fAnTasY IsLe

Discovery and Disappearance - Prologue

[AN: YES! Another story... I know, I know... Curse my laziness. I haven't even finished TAM and now I'm working on another. Oh well, I will be only posting the Prologue and the Epilogue]

   

‘He’ was wondering round and about the Forgotten Forest since sundown, searching for place called Moonlight Lake. As the legends dictates, in this said lake is where you can find the rarest and most valuable jewel in the world. ‘Moonlight Stone’, it was called. Yet, it was also said that this lake will only appear on a night with a full moon like tonight and this was what he was waiting for. He will miss his chance if he didn’t find it by sunrise.
   It was almost midnight but he still hasn’t found what he was looking for. He grew frustrated, impatient and tired of searching for it. He didn’t know it was so hard to find. He thought it would only take a couple of minutes and… TADA! He was done!
   He sighed thinking how childish that thought was and decided to take a rest under a huge tree nearby. He slowly closed his eyes, saying:
   “Just for a few seconds…”
   Despite what he told himself, he dozed off. What woke him up was the earsplitting scream that echoed throughout the forest. Then, silence followed. For almost a minute, only the rustling on the leaves and the soft howl of the wind was heard. After that short span of time that seemed like forever, he heard footsteps just a little bit farther away from him.
   “Bah!” a deep, rough voice exclaimed. “…get out… won’t be alive…”
   He didn’t quite catch what they were talking about and it seemed that they were hurriedly trying to get out of the forest. He was curious from whom that scream belonged to because it was certainly not from those person he overheard. He tried searching around forest. As he roamed, he noticed that there was a path. He decided to follow it as if he had a choice.
   As he moved onward, he remembered that he didn’t have time for such a thing that doesn’t even concern him. He was supposed to be looking for the legendary lake but, here he was imitating Dorothy and following some kind of path. But he knows that his curious mind won’t just leave him alone if he won’t go and see what it really was with his own two eyes. He was confused in which one to do first but still he went on and followed the path.
   The next moment he knew, he was, for a second, enfolded by a white light and his body started to feel like a feather, so light. But then, he suddenly woke up to reality and there he was, facing what he was looking for – Moonlight Lake.
   The water was glistening and crystal clear. The soft ripples on it made him want to dip his hands in to it. The moon was reflected on its surface. He was just about to be captivated by its beauty when he heard a soft, pained moan from across. Then and there, he noticed that there was something or someone lying down. He hurriedly ran towards its direction.
   He was surprised to see a girl, around his age perhaps, dirty and dressed in filthy tattered clothes with dark brown spot patterns which seemed like dried blood. She was so thin and pale, as if she hadn’t eaten properly at all. There were both scars and cuts on her skin. He held her in his arms and surprised to know that it was almost as if he was carrying nothing. Her eyes were closed but he could still hear her very slow breathing.
   “Hey… Are you okay?”
   She moaned and winced in pain then she slowly opened her eyes. He let out a small gasp when he saw it. Her eyes were lifeless and empty as if she was just like a soulless shell and nothing more.
   “Help…” she barely spoke. Her voice was so soft now that it can’t almost be heard. “..Me…”
   These were the last words she muttered as she slowly closed her eyes. Her body suddenly grew limp and lifeless in his hands.

[AN: And... done, the Prologue I meant. The Epilogue will shortly follow]

A Distant Memory

[AN: *phew* Finally some inspiration. Sad first-person story. By the way, this is a guy's point of view. Enjoy! :D]

   We always talked about what our future will be. Me, marrying you, who we would invite in that one in a lifetime event, how many kids we would have… I always thought that we would last forever. But now… Everything seemed to be just a dream. It’s like suddenly waking up from a long dream and I was only one ended up hurt. Weren’t you the one who always told me to never leave your side? Yet why were you the first one to leave?
   What did I ever do wrong? I loved you with all my heart. I protected you; I gave you what you wanted. Even you told me nothing could possibly go wrong. But why?
   The words you told me that night still echoed in my ears.
   “Sorry… but I don’t love you anymore.”
   I looked at you to see if there was a feeling of regret yet there was none. You look straight back at me and showed me pity. Then and there, I realized it was all true and I know that it’s been a long time you had that feeling.
   I’m so stupid, right? Even I am laughing to myself. It’s sad but it’s all true. In those times that you showed signs that you were tired of me, I tried my hardest to convince myself that I was just imagining it yet the situations has now appeared right in front of me. Here you are now, telling me that we’re over. After that, you slowly walked away with your friend and disappeared.
   So here I am now, crying alone in my room, drying my eyes until there are no more tears to shed. Don’t worry. I won’t try to kill myself. It’s painful yet my heart still doesn’t want to let go. It’s difficult. It’s difficult but I will try forgetting about you because I know… I know that you will only become a distant memory.

[AN: Thank you, person-who-gave-me-the-idea. Hope you will find someone who will love you the same way you did for her and I also think you deserve a better person than this girl. Readers, until next time]

Ja!

The Arranged Marriage [Chapter 6]

Chapter 6 [Confession]

*preview*

    She knew the two of them were really up to something. They passed by her when she was about to go out and said something suspicious and confusing. And, there faces were devilish.
    "After all, we have decided what to do with you," they whispered as they passed.

*end of preview*

Author: "Well, I'm back! Enjoy!" :D

The Three of Us

[AN: Intermission 2...]

