do you believe in fairytales? do you believe in "happily

8/14/2019 Do You Believe in Fairytales? Do You Believe in "Happily

1/19

Forgotten

Do you believe in fairytales? Do you believe in "happily ever after"? Me, you ask?Well, to be honest, I do believe that things happen for a reason. But about a happyending, I think not. Life's too cruel to be like that.

I face my bed full of clothes that mom picked out for me. Some people will be comingtonight, and even if I don't really care about them or even don't know who they actuallyare, mom makes a big deal so I have to dress up.

Now, I wear a layered dress with flared sleeves with ribbons. (It was somewhatcasual, I want to look normal.) and I fix my hair like I always do: loose with a braid onthe side.

"Al, you ready?" I heard mom.

"Yeah! Mom, who is this-"

"Honey, they're here already! Can you come down here...?"

A grunt is all I can express at the moment until my mom finally shouted.

"Alice, NOW!"

Fine. I mumbled.

I got up from my dark purple bed and faced the mirror beside it. I look specificallynormal. "This is an important occasion, so I want you to look good, okay?my mothersaid a while ago.

Why this is a special occasion? I don't know. And every time I asked, mom brisklychanges the subject and I could tell that she was hiding something. Whatever it was, Icertainly hope its a good one, cause I could sense her uncontrolled glee.

A doorbell rang from downstairs. It must be them now, whoever they are, I thought.I went downstairs to find my mom at the bottom of the stairs, with her eyebrowsfurrowed.

"Since when do you take long in the shower?"

"I wasn't. I was just..."

My mom was already pushing me to the living room (she didn't even listen to myexplanation) to find two people I vaguely recognize, I think they used to be ourneighbors... Memories start to flow... they came to our house for Thanksgiving once anddad was...

...

Dad...

...

"Dad, dad! A shooting star! What will you wish for?"


2/19

"Me? Oh... just for the restaurant to do well, and for you to appreciate thewonderland you're in."

"Wonderland?"

"Yes, don't you think? The world is a place of magic."

"Magic? Like fairy magic?"

"Yeah, something like that. This magic exists in everyone, but it's invisible so it's

hard to find. I hope you'll appreciate this magic."

"I will dad. Of course I will. And maybe someday, it can help me with my dancing."

"............, I expect it will."

Those were the last words that he said to me before he had his heart attack the nextmorning. I thought that he saw it coming and didn't tell me. I felt mad yet sorrowed. He

filled me with fantasy of princes, glass slippers and castles. (About the dancing part... Ijust love to dance, no doubt why we have like fifty childhood CDs next to the TV, all filledwith my ridiculous dancing in princess costumes.)

"Alice," my mom woke me in my thoughts. you remember Aaron though right?"

"Huh? No not really. But..." I frowned for a while. "I remember... we used to beneighbors right?"

As if that would narrow things down. Ever since I was a kid, we had almost fifteendifferent neighbors, all of them lasting only one year maximum.

"Yes we used to." The woman in royal red told me. "Geez... You've grown, Alice..."she said with a smile. She had red short hair that reminds me of an amnesiac princess Iused to know, except older.

"Sorry I can't remember. I guess I was just that young back then." I saidapologetically.

"No need to worry my dear, I don't think Aaron here remembers you either." Thewoman chuckled. Oh, and Myra, dont bother about my husband. Hes in very importantbusiness, so I think he wont be attending.

The dark-haired boy smiled at what his mother just said, as if knowing a secret joke.

He took me by surprise. He wears a white shirt and a pair of jeans like me, he wearscasual in contrast of our mothers, who looked like they are meeting with the mayor.

He does look familiar... Aaron? It sounds familiar too, although I don't think I talkedto him much, because I don't remember calling him by his name.

"Ahem... Alice, can you come with me for a second?" said my mom. I followed her tothe kitchen where she stopped and faced me.

"Okay, here's the thing. The Johnstons, want to move your dad's restaurant to abigger place. I didnt tell you, I wanted it to be a surprise."

I was startled. It was dad's final dream, and it's coming true in a few moments. Icould tell that I was smiling and my mom could see it.


3/19

"I know, I know, it's your dad's ambition and all and youre excited. Okay, now whenyou go out there I just want you to make nice, alright?"

'make nice'?Even if mom didn't tell me that, I'll do anything for this, for dad.

As soon as I returned to the living room, Mrs. Johnston and mom (surprisingly...)

insisted that I show Aaron outside while they prepare dinner. They both said that weneed to catch up on things and so do they. Without further ado (and complaints fromus), we went outside to the bench next to the backyard tree.

