Child hood Crush Essay Samples

Child hood Crush

...ren smiled as he left , sighing. “ Not bad!” she spoke under her breath. No , he was not bad at all. He was her perfect guy. He was.....the one she had fallen in love with. ~~~~****~~~~~ “ Lily! LILY!” Sebastian yelled , across the distance. Lily whirled around , from her spot in the gardens. She was busy watering the flowers but she stopped as Sebastian bounded over to her. “ I just told her...” he panted. Lily’s eyes flew open. “ You...You what?” she asked, her mind whirling with a thousand thoughts a minute. “ I told her...” Sebastian grinned at Lily and said even more softly , “ I told her that I had feelings for her...” He began to blush heavily as Lily stared at him. He didn’t know , of course , the many stories her heart had just fallen. “ Wow..” she finally said , her voice breaking a bit. Sebastian smiled. “ Yeah , it is so surprising. I think she feels the same way too , but I haven’t told her that I loved her yet. I’ve given her so many clues, though!” “ Really...” was all Lily could manage. Sebastian sat down beside her , and let out a heavy sigh. “ I’m not so sure, though. She’s so different , and sometimes I catch myself wondering , is this the same girl that wrote to me all those years? Though she must be....” Sebastian said , his voice distant. Lily’s heart raced as she replied , “ Well , she is the same girl. You might not see the different sides of Karen. She’s really kind and loyal.” Sebastian let out a chuckle. “ That I know.” Lily giggled as Sebastian got up and put out a hand to help Lily up as well. “ Come on , lets go back to the house.” Lily followed Sebastian , wondering why her hand was still being held in Sebastian’s. Not that she was protesting... As they walked into the house , a drift of music followed them. Lily felt her eyes flutter close as she listened to the sweet words. ‘ This is the way love should be....yet why am I so afraid of love?’ Sebastian had also stopped and Lily looked up confusedly at him. “ What is it , Sebastian?” she asked. Sebastian smiled lopsidedly. “ This is my favourite song of all time.” Lily laughed. “ Really? This is my favourite song too!! What a coincidence!” Sebastian let out a low chuckle and suddenly he grabbed Lily’s hand and put the other on her waist. Lily let out a peep of surprise as Sebastian began to lead her around the room. “ Sebastian?” she asked , softly. Sebastian smiled down at her as he twirled her away from him. “ I learned how to dance from my sisters. Never really liked it before!” Lily giggled as she whirled fast back into his arms. The music stopped suddenly and she was left wrapped up into his arms. They stared at each other , and she could feel the warmth of his body through his sweatshirt , his muscles and his pounding heart. She saw a change in his bright amber eyes. He was looking at her differently ....and the look was almost the same as the look he gave to Karen....Suddenly he whirled her away from him and she let go of his hand , and stood away from him , her face an expression of confusion. Sebastian laughed slightly. “ Wow , the music must of been finished. Your a good dancer you know.” Lily smiled. “ Actually you led. I just followed.” Sebastian shook his head. “ You are good. Where did you learn how to be so light on your feet.” Lily shrugged. “ Probably from all those years of cheerleading.” Sebastian grinned and suddenly Lily spotted an application on the desk and she let out a wail. “ I forgot to finish my application!” she yelled and hurried over to the application. Sebastian settled himself beside her as she hurriedly tried to finish what she had left. “ What are you applying for?” Sebastian asked , curiously. Lily shrugged , distantly. “ I want to get in to a University for Arts. I think there is one in Hong Kong...” Sebastian grinned widely. “ Hey , Karen’s interested in the Arts! And I’m going to a University in Hong Kong that provides a program for the Arts that’s the best in all of China!” Lily’s eyes widened. “ That’s the one I’m applying for....hey wouldn’t that be so cool! We could see each other like , all the time!” Sebastian laughed. “ Finally , one of my best friends can be involved in my life too!” Lily giggled , a bit hesitantly. “ Too?” Sebastian got up , stretching. “ Karen will be my wife , you know!” With that, he pounded up the steps , leaving Lily to stare at his receding back. She wished that feeling inside his arms would come back. It was wrong....yet it felt so right. Lily groaned and buried her head into the pillows. Why was everything going so wrong for her? Singing “Come on everybody! Squeeze in for a picture!” cried Kim , holding a camera in her hands. Karen giggled , holding a shiny gold trophy in her hands and jumping into the middle. “ I was the star of today, so I should be in the middle!” she said , childishly. Sebastian grinned and Lily just stared at the ground. “ Well , I should be in this picture as well , don’t you think?” Sebastian asked. Karen put a hand under her chin , pretending to think hard. “ Um....no!” she said , her face lighting up. Lily winced. This was going too far! Sebastian just smiled and they moved in close , smiling for the picture. Lily could see the amount of space between their two bodies. It was as big as a flea. “ Hey , Lily!” shouted Karen. Lily’s head jerked up and she smiled. “ Yes?” she asked. “ Come be in the picture! Without you here, the show wouldn’t have been as good as it was! You were the best dancer there!” Karen said excitedly and Lily laughed. “ Alright!” she said and walked to the other side of Karen. Karen sighed. “ You can be in the middle!” Karen grinned , and pulled on Lily’s hand , dragging her to the middle. Now Lily was squished in-between Sebastian and Karen and she was ever so aware of the heat coming from Sebastian. She wanted to hold him so bad it hurt. Never the less , she smiled for the camera and as the flash went off she could hear Sebastian whisper , “ Now will you tell me you love me?” She gazed at him , wondering who these words were directed to. Lily flinched as Karen giggled. No surprise there. “ Why? You never told me you loved me!” Sebastian rose his eyebrows. “ I just did , in the song-” Karen shrugged. “ That was a song , not real.” She smiled as the camera flashed again and turned to look at Sebastian. “ You have to tell me face to face.” Sebastian grinned and Lily slowly crept away , hoping she wouldn’t be seen so she could run to her room and cry her eyes out. “ Hey , Lily!” Sebastian shouted. Lily felt her shoulders sag involuntarily. “ Yes , Sebastian?” she said , her voice trembling slightly on his name. She hoped no one noticed. “ Where are you going?” he asked confusedly. Lily turned away. “ To my room. I am quite tired right now , and I need a lot of sleep.” Sebastian grinned. “ Alright then. Karen , I guess it’s just you and me....” Lily walked away , her heart breaking , not noticing the looks Sebastian was giving her. He stared at her receding back , wondering why he cared so much about the look of exhaustion and....something else in her bright emerald eyes. What was wrong? A jerk on his hand signalled Karen. He smiled at her but the warmth of her hand in his didn’t give him flutters as it used to. Now he wished that it was Lily’s hand in his... What the hell was he thinking? Sebastian shook his head quickly and put his arm around Karen. “ Lets give them one more picture!” ~~~~****~~~ Lily went up the stairs slowly , trying to prolong the thoughts that dug at her brain. She remembered the day clearly. The Teen Annual Talent Contest....Karen won , as usual. It was just so surprising...... ```````****``````***````` The audience roared , their applause ringing in the stadium hanging over the ears of the hundreds that sat in the crowd. Bright flashes of colour spurted out everywhere as an announcer’s deep voice , coming from nowhere , announced the singer that was about to come next. “ Everyone get ready , for the singing sensation who will rock your world! Stomp your feet and clap your hands for the young and beautiful........Karen Webber!” Lily kneeled at the centre of the stage , the back up dancers crouched behind her. Their outfits were shiny and covered in glitter. She grinned at the memory of Karen before the contest. Karen was ecstatic. She promised Lily that she would only use a little makeup on her , but a little makeup to Karen was a couple of pounds of foundation , eyeliner , concealer , lip liner , lipstick , lip gloss , blush , mascara , powder , eye shadow , bronzer...Must I say more? Lily saw from the corner of her eye , Karen walk to the stage , dressed in a beautiful dance outfit as well , a microphone in hand. She was stunning and the audience screamed loudly. She yelled into the microphone , “Are you all ready?” The audience roared their answer and Karen giggled. “ Alright then! Girls , this song is dedicated to you!” The lights dimmed and a spotlight was shone on Lily. She slowly rose her head up as a drum beat began to throb. Guitars strummed up and Lily jumped up , getting active. She ran to the front of the stage next to Karen and Karen began to sing. “ Look at today's boys , what can we do? Such morons , I tell you!” The guitar launched into a solo as Lily backed up , dancing. She danced fast as Karen continued , her voice rich and full. “ Some come ask me , how are you? Some come ask me , how do you do? Never , ever , do any of you say! Oh my darling , I love you!” Lily continued to dance , her eyes wide at Karen’s choice of words. Now who was she directing these words to?? As Karen opened her mouth to continue , a low tenor voice filled the stadium , “ Look at today’s girls , what can we do? Such fools , I tell you!” The girls in the stadium screamed with high pitched voices as a opening in the crowd revealed Sebastian. He had his hands behind his head and he was grinning as he walked onto the stage. Karen squealed and grabbed his hand. She pulled him back with her and Sebastian continued to sing , “ I don’t ever ask you , how are you? I never ever ask you , how do you do! But I will always and forever keep telling you , Oh my darling , I love you!” The back up singers resounded with the ‘ Oh my darling, I love you’ and Lily faltered in her steps. This is how Sebastian pronounced his love for her? Wow , no wonder Sebastian didn’t like her! Lily was alright with the normal , ‘ I love you.’ She didn’t need a song for that! Karen and Sebastian were now dancing with each other and she could feel tears stinging her eyes. Karen was singing , “ When you want to go out with me , it always has to be so secretly , secretly! Every time you tell me you love me , it’s always so secretly , secretly! ” Sebastian shot back , “ Now why should I be scared of anyone? I just want you to be the only one!” Karen grinned and started on the chorus , “ Then come along with me and shout to the world , oh my darling , I love you!” Lily winced once more and almost fell. It was getting embarrassing. The audience however was going crazy as the two lovebirds sang more. The guitar solo went again and she was forced to dance for the crowd. She held back all the tears as the crowd went silent. She looked up and saw Sebastian in the centre of the stage looking into Karen’s eyes. “ Oh my darling....” he sang , slowly as he took out a necklace , a red flush on his cheeks. The necklace flashed in the lights and Lily recognised the design. It was that heart shaped necklace that he bought for Karen the day before. She also remembered the necklace he bought for her. She fingered the necklace around her neck and watched with wide tear-filled eyes. “ I love you....” With that he clasped the necklace around Karen and she hugged him tightly. Lily watched as Sebastian’s amber eyes drifted to her and his expression was one of.... Nah , it couldn’t be one of longing! Lily watched intently as Karen reached up and kissed Sebastian on the cheek. Suddenly , she fell to the ground , her heart was being ripped viciously apart. The audience , however , all went screaming with ecstasy as steamers flew from the ceiling and an announcer shouted , “ This is a wrap to the Teen Annual Talent Contest and as always , like every year , Karen Webber is the winner!” The words pounded at her ears and Lily let out one tear. It slid past her face and down her cheeks. Yes, Karen was the winner. She had won the only thing that was most precious in Lily’s life... Sebastian.... ~~~~~~~*****~~~~~ Lily fell onto her bed, the tears threatening to rise to her eyes again. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be! She wanted to be with Sebastian , she wanted.... But it didn’t matter what she wanted! Friendship mattered! And....well , Karen was her BEST friend....and she wouldn’t hurt her , ever! And if her love interest was....the same as Karen’s , she just had to give it up. Lily buried her face into her pillow , trying not to cry. It just wasn’t fair. Why was God so cruel? Why was the love of her life....her best friend’s love? Lily shook her head hard. It didn’t matter now. She had to....stand it. She had to be a good friend. For Karen... ~~*****~~~~ Karen groaned , putting her hand on her hips. “ Are we done with the pictures?” she asked , huffing. Kim grinned. “ Almost!” she said , snapping one more picture and then put away the camera. “ Now we’re done!” “ Finally!” Karen burst out , sighing. “ The flashes were making my makeup run...” Suddenly a hand grasped her elbow. Amber eyes gazed into hers and her heart throbbed hard. “Yes , Mr. America?” “ Tell me....do you love me?” Sebastian asked. Karen giggled and turned away , trying not to give into the overwhelming urge of leaping into his arms and kissing him hard. Sebastian suddenly felt a gaze at his back and he whirled around. “ Hello.” said Sandra , grinning. Sebastian smiled hesitantly back and whirled around again. “ Lets...Lets go to that couch!” Sebastian said , his words stumbling. Did his mother hear him? Uh oh....what if she wanted him to go back to Hong Kong? Karen shrugged and hopped over to the couch , smoothing out her mini skirt. Sebastian dropped beside her and stretched , trying to put an arm around Karen. A cough beside him stopped him in mid stretch. He turned around and Sandra was sitting right beside him. “ Uh....” he said , his arm dropping quickly. Sandra rose her eyebrows and he whipped his head back and forth. “ I’ll go.......now!” Sebastian spoke quickly and leaped from the couch , hurrying off to his room. Karen got up from the couch , confusedly. “ Mr. America? Mr. America , where are you going?” she asked , her voice high. She shrugged , a smile on her face , settling back to the couch. Suddenly , an arm around her shoulders startled her. She looked up into Sandra’s smiling face. “ Yes?” she asked , her face smiling. “ Kim?” Sandra spoke her voice happy and light. Kim turned around , her eyebrows high. “ Yes , Sandra?” she answered. “ Karen wasn’t the only person to win something today!” Sandra said , her voice laughing. Kim and David both turned around , gaping. “ What do you mean?” Kim asked. “ I think my son has won...your daughter’s heart!” Karen’s eyes shot open , and she watched her mother’s jaw drop. “ Wha....” she said , her voice trailing off confusedly. Karen felt a flush grow on her neck and she brushed as strand of hair away from her face , embarrassedly. How did they find out....that she had lost her heart to Sebastian? “ I think my son is in love with your daughter!” Sandra said , frankly. Karen blushed hard. What? The Karen Webber never blushed! Yet , here she was , shy and blushing! “ Do you mean...” Kim said , her eyes wide. “ I think that your daughter has also fallen in love with Sebastian , too!” Sandra said , her hand on her heart. Kim jumped up , excited. “ You two are in love??” she said , her voice high and happy. “ This is great!” Sandra giggled , like a little school girl. “ I think that we can arrange a marriage. Yet this marriage is a love marriage , true and true. This is my promise to you , Kim. Your daughter will marry my son.” Karen looked down , her face red. She wanted to marry Sebastian so much....she giggled slightly and got up, running away. She could hear the laughter behind her as they planned the marriage out. She hurried behind the staircase and collapsed against the wall , her breathing heavy. Did she....did she actually want to marry Sebastian? Yes , she did. She loved him.... Karen wanted to laugh. She wanted to jump up high. She loved Sebastian Jackson! And no one could ever change that..... Trucuss up to here 59Transforming Lily sat down at her computer , quickly typing her resume to the University of Hong Kong. She wanted to e-mail it as quickly as she could....there were better chances of getting accepted that way. As she clicked send , she laid back in her chair and sighed. She could get up and go downstairs and talk to Sebastian....but she had a sneaking suspicion he was talking to Karen on the phone right now. Lily let out a huge sigh as she began to search on her computer. Suddenly , she clicked on Saved Files on the internet email box. Hundreds of files popped up and she jumped back in surprise. What? What was this? Why was there so many....Wait a minute... Lily clicked on the first file , and a letter popped up on the screen. Lily inhaled sharply as she read the first lines.... ~ Dear Karen, Hows it going? It's alright here in Hong Kong. It's always busy in the streets and I have to study so much! Mother wants me to be very smart , so I have to get really good grades. My favourite subject is math. It always comes easily to me. What is your favourite subject , Karen? ~ Lily winced. It was the very first letter that Sebastian had sent her...Karen. Lily put her head in her hands. This was all HER fault! If she hadn’t written to Sebastian acting like Karen , if she wasn’t so naive , if she wasn’t- Suddenly a voice at the door startled her out of misery. “ Lily?” Sebastian asked , confused at her miserable position. Lily opened her eyes and quickly exited the program as fast as she could. She whirled around and met Sebastian’s concerned amber eyes with her crazed emerald ones. “ Oh...hi , Sebastian....I was just...uh , just sending my uh , resume to the , uh-” Sebastian grinned. “ Oh yeah , to the University. Hope you get in , Lily!” Lily smiled back , as she breathed out a sigh of relief. “ Yeah....me too.” Sebastian put his hands in his pockets as he let out his breath. “ Lily...I have something to say to you.” Lily tilted her head , looking up at him in confusion. “ What is it?” Sebastian exhaled slowly. “ I’m leaving.” Lily’s eyes shot open. “ B-But you can’t , your allowed to stay here f-for a month and a half!” Lily stuttered , as she tried to interpret this information Sebastian was giving her. Sebastian hung his head. “ I know...I don’t want to go either. But I have to-” Lily leapt up from her chair , so she could peer into his eyes. “ But why? You’ve been here for only four weeks! You work so hard in Hong Kong , being the next leader of the Jackson Clan ,and all that school work , and having to train everyday!!! You deserve a break!” Sebastian stared at Lily , a new light in his eyes. “ How did you know all this?” Lily was brought to reality as she looked around , everywhere but his inquiring gaze. “ Uh....Karen told me...” Sebastian nodded , slowly , but a doubtful look still remained in his eyes. “ I’ll miss you , Lily.” Lily’s head jerked up as she stared at him. “ Really?” she breathed out , forgetting her tone. Sebastian’s eyes brightened , and a hint of a smile played around on his lips. He put a hand to her cheek and she felt her cheeks heat up with a feverish red glow. “ Really.” With that he enveloped her in a hug , and she felt herself fall against him , wanting to revel in the warmth in his arms. But she remembered those flirtatious looks between Karen and Sebastian , the love in Karen’s eyes , the love in Sebastian’s gaze- She held herself stiffly and patted his shoulder. “ I’ll miss you too , Sebastian.” Her voice cracked a bit , and she scolded herself for showing too much emotion. Sebastian nodded and turned around , walking towards the door. “ I’m going to go say bye to Karen...” Sebastian said , his voice low. “ Alright....” Lily said; her voice low as well. As he was about to leave , Lily quickly said , “ Sebastian?” Sebastian stopped , and looked back at her. “ Yeah?” Lily gulped. “ You know , if you ever need someone to talk to , when your in Hong Kong and stuff , you can call me.” Sebastian smiled sadly. “ I probably won’t be able to do that.” Lily grinned cheerfully. “ In that case , whenever you need me , just