Shanghai World Expo!!! I'm coming~

It's been a long time. It has been 10 days since my last update. I've been busy with the admission exam, well, let's not talk about school stuff.

YAY!!! I'm going to Shanghai World Expo with my friend Scarlett in July. I'm so excited about it! We planned what we will do and where to go during our trip in Shanghai this afternoon and I've been thinking about it since then! And I even worked out a funny itinerary and sent it to Scarlett. HEHE This will be the first time I go on a trip with my friend! Just the two of us! I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy about it! I can't wait for July to come!

Time is running out. I need to hurry and finish my study of GCE....

The other day I was reading a passage about 2012/12/22 will be the end of the world. It seems sooooo true and there were seconds that I actually thought about what I would do right now if it truly were the end of the world in 2012. I would definitely go date handsome guys, doesn't matter if they are playboys or not, because I had nothing to lose by then. I would do whatever I want to...like stop studying right this moment! And publish my stories, hoping that people would at least know me before dying. I would go get marry as soon as possible and you know.... do what couples will do.... lol I seriously wouldn't want children if the end of the world were coming, I didn't want them to suffer and witness this horrible sight. I wouldn't want to die as a virgin honestly. @.@ I cant believe I actually said that.....

LOL, and you know what my sis said? "Ya you do that now, and when 2012 nothing happen, your life is fucked...." LOL

Anyway, here you go. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

December 2008

The next morning before they went down to have breakfast, Jasmine left the room while Serena was taking a shower. She marched along the hallway, muttering under her breath. When she reached the room at the end of the hallway, she knocked at it loudly.

“Sam! Open up!” Sam peeked through the safety chain, when he saw it’s Jasmine, he opened the door. “What’s going on?” Sam asked as he looked around the hallway and shut the door. Jasmine didn’t say a word; she walked straight into the room. “Jas? Say something.”

When Jasmine was sure Joanna was not in the room, she started, “Can you stop torturing S?” Jasmine asked, angrily.

“What’re you talking about?” Sam looked at Jasmine and demanded. Trying so hard to hide the fact that he had kissed Serena, Jasmine didn’t have to know that.

“I saw you with Serena this morning, I saw her crying! What did you do to her?” Jasmine asked, she was very angry and right that moment friend or not she just wanted to slap Sam.

Sam’s heart sunk at first but then sighed as he spoke, “I saw her sitting in front of the door, crying, so I went to her and asked her what’s going on!”

“Why would she cry then? Don’t tell me she just burst into tears!” Jasmine said, almost shouting.

“That’s exactly how it happened! She was crying when I went to her.” Sam explained with a calm tone.

Jasmine looked at Sam, her eyebrows pressed down hard over her eyes.

“I know it’s not quite my business but I just can’t sit there and do nothing!” Jasmine said as she was sitting down heavily on Joanna’s bed.

“What do you mean?” Sam asked his annoyance building, he wished Jasmine would go away.

Jasmine shot him a raised eyebrow stare and said, “It’s too often; S will talk in her sleep.”

“I know she talks in her dream.” Sam said with a matter-of-fact tone.

“It’s not like she’s talking about nonsense; she always said the same thing.” Sam showed some interests and Jasmine then continued, “‘I miss you. Please don’t leave me.’ that’s what she kept saying in her dream.”

“I’m sorry.” Sam whispered, knowing that Serena was never healing.

“Sorry won’t fix anything! You gotta take some action if you are really sorry!” Jasmine said, ultimately pissed.

“I don’t know what to do! It seems like no matter what I do, she will get hurt! I don’t know if it is right for me to approach her!” Sam’s temper flared as he remembered what he had done last night, he should never approach Serena.

“Try to do something, anything! Anything you do is better than nothing!!!” Jasmine said heatedly.

After hearing that, Sam couldn’t speak. There was a pause; neither Jasmine nor Sam said a word. Finally Jasmine broke the silence.

“You were the one who started everything; you are the one that hurt her at the first place! If you’re not that lame, do what the others want you to do. Serena would never get hurt!” Jasmine said, tears fell down her cheeks.

When Sam heard Jasmine said he was lame, which hit his nerve.

“I’m not lame! Jas, this is none of your business! Just quit it, ok?” he said through his clenched teeth. “You know nothing! Too much has happened, it’s not like you wanna fix it and then everything can be fixed! God! I wish it can be that simple!!!” Sam was shouting right back at her.

“Fine, S’s my friend; I won’t let you lay a finger on her!” Jasmines cried and stormed out of the room. Sam looked at her disappeared out of the door; and he sat down heavily on the bed, exhaled and had his face buried in his knees.

*

Jasmine put her plate down and sat down next to Serena.

“The egg tastes good?” Jasmine asked.

“Yeah, it’s not bad, you should try some.” Serena replied and added, “Jas, is there something wrong? You look kinda mad.” From Jasmine’s body language, Serena could tell something was up.

“I’m not mad at you, S. don’t worry.” Jasmine said as she turned and stared at Sam. Sam stood up immediately and walked towards Joanna who was filling the cups with drinks.

“Sam?” Serena asked, surprised.

