sorry for the long waiyt. trillions of paperworks were on me..
here it is :) enjoy
leave comments or message me :D xx
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Ann’s POV:
I can’t feel my heart. I can’t see what’s happening around me.
It’s just me and the floor.
Sam: you’re welcome.
Ann: (distracted) e..eh?
Sam: (smiles) i said you’re welcome..
Ann: for what?
Sam: i saved you..again (smiles)
Ann: (rolls her eyes) nice try sam but you shouldn’t have done that. I can handle myself well.
Sam: (sighs) it seems like you don’t need me anymore. You’re tougher.
Ann: (smiles) I am?
Sam: (nods) yup (sighs) i shouldn’t be happy with that you know; I can’t save you anymore.
Ann: (smiles sweetly) actually I do need you Sam (grins) you can buy foods for me (laughs)
Sam: (sighs) okay.. I’ll bring some tomorrow.
Ann: tomorrow?
Sam: I’ll visit you.
Ann: why? I’m not sick..
Sam: it’s my first step.
Ann: first..what?
Sam: that’s be a secret..for now..
Ann: (pouts)
Sam grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the table. I saw James, Ericka, Bret and Ryan sitting around. Gosh! What is sam doing?!
Sam: hey guys!
Bret ad ryan: Ann!!!
All of them were so shocked especially Ericka and James. Ericka immediately put her guard on James.
Pfft, as if i care.
Ericka: what is she doing here?
Sam: (smiles) she will join us.
Ann: (looks at sam) i will?!
Sam: (nods) yup.
Sam pulled a chair for Ann and they sat altogether.
Ericka: so.. you’re here to beg? (snort) or..steal james from me; am i right?
Ann: (glares at Ericka)
James: babe.. you’re drunk.
Ericka: i am not! (looks at ann) sheesh..
Sam: i think you’re already drunk Ericka.
Ericka: (scoffs) why, ann? Are you now brave enough to see us so happy and inlove with each other,huh?
Ann: (looks at Ericka) yes Ericka. I am braver this time; and for your information, I’m happier with my life now.
Ericka: (scoffs) still as rude as ever.
Ann: (smiles sarcastically) oh, i didn’t mean to be rude, y’know.
Ericka: (raising her eyebrows) do you know that we are planning to get engaged already?
Ann: i’m happy for the both of you (smiles)
Ericka: his family has accepted me, ann; don’t try to get in the way (raising her glass) i already won.
Ann: (stares at Ericka sarcastically) congratulations (smiles) I wish you happiness..
Bret: phew! Uhm (folding his hands) uhm.. (looks at ann) what about you, ann? How are you? We missed you so much!
Ann: (smiles weakly) well..I’m studying photography right now.
Ryan: really? Cool!
Sam: i know (smiles) she’s really something (stares sweetly at ann) aren’t you ann?
All of us were shocked to hear a clank of a glass on the table; it was james.
James: (breathes hard while staring at the glass)
Bret: hey men, are you alright?
James: (stares at ann then looks at sam) i’m fine.
Ann: (chuckles nervously) w..what about you, Sam? What are your plans?
Sam: (drinks) well (looks at james) there’s this girl..
Bret: you have a girlfriend?!
Sam: (shakes his head) no..no..not YET.
Bret: YET?! Ooooh (leans toward sam) i smell something..
Sam: (smiles mischievously) you’ll see..soon..
Ericka: just make sure that she’s not anything like Ann (snorts) someone who’d be soooo stupid to chase someone who doesn’t even bother (laughs)
Ericka held her glass near her teasing face.
Ericka: are you here to get my boyfriend’s attention? (laughs)
James: Ericka.. that’s enough..
Ann: (breathes deep)
This is getting more annoying
Ann: actually, i (snorts) I don’t want him back.
All of them looked at me with a great shock.
Ann: (looks at everyone) whaaaat? I’m telling the truth. That’s all in the past now..
James: (stares at ann) wow.. (whispers) great..
Ann: (looks at Ericka) you can keep him—forever. I’d be willing to cover your wedding if you want to; I’d give it for free (smiles sarcastically) i think i need to excuse myself (looks at sam) sam? Can you be with me?
