La Unnamed .

2010-04-05T15:06:00.000Z

Ellos! perini now!
Ok decided to continue Maya story
gna try after I get itouch and my hart heals
heartbreak sux
a lot
ESP when ur first love is bullshit
ok planned to write shortstory sci-Fi love stories with Denise
will do as soon as I'm free
:))

2010-04-04T07:08:00.002Z

Hellooo dudettes.

Denise here. Gosh, I can't believe MY luck either. My computer went down and there's a 98% I may never regain the use of my com, let alone recover the documents I had in there. And there's a lot of stories-crappy stories, nonetheless-that I had in there. I know they;re crappy but I had hoped to rebuild on the ideas and write them out in a better style than I had before. Grr.

Ohya and erm, I've given up the Emily story already. I'm currently at the stage where I'm denouncing all my previous work as sucky-quite apparent, huh?-and I have gone off love stories COMPLETELY. I don't mind a dash of romance in books-in fact, I love it-but I absolutely detest sappy love stories.

Recently I'm embarked on a stint in short story-ing, and my style of writing has gone pretty much towards the dark, mysterious kind. I might go on fantasy in the future :D But I like ironies.

Still...I haven't had much time to write. Sec3's horrible, and I'm only just learning to cope.

Adios, people!

2010-03-07T06:40:00.002Z

Hi people(ghosts!)

major bad news
I dunno wat to do now
MY FREAKIN IPODTOUCH GOT WIPED OUT AND ALL MY 30 chapters got wiped out
I rilly dunno what to post now
I kinda forgot the story too
as in I rmbr but now the storyline is jumbled up
and it's a fat chance that I will continue

another bad news
I can't publish my work anw
cos c'mon
my rents will be freaked out if they know that I write romance
huh
so the only genre I can publish is sci-fi/mystery
so it was nice making up my romance story
the story line is still on the previous post
I can't develope it

Cos of the above stated reasons
I'm very sad to say
I'm crying now.
I can't believe I have to leave the story even after I completed it in my head

anyone wanna adopt the storyline and develope it?

2009-12-14T08:04:00.003Z

Hey everyone(if there is anyone at all).Check out my song blog (they're just in lyrical form though).
Da link ---> http://songlanguage.blogspot.com/

Yeah I know they suck. But i'm uber bored so well haha. enjoy if you can.:)
THANKS!
-Perini

2009-12-14T07:40:00.002Z

Chapter 19-Soul Mates

After Vish was gone, Kayla couldn't stop blabbering. She was on cloud nine. Over the moon. Joyful. And even those phrases would be understatements.

"I feel like I'm in loo-ooo-ve!" Kayla squealed as she danced around the room, forcing me to join her.

I didn't know what got over me. I was pretty sure I was head over heels for Ray. Then why was I jealous of Kayla making out with Vish? I think I'm out of my mind. Seriously.

I mean, I'm just plain and ugly and really boring. So nobody ever likes me and I think I'm jealous that Kayla gets to be kissed just after 2 days of her presence. Oh man. Why am I such a loser? I was so happy when I found out Ray was an Angelic. At least my prediction was correct (duh!), and then both of them start kissing, causing some sort of sadness in me. Then it dawned on me.

Vish is hot. Kayla is beautiful. So both of them have each other. On the other hand, take me: ugly, brainy and totally nerdy and look at Ray: brainy, hot and totally athletic. Pretty people deserve pretty people. I'm just one of the outcasts. Would I even get Ray? Is he really made for me? I felt my eyes get wet...Not again. I touched the pearl I wore over my turquoise. It kept disappearing all the time. Kayla said it will finally return to Ray and we would have to explain the whole Angelic thing to him since he obviously can't remember anything. I sniffed as I tossed and turned. Why is love so puzzling? When did I even get in this mess in the first place?

Just then, hearing my sniffs, Kayla whispered in the dark.

"Are you okay, sister?"

"Uh. Yeah. I'm fi-"

"I'm sorry if I made you sad with my happiness." She paused, considering. "Do you...like Vish?"

Taken aback by that question, I pondered hard. Did I like him? Maybe. I didn't know. But I would never get such a sweet, perfect and beautiful guy. I mean, compare me to Kayla-you get the winner, right? And I don't want to spoil my friendship with Vish. I never even felt like that anyway. Unless you count the time when we were five and he kissed me on my cheek saying I was the most beautiful person ever. I smiled at the memory. That was when I didn't have glasses and my skin was a flawless marble sheet. Well, I did have a crush on him then. Time has made me realise I can't have him, however. Or Ray, either. I don't know.

"No Kayla," I replied. It's better to be wise.

"Oh. I just thought Vish was in love with you. You know, all the time during meditation, he kept thinking of you. And-"

"Wait. That's because, we are neighbours and pretty close ones. I guess. And he used to like me, I think, when we were five or so. Now we're just friends. Really. I thought the kiss and all the groping you guys did proved that both of you belonged together?" I murmured as I forced myself to giggle in the end.

"Oh. Um. Well. I just had to know if he was the one before I fall for him. He's just so hard to resist. Do you relate to me Maya?"

Oh yes. But I fell too hard and it may be too late now. I blinked again as tears streaked down my cheeks.

"Why are you crying?" Kayla gasped as she moved closer to wipe my tears away.

"I just think Ray wouldn't like me and I'm so sure he's the one. And I'm such a loser, I still feel jealous of you when you're so sweet and kind. And I just don't know why all bad things happen to me!" I sobbed out as more waterworks painted my face. Oh God. Way it keep it cool, Maya.

"Sister! Why do you think so unfavourably of yourself? You are the heir to the Main Angelic-in fact, you are the Main Angelic now. My manager, you know the other Angelic-he said our father died."

I looked at her. What?

"Oh my God! What? What do y-"

"Our father did not survive the destruction. And you are the elder twin. So you are the heir. And Maya, you are not a loser! If Ray doesn't like you, both of you are not meant to be. That's all. No sane boy would ignore such a beautiful girl. Don't be this way. Come on...er....what do they say? Oh yes! Just "chill" alright?" Kayla said, trying to sound modern.

I smiled through my tears at her speech of encouragement. God, thanks for such an amazing sister-she's really such an Angel.

"You think I'm beautiful?" I asked as smirked sardonically. Come on, seriously, me? Beautiful? I don't think so.

"Why yes! Even Vish thinks so. I mean he always looks at you like...you're so pretty. And once he even told Gabriel too. Maybe...I just need to give you a little crash course to make you realise it! Oh this would be fun!" Kayla shrieked as she smiled wide.

Woah.

"Wait. What crash co-"

"Oh don't worry. You'll know soon! Oh and Maya, let us tell Ray in the party about the Angelic thing."

And with that, she slept. But I could not sleep. Vish thought I was beautiful. I smiled to myself. Then I shook my head. So what if he does? It's not him I want right? Oh man. When is Ray going to realise about me and him?

I tossed and turned. Just then, I saw a shadow of a person outside my balcony's curtains. I wanted to get up. But almost instantly, it was gone. This just shows how tired I am, I thought, as I closed my eyes.

2009-12-13T16:39:00.000Z

Chapter 18- Crossing Boundaries

I was rather amazed that I could blow a kiss at Kayla. I smiled to myself seeing Maya so...amused and irritated? What was it to her that I blew Kayla a kiss? Then again, I don't even know why I do this kind of things. To annoy Maya? Or to make her jealous? No. I mean, why would she get jealous for me. Her heart is aching for Ray. Huh. And why does that make me smirk with annoyance? Am I jealous? My heart says that's what gave me the I-want-to-crush-my-best-friend's-skull feeling. But that's plain ridduculous. However, I vowed to myself- if Maya gets hurt this time, I ain't going to help her get over it. Though I know she probably may not. So much for my inexplicable jealously. As I was deep in thought, Maya asked me to come over. Once I showed my confusion, she told me so the alternate way. And let me tell you, my respect for that girl grew. Fine. Maya is good. I think I'm the bad one, trying to separate people. Jeez, what's with me?

"Okay Vish, since your balcony and my balcony is just like, 3 Metres apart, I'll be tying mom's sari across and I'll swing it to you. And then, you grab it and tie it to your hand rail. Then just take the flexible metal ruler and um slide across here. Er....think Tarzan?"

Impressed and rather amused I laughed and agreed. Kayla was mouthing me good luck. Maya was still frowning.

"Hey Maya, don't worry, I'll be fine-I think." Then I told her about my recent drawing of me performing some ritual like thing with the girls.

"So I won't die while sliding across-or whatever that I'll be doing."

I felt the wind rush past me as I sailed across perfectly. Maya pulled on my hands and I tumbled onto her rather sheepishly as Kayla influenced my brother to untie the knot on my hand rail and put him to sleep again.

"Sorry Maya."

"Oh no. I was the one who pulled too swiftly. I was worried I might drop you."

I guffawed and shut up once Kayla looked at me narrowly. I put an arm around on Maya's shoulder as I said it was okay. Then we went inside.

"So ladies, why did you invite the man in here?" I asked trying to make light of the situation.

"We need to do some um...investigation on Ray. We think he is an Angelic."

"Yeah. So-"

"Oh,we need three people."

"Okay, let's get this party started."

We sat down on a quilt and I was amazed to so many boxes in there.

"Hey what's with the cardboard boxes?"

"Kayla is now officially my sister. Adoption."

I raised my eyebrows as I understood. Great. We can have little freak parties often, then. If the world still doesnt die.

They had placed a Pearl, that obviously was Ray's disappearing one, in the middle. Kayla gestured to us to hold hands. I guess Maya is new to this too.

"Okay so we combine our Gifts to get the gift of Locating. If we can locate this Pearl back to the Dome, the place where we used to be, that's good. Because all our stones come from there.."

"Okay.. So why are we doing this?"

" To see if Ray is an Angelic as predicted by Maya."

I turned to Maya. I can feel my curry finding its way out. So it has come to this. Maya really thinks Ray is meant for her. The truth finally sank in. Okay. Maybe he likes her too. And this Angelic love is said to be true right? So Maya won't get heartbroken-if Ray is an Angelic. So I should be happy right? Then what is bugging me? Why do I feel so wrong? It's not like I ever fell for my neighbour. Right? Distracting me from my thoughts, Maya looked straight into my eyes and smiled with what I could only deduce as confidence. Woah. Some kind of sign showing-look, I know he is the one for me. Shove off!

With a muddled head, I joined their hands. That felt so much like a witches' ritual. And upon hearing my thoughts, Maya chuckled.

"Vish, we ain't witches. They are just stories made from perplexed humans who witnessed such rituals as this. But yeah. I feel like I'm in some Charmed Episodes."

Kayla shook her head and started telling us to clear our heads and to just become oblivious. Apparently, we had to meditate. I wanted to ask why, but she said we'd meet in our meditation. With a raised eyebrow, I sighed and closed my eyes.

It was hard to meditate. How am going to get my "superstrength" (as I have comically put it) when I can't even meditate? My brain was clogged with pixel perfect images of Maya. Hmm...weird. Maya smiling, Maya tucking her hair back, Maya ripping off her shirt in the moonlight for me, Maya looking perfectly angelic from my flashback, Maya crying alone in the corner of her balcony with her curtains partially hiding her. It didnt even take me a second to produce a few more pictures of her. How is it possible that I'm thinking of her even if I don't want to. I want to clear her away. I want a plain white clearance up there. But. I shook my head. I can't do this. I opened my eyes only to stare at a irritated Kayla and frowning Maya. She looked at me like a worried kitten. The shadows of her long and curly eyelashes make me want to trace patterns on her face. I mentally hit my head. What. The. Hell. I thought I'm supposed to be Kayla's person? Oh shit. This is so just wrong.

"Vish, concentrate! Come on. Clear your head. The faster you do that, the faster you can connect with us and we can harvest our energies. Concentrate! How can you-" rumbled Kayla only to be cut in by Maya.

"Kayla, 'sis. We gotta um... take it slow. Baseball dudes don't go around practicing meditation."

Kayla nodded only to sigh and looked at me, tapping her feet. I still don't get it. I can't meditate with them...How am I going to do this? Just then, suddenly Maya scooted closer to me. She blinked, her lashes making a holy circle of allure around her eyes. She took my face in her hands-to Kayla's utter surprise and I guess, discomfort-and whispered into my ears.

"Vish, close your eyes."

In her hands I became her robot.

"Now clear your thoughts. Nothing except your breathing. Think nothing. And stay that way."

In a minute, everything was peaceful. But then, I could somehow hear Maya and Kayla talking to me. Though I know it wasn't talking physically, it was like some ghostly-

"Kayla, I'm sorry. I mean, you didn't do it. So I figured I had to. Someone had to make him drift away." said something like Maya's voice in this white clearance of mine.

"Oh. Yes. I was a tad upset but never mind. On the other hand, we know how to connect like this. Amazing. Oh I just wish Vish was quicker."

" Ahem." I think I heard a little too much. What, they quarrelled about me? It sounded as if they did, much to my amusement. So Kayla was...er...jealous? I mean Maya's soothing was almost like a seduction...I blushed beet root red and both of the girls recognized my voice.

" Yo, Vish, check it out! Kayla is jealous that I touched you! Awww...." teased Maya's voice. God, her laugh felt so good in my ears.

"Uh. No.. Anyways, lets get back to business. Now Vish, connect with me." said Kayla as her voice came more and more clearer.

I felt her presence slide next to mine. My skin felt tingly as I felt her urging me to push my power to her. It was almost like her soul (if there was such a thing) was inside me. I enjoyed her-though not physical-mental feel against my skin. Or maybe, too much. I mentally willed my power to go to her. Slowly I felt her power mix with mine. I felt both our thoughts mingle. Hers overshowing mine. Her thoughts of Maya's well being, and love for her and a bitterness of her jealousy. And most surprisingly, the very, very interesting thoughts about me. Oh my. She was admiring my half-naked torso?! I felt a tug on that memory as she closed all her memories and thoughts of me down. I wodered if she could see all of my memories. Oh no. No. She mentally assured me that she can't, since I hadn't opened up my power. As she instructed me to let go of my power, suddenly all my thoughts flooded our view.

I tried hard to keep them un-embarassing. But the girls were too busy combining their powers.. Phew. Then, all our thoughts, powers and minds were one. Not so romantic anymore is it? As we willed the power closer, it rose up and suddenly I-or rather, we-felt like we could find anything we wanted. I thought of Maya-of course, I don't know why-and there was a picture of her being born.. Maya mentally hit me as I blushed. Uh oh. Wrong thing.

Kayla got more annoyed as I lost focus. Immediately I snapped back. All of us produced the picture of the Pearl in between us. It flashed through many things-mostly with Alila. It showed the sky and some Carnival and then it showed us... a practicing Angelic. Blonde hair, pale and green eyed. She wore a Pearl exactly like the one we had. But as soon as it came, it was gone and then there was a dome like thing made of...Ice? And around it were some things that somewhat resembled Rome. But the picture was so ghostly. I felt me frowning. It felt weird. Then it became clearer. And then it was blank.

***

"I think this is his first time meditating."

"Ah. Duh? Like I said-"

"Shh. I think he's regaining conciousness."

I opened my eyes to stare at the two worried girls. I realised then that I had passed out. But how exactly? I mean after the Locating, I just felt so dizzy and blank.

"Er...you kinda got overwhelmed by the power. And have you never meditated at all? You keep losing focus and you disconnected so, well we all broke apart. At least, the job is done,"replied Maya when I asked her.

Oh yes. So Ray is an Angelic. Well well. This probably gives Maya another reason to like him. Could he be the one? I shook my head...What the hell. The evidence was right in front of me. Maya and Ray were probably meant for each other, I guess. Then why do I feel like I gotta stop this? Am I...could it be? Was I falling for Maya? I looked back at them as both of them smiled patiently at me and thanked me for my help. Maya stroked the pearl lovingly. She was staring faraway, probably immersed in the thought of Ray and Her. Since when did I even start liking her? No. Maybe I'm just feeling overprotective of her. That's probably why I feel like Maya and Ray can't be together. But that's what I keep telling myself. What if...I really am in-

"Vish, come on. Maybe you should go h-" Kayla said as I cut in.

"Yeah. Yeah, let's go."

We slowly made our way outside to the balcony. It was pretty cold outside. Then I realised, I was still shirt-less. I caught Kayla looking at me as she blushed. Oh man. The silence was getting rather uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable.

"So you exercise a lot?" Kayla awkwardly mumbled gesturing her hands.

I grinned as I nodded. She's good at breaking the ice. Maybe I should apologize for just now.

"Hey look. Just now, it's not like what you think. I just know Maya since we were young and she's just a great friend. And-"

"Vish you don't have to explain anything. You know, I don't know how to say this but... I can't help but feel like you are....you are..." and then Kayla stopped,looking at her feet.

Oh man. Girls always do this. They make you feel so bad with their talk and there you go hating yourself. Anyway, I knew what she wanted to say. I felt bad. Then it came.

***

I marvelled at the blonde's skin. So beautiful. There was like some golden aura around her. I immediately began painting her. Little children surrounded her as she sat on the rock and she truely did look angelic. I smiled as I painted the light red lips curved upwards. It would be heaven to own those. I tapped my brain with the paintbrush. What thoughts. Thank god this girl could not read my mind. I stared across again to create those beautiful eyes.

As I painted on the whites, I felt someone's presence beside me. I looked up and caught my breath. The white fabric flowed around her, making her more heavenly. She was unattainable. Or so I thought. She smiled down at me as she picked up my painting.

"It is beautiful."

"Well it is all I can do when I look at something that is incredibly beautiful."

"Really? No way. If I am that, what shall my sister be credited as? My, you really flatter me," she whispered as she chuckled.

She examined her face on the animal skin further as my hands moved around her marble smooth skin in their own accord. Oh my! My hands refused to let go of her face. Strangely she did not even move. She looked at me from the painting and leaned to me.

"I think you got my lips all wrong."

"Oh. Oh my. I'm so sor-"

And then she shook her head full of curls and pressed a finger to my lips. Then somehow this miracle happened. She closed her eyes as she leaned in to me. I pushed her face closer to mine as my eyes closed. And my wish came true as I finally owned those lips I so wrongly painted-they were far softer then in the picture.

***

" Vish! Vish! Are you okay? Was it a flashback?" asked Kayla.

I opened my eyes. Oh yes. Wasn't it a flashback. Well, another thing I knew about my past life: I was goddamned good painter. I shivered as I recalled the kiss. It was just so...plain. Nice, yes, but plain. No fireworks and stars. Or maybe because I immediately snapped out of the flashback, I couldn't digest the kiss. The only way to know was-

"So it had to be about me right? Because, you get flashbacks when you think of the person. Unless you were thinking about Ma-"

"No. You. I think we were er...kissing?" I replied, blushing and grinning pathetically. Something was bugging me. I had to do something. How can the kiss seem so normal. I thought we were made for each other and all? Just then Kayla smiled as wind blew strongly. Darn, I wish I had worn a shirt. I shivered as Kayla removed her scarf and draped it around me.

Then things got strange. She pulled the ends of the scarf to her, making me tumble forward. I blinked as I felt her breath on me. She released her grip on the ends as I pulled the ends to me. Okay, so what was that for?

She took my face in her, as she tip-toed. Slowly she whispered, "Correction: present tense. We are kissing."

And with that, it happened-in a way, again and in another way, for the first time. I grabbed her head as we kissed. Surprisingly, yeah, this time, though there were no fireworks and all that, it felt like...something-magic. It was soft and long. I felt her body heat radiating and soon I wasn't cold anymore. She moved her hands around my neck as we deepened our kiss. Forgetting everything, I moved closer to her, shortening the one inch in between us. We were so in sync and I didnt want to leave her. It just felt so enjoyable. Way stronger and nearly platonic than my flashback. I knew it. Then, I knew it. I swiftly moved my hands down, tracing patterns on her waist as I pushed her even closer-probably suffocating her. Yet, she continued on kissing me-not even a word. My hands we aching to move under her shirt and I had to muster all my control to stop doing that. I felt like we could never stop. Just then I was about to transform the kiss into a French-

"Guys! Jeez! Get a room already! God. Hey! Listen! Break it up!" yelled an angry Maya. Angry?

We broke apart reluctantly as Kayla whispered, "I knew it Vish." in my ear. Yeah, I knew it too. Yet, there was just a tiny little thing in me saying this is wrong. What is wrong with me?

We looked at Maya, burning red and uber sheepish. Uh-oh, she looks angry. Very angry.

"Hey! What if anyone saw? Can you guys be more mindful? " Maya whispered ferociously..

We looked at each other as Kayla apologised. I didn't feel like saying sorry. Because I felt like the real reason she stopped the kiss was due to her jealousy. I mean, not of Kayla. She's just jealous that we can make out and havent gotten her chance. Right?

And with that, I was swung back to my house. I was back on my bed, fully clothed. My mind was full of thoughts. True, I thought I was in love with Maya when I was really young. Times change and I'm not young anymore. Then why did my heart say something and my mind say the other? Maya. Kayla. I know I want Kayla.

I mean, on the first day, I wanted to touch her. Right? And I've had flashbacks that I like her. And the amazing make out. And I have kissed pretty much a lot of girls but Kayla is just so...different. And it makes sense that she likes me back too.

Then why the hell I am confused? I feel protective and even if I don't think of her-she's in my head. It's like a half of me wants her and the other half violently pushes me towards Kayla. I am torn between them. I felt my heart ache a little. Is thus what it felt like to be in love?

I closed my eyes. The feeling of kissing Kayla flooded into me.. So blissful, flawless and just perfect. Her hands on my neck and mine on her waist, pulling us together. Her skin on mine felt so...nice. I've never felt a girl more interesting. And so beautiful.

Then I decided. I gotta listen to myself. I sound like an idiot. I took my pencil and paper. I willed myself to think about all things Angelic: my power, flashback, Kayla, Gabriel, the some, Maya, Ray and Rome. And the scary Blonde girl from our Locating. I focused and focused. And then my hands moved.

I opened my eyes and looked at a picture of myself, and Kayla making out and there was nothing else. Just us. I guessed that was enough of a proof. I loved Kayla. I guess when you crush on your neighbour and even though you get over it-you don't really fully get over it. Oh well, one day I'll be able to get over it. One day. Until then, it's me and Kayla.

In my weary state, I didn't think I could see anything, but, somehow I could figured out a shadow outside my door. The girls' lights went out. Who could it be?

"Hey who's that?" I called out.

And all I got as a response was the wind blowing.

2009-12-13T16:09:00.001Z

Chapter 17- Soul Sisters

So that was what all the secretive smiles were for. Second day of semester-the first day Kayla moves in. So as I cleaned up my locker and bid goodbye to everyone, Kayla ran away. Strange, I thought. But with Kayla, you never know. I got really caught up with Ray complaining that he had lost his pearl yet again. I agreed when he offered to drop me to my house. I looked around to see if maybe Vish would like a ride but only to realise Akiki had dropped him already. With a confused state of mind I went with him. Everything was perfectly normal-as normal as normal could be then. That was, until I got home.

And lo and behold, I see my whole family-dad!- with Kayla waiting for me as boxes and boxes of cardboard boxes arrived. I think I had already known this was supposed to happen. Yet, woah, too much too soon. Seeing my confused expression, Kayla's smile slackened. I thought she misunderstood my confusion.

"Maya, sweetie, I wanted to tell you this for a long time,actually for a month when we were still doing the required paperwork to adopt Kayla. But...I don't know, I never really found the time, you know? But ah this is a splendid surprise, yes? Maya...are you okay?" my dad asked.

I looked up at him and finally got it. Kayla hadn't charm them-they had adopted her. Instantly I smiled brightly. This was good-even though it meant that i have to put up with her irritating formality (which is quite cute, though) and her beauty (okay, come in who wouldn't be jealous?), this is really good. Seeing my beaming face both the grown-ups sighed. My brother high-fived me and Kayla winked at me.

Later as I helped them carry Kayla's boxes and stuff into my room and officially being introduced to her manager, publicist and friend, Mr. Lairy, I found out how my dad found Kayla. Co-incidence,they say. But really, Kayla gave me one of her mysterious looks and I knew.

My dad's friend and classmate Mr.Dim's son is an extra on some TV shows and Mr.Dim himself is a producer. So when Kayla's manager met him, he told him that Kayla wanted to attend a normal school for a while and stay out of the spotlight for a few minutes. And he told him that if he could find her a decent family, he would introduce his son to some people and maybe they could give him a lead role. And it so happened that Mr.Dim could only think of us (he only keeps a few friends, due to him being so busy with work and he's not that famous anyway) and my dad instantly felt like Kayla was a perfect daughter and spent one month sending mails and doing paperwork with my mother's help...And Kayla spent one month in San Diago adjusting to her new home. Today was supposed to be the day they blasted the bomb for me and brother. They thought it would be an amazing surprise. They got that part totally right.