Jasmine nodded.

“What happened? I didn’t know you two had a fight.” Serena said, confused.

“You were taking a shower.” Jasmine said, cutting her bacon.

“You mean just now?” Serena said, astonished.

“Yeah. I didn’t mean to fight with him, but it’s just he got on my nerve.” Jasmine said as she was cutting the bacon.

“What’s it about?” Serena said, putting down her knife and looked at Jasmine with her eyebrows pressed down her eyes.

“About he made you cry again.” Jasmine said as she put her knife and fork down and looked at Serena. “So when do you plan to tell me?” she asked with anger.

“It’s not a big deal.” Serena looked away.

“I’m so sick and tired of him hurting you. I don’t want to see you get hurt again because of him.” Jasmine said, looking serious.

“Jas, you don’t have to fight with him because of me. It’s true that I cried again because of Sam. But I’m fine now. Sam and I, it won’t work out and everything’s too complicated. It’s a problem that can never be solved. I’m the one who said we can’t be together so I’m sure Sam will not bother knocking.” Serena said, not quite sure what she said was really true.

Sam did kiss her last night; she didn’t know it’s by losing control or by still loving her. Serena did not know. But all she knew was that she had to forget about last night. She just knew that it would be a dumbass if she lived the night before over and over.

“Just be normal to him when he comes back ok?” Serena asked, but Jasmine did not say anything. “Jas, please?”

“Okay, okay!” Jasmine said reluctantly. Few minutes later, Sam came back with Joanna and along with drinks and his breakfast. Serena looked at Jasmine.

Jasmine sighed, “Sam, can I have the orange juice?” she asked with a fake smile.

Sam looked at her with wide eyes, wondering why all of a sudden Jasmine was talking to him again, he knew she was mad at him about last night, but he was surprised that Jasmine forgave him so fast, just few minutes ago, she was still staring at him but now she looked nice again.

“Here.” Sam said politely as he handed Jasmine the drink. Serena smiled to herself and ate her breakfast quietly.

My favorite publisher... Little Black Dress. It's books are just awesome! In the near future, I will be one of the author of the books of Little Black Dress. Watch me!

Chapter 7

December 2008

After a night on the train, everyone was exhausted. Either they stayed up the entire night on the train so they did not have enough sleep, or it was just way too hard to fall asleep on the train. It was shaky and hot. They spent the afternoon visiting the famous Terracotta Army, and had a so not tasty dinner, they were sent to the hotel to rest.

Serena was the first to shower; she said her good night to Jasmine and called it a night. She was exhausted. Not that she did not get any sleep on the train, but it was no a peaceful one anyway.

Serena was walking along the hallway of the hotel, and there was a little slope connected to the other side of the building. When she was walking along the slope, someone patted on her shoulder. Serena didn’t turn around at first but after several times of patting, she finally turned around, she looked at Sam and said, “I can’t have you talked to me all of a sudden and then pull a one eighty on me, I don’t know how to handle that!”

Sam said something that shocked Serena, “I never want to talk to you, and I don’t plan to.” Sam’s eyes were filled with hatred and anger. Serena looked at him, she was so scared of that look; Serena has never seen Sam wearing that look before. At that time, Serena could feel the anger and hatred when Sam said those things.

“Serena Pleasure! Listen to me, for the one last time. I HAVE NEVER FALLED IN LOVE WITH YOU, YOU GOT EVERYTHING WRONG!” Sam yelled as he turned and started to walk away. Serena stepped forward and grabbed his arm.

“Nonono! You told me yourself! Why are you saying this? Where did that all come from!?” Serena cried, not letting Sam go.

Sam shook her hands off, “I’m just playing you, don’t you see that? Now that I’m finished with you, so, you better disappear. I don’t want to see you again. Now stay the fuck away from me!” Sam shouted at Serena once again and walked away. Serena stood stony still, tears ran down her eyes like razor blades.

Serena woke panting and sweaty. Tears leaked down her cheeks as the vivid memory of the dream stuck with her. Serena turned to Jasmine but saw that she was still asleep. Apparently, Serena’s nightmare had not woken Jasmine from her sleep. She swung her feet off the bed and found her way to the chair through the darkness and put on her sweater. Quietly, she left the room.

Sam shouting at her, saying that he did not love her, not at all, all those heartbreaking things, they were just so vivid and images still flowing around in Serena’s head. She knew that it was all nothing but a stupid dream, but still her heart bled. She felt horrible. She slide down against the door; and had her face buried in her knees.

Sam woke up with a start. The pale early morning light allowing him to find this way to the bathroom, he stepped in, and his hands rested on the sink, turning on the tap he splashed water on his face. He wondered what had woken him; he was exhausted from the trip and should have slept through but he swore he heard sobbing, a girl’s sobbing. He flicked the light off and closed the bathroom door behind him and had the corridor light on instead. Sam then walked to Joanna’s bed but obviously she was sleeping soundly.

Who’s it if it’s not Joanna? Sam wondered.