Sam: (blushing) w..what?
Ann: (chuckles) no! What i meant was, can you be with me.. for a moment..
Sam: oh (chuckles) n..no problem..even if it’s not for a moment—I’d be with you for a lifetime, if you want me to (winks)
Ann: (snorts) don’t joke around (clings to sam) so guys, excuse us (smiles)
Sam: (smiles at ann) let’s go?
Ann: (nods sweetly)
As we turned around and walked away, my heart got numb.
Ann: (holding her chest) my gosh (breathes hard) i did it..
Sam: (smiles sweetly) i’m proud of you
Ann: (looks at sam) sam..I did it..
Sam: (pats ann’s head) Yeah Ann, you did it, princess..
I felt so strong! I just did it! I just fought back against james and Ericka!
I never thought that i could do that with a smile on my face; i can’t believe that i just said that i can live without him!
Sam: well done, ann (smiles)
Narrator’s POV:
After the gathering, they went back to their lives. Sam got busy and so was Ann. James was often caught staring blankly on an empty space.
Bret: dude? Are you listening?
James: (distracted) oh, sorry. What is it again?
Ericka: (sighs) babe? Are you okay?
James: y..yeah (smiles fakely)
Bret: so, as I was saying, I’m planning to give sam a welcome party. You know—just a small get-together in his house. C’mon guys, he was lost and now he was found!
James: (sighs) do we really need to do that?
Ryan: (shrugs his shoulders) why not?
James: (looks away) fine.
Bret: oh yes! (looks at Ericka) hey can you rent those enormous speakers during James’s birthday?
Ericka: yeah sure; i still have the contact.
Bret: me and ryan will be the ones in-charge for the drinks and foods.
Ryan: let’s have slime..
All of them looked at Ryan with curious faces.
Ryan: (looks at them) i think we can pour some on him
Bret: (raising his eyebrows) sam? The neat-freak? Are you sure you can do that, ryan? Are you really sure? Have you grown dull? Sam will drive us out and you know that (rolls his eyes) he’s hopeless
Ericka: (snorts) aww.. don’t worry ryan,i’m on your side (laughs)
James: i want to do it (smiles)
Bret: oh come on, james. I know you’re just pissed at sam that’s why you want to do that. It’s not his fault that Ann would cling to him; don’t be jealous..
It was too late for Bret to stop talking. It just slipped out of his mouth..
Bret: uh-oh (covers his mouth) me and my big mouth (looks at everyone) sorry..
James: (swallows hard) you’re talking nonsense..
Ericka: ha..hahaha.. (chuckles fakely) good joke bret, you almost got me there..
Bret: (chuckles nervously)
On the other hand, Ann was busy reading some hand-outs and scanning some of the sample pictures given to her by her mentor.
“hey Ann?”
Ann: (flips the page) yea Fretz? It’s open.
Fretzie opened the door and peeked at Ann who was sitting on her study table with a pencil inserted on the side of her ear.
Fretz: you busy ‘lil sissy?
Ann: (looks at fretz) nuh-uh.. why?
Fretz: Well, someone’s downstairs. Mom’s visitors; she wants you to go down..well..that is if you don’t mind.
Ann: really? Who? I’m not sure. I’m reviewing. (looks at Fretzie) but she really wants me to go there?
Fretz: (nods) she wants you to meet them.
Ann: (looks at herself) i’m not ready.
Fretz: pfft! They are not that special.
Ann: you sure?
She put the hand-outs on her table and fixed her hair and clothes.
Ann: i’ll be right there..
Fretz: (smiles) okay sis!
After making herself presentable, she went down wearing just a plain jogging pants and loose t-shirt. Her hair was pony-tailed but not really that fixed.
Ann: hey mom!
Mrs. Li: (looks at ann) hey dar..ling (stares at ann) oh.. you look (chuckles fakely) odd.
Ann: (looks at everyone) ohh.. i’m sorry.. I thought it would be—
“hey! you live here?”
Ann was caught by the voice of a guy standing next to her mother..
Ann: wait.. (smiles) hey VinVin!
Marvin: (chuckles) so you lied about being hired as a photographer?
Mrs. Li: (glares at Ann) what did you do again?
