It Started With A Kiss-->updated till chapter 18

hotmum

Anne dear ...

missing alex and annelise already ....

annehuda

Anne dear ...

missing alex and annelise already ....
hotmum Post at 11-8-2011 09:58

    bersabarla hotmum...

actually i kalau nk tulis part annelise n alex mesti depressed punye. agaknye sbb diorg ni asyik gaduh je kot. i plak yg tension

hotmum

Reply 62# annehuda

menanti penuh sabar ... hehhe .. janji n3 mantoopp ...

go anne go
go anne go

annehuda

bg sape2 yg tak tau, ribollita n crocche tu sejenis makanan itali.

ni rupenye ribollita

ribollita ni mcm sup yg diperbuat dr sayur2, daging skit, kekdg tambah nasi n roti. kt itali kalau ade makanan berlebih buatlah sup ni

crocche

ni diperbuat dr kentang lecek + telur dan digoreng ngan serbuk roti.

annehuda

Annelise and Alex sat on the dining table, facing each other.  Annelise knew she had to say something, explained everything to Alex, but she didn’t even dare to look at his face, into his eyes.  A piece of letter torn away from its red envelope was lying on the table.  A while ago, he furiously scolded her for keeping a dreadful secret from him.  It left her speechless and shaky in a mix of fear and dejection.

“How long do you intend to keep this a secret from me, Anne?” his voice was sore.  But Annelise just sat there, remained silent with her arms wrapping her upper body like a cocoon.  A drop of tear rolled down her cheek, but she didn’t sob or weep.  Alex knew he went too much on her, but he don’t have a choice.  He knew there must be reasons why Annelise guarded this secret from him so unwaveringly, and that one drop of tear is probably the last ounce of energy she had from keeping the wall from collapsing in front of him.

“What’s the point Alex? It was just a letter. Nothing at all” Annelise wiped away her tears with a serviette.  “There’s nothing we can do about it”

Alex shook his head vigorously. “No, there must be something we can do.  We can investigate this, find that custard, and send him away to another school so he won’t bother you again. I can…”

“No!” Annelise reached out for his left hand that was resting on the table. “No Alex, I’m begging you. Don’t do that, please”

He was peculiarly taken aback with her pleading, but he waited for her reason.  He hoped it was reasonable enough for him not to take action on the culprit who started all this.

“I can deal with this.  I really can, I mean the sender never bothered me again. I didn’t receive any letter like this for a while.I think everything is okay now”

It didn’t convince him a bit, not at all.

“You mean you want to wait until this maniac to strike on you again? Are you kidding me? I’m not going to wait until you get badly hurt, Anne. No way!”   Alex stood up, clutching the letter and about to walk away, but Annelise quickly stopped him from leaving.

“No Alex! Please, don’t you understand? Don’t you read the letter and what it said about me?”

Alex wanted to push her away, but she kept on hanging on his arm.

“Please Alex!  Stop treating me like I’m a baby!  I can defend myself. I can face this without you!”

Annelise’s face was inches away from his.  And he can see beneath the glassy coat of water on her eyes, a flicker of spark was waiting to ignite and incinerate.  Alex looses himself from her grips.

“I just want to help, Anne.  That was what I supposed to do right?” the disappointment was audible.

“I know” Annelise smoothed the crease on his chest, before landing her head on it. “But this time you’ve got to let me go, Alex.  Because I’m letting you go”

Alex patted her hair delicately. Letting go Annelise was something he has never done before.  He was sure Annelise could survive without him, but can he go on without her?

“I guess you know about Andover, Anne”

Annelise nodded.  “You should go, Alex.  It’s our dream remember? ”

“But I don’t want to walk away from you, Anne. Not like this, not now.  I won’t forgive myself if anything ever happen to you”

“You’re not” Annelise whispered to his ears. “I’ll be okay.  Trust me”

Alex draped his hand around Annelise.  17 years of growing up together, playing together, the constant absences of their parents only filled the gap between them, making them closer. In this moment he recollected the tribulations and memories of him and her, each memories playing like a homemade video in his mind, memories as far as he can remember till now.

“I’ll be okay, Alex. I’ll be strong for you” Annelise promised him.

Words are weighing on his lips. He wanted to say he can’t, he can’t walk away from Annelise at crucial time like this, and that he is still worried no matter what she promised him.  But he knew she still won’t be accepting his help even if he chose to stay with her.

He was saddened with the fact that Annelise wanted to stand on her own feet, the fact that he is no longer relevant or reliable in her life.

“I’ll go, Anne” Alex shoved her out from his embrace.  He gathered what strength left inside of him to look at her in the eyes, warningly.

