You and I, Forever

CHAPTER1 Shewalksmajesticallywithcalculatedsteps, notshowingoff,notpayingattentiontowhat anybodythinks,butsheiseffortlessly gorgeousasthebabygirlthatsheis. Alloywasbusytalkingonthephonewhenhe noticedVanessawalkingtowardshiscar,she isbreathtaken,hehasalwaysbeensmittenby her. Herememberedhavingacrushonherwhile theyweregrowingup.Headmittedhisfeelings toherwhentheyturnednineteenth,butshe rejectedhimpolitely;tellinghimsheonlysees himasafriend. "HiAlloy"Vanessahugshimwhenshegotto whereheis."Please,Ineedsomethingcold rightnow.Thissunisburningmyskin."She toldhimopeningthecardoortoseatatthe front. Alloyfollowedherandenteredthecaraswell toseat,readytodrive.

"AlrightPrincess,let'sgetyousomethingcold todrink.Wewouldn'twantyourskintoburn, wouldwe?"Hepokedhisfacetowardsher "Notatall"sheansweredsmilingathim. They'veknowneachotheroveradecade,their mother'sareverygoodfriendsandthey've beenfamilyfriendssinceforever. "Wherearewegoingnow?"Alloyaskedheras shetakesoffhersunglasses,keptitinherbag; thenbroughtoutherphone. "Hmm,howaboutwegotoGenesisrestaurant. Sinceitisclosetomyhouse,sothatyoucan dropmeathomeafterwards."Shesaidturning tolookathim "Alright,that'sfinebyme."Heanswered startingthecar,thendroveoff. Vanessahasbeenstarringatherphonelike someonethatisexpectingacallbutthecall nevergotin,Alloyhasnoticedthisbuthe doesn'twanttoaskher. "HowisValerie?Ihaven'tseenherforsome time."Heaskedtryingtotakehermindaway

fromthephone. "She'sgood,justbeenverybusywithherfinal projectamongstotherthings."Shesaidtohim. Valerieisheroldersister,sheisinherfinal year.Though,theyareallinthesame university,Valeriebehavesliketheirmother whenevertheyaretogether.Shealwayssays 'that'sthebenefitofbeingtheiroldersister.' "Iguessthat'sthereasonIbarelyseeher thesedaysandshehaven'tcallmeoverto yourhouse,whereshelikesbossingeveryone aroundlikeourmother."Hesaidsmiling "That'strue,wehaven'tseenyouforsome weeks.I'mtheonlyoneshebossingaround now."Vanessarespondedcalmly,"Iguessthat comeswiththeresponsibilityofherbeenthe firstdaughter,youknow.Playingthemommy role."Sheconcludedstarringathim "Youthinkso?"Heaskedlookingatherthen turntofocusontheroad. "Iguess"shewaveditoffsmiling "Nah,IthinkValerieisnaturallybossy;then

beenthefirstdaughterincreasedthetemple." Hesaidtoher "Likeatemplerun?"Shechuckles "Exactly"theylaughed. Atthistime,they'vearrivedattherestaurant, Alloypackedhiscarandtheywentintoget thefoodshewanted.

CHAPTER2 Comingoutoftherestaurant,Vanessatook hurriedsteptothecareagertoeathersnacks. SheaskedAlloytounlockthecarquicklyso shecouldgetin. Heunlockedthecarandshewasthefirstto getin,sheshotthedoorquicklywithabang. "Whyareyouinahurrytoenterthecar?"Alloy askedwhenheisseatedinthecarwithher. "Idon'twantmyice-creamtodefrost,andI wanttoenjoymypienowthatitishot."She answeredopeningthesnacksbag. "GoheadPrincess,enjoy."Hesaidtoher,ashe starteddriving. HecallsherPrincesswhenevertheyare playingful,hehasbeencallingherthatforas longashecanrememberandhelikesit.In actualtruth,helikesitalot. Vanessatookabiteofthepieandasshe chewed,shethrewherheadbackrestingon

thechairsavouringthetasteofthesnack; enjoyingeverymomentofit. "Itseemstobereallydelicious,seeinghow muchyou'reenjoyingit."Heaskedwhenhe noticedhereyesclosed. "Youhavenoidea"shesaid,thentookanother bite."Youwantsome?"Sheaskedhim "No,please.It'sallyours,enjoy."Heanswered withasmile "Alright,thankyouagain."Shetoldhimthen continuedtoenjoyherpieandice-cream. "You'remostwelcomeV." Theycontinuedtomakesmalltalks,then Vanessa'sphonebeepedamessage;she hurriedtocheck,ignoringthefoodthatsheis eatingbutsighedindisappointmentwhenshe sawthatit'snotfromthepersonshe's expecting. "Expectingamessagefromsomeone?"Alloy askedwhenhesawthedisappointmentonher face. "Yes"sheansweredcalmly

"Youknow,I'vebeenmeaningtoask.You've beencheckingyourphonesinceweleftschool, likeyouarewaitingforsomeonetocall.What isit?"Heaskedturningtolookatherand tryingtofocusontheroadaswell. "It'sRoy,hehasn'tcallmetoday.I'vecalled anddroppedmessagesforhim,buthe'snot takingmycallsnorrespondingtomy messages."Shesaidsadly Alloyguessedfromtheonsetthatthishas somethingtodowithRoy,herboyfriend;but hejustwantedtohearitfromhertoconfirm hisassumption. Heneverlikedthatguy,he'stoopompousand arrogant.HetreatsVanessalikesheissome propertyheacquired,hehasspokentohera fewtimesaboutRoy;thathe'snotgood enoughforher,butsheloveshimblindly. "Justgivenhimtime,hemightbebusy."He saidtocomfortherbecausesheislookingsad andhedoesn'tlikethat. "Busy,thathecannotdroponemessagefor

me.?"Sheaskedraisinganeyebrow,withher phoneraised. "Well,youjusthavetobepatienttofindout." Heconcludedparkinghiscaratthefrontof herhouse. "Okay.Thankyousomuchfortoday."Shesaid unfasteningherseatbelt. "You'rewelcomePrincess.Sendmyregardsto Valerieallright." "Sure,Iwill." "Bye"theysaidatthesametime. Vanessagotoutofhiscarandwalkedinside hergate.Alloystartedhiscaranddroveoff.

CHAPTER3 Immediately,Alloyenteredhishouse,hewent tothebathroomtotakeashower. Aftertheshower,hegotdressedinashortand ashirtsinceheisathome.Hepickedhis phoneandsawthathehastwomissedcalls fromAlvin,hisbestbuddy. That'smusthavebeenwhilehewastakinghis bathhethought,hedailedAlvin'snumberas hemakeshiswaytothekitchen. "WhatshouldIeatnow?" Heaskedhimselfasheopenshisfreezerto chooseonesoupamongthethreesoups storedinthefreezer. Withhisphonestillplacedbyhisear,he murmuredasAlvindidn'ttakehiscalland decidedtocallagain,thenheheardaknockat hisdoor. Hewonderedwhothatisbecauseheisn't expectinganyvisitor,ashemakeshiswayto

openthedoor. "MyG"heshakesAlvinwhogreetedhimand makeshiswaytothecouchtoseat. "Sobecauseyouwerecomingherethat'swhy yourefusetotakemycalls?"Alloyasked standingclosetohim. "Iwasalreadycloseby"Alvinreplied,taking theremotefromthetabletopowerontheTV. "Isee,soifyouhadgottenhereandIwasn't home.Whatwouldyouhavedone?"Alloy asked "Ha!That'ssimple.Iwouldenter,microwave anyfoodandeat,thenseatandwaitforyou; butifIcan'twait,Iwillgohome."Alvinsaid smilingathimashescrollsthroughwiththe remotesearchingthechanneltowatch. "Soyoucallingmeearlierwasbecauseof food?"Alloyaskedsittingdown "Hmm" Forawhilenow,Alvinhasbeenvisitinghimat leasttwiceaweektoeatsincehefoundout thatheisstockinghisfridgewithhomemade