Sam went to his bed, picked up the jacket and put it on. He grabbed the key card from the table and went out of the room to get some fresh air. This time he thought he was just hallucinating but when Sam opened the door, he was stunned. Serena was softly crying and rocking to and fro in front of her door. When seeing this, a chill was sent up to Sam’s spine. He rushed to Serena.

“Serena, what’s happened?” he asked, shaking Serena’s shoulder gently. He took Serena’s chin and lifted her face up; tears were streaming down her face, making Sam sick to his stomach.

Serena brought her hands up to her face and swiped the tears away. “I’m fine.” Serena said, pulling herself up from the floor.

“Quit saying you’re fine, Serena. Apparently you are not. Tell me what happened! Why will you sit here at 4 a.m. in the morning?” Sam asked his voice thick with concerned.

“Just…leave me alone.” Serena put her hands out in front of her warding Sam off, and then she turned and walked away. Sam caught her arm and wheeled her around to face him. Serena turned away and dropped her gazed to the floor.

“I can’t have you talked to me all of a sudden and then pull a one eighty on me, I don’t know how to handle that!” Serena whispered; she was shocked the very moment she said them, that was the exact words that she used in her dream. Serena was so scared that her dream was coming true. She prayed that Sam would not say those heartbreaking things.

Sam stood in stony silence, and then he let go of Serena.

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” Sam replied, his eyes tight with deep sadness, but he tried to mask the hurt he felt. Serena exhaled heavily and was relief that it was just a coincidence; her dream was not coming true. She faked a smile and turned to walk away, she really needed some time alone to clear her mind, and she honestly did not know what she had been doing.

A sudden hug from behind made Serena jumped. “Let me give you a Christmas present, please?” Sam whispered in her ear. Serena’s body relaxed and tears went down from her cheek. She lowered her head, biting her lower lip trying in vain to choke back tears. Sam released the hug and spun her round to face him.

Serena tried to look away, but Sam held her chin so that her gaze could not escape his. Serena’s red rimmed eyes seeking Sam’s; none of them said a word for a few seconds. Sam’s hand reached up to cradle Serena’s face. He bent his head toward hers and he pressed his lips on hers. Sam began the kiss.

“Sam….” Serena whispered; her heart started bumping faster than before. A hand slide down Serena’s back, pressing her harder to Sam’s chest.

“Shh...not now.” Sam replied as he pressed his lips again to Serena’s to stop her from talking. He pulled Serena’s lips back to his. His lips were so gentle, moving with hers. Sam’s mouth found Serena’s, the tip of his tongue pressed against hers and making its way into her mouth. The whisper of their lips moving in rhythm had them both cried silently. They kissed back for a few minutes before Serena struggled with Sam as gently as she could, holding him away just enough to lock eyes with him.

Serena whispered, “Sam….” freshed tears brimmed at her eyes.

Sam sighed heavily and said, “I’m sorry. I...uh… shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.” he looked away, his lips chewed.

“I should go back.” Serena said tears finally spilling over and running down her cheeks; this kiss made her head spin round; she turned and walked away without looking back. Sam stood there at the hallway, a single tear falling down his nose and he wiped it at once. He turned around and walked to his room.

Serena broke in a run and rushed back to her room. She entered the room as quiet as she could and was glad to see that Jasmine was still sleeping during her absent. If Jasmine found out that she was not in the room and had been with Sam, she would be annoyed with all the questions-and-answers right away. Serena took off the sweater and climbed into her bed. Her head was spinning, too much had happened and she just did not have the energy to deal with any of them. Serena sighed and stared at the ceiling, there was no way in the world she could go back to sleep. She did not understand why Sam would kiss her all of a sudden, she thought they were over but apparently they were not. Both of them still loved each other, but it was just weird that they could not be together, Serena so not understand.

From the very beginning, it was really fine to be together, was it because of Nancy? Or was it just simply about the two of them but not others? Serena thought.

In the other room, Sam was blaming himself for once again giving Serena hope. He shouldn’t have kissed her; he should just let her go when she wanted to be left alone! He had broken Serena’s heart again. Everything he did, they just scar for life to Serena. No way in hell Serena could be healed when Sam kept doing this to her. Sam was just stupid enough to let his temptation got another over on him. And Sam would never be the one to pay the price, but Serena would be.

My dream will come true. I'm sure of it.

>60,000 of words. I'm sure I will be able to do it. I'll make sure every chapter is good, none of them will be sucky ones. I know I can do it and I will do. Everything depends on whether I want to do it or not. I will work hard! I want that so I will do whatever it takes to get it.

Here you go Chapter 6. Enjoy!

Chapter 6

December 2008

After hearing what Joanna told him about Serna said the night before, Sam was upset more than surprised. Serena did not have faith in him. That was all he could think about. When he heard about Serena thought he was dating Joanna, he was twisted. How can she think he would date other girl?

Sam shook his head and got changed quickly; he knew he would not have any mood to do anything that day.

Walking up the Great Wall was exciting. The view around was stunning, and the Great Wall itself was mightly, it was beyond words.

“Wow, it’s beautiful.” Serena exclaimed.

“Hey, let’s take a picture together.” Joanna said to both Serena and Jasmine.

