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Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12  


Chapter 1

Vicki Chiu
Age: 22
Desp: Mischievious and fun-loving

Alec Su
Age: 24
Desp: Sensible and sensitive

Vivian Hsu
Age: 21
Desp: Fun-loving and cheeky

Jimmy Lin (Chenxiang in Po Lien Lantern)
Age: 22
Desp: 'Childish' and sensible

He Jiawen a.k.a Vivi (Tian Rui in Po Lien Lantern)
Age: 19
Desp: Perky and mischeivious

Nicholas Tse
Age: 20
Desp: Rich and bossy

Wang Yan (Qing Er in HZGG2)
Age: 26
Desp: Level-headed and motherly

Benny Chan (Er Tai in HZGG1)
Age: 26
Desp: Calm and the big brother there

Celest Chong
Age: 19
Desp: Outgoing and cheeky

Stefanie Sun
Age: 20
Desp: Sporty and level-headed

Ruby Chan (Ruby Lin)

Vicki laughed delightfully and said to her best friend, Vivian, "Vivian! I can't believe we are going to Hawaii! Oh. My. Gawd!"
She stuffed a bag of Kisses in her luggage and tried to close it.
Then, she stuff a Nokia MP3 Phone, a novel, a bottle of mineral water, packets of nuts, sweets, chocolate, salad, a journal, a pen, a T-shirt, a pair of shorts and a small torchlight in her duffel bag.
"Oh yeah, Vicki, my cousin, Alec is coming with us. Plus his friend Jimmy." said Vivian.
"'Kay.."
They headed off to the airport.

"HIYAAAA!" screamed Vicki as she caught sight of her group. There were some people she did not know.
"Hello Vicki." said Wang Yan. "This is Benny Chan, my fiance. And his sister, Ruby. And her friend Stefanie Sun."
"Hiya." said Vicki brightly. Ruby smiled in a rather demure way at her. Stefanie, in her energetic way, grinned at Vicki and said, "HIYO!" loudly.
Vicki caught sight of Jiawen from afar. She ran to her when suddenly, a cart banged onto herself.
"OWWW.." groaned Vicki, still closing her eyes. She slowly opened them and looked into the eyes of a cute guy.
She got up slowly. The cute guy looked at her and thought how, cute and hyperactive she looked. He stared dreamily at her when she waved a hand in front of his eyes.
"HEELLLOOO? Looking at girls?" asked Vicki. "Oww! You did hurt my back! Next time, look where you are going! Too busy watching girls is it?"
"'Kay." said Alec looking rather distracted.
Vicki glared at him and said, "Puh-lease!! The least you can do is say sorry! S-O-R-R-Y!"
Alec snapped out of his daydream and glared back. : "SORRY. Why are you so crabby?"
"Cos my back still hurts! What are you carrying there? Rocks?" said Vicki.
Alec ignored her and smiled at Vivian.
"ALEC!" shouted Vivian and flung herself onto him. "ALEC KOR KOR!"
Vicki looked confused. "You mean he is...your cousin?" she asked.
"Yep." said Vivian.
Vicki said, "You mean I have to go to Hawaii with...this girl-watching, blurr blurr guy?"
Then, Jimmy Lin, Alec's friend came and say hi. Vivian looked dazed. He is soooooo cute, she thought gazing at him.
"Hiya." chirped Vicki.
A patter of footsteps interrupted their converstation.
"HHHHEEELLLLLOOO." Jiawen said grinning. Wang Yan pinched her cute, inquisitive face playfully and introduced everyone again.
"Wahhhh....Yan jiejie! You got engaged already ahhh.." teased Jiawen. "Hmmm....Benny kor cute hoh..you've got good taste!"
Stefanie laughed. Then, a deep voice said, "Hi guys."
"Nicholas!" said Vicki grinning. The rest smiled at him.
"Time for our flight.." said Ruby. The rest nodded and some looked excited.
"YAY!" said Vicki, Vivian and Stefanie at the same time. They grinned at each other as they went on board...


Chapter 2

They were in the Economy Class in the plane. Wang Yan and Benny were in a window seat. Stefanie, Vivian, Vicki, Alec and Jiawen were in the same row. Jimmy was sitting with Nicholas while Ruby sat with a girl they did not know.
“Hi I’m Celest,” said Celest.
“Hello I’m Ruby,” said Ruby.
“Hey how old are you?” asked Celest, trying to be nice.
“None of your business. Stop being such a busybody!” said Ruby coldly.
Celest, who gets angry easily, glared hotly at her and said, “Snob,” Then, she turned away pointedly.

Meanwhile, Vicki and the rest were having fun. The food came.
“Look at this pizza!” said Vicki grinning. “It looks like a piece of squashed up squirrel!”
“Yep.” chirped Jiawen. “And these mango pudding looks like those stuff oozing from someone’s skull in that horror movie!”
Alec turned green. “Uh, I don’t think I can eat anymore!”
Vicki laughed and wickedly whispered in his ear, “And do you know that the pineapple cake looks like my dog’s barf! Really! All yellowish and thick!”
Alec playfully punched Vicki in her arm. Remember, even though he thought Vicki is beautiful, he only treated her as a friend or a sister!
“This food is nice okay! Don’t make me loose my appetite! So bad ah you…” Alec chided her.
Vicki laughed and murmured to herself, “I realize that this chocolate cake looks like poop…”
Vivian turned pale. Stefanie laughed. Alec looked sick.
“Here. Take my food. I have no more appetite.” Said Alec.
Vicki said, “Thanks!” and took the cake and the pudding and stuffed it in her bag. She began to eat the pizza.
“Eww! Really tastes like run over squirrel!” said Vicki. Everyone laughed at her disgusted look.
“The cake is really nice.” Said Stefanie.
Then, the pilot said, “This is Eugene Hendricks here. The plane will be landing in five minutes time. Please put on your seatbelts. The temperature in sunny Honolulu is 28 degrees Celsius. Thank you for coming to Hawaiian Airlines. Have a nice trip!”
“Later we will be taking a small boat to an island paradise called Pele Island. Pele is the volcano goddess.” Said Jiawen.

