Nobody
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
* ... * - indicates thoughts
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"Vicki, you gonna be okay going to school urself?" Her mom asked
worried as she knows her daughter is pretty shy.
"No problem, besides I don't want every1 to think that I'm a baby..." Vicki tried to sound confident but deep down inside her, she's not.
"ok, try to make some friends, be open, talk to them, I'm sure they won't bite!" Her mom trying to ease the anxieties(spelling, right?)
"ok"
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Alone, all by herself, she walked to school. It's huge, she thought. The school was practically a castle.
*Well, here we go, I wonder would any1 like me? Or they just be horrible?*
She walked into the giangantic building and followed the arrow signs to the reception.
"How can I help you?" The receptionist asked.
"Hi, I'm the new student Vicki Zhao" Vicki answered shyly.
"I see. Ok, hang on here, I'll find someone to take u to your homeroom, k?"
Vicki nodded.
-The door swang open, a girl came in-
*she looks my age, maybe she'll like me* Vicki thought.
"Ah, Ruby, hey. Well since you are here, can u take the new girl Vicki Zhao to her homeroom. She's next door to urs."
"No problem, I was wondering has Mr Chan made a decision about the school dance yet? You know how Valentine's coming up in 1 month." Ruby asked.
"He's not here yet, come again at lunch." The receptionist suggested sympathically.
"Come on Vicki let's go!" Ruby called Vicki.
Vicki snapped out of her daydream. She followed Ruby out of the room.
"So, where'd u come from?" Ruby breaking the ice.
"Well, I just moved here from England last month" Vicki Answered.
"Whoa, that's pretty far! I wanna hear your accent! The British one is so cool!"Ruby exclaimed.
Vicki just smiled and shook her head. *I guess there's gonna be more comments like that today. This is so embarassing. Maybe I should never speak.*
"Well, there's your class, and I'm here. I'll see u later"
Ruby took off impatiently.
*I guess I just kinda gives the cold impression.*
Vicki took a deep breath and walked into the class calmly. She looked up to find the teacher. But he wasn't anywhere seen.
*I'll just have to stand here look like a dork, and every1 would just stare at me. I wish I haven't chosen my tight top that shows my belly.* Vicki stood there and looked down. Both hands hold onto her folders tightly.
"Hey, u new?" A guy asked.
Vicki was taken back but immediately looked up and said, "yeah".
-The guy... it's not Alec, k? Don't get ur hopes yet. He's coming either the next chap or the one after-
The door opened, and the teacher walked in.
"Ok class, sorry I'm late... Oh hi, u the new girl?"
The teacher noticed a new face standing next to his desk.
Vicki nodded.
"Sorry I'm late, choose a seat and I'm sure the class has been very welcoming. Class, this is our new student Vicki Zhao I told u last week. Be Nice!"
Vicki walked carefully to a desk behind the guy who was shouting to her before the teacher came. As soon as she sat down, the guy turned around again and introduced himself.
"Hey, I'm Jimmy. U? Oh, yeah Vicki, duh!"
Vicki just smiled.
"So what u got next for class?"Jimmy asked with a killer smile.
*He's cute! And he likes me. His eyes, they are so soft, kinda hazelish(a colour) but WOW!!* Vicki smiled at her thought.
"Earth to Vicki! Hello?!?!?" Jimmy waved his hands in front a beautiful girl smiling, looking dreamy.
Snapped out of her thoughts immediately, "What did u say? My next class? Drama" Vicki quickly replied with a little blush on her face.
"Really? That's kool! Want me to walk u there?"
"U would? I'd luv that. Thanx!" Vicki grinned happily.
**People are so nice here. Mom was worring over nothing this morning. Hey, maybe Mr Chan would give Ruby the permission for the dance and Jimmy might ask me to the dance! No... Him, being this cute? He's probably snatched away already**
#The bell rang#
"Let's go!" Vicki said confidently, feeling her shyness is slipping away.
As they walked along the carridors, there was a slight distance between them. Vicki felt nervous. They were getting on so well, what's happened. Just as she was trying to think through what was wrong, Jimmy opened the door for her like the perfect gentleman. Again he gave her his best smile. Vicki took it in and smiled back.
--Sorry, i don't know how to write these bits, I'm so bad at writing--
They were reaching to the end of the corridor.
"There u go, sorry that it took so long. I took u by the long way so that I can get to know u more" Jimmy said.
Blushing already, Vicki just gave her own singular smile and replied, "thank u." She walked unsteadily into the drama studio thinking about Jimmy.
To her surprise, Ruby was also in her class. "Hey Vicki!" Ruby shouted. "Over here!"
Vicki looked up and saw her new class with Ruby in it. *Thank God there's some1 here I know already* She walked next to Ruby, there was loads ppl talking to Ruby. *She's popular! Maybe I can get to know some ppl, have a couple of friends. I'm doing ok.*
"Vicki, how was ur homeroom? Every1 nice to u so far? How did u find here, it me 2 weeks to get around and u know the way already?!" Ruby chatted happily at the new girl.
"Oh, this guy in my class walked me here." Vicki said quietly not wanting every1 to hear it because a) she has an British accent, and b) every1 would look up and stare at her. She hated that.
"Who?" Ruby turned interested.
"He said his name's Jimmy." Vicki told her.
"Jimmy? Oh" Suddenly, Ruby's gaze turned cold. She went back to her friends leaving Vicki standing there.
Sensing something not right, **what did I say? Jimmy? Probably she fancies him. But there's no need of jealousy.** Vicki thought, feeling embarrassed, she walked to the teacher's desk quietly and stood there. This time, there was no one shouting to her, asking is she new. Luckily, the teacher walked in.
She looked at Vicki and gave her a smile. Then she walked to her, "Vicki, hi! I just got ur drama report from ur old school. From what they say, u r a natural, Julia Roberts!"
Vicki smiled and looked down. She loved acting, when she's on the stage, she's whoever she wants to be, not the shy Vicki. At night, she often practise her lines and say as many times as she wanted to, everything was done in her way. SHe could be anybody she wanted. But now, with Ruby turning cold on her just as she's just feeling happy in her new school.
The teacher looked at her, and said, "Er Vicki, we are working on characterisating(spelling? sorry, it's kinda a made up word). We are working in pairs, every1 has a script and we try different ways of acting it out. At the end of the week, u and ur partner would go on stage to do the scene for us. We all have the same lines. So u up with that?"
"Sure," Vicki turned to drama as it's her fave subject.
"I was going to assign u to Alec but he's not here today, so can u work with Ruby as her partner's not here either."
"Ruby? If she doesn't have a problem, then I'm fine."
"Great! Ruby, Nicky's not here 2day, he called to school this morning that he's sick. Work with Vicki, I'm sure u 2 girls would get on like a house on fire (sorry, bad expressing, lol)."
**house on fire? I'm sure the flame wouldn't burn out** Vicki thought unhappily.
"So, what u standing there for? I don't want u to ruin this whole thing! My university application depends on this!" Ruby bossed
**great start to a new school!** VIcki walked slowly towards Ruby.
She took a look at the script from Ruby's hand. It was something called Huan Zhu Ge Ge. A scene when this Xiao Yan Zi girl was talking with a prince called YongQi.
"Ok, I'll play XiaoYanZi and u'll do YongQi." Ruby told her.
**What?! I didn't even get a chance to look this thoroughly as partners before we decide anything! Ok, I guess the whole Jimmy thing made her mad. Serves her right Jimmy doesn't like her, (I hope)**
"Hello! New girl! Don't expect me to wait on u just because that u r new!" Ruby tapped Vicki on her shoulder. "Gosh, u r so slow!"
**This is gonna be a long lesson** Vicki sighed.
"Ok, this is how we gonna do this. When YongQi confesses his love to XiaoYanZi, try to do it whole heartly, k? Do try to read it will u?" Ruby smirked.
**Now, u r getting on my nerves.** Though she felt like running away, but she just couldn't. Everytime Ruby shouted at her for something that's not right, she blushed harder. Vicki did everything Ruby told her to do.
As soon as the bell rang at the end of the class, Vicki walked quickly out of the room to her next class. She had French. She knew where it was as it was opposite her homeroom.
She took a deep breath and went in. Other than the disatrous drama lesson, everthing else went great, and she didn't ran into Ruby. At lunch, every1 else around her seem to rush around. Everybody had a place to go, or just plainly hang out with friends. She misses that, she misses Jenny(made-up), her best friend in England, thousands of miles away from her. Alone in this giant shool, there was nobody. She was a nobody. Keeping her heads down, she walked quietly to her locker.
**I'm a nobody, this isn't my world any more**Vicki thought sadly, **Sometimes, i wish... I wish that I can be nice, chatty, sociable, some1 who has lot's friends, like RUby. Why can't I just be like that. Why did I had to be so shy. I don't have to go nervous everytime some1 talks to me. So what if my accent's weird. I like it!** Starting to get angry at herself, Vicki dumped her new text books into her locker loudly.
Suddenly, she remembered Jimmy. It brought a smile onto her face. She looked up scanning through the crowds for the familiar face. She froze, on the spot. He was talking to Ruby, looking pretty comfortable, doesn't look her interruptions would be welcome. The smile dissolved into a frown.
For the rest of the day, Vicki sunk into her v. quiet self. Not bothering to make an effort to talk to ppl. Finally, school came to an end. She walked alone by herself home.
**Door opens**
"Hey honey! U home! How was school?" Mrs Zhao asked her daughter with an encouraging smile.
Not wanting to disappoint, Vicki gave a tiny smile, "Yeah mom, it was great!" Quickly, she changed and went into the garden. This was their new house(--author's note, the house's rented). The one thing that made Vicki luv it was there was a swing at the back. It was at just the right height for her. She loved it. As a little girl, she loved swings. It brought back wonderful memories. Memories... she sat down slowly and started to think. Alec... Alec...Alec... she muttered quietly.
**no, I can't think about him. I'm 110% over him! It's been over five years! Alec? That name is so familiar...** Biding time before dinner is served. She sat there for an hour. There was a little breeze, gentlly blowing her fringe**
--Author's note... ppl, so u think I made Vicki a little 2 sad or is she 2 emotional? I don't know how to write. I planned what's gonna happen but dunno how to write it. THis is 2 complicated.--
##NEXT MORNING##
By herself again, she walked quietly to school. It wasn't far, but the road was all snowy and slippery.
Soon. she got to the school grounds. As she walked past the parking lot, she didn't realise there was a car skidding behind her.
**geez, I wonder how I'm going to survive school 2day.** Vicki continued to walk slowly**
##BEHIND THE WHEELS##
"U STUPID GIRL! GET OUT OF THE WAY! HAVE U NOT REALISED THAT MY CAR'S SKIDDING! HELLO!!?? U DEAF! U WANT ME TO RAN OVER U??" The guy in the car shouted, at the same time, he was trying to brake the car.
#HORN SOUND#
Viki jumped up from her thoughts, and turned around. There was a car skidding right towards her. She looked through the car and gazed into the driver's eyes. It was angry for sure and somehow... familiar. Coming to her senses, she run aside just avoided being hit. **Phew** She breathed again.
Just as she was getting back to her normal state. There was a loud slam. She turned around, she froze.
"R U DUMB??? HAVE U NOT HEARD MY CAR SKIDDING??? OR DID U ASK TO BE HIT???" The guy screamed down her ears.
Feeling sympathy for the driver before and the somewhat familiar gaze, was all put aside. Matching to the guy's comment, she shouted right back at him.
"OH, AM I SUPPOSE TO BE SORRY?? I'M SORRY FOR U RUNNING INTO ME, I MIGHT HAVE JUST DIED BY U!! HITTING ME. DO U EVEN HAVE A DRIVER'S LISCENSE?? IF U DO, U SHOULD HAVE AN EYESIGHT TEST, OK?" Vicki not letting her shyness get the better of her this time, shouted sarcastically.
##THE BELL RANG##
"Oh, thanx for making me late for class!!" SHe gave another sarcastic smile at the guy.
The guy thinking calmly ** Whoa girl, she has a temper. I wonder who she is. Maybe I should find her today and apologise after all, I nearly ran into her. **
Walking to her homeroom quietly, taking serveral breathes at once trying to calm down. "Sorry I'm late." She gave a weary smile to her teacher.
"Well, try not to be next time." The teacher decided to give a chance as she's new.
"U ok? Vicki?" Jimmy asked her as soon she sat down. "U look like u nearly got hit by a car." Unaware of the irony.
Vicki gave a small laugh and just said, "yeah, I nearly got hit by this car, and worst of it all, the guy? Who drove it was a jerk! A huge jerk."
"U sure u fine? Want me to excuse us, so that I can take u to the school nurse and make sure that u r ok? Who was the guy?" Jimmy asked concernly.
"Some guy... I dunno. He was pretty wrapped up. I don't want to go to the nurse. I'm fine!" Vicki said.
"Ok, hey where were u yesterday during lunch, I couldn't find u anywhere! I was gonna show u around!"
"We can do that today," Vicki gave another one her singular smile hoping that no one would take him away from her 2day.
"Vicki, let's go, the bell's gone." Jimmy asked her.
"Ok, how about I meet u at ur locker 2day at lunch so u can show me around?" Vicki replied with a hopeful smile.
"Sure" Jimmy grinned.
They said goodbye outside the door and Vicki made another trip to her locker again. Just as she picked up her books...
#CRUSH#
"Sorry, I'm a clumsy perosn" Vicki replied and gave a tiny smile b4 running off to her class, not bothering to see who that person was.
Stunned, the guy stared after her. **Isn't she the girl that I nearly run over this morning? And... she looks familiar, no way.. no, no. SHe can't be, she just can't.** The guy thought to himself surprised. **The last time u saw her was 5 years ago, five years! It couldn't possibly be! Besides, I would've noticed her...unless she's new** He starting to walk slowly to his class thinking abou the morning he had. Shocking? Definitely. Also making a mental note to himself to ask his bud Jimmy about her.
Just recovering from the car incident, and yet, I strike again, Vicki thought about her off-concentrating mind.
