[Azalea]

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs037.snc1/3305_1170589384814_1230362327_30467910_4341146_n.jpg

BLURB
Quiet average girl, Caitlin Davis is an only child living with her widowed mother in an apartment in Missoula, Montana. Having been homeschooled most of her life by her aunt, she has been encouraged to try out high school to find out what life is really like on the outside.

Hell’s Gate High School.

After a week of experiencing high school, Caitlin is known as the Grudge’s relative because of her long straight black hair. Though that’s the least of her worries; she meets the devil of the school – Leon Ashford. An ex-delinquent and a well known enemy to the good looking boys of Hell’s Gate High. With his good looks and a devilish grin to boot, Leon has something up his sleeve and Caitlin is about to find out what life is really like on the outside…

**

Hey everyone!

Welcome to my new story, uhm, my recent story - Vampish is currently on hold also 'Once Upon a Howl' has been removed as I felt that I could maybe do more detail on it and stuff, so yeah. I have writer's block on Vampish atm. =S I went blank when trying to update that story. So anyways, hopefully this one is okay. Kinda wanted to enter this story in NaNo but whatever, lol. XD

Feel free to tell me any mistakes, thoughts, etc. ^_^ Also, if you find anything confusing, let me know and I'll try my best to explain.

Azzy :m:

P.S. Banner was made by me & Chapter One will be posted right about now... ALSO, I will forewarn you that there will be words that may offend people (I come in peace; so please don't feel like I'm hating on a particular culture nor group, etc.), violence and possibly graphic terms. So, READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!! I dunno if I spelt that right but anyways. Enjoy! ^_^

**

CHAPTER 1

“Oh my God,” whispered one of the popular girls as I passed by. “It’s the Grudge version 2.0.”

I heard them giggling, hoping my locker would be found further away from theirs. I had only started school a week ago and I’m already being judged. My mom and I have been through a lot to get this far. I’ve been homeschooled through thanks to my aunt Judith – she’s a teacher who used to teach here. I wondered how she could have survived in this school.

My mom didn’t have enough money for me to get into school like most kids so she did it herself. She worked part time and whenever she could. While I studied and did chores around the apartment – my mom has taught me so many ways of living my life independently that I wished I could be just like her - strong, caring, smart and beautiful.

Before she had me, she used to do a bit of modeling when she was young but she had to quit shortly since she was pregnant to my dad. I inherited most of my dad’s features only; I’m not as handsome as he looked. If you compare me to my mom, the only thing we’d have in common is well… nothing really. Sometimes my mom would remind me of how much I look like my dad. She would even mention how much I’m like my dad – shy, timid, sensitive and thoughtful. I remember I would get annoyed whenever she would tell me.

I can even tell when she’s feeling down when I go to my mom’s workplace. She had that longing expression whenever she looked at our family photo. We were at the park that one time, happy and free – it was one moments of my life. Actually, all moments when my dad was around were the best moments of my life. We were cut off from all our relatives, mostly my dad’s. His mom AKA my grandma didn’t like my mom very much from the moment she saw her with my dad.

Apparently she thought my mom was a stuck up pretty girl who only wanted my dad for money. No matter how hard my mom tried to be on my grandma’s good side, she thought better to leave it as it is and be happy with my dad. I’m proud of my mom for doing what she did. Though, sometimes I would think that maybe we should call on grandma for help – knowing her, she’d refuse it and no buts about it. I just wish they would both get along. My dad would be happy if they would, I know he will.

“Ow!” I yelped when something hit my head, interrupting my thoughts. Rubbing my head, I ignored the sound of giggles and closed my locker then walked down the hallway as if nothing happened. As I was thinking--

“Hey!”

I wondered if that person was calling out to me but thought better to just keep walking. “I’m talking to you! The girl with the tacky yellow cardigan.” I slowly stopped walking and looked down at what I was wearing. My shoulders dropped, annoyed and hurt at the same time. I heard the person’s footsteps getting closer. I was thinking that by the time that person got to me I would yell at that bully because my cardigan is not yellow, its beige.

“Geez, what’s wrong with you?” I heard him ask, finally reaching up to me. My hands were clenched into fists, making sure I don’t lose my confidence. “Look, I’m really-”

“My cardigan isn’t yellow,” I interrupted. Only, the stupid thing is, it didn’t come out as confident as I imagined it should be.

“What?”

I cleared my throat, slowly looking up to the bully. Damn this bully is tall, I thought. “My cardigan isn’t yellow,” I tried saying it again although my voice sounded funny. Mentally cursing at my fringe in the way of my eyes, I tried blowing them out of the way since I was holding my books with both my hands.

“Let me help you with that,” he said, sounding amused. I thought he meant my books but his fingers started at my fringe, sliding them behind each ear. The touch of his fingers tingled slightly down my spine; it almost felt like he was caressing the sides of my face. “You should really consider cutting your fringe. It’s a wonder why people think you’re probably the Grudge’s sister or cousin.” Realizing he had known about me, I looked away, blushing. The memory of his face was etched into my mind from just one look. “What? Is there something on my face?” he asked. Yes and it’s not hard to miss how good looking you are, I answered mentally.

I shook my head and decided to just continue walking. “Wait, hold on a minute,” he quickly said, placing his hand on my shoulder. “I just… you haven’t heard what I have to say.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I mumbled then walked off. What a handsome bully, I thought. I’ve never seen that guy around school before… maybe he’s a new guy. I stopped and turned around to find three girls surrounding him. By the look on their faces, they looked at him like he was their God.

“Hey Leon,” one of girls said in a flirtatious voice, without fail, made me gag slightly. “What were you doing talking to that loser?”

That’s my cue to leave, I told myself. “Hey, wait!” the bully called out. I couldn’t help but turn around to see him with his arms around the shoulders of the two girls. “Welcome to Hell’s Gate High School.”

Feeling stupid for giving him my attention, instead I tried to make a thank you smile but it only came out crooked. The look on those two girls obviously thought my smile looked more than crooked. I give up, I thought. I guess I’m not ready to get out of homeschooling.

“Awww, you’re so nice to the poor girl, Leon,” one of the girls cooed. I shuddered slightly and walked quickly to my first period. A perverted hot bully – that about sums him up from what I’ve seen and heard. I didn’t think my first few days of going to school would be like this. It was alien to me but it seems I was more alien to them. There were reasons why I didn’t want to go to school and there were reasons why I wanted to go to school.

Both my mom and my aunt thought it was good experience for me to get a proper education because she knows I love writing. Though at first, my mom was wary about that idea of me going off on my own. We were both too used to seeing each other everyday. But like aunt Judith said, “Its good experience for you to actually see what school life is like, Caitlin. Meet new people, make friends and find the one you love.”

I scoffed at the last example, because there was no way I would find a guy here that would inspire me or improve on my writing. My mom also thinks I lack reality in my writing because it’s basically based on what I see and how I view them. Let’s face it, I’m not even meant to be in school. I liked it better when it was just me in my own world, writing whatever came to mind.

“Excuse me,” interrupted a small voice. “You’re Caitlin, right?”

My eyes widened at the mention of my name, I turned my head to find a petite short girl standing in front of me. She had dark red curls, freckles on both cheeks, beautiful green eyes – she basically looked like a real-life doll. She’s shorter than me by a few centimeters but she looked really cute. “Uh, yes,” I nodded, clearing my throat, I nodded.

“I’m Alex,” she smiled, offering out her hand for me to shake to which I shook. “How are you finding it here in Hell’s Gate High? Better or worse than your old school?”

“Um actually, this is my first time going to school,” I answered, awkwardly.

“Oh,” she said, looking like she’s hurt my feelings. “So… I guess you were homeschooled, huh.”

I nodded when it occurred to me. “Uh, how did you-”

“-know your name?” she finished off for me with the same kind smile. “I was in the office a few days ago; you were with your mom signing off your form for something. She’s your mom, right?”

I nodded again, smiling sheepishly.

“Wow, she’s so beautiful,” she said in surprise. “Has your mom done any modeling before?”

I felt like one of those dog merchandises, bobbling their heads. “A bit but then yeah…” I stopped midway when I heard someone yelling outside. Alex jumped at the sound then made her way towards the window, looking down. “Oh, it’s him,” she said, sounding dead compared to how she sounded when she talked to me. “Have you met him?”

“Who?”

“The devil of Hell’s Gate High,” Alex replied, looking at me then nodded her head back at me to take a look. I had a pretty good guess of who might be the devil of the school but I was curious to find out more. “Leon Ashford.” I followed her gaze to where I spotted the popular guy, surrounded by five girls, heading towards his friends. “So, what do you think of him? I know he looks like he’s up himself there but, his looks.”

I watched in wonder and thought about what she said. “Um, I’m not sure,” I shrugged after a silent pause. “Why is he the devil of Hell’s Gate High?”

She glanced at me then turned her back from the window, leaning against it. She thought for a moment then exhaled a slow sigh. “Where do I start?” she asked herself. “Leon has been out with all the good looking girls in our grade, his only interest are a girl’s goods.” I folded my arms across my chest as if I were one of his victims. I doubt it, I thought, feeling stupid once again. Alex noticed this and laughed. “Anyway, he used to be a delinquent. So you would see why girls would flock to a guy like him.” I wondered if he had been with Alex as well but thought better not to ask. “He can sometimes do whatever he likes and no one would do anything about it nor would the teachers notice. His enemies basically consist most of the school’s sports teams.”

“Wow,” I murmured.

“I can never figure that guy out,” she sighed. “He can have whatever he wants and he’ll get it without breaking a sweat.”

A perverted hot bully indeed, I thought, finalizing my thoughts on Leon. I watched him laughing and whispering in a blonde girl’s ear; whatever it was he said to her, she seemed happy about. “How do you know so much about him?” I asked, watching him grin devilishly. Noticing that he realized someone was watching him from above; I quickly stepped away from the window.

“I’m the head journalist for our school paper,” she answered with a shrug, like, it’s no big deal. “I interviewed him and…” She sighed frustrated then shook her head. “I don’t know. He just got to me, his dark brown eyes were so alluring that it just made me tingle everywhere, and his lips looked so inviting that… oh God, I’m sorry. I’m rambling,” She gently smacked her cheek and rolled her eyes. “He’s not the only good looking guy in school, don’t get me wrong. Leon is just really popular in this school and it’s just something about him that makes you wanting more of him.” My eyebrow went up in wonder and ignored the yucky thought. “No, not like that. Like, you want to know more about him, get close to him… but, no girl has even gotten to know more about the guy or even kissed him.”

“I see,” I said, nodding. “Um, thanks for the uh… heads up.”

To my surprise, she laughed. “You’re funny,” she commented then noticed something. “Ooh, what’s that you have with your books?”

I looked down at my set of books and noticed I was carrying my journal. “It’s uh… it’s sort of like a diary. Personal stuff.” I hoped so bad that she wouldn’t ask to look into or ask about it even though she’s the head journalist and all.

“I understand,” she said with a warm smile. At that point, I felt happy that Alex wanted to be my friend and offered to show me around. Though I felt slightly bad for her that she had to suffer being with me, a girl with no taste in clothes and hairstyle – which was another thing about her, she never said anything about my looks.