After going out of the airport, they took a cab to the jetty. There, a small boat called “Pirate” waited for them. Nicholas was steering the boat. They boarded the boat with their luggage.
“How long will this take?” asked Vivian.
“About two hours.” Replied Nicholas.
Vicki groaned.
When they were in the middle of nowhere, the boat stopped.
“What’s wrong?” asked Jimmy.
“We’re doomed.” Said Nicholas, with a stricken look on his face.
Everyone in the boat immediately crowded around Nicholas.
“Look.” He said, pointing to a hole in the boat. Water was gushing in rapidly. They were in the middle of nowhere, with no repair kit.
Everyone gasped.


Chapter 3

“WHAT!” said Jimmy.
“Yeah, never mind, we’ll wait in that island! Lots of ships pass by!” said Nicholas.
“We can’t.” said Vivian.
“Yep. ‘Cause Nicholas just took the wrong way. We are now stuck in the Caribbean, miles and miles away from Hawaii or anywhere. I don’t think ships come here too,” said Jiawen shaking her head.
“Oh my gawd!” said Vicki using her favorite expression. “You irritating idiot Nicholas Tse!”
“Sorry.” said Nicholas sheepishly scratching his head.
Then, suddenly, Stefanie screamed.
Everyone turned to her. Water was flowing rapidly in the boat. It was sinking rapidly.
“AUGH!” screamed Wang Yan clinging onto Benny.
Water continued flowing into the boat. Then, the boat sank…

Everyone cling to the side of the boat. Alec said, “Try to swim to that island.”
It was about 500m away.
Everyone groaned and tried to swim there. They paddled and kicked and groaned. Vicki almost fainted halfway there but luckily, Alec gave her a piggyback. Wang Yan held onto Benny.
Finally, they reached the island. Vicki was slumped on the sand while Stefanie was kissing the ground. Alec ran to Vicki and gently patted her on her back. Vicki spat out water… into Alec’s face.
Vivian and Jimmy laughed hysterically and their eyes met. They stared at each other for a split second and quickly looked away, blushing.
Alec looked worried. He asked Nicholas, “Nick, where on Earth are we?”
Nicholas looked ‘blur’. “Huh?” he said. “Uh, I don’t know.”
Wang Yan gave an irritated sigh. “You! Shouldn’t bring you along if we knew you would cause so much trouble!”
Nicholas looked apologetic.
Vicki giggled. She said, “Well, I guess we’ll have to be stranded here in this Tarzan-like place until a boat passes by, which isn’t possible, boats don’t come here. Let’s take an inventory of our food stuff.”
They emptied their backpacks.
“Okay, lemme see,” said Jiawen.
Vicki had 4 small packets of chocolates and nuts plus some Kisses. She also had the chocolate cake and the pudding from the plane. Alec had four cheese sandwiches. Vivian had Hershey’s and jellybeans. Jimmy had two packets of istant noodles. Jiawen had gummy bears. Nicholas had baby formula. (When Jiawen asked him about it, he scratched his head and said he’s and his baby sister’s food package must have gotten mixed up. Everyone groaned.) Wang Yan had a small tin of Onion and Sour Cream Pringles. Benny had a big tin of Pizza Pringles and some gum. Stefanie had some nougat. Ruby had cream crackers.
“I’m starving. I hope I don’t get to eat only these stuff!” said Stefanie.
“Hey I brought a tent along!” said Benny.
“Me too.” Quipped Jiawen.
“Okay… so Alec, Vicki, Vivian and Jimmy share a tent. Uh, Nicholas, Yan, Benny and Jiawen share one.” Said Ruby. “Stefanie and I can sleep outside.”
Everyone nodded except Vicki.
“Alec, you and Jimmy sleep outside. Let the girls come in!” Vicki said.
Alec grinned and nodded. “Don’t worry, we are gentlemen!” Then, he pretended to sweep a top hat off and said in an English voice, “Would you ‘car’ ‘ta’ be ‘ma’ ‘daaancee’?” (Translation: Would you care to be my dance?)
Vicki laughed. She playfully punched Alec on his arm.
“Okay, quit fooling you guys.” Said Benny smiling.
“Yes, Daddy.” Said Vicki looking demure.
“Hey! We’re like the Swiss Family Robinson… or Robinson Crusoe… or like Tom Hanks in Cast Away!” said Ruby dreamily.
“Yeah. Now I know how uncomfortable they feel when they first arrived. All drenched and with sand all over!” snorted Wang Yan. “Everyone got a change of clothes?”
Everyone nodded. Then, behind them, they heard a rustling of leaves and a bark.
“Who’s that?” said Stefanie rather fearfully.