Ann: no mom! I didn’t do anything (laughs) I was just kidding around because I was bored and he was gullible!
Marvin: i am gullible?!
Ann: (laughs) yeah—i just figured it out (winks) sorry about that.
Marvin: (chuckles weakly) damn, you really got me there..
Ann: (laughs) sorry (looks at her mom) so mom, who are they?
Mrs. Li: They are the Tikhonovs, they are new in this business. They are really into resorts, honey.
Ann: oooh! Resorts?
Mrs. Li: yes honey (smiles) you like beaches, don’t you , Ann?
Ann: yeah, it’s cool (grins)
Marvin: I’m studying photography too. If you need some help, just let me know (smiles)
Ann: really? That’d be awesome!
They all sat in the living room and talked. Ann and Marvin went to her room to look at the pictures being taken by her.
Marvin: (looks at the photos hanging) you’re right. You suck at angles (chuckles)
Ann: (pouts) i’m still practicing..
Marvin: try harder (laughs)
Ann: whatever!
Marvin: (laughs)
Ann: so, what did you say to the girl?
Marvin: well (smiles weakly) I decided to date her..
Ann: but.. you don’t like her, right?
Marvin: (sighs) a certain girl once said that it’s really not good to leave a girl behind. (looks at ann) I got guilty so I decided to try to know her..
Ann: but.. sometimes if you’re really not interested, don’t make her have silly hopes; it’s painful..
Marvin walked towards her bed and plopped himself there..
Ann:h..hey!! that’s my bed!!
Marvin: you’re confusing me!
Ann: yahhh! Stand up!
Marvin: (looks at ann) not gonna. I’m tired and confused!!
Ann: sheesh! (crossing her arms) one question: do you like the girl?
He lifted his head and looked at ann.
Marvin: no.. not really (pouts) she’s so..woman..
Ann: (snorts) w..wait (laughs) so you don’t like her because she’s so woman? Seriously? Almost all the boys wanted a girl like that..
Marvin: so you doubt my preference?!
Ann: no. (snorts) not really.. (laughs) but seriously, what kind of girl do you want?
Marvin: well.. I don’t know (snorts) someone like.. you?
Ann: (laughs) yeah very funny. Do you know that i got engaged and was left behind by my fiancée because I’m not a “woman”? He sees me as a childish, immature girl who knows nothing but to chase him and ruin his relationship with his girlfriend.
Marvin: wait.. he has a girlfriend at the same time he’s engaged with you?!
Ann: (shrugs) yeah. It’s a fixed-marriage anyway.
Marvin: (sighs) that’s the reason why i don’t like such arrangements.
Ann: (looks down) yeah (smiles fakely) it sucks.. hardcore..
Marvin: but.. there’s nothing wrong with you..
Ann: say that to him (smiles) he’s happy now, anyway.
Marvin: then what about you?
Ann: i’m happy too (smiles)
Marvin: yeah yeah.. keep talking liar (snorts)
Ann: pfft! So you’re dating the girl for real?
Marvin: why?? do you want me to date you instead?
Ann: (laughs) i can make arrangements (laughs hard)
Marvin: what if we get married? (laughs)
Ann: we’d be the coolest couple ever! (laughs harder)
Marvin: (laughs) c’mon! Let’s give them the good news! (laughs)
Ann: (laughs) oh right! C’mon!!
Marvin: (laughs) seriously! You sounded like Dora the Explorer!
Ann: OMG! You’re watching that?! (laughs)
Marvin: sometimes (laughs) my little sister does..
Ann: Oh my goodness! (laughs)
Fretzie suddenly opened the door which made them both stare in shock.
Fretz: oh ..s..sorry.. it’s just that (pants) someone’s downstairs..
Ann: looking for me?
Fretz: no.. He looks like he’s gonna pick you up..
Ann: (points to herself) me?
Fretz: (rolls her eyes) of course!
Ann: who is he?
Fretz: (smiles) SAM..
Ann: really? (smiles) i’ll be there..(looks at marvin) c’mon, I’ll introduce you to my hero..
Marvin: yeah, sure (smiles)
They went down and saw Sam talking to them with great courtesy..