#LUNCH#
**Finally** Vicki walked out of her last class in the morning quick paced wanting to catch Jimmy b4 any1 else.
As she walked towards Jimmy's locker, she noticed that some1 was talking to him, it was a guy.
**At least it wasn't flirting with any girlz**
"Vicki! Hey! How was ur classes? I flunked my French quiz, no surprise. Though Alec aced his, my bud. No fair man." Jimmy greeted Vicki warmly.
**ALEC?** Vicki's heart pounded.
**VICKI?** Alec's heart jumped at the name as soon as he recognised the
'clumsy girl'
--Note, Vicki's not realised that Alec was the guy who bumped into her, but she
will recognize him as the driver and the familiar name. But Alec recognize her
as the clumsy girl and the familiar name and the one he nearly ran into(not that
u don't know already)--
"Vicki, u know this morning about how u nearly got ran over by a 'jerk', well the so-called 'jerk' was my man Alec. Sorry, I apologise for my friend." Jimmy continued, grinned nervously as he saw a splint being lit as soon as he introduced Vicki to Alec.
Taken back from the shock. Vicki caught ahold of herself and smiled politely at Alec, "Hi, that's ok." She, again gazed into the familiar eyes.
**He can't be Alec! He can't! Oh my goodness. There is absolutely no way that he is Alec Su. Just no way!** Vicki fidgetted with her books in her hand nervously as thoughts rushed to her mind.
In a shocking state 2. Alec grinned back also, "No, I should be the one that apologises. Sorry I yelled at u." in a no less nervous state.
**She...Vicki...She looks so like her... Vicki Zhao. Should I ask her what's her surname? No what if it is Zhao. It doesn't matter. Vicki Zhao isn't exactly an unusual name...but how many of them look like Vicki?**
"Guys, u ok?" Jimmy asked them seeing that they both look particualrly nervous, even Akec, his kool mate. " Do u know eachother or something?"
"NO!" Vicki and Alec replied at the same time loudly.
"Ok, Let's go get our lunch, I'm famished!"
Neither of them looked to be concentrating, Jimmy led the way to the cafeteria. One on his left, one on his right. Both look deep in thoughts.
"Hey Jimmy, sit with us!" Some1 shouted. It was Ruby as Vicki heard.
They walked there with their trays.
"Hey Ruby, this is Vicki and Alec , u know of course. Vicki's new." Jimmy flashed his killer smile at Ruby.
**Jeez, my day just keep getting better** Vicki sighed and gave a polite smile at every1 shyly.
"I know, she's in my drama class. And Alec, how's u cold? Sorry u couldn't be here yesterday, and Nicky 2. I had this partner. Man was she bad. I think Ms Chan paired u up with her." Ruby said with a sweet smile to Jimmy and Alec, not even glancing at Vicki. Jimmy didn't notice it.
All the way till end of lunch, Jimmy and Ruby flirted with each other sitting between Vicki and Alec. Vicki hardly ate a thing and nor had Alec.
**Now, I'm positive that Ruby fancies Jimmy and Jimmy fancies her... so she being so mean to me. It's not like I'm gonna still him from her. They look perfect for eachother** Vicki raised her head and accidentally caught Alec's eyes on her. She blushed and quickly ducked down again.**And there's Alec! Every time I look at him! God, he seems to be judging me and is he Su? He better not be! I am 110% over that freak! He can go off with his dear Michelle...** Vicki thought sadly as today, 2nd in her new school. Problems, problems, problems...
**Vicki, Zhao, 2gether makes Vicki Zhao. It just can't be her! No way! I hate Vicki Zhao, and probably she hates me 2 but she has no right to! I can't believe she didn't trust me!** Alec also deeply in thoughts and dreaming about Vicki.
**I cant think with him sitting there looking all innocent. I can't believe he nearly ran over me this morning. Wouldn't it be amazing if he did?(-sarcasm. Vicki's extremely sarcastic). Would he even care?? Not that I care** Vicki sat there, fickled more with her fork.
"Vicki, r u eva gonna eat it? Lunch's ending soon. What have u got this afternoon?" Jimmy asked Vicki.
"What? Or drama," Vicki replied half hearted.
**What? DRAMA?? Shite! Ruby said that Alec and me r gonna be partners... PARTNERS?? ARGGHH!!!! No way! Me-XiaoYanZi with mushy-mushy YongQi-Alec? Today's just keep getting better and better! How dumb of me not to realise the name yesterady when she mentionned it! I could've swapped with some1! Ergh!** Vicki's face darkened.
"Really? I gues I won't need u to walk u there 2day since Alec's in ur class and Ruby. I'm sure they won't mind walking with u."
**Oh yeah, I'm sure they r gonna be just so nice to me**
Alec's ear flicked at his name being in thoughts all lunch and not yet talked to his gf Maria(made up). **She's gonna be in my drama class, and my partner? Man I should asked some1 else b4 I offered Ms Chan that I won't mind partner so nicely with a new girl. Why did I do that?**
"Alec? Hello? U ok? U seem puzzled by the new girl" Maria asked his b/f with a loving gaze full of concern and a quick kiss on the lips.
"I'm fine. Vicki? No Ruby just mentionned that she's gonna be my partner in drama. U know that play? The one I told u that could depend my uni application and maybe even stardom!" Alec broke away from his thoughts and turned his full attenetion to Maria.
"Only about a thousand times. Ruby told me that she was pretty crap yesterday. Can't imagine some1 like her so shy could get into an drama class. She couldn't do anything!" Maria frowned at the thought of any1 could ruin her b/f's chance of getting into a good movie uni.
"Yeah, well. I can't do anything about it. Come on lets go." Alec put out his hand for Maria to hold.
Maria took it and they left the table and walked outside chatting happily with Alec.
"Hey man, I thought u and Ruby were gonna with Vicki to class 2gether?" Jimmy asked.
"Sorry Vicki, Jimmy. Maybe next time." They(Alec+Maria) took off without even glancing at her.
Vicki saw everything, heard everything, the hand, the kiss, the looks... unable to keep her emotions bottled up. Vicki ran straight to the library into a little quiet corner where no one could see her **Alec, u bitch!(sorry, excuse da lang)** She wanted to cry so hard but she knew her head disallowed. She promised herself five years ago that there would be no more tears for Alec Su. Her eyes were filled with anger, sadness, and a little red. Remembering Ruby and Jimmy, she was determined that she would not be a loner. She stood up feeling more positive and walked outside and saw Ruby and Jimmy walking towards her.
"Hey Vicki! Where'd u go? U ok? I know, Alec's pretty insensitve sometimes. Sorry." Jimmy said with an apologising smile. It looked pretty cute!(:P)
"No problem. I just remembered that I had to get this book from the library" Vicki smile again cheerfully.
**the understatement of the year, Alec's a little insensitve! I'm going to class and face him and act(!) that would blow his mind! and make him feel pain!**
#Bell rang#
"Ruby, I gotta go. Take care of Vicki for me, k?" Jimmy asked Ruby.
"Sure, u know I'd be nice!" Ruby returned with another dazzling smile. "Let's go!" (the crappy actress from the Brits) SHe muttered underneath her breath.
Vicki gave one of her nice smile 2 and smiled happily as if nothing's happened to Ruby. "Come on, we gonna be late!"
Surprised at the attitude, Ruby smiled uncertainly and walked with Vicki, left Jimmy.
Deciding to make conversation, Vicki decide to start unclear the misunderstanding yesterday.
"Ruby, I want to talk to u about Jimmy." Vicki started hopefully.
"What? Sure, just don't forget he's mine!" Ruby smirked.
Vicki just smiled sweetly, "I know, I just wanna say that I think he likes u 2! "
Ruby's face turned to her smile she gave Vicki yesterday morning, "really? U think so?"
"Of course I noticed. He was talking to u all the way through and u see the way he smile at u? I'm 110% sure" Feeling her mood improving definitely, happy, first time 2day, she added with an reassuring smile.
"Thanx. It's just yesterday, u said he walked u to class, and although he and I not going out...I thought he liked me and...I guess I felt jealous. I'm sorry for all the comments I made about u 2day..." Ruby's voice babbling on and off. (lol)
Now in her best mood, Vicki just smiled sweetly and comforted her new friend. "I'll talk to Jimmy ok? For u. Want me to hint him about the dance on Valentines day?" Vicki knew what to say.
"Would u? The principal gave the permission this morning. I haven't even had time to think about it. OMG, I'd be so happy if he could! Vicki, thank u so much!" Ruby now definitely accepting her, started talking excitedly to her new friend.
The 2 girls chatted like old friends to drama, laughing, joking around.
**Maybe 2day isn't a total disaster. Ruby's so nice. She's kidna like Jen. Jeez, I'm so happy 2day** Vicki smiled at her thoughts.
They walked into their class. Every1 was already there, and Alec of course.
"Ruby and Vicki! Finally! U r nearly late" Ms Chan talked to the
girls happily and closing the door behind them.
"There's ur scripts. Today, Alec and Nicky r both here. So please get on
with ur work."
Vicki took out her script and looked at it. XiaoYanZi and YongQi said on the top of the page. Vicki sighed and walked unsuringly towards Alec.
"Vicki, wait for me at the end of class." Ruby asked her friend b4 finding Nicky.
Vicki stood there in front of Alec, not knowing what to do or say. The only question she wanted to ask was r u the Alec Su who went to the Holywell elementary.
The same goes for Alec.
Vicki looked up shyly at Alec, who was staring at her, searching for something from her with a questioning look.
"Errmmm, hi Alec. Please staring at me and get on with what we r suppose to do." She blurted out.
Also not realising that she wasn't v. polite but he agreed with her and they started the script Huan Zhu Ge Ge.
As they started their scenes, there was tension between them. Vicki's heart
was beating rapidly, even when she read her lines, she couldn't do any
expressions but to stumble.
**OMG(sorry, it's kinda my fav phrase), this is harder than I thought this whole
thing would be. I so need a change of partner. Alec...why did he had to be my
partner, now my whole year of drama class is gonna be wasted because I moved
here and met up with my ex again. Argh, annoying!** Vicki shaked her head.
However on the other hand, though Alec was pretty tensed up as well, he managed to control his feelings and thoughts, and kept going through his lines without 2 many mistakes.
Ruby who was next to them kept looking towards her new friend and Alec. She didn't know whether it was her imagination or just plain weird...the Vicki she was talking to, who was crazy(in the good sense), mad, friendly, chatty...was freeazing up and so was Alec, the best actor in the class and always preparing, memorizing his lines, practicing with Maria.... It couldn't be... could it??? She laughed...that they know eachother or something?
"Hey Ruby, can we please concentrate?" Her partner Nicky asked.
"Sorry, I was just watching ALec and Vicki, the new girl. THey don't seem to be getting on 2 well."
"Really? Vicki seems kinda pretty, though shy but I saw her with u b4 class and being shy didn't seem to fit her character." Nicky blushed immediately after he realised what he had said abotu VIcki.
"Oh, so now u like her then?" Ruby turned her head back curiously at her friend with a "knowing" smile.
"Well, errmmm, yeah, I guess, but only as a friend." Nicky lied with a red face.
RUby read into his thoughts, and laughed, and said carefully,"Oh, ok, I guess I can set up a date for her with some1 else then."
"What? Ruby! U r so bad, u know? I dunno how I got u as a partner. How did u guess!?"Nicky admitted quietly, and was extremely embarassed, deep down inside, he grinned. "Were u thinking of setting me up with her for the Valentine dance?"
"Well, it was just a thought. Since u r single...it doesn't matter. But if u want me introduce u to her, I guess so." Ruby smiled as the phase one of her master plan began.
(ppl, this master plan, it's nothing really big. It's nothing with killing ppl or blackmailing or anything that's way out of the world, if u that's what u were thinking.)
"Would u? THanx!"
"what r friends for." It wasn't just a thought, ever since she saw Vicki the first day at the reception and saw her timid smile. She knew she can do matchmaking for her and Nicky as they both r not 2 socializing, they seem perfect for eachother. She grinned "evily"(well, not evil evil, u know?)
##Back to Vicki and Alec##
"Vicki, hello? Can u read?" Alec started yelling at her again quietly. It was at least the tenth time he thought that Vicki stumbled her lines. "No wonder Ruby complained. I ought to really change a partner u know!"
"Really? U couldn't think of it sooner? The first second I knew u were my partner, I was gonna puke and ask Ms Chan for a change of parters?" Vicki though nervous at first, now since Alec broke the ice for her, she didn't stop. There were a thousand things she could said and the most of all, she wanted to strangle him. (lol, it's a lil weird, I know)
"Well, maybe we should. Do u want to know how I reacted when I heard that u were my partner, I was sure that I was gonna strangle u!" (weird...again, I know).
As their voices grew louder, it attracted attention from Ruby and the Ms Chan.
"Hey, guys, pipe down! I didn't think the scene was gonna be so exciting." Ruby looked at them bickering over eachother, with faces going red with steam coming down. THey look they could well going into a fight.
"Alec!" Ms Chan turned around at her best student. Never in her mind that her best student, who was always polite and professional could get into an argument with a girl, not to mention that she's new 2.
"Sorry," the both quickly apologised. And gave oneanother a cold stare.
She looked into his eyes, which was full of hate.
He looked into her eyes, which was so clear, filled nothing but rage. He remembered. The eyes with anger, he had seen so many times when he was little. His heart nearly softened, but he kept stare her on.
After sometime, this whole staring thing turned into a competition. Though they were both tired, but neither gave up...until the bell went.
Vicki was the first one to break off the gaze, picked up her bag, left a comment to Alec, "I hope i neva would sink to ur level"
Alec, blinked in surprise and anger. He never knew there could so much hate in his body.
Ruby was already waiting at the door for Vicki. She gave a friendly wave when she saw Vicki's red face, and her eyes looked like it could drop off anytime.
"U ok? What happened in there? DId u and ALec had a fight? How could u? It was only ur first class 2gether. Do u know eachother?" Ruby bursted out with questions.
"Nothing happened, it's just Alec is not the world most encouraging person in the world. And I DO NOT know Alec!" Vicki still frowned at her behaviour from last class. She couldn't believe that she nearly lost it.
"really? I swear u 2 fight like a couple." Ruby laughed, and sympathises with her friend.