Chapter 4

The rustling sound came. Again. Nicholas bravely walked forward and said loudly, “Who is there!” The rustling sound came, louder than ever.
“Eeeaaarrrgggghhhh!” screamed Nicholas jumping on Jiawen. Jiawen stared at him looking amused.
“Coward.” She said laughing. Then, a dog ran out of the bushes barking loudly. Nicholas hid behind Jiawen. Then, a girl stepped out.
“ARGHH!” screamed Nicholas again, expecting a man-eating savage.
Everyone looked at the girl. She had long hair that was streaked brown. Her square face had a broad grin. She was really pretty.
“C-C-Celest?” said Ruby looking shocked. “What are you doing here?”
Celest looked at her with disdain and said, “My boat capsized. I swam here. I never expected someone to come here! Why are you all here?”
Vivian said, “Our boat sank.”
Celest nodded. “How do you get to know Ruby?” asked Stefanie.
Celest said, “I TRIED to be friendly with her on the plane. But she snubbed me.”
Ruby glared at her. “Well, this is Xiaoyanzi, my cocker spaniel. Can I join you all in your adventure?” Celest asked ignoring Ruby.
“Sure.” Said Jimmy. “What a coincidence!”
“Yeah right.” Muttered Ruby. Celest smiled at everyone. They liked her instantly. She looked friendly and level-headed.
“Your hair streaks are a really nice colour!” said Stefanie. “What did ya get them?”
“Oh, thanks! Got it from Hair Amazon.” Said Celest smiling at Stefanie.
Ruby glared at Stefanie.
Vicki quickly broke in when she saw it. “Uh, guys, cut it out.”
Ruby stuck out her tongue at Vicki. Stefanie saw it and looked shocked. This wasn’t like the normal, gentle, soft-spoken Ruby. Vicki glared hotly at Ruby and was about to shout at her when Alec quickly put his hand over her mouth.
“C’mon, we’re stuck here and we don’t need any enemies.” Said Alec. Vicki snorted and wriggled out of his grasp. She quickly went to Jiawen. Jiawen grinned at her grumpy face.
“Vicki jie, don’t be like that. Ruby is just irritated with Celest. But actually ah, I like Celest!” said Jiawen.
Vicki smiled at her and said, “I’m starving! Can we eat!”
“Yeah. A gummy bear and two small spoons of instant noodles each. Very scrumptious.” Said Stefanie dryly.
Celest laughed and said, “I brought 14 granola bars.”
Stefanie said, “Good! At least we have 14 granola bars more in our inventory!”
Ruby snorted rudely.
“Ruby! Stop being so unreasonable! Just because you don’t like Celest, doesn’t mean other people can’t like her!” shouted Jiawen.
Ruby looked positively mad and slapped Jiawen. Jiawen looked shocked and she shouted, “BITCH!” to Ruby. Ruby quickly ran off, tears streaming from her face.
“Ruby!” said Jimmy. “What’s wrong with her?”


Chapter 5

Ruby ran and ran. She stopped suddenly and sat down in front of a clear, blue sparkling pond. She buried her face in her palms and cried hysterically. Then, she heard someone running behind her.
“Go away!” screamed Ruby.
“Ruby.” said the ‘someone’. Jimmy. “What’s wrong with you?”
“None of your business.” Said Ruby coldly.
“Tell me.” Said Jimmy gently. “It’ll make you feel better.”
Ruby nodded reluctantly and began:
“Just a month ago, we went wild party. Everyone was drinking and some were even taking ecstasy and heroin. After a while, when we were ‘high’, we got onto a friend’s van. We sped around shouting and laughing. Then, a screech was heard. It hit someone. Two someones. My boyfriend AND best friend were thrown out of the van.”
Ruby paused, closing her eyes. Imagining the horrible scene.
She continued,
“They died instantly. Their heads were cracked. Blood was everywhere. We all got out of the van. I was almost hysterical. Then, we caught sight of the two bodies lying on the road. I ran to them, realizing that they were my COUSINS! One was killed but the other one only suffered a broken leg as her sister tried to save her but died instead. I became totally mad. They wanted me to be put in a asylum but my guardian, my godmother disagreed. I was thinking it’s my fault. Then, Stefanie, my best friend, brought me to Hawaii, wanting me to forget about it.”
Jimmy listened, shocked. It was such a tragedy. Three people killed for nothing. No wonder Ruby is like that, I’d be crazy if that happened to me, he thought. Ruby buried her face in his chest and sobbed uncontrollably.
When she stopped at last, she realized that she felt better. She looked up at Jimmy’s face. She felt herself falling for him.
“I’ll tell you my problem.” Said Jimmy grinning. “I like Vivian. More than a friend, that is. So, since you are a girl, how would you want me to tell you I like you?”
Ruby froze. Here was a guy she likes and he had to like someone else!
She shrugged and quickly walked back.
Jimmy thought she was still thinking about the accident. He followed her back.

At night, Vivian let out a scream. Jimmy quickly ran to her and asked her what’s wrong.
“Oww, I got a splinter in my finger.” Wailed Vivian.
Jimmy took a needle from his backpack and expertly flicked the splinter away.
Vivian smiled at him. “Wow. What a smile.” thought Jimmy. They stared into each other’s eyes. They moved closer and closer…
“AHEM” said Ruby giving Vivian a pointed look. Vivian quickly pulled away, blushing.

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

Vicki, Jiawen and Alec were taking a walk.
“Oooh, look! Mango trees!” said Jiawen in glee.
“I’ll pick some for everyone!” said Vicki grinning.
“Vic-“ began Alec but Vicki was already trying to climb up.
“Gimme a shove up, Alec!” said Vicki. Alec held her by her waists and quickly shoved her up. Like a monkey, Vicki climbed up deftly.
“Be careful.” Said Alec looking worried. “Can’t let anything happen to my mei mei!”
“I am not your mei mei!” teased Vicki.
Vicki grabbed at some mangoes but missed. She grabbed another bunch and threw it down. Alec and Jiawen quickly gathered them up. Vicki took another mango and threw.
It landed with a sickening SPLAT on Alec’s head. Jiawen gave a shriek of laughter while Vicki looked sheepish and apologetic.
“SORRY.” She said and began throwing more mangoes at them.
“We’ll have enough to last us a month!” exclaimed Jiawen.
Then, they heard a fierce growl. Alec turned around. A BEAR!
Vicki screamed and without thinking, she jumped off the tree, gathering her mangoes. The bear came.
Alec grabbed hold off Vicki’s arm and shoved her in front. The bear scratched him in the front. Vicki gasped. Jiawen quickly picked a stone and threw it on the bear’s head.
“BULLSEYE!” she said as the bear dropped on, unconscious. Alec was bleeding profusely in his chest.
“ALEC!” they screamed.