“But if I heard anything bad ever happen to you, I’ll come back straight away for you, okay?”

Annelise gulped.  She smiled a little. She picked up the letter from his hand and tore it to pieces, dumping it in the waste basket behind the kitchen counter.  “Done. You don’t have to worry anymore”

Alex lightly rubbed her cheek with his fingers and traced the faint trail of tears still visible on her apple cheek.  “I’m sorry I made you cried”

Annelise hold the hand that was touching her face, his hand was warm, and it cozily cupped her face, like the way he always fit in with her life. Even though they had their time of disagreement but time like this that’s worth remembering for her.

This was the time she felt she truly belong to someone.  “And I’m sorry I lied to you”

Alex held her face with both hands and placed his forehead on hers.  He wished he could convey his true feeling to her telepathically.He was never good with sweet words, but she understands that.  And she fully understands what they were sharing at this moment. Some things are better left unsaid.

“I promised I won’t make you cried again” he closed his eyed, half whispered.

“And I promised I won’t lied or hide anything from you anymore” her voice trembled a bit; she was holding herself from crying again.  But this time she was crying happy tears.  Happy with a twinge of sadness, she knew she couldn’t have him like this forever.  Only for this brief rare moment.  The moment when she could feel his love flooding on her, and she should relished on it before it all gone.

Alex let go of her, and she looked at him with a smile on her face and twinkles in her eyes.  Awkward moment, but they quickly adjusted themselves.  Alex smiled goofily.  He moved to the counter and took out a black apron from one of it shelves. “I’ll treat you dinner tonight. What do you want for dinner?”

And everything is back to normal for both of them….

hotmum

i demand more .... heeeeeee ..... jgn marah anne .... tu la sapa suh wat cite best ...

kumako

OMA!  English!

bestlah!

Love it!

annehuda

CHAPTER ELEVEN
“You are going!!!”  Cassandra squealed in delight and practically jumped up and hugged Alex like he was a tree.  Thank goodness Alex was well built or they both will surely fall to the floor.  Alex broke the good news to Cassandra after his team defeated a visiting team from a private school from Chicago.  They were in the locker room, when everyone went home already and Cassandra stayed to ‘celebrate’ it with Alex.  

“We should have a party Alex.  This is something we should celebrate!” Cassandra suggested.

“Emm…don’t you think it’s still too early, we got a week left” Alex hesitated.

“No, don’t worry baby.  I’ll throw you a party.  Beside my parents is going out to town this week” Cassandra winked.

Alex finally gave in.  “Whatever you say”

Cassandra giggled, and kissed him all over his face.

It took a while for Alex to get away from Cassandra.  When he reached home, he saw smoke coming out from the window.  Alex hurriedly entered the house and ran to the kitchen.  He saw Annelise taking out something that looked like charcoal from the oven.  

“Anne, are you trying to burn this house?”  Alex took a wiping cloth and waved it around to steer clear of the smoke.

Annelise coughed.  “I’m trying to cook something for you”

Alex sneered. “Well, don’t try it again.  Cooking is not meant to you”

“But after you left I have to cook for myself”

Annelise has a point.  And Alex realized how dependent she was on him, he doubt it if Annelise can even feed herself after he left.  

“Well then, if you want to learn how to cook, start with something simple, like salad or omelets”, Alex took out his favorite apron from the kitchen counter.  “Come, let me teach you something”

They had a blast that evening; Alex was happier slopping himself at the kitchen with Annelise than getting intimate with Cassandra in the locker room, or winning a game.  No competition on that.  He love her, he always had.  

Annelise hasn’t spoken to Henry again after the incident at the market.  She was partially embarrassed of the incident, and partially unconfident if Henry ever wanted to talk to her again after he saw how creepy his brother could be.  So she was shocked when Henry approached her during lunch break.

“I’m sorry”.  Annelise have no idea why he suddenly asked for her forgiveness.

“For what?”

“I should have say thank you for covering me up that day” Annelise smiled a little.  She thought that was sweet.  

“That’s nothing.  I’m the one who should say sorry for not talking to you at all”

“Nein” Henry argued. “I’m the one who should approach you first. But I let you wait”

Annelise tried not to smile so obviously, but it faltered.  Henry took out two plastic containers from his bag pack.  

“I hope you’re not on a diet, Anne” Henry presented her a little glass of two layered pudding.  

Annelise never saw such a pudding; it has a yellow and white layer. And as she took a spoon of it, it is actually chilled milk with vanilla and a hint of lemon.

“Umphh..Delicious! I’ve never taste something like this before. Did Mrs Campbell make this?”