As we were having dinner, dad looked at me sheepishly as he informed me (like I didn't know already), "Maya, Kayla would need to share your room and since it's seriously quite big I was hoping it will fit both of you. If that's okay wi-"

"Dad, yes. Of course. I know her from school and she's great (at which Kayla beamed) and I really do love that I have a sister. And dad, thanks." I cut in.

And well, as happiness has a tendency to leave me quickly, I found out that dad has to go the next day- "Work is really important sweetheart. And today has already put me behind schedule." and I have to say, Kayla has earned another point from me for bringing dad home for at least a day.

***

"So sister! You would probably want to er...check out my clothes?" asked Kayla eagerly, trying to sound more modern, as I was doing my homework.

I turned to her, stifling my giggles and raising an eyebrow as I said, "Er, not today? Okay? I've got homework piling up. Hey, where's your homework?"

"Oh I've done it already."

"But I've been with you all this while. When did you do it?"

"We had a free period in Chemistry and I completed everything!"

Wide eyed, I remembered what I did in Chemistry, and then slapped my head to realise I was staring at Ray's hair the whole time. Somebody, please knock some sense into me. Then again, how can she finish EVERYTHING in one hour?

"Oh, that's because we Angelics meditate and as with all things, we get more benefit from that compared to humans. It makes us think extremely fast and do practically everything faster. That's why I reach home faster than you today. Not because of my car-"

"Wait, you have a car? Oh my god! But I thought you don't have a license yet?"

" Yes. That's why I'm saying- not because of my car. I walk. (I probably must have gaped at that since she chuckled and oulled my mouth close). Though, I do have a car, it's a Ford by the way. Still, It's just the speed in our blood that improves due to meditating. Speaking of which, you should really do more meditation."

"Oh I do meditate. I've always loved it but I don't do it that often.."

"Hey maybe that's why you can't remember your past! We should really set a time for meditation!"

Looking at her wildly excited eyes, I agreed. I mean how bad could it be except I get all the gory details flashing before me when I tried meditating last time. Blood and more blood. Maybe this time, it could mean something...Or not. I didn't mention this to Kayla as she would get more worried. As I finally completed my homework with Kayla's tutoring, I saw a glint of white tucked in her collar. I immediately knew what it was.

"Thanks Kayla and wait, don't sleep yet-"

"Maya, i'm not sleeping yet. I'm just getting my ground ready to do some investigation."

Puzzled I asked, "Um...ground? And investigation?"

With a deep sigh, Kayla stopped spreading the quilt on the ground and replied me, "We are now going to see if Ray is an Angelic. Or not. See, Mr. Lairy is an Angelic-"

"No surprise there."

"- well, okay. And he recently listened to me on my theory on how Ray might be an Angelic and he decided to teach me to find if someone us an Angelic or not."

"So you stole his Pearl?"

"Oh wow, you can see it? I thought I could hide it behind my Turquoise. No such luck, it happens. Fine, I was asking him about the party if he could kindly pick us up since Vish's car is sent for repair. And I shook hands and influenced him to remember nothing as I took-took! Not stole- his pearl. And we actually need Vish's help since we need three Angelics to do this."

"Wait, why are you even doing this?" I asked with irritation. Why do I feel as if I don't want to know the truth?

"Because my dear sister, I think you think he is an Angelic and his stone is this ravishing pearl. We have to do this. Don't be afraid. Just trust your heart. Now let's call Vish." Kayla said. Was that excitement I sensed in her eyes?

"Okay, you are right. I did think that Ray's stone could be that damned pearl."

"Ahh. See? Once a sister, always a sister." Then Kayla came over to hug me. Wow. I never even imagined having a sister. I always wished though. Guess my wish came true. I smiled.

"Soul Sisters."

I looked at the time: 10:46. My mother went to send off my dad and brother for some reason told me he was going to sleep early today. Nobody would hear us. Perfect.

And so I drew out my curtains only to see Vish flinging his wet shirt in his balcony. That meant he was half-naked. Oh. I felt myself blush as Vish waved at us. Oh man, and Kayla winked-yes,winking!- at him! He winked back as he blew her a kiss. Ugh. Get a room!

Seeing my frowning face, Vish chuckled and said, "That was for you too. C'mon. I'm joking!" and he winked again. Which in turn made dear Kayla erupt into a fit of giggles.

I shook my head as I told him to come to my house. He gave me a what-the-hell look. I guess it's time to reveal "how to come to my house" in another way.

2009-12-11T13:55:00.002Z

Author's Note: This was inspired by an article I read in the newspaper...One organisation really does hold a lottery to choose which patients would receive treatment in Singapore, because the government did nothing to help subsidise the medicine. I think this story isn't one of my better works, though. Still, enjoy!

Lucinda stepped out of the shop, scrutinising her purchase like she usually did. It wasn't her first time buying--she was a regular face there--but checking the slip had long become a force of habit. The numbers showed clearly on the slip: 2247, 3630, et cera.

Tucking the slip into her purse, she quickly headed back to her workplace, glancing at her watch just as she did so. She had a doctor's appointment at four, and it was now eleven in the morning. Enough time for another customer, Lucinda thought. Some more cash in my pocket.

As she reached her workplace, her stomach growled audibly, no doubt unsatisfied by her quick breakfast. She sighed, knowing that she would have to forgo lunch. It only served to accentuate her narrow waist, however, which she knew would be pleasing to her customers. Lucinda smiled at the thought. She was already pleasing to her customers; she had no need to try.

Her dark black hair was silken and fell in soft curls to her chest, complimenting her lush breasts. Her skin was flawlessly white, and her large black eyes shone in her heart-shaped face. A petite nose and red lips completed the stunningly beautiful face. It was no wonder she could have a customer with a snap of her fingers.

Lucinda's keys clicked coldly as she entered her workplace, where her colleague Tammy handed her a note wordlessly. It read:

CUSTOMERS (High-paying only)
*Richard Hollar--Owner and manager of Hollar Industries, Inc.
Jack Teo--High-earning attorney
*Daniel Ng--Bank manager
Mr. Jones (Identity concealed)

*Married

Lucinda scanned the list, weighing her options. She had worked with the first two before, and they had--of course--returned time and again, always requesting for her. She smacked her lips in satisfaction. She decided, however, that they could wait. It could get boring doing the same man the whole time and she wanted someone novel. A mysterious man was precisely what she needed. Opting for the last one, she informed Tammy of her choice before heading into her room to prepare.

Minutes later, Mr. Jones entered. She was surprised to realise that he was a good-looking man, with a tanned, muscular build and honey eyes. Lucinda smirked. It only made it easier, but she had long since learned to disconnect her mind from her body when she was pleasing her customer.

She got up gracefully from her lying position on the bed and floated over to him. A translucent green shift hung from her frame and did little to conceal her naked form. One thin strap hung off her shoulder and the other waited tauntingly. She slid up to him and with quick fingers, removed his clothes while her lips hovered over his, her eyes boring into his, intoxicating him. Within moments, the strap was flicked off her shoulder and his hands were everywhere.

*********************************************

Lucinda sat with her legs crossed, waiting patiently in the doctor's office, pointedly ignoring the stares of the other men in the waiting room. Her purse was now full of cash from her very, very, very satisfied customer.

She had to refrain from chuckling as she reviewed her life. Those preachers knew nothing about the joy of gambling money away from the lottery. The anticipation and excitement of waiting for the results was exhilirating. Of course, when you lost, there was disappointment, but it wans't long before she began to look forward to the next lottery.

As for the criticism against prostitution...Pah! What did they know? It was a job just like any other and it paid well. Lucinda didn't give a heck about the morals compromised in her job. Screw those idiots, she thought.

"Lucinda Keys!" The nurse called. Getting up gracefully, she entered the doctor's office after a gentle knock on the door.

"Miss Keys, please, have a seat." The doctor, an aged man, wore a kindly expression. "I've received the report from your last checkup...and I'm afraid I have bad news for you."

This had almost no effect on the cold-hearted beauty. Smiling, she asked carelessly, "What is it? Malnutrition, I suppose?"

"I'm afraid not, my dear.." Dr. Low sighed and patted her hand. "I'm afraid you have contracted the Acute Immuno-Deficiency Symdrome, otherwise known as AIDS."

There was a long pause as she absorbed the information.

"No...No, no, it can't be!" Lucinda backed away from the doctor with a horrified expression on her face. "You're lying. Tell me you're lying!" She was sobbing hyterically by now. "You're lying!" She shrieked and her world went black.

When she came to, it was to the face of an old man bending over her. Suddenly the news she'd received before she'd blacked out came flooding in, and she sat up, beads of cold perspiration forming on her skin. Hugging her knees, she continued wallowing in disbelief, chanting to herself, "No...no...It's impossible..."

The doctor took her gently by her shoulders and spoke. "I'm afraid so, Miss Keys. However, I have news for you. AIDS is not a terminal illness, but a chronic illness, contrary to everyone's beliefs. There is a medicine that can prolong your life by up to ten years. All is not lost."

She looked up bewilderedly. "It isn't?"

"No, it isn't. But I'm afraid that it costs a lot and quite frankly, Singapore hasn't drawn up any subsidies or anything to increase its availability. However, I know of an organisation that offers the treatment."

"At what price?"

"Due to popular demand, it's forced to hold a balloting to choose which patients would not receive treatment. All you have to do is take part in it. Rest assured that most of them get in."

Lucinda's eyes sparkled. So there was hope after all! She had no worries. After all, how many times had she not won the lottery? That treatment was already hers!

*****************************************************

"So, Doctor, how did I fare? I got it, right?" Lucinda smiled over the phone, admiring her nails.

"No, Lucinda, you didn't...You were one of the first to be picked out."

The phone dropped to her feet with a clang. The irony was overwhelming. After begging to win the lottery her whole life, she had finally won it.

2009-12-10T18:35:00.002Z

Hey people.

I haven't been writing a lot recently, for a number of reasons, but mainly two: exams and lack of interest. I'm sorry, this always happens. Besides, in retrospect, the story I was working on was totally shitty. Seriously. But the main idea behind the plot remains, and it keeps sticking with me, so I'm rewriting EVERYTHING. And I mean everything.

[I've been editing Perini's recent chapters while reading them--two birds with one stone, yeahh?--and I think the language has stuck with me HAHA.]

Speaking of Perini's story, I believe it is AWESOME and it'll come out in print someday. The only thing that's preventing your story, Peru, from being better is the writing. It has a damn unique style that I love but you gotta keep to the rules of English. Stuff like punctuation and grammar and sentence structures may seem little, but they matter a lot, and whoof, well, that's the only thing that bugs me.

Hopefully I can continue working on the Emily story and I know it sucks like seriously, but I'll keep on tryin' [just keep swimmin', just keep swimmin'] and hope that eventually I'll write something that I can be proud of.

For now, I've been writing short stories, the ones that I love with a twist ending, based on some stories that I myself read. I've posted up a couple of them long, long ago and perhaps I can post the others up and compile them under one label. I've already labelled all of the Maya stories and the Emily stories. Look for the link under the archives. The section's called "parchment", though.

That's all for now, and see ya real soon!

[Gawd I've been watching too much Mickey Mous Clubhouse. My sister hogs the TV a lot during the holidays.]

2009-11-06T04:38:00.006Z

Chapter 15- Flash Back

After Ray left, Alila stood in top of the bleachers and held up the loudspeaker and blared into it.

"People. Mr. Mont is not here and well, since I'm the class president, I get to decide whatever game to play and I say, let's not play anything and let's slack! Now, who's with me?"

Several hands including Akiki;s, Gansa's, Hansel's, and Greta's all went up. I sighed and raised up my hand only to notice that Maya was still hopelessly staring at Ray. I felt my heart sink. This, was one thing I knew was going to happen, even without my drawings.

The girls also noticed it and nudged her to raise her hand-which she did so promptly.

"So seriously, spill what happened with Ray, Maya!" squealed Gansa as Greta and Hansel peered at Maya. Akiki and Gabriel leaned in casually to listen. With me joining the circle, Maya was in the centre looking slightly petrified. She's supposed to be a Princess, for God's sake, and she's this shy? Huh.

Mostly Kayla did the explanation with Maya nodding and adding self-hatred comments-"I hate myself for being the reason of their breakup". The guys clapped in the end when Gansa told us how she stood up at Alila. Personally I thought Maya was braver than Gansa for taking the Ray issue with grace-well, not that much but still a little. Suddenly I felt this urge to talk. Now I'd never.

"Maya, can I uh, speak to you for a while?"

Maya looked up as she shrugged at the quizzical stares from others.

I cleared my throat and looked at her. It was only going to work if I really look at her. But oh damn her eyes, it just makes the whole process more and more uncomfortable.

"Um, Vish?" she prodded when I failed produce any speech.

"Right, um, Maya I need you to believe me. Ray really likes to play around. I mean look at him, first Science club and now football. I know him and I just think you should really get over Ray. Or just don't blind yourself. I mean-" I stuttered on when Maya interupted me.

"Look, just because I am closer with him does not mean that I am falling for him again. Anyway, why does this bother you so much-"

"Because I don't want to see you weeping your heart out pathetically in your room again."

Maya looked at me with a hurt expression. I could see a faint pink spreading underneath her light-honey coloured skintone. Oh this is so bad. I seriously did not mean to put it across like that. Oh man. I mean, that was the truth. Still...

"So? How does that exactly bother you? You know what, just because you're my only friend closer to Ray does not mean you can control if I like him or not."

"Really? What about the Angelic thing? I mean, I know you think that Ray is the guy. But what if you find out that someone else is the person and not really him?"

Maya opened her mouth and closed it again. After a second she gritted her teeth.

"Okay since you know that I think Ray is this person I'm supposed to be with, fine, you can't do anything about it. I decide my fate. I still don't get why you have to think Ray still hasn't changed. There are people unlike you who give second chances. And so what if I get heartbroken again? It's part of being me, Maya. Don't bother again, Vish. Even if you try to make me think otherwise-it just won't work anymore."

I blinked. That was about the longest speech from Maya-and an angry one at that. I finally got it.

"Maya you never were over Ray, were you?"

Closing her eyes, Maya exhaled and whispered a barely audible yes. I knew it. She opened her eyes, this time almost ready to cry.

"Vish, I try to act strong in school. It's not the same in my house. Things arent always what they seem. I thought I was over him but oh no, it was not. I am sorry. Seriously, why do you care so much? Getting involved in my issue would just drive you crazy in the end. Ha ha." Her smile was obviously faked.

I wanted to slap myself. Why was I really so concerned about Mata, actually? I don't think it's just for her own good. There was something else. What was it. I was thinking really deeply when she placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey Vish, don't feel bad. I mean, thanks for caring but maybe it's time I realize that I'm never going to stop liking Ray. Actually, thinking about it now, you made me realize that I can't not like him. Maybe he really is the one. Would you help me?"

My heart was sinking. I did not understand. Anything. I just wanted the walls to cave in. Why was I feeling like my world ended? It's not like I like Maya or anything. Oh no. I mean, I'm just her neighbour/lab parter/one of the three guy friends right? Only that. So why do I have this I'm-so-screwed-up feeling inside me? God, being a human is tough. Maybe that's why they all become gay- they can talk these stuff out. But then again, they are gay.

"Vish, will you help me?"

I stared at her blankly. Help her? "With what?"

"With?"

"You see, I actually think Ray is an Angelic too."

The silence could not have been more irritable.

"What?!" I could not believe this. I mean, she is that serious about Ray?

"Look it's not only me. It's Kayla too."

She looked at me hopefully. I stared at her. What am I supposed to say, excuse me? Oh right, yes. I sighed. With the sinking feeling growing stronger, I opened my mouth. Then it happened. Last night's flashback came back to me. I just couldn't help it. It just came back to me, flooding my vision.

***

I was still at the cooking area. I had absolutely no idea what to do. They said the Main King's daughters will tell me everything. Goddess. How was I, a soldier suddenly to become what they call me now- an Angelic, with the world's happenings to be drawn in my hands? Then suddenly I saw two beautiful women- a golden haired bronzed goddess and a honey skinned goddess with ebony-brown hair flowing like the black water down her waist. They were amazing. Their light rose and lime tunic were sweeping the floor. Both were laughing away-what a melodious tinkling sound. My eyes went to the golden maiden. Maybe this was not bad after all. A smile appeared on my face as I started to think what all treasures this transformation included. And then I caught an unearthly glow emitting from the dark-haired girl.

***

"Hello? Hello?" Maya waved her hands in front of me. I opened my eyes to catch her doing so. She raised an eyebrow while I blinked back into focus.

"Why were you spacing out?"

"Flash back."

"Really? Hey what is it?"

"Just like yesterday's. But now I see it clearer. It's about me seeing, I think, you and Kayla for the first time and me being attracted to um... Kayla." I added the last part sheepishly. So that was what last night's flash back was...It was so blurry. I guessed whenever I thought deeply about stuff, I get flashbacks. Huh. I guessed me feeling so weird about Maya had triggered the flash back.

Or maybe the mention of Kayla, as Maya claimed it was after that. I don't know. She thinks it's just perfect that I might have like Kayla in the past life. And I was like, what the hell, man. It felt wrong. I thought that this vision was just trying to tell me something. I needed to analyse it. Kayla and me just sounded so...fake and surreal. Just like my promise to Maya.

She somewhat more relaxedly went over to the girls to chat away. Akiki and Gabbriel forced me to play basketball with them. But my whole thought was on one thing only- I saw a pearl glinting in Maya's (or the stunning beauty who looked so much like Maya) hands. And it looked exactly like what Ray confessed on pocessing today in third period. He said something strange is happening around here- he sure is right. He claimed to have gotten it at a Carnival for Alika, only to have it returned by her. Seriously, what on earth is happening?

Suddenly I felt Alila's gaze on me. I felt my skin crawl. Did she have anything to do in our story?

2009-11-06T04:38:00.004Z

Okay I've uploaded chap 10-16 for my story.I'm really sure i can't upload chap 17(it's halfway trough) in India cos There ain't got Wireless so I can't snd from me iPod.So well, good luck reading and writing!!And my resolutions are as follows:
-MAke Ray get it that he's an angelic by chapter 19
- make Ray and Maya fall for each other when they start to go rome(at chap 20)
- R+M= <3 by chap 28
- By chap 30, Vish has feelings for Maya
-Kayla in love with Vish by chap 27
-Gabriel in love with kayla by chap 20
-These people try to locate the Dome in Rome and whoosh they find it by chap 40
- Complication(can't say) arise by chap 43 as everyone settle
- the wise old man is killed by chap 45
- Vish finds out _____'s plan and abandons Kayla as Kayla doesn't believe and kidnaps Maya by chap 50
- Maya finally understand by chap 55
-Meanwhile Gabby and Kayla <3 by chap 55
- ray understands that he really ain't an angelic but in THIS life, he is
- Everyone united by chap 65
- They plan fight with every angelic returned to the Dome by chap 70
- Maya encodes the message but the last word is missing(it tells how to stop the fight) BY chap 75
-They realise the half-good-half-bad _____ has this and makes her come to the good side. by chap 80
-_____ <3s Ray and the message is encoded chap 85
-Fight and boomz(LOL) good trimphs Chap 90
- BUT... ______ then is gone chap 90
- story is left as Maya's vision says Ray will find her one day as Ray departs chap 91
- But ______ makes her own army and blocks Maya's vision of that happening Chap 92
-KAyla senses something wrong as Gansa,Akiki & HAnsel dissappear upon return to School Chap 93
- Greta( newly recruited Angelic during WAR) teleports them Chap 94
-Final battle with ____. Gansa,Akiki and Hansel become the evil's servants. They dissapear Chap 96.____ dies.ray heart broken. Realise that _____ brainwash Ray(just like Maya and Ray)
- The Angelic Team from San Diago: Maya,Vish,Kayla and Gabbriel,Ray and Greta(budding love) vow to fight and keep checking for evil.As of now everyone is safe but the Akiki,Gansa and Hansel team of evil is lost and will always be hunted for. Chap 100

yeap.I think I'll complete my story when i graduate from ANderson.Does it seem too kiddish?cos this has always been my storyline and I dunno it was based on a dream i had looong time ago.the _____ can't tell cos that's a suspense. but poeple, comment on how stupid/kiddish/unoriginal(i dont think so...) my line is.

Tata!

p.S.: dennn UPDATE YOOOOO!ily!!AND GUD LUCK.

2009-11-06T04:37:00.007Z

Chapter 16- Pearl

I didn't know what happened to me. I just couldn't stop staring at Maya as I ran. I mean it wasn't as if she was super hot. Just nice. And I don't know why I even had to be looked at to remove my hands from her. Kind of creepy, I think something is happening to me. After Alila's breakup, I feel so... free, as if I were a bird released into the air. Things that I ignored before are getting more obvious to me. And strange things are happening. Could it be that I was so in love with Alila that I ignored so many things? I turned my head so that I could see Maya. She was happily chatting with Gansa, Greta and Hansel while Kayla was chatting up Vish. I raised my eyebrow. It seemed like Kayla was flirting with Vish. Oh god, looking at Vish I nearly wanted to slap him. He was frowning away at Alila- yes, Alila-and was not even giving the Golden Girl so much as a nod.

Gabriel then cut in to suggest arm wrestling with Kayla. That guy has the most sleekest moves with girls. Not. Poor guy, couldn't even chat up a girl properly. As I settled down after one lap, I saw Maya excusing herself from her friends. Their gaze landed on me. She was heading my way. I moved to make some space on the bench for her.

"Hey."

"Um hey," I suddenly did not felt like saying what I wanted to say. But before the silence became too uncomfortable, I gathered up my courage.

"Maya, you know, the game is in a week and I was hoping, um, if you have considered to come to the game as well as the after party. I mean it's not really as scandalous as it seems on the TV. Seriously, we don't even drink. We're sixteen. Well, at least I don't drink. You trust me, right?"

As I awaited her reply, Maya just stared at me helplessly.

"And the baseballers are also coming to celebrate their recent victory. So if you are so worried or anything...." I trailed off. It hurted to think that Maya could not trust me. I closed my eyes. It really hurt.

"Oh, oh no...it's not like I need Vish as my bodyguard from, from..."

"Me?"

Maya hesitated and then said, "Okay Ray. I'll come. But I mean why me?"

I raised my eyebrow. What did she mean why her?

"I mean, after so long...what...suddenly you are asking me to go to a party with you? And Gansa, Greta and Hansel are going to have their theories for that. And we don't even have to mention Kayla. You may not know her but it's Kayla, for god's sake- she's got a wild imagination and-"

"And so let them think like that. And anyway, I heard that Hansel was um, requested to come by Akiki and Gansa is coming. Gabriel asked Kayla and Greta to come. All the baseball guys asked your friends to come. And you thought I didn't plan ahead? Please Maya, there would be no way I would let you feel uncomfortable ever again. Once was enough to make me Jerk No.1. I still, I just don't know why I did that. You're someone I really like a lot. And I would like you to just be my friend again. You know?"

Maya stared at me in disbelief and amusement. Then she broke into a grin.

"Bygones?"

"You bet."

And as she extended her hand I pulled it a little hard and we ended up hugging each other which in turn made me feel all tingly yet again. Oh great, the feeling's not dying. Then again it's just great. Really. Or maybe it's her hair. It smelled so... I just felt an unfamiliar wave of...something. I didn't know. It was really amazing. It was unfamiliar. Yet I felt like I kne it from somewhere. There was just-

"Hey. Cut it out before people start hooting. You wouldn't want that do you?" Hansel chuckled.

We broke apart. The hug ended as quickly as it began. I mean, it was a innocent hug, alright. Then why did I feel like I wanted more than that. Most surprisingly, why did it look like Maya wanted the same thing as we looked at each others' eyes? It was just so....weird. The tingling or sometimes, electric shocks, the pearl that keeps appearing, me being so...weird about Maya. Something was either very wrong, or just very very right. And I doubt the former.

2009-11-06T04:37:00.006Z

Chapter 14- Physical Torture

Thank god. I managed to complete my homework in Homeroom. I snatched the Rome flyer and the information booklet. Kayla's classes were all coincidentally the same as mine. Coincidence or Bribery? She hopped beside me as we proceeded to the Gym. She heard Ray and has since been saying how maybe he could be the one. I mean, well, he could right? It's just... I thought the bond of Love felt stronger? And I'm supposed to be over Ray. And still. I feel so pulled in his direction. And all my thoughts-they just have to have Ray in. Woah. Love really is complicated. And if he was really the Guy, what about his "power" and the memory and most importantly the gemstone? See, too many complications. And why do I have a frown thinking Ray is too complicated to be the Guy? There's nothing to be dissappionted in right? But still, there's this little dance in my heart- if only he was the one. God, I have contradicting feeling in myself-what's wrong with me?