"Really? I swear u guys fight like an old couple!" Ruby sympathises her friend.
"Don't say that! Why does ppl keep asking us do we know eachother or something? Jimmy asked us yesterday!" Vicki felt extrememly frustrated. Now, everything is starting to come back and hurt her again. She couldn't bear the pain, not again. Getting over him was the hardest thing she ever did and she never wants do luv again.
"Hey u ok? I didn't mean to say that. Now that u mentionned it, r u sure? Coz I get the feeling that he wants to avoid u. Do u want to tell me about it?" Ruby asked.
Giving a weak smile, she decides to confide to Ruby,"Ok, u smart! Yes, I know Alec Su, and I hate him, so so much! I thought I escaped him. I really did! Now everything is coming back. I wish he did ran me over today! Then I could die and never see him again!" Vicki blurted out, and felt her blood rising, tears coming...
####FLASHBACK####(ok peeps, I know u wanted to know about Alec and Vicki's past, enjoy! But i'm not really that good. So u may find it a lil boring)
"Vicki!!!! U want to come out and play??? It's snowing! I luv snow! Want to have a snowball fight?" Alec(as 4 yrs old) went to his best friends house Vicki Zhao, and asked her with an innocent smile.
"I'd luv to! LET'S GO!!" Vicki gave back her big bright singular smile. Then quickly she gathered some snow for a ball into her tiny little hand(--she's 4 too--)and hit it right into Alec's face and quickly ran past him.
"Just wait I get u!" Alec brushed away the snow from his face and shouted with a bluffed red cold nose and run after her.
All day, that day, they run and played, jumping and laughing. They were only 4, all they cared about was how to enjoy the snow! Everything was so wonderful!
Suddenly, Vicki fell flat landed on her face into the thick snow.
"Vicki, u ok?" Alec immediately ran to her and examined it closely.
"No, my head hurts" Vicki said.
"Where?" He asked
"Here" Vicki pointed to her forehead where there was a lil bump.
Feeling his head hurt 2, Alec gave her a big teddy bear hug, and kissed her on bump.
Vicki smiled, as her head hurts no more. "Thanx buddy!" She kept her head on his shoulder, where she felt safe, and secure.
Glad he could help, Alec kept on hugging her. Not realising his best bud was so sneaky, she sectetly gathered a snowball and shoved it down his back! When he realised it, he gave a loud yell and knowing that she was playing a trick with him, he continued the act and fell back, pretending it was so cold, he couldn't stand. Vicki now worried, and started to apologise..." I'm sorry, Alec. I'm so sorry! I'll get the snow out!"
Seeing her being so caring, ALec decided not to punish her no more, and smiled at her, and said" GOTCHA!! HEHE"
Knowing she felled into her own trap, her face turned into an angry face, and tease. "Alec, pal, u r so bad! I don't like u no more" And turned around walking away.
Of course, ALec chased after her. He caught up with her seeing there was a smile on his face, he was relieved. They both started laughing. And they carried on playing.
######END OF FLASHBACK#######
"OMG! That's so sweet! U guys were so perfect 2gether. That was when u were 4? Awww!" RUby's face turned into an awe when she heard the story. "Wait a minute, then how come u guys r not talking now?"
Vicki felt her heart bleed when she was retelling the day, the best day she ever had. It was a perfect day. "Yes, that was when were 4. Everything was different. We not even started school yet.
"And something happened, rite?" Ruby guessed.
"Yeah" Then she remembered school. **Bad school!**
#####FLASHBACK######
"Well, that was when we were 4, like millions of years ago, b4 we even started school..." Vicki's voice tripped off(?)
"Did something happen?" Ruby saw Vicki's eyes looking unreadable.
######FLASHBACK 2######
**The night b4 school**
"Vicki, I'm so sorrie that u r sick. Tomorrow, I promise u that I'd come by and tell u everything about school!" Alec looking sadly at his best bud.
"I'm sure u'd come. I'd miss u so much!" Vicki sneezed at the same time.
"U'd better have some rest, so u'll be okay 2morrow!" Alec comforts her brightly.
(---I just sorta need to fill u in on the whole plot at the flashback. Vicki got sick the day b4 the first day of primary school. SO she can't go. But Alec promised her that he's come and see her 2morrow, straight after school as they r best bud and their parents r pretty close 2. But then 2morrow... read on!---)
**NEXT DAY AFTER SCHOOL**
"Honey, u feeling better?" Vicki's mom asked her daughter pacing around the room all day. "R u waiting for Alec?"
"Yeah, but how come he's still not here yet! It's already half 4. School should have ended at four!" Vicki was getting worried. "Maybe he got kept behind." She made an excuse for Alec.
"Maybe" Her mom looked at her sympathitically(spelling, rite?) She felt guilty. Just as she came back from shopping, she saw Alec, with a group of kids hanging out in the park...having fun.
****HALF HOUR LATER****
"Mom, I'm going over to Alec's!" Vicki decided to visit him as she's finally gave up waiting. Feeling excited to see him again and the first day of school, she skipped all the way to his house.
She ran across the street, and ran to Alec's back garden where they usually
play. She was gonna surprise him. As soon as she saw the garden, the smile on
her face disappeared. It dropped. Her eyes felt swelling up. There were all kids
at his back garden, playing hide and seek. THere were drinks on the porch and
ice cream, candies... all her favourites!Now,
her heart felt pain where she never felt b4. She turned around and ran straight
to home. At the same time, Alec saw Vicki running out his home. He chased after
her. Without a glance at the roads, she ran across it. Suddenly out of no where,
a flashing red sports car was speeding towards her.
Vicki gazed at it, almost numb.
"VICKI!!! RUN!!!" Alec yelled on top of his tongue.
Realising the danger, Vicki almost had to crawl to the roadside as her legs were like jelly. Missing her by centimeters, the car drove past, leaving dust flying uncontrollably in front of her.
"Vicki! R u ok?" Alec ran towards her with a big hug.
Almost forgetting what she just saw, Vicki nearly let him hug her. But the image of other kids at his house playing rushed back to her mind again. She frowned, and started running again, leaving Alec totally gobsmacked, by also shouting "DON'T EVER COME NEAR ME AGAIN!!!" Vicki was even shocked by her own words.
She started crying, weeping. **We've known eachother since we were in nappies and now, one day we've been apart, he forgets about me... I can't believe that I was so naive!** (--I know Vicki sounds like an 10 yr old, but I can't remember how 6 yr old talk or think. Bear with me--) She didn't go home. Instead, she went to her secret place, where she often shared with Alec, watching the sunset, sunrise. When it snowed, it still looked beautiful.
When she got there, she watched every space, every flower, every tree, every
little path, each part of this place would remind her of some story, adventure
she and ALec went through. Her ears would hear the sound of their laughter, the
perfect day they spent 2gether 2 yrs ago when it was suddenly snowing in
February. She found a ting(2) zi(0)(it's pinyin, I don't know in English, it's
like an open place where ppl have rest when they tired, usually in parks). On
the thick zhu(4) zi(0)(sorry, it's pinyin again, it's what supports the the top
of the ting zi) there was a sign that said :
Alec and Vicki
Forever Friends! ^^
Although, it was getting fainter, Vicki would never forget it.
It was getting darker, Vicki realised that she stayed at the special place for at least an hour. She should get home b4 her mom calls Alec's parents.
(--Ok, I'm gonna try to speed this up just a little, coz I just realised that this was a flashback, and I got a lil carried away. Sowwie--)
"Vicki! U r home! I was worried sick! Alec's parents rang us to say there was some near accident and u nearly got hit! R u ok? Did Alec and u went to play again? Shouldn't u have come straight home!" Vicki's mom said all of that in a v. rushed and worried tone.
"Mom I'm fine. Tomorrow, I got school, so I wanna rest early" Vicki said puzzled, **Alec and she went to play again? Where did he go? I left him at the front of his house.**
######FLASHBACK ENDS####### (okay, it's not toally finished and perfect but I'll fill u later on the story.)
"Whoa, it hit u hard didn't it!" Ruby now understands. SHe understood the feeling of betrayal in friendship."Jeez, I never knew Alec was so insensitive and mean. Don't worry, I'll get revenge for u!" Ruby could see her request of asking VIcki to tell the history of her Alec brought back painful memories.
"NO! I don't even know it is the Alec SU in the school or not. I don't want to get it wrong. Besides it was donkey's years ago. I just want to avoid him forever." Vicki still managed to control her emotions, letting no pain come back to her heart or tears come. Deeply down, she was glad, finally she told some1 about it. Not even her parents know what truly happened.
"Ok, I'll try to hiny Alec about it if it is him. How r u going to handle it in drama? U can't carry on like what happened 2day. Though he was horrible but he is pretty good actor and he's really keen about his acting career. I don't want him or u to mess up." Ruby saw problems.
"Don't worry about it. I gotta go now" Vicki suddenly realised the problems and her face went red wihtout noticing.
Ruby went to her locker, she saw Jimmy was waiting for her there. SHe smiled brightly.
"Hey stranger!"
"What took u so long!" Jimmy asked impatiently! and a lil embarassed by what he just said.
"sorry, I got talking with Vicki. She's so nice!"
"I know, that's what got me talking to her yesterday morning in class. Did u ever notice that although she's shy, but there's always something that holds her back, u know?"
"Yeah, it's got something to do with Alec." Ruby just muttered out quietly but loud enough for Jimmy to hear.
"Alec? How? 2day b4 we went to the cafeteria, when i introduced them to eachother, something happened, I dunno. But the air got tensed up and I can't believe Alec was so stiff! U know how usually he was so nice to new girls, like meeting Maria! He brought her out of her shell and now they r like the perfect couple."
"It's a long story, but to cut it short. Yeah they knew eachother and was best friends, but he hurt her feelings. A lot!" Ruby sighed thinking of the sad turn. She knows when u r little, ur friend betrays u. It hurts, a lot, even more than ur parents being mean or other ppl being nasty. A little girl's heart is brittle, very brittle.
"Really? Alec? What did he do? Is Vicki sure that this is the one?" Jimmy now curioused as anything.
"Ok, promise me not to tell any1. I don't think Vicki'd want to it to go around the school and Maria's our friend. She was like Vicki once remember?"
"ok, promise on scouts honors!" Jimmy held his hand up and looked silly.
Ruby laughed.
#########Back to Vicki's side##########
"Mom, I'm home!" Vicki shouted when she got in the door.
"Hey! How was ur day? I have a major surprise for u! U r gonna be so happy!" Vicki's mom looked v. happy.
"What?" Vicki can't imagine what the surprise could be.
"U know ur childhood best buddy?"
Vicki's heart stiffened, "Alec?" She said slowly.
"YES! Their family live here 2! And ur dad rang me 2day to tell me that. Don't u think this is so good? Maybe he even goes to ur school" Mrs Zhao looked happily as Mrs Su was one of her very good friends in China, but contact was lost when the Zhao family moved to England 5 yrs ago. "So, this weekend, ur father invited them for dinner! So aren't u bursting with joy yet?" Mrs Zhao looked fondly at her daugher remembering how she and Alec was so close when they were small.
"Yeah! That's totally gr8! I'm so happy that Alec's here!" Vicki lied. She never told her parents that she and Alec had fallen out for over 10 yrs. When she was suppose to play, she'd just lie and say it was fun with Alec, but later, she changed to that she and Alec grew out of their friendship, school was different. When the 2 families get 2gether, Alec and Vicki would just pretend to be good friends and quickly disappear to their own friends.
Vicki walked outside to the swing again, in deep thoughts, same as yesterday. **Why does my life has to be so complicated!**
######ALEC'S HOME########
"Alec, honey u home!" Mrs Su exclaimed excitely. "I have a piece of wonderful news!"
Uphearing some good news, Alec smiled, "what?"
"Ur best pal Vicki has just moved here from England, isn't that so good? And her parents have invited us to have dinner this weekend."
*What?! I guess, it's confirmed. Ms lil ice queen is here. Sigh. Why? Just when my life is starting to be getting good. She has to come up and ruin everything. I hop she doesn't tell any1 about 'it'(the first part of the flashback)*
"Hey, u 'k? Rn't u happy? I know u guys kinda grown out of eachother's company since school started but the friendshipw as there and special, huh?"
"Yeah mum, it's absolutely wonderful!" Alec gave her a weak fake smile.
All night, Alec sat on his bed with the radio playing figuring out this whole complicated thing with Vicki. He knows he doesn't care for her any more. Only Maria. But Maria...doesn't she kinda resembles Vicki? ... He sighed. And this dinner, how is he suppose to act. **Like the old best buddys, or just plain polite conersations. Maybe something could happen, like something that would make them cancel this whole dinner thing. So that he would never have to confront Vicki ever in front of their parents...no, but they could always invite again... I mean, Vicki, why did she had to follow everywhere I go, every friend I have, she had to make sure it wasn't a girl, or I'd spend enough time with her. The night after school, I mean I saved her right? If it weren't for me shouting at her, she would get run over and prolly killed rite? She didn't have to be so mean.**
Alec fell asleep thinking about his best friend Vicki Zhao, excuse me, ex-best friend.
######NEXT MORNING######
Alec was driving to school and on the way, he picked up Maria.
"Hey hon!" Maria smiled happily everytime she sees Alec.
Everytime, she gave her special smile, it would make Alec's heart pound, and make him reach out for her(sorry, a lil mushy).
"Hey!"
Although Alec was extremely happy to see Maria but somehow, today, his attention quickly diverted to what he was thinking last night. The usual bright cheery conversation between them disappeared.
Maria, sat there, feeling puzzled. How come her b/f has changed so much during yesterday. She has never see him like this. Ever since her first day here, Alec has always been there for her, talking to her and brought her out of her shell. Thanx to him, now she has a gr8 group of friends, Ruby, Jimmy, and not forgetting to mention ALec.
They drove quietly to school.
(--I'll be skipping some parts coz I know find that I stretch everything way 2 long!--)
#######After the first class#######
"Hey man, u k?" Jimmy asked concernly at his bud.
"Yeah, another french quiz coming next friday, huh? Better get revising." Alec replied.