meals. Alvinhasaskedhimwhoisfoodvendoris,but herefusedtosharebecausethatishislittle secret. "Bro,whatdoyouhaveinyourfridge.I'mvery hungry?"Alvinasked "Therearethreedifferentsoupsinthere, vegetable,bangaandogbono.Weshouldeat bangasouptodaysinceweatevegetabletwo daysago."Hesaidstandinguptomakehis waytothekitchen. "Allright,that'sfine."Alvinreplied "Iwillmicrowavethesoupandpreparethe swallow."Alloysaidoverhisshoulderashe entersthekitchen. Thirtyminuteslater,Alloyenterthesitting roomwithalargetrayoffood.Heplacediton thetable,thenreturntothekitchentogettheir waterandglasses;asheoverhearAlvin talkingonthephone,hesoundedlikehe's avoidingtoseethepersonheistalkingwith. Alloyreturnswiththewater,placeditonthe

tablethensignalAlvinforthemtoeat. "Itseemsyou'retryingtoavoidsomeone, judgingfromyourphonecall?"Heaskedas theystarteating. "ItisRita,shesaidshe'satmyplace."Alvin answered "Youknewshewascomingtoyourhouseand youleft,comingheretoeat?"Heasked "Yes.I'mdoingeverythingpossibletoavoid her,butshewouldn'tletmebe."Alvinsaid enjoyingthefoodheiseating. "Well,youwouldn'tblameher.Youhave everythingshewantsinaman;looks, connection,money,fame.Shehastobe persistenttogetwhatshewants."Hesaid winkingatAlvin "Whateverbro,Idon'tlikethisgirl.Beside,you haveallthesethingsyoujustmentionedabout me.Whyisshenotcomingatyou?"Alvin askedthrowinghishandintheairpointingat Alloy. "Ohplease,Idon'tlikegirlslikeRita."Hesaid

wavingitoff. "BecausesheisnotVanessa?Howisshe though,Ihaven'tseenherinawhile."Alvin asked,henoticedAlloy'sfacelitupwhenhe mentionedVanessa. "She'sfine,Iwaswithhertoday."Heanswered cheerfully "Guy,isn'tittimeyougiveuponyourcrushfor herandfindsomeoneelse." Alvinsaidtohim,theyareawarethatVanessa hasaboyfriend;healsoknowsthatAlloyloves her,foryearsnow.Waybeforeshegota boyfriend. "Please,leavethetopicofVanessaalone.Let's focusonenjoyingthisfood."Hesaidlooking athisface. "Allright"Alvinraisedhishandtosurrender. Theycontinuetoeattheirfoodwatchingthe TVandAlvintellshim,hewouldliketoknow thechefthatcooksforhimbecausehisfood arealwaystasty.

CHAPTER4 Vanessawasreallyhungryafterherlectures andsheneededtoeatsomethingassoonas possible,sothatshewouldn'tcollapsefrom hunger. Asshemakesherwaytothecafeteria,she spottedchefD.Thepopularchefinschool thatsellsdelicioussnacksandhomemade meals,hernameisDorathybutpopularly knownaschefD,sheisastudentaswell. Theybecamefriendsduringtheirfreshman yearafterchefDhelpedherwithrevisedpast questionsinacoursetheirdepartmentstook together. "HichefD."Vanessawavedatherasshe madeherwaytothespotwhereshesells snacksanddrinks. "Vanessa,sogoodtoseeyou."Dorasaid hugginghersmiling. "Thankgoodness,youhavesnacks.I'mso

hungry,Icaneatawhalerightnow."Shesaid sittingdown,whileDorawaslaughingatthe thoughtofVanessaeatingawhale. "Now,let'ssolvethishungerofyours.Whatdo youwanttoeat?"Doraaskedsittingbesideher. "Iwantonecakebread,scotcheggandpie." Shesaidpointingattheitems,"Andplease,I wanttigernutdrinkaswell.ThelastoneIhad wasreallygood."Sheopenedherbagtopick upherphone,andmakepaymentfortheitems. "Hereyougo"Dorahandedherthesnacks, thenturntopickupthejuiceforher. "OMG!Thisissogood."Shesaideatingthe cakebread,takingonebiteafteranother. "Whatintheworldisinthisbread,it'sso delicious."SheaskedDora "Mysecretrecipe"Dorasaidgivingherthe juice. "Allrightchef,butplease;Iwantsomeofthese totakehomebeforeitfinishes."Sherequested "Alright"Dorastartedpackingtheonesshe wantsfortakehome.

"ThankyouchefD,foryourhelplastweek." "You'rewelcome.Theguy,isheyour boyfriend?"Doraaskedcuriously. Becausesheissurprisedathowaboyfriend wouldyellathisgirlfriendinpublic,insulting andcontrollingherinaschoolpremises. "Yes,heismyboyfriend."Vanessaanswered dejectedfeelingembarrassed. Royhasdoneworsetoherwhentheyare alone,especiallyathishouse;butthisoneis embarrassingtoherbecauseithappenedat herschool. "Ifyoudon'tmindmeasking,whatdidyoudo tohimthatwarranthimyellingandinsulting youlikeachildinpublic?"Doraasked "Huh,I'msorryIdon'twanttogoindetails.But wehadanargumentpriortothatday,thenhe camesurprisinglytopickup,butIrefusedto gowithhim."Vanessaexplained.Atthistime shewasdoneeatinghersnacks. "So,becauseyourefusedtofollowhimtohis house,thatwasthereasonfortheverbal

abuselikeyouarehischild."Dorasaidangry "It'sokay,I'mfineallright.Thankyoufor stoppinghimthatday."Vanessasaidsmiling "It'sfine,whatarefriendsfor?"Doraasked smilingbackather "Ineedtogohomenow,thankyouforthe delicioussnacks."Shesaidstandingup,then pickedthesnacksshebought. "Thankyouforthepatronage."Dorastanding upaswell."Oh,Vanessayourclothesis stainedattheback."Shesaidtoher. "Ohmy!I'moversoakedalready."Vanessa saidturningtolookatherbacktryingtosee thestainandwonderinghowshewouldgo homelookinglikethis. "Youcanusemyjacket"Doratookoffthe jacketsheworeonhergownandoffereditto Vanessa. Shetookthejacketandtieditaroundher waisttocoverthestain. "ThankyouchefD,Iappreciatethis."Shesaid sincerelyfeelinggrateful.

"It'sokay,I'magirllikeyou;soIunderstandthe situation."Doratoldherfeelinghappytohelp. "Iwillreturnittoyoutomorrowafterwashing. Bye"Shewavedandleft "Bye"Doraresponded Onherwaytotheparktotaketheschool shuttle,Vanessapondersonhownicesome peoplecanbe.SinceshemetchefD,ithas beenonekindnessafteranothershowntoher. Though,theydon'tknowanythingabouteach otherbutshehasbeenanicepersontoher.

CHAPTER5 "Whatareyoudoinghere?"VanessaaskedRoy whensheopenedherdoortoseetheperson thatwasknocking. "Aren'tyougoingtoletmein?"Royasked holdingsomeshoppingbagsandsmilingat, butwhenhesawthatsheisn'tsmilingbackat him,hestoppedsmiling. "Babe,pleasejustletmeinforfiveminutes. Please"hepleadedwithher Vanessastaredathimbrieflythenopenedthe doorwidelyandsteppedasidetolethimin. Shedidn'twantherneighbors,especiallythe otherstudentstoseeherarguingwithher boyfriend. Roydroppedtheshoppingbagsonthecenter tableandturnedtolookatVanessathatis standingabitfarfromhim. "Roy,whatdoyouwant?"Sheaskedwithher armsfoldedbelowherchest.