close your eyes and think of me. I’ll be there.” Sebastian gazed at her. “ Is that a promise?” Lily nodded. “ That is a promise.” Sebastian grinned. “ Thanks, Lily. You made me feel a lot better.” With that , he turned around and walked out the door. Lily collapsed on her bed , hugging herself. That closeness.....it almost melted her. She was tempted to announce her love for him right then and there....but she knew she couldn’t. Lily crossed the room to her windows and watched as Sebastian walked out to his car , and stare at it for a couple of seconds. He then looked up at Lily’s windows and she quickly dropped down out of sight. She peered up again as she heard the car start , and she watched the car back out of the driveway. Bye , Sebastian , Lily thought. I’ll love you forever. That is my promise. ~~~~~******~~~~~~ Karen looked out at the moon , and sighed softly. Just a couple of weeks ago , she was the biggest boy magnet in Tokyo. Now , she was stuck to one guy. And she was never going to let him go. “ Why did this happen to me?” Karen asked , flinging out her arms , angrily glaring at the moon. “ Why did I suddenly have these feelings?” She leaned against the balcony rail and sighed. “ I used to think love was such a silly thing. There was no such thing as Love. But when I met Seb- I mean , Mr. America , he changed my life. He pulled something in my heart , he drew me to him. He captured my heart....And I want it back!” Karen giggled softly. Suddenly a voice asked , “ Do you really want it back?” Karen jumped. “ Moon? Are you talking to me?” The voice laughed. “ I’m behind you , silly!” Karen whirled around and flushed heavily as she saw who it was. “Mr. America??? How dare you-” Sebastian walked through the balcony doors and to her , leaning against the balcony as well. “ Don’t worry , Karen. I walked in and had permission by your mother. I’m allowed to be here!” He smirked and Karen crossed her arms turning away from him. “ How much did you hear?” she asked, crossly. Sebastian chuckled. “ Enough.” Karen huffed , and refused to look at him. Sebastian stared out at the moon , the wind blowing his chestnut hair back from his face. “ I never knew you talked to the moon,” Sebastian remarked. Karen shrugged. “ There’s a lot about me that you don’t know.” That statement shook Sebastian up. What.....but in the letters she told him about everything in her life....this was getting confusing. “ You’ve changed a lot , haven’t you?” Sebastian stated , staring at her confusedly. Karen shrugged once more. “ Not really.” Sebastian sighed. “ Look , Karen , I have something to say to you.” Karen grew worried at the tone in his voice. “ What is it?” Sebastian turned back to the light of the moon that flashed across his face. “ I’m going back to Hong Kong,” Karen gasped. “ You.....You are?” She never thought that this would hurt her...but it did. She put a hand to her mouth , biting her lip. Sebastian nodded , smiling sadly. “ You never told me you loved me....which was pretty much my mission the whole time I was here.” He laughed slightly and Karen smiled. “ I’m not telling you until you come back , Sebastian. You won’ t know any of my feelings until you come back to Japan!” Sebastian grinned at her. “ Alright , I’ll keep you to that promise!” Karen grinned and Sebastian shook his head. “ I’d better go....Goodbye , Karen...” Sebastian began to walk off , when Karen grabbed his hand. “ Hey , Sebastian.” Sebastian's eyes grew wide , as this was the first time she had ever said his name. He turned to her and she smiled at him. “ I guess I have to give you a going away present!” She rose up on her tip toes and Sebastian felt shock tremble through his veins. All of a sudden , he didn’t want to kiss her. He wanted to kiss... Karen’s eyes suddenly turned emerald. Her hair lightened to an auburn colour and her skin tanned. She smiled at him cheerfully , and he felt himself relax as her lips drew closer. At the last second , Lily’s features melted away , leaving Karen and Sebastian jerked his head to the side , and Karen ended up kissing his cheek. Karen broke away from him , staring confusedly at him. Yet she seemed to come to terms with this and whispered , “ You’ll get the full present when ya come back!“ She grinned and ran back into her room. Sebastian blinked. What...What just happened? Sebastian shook his head hard as he walked out of Karen’s house. Why did he just imagine Lily when Karen was kissing her? What exactly did he feel for Lily? Oh no.... Sebastian growled underneath his breath. No! Karen wrote those letters , not Lily! Karen was his soul mate.... NOT LILY! He pounded that statement in his head , and felt frustration grow. But then why wasn’t he feeling anything towards Karen.... And more towards Lily? ~~~~~~******~~~~~~ The sounds of a planes and voices rose through the air , lifting high above the ground and floating like clouds. Crowds of well wishers hugged their friends and family as they left Tokyo Airport. One person stood in the middle of it all , carefully saying goodbye to everyone. “ Bye , David! Bye Kim! I’ll miss you all!” Sebastian cried , as he they turned around to leave him with Lily and Karen. Karen was blushing heavily , and Lily was staring at the ground. “ Well , bye Sebastian.” Lily said, her voice heavy with sadness. Sebastian stared at her longingly. “ Bye , Lily. I’ll be back.” Lily looked up , and smiled. “ I’m counting on it.” She stared at the space between Karen and Sebastian and decided to take her leave. “ I guess I’ll go now.” she muttered and turned to leave. Sebastian watched her receding back , wanting to go to her. He was shocked at the strong desire he had to just take Lily into his arms and kiss her problems away.... “ Hey , Sebastian....” Karen’s voice broke him out of his day dream. He looked at Karen and smiled a bit hesitantly. “ Hey , Karen. I’ll miss you a lot. I guess I’d better go. Bye!” He said that all very fast and turned away to leave , but the sounds of a planes and voices rose through the air , lifting high above the ground and floating like clouds. Crowds of well wishers hugged their friends and family as they left Tokyo Airport. One person stood in the middle of it all , carefully saying goodbye to everyone. “ Bye , David! Bye Kim! I’ll miss you all!” Sebastian cried , as he they turned around to leave him with Lily and Karen. Karen was blushing heavily , and Lily was staring at the ground. “ Well , bye Sebastian.” Lily said, her voice heavy with sadness. Sebastian stared at her longingly. “ Bye , Lily. I’ll be back.” Lily looked up , and smiled. “ I’m counting on it.” She stared at the space between Karen and Sebastian and decided to take her leave. “ I guess I’ll go now.” she muttered and turned to leave. Sebastian watched her receding back , wanting to go to her. He was shocked at the strong desire he had to just take Lily into his arms and kiss her problems away.... “ Hey , Sebastian....” Karen’s voice broke him out of his day dream. He looked at Karen and smiled a bit hesitantly. “ Hey , Karen. I’ll miss you a lot. I guess I’d better go. Bye!” He said that all very fast and turned away to leave , but Karen caught his hand. “ Are you sure you want to leave , without another present?” Karen asked, her face flushed. Sebastian needed an excuse to escape , and a voice on the intercom announcing the departure of the plane to Hong Kong was the perfect one. “ I gotta go , Karen. Bye!” Sebastian grabbed his bags and quickly left Karen , rushing to catch up with his mom. Karen crossed her arms , and huffed. “ He’s just trying to get back at me for not telling him I love him yet!” Karen remarked to Lily , who had walked over to Karen when Sebastian left. Lily watched as Sebastian turned around once , to wave. And it seemed that his eyes were locked on Lily’s , and that he was waving to only her.... Karen waved back eagerly and Lily’s eyes dropped down. Nah...Of course he wasn’t waving to her. He was waving to his only love......Karen. Dreaming Lily woke up to the rays of sunlight hitting her face. She moaned softly , trying to roll over and get some more sleep. The house was quiet and still and seemed to be missing something. Lily’s emerald eyes opened slowly as she thought about what was missing. Miguel and her father were out working ,Sebastian.. Sebastian...That's what was missing... A irrepressible ache suddenly jolted through her stomach and she winced , getting up from her bed. The pain lessened leaving a dull ache behind. Lily groaned as she put on her slippers and padded to the washroom. She really REALLY wanted to go back to sleep and just banish all her troubles , the most troubling , and the man with the adorable amber eyes...... Lily banged the counter , glaring at her reflection. THIS IS IT , LILY! She screamed at herself. YOU WILL NOT BE PINING AFTER A BOY YOU CAN’T HAVE! YOU’VE WASTED YEARS AND YEARS OF YOUR LIFE , LOVING HIM! STOP IT! GET OVER HIM! As these angry words sunk in , Lily knew she had to forget the man that was the other part of her soul. For friendship’s sake. She jumped in the shower , wincing as the cold water hit her skin , and relaxed as it slowly turned warm. As the water washed her body , it also washed her soul. She was done with Sebastian. Sebastian was now a mere friend , not her first love.. After she was done showering , she came out of the bathroom , humming her favourite song. She quickly switched on the computer , dressing in some comfortable worn jeans , and a baggy sweatshirt , ready for some serious sports. Maybe she’d call up Isabel and Rika , they could have a game of basketball... Suddenly , a ‘ You Got Mail’ voice broke through her thoughts , and the old rush of delight swept through her. She quickly scolded herself and brought her shaking hands to the mouse and clicked on the signal. Instantly , a web page maximized and Lily quickly read the letter. The contents shocked her to the core. She stopped and read the letter again , and again until she was sure she didn’t have it wrong. To Lily Jones , We are pleased to inform you that your application to the University of Hong Kong has been accepted. If it is suitable , we would like you to come in for a interview on Friday of this week. Please reply and notify us if you accept this date. We congratulate you on your pleasing marks and wish you the best of luck. Signed , The University of Hong Kong She had been ACCEPTED! A broad smile crossed her lips and she leapt from the table and danced a jig ,screaming for joy. She wrenched the door open and stumbled down the stairs , pulling on her roller skates and leaping out the door crying , “ I’M GOING TO HONG KONG!” ~~~~~~******~~~~~~ Sebastian walked down the familiar walkway around the University of Hong Kong , trying not to sigh. It had only been three days since had left Japan and he wondered why he felt such longing , such an irresistible urge to go back and see Lily again. Oh , and Karen. He growled underneath his breath as he remembered Lily...she was so nice and sweet. She always cared for him , giving him advice as he pondered over the puzzling aspect of Karen... He really cared for her. Sebastian smiled slightly , as he remembered her large , expressive emerald eyes , her short bangs of auburn hair and that expression of joy that always crossed her face whenever she saw him... “ Hey , Sebastian!” said a familiar voice behind him. Sebastian whirled around and a navy haired boy walked up the walkway toward him. His glasses shimmered mysteriously in the light and grinned as he came up to Sebastian , slapping his back. “ Never seen you in a long time! Havin’ a fun time at Japan , without your good ol’ friend?” Sebastian let out a rare grin. “ Gods , Calvin , you shoulda been there! I had the best time....” Calvin grinned knowingly as he settled down in the bench. Calvin had always been a good friend of Sebastian , the first he’d ever made when he came to Hong Kong. It always surprised him how Calvin knew what was happening , all the time. Even though his advice always irritated him.. Sebastian dropped beside him and groaned. “ I want to go back now...It’s like I had a taste of some forbidden fruit and now I’m addicted to it...” Calvin nodded. “ That’s true...how was Karen?” Sebastian let out a disgruntled noise. “ She’s.....really beautiful. But for some reason , she didn’t seem like the person I knew from all those emails..” Calvin shrugged. “ People change over time , Sebastian.” Sebastian’s shoulders drooped. “ I know that...but I thought I knew Karen....like I knew her soul , her every fibre...” Calvin shook his head. “ Things may not be what they seem , my dear cousin..” Sebastian glared at Calvin and Calvin grinned at him , knowing Sebastian hated whenever he called him that. “ Whatever , Calvin. But I know that she loves me....” Sebastian said , his voice trailing off. Calvin shrugged , nonchalantly. “ Mission accomplished, eh?” Sebastian nodded , a bit reluctantly. “ I guess...” Calvin caught the look and said carefully , “ You aren’t having second thoughts....are you?” Sebastian smiled. “ Of course not...” Sebastian spotted the suspicious , sly look on Calvin’s face and he growled. Time to distract Calvin. “ I did meet up with my other childhood friend , Lily..” Calvin’s eyebrows rose. “ Wow , you have two girls playing on your fingertips??” Sebastian glared at Calvin and Calvin rose his hands in defence. “ I’m just stating what I’m hearing!” Sebastian stared at him , disbelieving , but shook it off as he continued. “ She was so nice and kind. She has this adorable childish look on her face , but she always carries an air of maturity. She’s fun loving and she never cares what other people think of her. She really is one of a kind...” Sebastian sighed , thinking of her bright emerald eyes. Lily really was an angel.. Calvin nodded. “ Karen is a good person , isn’t she?” Sebastian stared at Calvin. “ I was talking about Lily!” Calvin’s eyebrows rose once more. “ Really...the way you were talking about her , I assumed it was Karen...” As Sebastian pondered that , Calvin got up and laughed. “ How about we go back! I know some really eager teachers that want to give you some extra credit assignments!” Sebastian groaned as they began to walk back together. But Calvin’s words stayed fresh in his mind. ‘ The way you were talking about her , I assumed it was Karen...’ What was going on?? ~~~~~*****~~~~ Lily smiled at her family as they stood in the airport , listening to the crowd around them. Lily clutched two tickets in her hand as she rose to say good bye to her father. “ You’ll blow them away , Lily! I know you will!” David said , with tears in his eyes. “ My little girl....” He turned away , wiping his eyes and Lily giggled. He always did get emotional. Lily hugged her father and turned to Miguel. Miguel grinned and ruffled her hair. “ Get them good , squirt!” Lily grinned and stuck her tongue out at her older brother. He crossed his arms and glared good naturedly. Lily lastly turned to her best friend , who looked like she was about to cry. Which she never did. That would ruin her mascara... Karen hugged Lily and whispered , “ Come back quickly, alright? And if you see Sebastian , tell him that I’m waiting for him..” Lily felt the ache grow stronger at these words , but she nodded all the same. Suddenly , a voice on the intercom spoke , “ Calling all passengers on Flight 58.” Lily smiled at her family and waved goodbye as she walked toward the entrance gate. They waved furiously , until she couldn’t see them anymore. After getting her bags checked and her ticket checked , she was directed to the plane. She settled near the window and stared out at the white sky. Maybe she would see Sebastian... ~~~~~~****~~~~~ Sebastian groaned as he settled behind the library desk , staring at the piles of work before him. Why, WHY did the teachers love his work so much? The urge to say , “ No , I am already getting perfect in this subject , I DO NOT NEED EXTRA CREDIT” Grew so much , he could hardly contain it. As he picked up the first sheet and proceeded to look through it , those irritating emerald eyes flashed through his conscience again. Grr....Why did she have to barge in again?? He really had to stop thinking of her.. But he wanted to see her so much! Suddenly , he remembered what she said to him when he left. ~~~~ “ You know , if you ever need someone to talk to , when your in Hong Kong and stuff , you can call me.” Sebastian smiled sadly. “ I probably won’t be able to do that.” Lily grinned cheerfully. “ In that case , whenever you need me , just close your eyes and think of me. I’ll be there.” Sebastian gazed at her. “ Is that a promise?” Lily nodded. “ That is a promise.” ~~~~~ A promise.... Sebastian stopped and suddenly , on in impulse , began to think of her. The very essence of Lily....Lily , he thought , come here...I need to talk to you , to see you... As soon as his eyes popped open again , he felt silly. What was he doing? He knew that was just a silly promise , something that made you feel better , but never came true. He began to work on the sheet again , but a familiar smell wafted to his nose. Japanese food... he thought. What would it be doing here? He got up , following his senses , trying to find out where that tantalizing smell of Japanese food was coming from. Suddenly a figure by the window caught his eye and he went over there. Auburn bangs hid the person from his view and he could see she held a container of Japanese food. “ Uh , hello?” he said , wondering what he was doing. The figure raised her head and emerald eyes pierced through his very soul. It couldn’t be! It was impossible! He must be dreaming! For the person he was yearning to see...the person who completed his heart...was sitting right there , in front of him... “ Lily??” Dazing Lily’s jaw dropped. Her heart tightened immensely at the sight of Sebastian who was staring at her as if she was a dream. She took him in , all of him. His messy chestnut hair , his sparkling amber eyes , his shocked expression.... Sebastian was HERE. Standing in front of HER. Sebastian suddenly moved towards her and Lily stumbled back , bewildered. Unfortunately , she stumbled into the glass windows behind her and let out a squeak as she felt herself falling. Two hands grabbed her arms. She looked up and stared into those amber eyes she had dreamed about and grasped the container in her hands tightly. It was confirmed. She was still desperately in love with Sebastian Jackson. “ Lily? Is it really you? Oh my god...” Sebastian mumbled and pulled her upright. Lily trembled a bit as his hands left her arms and felt like running into his arms just to have that feeling of safety and love back again. “ Hi.....Sebastian...” she stuttered , trying not to feel like a lovesick junior high girl again. Sebastian looked her over and as if finally realising that Lily HAD come to Hong Kong , he smiled so brilliantly , Lily felt the familiar whoosh in her stomach. Her heart had just melted. She groaned. She KNEW it was a bad idea to apply to the University of Hong Kong. SHE KNEW IT! But she had given into temptation. God , why did she just give up like that....Now Karen... “ Lily! Your back! I can’t believe it!” Sebastian yelled and hugged her. Lily shivered again as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along as he turned around , walking towards some unknown destination. They arrived at a small , cosy cafe at the end of the hallway , clear windows shining brightly all around , showing the city of Hong Kong at it’s fullest. He sat into one of the chairs and without wasting time , pelted her with questions. “ Why are you here? I can’t believe you’d come all the way here to see ME! How’s the family? How’s Karen? How long are you staying? Lily , why aren’t you answering me???” Lily let out a giggle. “ ‘Cause your not letting me answer!” Sebastian sweat dropped. “ Right....Right...” Lily shook her head , choosing not to look into Sebastian’s inquisitive eyes. “ I’m here because....well , because I was accepted for an interview with the University of Hong Kong...” Sebastian’s jaw dropped. “ WHAT?” Lily giggled, nervously. “ Uh huh...” Sebastian let out a whoop. “ That’s great! You’ll be going to my school soon! We’ll see each other all the time!” Lily winced. No matter how much she wanted that.... “ Say....what’s in that container you have?” Sebastian asked , trying not to look suspicious. Lily raised her eyebrows and settled back into her chair. “ Why do you want to know?” Sebastian shrugged , indifferently. “ Just curious.” Lily shrugged as well , hiding a smile. “ This is just Kim’s famous Japanese food......nothing interesting , really.” Sebastian’s eyes