"R-E-L-A-X! It's a week away!" Jimmy laughed."Beside, u wouldn't need to revise."
Alec just grunted.
Jimmy seemed to read his mind.
"R u thinking about Vicki?"
"What, no!" Alec said surprisingly at how every1 seem to notice about him and Vicki.
"U lying man, I know u r!"
"Ok, I am promise to to tell Maria, she'd freak."
"No problem. But tell me something, why do u think about her? Though yesterday u and her said u didn't notice eachother but how come i feel there were so much tense between u2?"
"Ok! U right! I do know her! It's a long story, don't even ask!"
"Alrighty! Make it short! I wanna know!"
(--and so he told Jimmy all about it...u know--)
"jeez, Alec!" Jimmy shook his head and tsk.
"What? There were all kids around me house coz I was organizing a partie for her! I know how bad she felt about not being able to go to school on the ist day, so I decided to organize a lil get well soon surprise party that night. U know a chance for a her to meet everybody b4 her first day starts. How was I suppose to know she was gonna come and look for me? I mean, it hurt me like hell but she didn't have to be so mean and said that she neva want to see me again!"
Alec felt his blood pressure rising. For yrs now, this anger has neva been let out. It kinda felt good for him but the pain came back to him again. His mind was confused.
"Hey man, I'm sorry ok? The way Ruby told me about it, it seems that u were da villain. Now I realised it was just a one-sided story"
"It was. I tried to apologise to her. But she was the most stubborn person I known, even at 6! Once u get to know her better, u'd wish u haven't!"
Jimmy felt he pushed it a little. He decided to change the subject. Never ever, he's seen Alec lost his cool. Not even with Maria.
"Well, I'm not going to, not in the bad way. Do u think that Ruby likes me?"
"I was wondering when u were gonna talk to me about it!" Alec broke away from his thoughts and gave his friend an amusing grin.
"Well, i dunno...I mean she's always there and we are always joking around... stop LAUGHING AT ME!" Jimmy like Ruby babbled on and off. Alec was trying so hard not to laugh out loud, and kept biting his lips.
"Well, I'd swear that Maria and I r gonna break up if Ruby doesn't! Didn't u notice that Ruby always saves u a seat at lunch and u 2 always unnoticeably disappear off to class 2gether...?" Alec was disblieved at Jimmy.
"ok! Thank u! Don't tease! She's the first one ok? Do u think that she'd agree to go to the V-dan dance with me?"
"DUH! Jimmy! WAKE UP! OF COURSE!"
"Hey guyz! Whatcha talking about?" Ruy crept up behind them.
Jimmy blushed, and Alec took one look at him, he let out all the laughter, it was killing him inside.
"Hey Ruby! Sup? Ne way, I think Jimmy wants to ask u something." Alec opened the door way for Jimmy.
"What?" Ruby's eyes shot up at the red faced Jimmy.
"Well... erm... *cough*, nothing really, it was about our English homework." Jimmy tensed up and looked for an excuse.
"Oh, well it just to read a couple of chapters" Ruby's face fell.
Alec looked at Jimmy again and stopped laughing, he decide to help out him.
"Well kids, gotta go, catch u 2 luv birds 2gether at lunch!"Alec said and made an exit immediately. Then hide himself a wall behind them and eavedropping.
"Luv birds? What was he talking about?" Ruby got nervous and blushed, she talked quietly without looking up at the ever so red faced Jimmy.
"Well, Ruby? Can I ask u something? SOmething else..." Jimmy plucked up his courage.
"Sure." Ruby could feel her legs goning to leap aroun for joy.
"Would u like to ... ermmm..."
"What?"
"cometothedancewithme...please?"
"The dance? YES!" Though she didn't catch what he said exactly but she managed to catch a few syllables.
"really? Thank u! And that, erm... r u busy Saturday?"
"No..."
Alec had to held his mouth to keep him from laughing at Jimmy's frequent "ermm..." He decided to walk to find Maria and ask her to the dance, which he nearly forgot until Jimmy brought it up.
Just as he was heading for the corridor, **and look who's here, la famous Vicki Zhao! The most stubborn girl! The most unfriendly person! The most annoying lady!** Alec thought to himself when she saw Vicki walking towards him.
**Finally! I wanna find Ruby, I wonder has she and Jimmy got 2gether yet...** Vicki thought to herself happily, not thinking anything thats related to Alec. But first she decided to find Jimmy first and hint him about the dance thing. She was heading for the corridor.
**Won't that be so great if Jimmy and Ruby got 2gether? That's so cute! When couples get 2gether, love is like the most wonderful feeling in the world.** Vicki was unaware that she was smiling like a prick and that Alec was walking towards her. She walked right past him focusing her thoughts on Jimmy and Ruby without even glancing around the hall way.
Alec saw Vicki walking towards him. He frowned, thinking that she's gonna come and gave him a stare or a comment...**to hell with Vicki! Who cares what she thinks!" Alec prepared himself for an argument with Vicki but as she got closer, Alec unfrowned.
Vicki was actually smiling! Her eyes was in thoughts as he remembered it clearly, twinkling, bright. She's still the same old Vicki. Alec looked at her amazed, since they've met, since they fell out years ago. He never saw or hear Vicki's laugh or smile ever again. But today, a happy feeling swept over his heart like whenever he sees Maria. Vicki was happy. ** what am I doing? She's the girl that broke my heart, why am I feeling things again?** Alec snapped out of the feeling. Then eyed at her again. She's still grinning, deep in thoughts and walked right past him.
Vicki turned after the corner unaware that the person hurt her, and scarred her heart for life was staring after her. She saw Jimmy, with a girl... it's Ruby! *YAY* She sighed happily and walked right up to them.
"Hey guys! Wow! Who'd have thought!" Vicki said sarcasticlly with a smile.
Jimmy and Ruby blushed at someone looking them.
"Well...erm..." THey both "ermmed" at the same time.
Vicki laughed, her day is definitely starting good.
"Someone's happy 2day!" Ruby changed the subject immediately remembering about the dance.
(--readers, remember Nicky? The shy guy, who has a crush on Vicki?--)
"so Vicki, r u going to the dance?"
"No, I don't think so. Dances r not my type." It was the turn for Vicki to blush.
"Well, has anyone asked u yet?" Ruby continued.
"No, but no! Even if anyone did, I'd just say that I've already got a partner."
"Come on! I'll be organising it! Since u r my friend, u r gonna help out and how can my helpers not be at the dance."
Vicki smiled," Thanx Ruby but a) I don't like dances, and b) I just got her and I don't even know that many guys, I don't think anyone's gonna ask me."
"Well, really? I just happened to have a friend and he'd luv to take u there." Ruby jumped at the chance after Vicki said no one's gonna ask her.
"Ok, I'll leave my girls here" Jimmy sensing that Vicki and Ruby need time."
"bye," Ruby eyed at Jimmy lovingly, and he returned with his killer smile.
"So, u 2! An item?" Vicki tried to changed the subject.
"Don't try to change the subject!"
"Ruby, I don't think so."
"Vicki, u don't even know any1. The dance should be a good place for u to get know ppl! Don't break the guy's heart! U don't even know him! And he's my friend. Pleaseeeeee!" Ruby puppy eyed.
"Fine! I'll think about it. Who's the guy?" Vicki couldn't believe that she was gonnabe persuaded to go on a date with some1 puppy eyed at her.
"Ok, I'll show him to u k?"
"What r we waiting for?"
The 2 girls walked off trying to find Nicky.
Alec was still hiding behind the walls watching Ruby talking to Vicki and Vicki smiling in a super good mood. He felt happy. **Maybe the whole dinner thing won't go a total disaster. Maybe I should ask her to make sure that it is her...Whatever, this whole VIcki thing is taking way 2 much of my thinking time and Maria, I gotta find her.**
Alec walked away. He found Maria next to her locker looking pretty frustrated, but kinda cute at the same time.
"Hey, u look frustrated."
"Thanx for the compliment!" Maris smiled sarcastically.
"I was joking! Whats wrong?"
"I have no pen, no pencil, and no science homework. I'm gonna get roasted by Mr Glass(the science teacher). And teh french note I got yesterday? I lost it." Maria let all her worries out to her boyf.
"Relax! U know, u look cute when u r frustrated."
"Thanx, u r so sweet. But onto French, what am I going to do? U r lucky coz u r practically French after last years emersion."
"How about I'll tutor u?"
"U would? U can? Would u? Pleasee." Maria sent her a huge grin. Her eyes sparkled too.
"Sure, when? I'd do anything for u."
"How about Saturday night?"
"Saturday? That sounds..." Just about when Alec was gonna reply it's a date, he remembered about the dinner with Zhao.
"can u?"
"Well, I'd luv to but I can't"
"We r invited to some person's home for dinner on Saturday, can we do it any other day?" Alec felt guilty.
"Oh, I can't sorry. I got shopping on Saturday with Ruby for the dance, and Sunday, I got Karate."
"The dance! Maria, can I ask u something?" Alec decided to ask Maria as he didn't want to disappoint her.
"What?"
"I would be honored, if the person whose name is Maria would come to the Valentine dance with me." Alec smiled charmingly.
"I wonder who would that be?"
"Well, she's standing with me right now. Please?"
"Ermmm, let me think, ok" Maria pretended to be sifting through her mind.
"Great! I need to get to class now."
The rest of the week went by, and Alec and Vicki although never confronted eachother, but they avoided eachother as much as possible, each dreading the dinner night. But on Friday, the last period was drama. The tension was running high. They were arguing!
"Vicki! U r doing it all the wrong way! XiaoYanZi is NOT very innocent, ok? And u r just looking like a young naive girl!" Alec whispered loudly at first.
"Who cares what u think? I think XiaoYanZi is better this way, so that the audience could see why YongQi was attracted to her!" Vicki's voice got louder.
"I don't think so!"
"Well I DO!"
"This is AMERICA! NOT ENGLAND! WE DO IT THE AMERICAN WAY! OKAY?"
"STUPID AMERICA, WHO CARES! I'M SAYING THAT THIS IS THE WAY TO ACT XiaoYanZi!"
"WELL, WHY DON'T U GO BACK THERE! I DIDN'T INVITE U TO COME IN THE FIRST PLACE!"
"WHY I CAME WAS NON OF UR BUSINESS AND THE ROLE OF XiaoYanZi IS NOT EITHER!"
"Oh! EXCUSE ME FOR TRYING TO MAKE OUT PARTNERINGSHIP TO WORK! I WAS ONLY SUGGESTING!"
"DON'T!"
Their whispers turned into a loud arguement...again.
"Vicki! Alec! Please, u not the only people here! The rest of us is trying to work! Do u have a problem?" Ms Chan looked up to their direction wondering how on Earth could anybody argue so much. It was the third time that lesson. It seemed every 5 minutes after she calmed them down, something would stir up the whole thing again. She never thought that Alec could be so mean, or the first day quiet, shy Vicki would look so deadly.
She walked towards them again. "I think u two have a major problem with eachother."
**That's an understatement of the year!** They both thought and gave eachother another meanful eye.
"Sorry" they said 2gether.
"Well Vicki, this is ur first week here and our presentation is next week. I think that u'd perform better if u had a change of partner. Same goes for u Alec 2!"
"I can? Really?" Vicki nearly smiled. She'd do anything to stay away from Mr-I-think-I'm-all-that.
Ruby on the other side of the room heard the conversation. A bright idea came to her mind. She grabbed Nicky's arm and walked towards Ms Chan.
Before Nicky realised what was happenning, him being dragged suddenly by Ruby. "What are u doing Ruby?"
"U'll see"
"Hey Miss Chan, I'm sorry for being nosey. But since there's a problem. I don't mind swopping partners."
"Really? Alec, Vicki? U won't mind would u? This is a major presentation. It counts towards ur university applications. I want u 2 on ur best."
"I'd luv it!" Alec jumped straight with an answer before Vicki could react.
"Yes, it's a brilliant idea!" Vicki totally agreed. She thought, the first time they agreed on anything.
"Well, I leave u 4 to it" Ms Chan left.
"Vicki, hey! This is the 'Nicky'" Ruby smiled slightly evily(--not bad, bad, u know?--)
Vicki saw Nicky looking at her, she immediately blushed, and looked down."Hey, wanna leave?"
More than happy to, he followed her and went into their own space.
"Ruby, thank u so much for helping me get rid of her! I own u one! Big!" Alec smiled brightly as soon as Vicki and Nicky(--hey! That rimes!--) were out of sight.
"I didn't do it for u! He has a crush on her! I'm helping them to get together."
"Oh, well anyway thanx"
Alec went into his thoughts. **So she finally left! YAY! But something doesn't feel right.** He thought he'd be happy, overjoyed. But nothing came, a big fat nothing. Something seems to be holding his heart.
######OVER TO VICKI AND NICKY######
"Hey Vicki! U've been settling in well?" Nicky tried to break the uncomfortable silence between them.
"Yeah, thanx! Erm... let's get started. I wasted too much of my time argueing with Mr-I'm-the-greatest." Vicki smiled happily at Nicky.
SHe noticed that he was kinda cute, although a little shy but it's definitely attractive. **I'm going to check him out. After all, if he is really nice and wonderful. I might go to the dance. He doesn't seem like the type that's a player** Vicki grinned to herself.
Nicky looked at her perculiarly. She seemed to be thinking, and then a big smile comes to her face that just lit up the room. **Wow, she is so beautiful. I hope she will go to the dance with me.**
Without any more distractions, drama finally came to an end. Alec was half hearted concentrating. Repeatively, he told himself that he's happy that Vicki is finally gone and they will have no communication ever again after 2morrow night. Vicki was getting on great with Nicky, they seemed to have a lot in common, music, sport, TV... Ruby smiled. She's so happy that everything is going to be great! Everyone has someone, all her friends are paired up. Herself have a wonderful boyfriend. Nothing, could go wrong at this dance.
"Vicki! U want a lift home?" She asked Vicki with a eagerness on what happened in drama.
"U sure?" Vicki knew what she was thinking, so she delibrately tried to refuse with a smile to let she know she was joking.
"Get in the car!" Ruby laughed.
