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Strangers » Arcs » The Beginning

Where the story really starts...

As written by: x'anelle, Anino, xxwingless_angelxx


54 pieces and 5 characters involved, written by 3 different authors.

2 places involved




So begins...

The Beginning


Willow CreekSetting: Willow Creek


Before I moved here to Willow Creek, nobody tried to befriend me, guess they were all too scared because of how I look like, dark brown hair, bright blue eyes and very pale skin. I guess even me myself would be scared. My classmates feared me, they say I look like a witch because of my appearance and how I approach people with my creepy aura. I was getting tired of it all, and begged my father if I could stay with my grandmother at Willow Creek, I was ecstatic when he agreed.

It's been three years since I moved here from Ashpeak, I found my very first friend, a guy, he's name is Mikail Kira, he's in my neighborhood but it seems his more comfortable being called Kai, but I can say I'm lucky, I became friends with him two days after I moved here

Oh wait he's here, I wave a hand at his direction then called out

"Kai"
I wince when I hear my name called out loud. There's only one person that could be.

Scanning the crowded hallway, I spot Archlinne easily. She's the palest one here, and between that and her dark hair, there's no way you could miss her. I, on the other hand, am the exact opposite. I guess you could call me... inconspicuous? I don't stand out much. Which is good. Because I don't like to attract attention to myself. I was never used to it growing up.

Things changed three years ago, when Lyn started hanging out with me. I don't know how it happened. I was pretty used to flying under the radar. Then she got assigned to the seat next to mine, asked to share a textbook, and the next thing I know, she 's chattering away as if we hadn't just met 30 minutes ago. She didn't seem to care that strict Mrs. Fredberg was trying to bore holes into her with her eyes. People stared at me. For the first time. We got thrown in detention on her first day. A bunch of stuff like that happened, and before I knew it, we were friends.

Lyn's impatient voice fills the hallway, "Jeez Kai, hurry up will'ya!", she yells, waving animatedly the whole while.

More people start to take notice of her, and inevitably, me.

Seriously, she knows how I feel about things like this... I sigh to myself and wave back as subtly as possible, before trying to get her to shut it by making the universal Shush sign, index finger in front of mouth. Of course... it doesn't work.

"What do you mean "shut up"? Just get on over here!"

I sigh again. Okay, okay, I'm going, I'm going.

I move quickly through the crowd, attracting even more stares. In my haste, I get careless and bump into someone.

She stumbles back a bit... and falls flat on her butt. Shit!

"Hey, you ok?" I hold my hand out to her. She looks at me with brown almond eyes.
"I'm fine." I replied. And with a smile, I got up with some serious-looking guy's help.

"Thanks" I said, while patting my skirt, trying get the dirt off. (Phew! Good thing I was wearing shorts!)

"I'm sorry about that. I was being careless" He said, trying to apologize.

"Its okay, it was my fault too. I should have been more careful myself." I replied.

"Kai~!!" A girl shouts from afar. Probably his friend.

The guy waves his hand to the girl while mouthing the words, 'wait a second'.

"I have to go now, her voice is way to loud to stop now." He said this while sighing.

That was when we realized everyone eyes were fixed on us.

Then he went on his way. Quickly, but more carefully. When everyone saw this, they went back to what they were doing.
I looked at where he was untill I couldn't see him anymore.
That guy seemed nice-- well, despite the fact that he made me fall.

I turned around to see where I fell, and I saw bits of food with chocolate and a Procky Sticks wrapper, which reminded me of my chocolate Procky Sticks. I can't wait to eat them on the way home!........................where's my Procky Sticks?

I gasped....................... "MY PROCKY STICKS!!!"

I must've sat on them when I fell! My hand was behind my back while I was holding them. Good thing my hand was okay. But now my snacks are all crushed to pieces! I'm such an idiot, I knew I shouldn't have thrown the box!
What was that guy's name again?...........well anyways, I have to find him. He owes me some Procky Sticks!



I ended up going to the convenience store to buy myself a steamed bun to snack on. That guy is probably on his way home by now anyways......And I take back what I said about him being nice.

When I was outside the convenience store, I saw a box with a note that said
'please care of this little guy, I have no time for him.'

I opened the box--and inside there was a sleeping kitten, which I just woke up unintentionally. I just love cats so much, that I ended up researching about them in the past.

"......KAWAII~!!!"

Was my first reaction which I learned from that anime I borrowed from someone. The kitten had gray fur with blue eyes, and looked about 3-4 months old, which means it can take in solid foods already. I gave it some of my steamed bun and watched it eat. When it was asleep, I closed the box. I know I can't take care of it. I know Its way too much for me. But that was probably enough food for it to stay alive longer. And that was enough to make me happy.

With a my mood back to normal again, I headed home.
I practically dragged Kai to come with me to the DM, it’s a newly opened food chain store that sells burgers. I know Kai would love it, since he's a burger-fanatic. My only problem is whenever Kai's laziness kicks in, there's nothing anyone can do to make him do anything, and it totally annoys the hell out of me. He's such a lazy bone sometimes.

Kai must've bumped into someone again, since I heard him apologize again and again, I kept dragging him though until we were inside the store.

“Geez… You don’t have to drag me all the way through, I have my own pair of feet you know” he complained, I rolled my eyes at him and changed the topic

“So what do you want? My treat” I decided to cheer him up, with my best persuading smile, he sighed

“I’ll do with anything” I scoffed at his statement, even talking tires him out, he walks away from me and tries to find a place for us to sit, eventually he finds one, nearby the window

‘Miss, what would you like to get’ the lady at the counter asked which took me by surprise

“Umm… I’ll have two DChicken Meat”

‘Okay two DChicken Meat, coming right up’ I took my tray and went over where Kai was seated, except he wasn’t there at all. What the heck? Where did that lazy bone head off to?
I am seated on the one and only bench with my eyes closed, I love this place, it’s so quiet and peaceful, away from all the problems. I found this place, way back when I was still three, I was depressed, annoyed at the same time, there were much things going on inside the house, that I can’t take and ran away from all of it, and eventually my feet led me here.

I found out later by my late grandmother that the place was an abandoned park, she said no one has gone there after the fire and after the city mayor constructed a new park at the center of the city. I guess they abandoned it because they think some people were included during the fire.

But still to abandon such a wonderful place is such a waste. True, the trees are not the same with the trees at the central park, these ones got burnt marks, but that adds to the mystical feeling of this place.

I slowly opened my eyes, and there infront of me was the most least thing I’ll be expecting, a guy, infront of me. He has dark brown hair that was tousled, I couldn’t clearly see his eyes, since it was getting darker at the moment, but I do know he’s wearing a glasses

“Umm… can I do anything for you” I asked

“Uh. It’s just that, I wanted to apologize properly from bumping into you awhile ago”

“It’s alright, no worries” he smiled sheepishly at me while rubbing his nape, I see a figure pass by

“Sorry. I have to go now” with this I walked away from him, he said something, I saw his mouth move along with his hand, but I guess I was too far away to hear whatever it is he said
I was looking out the window when I saw her pass by. That girl. She hadn't even looked at me when I bumped into her just now. Not that I would normally care, but... I don't know. Something just felt different.

Like she didn't quite belong here.
.
.
.
What the hell is up with this train of thought?!?

It's probably just because I don't remember seeing her around before. I mean, in a town with one elementary, middle and high school, you know most everyone's face, even if you don't know who they are, especially if they're your age. And especially if they're as... well, as pretty as that.

Could she be home schooled? Someone's visiting relative? A tourist? Yeah right, and penguins fly to Hawaii every winter.

Ah, now I'm curious. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight unless I go up to her and ask. Lyn says it doesn't fit the rest of my personality, but it's hard for me to let something go once I get curious enough. And I didn't even apologize properly for bumping into her.

So call it what you want. Curiosity. An overblown sense of guilt. Teenage hormones. Whatever it was, caused me to ditch Lyn--although I left my bag to reserve her the table--and follow the girl.

She went a little past the burger place, walked along a deserted road, and went through a clump of trees away from the sidewalk. I would have called out to her, only I didn't know her name. And she'd probably freak out if some random guy just yelled "Hey!" and started chasing after her. I DO NOT want to be mistaken for some pervert. If she told anyone and they realized it was me, everyone and their mother would know about it by next week. Lyn would never let me live it down.

When I got closer, I realize there's an old, narrow path between the trees she had turned into. I follow the short path and enter a clearing. It's a little weird. There trees look more like skeletons of trees, since only a few ones have leaves on them, and even those look a little sparse. I see the burn marks, and things make sense.

I look a little ahead of me and I see her then, on a bench. She's facing me, but her eyes are closed. Now that I'm actually this close, I start to feel uncomfortable, and the stupidity of what I just did smacks me right in the face. I just basically stalked this girl! What the heck is wrong with me today?

I had walked closer without realizing and I notice that I'm just a few feet from her. She keeps her eyes closed and doesn't notice me. I'm debating whether to stay and risk looking like some creepy stalker, or just turn around and leave with my curiosity unsatisfied, when suddenly, she opens her eyes.

They're brown, like mine, although much lighter. And much more... striking.

Before I can say anything, she asks, “Umm… can I do anything for you?”

She doesn't seem as surprised to see me as I expected her to be, although she did look a little uncomfortable.

“Uh. It’s just that, I wanted to apologize properly from bumping into you awhile ago.” Oh wow, that the best you can do?Dude, seriously.

“It’s alright, no worries”, she replies with a kind smile. Her voice is softer than I'm used to. Or maybe it's just because Lyn is so loud?

Suddenly, her gaze flickers to the side. Somewhere behind me? The smile vanishes, and she drops her gaze. Quickly, she stands up and mumbles, "Sorry, I have to go now."

She walks briskly, and I almost try to grab her hand and stop her. But I catch myself just in time. I'm lucky she was as nice as she was, and didn't even kick up a fuss about why I'd followed her. I don't know what's up with me today. Even to satisfy my notoriously persistent curiosity, this is a little too much.

"I don't even know you're name", I mumble out loud to myself and sigh.

She's already a little far by then, and probably doesn't hear me. She leaves the clearing a different way than when she entered.

I remember suddenly. She had looked behind me, hadn't she? My head turns quickly, almost reflexively, to look. But I see nothing there. I look ahead of me again. And she's gone too.

And I stood there, alone, in a clearing of dead and dying trees, their skeletons looking down on me, and everything is so still, I could almost believe she had been a dream.

I wonder how that kitten is doing, is it still in that box, or not? Was someone kind enough to take him home? All I could do was wonder in my apartment alone. I never knew leaving home for an easy school to pay for was going to be this lonely.... And I already forgot how hard it was to make friends at a new school, since I was at the same school on elementary and middle school with the same friends.

Anyways, what should I do now? I already finished coloring that anime character I made on Photoshop, and the pizza I ordered. I should probably just go and order a DM burger for dinner or something, its not really that far. Yeah, I'll just do that.

After I locked the door, I looked at the view behind me. That's right, I was on the second floor of the apartment building, I forgot about that. I walked to the view, and leaned on the railing. Wow, I've got a beautiful view, too. There's my school, and that convenience store. And not far from here is DM burgeria, but most of people only call it DM. There's a path nearer to it, but the place has lots of trees. Oh well, nearer is better. I never knew how close everything was in a town, compared to a city, its actually pretty convenient. Oh yeah, I better get going.

While I was getting closer to what looked like even more trees, I saw this guy not too far away from me. Looks like he's following someone. I decided to see what he was up to, so I hid behind the trees in the left side of the street. My burger can wait, in the meantime i'll chew on these candies in my pocket.

After a while, I started to see the trees shrinking in numbers, so I switched to the other side of the street, good thing he didn't see me. Then when I was behind him and the trees, I realized there was a girl sitting on a bench with her eyes closed. So that's who he was following.

The girl opened her eyes and said, "Umm… can I do anything for you?”, looking a little uncomfortable.

“Uh. It’s just that, I wanted to apologize properly from bumping into you awhile ago.” the guy replied. This voice.... Then I realized who the guy was. He was the one who bumped me in the school hallway! So this guy bumped into someone again? Sheesh! He's so clumsy. Turns out he wasn't careful enough in the end.

I guess this is enough snooping around. At least I finally know what he was up to. Oh no! DM's almost closing! So I hurriedly retraced my steps in the shadows. Good thing I dropped the candy wrappers a while a go, I would have been lost!
When I finally got back to the main street and closer to DM, I saw a girl carrying a plastic with two burgers inside. Probably DChickens, since that's what the plastic says. I then realized she was approaching me. Wow, what a coincidence. Its the girl who was probably that guy's friend.
*Beep Beep*

The sound of my cellphone ringing disturbs the stillnes and makes me jump. It seems out of place here. And much too loud. I take it out of my pocket, more interested in shutting it up than anything. Until I see the screen. It's a message from Lyn:


Sender: Archlinne L'chimyre
Subject: Where d heck d'ya go, jerk?!!!!!

M tossin ur stuff n d river


Oh shit. Oh shit. I've done it now. I try calling her. She doesn't pick up. I find the path between the trees. Damn it, I was gonna hurry back, I just... forgot. She'll chew my head off for this. I sigh. I might still make it before she leaves the burger place. I break into a jog, looking at the ground to keep from tripping over tree roots. I notice flashes of color on the ground. Some kind of plastic? Slowing down, I pick one up.

Candy wrappers? But there weren't any here a while ago...

I look up ahead of me, and I see a girl with her back to me. I don't think I know her, but for some reason, my eyes are drawn to her puffy pink skirt. Where have I seen that before?

Ah! That girl from this morning! She's a transfer student, isn't she? But why is she here?

I reach out to tap her one the shoulder, "Hey--"

The moment I do, the strangest thing happens.

A high pitched shriek pierces the air. She turns around with unexpected speed, fisted hand on a collision course with my face, eyes clenched shut.

I don't know how, but I actually manage to move back and dodge in time! Didn't end there though. She probably threw a lot of force in that punch. Because when she missed, the momentum carried her whole body forward.

Straight towards me.

The unexpected weight catches me by surprise and I lose my footing. For a second, the horizon tilts. Then there's a dull thud. And all the wind gets knocked out of me.