"Sorry, I can't quite remember you." I apologized again.

"..."

"I'm sure that we hung out, sometime..."

"..."

Can this guy get quieter?

"Umm... can you... say something?"

He stayed quiet. Is he mute? It took a while before he actually said something,though it still wasn't enough for me to recall him.

"...pin..."

Pin?

"Excuse me?"

"I... gave you a pin before I left."

"Sorry...I-"

"You dont remember do you?" he said quietly, but I could totally tell his frustration.

"Sorry... I guess I wasn't thinking much."

All of a sudden, he laughed. Here I am, ready to bury myself in guilt andembarrassment and he sits there and laughs. Some weirdo...

"I guess you should be the one called moron now, huh..."

"What?"I said in shock.

"Haha. You know..." He placed his hands over his mouth until only his eyes wereseen. "Aaron..." he finally said.

"Ohmygosh..." I said apparently. His familiar eyes jogged my memory.

Aaron...

silent, invisible Aaron...

always-with-the-books Aaron...


4/19

Aaron-the-moron...

"Moron!" I shouted in realization, but suddenly, understanding what I just did, Iclasped my hands over my mouth and muffled another "Sorry..."

He laughed once again. "You know, I heard that it's unhealthy to apologize too much.

Don't you realize you've apologized like, five times already?"

"Oh, haha... I guess I have..." I said.

I remember now, he was the second... I think third? No, second neighbor that I had.He moved upstate because of his mother's work, and he can't take it anymore when kidsaround the block teased him, especially cause he had braces. I was the only one stuckwith him because our moms became really good friends. I still called him "moron"though.

"I can't believe I didn't remember you. You were like the twin brother I never had." Isaid in sympathy.

"Yeah, I-I guess." there was a tone I do not recognize. "Well, I think everything weknew is going to change."

"I think so too." I said in thought. "Oh! You're pin!"

This pin that we kept talking about is a medical symbol he gave me before he left.And he said that he'll need it back someday.

"I never actually thought that you'd come back, but I still have it. It's up there."

I pointed at the tree next to us, and I'm sure he knew what I meant when I did so.

My tree house is there, and I've kept everything in its place until the moment I stoppedgoing there, which is about eight years ago.

"I'm going up." I declared.

"How? You're wearing a dress..." Aaron said.

"Haha. No sweat, I've got that issue covered!" I pulled out the folds of the capripants I'm wearing underneath, and climbed the tree with ease.

I looked for the insignia for a while through the dusty, small house. (Mom's not goingto be happy to find me covered in dust and twigs) I found it in the corner near the

window, under an old blanket which I set aside.

It's a little old, but it's still the pin, I thought. I put it in my pocket. I was making myway down, and I stood on a trunk I always used when going down. It gave a loud crack.

"Uh-oh..."

I wasn't moving. One wrong move can be catastrophic. Oh, did I mention that I havea slight phobia of falling? Climacophobia, I think. Dont get me wrong, I used to climbthis thing all the time, but I always had a trouble going down.

"Is everything okay?" Aaron asked from below.

"Yup! I'll be down in a minute." I replied. Or should I say "half-lied"?


5/19

I tried to grab on to another branch across when the one Im standing on finallysnapped. I felt a sharp pain from my elbow. Before I had the time to think, I instinctively

jumped to the short end left of the branch. That was after I swore so loud that I thoughtthe whole universe heard me.

I heard her from above and a tree branch snap in its place. I looked up and saw Aliceclinging to the tree and standing on what looked like half-a-ruler long branch.

"You can't go down can you?" I asked with sarcasm.

"Isn't it obvious? Haha..." Her laugh was mixed with anxiety.

"Can you try to jump?"

"What?"

Alice screamed again. Tears were rolling down from her face and the short branch

was about to break off. I can't ask for help. Something might happen while I'm notaround. Can't they even hear us!?And then, without thinking, I blurted out.

"I'll come up there! Just wait!"

I quickly climbed to the same place she was. I reached out my hand to her.

"C'mon! Take my hand." I suggested.

There was a moment of silence at her end. She did hear me right?

"I won't drop you!" I said in dismay. Her reaction is like as if I lied.

"P-Promise?" she asked.

"Promise. Trust me..." It came out of my mouth naturally, like I was meant to say it."...okay?"

"Okay..."

She grabbed my hand and, just in time, the branch she stood on broke off. I almostlost my balance when she put her arms around my neck. She was shaking in fright.

H-hey! I exclaimed.