"I'msorryforwhathappenedtwodaysago,it wasamistake."Heapologizedmovingalittle closertoher. "You'resorry,really.Whatabouttheinjurythat Ihadwillsorryfixthat?"Sheaskedangrily "Please,I'mreallysorry."Hepleadsagain "Youknow,theproblemhasalwaysbeenyour temperament.Youkeepapologizingweeks afterweeksandyou'renotmakingany changes."Shesaidfrustrated "Baby,I'msorry.It'sjustthatsometimesyou pushmetoofar."Heresponded "Oh,soit'smyfaultnow?Thatyoucan't controlyourtemperorwheneveryouareangry youwouldhitmeordosomethingtohurtme. Itismyfault?"Sheaskedpointingatherselfas sheraiseshervoiceinanger. "No,noit'snotwhatImeant.It'snotyourfault babe.Please,Ijust..."Hewastryingtoexplain andVanessainterruptedhim. "YoupushedmeandIfellacrossthetable, simplybecauseIwantedtocheckyourphone

toseewhomessagedyou.Doyouknowthat myripstillhurtfromthatfall?"Sheasked touchingtheplacethathurtsher. "Baby,pleaseI'msosorry.Pleaseforgiveme, itwon'thappenagain."Hesaidmovingclose toherthenplacehishandgentlytomassage herripthatishurting. "Pleasebaby,forgivemethistime.Itwon't happenagain."Hetriestosootheher "Thatiswhatyousaidthelasttime,thatit won'thappenagainbutitkeepshappening." Shecomplains. "Thistime,Ipromiseitwon'thappenagain." Hesaidtohergently. Whenhenoticedthatshewasstill complaining,hesealedherlipswithakiss.She triestorestrainatfirstbuthecontinuedtokiss her,afterawhileshebecamecalmandenjoy themomentwithhim. "Hmmm"Valerieclearsherthroatasshe walksinonthemkissing.SheisVanessaolder sisteranddoesn'tlikeRoythatmuch.

"Canyoutwogetaroomalreadybecausethis isnotapleasantsight."Shesaidtothem "HelloValerie,it'ssogoodtoseeyou."Roy greetedher "Hello"sherespondedwalkingpastthem towardsherroom. "Babe,Ihavetogonow.ThesearethingsIgot you."HesaidtakingVanessatolookatthe bags. "Thankyoubaby"shesaidhugginghim. "IwillcallyouwhenIgethome,Iloveyou."He kissedherandleft. "Iloveyoutoo"sherepliedasheshutthedoor behindhim. Vanessastoodtherecheckingtheitemsinthe bagswithasmileonherfacewhenValerie walkedin. "Letmeguess,anotherissueresolvedright?" Valeriesaidsittingdownonthecouch watchingher. "Idon'tknowwhatyou'retalkingabout."She saidstilladmiringhergiftswithoutturningto

lookathersister. "Youknowheisjustplayingwithyouright?He usesyouashispunchingbagthenappease youwithgiftsandmoney.Apieceofadvicesis, heisnotgoodenoughforyou.Dumphisass nowthatyoustillcan."ShesaidtoVanessa. "Thankyoufortheadvicesis,butwearejust fine."Shesaidlookingathersisterthen carriedhergiftbagsandwenttoherroom. "Okay,it'syourcall."Valeriesaidafterherthen pickeduptheremotetoturnontheTV.

CHAPTER6 Alloysatonthecouchcheckingmessageson hisphonewhenAnna,oneofthegirlshe hangsoutwithpeckedhimonthecheek. "Lastnightwasamazingbaby"Annasaid sittingbesidehim. "Hmm"herespondedquietlywithoutlooking ather. SherestedherheadonAlloy'sshoulder relaxingtowatchtheTV. "Youneedtogohome,Iwillbeleavingfor schoolinanhour."Heshiftedhisbodyto createalittlespacebetweenthem. "Well,Ithoughtyouarenotgoingtoschool today.WhenIsawyouseated,relaxing."She respondedcasually "Well,I'm.Andyou,areyounotgoingto school?"Heaskedher "Iwantedtospendthedaywithyou.Babe,you knowwedon'tspendtimetogether."Shetries

totouchhischeekbuthemovesawayand stoodup. "I'mbusy" "Babe,you'realwaysbusy.Whenareyougoing tomakeouttimeforus?"Sheaskedstanding athisface. "Us?Thereisnous,youknowthatright?"He saidlookingatherwithaseriousfacetryingto makeherremembertheirarrangement. "Yeah,Iknow.Youdon'twanttobetiedtoa relationship.But,Iwouldliketohavemore. Alloy,wecan..."Heinterruptedherfrom finishingthestatement. "Anna,pleasegohome."Hedoesn'thavethe energytoarguewithherorhandleher complains. Whentheymet,hetoldherwhathewanted. Norelationship,justfriendswithbenefitsand nofeelingsattached.Sheagreedbecauseshe saidshedoesn'thavetimeforloveand affection. "Okay,Iwillleavebutjustknowthatwhennext

wemeet,wearehavingarealconversation." Shesaid.Hedidn'trespond,hewasstaringat her. Shewenttohisroomtogetherbagandshoes, afterdressingproperlyshereturnedtothe sittingroompeckedhimandleft. Assheopenedthedoor,shemetAlvingreeted himandleft.Alvinenteredthehouseandsaw Alloystandingstaringatthedirectionofthe door. "Bro,Annajustwalkedpastmeherface doesn'tlookbright.Hopealliswell?"Alvin askedsittingdown "Shewantsmore,everythingisgoingonwell. Ourarrangementisgoingjustfine,butnow; shewantsmore."Hesaidseatedaswell. "Canyougivehermore?"Alvinaskedhim "No,Itoldherfromtheonsettheterms." "Well,shedoesn'twantthosetermsanymore. Areyoureadytostartsomethingrealwith her?"Alvinaskedhimcuriously "No,Idon'treallylikeherlikethat.Youknow,I

meansomeonetostartarelationshipwith." HeansweredavoidingeyecontactwithAlvin. "Oh,Isee.Butyoulikeherenoughintheinner roomOlympics?"Alvinaskedsmilingwitha wink. "Thatisconsensual"hehurriestodefend himselfashisfriendcontinuestosmile,asif mockinghim. "Whosesideareyouonanyway?"Heasked hopingtowipethatgrinoffhisface. "I'monyourside,bro.Butmoreonthesideof truth.Listen,ifyouknowthatyoucan'tgiveher whatshewants;lethergo,man."Alvinsaid holdinghisshoulder "Okay,Iguesswewouldhavethat conversationafterall."Heheavedasigh "Exactly"Alvinrespondedrestinghisheadon thecouchtorelaxproperly. "Forsomebodythatdoesn'thaveagirlfriend, yousuredohaveagoodadvice."Hesaid joininghimtorelax. "WhatcanIsay,it'scommonsense."Alvinsaid

throwinghishandsintheairfeelingproud. "Wow!Niceonebro,onezero."Hesaid clappinghishands."Iwillretaliate"hetoldhis friend. "Whatever,nowthatIhavegivenyouthebest advice;canIhavesomethingtoeat?I'm hungry"Alvinaskedhim "Ihaveonesoupremaining,letmeprepareit forus."Herespondedstandingup "Please,addacoldjuicetothatfood."Alvin saidashemakeshiswaytothekitchen.

CHAPTER7 AlloymetwithhiscousinDorainschoolto takehisfoodpackage.ThepopularchefDis hiscousinbutmostpeopledon'tknowthat becausetheyhardlytalkinschool. Sheisthesecretbehindthedeliciousmeals andsnackshealwayenjoysathome.He usuallysenthermoneytopreparethefood, thengoestocarryitathersnacksspot. "Thankyousis,forthefoodandsnacks.This willlastmetillnextweek"hesaiddroppingthe bagatthebackseatofhiscar. "You'rewelcomebro" "IhopethemoneyIsentwasenough?" "Yes,itwas.Butyoucansendmealittle somethingtodrinkjuice."Shesaidbowingher headwithherhandplacedonherchest playfully. "Alright,Iwilldothat.Alittlethankyougift."He saidlaughingathowfunnyshelooks.

