1

ALSO BY RIZZA ROZUL The Revolution Chasing For Hope Loving A Suicidal

E.T.
RIZZA ROZUL

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental. Text copyright 2011 by Rizza Rozul Cover art copyright 2013 by Patrick Mendez All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Parhelix Publishing. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and review. www.parhelixpublishing.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Date Rozul, Rizza E.T./Rizza Rozul. 1st ed. p. cm. Summary: Mandy Crooke is just a normal high school girl, but when she meets a mysterious guy in her school, she cant help but fall for him despite the suspicions that have been rising. [1. CharactersFiction. 2. FantasyFiction.] I. Title. 5464d456gh [Fic]dc22 2011023384 ISBN 876-0-67-456456-7 1234567890

Dedicated to my family, my friends and to Patrick who helped me a lot in editing this stuff. You rock!

LONGER TIME. LONGER TIME PLEASE. Mandy Crooke! Get your ass off your bed! First day of school today. You dont want to be late for school, dont you? Mom yelled from the kitchen. I groaned and fell down on the floor. I got up quickly and lazily walked into the bathroom. I took a 10-minute bubble bath (Translation: 50% taking a bath, 50% dreaming about a new hot guy student) and dried myself up. I blow-dried my hair and brushed it up. My hair is my crowning glory, so I really need to fix them. I have a red curly hair that ends just on the mid of my back, and I put a drop of eye glistener on my eyes. Sparkly and Shiny. My eyes are my favorite part in my body. I have these doll-like hazel eyes that could capture any guys heart. (Translation: Guys in my dreams.) I wore a body fit peach shirt with a bear design and have placed my comfy gray sweater above it, a checkered skirt, gray

doll shoes, and my mothers locket. She gave me this locket when I had my 13th birthday. I walked downstairs and sat on my usual spot on our dining table, also called my High Chair. Youll think thats for kids. No. Its not really a high chair. I just want to call it that to feel that Im superior for once. My mom placed a bowl full of cereals and a carton of milk in front of me. Eat up, young lady, or youll get dizzy when you get to school, she reminded me. I turned the T.V. on. A news was being reported. Good morning, Arizona. Good morning, Earth. An early and fresh news for all of you. A space craft was seen in the Petrified Forest in Flagstaff. It is stated by the witness that the space craft came from the sky, and had mistakenly thought it a shooting star. But when the space craft landed in the earths surface, they saw it was not an ordinary space ship. What is it then you think? Stay tuned for the latest updates here on Sunshine Arizona, the reporter ended. What a weird news to start my day! I mean, I dont like aliens so much. Not my type, really. But oh well, think about this, when that space craft landed then maybe someones in there, which Im sure there is. Maybe that someone is a hot guy from NASA andwhat am I saying? Finished eating, mom. Gotta get to school! Also, I got to catch my bus! Bye-bye. I smiled at her. She smiled back and shook her head. I really see youre a big girl now. Before, Im the one who drives you to school

to make sure Im okay. I know that, mom. I want to listen to those pretty memories, but I really need to catch my bus now. Catch you later, mom, I said, kissed her on the forehead and walked outside. Sunny day today, dont you think, Madie? my best friend, Bethany, asked. Bethany Powells is a great girl. Though my schoolmates call her a geek of freak, shes still my one and only best friend. Beth is 15 years old like me. A petite girl, 54 in height, she has these chocolate brown eyes, only beneath those glasses. She doesnt seem to remove those glasses at public places. I dont know why but thats the way how she likes it. She has black hair, all natural. No curls, just straight that ends on her shoulders. Youre going to love her instantly. She always loves to laugh even on those simple jokes, friendly, shes the one whos going to approach you, especially if she knows youre alone. Has a big heart for everyone. Shes going to help you even if youre her enemy. I dont think she has one, except for Matthew Willers, the schools top jock, the schools King. Others think shes an enemy. But how can you be angry at her? I mean shes the nicest girl ever! Shes there for me always, always there to protect me too, and always smiling as if shes got no problem at all. As if life for her is a fairy-tale. She has this simple kind of outfit for school: long sleeve upper wears, skirts that end on her knees, tightsDepends on what the color of her long sleeve is, her brown shoes oh, and dont forget her braces.