Sorry... she said as she withdrew herself and wiped her tears. She looked at me fora while with her hazel eyes. Her face was so close to mine that I can see the reflection ofthe moonlight on them. When i realized that I was staring at her, my heart raced and Ichanged the subject.

You know, you didnt use to scare that easy. I said.

Youre the one to talk. The person who hated bugs and used to run when I had one.she smirked.

We helped each other make our way down (I reassured her that nothing wrong'sgonna happen.) and I guess she was pretty frightened back there since she still held myhand even if we're already standing firmly on the ground.


6/19

"Is everything okay?" a voice behind us said.

I turned around. "Ma, I just help her down the tree." I withdrew my hand and so didshe.

"The tree? Right... you guys used to play there all the time before... Oh well, dinner's

almost ready and you two should come in soon because it's gonna be chilly out here in awhile."

My mother retreated to the house and we followed her slowly. In sudden thought, Iasked Alice if she knew why we were here in town in the first place.

"Mom said that you're mom is interested in our restaurant."

"Oh..." I said in realization. "That's it?"

"Yeah, why? Is there something else?"

"Well..." Once again, I hesitated telling her. "no. not really."

I thought it was better not to tell.

After dinner, both of our families talked for hours. We were like old friends, well wereally are. My mother and I drove back home and I just thought to myself, I guess itwouldnt make sense to give it now ...

I looked at the bruise that I got on my elbow. It hurts a little, and its bluish hue isgreatly noticeable. It wasn't this dark last night. I gave it a small press but I felt anextreme stab of pain. Get over it, Alice, I thought to myself. I switched my attention to

the clock hanging in my room. It's six in the morning and the red light below read"Monday". I got up and prepared myself to school.

I stopped by downstairs after for breakfast with mom (today's special was oatmealwith raisins and orange juice) and headed out of the house and onto the school bus. Justso you know, I go to Redwood High.

I knew no one in this bus, even if I've already been here, since the 4th grade. I amnow a 12th grader, (In others words, I am a senior.) and still, no one knows me well.Even at school, except for-

"Al!" said the girl next to the bus that halted just now. She was wearing her usual

clothes: a long slightly folded skirt (which looked impressively iron-pressed.) and aformal looking blouse. That is my friend (or should I say "only true friend") Cara. Astraight A student and current president of the Performing Arts Club.

"I was looking all over RHS for you! There are rumors that- What happened to you?"she said as she grabbed my arm and examined my elbow.

"I'll tell you later." We entered the school. It was already crowded and I bumped intoa brunette girl with streaks of blue in her hair. "So, what were you saying?"

"I said they think that-"

"Cara!" said a girl who eventually stopped our walk.

"Jennifer!"


7/19

"Hi... umm... Agnes?" Jennifer asked.

"It's-"

"Whatever. So anyway, did you ask anybody yet?"

Unbelievable. She didn't even let me finish. She doesn't know my name either (andwe're classmates for that fact). The usual and never changing, Jennifer Clarke.

As much mystery as it is that I, a not-so-popular, become friends with Cara, apopular. I confess that I feel slightly inferior when Jennifer or other kinds don't noticeme, let alone know who I am.

They talked for what felt like hours and when it was about time for class was the onlytime that they stopped. It was lucky that our class was in that exact hallway.

"Al, I'm so sorry." exclaimed Cara. "I didn't know she'd stay that long! She sure is a

talker..."

"It's okay, don't worry. I got used to that already you know." I said sarcastically,though I know that what I just said was true.

"Oh! Anyway, some people said that-"

"Good morning my people and welcome to another day of doom." said my homeroomteacher. "As you all know, today was supposed to be the day of your pop quiz, but therehas been a teeny-tiny change of plans. This being the least of our problems..."

Okay, "least of our problems"? I think it's the greatest solution ever actually, I

thought. Since we had visitors last night, I never really got to review for that. Theteacher went on and on, and Cara never got to say what she has to and I still don't knowwhat that was.

Youve got Redwood phobia, dont you? my dad started.

"No! It's a place, there's no way that I would be scared of a school." I bellowed.

I officially start a new life today, at the place I believe I left years ago.

"You said that I can stay normal here, why do I have to help out?"

"Because..." Dad paused, then continued, Youll follow my career someday. Well, I'llsee you later 'kay?"

Riiiight. I know that this sounds clich' for me to be a pediatrician, but it's my dreamsince I can remember, and it's also the reason why kids called me "moron" before. Ihave the slightly faded insignia on my bag as a remembrance of it.