EarthSetting: Earth


I sit beside Kai's bag, wondering what the heck has possessed that guy to leave a girl all alone on a newly opened food chain store, in a deserted place. I look at his bag, at least he left his bag, but what does he expect me to do with it, bring it home with me?? The nerve of that guy. I got his bag and placed it in front of me, I know he told me before to not rummage through his things, but its his own damn fault for leaving me all alone, with just his bag. There were only two zippers so I opened the first one inside was a pocket book, and a notebook, then I opened the next zipper, its smaller than the first one. I looked inside and found a pen, what the? where are his books?? I closed the zipper and settled his bag aside and finished eating my burger, I don't eat his, basically because I don't have a huge appetite, lucky for him.

I fished out my phone from my pocket after I've eaten my share of burger and texted Kai

Where d heck d'ya go, jerk?!!!!!
if he expects me to carry his stuff well his well wrong about that
M tossin ur stuff in d river
That should show him he can't mess around with me, I glance outside the window and see something pass by, it was so fast, that I wasn't able to catch whether its a human or something else, probably a human. I sighed. I was surprised to see a guy standing right in front of me.

"May I sit here?" he is very polite, and what surprised me is, he doesn't seem to be so scared looking at me
"Umm... Sure" and one thing for sure I'm nervous as heck, his eyes bore into mine, as if he can see right through me
"So, why are you all alone here?" he asked his eyes not leaving mine. It would have been a nice feeling if it was Kai doing that, but it wasn't, it was some random guy whom I just met, and he's very young, probably the same age as mine
"I..uhh... my friend.. umm.. I don't know, ditched me?" I wonder if it could be called ditching when he left his bag for my sake
"You're very pretty" I was too busy thinking probably, because when he said that I was caught aback
"Umm... thanks, you too, I mean handsome that is" okay I'm getting stupider by the second, he laughed at my response
"So umm.. can I ask you something, how old are you?" I hope he won't get mad at me for asking,
"What do you think?" his eyes smiled into mine
"Uh... 16?" he looked at me, oh no was he younger than 16, its freaking me out, he got so silent. Then suddenly he smiled
"I'm 18" now I'm the one surprised, abruptly without thinking I said
"You're so young!" he laughed again
"Thanks, I have to go now" he stood up then leaned close to my ears "nice meeting you Archlinne L'chimyre" then he left.

I'm wide eyed who the heck was that guy, I don't ever recall telling him my name, I don't even know his... Probably I'm tired already, that I think I'm seeing things, or probably I did tell him, but I just didn't remember since I was too tired.

I ordered another burger for my grandmother maybe she would like to have some, I won't give her Kai's share, after all it is Kai's share, besides I did promise I'll treat him.
I gathered all of my things, and left the burgeria, at the same time, I saw the girl, the same girl who bumped into Kai this morning at the school, and her hair was a mess. I decided to approach her probably; just probably she knows where he is.
When I was just a meter apart from her I forgot I left Kai's bag inside the store and turned my back around and ran back to the burgeria and took his stuff, he totally owes me, big time. I look at the window again, just to check if the girl was still there and how surprised I was, there on the path, was not just her, but also Kai, and the both of them sprawled on the sidewalk.

I went outside and stood at the end of Kai's feet

"What the heck are you two doing?" I glared down at them, it was awkward, totally awkward. I can see Kai was uncomfortable at the situation he was in. I bent down and settled Kai's bag at the end of his feet and placed one of the burger on top of his bag

"I'm off" then I left, without looking back, I don't know what happened after that, like I care, I'm used to it anyways, always being left behind

Willow CreekSetting: Willow Creek


Orange. All I see is orange.

It takes a second for me to realize that I'm actually looking at the sky, cast orange by the setting sun. Once that registers, a rush of sensation assaults me: a dull pain at the back of my head, the stinging of my probably scraped palms, a weight on my chest making it slightly harder to breathe...

Wait... a weight on my chest?!

I feel something push up against my chest and I look down. Hands, with feminine, slender fingers. It's that girl, from this morning. Feeling the places where her weight is settled against my body, I know without looking that this is very, very bad. If anyone finds us in this compromising position, I can't really blame them for anything they might think of to explain it.

Her almond eyes are wide with shock. She looks horrified, to say the least. I don't blame her. I probably look the same.

Before we even get a chance to start blushing, I hear approaching footsteps. I feel myself tense up. I can't get up. The girl makes no move to get off me. Either she doesn't hear anything, or she hasn't quite come to her senses yet. So someone just had to pass by this rarely-used street at this exact moment. If you really do exist, thank you, thank you, whoever you are up there.

"What the heck are you two doing?"

My blood runs cold at the familiar voice. She's standing right in front of me, just at the end of my feet, blocking the view of the sidewalk from the path. Lyn.

Her gaze is sharp and accusatory, although I'm not quite sure what she's accusing me of.

Before I get to say anything, she breaks eye contact and bends down to set what looks like my bag and something else on the ground. She turns around, and with her back to me, says "I'm off" in a voice that manages to sound both completely nonchalant and extremely cold at the same time.

"Lyn--" But she walks away without a backward glance. I don't know if she even heard me.

I lean my head back a against the ground, feel the slight warmth of the setting sun, and let out a loud sigh.

I feel a slight shift in the weight above me.

Without opening my eyes, I say, in a voice as casual as I can make it, "You know, you should really get off me now, while nobody else is looking."

I stared at him blankly. It was the only thing I could do, because I had the habit of being an airhead when everything was too fast for me to process. I would even get into fight mode when I got surprised, but that was only when I was in deep thought, like what happened just now.

"Lyn--" this guy said, trying to call that girl, but she was too far for his voice to reach. But what he said did make me come back to my senses, which made me move a little.

"You know, you should really get off me now, while nobody else is looking." He suddenly says. Probably felt me move.

Anyways, I probably should listen to him. I got on my knees first, then on my feet. I heard him exhale. Wow, did I gain some weight, or something? then, I held out my hand, smiled, and said, "Hey, you ok?" And he looks at me with his brown eyes.
She smiles at me, of all things.

I'm flat on the ground, finally properly using my lungs after she gets her weight off me, and she just holds out her hand to me and smiles.

I don't know what to make of this. It's not the reaction I'm expecting. Not after she tried to punch me when I just barely tapped her shoulder. Then we end up in an embarrassing situation more suited to some cheesy soap opera than my life, and she just smiles and tries to help me up?

I don't get this girl.

But her hand is waiting, and I take it. She helps pull me up with a little tug, and I'm surprised again by how strong she is. She's a just a little shorter than me, and I made a fuss of it earlier, but weight-wise, she probably isn't that heavy. Lyn is probably heavier. I know from when I had to half-carry her one time when she sprained her ankle.

Lyn. I look at the direction of the sidewalk at the end of the path.

I really did it this time. Even I'd be pissed if I found out I got ditched by my best friend, out-of-the-blue, with no notice, even while I'm treating them, just so they could mess around with some random stranger. That's probably what she concluded, based on that reaction. Seriously, as if I was the type to go fooling around with girls, in bushes, no less. She probably never thought that it might have been an accident. All the blood rushes to her head when she gets mad. That's Lyn for ya--

A light cough interrupts my thoughts. I look at the girl. She's looking expectantly at--Oh! Her hand! Jeez.

"Oh, er, sorry!", I drop her hand quickly. I sneak a look at her face. It might just be me, but I thought she looked amused by my reaction. I look at my feet as I adjust my glasses that had become slightly askew.

Great. Now she probably thinks I'm some socially awkward loser.

I don't know why the embarrassment hits me now of all times. She doesn't say anything and I feel more awkward by the second, so I venture,

"So... you're a transfer student, right? I'm Kai Kira," my hand flies to the back of my neck. I look at her and try a casual smile, "Sorry, I keep bumping into you."
Haha. I repeated what he said to me when he bumped me at school. I wonder if he realized? Oh well, no need to tell him, he might get the idea that I'm evil or something.

I helped him up, but he doesn't seem to let go of my hand. I continue staring at my hand, he doesn't seem to know he's still holding it. He must thinking about lots of stuff. I'll see what happens if I don't tell him anything. This is the perfect time to make fun of him! Now, let's see his reaction...

"Oh, er, sorry!" He drops my hand quickly. pfft. That was hilarious! But, I shouldn't let him know I was laughing at him in my head, that'll be unpolite... pfft.

And because of that, we approach an awkward silence. He stops it by starting a conversation...

"So... you're a transfer student, right? I'm Kai Kira," he smiles. "Sorry, I keep bumping into you."

"It's okay, although it was my fault this time. Sorry about that. I tend to be like that when I get surprised!" I replied while smiling. "I'm Catheroura Sylvain, but you can call me Cat." I bend down to get his bag and his burger for him.

"What class are you in? I'm in class A, what about you and your friend?" I asked while stretching both hands to him with his burger on the left, and his bag on the right.

"Thanks." He said while accepting them both. "Me and Lyn are in Class A too. I guess that makes us classmates."

Then, realizing that I'm getting pumped up by the idea of having a friend, I try my best not to show the excitement in my face. I don't care if we're not close friends, as long as I know that I'm not going to be alone anymore.
I walked on the sidewalk, the beautiful orange sky, turned black and now it was night, the dark clouds rumbled. I should get back, it’s about to rain soon, I placed my grandmother’s burger inside my bag, in case it may rain soon, then I ran, my house wasn’t so far from school, but the DM burgeria is.
I stared up at the sky, clouds rumbling, I wondered if I cried would the sky also cry? I looked straight ahead of me and stopped on my tracks, there beside the lamp post was the same guy awhile ago at the burgeria. I don’t know what possessed me but I walked towards him

“Uhmm.. Hi” I greeted smiling, he wasn’t looking at me before I greeted him
“Hey” he smiled
“Uh.. What are you doing here?”
“Getting some fresh air”
“So umm.. can I ask you something”
“You’re already doing it, but yeah sure” he finally looked at me, I don’t know if it’s just my imagination or the post light doing the effects, but I saw his eyes sparkling
“Uhmm… Not to be rude or anything, but, have we met before?” I was getting anxious, I don’t know any reason why but I am
“Hmm… Maybe” Maybe?!? What kind of answer is that?
“Anyways you shouldn't stroll around at night when you’re alone, even if this is just a little town”
“It’s okay, besides it’s not like there were any accidents here in the past”
“Maybe none in the past, but what about today, can you be so sure?” What's up with this guy, why does he keep on interrogating me?
“Anyways, how do you know my name” I asked, his eyes grew wide, as if he was surprised I asked him that question, but then he grinned as if nothing happened
“Let’s just say, I’ve known you for a long time”
“What are you, a stalker?” he laughed at my question, I glared at him but he just ignored it instead he replied
“I could be, but I’m not” he leaned towards me, our lips almost touching “You really are very pretty” I scoffed
“Seriously what kind of answer is that?” he grabbed my hand
“C’mon, let’s get you back to your house, it’s getting a little late” My mind seems to be relaxed, I don’t know what he did to me, but when he’s around I just can’t help but relax and be calm.
We walked and walked, I don’t know where he’s taking me, he did say my house, but the path we’re taking was so different than the path that I’m used to, there were much more posts on this road than the others but our path was much more dimmer, I looked behind me, probably the lights were just really dimmed out, but no, the lights were bright, I tried looking ahead, the same, it seems its only in our area which is dim, which seems weird. I look ahead of me and looked at the guy pulling me, his skin was vibrant, shining, that although the light posts were bright, his skin seems brighter but its completely not eye-hurting.
Then I remembered something

“Uh.. Hey, can I ask, what is your name?” he looked behind me, his violet eyes sparkled through the dark night, smiling he said
“It’s Chalenyx Sephtis” I don’t know what happened next after that, all I know is my mind just completely shut-off and my body felt so weak

So her name's Cat, well Cath--something. Damn, that name's a mouthful! Why do girls have such complicated names? Ah well, Cat is easy enough to remember.

She mentioned being in Class A. So she's a classmate of mine. That's strange. I don't remember her being introduced this morning... But that was probably just me zoning out again. I don't really pay much attention in class. And today was the first day. I was even more out of it than usual.

I glance at her. She grins brightly. Is it just me, or does she seem really happy for some reason?

A light breeze rustles the trees and suddenly, I'm reminded of where we are, and of the swiftly fading sunlight. The sky's already turning into that twilight purple-blue color. It was time to get out of here and go home. Here in Willow Creek, no one goes anywhere near the woods at night. If you asked anyone why, they probably wouldn't be able to give you a very satisfying answer. I suppose you could get lost, since we don't have a whole lot of streetlights. But really, it's mostly just one of those small town things. Everybody's great-great-great-grandpa or whoever ancient ancestor did it, so we just keep doing it. The teenagers get rebellious every now-and-then, but aside from that, it's a pretty ironclad rule.

"It's getting dark. We should get going", I say, perhaps a little too seriously, but Cat doesn't seem to notice. She keeps on her smile and follows me the few steps out of the path and to the sidewalk.

"It was nice meeting you. See you the next time we bump into each other", I smile and wave as she goes off in the opposite direction. She yells out her goodbye, waves back enthusiastically, and goes on her way. I turn and walk into the other direction.

After a few steps I take out my cellphone. I sigh.

There's zero chance she'll pick up if I call. So I type out a message instead.

Recipient: Archlinne L'chimyre
Subject: Sorry

It's not what you think.


I erase that. It just sounds wrong somehow. I type out something else.

Recipient: Archlinne L'chimyre
Subject: I'm sorry

Thanks for my bag. And the burger. I owe you one. Tomorrow's my treat.


I doesn't quite feel contrite enough, so I add:

Then you can ditch me too if you feel like it :)

I hit send and hope that it'll be enough for her to at least consider talking to me tomorrow. I sigh and continue to walk.