Chapter 6

“Ah! SOS! Alec’s hurt!” screamed Jiawen.
“Yeah,” said Vicki, a worried frown appearing in her usually cheerful face.
Jimmy rushed in front and his face turned pale when he saw Alec, semi-conscious, bleeding profusely. He quickly took a small first-aid kit from Vivian’s bag. He grabbed gauze, iodine, cotton buds and a bandage. Vicki quickly took off his shirt. Jimmy quickly help him treat his wound.
“Alec...” murmured Vicki. Alec opened his eyes slowly and tried to get up.
“No! Don’t get up. C’mon Jimmy, carry Alec to our tent. I’ll take care of him.” Said Vicki. Jimmy nodded and they carried Alec to the tent.
“Huh?” said Alec, looking ‘blur’ again.
“You got scratched by that bear remember? You saved my life you know. The bear could have smashed my head in a second!” said Vicki with a shudder.
“Yeah… so you owe me one packet of your M n M’s! I’ve been CRAVING for that!” teased Alec.
“Sure. Lemme give you TWO instead!” said Vicki and smacked his chest playfully.
“OW!!! CRAZY AH YOU VICKI CHIU!” shouted Alec clutching his chest in pain.
“Oops, sorry.” Said Vicki sheepishly. Celest poked her head in.
“Wow. What’s wrong with Alec?” she asked looking concerned. Vicki told her what happened.
“I know how to cure these stuff.” Said Celest smiling. She took a tin of ointment from her backpack and handed it to Vicki.
“Here. Rub your boyfriend’s chest.” Teased Celest.
Vicki stuck her tongue at her. “I’ll take a cotton bud.” She said.
“No! Cannot! Rub WITH your bare hands.” Said Celest.
Vicki groaned and smeared some ointment on her palm. Wincing inwardly, she rubbed her palm across Alec’s bare chest.
“Vicki. Don’t be so shy. Never mind, I can do myself.” Said Alec as he rubbed some ointment on his chest.
Vicki gave a huge sigh of relief. After a while, she saw that Alec’s chest no longer had the deep cuts.
“WOO HOO!” shrieked Vicki. She grinned at Alec and said to Celest. “Celest, you are a lifesaver!”
Ruby walked past and wrinkled her nose. She said out loud, “Anyone can get that cheap thing.”
Vicki’s eyes flashed. She was about to run outside when Alec grabbed her hand.
“Don’t.” he said firmly. “She has, uh, mental problems.”
“Then bring her to Woodbridge.” Muttered Vicki angrily. Alec laughed at her angry face and pinched her cheeks.
“You look cute when you are angry!” he teased.
“I better not disturb you lovebirds.” Said Celest. Vicki blushed and removed Alec’s hands from her cheeks.
“I tell you, Celest, Alec is just my ‘kor’, so ’kors’ always tease their ‘mei’! We are not a BGR!” said Vicki.
Celest nodded and said, “Whatever you say.” Alec quickly put on his shirt and said, “Okay dinner time!”
“Yeah right. Two spoonfuls of macaroni, DELICIOUS.” Said Vicki sarcastically.
“Well, for a change, let’s have ¼ a granola bar each! Yum!” said Celest beaming. Vicki rolled her eyes and quickly divided 3 granola bars into 4 pieces. She called for everyone and handed them their piece.
In 10 seconds, their ‘dinner’ was finished. It didn’t take long to finish a mini granola bar. “I’m still hungry.” Grumbled Vivian. Jimmy took a candy bar from his backpack and offered it to her. Vivian smiled gratefully and broke it into half, offering a piece to Vicki. Vicki broke hers into three parts and offered them to Alec and Jiawen. Soon, everyone had a small piece, except Ruby, that is. She pouted and glared at everyone. Celest broke hers into half and offered it to Ruby when she saw her face. Ruby sniffed and shook her head. Celest rolled her eyes. Only Alec and Jimmy, who knew about the news, looked sympathetic.

After dinner, Vicki dragged Alec into the bank near the pond and grinned mischievously.
“Alec, you like Ruby huh?” asked Vicki.
“Huh?” said Alec.
“There you go. That blur face again.” Said Vicki. “C’mon, its so obvious. You always defend her! Oooh…”
“I don’t. Lemme tell you her tragic story.” Said Alec and began telling Vicki about Ruby’s past life.
When he finished, Vicki turned pale.
“Oh my gawd. No wonder.” Said Vicki. “How horrid.”
Alec nodded his head sadly.
“Then who do you like?” asked Vicki suddenly poking her head in front of his face in an inquisitive way.
“You look so cute when you do that.” Said Alec cocking his head. Vicki blushed and smacked his at the back of his head.
“Idiot! Always say I cute! Flirt.” teased Vicki.
Alec laughed and looked at the blue pond.
There was an uncomfortable silence. Vicki said, “Aei, Alec, why so quiet suddenly?”
Alec shrugged and turned to face Vicki.
“Thinking about what will I do if what happened to Ruby happened to me…” said Alec.
Vicki nodded and said, “I don’t think I can ever live though it.”
Alec nodded and said, “Ruby is really strong.”
Vicki grinned and asked, “So you LIKE her?”
Alec shook his head. “I don’t LIKE her, I just admire her. I don’t like anyone yet.”
Vicki said, “Hmm… okay then. You are just too shy.”
Alec glared at her.
“Uh, okay okay! Don’t be mad!” said Vicki still grinning.
”I’ll tell you. She is…” said Alec while Vicki leaned forward her eyes gleaming. “She is… NO ONE. Really! I’m not interested.”
Vicki slumped and said looking bored, “You very boring guy.”