We were now outside the school entrance, and a few kids are already looking at us. Abus just pulled over in front of the school and people were coming.

It was getting crowded so I hurry inside the school only to find more students lookingfrantically at me. As a guy, I don't get easily embarrassed, but I can get conscious.


8/19

"Aaron Johnston!" I heard a voice behind us. The principal... I thought. I kept myselfquiet as he shoved the schedule on my hand. I saw the first period and it said:

8:00 am - 9:00 am = History (Classroom 3-C)

"Classroom 3 is in the Third Floor obviously." The short principal rolled his eyes at the

very thought. His groaning voice was not encouraging. "And I think you'll find the restaccordingly through the signs in the school."

After that, he just went off, not even asking if I had any questions. I lingered overthe thought, but I became distracted with a guy eyeing me.

"Dude, you new? Awesome!" he seemed so excited about the concept. He waswearing cargo pants and a baggy shirt. He carries a skateboard (I assumed that's howhe got here.) and Algebra books on the other.

"Hi, I'm Aaron." I put my hand forward.

"No need to be formal, man. It's all cool. I'm Nick. Nick Jones." he peered into myschedule. "Oh, I see you've got the same boring class. If you'd like I can take youthere."

"Thanks. That would help me a lot." I said with a smile. It was about five minutesbefore time, and it would really be a bad impression if I came late.

"No prob. We got to be there for each other, man. And as long as this remains..." hecontinued on with his speech as we went to the class (Even if he looks quite dumb, I'mamazed that he knows a lot about things). Halfway there, I stopped.

"Wait. What about your friends? Aren't they gonna look for you?" I asked.

"Not really, weve got our own lives, you know. And here we go, right here."

We stopped right in front of a door that read 3-C. He knocked and opened the door.

"Jones, you are late... as usual." said a lazy looking teacher.

"Hey, Mr. H! Good morning, you're lookin' sweet!" Nick said with a flourish."Anyways, I found the newbie out in the main halls."

"Ah, Mister......" he checked his clipboard. It seems as though hes paralyzed to thesmall spot between the table and the chalkboard. Johnston, I see. Sorry that Jones here

seemed to have led you to the wrong direction. Oh well, I am Mr. Larry L. Harrison and Iam your history teacher and homeroom teacher. Come, join your fellow classmatesthrough hell."

As he said, I joined my classmates through hell. But I saw a familiar face that mademy tension relax a bit.

Hes looking at me...

Hes looking at you... whispered Cara who was behind me, as if reading my mind.Hes what Im about to talk about. They said a new student will be coming to our class.


9/19

Lets see... where you should sit... said Harness-on, not leaving his usual space. Ismiled. He smiled back. I waved a little, he waved too. Well, I shouldnt have done that,because now all the students are looking at me.

You know him? asked Nick, who was front of me for no actual reason. He sits nextto me actually, but hes always there.

Umm... yes?I doubted my own answer! What the heck!?I waited for his reactionfor my yes?

Really? Righteous... he finalized and sat back on his chair, rocking it slightly.

Okay, if I keep this up, Ill have a lot, a lot... of explaining to do.

Well, this is righteous too... I kicked the bottom of his chair. He tumbled over andthe whole class looked at him, as well as Mr. Harrison.

Thats a lesson taught by life, Jones. Now would you kindly please go back to your

proper seats, and that goes for all of you. Johnston, why dont you sit in front to Ms.Wright? Over there by the window.

What are the chances of that happening?

The bell rang. Everyone immediately went out of the room when Alice stood in frontof me, together with Nick and a red-head girl.

Hi. Im Cara and as you probably know, this is Nick and Alice. You do know Alice,right? she said.

Y-yeah. I do. I said. Why did I question that?I knew that it was true...

So... uhhh... Alice said with a start. Welcome to Redwood High.

Oh! exclaimed Nick that shocked me to my core. Dude, you wanna come with usfor lunch? Youre new and-

Hi! Welcome to the school... said a tall, blonde girl. Im Jennifer, youre classpresident, head cheerleader and... ehem... next homecoming queen. Anyways, yourewelcome to sit with us in the caf, and... Ill always be here... you know... just call me andIll be there for you, kay?

Oh...kay... She said loads of stuff I didnt remember... and didnt understand.

Okay! See you! See you too Cara... ummm... Ned and Annie! she finished off with ablinding smile.

ITS NICK! he shouted. as if it helps...

Did she, just call you two, Ned and Annie?

Yeah, she does that to those people she basically doesnt care about. answeredAlice. Caras an exception, because shes basically popular.

So am not!