I see his figure nearing
“So did you have fun?” I asked
“Yeah, sure did” he grinned cheekily
“You seem to be happy, met anyone you like” his violet eyes sparkled
“Yeah, a girl, she’s from Ashpeak”
“You seem to know a lot about the girl, you probed into her personal information didn’t you?”
“Quite”
“And what is it that you didn’t see”
“Hmm… what is it I didn’t see” he repeated this phrase over and over again while tapping his lips “what is it that she’s capable of”
“Give her a break”
“And you how was your day?” he asked glancing at me shortly
“I went to the abandoned park, it’s still the same. Except now, some of the trees had leaves on it. Also I met the guy who bumped into me, I don't know his name yet though” he leaned towards me and made my head touch his, then he moved back. He frowned
“What’s up?”
“Nothing” then he leaned towards me again and whispered into my ears “sweet dreams” then everything went black
The sky's gotten darker now, so I head home walking to the main street. I don't think its safe to go through the forest anymore.
But somehow, I feel like I forgot to tell him something....
Oh yeah, I remember now!.... no, wait. I don't think that was right....uh....That's right, he owed me Procky Sticks!!

Great, how am I going to tell him now. I was getting really excited about having a friend. Oh well, he gave me his cellphone number. Wait, I forgot to tell him my cellphone number! No wait, If I have his number, I can send him a message telling him that its me texting him. Uh, I'm really starting to get dumber by the second!

Anyways, I was supposed to buy a burger for dinner! DM is probably closed by now. That pizza should be enough for a normal person's dinner. Now I'm starting to think that I might not be normal, 'cause for some reason I'm still hungry.

Me and my parents went to the doctor before they sent me to Willow Creek, just to be sure that I wouldn't get sick so easily by the time I start living here. The doctor said I didn't have any problems, just a big appetite, but I never really gained weight for some reason. I might have a super stomach in a parallel universe, or something.

As I see my apartment up ahead, I think about sending a message to Kai. Nah, that encounter should be enough for now. I don't really think he's the kind who likes talking too much, so. By the time I was walking up the stairs, I got the key to my room beforehand. Before I went in, I stole a glance of the view. I realized that this building was pretty tall, because I saw almost everything even though I was still on the second floor.

When I decided to get inside, I went in front of the door, unlocked it, then turned the knob. I turned the lights on before getting inside. By the time I was inside, I shut the door and locked it again. I did that every time I got in. Its kind of weird, but it became a habit of mine. I'm not really paranoid, or anything.

I don't feel sleepy yet. Why don't I make another character in Photoshop? That'll be fun. Good thing my parents allowed me to bring a laptop here, I would have bored myself out! So I turned my laptop on. Why don't I try making a guy this time? Its a good way to make myself not too used to drawing girls. I was never that good in drawing boys in the first place, but I have enough patience to practice today.
When I sat on the chair, I felt my cellphone in my pocket, so I took it out, and placed it on the table next to a bag of potato chips. I opened Photoshop, and started drawing the base while munching on some chips, letting time pass by.
After walking a bit, I reach my house. It's nothing too special. Wide, single story, small yard. A perfect size for three. A little too big for just one.

All the lights are off when I get home. The usual, you could say. I live with my parents, but they're so rarely home, I might as well be living by myself. They're both extremely serious about their careers, and they both work at the same company. I've never asked about the details of it, but I know they work pretty close together. You can probably guess how they met. Yep. At work.

Right now they're both on a business trip, together. This is pretty much the usual too. They probably spend more time with each other away somewhere than here, in Willow Creek.

When I was younger, a lot of neighbors and teachers of mine got the wrong idea when they heard about the situation with my parents. But they're not one of those super serious, married-just-in-name power couples. They're actually pretty happy people. And they're very happy together. I've never felt neglected growing up, although I spent a lot of time with nannies and babysitters. Actually, I think I turned out pretty well, all things considered. Contrary to what people might think, I don't have abandonment issues. The three of us get along just fine whenever all of us happen to be around.

As I'm pondering all this, I unlock the door, and step inside. In the dark, I automatically find the light switch and flick it on.

A sudden sharp pain slices through my head the moment the light hits my eyes. Because of the fall earlier? But why am I just having it now? I quickly flick the switch again and turn off the light. The pain subsides to a dull throb. The light's off now, but suddenly, even the dark seems too much for my eyes. It makes no sense, and so does this headache.

With my head in a steady throb, I make my way from the front door, my eyes closed, feeling my way through the house. I wanna lay down on my bed, but my head is pounding, so I settle for the living room and collapse on the couch. Another spike of pain stabs through my skull and I can't help hissing out loud.

Damn, this sucks. I'll probably have to stay home tomorrow, I think to myself.

And then, blessed darkness overtakes me.

EarthSetting: Earth


I wake up from my slumber finding myself in my bedroom, I look at the time, it read 5:30. I looked outside my window the night was still turning to dawn, suddenly fresh memories comes back to my mind about what happened yesterday. Kai was with that girl, then I left him, without letting him explain, then I met that guy again with the sparkling eyes beside the lamp post. It's all too weird... Ughh... What is happening to me? And the next big question is, if that guy from the burgeria, was the one who took me home, how the heck did he find out where I lived?!? What was his name again... Cha... Chaa... a... argghh... I'll just ask him again when I find him.

I stand up from my bed and takes out my towel from my cabinet, and decided to have an early shower. I turned the knob on and cold water sprinkled to my face. Yeah... its cold, ice cold, but this was a good thing, it helps me relax when I'm completely frustrated. I stepped out of the bathroom after I finished my shower, changed into a mini short and over-sized t-shirt, school doesn't start until 07:00, so I decided to play a game on my phone, to pass some time, then I sit on my bed.

I flipped my phone open, and there, it says 1 sms, I clicked open and found Kai's number, I scrolled down and read the message

Recipient: Archlinne L'chimyre
Subject: I'm sorry

Thanks for my bag. And the burger. I owe you one. Tomorrow's my treat.

Then you can ditch me too if you feel like it :)


I sighed, I hang my head backwards making me stare at the ceiling, I'm so stupid, I'm not in the right position to get mad at him just for ditching me or for getting sprawled on the road with another girl. He's my friend not my boyfriend, sheesh, I should really control my hormones. I lied on my bed, but still... agghh.. what the heck am I thinking! Get a grip girl, pull yourself together.
I looked at the time 06:00, still early, but there's no harm if I go out early is there? I don't reply to Kai's text, instead I stood up and changed into my uniform, my house is a one-storey house, but its huge, and also at the back of the house is a garden, beyond that is a bunch of trees, which I call my little forest.

I made a little breakfast enough for me and my grandmother, I ate my portion and left hers in front of her room, my grandmother is sickly so she rarely comes out of her room. Then I headed outside.

Willow CreekSetting: Willow Creek


I finish the drawing, but its still colorless. I always do the coloring on another time when I finish a drawing, so when I get bored, I have something to do. The drawing is a guy listening to music on his headphones, trying to sleep. Its not that bad actually, compared to my other drawings of guys.

I look at the laptop's digital clock 1:39 AM. Uh oh, I gotta sleep now. I haven't even changed yet! I quickly turn the laptop off after making sure I saved my work. It would be a shame if it wasn't saved. Then, I went to change into a sleeveless shirt and mini shorts. I turn the AC down, so it doesn't get too cold in the morning, and quickly throw the junk food's wrapper into the trash can. I turn the lights off, turn my nightlight on, and get into bed. At least I could sleep, now that my excitement's toned down. After that, I drift into a good night's-- well, good morning's sleep.
. . .
. . .
. . .
BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP!!!
I wake up with the sound of the kitten-designed, voice-activated, digi clock.
BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEE--
I shut it off with a drowsy, but clear "I'm awake". I used to love the idea of a voice-activated clock when I was a kid, but for some reason, it really annoys me now. But since I already woke up, I can't really go back to sleep no matter what I do, so I sit down, then I lay down the other end of my bed. Its funny 'cause when I do that, it actually helps when I try to wake up in the morning. After about five minutes, I get on my feet. I turn to see what time it is. 6:07 AM. Five hours of sleep, huh? That's probably enough to last me a day.

I go to the fridge to see what's for breakfast. There's some cereal and fresh milk. I grab them both and set them on the table. I get a bowl and a spoon, and eat up. By the time I finish eating and washing the bowl, I go in the bathroom, and take a shower. I turn the knob from lukewarm, to cold. I've always preferred cold compared to hot. Cold room, cold drinks, and even cold bath water. After the bath, I brush my teeth, then I get dressed into my new school uniform. It didn't really seem right to wear it yesterday, so I'm wearing my uniform for the first time today.

By the time I finished eating, changing, and preparing my stuff, I turn my nightlight off. When I was reaching for it, I saw the clock. 06:37 AM. Its almost seven. After checking if I left anything on , I head outside and lock my door. Before going straight to school, I went to the convenience store to buy some snacks, if ever I wanted to eat anything.

When I exited the store, I looked at where the kitten's box is supposed to be, but to my surprise, there was nothing there. I hope the person who took it is taking care of it right now. After realizing I was staring at that spot for a while, I face front to continue my walk to school, but first, I look at my wristwatch. 6:46 AM. I should probably hurry now, so I try to walk faster.
When I left the house it was still 6:10, quite early really. So I decided to stroll around for awhile. I've been thinking really hard how should I talk to Kai, should I just forgive him or should I get angry at him and tell on him on why he left me, but seriously I may not be in position to get mad at him since practically he's my friend... but isn't that the same reason why I should be mad at him, because I'm his friend and he suddenly left me- Wait where the heck am I? The unfamiliar scenery made me lose my train of thoughts. Where I'm standing was a place with no more than 20 trees and some had burnt marks on them, I moved forward from where I was standing, more trees came into view but this time it doesn't have much leaves unlike the ones I passed, and these trees also had some burnt marks.

I stopped walking and there in front of me was the most strange place I've ever visited in my sixteen years, there were trees that had bunt marks and not much leaves, and around the area was a small puddle, then at the center there was a bench, just enough for maybe two or three persons, and on there on the bench was a girl, her eyes were closed, but her face was stained of tears, she was facing the other side.

I looked at my watch just to check the time it read 6:45 Oh crypes! It's almost time, yet the heck I don't know where I am.. I turned on my heels and-

Ouch!! I find myself seated on the ground, my head aching really hard because of the sudden interaction.

I see a figure, going through the forest, this would be fun, I follow her close behind, I wanted to surprise her, give her a shock, but she turned her heels and crashed right through me. If I crouched any lower I could've kissed her, but damn! I didn't see through her actions. Her head bumped into mine, I lean beside the tree, easing out the dizziness I'm feeling, my head's swirling due to the sudden interaction, once I'm able to relax, I look at her, she was seated on the ground, clutching her head, it must've hurt, I leaned on the tree properly, in what you can say as a cool way, and cross my hands against my chest, smiling I said

“Archlinne L’chimyre, it’s great to see you in such early in the morning, up and about, lively and ready to beat people up, on whoever gets in your way” I got a glare from her
“You again” she groaned “why is it I always see you in such weird places at the sudden time”
“Probably we’re meant for each other, and it’s destiny that’s pulling us together”
“Destiny, yeah right” she mumbled, I pushed myself away from the tree and held my right hand towards her
“Here, I’ll help you” I pulled her up, and she’s amazingly light
“What are you doing here anyways?”
"hmm… Let’s say that I saw you come here and I followed you, and didn’t expect you’d suddenly turn around"
“Hah! Like I said you are a stalker, this isn’t destiny, you’re stalking me” she argued, smirking again I said
“Yeah… right, it’s still destiny that I saw you” she scoffed at my excuse “Anyways, weren’t you in a hurry” I asked her sarcastically. She slapped her forehead, I can hear her mumbling to herself stupid, stupid, then she stands properly and looked at me straight in the eyes
“You do know the way out of this forest right?” she asked I guess hoping that I would know the way out, apparently she's in luck that I'm feeling sorry for her since she'll be 20 minutes late if she doesn't get out of this place soon
“There’s a price if you ask for my help” I smirked
“I’ll do whatever it is, just tell me the way out of this place, or else I’m going to be late for school” Damn, she better pay the price of taking my time and help her way out, she should really get conscious to wherever she's going or else, she'll never find her way back the next time she get lost, and without me, helping her
“Alright, I’ll help” I pull her hand and walked fast, I turned right, then left, then right again
"Are you sure we're going the right way?" she asked
"Trust me, you'll know when you get out"
"What's that supposed to mean idiot" I raised my brow, really me and idiot, this girl can't get enough of it can't she? Here I am helping her, and all she tells me is that I'm and idiot?
"It means, even if you sleep you'll be in your school in no time" So I said, another minute I hear her gasping
"Wow, you really do know your way out of the woods" smiling I said
"Now you owe me a favor" I stopped pulling her and stepped aside, so now she's beside me, I, facing her while she faced the school
"Okay" she looked at me "how much" she asked, I smirk, I cover her eyes and leaned close towards her whispering "you should run now, I'll ask for the payment the next time we see each other, which I know won't be long" I take my hands away from her eyes, then she faced the school and ran. I looked at my watch 6:47 it read, then made my way back, when I've made sure she's gotten into her classroom
...


I open my eyes and I know something isn't right. I look up at the ceiling and my body aches in places it shouldn't. The angle of the light is wrong. My stomach rumbles.

Ah, right. I didn't eat dinner last night. And I crashed on the couch. Because of that headache. I sit up and the room doesn't spin, my head doesn't pound. I feel surprisingly... normal. What the hell was up with last night?

The wall clock across the couch tells me it's 6:30 am. It's not a lot of time to get ready. Honestly, I don't feel like school today. But I don't have a good enough excuse to ditch, and I need to see Lyn anyway. The longer I leave it alone, the worse it'll get. Besides, I already told her I was treating her today. I can't skip out on her now, after what I did.

Mornings make me sleepy. It's the cold. Soft sunlight. Argh. I hate mornings. No, I don't hate mornings. Just waking up.

But despite my lethargy, I do get up from the couch. Because this is just how my mornings go. I take a quick shower. I eye my collared uniform and black pants with casual revulsion. Uniforms are annoying. But I pull on the pants and button up the shirt. I lost my tie last term. I didn't bother getting another one. No one really cared much when I started showing up without the tie. I pull on a dark blue vest over the white uniform shirt.

The clock says 6:53. No time for breakfast. Ah, crap.

I grab my bag. I remember the burger. Breakfast after all. I'm out the door. I turn the lock behind me.