   Sakura district was known for its trained warriors of ninja. Two of the known families were the Kanami and the Aozora. A war broke out during the year 1854 and many were sent to fight. Sadly it ended on a draw and they decided to stop this foolishness. The last fight was when the Aozora’s heir died.
   Ayako was sitting by her garden of roses making her self invisible to others. It had been days since she last went out of her mansion. Rumors were going around saying that she had been depressed because of Yuki’s death. Ever since he died, she had secluded herself from the outside.
   Haru refused to believe these rumors but they seemed true to him. He was Yuki’s younger brother. The three of them had been the best friends since they were children.
   As he was walking by Market Street, he heard the other girls, about his age, gossiping about his best friend.
   “Ayako has been locking herself for weeks now.”
   “Suits her best, that slut...”
   “Yeah. Who does she think she is?”
   Aki snapped. He wasn’t a long-tempered kind of person like his brother was. He ran behind that girl and placed a knife by her neck. He slowly whispered these words into her ear.
   “Call Ayako a ‘slut’ again and I won’t hesitate to shut you up, for eternity.”
   She gulped and nodded. The others just remained gaping at the situation, not a single word out. Good. When he had finally left them alone, that girl collapsed to the ground slightly trembling. Her friends helped her stood back upright again.
   “He may look like Yuki but they are still different.”
   “Right. I liked Yuki better.”
   Those girls whispered among themselves and then walked away. He gritted his teeth. He knew the reason why they called her a slut but that wasn’t true at all. Just because Ayako and Yuki liked each other, it didn’t mean that she seduced him.
   Haru quickened his pace and arrived home in less than half an hour. As soon as he arrived at his own room, he lied down at his bed facing the ceiling. He tried to punch the air trying to let his anger out.
   Why is it that everyone is trying to blame Yuki’s death on Ayako? Why is it that they always compared me with my brother? Why can’t I be just myself? Why do they try to force us to accept the things that we didn’t do? Why pretend to be someone not me? Why can’t you just understand?
   It was already dark when Haru woke up. He didn’t notice that he had already fallen asleep. He changed into something more comfortable. He placed something inside his pocket and went out of the house through the window.
   For him, it wasn’t dangerous. He was as skilled as his brother was. It wasn’t really allowed that children would run around during night fall. He ran stealthily from roof to roof until he reached the Kanami mansion.
   He looked for Ayako in her room but she wasn’t there. She wasn’t also in her garden. He remembered that certain place that held many memories for the three of them. The hilltop where Yuki was now buried.
   He was sure of this.  He hurriedly ran towards that place and as he guessed Ayako was there. She was wearing her white kimono that had cherry blossom as a design.
   “I guessed you would be here,” Haru tried to start a conversation.
   Ayako was praying in front of Yuki’s grave. When she finished, she looked at Haru. He always reminded him of Yuki in some way.
   “You have something to say I presume.”
   Haru nodded. Ayako took a deep breathe and braced herself.
   “I want you… to kill me.”
   “What?”
   Haru looked up the starry sky. “I don’t want to go on living anymore. They always blame us for his death. Isn’t that just unfair? I have no regrets. I have nothing to live for anyway.”
   Ayako laughed. There was a hint of pain in her voice. “No one cares for you? That must be a lie. I can’t really kill you. Why, you ask? I have realized it… Even before he went to the last war, he told me goodbye. He knew all along that he wasn’t going to live, not going to survive. I didn’t cry but I did believe him. Then he told me the reason why I didn’t cry for him. It was because my feelings weren’t really for him. They were for you.”
   Haru looked away. He had confessed to her when they were still little but Ayako turned him down. He could still remember it as if it was yesterday.
   “Then, is it true?”
   “Yes,” she replied sadly.
   “Ayako, I don’t have feelings for you anymore. I…”
   “I know… I know that Haru. But I really loved you. I’m so stupid for not realizing it myself. I am blaming myself. Why are we so different Haru? Why don’t you have any regrets?” Ayako’s tears were streaming down her face. “I don’t want to be bound with sadness. I don’t want to be blamed. I don’t want any of this. I want to be free. I almost wished I wasn’t born on this family. I always wanted freedom.”
   Ayako hugged Haru. Haru watched her as she cried her heart out to him.
   "Freedom…eh?"
   Ayako nodded.
   "I wish freedom… for the three of us..."
   His voice was carried by the wind and the night became silent.
   The following day, the two of them were found dead beside Yuki’s grave. A bloody sword between them. Both had a stab through the stomach. They had committed suicide.
   A month later. A letter was found on Yuki’s desk in his room.

Ayako, Haru... by the time you had read this I may be dead. I know I was going to die beforehand. Why? Because I don’t want to live anymore. The three of us being together wasn’t really allowed. This was the reason why I always wanted us to find our own spot. I...knew that the two of you both have feelings for each other. I wanted to make you together but Ayako... you didn’t really know that your feelings were for my brother... I love you... but you couldn’t love me back as much. It hurts me but I’m happy that I finally told you the truth. With this I could die peacefully. I don’t want to suffer from this illness anymore...I hope the two of you are doing fine...

   There were little drops of blood on the letter. It was sad that they weren’t able to read Yuki’s letter but at the least the achieved their freedom... Or did they?

A Wish...

[AN: This is a short story. If by coincedence it is the same with your situation I have (absolutely) no knowledge about that. This is originally made by ME!!]

*****

   When I think about it, I wasn’t really a genuinely happy person. True, I may have smiled almost every time but it seemed as if those times were just to make them convinced that I was alright. I don’t want anyone to worry about me because I might just become a burden.
   I remembered those times that most of my classmates would come to me to be comforted of their broken hearts. No, not all of it is because of breaking up. I would give them my most gentle smile and try my very best to assure that every thing will be alright. I give them the best advices and after that they would thank me.
   It was like a never ending process. Getting hurt then being reassured; the same cycle, yet I never grew tired of it. I always want them to be happy. I don’t want anyone to be sad.
   There was also a time when I got hurt. I’m only human so it’s natural.
   My best friend and I liked the same person. She told me everything about him because she had a chance to be close to that person while I can’t. She was so happy when she talked about him so I have no choice but to endure it. I thought that someday I would tell her that I loved the same guy.
   The day came that I really want to tell her the truth. But, I heard that they had a relationship. She came to me smiling as widely as ever, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. She was so happy that my heart cried. I just can’t tell her now. I was happy for her. This time it was genuine, one of the few times.
   Every time the class ends, he was already there at the hallway waiting for her. When our eyes met, he would smile at me and it even made my heart hurt more. That smile was because of my friend. I could only pray for their happiness.
   But when I think about it, there were things that I regretted the most. During those times I felt so stupid. If only I did what my instincts told me, but I wouldn’t. I was not born to be selfish. I learned to sacrifice even if it hurts. I have almost become numb because of the loneliness I have felt. I was almost a perfect plan to be able to be a sacrificing person but...
   Before I knew it, my heart began to open up to a person. It was as if I was not burdening all of the negative feeling. He was so caring that I fell in love with him. We became so close that most of his secrets were kept by me.
   Then a time came, he confessed to me. I was so happy but I didn’t accept it. Yes, stupid silly me. I was afraid that if he would be gone I would be all alone again trying to heal those wounds. I was so scared that I would almost sound like a hypocrite to all those who I had given advice. But still, I didn’t accept it.
   The atmosphere between the two of us began to grow apart. I forced myself to become the smiling idiot again. What became of him? He found another girl that he cherished the most. At least, he is happy now. I can’t become a nuisance... but I still regret it.
   If only I accepted him, we might be as happy as all the other couples out there. If only, I told my best friend about the fact that we liked the same guy, we might have had a chance. All these statements will only remain as they are. They are the past.
   After I recovered from that heartache, I became a fake; a pretend. I was happy on the outside. I appreciated what they’ve done for me. But that was not true. I kept the truth hidden and I became a liar. Lying seems to be much faster way to please people. I became a two-faced person yet nobody seemed to notice that.
   I hated those time. I almost hated everyone for not noticing my real self. I would try to resurface it but I was afraid that they would not accept me so I try to hide it again.
I found someone who almost found it but she disappointed me. She was like everyone else that didn’t notice. But still I could not hate them.
I never learned to hate or to be selfish. I only know how to please and make everyone happy. Besides the fact that I made everyone else happy, I still regretted every thing I had done.
   And now, as I write this as the last entry I wished that someday, I too will find the happiness that I seek. I want to be at least try being a little selfish and strive to get what I want; not just sacrifice for others but also for myself. I...I want to be able to be myself and be free from this pretend.
   Someday...may it come true...