Then, a scream interrupted them.
“Arghhh!”
Vicki quickly ran towards the direction. It was Vivian. She was surrounded by a swarm of bees. “Ahh! Help me!” she screamed and suddenly collapsed on the floor.
“VIVIAN!” Vicki shouted.


Chapter 7

“Vivian!!!” Vicki shouted hysterically.
“Oh god.” Muttered Alec and carried Vivian into the tent.
“Hey guys-“ said Jimmy walking in the tent whistling. He stopped short when he saw Vivian. His face turned ashen pale. “WHAT HAPPENED TO VIVIAN?” he said.
“She got stung by bees,” said Vicki as tears fell from her eyes.
“I can take care of her,” said Jimmy hurriedly, looking concerned.
Vicki saw the Look in his eyes and agreed. They left the tent.
Jimmy held Vivian’s hand.
“Vivian… please wake up,” he said.
Vivian’s hand twitched slightly. Jimmy looked at her intently. Then, her eyes fluttered open.
“VIVIAN!” shouted Jimmy. “I thought I’d never see you again.”
Vivian smiled and said, “You definitely will…”
They moved closer and closer until their lips met…
Little did they know Ruby was lurking outside, watching them kissing, fuming silently. I’ll get you, Vivian, she thought.

“I’m so worried!” said Vicki throwing up her hands. “I - I have heard of people DYING from bee stings!”
“Don’t worry.” Said Alec. “I think Vivian already woke up and is having a good time with Jimmy.”
Vicki gave a slight smile.
“Tell you what. Let’s go exploring.” Said Alec.
“At NIGHT?!?” retorted Vicki.
“Don’t you think it is more fun?” asked Alec.
Vicki grudgingly nodded and said, “Where?”
Alec pointed to a pitch-dark area.
“M-Must we go there?” asked Vicki fearfully.
“Don’t worry… Alec the great will protect you!” said Alec and threw out his chest.
“Ha! Some Superman! You’re too skinny!” said Vicki rolling her eyes.
“Whatever. Let’s go,”
Alec took Vicki’s hand. Vicki walked along with Alec, grumbling.
“Ew! So much mud!” she muttered. “Ruin my Nike shoes!”
Alec rolled his eyes and said, “Come ON!”
Vicki, still grumbling, followed Alec. They walked for about 20 minutes before they reached a big oak tree with a kind of ‘curtain’ made of moss and creepers.
Vicki looked confused.
Alec smiled and pulled away the ‘curtain’. Vicki peered in and gasped.
It was the most beautiful sight ever! Behind the ‘curtain’ is a small garden. Like a secret garden. There was a pond in the middle, bubbling merrily and its surface shimmering slightly. Behind the pond is a willow tree, its slivery branches glistening with dewdrops. Flowers were dotted everywhere. A few butterflies flitted from flower to flower. Mist hung low. Moonlight was reflected in the garden, illuminating it like a magical lagoon in a fairy tale.
“Oh my gawd, this like soo beautiful…” murmured Vicki smiling.
“I know. I discovered it yesterday.” Said Alec.
“Reminds me of the secret garden in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. That is my fave classic!” said Vicki.
“Mine too…” said Alec. “I used to think it is ‘sissy’, but after coming here… I know how Mary feels!”
Vicki nodded still smiling. “I’ll remember this forever! But brr… it IS chilly here.”
Alec looked sheepish. “I know. Should have brought you a jacket. Sorry.”
“Never mind. Showing me this is enough.” Vicki said chattering.
“Uh, if you don’t mind,” said Alec. Vicki looked at him quizzically.
Alec put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed her.
Vicki flushed. She wanted to pull away but she felt so warm in Alec’s arms. She looked up suddenly and found Alec looking back at her..
She stared into his eyes.
Oh my gawd, what am I doing, thought Vicki but she leaned forward.
Their lips met into a soft and lingering kiss. Or rather, kisses.
Vicki felt Alec’s lips on hers faintly. He pulled away, and then kissed her again. She felt herself blushing, her heart throbbing… Vicki pulled away after a few seconds (of the kiss). She rested her head on Alec’s shoulder and closed her eyes…

Vicki slowly opened her eyes. It was already morning. She blinked and found her head on Alec’s shoulder, with his arms around her waist. Suddenly, she remembered what happened last night. She quickly untangled herself from Alec’s grasp.
Alec opened his eyes. He saw Vicki staring at him intently.
“Huh?” he said, looking confused and scratched his head. Vicki felt like laughing at his tousled hair and confused face. She would, if she treated him as a brother, like last time. Alec suddenly remembered ‘last night’.
“Erm, Vicki,” he stuttered. “About…last night,”
Vicki bit her bottom lip and said curtly, ”Look, take it as an accident okay? ACCIDENT. WE just got out of hand.”
Alec stared at her and nodded reluctantly. He stuck out his hand. “Friends?”
“Friends. ONLY.” Said Vicki with a smile. They quickly returned to the campsite.

“Hiya!” said Vicki cheerfully.
Vivian smiled at her and quickly grabbed her arm.
“Vicki,” she hissed. “You sound weird. Anything wrong?”
“Wrong? WHY, nothing!” said Vicki, with a forced smile.
Vivian rolled her eyes. “Tell me,”
Vicki nodded limply. “Last night, I went with Alec to this lovely place, like a secret garden. Then, I don’t know why, but we ended up kissing. I-I…”
“So don’t know whether it is an accident or if you really love him.” Said Vivian smartly.
“Yeah,”
“Ohh… well, Jimmy and I are an item now!” said Vivian.
“Congrats.” Said Vicki nonchalantly. “You know, I think I like Alec but I just, well, I treated him as a brother only. I used to hate all these love-love stuff! Now… I know why people get so depressed over it.”
“Well, just think. You like him as a brother or as a boyfriend?” said Vivian.
Vicki buried her head in her hands and gave a shout of agony.
Vivian smiled and shook her head.