**

After school, I wandered around outside around the school’s beautiful garden. I looked around to see if anyone was around so I could write in my journal. I settled down against the concrete seat instead of sitting on it since it was too hard to sit on. Feeling slightly comfortable, I turned to one of the pages of my journal.

“Benjamin ‘Ben’ Harvey,” I mumbled to myself with a smile. “The ideal guy.” Tapping the top of my pen against my chin, I began to think of some ideas of what to describe Ben. “Handsome, all-round nice guy, cute, adorable, understanding and… what else?”

“What is it you don’t like about me?” a voice asked from behind a wall of small leaves and vines. I peered over the concrete seat to find two figures from behind the wall. I quickly stuffed my journal in my bag and headed over towards where the voices were coming from.

“Oh come on,” a familiar voice said in slightly cocky way. “We just don’t have that kind of relationship, Jen.” Jen McCarthy – I remember Alex telling me about her. Head cheerleader and up and running School Vice President. I asked why she wanted to run as School Vice President and she replied that Jen and the other girls demand Leon be School President. Figures.

“Then what kind of relationship do you want, Leon?” Jen coaxed. “I’ll do anything for you – just don’t break up with me. I promise to be the girlfriend of your dreams and… maybe your wildest.” I gagged and shuddered. I quietly parted ways through the wall of leaves and vines with my hands to see Jen, her nicely done manicured hands on Leon’s chest. I wondered what it was like to do that rather than to write about it in my story.

“Now that would never happen,” Leon chuckled, taking Jen’s hands away from him. “As tempting as that sounds Jen, I think I’ll pass.” Still a perverted hot bully, I thought, shaking my head.

I couldn’t help but smirk at the look on Jen’s face. “Wh-what?!” she gasped. “Why would you pass?! We’re both the same! We belong together, Leon and you know it.”

I carefully watched Leon’s reaction who didn’t seem all that convinced by Jen’s love speech. “The only thing I know, Jen, is we don’t belong together. We never were. You’re only a friend to-”

“Oh don’t give me that let’s-be-friends bullshit, Leon!” Jen interrupted with a cold voice. “I know every other girl in school you’ve been out with has never been in a serious relationship with you and I know why.”

“Oh really?” Leon asked, clearly amused. “Care to elaborate that reason?”

By now, Jen’s nostrils flared, outraged by Leon’s calm expression. “Revenge.” Now this got Leon’s attention, his perfectly shaped eyebrow raised at the word. “It’s what you wanted, right? To get back at all those guys who’s fathers’ were involved in killing your father.” I gasped then quickly covered my mouth, hoping they didn’t hear. “… that was six years ago, Leon. But now that you’re protected by the authority, you think that you can abuse that and take girl’s hearts away. It doesn’t have to be this way, Leon. Let’s end this by being together and everyone can be happy.”

I felt sorry for Leon to have to hear such a bribe from someone like Jen. I looked down at the grass, feeling sad. “Ahh, let’s not,” Leon said after a short while. I looked back up to find Leon unmoved by the mention of his father but calm. “I have an extra class to get back to.” He turned his back on her but Jen quickly placed her hand on his broad shoulder.

“You don’t know what you’re missing out on, Leon Ashford,” she said in a serious tone.

He let out a small huff of laughter. “I think I do and it’s not worth it,” he said. “Besides, that little story of yours? I think you need to do a research on that one then again, you wouldn’t know unless you heard it from the actual source. By that, I meant, me.”

“I’m worth more than you’ll ever have,” Jen hissed loudly, hands clenched into balls of fists. I was amazed at her manicured nails – it didn’t seem to faze her when blood started to drip. Was this guy worth bleeding for? I wondered.

“Suit yourself,” Leon said with a shrug then walked away. “Later.” I looked at Jen who stomped her foot and expressed a dramatic, “Ugh!” then stormed out of the small maze of the garden. I sighed at the weird breakup and thought about putting it in my story.

“Spying on me, huh?”

I turned my attention around to find the perverted hot bully himself, sitting on the concrete seat in front of me. My eyes widened at the sight of Leon, looking at me with a smirk that defined hotness. “I-I-I… I didn’t mean to,” I stuttered, looking down at my scruffy looking sport shoes. “I was… I was just… I just overheard and I-”

“Forget it,” he interrupted. I looked up to see him standing, hands in the pocket of his black jeans. He looked different outdoors. His skin is actually lighter than my tanned skin. His mahogany colored hair gently wavered against the soft breeze. “Anyways, what I wanted to say was that I’m sorry the ball hit your head.” At first I thought he was talking to the wrong person when I realized the time I walked towards my locker and something had hit my head. So, that’s what he wanted to say, I thought.

“Oh,” I said, slowly nodding.

“And about your tacky yellow cardigan… well, it really is tacky,” he mentioned with an amused grin. “By the way, you really should consider doing something about your hair. I know someone who could do something about it.”

I wasn’t sure if he was serious or he was just teasing me but when the sound of my cell phone rang, I decided it was best to just run away. “N-no, thanks,” I quickly said and ran off.

“Hey!” he called out. “Wait!”

I ignored him and kept running. I have had enough of this and just wanted to be left alone. I didn’t want anymore of this outside world stuff. I wanted to stay inside my box. Away from certain people except for Alex, who pretty much and surprisingly enough, was my only real friend. My first ever.

Banner Disclaimer:
Original Image Name: Innocence
Original Artist: deadly-lilli (Ann-Katherine)
Submitted on: May 3, 2008
Image Adapted By: Suki
Image of Gaspard Ulliel in the white suit: http://brokenpledge...._ulliel_008.jpg
Image of Gaspard Ulliel in the black suit:[/i] http://i194.photobuc...l/gaspard25.jpg
NB: Images from deviantART have been approved for use by the original artist

This post has been edited by Ari-san: 30 June 2009 - 07:06 PM
Reason for edit: Banner added; Full banner disclaimer edited in

[sunburst-chick9]

^ wow - I love this!

Leon is really...interesting, actually! I'm not going to say how, because, strangly, I have a suspicion that he has another side to him! :P

I like Caitlin though, she seems like someone I could relate to - even though I've never been homeschooled or anything! lol

anyways, can't wait for the update!


mia xx

[nadytoo]

^^ I agree with Mia.


Leon could have this totally different side to him . . .

And I have a sneaking suspision that he wants to date our main character Caitlin . . .

I never saw the Grudge though but I do have a mental picture of her in my head . . .

Update soon!!


♥ Nadeen ♥

[Azalea]

Mia said:

^ wow - I love this!

Leon is really...interesting, actually! I'm not going to say how, because, strangely, I have a suspicion that he has another side to him! :P

I like Caitlin though, she seems like someone I could relate to - even though I've never been homeschooled or anything! lol

anyways, can't wait for the update!
mia xx

XD

Thanks Mia! I appreciate it. ^_^
Mm, I'm trying to make Caitlin someone whom girls could identify with. >.< I've never been homeschooled either; I've just been told about it by my friend who used to be homeschooled.

Nadeen said:

^^ I agree with Mia.
Leon could have this totally different side to him . . .

And I have a sneaking suspicion that he wants to date our main character Caitlin . . .

I never saw the Grudge though but I do have a mental picture of her in my head . . .

Update soon!!
♥ Nadeen ♥

Ahh, then it's probably a good thing you haven't seen the Grudge movies. >.<
And, thank you very much!

^_^

Leon, in some ways, is someone I created with the combination of other characters I've seen and read about - mostly in Japanese comic books.

Anywho, here is an update. XD

Azzy :m:

**

CHAPTER 2

“So, how was school sweetie?” Mom asked as she gave me my box of takeaway noodles. “Made any friends?” I poked at the insides of box with my chopsticks and nodded. “Really? That’s great, Caitlin. Any details on that of yours?”

“Uh, her name is Alex,” I replied, looking as if I were talking to my noodle box. “She’s the head journalist for the school paper. I don’t get it…”

“Get what, sweetie?” Mom asked, as she took a sip of her coke.

“She’s so pretty, she’s like a doll and yet she chose me to be friends with,” I replied with a sigh.

“You were expecting someone shallow?” Mom inquired with sarcasm in her voice.

I glanced at her, seeing her holding back a laugh. “Not nice,” I commented drily. “Anyways, there’s this guy in school that everyone thinks he’s a devil.” I wondered if I should talk more about him or to just forget about him. It wasn’t like I was going to speak or run into him again. “He’s handsome…” Just when I was about to describe his qualities, I quickly changed it. “… cocky, a jerk, pervert, bully and a womanizer.”

“Really?” Mom grinned suspiciously. “Are you saying that just because you think you don’t have a chance with him?”

“Mom!” I scoffed in disbelief. “He’s not the kind of guy I would want to be with.”

“Right, right,” she nodded, picking up shrimp inside her noodle box with her chopsticks. “You’d rather be with the guy in your journal, right?” I glanced at her then back to my noodle box. “Honey, guys like what’s his name, Ben Harvey aren’t going to be like that. All guys have flaws and Ben doesn’t have a flaw. He’s too perfect.”

“He does have flaws!” I protested, quickly reacting to her true colors about my ideal boyfriend and character in my journal. “He’s just… he’s still in development.”

Mom chuckled at my quick response and sighed. “I worry about you when I’m at work, you know?” she said. “But, your aunt and I are encouraging you to do this. I don’t want you to live inside a box all your life. I want you to be outside the box, yes it’s hard living day by day with little pay but I’m doing the best I can for the both of us and I want you to do your best too. Right now, you’re at that age where I just want you to get a more professional education like most parents out there would want for their kids.” And by sending me to Hell’s Gate High School is going to help? I wanted to ask but declined. “Meet new people, have friends and hopefully find the right guy.” She shuffled closer to me on the sofa and patted my head. “You’re all I got right now and your father would want what’s best for you. So, when you’re down in the dumps? Get right back up and try again. Do your best, don’t be afraid. Remember, you’re not alone.”

“Thanks Mom,” I said, my voice trembling as I started to cry. “But, I still want a boyfriend like Ben.” I heard her sigh quietly as she pulled me in for a hug.

**

I couldn’t sleep well that night; I had a weird nightmare of that bully torturing me. I felt hot and sweaty under my sheets that it was a wonder why I dreamt of me being roasted like a pig above the burning fire and screaming when I saw Leon laughing evilly, both arms around two beautiful busty girls laughing along with him. Not only that, I noticed a tail behind him with a pointy looking arrow and two small horns on his mahogany haired head.

“Welcome to Hell’s Gate High School,” he had bellowed as the girls giggled and squealed when he tightened his grip around them.

I shuddered, ripping the sheets off my body. Feeling the cool air against my skin, I relaxed. I shook my head at the last moments of me being roasted then stood up to stretch. It was still dark outside. I checked my digital black clock on my bedside drawer. Eight minutes past two. In a few hours, my real nightmare will begin.

I wandered over towards my bag, hanging on the knob of my wardrobe to anxiously to get my journal. My black journal – my dad had given it to me before he died. He knew that I love writing so he bought me something to practice in. It’s been my guide to writing since he passed away. As unzipped my bag, reaching for my journal – I suddenly had an odd feeling.

