Midnight Crave

003

2009-08-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

I took the class schedule from Declan and compared his with mine, but before I could reach out to get it, he snatched mine right out of my hand.

"Looks like we have English, Biology and Maths together. " He said, handing my paper back to me.

I gave him the evil eye and studied my schedule. We have assembly today, just to brief the new students on the school rules and regulations. Declan and I walked to the assembly hall together and looked for a seat.

I spotted Wish and Warren sitting together in the middle row, at the same time they turned around, saw me and gestured to the empty seats next to them. I looked around for Sky but he was no where to be seen. I sighed and pulled Declan over to The Double W.

They noticed Declan behind me as I walked over to them.

"Now, who is this old chap?" Warren said in a thick, but obviously fake British accent. Wish giggled at her brother's joke.

I cleared my throat and played along. "This old bud is my neighbour, Declan. He too is from England. Declan, this is Wish and Warren. They're fraternal twins and very very bad actors. "

Declan let out a laugh and shook hands with them. "By the way, I'm from New York, not England."

Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of the schools faulty sound system which let out a very disturbing squeak.

Everyone covered their ears, including the principal, Mr Young, who was holding the microphone, standing in the middle of the stage.

"Good morning students, I hope you have had a pleasant holiday. For those who have been here last year, welcome back. To those who have not experienced learning here, welcome."

Warren whispered something about Mr Young's old use of language to Declan, making Declan laugh quietly.

"This year, there will be many improvements in our facilities, as they will be sponsored by our new Parent Teacher Association chairman, Mr Andrew Colton."

The students and teachers clapped as Declan's dad stepped on stage. My eyes almost popped out of its socket as I recognized the man.
I nudged Declan and whispered to him, " You didn't tell me about this."
Declan shrugged. "Its not a big deal."
"Not a big deal? He's sponsoring to upgrade our school's crappy facilities. It could take millions of dollars."
"Dad said something about his past. Maybe he thinks he owes the school for his success. "
Did Mr. Colton come to this school in his past? I didn't want to ask Declan so many questions, as the teachers were already looking at me, trying to catch me if I say another word.

New faces

2009-08-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

This is Declan!!
<3

Alexis!!!

To Marilyn: HE'S NOT FUGLY ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

002

2009-08-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

At night, I stood in front of my open closet, debating on what to wear to school tomorrow.

Suddenly, my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“If I were you I would wear the black halter top and the grey jeans.”

“Are you spying on me?”

“Hey, you’re the one who didn’t draw your curtains.”

I turned around and saw Declan sitting on his window seal with his phone in his hand. He lifted his free hand and waved. I hung up on him, drew the curtains, and continued choosing.

***

I slung my backpack over my shoulder as I got off the bus, and happily walked into school grounds.

It was the first day of the semester, and I felt great. I wore a jacket over my black halter top, in case it gets chilly in the air conditioned rooms.

As I walked into the hall, it hit me.

I had no friends to go to.

I looked around; freshman were busy talking nervously to their friends, saying that they’ll probably mess up their first day; sophomores were acting cocky, glad that they are finally out of their freshman year; and seniors like me, hooking up with their friends, talking about how great their holidays were in the Bahamas.

And there was me.

Alone.

I couldn’t talk to Sky yet, I don’t know how to. Wish is still on holiday and god knows where Warren is.

When I almost felt like crying, a finger tapped me on the shoulder.

“Excuse me miss, can you show me where the office is? I need to get my dentures done.” A voice of an old lady said. I quickly turned around and saw Declan standing in front of me, clad in a black shirt and jeans, he was looking quite good. A leather sling bag was slung across his body and he was holding a few sheets of papers in his hand.

Not to mention he was giggling like a small kid.

“This is a school, not a dentist’s office.”

“Well, I thought this was a dentist school.” He said, still in his old lady voice.

I cracked up, laughing until my stomach hurt. I slapped him in the shoulder, trying to hold back my pain.

“Seriously, I need to get to the office to confirm my registration. ” He said, in his normal voice, holding up the papers in his hand.

I nodded, feeling sad that he was going to leave me all alone again.

“Come with me?” He said, probably noticing my loneliness.

I gladly nodded again. Following next to him.