Disturbing my silent thoughts,Kayla held my hand and pulled me into the Gym shouting loudly to the other girls to ,"Please move away."

Man, she really is a princess.

As I changed and came outside, Kayla was already done and what's more, she was smiling broadly with Vish, Ray, Akiki and Gabbriel. Wait, I thought they always played as a team?

"Maya, these guys thought it would be great if they were in a group with us. So they asked us to be in their group. How exciting this is" Kayla said with a child-like enthusiasm.

Oh boy. I knew what was in her mind. How could Vish have probably thought Ray rippling his biceps in front of me be great? Isn't he the one who acted defensive and all last night? It feels a whole story away- to more like a lifetime ago. No pun intended. And man, how am I supposed to explain to Gansa, Greta and Hansel? And what would they think of Kayla's effort to hook me up with Ray- as that's what she is doing right now.

Thoghtfully I requested, "Er. Guys, if you want me in, you've got to take in Greta, Gansa and Hansel. Becau-"

"Hey, already done. Kayla asked. Done. So you in right?" cut in Vish.

And as he said that I looked at his eyes for more than a required amount if time. Woah. There was such a differece. I mean it lookes as if his molten brown eyes were filled with some caramel. So...warm. It made me feel indescribably protected? Like as if Vish knew this might damage me as much as it looks like and he could protect me against it. But god, it must bother so much- I need it but yet I don't want it...Holy, I'm hallucinating. Are all people who know the future crazy? Huh, maybe I'm the weird little exception-like I always am. I don't know. Sometimes, feelings mess around in my head, I guess.

Taking my silence as a yes, they called the other girls forward. They looked at me with suspicion written all over. I suddenly felt uneasy. Noticing my lack of speech and my sudden interest in my shoes, Ray chuckled.

"Hey Gansa, thanks for joining us. I thought you'd hate me after Alila..." he began.

"Oh please. I think you are way right about her behavior towards Maya. Even though I'm not on speaking terms with her, I bet she'll still use me as an owl. It's hard to break free from her circle completely you know?" Gansa chatted, pulling up her socks. We settled down on the bench waiting for Mr. Mont to come. I felt a warm feeling bubbling inside me. The rest of them were chattering away but I could feel Greta and Hansel getting ready to dump me with a sack of questions. I was mentally preparing myself when the devil walked to me.

"Wow, isn't this exactly how you want it, Maya? Ray with you and single so you can use your pathetic flirting to try to get him and Gansa and your little posse with some unnoticed chaps? Oh and a little hotness to come with that- what's her name? Kaya?" Alila smirked with a sing-song voice dripping with sarcasm.

I could feel revulsion rising in me. I knew this was what Greta and Handel were thinking. Only in a less disgusted way, with understanding, if I indeed make this phenomenen happen. I stood up on impulse with my fingers curled into a tight fist. I knew she would go home with a bloody mouth. But as all good things end, Ray swiftly reached up to pull my hand below. He slowly put an arm around me and looked at Alila. Hey, may they end because better things happen. I shuddered at his touch. I expected sparks again. But this time it was a slow and creeping tingle going through my shoulder to all over my body. It just felt so...nice.

"You know what, Ali, she may have wanted those but you are the one who made them happen.. You broke up with me. And now I'm kind of free. And I think Maya's flirting makes more sense than yours. And as for Gansa, she deserves to have a life apart from your circle of friends. So what if Maya got what she wanted?" Ray paused, looking at me with a grin and turned back to Alila, saying, "She got lucky, I guess. Thanks to your help, of course."

Ganda nodded and got all the others to stare at Alila. Pretty much shaking with God-knows-how-many-feelings, I was practically the only one nor to look at Alila. My focus was more on the human hand warmly making me melt inside and a overwhelming feeling of shock, confusion and gratitude swelling in my heart.

Intimidated, Alila rolled her eyes and muttered, "Geeks." And as she did, she glared at Gansa- which I am sure would be apologised for. They seriously needed Gansa and Gansa probably took this priority as an advantage to defend me. Wow. I do stir big things. She jogged away to her clique with-what's her name?- comforting her and a group of guys ogling at her- just like they did at Kayla until she stared at all of them.

So, Ray thought I could flirt well? But wait, I wasn't even flirting the other times. I mean those were pathetic atempts. Huh. Weird. And I thought things could never be more confusing. I looked around. Ray's hand was still around my shoulders...He smiled at me. A tug in my heart; Kayla was smiling like the bright sun could never be brighter; Gansa, Hansel and Greta giggled and raised their eyebrows; Vish was frowning; Gabbriel and Akiki were staring at me questioningly.

Nervously managing a smile, I wriggled free from Ray. Or so I thought, since he did not seem to let go of me. I looked up at him with a flush he could not notice, obviosly.

"Um Ray, your hand?" I mumbled at him as he looked at me,still grinning like a cat.

Suddenly he became red and blinked.

"Uh ok, I shall uh...just uh...I'm gonna go run," mumbled Ray as he sprinted away.

Is it me or are things getting more and more complicated?

2009-11-06T04:36:00.006Z

Chapter 13- Trip

I checked my watch. A new day. A new start. That's what I'm going to do. What I should have done long ago. Be a good friend that Maya was to me before, well,that time. I still can't believe why I treated such a person so cruelly. It was like I was under some spell. Now, that could explain stuff. Man, today was so sweltering. Maybe I shouldn't have come 10 minutes early. I was almost soaked in my sweat.

Finally, Maya came out of her house, and I had to gasp. Her pendant shone amazingly in the sun. It looked so...magical. Just then a gust of wind blew her hair all over and she smoothed them over. She smiled brightly and got into my convertible. Woah. If this was Alila, she would complain and bitch about the wind. But not Maya. What a...refreshing change.

"Oh Ray, Vish's also coming. His jeep's sent for servicing," Maya said.

Feeling somewhat irritated-I mean, I get it that Vish is being protective and all. But seriously, can't he just give me chance to prove that I really am not playing with Maya? And I thought his brother had a car, in cases like these?-I mumbled, "Okay."

We waited for a minute as I realised my plan to make it up to Maya was crashing down. How was I going to tell her that she has to indeed come to the game and the after-party? I mean, Vish has got his Eagle Gaze over us.

Just then, Vish ran to us, looked at Maya beside me and-was that a frown?- sank behind us. Maya took a sharp intake if breath and greeted Vish. We nodded at each other and started the ride. How come a companianable silence turned into a somewhat stone cold, awkward one? I blinked and set the radio loud.

***

"So basically, class, we are offered this amazing chance by our alma mater to go on this educational and informative trip to... Rome! Yes! Please, please, quiet down. Quiet. I said QUIET! I know you just had your break but well...apparently this generous sponsor said, 'We can't choose the time to go to such amazing places. We heed the Angels' call.'"

Mr. Sun, our History teacher looked at us and when we didn't understand the last sentence, he chuckled and said, "Um yeah. I dont understand what he meant either. I guess he got a promotion for the tickets. Oh well. Here is the sign up sheet... The criteria to go for this trip is that you have to at least have 2 As and not more than 7 failures. Further details can be found in the paper."

Maya suddenly stirred. The cute girl, Kayla looked at Maya and when they saw me watching them, they looked away from each other. Weird. I cleared my throat as I approached Maya and Kayla, who sat beside each other. The bell rang and I stopped both if them.

"Hey Maya. Um, hey Kayla. Hey, Maya do you want to go to this trip. I think it's cool. And you so can qualify, right? And there's just something in Rome that... I don't know pulls me," I told her as she looked at me with wide eyes.

I guess I never really looked like the Rome-loving kind of guy. Well, I mean the thought of going away with Maya is more appealing than Rome itself-don't ask me why. For some weird reason. But well, it's just the case. And I heard Rome was kind of History-rich. I bet my history will improve by 10 times if I go.

Maya squeaked out an Okay and rushed out. Huh. Weird. Kayla looked at me with her purple gaze and her lips curved into a smile as she whispered, "Me too. See you, Ray."

Man that girl has serious speech problems. Such a damn formality.

***

It was our third period and I rushed to my locker. I opened it to find the pearl sitting there. I jumped out.

I spun around,even more surprised by Alila, with a smug smile.

"Hey. Ali..li-"

"Yeah. Whatever. Take this Pearl back. Okay? I dont keep my exes' monentos. And this one glows. You know how freaky it is?"

She leaned in to me and whispered, "Like you, freak.. I've never dated such a geek who can think so fast and move his body so fast. It's too freaky. Have fun with the other freak."

Man, her breath tickled me. A tiny urge in me to pull her to me and kiss. But I'm over her. I shuddered. I mean, I thought the pearl was with me yesterday? Wait, how did it end up here? How come I don't remember putting it in here? And okay, so what if I can do my test papers in 10 minutes? I'm not a freak. Damn. I have to get back at this bitch.

I smiled as a plan formulated in my brain.. Oh yes. I smiled as I thought over my 'freaky' ability. She is so going to regret hating my quick brain. Oh yes.

2009-11-06T04:36:00.005Z

Chapter 12- Transition

I rushed to my house after my midnight meeting-I'd say, meetings. I could not sleep that night. My whole life was changed-and it feels so right, like I've been waiting for this my whole life. But come on, would anyone believe? And why did it have to be this day? Anything significant about the start of a semester? Oh yes. And how was I supposed to find this guy of-supposedly said- my past life? Firstly, do I even believe this? Questions erupted inside me like a volcano. I felt like a ballon filled with too much helium. I was bloated by the amount of information I recieved.

I shook my head as I tried to concentrate on other things. Ray. I switched on my lamp as I set my bugs bunny alarm clock. He actually offered me a ride to school. Since my dad's away, I decided that I might as well take his offer. And it will give me more time to analyse his sad eyes. Or maybe it's just me. He looks sad yet remarkably relieved.

Well now that's both of us date-less for Prom for the while. I smiled to myself, blushing. I was actually supposed to be over him. But it's like there is this spark of fire coming back to me. And I just keep thinking about his pearl. It looked so... so much un-earthly. I knew he gave it to Alila but I did not know he took it back. Maybe to remember her by it? Or maybe to give it someone else? He denied the former and said he did not even take it back. But man, that thing glowed well. So pearly and white. It was heavenly. It was almost as beautiful as my Turquiose. I instinctively reached up to touch it- a part of me. I keep telling myself that I'm over Ray. But was I ever over him, really...

I've never seen what really attracted me to Ray. Now I do. It's his heart. It's as vulnerable and sensitive as a girl's. I remember Kayla saying that I should talk to Ray more and see if he could-um-be him-ITALIC. I mean, then he would have to be an Angelic too,right? And his pearl could just... I shakes my head. I was just trying to match two unfitting jigsaw pieces together.

I looked into the mirror on the side. Man, this was so cool that I don't even have eyebags, I thought. My gaze fell upon my Turquoise. Now that I knew it was rightfully mine, I felt more bonded with it than ever. It was like finding true love-but apparently it's not that. Still, I touched it and I could almost feel some sort of power radiating through it. Some kind of rightful and comfy feeling. I traced the inscriptions. The more I looked at them,the more I felt like I knew what they were.

Suddenly, a sense of calm washed over me. I stared at my mirror as I saw another thing. I could still see the mirror. Kind of like seeing two things at once. It was a blur. Vision? I closed my eyes.

***

I felt so little.It felt so new. I stared at my father and mother. They were so beautiful. Once I heard Lairya saying that they were almost equal to the Elders. It was yet another day at the School. They dropped me off along with my twin sister-Esmiralda, as we attended our language class. It was the first time. All the other divine Angelics were smiling at us. Being a Princess,I was used to this,though I wished I could be treated normally. Our teacher's smile was as bright as the mirrors on the buildings shining at noon. He was another fire starter. I mean who else has a name Inferno? But it had to be a joke. Esmi always-always-tells absurd stuff.

"Ah. Shall we start our class? Now.." the teacher started off, lighting the candles with his fingers. We were entranced. Esmi was right afterall.

He proceeded to talk about the various languages and evolutions. I felt bad to think it was uninteresting.

Esmi kept giggling as she passed notes to another Angelic. She'd started, already. I sighed. Esmi had a lot of friends. I was the quieter twin and we were as different as the sun and moon. The sun being her and the moon being me.

The chimes erupted in our heads. Suddenly, when the teacher asked us for any questions- to which all of the students ran out- I took this as a chance to ask him the question I always asked everyone.

"Sir, I want to know why I have golden writing on the Pendant. So does everyone. What language is it?" I asked with my tiny voice.

He looked at me from his table and asked, "Why do we speak English as our language-something yet unknown by the Children? Because it is a combination of every language there is. But before our time there was a language the Angels used. This is probably what it is. But no one knows what the language is or what the words on our Stones, for it was lost, for all the Angels have been sent to the Elders or non-existence.. Some say each one of our inscriptions mean something and together they form a series of sentences which were meant to mean something. But as our population changes with Elders calling upon us, Airwalkers destroying us- and some of us non-existing due to hedious creulty- I do not really know when this could happen. But as the myth is as it will always be. Why, Maya, do you ask?" He looked me with kind eyes that resembled burning fire. I was so enthralled by the information.

"Thanks, (FIND the first language word)I just wanted to know," I said as I ran out jumping.

***

I opened my eyes as the vision went blank. The whole colour became a whirlwind and it became black- like when you close your eyes. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I exhaled the breath I had been unconciously holding on.

I thought I could only see the future? And wait, all I had to do was think for something? And would this information help me? Afterall, the vision did not help me at all. I mean even if it is supposed to mean something, what the heck would I do without even understanding the language? And how can I round up all the Angelics? I was frustrated as I looked out. I saw Vish's shadow in his balcony.

He must be musing all the while. They said that his 'gift' is to draw stuff that's true.. Wonder if he can explain my flashback. Without thinking further I walked outside. Man, it was windy. My hair was blowing all over. I knocked my bangle against the metal edge of the balcony doors. He could not hear. Then he saw me through his windows and he jumped up in surprise.

"You're up, I see," he commented.

"Well you're up too," I repeated, smiling.

"I didn't see your curtains drawn out. Usually they are never open. I mean not that I look or anything. Just a, uh, observation,"

"Really? Yeah. I forgot to close them. Though I don't understand why they gave me such big sliding windows and a big balcony outside them. I actually think the windows are like the doors," I blabbered back. Something about Vish's arm distracted me. I thought it got hurt just now?

"Oh well, different people have-"

"Hey, what's up with your arm, Vish?"

" My arm..? Oh. You know how Kayla said she can influence stuff over people? She held my hand and I dunno... thought of healing and man, no more bruise!" he smiled as he showed his clean arms.

There was a tug at my heart, suddenly. The fact that Kayla and Vish are getting close felt really weird to me. Like it's something wrong. What the hell was going on? I shook my head. It was so confusing. I should be happy that my Sister- in this case- is settling in properly. I have issues.

"Hey Maya, have you uh, figured out how to get this guy?" asked Vish, his tanned skin turning rather pink on his cheeks.

"Uh no. And I wanted to ask you. Remember Kayla and Gabby told us that my um 'gift' is to know the future? Then why is it that I just had a flash of my past life? I mean, do you uh..." I trailed off,feeling dumb. What if he does not believe any of my babberings?

"Hey, I had those flashes of past too. I think they are not um... your general visions or something. Maybe this is what they mean when the two of them said about remembering the past. And I think they are derived by thinking deeply. I uh... just had a um,flash back."

Of course, why didn't I think if it? It had to be it. So the flash-backs came when I thought deep enough? Hmmm... Only, they dont come all the time. Oh well, this had to do for now. I yawned, as I stretched.

Just then, Vish looked at me quizzically and asked, "Maya, your uh...shirt is kinda torn, right? Maybe you should change?"

"Uh? Yeah. Um... See you tomorrow."

"Hey wait,Ray is picking you up tomorrow right?"

"Yeah."

"Right. Apparently my ride's kind of sent to be repaired. You wouldn't mind if I came with both of you,right?" Ray asked with sheepish eyes.

Feeling somewhat relieved for no reason I replied, "Yeah. No problem."

Smiling, Vish said, "Well,long day ahead. 'Night, Maya."

***

Donned in a new shirt, I still did not sleep. People say doing a lot of things can wear people out. But for me,it was otherwise. I wondered what Vish's flash back was, for no apparent reason. I counted the stars between our houses and finally fell asleep.

2009-11-06T04:35:00.002Z

Chapter 11- Ray

Tick, tick, tick. The seconds were passing by fast. I forgot how much I loved the woods-even at night. The different shades of the ever-changing greens, the woody smell, and at night, the moon's silver mixing with the dark mist. I could feel some presence over here. Something... strange yet so at-home.

Then, I finally saw Maya walking up, panting. She looked sweaty. The walk up past Vish's shack wasn't that tiring. She was quite fit too, within a girl's standards. Why would she be so tired?

Maya sighed loudly and fell down to sit beside me on the grass. This part was quite strange from the other parts of the forest. It had a circular area with trees around it. Sort of like a clearance. When I was four, kids used to say they could find ghosts here. How strange. I was sure I felt some sort of vibes everytime. But as much as I can say, they were always nice.

Snapping me into reality, Maya playfully poked me in the shoulder.

"Yo jock. I'm here. I so am not a chicken now, am I?" she smiled tiredly.

I was caught off guard as she looked straight into my eyes. Damn. I hate it when girls do that. That's how Alila made me her poor victim. Not that I didn't enjoy the time. It's just that I felt like I was under a spell. I mean, I'm okay with the whole dating thing but there never was the love-or even infatuated- kind of a feel between us. Now I feel like I have broken free.

Funny how the reason for me and Alila being a couple was Maya. And the reason for our breakup? Maya.

Damn. Why did I hate her that time? I've always thought she was a great girl. There was always something about her. Especially her voice. It made me smile like how I did now.

"No, Maya. You are the bravest girl I've ever known. And the most forgiving," I replied, looking back at those familiar jewels of eyes.

Some people's eyes are nice. But Maya's were different. They seemingly changed according to how she looked. Now they were blue-black with a hint of blackness and tiny silver specks. Maybe it was the surroundings that affected her. Because how else can a person's eyes change logically?

Now they were just like how she felt-tired.

I just wanted to stare into them for God knows how long. But happy dreams always end quickly as Maya looked away below, kicking the grass, wrapping her body with her arms.

Poor girl, she must have been cold. I took off my jacket, preparing to give it to her. As I did so, a Pearl locket with a leather cord fell out of it's pocket. That looked familiar... I thought as I handed the jacket to the now freezing Maya.

Wrapping it around she looked at the pearl. The crickets were creaking more loudly than ever making the silence unbearable. I longed to look into Maya's eyes again. Sighing, I stood up, fetching some chips I got from my house.

She looked up, breaking the ice again, "So you can break up with the girl but you can't forget her? It's okay Ray. I know how one-sided stuff feels, remember? Um... I'm just happy we are back to normal again. Anyway, you've got a nice gift taste.."

She looked at the pearl then and again, looking at me once in a while.

Then two things hit me hard, I had to literally stumble back in realization. 1) this was the chain the Tarot card reader gave me and I gave it to Alila. But how did it come to be here? And 2) Maya did not like me in a way that was... uh... romantic anymore. I mean that's how she sounded like, right? And unbelievably, I was depressed and disturbed by the piece of information.

Oh who was I to fool, maybe I did like Alila a little and I'm having-I'm not believing what I'm saying- mood swings.

I shuddered in confusion as I sat down and opened the bag of chips. I had to say, I felt so much more happy with Maya. She understood me in a way no one did. She wasn't even pissed that I tried to take the Golden Goddess from her table today at lunch, while Alila was just so protective about how to-as she said it-" locate the prize". My apology was accepted and things were more or less back to normal. I think.

I smiled again going a bit closer to give her some chips. With an urge-the kind of feeling you get when you see a cream smear on someone's face and you feel like wiping it away?- I pushed back Maya's tendrils of hair out of her eyes.

And man, I could never forget this feeling. A 1000 Mega Watt surge went through the brief touch. It was so intense, it almost displaced me. Everyone one of my cells were so alive and my heart beat like a non-human. Human's heartbeat does not go anywhere bear 300 beats per minute, does it ? It felt like I jumped into a furnace- but in a good way.

Woah. And I thought electricity was only present when batteries and stuff were present.

Maya's eyes widened as she jerked away, spilling half of the chips. So she must have felt it too.

Clearing her throat, she mumbled, "Uh. Static much? But I thought it only happens in air-conditioned places? Oh well..."

And as always, an uncomfortable silence.

"And sorry about the chips."

"Oh. Uh, it's okay. Let's just eat the rest," I stammered back, scooting closer to her.

And the whole blissful one hour, we spent eating in-this time- companiable silence, watching the moon and listening to-the now pleasant-sounds of the crickets.

Though. What was that-er, charge? I was scared that I might be sick and cold from all the swimming. I had to think it through, I thought as I saw a dark figure in the shadows. Or that's what I thought. I mean, how many times have I heard the, 'the darkness can play tricks on your eyes' from Akiki?

But I was sure of the mystery figure as I turned down to look at the pearl. It glowed so well, I can't believe I only paid 10 bucks for it. But could there be so much more to everything? Like how darkness plays tricks on your eyes and thinking the girl who liked you a semester before may become your friend?

2009-09-22T03:40:00.002Z

Woah. eh now I can't understand Denise's story. Um Denise, Thanks a LOT LOT for putting a section just for my story. Luv you man!

Hey Den, are you re-writing your first chapter and prologue?
Anyways, they look more YA now ;))
But then, it's too confusing cos I think you re-wrote three chapters totally right?
Anyways, just pop me a chapter or two in my mial if you need my editorial input( but you are really great without it,=D)
Anyways people(or whomever even comes here), Imma edited some chapters so look out for them(I'll be re-posting the edited chapters, so that it's fresher.)
Meanwhile, I was thinking, wouldn't it be cool if we created an anthology of poems? and base them on categories??
Cos Imma a fanatic of poems.
We just learnt abt poems too.
So Denise, Up for it ;)?
Ok.Thts all.

See ya'll!
P.S.: I'm actually done till chap 14! But still in the process of editing. gonna get the edited chap 10 up soon. cos all the other chaps are edited so far already.and then will be 11. 12.13.14.
Ah, I cant wait.
And please do post your story Denise.
Oh and
P.P.S.: There' this website---> www.quizzila.com
Can post the stories there for more editing.
But if ya dont want it's ok.I'm too scare to post there.LOL.
And then we can also read future authors(or not) stories there.
;))

Love, hugs and Kisses,
perini

2009-08-26T14:49:00.003Z

CHAPTER ONE--RECOLLECTION
　
Nicholas Harold Cagesworth, Nicholas Harold Cagesworth...Emily Blackburn plodded on to the bus lethargically, a far cry from the situation in the police station. She fumbled in the pockets of her jeans and came out with nothing. Where had she put it? A furrow creased her brow. A bulk from her tunic pocket seemed to provide the answer. Emily tapped the wallet on the card reader and moved to the back of the bus. It was a wonder she managed to achieve independence while being so forgetful.

The loose clasp of the wallet further proved her point. The wallet opened its compartments to reveal a passport sized picture of a smiling woman. She looked young, and her face radiated pure joy, which overran the slight plainness of her looks. A flat nose scattered with freckles distracted one from her full lips and bright, golden eyes. She had as unblemished and fair a skin as her heart. Emily gazed at her mother wistfully.

Emily's mother having died when Emily was a small child, she had grown up alone, with no motherly companion by her side to guide her through her eighteen years of life, and a younger sister to care for. Her father was so heartbroken at her mother's death that he had flung himself into his work, and became an obsessive workaholic. Even after working hours, he spent his hours at various pubs and bars, drinking to drown his sorrow. More often than not, Emily had policemen knocking on her door in the early hours of the morning, hoisting the drunkard up by his arms. She dryly remembered how she'd come to address the policemen by name after some time.

It wasn't easy how she'd fallen from being an innocent child to a girl with the burden of responsibilty on her shouders, one that was for a much older woman. This made her much more mature than she should have turned out, and it shaped her personality more than she cared to admit. Emily was the dark, pessimistic girl who often worried over minor matters. Oftentimes people commented how even her dark wit creeped them out.