“No, no, no,” I repeated quietly, hoping I hadn’t lost what I was looking for. “Please tell me I just forgot it in my locker.” Walking back towards my bed, I dropped myself on my bed, looking up the ceiling with a worried look. I’ll wake up early and look for it before anyone finds it, I said to myself in my head. Not only was that journal was my writing journal, it also had some of my innermost thoughts, which in this case, is like a diary. I hoped, prayed, wished no one would dare notice it even read it. I cringed at the thought of someone reading my story and seeing what a girl like me would write about. There were kissing and touchy scenes in that story that had Ben – my ideal boyfriend/character – kissing the girl whom he loved, passionately. I groaned and shut my eyes tightly and slowly dozed off, slowly forgetting about the worry of my journal.

**

“No way,” I gasped as soon as I got to my locker early in the morning. I hadn’t cared much about what I was wearing though I thought I’d better think more carefully about what I should wear. Still wearing my beige cardigan, I decided to wear my faded blue jeans and a Buffy the Vampire t-shirt with a picture of Spike, who’s hair looked more bleacher than ever since I had gotten this t-shirt a few years ago from my mom.

“Please tell me you’re here,” I whispered to myself, racking through my mind of where I could have left it. A sudden thought came to mind. The garden. Quickly rushing down the hallway ignoring the whispers and looks I could feel were about me as I passed by. Why do they have to be here so early?

**

Browsing through the bushes I was feeling really desperate to look for that journal. That journal not only had my stories and my personal feelings and thoughts but also was something that I could never give to anyone. It was something that belonged to me from my dad. It was my treasure.

“This can’t be happening,” I said breathlessly. Heaving up my light gray messenger bag, I trudged through the grass, depressed.

“You lost or something?” a voice said from behind.

I turned around to find none other than the devil himself lying across the concrete seat I had been at yesterday. One leg hanging off the end of the seat and the other on the seat. He was wearing black striped Converse sneakers, his black jeans from yesterday and a white shirt with a black singlet underneath. Despite looking at his nicely chosen fashion sense and athletically lean body, I noticed something covering his face. A book – black and… open.

“M-my journal!” I gasped, eyes widened in definite surprise.

I stumbled towards him, worried and relieved to find my journal but… in the wrong hands, which made me really worried. As if he knew it was me, he took the book off his face, propping himself on his elbows, journal in one hand with a raised eyebrow to add. “Took you long enough,” he said, then lifted himself up properly, both legs off the seat onto the grass. “This is yours right?” he asked, waving the journal in front of me. I nodded sheepishly. “You wrote some really perverted stuff.” He grinned - that devilish grin from yesterday.

I could feel my cheeks turning a dark shade of red. He’d read it. I’m embarrassed, more like mortified. “So, your ideal kind of guy is someone like Benjamin Harvard?”

“Harvey” I corrected automatically then bit my lip to shut up.

He chuckled lightly then got up; I kept my eyes on the journal, wondering if I should grab it. “My bad,” he responded. “Let me ask you something.” He took a step closer towards me; I averted my eyes slowly up towards his handsome face. “You’ve never had a boyfriend before, right?”

What is he saying? I asked myself mentally. “W-why?”

“I’m just asking,” he shrugged. “You were planning on being a writer someday, huh?” I thought for a moment then I didn’t realize I had been thinking about it too long to respond. “Listen, I don’t know if you’ve heard this but you should consider trying to feel what it’s like. When I read this, it tells me you were just writing random scenes to make it look good with not enough detail.”

He’s making fun of me again! Forget it! I thought to myself hurt and angry. Just as I turned to storm off out of the garden, he called out, “I’m sure the whole school would like to know what the Grudge of our school is like when they see this.”

Part of me wanted to run but another part of me wanted to turn back and get my journal back. Standing there like an idiot about to cry, I turned around to face him, standing in the same spot with the same hot smirk I had saw. He really is the devil of this school. “I knew you wouldn’t hurt Benny’s feelings,” he grinned. “Besides, there was something I wanted to say.”

“What do you want?” I said, keeping my tone firm though it came out wobbly.

“Alex.”

My eyes widened in surprise. If he wanted her, then it was simple. He could have any girl he liked if he wanted to. “She has something of mine that I want back,” he said. I guess not, I thought. “You’re friends with her aren’t you?”

I glanced down at the grass then back at him. “I guess… how did you know…?”

“Good,” he said then pointed at me with my journal, at first, I thought he was going to give to me but he swiftly held back to his side. “I saw you guys talking yesterday in class while I was outside, remember?” He saw me. Damn. “I need you to get me my folder; it’s in a black drawer, second drawer from the bottom in the school paper office. My folder should be in the A section. I’m pretty sure Alex filled you in on my details.”

“Wh-why me?” I stuttered to ask.

He stared at me then held up my journal. “Extra, extra read all about it,” he said, waving it around the air.

“Okay, okay!” I quickly said, without thinking I ran up to him, reaching for my journal when the next thing I know was that he pulled me onto his lap just as he sat back down on the concrete seat. “Uh, what are you-”

“Since you’ve never had a boyfriend,” he said, almost whispering. My breathing felt unsteady with my face inches away from his – I was grateful that my fringe had brushed over most of my face. “I thought I’d let you experiment on me.” My eyes widened trying to get out of his grip but I my legs felt like jelly. “Since I’ve read your thoughts, generally speaking about the journal, I’m pretty sure Benny can deal with it.”

“His name is Ben,” I automatically corrected again.

“Whatever,” he sighed, then lifted his hand up towards my face and slid my long fringe to both sides of my face behind each ear. I shuddered slightly from the touch of his cold hands. I wondered for a brief moment how this guy could be lying down on a cold concrete seat early in the morning. “All I’m doing is helping you improve on your writing.” I looked at him with an odd look then forced myself to wriggle out of his grip before he would say more weird things. “What? I’m not good enough?” He restrained himself from laughing.

“Can I just have my journal back?” I pleaded, relieved that my breathing went back to normal. “Please.”

Leaning back on the palm of his hands, he had hid the journal behind him – hopefully not inside. I watched the expression on his face which showed a cute pout then looked up at me, into my eyes. “You’ll get it when you’ve done what I’ve told you besides, you've had an exclusive insider of what you heard yesterday, right?”

“But-”

“Objection overruled,” he said, then leaped up on his two feet. “So, it’s hello to the world…” he waved my journal in the air again, seeing the expression on my face he laughed. “… or, you could save yourself the trouble and get I want and you’ll get what you want.” With that, he stretched out his hand towards me. “Deal?”

I could’ve responded with a No Deal, like the TV show but this was more serious than money. This was my journal which has been my guide for as long as I can remember. My hand slowly reached across to his long fingers, slowly taking hold of my small hand in his and shook our hands three times.

1, 2, 3.

“Deal.”

[nadytoo]

Oh My Jonas!!

Leon sounds incredibly smexy . . .

But he's still a jerk!

What kind of person would steal someone else's journal? And not give it back??

Well we are talking about a devil now I guess :blink:

Uppy soon!!

♥ Nadeen ♥

[sunburst-chick9]

argh! I really cant stand Leon now <_<

I mean, that is so....er...mean!

lol, anyway! I thought it was really good though! I love you writing

update soon!


mia xx

[Azalea]

^^Lol, thank you. ^_^

Yes, more to come on the cunning Leon. XD

CHAPTER 3

It was weird after what I had just gotten myself into. He winked at me then waved with my journal in his hand as he walked away from me, out the garden. I hadn’t seen him since this morning. I was worried that he might have told people about my journal. I imagined him cuddled around his entourage of girls, reading what I wrote. Shuddered at the image, I snapped out of it and took my tray of food off the counter after I’d been served.

During lunch, I sat by myself in the cafeteria, ignoring people whispering and glancing at me. I really didn’t care about how I looked anymore because I was too deep in thought about the deal. How was I ever going to get my journal back? How could I get what that devil wanted from Alex’s headquarters? Why does Alex have something that belongs to the devil? What was even in that file that Leon wanted back that he couldn’t get a hold of?

As I was thinking about what to do to get my journal back, I hadn’t realized I wasn’t alone. Through the strands of my hair, there was a boy. He was stuffing himself with food, happily I might add. Enjoying the look of his last chocolate coated donut, he scoffed it down with one big bite. His chubby light pink cheeks smudged with chocolate were probably his best features. After licking his fingers from the chocolate, he noticed me looking and waved one of his chubby sticky hands at me.

“Uh, hi,” I muttered with a small nod.

“Are you going to eat that?” he asked, looking at the cheese and ham sandwich I held with only two bites on it. It didn’t take me long to realize I’d lost my appetite and slid my tray of lunch to him. “Thanks!”

I wasn’t sure if I should leave or just sit there. There was nowhere else to go! Alex told me she had to write up a report about something that happened during her Chemistry class. “Y-your welcome,” I hesitated to respond to the big boy eating in front of me. He didn’t seem to mind about the people talking about us. The strange scary girl sitting with someone three times my size.

“You know… you’re not as scary… as everyone… says you are,” he said between bites, now digging into my chocolate pudding. “I’m Mikey.” Surprised to hear that everyone had heard about me – I wondered why Aunt Judith would even consider such a thought. “What’s… yours?” He gulped down the last mouthful of chocolate pudding and finished off with my glass of milk.

“Um, Caitlin,” I replied, eyeing the drool of milk strolling down the sides of his mouth.

I watched him as he wiped the remains of chocolate from his face and hands with his handkerchief. “Caitlin, huh? Not so scary. Nice to meet you – I would offer you my hand to shake but you know.”

“I-It’s okay,” I said, smiling a little.

“Mikey!” a voice called out.

“Here!” Mikey responded out loud, he almost made the table jump when he almost got up. He smiled apologetically at me then waved at whoever was headed towards him from behind me.

“Dude! Didn’t you eat just over half an hour ago?”

The figure was now settling in next to Mikey. “I can’t help it man, Janet made these delicious do-”

“Oh my God!” his friend gasped, when he finally noticed me. “How long was she sitting there?”

I blinked once, twice then more time. “Dude, she’s been sitting there with me the whole time. She’s not so bad. Jiro this is Caitlin.” Mikey nodded at me. “And Caitlin, this here is my good Japanese friend, Jiro.”

“Yo,” Jiro nodded but with wary look. He had cool jet black hair, dark brown eyes that almost looked as black as his pupils and light skin. “So, uh, nice to meet you… I guess.” Mikey nudged his friend that he almost fell off the seat. “Hey! Geez man.” He dusted himself off as if there was something on his sleeves of his jacket. “Anyway man, I reckon we should check up on Leon. None of the guys’ had seen him in class lately.”

My eyes shot up at the mention of the devil’s name. “He probably went out to do his usual round,” Mikey shrugged. “Boss won’t cut him some slack.”

Jiro sighed, shaking his head. “I wonder what’s up with him. He’s been acting weird lately - always tired.” I began to wonder how he’d gotten up early this morning.

“I hear ya,” Mikey agreed with a saddened expression. His chubby cute cheeks sagged a bit, almost making out a pout. “He doesn’t seem himself.”

“Are you kidding me?” Jiro scoffed, poking his good friend on the cheek. “Leon almost owns this school – most of the ladies but come on, him? Not himself? Baka!”

Before I could think what that meant, Mikey looked at me and filled me in. “In English, it means – idiot.”