And as I tell how she looks like to you, guys, I noticed that were already near our school. I crossed my fingers, wishing for a hot new guy student. I smiled and sighed deeply. So, are you ready for the first day of being a junior, Madie? She smiled at me, showing her new colored stones on her braces. At least she gets to change the colors. But others still laugh at her because of those braces. I know her family cant afford buying invisible braces for Beth. And I always want, too! But I dont have money. If I could just have a job. I really would. I just wanna help my best friend, so that no one would tease her. And I know when that time comes, shell feel better. Yes, I am. Are you? I asked her back. She laughed. Of course, I am! I get to see you again every day! she squealed. I just laughed back and shook my head. Oh, Beth. Im your nearest schoolmate on our place /bff/soul-sister, I said, as we walked to the guidance office. I know! But its different still. I get to see you here at school and back at home. You know, youre my only friend here school and outside, she confessed. I sighed. Beth, Im not. I know you will find someone other than me, I told her, wanna make her feel better. She just pursed her lips and said, Nah, Im okay with you. You understand me, and you go crazy with me. Youre there for me, youre a shoulder to cry on. Youre everything I wished for. And Im always thankful Ive found you. She smiled. I felt myself smile too. Shes such a sweet girl. Makes me feel better all the time. 10

So, lets go. Were going to get our class cards and still find our assigned rooms, I said. Beth followed me inside the guidance office. Welcome back to school, Bethany and Mandy! Its so nice to see you two still studying here, Ms. Aileen said and smiled at us. Yeah, were really loyal here. Can we have our class cards now, Ms. Aileen? We want to arrive early at our classes, I said to her. Of course, heres one for Mandy and for you, Bethany. Hope you like this school year, she said finally, and both if us exited the office. Oh god, Do I look okay, Madie? Beth asked, facing me. I smiled at her. Of course you are, Beth. Youre always pretty, I told her. I saw Matthew approach us. Im sure hes here to tease Beth again. Jerk. Matthew Willers is 16 years old, 63 or so he says, has electric blue eyes that can charm every girls heart, but not to me. Bethany really likes him, though I doubt he notices Beth that way. Hes the leader of the jocks in our school, the quarterback of the schools football team likes all the girls in the school except for Beth and me, of course. He drives a sports car. Well, thats pretty normal for a guy like him. Hes rich , too. His dad and mom are known for their company; real estate, actually. Hes boastful, always full of himself, the bully one, and yes, dont forget their letterman jackets. And! For additional info as Beth stated, hes muscular, no doubt about it. He s at the gym 3 times a weekMonday, Thursday and Saturday. No

11

steroids, trust me; always wearing a fitted shirt, pants and Vans shoes. Hey, guys! Look who do we have here: the two freaks of Blue Valley High. Hows vacation, Beth? Did you get inv isible braces now? Matthew asked. Beth shook her head and quickly looked down. You know she cant afford those braces! Dont try teasing her just because she doesnt have in stuffs, I yelled at Matthew. Justin answered me. Beth! Did you hear what your best friend say? She said youre so poor you cant afford to buy invisible braces. And she also stated you dont have in stuffs. Is that what a real best friend do? he exclaimed. Beths lips shivered. I know shes trying not to cry. Asshole Justin, trying to break us apart. Bethany looked at me with so much agony in her eyes. I-is that what you mean, Mandy? Is that what youre trying to say? Well, fine! Find someone who can stick with you through all your crazy stuff and weird problems. I cant believe you can say that to me! she screamed, running towards the back field of our building. Beth! Wait, I didnt mean that. You dont understand! Let me explain, I tried, but I cant reach her anymore. My own tears fell down my cheeks. I cant afford to lose my best friend. My only friend. Aww, Mandy is crying. Its your fault, anyway. You shouldnt have said that to your best friend, Matthew said. Are you happy now? You destroyed my relationship with my best friend? Cant you think of anything to do, thats why

12

youre messing with me? Well, congratulations, because you already did! I yelled and ran to the nearest girls bathroom. I sat on a vacant cubicle and cried my eyes out. How can I find my first class without the help of Bethany? How can I speak in front of the class looking like this? Maybe theyre right to tease me. Its all because I was weak and I cant fight back for myself. Maybe Beth is right, after all: I am not a true friend. Maybe I really deserve this. Stupid me, destroying everything I had for years in just a minute. Wow. Nice start of school year. Can my life get any worse?

13

I WALKED SILENTLY IN THE CAFETERIA, AVOIDING everyone, not talking. Im sure theyre all looking at me. My eyes were puffy and red because I cried my eyes out back in the girls bathroom. Not thinking what to eat, I picked up two big muffins, a slice of Hawaiian pizza and a Coke in can. This can satisfy me for lunch. Turning around, I wonder which clique I can join for this day. Our seat, Beth and mine, were taken by the jocks today. I wonder what are they up to? Oh, right. Thats so stupid of me. Of course they want to piss me. Good thing for them its working. I looked up at them. Wrong move, Mandy. I saw theyre all looking at me. Well, smirking actually. Are they expecting me to sit with them? Hell, no! That wont happen. Ever. I quickened my pace, walking towards the gym bleachers. I plan to eat there on my own. But before I could exit the cafeteria, a guy from the jocks stepped on my way. 14