Henry shook his head. “Nein, my grandmother knows nothing about German cuisine.  I made that, it is called Welfenspeis“

Her eyes rounded like full moon.  She never knew any man in her life who know a thing or two about cooking, except for Alex.  ”You cook? Wow! I don’t even know how to use an oven!“

Henry smiled.  ”Don’t worry, I can cook for you“.  

Annelise blushed.  It was an awkward moment for both of them.  Henry realised that.

“Yeah, but my cooking is limited to German cuisine only.  And I miss having spargel with Hollandaise sauce.  You Americans don’t like vegetable much, do you?“

They kept on chatting cozily when Amanda sprang up from somewhere and joined them at the table.  Annelise’s life has never been better.  She patched up with her brother, the mysterious sender mysteriously disappeared, she met new friend, and possibly a love interest.  Was she smitten with Henry?  It was too early to tell. Henry was charming,  friendly, fun to hang out with, a gentleman from Europe.  But he was hiding something, underneath that persona was another layer of him yet uncovered.  She wasn’t sure if she will still be interested to Henry once he revealed that layer.

Cassandra and her two friends, Medee and Brianna approached them at their table.  This is something new.  Annelise and Amanda practically never spoke to them, they don’t need to. They have nothing in common at all except that Cassandra is officially dating Alex.

”You guys are invited to my party.  This Saturday, at my house, after school“ Cassandra spoke to them monotonously, and she walked away without uttering more informations.  Annelise and Amanda looked at each other, gobsmacked.  

”Are we just being invited to Cassandra’s party?“ Amanda broke the silence.  Annelise grinned from ear to ear.  They are going to a party, their first party ever as high schooler, and to the one of the party promised to be the best ever.  Everybody in the school know Cassandra is the most hip party thrower in Glenview.  Annelise thought her new life couldn’t be better.

Alex watched from tables away.  He loved to see Annelise smiled so joyfully like that.  He was the one who persuaded Cassandra to invite Annelise and Amanda to the party.  He could brought them with him, but he already figured Annelise would say no. Annelise hated being a plus one.  Alas, he made her happy.  And he couldn’t be more satisfied.

annehuda

nile rupenye welfenspeise or welf pudding yg dibuat oleh si henry tu.....

puding ni dibuat dr telur, susu, lemon juice skit and ade la tambah wine skit. hehehe

annehuda

spargel tu sbnrnye asparagus putih....

annehuda

CHAPTER TWELVE

Annelise and Amanda were definitely looking forward for the party.  Alex could hear them chatting and repairing each other make up as he drove them to the party.  Amanda wore an earth tone boho maxi dress and Annelise just clad herself in a white perforated tiered cocktail dress with black legging.  She put on a white hair band to complete her looks.  Alex thought Annelise looked so beautiful that night.

“Hmm….I wonders why Henry doesn’t want to come with us to the party” Annelise sighed.  

“What’s so special about Henry? I thought this party is about me” Alex sulked.

Annelise took out her cell phone to send Henry a message, a last attempt to ask him to join the party, but Amanda asked her to put it away.

“Look, Annelise.  Don’t bother.  He did promise us he’ll try to come after he’s done with his arrangement right?”
Amanda was right.  Henry did promise them that.  “Yeah, I wonder what that could be….”

Henry at that time was at his room in Campbell’s residence.  He turned on his laptop, and started using the Skype applications.  He put on his earphone and set up the camera.  He dialed for a username Hannalore_Schmidt and waited for the other party to pick up his call.   A platinum haired girl of about 9 years old appeared on the screen, hugging a teddy bear twice her size.  She squealed happily when she saw Henry online.

“Heinrich!”

“Hey sister.  How are you doing?”

“Wie bitte???”  Pardon???
Henry slapped his forehead.  “Es tut mir leid. Ich habe es zu lange keine deutsche gesprochen” I’m sorry.  I haven’t spoken in Germany for a long time.

Hannalore laughed heartily.  “Heinrich….. denkst du über mich??” Heinrich ….do you think about me?Henry touched the screen as if she was in front of him.

“viel Glück zum Geburtstag!!”  A great happy birthday to you!

Hannalore clapped her hands.  It was her special day, and he hasn’t forgotten about it even though they’re far apart.

“Heinrich…nach Hause kommen” Heinrich…come back home.

Nein….. Heinrich wanted to say that, but he knew he would only break her little heart.  Instead he yawned like a cat.

“Ich bin im Augenblick so schläfrig.  Guten nacht Hanna” I’m feeling so sleepy.  Good night, Hanna.Hannalore look disappointed.  She said good night to Henry too.  “Vergib mir”, forgive me, was Hannalore final words to Henry.  Henry froze; he didn’t expected Hannalore to say sorry for something he has forgiven.    Hannalore terminated their connection, but he kept on staring at the blank monitor.  What he saw at the monitor, was a replay of a dreadful moment he experienced in Berlin.  