*****

[AN: This is an intermission for 'The Arranged Marriage'... Thank you]

The Arranged Marriage [Chapter 5]

Chapter 5 [Rivalry~]

[AN: Finally! Chapter 5 is out! Enjoy!]

    A week had already passed yet the tension between the three of them hadn’t ceased. Aeris would act like nothing happened even though the twins insisted that there was really something not right. There was no news of Trixia, and Kevin was staying silent.
    Today, Aeris was walking alone at Market Street looking for something interesting to buy. It was rare to see her just by herself. She was usually and constantly bothered by the twins.
    The reason why those two weren’t with her was because they were called by their mother for something. She didn’t want to invade their privacy so she decided she had to go by herself.
    There wasn’t really something she wanted to buy. She just didn’t want to go home just yet. She was just looking at the displays of each store window, then walk away. There was nothing much she could buy when she had almost every object that most girls love; rings, dresses, earrings, gowns, shoes, and sorts.
    She finally decided to go home and to save some time she had to pass by the alleyways, which was not safe for those who are alone. Just around the first corner, she was blocked by six men.
    ‘Why do I always get myself into trouble?’ she thought.
    To her those men looked all the same, ugly and skinny. ‘This must be the result of poverty…’ She pulled her pocket inside out, silently saying that she was penniless at that time. She really disliked bringing those huge bundles of paper that was called her ‘daily allowance’
    But those men still looked at her with those eyes, like maniacs. She sighed. Her reaction was just so wrong. She should have screamed or run for her life but, no, she didn’t.
    Two of those men pinned her to the wall. The others walked closer and closer towards her. Still she didn’t scream nor show any signs of struggling and squirming her way out. Those men started to unbutton her uniform.
    “What?!” one of them exclaimed; most likely, he was their leader. “She’s not even resisting?!”
    “You want me to scream and act like I’m scared?” She was actually being serious.
    He laughed, amused. “Would you do it?”
    “Why won’t I?”
    Then, she screamed, or should I say, she shrieked. Those men covered their ears because of the surprise. She screeched with the sharpest she could muster. When she stopped, she hung her head looking down and gasped for air.
    “Why you…”
    He stopped in the middle of his sentence, already knocked out. He was lying just by Aeris feet. She glanced upward and saw that everyone was knocked out. She smiled while still gasping for air.
    ‘Well, what do you know? I’m saved.’
    That was her last thought then she collapsed. The next thing she knew, she had woken up at an unfamiliar place. She was sleeping on something really soft that made her want to close her eyes again but she resisted the temptation and sat up.
    “You’re finally awake, I see,” said the voice that came from behind.
    She looked back and saw a guy, around her age or maybe older by a year or two. She was silent for awhile and observed him. She realized that she was sleeping on his lap earlier. Then she looked around this place.
    “Where are we?”
    “You’re in my room,” he answered as he went out of bed.
    “Oh. You didn’t take advantage of me, did you?”
    “Of course not,” he retorted then muttered something under his breath.
    He picked up his jacket that was on his chair. He wore it as if he was going somewhere. He looked back at Aeris and extended a hand. He looked at him quizzically.
    “I’m going to take you home.”
    Just then, Aeris stomach growled. She looked down at her knees and scratched her head. That was unnecessary. That boy who saved her looked at the clock on the wall. It was really late.
    “Well, just stay a night here.”
    “No, my mom would…”
    “Then just call and tell them you’re staying over at a friends place,” he cut her off.
    She looked at him. Doubtful at first but she had to agree. She made a call home. Naturally, her grandmother took the honor to scold her but they had no choice. It wasn’t safe to let a teenager roam around the streets at this time of the night. Luckily enough that tomorrow was a weekend.
    “That’s settled,” he gave her a smile. “Now, let’s have dinner since I still haven’t eaten too.”
    She just nodded in reply. She was speechless at that time. He’s too kind towards a stranger. What would he do if she was a thief? But she wouldn’t go that low.
After they went out of his room, he led her downstairs. When they reached the bottom step she could already see their dinning room. It wasn’t small. Even though their dinning room is nothing compared to what Aeris had, it still looked neat enough place to eat.
    Though he invited her, there was no food prepared. He had to cook for food because our protagonist doesn’t know how to do such things.
    “Why are you cooking? Doesn’t your mother do that?”
    Even though she was raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, she knew what commoner families usually do and eat. She had read those in novels that her ladies in waiting would smuggle. She was knowledgeable in those kinds of things unlike that Japanese rich guy who suddenly became addicted with ‘commoner’ ramen and eats it every time he gets depressed.
    “My parents are away on a trip for a few days so I have to take care of the house.”
    “Oh.”
    She stopped saying anything. She may touch some things that are private. After that she took off her school blouse because it was becoming hot. She was actually wearing an extra shirt underneath. This was also the reason why she hadn’t reacted when those thugs tried to undress her.