Sam approached them, “Let me help you with that.” He offered with a smile. Joanna looked at him weird and nodded. “Say cheers!” Sam said and took the picture. His eyes fixed on Serena when looking at the camera. She had the angel smile dancing on her lips. He wished he could receive that smile when she was talking to him.

“Are you done, Sam?” Joanna asked in a voice of doubt.

Sam snapped out of his stupid thought, “Yeah.” He walked to them and returned the camera to Joanna.

The entire day he kept stealing glances from Serena. His mind was sucked out and gone to her. He could not take his eyes off her; it was just like at the every first beginning.

After visiting the Great Wall, which was the last scenery spot, they would go to Xian by train. The drive on the way over to the railway station was a long and rough one. Serena could not sleep well on the night before due to the conversation she had with Joanna. Serena knew that she was stupid to think that Joanna was with Sam. Right after the conversation, Serena had put that thought behind, however what she could not throw behind was that the truth that Sam still loved her. She really hoped that Sam ignoring her was because he wanted her to move on, he wanted her to forget about him and started over a new and happy life. Serena half smiled at her own foolishness, knowing that was just what she thought to comfort herself, shaking her head, she put on the headphone and switched on the iPod, she hoped some music could help her relief. She closed her eyes and wishing some sleep would come as well.

Half and hour later, she opened her eyes and sighed loudly, she was so annoyed that she could not fall asleep even though she wanted to so much. Serena leaned against the window, her right shoulder resting on the side; she stared out of the window, enjoying the view of the countryside. Staring out of the window, Serena remembered.

“Nothing special, because I can’t take in some parts.” Sam smirked.

“But you have a something-special face.” Serena noted.

“Well, the part that I can take in is that, as you were sleeping you said my name, like a million times.” Sam said.

“Oh.” was all Serena could say.

“And…you said…” Sam continued.

“What else did I say?” Serena asked.

“You said you loved me.”

“You knew that already.” Serena reminded him.

“It was nice to hear.” Sam murmured. Serena hit her face against his shoulder.

“I love you.”

“You are my heart; no one else can replace you.” Sam answered.

“Do you really have any idea how important you are to me? How much I love you?” Serena complained.

“Yeah, and I also know how much I love you.” Sam said, he pulled Serena tighter against his chest, and moved his lips to Serena’s cheek and kissed her and whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry, love, I’m not planning on breaking any promises and become just friends with you, I’m not.”

“Turn around.” Sam said suddenly.

Serena turned and her mouth hanged open, Sam was standing right behind her.

“Surprised!” Sam smirked and opened his arms for her.

It took a few moments before Serena could bring herself to say anything.

“What’re you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at that stupid gathering?” Serena said as she was hugging him tightly.

“Yeah, I can just skip it anyway. Besides, I wanna surprised you.” Sam replied and pulled her back.

“Oh, Sam.” Serena smiled happily.

“I would like to say it in person.” Sam smirked, his azure eyes was glittering. “I love you, Serena.”

She sighed. Right now, everything seemed like a dream, it felt like they never happened.

“Family. I will choose my family over you if I have to.” Sam locked eyes with Serena.

Serena gasped, suddenly she understood the meaning behind, she understood why Sam said that. Sam had warned her but she never realized.

“Serena, I tell you because I don’t you to get hurt when it happens.”

“Serena, I want you to know, no matter what I choose, my heart is always with you.”

“Promise me that you will remember that. My heart will never leave you, not even for a second.”

His heart was always with Serena, was that really true? Sam once looked at her in the eye and told her he loved her so much but it seemed like he was never serious, it was just a joke.

Now on the coach, Serena put a hand over her eyes; she did not want to remember anymore. Remembering only hurt her…..everytime. She could not believe Sam had warned her, he knew something was going to happen but still he let it happen. Serena tried so hard not to think about Sam. Serena searched for her camera in the pocket, she really needed something to distract her; she sighed when she figured that it was in her backpack.

“Jas, you awake?” Serena whispered.

Jasmine did not move nor show any replied. Serena sighed and got to her feet and moved over to the left quietly, she grabbed hold on the arm of the seat for support. Serena reached up and grabbed her backpack in the overhead cabin and zipped it open. The backpack was full of things, scarf, candies, gloves, sunglasses, NDSL, everything. It became so difficult for her to search for the camera. She took the scarf and gloves out and she almost had her head buried into the backpack.

“Got cha.” Serena said to herself when she finally got hold of the camera. She zipped the backpack and put it back into the overhead cabin. Serena looked around and saw everyone was sleeping soundly, and she was wondering why she could not fall asleep like them! The moment she started to move back to her seat, the coach went in a pothole and shook, but it seemed that no one was woken because of that. However, it sent Serena to the right, and she tried to grab the side of the seat for support but was in vain. A hand was placed behind Serena’s waist and she landed safely on someone’s lap.

Sam’s lap, to be précised.

“Are you okay?” Sam asked quietly, obviously he had not been sleeping like everyone else on the coach. Serena turned around and locked eyes with him, she stared at his crystal blue eyes.

Sam moved his hand away from Serena and shook her gently, “Hey, Serena?” he asked, confused.