Okay, whatever you gals. You coming dude?


10/19

I got through the rest of the week okay, with my old friend and two new friends.

Cara and I are at my house, at our usual Friday night sleepover. We usually watchmovies, do makeovers, and think about our dream 18th birthday party. But this time, Ichose to talk about something different... about Aaron. I still cant believe that I want totalk about a boy for a really long time.

In my bedroom, the laptop was on and it was playing Id Rather on a low volume.Both of us were humming to its tune and halfway through it, Cara stopped humming.

Al?

Hmm?

Can I ask you something?

Sure. Were friends, duh...

Whats the deal with you and... Aaron?

The question repeated itself in my head for how many times that I cant even count.My brain cannot find the answer, as if it was lost in an old filing cabinet and cant befound anywhere.

Were... just old friends...

Okay. she finished, but her face showed a sign that her brain was performinganalysis, and this conversation was far from over. So he rescued you from a tree for no

reason?

Yes. He did that cause I cant get-

And you gave him an umbrella when he needed it?

I was just being nice, and-

And he sat next to you in the library.

Well, he needed some help on his calculus-

And you were so close to him that you can see the color of grey eyes.

No I dont. And you know its dark green, not grey.

Cara ceased her continous interrogations, looking at me as if expecting me to realizesomething. Within seconds, I knew what it was. How the hell did I know that his eyeshad a dark shade of green!?

Alice, dont you know what happened for the past few days? You let yourself get wetby the rain and get scolded by the teacher, you helped a straight A+ student on hiscalculus even if he doesnt even need it, and you just examined the color of the sameguys eyes.

Being with a smart friend has its disadvantages alright. Cara just analyzed the lastfour days due to my replies. And I cant help but agree to what she just said.


11/19

I cant believe that I became such a doofus over the past four days. I said out loudwithout thinking.

Youre not a doofus, Al. said Cara. You just like him. And when I say like him, Imean like-him-like-him.

Again, that last sentence repeated a thousand times or more in my head, and myfast heartbeat said that what Cara just concluded was true.

It was raining today, but that doesnt stop Jennifer from following me everywhere Igo. I think drew attention to myself last week and I cant get rid of her. But now, I chosechange the path of my everyday school life.

Jennifer! Hi. Umm... why... are you always with me? I asked. In my head I thoughtmore of why are you following me and will you leave me alone! but I just said thesimple version.

Oh? Well, I just thought youd like some company, since youre new and all. Thatsokay, right? she asked with a face of sadness. Good thing is that I knew that it wasfake.

Yeah, it is, but just not all the time, alright? I said in conclusion. Inside, Im prayingthat she wouldnt say that she really wants to do this all the time. Were just friends...wait... theres something wrong with that sentence... were not even close!

Okay... she said and we exited the school and she went to her table. I scanned theplace and I saw Cara holding an umbrella over them, tapping on Alices shoulder andpointing at me. She looked around, smiled, and waved me to come over. Meanwhile,

Jennifer was making her way back to me. I faced her.

Well, see you later Aaron. she said. Her eyes lingered on the school grounds for awhile. I nodded as a sign of goodbye. But before I can turn, she held my shirt and pulledme closer to her. Next thing I know is that she put her lips on mine, still holding on tome.

I pushed myself away from her, and I was slightly taken aback. I turned around andlooked for Alice, hoping that she didnt see that or she might get the wrong idea, but shestood there, staring at me. Then she ran into nothingness.

Whats wrong with you? I asked Jennifer.

Nothing. Cant you tell? Youre popular, Aaron. And populars should stay with thepopulars. Not that Elise girl. Even if she is with Cara, she will never be popular. Never...ever... Jennifer finished her speech with an evil smile.

Her getting Alices name wrong was just... maddening. I clenched my fist in distressand replied. She may not be popular, but shes the simplest, most beautiful girl I haveever laid eyes on, and I cant even compare her to you, who cant even reach her level.

I turned once more and ran towards Cara.

Where did she go?

I-I dont know! I was just asking her about the homework but she ran away!


12/19

You dont know what happened, dont you?

No, why? What happened? said Cara in great concern. It wouldnt hurt to tell her,right?I did tell her and she was in shock.

I didnt do it on purpose! Jennifer was just...

I know. You dont need to explain anymore, cause Jennifers really like that. But whyis Alice concerned?

Well... just so you know... I like her. I like her a lot. Ever since we were kids... I wasgoing to ask her to the Homecoming dance today. I guess I blew that huh... I said withdismay.

Dont give up! Just... try calling her.