“Is your cut still hurting?” He glanced at my arm. He applied ointment on my arm after the fall caused by Polio, he said that it was his fault that I fell.

I nodded.

“If you don’t stop nodding, your head might fall off.”

I nodded again, causing him to laugh.

“I thought you didn’t know what to wear?” He said, smirking while looking at me.

I nodded again.

But you did.

Hi

2009-08-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hi readers, you have probably noticed that there is only one existing post.
Well, I edited the previous posts of their grammatical and spelling errors.
There's really no significant difference.
Sorry I haven't been writing.
Haven't been in a good mood.
Well, enjoy!!!
There are lots more to come!!!

<3

001

2009-08-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

"Sky?" I whispered. The sickly seaweed green hospital walls refracted my voice, causing the word to echo in the room.

"Yes?" He replied. His warm breathe lightly brushing against my cheek. He was sitting by my side, holding my hand, making sure I was okay like he always does.

"I love you." I blurted out without thinking. I tried hitting the rewind button, but it didn't exist.

Sky stood up, hands in his jacket pockets, walked in front of my bed and whispered loudly enough for me to hear, "You're not in love with me, Alexis. You never were, and you never will be." That last sentence stung a little. He continued on, "You're just in love with the idea of being in love with me. Just because your friends and family said that we look adorable together or we make the perfect couple, doesn't mean you have you think that way. Have a mind of your own, Alexis."

I couldn't digest what he was trying to say. Word by word flew into my mind, but not registering. "But...” Was all I could say.

"But what Alexis? But what? I love you Alexis, I always have. Since the day we became friends, best friends. I had a time where I decided to tell you, but that was also the time you accepted Damion into your life. So now that he's left you, you look for me? Is that what I am? Your rebound guy, Alexis? Your replacement till you find someone better?" He said sharply. With anger, confusion, sadness, in his cool grey eyes. His shaggy black hair messy from sleeping by my side for two days, lips pressed together in a straight line, hands shoved into the very deep end of his pockets, possibly damaging the dark blue jacket.

I dare not look at him. I looked down. Thinking about what he said, like a little child in time out. I looked up to see his expression, but he was gone.

I stared at the still pale beige hospital room door. My mind was blank; the only thing I could think of is if whether he is coming back. He didn't even say goodbye, not even a mere "bye". He left me thinking, did I really love him, or did I just love him because everyone says I should, or was just the rebound guy? I didn't know what to think.

Wires stuck to my hands connected to the machine next to me which was beeping rapidly. I tried to calm the beating by sipping the glass of orange juice next to me. Sky had poured it for me earlier. It was tasteless. I put the glass back down and lay on the white sheets, staring at the ceiling.

"So now that he's left you, you look for me? Is that what I am? Your rebound guy, Alexis?"

His words were still ringing in my ear, causing my head to hurt and making the machine beep faster. I was confused, sad and hurt, but I couldn't cry, not even shed a tear.

"Black dress with the tights underneath, I got the breath of the last cigarette on my teeth" The ringing of my phone broke my non-existing thoughts. I picked up my phone from the table and saw Warren's picture. I wanted to click 'busy' but I couldn't bother to listen to the ring tone again.

"Lexie?" My best friend shouted into the phone.

"Hi War." I replied tonelessly.

"Where have you been? I called you like twenty times today! I didn't see all day since school was over!"

"I'm in the hospital. I -"

"You're in the hospital?! What are you doing there? How? When? Why?" He shouted again. He could do this all night and I was already getting annoyed.

"War, just chill. I got into a road accident. It isn't serious. Just a few minor cuts and was unconscious for a while. They're monitoring me overnight just to make sure."

"Oh. I see. I'll come visit you in a bit. Who sent you to the hospital?"

I swallowed before I managed to mumble the word "Sky."

"No wonder he didn't come for basketball practice." Warren said when I mentioned his best friend's name. "Is he still there with you?"

"No. He left."

"Why? Did something happen?" Warren said, concerned.

I told Warren the whole story, not wanting to lie to him; he was my best friend after all.

"I'm sure he just went out to get some air. Look Lexie, let me just finish up cleaning up my room and I'll be right over 'kay?"

"Sure. "

"Bye Lex."

"Bye."