Henry got up from the chair and jumped onto the bed.  He covered himself from head to toe with his blanket, hoping he could forget what has happened in Berlin.

Cassandra snatched Alex away once they arrived at her doorstep.  Annelise and Amanda didn’t bother; they were mesmerized with atmosphere of the party.  The music was loud, people from their school bopping their head in rhythm of the music, couples making out everywhere.  Annelise and Amanda were seriously overdressed that night.  They tried to fit in, but the most that they did was drinking punch while sitting at the stairs, watching the crowds getting crazier and crazier.  They didn’t feel like dancing, and they can’t chat with each other because the music was too loud.  It was less than half an hour but they were already bored.
“I’ll go get us another punch!” Amanda half screamed to Annelise.  

Amanda slipped her way through the crowd to the punch bowl, when Medee and Brianna suddenly pulled her aside.  

“Hey Amanda, I’m just sending a message.  From Sam”

Amanda looked around, but there’s no Sam.

“He’s not here.  But he saw you, and he thought you look beautiful tonight” Amanda was flattered.  She has a crush on Sam ever since she saw the kicker of the football team score and extra 1 point during a match a year ago.  She thought he was heroic.

“Well what does he want from me, Dee?”

“He wants to see you tonight, but not here.”

“Then where can I go to see him?”

Medee smiled.  She whispered something to Amanda, and Amanda nodded.  She followed Medee and Brianna out from the crazy party.

Annelise waited for Amanda to come back with the punch but she didn’t come back.  So she pushed herself through the crowd to find Amanda.  Suddenly, somebody pour her with a cup of iced orange colored cocktail.  She screamed.  The whole crowd stopped partying to look at her.

It was Cassandra.  It looked like she accidentally splashed Annelise.  Annelise’s gorgeous white dress and her whole face were tainted with cocktail.  Everyone was looking at her, and she never felt so embarrassed.  

“Oh my gosh, I’m sorry Annelise.  I didn’t mean it” Cassandra tried to make amend.  Alex was already there.  

“Anne, are you okay?” Annelise didn’t reply him.  But Alex knew she was bothered with the incident. “Hey I’ll take you home okay?”

Cassandra tried to stop him. “Alex, this party is for you.  You cannot walked out from your own party”

Annelise didn’t know that.  She just came to this party without knowing what it is for.  She wiped her face and put on a fake smile.  “It is okay, Alex.  I just need to clean up.  It is nothing”.  God knows how crumbled she was inside.

“Yeah”, Cassandra pitched in.  “Let me take her to my room.  She can clean up there”

Cassandra took Annelise by the hand, and Annelise just followed her to the kitchen.  “Ok people, back to party!” Someone shouted.  And the DJ put back the music and everyone start partying like nothing has happened.

Cassandra didn’t take Annelise straight to her room.  Instead she brought her to the garage.  She handed her a stack of keys from a box etched on the walls.  “Look, Annelise.  I’m hosting a party here.  I don’t want to bother myself helping you cleaning up that mess, so just take this key, go upstairs, first room on the left. After you’re done, put this key back here, okay?”

Annelise nodded.  “Do you know where Amanda is?” she asked.

“Well, Medee and Brianna took her somewhere.  They said that Sam wants to meet her, in somewhere private”

Before she even said thank you, Cassandra already left.  She was left alone in the garage.  Annelise looked at herself.  Yes, she was in a mess.  She thought tonight she will be having a good time; instead she was ditched by her friends, humiliated in front of her school mates.  She should accept Alex’s offer to send her home, but this is his party.  She doesn’t want to ruin it.  But she doesn’t want to be in it either.  She put the key back into the box, and walked out from the party through the garage door.
She doesn’t care if she has to walk for miles; she just wants to go home.  

She’s leaving, but nobody would know that she has left. Probably nobody knew she was there either. That’s how indistinctive she is.  At time like this, she was jealous at Alex.  Alex has everything, and what left of her? Her only friend left her for a guy who she never talked before.  Annelise cried her heart out along the way.  

A minivan passed by, and pulled over by the road.  It was a family of four; an elderly couple and their two grandsons.  She was lucky as they offered her a ride home.  

Meanwhile, Alex waited for Annelise to come down from Cassandra’s room.  What took her so long?

“Hey man, come outside.  The boys want to make a toast to you” Sam suddenly appeared at his side.  But Alex just shoved him away. “In a minute okay?”

He caught Keller about to go outside, and called out for him. “Hey Keller, did you see Anne?”