I did so, but Alice wasnt answering.

Cara sighed. Look, we cant find her now. She might be far already. But Ill try tokeep in touch with her, just in case she doesnt want to talk to you.

R-right...

Oh, the bus is here so I gotta go. Cara said but before leaving, Aaron? Dont giveup on her just yet. I know you two have something special.

Cara got on the bus alongside a girl of blue highlights, leaving me alone at the schoolyard. As I held my umbrella, I dialled her moms phone number and waited.

Hello?

H-hello? Mrs. Wright?

Aaron? Is that you? Why are you calling?

I was just wondering if Alice is at home. Is she?

Oh, honey Im in the grocery. Ill tell you when I get there alright. Is somethingwrong...

Not much, just a small problem. Bye, Mrs. Wright.

I hung up. She meant a lot to me, and Im going to do something about it...

Run, Alice... dont let it get the best of you...

I am running, I am. To where? To nowhere. To wherever I can reach. My body feelsso free, so carefree, but my mind was in its own solitary.

Were not together. Were not involved. So why am I affected?

I opened my eyes for a second, and I tried to see as the rain drops blurred my vision.I was in front of my house. I rushed over to the doorstep and rummaged through mybag for the keys, but it wasnt there. I checked again, but it wasnt there. WHERE IS IT!?Its in my bag, or in my pockets or....


13/19

In my locker... at school...

Damn it.Why is life so cruel!? I ran to the tree at the backyard and climbed up. Istepped over to the wooden set of drawers and drew a towel from it. It still looks new,since mom always changes the clothes and things here. I dried myself off and as I did,my phone rang. It reflected and flashed several times.

Calling... Aaron... Calling... Aaron...

I held the phone for a while, but I decided to reject it. A few minutes later, the phonerang again.

Calling... Mom... Calling... Mom...

He-hello? I shivered in the cold.

Hon, are you at home? Why are you stammering?

I forgot to bring my umbrella and I got locked out of the house cause I forgot mykeys at school.

Where are you now?

In the treehouse.

Okay, stay there until I get back.

I waited. I heard a car pull over and turn off. I heard mom opening the front door,closing it and dropping off the grocery. I got down the tree with difficulty, avoiding thefact that my head was thinking about what happened a week ago at the same exact

spot.

Next time, make sure you have your keys. finally said my dismayed mother. Sheput her hand on my forehead and frowned. Youve got a bit of a fever. Can you stayhere for a couple of days? You might miss homecoming if you dont.

Sure, mom. I replied. Only if I could face him now, then I dont have to go to thedance...

Alice... is everything okay? At school, I mean, my mom asked.

Yeah. What makes you think somethings wrong?

Little Aaron called me. He said theres a small problem.

Thats nothing mom. Its fine. But Id rather not talk to anyone for a while.

Okay. Ill tell him you got here safely. He sounded so worried...

Is he now?Yeah, right.

Its been a day since what happened. I got a call from Mrs. Wright and she said thatAlice got home, but its better if I dont talk to her. Classes were starting. Neither Nicknor Cara had been in touch. All they knew is that she has a fever and wont be comingfor a few days, period.


14/19

The cafeteria was packed with people. I sat with Cara on Alices usual table. Caraawakened me from thought when she banged the table to hard that I jumped.

Snap out of it! Alice will come to the dance, and I know it!

How are you sure?

Im her BFF and I know shes never miss a dance.

Dance... thats it!

Have you seen Nick? I didnt see him after class... she said.

Dunno... he said he needed to prepare for something.

Out of nowhere Nick went in to the cafeteria, on an outfit that was not him, at all. Hewas wearing an open collar shirt, dark slacks and nice (not to mention shiny) blackshoes. It was definitely different from his skater look.

He walked over to our table. The crowd was staring intently (a brown-haired girl evenalmost crossed his path but got out of the way.). He offered a rose to, of course, Cara. Itwas unlikely, but he was shaking. He half-knelt in front of her.

C-cara. Ive always wanted to ask you to... to the... I cant even say it!

In my head, this is a disaster, and the whole cafeteria was looking, even the lunchlady. But Cara saved him from any other embarrassment.

I would love to go to the dance with you! excitedly said Cara and helped him upand hugged him.

Wow, I guess that was unexpected. The scenery itself brought me back to mythoughts, about the dance, about Alice.

I decided to try and call her after school, just to see if my plan can be executed.

My phone rang. Four times. I chose not to answer it. Instead, I peered over it and itread:

Missed Call: 4

I opened it and checked whoever wanted to talk to me. It was no surprise that Carawould be calling me, four times. Then, a text message appeared.

