"Oh, shit."

I stood there, stunned. He wasn't supposed to be here. Dad, no no. It can't be. He's never home on Sundays. I pinched myself, thinking it was just a nightmare. I was probably still in Billy's apartment right now. Lying on the couch. Eric never passed the workshop with that slut. I never kissed Billy to make Eric jealous.

"I asked you a fucking question!"

"God! Why the hell do you care so much? You're never home anyways, so what the fuck are you thinking asking me that question?!"

I gasped. Fuck, I did not just say that! I closed my mouth and continued staring. Shit, should I make a run for it? Just leave. Yes, that's it. I should just run out that door. Come on, Casey. And I did it. I ran for the door.

But apparently, Dad was faster than me. He reached the door before I did and grabbed me by the arm.

"What did you just say to me?!"

Tears streamed down my cheeks. Okay, I was scared. Dad wasn't exactly the skinny, innocent type. In fact, he was the total opposite. Big and violent. What is he going to do to me? I tried to push his hand away but no, he was just too strong.

And then it happened. He punched me. Hard. I fell on the ground and I could taste blood in my mouth. I did the only thing anyone would ever do. I screamed. I screamed my lungs out, hoping at least someone, anyone would hear me.

"Shut the fuck up! I fucking put a roof over your head! I pay for your education! Heck, I pay for everything around here. Nobody gives me damn credit for it!"

I was boiling with anger.

"You fuck every woman you talk to! Oops, sorry. You fuck every woman you see! You abuse mum! You're never home! That is the fucking reason why no one gives you damn credit because you DON'T deserve it! You may have money but you'll never have appreciation!"

I couldn't hold it in any longer. He's fucking pissing me off!

I was still lying on the ground so I quickly stood up.

And it happened again. Not a punch but a slap. My face was burning with pain. So I ran to the backdoor this time. I finally got out of the house. I continued to run in front of the house and I left. My nightmare is over. For now.

"Casey!" I turned around, afraid it was Dad chasing after me. But it wasn't. It was worse than Dad. It was Eric. I can't let him see me like this. I continued to run, ignoring him.

"Casey! Where are you going?!"

He was faster than me too. Wtf, okay, I really have to improve my running skills. Everyone seems to be faster than me these days. He caught up with me.

"Casey... Oh, fuck. What happened?"

"Eric..."

"KELVIN!" i yelled, not caring about the cold stares i've got from the people who were just passing by. Yumi's on her way to the restaurant already and she had no clue about this. I shouldn't inform her right? Hello, i'm not even sure if that's Kelvin! What if it's some other guy?! Hell embarrassment.

People are giving me that fucking stare. It's annoying. And scary.

I smiled apologetically at them and ran after him. I could see him clearly. Yellow tee, skinny jeans, what was he thinking!? That's the ugliest outfit i've seen so far. I yelled his name again, this time, even louder. He didn't respond. My god, was he deaf. That was the loudest yell i could give! I followed him from the back, secretly to a..

I looked up to see the shop's name, "Mrs Smith's."

What.... What is he doing in a jewellery shop?

"Sir, this is the one. Is it okay?" the salesman handed something, which i didn't know what it was, to him.

"Yes! I've been looking for this baby." he held it above eye level and was thrilled to have found whatever he was holding. Oh my god. Is that. ISN'T THAT.

"Isn't it beautiful? I'm sure your girlfriend will love it." another saleswoman teased him playfully. They laughed.

"I hope she does. She's a wee bit choosy though."

"Sir, this is the limited edition necklace, designed by Karika. Who wouldn't like it?! She's one lucky girl." she smiled at him.

"Thanks. I'll take it."

"Cash or credit card?"

"Cash. Here." he handed a handful of money to her and sat down.

"Thank you."

I entered the shop and was greeted by a few salesman. I ignored them and walked towards him. I tapped his shoulder gently, to see if it was Kelvin. He turned around to see me and yes, it was him and he was surprised.