“Oh, okay,” I nodded.

“Let’s go look for him,” Jiro said, taking a quick glance at me then tapped his friend to get up. “Something’s not right.”

Mikey struggled to slide out of his seat but managed trying his best not to knock the table out of place with his big stomach. He reminded me of a real life version of Winnie the Pooh, only human. “Nice meeting ya, Caitlin,” he said, smiling apologetically cute. “Take care, oh! Thanks for lunch!”

I smiled back and nodded slowly as they wandered towards the exit of the cafeteria doors. On the way, I heard Jiro asking in a loud whisper, “You ate her lunch?!”

I liked Mikey. I hoped we could talk again soon but I didn’t want to be in the way – with his friend Jiro. Now I have two friends out of this entire school – Jiro seemed to not like me by his attitude. It was small but at least I had friends – it was better than nothing.

***

After school, I had run into Alex. She looked stressed out but still as a pretty doll as the first time I saw her. “Caitlin! You doing okay? God I’m so tied up,” she sighed. “I’m so sorry I’m not around to hang with you, being a journalist of this school sucks the life out of me.” Is that irony? Hell? Devil? Soul sucker? “I hope you don’t mind, but I got your number out of the school database. Just to catch up with you and all. I didn’t think I was going to see you today so I thought I’d get it. I seriously hope you don’t mind.”

I blinked in surprise. “Oh,” I said then shook my head.

“Great!” she sighed in a relieved voice. “I’ll call you when you get home. Ciao!”

I watched her as she walked down the hallway with her bag with her laptop inside and two large folders which probably contained the latest info of the school and local area. A boy and a girl noticed her then asked if she needed help which she politely declined and continued walking. I wondered what it was like to be in her shoes. To be as kind and cheery even popular as Alex.

I sighed in disappointment with the sudden thought of myself scaring everyone away. Was I really as scary looking as the Grudge? I’ve seen both versions of the film – Japanese and American – but it never really scared me when got the reason of why the Grudge was called the Grudge. I felt her pain though it was creepy when in every picture, her face was there somewhere amongst the background of the guy she fell in love with. I wondered if the reason why Jiro disliked me was because he thought I was joke to his country – looking like the Grudge and making it look like a mockery.

“I guess… I am,” I mumbled to myself when someone knocked on my locker.

“Guess you are what?” he asked, leaning against the locker next to mine. I glanced up, his grin broadening when he saw my expression. “Miss me?” Quickly looking away, stuffing my books into my locker and grabbing whatever I needed. I ignored his question and closed my locker, walking past him.

I could hear following into step with me from behind. “You shouldn’t follow me,” I muttered under my breath. “Just leave me alone.”

“Your mom works at Hunters right?” he abruptly asked, ignoring my statement. I stopped immediately and spun around fast to look at him only he bumped into me in surprise at my sudden stop. “Whoa, easy there.” My hair whipped around my face which made him chuckle. “Now, that’s what the Grudge looks like.”

Glaring at him, I unraveled my annoyingly long hair away from my face then looked up into his dark brown eyes. “Don’t even go there,” I hissed, I suddenly felt dizzy from the quick spin, and my eyelids began to flutter slowly.

"Good thing I'm here, huh?" he said, taking my bag off my shoulders and asked where I lived otherwise I wouldn't see my bag and my journal anymore.

***

“Honestly,” my mom sighed after I had lay on the couch with a thick sheet on top of me. “Why would you skip breakfast and go to school so early in the morning?” I glanced at Leon who I could tell had a smug face as he kept his attention on the photo frames on the shelf.

“I… thought I forgot something in my locker,” I mumbled, then turned around to face the back of the couch. “Obviously it’s not there because someone has it,” I said to myself quietly referring to the evil person snickering.

“Leon is it?” I heard Mom ask.

“Yeah, that’s me,” he replied softly. More like, perverted evil bully! I thought, biting my lip.

“Thank you for helping Caitlin.” Why are you thanking that devil, mom? “She’s having a difficult time fitting in school…” Tell me about it. “Both me and my sister, her aunt, want her to have a more professional education. Not that her aunt wasn’t good enough but I just want her to see the outside world.” Wait, why are you telling him that?

I fought the urge to jump off the couch and stop the discussion about me. “Leave it to me,” he said, I could hear a pat against his chest. “I’ll be her Aladdin if she’s willing to be my Jasmine.”

A snort escaped my mouth. “Yes well, if only she would tie up her hair like Jasmine,” Mom commented which really did it. I got off the couch and sauntered towards the small kitchen. If only we had a big house, I would’ve been able to hide behind the walls, instead of this stupid small counter.

They both laughed at my sudden actions as I poured myself a glass of orange juice. “Honey, I need to go to work. Judith will be here soon to look after you and…” she turned her attention at Leon. “… are you doing anything at the moment?” I almost spluttered out my orange juice but turned around and controlled myself to slowly gulp the liquid down. Don’t tell me my mom would even consider asking a student out on a date, I thought.

“No, not really,” Leon replied calmly. I turned around to glare at him but he didn’t seem to hesitate at my mom’s odd question. “You’d like me to take care of her while you’re gone and until her aunt comes, right?” Maybe I’m thinking too much but this is just ridiculous.

“You don’t mind?” My mom asked; surprised that he knew what she was thinking.

“Not at all,” Leon replied with a broad clean smile that could probably swoon a nation of girls.

“Mom!” I groaned, walking out of the small kitchen towards her. “You don’t even know him, how can you even trust him to look after me?”

“His Grandma,” she replied, smiling fondly. “She’s my boss of the restaurant I’ve been working at. She talks about him when I talk about you. What a coincidence, huh?” Both me and Leon glanced at each other then looked away, embarrassed by what both adults been talking about. “Anyway, I’ll see you at 10.” She took up her bag from the counter and headed towards the door, I followed quickly behind. “Remember to see who is at the door before opening. Love you sweetie.”

“Love you too mom but…” I mumbled then gave her my best pleading look to not let him stay. “Don’t-”

“He’s cute,” my mom mouthed as she closed the door.

My shoulders dropped instantly when I locked the door then I unlocked it and opened the door wide open. Looking at Leon expectantly who himself comfy on one of the seats, looked at me, amused. “Your mom says I’m cute,” he grinned the same devilish grin.

I blew strands of fringe away from my face. “I don’t need babysitting; I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself. So, please, go home.”

“I know,” he said, nonchalantly not moving from the seat. “You remember our deal right?” I shuddered at the memory of our encounter earlier this morning. “Well, I’m here to help.” He got up from the seat, my hand still on the door knob hoping he’d gotten the message through handsome head of his. Instead he slid his arm around my shoulders and swiftly kicked the door closed. “I still need to get you to improve your failing writing.”

“F-F-Failing?” I stuttered in surprise, reasons being were because he had his arm around me and I could feel the lump of his bicep and also when he called my writing a failure. “But I… I’m just…”

He pulled me down with him on the couch next to him, sitting closely then took my left hand and intertwined his long lean fingers with my small fingers. “You’ve never held hands with the opposite sex before, right?” I gulped, watching our hands combined. His hand felt warm and nice, I didn’t know why it seemed so fascinating looking at it. “How does it feel?” he asked.

“Huh?”

He chuckled lightly then brought our hands towards his cheek, caressing the back of my left against it. A light chill went down my spine but it wasn’t the worried kind of feeling – more like, a good feeling. “This happened in your story with Benny boy,” he said.

“Ben,” I automatically corrected.

He rolled his dark brown eyes then glanced down at me with a grin. “You remember what happened next in the story, right?” he asked, waiting for me to answer.

“How would I know?” I snapped hotly, looking away from him. “You have my journal, you perverted bully.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” I quickly said, relieved he didn’t hear my last comment.

He sighed as if his patience for my answer gave in; with his free hand, he turned my face up towards him. He leaned in closely and slowly towards my face – up close I could see his thick light eyelashes, his dark brown eyes were soft yet intent as he stared into my eyes and-

“You know,” he said, breaking my thoughts. I could feel his warm breath against my skin. “It would help if you closed your eyes by now.”

“Why?” I asked, bluntly.

Suddenly, he leaned away from me and started laughing. “You’re a slow girl,” he chortled. “You’re funny.” Untwining our hands so he could use both hands to laugh into as he leaned forward on his elbows.

“I don’t get it,” I said, dumbfounded. “What are you talking about?”

I waited until he had stopped laughing then he sighed as he looked at the expression on my face. Unexpectedly, he reached over towards me and slid the strands of my fringe behind my left ear. “I’ll show you what I’m talking about,” he said then leaned in quickly towards me.

My eyes widened when I felt his lips against mine, so many things were rushing through my mind. Lots of feelings – good feelings. But then I had to face the fact that this is a stupid thing to do. How would him kiss me help me improve my writing? Why would he even go this far? “Stop!” I gasped as I broke away from him, only to fall on the floor then scramble to my feet. “Why would you do something so reckless?!”

I was blushing, unable to meet his eyes. Only to find the corners of his mouth curve into a smile that turned into another loud laugh. “You’re hilarious,” he chortled again.

Pursing my lips and embarrassed by the outburst of our kiss. My first kiss stolen! By a perverted bully otherwise known as the Devil. This sucks!

[sunburst-chick9]

^ loved it!

urgh! *shudders* I really don't like Leon now :angry:

Mikey seems nice though, apart from eating her fod and all! :P

update soon!


mia xx

[AJeans]

Great update

I love Leon
even though he was a bit of a jerk for the whole journal thing
didnt Alex say that hed never kissed another girl in that school ??
i think maybe he likes her
but i could be wrong
i usualy am


Anymore updates coming our way ??

AJ :spinstar:

[Jesse's Wife]

*new reader*
This is amazing Azzy! I love it. And Leon is hot, even if he is a jerk.
Your banner is amazing, too.

Update soon!



Alex

[cheermeon]

Ooooh this is as giid as Vampish!

[peanut_butter]

I really like it, so far, Azzy! It's really great.
Better, I would say, than Vampish.

One small CC, sometimes you have an irregularity in verb tenses. The tense should be the same in both parts of your sentence. In one place you went from future to conditional. "Dad would...he will" Should be "Dad would...he would."

Other than that, it was super awesome. I like Leon, even though he's kind of a jerk, he's also got that undeniable-sexual-tension thing. Which is sweet. Sweet, sweet deal.

Update soon.

Love,
Gracey :elmo:

[Azalea]

sunburst-chick9, on Sep 1 2008, 11:16 PM, said:

^ loved it!

urgh! *shudders* I really don't like Leon now :angry:

Mikey seems nice though, apart from eating her fod and all! :P

update soon!
mia xx

Lol, yeah - Mikey is based on someone I adore so much. XD He's an awesome cute friend.

AJeans, on Sep 3 2008, 01:54 AM, said:

Great update

I love Leon
even though he was a bit of a jerk for the whole journal thing
didnt Alex say that hed never kissed another girl in that school ??
i think maybe he likes her
but i could be wrong
i usualy am


Anymore updates coming our way ??

AJ :spinstar:

Yup, though, Alex doesn't really know Leon as much as she lets on. @_@

And of course, more updates. Urm, kind of a big slight problem though, my laptop has a virus and my update is on there. So, I should be able to get it back sometime next week.