"ThankyouLoy"shehugshimwithahappy smile.Sheusuallycallshimthatnickname wheneverhemakesherhappy. "You'rewelcomeD"hesaidsmiling "Youhavetogonow,sothatIcanstartselling mysnacks.Shesaidopeningthebasketof snacksandtheotherbagthatcontains tigernutandzobodrinkstodisplaythe products. "Okay,takecare.AndmyregardstoSarah."He saidturningaroundtoenterhiscar.Sarahis hisothercousin,thatliveswithDora. "Sure,Iwillextendit.Takecare"Dorasaidto him,ashestartshiscaranddroveoff. AboutthreeminutesdriveawayfromDora,he spottedVanessastandingbytheroadside, probablywaitingforacab. Hestoppedthenreversedhiscarbackto wheresheis. "HelloVanessa"hesaidcallingherattention frominsidethecar. "HiAlloy"shewavedathimfromwheresheis

standing. "Getin,whatareyoudoinghereunderthis sun?"Heasked "Thankyou,mycabguywillbeheresoon."She respondedfeelingreallyhotfromthesun. "Pleasegetin,thesunistoohot.Besides,I'm notgonnaleaveyoustandinglikethis."He persists "Alright,thankyou."Sheopenedthecardoor andentered. "Whereareyouheaded?"Heaskedlookingat herface,butnoticedaslightchange.Ithas beenoveramonthhesawherandcan'thelp butnoticedthedifferenceinherappearance, likeshehaslostweight. "I'mgoinghome,butholdonletmecallmy cabguy."Shetoldhimtakingherphonefrom thebagtomakethecall. Whileshewasonthephone,Alloywas observingher.Hisinstincttellshimthat somethingisnotright,butthenhecan'tforce hertotalk.

Herstomachgrowlsfromhungerassheends hercall,Alloytookthatasanopportunityto spendtimewithher. "Itakeitthatyou'rehungry,judgingfromthat rumblingsound?"Heaskedwithasmile "Yeah,sorry.Ihaven'teatenmuchtoday."She repliedabashed "Wouldyouliketogosomewherewithmeto grabaquickbite,beforeItakeyouhome?"He askedhopingshewouldagree. "Goahead"sheagreed,sheneedssomefresh air. Alloydrovethemtooneofthepopular restaurantthathasakaraokesessionand gamescenter.

CHAPTER8 Whentheyfinishedeating,Alloytookher upstairsforsomegames. "Whatarewedoinghere?"Sheaskedlooking around. "Well,Iwantustoplaysomegames."Hesaid pullingherforwardtowardsthefirstone. Reluctantly,Vanessasatonthegaming machinefortemplerun.Aminuteafterthe gamestarted,shestartedscreaming. Alloywaslaughingandrecordingwithhis phone,watchinghowscaredsheis.Whenher gameended,shecamedownpanting,holding untoherchest. "Youdidn'trecordthat,didyou?"Sheasked Alloy,whenshenoticedhisphone. "Iwantyoutoseeyourself"heanswered movingclosetoher,thenplayedthevideo. Sheisembarrassedbythevideo,seeinghow scaredshewasandscreamingsoloud;but

shedidn'twanttobetheonlyone,soshe insistedthatAlloyplaysthegameaswell. Herefusedtoparticipate,sayinghebrought hertohavefunbutVanessawasadamant. "Ifyoudon'tplaythegame,wearenotleaving here."Shetoldhim,withthatserious expressionthatsays'period'.Shedoesnot wanttobetheonlyvictimofridicule. "Okay,fine"hewenttopurchasehisticketand returnedforthegame. VanessastartedrecordingimmediatelyAlloy satdownonthegamingchair,becauseshe wantstorecordeveryaspectinhervideo. Whenthegamestarted,Alloywascalm withoutmakinganysound,butitgottoapoint hecouldn'tholdhimselfanylonger. "Ohmygoodness!Didyouhearyourself screaming?"Vanessaaskedshowinghimthe videoafterhisgamelaughingloudly. "Yeah,butitwasn'tasbadasyours."He repliedembarrassed "Yeahyeah,butyouscreamed.That'sthe

point."Shesaidtriumphantly "Whatever"heansweredwithascoff "Ha!Thatwassorelaxing,Iscreamedoutmy lungsinthatgame."Sheheavedasighthen lookedathimsmiling. Alloywalkedhertoaseatnearbyandtheysat down. "Ithoughtyouneededthat"hesaidsmiling "Hmmm"shedidn'tunderstandwhathemeant bythatstatement. "IseverythingokaywithyouVanessa,Iknow wehaven'tseenforsomeweeks;butyouhave lostweightandyoulookabitpale."Hesaid worriedlookingatherhopingtogetananswer. "I'mfineAlloy,youdon'thavetoworryabout anything."Shesaidtohimtryingtocheerup "Areyousure,becauseyoudon'tlooktoogood tome."Heaskedagainnotconvinced "I'mfine,okay."Shesaidholdinghishands withabrightsmile. "Okay.HowareyouandRoydoing?"Heasked "Huh,wearefine.Wearedoinggood"shetries

toavoidthisconversation. "Hopeheistakinggoodcareofyou?"He askedlookingathereyes. "Yeah,he'strying."Sheanswered.Sheistoo shytotalkaboutthechallengesinher relationshipandsometimesshewishedRoy canbeAlloy,butherheartlovesRoynotAlloy orsoshethought. "Canweplayoneofthosegame,thenhave somesnacksbeforewegohome?"Shepoints atthegametryingtochangetheconversation. "Sure,anythingtomakeyourdayPrincess."He answeredwithasmile. "Alright,let'sgo."Shesaidpullinghimtohis feet.

CHAPTER9 Vanessagothomereallytired,shespentmore timewithAlloythansheimaginedandevery momentspentwithhimwasfun,peacefuland exciting. Shehadaquickshowerthenreturnedtothe sittingroomtoeatthedinnerAlloygother. SheturnedontheTVtowatchoneofher favoriteseries,whileshecontinuedeating. "Hisis"Valeriegreetedherassheopenedthe doorandenteredthehouse. "Hellobigsis,welcomeback."Vanessa respondedstilleating. "Wow!You'reenjoyingyourself,didyoucook?" Valerieaskedsittingdown. "Nope!V,youandIcan'tcook."Vanessa pausedeatingandrolledhereyesathersister. "Yeah,that'strue."Hersisteransweredshyly itchingherhead."So,wheredidyoubuythis food.Itlooksnice."Shesaidtakingtheplate

fromVanessaandatethefirstbit. "Alloyboughtitformewhenwewentout."She toldher "Oh,Alloyhuh."Valerieaskedsmilingwitha raisedeyebrow. SheisawareofAlloy'scrushonVanessaand howsherejectedhimabouttwoyearsago. ShehasknownAlloyforyearsandshelikes himforhersister,thanthatarrogantprickRoy, thatshe'swith. "Listen,wejustwentouttohavefunasfriends. Okay?"Shesaidtryingtoclarifytheideasin hersister'shead. VanessaknowsthathersisterlikesAlloyfor her,infacttheirfamilieshavebeenfriendsfor years;butthatisnotenoughforhertobewith him. "Okay,ifyousayso."Valerieansweredeating thechicken "Wait,youfinishedmyfood?"Sheaskedwhen shesawhercrackingthebonesofthechicken. "Thefoodisdelicious,Icouldn'tstopmyself

fromeating.I'msorry."Valerieapologize laughingwiththebonesinherhands. ThatgotVanessalaughingaswelllookingat her."Youactuallydolookfunnyrightnow,I shouldtakeaphotoofyou."Shepicksher phonefromthetable. "Don'tyoudare"Valeriepointstheboneather tryingtoscareher. "Oh,I'mscared."Shehugsherbodywithher handsandthatgotthemlaughing. "Iwillmissyousis"shesaidtohersister "ComeonV,I'monlygraduatingfromschool. WeremainsisterandIwillmissyoutoo." Valeriedropstheplateonthetableand huggedher. "Yourfinalexamisintwoweeks,thenyouwill leavemealoneinthishouse."Shesaidlooking aroundthesittingroom. "Iknow,butIwillbevisiting."Valeriesaidto calmher "Butitwon'tbethesame,Iwillbealonemost ofthetime."Shesaidfeelingsad.