Hey, Mandy! Where are you going? Finding where to seat? Cmon! The seats are limited. Anyway, the group said it is okay for you to sit with us. Knowing that your best No need. Im going to eat along on the bleachers, thank you, I tried. Hes not going to let me go, isnt he? Jerk. Youre not supposed to say no. And Im not taking no for an answer. So bring those food of yours and eat with us, he threatened. Knowing that the whole school was looking at us, I decided to say yes. I know, I know Im so stupid I shouldnt have, but I have no choice. I sat on the seat left for me. Bam. Another prank. The whole school was laughing. As in everyone. Is it slimy, Mandy? Matthew asked me. I hastily shook my head. They all stopped laughing. Not its not. Its comfy. Thanks for the seat, I answered. He clenched his fists, trying not to be angry. His plans didnt work. I saw a new member of the group. Who is he? Its actually my first time seeing him in the school. Height about 511, has a striking violet eyes and has a yellow hair with streaks of violet to match his eyes, I think. Theres something weird about him. Excuse me. Are youare you wearing contacts? Im sure theres no one with violet eyes, I asked him. He smirked at me. Oh. My. God. Im dead. This is an angel. What if I told you Im not? Will you believe me? he asked me back. I only stared at him, mouth slightly open. Hes still smirking. Eyes so striking, voice so charming. This is my fairytale, except that he was now waving hands in front of me. I quickly closed my lips. 15

Well? God, Im just kidding. Of course I am wearing contacts. Whats wrong with you? He chuckled. Nothing. Im fine. Are you new here? I wondered. He must be new. There isnt a hot guy for me here in this school except him. Oh, I see. Theres something wrong with you, anyway. Everything. Style, poise, the way you talk. Tell me...are you really a girl? And yes, Im new here. What, are you planning to stalk me too? Thats what Im talking about. I mean, who does say that? In front of a girl, uh-uh. Not so cool, prince. Freaking prince charming with a heart of stone, full of fucking ego. Prince Charming, 1 and me, 0. Excuse me? What? What did you just say? Of course, I am a girl! Cant you see thenever mind. A guy like you with a brain the size of a walnut wont understand. God, I was sincerely hoping youre different from them. But youre not. Excuse me! Prince Charming 1, and me, 1 also. Standing up to get away from these asses, I forgot that there was the slimy thing on my butt. Luckily for me, Im used to pranks like this since I was a kid. I sighed, walking towards the gym bleachers. Ugh. Is there some guy who is nice enough to talk to me and treat like me a person? I guess not. I munched on my last muffin on my plate, drinking whatever was left in the Coke can. ~ +++ ~ The bell rang loudly, piercing in my ears. Next class would be Trigonometry with Mr. Edison, according to my class card. Stupid class card schedules. Im one of the students who doesnt like math. I got D last year! Fortunately, it rose up to B. Safe. I 16

wanna graduate with high grades as much as possible. I quietly entered the classroom, scanning with my eyes. Three jocks. Hmm, thats fine. They dont have Matthew and Justin with them. Wait, is that prince-charming-with-striking-violet-eyesbut-with-a-heart-of-stone? No. No way. Puh-lease let me get through this subject without any distraction from him. I walked towards his chair. Slowly, I can make it, I can Hey there, girly-but-not-really-girly-at-all! So, nice to see you in this subject with me! Arent you happy? Youre in a subject with your crush! he smiled. He did not just state the word crush. The whole class looked at me, staring. Stop it, prince-chaming-with-striking-violet-eyes-but-witha-heart-of-stone. Youre not my crush. You arent my type. Theres nothing so charming of you at all. Youre not handsome, youre not cool! Youre a wannabe. And youre just a stupid moron that walked into my life to annoy the hell out of me. Screw you and be gone! I yelled. Even prince charming here widened his eyes. Your eyes might pop out of their sockets, I whispered, sitting carefully on my chair. No gums, no slimies, no centipedes. Okay. Im good. Take that back. Take that back this instant! Im not a wannabe! I am not a moron and I am not stupid, you ugly with a boring style and has a slimy on her butt! Youre the worst girl Ive ever seen! Ever, he answered back. Prince Charming, 2 an d me, 2. Tie, huh? I need a tie breaker. Stop that love quarrel right now, guys, will you? Continue that in the Principals office. And youre not going back to my class without the detention slip, Mr. Edison said, placing his 17

things on the teachers table. I didnt see him coming in. Oh well. Here comes detention. ~ +++ ~ Inside Mr. Garners office, Prince Charming and I glared at each other. Youre going to be sorry for this, he warned me. Haha. You bet. I think its vice versa, dickhead, I fired back. Im not going to lose to him. You didnt just said that, he warned. Oh, well. Bad luck for you, I did, I challenged. His fist was in the air when Mr. Garner came in, glaring at the two of us. You dont wanna stop fighting, do you? Well, sorry about that. You guys have to. Remember youre inside my grounds, so stop acting like you both own the place! Lets start asking you both questions, eh? Mr. Garner started. Ugh. When will this day end? I wanna go home already. Stupid prince charming, hes the reason why Im here.