    “Dinner is served.”
    He held two trays of food as if he was serving her in a fast food. Though, there wasn’t really much food that he cooked she was still full. For a guy, he was an amazing cook.
    “Delicious!”
    He laughed in reply. After dinner, he washed the dishes while she sat and waited for him. While waiting, they talked about many things. They got along with each other that fast.
    “I haven’t introduced myself yet,” Aeris said, in the middle of their conversation.     “I am Aeris Rain, pleased to meet you.”
    He seemed to be in a deep thought for a while then he wiped his hands with the blue-colored apron he was wearing. He extended his arm then said his name.
    “Julian’s the name, the pleasure’s mine.”
They shook their hands. They were now formally introduced with each other. After washing the dishes, they went back upstairs and went inside his room. As soon as they arrived, Julian walked towards his closet. Aeris just sat by his study table.
Julian pulled out a futon from his closet. Aeris helped in putting it on the floor because she expected that she would be the one sleeping there. For a rich kid, she wasn’t too picky on where she could sleep as long as she is comfortable enough.
    “You sleep on the bed. I will be sleeping here.”
    “But…”
    He pressed his finger on her lips to shut her up. She wasn’t able to retort because of that. She had no choice but to do as he say. But even though she agreed, she was completely uncomfortable and didn’t get enough sleep. It wasn’t the mattress’ fault.
Julian on the other hand was not comfortable with having a girl sleep in the same room with him. He was a guy, after all. He didn’t want to wake up and move into another room because she might still be awake. But because of worrying too much, he fell asleep.
    The following day, Aeris had woken up around five early in the morning. She only had three hours of sleep. She looked around the room and noticed that Julian was still asleep. Good, she thought.
    She picked up her bag that was placed on his study table. She walked tip-toe across the room and towards the door. When she was about to open the door, he stirred from his sleep.
    “Hmmm…,” he mumbled as he turned the other way.
    A bead of sweat trickled down from her forehead. She let out a sigh. That was close. She thought he would wake up. She bade him goodbye silently and left his house. As soon as she was out, she ran, wanting to go home as soon as possible.
Another week of classes came and today was the first day. Aeris came in the school gates together with the flock of students. When she came inside the school building, she noticed someone familiar.
    She doubted her self for a second. When she saw it again, she was sure what she is seeing. She ran towards that direction and tapped his shoulder. That guy looked at her.
    “Hey! Thanks for the other day,” she said smiling.
    That person turned around. It was Julian. He was talking to a friend earlier that’s why he didn’t notice when he came inside the building. There was still time before class starts so it was fine to have a little chat.
    “AH!” he shouted in surprise. “Why did you just leave?”
    “Who is that?” his friend asked.
    “She stayed at my house for a night because of some reason.”
    “Eh… Isn’t she lucky?” his friend peeked from behind Julian. “AH!!” he shouted in surprise.
    Julian was talking to Kevin. The latter was surprised that Julian had sheltered Aeris at his home for a night. What a lucky guy, he thought.
    Aeris stared at Julian who was smiling at Kevin just now. When you look at this person carefully, he wasn’t handsome at all but he was beautiful. He had the aura that when you look at him, a bunch of roses would surround him.
    And when she did look at him it did happen. She shook her head. She must have lack of sleep. She waved at him and went to her class. Julian waved back before she disappeared within the crowd.
    “Hmmm…Don’t you feel love?” Kevin teased. “Ah… LOVE…”
    Julian’s cheeks had the hint of red in them.
    “Shut up,” he mumbled as he put a notebook on Kevin’s face therefore Kevin was kissing the notebook.
    “Oi! What was that for?”
    “You’re gonna be late for class.”
    “Ah. Hey, wait for me!”
    They ran in the hallways laughing like elementary students. Everybody looked at them and even though they were acting like children, everyone admired their gracefulness. Ah, friendship! Aeris just rolled her eyes. She was one of the very few people who still had the right mind.
    Mira-sensei, Class 1-1’s homeroom teacher, asked Aeris to get send some papers to the faculty room because she had been spacing out during her class. She sighed and did what she was told. She was having a slight headache.
    She walked past the rooms and looked inside as she was going to the faculty room. She was not looking in front of her when she bumped into someone.
    “Oh, sorry!”   
    Aeris lost her balance when she bumped and her head collided with the wall. Her vision became blurred then she collapsed. When she woke up, she was already in the nurse’s clinic.
    “You’re finally awake,” someone with a familiar voice said.
    She looked to her right and Julian was there. He didn’t look happy. She wondered why and do sooner she learned the answer.
    “Aeris…”
    “Yes?”
    “I declare you as my rival!”
    After he said that, he left the nurse’s office and the twins came in with worried faces. They must have endured class and waited until it ended before they had the chance to visit her.
    “Are you alright?”
    She wasn’t able to answer them because she was confused of the words Julian left her. She just became his rival but how?