Serena continued to look at him and suddenly she blinked as few times and realized that she had to say something, “I’m ok, ah…thanks.” Her voice shook a bit and she forced a smile to Sam, and she quickly got up and had herself settled back in her seat. Her heart bumped rapidly, she took deep breathes but didn’t help much. She was starting to wonder if what she had been doing was right. She kept telling herself to forget about Sam, to really push him away, because she couldn’t bear to cope with things like that again. But on the other hand, she couldn’t stop thinking of him, Sam was still having 99% of the space in her heart, and she just couldn’t let go.

Finally the long and rough way to the railway station was over, they arrived at the station at nine thirty at night, and they got their tickets and waited noisily to get on the train.

“Hey, what’s your ticket number?” Jasmine asked Serena.

“Ah…it’s 918.” Serena examined the ticker and added, “What about yours?”

“917. Great! I’ll be in the same kart with you!” Jasmine said happily and excitingly.

“What about Joanna and the others?” Serena asked.

“By the others, you mean?” Jasmine teased.

“You think too much, there’s no meaning behind, just answer the question.” Serena said as she shot Jasmine a dead glare.

“Faith, Joanna, Sam, Lax, you and I, we will all be in the same kart.”

Serena swallowed when she heard Sam’s name, she was wondering if it was fate, why would they be in the same kart? Maybe God never wanted Serena let go of Sam.

“Everyone, it’s almost time, we should get going. Two by two, don’t get lost, and don’t let any stranger break your line, grabbed hold of your suitcase and follow me tight.” Tom shouted loudly in case the students could not hear him. Two by two, everyone started to walk to the platform, everyone stuck together. Finally after a long and challenging walk, they arrived at Platform 16. Everyone got into their kart, after settling down. Since the light on the train would go out at 11 sharp, so the four girls first went to brush their teeth first and the boys stayed in the kart to look after the suitcase.

The train was very warm. Actually it was extremely hot, but it was not possible to take off your clothes. Sam, Serena, Jasmine, Lax, Joanna and Faith were staying in the same kart. Sam and Faith slept on the lowest bunks, Jasmine and Serena on the highest and Lax and Joanna in the middle bunks. It’s really way too hot, and it’s definitely a miracle that anyone could actually fall asleep.

After chatting for like three hours, about so many things, mainly gossiping and it was almost two in the morning, and everyone was tired from the long trip that day. Faith and Joanna offered to have some sleep before the sun rises and the rest went to take some rest as well.

“S, are you going to sleep?” Jasmine asked as she pointed at the bunk on top.

“Nah, I’ll sit here for a while.” Serena was sitting on Sam’s bed, reading. She was not sleepy at all. After the chat ended, she picked up the book and read. Serena wanted to sit on Faith’s bunk but she did not want to be kicked off the bed in the middle of the night, so she had no choice but to sit on Sam’s.

Sam had his head buried under his left arm and had been asleep the moment he lied down.

Jasmine glanced at Sam and then back to Serena. “Ok, night.” She climbed up the narrow stairs and settled in bed hoping to get some sleep before the sun rose.

Gosh, it’s so hot here! Serena thought, it was like 26 degree Celsius in the train and they have worn as least three layers of clothes and a very thick pants right that moment, since Beijing was so cold, and they won’t get a chance to take them off when the train was a so opened one, everyone could see what you were doing. Serena took off her head band, put on the headphone, listened to her iPod and then, in half an hour, she dozed off.

Sam couldn’t move; something heavy was resting on his legs.

“What the hell?” Sam turned his head to see Serena snuggled up against his legs on his bed. Sam couldn’t feel his leg anymore; he tried in vain to move. He pushed himself up again. Sam placed his hand under Serena’s head not wanting to wake her, and he lifted her up as gentle as he could. He slowly pulled his legs out from Serena’s heavy form.

“I miss you.” Sam said to himself as he reached to touch Serena’s cheek. Serena was sleeping so soundly through the dim light and then images just started to flicker over his head, he thought of all the happy things that they have had together last year, he remembered Serena always curled into a ball and slept against his chest and he would have his arm wrapped around her, he remembered the happy times they had in Florida, and he just hated himself so much because all those things that he could have without any problem, but now he got none for he torn them apart.

Sam had been looking at Serena for a long time before he turned away and took out a small blanket from his backpack and covered Serena with it until it reached her cheek. Sam smiled as he looked at Serena who was sleeping like little kid. He was happy to have her once again in his arms. It was funny that around every ten minutes, she would roll to the other side and would push the blanket away, and then Sam would pull it up over her again but he was happy to do so.

“You really move a lot….” Sam whispered to himself with a smile.

He was sitting there for an hour, eyes on Serena. He picked up the iPod that Serena has dropped on the floor and put it beside his backpack. Sam tucked Serena once again after dealing with her iPod.

Sam stood up after a while to stretch his legs and arms, the bed was really tiny, but he did not care, he did not mind Serena could have the whole bunk; he just wanted to have her with him right now. He wanted her so much. Right this moment was a very good time because when she was asleep, she would not leave him. When Sam sat down on the bed again Serena groaned softly and then finally sitting up, she looked at Sam with blank expression, and suddenly she snapped back and whispered, “Sorry, I’ll go back up. You can have your bunk back.” Serena swung her leg off the bed but Sam grabbed her in the arm.