The phone beeped and the line was dead. It was silent all over again. I tried to think good thoughts. I tried to imagine the presence of Warren here. He and I alone. We could just talk. I needed to talk.

I sat patiently for the next twenty minutes, eager to see the white door to swing open and the look Warren's familiar face, offering his usual warmth and comfort. I sat there in the silence, starring at the door the whole time.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Warren walked in, carrying books in one hand and a huge plastic bag in the other.

I sat up immediately. Seeing the smile on his face, I couldn't resist smiling back. But my smile turned into frown as behind him were my other 'friends'.

First, Erine entered with the cheer leading squad, followed by Lucas and the football team and finally Mitchell with the rest of the 11th grade.

Soon, my former silent and peaceful ward had turned into what seemed like the school dance - which was a month away. The jocks were flirting with the cheerleaders and the cheerleaders flipping their hair back and laughing obnoxiously - a typical cheerleader-jock interaction.

Most of them were gathered around me, passing drinks that Warren had brought in that plastic bag he was holding earlier on and snacking on junk food bought from the vending machine conveniently located outside my ward.

The people started to dance when someone plugged their iPod into its portable speakers. My head was throbbing at the sound of "Poker face". When I couldn't take it any longer, I slowly reached for the red button with the nurse's symbol imprinted on it. Within seconds of pressing the button, the nurse, probably in her mid 20's, came in the door and was shocked to see 30 teenagers crammed into a private ward, eating, drinking, and dancing.

At the sight of the nurse, all movement stopped at once, except for the sound of "Poker face" which was still playing in the background. After a few silent, awkward seconds, the nurse took a deep breath and said sternly, “What are you all doing in here? It is way past visiting hours and the patient needs her rest. Only one visitor is allowed to stay the night. As for the others... GET OUT!!!"

Everyone scrammed out the door single filed while the nurse held the door wide open. When everyone except Warren left, I looked at the nurse and mouthed 'Thank you'. She returned my gratitude with a smile and left the room.

"Hey." Warren said as he cleared the rubbish.

"Hey." I replied solemnly, watching his movements as he picked up candy wrappers which were stuck to the grey carpeted floor.

"I didn’t get a chance to talk to you earlier on."

"I know. It was very crowded and uncomfortable and stuffy and smelly and....."

"Okay, okay. I get it." He said laughing. "That's why you called the nurse in huh?" He continued on with a smirk.
My face flushed red as guilt rushed over me. I didn’t answer him and the room turned silent again.

Finally finished with the cleaning up, Warren sat on the side of my bed. I moved over, giving him a little more space, he squeezed in next to me, careful not to hurt me. He slid under the sheets and wrapped his arms around me. His arms provided me with warmth and comfort, just what I needed.

"I'm sorry about all the people just now. I only called Erine as I thought she was close to you. Who knew she was such a loud speaker.

I laughed and said, “You should know that the only people I'm close to is Wish, your sister, who is conveniently on holiday, Sky," I tried not to think of him when I whispered his name "and this other guy who I can't remember. His name was War-something. Hmm..." Warren pinched my cheek; I poked his ribs and continued on. “Anyways, Sorry doesn’t make up for anything, I want to punish you." I said with a cheeky grin. Warren looked down at me, trying to impersonate a little innocent boy, "Baby no want to be punished." Ignoring his gesture, I finally thought of the perfect punishment and said "I want you to stay here the rest of the night and listen to my rants about the life of today and how music has influenced today's people." "Oh no. Were back in Mrs. Hoggens' class again. I hate that old lady. She kinda looks like you though." "Oh shup." I said and smacked him on the shoulder.

This went on again and again. The machine started beeping rapidly again, the both of us stopped, looked at each other and laughed as if it was the funniest thing we've ever seen in our entire lives.

Warren sat beside me the whole time while we were eating, drinking and laughing. I had almost forgotten the pain I had to go through before Warren was here. He was being such a sport by not asking me about Damion. I fell asleep half way through the night in Warren's arms, with the sound of the machine beeping constantly.

I open my eyes to see lush green grass in front of me, with stones around it, creating a border. I soon recall where I was. I was at the top of the Greenery. I was still wearing my hospital gown. I head a familiar laughter behind me. I turn around to see a girl and a boy, both about my age, the girl holding a reel of string which was attached to a kite which was already high up in the sky ; the boy standing behind the girl, his hands wrapped around the girl's hand, telling her when to tug the string. They were both laughing melodiously.