The burger is cold. But good. Almost perfect balance. A little heavy on the onions. But good. Seems like I'll be going back to that new burger place...

By the time I get to the school gate, my wristwatch says it's 7:09 am.

The hallways are as crowded as always this time of day. A few people nod their heads at me. I nod back. I look around but I don't see Lyn. Our lockers are right by each other. Either she got here earlier than me, or she's running late. I grab a few books from my locker then head towards the room.

Just as I'm about to step in the doorway...
I guess I wasn't walking very fast. By the time I got to school, it was already around seven. Most people probably get to school two times faster if they came from the convenience store like me. I recall these things while sitting on my chair in the classroom. Oh well, as long as I wasn't late, I'm sure its fine.

I look at my watch; 7:08 AM. Wow, the teacher's not here yet. Class is going to start in three minutes. Just when I thought about that, the class rep waves at Lyn, and says something. "Hey you! Can you do me a favor and get the teacher for me? I don't wanna get in trouble again. Thanks!" after this, he goes back to laughing with his friends about something. Someone there probably mentioned the teacher.

Lyn rolls her eyes, but she's probably going anyways. I can tell, 'cause she's putting her stuff back in her bag.

I suddenly hear a girl whisper, "Sheesh, I can't believe how lazy the class rep is. Remember last year? He never changes."
" I know right?! Why's he class rep again, anyways? Its just because he's popular, right??", the other whispers back.
"Yup. No doubt about it."
"Anyways, have you heard of that new teen star?"
"Yeah. I think he's hot, don't you think so too?"

Uh, I don't wanna listen anymore..... hm, popularity, huh? They should've picked someone more responsible to be class rep. He probably just bosses around random people, like Lyn.

Once I see her walking to the doorway, I fish for a fantasy book in my bag. A friend told me to read it, so she gave it to me before I left the city. Its a good way to kill time without being disturbed. I don't notice anyone doing anything interesting, so this should be the best possible way. When I finally find the book, I check the time. 7:09 AM. I'll just read the prologue. Once I start reading books, I don't pay attention to what's happening around me.... well, there's no one to talk to, so this should be fine.

Just as I'm about to step in the doorway...

I stop.

Because Lyn is right in front of me.

She stood in the doorway. I didn't see her from the angle I was coming from. I'm only a little taller than her, so our eyes almost meet.

"Hey! Er... Good morning...", my hand flies to the back of my neck. "Sorry. About yesterday...", my eyes settle on the third button of her uniform top. It's almost reflex, the way I try to avoid her gaze. Yes, I know. I'm a sorry excuse for a human being.

So I stood there, feeling awkward. Waiting for Lyn's reaction. If she punches me in the face/shoulder/chest--anywhere really-- and/or yells at me, then we're quits. If she ignores me... this is gonna be a long day.

Personally, I hope she'd just go on and get it over with. No matter what she does, I can take it. It's worth it, if she forgives me. These last three years, I've been around her so much, it'll seriously throw me off if she stops hanging out with me.

She's my best friend.

I don't even remember when it happened. I just thought about it one day and I knew it was true. I got along fine with everybody, basically, but I never spent so much time around just one person. I guess I got acclimatized. Now, I can't imagine how I'd kill time if she weren't around.

I know, I know, my best friend is a girl. So what? That's just how it is.

Although I'm not even sure if she wants to be my friend anymore. I checked my phone on the way to school. She hadn't replied to my message last night, and she always replies. It's a 9 times out of 10 thing. And right now, she's not saying anything. I almost want to look up and see her face, to gauge her reaction... but I don't.

What happened yesterday, when she saw me and that girl--Cat, was it?-- I didn't think it was a such a big deal. What really pissed her off is probably me ditching her and making her carry my stuff. Or maybe it's a girl thing. I don't know. One of the cons of having a girl best friend: I just don't get her sometimes.

It feels like I've been standing here for eternity. It's actually been just a minute or so. Still, this is a long time for a reply, especially from Archlinne.

I wonder what she's thinking.
It's kind of weird, since just 3 minutes ago I was with that weird sparkling eyed guy. Oh Crap! I completely forgot to ask for that guys name again.. urgghh.... I was arranging my stuffs in my table when suddenly the class representative called out "Hey you! Can you do me a favor and get the teacher for me? I don't wanna get in trouble again. Thanks!" I roll my eyes. Great! Why does it always have to be me, I pack up my things again, I hope the class rep. would feel guilty, I mean c'mon he's the class representative not me. I know this kind of job is tough that's why I never want to be part of it. I locked my bag, then went out of the classroom, and near the doorway I find Kai

"Hey! Er... Good morning...", he tells me, while rubbing the back of his neck "Sorry. About yesterday...", I stared at him, expressionless, I can feel his uneasiness since he's avoiding my gaze. I should be really mad at him, but that would be really unfair, since basically he's the first person who befriended me, and he's the first person I ever opened up to, so basically I can't get mad at him for the longest time possible, except if he really betrayed me and left me stranded in a place where it's in the middle of nowhere, so instead of yelling at him or giving him the silent treatment, I beamed at him

"Hey Kai, good morning!" surprised, his eyes flies up meeting my gaze "I was about to call for the teacher since he's running late, and the class representative seems to care less about his job, and ordered me to take his place to call for the teacher" I blabbered on and on, he still seems surprised, though I don't really know why, is it that impossible for me to be cheery in the morning? or does he really want me to be mad at him? Anyhow I waved my hand in front of his face

"Hellooo... Anybody there?" I grab Kai's wrist and dragged him with me "come with me to the faculty, I don't want to be alone" I turned back, his face seems to relax a bit now, whew.. good

In front of the faculty's room, I hear the teacher gasping "oohhs" and "ahhs" as if they're amazed or something. I knocked twice and opened the room, stepped inside dragging Kai with me, I see a guy probably the same age as me or older a bit, 'He might be the reason why the teacher's running late' anyways, the guy has eyes colored crystal almost like transparent and his hair was black as the night, suddenly fear overcomes me, not because I'm scared, but because of the fact I know who this person is, this person, who is one of the most reasons why I moved here, and now he's here, in front of me...

I clenched my hands, forgetting I was holding Kai's hand, it dawned over me, knowing, this will be the last of the days where I can be who I want to be..

I look at my hand in hers. More accurately, my wrist in her hand.

My apology had gone smoother than I dared hope. Almost... too smooth. She didn't even yell at me?! Maybe something good happened this morning? She must be in an excellent mood... That, or she's keeping it bottled up again. It seems contradictory to her personality, but I realized it after a while.

No matter how explosive and loud and cheerful she is, or how carelessly she seems to throw her emotions around, she's actually really guarded. When she decides to keep something in her heart, it stays locked up in there, tight. I know because although I've been her friend for three years, I still know next to nothing about her life before she moved here. She doesn't like to talk about it. Avoids it the few times I try to bring it up. Not that I've been really persistent or anything. I understand. I know there are things people would rather keep to themselves.

Sometimes though, she slips a little. Like that time I'd stayed over her house at Christmas Eve, since her grandma was nice enough to invite me when she found out I'd be spending it alone that year. We had an awesome dinner and stayed up late, watching movies, making fun of the action stars and their respective damsels in distress, basically just goofing around. I don't remember exactly what I said, but I was probably telling her we should go to sleep or something, because she had said, in a voice softer than I ever remember her using, "But I don't want it to be... tomorrow yet."

She had talked a little about herself then. I remember trying not to seem too eager, thinking that showing too much interest might make her change her mind. I learned what little I do know of her past then. About how she had been a "witch" in her old school. About being alone. About missing her mother. About wishing she'd had friends to celebrate days like this with. She shared all this with a self-deprecating smile that looked out of place on her face, and quiet eyes, sadder than I thought they could ever be.

I knew then that I'd been wrong about her. She had hidden a lot of pain and loneliness in those eyes, and she had done it so well, I had never noticed. Or maybe I was just pathetically insensitive. I don't know. I'd never had to worry about being insensitive.

The movie had still been on in front of us, but I barely payed attention. She stared at the screen with that sad smile on her face and I didn't know what to say. Thank you? I'm sorry? It'll be ok? All of them felt trite and insincere. So I placed my hand softly on her head and ruffled her soft, dark brown hair. We've never talked about that night again.

While I was lost in my impromptu, random flashback, we had continued walking. She's leading me down the hall and we're almost right outside the faculty room now.

The teachers are gathered around. There seems to be some kind of commotion over something. They're gathered around... a guy?

The teachers are staring at him in admiration as if he's the best thing to grace this planet since burgers. Who is this dude? He looks to be about my age, although the way he carries himself makes him seem older. He doesn't look at all intimidated or uncomfortable in any way around all this authority. He's dressed all in black, the same color as his jet-black hair. A stark contrast against his pale skin. He's just as pale as Lyn. He looks our way and I notice his eyes. They're a startlingly bright shade of blue, lighter than Lyn's, but just as remarkable. He gazes at us coolly, eyes sharp as glinting ice.

I feel a tightening pressure on my hand. It's Lyn. Her grip is vice-like on my hand. And turning colder by the second. I look at her face and it is even paler than normal. The blood has left her lips and her eyes are wide with shock and somehow, fear.

Do they know each other? Are they related, perhaps? The questions start pouring in, but right now they aren't important. Lyn's hand is cold with shock. Whoever he is, she probably isn't too happy to see him.

I step forward then, both to somehow block him from Lyn's vision and to get the teachers' attention.

"Oh, Mikail, Archlinne!" Our homeroom teacher finally notices us. She was apparently on her way out, judging from the stack of material in her arms, when she was caught in the commotion. "Did they send you to call for me? I'm sorry you had to come all this way."

"It wasn't a problem, Ms. Romero," I say, attempting a casual smile. Our homeroom teacher was nice enough. A little clumsy maybe, but maybe that's just because she's new at teaching.

She passes through the doorway and I follow after her, not looking at the dude in black. I pull Lyn along with me. There's some resistance but when she finally turns around and falls into step with me, I hear what seems to be a sigh of relief.

I know I shouldn't pry into her past, but that had me worried. She looked scared of him. Or at least she did to me. So against my better judgement, I give into my curiosity and ask in a whisper, "Did you know him?"
Blood scattered on the floor, I close my eyes, trying to forget this horrifying scene. I try to forget those lifeless eyes looking at me, as if this lifeless body can look through my soul. I shut my eyes tightly, immensely trying to lose that memory.
My mother's eyes bloodshot, bore through mine.

"Hey Arch, come sit" he taps the space beside him, and I obediently followed and sit beside him

"You okay?" he faces me, and gently caress my cheeks. I feel my tears about to flow, it trickled slowly, and I sit there silently

"C'mon Arch, talk to me, don't you remember, we have the chemistry, you said so yourself" he touches my hair
as if everything will be okay, as if nothing actually happened

"Hey... talk to me sweetie" he calls me sweetie, and he kisses my cheek. I give him the silent treatment, maybe, just maybe he'll get tired of me and leave me
"Y'know, even if you don't say anything. You can never change the fact, you killed your own mother" No! I never did it

"What do you say about it? Only I can make you happy" this is so wrong. You're the murderer not me, don't blame me
I think of something, something that he'll never know what hit him and he'll regret everything he did

"You do know that you can't over power me and escape from who you really are right?" I sob my tear has flooded my eyes, that my sight is all too blurry to be able to see properly

"Please.... just.. let... me..g-g-go" I hiccuped

"Never"
----

"It wasn't a problem Ms. Romero" a familiar voice, brought me back to my senses, still a little dazed but I finally remembered where I am. That memory, which I try to forget for the longest time, came back all at once, just one look from him. It's freaky.

I feel a light tug from my hand, I was still trying to shake some senses into my brain, since it's still a little shaky, it finally registered in my brain that Kai just pulled my hand, and I followed him, not looking back at him
Kai then asked when I was walking beside him "Did you know him?"

and slowly I nod

"His name is Eldrick Weinston" heaving a heavy sigh I continued "He- he's my ex-boyfriend"


If I had had anything in my mouth, I would have choked on it.

Ex-boyfriend?! Whatever I was expecting, it wasn't that.

I stay silent for a while after. Mainly because I don't know what to say. I look at Lyn, secretly, from my periphery, and wonder why I'm so surprised. I know that I don't know much about her past, and I mean, it's not that she isn't attractive. She thinks she looks like a "witch", but what she doesn't know is that when she came here, in Willow Creek, she was all every other guy talked about for a couple of days. Yeah, her skin and her eyes and her hair stand out, sure. But what she doesn't realize is that a lot of guys--at least, from around here--actually think that's pretty hot. And those guys bothered me nonstop for a while, asking me all kinds of questions about her. Some of them still do.

I know for a fact that our useless class representative--the one who sent her out on this annoying errand--actually has a thing for her. He probably bosses her around just so he can talk to her. I don't know how he thinks that'll help him, but hey, to each his own. I think some guys even asked her out, although I don't know how any of those attempts went. She's never mentioned anything, and honestly, it's not something I wanna talk about, I mean, she's my best friend and all, but that doesn't mean I wanna talk boyfriends or anything like that. God save me from boyfriend talk.

Oh... maybe that's why.

She's never mentioned anything about dating to me, so I just assumed she was the type who wasn't interested. That's why I'm so surprised that she has an ex-boyfriend. That's probably it. Probably.

I sneak another look at her and meet her eyes. She's waiting for my reply? Ah, crap. What am I supposed to say?

"Uh... So that was your ex-boyfriend?" I laugh a little, and it sounds a little nervous to me though I hope she doesn't notice, "Thought your were related or something, when I saw him. You kinda look alike."

Then, I realize something, and the words are out of my mouth before I can catch them, "But why is he here? Did you know he was coming?"

The moment I say it, I know I probably shouldn't have. It isn't any of my business, and if she did know he was coming, and didn't want me to know about it... well, that would make it kind of awkward if she admitted it now. And I don't wanna force her to lie or anything.

"Okay, here we are. Thank you for coming to get me. You two are such nice kids!"

The perky, cloyingly sweet voice reminds me that we aren't really alone. Ms. Romero's just a few steps ahead of us. And she's just a few steps away from the classroom door.