Emily chose a window seat and let the sun shine its rays warmly onto her skin. She sat awhile before chasing pressimistic thoughts away from her mind, a firm resolution set in stone. Plunging her hand into the depths of the tumultuous storm of miscellaneous things in her bag, Emily withdrew a battered Mp3 and turned it to a classical music radio station. She couldn't help but notice the photo of her and her girlfriends, Celeste and Kristen, which normally made her chuckle but today launched her into a new bout of morbid thoughts.

Emily treasured her close friends, and they were glad when Emily was simply...Emily. She was a girl with a unique character, but she was always overly cautious with her emotions. She had never been able to explain why she'd never been able to open up to a stranger. Kristen had once told her that she had an slight 'aura' about her that did anything but put people at ease. Along with the overly mature nature of hers, that dispelled any proper conversations. Emily had received this information with skepticism.

Still, the real Emily was open-minded and her dark wit had been described as fascinating. Or so she was told.

Nicholas Harold Cagesworth, Nicholas Harold Cagesworth...A small black book in her bag caught her eye. For some reasons hitherto unknown, the memory of Nicholas Harold Cagesworth again bolted into her mind, out of the blue. Somehow the dream last night had in a way reminded her of her only puppy love. His name had been ringing in her ears all day, causing her to have a minor headache. There was also something more to the dream--nothing to do with the guy--ties of familial kinship and togetherness.

Emily shook her head, trying to shake the insane thoughts. She was going crazy.

Still, the little diary was screaming to be opened, and Emily complied indifferently. She flipped back to the first day of high school, when she had first met Nicholas. Or Collin.

First days are always so terrible, especially for a fifteen-year-old in high school. It's hard to fake a smile, plastering it to your face and repeating 'Emily Autumn Blackburn' over and over again. Sighs. Celeste's also in another homeroom class, and my only class with her is French. A clean break, a fresh start. A blank slate.I did make a few friends today, I guess. The girls around me were rather snobbish and ignored my dishevelled state. Yes, I had panda eyes from the sleepless night, and to top it off, 'bad hair day' made its appearance. Great.

The teacher clumped us into groups-to interact and make friends, supposedly. Snort. The homeroom was so deadly quiet, you could hear a pin drop. I got landed into a group with a snobbish girl, a geeky guy and a stout boy. It was pretty awkward. I tried to relieve the tension by tentatively starting a discussion on the assignment we were supposed to be working on--coming up with a good class motto.I had to speak up several times, but I guessed that it worked. The stout boy turned out to be quite an extrovert, and he had us all cracking up with his jokes. Haha-we were about the only ones laughing in the whole homeroom. I bet we must have attracted lots of attention.

Something strange. I noticed that the stout boy was rather cute, with dark hair and dark skin that should have been dull but was complimentary instead. I could almost sense the 'alive' vibe coming off him. He's shorter than me but much burlier. The thing was, when I accidentally bumped into him, a strage diffusive feeling spread on the spot where we touched.

Emily cringed internally, thinking of what had happened in the days after. The page turned.

School's falling into the usual routine. Though I am relieved to have overcome the freshness, the inanity is settling down, sinking in. Celeste's still my best friend, though nowadays she had her own clique of friends. They welcome me on the exterioir, but it's hard for me to socialise, so Celeste made her choice to sit with me during lunch. She's so understanding, I owe her so much.

Things aren't going so well with the females in my class though, and neither is it with Nicholas, the extrovert. He told us to call him Collin. Apparently he's of some French descent, because Collin is the French version of Nicholas. Well, in any case, he seems to have taken on a total personality changeover from that first day. Now he's one of the snobs, hanging around with some of the retarded guys at the back, who know absolutely nothing but how to drawl. It irks me to no end when Collin starts disrupting lessons. For some reason, everyone likes him. I seriously wonder why some people get the best ends in life.

Although Emily had not recognised it at that time, she had felt a inexplicable attraction towards Collin. He was an annoying jerk, yes, but perhaps it was part of the attraction. Or perhaps it was the attraction of the two opposite natures they possessed. After all, a girl's hormones usually did what they wanted with their host's emotions. Though she had tried to fight it, she couldn't help her eyes straying to him every so often when she was daydreaming in class.

Still, it was nothing more than a crush. She knew it. When Collin walked out of her life, she was further proved right.

I have no words to describe this.

Collin left.

It was so abrupt and shocking-it was simply announced by the teacher that Collin had encountered a family problem and had to leave town. He wasn't coming back, as far as Mr Hardley knew. I didn't get it. Russell Hills isn't a very current town and nothing big ever happened much here. What could've happened to chase him away? He never mentioned anything, though I suddenly noticed how he'd seemed quieter recently, tired and snappy. Everyone displayed blank shock--it was apparent he hadn't told anyone else either.

The police dropped by the school today to have a word with the principal: No one knew what they were discussing, but as I walked past I snatched a few random phrases like 'proved innocent', 'family tragedy', and 'poor soul'. It didn't add up.I do wonder why he left, but it may not be all that bad a thing. I feel so relieved that I don't have to vent my pent up hormones on him anymore. In any case, wherever he is, I wish him all the best.

The pages ruffled, and the book closed. Emily continued staring at the cover for a long while. Somehow she had ended up rewinding back into the past when she was sure she hadn't for a long time now. Her instinct had simply told her what to do, and she obliged. In retrospect, the impulse to extract rusty memories of Collin was rather irrational. Come to think of it, the diary wasn't even supposed to be in Emily's bag.

Emily snapped her head up suddenly and stuffed the book into her bag, a little violently. A funny anger had come into her. Being a little knowledgable on psychology, Emily understood this as a channelling of confusion. The thing was, though Emily knew it, she was still human, and rejected strange ideas like anyone else.

Sighing, Emily shifted in her seat to make herself more comfortable. Someone sat down beside her. Her eyes staring out of the window, Emily shifted a little to allow for some space. Gradualy, her mind quelled and became silent as she gradually drifted into unconsciousness, prepared to doze through the entire one-and-half-hour journey. The muscular arm of the tanned man beside her blurred out of focus as her mind became dazed with sleep. She vaguely noticed that he was a good few inches taller than he was.

As the bus rounded the corner, it moved out of the shadows and was thrown into the glare of the sun. The strong, fierce rays shocked her eyes, and banished her from sleep once more. Damn it, why couldn’t she get enough peace for some sleep? Instinctively, she twisted her head to her left and squinted her eyes, discomfited.Then, as she caught sight of the stranger, Emily felt her whole body go rigid and lost in time.

It was Collin.

It was Collin, and he had resurfaced.

2009-08-25T15:14:00.003Z

PROLOGUE--FEAR
　
I opened my eyes to a room. Scanning my surrounings, I noticed that It was dull and sparsely furnished. I was lying on a creaky double bed with coarse sheets. My hands were clutching at the blanket frantically, almost desperately. I could barely see anything else except for the bed since the small window with thin curtains obscuring the light. As my eyes acclimatised to the darkness, I saw that the room had nothing else except for an open cupboard with spare sheets. The room was tiny. I felt claustrophobic.

But none of these things induced the choking fear and panic that threatened to engulf my whole being. The sensation of being exposed, of being helpless and vulnerable was nothing compared to the fear my body channelled through every fiber of my being. I felt soaked in perspiration and tears, uncomfortably hot. The inexplicable fear clawed at my internal organs, making me gasp and fresher tears roll down my cheeks.

I stared in wide-eyed terror at the small oaken door. Impending doom. The door was ordinary and brown, and yet it had the power to make me feel so...fearful. I realised that it was not the door, but he, he who had left me to feel the wounds he had inflicted on me, he who caused this pain and fear. My heart pumped furiously, proof of my fear.

I saw the knob turn and my fear increasing exponentially.

　
　
He awoke with a start, catapulting up the bed. A sheen of sweat covered his face. More cold sweat formed on his neck. Panting heavily, he looked around desperately, searching for any disturbances in the blue darkness. The moonlight shining eerily from the window illuminated the room, yet it shone on nothing particular. Yet, he was sure something had woken him up. The dream was vivid and freshy etched in his mind. His body still trembling, he laid back on the covers and waited until his heartbeat had slowed.

It was nothing but a bad dream, he soothed himself. Nothing but a bad dream. Nonetheless, the horrific nightmare had shaken him. It was the first time he'd experienced her feelings by being in her body...Nothing but a bad dream, he thought fiercely. He deluded himself that way and he passed it off as mere imagination on his part.

Something sounded in the kitchen. He waited awhile, thinking it might just be the thumping of the neighbour's late-night activities. He thought he might just as well get a glass of water. But he didn't get up. He was too lazy to.

The noise sounded again louder and nearer. Thump. There it went again. Thump, thump.
That didn't bode well. Perhaps it was a burglar. He had better investigate it. The safe was old and faulty, every robber's dream. For a moment he thought of how he had woken up, and quailed a little at the thought. Thump. The next minute, he shook it off, making nothing out of it.
Grabbing a penknife from his table, he slipped into his fur slippers and proceeded slowly, cautiously. Thump. He was sure the noise originated in the kitchen now. He moved stealthily, making not a sound and careful to blend into the shadows. The moonlight evaded him.

With every step closer, his mind screamed in anticipation. It was his first time catching a robber. Thump. He was sure he could do it. He moved closer. His heart thrummed with excitement, and he feared the robber could hear it in the absolute silence and stillness of the house.

Now, he was one step closer to the kitchen. He flattened himself against the wall, clutching the penknife tightly. THUMP. The sound was right next to him.

He closed his fist around his sole weapon, and charged into the kitchen.

A hideous, gristly sight greeted him.

While before his heart was screaming in anticipation, it now screeched to a halt, stopped by fear.

Waves of trepidation crashed over him and his spine shivered in pure horror.

In front of him, a figure draped in white stood before him. Its face was partially obscured by a wig of flyaway brown hair. He caught sight of blood-red lips. Its hands were stained with what looked horribly like blood. A butchering knife lay at it feet. His penknife quivered in his hand.
It was like reliving his dream all over again. But it wasn't a dream. It was his living nightmare.
It drifted over to him while he stood rooted with fear. Numbed with fright, he was on the verge of having a heart attack.

"You don't look too pleased to see me," it spoke with a soft hiss. "Why is that so? The last time I saw you, you were so enthralled to see me."

The voice was not unlike a girl's, but it spoke with such slyness that it was impossible for it to be a woman's. When it-she spoke again, it was with regret, vengeance, and a tinge of fear.

"You destroyed me. You were one of the many who destroyed me. The torture was terrible. I screamed and I screamed, wailed and cried, yet you all ignored me and conntinued pleasing yourselves. You had fun while I had pain. Well, no longer. It's time for you to suffer."

He could see her face now, and with a jolt, realised that it was not that of a woman's but of a young boy's. Yet his dark eyes gleamed with an evil tint and his lips were merciless and cold, stained a dark crimson.

His pupils dilated in terror as the butchering knife on the floor seemed to fly into the figure's hands.

"Remember me? Rosemarie, at your service." She-he-purred. Of course he remembered her. Now, he sorely regretted what he did, but it was too late, far, far too late.

He felt a sense of impending doom. Recovering his instincts, he spun and started to flee. Yet, as he tried to lift his foot up, he realised that they were glued to the floor. He was utterly, utterly, trapped.

"Tut, tut, why run? I ran from you, but couldn't. Now you can't run. Oh well, you know the famous saying? You can run, but you can't hide? Ha, ha, ha!" She gave a raspy bark of laughter that was both cruel and mocking.

He tried screaming, but no sound came out. Like his legs to the floor, the sides of his throat were glued together. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. His whole body was now trembling in pure terror, horror, and fear. Lots and lots of fear. He screamed a silent scream as her knife loomed closer, and closer, and closer.

A few minutes later, a shrilling scream shattered the silence. It was over.
　
The next day, it was buzzing in the police station: man castrated.

2009-08-22T16:24:00.002Z

Heya people, below is the first chapter to a sort-of sequel to my first story, which I'm like, not done with yet, but anyway, I had the inspiration and decided to write it out and put it down. I may not finish it though, cos the first story aint even done yet!

On a forenote, this isn't much of a love story. It's more of a mother-daughter relationship story.

Cheerios, denise.

2009-08-22T16:15:00.001Z

Chapter One

I've lost my wallet.

Oh my God. If my mother ever finds out about this, she'd blow her top. Oh, my God.

Worse, my whole week's allowance had been inside. THIRTY BUCKS. Thirty freaking bucks.

And what about my identity card? It'd cost a bomb to replace it.

For an ordinary girl with an ordinary family, it wouldn't matter. But my mom's holding two jobs just to put me through school. She's a single mom. Man, she'd really blow her top.

I recall buying a packet of biscuits at the snack stall near my house, then walking back home. I pluck at my jacket pocket miserably. It's crammed with so much miscellaneous stuff. There is no issue as to how it had been lost; it was where.

Honesty's the best policy. Okay. I sit down on the bench at the park next to my house, then pull my cellphone out. My hands shake as I dialled the numbers. She answers on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Mom? It's me, Crisanne. I-I think I've lost my wallet."

Silence. "Have you filed a report?"

Why is my voice so thick? "N-no. I was busy combing the street for it."

"Where?"

"I was walking from the snack stall back home..."

"Alright. Go file a report at the police station."

I'm surprised. "Just-just like that? You're not going to, going to, scold me or anything?"

"What's done is already done anyway. Besides, it may not be your fault. It may be the spirits' fault."

Here she goes again. My mom is lygophobic, in a way. She's wary of the supernatural, but she believes in them, and sometimes I can hear her whispering in the middle of the night, probably praying frantically. She isn't like those people who buuy garlics and crosses, though; she just believes. I guess her Chinese heritage has something to do with it. My mom's a Chinese who married my dad, an European man. He must have been poor, but I can't know for sure, since my mom is always tight-lipped whenever I mention him. One more thing about my mom: she doesn't lie. It's ingrained in her blood, I think. The Chinese are a strict, conservative people who valued raw moral values. Because of these, and many other reasons, I have never been close to her, in any way.

"Oh, them again."

I hear a sigh at the other end. "Okay, now go. Hurry. Bye."

"Bye-" I start, but the line has been cut off. She probably left to appease the spirits or something. Oh, well.

Fresh tears well up in my eyes as I recall how my mother hadn't been mad at me at all. On the contrary of making me feel relieved, I feel worse than ever, like I'd betrayed my mother. I'm more of a hindrance than a help to her!

I retrieve a sharp ruler from my pocket, and scraped it with light pressure along my wrist. It feels searingly good. I'm way too much of a scaredy-cat to attempt bloody cutting, but this feels good all the same. I'm not overly depressed, though. I tried it for fun at first, but sought it as comfort later on.

Wait. What is wrong with me? I am totally not depressed. Crisanne is the cool, calm and collected girl who never displays strong emotion. So why am I crying now? I get up abruptly, pocket the ruler and wipe my tears away with the back of my hand.

Next stop: Ruburille's police station.

Despite my effort to remain the calm, cool-headed Crisanne, I can't keep my eyes off the ground, constantly searching for my wallet...

BAM.

Ouch! Stars fly in front of me, and I shake my head to clear my vision. A boy slightly older than I am slowly marrs into focus. I tilt my head as I study him. He seems somewhat familar, like I'd seen him. No surprise there. Everyone in this small town went to Rubrille High School. By his looks, he's either a junior or a senior. I, on the other hand, am a sophomore.

"Watch where you're going!" How cliche. I can't believe I just said that.

"Watch where you're going yourself," he grumbled under his breath, but he was so close that I could hear.

I notice that he looks pretty hot. Too late, I feel the blood rushing into my cheeks as I stare at his oval face with its pointed chin, brown eyes and tousled brown hair. Hastily, I control it until it's just a brief flush.

"You look pretty flustered," He comments. Noticing my puffy eyes, he raises an eyebrow. "Been crying?"

"No. I don't cry." I say. It's partially true. Except for when it comes to my mother.

"Your eyes?"

"Dust," I mutter, then change the subject. "Could you like, really watch where you're going next time?"

"I'm looking for something, alright?"

"Like what, a wallet?"

"So?"

I'm suprised. "Really? You lost your wallet?" Incredulous.

"Whatever. It's none of your business."

It's official--he's an idiot. "Well then, I guess it's none of my business if I found a wallet while walking..."

He catches on quickly. Immediately his bored expression turns eager, ready to pounce. "You found my wallet? Where is it?"

"You said it was none of my business." Thoroughly relishing his shocked look, I start to walk away as the corners of his lips turn down.

He reaches out to catch my arm. I feel that heat wash across my face again. What's wrong with me today? I'm don't seem to be the cool, collected Crisanne today.

"Look, hey, I'm sorry. I'm just grumpy after losing my wallet. I won't know how to explain to my father, that's all."

I can feel myself softening. I understand how he feels completely. Wait. Why am I softening? Darn. Oh well.

"Fine, here's your stupid wallet," I mutter grouchily, then extract a large worn wallet out of my jacket. "Is this yours?"

"Yes, yes it is! Oh, God, thanks so much."

"You're welcome." I sound rather wistful. Seeing his exultation only reminds me of my predicament.

He suddenly grins out of the blue, then pulls out a small white purse out fom his pocket. "I think this belongs to you."

I pounce on it and relief washes over me. "You had it all along?"

"I didn't know you were looking for a wallet too!" An arrogant look flashes on his face. That looks perfectly cute. Darn if I can't help but notice.

"Alright, I wasn't accusing you of anything, chill." I backtrack. Right, since when did people's feelings matter to me? I still don't know why I feel concerned that he'd be annoyed at me.

"Just kidding. Hi, I'm Randall, you are?"

I flash him a smile--I know how boys sometimes get confused with that. I know I have skin girls will die for--pale, porcelain, and unblemished--and black raven hair standing out in vivid contrast to the white of my face. People see me as the ice queen sometimes. So guys always get weirded out when I flash them a smile.

Whatever. He doesn't get weirded out. He seems...normal.

That bothers me.

And I can't tell why. I feel like slapping my forehead.

"My name is Crisanne."

"Crisanne..." He sems to be testing my name, rolling it on his tongue. I used to think my name was too old and grandmotherly, but now it seems quite beautiful, the way he says it. "Crisanne, did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you look like when you smile?"

There I go, flushing again.

2009-08-17T11:49:00.004Z

Chapter 10- Angelics

12:36. That was when I found my necklace-which I obviosly seem to have grown a bond with. I mean, it keeps appearing where I am and disappearing of its own accord. Well, it did once! I looked at Vish-man he was the best guy friend a girl can have-and my heart went out to him.

I just wished I hadn't lied to him about not being led on. I mean-hey, I'm a people pleaser. So I told him, I was not lead on by Ray's late night invite. He actually saw through my dumb lie, I think. Oh well, I'm good. I hope.

Just as I wore the necklace, Kayla and Gabbriel appeared, both saying 'finally' with an exasperated sigh. Talk about dramatic. And of course, the day could never get better. I was too used to the surprises that this scene failed to have the element of surprise for me. Maybe I just knew stuff. Or maybe not. Vish, on the other hand was freaked out. Poor Vish.

"Hi!" squeaked Kayla.

Raising an eyebrow Vish looked at me. And of course, my head was buzzing with questions. On impulse, I asked the first question.

"How...why...um.."

Right,so much for asking questions.

Chuckling, Gabbriel replied, "Maya, maybe we should all sit down. By the way I knew you guys would be here as I'm the mind reader. But I think being a future-reader and knowing what is gonna happen is way way cooler. Right?"

And I was so shocked. They think I'm so stupid?

"Woah woah. What are you going on about? What mind-reader and what the hell man?" I burst out.

Taken aback by my sudden outburst, Gabbriel looked at Kayla.

"I told you, she forgot us, Gabbriel. She has still yet to remember her past life, fellow Angelic," told Kayla in her weirdo formal speech, addressing Gabbriel.

They stared at their toes for a while while uncomfortable silence enveloped us.

"Maya, and Vish, guys, you have to listen and try to believe us. It's the only way," said Gabby seriously, face deadpan.

Vish stood up gracefully-yes,even with the bloody arm-and said,"Dude, you haven't even started saying anything. Say something and we'll decide."

It's funny how he said we, instead of me. But I got to agree with that right?

"So, well, Kayla is better off narrating the tale," Gabbriel nervously said.

"Thank you, Gabbriel. Now-"

"This, is going to be a long night. Yawn." I said as I stretched myself.

Smiling away, Kayla continued, "So... You see, you are not whom you think you may be. When the earth was created there were two races-the angels and humans. Then after series of revolution among our race-which is the angels, mind you, the angels divided themselves into two-the good and the bad-"

"Wait, so suppose you are telling the truth and not pulling my socks, how can angels have revolutions and um...wars? Everyone knows angels are like the most um... divine things and no myth says they war, and what the hell- I thought angels are in Heaven and whatever," Vish said.

"Or do they? Myths told nowadays are told by half confused mates of Angelics-we'll get to that later, and so since then the war between the good and bad began. Heaven and Hell are not anywhere- they are on earth, and the stereotypical understanding of them is so wrong.

Our intial purpose was to keep the humans from causing destruction to each other and their home. But then, we had two things to protect- the humans and us, since the Morphers'-the corrupt angels- mission was to exterminate our race. You see angels don't die, for they are eternal beings. Unless we choose to nonexist, we can go into the nonexistence and be the Elders who control everything on our universe. Still then it was a choice, or a request from the Elders. But the found a way to kill us- Love. Their discovery of what we existed on- Love- was their only was to exterminate our race. Every one of the Angels mated with the one they loved. If they did not mate with their true love, slowly things will start to fall apart for us. And if a certain person, whom let's say, told me this whole information does not marry her true love, our race would be completely destroyed. She is the heir of the Mian Angel- something comparative to lets say, a king. Even though others' love does not make such a drastic change, this couple's will, for their love unknowingly combined to form a power that could abolish the corrupted Angels. But us angels do not know of such rule.

And as time went on, the Morphers whose strongest form was air, plotted our misery and death, for our misery will make us weak. But like all existing things do, we all evolved.

We lived underwater and we were invisible to humans. We were made if everything all living things were made of- feathers, hair, skin, bones, wings, gills, scales,leaves and many more.

After some time, no one fell in love and mated and many Angels went into nonexistence too. Hence we were worried about our race. But the thing needed to be done was that, we needed to evolve.

But one day during our earth ventures, one Angel called Shaila saw a man and fell in love with him. The moment she did, all of us, every one of the Angels became magnificiant humans as we understood the need to evolve.

We still had our powers and everything. We just became humans and realised that our mates existed as Humams too. And apparently, more and more Angels mated with humans and once again we were revived- thank humans. So since now some humans can see us- because how else do they fall in love with us too?-We created an invisible city in Rome- yes inside the one that fell. History says that two brothers founded Rome. But the real explanation, by us, is that Shaila and Randa, the man whom she fell in love with, initially wanted to live in a place where both of them were safe and the other Angelics could find mates. This is how Rome got the name Eternal City- do you get the meaning underneath? Have you ever wondered why it was destroyed? It was because we, the good ones, were destroyed and the people there fought and ah, all hell broke loose.

"Our mates too became angels and they were like us. So we called ourselves Angelics-" and both looked at me in the eye and said

"It's what we are."

I nodded with bewildered eyes and Gabriel continued, "So one day a Roman ophran came upon our invisible city inside their city and due to his unexplainable power, he connected with the Angelics and was able to enter our kingdom. And that guy like, became a Angelic. So this process, like, works for humans too. They can sometimes become Angelics. Also everyone of us had a stone attached to us, to signify our race- now why this was so is a mystery.

So this youth, he was accepted into our community. And he fell in love with the Princess, the heir of Main Angel. And apparently she did too.

And well after some time the Morphers found out that fact and they sent one of their kind- who now they realised they are the most powerful in human form to inflict Vices and corrupt the Main Angel's mind.

So mesmerising and powerful that Morpher was, seducing the Main Angel and she corrupted him, saying he should not let his daughter wed such a poor and mere human who became an Angelic.

So the Main Angel, now corrupted, decided to get his daughter marry another Angelic. Now this is the chick who had the power to destroy our race if she did not bond with her destined mate.

"So despairing, she did all kinds of things- rituals, research- you know by asking those older people- and found what any Angelic did not know- their world existed on love. She kinda found out this fact through connecting with the Elders. These dudes are not gods and it's very hard to like contact them. They like, work under a force that is believed to be The God. And these connections happen like unexpectedly, even if the Elders wanna request Angelics to join them. Kinda like a miracle.

"Anyways, she searched for an alternative and found that if she herself destroyed the Angelics with her stone, the Angelics would be gone but they would be reborn sometime later. So she went to tell everyone to stop the wedding but none believed her and she could not um... Get the evidence since it is impossible to contact the Non-existence or the Elders. But anyway, the Elders too did not know this fact about the love- which I still think us dumb bacause, dude, they control us and they created a rule without them knowing? But then again The God is the one who might have created this loophole or whatever.

