I ran and ran until I reached Billy’s apartment. I stopped to catch my breath. What the fuck is wrong with my parents?! Why are they being this way? I pushed all thoughts of them away. I didn’t want to think of them. Heck, I didn’t want to see them again!

I walked up the stairs, climbing one by one slowly, too tired to even consider what the hell I was doing. I finally reached the third floor. I knocked on Mrs. Fort’s door and as expected, she opened.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Casey. What do you want?”

“I need Billy’s key,” I said, stopping every word to breathe in deeply.

“No.”

“What?!”

“You heard me.” I stood upright and looked her in the eye.

“Give me the damn key, you bitch!” I shouted.

She looked at me, wide-eyed. I took the chance to push past through her, grab the key on her table and walk out. I unlocked Billy’s door, and went in, leaving Mrs. Fort to stand outside her door, shocked.

I walked straight to the couch and dived in. I lay there, staring at the ceiling. Ughhhh!
20 minutes passed and I was still lying on the couch, not moving an inch. Okay, enough is enough. I’m not gonna sit here and drown in my sorrow. It’s only going to make things worse. I took my cell phone out of my bag and punched in the numbers.

“Mimi? Sophie? I need you guys.”


"MINNIE! Omg, is that you?"

It's him. It's him. It's him.

Tell me, i'm not dreaming. It must be him.

I did wear my contacts today so i guess there's no other reasons for me to think that guy isn't him. That must be Nate Ralph, standing right in front of me. Come on, he was just talking to me! Not unless, i've just recognized the wrong person. Ew, that would be hell embarrassing.

No, it's him. I just know it.

But, how did he get here? Why is he even here. There were so many unanswered questions in my mind.

"Are you Nate?"

He put his hand around my waist and bend down to whisper something into my ear.

"You think?"

*

(30 + years back)

His mother - Sarah and my mother - Samantha were best friends in high school. My mom was the captain of the cheerleading squad while his mom was the president of the school's drama club. No, my mother wasn't a bitch nor a man-stealer. She was just like me. Well, everyone said so.

So, how in the world did they meet each other?

Samantha was forced to join the drama club because she didn't have any other choice. She hated the drama club a lot. She didn't like the people there, she said it was boring.. yadda yadda. But it was either that or the chess club. Ew. So yeah, that was how they met. Samantha, the woman who would talk about every guy she met in school, clicked with Sarah. Soon, they got closer. Everyday, after school, they'd get coffee and talk about everything! From relationships to friendships and to boys. Duhh, my mum's favourite topic! On top of that, they always have sleepovers during the weekends to keep themselves updated with the latest gossips. Their parents didn't mind at all.

Sarah was married to Tim.
Samantha was married to Cody.
They were very happy.

(before i was born)

My dad passed away. No one told me the cause of his death and whenever i asked mum, she would tell me to shut the hell up. According to David, she didn't even shed a tear nor did she lock herself in her room, crying, like what i've seen from movies. She was so different from other women! Told you, she never cared about my dad. I didn't have the guts to ask her anything about my dad when i was young. Until today, i still dare not ask her about it. No one knows. It's like a mystery. Lance or David might know, but not me.

(few months later)

Coincidentally, Nate and i were born on the same day, at the same hospital. Both of our mothers were operated by the same doctor too! Fated? I'm afraid so. He was just older than me by a few hours only but i was a much quicker learner compared to him. I remember, having compliments for walking, talking and standing up still before he did. We grew up together at Columbus. He was my neighbour and classmate. Yes, we went to the same school. He would do my homework for me while i watch TV in his room. We were damn tight - inseparable!

'Til one day, mum comes back from work, telling us that we're moving to Brooklyn.

Like what the hell?

I couln't leave. I didn't want to get out of Columbus!

We were actually moving to Brooklyn. For. real.

I called up Nate as fast as i could to deliver this bad news. I wasn't surprised. He didn't seem happy after he heard about it.

We were at our usual playground, sitting on the damp, cold grass.