Alec was tossing stones in the pond. “Do I like Vicki? Of course I do. But as a sister or as a girlfriend? Her being my sister is much easier. Why must I bring her there? Why must we kiss? It only makes things difficult. You idiot Alec. Must you kiss her? Argh!!! Love… idiotic thing.”
He continued tossing stones in the pond.


Chapter 8

Alec and Vicki were avoiding each other. The group was quite irritated with them. They did not know the real reason so they thought they were quarrelling. Alec and Vicki, not wanting to give the real reason, made them believe this. Only Vivian knew about this.
“Alec, Vicki, can you stop quarrelling? We are stuck in the middle of nowhere, with not much food and you still think of all these?” said Benny.
Vicki stuck out her tongue and Alec looked away. Benny gave an exasperated sigh.
They had a mini-breakfast, consisting of 1/5 a granola bar each. Then, suddenly, a strong wind blew past.
“Brr…” said Stefanie shivering. “Why suddenly got this wind?”
“I dunno,” said Vicki rubbing her arms. Alec took off his jacket and put it around her. Everyone did not take much notice as Alec always did that. But this time it is different. Vicki flushed and looked down.
Alec also flushed and looked away.
Then, another gush of wind blew past.
“I hope it won’t be a monsoon or whatever!” said Wang Yan worriedly.
Suddenly, as if to answer to her question, another strong and chilly gust of wind blew past, chilling them to the bones. Vicki wrapped Alec’s jacket tighter around her. She felt much warmer. Everyone was taking jackets out of their bags.
“Why got all these weird stuff!” said Vivian, half-fearfully. Jimmy put his arm around her. Ruby glowered and secretly stuck out her middle finger at Vivian.
Suddenly, a clap of thunder sounded. Jiawen shrieked and covered her ears. They looked fearfully around, as if they are expecting the sky to fall on them. Then, rain pelted down.
Everyone dashed for cover. Celest pointed to a cave and they all made a run for it. At last, they reached the cave. It was dry and nothing inside except sand. They sank to the ground, listening to the rain. Xiaoyanzi, Celest’s dog, was whimpering.
Vicki sat down and thought about her family… her home… they all seemed so far away and impossible. She thought of all the times she spent with her family. She felt tears coming out from her eyes. She sniffled dolefully and buried her head in her hands.
Alec watched her from another corner. He had he urge to go and comfort her and put his hands around her, like ‘last night’. A brotherly comfort or a romantic comfort? Alec questioned himself.
Vicki kept sobbing, thinking of her family. She hated to get stuck in this place. She always thought it would be fun, no parents and no curfew but in fact, she really missed her home.
Suddenly, she felt someone looking at her. She lifted her head and saw Alec looking at her. They stared at each other for a few seconds. Vicki felt a funny feeling in her heart. Like butterflies. Could it be love? She wondered. Then, she quickly pushed that feeling out and turned away, that dreadful feeling of loneliness and homesickness flooding back.
Alec continued staring at her. He also felt that funny feeling. He quickly snuffed it out and leaned back, frowning. He wished he could turn back time, where he and Vicki were ‘family’.
Suddenly, after being in the cave for a few hours, which seemed like eternity, the storm stopped. Nicholas went out and gasped. Everyone else peered outside. It was a mess! Their tents were shredded and a tree had collapsed. Mud and pieces of torn cloth lay around.
“I guess we’ll have to make our home here,” said Jimmy gesturing to the cave. “It’s safer and better.”
Everyone began moving his or her things into the cave.
“Uh-oh. Some of our food is ruined during the storm.” Said Stefanie pointing to some mashed-up bread.
“I suggest we call it a night,” said Wang Yan. Everyone nodded, looking at the mess.
Everyone lay down on the sand in the cave and drifted into a dreamless sleep, except Vicki, Celest and Alec. Vicki lay down her eyes wide open. She thought of Alec. The same question: Do I like him as a brother or as a boyfriend?
Alec was outside the cave, under a tree. He thought of Vicki, with the same question Vicki was thinking about. Celest was walking outside when she saw Alec.
“Hi!” she said.
Alec looked up glumly. “Hey,” he said.
“Why so glum?” Celest asked sitting down beside him.
Alec told her about everything between him and Vicki. Celest was so trustable and sensible that you just have to tell her everything.
Celest nodded and asked, “So do you like Vicki in that way?”
“I- I don’t know,” said Alec. “I get those butterflies in my stomach when I look at her, but I just want to treat her as my sister. I don’t want anything to ruin that!”
Celest nodded.
Vicki walked out of the cave, wanting some fresh air. She saw Alec and Celest under the tree talking. From far, they kind of look like lovers. Vicki felt a strange feeling. Jealousy? Vicki, you are supposed to treat him as your brother! Vicki chided herself. But she can’t help looking at them before going back to the cave, feeling a bit down.
The next day, Vicki avoided both Celest and Alec. Celest pulled her aside and said, “Vicki, let’s talk,” Vicki grudgingly agreed.
“Why are you so cold towards me?” asked Celest.
“Who cares? You got Alec.” Said Vicki glaring at her.
“Alec? I am his friend only. You love him, right?” said Celest.
“Who says?” said Vicki.
“You are jealous when you see me and Alec talking only. You avoid him because you don’t dare to admit.” Said Celest.
Vicki shot back, “Yes. I like him! So what? He doesn’t love me!”
Celest nodded. “He does love you.”