Al, r u feeling better? U cant miss the dance!

For the first time in the past few days, I wanted to reply to the many, manymessages I received from her. I tapped a message saying that Im okay and she doesnthave to worry.

I guess Aaron really likes her too. We lost touch over the past two days. Ive thoughtabout calling him, about not saying bye the other day, or asking for homework, but its

just not worth it. I sure miss him though.

My phone beeped once more. Cara, I thought. I looked at the screen and I felt likemy heart skipped a beat. It wasnt Cara.


15/19

Calling... Aaron... Calling...

Its ringing for five seconds. Thats good. Shes not rejecting it yet. I almost droppedmy phone when the ringing stopped and a soft hello came from the receiver.

H-hello! Can I talk to you? I said normally, but inside I was feeling quirky andhappy.

Sure.

Okay, see... I...I cant say it over the phone! I didnt even rehearse or something!Quick! An idea... I really want to talk to you in person. I know you saw... that thing...with Jennifer.

Y-yeah, actually I did. I didnt know you guys have something going on. she said.

No! N-n-no! We dont have anything...

Oh... I see... I just assumed... Since I was a friend...

Right. Being called a friend gave me a small twitch. Listen, can we, meetsomewhere after school?

Theres a silence telling me she felt like she doesnt want to.

Can we meet at that dance building you used to go to? For ballet, just at the schoolyard I explained. I know she used to go there when we were neighbors. Please thinkabout it.

...Alright. she said, and hung up. I walked over to the set of drawers in my roomand pulled out a crumpled envelope from the bottom. I stared at it for a few seconds andsmiled. At the front it said one thing: Alice.

I felt a little doubtful about going to the dance studio. Sure, I still go there after theclass, and the teacher lets me practice all I want. But, its him Im worried about.

I honestly feel a little better, but no one knows that yet since I didnt go to schooltoday (Mom was okay with it, cause I said I needed another day to recover from illness).I went out of the house after school hours and started walking with hesitation, slightly

wanting to return home. To buy sometime, I went to the nearby fast food which Ivenever been to and decided to buy a soda.

Hi! Welcome to- Alice! said the girl. Shes in the science club...

Stacey? I asked.

Y-yes! Wow, you know who I am! Would you like something?

Just soda, thanks.

She went to the back and brought back the drink.

You were absent for four days. Are you okay? she asked.


16/19

Yeah, just a small fever. I smiled weakly.

Oh, good thing you feel better, otherwise you cant go to the dance tomorrow. Oh,are you going?

Not sure yet. I replied. Im not even sure if I even wantto go. And you?

Not really. Not worth going to. No one would hardly notice my even if I was there ornot. she said gloomily. It would also be nice if you can share it with someone, youknow. Are you going with someone?

Her statement struck me. The first occasion that I can go to with someone that I careabout, someone who know who I am and appreciates me, someone who I might evenlove, and Im just gonna blow it off?

Hey... are you going with someone? she asked again.

You know what? I think I will. I said. I exited the place and ran to the dance school.

She will come... Im sure of it... I will not lose hope... she will come...

Im late... Im sure of it.

I went to the school yard. Hes not there. He mightve left already. He must have-

I cant wait any longer you know. said a voice behind me.

I know Im late. Sorry about that.

Thats not what Im talking about.

What are you saying? I said, finally facing him. He was leaning on the tree next tohim, smiling, a smile I remember that I always see before, when we were kids. When Icry, he gives me that exact smile, which makes me think that someone still cares for me.

I stared at him, for a few seconds, at that, exact smile that I will no longer forget.Then I asked again.

What are you talking about?

He pulled out an envelope. A strange, worn-out, old but sealed envelope and openedit with his greatest effort. It was tightly shut because the seal was old and hard to rip off.When he manages to do so, he steps forward, stopped in front of me and shows me alarge white paper faded by time, showing a drawing of scattered hearts, and a crayon-written sentence that struck my heart: I love you.

Well... uhh... I-I dont know what I was saying, o-or I really felt that way at thattime. But one things for sure.... he hesitated. I do feel that way now. So... ummm...would you... like... to... go to the dance......... with me?

His eyes met mine and I answered him, not with words, but with a kiss I had alwayswanted to give. I found what I was looking for. I found my prince.


17/19

I spent a long while with Alice. We were up on the tree (I dont know what the hellsour problem and why we like climbing trees.), but this time, we were next to each other,and I was telling her the real reason why I was in Redwood: to tell her I love her.