------

-fin

[AN: "Hmmm....What should be next? Chapter 6 or the Character profiles?"]

The Arranged Marriage [Chapter 4]

Chapter 4 [Kiss and Make Up?!]

    Trixia had been crying ever since he said that. Well, it was just hours passed, sitting under a tree, but her eyes were already swollen from shedding tears. She must have really like the guy, huh?
    She skipped the classes for the whole day because she felt so hurt. It was almost to the point that she didn’t want to move on with her life and just die. Isn’t that just wrong?
    Somebody came from behind her. Without even looking, she felt that person’s presence.
    “Go away,” she said, not even trying to hide the fact she is crying. “Leave me alone. Can’t you see? I’m sad…”
    “No… I can’t see,” he answered.
    She looked up and saw an unfamiliar face. She thought he was just being mean but, truthfully enough, he can’t see. Why? Simply because he was blind that’s why he can’t see.
    He sat beside her and handed her a handkerchief. For a blind person, he can certainly know where one person is. He didn’t say another word.
    “Why are you still here?” she asked while wiping her tears with his handkerchief.
    He pointed to the piece of cloth she was holding and replied, “That’s mine.”
    She felt stupid for that time. Of course, it was his but he offered it to her, so she thought that she had to keep it. Before she could return it, he said something she could not forget.
    “There are still so many things in the world that we do not know of.” He tilted his head upward. “Even though I cannot see the world, I am still hoping, until now that I might see its beauty someday, even for a second. I won’t mind if it would only be for a short period of time. I wanted to see the faces of everyone I knew.” Then, he faced her and gave her a smile. “So, whatever happens, continue to hope and never forget what you are aiming for.”
    He received his handkerchief and just left like that. She felt stupid, the second time, for thinking of dying because of what the person she loved had said.
    ‘No, I shall not give up!’
    New surge of strength was burning in her eyes. She stood up suddenly because of excitement. And because of it, she hit her head with a branch of tree. It was the third time that she felt stupid. Maybe it wasn’t her lucky day, but tomorrow she knew it would be.
    From afar, somebody was watching from their classroom window. Aeris could not stop worrying about what happened earlier. It was good news to her that someone was clinging to him; that guy.
    But, she saw him whisper something into that girl’s ears. Then, that girl just suddenly burst into tears and ran out of the building. He had that sad face. It was the last thing she saw because the twins pulled her out of their sight.
    She didn’t want to think about him anymore. She wiped those memories in her mind and tried not to think about it. It would just give her headaches, anyway. She was walking out of the lobby, escorted by the twins, when suddenly somebody grabbed her by the arm and made her drop her books. This made the twins notice she was gone and, truthfully enough, when they turned their heads she was no longer there; only her books were left.
    Where was our protagonist? Well, she was pulled into some secret passage and was led to some kind of cult-room…or something like that.
    The room was only candle lit and dark, thick curtains covered the window preventing the sunlight from peeping into the room. It was creepy, though it didn’t have what you can usually see in haunted houses. There was really something in it that makes you feel uncomfortable.
    Aeris coughed because of the dust. “Where am I?”
    Somebody spoke up from behind, “Scared?”
    “Yes…much.”
    There was sarcasm in her voice, and indeed, she wasn’t. There was not hint of fear in her voice, just annoyance. That was because, her grandmother still wanted to talk to her about something---their business.
    “Why did you drag me here?”
    “I wanted to talk to you.”
She could now see a silhouette of a guy sitting in front of her, arms and legs crossed. She sensed that he was getting amused as she was losing his temper so she calmed herself down.
    “What do you want to talk about?” she answered his request.
    She was silently counting from one to ten to remain calm. Somehow, his voice sounded vaguely familiar but she shrugged it off. She must have imagined it. The presence in front of her seemed to have disappeared. She tried to look behind her but… he was already there. He had his arms wrapped on her waist, his mouth just centimeters away from her ear.
    She could hear his steady breathing. She was now losing her patience. She opened her mouth to speak up but the person behind spoke up first.
    “Listen to me…” he said. “I li-…”
    The tune ‘Just the Girl’ began playing in the background. He stepped away from her and sighed. ‘Just my luck’, he thought. He left the empty classroom immediately.
    ‘Just my luck’, Aeris thought the same but not in emotion. She was happy that she was finally out of the PERVERT’S hands. She left the room as quickly as that boy did.
    She passed by the row of lockers in the hallway and saw the twins waiting for her there. When they noticed her, they waved at her simultaneously. They had her books in hand.
    “Where were you?” they said in perfect synch.
    “Just went, uh, somewhere.”
    Of course, they would be stupid to believe that but they just nodded. She was glad that they didn’t ask anymore questions as they walked home together.
**********
    Kevin banged his head softly on his bedroom wall. He missed his chance just because somebody called. He wanted to turn back that time but that is impossible. He jumped in his bed and decided he would just go to sleep. There was nothing else he could do for that day.
    The following day started normally. To elaborate what normal is, it’s to start the day by waking up, doing your personal necessities then going to school, like most students would do.
    While Kevin was busy sulking over yesterday, most of the female group of the school was admiring his state. He was, after all, the campus idol. But he couldn’t miss seeing Aeris as she passed by him, because he was walking too slowly. And Aeris being herself can’t help but ignore him. He wanted to call out her name but he was held back by his admirers.
    As class started, he continued to space out and was constantly scolded by the teacher. Trixia looked at him with those eyes of jealousy and love. What was he thinking at this time? Can’t he take his mind off a single girl?
    But that wasn’t the reason he was spacing out. He was listing all the possible chances that he could talk one to one with this girl. And somehow, he just can’t get the thought of his arranged marriage off his mind.
    Finally, the chance came during lunch break. Aeris was alone in the rooftop, eating her lunchbox where no one could see her. Just suddenly, the person she didn’t want to see the most came.
    Kevin himself was also taken by surprise. He also usually ate his lunch at that same place.
    “Sorry,” he said.
    Even though it was his chance, he wasn’t ready so he had to retreat. He was about to walk away when Aeris answered.
    “It’s okay.”
    He was left speechless but she regained his courage. He took the perfect moment. He had to ask this question.
    “Can I sit with you?”
    “I don’t mind.”
    “Why do you eat all by yourself?”
    Aeris looked at him. Isn’t he going to friendly with her right now? She did not bother answering him and continued eating. Kevin wasn’t at all annoyed which was her motive. She wanted him to stop bothering her yet he didn’t stop asking questions.
    “Oi! Answer me,” he said in a whiny voice.
    She gave in and answered, “I don’t have friends to eat lunch with.”
    “What about the twins?”
    “They have their own group so I won’t bother disturbing their time together.”
    He laughed, “Ha ha, you’re such a cute underclassman.”
    Kevin gave her a pat and a smile. Her cheeks had the rush of blood and were now rose colored; in short, she blushed. To cover it up, she looked down at her food and continued to eat.
    He had enough fun for that time. Now, he likes this girl even more. If only…
From afar, someone was watching the two schoolmates that were happily eating their lunch together. The person who was watching bit a part of her handkerchief. She transferred her frustrations by releasing her anger on the helpless nonliving thing.
    That girl noticed that the guy she loved laughed once again at the freshman who she thought stole her lover. Suddenly, through what she had seen, that guy leaned over that freshman. The rest of it was blocked. She was now trembling in fear.
    ‘It couldn’t be…’ she told herself. ‘It couldn’t be that they kissed…’
    She covered her face hiding the fact that she was crying once again. That girl from behind the rooftop door was none other that Trixia. She closed the door with a bang then ran down the staircase that leads to the rooftop.
    When the two notice this, it was unexpected that Aeris ran after her. The two of them knew by instinct who it was that saw them. It was too obvious to be not noticed who it was.
    Kevin ran after Aeris to stop her. He wanted to pull her back when she was just inches away from Trixia. But she was too fast that he was not able to catch up to her. Instead of pulling her back, he accidentally pushed her forward just when she touched Trixia, who turned back to see if it was her boyfriend who sadly wasn’t.
Aeris wanted to clear up the misunderstanding between the three of them but now, she thinks that her chances of convincing her are getting slim. Why? Because of the accident Kevin caused; Aeris accidentally kissed Trixia; and that was her first kiss, which would matter to some person.
    Now, will they ever make-up with each other or will the situation get worse?
----------
-fin
[AN: Till the next chapter!! JA NE!!]