Alec from distance watched them laughing and joking. Somehow, he felt that he had spy on them. There seemed to be an attraction force. But he didn't, he drive away thinking constantly on tomorrow night.
"So what did u think of him?"
"Who?"
"Don't play games with me! U know very well who!"
"Oh, u mean Nicky?"
"Yes! I mean Nicky."
"He was nice."
"Just nice? I saw u two were chatting like a couple of long lost friends."
"He's nice" Vicki knew this was killing her friend.
"Ergghh! Vicki! Don't bug me!"
"Okay, he's got a nice smile, and he blushes too much." Vicki felt picky.
"Well, thats because he's with u dummy! So r u agreeing to go the dance with him?"
"I don't know... maybe."
"U think he's nice and he has a great smile and u r still pondering! I guess ur last boyf must be a total hunk!"
Vicki froze, her last boyf...she never had a boyf in her whole life. Alec was the closest she's ever got.
"Oh, I'm sorry" Ruby realised what Vicki must be thinking, and apologised.
"that's ok. I guess I won't mind go out with Nicky for the dance." She didn't want to think anymore on her last boy friend.
"YAY! Great! I'll ring him sometime over the weekend. Hey, do u think u might want to go on a date with him tomorrow night? U know to get to know eachother better?" Ruby asked hopefully.
"Don't push it! Besides, I'm busy, some family is coming ours for dinner. I'm so not looking forward to it."
"Awww, a family? Is there a lil kid or something coming? So sweet."
"I don't know." Vicki semi-lied. She didn't know technically whether Alec was coming or not. He didn't say anything at school, so she just thought hopefullly no. Besides, he's prolly got a hot date with Maria or something.
"Ruby, I live right there, u can let me off here."
"U sure? U doing anything 2morrow? I'm going shopping for the dance with Maria, u know her rite?"
"No, but I have to help my mom prepare food, u know?" She heard the name Maria. She's got nothing against her, but she felt she couldn't go anywhere near someone is that close with Alec.
"Okay, I'll see u at school. U r gonna thank u one day when u and Nicky get 2gether liker real soon!"
"Whatever!" Vicki smiled, and blushed...Nicky might be her first boyf."Bye! Have fun!"
#######The next morning#######
"Vicki! It's 10 o' clock! Please get up! We have guest today u know! U want Alec to see u still dreaming in ur sleep when they get here." Mrs Zhao looked fondly at her daughter who never changes, sleeps alot. "We have to get ready. I have no idea which recipe I should do."
"Mom, whichever one u do is great. Please can I have just 10 more minutes? I wanna sleep." Vicki said without opening her eyes.
"Vicki! It's 10. Aren't u even slightly excited by the fact that Alec is coming 2day?"
"Mom, I'm totally excited, it's I want more sleep!"
"If u keep sleeping and dreaming, u r never going to get a boyfriend u know."
Vicki was embarassed. She's now 18, but has never brought a guy home ever since she was small. Her parents lately have been bugging her that they never get to see her friends...
"Mom, I don't want a boyfriend. Please can we not talk about this?"
"Well get up now and I'll quit bugging u!"
"Okay!"
(--I wanna skip what they cooked and all that's happening in the morning. I want to move on to the dinner. *more excitement*-- To Joy, the flashback is in this chap, ok? ^^--)
#####3.50pm#####
"Vicki! Please get changed, u r still in ur jeans!" Her mom looked at her frustrated.
"So? WHat's wrong with it? It's like the Sus r new and we have to make a good impression."
"Still, we haven't seen them for 5 years! Get changed. I want to show off on how beautiful u r!" Mr Zhao added in delightfully.
"Great, 2 vs 1. Guess I have to change. What do u think my long dark blue skirt?"
"Fine! That skirt looks great on u! Get changed now, they are coming in less than 10 minutes."
"I'm going! K? Stop panicking, ur cooking is great, u look great, mom I should be the one worry, k?"
"Just go."
######3.59pm######
"Mom, how do I look?"
"U look great! And smile!"
Vicki smiled the best she can. Soon, she's gonna have engage a nice little conversation with Alec. She defintely not in a smiling mood for a whole afternoon and evening.
###The door bell rings###
"They r here! Vicki, smile!"
Vicki tried smiling again, for the tenth time after her mom asked her during that last minute.
Mr Zhao opened the door.
Mr and Mrs Su walked in.
"Hello Emma! I have not seen u for so long. I missed u!" Mrs Su quickly greeted Mrs Zhao. The two women quickly talked and tried to catch on everything that's been going on in eachother's world.
"And this must be Vicki. Long time no see!" Mrs Su also greeted Vicki happily. " U've grown into an elegant lady. U look great!"
Vicki blushed, she stood still on her spot and looked down. She could feel another pair of staring eyes on her.
"This is must be Alec. He's grown too. I trust ur studies r going well?" Mrs Zhao looked at the young man behind his parents.
"Thank you Mrs Zhao" Alec smiled politely. Deep down, he wish he tried to get out of this thing. Spending a whole evening with someone like Vicki was not exactly his idea.
"Come in! Let's have some cookies!"
The two families walked into the lounge, Vicki and Alec walked behind them, trailing one after another uncomfortably.
"Alec, I baked some of ur favourite cookies. Do remember when u were 4, u always come to ours and everytime, u'd try to steal some cookie?"
Alec was definitely emabarassed, he didn't know what to say, and just grabbed a cookie. After all, it's still his favourite.
Vicki sat down. She looked the cookie. It was chocolate chipped, backed by her mom's special recipe. It was her favourite too. But as she kept staring at it, it brought back a painful memory.
########Flashback########
Vicki got up for her first day at school. She smiled, but then she remembered what happened yesterday. It brought painful feeling in her knee, not just she fell hard on the road, but her hurt in her heart was painful too.
When she arrived at school, there were kids running around. She didn't know anyone, except him... but he was with other kids. She didn't want to interfere, afraid that he night shout at her in front of everybody.
During that day, Vicki didn't hear anything her teacher said. She kept staring into Alec's direction. But he never met her gaze. He was playing soccer with his other friends.
As soon as the bell rang for after school. Vicki ran straight home and planned a surprise for Alec. She realised that she overreacted yesterday, and she prolly hurt him alot. And what could be better to say sorrie with a full plateful of his favourite cookies in the world! Vicki grinned at herself.
An hour later, the cookies were made(--sorrie if it's a little unrealistic that Vicki being so young could bake in an hour--). Vicki carefully filmed over the plate and walked excitely to Alec's house.
"Mrs Su, where is Alec?"
"Hello Vicki! Nice cookies. Alec's out in the park(--their special place--)."
"Thank u! Bye!"
Vicki skipped happily, thinkin' how happy he would be when he sees her. She missed him alot. It had been two days since they played and Vicki was lonely. She never realised that she depended on Alec so much. When she got there, there was nobody. **Maybe he went to the shops, I'm sure he'll come eventually** Vicki sat in the ting(2) zi(0) and waited. 10 minutes gone...half hour...an hour...Everytime Vicki heard someone coming towards her, she looked out to see if it was Alec but everytime, it was someone else. Two hours gone... it was nearly 6.30pm. The cookies lied there on the plate untouched. Vicki grew more anxious, where could he be? His mom said that he's coming here and how come he hasn't? Maybe I missed him...
Vicki sat there in thoughts. Suddenly, she heard her name was being mentionned.
"...Vicki? She was so horrible to me yesterday!" One voice.
"Really? How could she? U saved her life!" A girl's voice.
Vicki crept quietly behind a bush and continued to eavedrop.
She looked up and saw two kids around her age talking happily. One girl, one
boy.
"Who cares about Vicki? Besides, she's prolly forgotten about me already. Let's do soemthing, it's really frustrating keep thinking about her." The boy said.
"Sure, what do u wanna do Alec?"
"Can I show u my fav place here?"
"I'd luv to see it!"
"This way Michelle." Alec started to excited, and pulled Michelle's hand.
Vicki behind the bush heard every single word. She felt her heart breaking into two. She couldn't believe that just beacause she a mistake, just one mistake, that he would turn his back on her and forget all about her. Whatsmore, they were heading straight for the tingzi - Vicki's fav place 2, thought she suspected it was Alec's 2, but he neva told her and promised her that on her b-day, he would surprise her. Now only one day after they fell out, and he has already found a new best friend and even telling her what Vicki doesn't even know. Vicki was beyond hurt.
Quietly, Vicki cried and ran all the way home, but just as she stood up, she
realised she left her cookies in the ting zi. She decided to go back quietly and
get it, then straight out. Vicki couldn't bear to stay there any longer.
As she go near...
"I wonder what kinda dumb person would leave a plateful of cookies lying here?" Michelle asked and emphasized on the dumb person part.
"I dunno care but who ever made it didn't do much of a good job. It tastes like burnt bread!" Alec agreed with her.
They seemed to know Vicki was listening to them and critisized her on purpose.
Tears, anger, rage was within Vicki. She never thought she could hate, be mad at anyone so much, but what she was feeling at that moment was beyond description. Vicki ran out and vowed to always be true to herself and never trust a guy again.
From that day on, Vicki closed her heart. She daren't let anybody in and so far nobody has done so, not even her best friend Jen.
######Flashback ends#######
(--did u peeps think it was bad?--)
"Vicki, u there?" Mrs Zhao looking puzzled at her daughter, who's looked to be have been in a turmoil.
"I'm fine mom. Let's get dinner served." The flashback in her mind nearly brought her tears back again, but she managed to control her emotions.
"Ok, everyone, we can get started on dinner! PLease feel free, to give me any comments on my cooking!"
Everybody sat down around the beautifully furnished dinning table. Vicki and Alec was the last two person to be seated and there was no choice but to seat together between their mothers.
Occasionally, their elbows would touch, but they ignored it and carried on eating, both very uncomfortable.
As soon Vicki felt half full. She decided to go upstairs and watch TV, leaving every1 downstairs. She know her mom won't follow her.
Vicki watched 2 movies... it was near half 10 at night. The Sus r still here chatting non stop downstairs. She noticed outside it started heavy blizzard.
At half 11, she heard, " Alec, we'd better go. Thank u so much for inviting us. We have to do it again soon sometime!" Mrs Su smiled happily.
**DOn't make it that soon** Alec sighed.
He opened the door and found himself staring into a white world. Everything was covered in snow. Their car was hidden with snow. To his worst nightmare, it seems that they'd be stuck at the Zhaos for a whole night!
"Oh no, it's snowing!" Mrs Su exclaimed, feeling awkward.
"DOn't worry, u can stay at ours for the night." Mrs Zhao sensed her worry, and quickly came to the rescue.
Alec was now twitching uncomfortably. This is gonna be his worst night ever! *Man, whay did it have to snow tonight! Now I'm stuck at Ms ice-queen's house for the whole night. I hope I wont have to share a room with her.**
"Alec, do u want to share a room with Vicki? I noticed that u two haven't been talking much. U two prolly needs alot catching up!" Mrs Zhao asked him.
Alec didn't know what to say. He didn't want to be impolite but he really didn't want to sleep in her room.
"I'm sure he'd luv to." Mrs Su answered for Alec.
**Oh thanx mother**
"Okay, this way. Lynn, u and James could stay in our guest room. Alec, I'll get Vicki down here for u."
"Thank u so much Emma"
"VICKI! I need u down here!"
Vicki was reading upstairs, and suddenly heard her mother calling her wondering why would she want her. As soon as she got downstairs, she knew, but she bit her lip and prayed that it wasn't what she was thinking.
"Vicki, Alec'll be staying in ur room 2night, why don't u take him and find him a sleeping bag." Mrs Zhao looked fondly at her daughter looking shocked.
"What??? Oh, erm... Alec, my room's the first one on the left, u go up and I'll just get u a sleeping bag." Vicki nearly screamed out but recovered quickly.
Alec walked up with no choice, for one second, he even hoped for her to protest, but she agreed.
Alec walked slowly upstairs wondering what Vicki's bedroom would be like. It'd be the first time that they got this close since, since... like a decade ago or something. He turned the doorknob and walked in. It was beautiful.
Her bed was made out of wood in a corner, with her books (**She reads alot!**), CDs, a light blue lamp shades, and on the floor, a pile of her clothes.... Her room is not very big, everything just fit in. Opposite her bed, there's a TV and VCR. On the shelves, there's Bugs Bunny, Tweety bird, stuffed toys everywhere. On the window, there's a wooden wind chime. The room was although squashed, but very cozy. Alec could feel a nice cosy feeling sweeping over him.
Alec sat down on a chair and gazed around the room. Under a pile of books Alec was looking through, he felt something. He took it out gently, and turned it over. It looked like an old photo.
It was a picture of a little boy and a little girl in snow. Alec recognised them immediately, it was him and Vicki! As lil kids. The photo was taken on the day when they went out and play for the whole day. It was a perfect day in his life. The little girl in the photo had a big smile, her eyes were shining. Half of her body was hidden behind the lil boy. He was smiling 2, and Alec knew what exactly happened, Vicki used to hate having her pic taken, so she always try to hide behind somebody. Her arms laid on top of his shoulder.
Alec examined every little detail of the photo. Although it was creased and very old, but the texture, colour was still there and still brought out the happiness and innocence of a little girl. Vicki was beautiful, Alec thought.
**The door opened**
Alec jerked back, and put the picture back to its pile. He turned arpound face to face with Vicki.
Vicki was holding a puffy sleeping bag. She had no idea what Alec could be doing in her room. Look through her things? Spy on what's in her journal? And the worst of all, maybe he found the scrap piece of paper she was writing that said Nicky in red hearts, and Alec in black devil drawings? Vicki panicked, and ran upstair hoping she'd be there soon enough to save her from any embarassment. She opened the door, and sensed Alec jerked. Her fear was confirmed.
As he looked up, she saw him on her chair, no where near that scrap paper. She sighed a big relief inside her. Vicki had no idea what she was suppose to say, or do, or how to act around him... Alec was same, he didn't know either. He didn't know what to expect, her shouting at him for what happened a decade ago, or just nothing. No conversations, no smile, no angry remarks...
Vicki decided to make the first move.
"Errr... u can sleep on the floor. Here's ur bedding." Vicki said quietly blank faced.