bugged. “ Kim’s.....Japanese....food...” Lily wanted to laugh out loud. Sebastian was sooo cute! “ Yeah! I thought...maybe I should just dump it...I wasn’t really going to eat it!” Sebastian leapt up in shock. “ WHAT? AND WASTE PERFECTLY GOOD FOOD? GIVE THAT INNOCENT FOOD TO ME , LILY! HOW DARE YOU DESTROY SUCH A GIFT TO MANKIND??” The cafe was suddenly silent and Lily had collapsed from laughter. Sebastian still stood there , his arm raised , his chest heaving from the passion in his voice. He looked around himself at the surprised customers and smiled , nervously. “ Hehehe.....We’re just about to leave , now weren’t we , Lily?” Sebastian asked. Lily finally got up from her laughing fit and smiled , wiping tears from her eyes. “ Lead the way , oh great one.” Sebastian glared and Lily hid another bout of giggles. Firmly , he yanked the container out of Lily’s hands. “ I’ll have to confiscate that , young lady!” Sebastian said, his voice serious and deep. Lily rolled her eyes. “ Yeah...whatever you say...” ~~~~~~~*****~~~~ Karen’s hands dived through the clear blue water , her head turning to the side , quickly taking breaths as her feet kicked the water propelling her forward. Lap after lap , Karen swam , her hands smoothly entering the water and leaving it , without so much as a sprinkle of water. Finally , out of breath , Karen climbed out of the pool and walked towards one of the pool chairs and collapsed onto it. She hated exercise....but she loved swimming. She looked absolutely stunning in a bathing suit. She quickly took off her bathing cap , letting her dark hair flow down her back. A couple of guys walked down the pool side and whistled as she was shaking out her hair. She winked at them , and crossed her legs , flirtingly. “ Hey , beautiful lady! Can we come over?” yelled one of the guys. Karen smiled. They were cute... “ Sure! Come on over!” she called back , standing up. Soon , the guys had come over and she started to chat with them , at certain intervals resting a hand on their bare chests , or leaning against one as if it was an accident. “ Hey, where’d you get that pretty thing?” asked one of the guys , looking at her neck. Karen looked down and gasped. It was that heart necklace....her fiancé had given her. Well...not fiancé technically , but you know what she means! She placed a hand on the heart necklace and held it tightly between her fingers. Instantly , it broke into two halves and she felt a single trickle of dread flow through her spine. She smiled apologetically at the guys , and said , hurriedly , “ Gotta go! Bye , cuties!” With that , she ran off to the change room , and collapsed onto a bench. She took off the heart necklace and stared at the two broken pieces. With tears in her eyes , she quickly fixed it into one whole heart again. “ Why did I just do that?” she mumbled to herself. “ I forgot about Sebastian....Sebastian , the guy that loves you. The guy that you love...” Karen took in a deep breath and leaned against the cold wall. She could hear the shower running and the dryers blasting and the door opening and closing , yet she wasn’t aware of it. She was going to remain faithful to her love.....Always and forever. This heart necklace will NEVER break again.... ~~~~~~****~~~~~ The next day after Lily had arrived , Sebastian and Lily were all ready to tour the streets of Hong Kong. With Lily carrying a container of Japanese food , of course! Sebastian led Lily out onto the streets and they walked down a crowded road , laughing as Sebastian stuffed the Japanese food into his mouth. “ Damn , this is good!” Sebastian mumbled through a mouthful and Lily playfully slapped his arm. They walked around the people , just enjoying each other's company. “ Don’t speak with your mouth full!” Lily ordered , giggling all the same. Sebastian mock glared. “ Okay , Mom. Whatever you say!” Suddenly , Sebastian spotted a foreigners clothes shop on the side of the road and pointed towards it through the crowds of bustling people. “ Wanna go?” Sebastian asked , as Lily tucked the container away in her purse. Lily looked up at the store and her eyes brightened. Sebastian felt a flutter go off in his chest and he coughed. “ Of course I do!” Lily squealed and ran over to the store. Sebastian stared after her , surprised. “ Wait for me!” he yelled and ran after her as she entered the shop. Lily’s mouth was open like a little kid as they walked slowly down one of the aisles. It was full of foreign clothes. Lily spotted a leopard print shirt and took it off the hanger , posing with it. Sebastian burst out laughing. “ All you need are some leather gloves and...” Lily scrunched up her nose. “ Don’t even say it!” Lily and Sebastian grabbed lots of the strange clothes and posed in front of each other , each bursting into fits of laugher as they began to look stranger and stranger on them. Finally , Lily posed with a bunny suit , and looked at herself. “ I think I like this one!” Lily remarked. Sebastian’s eyes widened and a clerk passed by and smiled at them. “ Do you need any help?” Sebastian was trying not to laugh as Lily turned to her with the pink bunny suit. “ I think I like this one!” The clerk smiled , cheerfully. “ Do you want to try on the Playboy Bunny suit just to see if it fits you?” Lily shrieked and dropped the suit and Sebastian could not hold his laughter in any longer. He burst into guffaws as Lily burned with embarrassment. “ I don’t think I’ll be ...trying this on any more!” Lily said through clenched teeth and the clerk nodded , a bit confusedly as she walked away. She saw the look on Sebastian’s face and narrowed her eyes in mock anger. “ Lets see you try to find something!” Sebastian picked out a leather jacket , but Lily had already grabbed the whole outfit. Leather pants , black shirt , even the leather boots. “ I am not wearing leather pants.” Sebastian said firmly and Lily giggled. “ Just buy it! It’ll be funny! I bet Karen would like it!” Lily waggled her eyebrows and Sebastian winced. For some reason , he didn’t ....feel like impressing Karen any more. But for Lily... “ Alright...I’ll buy it!” Sebastian groaned. Lily grinned and grabbed Sebastian’s arm as he paid for it. She dragged him outside , and laughing , they went down the road ready to go sight seeing once more. Quickly buying two ice creams on the way , ( Lily got Vanilla , Sebastian chocolate....of course) they hurried toward the river side , where people scattered , taking pictures or sitting on the benches , enjoying the gentle sun and sweet breeze. Giggling , Lily collapsed into a bench , feeling happiness seep through her veins. It wasn’t right for her to be so...close to Sebastian , but that’s what she was supposed to do , right? She wasn’t doing anything wrong by spending quality time with her friend’s future boyfriend. Sebastian settled beside Lily and stared out at the glimmering lake. He felt a feeling surge through him , an unknown feeling. He could feel it trail down his spine , down his veins , through his heart and finally wrapping it in a warmth that was so foreign , he wondered if he was sick. Sick with what , though? Sebastian didn’t want to face the truth. He knew...he knew he was feeling something more for Lily....he knew that he was falling....for her.... What kind of a guy was he? He fell for both his best friends.... Sebastian wanted to sort out his thoughts. Karen...the love of his life....and yet Lily.... Lily suddenly let out a groan and hid her face into her hands. Sebastian stared at her as she mumbled something to herself. “ What is it?” Sebastian asked , a bit worried. Lily moaned, “ My interview is tomorrow! I totally forgot....I am so going to fail and not be accepted. God, how will I go through with this? I’m just going to stutter and mumble and they’ll hate me...” Sebastian let out a laugh as Lily continued to berate herself. He looked around himself and then grinned. “ How ‘bout we go check out the church behind us?” Lily stopped her mumbling and stared at him and then behind them. “ The church?” Sebastian nodded. “ I always go.. It makes me feel so much better.” Lily smiled at him. “ Sure...lets go!” Sebastian grinned and they both picked up their shopping bags and started the walk across the street to the church. The church was large and white and had many, many stairs. Carefully, they climbed up the stairs and opened the grand doors. They started to walk down the aisle , as heavenly light shined through the glass panes that covered the walls of the church. Lily smiled , her face a look of serenity. She could already feel herself calming down and she quickly took a peek at Sebastian. He looked blissful and calm and all of a sudden Lily wanted to jump for joy. This was one of the scenes she had dreamed about when she was a child. Sebastian and Lily walking down the aisle of a church....together.... Strangely , no one else was in the church. It was empty but the candles and light that filtered through the painted windows gave them a sense of warmth that made the church seem filled with a presence. The church resounded with their footsteps , and they came closer to a row of candles that stood at the front of the church. Sebastian knelt to his knees and rested his elbows on a cushion that sat in front of him. Lily quickly followed. Wind crept through the windows , and light shown on both of them. Lily felt her eyes drift closed as Sebastian began to hum. Lily wanted to stare at him , but the tune of the song started to trickle into her own brain. She began to hum the same song as well. Together , they hummed together , their voices in perfect harmony. Until of course , one of the voices broke off in shock. Sebastian Jackson stared at the auburn haired girl beside him , his face reflecting pure horror. No one knows this tune..... Except for the girl who sent me those emails..... Confronting Lily smiled , blissfully as she slowly rose from her spot in front of the alter. She felt refreshed , she felt heavenly and it was all because she had come here. All her life , this was the place that renewed her courage that gave her the heart to do things that required a lot of will and bravery. She was now ready for the interview tomorrow..... She was sure she was going to ace it! She turned to Sebastian , who’s face was hidden by his chestnut bangs. Sebastian had presented the idea of going , and she was grateful to him for helping her. “ Lets go , shall we?” Lily said , happily. She turned around and started to walk towards the door , her footsteps echoing all around her. What she didn’t expect was a tune....someone’s voice singing the tune that floated through her heart , through her body , right through her soul. Sebastian’s tune.... The next words she heard made her heart catch in her throat. “ Who was the girl who wrote to me all these years?” Lily halted. “ Whaa....” she said , her eyes widening. Shock enveloped her like a large cape and she turned quickly trying to see Sebastian’s face. He was still kneeling , but his voice , his voice was cold....callous almost. What was he talking about? What had brought this sudden change? Why had he sung the tune? What was going on?? Sebastian got up slowly, his back towards her. “ Who was she? I know for sure it wasn’t Karen.....She doesn’t even recognise this tune....so who else could it be?” Lily felt her heart drop. He was beginning to piece the clues together....Lily trembled. No , this can’t be happening , it couldn’t! How could he have found out? Dread flowed through her veins as she stared at Sebastian in complete shock. Sebastian slowly turned around, and Lily stumbled back , almost falling. Sebastian’s eyes were like ice. Cold amber , with not one emotion flickering in those unfeeling eyes. He was angry....really angry. Angry with her..... “ All these years , Jones. All these years!” He said , his voice cold and clipped as he began to walk towards her. Lily opened her mouth to talk , but nothing came out. Sebastian shook his head with contempt. “ Love is a feeling that you can’t just play with! You can’t twist another person’s heart, twist another’s love into a game!” “ W-W-what do you mean?” Lily finally forced out , dread washing over her like an icy wave. Sebastian barked out a laugh. “ A blindfold.....you blinded me with an ignorance I never believed I could ever possess. How could you do that? How could you make me think I was writing to Karen.....” Lily shook her head , her eyes filled with despair. “ Sebastian , please , let me explain!” Her voice thinned out , filled with desperation. Sebastian just held up a hand. “ No, Jones. I don’t want to hear any more lies. I don’t want to hear any more truths that have been twisted and reshaped into a whole new truth that met your liking. I have already learned it the hard way.” He shook his head, looking towards the ceiling as he let out another cold laugh. “ Did you not feel any compassion for me? The way you played with my heart like this? The way you lied to me all these years.... How could you do that to me , Lily? How?” Lily felt tears come to her eyes as she stepped towards Sebastian. “ Sebastian , I wasn’t...I didn’t mean-” Sebastian whipped his head towards her and said in a quiet , deep voice , “ But you can tell me one thing....who was she? Who was this girl who hid behind six letters in which I fell in love with?” Lily shook and stepped back a bit. “ I-I-I-” Sebastian laughed once more but this time it was an almost sad laugh. He slowly began to circle Lily , his eyes trained on hers. She wanted to believe this was just a nightmare that her secret had still remained....a secret.... No. She knew it was real. It was just cold , harsh reality that she deserved for hiding such a big secret from Sebastian... Lily felt her knees wobble and she could feel the room begin to whirl around her. She had lost him..... “ This girl knew exactly what kind of food I liked , what sports I played , what big events happened to me all my life. This girl knew me.....inside and out. She wrote to me , every day , for how long? Ever since we were seven , eight years old. She knew my favourite book , and kept a copy of it in her room. She wasn’t conceited , she was rather insecure about herself. Tell me , who is she?” Lily’s head drooped with defeat and Sebastian just shook his head , his eyes blazing. “ But the only thing she and I knew , knew deep in our hearts was this.” Slowly , he hummed the tune once more, his voice filling the church, his eyes watching her face carefully. Lily turned away from him and could feel her heart clench once more. “ From that day.....that first day....that I wrote to Karen....who wrote me back? WHO WROTE ME BACK?” His voice rose to a thundering yell and he stopped circling her and grabbed her arm , whirling her towards him. He met her tearful emerald eyes with his fury filled amber ones. Lily finally had enough. The tears spilled over and she jerked away from Sebastian. She wasn’t going to take this anymore. She was just going to say what was in her heart. “ What could I do , Sebastian? What could I do? I had a crush on you ever since I first saw you in the sand box when we were children.....yet you fell for Karen’s good looks. Karen this , Karen that...it was all I ever heard!!” Lily’s voice didn’t waver , it didn’t tremble. It was strong and steady and Sebastian took a step back from her, shocked. Yet Lily didn’t notice. She just kept on talking , she wasn’t sure if she could ever stop. “ I kept quiet.....ever since then , I kept quiet. I wasn’t going to endanger our friendship like that , and anyways , you had a crush on Karen , didn’t you? She was a beautiful girl....worthy of you.” Lily choked out , not caring anymore about the consequences. Sebastian could not believe it. She.....was in love with him? “ That day you left , you asked Karen ONLY to write to you.....but she didn’t! She didn’t want to , she thought you were a pathetic little boy. Yet I couldn’t leave you like that....I didn’t want to hurt you....so all these years I wrote to you...to make you happy!” She forced the last word out, her voice filled with emotion. The tears ran faster down her cheeks and Sebastian’s angry look softened. “ Remember....remember when you told me you’d recognize me.....because we knew each other from our hearts? We knew each other’s soul.....yet when you arrived you walked past me....right past me....right to Karen. Because Karen was gorgeous , she was beautiful. That’s not me....Sebastian , that’s not me....” Her body shook with her tears , and she fell to her knees , worn out. Surprise filled her as arms slowly circled around her and Lily looked up to see Sebastian’s face. He no longer looked angry , he looked sad. They sat together in the empty church , both worn out emotionally and physically. Finally , Sebastian opened his mouth then closed it. He wanted to say something....but something was holding him back. Finally , he reached a decision and began to speak. “ Lily.....I fell in love with the girl who wrote me those emails....But when I saw you , I started falling in love with you. It confused me....I knew that I was in love with the girl who wrote to me all these years and it was supposed to be Karen....so why was I having.... feelings for.... you?” Lily’s eyes widened. What....he felt something for her? Was he actually....falling in love with her too? She looked around herself , standing up. No , she was still in the church , the light falling on the two of them in an eerie glow. It was almost dreamlike... That must be it! She must be dreaming.... She must be! She turned and looked at Sebastian , the tears drying on her cheeks. She rose a hand to his cheek , but then yanked it back when it touched his skin. Sebastian looked confused as well , but his eyes still had a look in them. He took her hands but Lily was captivated by his eyes. That look...the same look he had when he talked about Karen....it was..... His face still full of confusion , Sebastian gave himself up to what his heart was screaming at him to do. He slowly lowered his head down to hers and Lily felt the world spin out of control. It seemed like eternity until his lips touched hers and Lily could feel herself melt. It was absolutely breathtaking. She could feel her knees buckle and she clutched him, closing her eyes in the bliss. She let herself flow away with the happiness in her heart. That empty hole....that empty place in her heart was filled... He wrapped his arms around her , and she kissed him back with all the longing she had felt all these years. Her arms moved around his neck , pressing herself against him. She felt him tug at her lips and she opened her mouth , accepting him. She knew it was wrong.... Wrong? A flash of Karen flitted through her mind.... It was wrong.... With all the strength left in her , she pulled away from Sebastian , stumbling away from him , her chest heaving. Sebastian stumbled back too. “ I’m so sorry....I didn’t mean to hurt you....Lily?” Sebastian started , his eyes wide with concern and confusion. Lily felt her chest clench and she shook her head. “ No....no , we can’t , Sebastian. I love you.....I love you with all my heart....but I won’t forsake my friendship with Karen.....Karen is my best friend! She loves you.....and she believes you love her. You can’t...we can’t...” Sebastian closed his eyes and groaned. He turned away from her and pounded on one of the pews. Why was this so....hard? Why were there so many problems? He just wanted to do what felt right...He stood there , his jaw clenching. He wanted...he had to say it. He finally opened his mouth and choked out , “ No , Lily. I don’t.....I don’t love Karen.....I believed that she was the one that wrote me those emails....that was all....damn it , girl , I love you!” He took a deep breath and blinked. The realisation came crashing in. He loved her....He loved Lily....not Karen.... Lily stopped , her breath taken away from her all in one second. He...he loved....he loved her.... She felt her mind sway. The lines between right and wrong were becoming drastically blurred and she fought to clear her head. “ But....I can’t....do that....to my best friend! She’s always been there for me....please , Sebastian , don’t do this to her! I can’t do this to her...” Sebastian ran up to her and grabbed her hands , staring pleadingly into her eyes. “ Lily , we have to tell her. We can tell her and she will be able to let go of me...she’ll understand... ” Lily wrenched her hands away. “ No! Karen loves you , her heart will be broken! I can’t take away her happiness.” With that sentence , determination filled her like a crashing wave. “ I’m sorry , Sebastian , for coming into your life. I’m sorry for any troubles I may have caused you. I think that today , I’ll go back to Japan. I’ll apply to an England university...and you won’t ever see me again.” She started to walk away from him and Sebastian could feel his heart longing to go to her. “ Lily....