They looked familiar, but I couldn't recall who they were. I sat behind the tree, watching them laugh and play. They seemed happy. Suddenly, the boy takes the reel of string out of the girl’s hand, causing the girl to turn around and look at him. The girl then asks the boy something; he doesn't answer her and looks at the ground. Slowly, he began to speak. I couldn't hear or make out what he was saying to the girl, but by the looks of it, he said something hurtful to the girl – she started to tear.

She sat down on the green grass beneath her and start crying a river. He does nothing to stop her tears from flowing down the pink flushed cheeks of hers, instead, he lets got of the string and walks away. The butterfly shaped kite, slowly drifts into the air, floating away from its owner. She sits there, crying, looking at the footsteps of his move further and further away. I wanted to get up and comfort her, but no matter how I tried, I couldn't get up.

Suddenly, a wild dog appeared in front of her, the dog started to bark at her. She was scared by the dog's sudden bark and she started to move backwards slowly, but she didn't see the slope behind her which connected the top of the Greenery to the driving range.

I wanted to scream to warn her but I couldn't make a sound. She rolled down the slightly steep hill, hitting stones and branches on the way down. Thanks to my own clumsiness, I hit my head on the tree bark while trying to get up and save her, everything went dark after that.

When I finally managed to open my eyes, I realized that it was all just a dream; I was still in my hospital bed. Suddenly, it hit me. That girl in the Greenery, it was me. The boy was Damion. That all happened just yesterday.

I was just staring at the ceiling above me when I suddenly felt my cheeks wet. I wiped them with my hand. I was crying. I tried to stop myself from crying but it didn't work, instead, I cried more and more.

Warren, who was lying beside me, stirred a little, but didn't wake up. I lifted my arm from under the sheets and wiped my tears with the back of my palm, careful not to wake Warren up. After drying up the tears, I tried my best not to think of Damion, shut my eyes and went back to sleep.

I woke up the next morning to find the space next to me empty. I thought that Warren had left, but after noticing his cashmere sweater on the end of my bed, I felt relieved. I got out of bed, feeling a lot better. The wires which were attached to my hand was gone, the nurse must have took them out when I was asleep.

As I went into the bathroom, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I stared at myself for a few moments. My brown hair was contrasting to my pale white face. I felt tired but not the pain I felt yesterday. I brushed my teeth and washed my face before coming out of the bathroom.

I saw Warren and the nurse talking. When both of them saw me, they smiled and asked how I was doing. I replied with a mere smile and nod. Warren told me that I was allowed to leave today.

Clad in a white t-shirt, grey vest and purple jeans the Nanny brought yesterday, I thanked the nurse and left the hospital with Warren. Warren took out his car keys to his car and pressed the button on the remote. The lights of the Toyota Prius lighted up and made a sound. I stepped into the car and waited for Warren to start the engine.

"You seem pretty quiet today." He said turning the key to ignition.
"Just kinda tired that's all."
"Ah. I see. “He drove around the curb and into the street.
I just nodded and let the silence take over.

"Why did you cry last night?" He asked after a few moments.
Surprised by his question, I lied "Just miss home, that's all."
"So you miss your Nanny huh? Or is there anyone else in the house that you miss?"
He was right; there wasn’t anyone at home to miss. Except Nanny, Cook and Polio. Mum and Dad were on a 6 month business trip so I was all alone.
"I just miss Polio that's all. He tends to get very upset when I'm not there."
"Is that the same dog who almost bit your arm off last week or did you get a new one?"
I didn't know what to say, he knows everything that happens in my life so I couldn’t get away with lying.
"I dreamt of what happened the other day. The scene at the Greenery."
"Would you stop thinking of that asshole already? After what he did? What does he think you are leading you on and cutting you off whenever he likes. He lied to you, Lexie. Don't you see that? Thinking and keeping a memory of him wouldn’t change that fact." Warren said with full of fury in his dark olive green eyes.
"Let me out."
"What?" He asked, confused.
"Stop the car, unlock the door and let me out."