"Thanx, I'll just go to the bathroom." Alec replied.
Alec quickly walked out the door.
Vicki on the other hand, quickly dropped the bag onto the floor and starts to tidy her clothes on the floor, shoved all of it unneatly into her closet. Then she quickly changed into her nightie, noting wanting to change in front of Alec.
Soon Alec was back, and saw Vicki already sleeping. Alec was relieved, he didn't want to walk in on her, and he just slept in his clothes.
The room was silent with ocassion chiming sound. The two person in the room soon fell asleep.
########12am#########
Alec woke up, he felt his neck stiffened, and opened his eyes. Everything was diff. then he realised that he was at the Zhaos. He looked around the room. Vicki's face was turned towards him.
He stared at it, it looked very peaceful, calm. Her hair was brushing slightly over her face. As Alec stared on, he felt a sudden urge to push the hair out of her face. He didn't know what to do. This urge, he wanted to so much and she asleep, so she wouldn't know anything; but what if she wakes up? Ignoring the negativeness, Alec went ahead, and reached out slowly to her face.
Just as he was touching her face, Vicki jerked. Alec thought that she felt something and quickly lie to pretend to be asleep but Vicki grabbed onto his hand, and squeezed so tight.
Alec felt an electric buzz ran through him. It didn't hurt him, but made him feel good, dreamy. He let her keep holding onto him, and fell asleep again.
#######12.30am########
Vicki woke up with a shock. She just had a dream. It was nothing terrible, but it scared the hell out of her. She dreamt that she fell into a deep hole and no matter how much she tried, she couldn't get out. But out of nowhere, a hand was reaching towards her, and she grabbed onto it. THe hand pulled her out of there with ease. Then it was gone-where she woke up.
Vicki took a deep breath. The dream was so weird- a hole? and a hand? How? Then she realised that she was holding onto something - a hand! ALec's hand! Vicki was shocked, wondering how on Earth his hand was holding hers? Then it hit her, the ahdn in the drea, it was Alec's! Slowly, and gently, Vicki laid it down again. It was dangling up to hold hers in an awkward position.
The rest of the night went on.
#########THe next morning###########
Alec woke up. He found his hand was not holding Vicki's. He sighed a big relief, hoping that she wouldn't find out. Imagine what she would say or do? THe worst is that she gonna try to kill him. Alec smiled onto the still sleeping Vicki. He didn't know whether he was glad or not that the hand thing had happened, but it did make him all tingly. He walked to the bathroom.
As soon as Alec was outta the sight. Vicki twitched and woke up. She looked down her bed and saw Alec's gone. She quickly got changed, brushed her hair. Deep inside, she sighed another relief. Imagine what he would do if he found out I've holding his hand during the night? He might've screamed down her neck, or embarassed her with her parents! Vicki was glad that he didn't know anything about it. SHe walked to the bathroom, just as Alec walked out.
Vicki and Alec walked downstairs each thinking what could've happened if the other one found out about the hand holding thing. They were trying the hardest they could to be how they were acting yesterday without looking into eachother's eyes.
Soon, the Sus left after breakfast.
########Wednesday########
(--Ppl, I'm jumping to Wednesday coz I don't want to concentrate on the first 2
dayz, it'd take 2 long. If u r a huge fan of Vicki and Alec, please don't kill
me at the end of this chap--)
"Vicki! What u got after lunch?" Ruby asked.
"Oh, erm, drama with u. Duh!" Vicki smiled.
"Oops, sowwie, stupid me. But tell me how u doing with Nicky? U two seems so compatible. The last two dayz? U were practically acting like a couple! The play Huan Zhu Ge Ge is so perfect for u!"
"Ruby, u r embarassin' me!" Vicki turned red after Ruby started talking loudly.
"Sorry, but on Friday, the presentation? I'd be surprised if Ms Chan won't give u a full mark. Making a brill comment for ya uni application."
"U think? I'm so nervous about it. We still have a third of the play to work on. I don't think we'd finish it at the end of this class. WE have no drama 2morrow."
"Still, u 2 r so natural 2gether! Alec's a real pain with me, wanna swop back?" Ruby joked.
"No way! I'm perfectly happy with Nicky." Then she realised she fell into Ruby's trap and started kicking herself.
"Perfectly happy? Hmmm, perfectly happy, doesn't that make u 2 a couple or something? "
"Ruby, u can be so annoying sometimes!"
"Hey, i was just trying to help! Do u think the play is kinda hard? XiaoYanZi is so loud and energetic! I feel tired just reading the script, personally, i wish i chose ZiWei instead."
"Really? I like that part, it kinda came natural to me. Come, we r gonna be late for class."
The two girlz walked happily to class.
As soon as Alec saw Vicki walked in, he quickly turned himself away from door so she won't notice that he was not waiting for her, but to see whether she was there or not. But Vicki noticed it, she felt uncomfortable. It's not like him. Somehow, after there "sleepover", something changed between them, something clicked. She didn't whether it was just her or Alec 2, but now though she still feel anger towards him, but there's an inexplainable bond in between.
Vicki was thinking then heard her name being called out.
"Vicki! Over here!" It was Nicky.
Pushing her thoughts away, Vicki smiled sweetly and walked towards him. Lately, in drama, as they start to spend more time 2gether, Vicki enjoyed it. It made her feel happy, and that's would made partnering with him seem so easy. Their dialogues in the play playing XiaoYanZi and YongQi was simple. They can act so loving 2gether, sometimes, Vicki felt confused. Everything seemed so real between them. When YongQi confessed his love for XiaoYanZi, Vicki felt herself transform to XiaoYanZi, and felt her pound. It was as if she was waiting for her "YongQi" to confess his love to her. They did that scene only once, and they both agreed that it was good enough. But deep down inside their soul, they'd luv to do it over and over again.
#######Bell rang#########
"Oh no! We still have a couple of pages to go through. And we have no class 2morrow. The presentation's on Friday. What r we gonna do?" Vicki exclaimed. Though she tried to be as worried as she can be, but secretly, she hoped for a date with Nicky, and gave him an encouragin' smile.
"Vicki, don't worry. U want to work on it over lunch or something?" Nicky saw her smile, felt she wanted a date.
"Sure." Vicki was disappointed.
Nicky saw her disappointed face then decided to dare his next move.
"Or unless...u'dwanttocomeovertomine2morrow??" He's mumbled it with a red face.
Vicki looked at his sincerity, she felt that he's 'the one'. And quickly gave him another one of her 'Vicki' smile. "Sure, I'd luv to!"
This was overheard by Alec. He froze. A date? Nicky and Vicki? A date? Tomorrow? How? He saw Vicki's smile, the one he's known for all of his life. The one that made him happy, cheered him up as a child... **What am I thinking? Vicki was ur best friend. And only as a best friend. Or was she... what if she stayed ur best friend till now. Would she be only ur best friend?** Alec felt confused, real confused. This week, they have no more verbal communications after last week's fight and the swopping thing. But at least he knew how she felt, and now. After seeing her sleep last week. The way she made feel by not even looking at him, or knowing he was there looking at her. The emotion felt different now. Kinda similar to the one he was familiar as a child. Even his love for Maria felt a stranger...
"Alec! Hey! We gotta go!" Ruby snapped her fingers in front of Alec. She sensed something about Alec.
"Alec, whats wrong with ya? Where's ur concentration!" Ruby looked at him unhappily. She had no idea why suddenly he had a lost of concentration. She'd thought that after splitting him and Vicki, he'd be able to do well on the play. But the last class was completely the opposite. He's changed somehow over the weekend. When he was YongQi, he was like a cold man, not a man just confessing his love for someone... maybe...he misses Vicki! Ruby thought. But, he can't he was really mean to her... and he's with Maria. He just can't! A uncomfprting thought slipped into Ruby's mind.
"Er, Alec. Do u like Vicki?" Ruby asked.
"what? Hell no! U know what happened last week." Alec realised maybe Vicki said something, and quickly tried to hide. But his body language gave away.
Ruby took the notice. "Really? How did the dinner thing on Saturday go? Neither of u said anything. I asked Vicki and she just shook her head. I'm gonna drag it out of u, k? Eveb if it meant stalking u! Maria tried to ring u on Sunday, but there was no answer. Where were u!?"
(--I made Ruby the really nosey and pushy and straight. Hope u don't mind--)
"Ruby, if Vicki said nothing happened, then NOTHING HAPPENED!" Alec started protesting.
"Alec, calm down. U wouldn't act so jumpy if nothing really happened. Now tell me what happened?"
"Ruby, please. Don't ask!" ALec felt even more frustrated. He had no idea what his feelings r and he needed time to figure it out.
Ruby watched Alec very carefully. She realised that there's gonna be trouble ahead, for Nicky and Maria.
"Bye, " Ruby left to find Jimmy.
"Hey Ruby!" Jimmy smiled happily into his g/f's eyes.
"Hey, I have a huge problem!" Ruby told Jimmy.
"What? There's nothing wrong with u rite?" Jimmy immediately started to worry.
Ruby laughed. He's so like ErKang from Hzgg, maybe he'd be perfect to play him and she can be ZiWei.
"It's Vicki." She started. "And Alec."
"Why?"
"U remember when I told u about how they were best friends? Well, I think that it just took a step further."
"A step further? U don't mean... do u?" Jimmy was shocked. "How did this thing happen?"
"No, i just got this feeling... Alec was acting really weird in drama because of Vicki and Vicki's acting really mysterious about Alec... they not saying anything and that makes me think there's something going on. Remember that dinner thing i told u? Well, obviously something happened and they not saying... I need to find out what happened."
"Ruby, don't u think it's time to stop snoozing around other ppl's business? What if u not rite? I just saw Vicki a minute ago. And he told me that she and Nicky kinda have a study date 2morrow. SHe's really excited about it. Doesn't look like she's fooning over ALec."
"Vicki was? A date? She didn't tell me about it! I'm gonna find her now!"
########The next day, at night. Vicki's home#########
(--ppl, I'm skipping to all the part to their datez, coz if i don't skip it, the story's gonna be boring and I know u'all wanna know what the date... and Vicki+Alec fans... please don't murder me at the end of this chap or the next one...^^--)
"Mom, I just wanna tell u that I'd be going out 2nite for school work, k?" Vicki told her mom at the last minute.
"Who with?" Mrs Zhao feeling happy that her daughter has finally made some friends.
"Someone..." Vicki blushed.
Telling from the looks, Mrs Zhao realised that it's a date, but just when she about to ask her, who's the lucky guy, hoping it would be Alec, the door bell rang and VIcki quickly grabbed her coat and blew kiss, telling her that she'd be back by 10. And she was gone.
"Hey Nicky!" Vicki smiled a lil embarassed but really happy.
"Hey. THe drive to my house shouldn't be 2 long. Please excuse the mess in the car, I tried to clean it but, 2 messy. Sorrie" Nicky also smiled back embarassingly.
"No problem." Vicki smiled again. **At least he's making an effort. I hope this date is gonna be a success.**
They got into the car quietly and drove in silence.
"Want the radio?"
"Sure." Vicki was glad there was something to fill the silence.
It was radio one with Jo Whiley,(--readers, I know this radio station is british but i don't know any american ones, so that'd have to do.--)
After 20 minutes, the car stopped outside a beautiful grand Victorian house.
Vicki took a deep breath, and followed Nicky in. She was v. nervous as it's the
first time, she's been to any guy's house, well except Alec's 10 years ago.
** Why am I thinking about Alec? This is suppose to be a study date with Nicky!
I have to wipe the thought of Alec out of my mind.** Vicki thougth angrily. Ever
since Sunday, her thoughts r even more frequently turning to Alec and it's
annoying. She doesn't know why, but every time she has a minute to herself,
she'd start havin' images of Alec in her head. Smiling... with Maria... having
the fight with her last week...him as a lil kid...the way he frowns...
"Vicki, u want to get started?" Nicky asked nervously. He made sure that his parents would be out for the night, or at least to 10pm and his elder sis Maggie was out on a date.
"Sure> Oh no, I forgot my script..." Vicki panicked, she was so nervous about telling her mom about the date, she totally forgot about the most important thing - her XiaoYanZi script. "I'm really sorry." Vicki started to apologise.
"Thats ok, we'll just have share" Nicky was even more nervous,as he wasn't sure whether she did that on purpose or was it she truly did forgot. "Thats ok, we can share" - meaning that they r have to work, v. close 2gether.
Vicki walked next to Nicky, her heart was pounding hard,so far in her life, nobody has made her palm sweaty, knees nobboly... she was sure that after the dance, they r gonna be an item, at least she hoped so.
"OK, this is where we left off yesterday. XiaoYanZi, why do u like climbing trees so much? "
(--ppl, like I said a few chaps ago. I've no idea what happened in hzgg1, so I'm just making this up, k?--)
"Why? Will u not like me no more if I keep climbing trees and fall?" XiaoYanZi/Vicki pretends to be angry, but obvious way.
"No, it's fine. It's just I have catch u all the time, and after while, I get tired. Then if u fall, I might drop u. I don't want u to be hurt..." Wu Ah Ge/Nicky blushed.
Seeing Nicky went red, Vicki began to wonder again, whether is this play just a play to them, or is it reality to them?
(--Ppl, soz again. I'm gonna write XiaoYanZi as Xyz, and Vicki as Vicki, seperate the thoughts and actions of them, coz it'd be real confusing--)
"YongQi, I was just joking. I mean I'm suppose to be a bird, and bird have to fly. Otherwise, they won't chirp no more, trapped in a cage. Then they will die. U don't want me to die do u?"
"Xyz, of course not! U die, I'll go down with u." YongQi said confidently. "I luv u 2 much, to let u go. So wherever u go, I'd be behind and following u k? U'll be a bird, I'll be an eagle flying around and protect u!" YongQi looked at xyz lovingly. Nicky's heart was racing, this is where he's gonna have to kiss Xyz/Vicki.