"Well,youonlyhavetwoyearslefthereand besides;ifyougetreallybored,youcangeta flatmate."Valeriemakeasuggestion. "Yeah,that'strue.Youknowwhat,Iwillthink aboutthatlater."Shesaidwithabriefsmile. "Okay,howaboutwespendthetimeIhave herehavingfun.Thisweekend,wego swimmingthennextweekend;wedo somethingelse?"Valeriesuggestedandthat makesVanessa'sfacetobrightenup. "Ilikethat,canweaddgamestothat swimming?"Sheaskedcheerfully "Ofcourse,itwillbemorefun."Valeriesaid sharinghervibe. "Okay,letmegogetmyswimsuitready."She saidjumpingtoherfeet. "Already,weekendisintwodays?"Valerie askedsurprised. "Iknow,preparationisthekeybigsis."She saidflippingherhair,thenpickstheplatefrom thetableandmadeherwaytothekitchen. "OhVanessa,you'resuchanamazingsister."

Valerieshakesherheadsmiling,thenturned offtheTVandwenttoherroom.Maybeshe shouldpreparefortheweekendlikeVanessa, shethought.

CHAPTER10 Vanessaunlockedthedoorandenteredthe sittingroom,thehouseisquite.Shewalked intothekitchentokeepthefoodshebought, sinceshecan'tcook,sheboughtfroma restaurant. ShecametoRoy'shousetosurprisehim, sincetheyhaven'tseeneachotherovera monthbecausehetravelledbutreturnedfew daysandtheyhaven'tmet. Shedishedherfoodandate,thendishedRoy's ownandplaceditinthemicrowave.Keptthe leftoverfoodinthefridgeandwenttothe sittingroomtorelaxandwaitforherboyfriend. Vanessawasscrollingthroughthechannels onTVwiththeremotewhenthedooropened andRoywalkedin,shewasabouttospeak whenshenoticedagirlbehindhim. "Vanessa,whatareyoudoinghere?"Roy askedsurprisedtoseeher.

"I..uh,surprise!Icametosurpriseyou."She saidstaringatthegirl. "Oh,I'mactuallysurprisetoseeyou.Goodto seeyoubaby."Hesaidgivinghersidehug. "Whoisthis?"Sheaskedpointingatthegirl thatisstaringalloverthesittingroom chewinggumloudly. "Huh,thisisBernice.Mycolleague,wecame hereforsomework;butsinceyou'rehere,we willhavetopostponetheworktilltomorrowat theoffice."Hesaidadjustinghisnecktie,a littlenervous. "Yourcolleague?"Sheaskedlookingatthe Bernicethatisindecentlydressed,like someonegoingtotheclub. "Bernice,pleaseletmecallyouacab.My girlfriendishome,sowecan'tworkheretoday. I'msorry."Hesaidleadingthegirloutthedoor. Vanessastoodtherewatchingastheywalked outthedoor,shetriestobelievewhatRoy explainedbutit'snotaddingup. Roysaidtheycametoworkbutthereareno

documentswithhim.Theonlythinghe droppedonthecouchishislaptopbagand thatBerniceishalfnaked,dressedlikea prosti... "Noway"shewhisperedquietlyashermind triestounderstandwhatishappening.Just thenRoywalksin "Babe,youdidn'ttellmeyouwerecoming?" Roystoodinfrontofherforcingasmile. "Well,hereIam.Whoisthatgirl?"Sheasked seriouslywithherhandsplacedonherwaist. "Itoldyou,sheismycolleague."Hesaidtrying toholdherbutshesteppedback. "Youexpectmetobelieve,really?"Sheasked againwithaseriousexpression. "Babe,sheismycolleague.Wecantowork." Hesmilesbroadlyholdingoneofherhand. "Work,huh?Okay,showmethedocuments youwanttoworkwith?"Sheaskedpointingat thelaptopbagthatislyingonthecouch. "It'shuh,I...huh,Ithink,Imusthaveforgotten thedocumentsinmycar."Hestutterslooking

atthebag,turningtolookatVanessatryingto convincehertobelievehim. "Youbroughtagirlthatishalfnakedhomeand youarelyingtomyfacethatsheishereto work,whenyoucan'tevenprovidethe materialstoworkwith.DoIlookdafttoyou?" Sheaskedhimplacingherindexfingeronher head. "Baby,believeme.I'mtellingyouthetru..."He continuestoexplainbutshecutshimoff "So,youhavebeencheatingonme.Andnot withanyonebutahookupgirl."Shesaid feelinghurtandsad,likeshe'sabouttocry. "Vanessa,it'snotwhatyouthink.Letme explain."Hemovesclosertoher "Youknowwhat,Ican'tevenlookatyouright now.Sosaveit."Sheturnstowalkaway. "Baby,listentome."Heheldherhandand dragsherback.Shepullsherhandinforceand turnsswiftly,withtheforceshehitherleftleg againstthecouchandsprainedherankle. "Ah,ah."Shescreamedfallingonthecouch

holdingherleg. "Whathappened,sorry."Herantoher "Leavemealone,don'ttouchme."Shepushed himaway "Babe,youneedhelprightnow."Hetoldher touchingthelegandshescreamed. "Leavemealone"shestooduptowalkbutfell backtothecouchduetothepain. "Vanessa,Iknowyou'remadatmebutplease, letmehelpyoutomassagethelegandapply ointment."Hepleadswithher,feelingguilty thishappenedbecauseofhim. "Fine,butknowthatI'mleavingthishouse tomorrowmorning."Shetoldhimangrily "Okay,letmegettheointment."Hesaidcalmly standingup."Vanessa,pleaseamsorryfor everythingthathappened."Heapologized "Please,saveit."Sheraisedherhandangrilyto shothimoff Hewalksawaytogettheointment,while Vanessawasstaringathimfuriously.

CHAPTER11 SinceAlloyendedthingswithAnna,hegot himselfanotherfriend,Tricia. Sheiswaydifferentthantheformer,theonly thingTriciacaresaboutishavingfun,partying andthenostringsattachedpolicybyAlloy suitsherperfectly. "Alloy,pleasecanyoubuythisbagforme?" Triciashowshimapictureonherphoneone Saturdaymorninginhishouse. "Okay,remindmelatertosendyouthe money."Hetoldherashecontinuestotypeon hisphone. "Areyounottravelingfortheholidayatall?I mean,schoolvacatedlastweekendbutyou're stillhere."Sheaskedsittinguprighttoface himinsteadofwatchingtheTV. "Iwill,butIcansaythesameaboutyou.Are younottraveling?"Heaskedherthesame question.