I'm suddenly aware that I'm still holding Lyn's hand. I drop it in a knee-jerk-reaction kind of way. Like it was a hot potato or something. Seriously.

"Ah, hahaha... I'm not that nice Ms. Romero. Lyn's the one who was actually going. I just kinda tagged along." I can't look at Lyn, so I answer Ms. Romero instead. My hand is at the back of my neck again before I notice it.

"Oh really, you are too modest, Mikail. Now come on, you two. We need to start class now, or forget homeroom all together," she says with a smile as she turns around to enter the classroom.

I step forward to follow her. Not looking at Lyn.
I close the book and looked at the watch. 7:12 AM. I finished chapter one along with the prologue, and yet Lyn hasn't come back yet. It seems Kai hasn't arrived too. I would've thought he left the classroom to get something from his locker, but his bag isn't on his chair. Then again, he might have left his bag in his locker, or maybe he's just absent. If he was absent, I hope I don't get any news about a broken spine, or something. That would be insane! No way I'd be that heavy! Anyways, I wish he wouldn't be absent...

Lyn hasn't come back too. I wonder if anything's up. Maybe the teacher isn't in the faculty room, and Lyn has to look for her. Lyn. I wonder what her full name is. What if Lyn is just a nickname made because her name was to long? That would make her almost like me, like how my name is shortened to Cat...Wow, I sure do wonder a lot about random things.

Then I come back to my senses. The first thing I notice is a weird feeling. That feeling when you think something's out of place, or when you get nervous, but you’re not. Its really hard to describe.

My friends made fun of me when I told them about this feeling. They said stuff like 'ooooh~ Cat can feel the bad spirits!', or something like, 'the souls are within reach!’ I always thought this was just them being all interested in the supernatural and stuff like that, since it was really popular at that time. Anyways, I’ve always thought it was just my gut feeling.

In the middle of my thinking, someone near the door suddenly shouts, "The teacher is comiiing!!". Everyone starts running like headless chickens-- except the chickens where trying to get to their seats and hiding their cellphones.

By the time the door opened, everyone was already in their seats. The teacher comes in with a smile. Behind her is L--Kai?! How?...My guess would be that Lyn saw Kai while she was on her way, and dragged him along with her. Just as I thought, Lyn was there, but she was behind him, silent. very silent...

Most of the people I've met would be shocked at how accurate I was at guessing stuff, must be a gift. But if I knew they would be together, I would imagined their entrance differently. Kai would have been behind Lyn, while she dragged him by the wrist. I think her personality is like that. Maybe she's just being like this because she's in front of everyone.

Before I realized I lost my gut feeling for a while, it comes back. This doesn't seem right. I want to ask, but that feeling says I should just observe. But you can try asking for Procky Sticks-- if you remember to do it.....I will remember, just you wait, brain!!

"Wow, I'm surprised to see everyone in their seats, the class representative is doing a great job! This class is wonderful, two people even volunteered to come and get me! Such nice kids." the teacher smiles.

I smile at the thought of how the teacher has no idea what really happened. She will probably never know what really happened. And how much of a jerk the class representative really is. My face turns expressionless.

I glance over to Lyn. She's still silent in her chair. I wonder what happened? I'm pretty sure something's bothering her, I just don't have an idea. Even though she's normally silent, her eyes are always wondering around the room, but right now, she's staring so hard on her palms, I wouldn't be surprised if she bores a whole into them. Did something bad really happen? I wonder, hoping an answer would suddenly hit me hard...

"My, I'm sorry for being late! I'll start the class right away!"

There's no pain at all.
Why is Rick here? Is it to cause me more trouble than I can handle. He already gave me enough trouble back in Ashpeak, so what is it that he wants here. I'm sure I left as soon as I stabbed him, and I'm sure that nobody can actually locate my grandmother's house, even my own father doesn't have any idea where his mother resides now.

But that isn't the problem. My problem is why is Eldrick here and not in Ashpeak, why is he here when he knows my mother no longer exist. He couldn't be targeting me can he, I mean, no matter what happens, he'll always be stronger than I, so what is it that he wants from me?

Then suddenly it hits me-

He couldn't be targeting Kai... could he... no that can't be, I mean Kai couldn't possibly possess any sort of- no that can't be. I'm pretty sure the people here in Willow Creek are just the average ones, like the one you'll see in average teen movies. But if he's targeting someone close to me because I refuse to accept his feelings then- Oh no, why did I let this happen. But if I distance myself from Kai starting from now, he'll hate me, and I don't ever want that to happen. Kai, I consider Kai as my very first friend, no Kai is my best friend, but if Kai's life would be in danger because of me, then I'd rather... No- I can't, I'll just have to make sure I'll be extra careful, as well as stay beside Kai the longer possible time.

Riiiinnnggg

The sudden ringing of the bell, distracts me, and now that I am out of my trance I can feel a pair of eyes looking at me, I glanced whoever it was looking at me, and find the new girl, the one Kai was with the other day. Now that I think about it, I kept seeing her but I don't even have the slightest idea who she is.

The next class doesn't start in 15 minutes, I know since it has always been like that. I don't know why the teachers just love to be late in their own assigned class.

I stand up from my seat and approached Kai, there's no use in crying over spilled milk. When I reached Kai's seat, I find him staring through the window, seems like he's in deep thoughts.

"Hey! Stop frowning so much, it makes you look old" I slapped his shoulders. He looked at me with wide eyes. Pouting I pinched his cheeks, that made him rub me it afterwards
"You're so mean, stop looking at me like that, it makes me feel guilty, as if I've done something bad"
"Sorry" he muttered softly
"Anyways, about the burger you promised don't even think I've forgotten about it yet, because I haven't, so it's your turn to treat me! That okay? By the way, let's invite that girl over there, the one you keep on bumping into. What's her name?"
"Hm? You mean Cat?"
"Cat, like a pet?" I looked at Kai confusingly, that made Kai sigh heavily
"Her name is Catheroura Sylvain, but she prefers to call herself Cat"
"Oh! So let's invite her for lunch, I want to get to know her better, she seems interesting since, you practically keep on bumping at her" smiling I continued. "The teacher's here. Talk to you later. Bye" then I walked to my place at sat there.

My thoughts unconsciously drifts away again


Morning classes were a blur.

I tried my best to pay attention, I really did. It just didn't seem to be working. And I couldn't even take a nap, not even in friggin' history with Mrs. Fredberg! Stuff kept tumbling around in my head. That guy just now, Lyn, Cat, and... I almost forgot... that girl. The one in the clearing.

The moment I start thinking about her, for some reason, I can't stop. Nah. I know why. It's because she was the one I knew the least about. Who was she? Someone's relative? A tourist? Or just someone new in town? But if she was, how did she know about that place with the burned down trees? Was she even here, right now, in this school, introducing herself?

But transfers are a rare thing here. By the end of the day, most everyone knows if somebody new has transferred in. Which brings me back to that guy. Lyn's ex-boyfriend--God, that's weird; even just saying it in my head is weird--Why was he even in the faculty room in the first place? To see Lyn? But I don't think he even talked to her when we were there...

And around and around it went. When the bell rang for the last time that morning, I was sick of myself. Food. Food will fix me. I lean back in my chair and close my eyes as all around me, the sound of closing books, zipping bags, and scraping chairs fill the room as people leave. With my head tilted back over my chair, I sigh.

Oh yeah! Crap, I forgot. I straighten myself on the chair and look around. I catch sight of her just as she's heading for the door. Good.

"Hey, Cat!" I call out. She stops and turns to look at me, tilts her head a little.

"Wanna get lunch with me and Lyn?" I continue.

"......Oh, uh yeah." I got lost in the thoughts of my head for a second. "Yeah, I'd love that!" I smile.

"Okay then. Lyn, Are you just gonna sit there?" he questions Lyn while turning to face her. She still seems out of her mind. Even a lot more than me, and I admit I'm quite the airhead in class.

".....Huh? what? oh, right." she says with a smile that anyone could say was forced. She stands up with her bag in hand and runs to Kai and grabs his wrist. "Let's go! No one wants to get starved, right?" She turns to face me with a smile. A more convincing one. I stand up, and Kai does too. The three of us walk together to the hallway.

"Sheesh, can you stop dragging me? I have feet too, you know." Kai complains.

"You have to promise to walk fast enough. You're too slow!" Lyn answers. She stops walking and lets go of his wrist.

"Its not my problem, you're the one walking too fast."

"No I do not. Anyone can keep up with me!" She starts walking again.
This is probably friendship. I've almost forgotten about this feeling. If I did, I would have ended up being a loner! Thank goodness for the time when I bumped Kai-- well, when he bumped me.

They just continue arguing about random stuff, so I figured I should say something to join in. This way, I won't be able to get closer to them. You won't be able to get any information on whatever happened to Lyn too. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. Why don't I ask what her first name is? I already know her last name because the teacher got mad at her for not paying attention and called her
Miss L'chimyre
... Anyways, how do I start? I know! How about something like.....

"Excuse me Lyn, I've been meaning to ask you. is Lyn a nickname of yours? I never really got your first name, since Kai just keeps calling you Lyn."
.
.
.
Before I knew it, everyone fell silent. We stopped walking too. Did I say something wrong?
I feel some kind of presence behind me. Before I could say anything or turn around, I hear something that makes me feel like someone's put ice in my shirt, and chills go down my spine.


"Hey Archlinne, how've you been doing?"

I guess my question's been answered.
I froze on my spot, when I heard the same voice of the person who has the only ability to make me do something out of my will. I turn my head slowly, and there I catch his gaze, his eyes were as the same as before, cold, yet there's always something else.

I gasped "Eldrick" he moves closer to me. I glanced at Kai, he seems surprised as well as the other girl
"Hey sweetie, how are you? You suddenly left Ashpeak, so I felt lonely and tried to find you" he tucked a strand of hair behind my ears.

Then I froze, frozen on my spot. His hands were cold, almost lifeless, but at the same time it's so warm that it can burn my skin any moment

"What are you doing here?" My words came out so cold, that even I shivered. He leans closer to me and holds both of my shoulders
"Why are you so cold to me? I never did anything wrong to you babe, did I?" I avoid his eyes and instead I looked down on the floor, softly, making sure I'm the only one who heard it I say

"Please, just leave me alone. Please?" I begged over and over again, but softly. I knew he heard me, since I feel his clutch on my shoulder tighten. Then I feel his mouth near my ears, I feel his breath, tickling my ears and he whispered. As harshly and coldly as it could take

"I will. But not forever" then he stands up properly, and smiles at me. A smile that has me going crazy about him at the same time going insane. Then he left, not before saying "I'll see you soon, Chym"

I sighed. Relief has taken over me, then Kai's voice allows me to realize, that I'm actually standing in the middle of the hallway. I walked towards them, and hugged Kai, which I know surprised him, since I felt him tensing up. Then I pulled back and smiled

"Sorry about that"
"Hey umm Lyn?" Cat called me, and I looked at her
"Yeah"
"Nothing. Never mind" I looked at her curiously.
"Uhh... Okay, but I'll try to answer your questions if you do have one" I tell her, probably she was just shy, so she didn't finish what she wanted to ask about
"Chym?" Kai looked at me, eye brow raised
"Yeah, it's a nickname he gave me back in Ashpeak. It's derived from my last name"
"Umm.. Can we go. I'm really starving" the girl, Cat, asked carefully.
"Sure" I smiled.
Then we headed to the cafeteria, letting my worries flow away from my mind for awhile.

--------

Upon arriving at the place, I find a seat, there were lots of vacant space, since other people usually just eat in the classroom. Or if not, then in the backyard garden. Plus eventually most of the students have finished eating by now. I tell Kai, that I'll order the usual, which is, fried chicken and bowl of mushroom soup.

When everyone has settled in. I look at the girl, I was kind of surprised since her body build was petite and yet the amount of food she ordered wasn't the amount I was expecting her to eat in one sitting

"So" I started. Kai and her were sitting beside each other, and when I started the conversion, both their heads whipped up to look at me in unison
"Uhmm... so uhh, your name's Catheroura Sylvain right?" she nods at me, I guess that's all she can do since her mouth is actually busy chewing
"Sorry, I asked Kai for your name awhile ago, just in case you'll ask why I know your name" I introduced myself to her, and stopped midway wondering. I look over to Kai, who staring blankly behind me. I looked behind me and found no one

"Uhh... Kai, you okay? You've been way too quiet over there, is something bothering you?"

"...is something bothering you?"

I only catch the tail end of the question. Did I really see that? But it doesn't really matter, does it? I have to check it out anyway.

"Nah, I'm good." I say, a little hurriedly, "I just... I gotta go to the bathroom. Go ahead and eat."

I stand up, leave the table, and head for the hallway just behind Lyn. I realize belatedly that I'd just given a stupid-ass excuse for leaving. The nearest bathroom is in the opposite direction. But no one comes after me, so I guess it works out. Either they didn't realize, or they didn't care.

The hallway is deserted. The rooms around are mostly labs, and only a few students are allowed to come and go without permission. And those people are probably out having lunch anyway.

All the doors are closed... except one, apparently. At the end of the hall, I notice the door to the Biology lab shutting slowly, soundlessly. There, then.

As I head down the hallway, my footsteps sound determined, somehow. But when I finally get in front of the door, with my hand on the knob, I hesitate. For a heartbeat, I hesitate. But I've gone this far. So I turn the knob. I'm not even fully through the door when I hear his voice.

"So you came, Mikhail Kira."

So I was right. It was him behind that pillar in the hallway, motioning me to follow with a casual wave. Lyn's ex-boyfriend. Eldrick Win-Wein-whatever.

He's leaning against the teacher's table at the front of the room. Once again, I'm struck by how similar his features are to Lyn's. I mean, now that I look closely, their bone structure is different and all and they definitely aren't related, but the pale skin, the startling eyes; they all remind me of her.

He's looking up something on a white folder with the school seal on it. And my name. I realize with a start that it's my school file. My records.

He probably notices my gaze because he remarks, "Oh this," as he flicks the folder for emphasis, "I got it from the office. The staff can be very accommodating if you're polite enough." His tone is amused, and faintly condescending. Like office staff were beneath him or something. I'm not sure why, but I feel acutely uncomfortable. Like he'd just confessed something horrible. I know for a fact that people aren't just allowed to see school records, but he could have gotten mine just sneaking around right? And while it wasn't exactly a good thing, it wasn't horrible either.