(--Pplz, I know the translation for XiaoYanZi is Little Swallow, but I don't really like it. So i changed it to bird, hope u don't mind--)
Vicki's heart was in awe after Yq's speech. Would any guy ever say that kinda thing to her? Xyz was so lucky to have a guy like Yq. Then she leaned 2wards the script to see her next line, heart nearly stopped a beat. It said **YONGQI KISSES XIAOYANZI SOFTLY** She didn't know whats going to happen next. Earlier during the week, their fake kiss was Nicky just lightly touched the tip of her lip and it send all those buzzing thing through her body, and it was easier to keep it strict to the script because it was in school. But now, they r alone in a house...
Vicki looked up to Nicky to see what he's going to do.
Nicky looked at the script again, and went for it. He lowered his head closed his eyes, leaning for Vicki's lips.
Vicki saw Yq was bending down, she stood tiptoed to reach his lips. They met half way. This time, it wasn't just a fake-kiss. It was real. There was no faking it. Both of their head was spinning fast and trying caught on what happened. Their kiss was gentle soft, but strong and passionate at the same time.
But Nicky broke off after a few second. He was afraid, afraid that he had been too good. Too good, that if she rejected him that he wouldn't be able to take it.
Just as Vicki getting used to the feeling, Nicky broke away. She was realised that this was only suppose to be a screen-kiss, nothing should have happened. He was only suppose to lower his head and pretent that they were kissing. **Maybe he regretted it. Maybe I was bad. Maybe he wasn't just interested and I got carried away...** Vicki felt a fool. She didn't want to stay there any longer. She can't believe she just let him in, and so soon. Hurt again. Vicki felt like crying.
Seeing her face turned pale and eyes blurry. Nicky didn't know what to do. It hurt him to see her like that. Just as that they were getting to know eachother, and now he just ruined. This time, he didn't want to let her slip away. He hugged her.
Vicki was just feeling like running, then she felt an secure arm around her. It was surely Nicky. She stayed there and broke her face into a smile. It so comfortable. Just like when Alec was hugging her when they were small. **Again?! How come everytime something like this happen, Alec appears in my mind?** Vicki was really angry at herself. This could be her first love and now, her thoughts can't keep away from her ex-best friend.
Nicky just kept hugging her, hoping he would comfort her again, and softly kissed her forehead.
Then, about 10 minutes later. Vicki and Nicky started kissing. Sparks were flying off!
#######Alarm Rang########
Vicki opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She just had the most amazing night and she was just really happy. Vicki smiled and got up quickly. She left early for school.
**I wonder how am I going to face Nicky 2day...** Vicki smiled at her thought. Finally, she's met the right guy.
######Over to Alec######
The alarm rang in Alec's room. He got up and sighed, rememebering that it's going to be his drama presentation today. He went to pick up Maria first.
"Hey Alec." Maria tried to smile brightly at Alec, but ever since last weekend, she felt Alec drifting away from her, and the sparks of when they first see eachother was not there.
Alec smiled politely and looked at her. Seeing her, giving her rides to school just didn't seem to have an impact on him anymore. Everything they do, or say is politeness, and quietness. He thought over and over again. He finally figured out what was bugging him, it was ...
#######School########
Vicki walked towards her locker, and saw someone standing against it. It was Nicky! Vicki could feel her heart bursting with joy and smiled shyly at Nicky.
Seeing his fav girl walking towards him, Nicky's heart started racing like everytime her sees her. He blushed and smiled.
"Hey Nicky" Vicki looked innocently at Nicky.
He could feel his cheeks burning up of embarassment, but he replied with a glittering smile.
"Hey, how r u?" He was clueless about how to get talking with her again.
"I'm good, u? Looking forward to the presentation?" Vicki asked.
**Looking forward? I was dreaming about it last night!** Nicky thought. "I dunno. We didn't get to finish it last night... due to unforseen circumstances..."
Vicki laughed, and looked into his eyes.
But out of nowhere, RUby crept up.
"Hey guys!" She kinda shouted loudly.
It gave both Nicky and Vicki a shock, they jumped.
"Er, I'll leave u two to it." Nicky frowned slightly, he was waiting for her to talk about last night and now Ruby just barge in!
"Nicky, b4 u go. I just wanna mention it to u that Vicki agreed to go to the dance with ya! I forgot to mention it to u" Ruby said it in front of Vicki!
"Ok, thanx!" Nicky although unhappy that Ruby interrupted them, but thanked her silently for getting them 2gether.
As soon Nicky was out of the ear. Vicki started," Ruby! What were u doing!"
"What was I doing? What about what were u and Nicky were going to do?" Ruby smiled slyly.
"Nothing! U didn't have to creep up on us like that!"
"Sorrie, but I jsut couldn;t wait to find out what happened last night."
"Nothing happened last night!" Vicki blushed, and showed that she was telling a porky.
"Really?" RUby felt pulling her hair out. She was wondering how on Earth could anyone be so secretive.
"Yes, nothing happened!"
"Vicki!! U driving me up the wall! Don't u c! Please tell me, did a kiss happen? Of course it happened because it was in the script. Right? And Nicky did kiss ya!"
"Ruby! Don't blab it in front of the hall!" Vicki was seriously embarassed.
"Well, something did happen!" Ruby assumed
Unable to keep her happiness bursting out of control. Vicki's face and lit and was full of brightness. "Yes! Something did happen and it was wonderful!"
"Awww, I knew u 2 were perfecto for eachother!" Ruby smiled.
Happy for two of her friends.
"Come on! We gotta get to homeroom, then drama. K?" Vicki wanted to get out of Ruby's questions b4 she starts another.
"Oh drama! Good luck!" Ruby smiled knowingly that Vicki and Nicky would have no problem acting as a couple and the kisses of Xyz and Yq was just to top it all!
"Thanx, I'll be needing it. I'm so nervous about it! We still have 2 pages to go. We didn't have time to finish up last night."
"Luck?! I was just joking! U r practically Xyz! And since u and Nicky have practiced the kissing scenes over and over again. I'm sure u'd have no problem."
"Well, I dunno." Vicki wanting to believe that she and Nicky and her r semi-couples but Nicky seemed to have no intention asking her out.
######Bell rang#######
"Ok, I'll see u later." Vicki told Ruby and left.
All through homeroom, Jimmy had to calm Vicki down about the play. Jimmy couldn't beleive how worked up that she can be. He just kept telling her that she'd do fine and she's going to ace it.
At the end of class, Vicki stood outside the class and waited for Ruby.
Together, they walked to drama.
"Class, as I remind u for the last time 2day, ur Huan Zhu Ge Ge presentation will be in 10 minutes! Get ready!" Ms Chan shouted across the room.
"Nicky, we have to get the last 2 pages done now! Oh, we'll fail this project." Vicki was getting anxious.
"Vicki, u'll be fine! I'll be up there with u! We r going to get through this 2gether!" Nicky said shyly, and blushed at the word 2gether... he never realised that it sounds so intimate...
#######10 minutes later########
"Ok everyone, the first couple is Jessica and Hong Wei..." Ms Chan read from her list.
Her voice faded in Vicki's mind. She's not just nervous for the presentation, it's the idea of doing another kiss with Nicky, a fake-kiss, or will it be real, like it was last night. Vicki couldn't stand still.
Alec stood on the other side of the room with Ruby. He was nervous, really nervous! A lil bit unlike him. But he knows why. THere could only be one explanation, the truth he tried to hid from himself for the past over 10 years. He didn't want to face it. And now the feeling was so strong, he couldn't keep away any more. Not when everything was so important. He didn't want to lose it again.
After each presentation, everyone clapped politely. They were all good, but there were two acts that were particularly anxiously waited. They were left to the last.
It was 5 minutes b4 the bell would go, and the final 2 presentation still hadn't be presented.
"Alec, Ruby, Vicki and Nicky. Guyz I'm sorrie, but it looks like we won't have time to do it this lesson. So do u wanna come afterschool or something?" Ms Chan asked.
Just the four of them, Vicki and Alec both heard the four of them rang in their ears. There would be them four and the teacher, that's it.
Everyone left the class as soon as the bell went, disappointed that they didn't get to see the two acts they wanted to see most, but they r not going to stay after school just to watch them.
The rest of the day went by like a blur to Vicki. After the final bell went. Vicki walked to the drama studio.
To her relief, Nicky was already there with Alec. They were chatting. Vicki walked in to Nicky's side. Alec just continued to talk as if Vicki was invisible. Nicky sensed the stiffness, and quickly left with Vicki to get ready.
Ruby got here late with Jimmy.
"Ok, which couple wanna go first?" The teacher asked.
"We'll go." Vicki smiled. She wanted to get this thing over with.
She walked onto the stage and stared down, there was Alec, Ruby and Jimmy.
Ruby and Jimmy were both smiling and encouraging, hoping them good luck. But when she turned to Alec's face. The expression was blank, unreadable. There was nothing there. No hate, no anger, no smile, no politeness, no nothing! He just stared quietly at her. Watching Alec like this, as if he was dead made Vicki shudder. She didn't know why she felt like that. But it didn't drive her away. She didn't know why, but she wanted to go down stage and give him a little hug, like she used to.
"U may start." Ms Chan said
(--peeps, I'm making up hzgg, k?--)
"XiaoYanZi! Are u hurt?" (the bit where they fell off the horse). YongQi asked concerned.
"Of course I'm hurt! Don't u c that big bump on my head, how can it not hurt!" XiaoYanZi shouted at YongQi, then immediately softened when she saw his caring face. "It's fine, I'll be ok."
"XiaoYanZi, please don't let anything happen to u, k? Coz i don't know what I'd do if something did happen and..." YongQi muttered off unintelligently.
XiaoYanZi suddenly smiled and asked sweetly, "Why? So what if something happened? I'll pull through. I'm XiaoYanZi!" She couldn't understand all of a sudden, YongQi was acting weird. Vicki's nervousness was nearly gone, but it soon came on again, because the kiss is suppose to come soon. She didn't know how she'd react after that. She knew then that she really cared about Nicky, really cared!
"Well, XiaoYanZi, I have something too tell u." YongQi started fiddling wiht his hand
"What?" XiaoYanZi stared at him with her huge innocent eyes.
Nicky/YongQi stared into it, it's enough to melt anyone's heart.
"Well, u know how I said I like someone, I want to tell u who it is, it's ..." Just as YongQi was going to pour his heart out at her, then XiaoYanZi waved her hands in front of him.
"Wait! Don't tell me! I want to guess!" XiaoYanZi shrieked.
"Err, ok." YongQi was unsure at how she'd react when he tells her.
"Is it JinSuo?" She said brightly.
"No."
"ZiWei, then?"
"nop"
"Liu Hong? She's really nice!"
"Er, 2 more guesses?"
"MingYue? CaiXia?" XiaoYanZi started to make more guesses because she didn't want to lose.
"Ur last guess."
"What? How could it be? I've went through every women u know, and it's not any of them. Is there someone that i don't know???"
"XiaoYanZi, of course u know her! She's really beautiful, big eyes, like rooftops, knows a little wu gong. Hates cheng yu. Do u know anyone like that?" YongQi was enjoying this a little.
"let me think...mmm... I like rooftops, and luv wu gong. Can't stand cheng yu. It couldn't be me rite?" XiaoYanZi realised.
"Well, she's standing rite in front of me... so yes." YongQi was close to running off mad.
"Really?" XiaoYanZi felt her heart pound, and Vicki's palm was sweating like mad.
"Yes. XiaoYanZi, I love you with all of my heart ever since the day I saw you." Nicky said the line with all his heart too. He looked into Vicki's huge eyes, which was staring at him and said it again through his eyes. He hoped that she'd do something, something little, u know just to let him know that she feels the same.
"YongQi, I love you too." Vicki nearly changed it into Nicky. She waited for Nicky to kiss her.
YongQi slowly leaned towards XiaoYanZi, and gave her a gentle kiss. XiaoYanZi replied to it. They carried on, the sparks were flying off, and everyone in the room was watching in silence. They could feel YongQi's love for XiaoYanZi, everything was perfect. Ruby held her hand tighter onto Jimmy's. Alec stood there quietly. He watched them kissing. It didn't look fake. He felt not just a pound of jealousy, he felt sadness, he was so angry at him. He couldn't believe that he let her go... just like that. 15 years ago, he spent a day in the snow with her and everything was beautiful. She was beautiful. The way she smiled, the way her eyes would look at him, frown, anger, happiness, innocence. The memory was all too clear.
Alec quietly walked out of the room to take a moment. He knew what he had to do. He can't let her slip away from his life again. He would not be able to get over it. Not again. Getting over her, not as a best friend, something deeper than friendship. He decided what he was going to do.
Nicky broke off first realising that they were still doing their play and was embarassed. Vicki blushed 2, as soon she realised it too. And Nicky whispered to her next to her, " Vicki, I love you." Vicki's face turned even redder. She managed to control her emotions until the end of the scene. The three audience immendiately gave them a loud applause, except Alec. He just stood there quietly.
Vicki was in her dreamy mood, she couldn't believe that Nicky said that he loved her, then she gave Nicky a tight hug and whispered quietly, "I Love you too." Nicky felt his heart leap, she's accepted him!
Ruby gave her friend a big hug as soon she got off the stage." VIcki u were so brilliant! I'm gonna have a hard time on the stage to live up to ur level! U two were so romantic. It made go aww with Jimmy."
Jimmy gave Vicki a lil hug too.
She turned to Alec, and he just nodded there. Vicki didn't care. Nothing he does can make her care anymore.
"Alright guys! We still have the last couple, Ruby and Alec, please take ur places. Vicki and Nicky, well done!" Ms Chan smiled. Ever so please with them, it turned out so much better than she imagined. Maybe...
Alec walked onto the stage with Ruby. They were great, but they were nothing like Nicky and Vicki. Although there was emotion and everything, there was no chemistry, much to Jimmy's relief.
Finally, the performance ended.
"Ppl, u can go." Ms CHan dismissed them.
The two girls quickl walked off, leaving the three guys behind.
"Vicki! What did he say to u? What did he say? U two were so compatible, I swear that, u two r going to get it!"
"Ruby, it was ok. He just told me that he loved me that's all." Vicki smiled trying not to make a big deal out of it.
"Not a big deal? He said he loves u? OMG! What did u say? Tell me now! Don't leave anything!"