"Continueing, And well, she kinda destroyed her race herself. And some Angelics were too weak to take it. The remaining Angelics who could take it were born. Again. In this time. Like now."

He looked up, tears streaking his cheeks. Kayla's eyes were glazed too. Then I realised, they were expecting some kind of answer from me.

I cleared my throat and said, "Uh and who are they?"

Deadpan, Gabbriel said, "Many re-constructed a city like the old times and go there to train their powers. Now, they protect from everywhere, regardless of the place, living among us. They meet every new year-the day the first Angelic,the first woman to become an Angelic, was born. And they also gather to do the Water Ritual to strengthen everyone's powers and memory on the Aniversary if our Annihilation. You know even though everyone remembers their past slowly, everything would only be complete in their memory if this Heir gets her memory and connects with her true love. "

Kayla continued, "I've known this since I was born. Unlike Gabbriel, I've always known my past and I can remember you too. I was the only one who believed you... sister. You are the heir of the Main Angelic, Malvad. We are twins but well, you are the older one. I guess my olden accent stuck with me from the past. We even have our stones to remind us. But queerly, your stone and Vish's stone was not given to each of you yet. Your stone is identical to mine as we are twins.. That is how I placed your stone on you. It was with me all the while. As for Vish," she paused, picking up an Emerald pendant and gave it to Vish. That must be this 'stone' of his.

"Apparently, I was placed in the wrong part of America. When I sensed- I just had a feeling- where you were, I came here. At first I hoped that you would see me through the television and get your memory back. Well, you and Vish did not get back your memory, like so many others. I cannot sense any other Angelics- none of us can. But I feel that there are more. Because your destiny for this time is- to find your true love and with both of your powers the Angelics can live peacefully, with the world under control and the Morphers hopefully, destroyed or even better changed. But if you can not find him in 7 more months I'd to be exact- the next New Year our race... race..." and suddenly, Kayla broke down and Vish reached out to her as she leaned against him, causing Vish to look astonished.

Gabbriel cleared his throat finishing her sentence,"Our race will be gone forever, the human race slowly terminating. So you really need to find this guy. I dont know how but this guy have to be found. I think he is near us. Because, fate does work in a way, you know."

And for a moment we were quiet.

Vish broke the silence by saying, "But how did you find out about me? And can't anyone remember this guy?"

And Kayla looked up to reply, "I can't remember who he is. Only Maya can. I can only remember my sister as I was so close to her. And Vish, Gabbriel saw your drawings and he figured out who you were as soon as he did, which was apparently today in the evening when I met him. He remembers everything, unlike both of you. He claims to keep his powers a secret from you all- as we are supposed to- if the Humans find out when they are not supposed to be Angelics, they will use us and kill us in fear. I just hope the man for Maya remembers all this. Though he most likely doesn't as he didn't come looking for her. And oh- I'm an Influencer. I influence people's reactions, emotions and how they behave with my mind. Just like that, looking at them."

We stared at each other. This was unbelievable. It felt so queer but I knew it had to be true- my dream proved it. I finally knew why the princess felt so familiar- it was like having an out of body experience. I just wish I knew the guy I talked to, because I was sure it was him.

Suddenly Vish cleared his throat and whispered, "And the Emerald?" He pointed to the stone in hishand.

Kayla followed his gaze and blushed. She sheepishly grinned and replied, "Well the moment I sensed another three Angelics' presence here and when Gabbriel came to me to inform me he is one of us, we tried to crack the puzzle of the other 2 Angelics. Once Gabbriel thought you could be an Angelic, he made me check up on you everyday-"

"But you only arrived today!" gasped Vish.

Shaking her head, Kayla said," I came a month ago. I had to do some ah, investigation, no? And being Angelics we normally sense each other. After being reborn, we may not. Even though Gabbriel could not fully sense you, I could and I searched your house thorougly one night before today.

And to my shock I found out that your mother had hidden this locket from you since it appeared on her kitchen table, thinking of selling it. Imagine my horror. I immediately influenced her into thinking she gave it to you and with the help of Gabbriel, we got the Emerald."

Vish stared at the Emerald and put it on without further hesitation. Again silence loomed over us. Then, Kayla broke it.

"Maya, did you ever like anyone?" Kayla, or my sister, softly said.

Gabbriel, Vish and I looked at each other. My cheeks heated up in the cool dampness of the air. Wasn't it obvious?

Reluctantly I said, "Well, I liked Ray that time. Uh..."

Thoughtfully, Kayla pondered, "Maybe... Maya, you have to try to talk to him more. Who knows what might come your way. He actually felt a little Angelic-like to me. Well, so-"

"Kayla, it's two. We've to go. Quick, Ray may come. Quick!" Gabbriel cut in. The three of them glanced at me and waved goodbye, hurrying out.

And I was left all alone, trudging up with a feeling of carrying the world on my back.

2009-08-17T11:36:00.002Z

Chapter 9 - Meetings

I can't believe what I just did. I could not sleep that night. I felt uneasy all over. Some kind of new sensation creeped over me. A feeling between a cross between intense as choking and calm as meditating. My heart was racing as I broke out in sweat.

Earlier on, I had talked to Maya. I did not even give her a chance to speak as I rattled out my request. I actually hung up on her. Now, I'm hurting over thinking about how her hurt she must have been. I turned again to see the clock. It showed 23:00. Maya had slept at 10 pm. I guess she would just go for Ray's invitation-Ray had told me through a text: "Yo got your neighbour to rake the forest at 2. In the morning, Yo!"

So much for the cold shoulder, the past months.

I just knew I had to meet her before that. Ray was probably playing with her. And I certainly did not want Maya to have a broken heart. Or, it's just the weirdly scary, I-want-to-smash-my-best-friend's-skull-as-he-is-flirting-with-my-neighbour thing. I still can't find a name for it. It makes me really confused. Girls are so puzzling to be with, you know?

***

Finally, I thought as the clack flashed 23.30. I peeked out of my room's balcony as I looked for Maya's movements. It looked black.

***

I was at the shack earlier than her. I had a feeling, that she might not meet me. What if she thought I was a freaky psycho? I sighed as I suddenly heard a shuffling of footsteps. Maya. She appeared in front of me, breathing heavily.

"Hey!" That was about the only word I could utter.

"Huh. I'm sorry I came here late. I could not find...my turquoise necklace," she uttered as she catches her breath. She was so miserable. Confused, I said, "But it was on you a while ago, when you spoke with Ray."

"Yeah, but I lost it...Just like that. Oh man!" she sighed as she tried to sit on the bench. I tried to warned her that the bench was not there, but before I could, she slipped.

In a flash, I grabbed her. But the slippery wetness of the moss made me slip as well and we ended up rolling together. Instinctively, I shielded her while we rolled the whole way down. Only when we reached the rock then we stopped, and I ended up on top of her. I still held on tightly to her waist. After a heartbeat, I realised that a warm liquid flowed all around my hands. Blood.

Desperate to find out that it did not come from Maya, I stood up swiftly and made Maya turn to me. She was unharmed. Heaving a sigh of relief as my cheeks bloomed in the realization that I had almost embraced Maya, I croaked out, "You alright?"

She squinted and gasped. "Vish, your hands are bleeding. You shouldn't have uh... shielded me. Oh no. Thanks, but look at you," she cried as she grabbed my arms.. She tore off-yes,tore off, mind you- her lower part of the shirt and tied it around the worst part of my wound. My heart suddenly swelled. Suddenly everything was clear and beautiful- even it was the forest, even in the night. Maya cared about me. It was a surprise how I could react to my neighbour's compassion. I seriously had issues. But nonetheless, I was just so elated about the scene of Maya's panic, I did not realised we were already at my dad's shack.

"Oh my god Vish, please don't do such scary things man. I hope you are okay?"

"Maya, I'm really okay." I looked at her in the eye-yet another first. It felt like there was a connection. But really, there may be nothing, for all I know. Maya stared back at me, deadpan.I really didn't want to break the gaze, but you know, sometimes, things get too good that you have to stop them, or else, the intensity would overwehlm you?

It was exactly like that, which was why I abruptly turned away. Awkward silence was creeping over.

"Ahem... So who's shack is this?" Maya quickly crippled the uncomfortable silence.

"Oh it's my dad's and uncle's. They built it so we could have picnics here, just like we did in Jaipur."

Maya's eyes widened. "You're from Jaipur? Woah.... my mom's maiden home was Jaipur and we went there once. But, you don't look-"

"Indian enough? That's because my parents are both half American. They were brought back to India and raised. And came here again," I smiled.

Maya smiled back and asked, "So why the emergency call."

"Uh right, that. Look, Maya, I just want you to know, Ray -"

"-broke up with Alila, I know."

"Yeah well, and I don't know how to tell you this, but you should not get led on by him again. I mean it. It's just, Ray's a bit reckless and if he's leading you on like this, I just don't want you to get...er...hurt. I mean, this may tear mine and Ray's friendship apart, you know," I blabbered, unwisely.

As Maya stared back, the smile turned into astonishment. Then, slowly she said, "You actually think he's leading me and worse, I'll be falling for him? Come on, I may be a girl but I'm not that weak for a girl. And well, thanks for your... concern."

I shrugged, hiding the overwehlming happiness in my heart. At least she is stable. It made me uber delighted- which I guess, is definitely because of my deep compassion for Maya. I mean hey, she's my neighbour, right?

My right arm, which was the one that probably had a severe cut, throbbed and produced wild jolts of pain up. I flinched as Maya looked at my arms. She moved closer and took my arm gingerly and undid the knot. She took some water from the flask on the bench and washed it. And every second, I never could understand why I could not take my eyes off her. She finally cleaned my wound and looked up, with a satisfied smile. I blushed as I looked down and thanked her. She suddenly placed her hand on my chin and nudged it up.

"Are you okay, Vish? Seriously, you didn't have to do all this. I'll be safe. Don't worry. Damn, if only my brother was as caring," she said as she chuckled in the end.

My heart sank. I mean, she compared me to her brother. That should be amazing right? But oh no, it wasn't.

She stared back at me again and this time I could feel my eyes glazing. Maya looked beautiful in the moonlight. Her dark eyes twinkled with specks of silver sprinkled in between-her eyes changed so frequently, I was sure it was all my imagination. I know it's cheesy but, she looked more beautiful than the moon. I blinked away the tears. Frowning, Maya reached out to dry them, but deeply hurt for no apparent reason, I dried them away. I could not stand to have her touch me again. One more touch and I was certain I would crumble. I felt so... what's the word girls use- vulnerable.

"Vish-"

"Okay, Maya. It's okay. You should uh...probably wait for Ray then."

"Um... he won't come untill two, remember?. You, um, want to hang around? Or maybe your arm..."she trailed away looking at my arm.As I was just about to say that I could, of course stay, Maya shrieked.

"Ahhh!"

"Maya??"

"Vish, look!" She yelled as she turned me to look at a nearby rock. There lay a pear shaped sea-green rock. In the dim light, I could see a Bronze-like chain holding it-a chain. Both of us went near it. We gasped as we realised what it was. Maya's necklace. Maya impulsively grabbed it and clasped it around her neck. It was as beautiful as Maya, herself.

"Finally!" cried three voices at once. Two masculine, one feminine. Both of us looked up to find, Gabriel and-good heavens- Kayla.

2009-07-26T04:57:00.011Z

Chapter 7- Drawing

So the whole 'hanging out with Vish' thing was to catch a fish when one fish has slipped back into the water. Oh and of course to get ground when his ground crumbled- or made to crumble. Not that I want to describe Alila and Maya as fishes. Hey, I'm not that kind of guy.

Ray came over as said and we goofed around in our pool- which Maya envied a lot. The pool I mean. And so he looked a little perked up but he still looked unusually sad.

" So dude, Ray, how's life?" Akiki asked.

" Huh. Not so good. Ali... She just broke up with me'" Ray replied with downcast eyes.

All of us gaped in shock. Being the first to recover, I asked him," how?"

" Well I was asking her why she was so unkind to Maya and she blew her top and said I was cheating on her with Maya, which is so absurd. I mean, Maya's well-"

" Not the hottie?"

" Um... anyway, even though I denied it, she insisted on it. I was really hurt and pissed off, so I argued with her and we broke up- well she did. I know a lot of guys want the guy to break up first, but you know what, it's fine by me. I just don't know if the team will treat me like normal or like vermin. And you guys- I'm really for being a jerk at time."

" Oh you know we got your back man!" cried Akiki.

" Even though you ,well ,ditched us for a while, we are gonna be friends, man!" said Gabbriel.

" Yeah well even though I may not be so close with the guys on my team anymore, I kinda learned the lesson guys." Ray looked at us with guilt-washed eyes.

I immediately knew that he was over with the whole Alila stuff. We finally had our Ray- I mean, there still are some things which never change. But oh, whatever, change is inevitable right?

We played ball and drank cocktail like Margarittas which my brother made. Just then I saw Ray mouthing a 'call-me' sign to Maya, who was peeking out of her Balcony. My gaze became intense. What's with me today, I thought. It's way too much for a guy to handle. I had the urge to smash my best friend's skull and hide Maya in my room. And that was a lot to imagine, even if I am indeed just her neighbour-friend.

I think I may have to go to an Asylum.

Some sort of fire erupted in me. My heart felt hurt as Maya smiled at him. I felt so vulnerable and retarded. If only I could describe this feeling. I have seriously never felt it before. Never. I shook my head,exasperated as I walked inside my house.

***

They say that when you look for something, all the while you search for it. But when you do stop searching, you will get it. Well, that's what my mom says. I think I get it now.

For example,after the guys went, I tried to figure out my sketches. But , no, I could not understand why I would subconciously doodle Maya, Ray in a forest. There I saw Kayla-yes,-in the distance, holding someone. That someone's hand was the only thing I saw. No more.

Maybe, the asylum was not a bad idea after all.

I had no idea when-which day,even- it was. Just as I gazed at my production, I saw Maya's Turquoise on her neck. My drawing may be black and white but I drew quite well, even subconciously- no, especially subconciously. There was the tiny dolphin logo-ed Bermudas of Maya.

It was today. In the night. The full moon. Funny how all the out of ordinary things happen on full moon. I somehow knew what to do next. It could have been sheer luck or adreneline or maybe my newfound lunatic brain. But, it was neither.

2009-07-26T04:57:00.010Z

Chapter 8- Phone Calls

The phone rang, waking me up from my sleep. I had called Ray as he insisted. And miracle of miracles, he had asked me to meet him at the forest-yes, the forest in my vision-as a challenge at two am. Right.

Not midnight.

***
He picked up the phone after one ring itself. I was shocked that he actually had my number when he guessed my name correctly.

"Hey, Maya!"

"Yo, Ray."

"Um, so how's life then?"

"Er, great? I uh...couldn't ask for anything better," I replied. To me, my voice sounded as fake as a pirated DVD.

"Really? Well, anyways, I was hoping you would like to um... Come for the Game."

"Oh. I've never really been to one."

"Well, now you should. Right?"

"Um, really?"

"Yeah. You want to? Hey you can also come to the after-game.."

I rolled my eyes. Seriously, this boy can have a split personality disease.

"Right. Alila will scream the heck out."

"Um, about that. We broke up."

And there was an awkward pause that is always impeccably present with Ray.

"Oh."

"Yeah."

And he told me the whole "Alila-the-angry-woman" story (typical Alila). Though I was with mixed feelings when I realised they broke up bacause of me.

Woah.

And that was when the whole teasing and daring began. It was almost like the old times- chatting like old pals. Then he dared me.

"Fine, I'm daring you to meet me at the forest behind the park. At 1a.m. Up for it?"

"Um...."

"Aww...don't be a chicken now!"

"Ah... Fine."

"Okay. Meet you there. Bye!"

And that was it. I almost regretted my choice. Usually I would be on the moon-no, on Pluto by now. Surprisingly, I slept.

***

My next phone call-a guy. As the phone woke me up, my mom picked up the other extension- yes, seriously, we have two extensions.

I did not realise that it was 9.30 pm. She yelled me to pick up the other side and to come down for my dinner-supper as it is now. The same vision came in my dreams- which now I'm sure they sometimes aren't. I picked up and to my utter shock, it was Vish.

"Hey, are you free today?"

"Uh, Vish it's 9.30 pm."

"Yeah. Look I can't explain why but meet me at the forest behind the park at midnight. Meet me at the tiny shack with a light. I have to go. Bye."

And the line died.

You know, that's two invitations by two different, not to forget, cute, guys, on one day.

The same day I found queer happenings. It seemed like thounds of light years away. Without a choice I decided to go. I mean, do I really have a choice?

2009-07-26T04:44:00.002Z

RANDOM POEM FROM THE ALIEN.=D

Strange Creature

When he needs to sit,
She knows.
When she needs to speak,
She knows.

Its creepy,
Creepy when She says,
'this is gonna happen',
And it certainly does.

A gift or a sin,
Oh what ,oh what.
Oh what in the world,
Could that be?

The fear of knowing,
Had never been excruciating.
For ignorance is bliss,
And she longs for its kiss.

I'm cursed she thinks,
There's no voodoo,
There's no magic.
And the predictions hit her in a wink.

She has her share of shit..
The fakeness and masks,
A pretended smile she wears.
But,Why is she the only one who can see?

The cruelty is not black,
Oh no,black,is what it lacks.
Too much bright personalities,
And sweetest fake smiles.

Blinded by the lies,
Charmed by all the masks,
People forgot to open their eyes.
And see what is the nice.

She has her eyes open,
Ears attentive,
Senses sharp,
And her gift always protecting.

Maybe its the gift,
Or just her 5 senses.
She found the lens,
And sees the world-truly for what it is.

-AP

2009-07-17T16:13:00.002Z

This was taken from Janet Evanovich's Q & A website. It's really good. All step-by-step.

Q. After three long years of working nights at my kitchen table, I've finally typed in the two words I've been dreaming about: The End. Now what do I do? JANET: Here is an overview of the process:
-Write the book. Unpublished writers attempting to sell fiction need to have a completed and polished manuscript in hand.
-When you've got a finished manuscript, write a one-page query letter describing the book to a literary agent. (See the Quick Reference for an example.)
-If your letter intrigues the agent, he will ask to see the manuscript.
-If the agent likes the manuscript, he will agree to represent you.
-Your agent then decides which editors and which publishers are appropriate and sends your manuscript out to one or more of those editors.
-If an editor likes the book and wants to buy it for his publishing house, he will contact your literary agent, who will then negotiate details of the sale. If several editors express interest in the book, your agent will put it up for auction. In that case, your book goes to whomever you and your agent feel made the best offer.
-The publisher then puts the manuscript into book form and sells the books to the stores, which, in turn, sell them to your readers.

Questions for a Prospective Agent
If an agent agrees to represent you, before signing a contract you might ask the following questions:
-Who are some of the authors you represent?
-What books have you sold and to whom?
-What is your percentage (also known as commission) of the book sale?
-What can I be charged for? Phone calls, duplicating, mailing?
-Do I have to sign a contract? Some contracts bind you to an agent for a specific amount of time. -Do not bind yourself forever!
-To which publishers will my book be sent?
-Do you plan to do multiple submissions with my book?

Q. What if I send my book to a lot of agents and none of them wants to represent me?

JANET: If being a writer is important to you, keep at it, keep improving, and don't give up. I wrote three books that were never published. I sent the first one out to everybody. I went through every agent and publisher in New York, twice. The only positive letter that I got back was from an agent, but it was written in purple crayon on a bar napkin, so I didn't follow up on it. Then, presto, ten years later I was a published author.

Q. What if every agent and publisher has said no? How else can I get my book noticed?

JANET: You might want to enter your work in some of the writing contests for new authors. Romance Writers of America has one, and editors and publishers pay close attention to the winners. You also may want to attend some writers' conferences.

Q. I attended a writer's conference last week and came away with the names of some agents. Now what?

JANET: Now you write a query letter that tells the agent about you and your book and asks if he wants to represent you. If you don't have any luck with the first batch of agents you query, repeat the process with another five. If you go through five to ten agents and they all turn you down, you need to rewrite your letter.

Query Letter Essentials
-Use letterhead or put your name and address in the top right-hand corner. I don't advise queries be sent by e-mail.
-Address the query to a specific agent or editor.
-Start with a "hook" or snappy language or something to grab the reader's attention immediately.
-In present tense, state precisely and succinctly what the book is about. (Think in terms of how a TV show is explained in TV Guide.) For example: Out-of-work lingerie-buyer Stephanie Plum blackmails her cousin into hiring her into the unlikely position of bounty hunter.
-In a sentence or two, describe why you are "the one" to write this book. For example, you worked as a homicide detective for fifteen years in Los Angeles or you are a forensic medical specialist.
-Keep the query short-- one page.
-Mention the proposed length of the book.
-End by asking the agent or editor if he would be interested in seeing the full manuscript.
-Make sure the letter is grammatically correct. (Remember: Don't count on spell check alone to catch every error. You must read it over).
-Use heavy, twenty-pound bond, which is easier to handle than lightweight paper.
-Use at least a twelve-point font.
-Include a blank self-addressed, stamped postcard.

Q. An agent has asked for my manuscript. Now what? Are there guidelines I should follow? Should it be bound or placed in a folder?

JANET: Your manuscript should be double-spaced on good quality, white bond paper. The first page is your title page, and the title and your name should be centered.

These are the manuscript guidelines I use when I write:
-Put your name, a dash, and the page number in the upper left corner.
-Put the title of your book, all in capital letters, in the upper right corner.
-About one-third down the page, put the chapter title in capital letters.
-Do not number the title page.
-Double-space your manuscript.
-Don't bind the pages in any way. Keep them together with a giant rubber band and place them in a protective bubble envelope or empty typing paper box.Include a short cover letter (also on the white twenty-pound bond). Simply say: As you have requested, I am submitting my manuscript (or synopsis and sample chapters) for your consideration. No need to return. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail in this cover letterNever send out the same copy more than once. Anything other than a pristine copy is a dead giveaway that your manuscript or sample chapters have been rejected by a previous agent.On the outside of your package, clearly write "Requested Manuscript Enclosed." This is very important, as it ensures that your manuscript will not end up in a slush pile.Give the agent two months to reply. If you don't hear in sixty days, send a note requesting the status of your manuscript and enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for his reply. After a year, you can cross this agent off your list.

2009-07-17T09:39:00.002Z

Silence :)/:(

* Random Poem.

Can't keep quite,
Gotta scar the silence.
doesn't feel right,
It's stalking me with vengence.
Silence,me it may bite.

I'm breathing,
But still suffocating,
It's silence that burns me,
Like invisible fire,
it stings me.

I'm so envoloped,
Envoloped by the emptyness,
It means something changed,
Or signifies our silence?

Creepy,crawly silence,
Punching me-it's no nonsense.
Wild eyed and sleepless,
I'm dead in your absence.

It's killing me from the inside,
I wish you'd just be here by my side.
Making the monster die
I wish what you said was just a lie.

Can't keep quite,
Gotta scar this silence,
But words are stuck with me,
Now I know this gotta be right.

Blanket of silence envoloped me,
I'm just fine,now,even if you died.
You made excuses n I believed,
Now I know apologies-they're all fake.

Keeping quite,
Build the lovely silence,
I've gotten back my sight,
Coming back to my senses.
Silence.
It just may be golden sweetness.

---------------------------------
Alien.P

2009-07-17T09:27:00.005Z

Chapter 6- Realizations

A long day.

God, it's amazing how the students can stand 10 hours of strenuous thinking, acting( seriously, what about covering up feelings) and all. And here I was trudging home. But there was only one thing on my mind tonight-the turquoise on Kayla's sunkissed fingers. The most absurd thing was that it looked like the miniature version of my mystery pendant only with different coloured butterflies- tiny specs of heaven white, orange and yellow.

I mean I did not have a good look at it. But I seriously think it was darn similar. The rest of the day I spent my time thinking over it- I mean you can't just go to a barely known person and ask her to show her ring right?

Even when Ray and Alila tried to ' lure' Kayla to their table- or as they were hoping, their clique, I was so distracted. And it was done with Ray's beautiful smile. The best part was- dear Kayla glared- yes,Glared!- at Alila and the feeling was surprisingly, mutual. Confused , sweet Ray waved and smiled at me as they went back to a dissappionted clique and an awestruck Cafeteria- or what we call it, Free World.

Even then, I was confused. My brain was filled with disturbing images and bright flashes- like a Harry Potter-like thing, the part where he can see through Voldy, only mine was through my own overactive imagination and freakish 'power'. Seriously, I would never consider this a power. I shuddered as I tought of the series of memories. Why was it happening to me?