“No.  And I didn’t see Amanda to. I thought you brought them to the party?”

“I did, but I don’t know where they are right now” Alex looked worried.

Keller was worried too.  There’s no way the girls could have gone anywhere, Alex got the car keys, unless if they decided to follow someone to somewhere.

“Hey Alex, come on! What are you waiting for?” Sam shouted from outside.

“Hey, help me find them, Keller. Please”

“Sure, man”.  Alex ran out to outside, where the whole school waited to cheer on him.

Keller scratched his scalp.  He really doesn’t know where to start looking.

merahsilver

good job girl!!!
keep up the good work

annehuda

good job girl!!!
keep up the good work
merahsilver Post at 14-8-2011 08:01

    thank u

hotmum

anne ...

bz ke? .... hehehe .. mengharap n3 lagi ni ...

go anne go
go anne go

HARY

more....moRE........MORE!!!! heh...heh....

annehuda

anne ...

bz ke? .... hehehe .. mengharap n3 lagi ni ...

go anne go
go anne go {:1_ ...
hotmum Post at 16-8-2011 12:05

    iols bukan penulis sepenuh masa, iols penulis bila ada masa jek...

thanks for the support...

annehuda

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Amanda tried to push open the door, but it didn’t budge.  She was tricked.  By Medee and Brianna.  They brought her here at school biology laboratory, saying Sam wanted to meet her there.  They even warned her that Sam like to jump to second base.  But once she got inside, Medee and Brianna slammed the door and locked the door.  She can hear Medee and Brianna’s shriek of laughter as they left her there.  And now she was trapped.

It didn’t cross her mind at all, that all this was a trick.  The invitation to the party could be a bait to lure her here.  She felt like she wanted to cry, she blamed herself for being so stupid to fall for this stupid trick.  

Her cell phone rang.  She reached it from her purse.  It was a call from Keller.  She was relieved.  She was so panic she forgot she brought her cell along with her.

“Keller, oh my gosh, Keller. Thanks God you called!”

“Where are you now, Amanda?”

“I’m at school. Can you please….”

“What the hell are you doing at school at this time?” Keller stopped her mid way.  She wanted to tell him but she couldn’t.  Keller would definitely think she’s a moron.  So she switched off the phone.  She was determined to get out from this place before Keller reaches her.  Then tomorrow she would pretend like nothing has happened.  If Keller asked she’d say he was hallucinating.

Keller was annoyed.  He couldn’t believe Amanda hang up on him.  He dialed her number again.  It went straight to her voice mail.  Now he was deeply worried.  What if something has happened to Amanda?  Keller was in front of Amanda’s house.  He was just checking for Amanda, but her mother told him she wasn’t home yet.  Now he knows Amanda in school, but where?  The school is big.  He decided he should bring Kaleb along with him.  And he asked from Amanda’s mother her unwashed scarf.

Amanda opened the slide window, and looked down.  She was lucky it wasn’t too high. She was at first floor, about 10 feet from the ground.  But she wasn’t going to jump down.  She is going to pace slowly to the next room, the toilet.  She knew the toilet door was never locked, at all.  She’ll be walking on the gutter few feet underneath the window.  She’s not sure if the gutter is sturdy enough to support her, but it was made of bricks and it was etched to the wall of the building.  So she figured it was strong enough.  Moreover, she was skinny.  Carefully she climbed down from the window.  Both her feet were firmly on the gutter, and few crumbs fell down.  She didn’t dare to look down.  She slowly made a few steps.  

“Let’s go and find mommy, Kaleb”, Keller let his dog sniffed on Amanda’s scarf.  Kaleb was doing a good job.  He traced her scent and led Keller around the school.  The front door was locked at time like this, so the only way Amanda could enter the school is through another door, which Keller has no idea where.  Keller hold on to Kaleb’s leash, while she looked around for Amanda’s sight.  He saw someone hanging out from the windows of the first floor of the science building.

“Amanda!!!” he shouted.  Amanda was so shocked she almost lost her grips on the window sills.  “Amanda!! Stay there, I’ll come and get you!” Kaleb led him to an unlocked door to the building and they ran as fast as they can to get to Amanda.  Amanda hurriedly climbed back, and by the time Keller pounding at the door, she was already in.  

“Keller, what are you doing here?” she smiled awkwardly, tending her tousled hair that was ruined by the wind.  

“I should be asking you that.  Did you know how worried….” Keller stopped himself before he got further.  “Anyway how did you get here?”

“I…..well…..I sleepwalked.  I was tired of partying….and….I fell asleep ……..at Cassandra’s house…and I sleepwalked….. to here” Amanda stuttered.  Obviously Keller didn’t bought that.