The words that Sam hoped not to hear finally come out from Serena’s mouth.

Why happy moment just would not last longer? Sam asked himself.

“No, stay.” he pointed at the pillow, he wanted her to stay, he really did; Serena looked at him for a few second, she nodded and then moved up. After Serena settled herself on the pillow, Sam lied down on the bunk next to her and made Serena stiffed. But soon Serena drifted off and finally relaxed and moved closer to Sam. Serena’s head ended pillow on Sam’s shoulder. He shifted to a comfortable position and then drifted off to his sleep.

“No, please!” Serena whispered, as her whole body kept shaking. Sam was woken by the sudden trembling and he opened his eyes and turned to look at Serena.

“No no no…..” Serena sobbed and curled closer to Sam’s chest.

Sam coaxed as he figured she was having a nightmare, “It’s just a nightmare.” he whispered soothingly in Serena’s ear and gently patted on her back.

“Don’t leave.” Serena whispered as she stirred. Her face had tearstains on them and she had gotten as close to Sam’s body as she could. At that moment, Sam thought Serena was awake and really crying and talking to him but when he brushed Serena’s hair away from her eyes, he found that she was still sleeping. Sam kissed her on her forehead and brushed her forehead with his cheek.

Sam patted her gently on the back and softly saying, “It’s just a dream. It’s just a dream.”

Serena was shaking a little; he noticed her behavior and hugged her little more closer, rocking slowly. His arms wrapped around her tightly, had her against his chest, hoping that she could feel safe. With the thought of having Serena as close to him as possible, Sam drifted back off to sleep again.

I've learnt something

These days, I've learnt something from my friends and my family. Sometimes, when someone does something to you, well, it doesn't have to be bad things, anywayz, you may think that it's such a big deal and you think it's a serious problem, but somehow that person who does it thinks that it's not a big deal and just can't really understand why you are making such a big thing about it. Once when you know that he or she doesn't really think what they did is wrong then you will get mad, well.... then things are gonna get reallllllly ugly.

However, on the other way round, sometimes when you do something, people will think the exact same way as you do. They will think that it's a big deal and it's a big problem when you think it's nothing.

Actually, there's no right or wrong, everyone has their way of thinking. So... why don't we put ourselves into people's shoes for just a minute and reallllllly try to think about what others may thin about what we do. Just by doing that, things are gonna be reallllly cool. XD

Here you go! Chapter 5

Chapter 5

December 2008

“Serena!? Where are you!?” Jasmine asked anxiously through the phone. That morning, every graduates of West High gathered at the Kansas International Airport. Today, they would be flying to the capital of China, Beijing and started their seven days trip!

Serena was not yet there at 7:59 a.m. They had to be there at 8 sharp. Jasmine started to worry about her.

“I’ll be right there in one minute!” Serena told her and then she hanged up. Her hands were way to busy to hold on to the phone. She put the cell phone into her pocket and got off the shuttle, as soon as her baggage made contact with the ground she dragged it crazily. She ran to the Terminal 7 which was Cathay Pacific Airline. The cell phone in her pocket kept ringing, but she knew it must be Jasmine so she did not even bother to pick up.

Her watch said 7:59:59 a.m.

“Hey!” Serena called to Jasmine and the others.

8:00:00.

“Yay! You made it.” Jasmine and Joanna said together, and all three of them laughed.

“Yeah, stupid shuttle.” Serena said and walked to the line and waited for instruction.

“Ok, everyone, after you go through the immigration, you wait there until everyone’s ready, then we will go to the boarding gate together. Don’t run off by yourself! Got it!?” Mr. Wilson made himself clear. Every teacher was so worried, they hoped they would get there safety without any incident, after all, it was a very difficult task to bring such huge number of students for a trip.

*

Finally after more than fifteen hours, they arrived at the Beijing International Airport. Everyone was so excited. They claimed their baggage and followed the teachers in order to the coach. They put the baggage into the trunk with the help of the tour guide. The tour guide was a funny guy, he dressed simple but he was awesome, because he knew all the things about Chinese culture, but of course since it was his job. But anyway, the students liked him so much. During the way to the hotel, the tour guide, Tom, told them what they would do and where to visit the next day. Some students had already fallen asleep and some were chatting happily and some were looking out of the window. Only a few were paying attention to Tom.

Joanna shifted to a comfortable position, she was feeling awful. She wanted to puke, her head was pounding and her stomach seemed to be eaten inside and out.

Ah…what’s wrong with me? she thought.

“Hey, are you alright?” Serena asked when she noticed how pale Joanna looked. Serena sat behind Joanna with Jasmine. When she reached for the overhead cabin, she saw that.

Joanna was looked pale.

“Ah….I don’t know. I’m not feeling that good.” Joanna answered, pulling her jacket closer to her body.

Serena frowned. She opened her mouth to speak but was stopped by Mrs. Lucy, the class advisor. “Everyone get all your belongings; we’ll be there in two minutes.” she said and she got up to gather her belongings as well.