"Mimi. Ugh.. What are you doing here?" he was afraid. He didn't even dare to look me in the eyes when he was talking to me. Typical pussified Kelvin.

"The question is. what are YOU doing?"

"Shhhh.. Okay i'll tell you. Keep it to yourself."

"Duh." i folded my arms angrily and listened to what he had to say.

"It's for.. Melissa."

"Who the heck is Melissa?" my eyes went wide opened.

"My girlfriend." he said simply.

"WHAT!" i screamt at the top of my lungs. i didn't bother about the people who were staring at me, again. i think i'm used to it already. hoo hoo ray.

"Shhhh!" he covered my mouth with his bare, dirty hands. Ew. I quickly moved his hands away.

"Dude, have you forgotten someone?"

There was a short silence.

He giggled. "Oh.. i get what you mean. Let me guess.. you stalked me ever since just now and you're here to tell me that you have a crush on me." he grinned at me.

I raised one of my eyebrows and replied sacarstically, "Yes. I'm in love with you Kelvin. Wow. Let's get married instantly."

"Woooow, hold it, woman. I'm taken by the hottest girl in Biology class already. But, i've got time tonight." he put his hand around my waist. OMG OMG OMG EW! I quickly took a step away from him.

"You do know Yumi's worried about you."

"Yumi? We broke up long time ago."

"Bitch." i punched him on the arm. "What the hell is wrong with you?" and i punched him again.

"What?"

"She loves you and you love her. Two people. Together.." I did a heart shape (i learnt it from the TV) using my fingers, hoping he'll understand wtf was i doing/saying.

Omg, i can't believe i actually did the heart shape.. thing.

"We went around, looking for you." i informed him.

"What for?"

For crying out loud, doesn't he know, he's so important to Yumi?

"She called me last night and told me. You've gone missing..... And,"

"Mimi," he shook his head. "She's nuts." he said.

"What are you trying to say?"

"I know she's your friend.. But, i have to say this anyway."

"Go on." i took a seat next to him and listened.

He took a breath and murmured to himself. "Here goes."

"I hate being with her. She's such a pushover. She controls me. I don't even have any space! She follows me everywhere and, it's dangerous going out with her. She would ask questions about all the girls i talk to, even guys. I mean, over protective much!? And. she doesn't understand me, like how Melissa does. She cries at night for no fucking reason."

"Another second spend with her, will drive me loco." he continued.

"Well, maybe she loves you too much, that's all. We, girls can do a lot, for you guys, sometimes." i tried to explain.

"Maybe that's the problem. she loves me TOO much. Oh, come on? It's not like i'm going to Japan and ask her to be my wife."

I sighed.

"MINNIE. she has mental issues." he had his serious face on. "Besides, i've lost feelings for her already. I tried telling that to her but she couldn't accept it. I guess she thinks we're still together."

I was way speechless. I couldn't say anything else.

"Here you go sir." the salesman interuppted us and then handed a squarish, pinkish box to Kelvin.

"Look Mimi. We're over. Well, i meant me and her. Not you and i."

"Alright." i giggled. "I get you. Problem is, i don't really know how to face Yumi right now.. With all the things you've just told me."

"Just forget about everything i've just said. Don't tell her, i'm living with Mel now. She'll probably kill herself."

"Of course i won't! Trust me."

He took a glance at his watch and replied, "Sorry, Mims. I'll talk to you another time. I'm running late already. Melissa's waiting." He got up in a jiffy and hugged me tightly.

"Yeah.. Sure, call me up whenever you need me."

And there i was, stunned. Everything happened too fast. I better get out of here. I'm not even paying for anything.

" Thanks for the breakfast and for bringing me to the beach . And also , letting me to sleep in your car for the whole night . "

" No probs . I just wanted you to forget bout Martin for at least a day, or else you'll be stressed out again . "

" Well , thanks then . "

Trace dropped me off infront of my house . I opened the house door with my keys . By the time , i reached home , it was already noon . Past noon . I was still so sleepy and tired .