“ he whispered as tears filled his eyes and he turned away from Lily , walking back to the alter. He stared up at the candles and he could hear her footsteps....each step echoing in his mind. He could not believe it....Lily , the best friend , the girl who always was invisible in his obsession with Karen......the girl who just stood there......always there for Sebastian.....She was the girl he had fallen in love with. This love made more sense now....with Karen , it always seemed like something was missing....but this love was complete.... Anger seeped through him , and a muscle jumped in his jaw. He wouldn’t let her go.....not now once he had finally found her.... He heard her reach the door and stop. Hope filled his heart. Maybe... Lily’s voice floated through his mind, and Sebastian could tell she was fighting tears , trying to make him understand. “ Friendship is the most superior relationship above all others. It’s the relationship that starts love , after all. Friendship is the only thing that overpowers love. I will not risk friendship for love , Sebastian.” Sebastian felt his heart drop. He quickly answered , “ How about our friendship , Lily? It isn’t just about love....it’s about friendship , too.” Lily’s voice responded , “ We’re still friends , Sebastian. That relationship will never end....yet it will never go beyond that. Not while another friendship would be in jeopardy because of that.” Sebastian wanted to turn around , to face her , to shake her out of her misery. Instead , he said in a calm voice , “ So your going to lie to your friend. Your going to tell her your not in love with me. That I don’t love another woman. Is that what you think a friendship is about? Lying to each other to protect each other from the truth?” Nothing was heard from Lily and he shook his head, trying to keep the tears that threatened to rise to his eyes away. “ Lily , truth is the most important factor of all relationships. Truth , trust- , so , if you still believe that we can never see each other again , just go. Get out of here. I won’t ever see you again.” After these ringing words , silence enveloped the room once more. Only the sound of flickering candles and the wind that blew in from the windows.... Suddenly the creaking of a door was heard and Sebastian’s heart stopped. Lily had left.... Desperation filled him , but he clamped it down. She had made her choice. He hung his head , and remembered the day he had fallen in love with this mysterious girl who had written him all those emails... ~~~~~ “ Sebastian , guy , she just asked you out!” Calvin said , looking back at the girl who had run away in tears. She was quite good looking and popular....yet Sebastian had just stared her in the eyes , and replied , “ No.” as coldly and unkindly as he could. Sebastian shrugged. “ I know that.” Calvin slapped a hand to his forehead. “ She is so into you and you just burned her! You haven’t gone out with a girl for ages....what’s up with you?” Sebastian kept on walking , his eyes on the ground , his hands shoved in his pocket. “ I just wasn’t interested...” Calvin exhaled. He peered at Sebastian over the rims of his glasses and grinned. “ Hey.....I know! There’s a girl...isn’t there?” Sebastian looked up shocked , a flush going over his face. “ No , of course not! What would make you think that?” Sebastian stuttered , blushing hard. Calvin smirked. “ You are the worst at lying , you know? What's her name? Is she good looking? Are you guys really serious?” Sebastian glared at Calvin. “ Calvin , man. Didn’t I say there was no girl?!” Calvin just laughed. “ Right , man. Tell me later , alright? I gotta go!” He ran off , waving at him as he turned the corner. Sebastian shook his head and started making his way back home. There was no girl...he just had a really good friend back in Japan who emailed him every day but that was it... He smiled as he recalled their letters. Karen , how come you understand me so well? That’s because we’re one of a kind... I wish you were here , Karen.... I dream about you everyday.... Sebastian halted. Those words.....it sounded so deep , so heartfelt... Sebastian shook his head. He couldn’t have....he couldn’t have fallen in love with her....could he have? Through the next days , he dwelled on that thought and by her next letter he knew the truth. He had fallen in love with Karen and that was why he didn’t pay any attention to any of the other girls around him....because one day they’d meet and everything would be perfect. ~~~~~~~~*****~~~~ Sebastian took a deep breath. It wasn’t Karen , though , it was Lily. All this time....it was Lily..... And now that he had found her... She had left him... “ Bye Lily.....” he said into the air. The breeze whooshed in from the window panes and suddenly Sebastian was aware of another presence in the room. Suddenly footsteps crashed behind him and he whirled around. His eyes lit up with happiness as Lily leapt at him , wrapping her arms around him. “ I want to be with you , Sebastian. I want to be with you.” That was all she said. And that was all Sebastian needed. Loving Sebastian rested his head on his hand as he leaned over his school work. Stacks of papers rested on one side of him and on the other was a stack of books. Damn teachers , he thought in his mind angrily as he tried to create a thesis for his midterm essay. But the anger didn’t stay long...instead it was washed away by this feeling in his heart. A flutter , a whisper......He knew exactly what it was. He had finally found the girl of his dreams....the girl he had been searching for all these years. His normally serious face broke into a broad grin as he thought about... Lily.... Such a concept he would never had predicted! He scolded himself for being so dumb. How could he have not seen it? There were so many clues , so many hints......deep down in his heart he knew , he KNEW that this girl who wrote him all those years was not Karen....but he had denied it. But even now , it was hard to grasp the situation. Lily.....Lily was the girl who wrote him those emails. And all his life , he had thought it was Karen... He winced. How was he going to explain this to Karen? He was no better than those wannabes that boasted about playing girls....he had led her on. He was just a dirty , low down piece of crap for playing her heart like this...now he was about to break it. But he had to tell her the truth. He had to tell Karen the truth. And he had Lily by his side to help him... Suddenly , his cell phone blared off in his pocket. Frowning , he dug around his pocket until he found the cell phone and answered it. “ Hello?” he asked. “ Sebastian , come quick!” said a sweet voice. Sebastian leaned back against his chair and grinned. He knew exactly who she was... Sebastian smiled. “ Where are you?” “ At your school! In the cafe!” Sebastian’s jaw dropped. Lily was HERE? “ Your here? Why?” Lily sounded exasperated. “ Just come!” Sebastian grinned. “ Coming , oh great one!” He shut the phone off , and stuck it in his pocket as he got up from his chair and made his way down the hallway. He hurried along , his heart already beating harder at the thought of seeing Lily. At the corner , he finally entered the cafe and his heart doubled in beats as he saw Lily... Right as she saw him , Lily squealed and ran into his arms. “ I got it! I got a place here in the University!” Sebastian’s eyes widened. “ You did?” Lily nodded, and laughed happily. “ I can’t believe it! I’m soo happy!” Sebastian smiled. “ We’ll see each other all the time!” Lily nodded , excitedly. “ I can’t wait to tell Father and Miguel...they’ll be soo surprised!” Sebastian grinned and on impulse , planted a kiss on Lily’s lips. Until of course , it got deeper and deeper , as Lily hugged him tighter and Sebastian started to draw him to her- “ Get a room!” A voice shouted and the cafe burst into laughter. Sebastian flushed and Lily turned red. “ Hehe....we’d better go!” Sebastian muttered and Lily smiled , hooking his arm with hers. “ We always have a habit of making a scene in that cafe , don’t we?“ Lily said , cheerfully. Sebastian nodded. “ And I get berated about it...“ Lily laughed and then looked up at him. “Since we have to go back to Japan in two days , lets make the most of it , alright?” Sebastian nodded , a slow smile reaching across his face. “ How about we go ice skating?” Lily stared at him. “ It’s not winter , how could we go ice skating-” Sebastian whacked her head. “ There’s something called an ice rink?” Lily sweat dropped. “ Hehe...yeah , that’s right....” Sebastian grinned and kissed her on the forehead. Lily wanted to melt. She still had not gotten used to this. Sebastian smiling at HER , kissing HER....this is what she had dreamed about for years and years and years... Her heart had never been full of so much bliss before. Yet something dark and scary nibbled it’s way through that bliss , through that happiness , through all that love she was feeling.... But she didn’t want to acknowledge it now. She just couldn’t give it all up.....give Sebastian up now....not now once she had him. Lily smiled at Sebastian as brightly as she could. How she loved him....his chestnut hair and those cold amber eyes that softened whenever he saw her... “ Lets go!” ~~~~****~~~~ “ Careful, now!” Sebastian yelled as Lily stepped out onto the ice and began to slip. “ It’s so icy!” Lily yelled back as her legs began to spread apart because of the slippery surface of the ice. Sebastian sweat dropped. “ No , really! Lily , come on! Your brilliant at rollerblading , you can do this!” Lily glared at Sebastian. “ You think that I can’t do this-whoa!” Unknown to her , she had been slipping farther and farther into the ice rink and away from the reassuring support of the walls and felt herself slip. “ AHHH! I’m going to fall!” she cried , horrified. Sebastian started to grin at her face as she flailed her arms about , trying to catch her balance. Finally , she gave up and fell down to her butt on the ice. “ Lets go back to roller blading , I don’t need this!” Lily wailed. Sebastian held back a smile. “ Come on , Lily! Work with me here!” He skated around her as she struggled to get up. She blew a strand of hair from her face as she slipped over and over again as she tried to get back on her skates. “ You might want to HELP ME??” Lily cried , grouchily. Sebastian grinned and grabbed both her hands. He pulled her up , and just as she got back on her skates , she slipped again , pulling him down with her. “ OWWW!” Sebastian cried as he fell down. Lily giggled. “ Now , you know what I feel like!” Lily growled , good naturedly. Sebastian glared at her as he got up. Time for some action. She would never skate....unless.... “ I knew it!” He said , exhaling, peering at her from the corner of his eye. “ I knew there was something I could do better than you!” He threw his arms up. “ This is just too easy!” Lily stared at him and slowly turned red. “ Excuse me? I can so do this! And I will be better than you at it!” Sebastian guffawed. “ Yeah right! Your down on your butt and I’m here skating perfectly. I knew it! I am so much better than you!” Lily growled , “ You want to mess with me?” With her pride on the line , Lily got to her feet , her legs shaking. She‘d show that conceited fool that she was waaaay better than him! She held out her hands towards Sebastian and glared as hard as she could. “ Now teach me!” She cried with as much dignity as she could. Sebastian laughed. “ Alright. Lets see if your good enough! Now push off with one foot, and glide with the other , alright? It’s as simple as that , no , no , keep your arms out for balance.” He grabbed her hands and began to lead her around the rink as her skating improved with every stagger. They went out to the centre of the ice and Sebastian began to whirl her around and Lily giggled every time he caught her. He started to lead her out to the edge of the ice rink again and she followed him diligently. “ Oh my god , I think I’m getting it!” Lily said , looking up from her feet and grinning at him. Sebastian looked up as well and was caught by the expression in her eyes. She was so beautiful......he dropped her hands and smiled back at her. Until of course her grin was wiped off her face as she began to slip. “ Not again!” Lily cried as she grabbed for Sebastian’s hand but instead pulled him down as well , as they both fell , once more down to the ice. Unfortunately , Sebastian landed on top of her and he struggled to rise but their skates had tangled up and was creating quite a problem. “ Can’t you ever stop pulling me down with you? This is the most times I’ve fallen, ever!” Lily giggled and kissed his cheek. “ I’m sorry!” Sebastian looked into her emerald eyes and was given a memory. Those eyes...those were the same eyes that blinked at him all those years in all his dreams. That angel...with the emerald green eyes... Sebastian looked down at her smiling face and knew. This was the girl he’d love for all his life... “ All is forgiven...” he whispered and leaned his face down to kiss her lips softly. Lily’s eyes fluttered close with the unexpected kiss. She pressed her lips against his , kissing him back. She wrapped her arms around him , pulling him down closer to her as their kiss became more heated and passionate. She opened her mouth , feeling at bliss as he kissed her back. This was the way things should have been all these years , months , and days without him. She pressed against him , needing him ,needing his warmth... Suddenly , she broke away and Sebastian opened his eyes and blinked at Lily. Lily giggled. “ My butt is freezing.” Sebastian stared at her for a few seconds and then his eyes widened as he grew aware of their surroundings. “ I’m so sorry, I didn't‘ know!” Sebastian panted as he got up hurriedly , pulling her up with him. Lily wrapped her arms around him and smiled at him reassuringly. “ That’s alright. As long as we go out for five hot chocolates , I’ll be okay!” ~~~~~~~~~~*****~~~~~ Karen whirled around her room , with her walkman blaring music in her ears. “ I don’t want to leave you , no! I want to be with you , forever!!” She stretched the note out as long as she could and twirled around and around until she collapsed on her windows seat. She stared out at the trees , at the leaves that fell softly to the ground. She smiled...Sebastian Jackson , when will you come back to me? She thought as she touched the window softly with her finger. Holding her necklace between her two fingers , she thought back to the day Sebastian had left... ~~~* Sebastian sighed. “ Look , Karen , I have something to say to you.” Karen grew worried at the tone in his voice. “ What is it?” Sebastian turned back to the light of the moon that flashed across his face. “ I’m going back to Hong Kong,” Karen gasped. “ You.....You are?” She never thought that this would hurt her...but it did. She put a hand to her mouth , biting her lip. Sebastian nodded , smiling sadly. “ You never told me you loved me....which was pretty much my mission the whole time I was here.” He laughed slightly and Karen smiled. “ I’m not telling you until you come back , Sebastian. You won’ t know any of my feelings until you come back to Japan!” Sebastian grinned at her. “ Alright , I’ll keep you to that promise!” ~~~* Maybe she should have told him...that she loved him more than anything in the world. All she wanted was to be with him....Sebastian.... She smiled softly , but then a hard knock at the door startled her out of her daydreams. “ Come in!” she said happily. David burst in and Karen rose , quickly. “ David? What are you doing here?” David’s eyes grew sad and Karen grew worried at the look on his face. “ What is it?” Karen asked , her voice gentle. David lowered his head and then looked up at Karen. “ Karen....there’s been an accident.” ~~~~~~~****~~~~ Lily leaned against Sebastian as they rested against a tree on top of a blanket, watching the sun go down and the water ripple gently past them. Lily sighed with happiness as she leaned into Sebastian's warmth. “ Lily?” Sebastian suddenly said. Lily looked up at Sebastian. “ Yes?” Sebastian looked down and then looked at her. “ I want to give you something...” Lily’s eyes grew wide. “ What?” Sebastian smiled , a bit tentatively as he reached behind him and took out a box. He gave the box to Lily , who opened it slowly. Inside it , lay a fragile gold bracelet , intricately traced with silver flowers that on closer inspection almost looked like cherry blossoms. “ Oh my god...” Lily whispered as she took out the bracelet. “ Thank you so much...” Sebastian grinned and took the bracelet from her , carefully clasping it around her wrist. “ My mother gave it to me....she told me to give it to the woman I loved most in the world....of course I thought it was corny and stupid at the time...and I never knew why I kept it all these years...” Lily wrapped her arms around Sebastian and whispered one more time , “ Thank you so much...” She wanted to cry . She felt happiness fill her heart until she was sure it would burst. She had doubts of course....she wasn’t as beautiful as Karen was....when they went back to Japan , he might fall back in love with Karen. She pulled a little away from Sebastian and searched his eyes. Would he go for Karen once again? But underneath that cold mask that he wore to the world... all she saw was love....she blushed. Love for her... She kissed him softly on his forehead and then his cheeks. She loved him for so long...she kissed him on his nose and then on his lips and smiled as he kissed her back. He pulled her against him and they kissed deeper , finally being able to express their love that they had kept hoarded for so long... Lily broke away suddenly , her eyes filled with tears. “ We have to go back to Japan tomorrow , Sebastian.” Sebastian looked at her and pulled away and nodded. “ I know.” Lily wrapped her arms around her legs and stared out at the river. “ Karen will be so heartbroken....I don’t think I can bear to see it.” She felt like such a dirt bag. Here she was kissing the guy that her best friend loved. How could she do this? But whenever she looked into his eyes , she couldn’t help but melt....but still....she couldn’t...break her best friend’s heart... Lily started to cry , tears running down her cheeks. “ I can’t Sebastian....I can’t...” Sebastian hugged her, kissing away her tears. “ Yes you can. We can.” Lily collapsed against Sebastian , tears running down her cheeks , her body trembling with sobs. She had betrayed her best friend’s trust....how could she had done it? Losing The plane zoomed through the fluffy clouds , nearing closer and closer to Japan. Lily curled up in a ball in Sebastian’s arms , feeling his chest rise and lower , knowing he was fast asleep. She felt warm and safe and happy , but there was a nagging feeling at her brain and she knew that she wasn’t totally off the hook. Lily was never in a more complicated issue. For years , she dreamed of being with him , this man whose arms were around her now. She finally , finally got her wish. Only at the expense of her best friend’s happiness... Lily felt tears rise to her eyes once more but she shook them away. This was the time to be strong and steady , to face this situation with cool logic. She had to tell the truth to her friend...that was what friendship was about. Truth....honesty....that formed the basis of Karen and Lily’s friendship....and Lily meant to keep it that way. Lily fingered the bracelet that hung around her wrist and smiled. She couldn’t get rid of the warmth that flowed through her body , how that empty void in her heart was filled until she knew it was going to burst with her happiness. Now all she had to do was tell the truth....the truth to her best friend...the one who loves the man who’s arms were around Lily. ~~~~~****~~~~ Sebastian carefully pulled up in front of Karen’s house and looked at Lily carefully. His own heart was thumping hard at the prospect of going up to Karen and speaking the truth.. How could he do this to her? How could he bear the pain that would flash through her amethyst eyes when he finally....told her the truth?? He felt more guilt in his heart in how he had led Karen on....but once he told her the truth , she was bound to understand....right? “ You ready?” he whispered to Lily , who was staring at her lap , wringing her hands with anxiety. “ As I’ll ever be..” she whispered back and Sebastian nodded. He