Jesse, on Sep 3 2008, 02:44 AM, said:

*new reader*
This is amazing Azzy! I love it. And Leon is hot, even if he is a jerk.
Your banner is amazing, too.

Update soon!
Alex

Eek! Alex! XD
Thank you, thank you.

I need to finish The Beginning of the End. In fact, I need to finish everyone else's stories I've been meaning to finish off.

cheermeon, on Sep 3 2008, 11:28 AM, said:

Ooooh this is as giid as Vampish!

Lol, thanks Ash.

peanut_butter, on Sep 4 2008, 02:51 AM, said:

I really like it, so far, Azzy! It's really great.
Better, I would say, than Vampish.

One small CC, sometimes you have an irregularity in verb tenses. The tense should be the same in both parts of your sentence. In one place you went from future to conditional. "Dad would...he will" Should be "Dad would...he would."

Other than that, it was super awesome. I like Leon, even though he's kind of a jerk, he's also got that undeniable-sexual-tension thing. Which is sweet. Sweet, sweet deal.

Update soon.

Love,
Gracey :elmo:

Yay! Thank you, Gracey! ^_^
I'll try to work on my tenses for sure. I appreciate it! :D
Yeah, I was trying to make Leon have that sort of sexual tension thing going on; I couldn't "mould" it into Liam the first try.

Yeah, I agree with you there - better than Vampish for sure.

So, thanks again everyone.
Once I get my lappy back all virus-free, I'll upload the next update soon.

^_^

Azzy :m:

[AJeans]

Azalea, on Sep 7 2008, 09:00 AM, said:

Yup, though, Alex doesn't really know Leon as much as she lets on. @_@

And of course, more updates. Urm, kind of a big slight problem though, my laptop has a virus and my update is on there. So, I should be able to get it back sometime next week.


^_^

Azzy :m:

So leon kissed another girl ??
Or has he ??
this is how you keep an idiot in suspence,
hehe

and i feel sorry for your poor laptop,
i know the feeling,
and i love my laptop
so it was very hurtful

AJ :spinstar:

[the_tall_girl]

Holy *#&$%%. o___o I want to read this so bad. Especially after that prologue. This sounds sooo good. lol But I have so much homework to do though. =[[ I'll definitely try to read it tomorrow. lol I'm aching to read this. But geometry and bio await me. And history. crap.

[Azalea]

AJeans, on Sep 8 2008, 06:02 AM, said:

So Leon kissed another girl ??
Or has he ??
this is how you keep an idiot in suspence,
hehe

and i feel sorry for your poor laptop,
i know the feeling,
and i love my laptop
so it was very hurtful

AJ :spinstar:

Lol! My update should answer your Q's which I would post if not for the stupid virus -_-; I'm hoping to get my laptop on Wednesday.
Yeah, my laptop basically has everything I've saved, collected and downloaded - it's pretty much my e-life, lol.

the_tall_girl, on Sep 8 2008, 06:16 AM, said:

Holy *#&$%%. o___o I want to read this so bad. Especially after that prologue. This sounds sooo good. lol But I have so much homework to do though. =[[ I'll definitely try to read it tomorrow. lol I'm aching to read this. But geometry and bio await me. And history. crap.

Lol, hehe, thanks Julia.
No worries, I understand - no rush. I got History, IT and Maths homework to get through. -_-

Azzy :m:

[AJeans]

Azalea, on Sep 8 2008, 11:41 AM, said:

Lol! My update should answer your Q's which I would post if not for the stupid virus -_- ; I'm hoping to get my laptop on Wednesday.
Yeah, my laptop basically has everything I've saved, collected and downloaded - it's pretty much my e-life, lol
Azzy :m:

I have to wait till probably after Wednesday ?? :icon_mecry2:
But ill forgive you, but not your laptop
ill forgive your laptop if you tell me secretly what the answers are
and mine is also my e-life and most of my school life too,
too much homework,

AJ :spinstar:

[Jesse's Wife]

Azalea, on Sep 7 2008, 09:00 AM, said:

Eek! Alex! XD
Thank you, thank you.

I need to finish The Beginning of the End. In fact, I need to finish everyone else's stories I've been meaning to finish off.

*huggles* Good to see you.
Don't worry; take your time. Though you still have to read it, lol.
Update soon!



Alex

[Azalea]

AJeans, on Sep 9 2008, 05:06 AM, said:

I have to wait till probably after Wednesday ?? :icon_mecry2:
But ill forgive you, but not your laptop
ill forgive your laptop if you tell me secretly what the answers are
and mine is also my e-life and most of my school life too,
too much homework,

AJ :spinstar:

I went over my update just now and I realize your Q's won't be 'fully' answered for now. I'm sorry. >.<
Good news though, my laptop is still alive after discovering I had 600 viruses... :huh:

Jesse, on Sep 9 2008, 06:21 AM, said:

*huggles* Good to see you.
Don't worry; take your time. Though you still have to read it, lol.
Update soon!
Alex

*huggles back*

^_^

No worries; I will read it when I have proper time which is when I have my 2 weeks holiday after next week. Yay!
XD

Updation is here!

CHAPTER 4

“Still mad?”

I didn’t answer; I stayed inside my room, behind the door so he wouldn’t come in. After that unexpected kiss, I had run straight into my room. I slowly touched my bottom lip with my index finger lightly. I can’t believe he would kiss me! I thought, frustrated. What’s wrong with that guy?

“Oh come on,” he said, I could tell by his voice that he was having fun. “It can’t be that bad. Sure I could taste a tangy flavor from your lips but what does it matter?”

I bit my lip, embarrassed that he could taste the flavor of orange juice. It seemed all too surreal for it to be true. Him kissing me. A girl with nothing to desire had been kissed by a boy who had a lot to desire. “Come out, will you?” he asked. I could hear him closer now, behind the door. “Keep me company.”

That should’ve seemed flattering to me but it didn’t, I was more frustrated than flattered. “As long as you keep your distance from me,” I finally said, giving up. The thought of Aunt Judith walking in finding a guy blocking my door would give her a really bad impression. So, I waited for him to respond but leaned my ear against my door and listened carefully for his footsteps which I could faintly hear on the carpet.

A few minutes later I opened my door when Leon had gotten himself off the couch with a smug face then asked if he could get himself a drink, I ignored him when my cell phone rung and found I had three unread messages – Alex.

“Hello?”

“Caitlin!” Alex voice rang through the receiver of my cell phone. “Hi! You didn’t return my messages, you okay?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly. Glancing at the devil who was now pouring himself an orange juice. “I’m sorry… I had my phone on silent; I forgot to switch it to normal after school.”

“Oh okay, that’s fine,” she said, not convinced. “Are you sure? Did something happen on the way home. You sound like something bad happened.” Yeah, something did happen. Something very bad. I glared at the enemy who was now gulping down the glass of orange juice.

“Really, it’s nothing,” I said, trying to sound convincing. “I was just… thinking what I’m going to do for cooking class tomorrow. I have to figure out a recipe by tomorrow.” I hated lying but why risk the truth of telling her that the person whom I thought she had fallen for had kissed me? She probably would think I’m really delusional and tell everyone in the school that a girl like me had kissed the devil of the school. If he had never kissed any of the girls he’s been with then why… me?

No one would believe me.

I watched him as he cleaned out his glass and place the orange juice carton back in our small refrigerator. “Well, that shouldn’t be a problem.” Alex voice interrupted. “There are tons of recipes to choose from.” The thing is - I don’t really know how to cook. “Well, anyways, I just rang to check up on ya. Don’t worry about the other people in school. I’ll see you in tomorrow, k?”

“O-Okay,” I replied, feeling happy. “Take care.”

“You too,” she cheerfully said then hung up.

I turned around to face – what I hoped should be gone – the Devil. I was surprised to find him sleeping on my couch, snuggly, legs stretched out off the couch. His head had been comforted on the pillow of my lime green cushion. He was definitely too tall for the couch. Yet, he looked like an actor out of a movie or as if posing for a model magazine. Hate to admit it but he looked like a Prince.

I slowly walked towards an empty seat across from the couch and settled in with my legs up and knees against my chest. I tilted my head to the side, gazing at his face. I felt so small compared to him. I slid the strands of my fringe from behind my ears to cover my face. If Beauty and the Beast had to switch roles with me and Leon in it; no doubt it would be called Cutie and the Grudge. I shook my head and watched the strands of my black fringe sway in front of me then blew out a sigh.

“Ever think about cutting it?”

My eyes immediately looked straight at Leon who had turned to his side, his dark brown eyes sparkling at me. He had his head leaned against the palm of his hand and his other arm against his stomach. “I’d like to see what you look like from behind those strings,” he said then stretched out as he yawned. I caught a glimpse of his abs when his shirt slightly went up as he stretched.

“I-I-I like it this way,” I stuttered, looking down.

“Well, I don’t think you would when others think your scary looking,” he said, softly, gazing up at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. “Think you’ll be okay with the way you look still?” I didn’t answer. “Listen, about what happened before… I’m not apologizing about it.” I looked at him, our eyes connected. “I want you to think about it.” I sighed, frustrated by his words and actions. “What?”

I bit my lip and slid my legs down the floor, both feet flat. I looked at him, his body now turned back on his side, staring at me. “It’s just… I… I’ve been told that you’ve never kissed any girl you’ve been with.” I let my gaze drop, looking down at my lap. “Is that true?”

He let out a small sigh then chuckled softly like a whisper. “Honestly,” he sighed, a hint of annoyance in his voice, shaking his head then set himself up properly, running his hand through his hair. He looked amazingly cute with his hair disheveled. “I’ll let you figure that one out and whatever comes along about me that you’ve heard about.”

I must’ve looked funny to him when he got up and leaned across the coffee table and patted my head with a wry smile. I sat there, looking up at him, I was confused yet somehow I understood. I pursed my lips when something occurred to me. “Mikey and… Jiro, did they find you?” I asked as he sat back down on the couch, his arms spread out on the neck of the couch.

“So, you’ve met those two, huh?” he asked, an eyebrow arched – I nodded. “Not really, why?”

“They were looking for you,” I replied, not sure why I was over the kiss thing so fast. “They were worried.”

“Worried?” he scoffed. “Why should they be?”

I shrugged. “They think you haven’t been yourself.”

I watched his expression; he seemed to be thinking about it. “Well, nothing I can do about it. They’re worrying over nothing.” I wondered what could make his friends worry about him. Leon probably is hiding something and if he is; he’s doing a pretty good job at hiding it.

There was a knock on the door and I immediately got up. “She’s here!” I gasped.

“Relax,” Leon mused then slowly got up from the couch, hands in the pockets of his black jeans. “You make it sound like we’re in a horror movie. Besides even if we were, you’d probably be able to save us both.” He laughed while I glared at him then quickly grabbed a cushion to cover his mouth, hoping Aunt Judith hadn’t heard. “Air,” he breathed from behind the cushion. “I got… it.”

There’s no point now, I thought.

I let the cushion drop then quickly headed towards the door – I heard Leon mutter something unpleasant but let it go. Opening the door, I saw Aunt Judith. She’s my mom’s older sister and only sibling. Without her, we’d probably live out on the streets. “Hey hun,” she greeted as she stepped in through the doorway, giving me a hug. “Heard from mom that she’s working till ten again and you have a friend here.”