“Don’t lie to me Amanda.  Somebody did this to you, right?” Keller expressed his disbelief brutally.  “How did the door was locked at the outside then?  Some clown man just came up and locked you up just to scare you?”

Amanda tried to laugh.  “Ha ha, that’s was funny.  You have a funny bone in you, Keller”

“This is not funny, Amanda” Keller suddenly came up to her and shook her shoulder vigorously.  “You tried to jump out from the window.  You could get hurt or worse, you could die”

Amanda racked her brain and tried to come up with something smart to say, but she was speechless.  She was speechless when she saw how serious Keller was.  Keller was always serious, but at this moment, Keller was deadly serious.  

“Why do you have to do something so stupid like that?” Keller sighed.

Stupid…. It snapped her out from her idle mind, and evoked a dejected, upsetting sentiment inside her.  Yes, she was stupid for even coming here at the first place, but hearing it from someone else was deeply wounding her to the core.

Amanda yanked his hands on her shoulder hastily; he was clearly stepping on the personal boundaries.  She grabbed Kaleb’s leash and exited from the lab, followed by Keller who was still unsatisfied with her attitude tonight.  

He bombarded her with questions all the way from the school to the car, but Amanda left him unanswered.  Keller has had enough; he barred Amanda from getting in his car and gave her his ultimatum.  “If you not telling me what happened to you tonight, I won’t drive you home”

Amanda bit her lips, exasperatedly.  “Fine, Keller.  I can walk home, thank you very much!”  And she started to walk to the gate, with Kaleb leading her.

annehuda

Keller should have known how hot headed Amanda could be by now.  He clearly didn’t expect that, but he didn’t have the heart to let her walk back home all alone.  What will her mother say then?

Keller drove slowly, tailing her from behind.  He honked a few time, but Amanda was adamant.  She didn’t look back. So he sped up, swerved his car around until it blocked the path Amanda was walking on.  He opened the passenger’s door and gestured her to get in.  But Amanda refused his invitation.

“I’m sorry, Amanda.  Now get in”

“No! I won’t!  You don’t have to care so much about me Keller.  I can take care of myself!”

“It’s that how you say thank you to someone who has just saved you back there?”

“Well I never asked for your help anyway.  And I don’t need one!”

Kaleb just looked back and forth at both his master.  They were engaged in a battle of the tongue and both of them were too stubborn to admit defeat.

“Woof!”Keller barked loudly, once, but it was enough to silent his masters.  He coolly jumped into the car, and woofed again at Amanda, who stood still outside with a frown on her face.

“Well, if you don’t want to listen to me, can you just listen to Kaleb?” Keller half pleaded.  Amanda climbed in, and put Kaleb on her lap, stroking its ears till it puppy eyes half closed.

Keller drove slowly, avoiding bumps and holes on the road as not to wake Kaleb up. He knew he should say something to Amanda, she was calmly silent all the way, but what should he say? I’m sorry? It wasn’t his ego; he didn’t do anything that he should be sorry about.

“Thanks, Keller.  And I’m sorry.  I don’t know what get into me back there”, Amanda broke the silence first.  He was so surprised he almost hit the brake.

“Never mind that” Keller calmly answered.
  
“Say Keller….”  Amanda cleared her throat.  “Have you ever been hurt by anyone before?”

“What the..” Keller wanted to ask more but he can’t afford to initiate another unwanted brawl with her again.  “Well, yeah.  A couple of time, at the playground when I was little, in the field”

“In the field?  Someone try to hurt you in the field?” Amanda was surprised to know that.

Keller nodded.  “I was a wide receiver right? I catch the ball, run with it, so of course the other players will chase after me, tried to bring me down with the ball, and blocked me from making a touchdown”

Amanda looked at him wide eyes.  “Yeah, that’s the basic rules of the game right? You’re in an offense position, so of course the defense line will try to stop the other team from advancing or scoring a point. So it was part of the game, it is legal”

Keller was amazed with Amanda’s knowledge on American football. He didn’t know that, he thought an animal loving hippy like her wouldn’t be interested in a brutal sport like football.  He kept a mental note in his mind to invite her to his game someday.  

“What I mean, Amanda, is that sometimes when I have pass the ball to the tight end or to someone else, my opponent intentionally, well….they still want to bring me down” Keller had some difficulty to describe what has happened to him when he was still fresh in the team.  It was a harsh lesson he had learn from his seniors.  Nobody in the senior team was happy when he and Alex were promoted as official players so early. They may have earned the trust of their coach, but not the respect of their seniors.  