Warren did as I said. He stopped in the middle of the street, letting cars honk at him. I lifted the handle of the door and let myself out. I walked onto the pavement and started following it blindly. I didn’t care where it led me. I just needed some space and time to think.

I kept my head down and walked swiftly down the pavement and kept thinking. It wasn’t like I wasn’t trying to forget Damion, I just needed time to. I don't blame Warren for having a shout at me like that; he was always like my big brother, looking out for me. Sigh. What about Sky? How do I face him now? Do I really love hi-

Ouch.

I knocked my head on something hard. With my head looking at the pavement, I see a pair of shoes right in front of me. I lift up my head and see a boy.

"Uhm, sorry." I said quickly, trying not to make any eye contact.
"No prob. Are you okay? You seem disturbed. "
"I'm fine. Thanks." I said and started to walk away then breaking into a jog. There was no way I was going to confide in a total stranger.
"See you!" He called out as I jogged along the pavement, just following it like before. Not long after, I started to run. My joints were hurting me a little from the accident, but the feeling of being able to run was wonderful. I ran swiftly, trying to adapt my legs to it, slowly loosening the joints. The feel of the wind in my face was awesome too. Hey, I'm not the woman's 300m state champion for nothing. I love running.

Enjoying the adrenaline rush, I soon enough arrive at a sign that said Central Park. Suddenly the warm summer air disappears, it was like kind of temperature you get when you dip into the pool after being in the hot sun for a while. The park was surrounded with many many trees and plants; tall ones, short ones, green ones, flowery ones and also thorny ones. I took a look at the giant map at the entrance and looked for the 'You are here' sign. 'There were pavements around the park, which was in a '8' shape. There were two different pavements, one for joggers and the other for dog walkers. In the middle of the '8" was a pond, where children would pull their grandparents to watch them feed the ducks or sail a motorized boat. At the North East of the park, was a lake. Children under the age of 12 were not allowed to be near it unless under adult supervision. I guess they were afraid that they might drown or something.

I jogged along the pavement, following the '8' shape until I reached the lake. It was breathtaking. The water of the lake was glittering from the sun. I found a shady part and sat down, just staring at the scene. I held on to my knees, not thinking, just looking at the lake. It was so peaceful, with the sound of birds chirping and water slowly splashing.

"Hey." A male voice said. I was startled by his voice and slowly brought myself back to reality. I turned around to see the guy, getting ready to kill him for breaking my peace.
It was the guy who I bumped into earlier on.

“Hi.” Was all I could say. I was too busy studying him. He had short dirty blond hair, blue eyes and a very nice, crooked smile. He was wearing a red t-shirt, track bottoms and trainers, and I must say, he looks very very good in them. God, what am I saying, don't I have enough problems already?

“Mind if I sit down?” He said before I started debating with myself.

“Sure.” I smiled and moved over and gave him some space underneath the shade. Oh my god, his legs are almost touching mine! The 13 year old in me was squealing like a rat, but I showed no signs of excitement outside.

“I saw you sitting here while I was running my first lap around the park.” Ah, that explains the track attire. “ I told myself if that you were still on my mind after all my laps, I'd come find you. So here I am.” He smiled with that smile of his. Am I sinking into the ground? Oh no, I'm just melting that's all.

“Oh.” Was all I could say on account that I was probably turning red like that baboon's butt Mr. Gordon made us watch during sex ed. I still get nightmares about that.

“What's your name?” He asked.

“Alexis Diandra Craven. ” I said as if he was a teacher asking my name during the first day of school. “Don't call me by my middle name though, you'll sound like my mum.”

He grinned and put his hand forward and introduced himself. “Declan Gabriel Colton. ” I took his hand and shook it firmly. It was warm and kinda big. Bigger than mine anyways. “Oh and same goes for the middle name thing.” He smiled again.

God, what is with him and smiling. I'm not complaining though.

"Listen." I said, and looked over to the lake. Declan copied me and started listening carefully at the chirping of the birds, the water splashing and the rustling of the breeze in the leaves of the trees.

"It’s peaceful isn't it?" He asked after a moment of silence. I nodded my head and looked back at him. He was still looking at the lake. He continued, " I came here for the first time today, it calms me down and makes me forget all the memories I left behind in New York.