"IwilllaterorcanIgohomewithyou?"She askedpoppingherfaceforwardhopingtohear apositiveresponse. "No,youcan't.Ican'ttakeyoutomyfamily houseforChristmas.Besides,Iamnotgoing hometillChristmaseve."Hetoldherpolitely "Why?IsitbecauseI'mnotyourgirlfriend?" Sheaskedcuriously "Validpoint.Yousee,Ican'tjusttakeanygirl hometoseemyparents."Hecontinuestotype onhisphone. "Okay,whateveryousay."Shereturnedher viewtotheTV. TriciacontinuedtowatchtheTVandthirty minuteslatershenoticedthatAlloywasstill onhisphone. Answeringcalls,readingandrespondingto messages.Hedidn'tlookather,norbehave likesomeoneisseatedwithhiminthesitting room. "DoyourememberthatI'mstillherewithyou?" Sheaskedhim

"Yes,Icanseeyou."Hesaidliftinghiseyes fromhisphonethatisonhishands. "Canyou?BecauseitseemslikeI'vesuddenly becomeinvisible."ShesaidwatchingtheTV. Hechucklesthendroppedhisphoneonthe couch."I'mworking,soIcan'tchatwithyou rightnow.Okay?"Hetoldherthenpickedup hisphone. "Youwork?"Sheaskedsurprisedtohearthis "Yes,Iworkatmydad'scompany."Hesaid withasmile. "Ohwow!That'snice,congratulations."She saidsmiling.Nowonderhehasmuchmoney tospend,hehasajob,shethoughthappily. "So,youdidn'tgotoworktoday?"Sheasked "No,I'mworkingfromhometoday."Hesaid andcontinuedtoreplymessagesonhisphone, thenacallenteredfromhisfriend,Alvin. "Speakingofwork,IneedtogooutTricia."He saidstandingupfromthecouch. "Rightnow?"Sheaskedsurprisedbecausehe didn'tmentionanythingaboutgoingout.

"Yes,Ineedtoseemyfriendaboutwork." "Okay,Icanjustgowithyou."Shestoodupas well. "No,there'snoneedforthat."Hewaveshis righthandathertostopher. "Okay"shesaiddisappointed."So,willIsee youtomorrow?" "No,Iwillcallyou.Getdress,letmetakeyou home,alright."Hewenttohisroomtochange. "Allright"sheansweredfollowingsuit.

CHAPTER12 Returningbacktoschoolforanewsession feelssogoodforVanessa,butwhenshegot toherflatandsawthatitisemptywithouther sister;shefeltlonely. Asshesatonherbedtryingtounpackher luggage,herphonebeepedwithamessage. Shecheckedandsawthatitisamessage fromRoyaskingifshehasgottentoschool, sherepliedhimyes. Hehasbeenapologizingallthroughthe holidayforhertoforgivehim.Hehas promisednottomessupasecondchance, shefinallyforgavehimthreedaysagoand everythingseemfinebetweenthemnow. Asshewasunpacking,herphoneranganditis Alloythatiscallingher.Heaskedifshehas resumedschool,shetoldhimyesthen mentiontohimthatshe'shungrybuttootired togoout.Heofferedtogetherfood,she

thankedhimthenendedthecallandcontinued herarrangement. Aboutfortyminuteslater,Vanessaheardthe doorbell,thenshehadunpackedoneofher luggageandhadaquickshower. SheknewthatwouldbeAlloy,soshequickly wenttogetthedoor;afterallshe'shungry. "HiLoy"shegreetedhugginghim,theyhaven't seeneachotherforsomeweeks. "HelloPrincess"hereturnedthehugsmiling. Reallyhappytoseeher. "Oh,thankGodyoubroughtthefood.I'mreally famished." Shetookthefoodbagfromhimthenwentto seatandstartedopeningthepacks.Hestares atherashejoinshertoseat. "Areyouthathungry?"Heaskedseeingthe waysheiseatinginahurry. "Youhavenoidea"sheansweredwithamouth full,noddingherheadsavouringthetaste. "Ifyouwerethishungry,whydidn'tyouorder food?"Heaskedtakinghisownpackofthe

food. "Nowthatyousaidit,Irememberthattheapp isonmyphone.Thethingis,Ididn'tfeelthe hungerinitially;butwhenyoucalledandasked ifIhadeaten,thatwaswhenmystomach growl."Shesaidwithasmile "Really"hechuckles "Yeah,thankyouforthefood.You'rea lifesaver."Shegreetedhimthencontinuedto enjoyherfood. "You'rewelcomePrincess"heansweredeating hisfoodandwatcheherenjoyingherself. Vanessa'sphonerang,itisacallfromRoy. Sheansweredandtheyspokeforsome minutes,whileshecontinuedeatingtillshe finishedthefood. AlloywaswatchingtheTVandwatchingher fromthesideasshewastalkingandgiggling tillthecallended.Thenhehadfinishedeating aswell. "HowisRoy?"Heaskedwhensheendedthe callseeinghersmilingface.

"Heisfine"sherespondedwithabrightsmile. "Infact,wearefine."Shesaidwithachuckle "That'sgoodtohear"hereturnedhersmile "ThankyouLoy"sheheldhishandbriefly."So, howwastheholiday.Didyougohomeatall?" Sheaskedbecausesheknowshedoesn'tlike goinghomemuch. "Yeah,Idid.IspenttheChristmasandtheNew Yearathome.Itwasfunactually."He responded "Wow!That'snice.Ihadsomuchfunathome withmyparentsandValerie.Myybrother,heis cominghomesoon."Shesaidsmiling rememberingtheholiday. "That'snice"hesaidadmiringhersmile "Comingbacktoschooltodayandseeingthat Valerieisnothere,IjustmissherandIfeel kindabored."Shesaidcalmlyfoldingherlegs onthecouch. "Well,ifyoueverfeellonely;youcangeta flatmatelaterormovetoasmallerapartment." Hesuggestedtoher

"Youknow,Valeriesuggestedthatflatmateto melastyearbeforeshegraduated."Shesaid pointingherfingerathim."Anyways,Iwill thinkaboutitandifIevergetbored,Iwilllet youknow."Shejoinedherhandstogetherwith asmile. "Okay,takeyourtime."Hecheckedthetimeon hiswristwatch."Ihavetogonowandyou needtorest.Thankyouforyourtimeand happyresumption."Hesaidtoherstandingup "Thankyousomuchforthefood"shesaid walkinghimtothedoor. WhenAlloyleft,shelockedthedoorthen packedthetake-outbagandmadeherwayto thekitchentotrashit.

CHAPTER13 It'sbeenthreeweeksVanessaresumed school.Earlierthisweekshemadeplanswith Roytospendtheweekendathisplace. WhenshearrivedRoy'shouseonFriday evening,hehasorderedpizza,drinks,popcorn andsomesnacksformovienight. "Babe,whatisallthese?"Sheaskedsurprised whenshesawthearrangementinthesitting room. "It'smoviesnightbaby,alittlesomethingto surpriseyou."Hesaidsmilingtakinghersmall luggagefromherhand. "I'mimpressedbabe"shesaidwithachuckle. "Thankyou"shehugshimbriefly "Anythingforyoubabygirl"hereturnsthehug. "Whydon'tyoutakeaquickshower,thenwe beginthemovienight?"Hesaidtoher "Goodidea"sherespondedmakingherwayto hisbedroomandhefollowedhertokeepher

luggageinthewardrobe. Vanessahadaquickshower,woreher nightgownandreturnedtothesittingroomto joinRoythatisalreadyseatedwatchingthe newsonTV. Shesatbesidehimtowatchthenewstillit ended. "So,whatdowewatchnow?"Heasked handinghertheremote "Anythingisfine,apartfromhorrorthough." Shetooktheremotefromhimsearchingfora movie. "Buthorrorsarethrilling,youknow."Hesaid withachuckle "Ohplease,Idon'twanttobescaredtonight." Shesaidwithasternlook "Allright,makeyourpickdarling."Heraised hishandtosurrender "Thankyoubaby,howaboutromancewitha littlebitofdrama?"Sheaskedamischievous smile. "WhateveryousayV,you'reinchargeof