Serena had her attention back to Joanna, “Hey Jo. Grab a hot shower and hit the sack, yeah?” Joanna looked at her and nodded with a yes. Serena smiled back and then she retrieved her backpack from the overhead cabin and pulled on her jacket, waiting to get off the coach.

Sam turned to Joanna after he heard what Serena said to her, and looked at her with concerned, “Joanna, you ok?”

“I’m still alive,” she smiled weakly, “Can you get my baggage? I don’t feel too good.”

Joanna smiled at Sam as he nodded, “Of course.” He got off the coach when they arrived at the hotel; he walked to the other side of the coach and retrieved both Joanna and his baggage. He dragged them into the lobby; Joanna walked next to Jasmine and Serena, and Sam walked to the counter waiting to get the key card.

A while later, Joanna walked to Sam, and lead against his body, “Hey.” she said, almost whispered.

“Go sit down, Joanna.” Sam turned to look at her over his shoulder, he pointed at the chair.

Joanna nodded.

Few minutes later, everyone got their key cards and went to the lift. Sam walked to Joanna, shaking her shoulder gently and said, “Hey, let’s go.” He dragged the baggage towards the lift and Joanna walking next to him, unsteadily. Seeing her like this, he sighed and then wrapped around her protectively with one hand and with other hand dragging the baggage into the lift, he pressed the floor number with his elbow.

Serena saw it, she was glad Sam was taking care of Joanna, but she felt really uneasy when seeing that. What Sam was doing were exactly what he had done to her when she was sick.

Déjà vu stroke her once again.

She hated it.

Everyone got out of the lift on the 4^th floor. Serena walked down the hallway; she stopped until she reached the Room 412.

“Serena, is the key card with you?” Jasmine asked, not sure whether Serena or herself took it just now.

“Here” Serena said and handed it to her. She continued to stare down the hallway. Sam was supporting Joanna with one hand around her waist—she was really sick—and the other hand dug into his own pocket and slotted the key card in and opened the door.

Watching Serena walking into the hotel room with Jasmine, Sam’s heart bled. He always wanted to be in the same room with her during the trip, they had already been talking about it last year. However, it was useless, the relationship was over and the chance of being together was kind of little. Almost none. He sighed and turned to Joanna, “C’mon, let’s get you to bed.” he whispered in her ear, and smirked at the half-waking girl. He was trying to look at normal as he could in case Serena saw his expression.

Serena still looked at the direction was Sam and Joanna’s room, even when they had gotten in already.

“Serena? You coming in or not?” Jasmine called from the room.

“Yeah, I’m coming in.” Serena said, and walked in and closed the door behind her. She had the feeling, the feeling that Joanna and Sam were together, they had been really closed from the beginning of the year and now being in one room during the trip, just made her suspect more.

“Do you think you can mange to take a shower, Joanna?” Sam asked as he was unpacking his suitcase.

Joanna was lying on the bed; she had her head buried in the pillow, “No.” she replied, almost murmured.

Sam turned around and looked at her, “Well, then, just go to sleep.” he turned back to his suitcase.

Joanna shifted to a comfortable position and whispered, “Night, Sam.” and she drifted off.

Sam smiled with a shake of his head.

Half an hour later, before Sam went to bed, there was a knock at the door.

“Who’s it?” Sam asked through the door.

“Me.” The voice answered.

“Who’s me?” Sam asked.

“Lax! Open up, man.”

Sam opened the door, “What is it?” he asked as Lax walked in.

“Faith wanted me to come see if Joanna is alright.” Lax explained as he saw Joanna was sleeping already.

Sam frowned, “Why didn’t she come herself?”

“Because now she can be the one to take shower first when I’m not there to stop her.” Lax shook his head.

“Oh, ok. Well, Joanna is sleeping, she’ll be alright in the morning, you know, just motion sickness she will be fine soon.” Sam told him.

“Oh My God! Alex!” Cathy threw opened her door which was exactly opposite Sam’s and laughed loudly.

Both Sam and Lax turned to look at them, “Hey! Can you be quiet? People are sleeping!” Sam said his voice low but was enough to have Cathy’s mouth shut and not going to make any noise for the rest of the night.

“Sorry.” Cathy apologized and closed the door at once.

Lax looked at Sam, but did not say anything.

“Well, mission accomplished. I better go back before Faith used up all the hot water. See you tomorrow.”

Sam grinned, “You do realize that we’re in a five star hotel, dont you?”

Lax nodded, “so?”

Sam let out a laugh, “So, the hot water won’t be used up, genius.”

Lax chuckled, “Whatever.” He made his way down the hall way.

Serena wanted to go and take a look at Joanna, to make sure she was alright, but she hesitated when she remembered Sam would be there in the room too.

Well, whatever, Joanna’s my best friend. She told herself and then headed to Room 409. She stopped half way and immediately turned back and walked back to her room. She heard Sam asked someone to be quiet, she recognized the voice, the same dangerous and threatening voice when she was sick and Sam used this voice to ask the one next door to shut up. She could not go to their room. No she could not. She would not know how to deal with Sam. Not right now.