18

WHAT MADE YOU TWO THE WORST ENEMIES EVER OF this school? Ms. Crooke, Mr. Witherston is just new. Hes supposed to have friends, not enemies, Mr. Garner asked me. Prince charming stifled a laugh. I glared at him and I snorted at the question. Not my fault. Hes the one whos messing with me, I simply said. Its not my fault he does have an enemy. He started our war soYoure the one whos supposed to be entertaining him! Youre in the school paper. And give him a tour around the school! Make him on the front page of our next issue, okay? Mr. Garner said. Is he serious? I mean why in the world would I put him on the front page? Hes not a star, hes just a student. But I tried. No buts, Ms. Crooke. Put. Him. On our front page. Understood? Mr. Garner exclaimed. I sighed deeply. Fine, he won today. Prince Charming, 10 and me, 2. I nodded. Prince Charming smirked beside me. He fixed his new letterman jacket and stood up. So, I believe Im done 19

here, Mr. Garner. I dont know about Ms. Crooke but I think I can go now since Im already okay, he said calmly. As if nothings wrong. Argh! Hes such a badass. Im gonna get on him tomorrow. Im going to write something on the paper that will make him go down. Oh, and hey, Crookes He smiled, trying to insult me. Its Crooke, Prince Charming. I gritted my teeth. He laughed. Only laughed. Okay. But I dont care. So, Crookes it is. Dont bother writing something bad about me for your stupid paper. Megan passed something this morning and it will be on the front page. But, if you wish to add something nice, then youre very welcome to write. See ya! he ended, closing the door. Even Mr. Garner cackled. I glared at him, and he quickly stopped. I stood up and walked towards the door. Ms. Crooke? Dont forget what I said. No more fighting with Mr. Witherston, he finally said. Yes, Mr. Garner. I undertand. Now, if you must excuse me. And please, can I have the detention slip? I wanna go to my class now, I explained. He signed on a piece of detention slip, two actually. Here, youll have to stay today at school together with the others. And give this to Mr. Witherston. Tell him he doesnt have any detention. What? He got no detention? That cant be? I mean he also teased me and he started it. He also has some faults! I said to Mr. Garner, but he wont listen. Fine. Have a good day, Mr. Garner. Exiting the room. Last subject after this. ~ +++ ~ 20

I saw Prince Charming leaning on the wall, talking with Megan. How am I supposed to give this slip to him? I cant go nearer to Megan. Id die first. She is my worst-ever-livingenemy. I cant stand a word from her. Megan saw I was looking and her lips turned into a frown. Prince Charming turned his head and smiled at me, walking to my direction with Megan tagging along. My palms were sweating, my heart thumping. Hey, Crookes. Whatcha doin here? Stalking me? No, just kidding. He chuckled. I tried to smile even though Megan was raising an eyebrow at me. Uhhh, youyou forgot your slip from Mr. Garner. I just wanted to give you this. I reached to him. He grabbed the paper from my hands, wiping the sweat on his pants. No detention? Nice. How about you? You got one? he asked. Megan was touching his arms. Flirt. Yeah. I got one. I have to stay after school today. So, good luck to me, I nearly whispered. Whats the matter, freak? Why are you whispering? Are you scared I might embarrass you in front of the whole school? Well, good move for you then, Megan said. I looked down, trying to calm down. Lucky for her Im not in the mood for her. But I swear Im near killing her. I saw Prince charmings eyes saddened a bit by pity. Dont cry, Mandy. Dont let them see youre this weak because of her. I, uh, gotta go. Have fun, you two. See you around, I answered, turning away from them.

21

Hey, uhgood luck in detention. I hope you can make it through. Its just one day. Prince Charming said. What happened to him, suddenly all cool and caring? I shook my head. Dont talk to strangers, Neptune. They wont do you good, babe. Cmon, lets go to our class, Megan sa id to him. Neptune, huh? Cool name. I meanweird. First one with a name of a planet. Maybe his parents got addicted to solar system too much and named him after one. Gotta go to P.E. class. ~ +++ ~ Okay, class. Now were gonna run around the gym. For what, you ask? To know whos the fastest and the slowest. Not to shame you guys, but to practice yourselves. So, are we all ready? Ms. Bulmer asked. Yes, the class answered in chorus. Oh, this will be my moment. Running is probably the thing Im p roud of myself. I run fast so lets get this thing started. After the otherS run, its my turn now along with Megan, Prince Charming and Bethany. Bathanys fast, too. We both like to run around our subdivision before. Hey, Mandy! The test started! Ms. Bulmer yelled. The class laughed. Laugh all you want but this thing enjoys me more than everything. I started running around the gym, looking at the floor if they put any pranks to make me slip. I ran past Megan, slowest, and prince charming, just fine. And only Bethany and I were trying to run around past each other. I started laughing and so was Beth. Ms. Bulmer whistled and we both landed on the foamed floor, laughing hysterically. 22