"You're leaving. But why?" I could see it in his eyes, he was determined to know the answer.

"I don't know! Mum just came back and told me that. David seemed to be very happy about it though."

"But Minnie.. i don't want you to go. Can't you stay here with me instead?"

"Aunt Sarah will take care of me? You wish."

"We could move out......."

"Ridiculous!" we gave a sudden giggle.

"Nate, listen to me. I don't want to leave Columbus, don't you get it? If i can, i would stay here with you."

"Brooklyn, psssh. I've never been to that place before."

"Me neither." i shook my head numbly.

He looked up at the clear sky. For one moment, no one said a word. The weather was perfect, it wasn't as humid as it was everyday. Time was passing by really slow, i wasn't in a hurry to get to anywhere. If only time would stop right now.

He turned back down to look at me.

"Promise me, you won't forget me?"

I nodded obediently.

"All those memories we've once shared?"

Memories....

"Yes, i promise you." I held up my pinky finger.

*

(Present)

"Let's go to the beach!" he was wearing his most friendly smile. Thank god, he hasn't changed at all.

I smiled back at him and nodded, "Okay."

The beach wasn't really far away from where Ashton has parked his car. It was sort of like a walking distance to me. When we've finally reached there, the first thing i could hear was the waves crashing upon the shore. I felt the wind blowing through my hair, it was so cooling and refreshing. We walked at the beach for a while. Having Nate around me was really fun. We would never run out of things to say! It's like we could jump from one topic to another. The conversation never dies.

"I can't believe we still can meet after 3 years of not seeing each other."

"Yeah, i know! You could guess how shocked i was, to find you here."

"Fated huh?"

"Maybe." i giggled.

I don't know why but suddenly, at this point, we stopped walking. Nate sat down and i followed.

"So, this is the place.... which you've mentioned to me at Columbus."

I looked at my feet which were covered with sand, "Yeah, isn't it beautiful."

"It sure is."

"There's something i want to ask you though, just curious."

"What?"

"Why are you here? Aren't you suppose studying at Columbus?"

There was a short silence. At the corner of my eye, i could see him, biting his lips nervously. He looked away and stared up at the sky. He does that whenever he's thinking about something. I knew it. I knew something was wrong. He can't possibly be on a vacation. After a few minutes, he finally confessed.

"I-I got expelled."

Nate is always involved in fights. I've advised him a few times already, to stop getting into trouble but he never listens. Sometime, i feel like as though i'm his mother, taking care of him when he's actually elder than me. That boy will never learn from his mistakes dammit.

"What did you do this time?"

"I didn't do anything. Jackson hit me first!" he claimed. So i see. He's innocent.

"What happened?"

"He had sex with my girl. In the freaking gym."

"You caught him?"

"Mimi. It was all planned. He sticked notes on my locker, asking me to go to the gym after school. And when i reached there, i saw them naked. Then, i don't know why, Jackson starts pushing me to the wall and punching me as hard as he could. If you were me, you'll fight back right?"

"If i were you, i'll run away." i laughed. "Jackson is huge!"

He raised one of his eyebrows and continued on with whatever he wanted to tell me, "Anyway, they called up our parents. I told the truth but no one believed me. So mom sent me here to study."

"Which school do you attend now?" i asked casually.

"Sunny Dales High."

My jaw dropped, my heart was beginning to race. He's in the same school as me!? This ought to be a joke!

"You're kidding me."

"No why?"

"That's my school." i replied, still not believing that he was studying at Sunny Dales High too.

"NOOO......." he said in a lower tone of his voice.

"Yes!" I. Was. Really. Shocked.

"Are you sure, it's Sunny Dales?"

Nate can ask stupid questions sometime.

"How can i forget my own school?"

"You're right. God, this is so weird."

"Wait," i paused. "Aren't you the one.."

Pingg! oh god, i dropped my fucking locker key.