I slowly approached my porch. As if a solution to my problems, Vish came jumping to his porch where he peeled off his uniform and- gasp!- joined the already un-uniform clad Ray and Akiki to jump into his pool. Hansel would have loved this moment- I mean which sane girl wouldn't?

Gabriel and Vish's adorable older brother, Mir talked about probably something like politics. Even though Gabriel was fit, he rarely behaved like a fit guy, something that was so refreshing. In a way, I guess.They waved to me.

Blushing away, I walked up to my room. I was itching to write down my findings of today.
1) I had a wierd dream.
2) An absolutely breath-taking necklace appeared on my neck( it is not even my family heirloom- I had Latin, Spanish, French, and vastly Indian blood but the language of the inscrptions did not fit any in my heritage.)

3) An amazing girl, Kayla turned up, wearing an indifferent ring that coincidentally matched my pendant.

4) I feel an irrepressable urge to defend Vish against Kayla- I mean what's up with that? At the same time I felt so close to Kayla too.

5) Did I mention I had to literally control myself from this stupid urge to look at Vish?6) Also that Ray was so nice to me for the second half of the day( I even caught him looking at me) and Alila was a you-know-what about it. Serves her right. Wonder what happened to them after her scolding.

7) why do I feel so perplexed yet so right about all these things.

***

I turned and tossed in my bed, unable to think anymore. Why did those disturbing flashes appear? I felt like I'm being pulled both sides during those 'Sightings'. I've tried to find so many scientific explanations. But seriously, how far does Hallucination even match this? When I work through the flashes, I would often get their meaning, though.

I threw on my Bermudas and oversized Tee. I lighted a papaya and cherry candle- the preparation for 'Maya's Concentration Ground'. I settled down and took out my books. My mom had left a note saying she took my brother for a hair cut- his hair grows like, so quickly and he is too lazy go for a hair cut.

And they say I am very lazy.

In one way or other, I knew that they will not be back until 9p.m. , as my dad is in Brazil, gone for his Project which he- gasp!- named after me. Apparently it means power or something. So today was another make-your-own-dinner day.

But instead of fussing and sighing, I abandoned my books and closed my eyes. The vision came flooding back.

***

It was pale blue and lavender in dimmed light.
After a while I realised it was my room as all the other components came into view.
I was sweating and I ran from the room. The clock showed 12 am- midnight. The images blurred to dark green-almost black. I was panting. There was a light ahead. I just knew I had to race ahead. My heart was doing a fast version of tap dancing, a life on it's own. Would he be there- wait why am I doing this again? And then the vision was gone, just like that.

***

I opened my eyes. I was still in my room. But why did I feel like I just had an out of body experience? Then I heard someone calling my name. I opened my balcony doors.

From below, I saw a dripping wet but fully clothed Ray was calling out to me. He mouthed a 'call me' and did the telephone sign. He smiled-sadly?- and he went inside. I smiled back. All that while Vish was watching us intently. Like a mother looking out for her baby. It felt weird. Like I was involved in something dirty. I blushed- though of course no one see the maroon creeping on honey coloured skin- and I hurried into my room.

My mind was tired. I could not focus on my homework. Oh well, I somehow have to complete them in my Homeroom and free period. I dropped dead- asleep that is.

2009-07-17T09:21:00.005Z

Chapter 5- Kayla

"May I?" she asked addressing Maya.

Maya was dumbfounded. A cute crease formed in her forehead as she stared wide-eyed at the golden beauty. It took me all the energy to tear my eyes of Maya as I forced myself to look at the other girl. She was everything unlike Maya. Yet I could feel a connection totally unexplainable between them. Like an invisible rope tying them together. It is almost as if they are sisters. Stupidly,my impulse to draw struck me. I grabbed my notebook and my hands took over my brain. I could not even stop myself. It was better to give in to my hands.

" Uh hey sure. She can sit here right guys?" Maya looked at us her expression slightly bemused and slightly perplexed.

She looked at me with a quizzical look as if to ask about my odd habit but decided against.I looked up to draw her. I just didn't know what came over me. It was like I did not even know what I was drawing. A mystery- I waited for the outcome.

" Yeah," we chorused in unison.

" Thank you," the girl smiled, her perfect white teeth against her full rosy lips.

As she sat down, everyone stared at her. Who is this girl anyway? And why of all people, had she come to sit with us? Shouldn't she have sat with Ray and Ali's table- though the division was unexisting in Lunch? She smiled again as she opened her home brought sandwitches- tuna, which I knew were Maya's favourite.

" I did not know they served lunch."

"Uh well next time you can buy here- lunch is one whole hour."

" Yes. I shall, and my name is Kayla, thank you." she replied, pushing a golden tendril out of her eyes.

At about 16, she looked weirdly fragile and little. Unlike Maya- who all of a sudden I just can't stop comparing with everyone else- she was short, though not that short. She was golden all over- she must have come from a coastal area. She had golden hair elaborately tied with some tendrils flowing everywhere- it almost looked like she was from a Victorian age where women were so formal. Her violet and dark blue eyes were extremely outstanding against her tanned smooth skin. Usually my hands would be itching to go over such goddesses- but being today, I had no such feeling's stirring up in me. Wierd. Oh and she had extremely odd formal way of speaking-" Thank you. And what shall a lively boy like you be called?"- which freaked me out. Well, a little anyway.

And after that my gaze returned to my hands. The picture was formed. I stared at it. I could not believe what I drew.Before I could comprehend my picture in front of me, Maya started talking. I decided to listen in.

" So, Kayla you uh... used to live in...?"

" I come from , Los Angles."

At that point, Akiki brightened up, wide eyed as he yelled," Dude, are you the chic from The Olden Days as in the series with the hot babes pretending they are from another era? Damn! I saw the show in my uncle's house. I knew it!"

Everyone stared at us. Kayla, still cool, calm and collected, smiled at us and quitely in her formal speech said," Yes. I am. Right now, I came here to er... What do you call it' take a break' and attend a normal school."

We were dumbstruck. And that was really a Big Understatement.

A Teen Hollywood actress chic came here, of all places. Well you see, unlike all the other people, I don't believe in coincidences. I believe that this happened for some reason. It has to, right?

" Yes well, I actually stopped filming 1 year ago. And er... Well I want to graduate with all the formalities- the graduation speech and the ball- I mean Prom."T

he girls smiled knowingly at her. Man, girls really get into the whole one night, one last dance and all the blah. For me, I completely hate it. I never ever intend to go for Prom- unless I have the girl worth it to take, though maybe even then, I would not want to. Who knows, only time will tell.

" Man! So you'll be stopping all the acting?!"wailed Akiki.

" Oh no. I have agreed to sign a record deal and I may be acting again, if I am happy again," she smiled, and this time I could sense a slight sadness in her mysterious eyes.

I'm telling you, violet eyes are really heartbreaking to see when they have a creepy glazing over them. My heart ached to reach out and comfort this oddly ravishing beauty. Ah well, so I did have an urge to touch her. Only, what bothered me most- apart from the drawing, of course- was that my urge to kiss Maya was way much stronger at that moment. As I was about put away the tray, I caught a bright blue ball on Kayla's finger. It was oddly familiar.

***

" Hey man, ' sup?" called someone.

I looked up from my locker to see Ray. I nodded in acknowledgement. The both of us had been weirdly torn apart after the whole Maya Incident. Not that we stopped talking or anything. It's just that he stated going out with Ali and he was with her most of the time. He even stopped attending our Science Club meetings. At first I tought it was to avoid Maya, who was in it too. But later I realised it had to do with The Fame. Hey, I can understand- people change. Though I miss Ray sometimes- since he was with me, Akiki and Gabriel ever since we were 4 years. So it puzzelled me that he would actually talk to me after 5 months of awkwardness.

" So what brings you here," I quizzed him.

" Nothing man. Can't I just hang out with my buddies for fun?" he replied, trying to look hurt.

It took me a while to understand he meant me.

" Oh yeah. Sure."

" Yeah I was hoping if I could come over to your house today?"

I shoved my books onto the locker irritably as they were so hard to go in.

"Yeah. Akiki and Gabriel are also coming. Up for a dip?" I asked.

" Sure!" he replied with enthusiasm but I could sense some sort of pain on his eyes.

Before I could ask he smiled and ran. As always on cue, our bell blasted our ears off.

2009-07-17T09:15:00.004Z

It's been a while since I wrote(But all the while I've been trying to write a song called "Rush" and well I still gotta write the score out.Then only I will be happy.And this time I want to use a guitar, not the keyboard-Though trust me, Keyboard is the easiest way to write songs.Really.It rocks)

SO DEN, I love this new page- I eman well it at least works in my I-pod.
I wanna tag box.Pls DEN, it looks like i cant add one.So well more posts comin up!
-Alien.P

2009-07-03T15:21:00.001Z

Author's Note: Heya I've been working on Haunted or whatever it's called [I'm still not too sure yet, I'm leaving it as haunted only temporarily] but I'm reluctant to post them up cos I always make lots of edits, and it can be pretty confusing. But here's a poem that's crucial to the story. It's pretty pathetic cos I made it up as I wrote-I didn't even have time to double-check it. But I thought it's a pretty cool thing to post up. Enjoy my humble meal! (:

Doubt-riddled future and dark past,
Your happiness did not last.
Tied to the former by unsolved woes,
You become different in your host.
Until you can unravel the before,
Your future will be unhappy forevermore.
Fate has but two paths before you;
Make your choice and walk it through.

There is but one who may walk with you,
the one who is sinful and ever blue.
For your thirst for joy he will sate,
Your one and only forechosen mate.
With each other's guidance
May you find radiance
And the gods shall shine upon the couple
And Lady Luck shall churn luck supple.

The clue to happiness numbers one:
To undo past wrongs, do what must be done.
Negative upon Negative brings about Positive;
What harmed once may heal, then leave.
Poison against poison is not an easy act;
Summon the courage and embrace the fact.

Bring light to your lives but bear in mind:
do not ignore other woeful ones you find.
Do your part and a kind deed,
For new life comes about with a seed.

I blinked, astonished, as Kristen came out of her temporary trance. "What?"

2009-07-03T15:15:00.001Z

Author's note: I was inspired by a story in the Chinese textbook HAHA. When I got home I wrote quickly. I didn't even edit it. So it might not be so up to standard. Sorry bout that :(

The Little Snowdrop Girl

The little girl looked up at me with her big eyes, so out of place in her gaunt, sunken face. There were shining--with what? I settled for a desperate hope, and incessant plea for aid.

It had been a cold winter's night. Trudging through the snow after work, I had wrapped my coat and wound my scarf about me even more tightly, fearful of the frostbite that had been going around recently. Christmas this year was bound to be cold. I had hastened to my home, looking forward to a warm fireplace, only to be halted in my tracks by this tiny child. I towered over her.

"Sir..." she whispered in a hoase voice. Her lips were cracked, bleeding slightly and her bare hands were shaking. All she had on was a shabby coat to her knees, and thin, holey trousers that betrayed red marks on her leg. I was taken aback. Her face was deathly pale as well. I feared for her life greatly.

"Little girl, why aren't you home now? Hurry home, for you might freeze in this weather." I placed an arm on her shoulder in a gesture of friendliness, yet she flinched slightly. She was unused to touches of affection, I speculated.

"Kind sir, I cannot leave home, for my father is busy yet poor, and he cannot provide for me and my sister. My sister is starving for milk and she cries every single minute. Please, buy my wares." She extracted a single snowdrop from her coat, and shivered hard. The snowdrop was perfect, classic, elegant. In my eyes, I had never seen anything more beautiful.

"Your father is inhumane to send you out in such weather! Doesn't he know that you can die in this weather?" I declared in a fit of passion.

Her eyes dimmed and lowered. "He probably doesn't." She swayed a little, unsteady on her feet.

The abusiveness of adults, I thought incredulously as I shook my head, pitying the situation these children were in. Looking at the girl, I found that she was remarkably reminescent of my deceased mother, who had weathered through hard times herself.

Mom had been born to a poor family, and she often had to go out to sell things like candles and cigarettes to help bring in some extra money. Several times she told me of other children like her who had died in the cold eventually. She had died recently.

My favourite story had been about the little matchstick girl. Her father had sent her out to buy matchsticks, and she had died lonely on the streets, but with a smile on her face because angels had blessed her last moments on earth. It was Christmas as well.

However so, I could not not help this little snowdrop girl before me, staring at me expectantly, hopefully. I could feel my eyes moistion simply at the thought of the less unfortunate, and of my mother. The things they had to go through to survive.

I smiled gently, careful not to frighten her. "All right," I began. "How much is it?"
She smiled then, and I could see a little colour return to her cheeks. "Thank you ever so much, sir!"

I bought the flower, and tucked it deep inside my coat. She saluted me happily, and scampered home. I was about to tear my eyes away from her retreating figure when I suddenly felt guilty for giving her so little when I had so much more. In any case, I could do with a bunch of similar flowers for Roxanne, my beau. I ran to her, and saw her go into a small cottage.

"Dad! I'm home! I sold a flower!"

A slap. I cringed inwardly. I could hear a baby's cry in the background. "What? Only one? You could do better, girl! That cursed infant is wailing like shit around here, and we could so with something to shut her up. She's bothering me with my work!"

I heard a nearly inaudible mumble.

Another slap. "This money is meant for my important business, you idiot! It's not meant for you cursed children! Now get out there and get more money!" Yet another slap, and the girl tumbled out of the house, sending flurrys of snow up into the air. From where I stood, I could see a ribbon of red stand out in contrast to the white snow.

Horrified, I rushed over. The little girl's body lay in a crooked position, and blood was issuing from cuts in her jaw. Damn the bastardly father. Helping her up, I then noticed how limp her body was. Her eyes were wide open, staring, unblinking.

Her mouth held no smile, but her eyes were the same as ever--shining, filled with hope, hope for her future, hope that it would be a better one.

2009-07-03T11:00:00.002Z

Chapter 4-Crowded

Finally, lunch arrives. As much as I love AP trigonometry and French, I absolutely detest PE. It's not that I hate sports. I love sports, especially baseball. It's just that due to my gawky appearance, I'm always assumed to be a loser in sports. Which results in me being excluded and in FHS, if you were excluded, you only get to run.
Like I said, they are just so fair.
So Hansel, Greta and I ran 4 miles as Gansa gave us an apologetic smile. You gotta love that girl--she tries so hard to include us only to always fail. I gave a thumb’s up in return before starting on my run.
After washing up--another excruciating practice where I have to hide with my 36Bs. I just wish a girl wouldn’t be defined by them, but Mother Nature is never fair--we went to eat. As if choosing the exact spot, Ray and Alila sat at the table opposite us. Lunchtime is the only time where we actually can sit with the cliques mixed- due to the lack of space.
Though, I always sit with Hansel, Greta and Gansa with occasional visits from Vish Ram, Akiki Koi and Gabriel Racci, since Mr. Burner paired me, Hansel and Greta with Vish, Akiki and Gabriel respectively for the reproduction topic in science--not that we would do the 'experiment', of course. It’s all just some lab work on tad poles and other stuff.
Though Vish lives beside me, we hardly talk. But then again, I hardly talk to any guy much, so people consider Vish "The band geek's friend". And I tell you, it does a lot to your reputation. A lot. Maybe that's why we aren't speaking much. I wonder if he knows that I can see into his room from my balcony, beyond my curtains--my windows could be fully opened.
But it’s not that I’ve tried it. It was a total accident when I lazed outside and saw him playing chess in his balcony--both sides by himself!
Soon Vish, Akiki and Gabby--our nickname for Gabriel--sat beside us. Since it's a Monday, we all ate the FHS Monday special--Pizza with Mango Mayo and BBQ chicken. Then the most unexpected thing happened.
Alila came to sit beside me. "So...I saw that fab thing dangling here? I mean, where did you get that?" Alila asked with a crease between her eyes.
I was shell shocked that she spoke to me--I mean that girl was practically my nemesis and here she is, talking to me. Wondering what she referred to, I asked, "Is…that supposed a trick question?" Hansel and Greta laughed.
Sometimes, Gansa would sit with the OEC--"I must spend quality time with everyone of my friends."--and today she came over with Alila.
"Huh? No. Where did you buy your necklace? Anyway I thought jewellery was forbidden in our school?"
"Ali, kissing in hallways is also forbidden," Ray commented casually as he came over. As if in response, I spilled my milk everywhere. Man, why did I have to buy milk for lunch?!

"Ray-ray, look at that! I want something like that for you-know-what..."Alila snuggled up to Ray as she gave him a sly, simpering look. The Mango Mayo--BBQ chicken was reversing its flow by rising up my throat. Akiki was wolf whistling and Gabriel was shaking his head.
Unusually, Vish looked at the turquoise intensely. I wondered what that was about. So the crowded table was due that piece of stone. Huh. Weird."Hey can I know where you got it? Man it's like, you gotta rob a bank for it."
"Er, nope. I didn’t have to rob a bank. I...I found it in my...um...jewellery box. My mom must've bought it." Well it was not entirely a lie, right?
"Well some mom I have, then!" scowled Alila. I had this feeling that Alila was like scowling for something entirely different, but I could not figure out what it was for.
That’s my problem. It's like I can predict stuff but I can't be exact. This is one thing no one ever knew about me. I mean I can't go telling, "Hey I foresaw this you know?" They’ll think I'm retarded. Although I probably am one anyway.
I undid my chain--I didn’t even know there was a clasp!--and gave it to Ray. Hmm...Why the sudden interest in me, I thought. I should have probably known but when he gave it back to me and just left with not even a bye, I felt my heart sink. What's wrong with me? My expression must have shown, since Alila was smug as she threw her arms, no, wait, her body, at Ray and sauntered away.
For the entire lunch time, people came and admired my stone; so much so that I felt like those dummy dolls. The funny thing was, Vish kept looking at me and when I returned his gaze, he would shift his focus. Talk about weird. Thank God there was 1 hour of lunch in FHS. As the crowd began to disperse, I finally began finishing the rest of my pizza when I saw her.
Isn't it amazing how many extraordinary things I've been through and still could take in more that day?
"May I sit here?" the fairy-like musical voice asked.
Never did I know my life was turned not 180 degrees, it was turned into another thing completely--a 360 degrees turn with a different result, a new purpose.

2009-07-03T10:55:00.004Z

OK now I'm like spamming this blog man. LOL. Anyways just wanted to say, this story has 2 sides- the guy and the girl, just so you aren't confused.

Chapter 3-Vish

I don't understand what is so alluring about Ray. I mean, I’ve been his best friend since kindergarten until…Well, until I supported Maya in that controversy. Now he's acting totally anal. And that Alila chic keeps groping him. It’s as if the lockers are brothels. Okay, maybe that's exaggeration. Worst of all, the poor blue-black eyed girl had dropped her books again. Like I said, the girls treat him like a god. It's not that I'm jealous. I mean, I get my fair share of admiring and all. Not to boast, but yeah.
It's just that once again, I'm forced to look at Maya being played by Ray again. Why can't she get over him already? Why can't Ray leave her alone? To him, she's just the band geek. And being her only male friend, I have a duty to help her right? I just don't know how.
As usual, though, she smiles, her full lips curving up. It's one of the best things about Maya--the girl could smile even if her world came crashing down. Sometimes I feel like my heart beats extra hard when I approach her. It's like I know her from somewhere. Those eyes--you can't forget them once you look into them, you know.I remember that time when I looked at her for the first time. It was as if there was this strange pull that made me turn and see her. Ever since then we communicated solely through smiles.
But because of my buds, and this division in FHS, it’s totally impossible to have a proper conversation. Still, well it's like I'm the only guy she talks to and all. And we live beside each other. In fact I can practically see into her room if her curtains are open. And uh, more than that I guess.
The bell rang, snapping me back to reality. I ran the rest of the way to Maths. Another lesson in which she'll be happy. Thank God I inherited my mom's brains. And thanks to Maya's tutoring, I'm good at this. But today, everything feels different. Like the weird force between us has gotten even more powerful. I was practically about to grab her and...Do something improper. What on earth is happening?
A chill ran down my spine as I remembered the strange dream. Today is surely queer. The people in the dream were such a blur but their conversation was vivid--it was like the two people died or something. Maybe they were lovers...The weird thing was, I had drawn those windows in the dream before. It’s strange, I know, but I swear that’s what happened. I’d drawn things before they appeared in my life. Well, fragments of it, anyway. Utterly perplexed, I tried to absorb the figures in front of me.
Never would I know what was to come. I mean, I knew I was weird because of that thing. But am I really that weird? Again, my gaze flitted over to Maya, an unusual thing that mystified me to death.

2009-07-03T10:49:00.005Z

Chapter 2- School

High school.

Parents send their kids here to prepare for their future.

We are preparing,all right.

Though-come on-the words that come to me when I think of
my school:Runway.Dating Centre.Politics, especially politics.All my life,I've always been the invisible insect.But now,it's like my life took this 180 degrees turn- because of the crush controversy.As usual there are cliques in my school too.And I even have names for them.As it is clear from the description,I'm the geek-the last group in this political division in Fairville High School.

They sure are fair alright.

So when Gansa,the member of OEC(Overly Egoistic Clique) and me became friends,the queenbees plotted our separation-Then I thought they were so attached to Gansa,they may be Homos. I mean, I just don't know why they hate me so much and try to separate Gansa away from me. Food for thought.

So that day nearly came when the entire class somehow knew my pathetic crush on Ray Rogers.And the only people who would have spread it-the OEC.The only people who knew about it-Gansa,Hansel and Greta.

Obviously,I would have blamed Gansa right? But I soon found their criminal plan.And though there is still a gap between Gansa and me, the sweet girl always smiles and acts as if the incident never occurred. She has always been the brilliant sunshine I needed.

So who spilled the beans?I have a pretty good idea. But hey,it's better to leave this kind of things.And ever since then Ray-who is obviously in the 2nd class-SCC(Sporty Clever Clique)- gave me a cold shoulder.Well I have enough dignity to move on anyway. I mean, this kind of things happen all the time.

Like the other time, Gansa and me were gossipping about this totally buff Senior guy that Alila dated,and what did they do- they wrote um,stuff about me on the wall. It was meant to look like Gansa did that( They tried pathetically to imitate Gansa's unique bold writing.)

Actually, it was pretty much me all the while that tried to get Ray to know what I felt. Oh well. He did know in the end. I shouldn't have written that poem on my blog. It was too obvious. Or maybe I wanted to make it obvious. I don't know. But the OEC are really clever- in cracking scandalous clues. So there you go. It wouldn't take an idiot to know how everything spread. And like I said, these things happen all the while. A girl falls for this hottie and then the whole world knows about it-usually the OEC makes sure they do. They even go to the extent of printing the news in the school newsletter, seriously-then the girl's world ends when the guy rejects her. But I'm going to make sure my world doesn't end. So what? He didn't like me. Big deal. Love doesn't come just like that, right? Right?

So why do a feel a huge weight on me?

Then I remembered-the necklace.I hadn't taken it away.Just as I was musing,the bell rang.

***
After our assembly,which was created to burn the poor students necks under the gigantic fire-shooting-sphere,I went straight to my locker to take my books according to the new time table.Wonder of wonders, Ray and Alila walked over to Ray's locker.Alila- a.k.a. Queen Bee-hooked herself up to Ray when he was having his 'breakdown'.

Seriously,that's what he calls it. Must he be that mean. Hmm... I wonder if he'd talk to me. After so long.

Bracing myself for what followed,I tried to focus on my combination.So what comes after 31... is it 2?I really tried,but the slurping noises-I'm serious,they were making slurping noises-made me turn.Low and behold,here was a snogfest between the 'heavenly couple'.I quickly took my books,thanking god for their oblivience towards me. Oh but if only that was true. Like the unevitable always happens to Maya the Klutz Qyeen, my books all fell down. As if that wasn't embarrassing enough, Ray broke free and helped me pick them up. Oh great.

" Hey how are you?How were your Holidays?"

"Uh hey thanks.Um...fine and great.Sorry,I'm a little clumsy." Oh, so time to break the cold shoulder thing, I guess.

"Hey I know,remember?"

As usual(of course), I picked that time to turn beetroot red.Only he could not see it as I'm olive toned-thank god.

Just then,Vish, my neighbour/lab partner/silent friend/one of the only(three) guy frirnds i have, smiled at me and gave him a nervous smile. He probably have witnessed my pathetic clumsiness- a symptom of a- hottie-is-nearby. Especially Ray- even though I'm over him. I think.