pickingamovietonight."Heagreedtoher suggestion "Alright,solet'sseethisone."sheplaysthe moviethentookaslicefromthepizzaand startedeating. Royjoinedherineating,whiletheywere watchingthemovie;theywereeatingand drinkingandmakingsmalltalks,laughing, givingcommentsaboutthemovie. Bythetimethemovieended,Vanessahad sleptoffwithherheadrestedonRoy's shoulder.Hecarriedhertothebedroom,laid heronthebedandcoveredherwiththeduvet; thenreturnedtothesittingroomtoclearoff theleftoversofwhattheyate. ****** Saturdaymorning,Vanessawokeuptothe soundofutensilsfromthekitchen.She dressedthebedthenhadherbathandwentto lookforRoywhoispossiblymakingthenoise. Whenshegottothesittingroom,Roywas

settingthetableandwhenhesawher,he smiledbrightly. "Goodmorningbeautiful"hesaidcheerfully "Goodmorningbaby"sherespondedwitha briefkiss "Howdidyousleep?"Heaskedstaringather "Verywell"sherespondedwithayawn."Sorry, Isleptofflastnight.Iwasreallytired."She apologized "It'sokaybaby,noneedtoapologize.Come,I madeyoubreakfast."Heledhertoachair, thenhesatinanotherbesideher. "Okay,whatdidyoucook?"Sheaskedsmiling "Somethingsimpleforbreakfast,scrambled eggswithsausage,toastbreadandcoffee." Hesaidproudlywithasmile "Wow!Thankyoubabe."Shereturnedhis smile "You'rewelcome.Whenwearedoneeating, we'llgotothemall."Hetoldherwithagentle smile. "Soundsnice"sheagreedsmilingastheyenjoy

theirbreakfast.

CHAPTER14 Whentheyfinishedeating,Vanessatookthe dishestothekitchentoclean,whileRoyisstill seatedreplyingmessagesonhisphone. Allthroughtheirbreakfasthisphonehasbeen ringingwhichhehasignored,sheaskedhim whoitwasandhesaid'nobodyimportant'. Sheiscurioustoknowwhothepersonhisbut shedoesn'twanttotriggerhistemper,norruin thehappymomenttheyareenjoyingnow. "Babe,areyouthrough?Let'sgetreadytogo out."Roysaidtoherfromthedinningtable "Justaminute"sherespondedfromthe kitchen. "Alright,Iwillbeinthebedroom."Hesaidand sheheardhisfootstepsfadingaway. Shequicklyfinishedthedishesthentidythe kitchenalittleandmadeherwaytothe bedroom. Whenshegottothebedroom,Roywasfully

dressedbrushinghishairatthefrontofthe mirrorwithhisphoneringingontopofthe dressingtable,whichheignores. "Babe,Iwillbeinthesittingroom."Hepicked hisringingphoneandwentout. "Alrightbabe,Iwillbequick."Sheresponded pretendingnottohearhisphoneringing. Vanessawenttothewardrobetogether clothes,startedhummingatunetryingto forgetRoy'sringingphone. Whenshefinisheddressingup,shewentinto thesittingroomandheardRoytalkingwith someoneonthephone,'don'tcallmeagain.I willcallyoulater,okay?' Immediately,hesawher;hehungupthephone thensmiledsheepishlyholdinghisphoneto takephotosofher. "Ohmygoodnessbaby,youlookravishing."He saidsnappingsomephotos. "Thankyou"sheposesforhim.Sheknewheis tryingtodivertherattentionfromthecallshe overheardandsheisplayingalongtoavoid

anyargument. "Ohbaby,thesepicturesarelovely.You'rea goddess."Hepraisesher "Thankyoubabe,letmesee."Shewenttohim tolookatthepictures."Wow!Theyare preeety."Shesaidplayfullysmiling "Itoldyou,you'reagoddess.Andwhocantake betterpicturesthanme?"Hesaidbragging "Yeahright,thankyou.Please,sendmy pictures."Sherequested "Alright,let'sgo."Hesaidtoheropeninghis phonetosendherthepictures,thenpickedhis carkeyfromthecentertable. "Allright"shefollowedhimfromthehouse. ****** Roytookhertothemall,boughtherclothes andaccessories,healsogotsomethingsfor himself.Aftertheyplacedtheitemsatthe boothofcar,hetookhertooneofthe restaurantinthemallforlunch. Royiseatingegusisoupwithgoatmeat,

periwinkleandstockfish,thenseasonedsnail, poundoyamandaglassofwhitewineatthe side. WhileVanessaoptedforchipswithturkey, seasonedshrimpsandaglassofwhitewine. "OhmyGod!Thisisreallygood."Shesaidas shemunchiesherfood. "Swallowisbetter"Roysaidasheenjoyshis ownfood. "Ofcourse,youwouldsayyoursisbetter."She rolledhereyesathim "Absolutelybaby"hechuckles "Roy?I'vebeencallingyouandyou'renot takingyourcalls."Agirlinterruptedthem staringathim. "HiAlice"hesaidsurprised "I'vecalledandsentmessages,butyou'renot respondingtoanyone.Whatisgoingon?"Alice askedwithoutnoticingthatVanessaisthere. Vanessacontinuestoeatherfoodasshe listenstothemwithoutsayingaword. Roywastensedbuttriestomanagethe

situation,hedidn'twantVanessatosuspect himagain. "Hmm,AlicemeetmygirlfriendVanessa.You see,I'vebeenbusythat'swhyIhaven't respondedtoyou."Hesaidpointingto Vanessa,thatwaswhenAlicenoticedthathe iseatingwithalady. "Girlfriend?Isee.Iwillseeyouaround."She saidsadlyandwalkedaway. Vanessanoticedhercountenancebutrefused todwellonthetopic. "Sheismyex"hesaidwhenhesawthat Vanessadidn'tasked,butjusteatingherfood. "Ididn'task"shetoldhim "Iknow,butIdon'twantyoutobesuspicious. Nowthatthingsaregoingwellbetweenus,I don'twanttoruinit."Hesaidholdingoneof herhandwithasmile. "Okay"shechuckles Theycontinuedtoeatastheymakeplanson whattogetfordinner.

CHAPTER15 AlloywasinAlvin'shouseplayingvideogame withhimwhenhisphonerangforthefourth time.Hehasbeenignoringthecallsbutthe callerwasn'treadytogiveup. "Canyouansweryourphonealready,it's disturbingme."Alvinsaidtohim "Idon'tunderstandwhyshekeepscalling, seeingthatI'mnottakingthecallormightnot bewithmyphone,isn'tthataenoughforherto stopcallingme?"Heaskedfrustrated "IsitTricia?"Alvinaskedlookingathim "Yes,Idon'tunderstandheranymore.Sheis becomingclingy."Hetoldhisfriend. "Whatdoyouexpectman."Alvinchuckles "Haveyouseenyourselfbro,youaretheladies' man."Hetoldhimsmilingashecontinuesto playhisgame. "Really,thatwillbeyourrespond?"Heasked Alvinwithastunnedface.