" I'm home . Anyone ? "

Nobody answered me . So i guess , nobody's home again . I walked up the stairs , and went straight to bed . I kept thinking bout what happen between Trace and i .

*flashback*
Yes . That was the time . Trace asked me if i wants to be his girlfriend . I was shocked indeed , he's just a friend to me . No , i'm lying . He's a BROTHER to me and i thought i was a sister to him too . no ? This is definitely wrong . So wrong .

" Woaah . Trace , nice joke . You got me . " I pretended to laugh and then looked away .

He stared at me . His eyes was beautiful that day . He then stood up .

" Sophie , how did you know it was a joke ? Was i really insincere ? " He asked .

" What ? It was a joke ?! TRACE !! It wasnt funny . "

" I wanted to try it on you . I just wanted to see your reaction . I think i should give you a mirror , so you can look at your own reaction " Then he laughed out loud .

" WHAT ! i was shocked , okay . Well , i'm sure that you had enough of your oh-so-will-you-be-my-girlfriend time . So , where did you get this ring ? " I snatched the ring .

" Hey hey , dont play with it . Its expensive okay . "

Trace chased me and we were having a great time running along the beach , along with the sunrise scenery .

After everyone else had gone home, Billy took the chance to question me. He sat next to me on the couch and put his hand on my knee.

“So, what’s this all about?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” I sighed.

“You’re one hell of a strange girl, you know that?”

“Yeah, I do.”

I lied down on his chest and he wrapped his arms around me. We stayed silent for a long minute. I yawned, slowly drifting into sleep….

****

Ughh, where am I? I looked around. It’s white everywhere. White, everywhere. This can only mean one thing, I’M DEAD! How the hell did I end up dead?! The last thing I could remember was… lemme see. I cracked my head to remember the last thing I saw. Billy. I saw Billy. Suddenly, there was Billy! He’s coming towards me.

“I’m sorry.”

I stared up into his deep brown eyes.

“Sorry for what?” I asked, anxious. He ignored me and walked away. I quickly reached out my hand to grab hold of him. I missed and I soon found him disappearing. Where is he going?! He’s not supposed to leave me!

“BILLY!!!!!”

My heart jumped and I sat up straight. I scanned my eyes around the room. No one. Billy must be off at work. Damnn, what a dream that was. What was Billy sorry for? Huh.

I stood up and walked to the bathroom. I took out a new blue top I bought yesterday and a black short. I changed into it and went to the kitchen. I’m not that hungry. Maybe I should go see Billy.

I went out the door and locked it. Okay, this time, I’m keeping the key with me. Nuh uh, no bitch is keeping this key.

I met Billy at the workshop a few minutes later. He was too busy to entertain me so I decided to wander around the workshop. I fiddled with everything I saw! Omg! I’m soo frigging bored!

Oh shit! I had turned around and saw Eric and some chick walking past. I ran across the workshop and took Billy by his hands and kissed him. I kissed him hard on his mouth. Just as I opened my eyes, I caught Eric looking. Oh yeah! I did it.

I pushed Billy away as soon as Eric was out of sight.

“Thanks,” I said.

“What?”

“Sorry, Eric was there.”

“Uh huh. I still don’t see your point.”

“He was with someone else.”

“I thought you were over him.”

“Who ever said I wasn’t?”

“So, so what if he’s with someone else?”

“I just like to make him jealous. See what he’s been missing out all this while,” I said, smiling proudly.

“Casey, you broke up with him.”

“Well, if he did a better job at being a boyfriend I wouldn’t have broken up with him.” I threw my hands in the air. “Duh!”

“Whatever. Now can you please leave me alone?”

“Okay, okay. I’ll leave you alone. Jeez. Oh but wait.. are you hiding something from me, Billy?”