The Arranged Marriage [Chapter 3]

Chapter 3 [Break-up~]

    Kevin was quite happy of what happened earlier. He was able to meet someone so cute. He hoped she would fall for him, like the rest of the girls. Her face looked like she was new so that would either mean she’s a freshman or a transfer student.
    When he was just a few meters away from home, he saw his mother waiting for him in front of their gate. He wondered why she was there. Maybe something had happened. He ran as fast as he could to hear what his mother has to say.
    “Why did you come home so late?” his mother asked, with a hint of worry in her voice.
    “I, uh, had something to do.” It wasn’t really a lie. “I didn’t notice the time.”
    His mother let him come inside the house. She prepared his ready-made meal, like always, because she had already finished her dinner. It was always either she had eaten earlier or will eat after he arrived home.
    Every time he had his meals, his mother would sit across him from the table. She would always have a little chat with him while he was eating. He didn’t even know what his mom’s motives were, she just do it.
    He would often wonder if his mother ever goes to work. After all, she was the one who manages all the incomes of their company because his father had left them a long time ago. Yet, despite that, he never had loathed his father. Maybe it was because his father sends them money to live, though they were rich.
    "Mom, I saw this really pretty girl at school,” Kevin enthusiastically told his mother as he sat down to eat.
    He was really close with his mother. He never kept a single secret from her. She was like an oral journal for him, if such thing existed.
    “How pretty was she?”
    Even though she was the one who arranged his marriage to someone she hasn’t even personally met, she was quite eager to know who her son had found. There were a lot of things she knew about her son. She even knew that it was rare for him to say that someone is pretty or even beautiful. He didn’t even say that his own girlfriend was beautiful.
    “Well,” he said, somewhat embarrassed. “She had silky jet black hair that reaches up her waist. She was pale like a vampire.”
    Mrs. Light was in a deep thought. ‘Could that person be…No, it can’t be.’  She shrugged the thought off and let her son continue.
    “She was silent the whole time though. I didn’t get to hear her voice. It would really be disappointing if her voice was like of a frog.”
    Until he finished his meal, his mother didn’t say a word. He just excused it. Maybe his mother was just thinking of something. He didn’t want to disturb her. After his meal, he washed the dishes. They may be rich but they live a normal middle-class life. One of the reasons, they didn’t want to attract thieves.
Then, he studied for a bit. He wasn’t really accustomed to studying so he just lied down on his bed while staring at the ceiling. He wondered, ‘Will he ever see her again?' Maybe but with his very busy schedule starting from class, fans and his girlfriend.
    He sighed and closed his eyes, trying to forget the fact that he was already taken. He didn’t notice that he fell asleep.
----------
    What will you do? If you will, it might… but if you do not, you will be the one who will suffer…
----------
    Kevin woke up from a horrible dream. He rubbed his eyes and looked at his wall clock. It was still too early to wake up yet he cannot even force himself to sleep again.
    He decided to get out of his bed and wash his face. He couldn’t remember what he was dreaming of; he just knew it was horrible. Shivers ran down his spine just trying to remember it. What should he do?
***********
    Aeris couldn’t sleep a wink last night because of the shocking news she heard. There were dark shadows under her eyes which were noticeable if you look at her closely enough. This happened due to lack of sleep.
    Added to her burdens, her grandmother scolded her again… for having those ‘hideous’ purple shadows. She sighed as she sat down in their car. She can’t sleep even in the car.
    “Are you alright, Miss Aeris?” her driver asked.
    She just nodded in reply. She looked out the window of their car and stared out the people of the streets as the car was moving. She envied them; smiling brightly, walking with someone they really like while she was forced to like somebody she didn’t even know.
    ‘Why are they so carefree? I know. It’s because they are not burden with problems that’s why they can smile. They are not troubled like me.’
**********
    Kevin had totally forgotten what he was dreaming about this morning. He had that silly smile on his face as he was entering the school building. What had happened? Well, I can tell you… but not now.
    Somebody approached him. A girl he always knew even if she was very far; someone who wipes of that smile from his face. That waist-length, blonde hair, sophisticated-like walk, smug smile on that face; he could never forget. It gave chills down his spine. This girl, without a doubt, is his GIRLFRIEND. He gulped and erased that smile and pretended he didn’t see her.
    Unfortunately for him, she saw him and she didn’t look happy. She walked towards him hurriedly but she wasn’t running nor jogging. She had her eyebrow raised and that stern look from her eyes. This is not going to be good.
    “I heard you were walking with ANOTHER GIRL, yesterday,” she said emphasizing those two words.
    “Who told you that?” he said, trying to say that it wasn’t true.
    “Them.”
    She pointed behind her. There were two persons, standing behind her, which he knew too well that they were also scared of this woman. Those faces that looked exactly like the other, there was no other twin he knew around the school.
    He gave in. He would never win if his girlfriend was his enemy, that’s for sure. Her jealousy would always dominate against his innocence. He just gave up.
    “Well…” she said waiting for an explanation from him.
    “I don’t have any explanations,” he closed his eyes after saying this.
    “You’re admitting you’re at fault?”
    There was a hint of disbelief in her voice. After all, I was the first time he accepted his defeat from her. A smile spread across her face. She jumped to hug him.
    “Finally, you understand what I feel for you. I’m so lucky to have you.”
    Why was she so lucky to have him? One, he was the school’s most popular guy. Second, he has the attitude of what most girls would like. And third, she believed he loves her, which he did not tell her that he doesn’t.
    But that was not the reason why he surrendered. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was the girl from yesterday. He froze from where he was standing. Of all the people who would see him, it was her.
    She had that surprised expression on her face. There was no hint of jealousy though. The twins skipped from behind Trixia towards Aeris, escaping from the clutches of the witch.
    Trixia also looked at that direction and her focus was directed to her. She stared at her long that it was almost considered a glare. Then, she held on tightly on Kevin’s shirt like implying ‘He’s mine’.
    Aeris just smiled back from her glare like saying ‘Sure’.

    Kevin, unaware of the silent fight between these girls, tried to peel off his girlfriend away from him but she hold on tightly. He used all his force then just suddenly she herself loosened her grip. When he looked at her she had mixed reactions that he wasn’t able to read. Then she looked at him.
    “I have something to tell you…” Kevin said lowering his head. “I want to break-up with you. I’m sorry.”
    Tears started flowing from her eyes but no words of retort came out from her mouth; that’s a first. This time, he figured out her emotions. She was bewildered.
She blinked then wiped her eyes. She seemed to just notice that she was crying.
    “Why is there water coming out from my eyes?” she said while smiling.
    She was still smiling then but she was pained deep inside. She covered her face and ran out of the building. Nobody came after her. Kevin just stood there. Aeris looked back at them, wondering what happened.
**********
-fin
[Gomene... Sorry, it took so long because of my laziness, i forgot to turn on the imagination button...heh. Till the next chapter...]