He waved and went to pick his books smoothly and go to his Maths class.How can a person's voice be possibly so smooth as silk?It's as if he is trying to wrap me in the silk. And he has the nicest breath ever-eucalyptus mint.I shook my head as I walked to maths-something I can be happy,at least.

Anozzur one

2009-07-03T10:46:00.000Z

OK I have another poem here.Actually now I hope poems are allowed in here cos it's like a story blog and all, but oh.I just love to write poems.:)

Masks

Masked figures,
Oh so pretty.
Flawless people,
But it ain't all sweet like honey

Lies,secrets,and gossips.
They are pleased to control,
Fools on earth are like dead people.
They give in to their makes

They think she thinks like them.
Well,they are so wrong.
She is a silent champ,
She shall not be controllled.

The masks get angry,
Angry at the silent girl.
So silly girl gets hurt quickly,
She becomes the vulnerable doll.

What if the worst has happened?
Her weakness is revealed.
Tears roll down her cheeks,
She'll suffer for weeks.

Laughter and jeering,
She aint got the cheering.
The ones who are close,
Drift away,what she's gonna lose,slowly?

Weeds

2009-07-03T10:44:00.000Z

Hey this is a random poem I wrote long ago.And um I hope you enjoy it.It has a double meaning, by the way(duh!)..
Weeds
There was a feild of sunflowers,
Sunflowers oh so sunny,
You'd think they had the sun powers.
They Smiled as though the world is funny.

The gardener gentle and caring.
The sunflowers never feared him.
But he was never happy,
For he had no one to share his flowers with.

Then came another sunflower,
It changed everyone's lives forever.
The sunflower had a charisma,
Soon,Without it,he was in trauma

So he spent all his time nodding at it.
He had no say,but he needed its support
But he forgot the reason he got it.
Controlled and confused,he forgot his life- a sad report.

:)-A.P

2009-06-27T18:44:00.001Z

CHAPTER SIX .

For the rest of the week, though I never forgot Nicholas, I was occupied nearly every single minute as I rushed homework, studied lectures, and went for job appointments. With my brain in overdrive mode, I slumped over my computer one night, yet peaceful sleep continued to evade me. The same old dream kept haunting my sleep, and I always awoke gasping, fear pounding in my chest.

So it was with tired feet that I dragged myself out of bed on Monday morning. Back to school. I grimaced at my haggard reflection, and freshened myself up as much as possible.

I backed my car out of the doorway carefully-it had been Uncle Steven's before he became an officer-and sighed when the engine quelled for a spell. It took me a few tries to restart it. This was why I tried not to use it that often, choosing to use public transport instead. The buses in the morning were usually packed, though, so I had to drive.

As I passed Nicholas' house, I was startled to notice that the house was neat and tidy, yet there was no sign of any housekeeper. Huh. That was weird. I drove on, only to see Nicholas shuffling along tiredly with his backpack bursting full of books.

I drove up to him, ignoring the sudden gut instinct to avoid him. "Nicholas? Need a ride?"

He looked up, surprised. "Oh, hey, Emily. Um, I'm not sure..." He looked torn, biting his lip. I laughed.

"Relax, I won't bite. Anyhoo, you're going to be late if you take the public bus. It's always overcrowded in the morning, so I drive to school mostly."

Hesitantly, he got in and I drove off.

He didn't speak at all, and the silence persisted. I tried making small talk, but he remained unresponsive. I chewed on the silence between us, afraid that I had offended him last week. He was probably suffering from some family problem, and all I had done was make it worse. My instinct screamed at me to get away from him. I frowned; it was unusual; I rarely shied away from tension.

Finally, I gave up. "I'm sorry, Nicholas."

He appeared surprised. "What for?"

That guy really knew how to act. He was such a hypocrite. "For offending you last week."

"Oh." He remained silent. "It's nothing, it's...my fault." Under his breath, he added, "It's not alright and will never be."

Hypocrite. He was obviously still mad at me.

"'Where there is a will, there's a way.'" I quoted, then turned slightly to look at him. "I don't know what the problem is, but I know that you should never give up."

"Oh, do you?" His formerly vapid expression now turned fiery, as if he had set it ablaze. "You don't know anything. Don't you know how some mistakes are irreversible? Not all problems have solutions, and that's that."

My face stayed calm, and I waited for him to calm down as well. His mood swings always left me dazed, but I kept my expression calm. Calm was the key.

"I don't believe that."

"You're being incredibly naive."

"It's called having faith. It may be difficult, but it's not impossible."

"Show me the light, please." His tone remained sardonic, but he now appeared so vulnerable that I didn't press the matter any further. He was so...changeable. I didn't know what to make of him.

I dropped him off at the general office, and he thanked me for the ride before striing away quickly. I stared at his retreating figure as my irritation grew. Hypocrite, I thought again. Yet I couldn't resist feeling anguished for his pains. I frowned. What wonderful feelings of empathy I had.

***

As I drove around, looking for a parking lot, I realised that the lot was nearly full. Afraid I was late, I quickly parked in the next available spot, though it was small, and rushed into my Creative Writing class.

As I had expected, the seats were full, yet Mr Mason had not arrived yet. I scanned the seats for an available seat. There were only two left, at the back. I sighed and sat there. Silently, I chided myself for arriving late. Unlike the other teachers, Mr Mason liked to fix his students' seats. I'd be sitting alone-there were two seats to one table-for the rest of the term. I grimaced.

I caught sight of Kristen, who was sitting at the table in front of me. I smiled. Other than Celeste, Kristen was my best friend. They were both my best friends. Unlike Celeste, though, Kirsten was an openly flamboyant person who was always unafraid to express her views and opnions out loud.

"Why're you so late? I tried to save a seat for you, but now I have Martin beside me." she grumbled. Martin was her admirer whom she had rejected time and again.

"It's just as well then, since you two lovebirds can snuggle up." I grinned.

"Yeah, right, it's not like he-" she stopped short, catching sight of the person next to me. With a jolt, I realised it was Nicholas.

He sat down, his expression vacant, but I could see his jaw clench. Fine. I crossed my arms defiantly, my irritation flowing freely now.

"Who is he? He's hot." Kristen nudged me. I frowned while she giggled silently.

Nicholas turned his head to acknowledge her and stretched out his hand. "My name is Nicholas," he answered her formally. "It's very nice to meet you."

Kristen blushed and shook his hand. "I'm Kristen. It's nice to meet you too. Wow, you sure have rough hands." She giggled again.

I frowned, annoyed at Nicholas. He didn't have to seem all that perfect, didn't he? It was frustrating how he was so changeable the whole time. It was like facing several different people all at once.

"Oh yeah? I'm sure he sustained all thoe calluses from doing dirty work for others." I interceded, and both of them turned to me. Kristen seemed confused for a minute, while Nicholas simply turned away.

"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were jealous, Emily." Kristen whispered. I slumped grouchily in my seat. I had no retort to that -why was I so irritated?- so she returned to entertain Martin after a chuckle.

Suddenly, upon recalling my remark earlier, I remembered Uncle Steven's recent castration case. There was no way a man could have been castrated by an ordinary woman, and the victim was no pushover. According to Uncle Steven, he was quite burly. Unless the woman was extremely strong, there was no way she could have defeated him. It was highly likely she had employed another to do the job. There were only two knives, though, and fingerprints on one of them showed it to be the victim's.

It was a man who had done the job, not a woman.

2009-06-26T17:47:00.001Z

Author's note: A huge thank you to Yingchen and Perini, who inspired me to continue with this story - every author experiences this lack of interest halfway through a story. I was writing short stories for a spell, and then on another fantasy tale, until I got the inspiration to continue with this. It's still rather bland though, I'm afraid I've lost the original flow of the story. Excuse any mistakes here. And I've decided to dip into the romance faster.

CHAPTER FIVE .

Over dinner, Uncle Steven and I discussed the case.

"Well..." I frowned, pondering various possibilities. "It's possible that this leans towards the sexuality department. Perhaps a rejected woman? Is he a frivolous man?"

Uncle Steven mirrored my furrow. "Yes, apparently...he was a fickle man, and he frequented prostitution houses. But it's difficult to trace all the women he had dealings with. Extremely so. It is but a slim chance to a clue...Our hope now lies in that he survives this ordeal to give a testimony."

I shook my hands in frustration. "Well, we can't just sit here and do nothing. Perhaps you could speak to his friends an make a list of the prostitutes he slept with. I'm pretty sure his friends are all as loose as he is."

"Yes, but it is a very small lead."

"Even small leads can be pursued. Who knows what we might find?" I persisted stubbornly.

He jerked his head to acknowledge the truth of my words, but his lips were pursed. I wasn't so sure of this action myself, but I could see no way out of this case and this was the only clue we had. I racked my brains.

"There's nothing to do other than that. I guess we should do that. Still, we can only wait. I don't like this. It makes me feel uneasy." Train tracks seemed to be etched into his forehead. I knew this only too well. It signified his worry for the people. He didn't like fighting with a cowled enemy.

"Well, what about the knives beside him? It was pretty unusual to have two knives, and one of them was unused. One had absolutely no fingerprints or anything, while the other had his only, and the...criminal, let's call him..."

We speculated over the aspects of the case and occasionally pulled in psychology debates as to the reasons why the criminal had done this or that. It ended up in almost nothing but more questions. Uncle Steven scrawled a the things we had unearthed onto a notepad and sketched out the details of the case of a drawing block.

Drawn into the discussion, I realised that we had forgotten to eat. I scooped more noodles into my mouth and was startled to find that it was cold. I prompted Uncle to eat, and we both laughed, relaxing, though it was apparent the case was vexing both of us.

I went to sleep with the window wide open, lying on my bed and staring at the stars. A while later, I saw a flash of light shine. Sitting up, I realised that it was coming from the window of the vacant apartment next to our secluded house. I remembered Collin saying he lived near me. Perhaps he was in there. The house was too far away for me to ascertain, but it seemed that the silhouettes of two people, outlined in the bright light, were arguing.

Flopping back, I made nothing of it and continued watching the dance of the stars until I fell asleep to the touch of the cool breeze.

***

I opened my eyes to a room. It was dreary, dull, and sparsely furnished. I was lying on a creaky double bed which coarse sheets. Other than that, there was a lamp on a bedside table, and a small window with thick curtains obscuring the light. It was tiny. I felt claustrophobic.

But none of these things induced the choking fear and panic that threatened to engulf my whole being. I felt soaked in perspiration and horribly uncomfortable as I stared in wide-eyed terror at the small oaken door. It was ordinary and brown, and yet it had the power to make me feel so...fearful. My heart pumped furiously, proof of my inexplicable fear.

I saw the knob turn and my fear increasing exponentially.

***

I woke up, drenched in sweat and screaming chokingly. My throat was bone dry and the screams stuck in there. Shivering, I got up from my bed and made my way downstairs to gulp down a cup of cool, refreshing water, which soothed my parched mouth.

I'd had this dream several times before, but it had never been so acute, so vivid before, and the sense of impending doom, of frightful fear, was horribly sharp. In the past, the images had been hazy and nebulous, yet this was clearly not the same.

I gulped down more water and quickly went up to change, only to realise that my appointment for the day had been cancelled. I sighed and headed outdoors with my current stock of library books, and went into my only sanctuary: my garden.

I loved gardening and caring for the plants, coaxing the blossoms out. It was nearly autumn, and the flowers were starting to wilt, yet their heavy fragrance hung in the air. I loved coming here to relax. It was hidden from the house, positioned on the edge of the neat wood, and could only be seen from my bedroom window.

I sat there, enjoying the blossoms, and simply wondering. My dream...it was so vivid. I had no recollection of being in that room whatsoever, but there was this overwhelming sense of familiarity, hidden beneath the layers of fear. It was not a good familiarity; I feared that place, yet I knew it well. Perhaps I was simply seeing through the eyes of another...

I was jolted out of my reverie as the door to the house slammed shut. Leaving my books scattered on the grass, I bolted for the house and entered through the back door.

Dad was in the living room. He stared at me piggedly as I stood defiantly and he swayed drunkenly. He'd been out drinking. What a surprise.

"Emily! Ah, Emily, Emily. Come here and give your old dad a hug." He laughed stupidly and swigged more beer.

I stood.

"Aw, cmon, don't be like that, you know you love me," he swaggered forward and threw himself against me.

I wrestled my way out of his hulking arms and slapped him across his face. "You bastard, get away from me! You ruined enough of my life!" I screeched at him.

He siffened visibly and as he revolved to face me, I saw the madness in his eyes. I knew I shouldn't have provoked him while he was drunk, but then I didn't recall seeing him sober.

"Damn you...You look so much like your mother, but you're NOTHING like her!" he yelled and withdrew his belt, slashing my right arm with it. I screamed. He seemed to enjoy it - the sound of my pain. He lashed out again, and my arms were laced with angry red welts. My pride stopped me from running.

"STOP!" I screeched. My voice was foreign, even to me. I vaguely wondered if I had gone mad. "You think my mother would love a bastard like you? You aren't my father and you will never be!"

Before the tears could spill over, I spun and ran back to my garden, my sanctuary.

***

I was surprised when I saw someone kneeling among the roses, kneeling. With a shock, I realised it was Collin.

"Coll-Nicholas?"

His head jerked up and I saw a mixture of emotions in his expression: shock, bewilerment, and terror. I took a step back.

"Oh, hey, Emily." his features arranged themselves into a calm mask.

Forgetting my previous hurts, I knelt down beside him. "Are you alright?"

He seemed to ponder that for a second before his calm facade broke and his expression turned angry, almost violent. "Am I alright? Do you know how many people have asked me this? Do you know how many times I'd had to bloody answer 'yes' with a sickening smile the whole time?"

I could feel the hurt written on my forehead.

After a moment, the fervour in his eyes dimmed. "I'm sorry." Neither of us was looking at the other. "It wasn't your fault, I'm just moody today. I'm feeling a bit vexed, I'm sorry."

It took a moment for me to answer. "It's alright."

***

For the rest of the day, my mind was occupied with thoughts of Nicholas. It worried me to see him so...confused. Because though I had seen many sides of him-the controlled mask, the melancholic, out of control- I knew that beneath those misleading layers, he was confused and afraid.

The thing was, I didn't know what it is. And it only made me more worried.

2009-06-26T12:27:00.003Z

Okay so this is the Chap. 1. And just FYI,my story has got NOTHING to do with Aliens. Just Good Ol' Humans. alrighty then.

CHAPTER 1-Turquoise

It poked me. Man, how that pained.
It poked me again. The pain increased.
“YO, WAKE UP. MOM IS GOING TO KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T. SHE’S GONNA BLAST YOUR EARS OFF. BE HAPPY I’M NOT BLASTING. WAKE UP QUICKLY. THERE’S ONLY 15 MINUTES LEFT!” blasted the creature.
Unfortunately, the creature happens to be my dear brother--Amir.
I rubbed my eyes. That dream seemed so many light years away, now.“Burn in hell, loser.” I muttered as I rubbed my ear ruefully. I wondered if I should sue my brother for permanent damage of hearing.
“WHAT, YOU CAN’T HEAR IS IT? I SAID-“
“Okay, okay…” I muttered reluctantly as I got up from my bed. Why must little brothers be such pains--literally, in this case?
Then a stunning vision caught my eye. Forget the dream. This was weird enough; it seemed to come from a totally different century.
I was looking at it in the mirror. How could something so divine possibly end up on my neck? There hung a delicate bronze-golden chain with intricate beads embedded into the metal. In the middle, a breath-taking stone was perched on the hollow of my neck. The stone itself was as big as a golf ball.
The turquoise pear-shaped stone had black veins all over it. Ancient writing of god knows what language was written on the stone in five words with gold. Below it was painted miniature butterflies-green, pink and lilac.
I did not even realize my mouth was gaping open; someone could have stuffed a watermelon inside.
I pinched my arm. Okay, so this wasn’t that weird dream either.
I looked up at my Bugs Bunny clock. It read 06:50am. I sighed and got to work on my impossible face.
What exactly is the use of working on a face which would be covered by gargantuan glasses? They de-magnified my eyes and somehow managed to magnify my nose. I skipped my entire beauty regime prescribed by Gansa--“Can you at least exfoliate, cleanse, tone and moisturize your face? It is such a minor task, Maya!”--and completed the morning duties in a jiffy. The school uniform--hank god there was a school uniform or else, I would practically be the centre of jokes in the midst of frilly miniskirts--I donned hastily.

I mean, hey, lets face it--I’m not that type of girl with killer legs or in any case, killer anything.Tiny in the should-have-been-big places and big in the should-have-been-tiny places with mousy hair pulled back into a ponytail, and huge glasses covering half my face is really typically Maya-the-Papaya. I have no idea how I earned that unflattering nickname, but somehow the people in school started to call me that until last May when I blasted off a guy’s ears.
“MAYA-”
“I’m coming, I’m coming, okay!”
And I ran to--sigh!--school.

_A.P

2009-06-26T12:23:00.001Z

Aliens have invaded Denise's Story Blog.
Ha ha.Well this Alien P(not DENISE) posting her story.
I repeat,Aliens have invaded this blog.So well,from now on,I'll be writing in too.Alien.P.
Also,Alien.P would like to thank Denise for her permisiion to invade her blog.

So here goes:

PROLOGUE

She rested her head against the window and peered at the scene that lay beyond the glass. Through the glass. It was raining. How amazingly the weather reflects my thoughts, she thought. Even in the dull grey weather, the buildings sparkled. It was the clever use of mirrors. Mirrors were glued to the upper half of the buildings. They threw colorful beams of light everywhere, on the little girls playing in the rain, illuminating their faces and revealing those carefree expressions. Just like old times…she thought sadly. Then, a thunder boom.

“Os…you have to eat. You have not eaten a bread crumb since…well, since that day,” the young man said. He tried to look her, but he could not.

“You of all people will remember that day…fine I’ll eat,” she said, without turning back.

“And you must wear the gown.”

He pointed at the mess of lavender, pink and moss on her bed. At the mention of it, she turned sharply.

“What? The ceremony is still being held? Wait then. What about sister”

“Yes. That’s why you need to hurry and…compose yourself. And your sister…lets just say she’s muttering the same things as yesterday”

“One day I’d like to see at least one person believing us. You of all people. How could you…”

“Jesus. If you are still going to go on about your…look, there’s no time for this. What you said is absolutely absurd.”

“Oh, no…no. No..!!

The room became bright. So bright-it was blinding.

“Os…what is happening…?”Panicked the young man.

“Sorry Na-“

In the bright light, the girl glowed of all colors. Soon, the temperature in the room changed. Light and heat surrounded them. The princess was gone-or that’s what it felt like. The cook could not see but it was as if his other senses became more powerful. Images flowed into his brain, one after another. Soon it was a colorful blur. After all, he realized painfully, the girl was not lying. He felt his heart sink. Where did all the information come from? He felt like his skull would explode with all the weight. Yet, he felt so weightless in the light.

Panic swelled inside him. He knew his fate, this time. He regretted for mistaking her. He wanted to scream to her, to tell the one thing he should have said. But his lips would not form those words. But what he imagined was his end-came in an incongruous manner.

First came the fire within inside. Later it felt as if ice-spears were poking him from the outside. It was as if fire and ice fought within him. He understood what that meant. Yet he was confused. Should he smile or cry? Then, with the last thunder outside the window, he was no more.

The girl had disappeared.

Meanwhile a servant ran up to help the princess. She was shocked, her face ashen.

“Sir! Miss Oswalda is gone!” Shrieked the maid. And then, as if someone stabbed her in the heart, she clutched at her heart and sank to the ground.

A light was coming towards them.Slowly the most unbearable sound came with it.

Panic stricken the older lady asked, “What is going on?”

Just then all their Questions were about to be answered-

-Well thats the End.
Signing off,
A.P(Alien.P)

intro

2009-06-16T15:33:00.000Z

Haaaaa-lo people!

Kays I shall not beat about the bush.
Ermms...
Well, see I started this blog so I can post my literary works up and share them with people who may or may not offer criticism.
However, I have a friend who shares my dream and ambition to become a writer, and so I'm making this blog a joint effort of me and my friend. (:
So I invited her to become an author, and though she is unknown to most of you [probably all of you. whoever you are. I have no idea who are the people who bother coming here.], I thank you if you make efforts to appreciate her writing as well as mine.
-she didn't request criticism, but I ask this of you, cos I believe criticism is key to improving an author's literary writing skills.-
Anyhoo, her name's Perini. I call her Peru or Perr for short.
Welcome! (:

[btw sorry if I sound pretty diplomatic or bossy. Been reading a series of books loosely tied to politics and monarchies. They speak with authority so maybe I've been imbibing it into my speech and writing recently. I think I offended Clau, Joey and Luyao in the library today.]

2009-06-03T16:09:00.001Z

Writer's note:
Heyas people since this is a STORY blog, I decided to post up my short story. The one Ms Kali asked us to do? Yeah. Question's below. Enjoy!

3. Describe the hustle and bustle of life you would observe in a day in the city.

The cars zoom past, intent on getting to their destination. The shiny Porsches and Hondas focus on one thing: speed. They do not stop to admire the view, the scenery surrounding them, just through the window.

Still, no one can blame them. The dreary grey buildings fare no better. The whitewash is peeling, exposing the dirty brick-and-cement layer underneath. It looks ugly.

I look up from my window seat in the cheap dinghy café. The sky, as usual, is adorned with clouds. No, wait, I shouldn’t have thought that. The sky is obscured by this layer of dark, angry clouds. Not a shred of blue is visible in this dull painting. However hard it tries, the sun is unable to make any appearance.

I sip my coffee. The ladies and gentlemen, dressed in clothes grand and makeup thick, walk past briskly.

Things are different in the country. At least, they were different. I have no way of knowing how things are right now. I haven’t breathed fresh country air in several years.

The road was hard and pounded by the hooves of horses past, yet oftentimes, one would spot a coachman tipping his hat at you, or a peasant farmer stopping his wheelbarrow to greet you.

The pastures were bright green and stretched for miles and miles, like a long green canvas. Old-fashioned houses with chimneys were the norm here, dotting the landscape in a scruffy manner.

Yet the air was clean and bright. Sun filtrated though the air healthily and colours were vibrant. Trees were grown for shade here, and their dark colours complimented the vivacity of the bright green pastures.

I smiled as I recalled my early days. Reality knocked on my mind, though, and I found myself grimacing at the empty seat opposite me, the colours long faded away.

I gulp down the rest of my coffee, leaving only the dregs and call for the bill. It costs a few pennies for just one cup. I fish in my pockets for some spare coins. My fingers probe my jeans, but they turn up unsuccessful. Luckily, my coat proves to have the exact change.

I was so naïve. My parents gave me everything they had. I was happy. I had friends, a loving family, and even a girl whom I loved and who loved me in return. As I was the only child, I had the ranch in my hands. My life was laid out for me, blissful and painless.

I was too ambitious. I craved more despite all I had. I had heard of tales of the city, where gold could be found in the streets and the poor turned rich. Dick Whittingham was my hero. I yearned to be just like him, so when I came of age, I packed my bags and left.

My parents and wife had begged me not to leave them, but I was obstinate and absolute. Nothing could sway me from my dream. My mother’s face, streaked with tears, continues to haunt me. I remember her words. “Peter, no, don’t leave us…You will never find happiness there.”

I cringe as I recall how I had thrown her words right back into her face. “Anywhere is better than here. You’ve chained me up for so long. I have never felt happy here. Just let me go, Rosie.” I had slammed the door into her face.

I shake my head bitterly, the tears spilling out in all directions. Sure, I have found happiness. Happiness is in living in the slums, shuffling around everyday looking for a job. Happiness is being all alone with no one to talk to. Happiness is never getting a friendly smile, no cheerful greeting. Happiness is seeing gray every single day, and slowly forgetting the vibrant colours of home.

I dry my tears and firm the set of my mouth. I am tired of living this life, a lifeless life. I had a good life once. I will have a good life again. This experience will become a bad memory, a fearful dream, long forgotten…

My fingers reach towards the phone. The landlord would give me hell for it, but what do I care? I am going home. I am filled with joy. I smile as my fingers inch closer.

Out of the blue, the phone rings. Startled, I pick it up and answer.

“Hello? May I speak to Peter Cromwell, please?”

“He is speaking. You are…?”

“Marianna Dunst. Peter, why did you not come home? Why did you forget us? Why did you even leave in the first place?”

My wife is calling.

“My dearest Ann, I did not forget you. In fact, I am on my way home now.” My heart swelled at the word ‘home’.

“It’s too late, Peter. It’s much too late.” I catch the tone in her voice. It sounds strangled. I realize that she had used her maiden name, Dunst. This is odd.

“What do you mean?”