“You were…bullied?” Amanda still couldn’t bring herself to believe that the invincible Mr Keller was once a victim, just like her.

“Was I? I don’t know.  It was supposed to be legal as long as it looked like an accident right?” he smiled bitterly.  But Amanda didn’t smile back, she grimaced.  She sympathized with Keller.  Of course Keller won’t tell anyone about what had happened to him, only weak people get bullied, and Keller is a football player.  The whole team will call him a sissy.

“I’m sorry to hear that.  I didn’t know” she gently touched his shoulder.  The same shoulder dislocated caused by the inapt tackle.  “How did you deal with that?”

Keller shrugged.   “Told myself I’ll get through that.  I’ll run faster, I’ll outrun anyone.  Beside my team need me.  Can’t walk away from that.”

Amanda sighed.  “Well it does feel good to be needed, right? I’m jealous of you Keller.  You’re needed, you’re important, people looked up at you. ” And I’m not.  

Keller detected the distressing tone in her voice.  “Don’t say that.  You’re needed, too. Kaleb need you, Annelise….”  I need you. But Amanda still looked upset.  She was in no mood to continue the conversation anymore.

It was a beautiful, serene night, the full moon shone magnificently on it canvas of dark sky.  Amanda momentarily forgot whatever happened tonight as she stared at the moon.  Kaleb’s leg wriggled, it must be dreaming of chasing rabbit in a park.  Amanda too, can’t wait to get home and hit her bed.  She wished she’ll dream something sweet too tonight.

“You want some chocolate?” Keller handed her some teardrop shaped chocolates wrapped in aluminum foils.  It was thoughtful, but unexpected.

“Chocolate?  You eat chocolate?” Amanda picked the chocolate from his palms, and examined it like it was a bomb.  

“Well, last time I check, chocolates are not poisonous.”  Keller’s intention was simply to lighten her mood, not bringing up her mood to mock him.  “I need something to chew on.  By the way, did you know that consuming chocolate can benefits the circulatory system? That’s important for an athlete like me”

“Hey, no need to be defensive, Keller” Amanda unwrapped one of the chocolate.  “Hey look, it’s a white chocolate!” She showed it to Keller merrily.  

“Oh I don’t eat white chocolate.  It tastes good but it has no health benefits or whatsoever.  I think that one from my mom, gift for Valentine’s Day.  I hope it’s not spoiled”

Amanda nibbled the chocolate like a squirrel.  She felt calmer, and better.  “Well, it still tastes good Keller.  Can I finish it?”

Keller nodded, and grabbed a small box hidden in his door’s glove.  “Here, have it all.  I’ve been keeping it since last Valentine’s.  Can you believe it, exactly one month……….”

“Wait, what day is today?” Amanda stopped nibbling.

Keller checked his wristwatch.  “It’s 14th March, exactly…”

Amanda gasped.  She dropped the aluminum foils from her hands.  “It’s White Day”

Keller glared at her curiously.  “What are you talking about? Christmas was like 3 months ago”

“No, no, no” Amanda shook her head. “It’s not Christmas.  It just, you’re not supposed to give me any white chocolate today!”

Keller was clearly fazed with her statement.    “What are you talking about? That’s ridiculous.  Are you on a curse or something?”

Amanda put back all the chocolates into the box and urged Keller to drive faster.  “Just send me home, Keller.  Drive faster.  It’s late anyway” Amanda pleaded.

Keller grumbled.  He didn’t get this girl.  When everything was running smoothly she’ll changed her moods, like weather.  Being with her was like being on a sea, unpredicted and rough.  But he likes that.  He wasn’t sure what he likes about her, but soon he’ll find out.   

“White Day…” Keller mumbled the word slowly. He desperately wants to know what the hell White Day is and he planned to hit the ‘Search’ button on the Internet tonight.

annehuda

Sedikit info....

coklat tu coklat hershey la....


white day selalunye disambut di negara jepun n korea. white day ni hari pembalasan valentine's day di mana lelaki akan menghadiahkan coklat putih kepada perempuan yg die suka.

annehuda

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The party continued outside, to the Patrick residence’s massive pool, complete with miniature waterfall and a spiraling slide.  After the big toast, the partygoers took off their clothes and jumped in into the water, and DJ began playing tunes from the big names of hip hop.  But Alex was not in the mood to party at all.  He kept on checking his cell phone for a call from Keller or hopefully, Annelise.  

“Please Alex.  Do you really need to sulk?  This party is supposed to celebrate you, okay?”  Cassandra was annoyed with Alex constantly looking at his cell phone.  She was ready in her teal two piece swimsuit, ready to hit the pool with Alex.  