Mrs.Li: (looks at ann going down from the stairs) there she is..
Sam looked up and gave ann the sweetest smile.
Sam: hey there princess..
Ann: (smiles) hey sam! What’s up?
Sam: (looks at mrs.Li) uhm..
Mrs.Li: he wants to take you out; would that be okay, ann?
Ann: oh .. to where?
Sam: anywhere (smiles)
Ann: oh.. okay.. Let me change first..
Meanwhile, Bret and Ryan were already waiting for James and Ericka in Sam’s place. The food was ready and so was the house. Sam decided to take Ann to his house to give some stuff that he bought for her. He didn’t know about the surprise party for him at all. When he opened the house, he found Bret having a balloon stuck in his mouth.
The two of them looked at Sam and Ann.
Sam: (looks at bret) you ruined my house again
Bret dropped the balloon out of his mouth
Bret: well..surprise?
Sam: (chuckles) good try, mate.
Bret: (sighs) damn, we never expected that you’d come earlier! Sheesh! My plans were ruined, dude!
Sam: (chuckles) well i appreciate your effort but i have gone to pick ann up and we’re planning to go out.
Ryan: (stares at sam) hey.. what’s the real score between the two of you?
Sam: (blushing) n,.nothing!
Ryan: really?
Ann: really! (laughs)
Bret: since we screwed up, let’s just wait for james and Ericka. (smiles)
Bret continued blowing the balloons and ryan was trying to reach james.
Ryan: he’s not answering.
Bret: oh maybe they are kissing again.
That made the situation awkward.
Ann: (clears her throat) oh, uhm.. i guess i need to leave; my sister wants me to go with her somewhere.
They all knew that it was not the real reason.
Sam: i’ll take you home (clears his throat) what i meant was i’ll send you home..
Bret and ryan teased sam by just staring at him with menace smiles.
Sam: (blushing) stop it guys! I’m just being nice.
Bret: yeah yeah, talk to the watermelon (laughs)
Deep inside, bret knew that there was something going on. He was a little bothered that it could ruin their friendship. Although he jokes around, bret knew each of them well; he knew that James has something for Ann but he just keeps it inside and he also knew that sam was falling for ann.
Sam and ann went out avoiding their teasing eyes..
Sam: (sighs) i’m sorry about that..
Ann: (chuckles) it’s okay; and oh! By the way, you don’t need to send me home. I’ll just take a cab.
Sam: what? No! No way!
Ann: sam (smiles) i’ll be fine! (chuckles) you have a lot of time to catch up with them; they missed you so much.
Sam: please call me when you reach home.
Ann: (laughs) i will, sam! Don’t be such a daddy..bye!
Ann waved at him and started walking away.sam just looked at her from afar and didn’t realize that he was already smiling like a retard.
After an hour or two, they were shock because they heard Ericka yelling outside. James suddenly went inside with a pissed face and after a moment, Ericka went inside following james.
Ericka: YOU’RE SUCH AN ASSHOLE! I THOUGHT WE’RE DONE DISCUSSING THIS!
James rubbed his palm unto his face and glared at Ericka.
James: SHE’S LIKE A SISTER TO ME! SHE JUST ASKED FOR MOM’S CONTACT!
Ericka: I DON’T CARE! I DON’T CARE IF SHE WAS YOUR SISTER OR YOUR WHATSOEVER! I WARNED YOU ABOUT TEXTING GIRLS, HAVE I NOT?!
James: just go away Ericka.
Ericka: AAAAARGHHH! SERIOUSLY!!
She went upstairs without even asking for permission.
James: (sighs) great.
Bret: let me guess—jealous again?
James: what more? Sheesh.
Bret: oh (laughs) she’ll get over it.
Ericka suddenly went down. She grabbed her handbag and went straight out without even bidding goodbye.
Ryan: you’re not gonna chase her, james?
James: why would i chase her? Sheesh.
He sat down and grabbed the bottle. He poured some on a glass and started drinking.
James: i’m tired of all her bullshits.
Sam: maybe she loves you that much that’s why she’s jealous; aren’t you jealous if she would call random guys?
James: i don’t know why but i’m really not affected. I’m not a jealous-guy-type though..