Oh boy.

“Um, hey Judy,” I murmured, shuffling behind her to close the door. I cringed, waiting for some sort of reaction when she finds that a friend of mine is actually a boy and that boy is… not good, the only thing about him that was good, was his looks.

“So, where’s your friend?” she asked, as she hung up her coat.

I opened my eyes in surprise. “Huh?”

I quickly turned around to find no one on the couch or even in the small lounge of our apartment. “Where did he go?” I muttered quietly to myself.

“What was that?” my aunt inquired - I shook my head, pursing my lips. “So, where is she?” Oh God, she thinks it’s a girl! Why didn’t my mom tell her it was a boy? “I’d like to know how Hell’s Gate High is going. It’s been so long since I’ve taught there.”

“Uhh… probably in the bathroom,” I quickly replied carefully, scanning the area quickly. I wondered if he had found some secret way out of here. Where could he have gone? I thought, worried over what my aunt would say.

“Well, tell me how school went so far,” Judy smiled, she headed for the kitchen and I noticed that she was getting the glass Leon had used as she turned the knob of the tap to get a drink of water. Would that be an indirect kiss if she sipped the glass? I wondered mentally. “Find anything to your liking?”

It was a yes and no for me. “Um, yeah,” I replied with a small nod, clasping my hands together. “It’s alright.” After that, I told her about what school was like while she nodded and compared to what the school was like now to before.

**

After a while my aunt had fallen asleep on the couch where Leon had laid. Throughout our whole conversation, I couldn’t help but still feel worried about Leon. I quickly grabbed my phone and tip toed across to my room, glancing back at Judy who looked like she was going to snore at any moment. I silently closed the door and turned around, scanning through my phone when I realized… I didn’t have that devil’s number.

I groaned quietly when I saw a long figure lying comfortably on my bed. My jaw dropped, if I were in a cartoon, my jaw would’ve dropped inhumanly to the floor. I stared at him as he was busy looking through my big photo album to realize I had come into my room. Quickly getting my act together, I grabbed the photo album and looked angry and frustrated at him.

“Your bed is comfy,” he commented with a grin. “Care to join me?”

“Get off!” I hissed, hoping Judy couldn’t hear us. “You need to go now, while she’s sleeping!”

“No fair,” Leon pouted. Damn, that look almost caught me off guard. “I was here first so I should get to sleep.” He began turning on his side, slowly closing his eyes - I groaned again, a little louder. “Alright already,” he chuckled, rising up and out of my bed.

I quickly scurried towards the door quietly then opened the door and peeked through the gap to see if my aunt was still asleep which she was, thankfully. “Coast clear, Captain?” Leon asked with a stiff yawn.

I opened the door wider for him to go through then followed behind him when stood near my aunt. “What are you doing?” I whispered, angrily.

“Mrs. O’Neil,” I heard him murmured.

For a brief moment I was surprised he knew my aunt – well, a little surprising she did mention that she taught at our school. I tugged on Leon’s sleeve towards the door before my aunt would wake up. Unlocking the door and opening the door, I gently pushed Leon out the door yet the weird thing was; he looked like he was lost in thought - in his own world. When I closed the door, the expression on his face was hard as if he had gone through a bad dream. Which leaves me wondering more about Leon… did something happen between my Aunt and Leon?

[nadytoo]

Oh that was such a great update!!

Please more?

*uses puppy dog eyes*

PLEASE??

[Azalea]

nadytoo, on Sep 11 2008, 02:07 AM, said:

Oh that was such a great update!!

Please more?

*uses puppy dog eyes*

PLEASE??

Awww.

Hehe, thank you very much. ^_^

I'll update hopefully during the weekend, hopefully.

Azzy :m:

[Jesse's Wife]

Ooh ... did something happen between them? Fantastic and suspenseful update Azzy!





Alex

[AJeans]

[quote name='Azalea' date='Sep 10 2008, 04:08 PM' post='2165263']
I went over my update just now and I realize your Q's won't be 'fully' answered for now. I'm sorry. >.<
Good news though, my laptop is still alive after discovering I had 600 viruses... :huh:
[quote]

grrrrr, youve just gave me more questions
whats the dael between leon and her aunt ??
but as long as you do give me the answers
i will forgive you

aww you poor thing, 600 thats madness

Updates ??

AJ :spinstar:

[Azalea]

Jesse, on Sep 12 2008, 05:06 AM, said:

Ooh ... did something happen between them? Fantastic and suspenseful update Azzy!
Alex

Hehe.
Thanks Alex.

That will soon be answered in due time. XD

AJeans, on Sep 13 2008, 07:46 AM, said:

grrrrr, you've just gave me more questions
what's the deal between Leon and her aunt ??
but as long as you do give me the answers
i will forgive you

aww you poor thing, 600 that's madness

Updates ??

AJ :spinstar:

Yeah, 600 viruses and I'm glad and lucky to still have my stuff still intact. Phew.
Lol, like I mentioned to Alex - it'll be answered in due time.

I'm updating tomorrow for sure. ^_^

Azzy :m:

[Azalea]

CHAPTER 5

I felt guilty for closing the door on Leon without a goodbye after seeing that expression on his face but I really didn’t want Judy to know that my so called ‘friend’ is a boy. She’s kind of overprotective when it comes to boys, I remember she once told me that when I get a boyfriend – she will do her research on the guy and interview him. I really don’t think that would be necessary. A guy and I don’t mesh quite well – zero, zilch, nada.

“Seriously though, why did Leon have that look on his face?” I asked myself, quietly. I looked at myself in the mirror, holding my toothbrush. I only tie up my hair when I’m brushing my teeth and sometimes when I have a shower. I hate seeing my face, looks nothing like my mom’s nor does it look like my dad’s. I just don’t see the resemblance! At times I would wonder if I was adopted but then there were photos of my mom pregnant and then at the hospital with me in her arms. She always did look beautiful no matter what stressful or messy situation she was in.

I splashed my face with water then patted my face dry with a towel. There was a faint ringing inside my room when I realized it was my cell phone; I walked back into my room pulling the hair tie out and shaking my head, letting my hair down. I picked up my phone and looked at the ID caller – Anonymous.

I frowned but answered it instead. “H-Hello?”

“Well, well, well,” a familiar voice rang through my ear. “If it isn’t my own little Grudge doll.” I groaned and felt the urge to hang up. “Now hold on just a minute, while you were in your room after our tangy encounter…” He chuckled at the memory. “… I took the liberty of looking into your old school phone and looked up your number. I’m sure you won’t mind.”

I sighed. “What do you want from me?”

“You still haven’t started on our deal, right?” he asked but didn’t let me answer nor did he answer my question. “So I’m going to be your personal reminder and help you get the job done.”

“Uhh…” was all I could say.

He laughed at my pathetic response. “I’m sure you would make the director the Grudge movie proud,” he commented after he settled down. “Meet me in the science lab, room A6 during recess. Later.” I hadn’t gotten a word in and he just hung up on me. He’s back to his devil form! Does this guy have a split personality? I wondered, agitatedly.

I looked at my phone and plugged my charger in it. “Old school phone, huh?” I said, barely a whisper. Yeah my phone is old school but… I couldn’t let my mom get me a flashy phone with a camera in it, it’s too much.

I set the alarm on my phone then settled comfortably in my bed, under the sheets when I could smell something faint on my pillows. “Smells like… sweet honey and walnuts,” I breathed. What a weird combination but… it smelt nice. I wrinkled my nose and slowly drifted off to sleep with one thought still lingering around in my mind. It was Leon’s expression when he recognized who my aunt was.

What happened between them?

**

“Caitlin!”

I heard someone call out to me – to my surprise; I didn’t think anyone would call out my name but my mom and Aunt Judy. I slowly turned around to see who had called my name and noticed a rather big looking boy breathing heavily as he ran towards me, holding a chocolate bar.

“Uh, hey Mikey,” I said, as he came closer, heaving. “Are you… are you okay?”

He nodded as he bent over, both his hands on his knees – apparently the chocolate bar had finished and all that was left was the wrapper itself. I waited for him to get his breathing back while I noticed people muttering and shaking their heads, laughing at us.

“Awww, don’t they make a cute couple?” a girl with a lot of makeup on said as she passed by with a couple of her friends, who looked like they packed on as much makeup as their leader had.

I looked back at Mikey who regained his breathing and position though he was sweating. “My parents have always told me to lose weight but I can never seem to,” he mentioned, as if I had asked him about his weight. “Anyway, thought I recognized ya from your hair. Looks awesome – how long have been growing it?” I hadn’t really thought about growing my hair, I just left it because my dad loved my hair long though I had always wanted to cut it shorter but since the day he had passed away, I had forgotten all about cutting my hair.

“Um, I guess about two years,” I replied when someone jumped on Mikey’s back.

“MIKEY!” the stranger yelled in Mikey’s ear.

“TYSON!” Mikey yelled back only, his voice was a bit off. “You’re choking me!”

Tyson laughed then got off his back and stepped around him and did their little handshake. “What’s happenin’, man?”

“Just finished eating and talking to Caitlin,” Mikey replied with a smile, his cheeks puffed up towards the bottom of his eyes as it squinted. He looked so adorable.

“Caitlin? Who the heck is that? Is she hot?”

“Dude, she’s right behind you,” Mikey replied, pointing his short chubby index finger past his friend. He turned around then almost jumped back at the sight of me. “She’s not that scary man. She’s really nice.” I wish I could hug Mikey but I wouldn’t want to push my weird factor any further than I naturally have for the past few days. “Caitlin this is Ty; Ty meet Caitlin.”

“Um, hi,” I mumbled, unable to offer my hand to him. “Uh, guess I should go now…”

“Now, hold on just a damn minute lady,” Tyson said, waving his hand at me. “You don’t just assume a brother will diss you just because of the way you look.”

I glanced at Mikey who just shrugged his round shoulders. “Um, brother? Diss?”

“That’s right – no disrespect,” Tyson nodded then offered one his chocolate brown hand in front of me. “Shake on it.” I was definitely confused what Tyson was saying but I had a feeling he was nice – I shook his hand and pursed my lips. “Alright, you can call me Ty and… do you have a shorter name?”

I shook my head.

He folded his arms across his chest and thought about something. He was wearing light blue faded jeans, white chucks with red and blue stripes around the sole of his shoes, black Tommy Hilfiger hoodie – his head was slightly bald but the cool thing was, there were shaving markings, a zigzag pattern which was pretty interesting to look at.

“I got it!” Ty exclaimed hand in the air then dropped it, shaking his. “I don’t got it. I’ll just call you Caitlin.” Both Mikey and I laughed at his randomness and walked together inside the school gates.

“Dude, isn’t that Kyle?” Mikey muttered to Ty.

“Who’s Kyle?” Ty asked with a confused look.

“Kyle James Wilhern the third,” Mikey answered.

I glanced at Ty who finally caught on. “Ohhh, nancy boy?” Mikey nodded with a chuckle. “Where’s he been? Haven’t seen that sissy around school lately.”

Mikey shrugged. “Heard he’s been back to England, his dad is preparing him to be the heir of his company. Dude, I even heard he’s been doing a hit and run with a lot of girls back in England, telling them about that heir thing.”