God. Joanna and Sam.

Her best friend and her ex-boyfriend.

Oh, shit.

*

Joanna moaned and rolled to the other side of the bed, she opened her eyes, blinked at the clock, it said; 7:00 a.m. she felt a lot better after a good night sleep. No more headache, no more feeling like throwing up, no more motion sickness. She smiled and sat up, stretched her arms.

“Sam?” she called, when she saw the empty bed opposite her. Getting no reply, she swung her legs off the bed and walked to the bathroom, she heard the shower running.

Joanna then walked to the end of the room and unpacked her suitcase, grabbed a clean bra, underwear and tee-shirt, she sat on the edge of the bed and waited for her turn to shower.

Serena left the room while Jasmine was taking a shower and went to Joanna’s room.

Knock, Knock.

Joanna wondered who came to them so early; she walked to the door and asked, “Who is this?”

“It’s Serena, open up.” Joanna opened the door as Serena looked around the corridor and then went in.

“Can I talk to you?” Serena asked quietly in case Sam heard that.

Joanna nodded.

“Then let’s go.” Serena said and turned around.

“Wait, but I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.” Joanna said, smiling at Serena.

“Here.” Serena gave her a pack of Extra, mint favor.

“Uh….whatever.” Joanna popped two into her mouth, she knew Serena must have something really important to talk to her, if not she would not be in such a hurry.

Joanna knocked at the bathroom door and shouted, “Sam, I’m going to Jasmine’s room, will come back soon.”

Sam shouted back, “Got it.” then added, “Wait! Joanna!” he shouted again when Joanna was already half way out of the room.

Joanna walked back in when she heard Sam called her for. “Yeah?”

“Are you feeling ok?” Sam asked, turning off the shower so he could hear what she said clearly.

“I’m ok, see you in a bit.” Joanna replied.

“Ok, be careful.”

Serena’s heart suck, maybe, she did not really have to ask Joanna for the answer. It was pretty obvious already.

Joanna turned to Serena and said, “Ok, let’s go.” Joanna put on the down jacket and she and Serena went to take the lift.

Serena waited to begin until they were in the cafe, “Is there something wrong?” Joanna asked with concern.

“Are you dating Sam?” Serena burst out.

Joanna looked at Serena with her mouth dropped open as she was temporarily rendered mute, then she laughed seconds later, “Ha-ha, you think Sam and I? No way! Serena you know I would never do this to you.”

“Well, it’s not about doing anything to me; sometimes this kind of feeling can’t be stop.” Serena told Joanna.

“Serena, we are not. You gotta trust me.” Joanna said, looking straight into Serena’s eyes.

“I trust you.” Serena smiled, feeling embarrassing, but on the other hand, relief. She believed Joanna when she said they were not, she knew Joanna would never lie to her.

“Besides, you know Sam loves you.” Joanna added.

“Hilarious, I don’t think he does.” Serena said as she was shaking her head, playing with her fingers.

“Of course he does! He kept asking me things about you, every single day! And it’s so annoying. Like I gotta hand him a report every night.”

“Well, but he’s not talking to me, what’s the difference?” Serena asked sadly.

To Serena, Sam never really cared about her, let alone Serena was hurting all the time.

“Serena….”

“I would trade back what I said to him last time, if I could, I said something about us can’t be together, you won’t have any idea of how hurt it is for me to say that.” Serena said as tears fell down.

“Hey, he tries to stay out of your life because he wants you to move on.” Joanna explained.

“I thought I can, I thought time will heal the pain, but I gotta face reality! I can’t move on without him!” Serena said, a river of tears making its way down her cheeks, Joanna moved forward and patted her on the shoulder.

“Serena, I know it’s hard, don’t worry, everything’s gonna be okay.”

Serena swiped a tear falling down her nose, eyes locked with Joanna’s, “Joanna, I don’t know what to do without you.” Serena smiled.

“That’s what friends are for! Ok, we should go back, c’mon.” They paid the check and headed back to their room.

*

When Joanna opened the door, Sam got off the bed quickly and walked to her at once, he looked at her with questioning eyes.

“Just ask and don’t look at me like that.” Joanna said as she was taking off her jacket.

“I’m not looking at you like anything,” Sam shook his head, “so what did you two talk about?” Sam asked directly after.

“She thought there is something between us.” Sam rolled his eyes, and Joanna ignored him and continued, “Of course I told her that’s not the truth; I told her that you still love her, but she wasn’t too convinced.”

“Yeah, I can figure that, with what I’ve been doing, I mean, technically I didn’t do anything, she will doubt.” Sam said, now sitting at the end of the bed, staring at the rug.

“She can’t move on without you.” Joanna told Sam.

“Did she actually say that?” Sam looked up from the floor and asked at once. Joanna nodded.

“What am I going to do?” Sam sighed.

“You only have two options. One is to forever stay out of her life, don’t torture her anymore. Two, is to go talk to her, don’t ignore her.”

Sam looked at Joanna and said nothing.

“Sometimes doing the right thing is never easy, but you gotta do it and pray that it works out.” Joanna whispered.