"You're new here?" I asked, surprised. I knew there was no way that I'd never bump into him before in this small town.

"Yup. Arrived here this morning. My mum let me wander around on my own since our neighbours are not in at the moment to show us around. That reminds me, I have to be back by dinner. What time is it? I forgot my watch."

I scrambled for my phone and finally pulled it out from my jeans. "It’s a quarter to seven. "

"Crap. I gotta go back now, mum will be mad if I don't get back before dinner."

"Yea. Me too." I wanted to add that my parents were overseas and that I'd be going home to my nanny and my dog, but that was too much information for a stranger you'd just met. "Where do you live?" I asked him, remembering that he was new.

"Uhm, I can't remember the name of the place. I've only been here for a few hours you know." He grinned. "Come on, let’s walk together." He got up, patted his slightly soiled and not to mention good looking backside, held a hand to me and pulled me up.

I did the same thing to my arse but I know it didn't look as good as his.

I asked him about life in New York and why he moved here. He said his parents were professors and were on a sabbatical, researching on some new project they just received. When I asked him about where he was going to be studying, he said Thrivington High - MY SCHOOL! He was in the same grade as me, but he looked a little mature to me. We walked and walked till we reached the intersection of my road.

"Well, my house is here. So, uhm, see you." I said. Not wanting to say goodbye to prince charming. Prince charming?! Oh my, have I lost my mind.

"Here? Your house is here?" I was kinda shocked by his reaction, I almost thought that he was some kind of robber and he thinks that my house was too low classed for him to rob, but that's just me.

"Uhm, yea. Here, I'll show you." Not a good move if he was really a robber, but whatever, Polio would bite his delicious looking arse right off anyways. I walked over to my house, stuck the key in the door knob and opened the door. I raised my hands up, kinda like saying, "Success! I opened my own house door!"

Declan walked over to the house next to mine, and did the same thing.

My jaw dropped.

He was my new neighbour.

I've always wondered what happened to the for sale sign that was on the yard a month ago.
When it disappeared all of a sudden, Nanny was actually convinced that my parents bought the house for me, since I was nagging them so much about it.

The house on the right, which now belonged to Declan, is a corner lot. It has a much bigger area than my house, thus, a bigger swimming pool. The previous owner liked swimming so much that he decided to double its size. All I can do in my pool is float or swim about 6 strokes in it and I'd have to turn back.

I went in my house, still in awe, and started up the stairs to my room.

"Lexie? Iz zat you?" Nanny said in her usual thick German accent.

"Yes, it’s me!" I called out to her, standing halfway up the stairs.

She appeared at the bottom of the stairs, wearing the normal sweatpants and t-shirt. Oh, and she was holding a frying pan in her right hand. "I zought you were a robber or zomething. Are you okay? How are your injuriez? "

"I'm better now. Thanks for asking. I'm going to go take a shower and go meet the new neighbours."

"Okay. I baked some of my special Duesseldorfer Potato Mushrooms you love zo much. I made extra. Take one of ze trays on ze kitchen counter for ze neighbours on your way out. Polio iz taking a nap in the backyard." I nodded in response and she left for the living room.

I raced up the stairs and went straight into the bathroom. It was great being able to be clean again. I picked out a yellow t-shirt and wore a pair of khaki coloured shorts and went down to the kitchen, carried the tray filled with the potatoes with both hands and carefully walked out the front door.

I carried them down the small steps onto the pavement and a few steps till I reached Declan's front door. My, who knew potatoes were so heavy. I rang the door bell while holding the tray with one hand and balanced it with my right leg.

Seconds later, the door opened. Stood there was a smiling middle aged woman, clad in a t-shirt and shorts. She had brown hair, like myself and did not look anything like a professor like Declan mentioned earlier. I introduced myself.

"Hi, my name is Alexis Craven. I live in the house next door. My nanny made these for you as a welcome gift to our neighbourhood." I smiled and handed the tray to her.

"Oh you shouldn’t have. Thanks." She smiled again. Boy does this family have a thing with smiling. "Declan! Demetria! Come meet our neighbour!" She called out to them, still smiling. "Oh come on in, make yourself at home." She ushered me into their home.