“What kind of a question is that?”

“Just answer me.”

“Why would I ever hide something from you?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because it’s a secret? God, Billy. You’re getting dumber by the second.”

“Shut up.”

“What are you sorry for, Billy?”

“I’m not sorry for anything! What are talking about?”

“I have to go.”

“Where are you going?”

“Home. I need to pick up my clothes. I’m moving in, remember?”

“What about your parents?”

“They’re never home on Sundays,” I replied, walking away.

So, Billy is not hiding anything from me. Billy is not sorry for anything. It was after all just a dream. But it felt so real. Almost as if he really was sorry. Okay, who cares?

I ran back home. I’d better hurry up before mum and dad comes back.

I reached the doorstep. I flipped the carpet and there it was, the spare key in case of emergencies. I unlocked the door.

“Where the fuck have you been?”

Hanging out at Billy's place was fucking memorable. Period.

Prank calls. Facebook. Hot dudes ;)

*

Trace gave me a ride home to get some sleep after an exhausting day out. My legs were aching and my hair was in a mess but i couldn't care much. I almost fell asleep in the car but thank God. I reached home after, like what, 10 minutes or less?

Shit, it was way past my curfew.

I unlocked the gate and walked towards the front door. "Should i go in?" i thought to myself. It was dark outside and creepy. Where else could i go anyway?

But.. What if mum's waiting for me in the living room? What if Lance was too. He can tell whenever i'm lying. Ugh. What explaination could i give? Mum wouldn't trust me anyway if i said.. "Well, Casey broke her right arm and i had to send her to the hospital in the middle of the night."

.. It's worth the try.

I took a breath and opened the door bravely.

Oh, no one was there.

I was glad to find everyone else, fast asleep. I took my handphone out to check what time was it. 4:19 in the morning. Fuck, this is so not good for my skin.

As i walked into my room, i could hear snores coming from Lance's room. Pig.

Suddenly, my handphone rang.

It was someone's number. I didn't know who was it.

I answered the call immediately after the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Hello."

"Hello."

"Hellloo."

"Yes hello, who's this?" i asked, getting frustrated already.

"Jesus, finally. You picked up. Is this Mimi?"

"Yeah. And this is?"

"Yumi."

The girl from History class?

Yeah, the one whom i thought, stole my precious bag.

"Erm, how did you get.." Before i could finish my sentence, she interrupted me.

"I got it from Max."

"Oh."

"Mimi.. Can i talk to you? Am i like disturbing you.. or.."

"Yeah, sure. What's up?" i said, while changing into my pyjamas.

There was a short silence. At that moment, i wanted to hang up already.

"Kelvin's.. missing."

"What." Kelvin, the guy who hangs out with Max?!

"Have you seen him?"

"No no. no wait. What?"

"Kelvin, is missing." she said, slowly.

"Oh Erm. No.. In fact, i don't remember seeing him after school."

"God where can he be.." I could hear her sobbing on the other line.

"Did you try looking for him?"

"Yeah, but he's no where to be found."

"Where does he live?"

"With me."

"OH. Then what.. huh how?"

"We had an argument.. He stormed out of the house. Just like that."

"Oh. Damn, wrong move Yumi. He's a sensitive guy, you know."

"I know i know.. What should i do? I don't want to lose him."

"You know what. We'll find him first thing in the morning tomorrow."

.... What could happen anyway?

-

I drove off to meet Yumi the next morning without having any breakfast. There wasn't anymore time to lose. We had to find Kelvin.

But apparently. We failed to.

"Mimi, i found these yesterday."

She showed me a couple of notes and these were written on it.

I'm not afraid of getting old. I'm afraid of losing.. you.

It's hard to stay away from you.

I love you. I really do. Believe me for once.

I want to believe in it all again. In art, fate, and love and I want to believe that I’ve made the right choice and that I’m on the right path and there's still time to fix the mistakes that I’ve made. And I guess I want hope.