I kneeled down to take it when suddenly a hand held out to take the key too. I looked up to see a familiar face but i didn't quite remember who he was. He handed me the key without saying anything else and walked off silently. I stood there, waiting for him to turn back or something but he didn't. Soon, he was out of sight. That was strange.. I didn't even manage to say a simple thank you. His face was pale and he has the most gorgeous blue eyes ever! Neat blonde hair, way above average-looking. I've seen this guy before. I just don't remember where or what his name was!

Nostalgia.

"Yes! You must be the one who picked up my locker key for me!"

"Locker key? OHHHHH. Fuck so you're that girl! God, no wonder you looked familiar."

"I see. So, we've met once." I smiled.

My cellphone rang ten minutes later and it showed Casey's phone number. Odd, why did she call me at this time? Is it some kind of emergency? Oh well. Nevertheless, i answered the call.

The sunlight shone into my room and it woke me up . It could almost blind my eyes . " Grr .. a new day , a new life ! " . I forced my legs to walk me to the bathroom . " God , i look so not MYSELF . AND ... WHAT ?! EYEBAGS ! ! i havent had any eyebags like ... three thousand years ago . I'm so gonna kill Martin for making me cry all night . " I stomped my feet out the room as i was feeling really angry . I opened the door and saw Martin and Trace sleeping outside my room , on the floor .

" Oh my god . What are you guys doing here ? " I woke Martin & Trace up .

" Oh , good morning Sophie . How are you ? " said Trace . He yawned , and went back to sleep .

" I'm doing ... fine . Trace ! WAKE UP .. ! and you too , MARTIN ! " i screamt at their ears & pinched their arm .

" Okay okay . I'm totally awake right now , happy ? " said Trace .

" I'm going to make breakfast for you guys . Omelette and ham , is that fine ?"

" Yeah yeah sure . " said Martin & Trace .

I went down the stairs to the kitchen . I could hear Martin and Trace whispering .

" So does that mean she has forgiven me ? " asked Martin .

" I'm not sure . Anyway , i'm hungry . " Trace quickly rushed down the stairs , followed by Martin .

" Come , let me help you baby . " said Martin .

" Nah , it's okay . "

" Baby , are you still mad at me ? " asked Martin . Then he hugged my waist from the back .

" Can you just please .. behave yourself ? " I then pushed his hand away .

Then i walked to the dining table and served the dishes .

" Here you go . When you guys are done , i think its better for you guys to drive home and take a shower . Oh , by the way Trace , i guess i'll follow you home cause i need you to drive me to the mall to pick up some groceries later . "

" Yeah sure . " said Trace .

" I can do that ! " said Martin .

I ignored Martin and walked up the stairs , to my room to get dressed . I stood right behind the door and a few droplets of tears ran down my cheek . " Sophie Cassandra , you got to stay strong and never forgive Martin after what he has done to you " I thought . I quickly change into a pink top and a white shorts .

" Hey , Trace . Lets go ! " I walked out from my room and down the stairs .

" Shh , she's coming down " I could hear Martin whispering from the kitchen .

" Trace , shall we ? "

" Yeah , sure . Of cause . Right away . "

" Hey Martin , do me a favour , please ? "

" Anything for you sweetheart . You want me to drive you instead ? Sure i can do that . " He quickly jumped out from his seat .

" No no . Help me lock the front door when you're leaving . thanks "

" Alright . Sigh . "

I made my way out of the house and to Trace porche . Trace unlocked his porche and i went in . Oh , did i mention , he comes from a really rich family ? I know . I'm just as shocked as you . He's really nice yet humble .

" Erh Trace ? May i ask you something ? "

" Go ahead "

" What were you talking to Martin when i was in my room ? Be very honest with me . "

" Nothing actually . Bout sexy cars ? Why ? Whats up ?

" Nah . "

" No , tell me Sophie "

" Later okay ? You're driving ! Becareful . "

Both of us were really quiet in the car as i was thinking . Then he drove me to his house .. CORRECTION ! Castle i meant . HIS HOUSE'S REALLY BIG . wait , HUGE !