“Peter, Rosie’s dead. In case you don’t remember who Rosie is, she’s your mother.”

2009-06-02T16:05:00.001Z

I actually wrote this before chapter three, that's why it's so quick, haha. I haven't had a lot of time or mood to edit, though, so it may not be so up to standard. Still, please devour my humble meal. (:

CHAPTER FOUR .

Uncle Steve was a portly man. He had a ragged, unshaven face where a bushy yet somehow managed to appear trimmed, brown beard grew on his chin. His beard was fascinating. They say you could read someone's mood through his face, but with Uncle Steven it was with his moustache. It hung limp and droopy, quite unattractive whenever he was downcast, and his eyes were dimmed, the usual fiery fervour absent from them. Whenever he was in a good mood, the edges of his neat moustache curled ever so slightly, as if in a sly, small smile.

When I reached home, I was pleasantly surprised by the sight of Uncle Steven sitting in the squashy armchair. He was curled up by the hearth, engrossed in a file full of random pieces of paper. His slight eyebrows furrowed in deep concentration, and his gold framed spectacles were perched on the end of his nose. This meant that he was working on a case.

This was good. Today, all pleasantry piled up one after the other. I smiled widely and tromped up the stairs to dump my shoudler bag into my room. I squeezed into the space between my wardrobe and my bed frame, and quickly picked out some casual wear.

Because my mind was on Collin-or Nicholas-I suddenly remembered him saying that he had moved into the area. I drew the curtains with an embarrassed fury, and quickly changed. I wasn't taking any chances with another person living this near. It had always just been us out here on the outskirts of the town, which no one around for at least a mile and unlimited privacy.
Sighing at the clutter littering my desk and my floor, I tidied them hurriedly before going out. I wanted to talk to Uncle Steven.

Emma sighed from the next room as I passed by her door.

I knocked tentatively. "Emma?"

She did not answer. I sighed as well. Emma had been so distant from this family ever since I started freshman year. I couldn't blame her, though-who would want such a broken family? I just wanted her to know that I would always be there for her. It broke my heart to see her suffer in her solace.

My hand raised to the doorknob, then hesitated. I dropped my hand and gave the door one last fleeting glance before sweeping down the stairs. I'd talk to her later.

Uncle Steven did not look up as I swished past him eagerly and plunked myself onto the squashy sofa. "Hey Uncle, so what's new?" The enthusiasm was extremely difficult to miss.

He looked up and a radiant smile lit his dark features. His eyes brightened, but his moustache stayed limp, and after a moment his eyes dulled. "Howdy 'lily! How have you been, hon?" he greeted me by the familiar childhood nickname. I grinned, completely at ease.

Uncle Steven was a bright person with a cheerful disposition. He was one who could walk willingly into Death's embrace, and didn't care a hoot about anything else but enjoying his last moments walking. There was one thing he cared about, though. And strongly, too. The safety of the people.

Uncle Steven worked as a crime investigator at the local police station, and it was no wonder how good he was at his job, he loved the citizens so much. Whenever he had a difficult case, he frequently turned up to seek my help, for I had always loved solving puzzles since I was a kid, and two heads were better than one. We would brainstorm into the night, cracking cases together. Sometimes he took me to interview witnesses crucial to the case. I absolutely adored those field trips and always begged for one.

"Better than better, actually. I ran into an old friend," I explained, smiling at the thought. "I liked that he changed into a more mture person." I wondered idly if I sounded like a child with a crush.

Uncle Steven didn't notice.

"Anyway, 'lee, we've gotta crack out heads open for this one. It's terribly complicated. I can't make head or tail outta it."

"Move over, Unca. It's time for the new generation to make its appearance." I rubbed my hands in mock delight.

He laughed.

I read the files carefully, trying to absorb every single detail. Apparently, a man had been found unconscious on the floor of his home one morning. He had two knives next to him. Nothing was missing from his house and no clues were detected, no fingerprints, so shoe marks, no nothing. He was now in a coma due to excessive blood lost. But he wasn't murdered. Nor was he trying to foil a robbery. No, he had been castrated.

"Castrated?" I raised an eyebrow at Uncle Steven.

2009-06-01T16:52:00.001Z

CHAPTER THREE .

I looked at him wonderingly. It was amazing how he managed to look quite the same after all these years. His boyish features had matured, true, the chubby cherubic face now oval, but his dimple was ever-present and so were the unique honey eyes complimenting his tanned, well-built body. He had grown taller, and was far less bulky than before.

He smiled.

I answered with an enthusiastic grin.

"Fancy seeing you here! Are you back for good this time?"

"Yeah, it's been some time since I did the vanishing act, didn't I?" He chuckled, and I smiled in response.

"True, we've all been wondering which part of Phantomville you had gone to."

"Wow, it is quite a coincidence isn't it? Yeah, sort of. I'm going to be out of town loads, though, I'm going to college soon. Currently, I'm weighing my options. I don't have much in the way of college fund-I'm probaby getting a job somewhere." He frowned into space, deep in thought.

Wow, okay. This talk was progressing fast. I hadn't thought of going into such matters so quickly. There was something which was not quite right, though I couldn't put my finger on it. I mulled it over while I gave my response.

"Same here. I'm thinking of getting a part-time job for the time being, maybe as a tutor or as a freelance journalist slash photographer. I've got some money saved up, but it isn't much because I have a younger sister to account for. My uncle funds us sometimes, but I don't take his money."

"Does your father not support you?"

"It's...a sensitive issue." Yes, the talk was progressing a little too fast for my liking. I stared straight ahead and tried to divert the topic. "In any case, since when did you need funding? You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, young man." I waggled my finger as if in mock nagging. It was a pathetic attempt to steer the conversation, but he didn't seem to notice.

To my surprise, he was not in the least bit amused. Something flashed across his features and his face sobered. It was with a grim smile that he answered. "You mentioned that you did not take money from your uncle. I do not, either, accept charity from my father. It would be despicable for me to live off him. Why not strike out on your own and build your fortune with your own two hands? Is it not a prouder feat?"

He seemed agitated. Wary of exacerbating his mood, I pretended to be occupied with my handphone. Suddenly, it all clicked-what I had been uneasy about. It had not occurred to me that Collin, the Collin who was so careless and carefree, was worrying about a job. Collin did not accept his father's money. Collin had never been so mature and responsible. What catalyst could have caused this? I mused.

As if this unravelling had triggered another, another puzzle piece dropped. His speech was so elegant and perfect-his command of the language was strong. This startled me. He had not been such a purist for the English language before. It had been me who always stuck to perfect English obstinately. His speech was now even better than mine. I felt a small stab of jealousy at his timeless language as he spoke again.

"I'm sorry, I got carried away. I do apologise. It's just that I have had a lot on my mind recently." He smiled, showing his white teeth. "I'm considering taking up a job as a freelance journalist or reporter. I don't think it will be easy. With the economy, jobs are like hot cakes-few in number but high in demand." He frowned again.

"Don't worry, something will work out. It always does. By the way, are you planning to announce your arrival? Need I get the bugle out?"

He raised an eyebrow, arching it up into his forehead, but his lips twitched. "I have no intention whatsoever of doing so, but apparently I do not have a choice. Word spreads like wildfire around here. I'll be keeping out of town mostly, though, living in the outskirts." He smiled now.

The outskirts of town? "Oh, I think we might be neighbours. I live there, too. Well, hey, guy-next-door."

Shock flitted across his face. "Oh, really? I was under the impression that you lived in the town central, Emily. It seems I am mistaken. There's a lot that I never noticed about you before," he added. "Such as the fact that you have brown eyes flecked with gold, just like my gold eyes are flecked with brown."

We laughed in harmony.

It was a lot to think about. He had changed so much-he was now a responsible, friendly and hardworking young man instead of the immature snobbish child he was back then. Strangely, I enjoyed it. For some unexplained reason, it gave me a sense of security. I felt safe with him. Unthinkingly, I smiled again.

"You've changed a lot, Collin." I explained. Fearful of hurting his feelings, I added, "I like it, though. I prefer the new you."

His eyes darkened a shade and dimmed. "No, Emily. I'm not the Collin that once was. I'm Nicholas now."

He looked away, refusing to look into my perplexed eyes.

2009-05-29T14:21:00.002Z

CHAPTER TWO .

My mind was suddenly whirled into a series of flashbacks.

His name was Nicholas Harold Cagesworth. I remember exactly when I had met him.

Fifteen. Fifteen was the age when I reached high school. Fifteen was when I finally hardened to my father's negligence, sometimes abusive behaviour. Fifteen was when my hormones really kicked in. Fifteen was when Emma started distancing herself from our broken family. Fifteen was a pretty important age in my life.

***
First days are always so terrible. It's hard to fake a smile, plastering it to your face and repeating 'Emily Autumn Blackburn' over and over again. Sighs. Celeste's also in another homeroom class, and my only class with her is French. A clean break, a fresh start. A blank slate.

I did make a few friends today, I guess. The girls around me were rather snobbish and ignored my dishevelled state. Yes, I had panda eyes from the sleepless night, and to top it off, 'bad hair day' made its appearance. The boy sitting next to me didn't seem to notice it. He was really quite nice. His name was...Benjamin? Or was it Jasper? I think it was the latter.

The teacher clumped us into groups-to interact and make friends, supposedly. Snort. The homeroom was deadly quiet, you could hear a pin drop. I dropped into a group with a snobbish girl, a geeky guy and a stout boy. It was pretty awkward. I tried to relieve the tension by tentatively starting a discussion on the assignment we were supposed to be working on--coming up with a good class motto.

I had to speak up several times, but I guessed that it worked. The stout boy turned out to be quite an extrovert, and he had us all cracking up with his jokes. Haha-we were about the only ones laughing in the whole homeroom. I bet we must have attracted lots of attention.

***

I cringed internally, thinking of what had happened in the days after.

***

School's falling into the usual routine. Though I am relieved to have overcome the freshness, the inanity is settling down, sinking in. Celeste's still my best friend, though nowadays she had her own clique of friends. They welcome me, but it's hard for me to socialise, so Celeste made her choice to sit with me during lunch. She's so understanding, I owe her so much.

I'm getting on good terms with Jasper-he's a really nice guy and we share so many interests. I've always wanted to learn the piano and the guitar, and he offered to teach me. I really think he could be my homeroom best friend.

Things aren't going so well with the females in my class though, and neither is it with Nicholas, the extrovert. He told us to call him Collin. Apparently he's of some French descent, because Collin is the French version of Nicholas. Well, in any case, he seems to have taken on a total personality changeover from that first day. Now he's one of the 'cool' people, hanging around with some of the retarded guys at the back, who know absolutely nothing but how to drawl. It irks me to no end when Collin starts disrupting lessons. For some reason, everyone likes him. And it's annoying because I have no one to complain about my irritation to, since I would have been rebutted by about twenty other tongues.

I seriously wonder why some people get the best ends in life.

***

Although I hadn't recognised it at that time, I realised that I was gradually crushing on Collin. I wasn't sure why-perhaps it simply was that I knew he would never like me. Still, it was irrational and I knew it. My irritation flared to huge proportions, as I didn't want to like him. He was a stupid, annoying jerk who frequently made fun of me. But I couldn't shake off the tenderness I felt or stop my eyes from straying to his back diagonally in front of me. I tried my best to halt my hormones, but it was so impossible that I soon gave up and simply waited for it to pass.

And pass it did, when one day he suddenly disappeared from my life.

***

I have no words to describe this.

Collin left.

It was so abrupt and shocking-it was simply announced by the teacher that Collin had encountered a family problem and had to leave town. He wasn't coming back, as far as he knew. I didn't get it. Russell Hills isn't a very current town and nothing big ever happened much here. What could've happened to chase him away? Everyone displayed blank shock-it was apparent he hadn't told anyone too.

I miss him. I shall miss him, but I shall get over it.

***

All this happened in the past. They were buried and locked away, submerged in water. I learned to forget about him and move on with my life. He was my first infatuation, and I think it was because of it that I never really forgot him. I just didn't remember him.

So it was all in the past. Why had he resurfaced now? My face broke through the shocked mask into an array of emotions. I tried to keep them in track.

Incredulity. This is so hard to believe. We were meeting up after four years apart.

Wonder. Could miracles exist? Are we fated to meet again? Oh, God, I wonder.

Confusion. Do I like him? I couldn't sense what my feelings for him were.

It was irrational.

I inspected myself slowly, testing if any feelings for him remained. It was a very careful process, like fishing a pin out of the ground with a metal detector. I was glad to find that though I still admired him some, I did not like him in that way anymore. The childish hormone-induced crush was a thing of the past. This was good. My feelings for him were no more.

2009-05-29T13:20:00.001Z

Kays I know this is strictly meant for stories, but since I don't write about 'emo stuff' on my main blog, I figured this is where I can write about 'emo stuff'.

Basically...I'm frustrated.

Because my written works are largely inspired by my daily life, it is also heavily influenced by my frames of mind. If I were in a vengeful mood, then the story would most likely be a brutal, merciless slaughter of the innocent. So that's my problem. I'm stuck on Haunted's plot.

At first, I was unsure of how the story would progress. I haven't even figured out a resolution yet and how to make the conflict more impactful. Now, I'm even thinking of changing the male lead, the one the female lead falls in love with. Because my current frame of mind enjoys the alternate ending. Plus, it'd be a twist. Look at what my dearest found:

***

This past month, I have witnessed a few of my girlfriends bask in love. Or is it really love? I have no idea how to tell. But Camillia and Grace seem happy. Camillia seems truly happy and I know her love is requited. But watching her suffer through the inherent troubles that accompany a relationship, I feel so bad for her. Of course, sixteen is old enough for her to understand herself, but I know she sometimes doubt if her beau loves her enough to overcome his very own nature for her. And seeing her suffering so much pain...it's hard to bear.

Grace is progressing well with her relationship. She says she doesn't care about the future and would rather think about the present, unlike Camillia. They two seem happy enough. But sometimes I see her downcast, and she confides in me, saying that he is demanding more from her. Of course, physical relationships are perfectly natural, but does he love her if he forces her will?

Despite these setback, Grace and Camillia seem totally blissful. I've seen them on dates before, seperately each time, and both are so immersed in the joy of being together that I do not think they even notice my presence.

Ah, bittersweet love. Is love truly worth it? Because you know that once you have pledged your love, you are confined, limited. Because now you belong to him, and him only, until you deny all feelings for him. And this would lead to obstacles in your relationship.

Although you just can't stop wondering what it is like to love, what it is like to be loved. Is the pain worth it? Can there be a way to keep all obstacles away?

You wonder.

But no, you have to make a decision. Once you set your course, you cannot change. You cannot sway from your decision. Because you know how many hearts you will break, how many tears will be shed, because of you.

And so, you choose to remain free. You choose to be you, you choose to be Diana. You choose to free yourself from suffering, but you also free yourself from love. You choose to run wild, to wear your heart on your sleeve. You choose to be you.

And you don't regret it.

Well, there are times when you will wonder, though. What would have happened if you were to lock yourself up with love? What would have been the outcome?

But now, as you witness Camillia and Grace, you must not feel a prick of jealousy. You will not feel regretful. You must only wonder, and not be wistful.

And you will.

***

Hope you enjoyed this. I found it very deep and thought-provoking. It's a good read.

And I hope you understand why I'm having doubts about Haunted's ending.

2009-05-16T16:49:00.001Z

*WARNING: VERY BORING*

I plodded onto the bus, my footsteps heavy and lethargic. Working was tiring. Of course, I knew that, but it was different experiencing it in person. It simply drew out my energies. At least I could always have an hour of peaceful rest, I thought wryly.

I fumbled in the pockets of my jeans and came out with nothing. Where had I put it? A furrow creased my brow. A bulk from my tunic pocket seemed to provide the answer. I tapped my wallet on the card reader and moved to the back of the bus. It was a wonder I managed to achieve independence while being so forgetful.

The loose clasp of the wallet further proved my point. The wallet opened its compartments to reveal a passport sized picture of a smiling woman. She looked young, and her face radiated pure joy. Her smile put whoever watched it to ease at once. Her blissful state overran the slight plainness of her looks. Her face was oval with a sharp chin thrusting outwards, and she did not have a delicate nose. However, upon a second glance, you noticed the reddish-brown hair, the honey brown eyes, and the fullness of her lips. She had as unblemished and fair a skin as her heart. I gazed at my mother wistfully.

I was a small babe of only one and a half years when my mom was snatched away from me cruelly, dying in childbirth. I grew up alone, with no motherly companion by my side, no one to guide me through life, and had a younger sister to care for. My father was so heartbroken at my mother's death that he flung himself into his work, and became an obsessive workaholic. Even after working hours, he spent his hours at various pubs and bars, drinking to drown his sorrow. More often than not, we had policemen knocking on our doors in the early hours of the morning, hoisting the drunkard up by his arms and sternness in their faces and tongues.

I chose a window seat and let the sun shine its rays warmly onto my skin. I sat awhile, brooding over my parents, and then dropped the pessimistic thought. Plunging my hand into the depths of the tumultuous storm of miscellaneous things in my bag, I withdrew a battered Mp3 and turned it to a classical music radio station. I caught sight of the several job pamphlets I had inside my bag.

It was impossible not to worry about my job prospects, what with the recent recession. None of the available jobs seemed too attractive for an undergraduate, though. When I was young, I had dreamed of having a successful career, achieving fame while relaxing in my ideal job. That silly dream seemed to mock me now. In retrospect, my life was so...dull. Monotonous, even. I was still studying, true, but up till now I had never had a major accomplishment to my name. I didn't do anything impactful, nothing big to make everyone know my name. And though I had an ambition -to be a successful writer- it was as if I was all talk and no action. What was I doing? The answer was nothing.

I felt a stab of annoyance at my mind, and chided it silently for straying to negative thoughts today. There was no point in trying to destroy any good mood I had left. Even my mind was defying me today.

Celeste had also been irritated: she had a fight with her boyfriend, Cory, and was rubbing some of her aggravation off on me. I bore it silently, just as a best friend should. I couldn’t help thinking, though, that she had somehow ruined the girls’ day out. Still, she was great most of the time, bearing my eccentricity. For even in society I was a shy, awkward girl who had few friends. Not everyone understood my...weird ways of thinking. I was curious about everything and eager to try everything out. Once, I slit my wrists just to see if they really felt soothing. People gaped at me when I showed them my healing scars.

Still, I guess it held a certain charm. I was an open person once fully acquainted, and could twist things around to become funny jokes. People felt comfortable around me, mostly boys. I didn't really like talking to girls, though. For some reason, girls were better at hiding their true opinions. I related to males better, then, for I was a rather extreme person. I remember being secluded just because I befriended the outcasts in my classes in primary and secondary schools-Celeste had a bad habit of unwittingly offending most people she talked to.

I checked my watch out of habit. Emma should be home in a few hours. Although I had tried my best to provide her with a full family, Emma had never felt like she had a family. She never understood my father’s pain, and burned at his indifference and ignorance. On several occasions, I had woken in the night to hear her sniffles in bed, and had risen to wipe away her tears, fighting back ones of my own.

Sighing, I shifted in my seat to make myself more comfortable. Maybe I should start writing again. That would be classified as 'action', would it not? At that moment, though, I suddenly felt so relaxed that I didn't dwell long on such pessimistic thoughts. I began to clear my mind of all clutter.

***

Someone sat down beside me. My eyes staring out of the window, I moved a little to allow for some space. My mind quelled and became silent as I gradually drifted into unconsciousness.

As the bus rounded the corner, it moved out of the shadows and was thrown into the glare of the sun. The strong, fierce rays shocked my eyes, and banished me from sleep once more. Damn it, why couldn’t I get enough peace for some sleep? Instinctively, I twisted my head to my left and squinted my eyes, discomfited.

Then, as I caught sight of the stranger, I felt my whole body go rigid and lost in time.

It was Eric.

catchy mottos

2009-05-11T15:54:00.000Z

Came up with some catchy mottos while mugging for geog.

202- Unnamed and unrestrained.
202- Tailor-made ATTITUDE
202- The very bestest.
202- Bop to the Top [HAHAHA. Random one.]
202- Insanity is our middle name.
202- don't doubt us. [weird. hmm.]
202- we attract attention like bees attract honey;

wow i must be so sian.

2009-05-11T12:50:00.003Z

PROLOGUE .

He awoke with a start, catapulting up the bed. A sheen of sweat covered his face. More cold sweat formed on his neck. Panting heavily, he looked around desperately, searching for any disturbances in the blue darkness. The moonlight shining eerily from the window illuminated the room, yet it shone on nothing particular. Yet, he was sure something had woken him up. The dream was vivid and freshy etched in his mind. His body still trembling, he laid back on the covers and waited until his heartbeat had slowed.

It was nothing but a bad dream, he soothed himself. Nothing but a bad dream. Nonetheless, the horrific nighmre had shaken him. And the way it ended, so abruptly...Nothing but a bad dream, he thought fiercely. He deluded himself that way and he passed it off as mere imagination on his part.

Something sounded in the kitchen. He waited awhile, thinking it might just be the thumping of the neighbour's late-night activities. He thought he might just as well get a glass of water. But he didn't get up. He was too lazy to.

The noise sounded again louder and nearer. Thump. There it went again. Thump, thump.

That didn't sound well. Perhaps it was a burglar. He had better investigate it. The safe was old and faulty, every robber's dream. For a moment he thought of how he had woken up, and quailed a little at the thought. Thump. The next minute, he shook it off, making nothing out of it.

Grabbing a penknife from his table, he slipped into his fur slippers and proceeded slowly, cautiously. Thump. He was sure the noise originated in the kitchen now. He moved stealthily, making not a sound and careful to blend into the shadows. The moonlight evaded him.

With every step closer, his mind screamed in anticipation. It was his first time catching a robber. Thump. He was sure he could do it. He moved closer. His heart thrummed with excitement, and he feared the robber could hear it in the absolute silence and stillness of the house.

Now, he was one step closer to the kitchen. He flattened himself against the wall, clutching the penknife tightly. THUMP. The sound was right next to him.

He closed his fist around his sole weapon, and charged into the kitchen.

A hideous, gristly sight greeted him.

While before his heart was screaming in anticipation, it now screeched to a halt, stopped by fear. Waves of trepidation crashed over him and his spine shivered in pure horror.

In front of him, a figure draped in white stood before him. Its face was partially obscured by a wig of flyaway brown hair. He caught sight of blood-red lips. Its hands were stained with what looked horribly like blood. A butchering knife lay at it feet. His penknife quivered in his hand.

It was like reliving his dream all over again. But it wasn't a dream. It was his living nightmare.
It drifted over to him while he stood rooted with fear. Numbed with fright, he was on the verge of having a heart attack.

"You don't look too pleased to see me," it spoke with a soft hiss. "Why is that so? The last time I saw you, you were so enthralled to see me."

The voice was not unlike a girl's, but it spoke with such slyness that it was impossible for it to be woman's. When she spoke again, it was with regret, vengeance, and a tinge of fear.

"You destroyed me. You were one ofthe many who destroyed me. The torture was terrible. I screamed and I screamed, wailed and cried, yet you all ignored me and conntinued pleasing yourselved. You have fun while I had pain. Well, no longer. It's time for you to suffer."

He could see her face now, and with a jolt, realised that it was not that of a woman's but of a young boy's. Yet his eyes gleamed with an evil tint and his lips were merciless and cold, stained a dark crimson.

His pupils dilated in terror as the butchering knife on the floor seemed to fly into the figure's hands.

"Remember me? Rosemarie, at your service." She-he-purred. Of course he remembered her. Now, he sorely regretted what he did, but it was too late, far, far too late.

He felt a sense of impending doom. Recovering his instincts, he spun and started to flee. Yet, as he tried to lift his foot up, he realised that they were glued to the floor. He was utterly, utterly, trapped.

"Tut, tut, why run? I ran from you, but couldn't. Now you can't run. Oh well, you know the famous saying? You can run, but you can't hide? Ha, ha, ha!" She gave a raspy bark of laughter that was both cruel and mocking.

He tried screaming, but no sound came out. Like his legs to the floor, the sides of his throat were glued together. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. His whole body was now trembling in pure terror, horror, and fear. Lots and lots of fear. He screamed a silent scream as her knife loomed closer, and closer, and closer.

A few minutes later, a shrilling scream shattered the silence. It was over.

The next day, it was reported in the news: man castrated.

introduction .

2009-05-11T12:50:00.001Z

Basically because I feel that if I were to put my story up on the blog, it would be damn messy mingled with my usual posts, and I'd like to be able to refer to it easily, so I started this-my story blog. once I'm done with Haunted, I'll continue writing more, I guess.

Welcome to my story blog!