Shaking off my discomfort, I ask "What do you want? Why'd you call me out here?"

"You know Mikail Kira--"

"Kai."

He looks at me with one eyebrow raised. "Okay, Kai," and his voice is different from the needling, slightly patronizing one I heard him use on Lyn. If I thought he was a stupid, arrogant bastard before, he's a dangerous arrogant bastard now. I can almost feel the edge in his voice.

"I was a little worried when I saw you with my Chym. She seemed a little... attached to you," he continues nonchalantly, "But I guess I shouldn't have been worried." He tosses my file on the table. "I'd say you're a little too plain. For her tastes." He smiles at me along with the last words. The malice is almost tangible.

He takes slow, arrogant steps towards me. At the invasion of my personal space, I reflexively want to back away. But I don't.

"All the same, I'd like you to stay away. She's mine." His voice is soft, but I could hardly call it something as weak as a whisper. A warning, more like. His eyes are a piercing, violent blue. I can see danger in the depths of them. I feel an echo of last night's headache coming on. But I stare right back. I don't react.

What? He thinks I'll go "Sure thing, boss!" and walk away? Arrogant bastard. How did Lyn end up with this jackass anyway? One of those 'bad boys are hot' things? Jeez.

He backs away. Finally. I'm not sure but I think I see a faint hint of surprise on his face.

"Was that all you wanted to say?" I'm surprised by how even my voice is. Bored even. I don't really like confrontation. It's too troublesome. But there's a first time for anything, I guess. I continue, "Let's get a few things straight."

I count with my fingers to emphasize. And because I want to make him feel like an idiot. Which he is. "One, she isn't yours. She said it herself, so as far as I'm concerned, you're an ex-boyfriend. And regardless, you can't own someone, even when you're dating them, you idiot." His right eyebrow arches slightly but he doesn't say anything so I continue. "Two, I won't 'stay away' from her. She's a good friend of mine. If you want to talk things out with her and she agrees, then fine, it's none of my business. But don't tell me what to do."

I try to gauge his reaction, and I'm slightly pissed off to see that he's perfectly calm. He laughs a little and it pisses me off even more.

"I'm happy to see that Chym made such good friends here. She was always wanting more... company." He almost spits the word out. Contempt in every syllable. A smirk plays on his lips, "But you might not be so enthusiastic if you found out the truth about her. About who she is. And what she's capable of. She hasn't told you a lot about herself, hasn't she?"

My expression probably gave me away. His smirk turns into a smile, triumph in his strange eyes. He continues on, voice teasing and sharp at the same time, "If you're such good friends, why don't you try asking her, Kai?" And with that, and an infuriating grin, the arrogant bastard walks past me and leaves the room.

I stood there a moment longer, processing what just happened. I lean on the table and sigh. Tension that I hadn't noticed floods out of my body. The fuck was that about? But I can't deny that he rattled me a little. Especially with that last part, about me knowing Lyn. He... he was right. I don't know a lot about her past...

But that doesn't mean I don't know her. Of course I know her! She's been my best friend for the last three years. And no matter what she's done, that won't change. Yeah, that was what was important. Still, my curiosity ate at me. Damn it.

With a sigh, I leave the room. If she wants to tell me, she'll tell me. And that's that.


I return to the cafeteria. Lyn and Cat look up at me the moment I get back. I wonder what they talked about while I was gone. Probably wouldn't beat the conversation I just had. The questions are in their eyes. I answer before they can voice them, and try to laugh it off, "Just guy stuff. It doesn't really matter." Guy stuff? Really?

I sit down hurriedly and dive at my chicken before they can actually ask questions. Cat just shrugs it off and starts eating again. Man, she eats a lot for such a small-looking girl. And Lyn. She just stares off somewhere, and I can only wonder about what was on her mind.

The bell rang a few minutes later and the three of us headed back to our classroom, chatting a little, but not really saying anything.

That thing with Lyn's ex-boyfriend gave me even more to think about, and the rest of my afternoon classes passed in another intelligible blur. The last bell rang quicker than I thought it would. But dismissal was a welcome distraction.

So to the burger place then? Hey! Was Cat coming along? That girl would empty out my wallet for sure... Ah well. At least I won't have to see that arrogant bastard's face.
The late afternoon sunset looks so nice, I stepped out of the house
"Chale, I'll be out for a moment" I called, my voice echoed through the entire house. Then I walked through the forest and found the clearing, I headed towards the abandoned park. I find this park the most comfortable place to relax my mind, there's no noise, no pollution. All you see are trees, though some of them has burnt marks, it still is so wonderful.
I come here almost every afternoon to enjoy the sunset view, since this place has the most beautiful sight of all. At times I come here as early as 5:30, when everything here is still so foggy, it would look as if you'd be in a horror film, but that just adds to the mystic-ness of this place.

I sit on the bench and looked at the sunset, counting from one... then two... then it goes on and on... I hear a crunch of twig behind me

"Don't you think the sunset is so nice" I gasped
"It is, isn't it" the soft calming voice echoes through my ears
"Say Chale, what would you do if I tell you I'm scared" I looked down on my lap, my hands clenched ever so tightly
"You don't need to be so scared, I'm right beside you, and I promise I won't let anything happen to you"
"Really" I imagine him leaning on the trunk of the tree
"Yeah, and even if I'm far, just think of my name, and I'll be right there beside you. After all I did promise that I will protect you, with my entire life, didn't I?"
"Thanks, you're a big help"
"Let's go home, the night is more dangerous now than ever. I'm sure you're feeling this uneasy since he has already arrived in Willow Creek"
"Yes" I stand up and turned on my heels and walked towards Chale, he carried me like how a mother would carry their 1 year old baby, and I slept on his shoulders. It was okay, since Chale, is a lot taller than I am
It was already dismissal, and yet Kai doesn't seem to move an inch from his seat. I'm worried, what is going on in that brain of his. I was about to approach Kai, when I see Cat, also still on her seat. I'm guessing she doesn't have any friends since she wasn't moving from her seat as well, and she keeps on staring at her bag.

I look at Kai, still not budging. I wonder what happened during lunch period. I walked towards Kai and slammed my hand on his desk.
"I'll be inviting Cat, that's okay right?" I beamed at him and walked away towards Cat's direction, I swear I think I saw a look of panic on his face. He must've thought he would be treating Cat, apparently he thought wrong. I know Kai, he doesn't have much allowance, unlike mine. So he tries to save at least a penny a day. I smile to myself, I've always saved a lot, I'm not much of a person who likes to buy a lot of things. I buy my stuff when it's really necessary, besides, I have anything I want right inside my house, so there's really no need for me to buy anything.

I approach Cat's table, she was still staring at her bag

"Cat? Cat?" I waved a hand in front of her "Earth to Cat?" "Kitten" "kitty" "meow" I sigh, no use. So I used the same technique I used on Kai, I rubbed both of my palms together, and suddenly slammed my hands on the desk, and as I expected, it did the trick, she was shocked, startled even

"There! I finally got your attention" she looks at me, probably still analyzing
"You" I pointed her with my point finger "are coming with us" she looks at me confusingly, I heaved a deep sigh. What are these two people thinking anyways
"Bur.ger.ia" I said slowly. And finally she catches on. I know that since she smiled so big that it may actually reach her ears, then she looks at me questioningly. Again I sigh
"You want to come with us to the burgeria?"
My stomach churns. I look at the bag on my lap. This only means one thing...

.....I'm hungry...........

I wonder where I should eat now that its already dismissal...

Maybe I should buy something at the convenience store. Pizza? Donuts? A bag of chips? Or maybe I'll try that new steam bun flavor? It seems like that convenience store almost has everything.

I don't know how it always comes to this. No matter how much I eat beforehand, I always get hungry on dismissal. I don't even think if its still normal (for me).

*bang!*

"There! I finally got your attention" Lyn is in front of me. I look at her face. I was probably spacing out again.
"You, are coming with us." she points a finger at me. What? Where? is what I'd say, but instead, I give her a confused look. She sighs.

"Bur-ger-ia" She says each syllable with extra detail. Oh yeah, I could eat there! A smile appears on my face. Wait. Why would she know I was looking for a place to eat? I give her another confused expression, and she gives me another sigh.

"You want to come with us to the burgeria?" she says looking a little annoyed.

"Ohhh, so that's what you meant! Sure, I don't have any plans anyway." I could have sworn I saw a shocked face for a second. That answer was probably one she didn't expect.

"Good. Did you hear that Kai? She said she'd go!" She says this while turning to Kai's direction. His face tells me he’s somewhat panicking. The next second, he stands up and grabs his stuff in a hurry.

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" He says with a calmer face.


When we finally reached the burgeria, Kai speaks up.

“So, what do you guys want?”

“I’ll just have my usual DChicken burger and Poke Soda” Lyn replies. “What about you Cat, what do you want?” She smirks at Kai.

“Y-yeah, what do you want Cat?” He asks me and flings his hand to the back of his neck and with a not-so convincing smile.

“….….” What do I want? I guess I’ll just order a little since its a treat.

“Cat? Kitty? Kitty cat?” Lyn waves her hand in front of my face.

“…I’ll have three DCheezy burgers and bottled water.” Surely that won’t cost too much. The DCheezy is the cheapest burger and bottled water isn’t that much either. Ahh, I really can’t stop myself!

“Welcome to DM Burgeria, may I ask for your order?” the counter lady’s cheerfulness startles me.

“Uhmm…” I say.

“Uh I—“ Kai gets cut.

“I’d like to order two DChicken burgers, three DCheezys, a Poke soda, and two bottled waters.” Lyn orders ahead of the two of us.

“That’ll be fifteen dollars dollars.”

“I’ll pay for Cat’s order, so don’t worry about it.” Lyn speaks while turning around.

“…..Where did he go?” Lyn asks me. When I turn to my right, Kai isn’t there.

“He was here just a minute ago.” I reply.

“What is up with that guy? Seriously, leaving me to pay for the bill??”She complains while taking out her wallet.

“Uh, I can pay for myself, so don’t worry about me.” I start.

“Its fine, really. I was the one who invited you anyways.”

“…Thanks a bunch, Lyn”

“No problem.”

After paying, we sat on a table for three near the corner. Here, it wasn’t too cold or too warm. I should sit here more often, from now on.

“I wonder where he’s wandered off now. The last time we came here together, he disappeared exactly like this.” Lyn explains.

“On that day he bumped me near the main street?” I ask. I remember her cold glare on me and Kai. I also remember being really surprised by the personality she showed when Kai invited me to eat lunch with them. I really did not expect her to be so cheerful.

“Y-yeah, I think that was it.” She says– in an unsure way, maybe?

We continue eating while talking and thinking if we should wait for Kai or not. I thought maybe he might be there at the clearing with benches, meeting up with that girl again, but I’m not sure if I have the right to say something like that to Lyn.

Observing might be the best thing to do right now, so I’d rather not get in the way of anything just yet. I’ve decided not to tell anything to Lyn. I mean, who knows? Maybe Kai will go and tell her himself.

I’m down to my last burger. 'Where is Kai' , I wonder?
“I’d like to order two DChicken burgers, three DCheezys, a Poke soda, and two bottled waters.”

Lyn is ordering for us when a sudden spike of pain slashes through my head. All at once, the air inside the shop is too thick, too heavy, and I can't breathe. The room is starting to spin. In seconds, I go from completely normal to feeling like complete shit.

I need to get out. The thought fills my mind like repeating lines on a chalkboard, and before I know it, I'm pushing the door and breathing in the cool outside air. I walk a little, head for the sidewalk and sit down. Gradually, the pain subsides to a dull throb as I inhale and exhale slowly. What the hell was that? After that and last night's bizarre headache, I'm not sure if I should start worrying. I don't have a history of migraines or anything so maybe I'm just coming down with something. Or I just hit my head a little harder than I thought when Cat fell on me. Ah well, I'm fine now, more or less. I'll live. Probably.

The hedges hide me from view from the burger place. Lyn and Cat are probably wondering where I am. I don't feel a hundred percent, but I gotta go back. As I stand up, my head throbs a little, as if to remind me of my earlier headache. Out of a blue, a face flashes into my mind.

That girl from yesterday. In the clearing. I wonder if she's there right now? I didn't even catch her name. I should go see her... I start walking away from the burger place. Hey! I mentally yell at myself. I don't feel like myself all of a sudden. I'm--I feel--I don't know. Tired? Intensely curious? I want to see if she's there. No, I need to know. I've gotta go!

Huh? What is this? I've got to snap out of it. Lyn and Cat are waiting for me. I was even treating them. Why was I leaving? To see some random girl I’ve barely spoken ten words to? But somehow, I know I need to go. It’s probably just my curiosity again. Although I haven’t been this persistent with anything for a long time. It’s a little strange.

But I really can’t ditch Lyn again. So I make a deal. With myself. Go ahead and laugh now.

Fine, go see her, if it’s so important, but after you finish paying for Lyn and Cat’s stuff. Yeah. Compromise. That’s good. Even though this means I’ll probably have an empty wallet afterwards. I should get a job or something. Though that’s not so easy in such a small town. There are just a few shops, and small businesses are mostly family-owned so they don’t usually bother hiring someone whose nobody’s relative, like me.

Ah, well. That’s a thought for another day. I head on back to the burger place, my head throbbing just enough for me to ignore. I can handle this much. For a good burger.

As I pass by the door, I notice a piece of paper stuck to it. I don’t read it though. I go straight in and scan the place for the girls. They’re at a table near a corner. They look pretty chill with each other. Talking and all that. I know Lyn doesn’t trust girls and awful lot—with the “witch” trauma and stuff—so I guess that’s good. And they’ve already started eating. I hope they saved me something.