opened the door to his side of the car and went around to open Lily’s. She stepped out , and stared at the mansion. God , how she wished it could be like the olden times when she’d burst through the doors to show Karen some frog she had captured , laughing as Karen recoiled and then they both would go out and swim , or do something like that. She shook her head. If Karen was her best friend....she’d understand. She knew it! “ Lets go!” Sebastian said urgently as they made their way up the cobbled steps. Sebastian paused in front of the large doors , before resolutely banging on the door with his fist. The door opened immediately , and the butler opened it. His eyes were bloodshot and Lily grew frightened. “ Lily? You came back? Just in time...” The butler bubbled out , his eyes filling with water. Lily grabbed the butler’s hands. “ What’s wrong?” The butler shook his head. “ Come with me.” Sebastian and Lily exchanged confused looks as they followed the distraught butler through the expansive hallways. Lily grabbed Sebastian’s hands , her heart beating in her chest. Sebastian squeezed her hand , reassuringly. Finally the butler opened the doors to the backyard and Lily gasped. The mourning colours....black.... A coffin.... A crowd of people... All with tears flowing down their cheeks... “ No...” Lily whispered , as a girl got up , turning to look at the new arrivals. Lily gasped. It was Karen. She was dressed in a shapeless black dress , and had absolutely no make up on her face. Her amethyst eyes...those lively eyes were now full of anguish as she cried out at the sight of them. She ran towards them , renewed tears filling her eyes and falling down her cheeks. And she ran straight into Sebastian's arms. “ Sebastian? Sebastian , is it really you?” Karen sobbed , her hand on his cheek , her shoulders shaking. Lily felt her own eyes fill with tears. Sebastian , with one hand grasped Karen’s face. “ What happened?” Karen shook her head , sobs wracking her body. “ My mother....my mother , she was in a car accident....she didn’t make it....oh , how I wished for you , Sebastian. And you came...you came.” With that, she wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could , her sobs loud and heartbreaking in the silent backyard. Lily stared at the two , her heart breaking into pieces. Kim....dead? How could this be? Lily watched as Karen sobbed , whispering , “ I knew you would come and save me...I knew it.” Karen’s heart was broken as well....but not as broken as Lily’s. Carefully , Lily slipped her hand out of Sebastian’s. Sebastian stared at her confusedly and felt something jingle in his palm. In his palm was the gold bracelet he had given Lily....to represent his love. Lily shook her head as he stared at her questioningly , almost desperately. Tears rolled down her own cheeks , as she backed away from her love and her best friend. She could never be with him....never. ~~~~~~****~~~~~ “ Lily , wait!” Sebastian called out. It was after the funeral , and Lily was rapidly walking home , trying to stifle the tears that rose to her eyes , ever so faithfully. “ Lily!” “ What?” Lily yelled , not very kindly. Sebastian ran up to her , his chest heaving. He stared into her eyes with his own serious chestnut ones, but she could see the confusion in them. “ What the hell happened? Why did you give this back to me?” Lily threw up her hands. “ What do you think?” Sebastian stared at Lily , wonderingly. “ Lily , you can’t be thinking-” Lily suddenly was very angry. She didn’t want this anymore. She didn’t like these roller coasters her heart went through every week. Nearly every day. She hated it. She stabbed her finger in his chest and yelled , “ Damn straight I’m thinking it! Karen loves you , Sebastian! Are you so blind , you can’t see it? She needs you right now. What if we told her , a day after her mother died , oh , the man you love loves another?? What would happen?” Sebastian opened his mouth to answer but Lily continued , her own heart heavy with the consequences of her decision. “ Karen isn’t as emotionally strong as you are , Sebastian. If she was given so much that her heart can’t take it anymore , she might even commit suicide...” Sebastian gasped. “ What?” Lily’s anger ebbed away , and she could feel her bones grow heavier , as if she had lived a thousand years. “ Yes, Sebastian. I think that....this....relationship has to end.” A sharp intake of breath was all that was heard and Lily ran....she ran like the wind. Away from Sebastian , her best friend , and this love....this love that threatened to pull her back into the safety of Sebastian's arms....but this time....she was stronger. ~~~~~~****~~~~~ A couple of days went by , and Sandra came to Japan. She had heard about the funeral , and had booked a flight right away. She had told them all that she had something very important to announce. Sebastian couldn’t help but feel resentment deep in his heart. He didn’t want to hurt Karen , who’s eyes every morning would be puffy and bloodshot. He tried to get away from her embraces and sometimes the kisses that she tried to aim his way. So far , he had succeeded....but the way things were working out... He now stayed at the Webber mansion , for Karen convinced everybody that she ‘needed’ his support. Yet he knew that he couldn’t give her the support Karen needed. God , he could hardly support himself anymore. Every night, before he went to sleep , after he woke up , all he would see was Lily. His heart , his body , his soul longed for her , wanted her , his heart ached so badly , it was hard to get through the day. And every time he saw her , he wanted to wrap her in his arms , kiss away the strain that was clear in those expressive emerald eyes... But he always held back. “ Sebastian? Can you come with me?” Sandra spoke softly. Sebastian jerked and nodded. He followed his mother into the Webber family room , where David , Lily , Miguel and Karen sat , waiting. Sebastian settled beside Karen , who sat between him and Lily. Even there , he could feel her presence and his heart ached. Sandra settled down on the couch and smiled at everybody. “ Thank you all for being here. As you know , I came to Japan to announce something quite important that will affect our lives , as well as our children’s. Kim and I...well , I made a promise to her before her death. It was a promise that I now know I must fulfil. And I need the support of you all.” She looked around the room and her eyes lingered on Sebastian and Karen. Sebastian felt a trickle of icy dread flow down his spine. What was his mother getting at? “ I think we should all take a vacation...to Hong Kong.” Everyone gasped. David burst out , “ Why?” Sandra smiled. “ For a marriage , of course.” Sebastian blinked. “ A marriage? Whose marriage?” Sandra laughed. “ Silly , your marriage!” A roaring sound filled Sebastian's ears and he couldn’t hear a thing as Sandra babbled on about how the wedding was to be held at the Jackson Mansion in Hong Kong and the bride and groom should be there as well as all the guests. A squeaky voice spoke up. “ Who’s the bride?” Sebastian whirled around and met Lily’s eyes. Her eyes were wide , lost and scared. How he wanted to wrap her up in his arms and take away the pain... Sandra laughed. “ Karen , of course!” Sebastian felt his knees weaken , and was glad he was sitting down. Karen? Oh god , no! This wasn’t happening! This couldn’t be happening!! He risked a glance at Karen , who was still dressed in black , mourning clothes and a sad glint in her red eyes changed enormously at these words. A happiness broke through the grim exterior that floated around her that made Sebastian’s heart feel hollow and guilty. “ B-But , I was n-never consented of this , Mother , I was never told-” Sebastian broke out , his chestnut eyes wide and desperate. Sandra let out a peal of laughter. “ Oh , Sebastian. I would never have done this if I wasn’t absolutely sure you loved this girl. I realised this when we came to Hong Kong . Your heart was filled with thoughts of Karen only.” She rose from her seat and leaned down in front of a sweating Sebastian. She put her hand on his cheek , and Sebastian nearly flinched from the touch. She looked into his eyes and smiled. “ I know my own son and I know when he is in love.” Sebastian turned his panicky eyes toward Lily , and his eyes flew wider when he noticed she wasn’t there. “ Where’s Lily?” he blurted out. David shrugged , his eyes confused. “ I don’t know. She was sitting there a moment ago...I wonder where she went.” Sebastian turned his gaze to Karen , who was clenching her hands in her lap , a bright twinkle in her eye as she stared at Sebastian. She smiled broadly when she saw him looking at her , and turned away , blushing. Karen? Blushing?? Sebastian wanted to groan with the heartache his heart was going through. This....was more serious than he ever thought... And what about his life with Lily? Was it to be forever....doomed? Dealing Sebastian stormed up to the cafe , where he had told Lily to meet him. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. He was going to marry...Karen? OK , something was wrong about that. Karen , sure she was beautiful , sure he thought he loved her for quite a long time , but in reality , he loved Lily. With each breath he took and each beat his heart pounded against his chest , he loved Lily only. So why was he marrying Karen? Once he got to Lily , he was going to yell , “ I'M TELLING THEM RIGHT NOW I LOVE YOU NOT KAREN SO GET THAT THROUGH YOUR STUBBORN LITTLE HEAD!” Maybe a bit of a harsh approach , but it should help. He wrenched the door of the cafe open and his eyes roamed the occupants. His gaze landed on a head of auburn hair and his stormy approach softened slightly. He made his way to where she sat , holding a cup of coffee tightly in her hands. “ Hey,” Sebastian said , his voice soft. Not exactly what he had been meaning to say , but close enough. Lily looked up , startled. Her emerald eyes gazed into his and Sebastian knew that he couldn’t yell at her like he was planning too. Why didn’t he notice how beautiful her eyes were before? “ H-Hey...” Lily mumbled as Sebastian slid into the seat across from her. Sebastian looked down and took a breath. Lily didn’t say a word. He wanted to blurt everything out , the pain he was going through , the confusion , everything... “ Sebastian...” Sebastian looked up. “ Yeah?” Lily took a deep breath and whispered, “ I’m sorry...” “ For what?” “ For....For ruining your life. For ruining everybody’s life. If I hadn’t wrote to you , if I hadn’t been so stupid and selfish , none of this pain and suffering...none of this would have happened,” Lily blinked as she choked the words out , looking like she would burst into tears. Sebastian’s eyes widened. “ God , no , Lily , what are you thinking-” Lily looked down. “ I know , its all my fault. And don’t try to tell me it isn’t , cause it is. I was so in love with you , I didn’t realise , that if I hadn’t wrote to you , maybe we could’ve been together the old fashioned way....you told me you fell in love with Karen through the letters....if I hadn’t written those letters...” Sebastian finally got what she was saying. “ Lily , don’t. If you hadn’t written me those letters , I would have gone crazy. I was trained from morning to night , no time for friends or anything any other normal kid would do...your letters kept me alive. Kept me going through those hours of intense training...I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.” Lily looked better after these words , but suddenly her eyes widened. “ Karen‘s here!” “ Huh?” Sebastian mumbled and suddenly a cheerful voice behind him made him freeze. “ Sebastian?” Sebastian turned around slowly and smiled a bit forcefully. “ Oh , hey , Karen...” Sebastian said , and Karen grinned , sliding into the seat next to him , pressing her body against him. “ I missed you so much , Sebastian...and you didn’t even call me when you were away at Hong Kong!” Karen pouted. Sebastian tried to keep himself focused. “ Uh...it was only a week...” Karen smiled. “ Yeah...I know. But I just really needed you...I still can’t believe...” Karen blushed. “ Believe what?” Sebastian asked. Karen said in a low voice , “ That we’re getting...Sebastian , there’s something I want to tell you...” “ Is there anything else you need?” Sebastian turned to the voice gratefully , and smiled widely at the waiter. Thank god he came before Karen could say....those words. If she said them...there was no going back. “ Nope , that’s all! Here’s your money and a tip...we’d better go , right Lily?” Lily looked rather white as she looked at Sebastian. “ Right.” ~~~~~****~~~~ After dropping Lily off , Sebastian walked up the steps to the Webber mansion. He shoved his hands in his pockets , brooding. He had to get Lily to agree to tell everyone , everybody the truth. Even if it meant hurting Karen. “ Good night , Karen...” Sebastian said out loud , as he opened the door , ready to get to bed. “ Sebastian?” Sebastian winced and turned around. Karen was smiling at him. Sebastian felt guilty at the thoughts that had just passed his mind. How could he stand hurting her? “ Yes?” He responded , his heart lowering. Karen sidled up to him. “ That’s not how we say goodnight in Japan...” Sebastian gulped. Oh no... “ Really?” he forced out , nervously as her face came closer to his. Karen smiled at him and leaned up , kissing his cheek , her arms coming around his neck. “ You have to be real close to the person in Japan before you can say goodnight...” Karen whispered in his ear. Sebastian flinched. A flash of Lily’s smiling face passed through his mind and he pulled away a little. “ You know what , I’m really tired , and I’d better go to bed-” Sebastian babbled , trying to escape. Karen grinned. “ Yah , I’m tired too. But before you go , I just wanted to say...” Karen looked down , her hair falling into her face. Sebastian noticed how her clothes had become less revealing over the past few days. Karen was changing. “ All I wanted to say was....I’m....I’m in love with you.” Sebastian blinked as Karen blushed hard and ran past him into the house , without waiting for a response. Sebastian sat down on the cobbled steps , hard , hiding his face in his hands. What he would have given for those words a month ago! Now.. “ Damn it!” Sebastian growled and slammed his fists on the ground. Confusion , anger and guilt swirled around his head and he wished that Karen didn’t love him. He wished that she hadn’t said those words , that he wasn’t getting married to her and that Lily would agree to tell them all of their love... Why was it always so hard? ~~~~~~~~~********~~~~~~~~ “ Sebastian’s leaving for Hong Kong today , Lily! I’m so sad...I wish he would stay longer! But he’s got to go , Sandra said they had a couple of arrangements to make , and then they’ll send for us! We get to go to Hong Kong!” Karen’s voice was excited and Lily smiled. “ When are we going to Hong Kong?” Lily asked , as she walked into the kitchen trying to hold the phone between her ear and her shoulder as she grabbed a board and some vegetables. “ In about two weeks , or maybe sooner! I can’t wait! But you know , Lily....I told him.” Lily hesitated for a second , her heart stopping. “ Told him what?” Karen giggled. “ I told him that I...I loved him.” Lily felt her heart drop , and she took a deep breath. “ Really? You never told me!” Lily said , trying to make her voice playful. Karen sighed. “ I know , but I wasn’t even sure! Until that week when both of you were gone and then my mother...” Here she stopped , and Lily knew she was holding back tears. “ When my mother died...all I wished for was him. He kept me going...and I knew I was in love with him.” The knife in Lily’s hand which she was using to chop the vegetables dropped with a clatter. Guilt clenched her heart like an icy hand. “ Wow...” Lily whispered. “ I couldn’t believe it at first...you know how I am , I’m not the kind that settles for one boy easily! But Sebastian...he just takes my breath away.” Lily forced a giggle. “ The almighty Karen , ready to settle down with one guy?” Karen’s tone grew shy. “ I can’t believe it , Lily...I’m getting married to Sebastian Jackson! The little nerd we used to hand out with when we were little! I can’t believe it kept that crush on me for that many years! And now....now we're getting married!” Lily laughed as well , but a tear was already sliding down her cheek. “ Married...I would have believed it!” Karen laughed as well. “ Lily...I want you to be my maid of honour...when we get married.” Lily blinked. “ Me?”” “ Yes , you! Your my bestest friend in the whole entire world! You’ve always been there for me , and your the one who introduced me to Sebastian! There’s no one I trust more than you , Lily.” Trust...ha! Lily thought , miserably. I broke your trust , Karen. I fell in love with your fiancée.... “ But anyways , the reason why I called you was because Sebastian wanted to see you! You guys are such good friends , I’m rather jealous! He told me to ask you to meet him at the park in ten minutes! Alright?” “ Sure...” Lily replied and Karen hung up the phone. Lily let the phone slide from her grasp and fall on the floor. Karen was such a trusting person....she believed Lily had kept her trust....Lily shook her head , trying to clear her jumbled thoughts. Now it was her turn to be faithful to Karen...she had to be. ~~~~~~********~~~~~~ Lily walked towards the park , her hands shoved in her jacket pockets. She could already see a chestnut haired boy leaning against the penguin slide. Lily took a deep breath as she approached him. “ Hey..” Lily whispered. Sebastian looked up at her and his eyes were full of pain. “ Lily...” he said , and then walked up to her , wrapping her up in his arms. Lily felt her heart melt with longing , but she quickly pushed herself out of his embrace. “ Wh-Why did you want to see me?” Lily asked , her voice trembling. Sebastian stared at her confusedly , but let it go. He ran a hand through his hair and let out his breath. “ She told me she loved me yesterday.” Lily felt a pang deep in her chest. “ I know.” Sebastian looked up , startled. “ You do?” Lily shrugged. “ Of course I’d know. Karen and I are best friends.” Sebastian took a deep breath. “ Lily...we have to tell them this has gone too far , we can’t keep this secret any longer-” Lily interjected , “ What secret?” Sebastian blinked. “ What do you mean?” Lily let out a hoarse laugh. “ I see no secret. What secret are you talking about?” “ The fact that we love each other-” Lily broke in , “ Sebastian......the fact that I might still hoard feelings for you , doesn’t mean I want to act upon them.” Sebastian’s expression grew confused. “ Lily , why aren’t you trying to understand? Karen needs to know the truth-” Lily snapped , “ No she doesn’t! I’m not planning on telling her the truth. We can’t be together , Sebastian and you know it! So just leave me alone! I‘m getting over you , and you should too!” Sebastian gaped at her as she turned around. “ Is there anything else?” Lily bit out , her voice cold and harsh. Sebastian let out a strangled laugh. “ I don’t believe you.” Lily’s shoulders stiffened. “ What do you mean?” Sebastian repeated , “ I don’t believe you. I know your just putting up a bravado act. I don’t believe your getting over me.” Lily retorted , “ You’d better believe it , cause its true! Sebastian , stop doing this to me! Your getting married to my best friend! So leave me alone!” Sebastian swore , and turned his back too , pacing back and forth. Finally , he whipped around with cold eyes , and grabbed Lily’s arms , and turned her around to face him. His fingers dug into her flesh and Lily bit her lip to keep from crying out. “ Your telling me to get married to Karen? You care nothing for my feelings? Why should I be forced to marry someone I don’t love because you say so?” Lily sputtered, “ But-But-” Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “ I’ll make this easier for you , Lily! If you want me to marry Karen , I will! I’ll marry her! Unless.....Unless you marry someone the exact same day I’m marrying Karen.” Lily stared at him. “What are you saying?” Sebastian growled, “ You know exactly what I’m saying! If you can’t find a guy in between now and my wedding date , I’ll tell everyone. I’ll tell everyone that I love you , not Karen. I’ll tell her and I’ll leave her standing at the alter.” Lily gasped. “ You wouldn’t!” Sebastian let out a wry laugh. “ Strange , what people do for love.” Lily stared at him and Sebastian let her go. He turned his back on her and yelled out , “ Now go. Just remember our deal.” Tears