The Arranged Marriage [Chapter 2]

Chapter 2 [Coincidence~]

‘Where should I believe in---- Fate or Chance?’
-Aeris Journal Entry #0002
----------
    The twins were very much obliged to take the new student around their school. The school bell had already ringed so it was their responsibility to take her.
David and Joshua were skipping down in the hallway in unison as they led Aeris, who was just walking calmly behind. She seemed to be in a deep thought as she followed the twins.
    “Something wrong?” one of the twins asked.
    Aeris did not really know which twin is which so she didn’t bother herself with that thought. But something was really on her mind that day. It was troublesome because she cannot take it off her thoughts.
    She didn’t reply to the twin’s question which made them worry. They looked at each other with furrowed eyebrows. ‘Did we do something bad? Or maybe she’s not feeling well…’
    Those were not the reasons. Aeris was thinking about what her mother told her.
“You will be transferring to the school were the person you are arranged to marry is studying.”
    “Do you feel bad about something?” the other twin interrupted her thoughts.
    “Eh?” she replied, oblivious to the world awhile ago. “N-nothing is bothering me, really.”
    The twins looked at each other again. She was really an obvious liar. ‘But it makes her cute…’ The twins mentally agreed then smiled at each other and continued to guide their new classmate.
***********
    Kelvin was leaning on their classrooms window pane. He looked down at the students, who were happily going home while he was stuck there, doing his classroom duties.
    He sighed as he thought about what his mother told him that morning; the reason for why he was almost late.
~~~~~~~~~~
    “Remember the thing I said about your arranged marriage?” my mother enthusiastically talked to me while I was eating.
    My mother was an energetic girl, to begin with. But whenever the topic reaches up to her husband, she would become silent for a second then change the topic. I myself did not know anything about my father. All I know was that he kept on sending us money as my mother kept on working day and night managing the company.
    “Yes, Mom,” I replied when my mouth wasn’t full. “What about it?”
    My mom clasped both her hands and there was a bright glimmer in her eyes. This could not mean good news to me, I know that. I prepared myself for the worst thing she could say.
    “You must be really lucky, Kevin.”
    “Why is that?”
    My mother stood up from in front of me and patted me in the back. ‘Why did she think I’m lucky?’
    “I heard that this girl that you are marrying is quite unique.” I looked at my mother with confusion. ‘What is she trying to say?’ It sounded like she was consoling me. “I heard she was pretty and smart. She had long…”
    My mother was not able to finish this girl’s features because I suddenly stood up from my seat. I kept on exclaiming inside my head that I was going to be late. So, I hurriedly grabbed my bag and bade my mother goodbye and ran as fast as I can, even though I was still biting the last bit of bread.
~~~~~~~~~~
    “Lucky, huh?” he said to himself.
    Somebody just suddenly flung their arms around Kevin’s neck.
    He looked to see who it was. A girl was behind him, smiling sweetly and leaning on his shoulders.
    “Were you thinking how lucky you were because you have me?” this girl suddenly said.
    Kelvin did not answer her question. She was his girlfriend yet he often wondered how they started this relationship. Whenever he thought about it, he never really had special feelings for her.
    “Won’t you answer me?” the girl sulked.
    “Trixia,” he replied without even looking at her. “Go home now. It looks like it’s going to rain.”
    “But, aren’t you going home with me?”
    “I still have something to do.”
    “Fine!”
    Trixia pouted and stomped her feet as she left the room. He was all on his own again. Even though it was a lie to make her leave, he felt a little freedom from what he did.
**********
    It was getting late and the rain started to fall down. The three freshmen were still at the lobby.
    “It’s getting late, Rain,” the twins said in unison.
    “You go ahead without me,” Aeris replied. “I have my umbrella anyways.”
    The twins just bade her goodbye and then disappeared into the darkness, though it was not really that dark yet. Finally she can spend some time alone by herself.
Somehow, at this time, she felt as if she didn’t want to go home and just stay there by the row of lockers, sitting alone by herself. It was nice to be once in a while being able to think only about her self. She assumed that no one else would be here anymore.
    She knew that at this time her mother was worried and she would be scolded by her grandmother if she stayed any longer. She decided that she had to go home. She opened her locker to get an umbrella but luck was against her today. Sadly for her, there was no umbrella there. She sank back down to the floor and closed her eyes, trying to weave a plan to go home.
    Just then, somebody approached and leaned over her. She noticed that it grew a bit darker so she opened her eyes. Someone’s face was so close next to her. She just blinked once, and then froze.
    That boy stood up straight and helped her get up. He handed her a handkerchief to wipe off the dirt in her skirt.
    “Can’t go home?” the boy asked.
    Aeris nodded. This person seemed to be older than her.
    “Let’s share my umbrella.”
    She nodded once again without saying a word. He seemed honest enough. The boy just laughed at her.
    “You’re cute!”
    She blushed. What’s up with the random comment? She never liked the days when she can’t predict what would happen. She would have the feeling of insecurity.
    They walked together silently. The only thing you could hear was the rain drops falling over their heads. The silence was nearly awkward and to break it, the boy spoke up again.
    “Where do you live anyway?”
    “Just by the right corner of the flower shop.”
    “Really? So that means we are neighbors.”
    “Eh?”
    “My house is just a few meters straight from that shop.”
    “I see”
    When they arrived by that flower shop they spoke of, they separated on their own ways. Aeris can’t help having the feeling of being watched. She walked as fast as she cold to arrive home.
    When she did, her mother was waiting at their door. Aeris was completely drenched because of the rain. Though that boy told her that he would walk her home, she refused it. She could not have anyone know that they were rich.
    “I was so worried,” her mother said as she hugged Aeris.
    “Sorry.”
    “The boy you walk home with…” a stern voice came from behind her.
    It couldn’t be that her grandmother saw them together. She might assume something and make up stories of something she did not do. She looked calm on the outside but she was frantic on the inside.
    But that wasn’t what her grandmother said. There was good news and bad news. Good news was she wasn’t scolded. The bad news was worse than bad.
    “WHAT?!”
    What could be the bad news that made her burst out like that? Was it really that bad that she couldn’t contain her emotions?
----------
-fin
[Author's Note(AN): "Done in two hours... hah!" -was not lazy today- "It's still short though"]