Ty snorted. “You mean he’s been getting some ass?” Mikey nodded. “I can get more ass than a toilet seat at McDonalds.” Both Mikey and I exchanged glances then laughed at his remark. “Yo Leon!” My attention quickly caught on when Ty mentioned his name.

I regretted looking right after I caught a glimpse of the devil and his entourage of girls which I couldn’t help but shudder. I wonder if what Alex said is true about him – never kissed a girl he’s been with – because the way he kissed me last time… well, let’s just say it was speechless in a good way, a very good way. Maybe even more than that.

“You okay?” Mikey asked me, he seemed to notice the uncomfortable vibe I was giving off. I nodded slightly but hid behind him, hoping he wouldn’t be offended but I didn’t want Leon to see me nor did I want to see him. “Let’s go find Jiro. Ty, I’ll be back soon.”

“Aiight man,” Ty said after he examined the girls Leon brought with him with a grin. I really wanted to get out of there, I was grateful Mikey could tell how I felt. Reasons I could think of were that I didn’t want to his smug face and I didn’t want to remember what he did to me and said to me about helping me.

**

“So, have you met Leon somewhere before?” Mikey asked, after I got my books from my locker. “He’s really cool – the girls are just something he can’t help, they just cling to him.” Somehow that made me feel nauseous. “Leon can seem like a jerk but he isn’t, really.” I looked up at Mikey – he seemed to mean what he said about Leon. Though the kissing doesn’t help ease off the jerk vibe from him or his personality.

“How long have you known him?” I asked, feeling curious.

“Since middle school,” he replied. “The first time I saw the guy, I got the impression that he was a jerk like most people did. The dude had a lot of girls crushing on him but… he ignored them. Didn’t care what they wanted or anything. He had no friends back then.” This surprised me, though I’ve been told he had enemies here, Leon still seemed really popular like Jiro said, he almost owns the school – guess he meant the girls only. “He really was a tough nut,” Mikey recalled with a chuckle. “Always messing with people but nobody would know why. We just assumed he did it because he was bored. Rumors started spreading but he just let people say what they wanted to say about him. The guy did anything he pleased.” I listened quietly to every word Mikey was saying about Leon – it was strange though, if he was like that then; how did he become like he is now? What about my aunt? What was the connection between them?

“Do you know something about an old teacher who used to teach here?” I asked with a gulp - I glanced up at Mikey. “Mrs. O’Neil?”

Then, I saw something in Mikey’s expression – surprise with a hint of worry. “That’s sort of… not something I should be talking about.”

“Oh… okay,” I muttered. I wasn’t sure if I should mention that she is my aunt but I ignored it. I thought better to change the subject. “So, what happened to Leon after that?”

Mikey looked relieved that I had dropped the subject but surprised that someone like me had brought it up. “He eventually left,” he replied, then dug into his pocket for a snack bar. “After a year or so, I found out that he started school here. He changed a lot since then. Smiled more often, gave girls what they wanted except what they really wanted if you know what I mean.” He chuckled as he opened the wrapper of his bar and took a bite. “Anyway, you didn’t answer my question. “Have you met Leon before?”

I didn’t want to lie to Mikey but what could I say? “Uh well, sort of,” I replied. I didn't want to even mention about Leon's meet up at recess in the science lab - which I have no idea where it is.

Another look of surprise came across Mikey’s face but then faded when we saw Alex walking towards us. “Caitlin!” she called out, waving -I nodded at her with a small smile.

“Ah, you know her?” Mikey asked I looked up at him; he looked like he was suppressing a laugh from the snack he was eating. “Jiro will get a kick out of this.”

I raised an eyebrow then turned to Alex who finally reached us. “Mikey,” she nodded with a weird smile. Mikey gave a small wave with his snack in hand.

“Well, I better go look for him,” Mikey said, dismissively then turned to walk down the hallway.

“Wow, that’s a surprise,” Alex said, tilting her head at me. “You’re friends with the devil’s pack, huh?”

I gulped wondering if that was a bad thing. “I was uh… just…”

She giggled. “Don’t look so bad – it’s rare for them to be friends with other people. Everyone else in school don’t really like them so much except for Leon, I guess.” I nodded slowly. “Oh yeah, I was wondering if you had found a recipe for today.” My eyes widened – I totally forgot! “No worries, I got something here, easy for you to make.” She pulled out a piece paper from her books she held and handed it to me. “You guys are baking, right?”

I nodded and examined the recipe. “Classic Tiramisu?”

She nodded with a big smile. “It should be good for you to try out.”

“Thanks,” I said. It still surprises me that Alex is being so kind to me and helping me out. Maybe it’s out of pity… but, I don’t want to think like that. I glanced at her – so pretty and outgoing, it was hard to find who the most popular girl in school was. Other than that, what am I going to do about this recipe? What if I get stuck? What if it gets burnt and the whole gets on fire and it'll be fault! Why did I have to take a cooking class? Why?

[Jesse's Wife]

Ooh, now I really want to know what happened with Caitlin's Aunt Judy ... and what Leon had to do with it
Fantastic update!




Alex

[AJeans]

Jesse, on Sep 17 2008, 07:23 PM, said:

Ooh, now I really want to know what happened with Caitlin's Aunt Judy ... and what Leon had to do with it
Fantastic update!




Alex

i second that motion

great update

AJ :spinstar:

[Azalea]

^^Hehe, thanks AJ! ^_^

Jesse, on Sep 18 2008, 04:23 AM, said:

Ooh, now I really want to know what happened with Caitlin's Aunt Judy ... and what Leon had to do with it
Fantastic update!
Alex

Mm well, the thing that happened between them something I'm trying to interpret somehow. >.<
Nonetheless, I'm working on it.

Thanks Alex!

:D

Azzy :m:

[Jesse's Wife]

^ Ooh, sounds good. :D Can't wait!



Alex

[peanut_butter]

eep, I missed an update!

But I really want to know what's happening!

Update soon.

Love,
Grace :elmo:

[pixie_dust_93]

Pwease Update

[xx.Shelby.xx]

Oh god. This story has to be one of my favorites on here! It's wonderful. I love it to death. Its perfect!!!!!!!!

I hope you update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~Shelby

[xx.Shelby.xx]

psst- that picture at the top of the Devil oh my god its so hot. Well he is so hot. Is that an actor/model or someone or just a random picture....

[Azalea]

peanut_butter, on Sep 24 2008, 11:13 AM, said:

eep, I missed an update!

But I really want to know what's happening!

Update soon.

Love,
Grace :elmo:

XD

Gracey dearest,

Guess what?

It's your birthday!

HAPPY SWEET 16TH BIRTHDAY!!!

Well, it's one day early here but still! I wish you the best sixteenth birthday! ^_^

*bundles of huggles*

Muah! :heartbeat:

xx.Shelby.xx, on Sep 25 2008, 03:40 PM, said:

Oh God. This story has to be one of my favorites on here! It's wonderful. I love it to death. Its perfect!!!!!!!!

I hope you update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~Shelby

:icon_eek:

Hehehe.

Aw, thankies Shelby!

xx.Shelby.xx, on Sep 25 2008, 03:42 PM, said:

psst- that picture at the top of the Devil oh my God its so hot. Well he is so hot. Is that an actor/model or someone or just a random picture....

Ahh, lol, that would be Gaspard Ulliel (sp?).
I was thinking James Franco would be the Devil but I couldn't really find the right picture so I chose Gaspard.

I'm not sure who is better of portraying Leon Ashford.

Gaspard? James? Other?

:P

CHAPTER 6

I stared at my terrible looking tiramisu. It didn’t turn out the way it should have turned out. It looked sloppy and weird looking. I hadn’t even considered tasting it! The thought of poisoning myself was something I didn’t want to risk. I don’t think I even want Alex to look at it or even try it! Which, I don’t think she will if she sees it.

I sighed, poking my somewhat tiramisu with a fork. “I could just throw this away,” I said to myself. But then what if Alex asks about it? I can’t just straight out lie to her when it was her that gave me this recipe. Instead, I placed the lid back on top of my lunchbox and decided to store it in my locker where it should stay.

“Where’s that smell coming from?” someone asked as I passed by towards my locker. Oh my God, I must have put too much coffee powder! I thought, worriedly. I had second thoughts of putting it my locker; people might sniff the smell and find it in my locker. What was I going to do then?

When I opened my locker, I found something left on top of my books. It was a note. I picked it up and looked at it; attached to it was a map of the school. I noticed a circle marked with red.

Special Reminder:
Science Dept – A6 at Recess.

L

I sighed heavily then closed my locker shut, stuffing my lunchbox back in my bag. I heaved up my bag then followed the directions on the map. Like I needed any special reminding; I couldn’t stop think about it since he told me last night. I tried to push the thought of his voice as far as possible at the back of my mind. Why had he even wanted to bother me in the first place?

**

I scurried along through the hallways of the school, hugging my bag that held my warped looking tiramisu. Surely enough I looked like a weird idiot, hoping my hair would cover my face from everyone around me. I tried to remember the directions on the map but then slowed down to a stop, I was sure recess was going to end soon and I was wondering if Alex was looking for me but I didn’t want to see her yet.

I kept my head straight and ignored the other students as I passed by, whispering and snickering and I knew very who they were talking about. I felt the urge to give up on this stupid ‘quest’ to find that devil. Then again, it’s my journal I might not ever see again. What would he do with it if I disobeyed? I wondered, thinking about it when I hadn’t seen where I was going.

“Watch where ya goin’ ya freak!” a bold looking figure growled.

I flinched at the tone of his voice when he called me a freak. I wanted to cry but I was too scared to cry. All I could do was lower my head and apologize profoundly. “I’m sorry,” I kept saying in a small tone.

“You should be,” he scolded, bumping me with his shoulder, I fell to the ground. My bag fell out of my arms and I could already smell what was coming out of my bag. “What a loser,” the boy chuckled along with his mates. I stared at them as they walked off, laughing and imitating how I’d fallen. If anything, this school definitely lived up to it’s name.

This was Hell.

**

I didn’t bother looking for the science department the devil would be in after that, I just sat on the seat of the toilet in the girl’s bathroom, wiping all the tears I could with the two rolls of toilet paper I could find and use. My bag was a mess, it smelt like coffee. The deformed tiramisu now looked even more deformed. It was smudged so badly around in my bag that my books and pens became sticky and smelt of coffee.

“So this is what it’s like on the outside of my world,” I sniffed then blew my nose into the toilet paper which was now my third roll. I took a deep breath then brought my legs up on the toilet seat, bringing my knees towards my chest; I hugged tightly around my legs. I gazed at my bag, hung on the hook of the door. It made me feel better that I couldn’t smell the coffee emanating from my bag due to my blocked nose. Yet I mostly didn’t feel better about what happened. The looks I got from the students who saw me get knocked down. I couldn’t look anywhere else after that, all I could do was grab my bag and head for the nearest girl’s bathroom that I saw on the map.

The map. Where is it? I must have dropped it when I ran here. Oh well, what good would it do me anyway? That guy is probably plotting a way to humiliate me even worse than I have done myself just then. At least, I know my mom would let me stay home and continue the way I had been before I started coming to this school. Yeah, just me in my room. I was beginning to cry, I didn’t want my hair to be wet against my cheeks, it felt uncomfortable and annoying.