" Come Sophie , lets go up to my room . "

" Why .. is your house ... so ... empty ? "

" Cause i only stay here with 3 maids , and 2 bodyguards . as my parents are always across the seas . "

" Well same . But , i dont have a house like you ! O-M-G ! what a pretty chandelier is that ! .. and you have .. DOGS too ??! " i pointed at his shih tzu .

" Yeah . His name is Rico . Isnt he cute ? " He carried Rico up .

" Well . He is . But ... dont you ever know im afraid of dogs ?? ! "

" Youu aree ?? Okay ... i guess i'll put him off outside the house . Wait a minute . "

Trace walked out of his " castle " while i looked at all his photo frames along the living room . His mum ... is really pretty and young . She looks like someone ... a celebrity ! YES ! Lindsay Lohan .! his mum totally looks like her . I saw another photo frame which caught my eyes . There were his mum , dad , Trace and another guy who LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE HIM in it . CLONE BROTHER ? But i haven heard Trace saying that he has any other siblings . Hm .

" So , have you discover anything interesting in my so called " castle " ? said Trace while walking in .

" Nopeeeee . Tell me whats interesting in your house . I'm soo Interested in your beautiful " castle " I said and chuckled .

" Okay . Well , let me take you on a tour . Follow me . " Trace smiled .

" Alright . But hey ! Wait . May i ask whose this guy over here ? " I pointed at the guy in the photo frame .

Trace walked over and saw the photo frame . His smile quickly disappeared .

" Oh . "

" Is he someone i'm not suppose to know ? Well , if it is , lets carry on with our tour "

" Nah . He's .. my older brother . "

" You have an older brother ?! why havent i hear you talking bout him ?

" Cause he passed away 3 years ago , in some tragic car accident . "

" Oh my . I'm really sorry , Trace . I guess we should stop talking bout it . Lets go to your room and let you have your shower first . " I quickly run up the stairs to stop that conversation going on . Trace followed me . He lead me to his room , and once i step in his room , i felt like i was dreaming .

" WOW ..... Am i dreaming ?? Your room is .. BIG & pretty ! . " I ran to the balcony looking at the scenery .

" Hm , if you're living here alone , i guess that pretty scenery wouldn't look pretty anymore . " Trace sighed .

" Trace , i can sense something wrong . Come , tell me bout it if you want to . " I took his hand , and walked over to his bed . We both sat down on his comfortable bed .

" My brother is really nice . His name is Brad . I guess if you get to know him , you'll fall in love with him . My whole family including me , loves him alot . But .. we have never thought we'll lose him this fast . Sigh "

" Ohh . Well , i can sense that he must be a very lovely boy eventhough i've never met him before . "

" He sure is . Anyway , i guess im going to bath right now and continue with this topic later . " Trace walked over to his closet and headed to his bathroom .

I just sat on the bed and looked around . I've never thought that Trace would have such a .. dramatic life . I was thinking what should i buy later at the mall ... Eggs , Cucumbers ... MILK ! yes milk ... I just kept on thinking until i didnt notice Trace was done showering .

" Hey Sophie . What you doing ? "

" Sophie ? Are you okay ? " He stared at me then tapped on my shoulder .

" Oh oh , sorry . yeah ? "

" What were you doing ? "

" Nothing . Thinking what i should buy later ? "

" Okay , lets get going . "

Then we left his room , and went down the stairs . I quickly jumped and hid behind Trace right when i saw Rico . He quickly carried Rico and bring him closer to me .

" Are you really that afraid of dogs ? "

" You think ? " Then Rico started to bark at me .

" He's really cute . He's saying hello to you . Come , play with him . "

" OH , Hello RICO . okaay .. i'll try . "

Then i started to play with RICO , and dogs are friendly . Trace was the one who taught me how to communicate with a dog . We left after 15 minutes and headed to the mall . He accompanied me by buying groceries along with me . After being at the mall for 45 minutes , i received Casey's call asking us to meet at the mall .