Chapter 9

Vicki stared at Celest. “What?” she whispered.
Celest smiled at her. “He does,” she said again.
“How do you know?” said Vicki frowning. “I don’t believe it. He told you?”
“No,” said Celest. “But I can tell. He, like you, dare not admit his feelings, even to himself. You two are lying to yourselves.” Celest shook her head. Vicki kept silent. She sat down on the grass and curled up her legs. She rested her chin on her knees.
“I’m so confused,” she wailed. “Why must THAT happen? Me and Alec are ‘siblings’!”
“Sometimes, it is better not to be siblings, especially when you feel something for each other,” Celest said putting her arm around Vicki’s shoulder. Vicki sighed and nodded.
Celest left and Vicki sat there having flashbacks.

FLASHBACK

Vicki caught sight of Jiawen from afar. She ran to her when suddenly, a cart banged onto her.
"OWWW." groaned Vicki, still closing her eyes. She slowly opened them and looked into the eyes of a cute guy.
She got up slowly. The cute guy looked at her and thought how, cute and hyperactive she looked. He stared dreamily at her when she waved a hand in front of his eyes.
"HEELLLOOO? Looking at girls?" asked Vicki. "Oww! You did hurt my back! Next time, look where you are going! Too busy watching girls is it?"
"'Kay." said Alec looking rather distracted.

END OF FLASHBACK

Vicki thought, “I did feel that ‘electricity’ when I stared into his eyes when he fell on me… sigh… it was the first time we met,”

FLASHBACK

Alec put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed her.
Vicki flushed. She wanted to pull away but she felt so warm in Alec’s arms. She looked up suddenly and found Alec looking back at her.
She stared into his eyes.
Oh my gawd, what am I doing, thought Vicki but she leaned forward.
Their lips met into a soft and lingering kiss. Or rather, kisses.
Vicki felt Alec’s lips on hers faintly. He pulled away, and then kissed her again. She felt herself blushing, her heart throbbing… Vicki pulled away after a few seconds (of the kiss). She rested her head on Alec’s shoulder and closed her eyes…

END OF FLASHBACK

Vicki smiled and fingered her lips.

FLASHBACK

“Look at this pizza!” said Vicki grinning. “It looks like a piece of squashed up squirrel!”
“Yep.” chirped Jiawen. “And these mango pudding looks like those stuff oozing from someone’s skull in that horror movie!”
Alec turned green. “Uh, I don’t think I can eat anymore!”
Vicki laughed and wickedly whispered in his ear, “And do you know that the pineapple cake looks like my dog’s barf! Really! All yellowish and thick!”
Alec playfully punched Vicki in her arm. Remember, even though he thought Vicki is beautiful, he only treated her as a friend or a sister!
“This food is nice okay! Don’t make me loose my appetite! So bad ah you…” Alec chided her.
Vicki laughed and murmured to herself, “I realize that this chocolate cake looks like poop…”
Vivian turned pale. Stefanie laughed. Alec looked sick.
“Here. Take my food. I have no more appetite.” Said Alec.

END OF FLASHBACK

“Those were the good old days,” sighed Vicki. A vision of Alec’s face came into her mind. She quickly pushed it off.

Vicki leaned back on the enormous tree trunk. She remembered her teacher’s words, “Do not lie to yourself, it is the silliest thing anyone can do,” Vicki was so deep in thought that she did not notice the tree was tilting. It almost uprooted in the storm. Now, it was leaning over Vicki, and will collapse anytime!
Alec was taking a walk around, when he saw the tree tilting dangerously close to Vicki. “VICKI!” he shouted. Vicki looked up and screamed. She knew it was too late to escape and closed her eyes, waiting for the tree to crash on her. Alec knew he must do something to save her. He ran towards her and grabbing her in her shoulders, pushed her down the ridge, with him still holding tightly onto her waist. They rolled down the ridge, with Vicki’s arms clung tightly around Alec’s neck and Alec’s arms around her waist. Their eyes were closed tightly. Suddenly, they stopped rolling. Alec slowly opened his eyes. Their faces were only inches away from each other. Vicki opened her eyes too, and found herself looking right into Alec’s eyes.


Chapter 10

The waves of electricity was still there, but it didn't seem scary anymore. Staring into each other's eyes, they made the decision. (What desicion is there to make anyway?!)
Suddenly, Vicki got up and hit Alec's forehead. H-A-R-D.
"Ow!" Alec groaned in agony.
"You okay?" asked Vicki teasingly.
Alec scowled. "Very pain you know," he scolded.
Vicki grinned at him.
Alec suddenly slipped his hands around her waist and brushed his lis against hers.
"I forgive you," he said smiling at her.
Vicki flushed and smiled shyly at him. They just stood there, with Alec's arms around her waist, grinning at each other.
"WOOoo HOOooo!" came a voice. It was Celest. "Soo with my excellent match-making skills, you two are a couple huh?"
Vicki pretended to snort. "The only match you've made is a matchstick. We just sorted out our feelings..."
Celest pretended to pout. "You two really look cute together you know! A match made a heaven..." sighed Celest. "Well, I'll leave you two lurrvvee-birds here! See ya!"
Celest walked away, congraulating herself. Vicki looked at Alec and grinned at him. Alec brushed his lips against Vicki's again and whispered in her ear, "Celest was right, it's better not to be siblings when you can be more then that!" Vicki grinned at Alec and leaned on his shoulder. Together, they watched the sunset.