...so, I told my mom that I wanted to see you. I ended my story.

Thanks for coming back for me. Ive always felt that theres something differentbetween us. And when you came back I told you that you were the brother I never had,I thought that there was something wrong there, its as if I knew that we were-

-meant to be-. I continued.

-more than that. we both said in unison. We shut up, then smile, then laugh. Justlike kids, we were laughing out loud, not caring about anything, but each otherscompany. And that I think is the greatest moment of my life.

The next day at school, I was plain smiling. I greeted everyone who comes my way.

After that, I realized that I was being a complete idiot. Then I remembered Stacey. Shesaid shes not going to the dance because its not worth it.

Its worth it! Come on, Stacey! I energetically said to her when I got to the fastfood restaurant by noon. I was badgering her every second. And Cara was also there tohelp me. She told me that apparently, Stacey doesnt go to any school events, exceptwhen required (that was to my greatest shock!)

Okay, fine! Lets say if I do go, what would I wear?

Its all up to me, dont worry.

With much hesitation and groaning, she finally agreed.

The lights of the gym were bright blue. Everything was perfect, except for onething... Alice isnt here yet. Its just about... 7 p.m., but I was getting worried causemany people are already coming.

Dude, I just entered myself in for homecoming king! Nick said from behind me.

Good for you. I hope you win. I said in reply.

And you know what else? I entered you too.

Good for him- wha- what!?

I got over my trauma and looked for her once more. The crowd had started dancing.Then, I saw Cara come in. I asked her, and she said that Alice was just outside, and Ishould just wait for her.

The principal, looking like hed rather be on a different place than the stage, stoodthere and held the microphone.

We now have the three nominees for homecoming king and queen. They wereselected by our school teachers, and you will choose who will be chosen as king and

queen. Now, they are: Jennifer Clarke.


18/19

Jennifer went up the stage and waved at the crowd. The crowd however, was not asenthusiastic. Only half of the students clapped for her.

Next we have Jacqueline Warren.

A girl I dont recognize went up the stage.

And... Stacey Hicks.

The student body looked around, searching for her. Then the entrance door of thegym swung forward, showing a girl of a simple white dress, with her blue highlightsilluminating in the dark with what looked like glitter.

Operation two: complete. Execute operation three. whispered Cara from my cellphone. I answered an short okay then facing the shaking Stacey, just outside the gym,in front of the entrance.

I cant! she shouted.

You can do this! You can do this! I reassured her.

We now have the three nominees...

Remember, its about time that you go to a party like this. I said. The truth is, I wasjust buying time for her announcement.

And... Stacey Hicks.

Oh, did I mention that we nominated you for queen? I said, then I pushed her in.

Wha-!?

For kings, we have Nick Jones, Aaron Johnston and Mario Stevenson. Voting willstart now and the winner will be announced for one hour, yadda, yadda, yadda...saidthe uninterested principal.

I found Alice minutes later.

I was looking for you! I said.

Been a little busy with Stacey, I told you about it right? she explained and I noddedin reply. Wheres Cara?

With her date Nick.

What?

With Nick.

No!

Oh, right, you werent here...

The rest of the night went on until it was time to announce the king and queen.


19/19

To my amusement, Jennifer was announcing the winners. I am very determined thatStacey will win. I heard a lot of people were voting for her. Aaron was also on stagesmiling like always. And Nick... nevermind.

It is my pleasure to announce the Homecoming King and Queen. The Homecoming

King is... Nick Jones!

Nick was whooping on the stage and wore his crown with great sense ofaccomplishment. Aaron went down with the other candidate (who looked disappointed)and stood next to me.

The Homecoming Queen is... obviously... ... ... Stacey Hicks?

In the crown came a warm round of applause, and Jennifer was obviously outraged. Iheard her screams as she stormed off the stage about Thats not possible! or I wassupposed to be me! and sat on her table.

The crowd resumed dancing as usual. Cara met up with Nick (Okay, I have to admitthey look cute.). It was getting crowded, and I was just thinking of going out whenAaron tapped me on the shoulder.

May I have this dance? he asked politely.

Sure.

But, would you like to come outside? It is getting a little crowded.

I guess hes a mind reader or something. I nodded in reply. At the faint music outsidethe school, we danced there, not minding if we looked foolish, and I dont care, either.

Okay, I have to ask again... Do you believe in fairytales? I dont, for reals. But, Doyou believe in happily ever after? YES! Because I have reached mine with the prince Ilove.

...=+=THE END=+=...

do you believe in fairytales? do you believe in "happily

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