“I’m worried about Anne.  She just disappeared.  Where did she go?  What if something bad happened to her?”  Cassandra rolled her eyes insipidly upon his anxiousness.  

“Well, Alex.  Just let it be.  She’ll be okay”

“Cassie, she’s my only younger sister”

“Your seventeen years old younger sister” Cassandra stressed.  Alex flipped close his cell phone.  Cassandra has a point on that.  Should he be worried for no reason at all? Annelise probably went home with Amanda.   “Come on.  Let’s join them at the pool” Cassandra took his hand and led him to the pool.  But a mere minute before he took off his clothes, his cell phone rang.  The name ‘Annelise’ appeared on the screen.  He answered it quickly, and reverted to a much quieter space.

“Anne, where are you? Are you okay?”  Alex was sick worried he didn’t bother to say hello.

Annelise twiddled the telephone cord between her fingers.  She knew she should tell Alex first before she cast off from the party.  But her conflicted emotion got the best of her.  After a half an hour under the hot shower thus she remembered she should inform Alex her whereabouts.  

“I’m okay.  I’m home.  I just showered and ready to go to sleep” she stared at her orange splashed dress that was once white, bundled in her laundry basket.   She winced.  It reminded her of the public humiliation she endured tonight.  What was supposed to be a good night to remember is now a disaster she wants to forget.

Alex sighed in relief.  “Should I go home, and be with you?”

“No, Alex.  The party is for you.  You should enjoy it” Annelise tenderly rejected his offer, for the second time tonight.  

“Okay.  Are you sure you going to be okay?  All by yourself?”

Annelise paused; she doesn’t want to lie to Alex again.  At time like this, she would want to cry on his shoulder.  Every time she felt down, or put down by the bullies in school, she always seek comfort in Alex.  Alex never really said much, but he always there to lend her his ears.  “You know what; I think I need to call Mandy.  So I’m going to hang up now Alex”  

Alex knew she was shunning him out.  But what else can he do? He said good night to Annelise.  He took off his clothes down to his swimming trunks and joined Cassandra and the partygoers at the pool.  He tried to have a good time, but it failed.  His heart was urging him he should go home to Annelise, but what’s the point?  His mind said.  Anne doesn’t need me anyway.  Or rather, Anne doesn’t need me anymore….

Annelise dialed Amanda’s number, Amanda wasn’t asleep yet.  And oddly, she wasn’t even home.  She was in a car with someone, and Annelise could hear a dog growling in the background.  Amanda apologized for leaving her alone at the party; and Annelise forgave her without any second thought.  Annelise asked her where she’s been, but Amanda was reluctant to tell her.  Instead she promised her she’ll spill all the details at school.  Annelise wanted to tell her about the incident, but Amanda hastily said her battery was low and she needs to hang up.  

Annelise couldn’t be more disappointed.  She needs to get it off from her chest, or she wouldn’t be able to sleep at all.  She browsed the number in her contact list, and she found Henry’s number.  She dialed it, not hoping Henry to answer, but unexpectedly, he picked up.  They talked, till it past her bed time, and she poured out her heart contents on what happened tonight.  Henry listened to her attentively; he was a good listener, as good as Alex.  Guten nacht.  Annelise went to bed with a little smile on her face.

The next morning, when Amanda and Annelise walked into the school, every one was gaping at them, looked away and then whispered to each other.  “Annelise, is there something in my face?”  Amanda blotted her nose with an oil tissue paper.  

Annelise shook her head.  “No, I think this is something else” Maybe they were talking about me turning into a pumpkin last night.  

Amanda began to fear that the Medee and Brianna had spread the story of how they trapped her at school last night.

They reached the hallway, where they saw Cassandra talking frenetically to Principal Mckenzie in front of the school office.  Cassandra noticed Annelise, and suddenly she pointed her finger to Annelise.  “There!  She’s the one, Principal Mckenzie! I have no doubt about it!”  Annalise was shocked.  She really has no idea what Cassandra was accusing her about.

Cassandra walked fiercely towards Annelise.  She shoved Amanda aside, and stood face to face with Annelise.  “Give it back, you thief!  Give me back my Tous Bear!”

“What?  I didn’t steal your teddy bear!”

Cassandra looked like she wanted to choke her to dead.  “Don’t pretend you don’t know about it, Annelise.  You have the key to my room last night, I handed you the key, remember?”  

Cassandra grabbed her by the collar.  “You’re the only person who can steal my pearl bracelet.  So give me back my bracelet!”

Annelise’s face turned white as chalk.  She was never been threatened like this before.  Principal Mckenzie pulled the aggressive Cassandra away from the frightened Annelise.  “Calm down, Ms Patrick.  We don’t have proof on that yet”