Just when a new round of tears began to fall down my cheeks, I heard the girl’s bathroom door open then closed with a clicking sound after that. I quickly gasped and tried to stay as quiet as possible. I buried my head against my knees and hoped so bad that whoever it was wouldn’t be able to smell the coffee no matter how hard I had tried to wash my bag.

“Playing hide and seek, are we?” a familiar voice said.

I opened my eyes and lifted my head to see who it was. I frowned because eyes were blurry. I wondered why the voice sounded like a male when we were in a female bathroom. I let my legs dropped down off the seat of the toilet and rubbed my eyes, taking the hair away from my view doing so.

“How… did you know I was here?” I asked, my voice sounded hoarse but surprised at who stood in front of me. I felt exposed in my cubicle especially since it was a guy in a girl’s bathroom. I watched him, puzzled why he was even looking for me. Shouldn’t he be telling everyone about my journal by now?

“Well,” he said, nonchalantly as if being in the girl’s bathroom didn’t bother him but somewhat amused him. “I was waiting for you till the end of recess; little did I know that my own Grudge doll has been messed with so I came looking for you.”

I sniffed. “Like you aren’t?”

“That’s different,” he said in the same nonchalant tone.

“How is it different?” I snapped, I was on the verge of crying but held back. Instead of answering, he took a step forward inside the small cubicle I was isolating myself in which now felt claustrophobic. “What are you doing? Someone is going to come in,” I hissed, hesitantly.

“So?”

“So?!” I said, bewildered by his carelessness. “People will think we’re doing something inappropriate!”

He rolled his eyes as if what I said wouldn’t happen. “What’s wrong with helping you out huh?” he asked as he knelt down in front of me. “Besides, I’m really sorry this happened to you,” he said in a soft voice. I was put off guard by the sudden change in his voice and the expression on his face. He meant what he said and I don’t know how but I believed him. I fought the urge to jump towards him and wrap my arms around him and cry against his chest. At the same time, I was curious to know how that would feel. Instead I looked away, feeling flushed.

“Anyway, I smell coffee,” he said with a smirk. He got up and peeked around the back of the door where my bag was hooked. “Cooking right?” I nodded, feeling embarrassed. “Doesn’t smell too bad, though you did overdo the coffee powder.” I groaned. I hoped he wouldn’t ask what it was supposed to be.

He chuckled then looked into my eyes. “I can help you.” I raised an eyebrow. “It’s on me - for what happened.” Now both eyebrows went up. “Okay, stop that.” Without me knowing, I laughed. “Wow.”

“What?” I said, becoming sober.

“You can actually laugh,” he grinned. I narrowed my eyes at him then got up off the toilet; I suddenly became aware of the proximity I was in with Leon inside my cubicle. Too embarrassed to look up at him, I looked down at our shoes, inches away from each others. I heard him sigh, his breath softly brushed through my hair. “We’ll reschedule tomorrow, same time – this time we meet at the garden. You remember, right?” How can I not? I looked up at him glaring at him, which only made him laugh. “Practice makes perfect.” I cringed at the thought of him kissing me again which only amused him even more.

Just then the door clicked open - I gasped, clasping my hands together, bowing my head so my hair will fall to the sides of my face. Absentmindedly, I leaned closer towards Leon to hide from whoever had walked in. “Oh!” I heard a girl gasp. Obviously, it was because seeing a guy in girl’s bathroom wasn’t something you would – or should – see everyday.

“Yeah, uh, do you mind coming back in a few minutes, Jess?” Leon asked. To my surprise, he sounded normal. I was expecting something like – “It’s not what you think…” But, he made it sound like we were doing something out of the ordinary, especially since we're in a cubicle together. “We’re kinda busy here.” I heard him chuckle.

My eyes widened, my cheeks flushed. “Uh, sure,” the girl said. She sounded oblivious but nonetheless, she closed the door.

“Oops,” Leon said after that. “I was sure I locked that door.” I looked up at him as he ran his hand through his brown hair with a small sigh.

“You did that on purpose,” I suddenly said out of embarrassment, blushing as I pushed him out of the cubicle, enough to make him move out of the way. I needed air, fresh air. I pulled back my hair behind my ears and holding it back with one hand as I turned on the tap with the other hand and splashed my face with cold water which seemed to ease my red face from the crying.

I glanced at him; he was leaning against the door with his arms behind his head, his bottom lip jutted out as a pout. Does he have to do that? Makes him look too cute. I sighed heavily and shook my head letting my hair go back to partially hiding my face. “Do you have to do that?” he asked. For a minute there I thought he could read my mind but that was impossible.

“What?”

“Hide your face like that,” he answered with a frown, I shrugged. “Anyways, wait outside in front of the school.”

“Huh?”

He went back inside the cubicle I was in and brought out my bag. I cringed not wanting to face the smell I forgot about. “I’ll catch up with you later, gotta destroy the evidence, right?”

I blinked. “Wh… why?”

“Well, I’m just trying to make the new girl fit in,” he said but, that didn’t really answer my question. “Anyway, I better go unless you want someone to check in on us again.” He winked at me.

I shuddered at the idea. “I thought so,” he chuckled then clicked open the door and walked out with my bag. I turned back at the mirror and looked at myself. I’d been a wreck. I can’t believe I’ve just been talking to a guy who lots of girls would want to be with. I wasn’t even sure how I felt about Leon. I couldn’t decide whether I hated him or liked him. I should’ve been angry at him for leading into something like what just happened but… it wasn’t really his fault – which for some reason didn’t really didn’t help me at all.

Though, there was still the case about him knowing my aunt and having that weird look on his face when he saw her. I patted my cheeks then headed out the door before anyone could come in. A group of girls I saw were heading towards the toilets as I turned the corner. “I can’t believe you saw Leon in the girl’s bathroom, Jess!” one of the girls whispered, excitedly. “Are you sure? Did you see who he was with?”

“God Kayla,” the girl who I think was Jess, sighed. “I couldn’t see her! She was too engrossed in probably kissing his neck!” I gagged and shuddered at the same time.

Both girls sighed in wonder. “I wish it was me,” they both said in unison.

“I wonder who that girl is,” another girl’s voice said.

“Whoever she is,” Kayla said. “It wouldn’t matter, because we all know Leon doesn’t stick to one girl very long. I’m pretty sure whoever she is, won’t be around him the next day.”

“So true,” Jess agreed. I was guessing Kayla was the leader of their group. I heard them open the door and go in.

“He’s not here!” Kayla said in disappointment, moaning. “Dammit!”

“God, why does it smell like coffee in here?” one girl asked. “Gross!” That was my cue to leave. I was relieved that they didn’t know who the girl Leon was with was. It was bad enough that I had to deal with what happened today.

[the_tall_girl]

:D :D I love this story haha

Update? (:

[I'm Jesse's Gurl]

Azzy... I adore this story.
It is simply amazing.
Can you please update again soon?

[x] ~ Catie ~ [x]

P.S Thanks for the Birthday wishes.

P.S.S What's happening about Vampish? I adore that story as well. Lol.

P.S.S.S Can I please have Leon? Please? I love the bad boys. You know I do. Please?

[xx.Shelby.xx]

oh god its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it when are you going to update?


~Shelbies :icon_queen:

[Jesse's Wife]

Haha, loved it! :D

Catie! *huggles* Where have you been? And why did you delete the Devil's Secrets?







Alex

[Azalea]

the_tall_girl, on Sep 28 2008, 12:52 AM, said:

:D :D I love this story haha

Update? (:

Thanks Julia!

^_^

I, on Sep 28 2008, 01:47 AM, said:

Azzy... I adore this story.
It is simply amazing.
Can you please update again soon?

[x] ~ Catie ~ [x]

P.S Thanks for the Birthday wishes.

P.S.S What's happening about Vampish? I adore that story as well. Lol.

P.S.S.S Can I please have Leon? Please? I love the bad boys. You know I do. Please?

:o

Catieeee.

Man, where have you been, huh?

Aw well, Vampish is on indefinite hold at the moment, I'm still deciding on whether to continue it or delete it and re-post again, all cleaned up and stuff?

Heh, your welcome. ^_^

As for Leon - yes I know you love the bad boys - I guess I can lend you Leon for the time being. XD

And, thank you very much!

xx.Shelby.xx, on Sep 28 2008, 03:29 AM, said:

oh god its awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it when are you going to update?
~Shelbies :icon_queen:

Thanks Shelby! ^_^

I'll update soon, f'sure.

Jesse, on Sep 28 2008, 04:20 AM, said:

Haha, loved it! :D

Alex

Thanks Alex! ^_^

Right-o, I'll update soon. I'm currently on holiday moment, need to finish my last week of holidays... I forgot the word... hmmm, oh well, I need to use this last of holidays to catch up on my school stuff. -_- Sigh.

Anywho, thanks again guys! :D

Azzy :m:

[I'm Jesse's Gurl]

Jesse, on Sep 27 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

Catie! *huggles* Where have you been? And why did you delete the Devil's Secrets?


Alex

Alex, man! Where you been? Dam! I've missed you! *Huggles*
Because I had severe writers block. I had no idea what to write.
I have a new story out though. Can you check that one out please?

Azalea, on Sep 28 2008, 05:11 PM, said:

Catieeee.

Man, where have you been, huh?

Aw well, Vampish is on indefinite hold at the moment, I'm still deciding on whether to continue it or delete it and re-post again, all cleaned up and stuff?

Heh, your welcome. ^_^

As for Leon - yes I know you love the bad boys - I guess I can lend you Leon for the time being. XD

And, thank you very much!

Lol. Around. Where you been man? I've missed you.

Though so. It still rocks. Lol. Try and keep persevering though. You'll work it out eventually. Lol. Liam... LMAO! Yummmmmy.

Thanks. Lol.

Yay! *Huggles* You are most definatly the best. Lol.

^^ Did you read that Ladies and Gentlemen? Leon is MINE!

Update Soon!

[x] ~ Catie ~ [x]

[Azalea]

^^Lmao! Right, right :P

I've missed you too! *huggles back* I've been just too busy with school and stuff, barely enough time to come MCMB most of the time but since it's the holidays, I'm trying to back into it, heh. :D

Oh I'm trying to persevere that story of mine, lol. Liam, I miss him. XD

Azzy :m:

[xx.Shelby.xx]

Ok I am wondering when shall you update? Lol this story is wicked awesome! I just can't get enough it's fabulous!!!!!!!!! Well I hope to see a update soon? Pwease, I miss it! it's a rockin story!!!!

~Shelby


dood da dood da

[pixie_dust_93]

*clears throat*
bumpety bump bump!
Update soon
*Pixie*

[Azalea]

Yikes!

:mellow:

Sorry guys! >.<"

No worries, I'm still continuing on with this, just school getting the way which makes me very tired. =S

Ahh, thankies for the bump, Pixie! ^_^

Surely update soon.

How soon?

Tomorrow or the next day.

Azzy :m:

*promises not to procrastinate*

[Querida=Luva]

Dang! I thought I had posted. I love your story Azzy! Yay for updates!! I'll check back later.
-Mady