fell from Lily’s eyes and she turned away from him and ran for her life. Sebastian waited until he couldn’t hear her footsteps and then collapsed to his knees , tears rushing to his eyes. He loved Lily , more than his own life. And he’d do anything to get her back... Questioning Lily swung back and forth on the swing in her backyard , thinking hard. Yesterday , Sebastian had left for Hong Kong. He had asked her one last time whether she was willing to drop this whole charade and tell them that they were together....she had said no. So he had left , his eyes on her the whole time. Lily thought this was too suspicious , but Karen’s eyes were filled with tears even though Sebastian was only going to be away from her for a couple of days. Karen was crying way too much these days , though she knew most of those tears had been for her mother. Lily still couldn’t believe Kim...Kim ,the woman who had been there, cooking for her all her life was dead. Karen hadn’t gone out much , only to Lily’s house. Lily hated it when they’d be talking about University and tears would just roll down Karen’s cheek , even though she was smiling. It hurt Lily so much.... Lily enjoyed the whoosh of air that brushed past her and ruffled her air. The sunlight warmed her back and she held tightly onto the ropes , remembering her childhood. Those were the innocent days. Just an innocent crush...she remembered the day she had fallen into that silly crush. It was when they had been playing in the creek and Lily and Sebastian were on the creek side , watching for frogs. Karen was fanning herself on a lawn chair and squealing every time a frog jumped from their hands. They had decided to go higher, to see if they could catch the frog like fish...so they had clambered on a bridge , but Lily had tripped and fallen... And Sebastian had caught her around the waist and pulled her back up. Those amber eyes filled with worry were all that filled her mind the next few days. Lily giggled. Now they were all grown up...and ready for University , thinking about families and marriage and making money. Yet the same thing always remained present on Lily’s mind. Those blinking amber eyes filled with innocence , worry and...Love. ~~~~~~~****~~~~~ “ I can’t believe we’re meeting SEBASTIAN! In Hong Kong!!!” Karen squealed. They were at the airport , looking around confusedly. Sebastian was to meet them soon. David checked his watch. “ He’s supposed to meet us at the entrance , right? I wonder what’s keeping him...” Lily’s heart beat hard. She didn’t want to see him , those eyes boring into hers...yet she yearned to see him , just to feel his presence. She gripped Karen’s hand tightly , who’s eyes were shining with happiness, a rare change from the sorrow that had been lingering in her eyes for a long time. “ I wonder where he is...” Karen whispered. “ You don’t think he’s being held up by another girl , do you?” “ Hey , Karen!” Lily whispered back , reassuringly. “ Sebastian loves you...of course he isn’t seeing any other girl...” Karen smiled brilliantly. “ Sebastian...loves me. That seems like such a weird concept... we were childhood friends and now we’re.....we’re a couple. Its like we were destined...” Suddenly they spotted a figure running to them. “ Finally , Sebastian’s here!” David cried. The chestnut haired boy ran up to them , chest heaving. “ Hello , David!” Sebastian greeted him , cheerfully. He hugged Lily’s father warmly. “ I hope you had a safe flight.” David smiled back. “ I sure did. I can’t wait to see Hong Kong.” Sebastian grinned and his eyes skipped past Lily’s. “ Lily. Hello.” Lily replied back, “ Hello,” but it seemed like Sebastian wasn’t paying attention. His eyes were on Karen and he whipped out a bouquet of roses from behind his back. “ For the gorgeous lady...” He announced, going down on one knee. Karen squealed and accepted the flowers. “ Flowers? For me?” Karen cried , happily. Sebastian grabbed her hand and lifted it to his lips. “ Flowers aren’t nearly as beautiful as you are , my Karen!” He kissed her hand and his eyes flitted to Lily for a mere second , before he wrapped his arm around Karen and led her out. “ This way , David! To the limo!” ~~~~~***~~~~~ Lily sat , squished against the limo seat as Sebastian and Karen flirted. She was getting more and more uncomfortable by the second and her cheeks were as hot as fire. What did he think he was doing,?? Lily thought angrily as her gaze rested on Sebastian’s face for a second before moving quickly away. He thinks he can flirt with Karen and act all lovesick to make me jealous and get another guy...well , he can think again! Finally , after what seemed like an hour, the limo pulled into a long , twisting driveway. A huge mansion towered in front of them and Lily gasped at the grandness of it all. She had never seen anything so grand and rich...she was reminded of how Sebastian grew up in such a place and she grew aware of how much difference there was between them. “ Is this where you live , Sebastian?” Karen squealed , clapping her hands together in delight. Sebastian kissed Karen on the cheek. “ Yes , darling. Soon you’ll be living here , too!” Lily felt an involuntary wince go through her body , but Sebastian and Karen had already gone into the house. David’s calculating eye was at her back and she turned around to meet his knowing gaze. “ Shall we go in , father?” Lily said, attempting a cheerful tone. Her father’s eye narrowed just a bit and he nodded silently. Lily walked quickly into the house , Karen’s laughter echoing in the silent house. His sisters must not be here yet , Lily thought distantly. “ Lily!!” Karen’s voice carried towards her, breaking through her reverie. “ Come up!” Lily clambered up the steps and Karen grinned at her underneath Sebastian's arm. Where I should be... “ Here’s your room , Lily!” Karen pointed to a room , painted pink with comfy pillows and a canopy bed. “ It’s right next to mine!” Lily grinned. “ Great! Now we can talk all night without going too far to get to each other's rooms!” Karen smiled back. “ Too bad we couldn’t get an adjoined room...Sebastian would let us!” She pouted at him and Sebastian laughed, a bit distractedly. “ Karen? Could you help me with the bags?” David’s voice called from downstairs. “ Sure!” Karen answered and waved at them. “ Get comfortable! We’ll be here for a long time!” Laughingly , she skipped down the stairs and Lily shook her head , smiling. She entered her room and swung the door closed after her. It never clicked shut. Lily whipped around and her eyes met Sebastian’s. “ O-Oh...Hey , Sebastian..” Lily stumbled along the words , even though a warm tingle was rapidly making its way through her body. Sebastian shut the door behind him and he locked it soundly. Lily stared at him , strangely. “ Why are you locking the door?” Lily asked , confusedly. Sebastian stared at Lily and shook his head. “ For some privacy. Have you found him , yet?” Lily shivered at the sound of his voice. How could he still have this kind of power over? Every time he smiled , or spoke to her...even his presence just made her want to melt. “ Found who?” Lily asked, struggling to make her voice confidant. Sebastian smiled, though it did not reach his eyes.. “ Your husband.” The words resounded in the room and Lily stared at him. “ Sebastian , it’s only been a week , how can I find a worthy guy to marry in just seven days?” Sebastian nodded. “ True. It took me two years before I found the girl I wanted to marry. But then I didn’t realise it , because I was only two years old. But even now , the girl I want to get married to....refused me. Now I’m marrying her best friend.” Lily felt the words bite at her and she groaned. “ Sebastian , just stop it, alright? Get over it. We’re done. Over. We’re not together , we will never be together. We’re just friends now.” Silence met her words. Lily looked hesitantly into Sebastian’s eyes and felt her heart beat faster than normal. His eyes were hurt, deeply hurt. The amber shine that she had grown used to was gone, leaving those solitary eyes empty and void. “ You never want to us to be together? Is that what your saying? Is this only one sided?” Lily wanted to let out a sarcastic laugh. One sided? Oh, Sebastian , you don’t know how much I love you...more than you can ever imagine. But she had to end this , once and for all. For Karen’s sake. For Karen’s happiness, to let Kim rest in peace , to finally rid herself of all guilt. “ Yes...that’s what I mean..” Lily said firmly even though her voice was a tone above a whisper. Sebastian grabbed her hand , and his touch made her heart jump. He looked into her eyes and all coldness was gone. A vulnerable look was in his eyes and Lily winced. “ Are you absolutely sure?” He asked , his voice low. Lily commanded herself to wrench away from him...she commanded her heart to stop beating abnormally , and she commanded herself not to cry. Yet it didn’t work. “ I-I-” Lily whispered , and looked away , quickly. “ I’m sure..” Lily waited for his response...but none came. Suddenly , his hand rose and touched her cheek. Lily felt her whole body shiver and she looked up into his eyes. He was close, so close...She felt her body warm up and she opened her mouth to say something , anything! And that was when his mouth closed on hers. Oh God....was the thought that ran through her head as his arms went around her waist , pulling her close. All sensible thoughts fled her mind and she let go of all precautions. At the back of her mind , she knew this kiss was forbidden , this touch was not allowed...yet she kissed him back. Her arms went around his neck , and her lips pushed against his , wanting more. They were so wrapped up , that they didn’t notice the loud rapping at the door , the frantic voice behind it. “ Lily? Lily , are you okay? LILY!!” Both of them broke away, their eyes wide. Sebastian stared at her and Lily looked away. Both of them knew those feelings had been reawakened in their hearts, but Lily refused to acknowledge it. “ Find him quickly , or I’ll find one for you,” Sebastian said, his voice low and threaded with emotion. With that, he turned his back on her and walked to the door ,unlocking it. Karen nearly fell into the room, landing in his arms. “ Sebastian?” She gasped. “ What are you doing in Lily’s room? Why was the door locked?” Sebastian let out a fake laugh. “ Oh , Karen darling. The door locks on its own , when its closed and I was just helping Lily unpack.” Karen’s eyes landed on Lily , who was trying to keep her face void of emotion , even though the turbulent feelings that rushed through her body was keeping her from doing that. “ Lily? Are you okay?” Karen asked , her voice worried. “ Y-yeah , I just...was feeling a bit of jet lag..” Lily replied. Karen nodded slowly , her eyes still on her. “ You look sad....you sure your alright?” Lily nodded, trying to recall her cheerful smile. “ I’m okay , Karen! Your always worrying about me! How about we go explore this house , its so big we’re sure to get lost!” Karen’s worried face broke out into a smile. “ Alright! Lets go! Sebastian are you coming?” Sebastian’s eyes had been on Lily the whole time and he jerked at her voice. “ No , I’ve already seen my house! You two go along , I’m just going to get some stuff...alright?” Karen nodded. “ Alright...” She leaned up and kissed his cheek, hugging him close. “ I love you...” Sebastian’s eyes were staring straight into Lily’s and he replied , “ And I love you too...” ~*** Sebastian walked quickly through the doors of the mansion , trying to keep his breathing normal. Finally , he couldn’t take it anymore and he collapsed onto the bench that surrounded the fountain in the front yard. The sun was bright, but all he could think about was the fact that he had just kissed Lily. That she had told him she didn’t harbour any feelings at all. And for the first time...he felt that being together was hopeless. He winced as he remembered the coldness in his voice as he spoke to her. He didn’t mean it...but he wanted her so bad. And this whole thing was HIS fault. If he hadn’t been so blind...! Sebastian ran a hand through his hair , trying to calm his beating heart. Lily was going through a lot of pain...so was Karen. They both had their problems , they both had their internal feelings and everything was made worse , when Karen’s mom died. Karen was an orphan. And now he was about to break up with her. He remembered those last few days before he left for Hong Kong. Every night he would fall to sleep , hearing her cry in her room. She didn’t try looking to him for comfort, but cried only in solitude, her whimpers making guilt wash over him like a river breaking down a dam. If the situation had been switched , would he make the sacrifice for his best friend? He didn’t know....Sebastian let out a troubled sigh and got up , going for a walk. As he walked down the sidewalk , a familiar voice shouted, “ Sebastian! Hey , buddy , wait up!” Sebastian whipped around and a handsome man came running towards him. Navy hair framed a highly defined face and shimmering blue eyes. “ Hey , Calvin!” Sebastian cried , happy to see his friend. They clasped hands and pounded on each others back. “ So..” Calvin began as they began to walk down the street. “ I heard you brought your fiancée and her friend to Hong Kong! When do I get to meet them?” Sebastian let out his breath. “ Soon enough.” Calvin rose his eyebrows. “ Soon? Why not now?” He looked carefully at Sebastian and said quietly , “ Is everything alright?” Meeting Karen burst into Lily's room , a bright smile on her face. Lily's eyes widened as the hyper girl jumped on her bed and squealed with happiness. "Lily, you can't believe what I just heard!!" Karen cried happily. Lily rose her eyebrows. " Your about to tell me..." Karen grinned. " We are going to Le Kasinta tonight!!" She looked expectantly at Lily's face but Lily's face only reflected confusion. " You know , the restaurant and ballroom , the fanciest place in Hong Kong..." She trailed off , and Lily looked even more confused then ever. " Huh?" Was her only response. " Tonight! We are going tonight! We get to dress up and buy stuff and wear make up and...And...You get to try on this new dress I've made for you...absolutely beautiful , I'm telling you...." Karen sighed, stars in her eyes. Lily blinked. " Who's idea was this?" Karen grinned. "Sebastian's , of course! He wanted us to go somewhere romantic! He invited the whole family and he was saying something about meeting some friend of his, blah blah blah, now lets discuss our clothes!" Lily giggled. " Your pretty excited about this!" Karen smiled. " I know, but its just that....Le Kasinta seems to bring to life my daydreams...a handsome man I love at my arm sweeping into a fancy ballroom and dancing the night away, kissing under the moonlight..." She sighed with happiness. " Sebastian and I will have a night to remember..." Lily shook her head. " God, your such a romantic!" Karen giggled. " Hey, its coming true!" Lily smiled at her friend, but was inside thinking about what Karen had said before. Meeting a friend? What did Sebastian mean by that? She shook her head again to clear it and grinned at her best friend who was now going on about the makeup. " -I was thinking light, tumbled out of bed look....some foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, concealer, lip liner and lipstick with a touch of blush and mascara. What do you think?" Lily blinked. " Uh...I was thinking more along the lines of lip gloss and....that's it." " THAT'S IT??" ************* Sebastian gripped his hands together, and rocked back and forth on his heels, nervously running his hands through his hair. Again he wondered if he was doing the right thing....but he couldn't go back on his decision now. If Lily was to...marry another man, she might as well marry a man he trusted with his life. His best friend. Sebastian took a deep breath. He was standing outside the entrance of Le Kasinta and could see the band had already struck up a piece and couples dancing the night away. The night air was cold and the sky was beginning to darken. A black car suddenly pulled up in front of him and he stepped back , startled. A figure stepped out and Sebastian grinned. It was Karen Webber...his fiancée. Not by choice. " Hey, Karen," He said, and Karen smiled happily. " Sebastian!" she ran up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. " Thank you so much for inviting us here....I love you soo much , darling." Sebastian smiled at her. " Your welcome." Another figure had stepped out of the car and Sebastian's eyes had suddenly glued themselves to her. She was....gorgeous. Her auburn hair fell softly to her shoulders , the bangs framing a face that he loved so much....she was wearing a soft lavender dress that touched her curves here and there and fell pleasingly down to her feet. A red tint grew on her cheeks and Sebastian realised he was staring. " Well..." Sebastian coughed. " Hello, Lily." Lily stared at him. " Hello, Sebastian." Their eyes met for a second and the fire that tied them both together fizzed in between them. Karen was looking between the two confusedly. " Is...Something wrong?" Karen asked, her voice questioning. Sebastian shook his head and ran his hand through his hair. " No, no, not at all. Lets go in, shall we?" Karen smiled happily. " Lets go! Come on, Lily!" Lily smiled at her best friend and Sebastian felt his heart melt , even if the smile was not directed to him. He wished...well, it didn't matter what he wished. It all was up to her... They walked into the restaurant and the band had picked up a lovely tune. The place was huge, with tables lining the outside of a humongous ballroom. There was a stage at the front , where a large band was playing. There was two sweeping marbled staircases that led to the restrooms and separate rooms as well for privacy. " Oh, Sebastian, look how fancy this place is!" Karen exclaimed. " They have one big band.." Lily said wonderingly. " It's like an orchestra...and look at those glasses. They look like crystal. Look at the people here! So rich and beautiful..." Sebastian grinned at her. " This place is owned by one of my friends. I think you'll meet him in a couple of minutes. I wonder where he is." Karen shrugged, impatiently. " Come on, Sebastian , lets dance. Lily , come on!" Lily giggled. " You two , go dance. I'll stand and watch." Karen narrowed her eyes. " No way, your dancing too!" With that , she had dragged Lily and Sebastian into the dance. The dance floor was full of people and Lily realised that the dance was the kind where you switched partners every two stanzas. Lily's eyes widened as a handsome gentlemen had grabbed her hands and was leading her around the room. Oh, I am going to kill her , Lily thought murderously as Karen looked back , laughingly. Her arms were wrapped around Sebastian but Sebastian's eyes were fixed on Lily. Lily turned her gaze away immediately as she was twirled into another man's arms. She looked up and met the man's eyes. His eyes were kind and knowing, a twinkling navy blue. A bright smile played along his lips and Lily felt herself smiling back in spite of herself. " Hello," the man said, his voice like music as he led her around the dance floor. " Hey..." she replied. " Your quite a pretty girl and you can dance well. What's your name?" He asked curiously. Lily giggled. " Jones Lily." The boy grinned and Lily noticed he had a very charming smile. "That's a beautiful name." She suddenly felt herself being twirled away and she yelled out, " What's your name?" before she landed in another man's arms. She shook her head playfully and looked into her partner's face. Burning amber orbs gazed into hers. She gulped and suddenly, she was aware of the places he held her, of the way he gazed at her, of the longing that burst inside of her to touch him. " H-hey, Sebastian.." She mumbled. Sebastian didn't speak a word, but before she was twirled off again, he whispered, " I hope you liked my friend." Lily confusedly tripped a couple times as her next partner led her across the dance floor. What did he mean, I hope you liked my friend? What did he mean by that? What friend was he talking about? The dance made them switch partners over and over until Lily was again in the mysterious boy's arms. " You never told me your name!" Lily blurted as soon as she was in his arms. The boy laughed. " You don't need to know my name now. You'll find out soon enough." Lily blinked. Man, people didn't know how to speak straight these days. " You live in Hong Kong, don't you?" Lily asked. The boy nodded and Lily said cheerfully, " I'm from Japan. We're here for my