The Arranged Marriage [Chapter 1]

Chapter 1 ~The Start~

    She sighed once again as she looked at herself in front of the mirror. She tried to smile one more time but no matter how many times she sees it, somehow her smile looked like it was just pretend.
    This girl, standing, looking straight back at her was the one everyone sees as the Aeris they knew; the one they call ‘Miss Perfect’. How could they be fooled by such a simple smile and the good works?
    She just turned away from the mirror and picked up her school bag that was placed on a chair just beside the mirror. She had to hurry to school or else she would be late. It would be bad to leave a bad ‘first impression' on the teachers if she would be late in her first day in the new school.
    As she hurriedly walked out of her room, she didn’t notice that someone was outside her room. She hurriedly apologized for bumping into that person by bowing then ran. But a stern voice stopped her from going any further.
    “An heiress to a huge business firm should not lower her head. Instead, she should raise her chin up with pride, even when you are apologizing.”
    Much to her dismay, it was her grandmother. She bit her lower lip for a second before she turned around and faced her worst nightmare.
    “I shan’t scold you no more. Now go or you will be late for school.”
    “Thank you.”
    With this said, she immediately left for school, hurriedly.
**********
    A young boy was running through the long, long pavement road towards the high school building. He was still chewing down the last bit of his breakfast this morning. He gulped down the chewed food.
    “Gaahh!!” he exclaimed. “I’m gonna be late.”
    When he arrived inside, he hurried to the bulletin board to see what class he was. He looked at it clearly to make sure his name was there. ‘Class 2-1’. As soon as he got his class number, he jogged down the hallway towards his classroom.
    Just as he arrived in their room, the teacher followed behind. Their homeroom teacher patted him in the back.
    “Congratulations, Mr. Kelvin Light. You were not late this school year.”
    “Thank you, sir,” he replied without thinking.
    Just the he realized what the teacher just said. His teacher, however, smirked at Kevin’s reply, which was plainly obvious that it was said at the spur of the moment.
The teacher of the first year class, just below them, had just arrived too. At this time, the teacher was introducing their new classmate, who also almost arrived late.
    “Since you all know each other from your elementary years,” started their female teacher. “Then it would be useless to introduce yourselves again.”
    The students of the class agreed with what their teacher just said.
    “You have a new classmate this year.”
    “Hopefully, it’s a guy, right girls?”
    “Yeah,” the girls of the class agreed.
    “Settle down,” their teacher shushed them. “You can come in now.”
    To the displeasure of the female party of the class, a girl came in the room. She had silky straight, jet black hair that reached her waist. Her eyes were colored crimson like blood. To some point she would look like a cruel witch and at the same time, she would look like a pitiable princess.
    “Please introduce yourself.”
    “I am Aeris Rain. Pleasure to meet you all.”
    To everyone, her voice was like a soft melody playing in their ears. To the owner of it, she was just smiling at everybody; the fake smile she had this morning, that very same one.
    “Hey, sit down here next to me,” one boy said.
That boy snickered over his own doing. The teacher was about to react and scold him but the newcomer was able to reply first.
    “Thank you for your kind offer but I would rather not.”
    The boy was shamed with what she said. The other boys of the class laughed at him. The teacher silenced them.
    “Miss Rain, you can take that empty seat by the window.”
    Aeris followed the teacher’s instructions and took her seat silently if that was even possible for her. Every girl in the class looked at her as she took her seat. It was either of jealousy or being awed, as what the feelings in their eyes would say.
    “Welcome to Mizuki Academy, Miss Rain. Remember there are rules that you have to abide.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” she said before she took her seat.
    “Moon, it is your duty to guide her around the school, okay?”
    Somebody from behind Aeris stood up. She turned around to look at her guides. Not only one stood up but two. They were twins. These twins saluted to their teachers.
    “Aye, aye, Captain,” the twins said in unison.
    “Well then cadets, I leave the rest to you.”
    The teacher just left their classroom after that. The twins sat back down. Aeris was reading a book- The Student’s Handbook- while the others were busily talking to one another.
    In the book states that it was a tradition in the school to call each student by their last name, no exception. That explains why everyone kept calling each other by their last name. She would have to get used to it.
    Just then, someone poked her softly on the back. She turned around to see who it was. Obviously, it was one of the twins. They, the twins smiled widely at her and waved their hands.
    “Ne, wouldn’t it be nice to know each other?” the twins asked.
    Aeris would have rejected their offer but it had become her habit to be ‘nice’ to other people. She had no choice but to agree to their suggestion. The twins were delighted of her decision.
    “I am David Moon,” said the one who was sitting directly behind her.
    “And I am Joshua Moon,” the one right next to David followed.
    “I am Aeris Rain. Nice to meet you.”
    Their classmates became silent and looked only at them. Then suddenly most of the girls of the class began to whisper among each other while the guys made jokes that only they could hear. What were they talking about behind her back?
**********
-fin
[Author's note: "It's kind of short, i really wanted to make it longer but I'm lazy so..." "Ja ne!!"]

The Arranged Marriage [Prologue~]

    Aeris mind was screaming form the inside. She can't think straight ever since she heard that news. It had been troubling her day and night.

*****

    "WHAT?!?!" she exclaimed, totally bewildered of what her mother just said.

    She sat back in the chair and let out an exasperated sigh. Of all the problems she had faced, this was the first one she cannot confront without any help. How she wished her brother was here.

    "But it wasn't my decision..." her mother reasoned out.

    They were in a wide room with chair and expensive looking vases. The curtains on the windows were rimmed with gold laces. The floor was shiny that you could see your reflection.

    Her mother looked like an elegant and well respected woman. But when against her own daughter she cowered back to her seat. It was not like her daughter had the authority to boss her around but the glare in her daughter's eyes were frightening.

    "It was your grandmother's decision," her mother's voice almost trembling as she continued.

    Another bad news. If it was her grandmother's decision, she could never make an excuse not to follow her. Especially if she didn't have a valid reason.

    'Everything I decide is vital to our lives,' her grandmother always said.

    It was vital to their lives just because it was about their family's business. It was all do this, do that when it comes to her. She wished that her brother would have stay and comforted her right now. But no matter how she wished and hoped her brother won't ever come home again.

    "BUT WHAT THE HECK DOES AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE HAVE TO DO WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS??!!"