As I walk up to the table, both of them look up from their conversation. I await the coming questions/exclamations/possible cursing with my hand on the back of my neck.
When Kai reached the table the question that has been lingering on my mind for awhile now came out
"Why the heck do you keep on ditching me?!?" it came out so bluntly and coldly which made him look at me sorrily and making me feel totally guilty. I see him looking at the table, and unconciously I did too. Surprised I see Cat crumpling the second wrapper of the Cheezys burger, and opening up the third one. I can't believe it, I mean we started eating at the same time, I'm not even midway yet and she's already preparing to eat the third one. I look up at Kai and motions to the seat in front of me, he sits, and I hand him the other DChicken burger and the Poke soda.

I opened my mouth to ask Cat a question, but immediately closed it, seeing Cat, busying herself with her burger. Which got me the giggles. I tried holding it back, inhaling and exhaling almost at the same time. But every time I glance at Cat, the giggles goes back. Kai looks at me, questioningly. That's when I can't hold it anymore and I laughed. Cat looked at me confusingly and worriedly.

"Sorry, it's just that... You really seem hungry" I see her flush beet red. Embarassed? Maybe. Kai reminds me most of the time that I should think before I speak, since I have the habit of telling people what comes out first from my mind. Speaking of which I see Kai glaring slightly at my direction.
"Sorry" I muttered, I glanced cautiously at Cat, I see her drinking her water, I looked at Kai, he was already midway on his burger, and I'm still way far from it. I take a bite... then another... and another... and~.... I choked. I bang my fist in my chest and drank my water

"Idiot" Kai tells me, which makes me pout. There's no way I'll finish last "Just slow it down, it's not like we're going to leave you anyways" I look at him, the tone of his voice was different than the usual. Upset? Irritated? Nope, no. Tired? Yes, definitely, and Annoyed? But of what?

"Kai? Are you okay?" he looks at me eyebrow rising
"I'm fine" he breathes out
"You don't seem like so" he takes a long pause before saying
"It's nothing don't worry" I look at him worriedly
"If its the food, you only have to pay me for the food for the two of us. Its me who's treating Cat, not you" he looks at me surprise and relief on his face. Then he shakes his head, as if to say no
"It's not the food.. No worries.. Somethings just on my mind, don't worry"
"Is this about what Rick has told you?" he looks at me confusingly. And I remember, I'm not supposed to know whatever it is that Eldrick and him has talked about
"What?" he asks. I need to find an excuse. He's looking at me suspiciously now
"Ummm... Uhh... Nothing ahh... nope that's uhh..." I take a bite from my burger, chewing slowly. Avoiding answers. Cat looks at me, like Kai, she's also seems to be waiting for some answers, I focused on finishing my burger. Trying to eat as slowly as possible. It's so good that I wanted to gobble it all up in one go, which is at the same I didn't want to

I see Kai and Cat looking at each other, still seems to be waiting for some answers. When my phone rang. Life Savior, but when I looked at the caller, my blood froze, on the screen, the number encrypted was only owned by one person and that's Eldrick Weinston
I noticed my breathing has gone shallower every second, I tried to inhale. I press the call sign, and leaned the phone in my ears. Stuttering I say
"H-he-hello"
"Hey Chim, how're you? Did you miss me?" How can I? I thought. After all those things you've done to me. Did you really think I would?
"He seems to have taken my silence as a yes, and continued. So let's see each other" one word crossed my thought. Huh?
"Y'know. Meet up. Since I missed you and you missed me, we should meet up to satisfy each other" I've forgotten that he was a mind reader, no matter wherever you may be, he can guess what you're thinking, and the only thing he needs is a simple way of communication and he can access towards you. This is why I've feared him. He was never like this before, I don't know what happened, but one day he just started monopolizing me.

"Chim? I know you're there. C'mon. You know where I live don't you. You've perfected your skills already right? Then this way, it'll be easy for you to actually track me down." I shut my eyes tightly. No. I didn't want to use it. I've sworn since that day, that I would never use it anymore

"Of course you can use it. It's harmless, unless you don't control it. But of course, if you can't. I'm always there for you, to save you. Besides I've always been the one and only person who has truly understand you from the very beginning right?" No this is wrong.
I try to take my phone away from my ears. So that he won't hear anymore of my thoughts. But it seems to go against my will

"Why don't you just accept it. You've missed me.." No. Never!
"I'll see you... You better come here, if you don't want your friends harmed. Or are they really your friends?" Tears welled in my eyes, trickling slowly. No this can't be happening!!

I grabbed my things and ran out of the door, without so much of a goodbye. I know they're worried. I know they're confused. But what I don't know is, if I don't do what he tells me to do, I don't know, what he'll do to them. I shut my phone shut, sobbing hard, running fast, the icy wind of the night hits me and suddenly I bumped. Bumped into someone? I look up, and see violet sparkling eyes looking down on me worriedly. And I don't know what possessed me, but I hugged this person and I let my frustration out.
I stared at Cat. She stared back at me. My head throbbed dully in the background, and I don't know if it's still because of my earlier bizarre headache or a result of what just happened.

Lyn was out the door before we could do anything. She'd looked at her phone and blanched. After answering the call with a shaky "hello", she just listened with eyes open wide and pale lips parted from nervous surprise. Surprise that turned into shocked horror by the end of the call.

I didn't know what to do. Neither did Cat. I didn't know if it was just the trick of light, or tears were running down her face as she ran out the shop door. I'm not sure what I should have done if they had been tears. Stopped her from leaving? Called her back? Followed her?

The only thing I was sure of was who that caller had been. Without a doubt, it had been that arrogant bastard. The only times I've seen Lyn act this out of it were the times he showed up.

She'd called him Rick, hadn't she? Just now, when she asked what that bastard had told me when we were talking... How did she even know that we'd spoken to each other? I didn't tell her, did I? Maybe he did, though I can't imagine why the hell he would do that... He acts cool and all that, but he must be a really insecure dude to actually confront me about "owning" Lyn. Stupid bastard.

But whatever he'd said to Lyn really rattled her. It's probably none of my business, but I don't know if I can just stand around after seeing her react like that. She doesn't seem all that happy to see him. Even if they'd broken up on bad terms, that look on her face when she answered the phone shouldn't have been there. She shouldn't have been scared. I'm starting to regret just watching her leave.

I hear a tap on the table and reflexively turn my head. Towards Cat. She's holding her empty bottle of water. I realize I've been staring at the door, probably for awhile now. I look at her and she looks right back at me.

"--! I'm sorry--I just--I don't know... what's up with Lyn..." The words tumble clumsily from my mouth.

She looks at me, and I can't read the expression in her eyes. Pity? Understanding? Worry?

I don't know.
What is going on right now?? Rick? What he said to Kai? A phone call that made Lyn cry?

A phone call that made Lyn cry.
Who the heck is Rick?

Gah... So many questions, and not enough answers. I don't even know when to start!
I think I'm gonna need a whole lot more cheese and meat to think properly about this.

I wonder what really happened to Lyn? She was definitely crying. No doubt about it. Everything just happened so fast, I didn't even have enough time to react, and it wasn't any better in Kai's position either.

All we could do was stare at each other with confused faces. I guess we're both still doing it right now, except Kai just keeps staring at the door. I grab my empty plastic bottle. Before I could shove it in my bag so I could bring it home, Kai comes back to his senses.

"--! I'm sorry--I just--I don't know... what's up with Lyn..." He says, sounding like a broken tape.

I sigh. A sigh that only I would hear in loud places such as this. 'You're not the only one who's confused, Kai. I am too.' , is what I want to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it or not.

"Its fine. I don't really have an idea either. So, what do we do now? Should we head home?"

I look at Cat. She's asking me what we should do. I don't know either. Right now I want to follow Lyn, but I don't know if i should. If I have the right to.

"Yeah, I guess we should go." I hear myself say.

We stand up together and leave the table. She doesn't say anything more, and neither do I. As we pass by the door, I notice that scrap of paper pinned on it again. We walk slowly so I have time to read it. I'm tired and I just want to go home and lie on my bed, but I read it. I pull out my phone and quickly type in the number on the paper, without stopping my steps. I'll think about what was written on it a little more when I'm not feeling quite so crappy.

I was doing the right thing wasn't I? Leaving Lyn alone? She left by herself. She didn't ask me to follow her. I'll go home and sleep on it, and I'll ask her about it tomorrow. When we see each other. Then, if she wants me to know, she'll tell me, but if it doesn't, it's fine... I won't pretend that I'm completely happy about that, but it's out of my hands. I'm just a friend. I don't have the right to tell her what to do, who to talk to... who to go out with.

We've walked a ways away from the burger place when suddenly, a thought slams into my head.

You have to go.

"What?" Cat asks, confused.

I don't even know what I said. My mouth moves on it's own once again. "I've got to go."

And I turn around and run.
I pulled back from Chale but he pulled me back again for a hug which lasted for only a couple of seconds, then he pulled back
"I'm sorry for being so sudden" he looks at me worriedly, he raises his right hand and cups my cheek, then he caressed his thumb wiping a tear away.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm f-fi-fine" I hiccuped
"You sure?" I looked up at him, his sparkling violet eyes turns to a shade of indigo, his face filled with worry
"I-I" I hiccuped, tears coming back to my eyes
"We can talk about it if you want" I shake my head, no, even if I tell him, there's no way he'd understand. But then again, he's quite a mystery himself, especially a person who's eye's change colors, depending on their mood.
"I-" I was cut off when my phone rang, I reached deep into my bag and found my phone, again encrypted on the phone was his number. I must have stared long into the screen that Chale grabbed it.
"Who's this?" My eyes wide, he answered the phone, Chale answered the phone. I panicked
"Cocky aren't you" If Chale pisses him off, he'd be a goner. I try to steal the phone away from him, but Chale's too tall, I'm only up to his shoulders
"Are you the reason why Lyn's hurt?"
"Really?" he asked with great sarcasm in his voice
"Chale give me back the phone" I whispered, but he ignored it
"Don't ever disturb her, she's busy" What is going on?!?
"Apparently I do" then he clicked off the phone
"Chale are you out of your mind? You don't know what he's capable of doing" I was taken aback when I saw Chale's eye color change into deep black. I stepped backward
"Chale are you ok-?" I was interrupted when he said with such cold voice
"What he's capable off? Isn't he just a killer? A manipulator?" I gasped. How? How does he know everything
"How did you-?" I wasn't able to finish my words when a great pain surged through my head, I crouched down clutching my head
"Lyn!" I hear a voice from afar. Is it Kai?
"Lyn" that same familiar voice again, I try to gather my strength to look up from the ground to see who it was, but the pain grew and the next thing I knew I lost all of my strength and everything went black
“I-“ she goes and then her phone rang,. She reached deep into her bag and looking for her phone, and when she finds it, she stares off into the screen. I wait for her to answer it, curiosity building up, and finally I got the phone and answered it myself, I saw a surge of panic on her face, as I did so
"Who's this?"
"Someone you shouldn't get involved with"
"Cocky aren't you" I see Archlinne jumping, trying to grab the phone, but I turned away from her
"You should really give back the phone to its owner"
"Are you the reason why Lyn's hurt?" I hear him smirk on the other side
"You must've mistaken me with someone. I don't hurt Chym, I love her, I would never cause her pain
"Really" I asked sarcastically
"But of course"
"Don't ever disturb her, she's busy"
"Pfft... What are you her father. No I won't, try not to be so sure, you know nothing about her"
"Apparently I do" then he clicked off the phone
“Yeah right, you’re just a lowly trickster” he whispered right into my mind
"Chale are you out of your mind? You don't know what he's capable of doing" she shouted once I gave her back the phone. I was furious, why does she succumb to whatever he wants.
"Chale are you ok-?"
"What he's capable off? Isn't he just a killer? A manipulator?" I hear her gasp, crap I lost it
"How did you-?" she starts asking, I glance at her, erasing that part of her memory. When she crouched down, I see a figure, a guy. I turn and walk away
You've got to be kidding me.
What am I supposed to do now? Leave? Or stay?

If I stay, I doubt Kai would come back here. If I leave, where would I go?

"Why don't you try thinking about what really happened to Lyn--and to Kai?" Another part of me suggests. I pout.
"Fine. Over dinner then. I'm sure you've already lost all that food from all the drama that just happened."

"Yeah, that's a good idea." I say to myself. I don't wanna eat another burger, how about a pizza from the convenience store around the block? That would surely taste delicious.


After a short walk, I was in front of the store. There aren't that many people, but I guess that's normal.
This has to be my most favorite part in all of Willow Creek. I head inside and buy a pizza.

"Hi Cat, came by for dinner, or just a snack?" The woman in the counter greets me. She asked for my name once, and I guess she hasn't forgotten it. I come by here a lot, so its no surprise she would ask.

"Stopping by for dinner this time. Having pizza. Here." I reply.

"I figured that. Good thing I got one ready for you, its in the microwave. Still warm."

"Thanks!" I smile while handing her the money. How kind of her to do that. Never actually thought she would remember.

I head for the microwave. I could definitely live here. This place has a microwave, coffee maker, and lots and lots of snacks. Awesome. I open the microwave, and the smell of hot pizza awakens my senses. I take a seat in one of the high chairs near the table. I choose the one facing the outside. I eat one of the pizzas. Then two.

So, where am I supposed to start.... I have no idea. "But you were supposed to, right? Do you expect an answer to just appear in front of you?" I grab my fourth pizza. (eaten half of the pizza)

Then suddenly, a guy emerges from the woods. He has black hair and his eyes are-- wait. Wasn't this the guy that we met in the hallway? More accurately, the guy that met us in the hallway. I think he's someone Lyn knew before she went to Willow Creek. More than friends, probably.

I think he's on his cellphone talking to someone. Did he just smirk? or was it a smile? or maybe I'm just sleepy. He puts the phone down and just when I thought he was gonna go on his way, he stares directly into my eyes. his eyes are almost as bright as the moon. Oh god, can he even see me from the darkness outside? I break off the pinpointing stare with me taking my fifth pizza.

With my peripheral vision, I see a crack slowly forming on his lips. The same one he did while he was on the phone. Quickly, I shove in my sixth pizza, not paying attention to its taste anymore. After a couple of seconds, he walks back into the woods, without a single ray of light with him. I seriously doubt he would be able to find his way through the forest like that.