That was amazing, Beth. I really, really like what you did back there, I said to her, forgetting were not really in a good mood. Yeah, you too. I, uh, gotta go with Sarah. Shes waiting for me, Beth said, standing up. Ugh. I forgot to say sorry. Stupid me. I gotta call her when I get home today, to tell her everythings a misunderstanding. Ms. Bulmer told the results. The fastest runner we have in the class would be, Bethany and Mandy. So, congrats to you. The whole class booed, but we dont care. And the slowest would be you again, Megan. Try to practice your skills, Collins. You can also try jogging first. Work with your whole body, not only with your hands when you write, Ms. Bulmer said. Megan rolled her eyes and hissed. Whatever, Ms. Bulmer. Can we go now please? I wanna go home, she exclaimed. Ms. Bulmer shook her head. Okay. Alright. Go now, she said as the bell rang. I walked into the Principals office, wondering which class I would go to. Mr. Garner? I just wanna ask what classroom will detention fall into? I asked him. He looked at me with a smile. No detention anymore, Ms. Crooke. Someone told me that its not your fault anyway so youre free to go home, he answered. I turned away with a wave and goodbye. As I walked out the gate, I wonder who freed me from detention. Maybe its Mr. Edison, realizing thats its pointless to get me to detention just because I teased the new student.

23

I reached the bus stop and waited for my bus to arrive. A few minutes later the bus came honking. I rode the bus and looked around, thinking where to sit. I saw Beth waving her hands. I sat beside her, but shes not talking to me. I stared outside the window, waiting for our subdivision to come into view. At last, I walked down the bus and silently jogged towards home. I want some hot chocolate, pancakes and a comfy bed to lie down on. I greeted mom with a happy smile but she didnt smile back. Mom, whats the matter? I asked her, sitting down on my fave spot on the kitchen table. I heard you got detention today, Mandy, she simply said. Oh no, not that. Yeah, but Mr. Garner said Im free because someone said nothing is my fault so its fixed, Mom. No big deal. I smiled at her. She turned to me then. Thats not my point, missy! My point is your record is clean ever since you got enrolled in high school! And now youre a junior, and youre starting to mess everything, she yelled. This is not what I expected my home would be like when I got back. Im sorry, Mom. This wont happen again. So, can we just calm down and put that aside. Ill make it up to you. Ill bring home awards if you want me to, I answered, my two index fingers rubbing my temple. Okay. And fix your problem with Bethany. I dont want you two fighting. Remember shes your only friend in school, she said.

24

No need to make me remember, mom. I know my friends. Okay. Ill call her up later after we eat dinner. ~ +++ ~ Bethany here! Im maybe away right now or studying. Please leave your message after the beep! her voicemail answered. Beth? I know youre there. You probably just dont want to talk to me. I just wanna let you know that everything is a misunderstanding. Can we meet on Wendys Burger tonight? Ive got a lot of things to say. I hope you can make it. Ill be waiting for you, I ended. But before I could hang up the phone Bethany picked it up. Okay. Lets meet up. Clear things up with me. I dont want a fight with my best friend. Right now, okay? Bye-bye. Thanks, Beth. I changed my clothes into a purple dress, I brushed my hair, wore my gem pendant and my black doll shoes. I ran downstairs, finding mom. Mom? I gotta go to Wendys! Im going to meet up with Beth to explain stuff. Ill catch you later! I shouted and walked my way to Wendys. Im going to fix some things today. I hope everything will be alright.

25

AS I CONTINUED TO RUN TO WENDYS, MY HEART beat together with the steps of my feet. I wonder if Bethany will understand, That I will never say anything like that to her because shes my best friend. Only friend inside and outside of the school. Im the only member of the school paper without that big crowd of friends. I only have one friend and Im not going to let those asses ruin our friendship that lasted for 8 years until now. No way. Bethany is the only one who stuck with me all those years. I know how she lived her life for the past years, I know her favorites and her dislikes. I know what kind of friend and personalities she likes about a person. Bethany loves lasagna so much. She used to buy lasagna once a week for her family. She loves the color green. She said its really eco-friendly. She likes classical music so much. She loves to play the violin and shes also a bookworm like me. We used to borrow books at our little library back when were still in 5th grade. But then, Megans 26

father fired Beths father. Her father works for a private co mpany that makes the best ice cream in our town, which is owned by the father of Megan. He didnt explain why he fired Bethanys father, just fired him like that. And thats what started the war between their families. And thats also why Bethanys family cant afford expensive things like before. Im the only one who knows what really happened. Bethanys not much of a talker when it comes to her father. Sometimes she would just cry because she remembers something about her family. Shes got a lot going on her. Thats why shes this always-happy-problemfree type of student in school. People smile, yes, but that doesnt mean theyre happy. Smile can hide everything. But inside it feels like youre going to die already. I know the feeling. Did I ever tell you that I had experience love already? I didnt. Right. No matter how hard I tried to move on and forget him I cant. I see him every day at school. He used to be this schools geek. Ive been trying to help him because everyone was teasing him. bullying him. He experienced it. He wants revenge from everyone who tried to shame him back to those times. He wears this round-like glasses, thats why everyone calls him Harry Potter. He always cries to me, telling me what he feels every time they bully him. Im his best friend. Only best friend. He used to smile at me every day, every minute and every second. He always pinches my cheeks because he thinks Im too cute. I miss that old him. Not because it happened in the past doesnt mean its so easy to forget. He the only one I loved with all my heart. What happened is this: he courted me for 3 27