best friend's wedding." The boy's eyebrows rose. " Is your best friend that girl over there?" Lily twisted and her eyes widened. He was pointing at Karen, who was waving at Lily cheerfully. Lily gasped. " How did you know?" The boy laughed and Lily felt herself being twirled once more. The song ended abruptly and Lily landed in Sebastian's arms. She gulped and avoided his eyes. His arms tightened around her once , before letting her go. " Sebastian!" Karen gasped as she ran up to them , grabbing Sebastian's arm. " That was fun! This place is great! I can't believe this friend of yours owns it! Who is he?" Sebastian looked around. " I'll go find him, so I can introduce him to you. As for now, go enjoy yourselves. Everything's for free, so don't hold back!" Karen smiled at Sebastian. "Alright. See you in a bit, love." " See ya." Karen turned to Lily and grinned. " Now once he's gone, lets go have some fun , alright? I wish I could've videotaped you as you were dancing. You know , you looked so cute!" Lily sweat dropped. " Yah...lets go find the food alright?" Karen grinned but before she could reply, a waiter came up to them , holding a silver platter. " A message for the lady...." The waiter said pompously. A folded card lay on the platter and Lily blinked. " Karen, pick it up!" Lily nudged her. The waiter shook his head. " No, its for you!" Lily's eyes widened. " O-Okay..." She picked it up and Karen leaned over Lily's shoulder so she could read it too. Only an angel can be as beautiful as you... Karen let out a whoop. " Someone has a secret admirer!" Lily stared at the card. " What? No, this must be some foolish prank!" Karen wiggled her eyebrows. " I don't know about that! Come on, lets go get something to eat and rate all the guys who are staring at you. The hottest one must be your secret admirer!" Lily burst out laughing. " Whatever! This is stupid , but I'll take you up on that offer to eat something!" Karen quickly chose out a table and they settled down as a waiter gave them menus. As their first course was arriving, the waiter came up to Lily again with another card on a silver platter. This time, it held a rose. Lily groaned. " Not again!" Karen squealed. " Oh, this is so romantic!" Lily rolled her eyes and grabbed the card. " Read it!" Karen urged. Lily shrugged. " Nah-" " READ IT!" Lily blinked. " Okay.." She opened the card and inside was, this rose represents you , dear Lily. Sweet, beautiful and true. Lily felt a sensation at her back and she turned around. Sebastian didn't send these...did he? She looked around watching for someone to pop out and say, ' Haha! Gotcha!' or something along the lines of that. Lily sighed and shook her head. Might as well forget these silly cards. Karen however was gushing about them. " Aww! Oh my god, Lily, we HAVE to find out who's sending you these cards!" Lily shrugged. " I don't exactly care.." " Lily! Come on! This person is definitely a romantic!" Lily giggled. Then this secret admirer was definitely not Sebastian! Suddenly Karen's eyes started to sparkle. " Sebastian's coming!" Lily froze in her seat. " Great..." Lily could feel Sebastian's presence as he stood behind her. " Hey , Karen. Look who I brought with me! My friend.." For someone he enunciated this word and Lily felt the hairs at the back of her neck rise, " Calvin Bartos." Lily watched Karen's reaction carefully. Her eyes widened slowly and a curve appeared at the corner of her lips. He's hot, Lily guessed. And definitely a guy Karen would look three times at.. " Hey, Karen," A deep, almost amused voice said. Lily twisted around. She knew that voice. Instantly, her eyes met navy blue ones. It was that man she had danced with! The one who spoke in riddles! " You!" Lily burst out. Calvin grinned. " Uh huh. Told you you'd find out my name soon enough!" Lily remembered something else too. Sebastian had said, ' How did you like my friend..' He had meant Calvin! But why did he want her to like him?? Karen winked at Lily and mouthed, He's a hottie! Suddenly , Calvin knelt onto his knees. He smiled at her and his eyes seemed to hold this wise twinkle in them like he knew a lot more then he let on. “ A rose...for the lady.” Lily gasped as he handed her a rose and a card attached to it. She opened the card and inside was written, Who admires your beauty , kindness and grace? I do. Lily glanced at him in shock. “ Your the one who sent me all those cards??” Karen squealed and Calvin nodded. “ I couldn’t let you go without letting you know how much I admire you.” Lily grinned. “ Your such a charmer, Calvin!” Calvin ruffed up his collar. “ Well, charm is one of my better qualities!” Lily giggled as Karen caught her eye and gave her a thumbs up. Lily rose her eyebrows and Karen clearly pointed to him and then at her. What? Karen wanted her to go for Calvin? The very idea made her laugh. All she had ever wanted was Sebastian...another guy was laughable! But then again...Lily remembered Sebastian's deal. Find a guy...How did you like my friend.. Sebastian wanted Lily to marry Calvin! Lily let out a gasp. All three of them turned to her. " What is it, Lily?" Calvin asked. Lily tried to shrug it off nonchalantly. " N-Nothing, really. I just remembered something I had to do..." Lily got up quickly and whispered a hasty, " See you in a minute!" and fled. She quickly went to the entrance and hid behind one of the pillars. There she rested on the marble stone and tried to sort out her feelings. Sebastian actually wanted Lily to marry Calvin? But why? Why would he want her to marry someone else , because that would force him to marry Karen too... She didn't get any of it. Maybe it was because...he didn't...he didn't.. Love her anymore. " Lily?" The voice that sent shivers down her spine jolted her out of her thinking. She turned around and met Sebastian's soft amber eyes. Her eyes clouded with anger. " I know what your plan is!" Lily whispered angrily. " Who the hell do you think you are, some matchmaker telling me who to marry?" Sebastian looked back at her sombrely. " Isn't that what your doing?" Lily burst out, " How the hell am I being a match maker?" Sebastian replied, " Your the one who's telling me to marry Karen. And you know the only reason I'm doing this? Its all for you. Its all because you asked me not to break her heart. I'd rather tell her the truth right now. But you decided to become matchmaker." Lily breathed in slowly and blinked. It was true...wasn't it? So Sebastian had every right to do this to her. God.. Lily felt tears slip past her eyes. " I'm so tired of this Sebastian. Why are you...Why am I..." Sebastian's features hardened then softened as she collapsed into his arms. " Can we tell her the truth? Please, Lily. I...I love you...way too much...and I don't want to lose you!" Lily looked up with tear stained cheeks. He still loved her! " B-But we can't...we can't...." Sebastian tilted her face with one finger. " I know." Their eyes met and Sebastian touched his lips against her forehead. Then against her eyelids, then against her cheek. His lips drew back reluctantly but Lily turned her head quickly and caught his lips with her own. Longing tore through her and she wrapped her arms around him tighter. She opened her mouth and the kiss turned into one of urgency. Lost in bliss, a voice echoed in the back of their minds. " Lily? Sebastian? Where are you?" Karen's voice got closer and closer. " Lily??" Knowing “Lily??” The voice asked, confusedly. Lily broke away from Sebastian at the sound of the voice, her eyes widening with shock and fear. Sebastian’s eyes reflected the same thing and they turned around quickly. Calvin was standing there, smirking as Karen rounded the corner after him. Her eyes held a relieved look as she saw Lily, but then grew confused at the position they were in. Lily was wrapped so closely with Sebastian, their arms around each other and their faces so close...that it was hard to believe that this could be a friendly hug...Lily noticed the same thing and wrenched away from Sebastian as quickly as she could, breathing hard and fast, her heart pounding in her chest. “ Oh...Hey, T-Karen...” Lily stumbled. Sebastian was watching Calvin and his eyes narrowed considerably. “ What are you two doing here?” Karen still was staring at them with a confused look in her eye, much like she had discovered something new and was denying it as much as she could. “ W-Well, I was worried about Lily and when I saw you come after her, Sebastian, I knew something was wrong, so Calvin and I followed you...” “ And that leads us up to the present moment!” Calvin finished with a flourish, sweeping his hands out to Lily and Sebastian, raising his eyebrows pointedly. Sebastian growled under his throat. He was so going to kill Calvin after this... “ Well, Lily was just feeling a bit ill, so I comforted her and that’s about it. Lily’s fine now, aren’t you?” Sebastian asked, his eyes on Lily. Lily still looked quite pale and her eyes wide with fear. “ Y-yes, yes, I’m fine now, I’m not sick anymore, Sebastian helped me, yes, I’m quite fine...” Karen’s eyes narrowed a bit at her babbling. “ Lily, maybe you might be coming down with something. You look quite pale.” Lily shook her head forcefully. “ No, don’t worry, I’m not sick. Let’s just get on with the party, shall we? I don’t want to ruin your fun.” Karen replied, “ Your not going to ruin our fun! If your feeling sick, then we should take you home right now-” Lily patted her friends arm and let out a smile that Sebastian could instantly tell was forced. “ It’s alright, Karen. Thanks for worrying, but I’m fine now. Let’s go eat now, alright? I’m starving!” Karen stared into her friends eyes than smiled. “ Alright. Whatever you say! Come on, Sebastian, lets go!” The two friends walked back to the table, but Lily shot him a quick look before leaving. Sebastian knew exactly what she meant. That was close. That shouldn’t happen again. Ever... Sebastian hadn’t forgotten about Calvin and he could tell his best friend had a wide grin even without looking. Sebastian turned around and rolled his eyes. “ Stop smirking, Calvin.” Calvin let out a laugh. “ Why shouldn’t I be smirking? I don’t think you should be angry with me, Sebastian...” Sebastian growled, “ Why not??” Calvin shrugged. “ I think you should be thanking me right about now.” Sebastian let out his breath, frustrated. “ Why the hell should I be thanking you?? Look, Calvin , whatever you saw, it wasn’t what you think it was! She was just feeling a bit ill, I comforted her, that’s it, end of story!” Calvin laughed and leaned back on the pillar, his eyes on Sebastian. “ My best friend...love hit you kind of hard, didn’t it? Karen....and Lily.” Sebastian burst out, “ You don’t know what your talking about-” Calvin’s twinkling eyes turned serious as he said, “ I know exactly what I’m talking about. I know a little more than you think I do, Sebastian. I’ll go along with your little plan just because your my best friend, but let me tell you, keeping secrets isn’t going to help you or Lily. It’s all going to come out someday and thanks to me, it didn’t come out today. Just watch out, Sebastian. Watch out.” Calvin turned away and smiled at Sebastian. “ Now lets go eat, alright? I heard there was a fine lobster on the menu...man, my stomach is growling already...” Sebastian’s amber eyes were deep in thought as he followed Calvin back to the table where Lily and Karen were already ordering. Calvin’s words ran through his mind and he knew Calvin had some sort of way of finding out things that he shouldn’t know. Why was Calvin prying in his business for? And why....why did Calvin always have to be so right?? ******** “ Come on , Lily, you are so slow! Get a move on!!” Karen cried as Lily hurried to keep up with the long paces of her friend. “ Alright, alright! But why are we in such a hurry?” Lily asked, confusedly as she raced ahead in order to walk with her friends. “ Sebastian’s meeting us at a restaurant! I told him that he should show us around Hong Kong today,” Karen said eagerly, her amethyst eyes glowing with excitement. Lily laughed, a bit awkwardly. “ Oh, I’ve already seen Sebastian’s tour. Very boring, if I say so myself.” Karen halted and turned around, her eyebrows raising. “ You and Sebastian have already toured the city? Why didn’t you bring me along?” Lily gulped. Uh oh... “ It was when I came to Hong Kong for the University interview...” Karen’s eyes widened. “ And you saw Sebastian here? Why didn’t you tell me??” Lily shifted, uncomfortably. “ It wasn’t such a big deal...” Oh yes it was... Karen watched her best friend for a few more seconds before shrugging. “ Whatever. We’ll tell Sebastian to take us on another tour...to the malls!” Lily let out a relieved laugh as Karen raced down the sidewalk. Finally they reached the place where Sebastian was going to meet them. Sebastian was waving at them from across the street at in outdoor restaurant and Karen waved back eagerly. “ Hi, Sebastian!” Karen squealed and ran out into the middle of the street. Lily raced after her and realized at that moment what a mistake it was. Karen had raced into the street where cars were coming fast and she whipped around to see a car heading straight for them , showing no intention of slowing. “ Lily, WATCH OUT!” Sebastian’s yell came from miles away and Lily’s eyes were wide with fear and her heart completely stopped as a hand reached out and grabbed her arm , pulling her safely to the sidewalk. Breathing hard, she looked up to see Sebastian’s worried and scared face. “ Are you alright?” He asked Karen and Lily over the beeping and honking of the racing cars. Karen looked scared too. “ Oh, I’m okay. I just learned a big lesson. Look both ways before crossing the street.” Lily let out a little laugh. “ We learned that in kindergarten , Karen!” Karen laughed back and they walked to the table Sebastian had chosen for them. Karen still looked shaken from the near crash and Lily knew she was thinking deeply. After they ordered, Karen twirled her straw in her shake and looked at Sebastian with raised eyebrows. “ How much does love mean to you, Sebastian?” Sebastian choked on his coke. “ What?” Karen grinned. “ How much does love mean to you? It’s a simple question, asking for a simple answer.” Lily coughed. “ Where is this coming from, Karen? Let’s talk about something different, say what we’ll do when we grow up-” Karen was still watching Sebastian. “ Nah, I’d rather talk about this. Sebastian, answer my question! How much does love mean to you?” Sebastian looked uncomfortable. “ It means a lot, I guess.” Karen laughed. “ Nice answer. How much does friendship mean to you?” Sebastian groaned. “ What is this, 21 questions?” Karen giggled. “ Come on. Just play along. How much does friendship mean to you?” Sebastian answered, “ Friendship means a lot to me. I don’t know what I’d do without my friends.” Karen nodded. “ Good, good. So if me, your love and Lily, your friend, were stuck in a burning barn, who would you save first?” Lily stared with wide eyes at Karen. Where were these questions coming from? Was Karen...Was Karen catching on to something? No that couldn’t be... Sebastian let out a startled laugh. “ I don’t know. I would let you both burn to a crisp!” Karen giggled. “ Come on, be serious. Who would you save?” Sebastian shrugged , awkwardly. “ Look, I don’t know. I value both of you too much and I can’t just choose like that. We’ll see when you two are stuck in a burning barn, alright?” Karen smiled. “ If it was me, friendship would be my top priority.” Sebastian felt a weird deja vu coming on. “ Why?” Karen leaned back and rested her head on her hands. “ Well, friendship lasts forever. It’s an eternal relationship and it comes from the very soul, the very heart and body of a person. Friendship starts love and ends love. It has no different meanings and no one can perceive friendship the wrong way. Friendship has a trust that lies deeper than any other relationship. It’s what makes or breaks a person.” Lily nodded slowly. “ Your right, Karen. Your right...” Sebastian watched as Lily sent a side glance to Sebastian and Sebastian glared at his hands. It was like a conspiracy! “ Hey guys!!” It was definitely a conspiracy. Karen’s eyes brightened. “ Hey Calvin!” Lily giggled as Calvin tousled her hair and hugged Karen. He sat down on the chair and with an impish smirk at Sebastian, rubbed his palms together and cried, “ What’s to eat??” Sebastian growled, “ We were just leaving...” Karen rose her eyebrows at Sebastian. “ No, we weren’t! We’re just finishing and we’re about to order some dessert.” Calvin grinned. “ Great! Where is that waiter??” As the waiter came and took their orders, Karen suddenly said, “ Calvin , you want to come to the movie tonight??” Sebastian sent her a warning glance but Karen ignored it. Calvin rose an eyebrow. “ A movie? Lily giggled. “ Yeah. We’re renting a movie tonight and just having a good old slumber party tonight. Want to come?” Calvin grinned at Sebastian. “ Sure...I’d love to come!” Karen clapped her hands. “ Great! It’ll be so much fun, won’t it Sebastian?” Sebastian clenched his teeth and narrowed his eyes at his best friend. That boy has a couple of tricks up his sleeve, Sebastian thought. “ Yah, Karen. A lot of fun.” ******* Great. Just great. Lily wanted to scream. It was bad enough that she was stuck with so many problems that she wanted to cry. Now she was stuck between Calvin and Sebastian on a couch and she really, really felt uncomfortable. She could tell Sebastian was uncomfortable too, because he kept on shifting as Karen grabbed onto his arm and set a pile of popcorn on their laps. “ Guess what I rented?” Karen grinned. “ What?” Calvin asked. “ Horror movies!!” Karen said with a squeal. Lily’s jaw dropped. “ Oh no...” Sebastian looked at Lily. “ Your scared of scary movies, aren’t you?” Lily nodded her head fast. “ Especially ones with ghosts! Please, Karen, lets watch something else!!” Karen grinned and winked at her slyly. “ Nope! This movie is really, really good, and I haven’t seen it yet! Come on, please watch it, pleeease?” Lily, after much persuasion, relented. “ But give me your solemn word that I can walk out whenever I want!!” Karen grinned. “ I promise! Now lets watch it, alright!” Excitedly, she pressed play and squished against Sebastian, making him press against her more. Lily winced and shifted over more, which only resulting in her body pressing close to Calvin’s. She looked up into his eyes which were twinkling with mischief and she smiled, apologetically. “ Th-There’s a ghost behind that door...” The boy on the TV whispered. The Father laughed it off and walked away but daunting music came on. Lily bit down her lip as the doorknob began to rattle. God , she hated these movies. “K-K-Karen, is it okay if I walk out now???” Lily stuttered, trembling as the boy let out a scream. Karen was munching on popcorn and looked as if the movie was some chick flick. “ Oh, come on, Lily, the move just started!” Suddenly, on the TV, a white misty figure appeared from behind the door and with blood dripping from the mouth grabbed the boy and dragged him inside the closet. Lily yelped with fright and grabbed Sebastian’s arm and buried her face in his shoulder. Wrong thing to do. Right when she realized what she was doing, she carefully pulled herself away from him and whispered, “ Sorry...” and tried to calm her beating heart. She knew that the thumping wasn’t all from the ghosts on TV. Calvin grabbed some popcorn and grinned. “ This comes the best part!” And that’s when a ghost suddenly appeared and let out blood curling shriek. Lily of course, followed suit and leapt onto Calvin, hugging him tight. “ AHHHHH! TH-THERE’S A GH-GHOST!” Karen giggled. “ It’s not real, silly.” Sebastian's eyes narrowed at the position Calvin and Lily was in and he swore Calvin winked at him as Lily loosened her hold. “ I-I knew that...” Lily stammered, her face pale. Sebastian glared at Calvin. What was that stupid boy doing? Sebastian thought. What kind of best friend hit on his girlfriend? Wait a minute...Sebastian slapped himself mentally. He personally asked Calvin to hit on her. And she wasn’t his girlfriend. God, how stupid was he?? But-Was Lily falling for it? That was when Lily grabbed onto his hand and held it so tightly his blood circulation stopped. “ Ohhh my god, oh my god, oh my god...” Lily chanted, her body shaking with fright as a huge parade of zombies dug their way out of their graves. Sebastian winced. God, her grip was harsh! Her nails dug into his skin and he leaned over to her pale face and whispered, “ Lily? Lily, can you please let go of me?” Either she didn’t