Vicki and Alec got ready the fire and everyone ate some instant noodles.
During the campfire, Jiawen pulled Vicki away to a corner.
"Yeah?" asked Vicki.
"Jie, I think I'm in love..." said Jiawen blushing.
"With who?" asked Vicki excitedly. "Nicholas right...?"
Jiawen shook her head. "Nope, it's... Alec kor."


Chapter 11

"Huh?" Who?" asked Vicki again.
"Alec," said Jiawen softly.
Vicki turned away, her face turning pale.
Jiawen did not notice Vicki's lack of enthusiasm. Her eyes had a dreamy and faraway look.

Jimmy walked past Alec, who was lying on the grass. "Hey!" he said.
Alec continued staring into the sky.
"Whoa," Jimmy said. "Whassup? In love?"
Alec nodded. "Vicki," he murmured.
Jimmy walked away, wanting to tell Vivian.
Then, Alec saw Vicki creeping out of the tent.
"Vicki!" Alec called out, his eyes shining.
Vicki walked towards Alec. "Alec," she said trying not to look into his eyes. "I think- we should, not 'see each other' anymore."
Alec looked totally shocked. "W-What?" he said.
Vicki nodded. "Erm.. yeah."
"WHY?" asked Alec.
Vicki looked up and stared into his eyes. "Will you if someone close likes your girlfriend? Someone very close?"
Alec looked down. "But i only love you. Who is that person?"
"Jiawen,"
"WHAT?!" said Alec. "I don't love her. I only treat her as a sister,"
Vicki turned to walk away. Alec pulled her back and said, "Vicki, you can't do this to me."
"I don't love you," Vicki muttered in spite of herself.
"If you don't, why would you come?" asked Alec.
Vicki bit her lip and looked into Alec's eyes. Then, she wrapped her arms around Alec's neck and leaned on his shoulder.
"What shall I do..?" she murmured. Alec rested his chin on her head and said softly, "Don't worry about it,"
Just then, Jiawen walked out of the tent. She froze when she saw them. Turning around sadly, she walked back to the tent. Vicki caught sight of her and called out, "JIAWEN!"
Vicki caught up with Jiawen.
In the tent, Vicki told Jiawen, "I'm really sorry,"
Jiawen looked up at Vicki and said, "You knew I liked him,"
"Yeah. When I knew, I wanted to break up! But he didn't want that!" Vicki said.
Jiawen's expression softened. "You wanna to break up because of.. me?" asked Jiawen.
Vicki nodded. Jiawen suddenly smiled and said, "Wow, Vicki. I'd never do that. {{sigh}}, Oh well, never mind. My crush id just a teenage crush but yours isn't. I'll just leave you two alone." Jiawen blew her nose and grinned at Vicki. Vicki smiled back and hugged Jiawen. "You are the greatest sister anyone can have," said Jiawen happily.

The next day, Nicholas worriedly told them something. He held up his portable radio. "Two escaped criminals just escaped from the prison in Texas just before they were supposed to be charged. They are heading to the Carribean." the radio crackled.


Chapter 12

Wang Yan ran out and leaned forward eagerly.
"Two criminals just escaped from Texas prison." the annoucer said in a solemn voice. "They are long-wanted experienced serial murderers and from what we see, they are heading for any deserted island in the Carribean."
Vicki groaned. "Okay okay. Enuff solemn stuff with solemn people reading them in a solemn station." she said. She changed the station.
"Not much stations can be received." muttered Jiawen. "We can tell where we are by listening to them."
"Good idea," said Stefanie.
Vicki changed the station again. "Wooo hooooo!" she shouted. "I'm in luck. Two stations and one is a good station!" 'So In Love With Two' by Mikaila came on.
Vicki hummed along and said, "So long since I've listened to real music," Jiawen nodded eagerly. Vicki suddenly sprang up and said, "I just remembered! I've got a handphone!"
Wang Yan gave an excited smiled. Vicki quickly ran to her bag and pulled out a phone. She switched it on and groaned. "It cannot call... can't connect." murmured Vicki. Everyone sighed and groaned.
"It is fun for the first day." said Celest. "But when I'm stuck here for TWO weeks, I get SICK."
Everyone nodded. "And I have not changed for TWO weeks." muttered Jimmy.
Vicki smiled and said, "Hey, to lighten everyone up, why not have a party in the beach? Tonight. And change?"
Everyone nodded. "It'll be soo fun!" squealed Jiawen.

It was already night. They prepared some food like Kisses and some extra stuff.
Vicki and Alec walked hand in hand and sat in front of the sea. Vicki looked at the crashing and dark sea and said, "Whenever I look at the sea, I'm thinking of my family, I miss them." murmured Vicki. Alec looked at her and said, "Don't be. You've got moi, right?" he said teasingly. Vicki smiled and leaned on his chest, still staring at the sea, which was now moonlit. Alec rested his head on her head and they sat in that postion for a long time.
Suddenly, they heard a hurried whisper: "Alec, Vicki!"
They quickly ran to the campsite. Celest quickly grabbed Vicki and Alec. "GRAB YOUR BAGS!" she hissed. "The criminals are here!" Alec and Vicki grabbed their backpacks and quickly crammed all the leftover food in it. When the campsite was clear, the group, crossing their fingers, left the campsite. They were in a dark wood. "Ssshh..." Celest said. "I've found another cave for us." They saw a small cave in the distance. Everyone dashed to it and ran in.
"Whew!" panted Vicki. Suddenly, a menacing voice came out, "Heh heh heh... so you people think you can escape us. Fat hope. We'll let you die here." Everyone turned around and saw a dark shadow in the entrance. A dark shadow of a man, who was 8 feet tall. The man pushed a gigantic stone in the entrance, totally blocking out the entrance. Sealing any means of escape.
Celest flung herself on the big stone and tried to pull it out, but it wouldn't budge.
"We're doom," she said flatly.


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