months and after that I answered him cause I loved him too. We spent our time together. There was no week that we wont hang out, just the two of us. One time at school he was walking in the hallway to find his first class. The jocks, Matthew, Travis and the others, started to follow him. He noticed someone was following him and, as he turned around, they started the biggest prank theyve ever done to a student. They spilled everything inside his backpack. He likes to draw stuff. That time he brought his sketchpad. And guess what they did? Thats right: they tore everything. Every drawing was destroyed. They burned the others in front of him. Why did I know what happened when Im not even in the picture? He tried to call my name out loud as they all laughed. I was there, behind the lockers, just so they wont see me. He was crying already and someone was screaming gay or faggot. They threw eggs and ketchup at him. It broke my heart so much that I didnt get out from where I was hiding. I became afraid, afraid of what theyre capable of. Afraid they might hurt me too. I became so selfish that I forgot that, that was my boyfriend. Mandy...help me. They are bullying me again. I though you said they would stop. Mandy, please, help me, I remembered him screaming. But all I thought of was myself. He was so hurt. Destroyed. Ashamed. And most of all, left alone. No one was there to help him. And I was even there, waiting for nothing. Just watching. And they left him. His eyes scanned around, searching. And then he found me. His eyes showed a lot of emotion happiness, 28

anger, sadness. Mandy. I wasI was calling you a while ago. Are you here that time? he asked. Unable to answer, I nodded back. He grabbed my wrists. Why? Why did you let them do that to me, knowing you couldve helped me? Im calling your name a lot of times and I thought youre not here. But youre just watching. Watching them do tha t to me. I though youre my best friend? I thought youre my girlfriend? But you didnt help me when I needed you! he yelled. I started crying because I knew he was right. My emotions stopped me. And I didnt do anything. Mandy, I thought youre differen t from them. But youre not. Ill go to America. Ill start over. And when I came back, Ill make your life a living hell. And oh, were over by the way. Bye, Mandy. Good luck, he smirked darkly. And thats how it happened. When he came back, hes handsome and became one of the popular kids. Even a jock. You guys know him well. Hes the one who tried to destroy my friendship with Bethany. Youre right: Justin Everwright. Hes my past best friend and first boyfriend. After he came back, he made his promise. He made my life a living hell. And now, just like what happened to him, no ones there to help me. And I know that he is enjoying it. ~ +++ ~ Hey, Mandy. I said what are you gonna eat? Bethany asked me, snapping me back into reality. I- I would order lasagna too. And a medium sized Coke. And a slice of pizza. Thank you, I said to the waitress beside me. 29

Hey, Mandy. Tell me, is something wrong? Bethany asked me. I just remembered Justin. The Justin before the transformation. You remember him, right? I smiled at her. She smiled back. Yeah, why wouldnt I? I knew you love him so much. With all your heart, she answered. And I started my speech. Apology. I just wanna say but Bethany cut me off with a laugh. Im sorry, Bethany, for what I said. You know I didnt mean it. Im just so stupid I didnt rush after you because I was such a bitch. But I know that youll forgive me anyway. So, Im here to treat you with everything you want. Okay, she finished for me. She is really my best friend. She knows my speech. I laughed at her. Oh, youre really my best friend. But I wouldve just said: Im sorry. Can I just treat you as my apology, I said. She pursed her lips, thinking. No. Mines better. Youre stupid and a bitch. But just a little. Not like Megan bitch. She giggled. Well, both of us. So, ss she wants me to, I treat her with everything she ate. Its fine. At least were okay now. And its 8:00 now, so, I gotta go home. Hey, Beth. I need to go now. You wanna go home with me? I asked her. She just smiled at me and blushed. Oh my god. Shes hiding something from me. Hey, Beth! Youre not telling me something. I know that smile, I exclaimed. She laughed. Well, IuhIm currently In a Relationship with, guess who? she said, excited.

30

I think I know who. Matthew Millers? I said with my mouth hanging open. She nodded, getting redder. OH MY GOD! I mean, I thought Matthew was this king-like student. Youve got to tell me everything tomorrow at school. Lunch. I smiled. Okay. But hes not that bad after all. Kinda like an act for his popularity. But, oh well. Everyone has their good sides. Even that new guy Neptune. I know you like him. From the looks if it, she told me. No. Youre wrong. IdFine. Yes, I do. And...Im planning to make an article for him. Just for him, I said dreamily, as I thought about Prince Charming. Bethany smiled at me. But how about Justin? Hed go mad about that, she warned me. Oh, that asshole. Yeah. So, I made a back-up, to make an article about this flower called Aster, and it symbolises love and delicacy. And thats the title anyway. Aster: Love and Delicacy. You think its okay? Im going to write about that because it has love with it, I said. Yes. Its okay. And just to remind you, you need to go home. Dont worry about me. See that red Porsche car? And oh, that bulky, handsome man right there? Thats my chaperon. She smiled. I shook my head. Okay. Ill go now. Be careful, okay? See you tomorrow, Beth, I yelled and walked out of the diner. I saw three guys walking. I think Im gonna go back inside, see if I could just stay for a while. Suddenly someone held my hand. I quickly stiffened and the guy chuckled. 31