"Comeonman"Alvinopenshisarmswidelike heisapologizing."I'mjuststatingtheobvious, youknowtheylikeyou."Heconcluded "Whatever,amjustgettingtiredofallthese girls."Heheldhisheadfrustrated "Ithoughtthingsweregoingwellbetweenyou two,whatchanged?"Alvinaskedcurious. AlloyhasnotcomplainedaboutTriciasince theirarrangementsohethoughteverything wasfine. "Thingsweregoingwell,nodoubt.Butrecently, sheisbecomingmoreattached,youknow."He triestoexplaintohisfriend. "Moreattached,inwhatway?"Alvinasked becauseheneedsmoreexplanationto understandthereasonAlloyisavoidingher. "Shecomestoseemeeverydayinschoolafter lectures.Shecallsmeeverysingleday, sometimes;twiceaday.Thenrecently,she hasbeenrequestingtospendtheweekendsat myhouse."Heexplains "Shewhatnow,spendtheweekend?"Alvin

chuckles"bro,youareinforanotherAnna."He saidnoddinghisheadatAlloy. "I'mtiredman,Idon'tknowwhattodoright now.MaybeIshouldendthingswithher,what doyouthink?"HeaskedAlvin "Guy,Idon'tunderstandyou.Whatdoyouwant? Isthishowyouwillbeendingwhateveritis youcallit,friendship,situationship,friends withbenefits?Isthishowyouwillbemoving fromonegirltoanotherjustbecauseyoudon't wanttogetattached?So,noneofthesegirlsis attractivetoyouorworthkeeping?"Alvin askedtiredwithAlloy'sissuewithgirls. Alloystartedlaughingwhenhefinishedhis longspeech."Guy,youandIknowthereason thesegirlsapproachmeinthefirstplace.It's allbecauseofwhattheycangetandenjoy fromme."Hebragscheckinghisphonethatis ringingbesidehim. "Thenleavethemaloneandremainsingle." Alvinadviceshim "Likeyou?"Heaskedhim.Fromwhathecan

remember,Alvinhasbeensingleoverayear. "Yes,likeme.Andplease,takethatcall;the ringingisdistractingme."Alvintoldhim "Yesdaddy"heraisedhiseyebrowsatAlvin andansweredthephone. HespokewithTricia,tellingherthathe'snot homeandsheshouldn'tgotheretowaitfor him.Thenhepleadedwithhertostopcalling consistentlyorcheckinguponhimlikethey areanitem. "Thatwasabitharsh"Alvintoldhim "Ihadtoremindherwhatthisis."He respondedcalmly "Andyoucouldn'tbenicer?"Alvinaskedhim "IsaiditthebestwayIcould."Hereplied "Okay,it'syourcall."Alvinsaidopeninghis hands. "Thankyou,let'splayourgame.Wehave pauseditfortoolong."Heansweredcalling hisattentiontotheirgame. "Yeah,let'scontinue."

CHAPTER16 "Whatareyoudoinghere?"VanessaaskedRoy thatisstandingrightinfrontofher. Sheconcludedherlecturefortheday,shewas walkingtochefD'sspottoeatwhenacar stoppedbesideherandRoyhappenstobethe ownerofthatcar. Theleastpersonsheexpectedtosee,he graduatedfromthatschool,soheknows everywhere. "WeneedtotalkV"hesaidtryingtoholding herhandbutshedidn'tlethim. "Idon'twanttotalkwithyou."Shewalked passedhimbutheheldoneofherhand. "Vanessa,weneedtotalk.Idrovealltheway heretotalktoyou,sotheleastyoucandois togetinthecarandlet'stalk."Hesaidstill holdingherhand. "Idon'twanttotalkwithyou,pleaseleaveme alone."Shetriestopullherselffromhim

"Whyarebeensostubborn,justlistentome letmeexplainwhathappened.Fewminutesof yourtimeisallIneedbabe."Hesaidpulling herfromwalkingaway. "Royleavemealone,you'reembarrassingme." Shelooksaroundasotherstudentswere staringatthem "Iwillnotleaveyouuntilyouagreetotalkwith me."Hedragshertowardshiscar. "Royleavemealone,I'mnotreadytotalk... Thenextthingshenoticed,someonepushed Royawayandpulledherhandfromhisgrip. "Shesaidyoushouldleaveheralone,thatshe isnotreadytotalkwithyou.Isthathardfor youtounderstandMrMan?"Dorastoodboldly betweenthemfacingRoy. "ChefDwhatareyoudoinghere?"Vanessa askedsurprisedtoseeher. "Whoareyou?Listen,thisisnoneofyour business."Hesaidangrily "Well,itisnowbecausesheismyfriend."Dora saidholdingVanessa.

"Idon'tknowwhoyouare,butthisisbetween mygirlfriendandI,sostepside."Hetooka stepforward "Youbetterleavenow,elseIwillscreamand studentswillgatheryouhere."Doratoldhim withaseriousface,Vanessawaspullingher handquietlytostopherfromchallenginghim. Shedoesn'twantRoytohitDoralikehedoes toher.Dorahasbeenanicefriendtoherand shedoesn'twanttoruinthat. "Youbettermindyourbusiness."Roysaid pullingVanessa'shandagain. "Help,somebodyhelpus,helpus,kidnap, kidnap,thismanwantstokid..."Dorawas screamingasloudashervoicecouldlether. "What"Roywasshocked. Immediately,hesawotherstudentsmoving towardsthem,herantohiscarandquickly droveoff. Whensomeofthestudentscameby,Vanessa abashedlyexplainedtothemthatheisnota kidnapperbutherboyfriend.

"Youneedtoeatsomething,let'sgo."Dora heldherwalkingtohersnacksspot. "Thankyoubutplease,don'tdothatagain.You couldhavegottenyourselfindanger."Shesaid tochefD "Don'tworryaboutme,Icantakecareof myself.Besideyouaremyfriendandyou neededrescueearlier."Dorasaidlookingat themarkonherwristfromwhereRoypulled her. "Thankyou,I'mgrateful."Sherespondedwitha briefsmile "CanIaskyousomething?"Shewaitedfor Vanessatoanswerwithanod."Hopethisguy doesnotabuseyou?"Sheaskedwatchingher facialexpression. "No.No,he...doesn't.Heistemparementbut he..doesn't..gothatfar."Shestuttersavoiding Dora'sgaze. "Areyousure,becausefromthewayhewas draggingyouearlierwithforceandthewayhe triedtochargeatme,Icouldhaveswornheis

awomanwrestler."Dorasaidnotbelieving Vanessa'sresponse "Awomanwhat?"Shechuckles"Please,I'm hungry.Givemefood."Shechangedthetopic "Okay,butpleasealwaystakecareof yourself."Doratoldher "IwillchefD,canIeatnow?"Sheasked huggingherandtheylaughed. Vanessastartedpickingthesnacksshewants, whileDoraattendstootherstudentsthat wantstobuy.

CHAPTER17 It'sbeenaboutamonthVanessahadanactual conversationwithRoy,hehasbeencallingand messaginghertoapologizeabouttheincident thathappenedatherschool,butshehas avoidedhimcompletely. Today,hecalledandaskedheroutonadate, apparently;shehasforgivenhim.Sheistired oftheircontinuousbanterbutthen,she believeshewillchangesoon. Vanessawalkedintotherestaurant gorgeouslydressedinalavenderfloralgown, withaslituptoherthigh.Herhairneatly wrappedinalowbunwithpolishededges. Smokysubtlemakeupthatmakesherlook sophisticatedanddaring. "Wow!Youlookstunning."Roystareather spellboundandbecausehehasn'tseenherin awhile,shelooksdifferentinhiseyes. "Thankyou"shewhisperssoftly

Roypulledoutachairforhertoseat,then whentheyaresettledheplacedtheirorder;to whichVanessaconcurred. "Thankyoubabyforcomingout,I'vemissed youforthepastmonth.IassureyouI'm workingonbecomingabetterperson,please staywithme."Heheldoneofherhandacross thetable. "Babe,you'remakingmetogettiredbytheday. Ireallyhopeforgivingyouwillbeworthitthis time?"Sheaskedraisinganeyebrowathim "Ofcoursebaby,Idon'twanttoloseyou." Theirfoodarrivedandtheystartedeating,Roy starringathercontinuouslyadmiringher beautyandVanessablushingwhenevershe caughthiseyes. "Vanessa?OhmyGod!Itisyou."Agirlhugged herbrieflywhilesheiseating. "Amelia...wow!Sogoodtoseeyou."Shestood uptohugthegirlbeamingwithsmile Ameliawasherchildhoodfriend,theygrown uptogetherinthesameestatetillAmelia's

familyrelocatedtoanotherstatesixyearsago becauseoftheirbusiness. "It'ssogoodtoseeyouVanessa,afterall theseyears."Ameliasaidsmiling "Seriously,Ican'tbelievethisisyou."She huggedheragainexcited."Pleaseforgivemy manners,thisisRoymyboyfriend."She…