God, that's so sweet. Yumi's lucky to have him as her boyfriend.

"Isn't he the sweetest guy?" she sighed.

"He sure is...."

We went on, searching for him. Still, there wasn't any sign of him. We went to every places that we could think of but no. He wasn't there. We tried asking Max too, but he told us that he hasn't seen him for a while. We asked all his friends but no one saw him. He couldn't have go out of country as his passport was still with Yumi. Where, oh where could he be?

By noon, we got hungry and so we've decided to have a light lunch at a restaurant nearby.

On our way there, suddenly, my eye caught a damn familiar looking figure. Isn't that.. Kelvin?

After spending a couple of hours at Billy's apartment , Trace fetched Mimi and i home . Well , after fetching Mimi home , i was really quiet . I dont know if Martin came up to my mind after that or whatever . But i was totally lost on my words and my mind thinking of Martin . He should have never cheated on me . SHOULD NEVER HAVE . Ugh ! Sophie , why are you still thinking of him ? Cut this out .

" Hey , Sophie ? Are you okay ? " asked Trace .

" Hmm ... yeah . " i replied .

" No , you aren't . You forgotten that i can read girl's mind especially you , Sophie ? "

" Ah , you know me too well , don't you ? You know , somehow , i wonder .. how can you know me so well when i am only friends with you for like a week . "

" This is a ... secret , Sophie . I have my skills , and thats for you to find out . "

" Right right , Trace . " I gave him the sarcastic look and giggled .

You know , its really a miracle that .. a guy like Trace could have known so much bout me . Sometimes , i really wish that Trace was my boyfriend , but i doubt it will ever come true . His so sweet and caring . Ah , i wonder why Martin can never be like Trace .

*your voice was the soundtrack of my summer , do you know that you're unlike any other ? "

" Excuse me . My phone is ringing " i said .

" Sure sure . "

I looked at the number on my phone . I ignored the call , as i don't feel like speaking to that person who called .

" Not answering that ? " Trace asked .

" Nope . Don't feel like it . "

" Why not ? Is it Martin ? "

" Uh uh . Yeah , is him . Lets not talk bout him . "

" Okay . If you say so . Oh , i got a question ? Was that thunder by boys like girls ? "

" YEAH YEAH . i love them ! " I got so excited .

" Me too . I love their album . "

" They are love ! Dont you just agree ? "

" Yeah . Hey Sophie , Can you accompany me to somewhere ? "

" Sure sure . Where ? "

" You will know when you reach there . "

" Okaaaaayy .. "

" Oh and err , Sophie .. Do you still like Martin ? "

" I'm not sure . Really , Trace . I planned to just .. stay a distance from him for a moment "

" Have you told him yet ? " He sounded like he was so curious about it .

" Not yet . "

" Okay . "

I rested my mind while Trace was driving me to somewhere which i've no idea where . I texted Martin saying that " Hey Martin , i think .. is best for us that we keep a distance for a short while . And i'm really sorry for not being so considerate , i hope that you'll forgive me . "

" Trace , i texted Martin saying that i want to keep a distance with him . "

" So .. did he reply ? "

" I will off my phone right now to avoid looking at his reply . "

" Okay . So here we are . We've reached but , we need to wait till morning . You dont mind sleeping in the car with me right ? "

" Uhuh . Right . I'm fine with it somehow . Mum wont be back so soon . So i guess its alright . "

Yes , he brought me to a beach at night , waiting for the sunrise the next morning . I didnt bother , i just slept because i was so tired already .

" Sophie , sophie ! Wake up . Look at the sunrise . "

" Hah hah ? Oh oh . " I quickly woke up from the seat , got off the car , and took the view of the sunrise .

It was just on time for the sun to rise . It was so beautiful . It looks like a paradise and it is a romantic place for couples .

" Sophie , would you be my girlfriend ? " Trace kneels down , and held out a ring on his hand .