All of them looked at him while holding their laughs.
Sam: (snorts) oh really, james?
Bret: yeah (snorts) really?
Ryan: what are you guys talking about?
James: (looks at them) very funny.
Ryan: oh by the way! Can we invite ann over? Ericka’s not here so there’s no problem
Bret: oh right! She just left because she thought that Ericka would be here.
James: she was here?
Sam: yeah.. i picked her up. (smiles) ann really changed (drinks)
Bret: i know! And she’s prettier (grins)
Ryan: she’s always charming—just weird and odd sometimes.
Bret: (drinks) but i can’t believe what she said. She just said that she doesn’t want james back (laughs) i’m not used to it, honestly (laughs) she’d always say “james please love me” , “james please look at me!” (laughs) she has totally changed.
James: (breathes deeply)
Ryan: yeah! I’m so happy that she has finally moved-on.
Bret: but i guess Sam is happier than you are, ryan (giggles)
Ryan: oh right! Any girls , sam?
Sam: actually.. there’s this girl (smiles)
James’ POV:
Damn. Why are they acting like i’m nothing here.
Sam: actually..there’s this girl..
Just say any name sam—except one. Please. Just don’t say that name..
Bret: hold it! Don’t say it.. just don’t..(drinks)
James: (clears his throat) w..who?
Sam: i’ll tell you if she’d say yes (smiles)
Bret: w..wait.. you’re really serious about courting her?
Sam: yeah.. so damn serious.
Bret: b..but.. (sighs) think about it dude.. you know what i’m talking about.
Sam: there’s no one to consider anymore, bret (drinks)
Fuck. What a bullshit.
I know what they are talking about.
I gobbled the whole drink and put some again..
James: (stares blankly on an empty space)
Why does she need to appear again? How can she appear in front of me like nothing happened?
What am I ranting about anyway? I wanted this—I wanted her to stay away from my life.
But how come I feel like dying when I saw her living happily without me? I always thought that I her happiness; I always thought that she couldn’t live a normal life without me.
How ironic; I think it was me who couldn’t live a normal life without her..
James: (shakes his head hard)
No..no.. I am living quite well..i am happy with Ericka and i am happy that she’s out of my life.
Narrator’s POV:
After finishing cases of drinks, all of them were snoring except for James. He was sitting on the floor with his back leaning on the feet of the couch and finishing a bottle of drink all by himself.
Memories of Ann still lingers in his mind.. The silly lines of her were repeating in his mind.
“You bullfrog..”
“Asshole!”
“I will never give up on you.”
“i love you so much!”
“You’re mine!”
“Buzz off witch!”
James smiled but suddenly, he didn’t realiz that there were tears running down on his cheeks. He sniffed and cupped his mouth to hold the deep sobs..
Why, Ann, why did you give up on me? ,he thought.
James: (sniffs) i thought i’d be better without you..
After a minute, he was distracted by a ringtone. He tried to stand up even if his legs were too tired to move.. He saw Sam’s phone blinking.
Calling..
-My princess
Ann’s picture appeared. Upon the sight of her face, his knees got weak; he fell on the floor and grabbed the phone.
*answer*
o-o-o-o
ann: heeey saaam! (giggles) what’s up?
James: uhm..
Ann: are you okay, sam?
James: ann..
o-o-o-o
james immediately end the call. He stared weakly at the phone.
James: (swallows hard) i miss you..i miss you so much..so much..i miss you.. i really, really, miss you..
He found himself burying his face on his knees and drowning in loneliness..
James: why (sniffs) why do I want to be with you again..
The rare time has arrived; he then felt warm tears rolling down his cheeks..
James: (sobs) why, Ann.. why are you happy without me? (sniffs) why.. why..
The murmurs of the crickets sand the sound of the night was all there was to cover his sobs. He couldn’t understand why he felt like there were chains wrapping around his chest which made it hard for him to breathe. Ann’s smiles rushed down his memories and the chains were getting aggressive. He tapped his chest using his fist while releasing uncontrollable sobs..
James: (sobs deeply) Ann.. please.. please come back to me.. please.. (sobs) don’t be happy with someone else..just with me, Ann.. (sobs)