Their new home was still smelling of new paint. It had bright walls and bright curtains. Everything seemed bright about this family.

I followed Mrs. Colton into their kitchen where she settled the tray on the kitchen counter. Declan came in hand in hand with a girl who looked four or five who I assumed was Demetria. Declan introduced himself.

"Hi. I'm Declan, nice to meet you." He shook my hand and winked at me. Mrs. Colton left the room, allowing us to know more about each other. Suddenly, I felt a tug at my shirt. Demetria who wasn’t liking all the attention I was giving Declan, decided to step in.

"My name is Demetria, but you can call me Demi. I'm turning four next month." She said with a cute voice and smiled. "Will you come over more often to play with me?"

I knelt down till I was about her height and said, "Hi, Demi. My name's Alexis, you can call me Lexie. I'll be turning 16 in September, and sure, I'll come play with you every single day."

Demi put on a wide smile that was both innocent and heart melting. Kids these days are so easy to please.

I hung out at the Colton's until dinner time. I tried excusing myself to go home but Mrs. Colton insisted on going out with them for dinner. While waiting for Mr. Colton, I rushed back home, told Nanny that I was going out with them for dinner, and went up to my room.

Mrs. Colton said that we were going out somewhere fancy and she told me to dress up. I opened my wardrobe and looked for something that said "I'm trying to impress you by dressing up fancily because I like your son, but I'm not a slut. " I pulled out a baby blue dress and slipped it on. It was strapless and had a flowing skirt that ended right above my knees. In other words, it was perfect. I grabbed my simple white short sleeved cardigan and clutch and headed for the Colton’s.

I sat at the back of Mr. Colton's car, in between Demetria and Declan. While Mr. and Mrs. Colton were discussing about Demetria's preschool education, Demetria, Declan and I were debating on which of the 15 Barbie dolls Demetria has is the fairest one of all.

Demetria wore a similar blue dress like mine, except it was smaller. A lot smaller. Declan wore a white t-shirt with a black blazer over it, matching pants completed the look. His lap was full with Barbie dolls of different colours and clothing, all in the run to become Snow White.

I took a glance at Mr. Colton. Unlike Declan and Demetria, he had dark hair, jet black dark hair. His features were sharp, not soft like Declan. In other words, he didn’t look anything like his son. I didn’t get a chance to speak to him because he was too busy talking on the phone with someone important. I haven’t seen him smile at all. That frown was simply too frightening.

Dinner was at a posh Italian restaurant, a 5 coursed overly-cheesed meal and a very very expensive 4 figure bill.

I thanked Mr. Colton for the fabulous meal, trying to look sophisticated and not full of cheese. But the man simply nodded. No smile, no "You're welcome.". I'm starting to think that he's made of metal.

After arriving at the Colton’s, I thanked them once more, hugged Demetria, said goodnight to Declan and ran off to my house.

As I ran up the stairs to my room, I felt as if someone was following me. I walked normally to my room, pushed my room door lightly, quickly took my baseball bat and got ready to hit whoever was following me.

The door opened slowly as my pulse raced and my heart beat rapidly.

"Woof!" Polio's wet nose peeked through the door.

I felt relieved and put down the baseball bat. "Hello honey, miss me?" I said in baby talk and Polio replied with a bark.

As I was rubbing Polio's tummy, I heard some rustling outside which was weird because there wasn't any wind here during summer.

I pulled my hand away from Polio, got up and headed for the window.

I peered out, trying to find any suspicious activity.

Suddenly, someone jumped through my window, pushing me to the carpeted floor along with him. Polio was barking furiously as he got off of me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I shouted at Declan, who was rubbing a bruise he got from jumping in my window. And landing on me.
"I climbed the tree in my yard and jumped on the one in yours." He grinned and continued rubbing.
"Uh, why?" I said, being skeptical.
"I wanted to see you." He said with a smile on his face.
Awww. "No, I mean why would you climb the tree? In case you didn't know, my parents are overseas and Nanny doesn't mind me having friends over. "
"Hey, I thought that if Edward Cullen could do it, so can I."
"What?! You are such a goof."
At this moment, Polio came sniffing Declan. Declan offered his hand to Polio to sniff. Polio carefully sniffed it and started barking loudly.
Polio started to growl and bark uncontrollably and tried to bite Declan's pants.
"Polio!!!" I yelled and pulled him by his collar.
I dragged him out the door and shut it.
His barks still could be heard as he scratched on the door with his nails.
I stood near the door with my arms folded over my chest and asked him, "So tell me, what are you really here for?"
"I told you, I just wanted to see you." He replied with a heartwarming smile.