Youre scared they might hurt you? the guy asked. From the sound of his voice, I know that this is no wonder, so sure, totally, absolutelyPrince Charming. And bingo! Im right. I tried to release my hand from his grip. Yeah. And what is it to you then? I asked him. Dont try to sound brave, Crookes. I know it when youre scared and if youre not, he said seriously. He pulled me towards the guys, and my heart started to beat like crazy. Hey, hey. Im just kidding. You know that, right? Can we go back there now and wait for them to pass? I said, not caring if my voice was cracking. He chuckled. Actually, Crookes. Theyre the one whos waiting for usyou to pass. And if Im not here with you, you might be screaming my name for help, he said. Lucky him Im scared right now. But I really wanna slap him when he said that. Why would I fucking scream his name anyway? Hey, guys. Look who do we have here? A lassie together with his...chaperon. They laughed. Neptunes grip tightened, causing me to wince. We dont want any harm here, dude. We just want to pass by silently. Neptune smiled at the man, but I could feel that he was tensed. So are we, man. We just wanna play with the girl for a while. We hope its okay. The tall guy in front of me smirked. I gasped, looking at Neptune. Oh, not that one. Im sure you dont want your body b eing torn into chunks and to be eaten by Lacoras, Neptune threatened. But the guys laughed as if Neptune told them a joke. 32

Lacoras? What in the world is Lacoras? Are you okay, man? I think youre going crazy, the other guy with the same height as me laughed. Lacoras is a wolf-and-dog-like creature from a planet, which is Neptune. They are trained to fight and to eat stray species that landed on their territory. Once there was a human, astronaut as he calls himself landed on their grounds. The Lacoras eventually tore the man apart and ate him, together with the bones. And if you arent contented I could show you some pictures and some evidence, Neptune warned, eyes turning into bright violet, looking into the three guys eyes. Persuasion? Weir d. How does he know so much about those Lacoras. I saw the three guys attack Neptune. Punches, kicks, kicks and punches. And Neptune was lying on the ground, bleeding all over. Neptune! I screamed, trying to help him up. But by some miracle or I dont know, he stopped bleeding. And all the wounds have disappeared. My mouth dropped open again. What is that? What just happened? How-how did your wounds heal that easily? I asked him. He stood up with me and laughed, scratching his head. Youre not supposed to see that actually. But then, just pretend its nothing. Or maybe I did magic. Who knows? he said, walking away. Hey, Neptune! Youre supposed to bring me home! I yelled to him. You can walk on your own. And like I told you, I know youd scream my name. He smirked. I snorted. Jerk. Stupid jerk. 33

Argh! Why do you have to be so arrogant! I screamed. I heard him chuckle from a distance, but I felt myself smile. No matter how arrogant he is, I know thats what made me fall for him. Oh well. Lets see what are those Lacoras hes talking about. Maybe I could pass it for our paper.

34

I OPENED THE FRONT DOOR OF OUR HOUSE SILENTly. Its already 8:30 in the evening. My moms probably washing the dishes by now. My father died when I was 5 years old because of lung cancer. He used to be addicted to tobaccos. We never blamed him. It wont do us any good anyway. Mom! Im home, I yelled as I hung my coat. So, hows your night with Bethany? Are you two back to normal now? She smiled. My mom really loves Bethany. She knows that Bethany has stuck with me for years no matter what happened. Yeah, and I also discovered that she and that guy Matthew Millers are now a couple. Im really happy for Beth. At least her crush noticed her now, I said with a smile. My mom shook her head. I raised an eyebrow at her. I bet hes just using Bethany, my dear. Guys like that? They cant be trusted at all, thinking theyre all superior over everyone. She sighed and continued washing the dishes that were left. 35

Mom, lets give Matthew a chance. Maybe he wants to change. Be a better person. I mean, everyone has a good side, right? I answered her. But others just use you for fame, honey. You know its hard to trust these days, she warned. I walked upstairs and got inside my room to call Bethany and asked if she got home safely. Not that I dont trust Matthew, just to make sure. I dialled Bethanys number. She picked up after the second ring. Hey, Bethany. Are you home now? I asked her. She laughed and answered, Yeah. After you and your Prince Charming Neptune walked away, he entered the restaurant and asked me for a ride home. You know, hes such a sweet guy after all. Maybe we shouldnt have judged him right away. Yeah. Well, congratulations to both of you. At least youre happy now that he notices you every day. Yeah. And you know what? I received my first kiss tonight! From Matthew, inside his car, before I got out, she confessed. Beth really sounds so happy. Im so happy for her. Oh, my father said I need to sleep now, Mandy. See you tomorrow outside your house! Bye-bye, she ended and hung up. I remembered the Lacoras Neptune was talking about. I need to know what they are. They could be my next article for the paper. But then I need to research a lot, so I need to start right away. I opened my laptop and typed on Google the word Lacoras. But! I got nothing. Strange. Where did he find them out? I tried to type it again but I still got nothing. Okay. Maybe he just invented them right then and there. I mean not even NASA have been to Neptune. That would take 36