I look at my pizza. The last three are starting to get cold. I look at the woman in the counter. She's just using her phone endlessly without paying attention to me. I guess that kind of reliefs me in a way.

Rick. That must've been him.
I sit up straight, almost too sudden, clutching my head. The pain was too much to bear, tears streamed down my eyes, as I try my hardest to recall whatever happened yesterday. I remember eating with Cathy and Kai, and I remember running out of the Burgeria, because of Rick's sudden call. Then I bumped into Chale, and cried resulting on wetting his shirt. After a short while, Rick called again, and Chale took the phone away from me and we had a little argument after. But now the question is, how did I end up in my bed. I don't remember walking back home. And why is it that I heard Kai's panicking voice in my head?

What is going on?

I look at the clock on the bedside table it read 5:00. Too early to be up. I lie back down and tried to get some sleep, but sleep doesn't come to me. Instead memories does. Memories of the past.

My hair is a mess. I stand up from bed and grab my brush, and combed my hair. In front of the mirror my reflection looks back at me. My hair jet black, match it with a skin so pale, although I'm not anemic at all.

"Linne hurry up or you'll be late for school!"

My mother calls out from downstairs. I nod as if my mother can see me nodding. My family doesn't know this, but I'm not normal as they may think I am. I'm weird. Crazy maybe. I put down my brush, and changed my clothes, then I run downstairs and came face to face with my mother.

-Her hair was dark brown and her skin was normal, not pale, like mine. Even dad looked a lot normal than me. Which would make you think if I was actually even a real part of this family, or just adopted-

She smiles at me and greets me good morning, and so I smile and greet her back, I grab the sandwhich she prepared for me, and walked towards the door
"Mom, try not stress yourself out okay. Call me when you're alone or in need of help" she only smiles at my direction, and so I satisfy myself with that for an answer and leave the house for school


The memory of my mother still living brings back the tears, and so once more, I cried


It's dark. So dark I can't see a thing. But I'm running. Every step echoes in the darkness along with the sound of water. On the ground, splashing beneath my feet. And dripping. Dripping everywhere. All around me. But I can't see a thing.

I'm running. There's a light? Not a light, a white dress, luminous in the darkness. Who is it? Ah yes, who else could it be?
I run towards it. And then it's not black.

It's red.
Deep rich red. Not brilliant, gaudy red. The dark crimson of a decaying rose. Red, like old blood.
Dripping. Dripping everywhere. Splashing beneath my feet. It's not water. It's blood.

And then it's up my knees. But also around my arms, and I can't move. I can't breathe. My heart is pounding, pounding, pounding and blood is in my ears. I open my mouth and blood rushes in. My throat hurts. I can't move. With the thick decaying red in my mouth, it’s useless, but I try to scream.

And it all turns black.

Suddenly I'm breathing. I hear my heart hammering in my ears.

My vision spins a little and I realize it’s because I sat up too fast.

That was a dream.

A weird dream, yeah, weirdest one I’ve had in a while. But just a dream.

I’m just about to lay back down when I realize something isn’t right. I’m not in bed, I’m on… a couch? And the room is familiar, but it isn’t mine.

I know where I am. But how the fuck did I get here?

I’m at Lyn’s house.

The moment I think that, yesterday flashes in my mind in fast forward. Me running, leaving Cat, not even knowing where I’m going, feeling like I’m on autopilot, then suddenly, seeing Lyn, sprawled out on the sidewalk and knowing, just knowing
that was why I was there. I don’t know how I ended up there, but I knew that was where I was supposed to be.

And if that isn't weird enough, there were voices. In my head. Telling me stuff. Telling me "Go".

I think I might be going crazy. I talk to myself all the time damn it! But this isn't anything like that. It felt like somebody else inside my head. What the hell? What the fuck is happening? Might as well check myself in a mental hospital...

But before I can think too much about it, I hear something. Something against the stagnant silence. Sniffling... crying?

And then I remember Lyn. Shit.

She was passed out yesterday, wasn't she. I remember carrying her home and then laying her on her bed... and why the fuck didn't I bring her to a hospital?

Because a voice told you to "bring her home"

The thought immediately pops in my head, and I recognize it as my own. Not "the voice" yesterday. Definitely. I don't know if I should be relieved or creeped out that I can actually tell them apart. Fuck it. This isn't important right now. I need to see if she's ok. Why the hell didn't I take her to the hospital? But the fact that she's crying tells me she's alive, at least... although something must be really wrong. I've only ever seen her cry yesterday, and I wasn't even sure then.

I walk urgently along the hallway to her room, being as silent as I can as I pass by her grandma's door. Lyn tells me she almost never comes out these days. I don't know how she would react if she found me out here so early in the morning. I don't think I can handle any more drama right now.

I hesitate when I notice that her door is open. I probably forgot to close it last night. Heck, I don't even remember opening it. I feel like my memories from last night'll evaporate if I think to hard.

I hear her clearly now. She's definitely crying. I beat out my hesitation. If something is seriously wrong with her, if she's hurt anywhere, it's all my friggin' fault for being an idiot and not getting her to a hospital. And I'm worried, I really am. So I step into the room, making my footsteps a little louder than usual so she can hear me.

It's a little startling to see her like this. She looks younger than I've ever seen her, with the covers pulled around her legs, her hair in a careless mess, a hand on her mouth, looking like she's trying to stifle her sobs. Her limbs are so pale, even against her white bed covers and she looks so... so fragile.

Fragile. It's not a word I would normally describe Lyn with. But when I look at her right now, I realize it's true. And I realize, I don't really know her as much as I think I do.

She finally notices me in the room, and she stops crying so suddenly, the silence surprises me. She looks surprised as well, her bright blue eyes wide, staring up at me from the bed.

She doesn't say anything though, and I don't even know if she understands why I'm here.

But before I know what I'm doing, I'm sitting on the bed, and I whisper without meaning to, "Hey."
It was Friday evening when I first met HIM, I was in the park, tear stained and furious. Why do people love to spread useless things, rumors. I don't do anything to them, and yet they do things to me. If only... I was staring at the faucet, letting my anger out, thinking of all the awful things which my classmates have been spreading, when suddenly the faucet bursts. -Literally burst-. It's pieces scatter, and water flows continuously out of the tube, the water was scattering, as if it was throwing a tantrum.
"You're strong" a deep cool voice speaks from behind me, I turn around to find a really cute guy, who's eyes so light almost transparent, and skin so white. Maybe the male version of Snow White. He walks close to me, and sits beside me on the bench, he has warm, soft fingers, despite those pale skin he has. Although he was a complete stranger, I allowed him to weave his fingers through my hair, giving me a relaxing sensation, which made me feel so relaxed and sleepy. He sits close to me, and tells me. "I'm Eldrick Weinston, and you?" he looks at me, "Archlinne L'chimyre" I tell him, not knowing why I did. I have to admit I felt good and secured around him, so I take look at him, and gave him one of my brightest smile. His eyes were crystal blue, so light and so transparent like. It's so breathtaking.


I remembered how he used to be so sweet towards me, but not before he became into a possessive monster. I shut my eyes and reopened them when I felt Kai's presence close to me, and I looked up. Why is he here? What is he doing in my room? this were the thoughts that ran through my brain. I I shift as he sits on my bed. I've managed to control my sobs, and my hiccuping, but it wasn't for long, when he tells me "hey".
My tears trickles down my cheeks, and I try to stifle my sobs, I try to hide it, somewhere in the back of my throat. I stare at him thinking, how much I wanted to tell him everything. To show him what really happened, to let him know all of my past, but the fear that crawls in my skin, makes me stop and think:
When Kai finds out, will he still remain the same way towards me? will he still be my best friend? Or if he remains as my best friend, what will HE do to him? Will Kai be capable of enduring any ways of Rick's silent tortures. This thought scare me

I swallowed the nervous feeling I had, that's been disturbing me, and I blinked, he seems relieved that I started showing some actions, maybe I've been thinking for so long since he looks so worried. So I tell him

"Hey" I try to give him my best smiles, to assure him I'm okay, but instead it formed, into a slight pained smile, Kai seemed to have a reaction, but I was too busy thinking on how to assure him. So I asked "What are you doing here?"
beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.

I can hear a faint sound that seems to be never ending. I try to find where the noise is coming from.

beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.

Ah, I'm getting closer now....beep.beep.beep.beep.beep.beep..It's right.......
BEEP BEEP!

huh?.......BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP!

Oh....BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP!

I begin to recognize the sound. Its my...BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP!
Alarm clock.

"I'm awake." I say to the clock.

"....." It doesn't say anything. Duh, its a clock. Would I even expect it to say anything? Anyways, like any other weekday, I hurry up and finish my routine in the morning. I check the time, its 6:42 AM
Everything was exactly the same, except that I ran out of cereal and milk. So, it seems I'm getting breakfast at the convenience store today.

I step outside with everything, I think.
Bag, check. Notebooks, check. Textbooks, check. Now all I need are my snacks, and my breakfast, of course.

Hmm, which route should I take today? Should I take the shortcut with the clearing, the long cut in the main street, or the more-or-less normal distance in the neighborhood?
.
.
.
The neighborhood route it is. 'Don't forget to put on your shoes, you genius' Oh yeah, almost forgot about that.


Wow, the people here are real early birds. I remember in the city that people rarely had any time to garden their lawns and clean the house every morning. They just take a light breakfast, and go to their workplaces. I wonder how Kai and Lyn prepare their mornings.
.
.
Kai and Lyn. Kai and Lyn....spicy pepper pizzas! Kai and Lyn!! I can't believe I almost forgot about them. Where in the world were they last night? I hope they would tell me first thing at school...Would they even attend school?? Maybe they went missing or something?
Wait.
I'm getting far too ahead of myself. Just calm down and go to school, calm down and go to school.
Calm down and go to school.

Finally, I see a building closing in. Must be the school.
Wait, have I eaten?

ugh, now I have to go back in the neighborhood so I can get to the convenience store!

Retrace my steps, retrace my steps...

It takes a while before she calms down to answer me "Hey", along with one of those smiles. Those fake smiles that always piss me off, not at her, but at myself. Because I never know what to do. It probably showed on my face because she continues on, "What are you doing here?"

All of a sudden, I'm aware of how strange this situation is. And I feel... awkward. I look away from her and at my lap, my hand on the back of my neck, "I carried you home yesterday, I think. You were passed out on some sidewalk," without thinking I look at her urgently, remembering why I was in here in the first place, "Do you feel any pain? Are you hurt anywhere? Should I take you to a hospital?".

To my complete and utter surprise, she laughs at my concern. She smiles at me, genuinely this time, even though I can still see the tears clinging to her eyelashes.

I feel my face heat up.

"Wha--what the hell are you laughing about?!? When I heard you crying I was--"

She sobers up immediately. Damn it. Damn my big mouth. Damn it. It's not even that big, but I manage to mess up the few times I use it anyway.

Both of us are silent for a while.

I realize then, that I wanted to know why. Even if she didn't answer me, she should at least know that I wanted to know. That I cared.

I looked away from her again. Don't have quite enough courage to do this face to face. So before I could psych myself out and tell myself it was a bad idea... I asked,

"Wanna tell me about it?"
"You see I don’t really want to tell you anything, I’m afraid of what could happen if I do." I lay my head on my arms. "Back when I lived in Ashpeak, there was no one who can console me, not even my parents, I was glad they were there, and I do love them, but it’s not like they can understand anything if I tell them. Besides even if you think about it, I don't see any resemblance of my parents and me. I was probably an adopted child. I had no friends; I was feared, and stayed away from, believing that I’ll put a curse on them. One day, while I was upset and depressed, someone consoled me, and soon I came to like the person, and the feelings became mutual, but things happened, and so I left the place to live with my grandmother. I guess you can say I was running away." I look at him, not with intensity, rather with concern "I’ll tell you this, I’m not as normal as you might think I am. I’m different, I don’t know the reason why Eldrick is here in Willow Creek, but I can tell he’s up to something." Something you wouldn't want to know.I feel Kai’s weight shift along the mattress, so I grabbed his shirt, I looked at him, shit my tears are back. "Please, I’ll try to be good, I’ll try to remain calm, so please, I finally have a friend, please don’t leave" I look away from him, and let go of his shirt This is it, he’ll leave, he’ll leave me on my own again. He’s right, somehow, he’s always right, that no one can console me but him. This time I let my tears fall without any will of stopping them
I head out of the convenience store.

What was I thinking, forgetting about breakfast? I must be getting older. I think to myself while walking as fast as I can. I’m gonna be late for school. I thought I wasn’t going to be, but I don’t think I can catch up. So much for trying to keep a clean record of attendances. Sorry mom.

I wonder how Kai and Lyn are right now. Gee, I hope they attend school. If they don’t, I wouldn’t know what really happened last night, and I wouldn't get a single clue about that creepy dude I saw when I was at the convenience store the other day.

I make it to the school gate around half past six, which is the exact time when the gates close. I must be pretty lucky to make through a crack while the security guard was closing the gate.

“Psh. Lucky ones.” I hear him say as I slip through. I give him a thanking smile before rushing into the building.

I reach the classroom just in time- to get scolded by the teacher. I thought I made it through, but I guess not. She gave me a warning, and another chance just because I was a transferee. Thank God.

I look around the classroom. There are two empty chairs. Just two. I’m starting to get worried about those two, and I don’t like getting worried. It’s such an icky feeling that makes me wanna starve myself until I find out about every single detail. Must be why I always play detective without even noticing.

Suddenly, a girl stands up with a clipboard in her hands. She is walking to the teacher calmly. Then, she hands the clipboard to the teacher.

“Thank you for checking the attendance, Claire. You may now take your seat.” She analyzes the clipboard. I think it might be the attendance sheet on there.

“Hm, Kai and Archlinne, huh?” She says with worry on her face.

“Everyone, please prepare your notebooks, and jot down everything I’m about to write on the board.” A wave of grumbles and groans fill the room.

I sigh. Poor lonely air-headed Cat. Left all alone to daze into the world and wait for the minutes to pass.

Suddenly, I feel somebody staring at me.

I glance around the room. Nope, everyone’s eyes are on the board, copying every word about something I don’t really remember. I shrug, and copy the scribbled stuff on the board.