Declan spent the night in my room. I rested my head against the wall and sat crossed legged on one end of my bed as Declan sat right across from me. He flipped through my past year books while talking to me. I closed my eyes, resting them, enjoying the feeling of being at home again.

"Have you ever had a boyfriend?" Declan asked. A lump built up in my throat.

I swallowed and answered, "No." Technically I didn't lie, Damion left me when I was about to say yes.

"Would you like to have one?" He said in a cheerful tone, flipping the pages as he spoke.

"Not now. I'd like to focus on my studies and track and field. You know, important stuff." I said. The lump was getting bigger as I spoke.

The pages stop flipping, he must have finished glancing through.

"You sure?" He whispered. I could feel his breathe on my face. I opened my eyes and startled. I saw his sea blue eyes looking right into mine. His stare wasn't the creepy type, but it was more of a look-deep-down-into-your-soul stare. He was in a crawling position, his arms which were position next to my legs, propped his body up.

"Relax, Al. Just trying to test your reflexes." He laughed and got off the bed. I put my hand on my chest and tried to slow down my heart beat. God, it was faster than dad's driving. "But you might want to reconsider that thinking of yours." He said with a blink and climbed out my window. He jumped onto the tree in my yard, causing it to shake a little and continued on to the tree in his. He reached his room window safely.

As I was about to draw my curtains, he held up a hand to me, asking me to wait. I stood there, confused, trying to guess what he was up to. He walked around his room, taking a few things in his hand and sat down on the bed. He was moving his hands on it. Finally, he stood up, holding a white sheet of card and held it out to me. It said "I forgot to say goodnight. Goodnight! :) " Yes, it did have a smiley face on it. How ironic for a guy who smiles so often.

I mouthed goodnight to him, drew my curtains and climbed into bed. Ah, nothing like home.

I crawled out from my sheets, the familiar smell of Sunday waffles and coffee faintly in the air. The thought of the weekend ending was a drag.

After finishing washing up, I drew my curtains, allowing the bright sun to shine in. I stretched along with the beaming sun, noticing that Declan's turquoise coloured room was empty. He must be watching TV or out in the park. I sat on the window sill, letting my mind drift away, partially thinking of Sky and the words Declan said.

"Lexie!!!" I sprang up as Nanny's scream broke my thoughts.
"Coming!!!" I shouted back and trotted down the stairs in my pink silk tank top and white Snoopy pajama bottoms.

"Ah. Zo you are alreazy awake. Breakfast iz not reazy yet. Why zon't you take Polio for a short walk? You both need ze exercise anyway." She said, concentration on pouring the batter into the waffle iron.

I nodded at her went up to change and grabbed Polio's leash from the counter. I found Polio in the living room, sprawled on the floor watching people walking on the pavement outside our house.

"Come boy, let's go for a walk." I said, attaching the hook to his collar and motioning to him. He immediately stood up on all fours and took the lead.

We walked briskly in the late summer air, passing by other walkers and joggers. In the distance, I saw a familiar person, Declan. Although I only met him yesterday, his features were very distinctive. And hot. His iPod was plugged into his ears as he jogged, he looked up from the pavement and saw us. I waved and he waved back, with sweat trickling down the slight curls of his hair.

As he got nearer, Polio started to bark and growl.

"Polio! Stop! Good boy!" I said, trying to shut him up, but it did not work. I motioned for Declan to go away. He nodded understandingly and ran on the pavement heading east.

Suddenly, Polio barked even louder and started chasing after Declan. I lost my balance and fell before Polio could drag me with him. I let go of the leash, letting Polio run after Declan. I pushed myself up, groaning as I saw the grazes on my arm.

Declan came around the corner, sensing something amiss when Polio was running free.
I told him to go get nanny to fetch Polio back and he did as he was told. I stood up and walked home slowly.

Note to self: Never EVER take Polio on walks ever again.