"I said to him, I love him too!" Vicki smiled.
"ALRIGHT! See, I told u so!"
"I hate it when u say that."
"But it doesn't matter. I guess I won't need to offer u a ride home today."
"Nop!" Vicki was really happy. **Finally, I found my first love. Someone that really cared about her. Someone that shared what I like, what I hate, my hobbies, someone that appreciates me, unlike that person who shall remain anonoymous but I'm sure u know who.**
Jimmy walked with Alec and Nicky, who were both not really talking, each thinking about their own business. Jimmy wanted to congratulate Nicky on his performance, personally, he was glad that to c Vicki found someone. He really liked her as a friend. But Alec was there, and he knew what kinda history and Vicki shared, so he just kept quiet.
They walked to the foyer, and the two girlz were already there.
"Jimmy, let's go." Ruby immediately grabbing his hand and dragging him to the door. He didn't know why, but he was happy to.
"Ruby, what r u doing?"
"Jimster, Huan Zhu Ge Ge and YongQi need time." She grinned cheekishly.
"Ohh!" Jimmy realised and smiled, he was rite. "What about Alec?"
"I'm sure he'd take a hike!"
Back inside the foyer, Nicky didn't know what to say, he wanted to offer Vicki a ride home, but he couldn't, he had to go to work. So he just gave Vicki a peck on her cheeks, and said bye.
Vicki blushed, (in front of Alec).
**She still look that darn cute!** Alec stole a glance at her. He knew this is his chance. He's not going to let it slip away.
Vicki opend the door and left. Alec quickly ran after her.
"Hey! Yo!"
Vicki who was walking in front, thinking, 'yo'? Was he talking to her?
"Er, Vicki?" he called out to her again.
"Yeah..." Vicki turned around slowly, she had no idea why he suddenly had the change of attitude, for once, she was just Vicki, than Miss Ice-queen, whatever.
"U want a ride home?" Alec asked nervously.
"A ride? Me? Pardon?" Vicki couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Yes, u! U want a ride home?"
This was their first proper conversation without a major argument.
Vicki didn't know what made her say yes, but she just nodded. **This could be interesting...** Vicki thought.
They got into Alec's car. It was an old Toyota Carolla, Vicki observed everything. ** how like him!** Vicki thought, remembering Alec once told her when they were small that he want a Toyota Carolla, didn't matter how old it was. Suddenly, the memories of him and her years ago rushed back to Vicki's mind again. She felt confused. Just a few minutes ago, she was grinning like aprick over her and Nicky, but now, she couldn't understand all these memories coming back to her.
"How r u?" It was the only thing Alec could get out of his mouth.
Despite the confusion, anger also came back to her. All of a sudden, she wanted to shout at Alec, yell at him, make him feel bad, but she just said, "I'm fine."
Seeing the conversation's going nowhere, Alec decided to go straight to the point.
"Vicki, I'm sorrie, for all those years before."
Now, Vicki heard him say sorry, those words she wanted to hear so much few years ago, but now, it wasn't enough.
"U R SORRIE? AND THAT'S ALL?" Her voice raised. There's nothing could stop her saying all this at that moment. " DO U HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT U PUT ME THROUGHT? I THOUGHT U WERE MY BEST FRIEND, K? THEN U JUST STOP LIKING ME AND FIND MICHELLE! WHY DON'T U GO FIND HER AGAIN?"
Vicki's voice nearly deafened and broke Alec's heart. He wanted to say something back, but he knew he couldn't, otherwise he'd lose this chance. He just kept on driving.
"I'm sorrie." He said it again.
"HOW COULD U HAVE DONE THAT TO ME? WHY? WHY DID U SHARE IT WITH HER THAN ME?" Vicki knew she sounded jealous, but she was.
Alec listened to her questions, demanding answers. He realised he can't do this. There's nothing he can say to make everything back to it was before. He pulled onto someone's driveway.
"WHY U STOPPING? R U KIDNAPPING ME? ALEC, MY GOD WHY DO U HAVE TO OFFER ME A RIDE?" Vicki's words made no sense no more because of her blind rage.
Alec stepped out of the car, and walked around it, to the other side, opened the door to Vicki's side.
"ALEC? WHAT R U DOING? THIS IS NOT MY HOUSE! U KNOW WHERE IT IS! JUST DRIVE ON AND GET ME HOM..." She stopped talking, when she saw Alec was leaning towards her.
"What r u doing?" Her voice softened a little.
"shhh..." Alec motioned for her to stop talking and kissed her lightly on the lips, gentle yet strong.
It was just a soft quick kiss, but it was enough for Vicki to wobble. She couldn't believe what just happened.
#########It started to rain#########
Alec looked at her, now wondering was it the right thing to do? His plan now seemed bizarre and weird.
Vicki took a step back to think through what just happened. It was nothing what she thought it would be, a kiss? From Alec? What was he tryin' to do to her? But that kiss, it was so soft, it just melted her heart away, just that lil tiny kiss.
She can't let anything happen,"Alec! WHAT WERE U DOING?" She walked towards him and started hitting him hard on the chest.
Her reaction although not unpredicted, but there was this slice of hope that's disappeared and crushed his heart. Alec didn't do anything, he wanted her so much to reply his kiss, or just do anything to show she's happy, but she's not.
"ALEC! WHY DID U DO THAT? I DON"T NEED U IN MY LIFE, I DON'T NEED U IN MY LIFE TO MAKE IT MORE COMPLICATED? I HATE U K? DON'T DO THIS TO ME!"
Vicki felt she was anything but calm. She kept asking that questions over and over again, why why why?? Did he had to do that?
It rained harder.
Vicki hit Alec so hard, his chest bones felt braking. His heart was hit hard too.
He heard Vicki's questions, why? Why did he do that? He answered quietly to himself, because I luv u.
"Vicki, I love you. I love you ever since we were child. It was just I was too stupid to realise that." He said to her with a sincere face.
"WHAT? U LOVE ME?? I DON'T! I HATE U! I HATED ALL THOSE YEARS U MADE ME SUFFER AND CRY! I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH U! " Vicki's voice hoarse from all the shouting.
She was less angry than she sounded.
"Vicki, I really do love you. I care about u alot. I just hid the truth from myself and everyone about it. Because I though I could forget about u... but I can't. U r too precious to be forgotten, too important to be left alone. Vicki, please... I'm not sorrie about the kiss, because I truly love you." Alec had no idea where the speech came, but he hoped it'd move Vicki's heart, but it seemed unlikely.
Vicki's mind went into a completely shamble. The rain hit her face, her hair got wet. There were tears in her eyes. She heard him say sorrie, finally, him begging her to be his friend again, but it something more. He loved her... Vicki didn't know what to do. Though she was mezmerized by it, but somehow all she could do was yell at him, make him feel mad, make him suffer.
Alec watched Vicki burst out with comments, questions... he felt his tears were going to come, suddenly, he felt like a little boy again, who just want to be loved... and that person to be Vicki, but she rejected him. He wanted to cry but he didn't. It was raining so hard, 'let the rain be my tears' he thought.
Vicki stood there with her hands over her face, wet hair, wet clothes, only add to the bad feeling she had. The weather wasn't improving.
"Vicki, please, don't do this... Vicki...Vicki..." Alec just kept on calling out his name. Even saying it made him feel better,
"Don't say my name!"
Alec reached out his hand for her arm again, "Vicki, i can't stop... I luv u" Alec realised that he was far more in love with Vicki than he ever known.
"Don't touch me!"
Now, every little movement Vicki made to get away from Alec just hurt him more and more.
"Bye Alec..." Vicki muttered out, and started to ran to home.
"Vicki! No!! It's still raining. Let me take u home!" Alec watched her body crumped and ran away from him, disappearing into the mist. He wanted to follow her, but his legs wouldn't carry him. Alec stood there, staring into the space Vicki was standing.
He stood there for half an hour in the rain storm which was now turning into, with a broken heart.
"Vicki... Vicki... "he murmured. She was never going to be his girl. She made that clear.
#########Vicki##########
As soon as Vicki started running, she heard Alec's voice behind her, asking for her to come back. She couldn't stop, she just kept running. Until she was home again, safe.
She opened the door and slamed it, making the whole house tremble.
"Vicki?" Mrs Zhao called out."Is that u?"
"Yes mom!" Vicki trying so hard to keep the teary voice normal.
She ran upstairs, and laid down on her soft bed. She didn't realise that she was so tired. The last half an hour drained her out physically and emotionally. She was so tired too. All she wanted to do was just to rest. She took a quick shower and went to bed again. She hugged her knees tightly, she felt like a little girl, she was 6 again. It was as if the day she felt sick b4 school, and was waiting for her prince charming to come on his white horse and rescue her then whisk her away to their dreamland... except, this time, there was no white horse or pince charming.
"Vicki, I love u. I really do. Vicki I love u... I really do..."
Alec's voice echoed in her mind over and over again.
"Vicki, Vicki... Vicki?"
#########Alec##########
It was 6 o'clock, b4 Alec finally got home. He didn't know how he did, but he managed to. He has at least sped through 3 red lights and sped in the residential areas with limits 35mph, and he was doing 60.
Alec felt physically numb. His mind was in headache, there was nothing he could do anymore.
"Alec, honey?" Mrs Su called when she heard the door."OMG! U r wet! U ok? Where did u go? When I saw the storm, I thought u were at Maria's, couldn't u stayed there b4 it stopped?"
"huh? Sorrie..." Alec answered. His face was white as a ghost.
"Take a hot shower, k? Don't want u to get pneumonia. GO!"Mrs Su looked worriedly at her son's reply. He seemed to be in his own world.
Alec walked upstairs, shoes squeeching with water, face dripping wet.
Vicki fell asleep after the long exhausting. Her whole state of mind was so
confused. One part of her still haven’t accepted what happened in the rain,
the other half of her was still in awe with the kiss.
She had a dream.
######Dream#######
“Hey u!” A lil girl smiled happily at her friend.
“Who’s u? Me?” Her friend replied.
“U… Alec! Duh!”
“Vicki… u r my best friend in the whole world!”
The little girl continued to smile innocently and looked into the boy’s eyes.
”And u r my best friend too!”
“I think we should make a pact that kinda thing, just in case we forget each
other.”
“Ok, though I dun think it’s v. likely. I mean, u r the most important
person in my life! U make me laugh, u make me smile, u play with me, we do
everything 2gether! I love it so much!”
“Me too, mashka.”
The little girl blushed at mashka. Her friend rarely says it unless it was a
special moment.
“Alec, I vow this day, in our park that I, Vicki Zhao would never ever forgot
u in my life, or I’d be stroke down by thunder and lightening’ or a thousand
needles coming to stab to me. Now ur turn.”
“Hey! U weren’t suppose to take say the lightening and thunder thing, they
were suppose to be my lines! Ne way, I, Alec Su on this day in our park vow that
I would never forget Vicki Zhao, and I promise to always take care of her, help
her, and love her as my best friend in the whole world.” Alec put his hand on
his chest while swore. Then he spitted some saliva in his hand and held it out.
”Now, we shake hands.” In serious tone.
The lil’ girl did the same and shook her hand. The bond between them was
growing moment by moment.
“Alec, I think we should do somethin’ to remember this day.”
“Yeah! How about we carve our names on the zhu zi?”
“Great idea”
They found a little stone and on the zhu zi, they wrote Alec and Vicki, best
friend forever, with hearts circling around it.
The two lil kids just played and played for the whole afternoon, enjoying every
minute 2gether.
This was 6 weeks before they start school.
########Dream ends########
Vicki woke up suddenly at that point. Their little pact, had happened exactly
the way it did 13 yrs ago. The vows they took, the names they carved, they
hearts they’ve drawn… it was a fresh piece memory that came back to her.
Their specials vows, mashka… Her beddings had been kicked around. Her bed was
an absolutely mess. Wet clothes on the edges, her wet hair was rambled, dirty…
########Ring########
The phone rang.
“Vicki! It’s for u!” Mrs Zhao shouted from downstairs.
“I’ll use the extension”
She picked up the speaker. “Hello?”
“Vicki, hi!…”A male voice appeared.
Vicki recognised it immediately. It was Nicky’s.
“Hey Nicky!” She replied half-hearted, with a sleepy, tired voice. ”How
can I help u?”
Nicky was shocked! He thought they were an item now, how can I help u? Is not
the way u’d expect ur gf to reply.
“well…err…I just wanted to check on u, coz it rained pretty hard when I
got back from work. U r alright, aren’t ya?” Nicky asked/
It hit the sensitive bell in Vicki’s head.
“I’m fine! I don’t need u to check up on me! I’m not a baby anymore!”
Her voice was horsed. At the end, she realised what she said, but it can’t
been taken back.
“oh, I c. I’ll c u in school, bye.” Nicky hang up with a broken heart.
Vicki kicked herself hard. **God! Why did I had to say that??? He’s my boyf
now! My first love and it’s meant to be special! I’ll make it up to him on
Monday. Alec, why did u had to mess me up just when I thought I can handle
everything now. I moved on, way past u!**
########Alec#########
Alec stepped into the hot shower. The water was refreshing, but his head still
hurt like hell. The rain definitely was not good for him.
He let the water hit his face hard. He closed his eyes, a moment to absorb
everything. As soon, he stepped out of the shower, his knees collapsed and he
fainted on the floor.
He laid there out cold on the freezing bathroom tiles b4 half hour later, when
his mom asked him to come down for dinner, instead, there was no answer, and
there was mist coming out of the bathroom door. She forced it open and found her
son lying there. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Oh my god… Alec… honey? Can u hear me? Alec???” She shook him
vigorously. She checked his pulse. It was not strong but reasonable. She carried
him to his bed and wrapped him up heavily in blankets. Then started to boil
water.
Alec laid there quietly in his bed, motionless, lifeless, like a ghost spirit.
His mind was free as a bird. His heart was conscious. He didn’t move a single
inch.
Mr Su(Alec’s father) was away for 2 weeks for a business trip. Mrs Su didn’t
know what to do. She didn’t know who to call. As a former nurse, she knew his
condition wasn’t serious enough to go to the doctor. Instead she rang her old
friends.
