive me or not?

I sighed and went to sleep.

RRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIING

Shit! I'm late! Again! When can I ever NOT be late? Why am I asking myself that question? Of course it's NEVAAAAARRRR!

Anyway, I rushed to school and met Alyse on the way into the school. Actually, it was more like a collision. No, actually, it WAS a collision. We were both late, as usual. We didn't even miss the Tardiness Lecture. She's an old fag. That teacher. Oh! Don't mind my language.
I leaned towards Alyse and whispered to her, 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..." Alyse's jaws pratically dropped to the ground. I thought I needed to help her pick it up. I winked. Suddenly, her surprised look changed into a deep frown. She's creepy that way. It's like, she keeps some face expressions masks somewhere and flip them when she wants to. I know right? Just creepy.
"Don't worry, I'd just post it in the school's website," I teased.

"Try doing that, and you'd understand why girls wear panties instead of boxers!" she hissed in reply. I gulped. Oh my God! What did she mean? She's not meaning my... my down there, is she?

She smirked. She SMIRKED! What the heck was THAT supposed to mean? Man! This woman is freakin' me out! Wipe off the smirk! WIPE IT OFF! I closed my eyes and opened them again. I looked at her. The Smirk was still there! Oh my God! That recording is going into my recycle bin! The instant I reach home!

WEINI

Previous part

WEINI - I Can't Tell You

It's been 15 years since I last heard his voice. His laughter and his contagious smile, is slowly fading from my mind. I am desperately trying to grasp them all... but they are slipping away... slowly... but so soon... too soon...
----------------------------------------------------------------
10 years ago...

When we were 17...
Alex and I were friends. Really close friends. Since 9 years old, as far as I can remember... In fact, we only had each other. One another and both of us. That's all we had. No one in school took notice of us and we didn't bother to show off our friendship.

Alex and I did everything together and I loved him a lot. I still do. As a sister, as a friend... as a girl. No, we're not biological siblings. We led different lives. He loved games and I loved books. We were different, but somehow, we clicked.

Alex liked a girl, Fiona. Fiona was the most popular girl in the school. It was no surprise that Alex, as a guy with hormones flying all over, fell for her too. I didn't really know her. However, I have to be honest that I didn't like the way she had Alex's attention by doing nothing. After all, who was there when Alex cried? Who was there when Alex was upset? Who was there for Alex at 3 am in the morning because Alex just had a fight with his brother?

One day, I told Alex. I told him that I loved him. He shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, Penny... I can't tell you the same thing back..." I shrugged it off. It's okay, it didn't matter if we were friends or couples. We're together and that's all I want. No... that was a lie. I wanted us to be together together. I want him to be my boyfriend. I want him to hold me and kiss me. I want him to tell me that he loves me back. I want him...

As days pass by, Alex was closer to Fiona than the day before... as for Alex and I, we drifted apart...we were talking lesser and lesser and lesser... until one day, we stopped talking altogether. And it hurts me.

One windy Saturday, Alex asked me out for a movie. So we did. Alex gave me a box wrapped neatly with a crimson red wrapper and a silver ribbon tied over it. He said, "Don't open it until 10 years later..." I asked, "Why?" He shrugged and said, "I can't tell! It's a surprise. And I hope I'd be there to share the moment when you open the boxes." I said, "But 10 years? That's long! What kind of surprise is that?" I was really curious but Alex was determined not to tell me anything... no matter how much I bugged him.

For the next 8 years, Alex gave me identical boxes and reminded me not to open them until the 10th year from the first gift. Every year, I was getting more and more impatient. They were not even heavy! They all felt empty. There weren't any clanging and noise when I shook it. Yet, every box was slightly heavier than the previous one.

On the ninth year, before the day he was supposed to give me my ninth box, Alex died. In a horrible car crash. Before he died, he told his mother to pass the ninth box and the tenth box with an envelope (which I was supposed to open also on the tenth year) to me when the time comes, to which his mother did. When Alex died, I was devastated. Now, I am all alone. I lost someone I loved for as long as I lived.

When the day where I was supposed to open all the boxes came, I was so... excited because I waited for 10 years? Proud because I didn't give in to temptation? Scared because I don't know what is inside? Sad because Alex is not here to share the moment like he said he would? Euphoric because it's the last thing I had from Alex? I don't know. It's a mash up of everything.

I made sure I was really alone to feel the magical moment. Or I thought it'd be a magical moment. I went to the spot under our favourite sycamore tree, near the cliff over-looking the sea. I closed my eyes and inhaled the fresh air. I can almost feel Alex's presence.

I felt my hands shaking when I loosen the ribbons. When I opened the first box, there was nothing inside but a piece of paper that said:

Dear Penny,

I love you.

Alex.

I felt tears forming in my eyes, blurring my vision. I wiped my tears and inhaled deeply. I thought I smelt Alex's bubblegum-flavoured shampoo... maybe it was just my imagination... I gathered my courage and opened the second box. Inside, was two pieces of papers:

Dear Penny,

I love you more each and every year.

Alex.

The second piece said:

Dear Penny,

I love you more and more every single day.

Alex.

In the:
Third box, there were 3 pieces : I love you because you're more beautiful than the year before. I love you because your smile is my sun. I love you because you're you.

Fourth box, there were 4 pieces : I love you because you're the first girl who touched my heart. I love you because you're the only person who showed me that tears are strength. I love you because you're the centre of my universe.

In every box from the 5th to the 9th, there were a number of papers, an additional one every year with Alex telling me why he loved me. In which my heart felt like it's being pulverised every single time I opened a note. Every single note made me feel sadder. But I smiled. Because Alex told me why he loved me in every each of them.

I felt so... I don't know how to describe this feeling. I want to cry and at the same time, whoop with joy and also, I felt frustration. If only he'd told me earlier. If only he was here. What if he IS here, right now, at this moment, what would have happened? Will there be awkwardness? A rush of happiness? Will we kiss?

When I reached out for the 10th box, I realised something different. This one had weight. I shook it. There was a blunt sound. Something was definitely inside. My heart pace quickened.
In the 10th box, there was only one piece of paper, somehow, my heart fell, why is there only one piece? I inhaled deeply and opened the note:

Dear Penny,

I love you. Will you marry me?

Alex.

There in the box... was a ring. At this, I cried harder. Alex... is not here anymore. Alex is gone. I want to say yes. But... there's no Alex to say 'yes' to. I took the ring and rolled it between my fingers. Finally, I slipped it in my fourth finger. I suddenly felt 'married' and also so disappointed. It's the end... this is it... the last thing from Alex. Something that I wanted the most...

Then I remembered! There's an envelope.

I reached for the envelope in my bag pack. I slowly opened it. Trying to absorb every moment... I took out the letter:

Dear Penny,

If you receive this letter... I really want to apologise. I didn't want to jinx myself but you never know what might happen next. If you're reading this letter, that means I'm not around anymore. I really love you, Penny. From the bottom of my heart. I love you since before you told me you love me. I lied. I never liked Fiona... she was just someone I went to because I didn't have the guts to tell you I love you because I wasn't sure how you'd react. I was scared. I'm sorry, Penny... I hope you can find happiness.

Love... Alex.

I can't cry anymore. This hurts so bad. Alex jinxed himself! I'm sure he did! Why can't he just tell me he loves me? Why can't he just tell me that he loves me when I said I love him? Why can't he just tell me?

WEINI

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

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