them years to make a spaceship that can reach Neptune. Okay, Im done with this topic. Im just asking him tomorrow, if hes willing to answer me. The only problem is if Megan is there with him. I gotta start writing and researching about that flower named Aster. I need to pass it for our paper. ~ +++ ~ I wore my red converse today to match my red tee with a Hello Kitty design in the middle. I happily walked downstairs, smelling the pancakes mom was cooking in the kitchen. I sat on a chair and started placing butter on top. I see youre up early. Good thing Bethany is going to walk with you to school again. Bethany told me something about a new friend of yours named Neptune and that you also call him Prince Charmng. Care to tell me about him? Mom asked. I felt myself blush. What?! No. Erase that. I didnt blush because of him. Hes just a friend of mine. I called him Prince Charming because hes handsome, yes, but hes so arrogant so I said as quickly as I can. Mom laughed. Oh, Mandy. You dont have to hide that from me. Im your mother. And I can sense that even if he teases you, you still like him. She smiled. I sighed. Shes right. Shes my mother so she knows me. Yeah, but he doesnt know anything about that. As long as I can hide it from everyone I will. I dont want others teasing me because of him. Im the one whos in the paper. I write things about others, not about myself. And hes one of the jocks. Hell never see me like that. More

37

than someone he can tease. And plus, Megan likes him. You know I cant compete with her, I confessed. Mandy, Megan is just a student like you. She cant bring you down just like that. Youre a strong lass, honey. You can stand against her, Mom said. Oh, Mom. Her familys the reason why Bethany father lost his job. He works for their company. One time Bethany blew up and slapped Megan, thats what happened. I dont want you to lose your job too, I answered and hugged her tight. Okay. Now go to school, Mandy. Bethany Mom said but was cut off by someone who entered our front door. Neptune aka Prince Charming. Now what? Hey, Mandy. Good morning, Mrs. Crooke. Nice to finally meet you. Im Neptune Witherston, by the way. He presented and shook hands with my mother. I closed my eyes, stopping myself from slapping Neptune because of his acting. What do you want, Prince Charming? And why are you here? Out! I yelled but he just chuckled. Chill, Mandy. Bethany said shes going to school with Matthew, thats why she requested me to escort you to school since you are so stupid you might fall on the ground or scratch your skin or Stop it, will you? Youre here to escort me to school, not to tease me, you freaking asshole! I answered. But thats a not a tease yet! Its just a sign of hello. The tease starts inside the school. He smiled at me. Okay now, guys. Get going to school. Its going to be a little long walk for both of you, Mom said. 38

No need to walk, Mrs. Crooke. I have my car with me. I dont want my Mandy here to be tired of walking, he explained. I pulled him to his car. Now stop acting like youre this goody - good guy in front of my mom because youre not! I exclaimed. Okay, okay! No need to pull me by my shirt. Hey! Youre going to sit on the back seat. Megan sits beside me, okay? he said. Alright. Megan again. When will she stop stealing all my crushes? I opened the door and sat on the back seat. He started the ignition and drove off. Hey, what are those Lacoras you said yesterday to those guys anyway? I tried to search it online but I got nothing. Maybe you got explain to me what His face turned serious. Theres nothing to explain about them. And youre not supposed to know what they are. They are nothing. I just invented them, anyway. So, its nothing, he said, breathing deeply. I saw Megan approaching the car and as she entered, Neptunes face suddenly brightened, and She kissed him?! No way. Hey, babe. Good morning. Whatwhat is she doing here? Shes not supposed to be here! Megan screamed when she saw me. I looked down. Babe, its just for one day. And lets just pretend shes not here. She just needs a ride. He smirked and kissed her back. Get a room, I randomly said. They both laughed and Megan turned to me. You know what, loser, just shut up. I know youre just jealous thats why youre like that. Im sorry, but Neptune is mine, Megan said to 39

me. Whatever, bitch! And I dont care. Bu t I need to know about those Lacoras, like, really know about them. Im not going to stop. Im gonna ask him about that whenever hes free. But thats a little impossible right now, with Megan hanging around with him.

40

RIZZAL ROZUL is a freshman college student

taking up BS Psychology. She grew up and has been living on Manila, Philippines up until now. In her spare time she loves to read books and write her own stories. She dreams to be a professional Psychologist and to publish her works one day. E.T. is her second novel.

ENZO MAJARREIS

41