hear or just ignored him, but her nails dug into his skin even harder. He looked over at Calvin and smirked slightly as he saw Calvin’s uncomfortable face. Lily was holding Calvin’s hand too. From what he saw, she was embedding her nails in his pale skin. Revenge never tasted this sweet... Calvin glared at him as Sebastian leaned over to Lily’s ear and tried again, wincing again as she yelped and dug her nails in harder. “ Lily?? Lily???? Lily!! Let go of me!! But you can keep holding on to Calvin.” Lily probably heard because she turned to face him . Too bad Sebastian didn’t notice it, because Sebastian could’ve backed away quick. But he didn’t and Lily’s lips ended up where they shouldn’t have ended up. On his. It was just a small, short kiss but in that kiss, Sebastian could feel the longing in his chest grow to an extent that he could hardly keep it bubbled in. And if Lily hadn’t broken away with a more scared face than before, he’d probably have kept on kissing her. They both stared at each other with wide eyes and glanced slowly at Karen. She was still watching the TV intently, grinning happily and chewing on popcorn. She felt their gaze and turned to them. “ Are you guys okay?” She asked, questioning. Sebastian turned to Calvin and from the smirk on his face, Sebastian knew Calvin watched the whole thing. Damned revenge.. “ Yah, yah, we’re okay...” Lily trailed off. Karen nodded and turned back to the movie, moving to sit in Sebastian’s lap. She turned to Sebastian and ruffled his hair. “ You don’t mind , do you sweetie?” Karen asked, sweetly. Sebastian shook his head, a bit reluctantly as she kissed him quickly and leaned back into his chest comfortably. Lily kept her eyes trained forward, but her heart bled. She wished...oh, it didn’t matter what she wished. Sebastian was Karen’s and would never be hers. Ever. She looked from the corner of her eye and knew they were still so close, so close together...god, how she wanted to be there with him, laughing with him, hugging him and kissing him- She let out a sigh and looked to the ceiling. But that would never happen...it will never happen. Shocking At that very moment, the door opened and they could all hear David and Sandra’s laughing voices. Karen shut the movie off and they all stood up as the adults walked into the room , grinning widely. David held up a bag and yelled, “ Barbecue!” Sebastian and Calvin whooped as they grabbed the bag and Lily and Karen followed with the salads. They went outside into the garden and they started to set up, talking and laughing. Lily avoided Sebastian's eyes and avoided Calvin’s too. That kiss was just a mistake, she thought to herself as she mixed the salad. Just a mistake. Soon, they had the meat on the barbecue and the smell of cooking meat and salads wafted into the air. All of them settled down to eat as Sandra asked what they were doing. “ We were watching a horror movie..” Karen said and David’s eyes widened. “ Lily watched it too?” He asked, his eyes drifting to her. Lily flushed. “ Of course I did!” She looked at the doubting eyes around her and folded her arms, defiantly. “ And I wasn’t scared!” Calvin cracked up. “ Yeah right! She was digging her nails into me and Sebastian! Just look at the marks!” He pulled up his sleeve and showed it to David who whistled. “ She’s a wildcat, let me tell you! But show her a scary movie....wow, you’ll have to have an extra set of earplugs along with you!” Lily clenched her jaw. “ I wasn’t digging my nails into you!” They all laughed and Lily protested, “ But I wasn’t!” Calvin grinned at her. “ Lily...there’s a ghost behind you..” Lily shrieked and jumped, whirling around to fend off the ghost and when seeing nothing, turned back to Calvin and the rest of them, who were laughing their heads off. Lily grew red, flushing hard. “ I am not scared of ghosts!” Lily said through gritted teeth and whirled off and stomped into the house. Calvin watched her go, his laughter fading out as he wiped away a tear. “ God, she is quite funny! Maybe one of us should go comfort her..” His eyes trailed to Sebastian, who through the whole thing was just leaning against a tree, his eyes narrowed. “ I guess I’ll go! I always had a knack of making people feel better..” He looked at Sebastian knowingly and turned to head into the house after Lily. Karen watched Calvin go and her eyes widened. “ Calvin really seems to like Lily, doesn’t he?” David shrugged. “ That’s true...he does seem to like her a lot...” Karen grinned. “ And that’s just what Lily needs! She needs a guy in her life, she’s always so immature about guys. She’s eighteen already and she’s never had a serious boyfriend! I think...” Karen rubbed her chin and gasped. “ I think this is a perfect chance for me to play matchmaker!!” Her eyes twinkled mischievously and she sidled up to Sebastian. “ What do you think? Should we play matchmaker on your best friend and mine?” Sebastian’s face grew red and his eyes narrowed at Karen’s word, but he shrugged all the less. “ Okay..” Karen squealed and jumped up and down and turned to Sandra who was watching all of this with contemplating eyes. “ What do you think, Sandra?” Sandra grinned. “ I think that’s a great idea! Lily is such a sweet girl....Calvin would be perfect with her! Even their signs match!” Karen giggled. “ Then its all set! Operation matchmaker: Calvin and Lily!” Sebastian’s fists clenched and he let out a growl. “ I’m going in to get some ice. Do any of you want some?” David protested, “ But we already have ice-” But Sebastian had already stomped into the mansion and Karen looked after him, her eyes wide. Sebastian has been acting so weird lately, Karen thought. He’s now so grim and serious and the only times his eyes light up is around...Lily. Karen suddenly felt a ridiculous idea pop into her head but she dismissed it. Sebastian loved her! Sebastian had chased after her for a month and had a crush on her ever since they were seven! They were going to get married! But then why was Lily so sad? Karen thought deeply. Maybe it was because Lily was losing both of her good friends to the plights of adult hood...Karen smiled. That must be it. Lily is such a sweet friend, she needs a guy like Calvin and maybe....maybe they could have a double wedding!! Karen squealed happily. This was one of her greatest ideas yet!! ******* “ So you sure your okay?” Calvin asked, as he turned to leave. Lily smiled, comfortingly. “ I am...thanks for coming up. I act like such a baby sometimes..” Calvin laughed. “ Hey, I just go overboard sometimes! Tell me if I do that again!” Lily grinned. “ For sure.” Lily listened as Calvin walked out of the door and then turned back to her computer, frustrated with her University assignment. God, she needed an idea! Two knocks at the door interrupted her and she turned around. Calvin smiled at her. “ I was just going to ask if you wanted to come down for the rest of the barbecue.” Lily shook her head. “ Nah, that’s okay. I got an assignment I need to work on. But you go on ahead.” Calvin shrugged and winked at her. “ You’ll be missing out!!” Lily giggled. “ Then go!!” Smiling, she turned back to her assignment. But again those two knocks came. Lily turned around and Calvin grinned. “ Sorry if I’m bothering you....” Lily groaned. “ What is it, Calvin?” Calvin suddenly walked into the room and bent down and kissed Lily on the cheek. “ That’s all I wanted to do. Now I’ll get out of your hair!” Lily stared after him, her jaw dropping. Okay...With a bit of a confused smile, she turned back to the computer, only to be interrupted again by those two knocks. “ What is it this time, Calvin??” Lily asked, before turning around. Then she halted. Sebastian was standing at the door, his fist poised over the door. He looked at her hard before turning away. “ I’m not Calvin, Lily. I’m not Calvin...” That was all he said before he turned, leaving her staring after him, this time with a dull ache in her heart. I’m not Calvin... ********* Lily raced up the stairs, wondering whether or not she should have gone with Karen and Calvin. They had gone off shopping, and she was invited to come along but Lily wanted some time to prepare her thesis for University next year. She walked quickly down the hallway and burst into her room, swinging the door as she let out a little yelp as she saw someone in her room. Sebastian was standing in front of her, his hands shoved in his pockets, his eyes on the ground as his chestnut bangs covered his face. Lily gulped as she walked slowly inside her room and put down her bag. “ H-Hey, Sebastian...” Lily said, her voice wavering. Sebastian looked up and Lily was jolted at the emotion in his eyes. It was like his eyes were broken glass, shards of amber, jagged and cutting. “ Hey, Lily.” Lily cleared her throat and tried to stop her heart from beating. Little things had such an effect on her. The way his shirt accentuated his broad chest and shoulders, the way his hair fell over his eyes, the way his eyes looked as he stared at her...little things that strengthened the bond between them that she needed broken... “ What are you doing here?” She asked, her voice quivering. “ They’re all out shopping, didn’t you join them?” Sebastian shook his head. “ I didn’t feel like it. How about you? Why didn’t you go? Lily averted her eyes and turned to her computer and giggled softly. “ I still need to do my thesis for University. To think, summer just started and I haven’t even done my thesis yet.“ Sebastian’s eyes softened and Lily felt her heart go along with it. “ Really? Do you need any help?. Lily grinned. “ Alright...“ Lily pulled out the swivel chair in front of her desk and settled down onto it as Sebastian dragged another chair beside hers and sat on it backwards. “ What do you need help with?“ Lily smiled sheepishly. “ Everything.“ Sebastian’s lips tugged at the corners and Lily felt a flutter in her heart that she couldn’t dismiss. “ Let’s get started then!“ A crack of thunder interrupted them and Lily peered out into the sky and shivered. “ It’s raining...I hope Karen and Calvin are okay.” A flash of lightening streaked through the sky and Sebastian peered out the window as well. “ They’ll be okay. Let’s just hope the storm passes by soon and doesn’t cut of the electricity.” They worked for an hour, talking like old friends, laughing at stupid jokes. Lily knew she wouldn’t be able to survive once Sebastian was....was married. Every time they touched, every time he looked at her, her insides turned into mush. It was nearly the millionth time they ‘accidentally’ touched as Lily reached for the mouse the same time Sebastian did. Lily sighed and got up quickly. “ I better go, Sebastian. Thanks for all the help.“ Sebastian looked up at her and smiled slightly. “ Your welcome. But I just...well, the reason I was here was because... I needed to talk to you.” Lily felt her heart beat double. “ WH-Why? What do you need to talk to me about?” Sebastian shrugged, uncomfortably. “ Your father wanted me to talk to you. He said I was the only one who could convince you to.....to try and chance it out with Calvin.” Lily’s eyes widened. “ What? My father said that??” Sebastian nodded, and he chuckled. “ Ironic, that I should be the only one to convince you. I wonder why he didn’t ask Karen or anybody else.” Lily was still trying to grasp the fact that her father wanted her to get involved with Calvin romantically. “ I can’t believe it! Father told me to get involved with Calvin!! Oh god!” Sebastian looked at Lily and Lily felt her knees buckle with the strength of his look. Didn’t he realize what an effect he had over girls? Just one look into those amber eyes and girls melted into puddles. “ Maybe your father’s right..” Sebastian trailed off. Lily guffawed. “ Yah right! The only reason your agreeing with him is because you want me to get married to Calvin so that I can realize that love is greater than friendship.” Sebastian’s eyes flashed angrily. “ No, I didn’t say that!!” Lily snapped, “ You meant it!” Sebastian growled, “ I do not think love is greater than friendship!! I just didn’t see how you could tell me to marry a girl I don’t love when you weren’t willing to make the same sacrifice!!” Lily couldn’t believe this. They were finally getting along as friends again and this started. Anger bubbled inside of her and she yelled back, “ I am sacrificing enough already!! Seeing the one guy I’ve loved since I was seven getting married to my best friend is enough to kill me!” Silence fell between them and Lily stopped, shocked at her own words. Sebastian’s eyes were wide too. Lily beat herself up inside her head. God, just had to ruin it once again, didn’t you? She thought savagely. Just when everything could’ve gone alone smoothly, you had to ruin it all. “ You-You still love me?” Sebastian finally said, his voice breathless. Lily couldn’t take the way his eyes shined with a trickle of hope and her heart melted once more. Lily let out a dry laugh. “ You doubted that? God, Sebastian, don’t you see the way I look at you? Don’t you know what I’ve been going through watching you....watching you with Karen?” Sebastian’s eyes were still wide with surprise and Lily wished her mouth would stop yapping. “ I guess I thought you finally....finally got over me.” Lily’s mouth grew dry. “ I’ll never get over you, Sebastian. I love you too much. But that’s not the point-” Sebastian interrupted, his eyes glassy, “ Let’s stop this all, okay? Lets just stop it all! I can’t stand seeing what this is doing to both of us! Why are we punishing ourselves like this?” A tear fell down Lily’s cheek. “ It’s not punishment, Sebastian. It’s sacrifice...for Karen’s happiness.” Sebastian didn’t even seem to hear and he said in a low voice, “ Oh Lily...” and reached out to wipe away the tear. At that one touch, their surroundings melted away and it was only the two of them alone in the room. Lily grabbed his hand and looked into his eyes which were soft and emotion filled. The message in them was clear and she kissed his finger softly. “ Sebastian?” She whispered. “ Karen-” “ Shh..” Sebastian whispered back and leaned down to kiss her cheek. Lily felt a feeling like none other deep in her chest and she felt it nearly over come her. Reality drifted away and was replaced by an innocent bliss that she cherished. She felt as if she was drowning as his lips trailed over her cheek, to her eyelids where he planted butterfly kisses on her lids. His lips trailed down and hovered over her lips. Lily opened her eyes and met those burning amber ones and Lily tried to speak, tried to remember, tried to come back to reality but that was when he kissed her. It was as if they had never kissed before, it was as if it was the first time. It was as if an explosion went off in Lily’s heart and the only thought that ran through her mind was Sebastian. He pressed against her and Lily wrapped her arms around her neck, running her hand through his hair as his lips caressed hers. He pressed his lips harder against hers and she responded with equal fervour. Their lips clung to each other as they stopped to breathe ragged breaths and kissed each other again and again and again. His hand trailed across her arms, giving her goose bumps as it went down to her hands, and moving to her stomach. He pushed her against the wall, their bodies pressed closely against each other as his fingers slipped under her shirt and touched her skin briefly. It was as if her body came alive and she knew she needed his touch badly as she moaned into his mouth. He pressed his lips against hers harder and she opened her mouth to him, and it was a crash of lips, tongues and teeth and it was as if nothing could separate them. Ever. “ I love you, Lily..” he murmured as she tried to shut him up, clinging to him, pressing her body against his. “ God, I love you..” I love you.. I love you. Those words echoed in her mind and she broke away from him, trembling, her lip swollen and her eyes wide. Sebastian gazed at her, surprised and then realized his surroundings as if they had drifted off into an imaginary world. His eyes turned back to Lily’s which were slowly filling with fear and dread. “ Oh no...Oh no...” Lily muttered and Sebastian felt a trickle of desperation fill his veins. “ Lily, don’t, don’t do this, please-” But Lily had already run down the stairs and Sebastian felt a sense of loss flood through him. No, he wasn’t going to lose her again, he wasn’t! Quickly, he went after her, running down the stairs and following her outside where she had run to the driveway where her car was parked. “ Lily!!” Sebastian shouted, as the rain pounded on his body. The noise it made while it hit the pavement was loud and Lily barely heard. But she had stopped and just stood there in the rain, her clothes soaking and clinging to her body, her hair wet and scraggly. Sebastian carefully walked up to her, his heart hurting “ Lily??” He said softly and he could hear ragged breathing coming from her but he couldn’t see her face, for she had covered it with her hands. Raindrops trailed down his cheeks from his hair and his bangs were plastered to his forehead. “ Lily? Come inside, your going to get a cold...” He whispered. Lily looked up at him, her emerald eyes watery, her hair sticking to her face. “ God, Sebastian....do you know what you do to me? Do you know what your doing to us?” She asked. Sebastian suddenly understood all of what Lily was saying. What she was trying to do. What she wanted, what she needed, but what she was holding herself back from actually getting. Lily was such a selfless person, willing to make such a sacrifice for her best friend.. And all Sebastian did was make it worse. It was quite an unusual place for Sebastian to understand it all, standing in the middle of their long driveway, trees whipping back and forth, rain pounding down on them both. But he understood now that all he was doing was making it worse. Making her feel worse, making her choose, making her cry and weep and suffer- “ I’m sorry, Lily, I’m so sorry...” Sebastian said, his voice hoarse. Lily shook her head. “ It’s not your fault.” Sebastian reached out with a hand and dropped it helplessly. “ I know that your doing this all for Karen. Karen’s been through hell being orphaned so recently and having to know...to know that her fiancé loves another...that would break her completely.” Lily’s eyes met Sebastian's and tears fell down her cheeks. “ S-Sebastian, I c-can’t do this anymore, I c-can’t-” Sebastian placed a finger against her lips. “ It’s alright, Lily. It’s alright.” Weeping, Lily collapsed against Sebastian’s chest and hugged him tight. Sebastian hugged her back and stroked her hair as the rain fell down harder, washing their problems away. ******* “ Well , hello Calvin!!” David said, cheerfully as the family settled down to breakfast. Calvin grinned back at all of them. The mood had lightened greatly in the past few days and the tension between Lily and Sebastian had disappeared. They smiled at each other now, but Calvin knew for a fact they were both suffering inside. Sebastian was trying hard to act romantic with Karen, taking her out to dinner and going on dates but Calvin knew that Sebastian's heart was bleeding. Calvin wanted to bang both of their heads together. They were both quite foolish, if he might say so himself. Karen was catching on quickly and the only reason she hadn’t found out the complete truth was because she was denying it all. “ How about you join us for breakfast?” Lily asked, flashing him a grin. Lily and Calvin had grown quite close and it always amused Calvin whenever Sebastian walked by when he was with Lily. Jealousy was quite apparent in his friend’s eyes, but that only was a bonus to the task Calvin was trying to complete. “ I’d love too! Bacon and eggs, huh? Yum...but first, I want to talk with you, Lily...just for a moment,” Calvin said, his navy eyes twinkling. “ By ourselves?” Lily asked, her eyes questioning. Calvin nodded and Lily grinned. “ Alright. I’m coming back soon, okay?” Karen giggled. “ Take all the time you need!” Calvin held out a hand to Lily and she took it. Calvin glanced quickly at Sebastian, who’s eyes were narrowed significantly. God, this was fun! Calvin led her to the garden out in the back and sat in the swing under the cherry blossom tree. Lily looked at their surroundings curiously as cherry blossoms floated down around them. Calvin took a deep breath and tried to appear nervous. “ Lily, I’ve known you only for a month or two, but I feel so close to you. I find myself....I find myself harbouring feelings that extend past friendship. I know this might surprise you, but I think...I think I’m falling in love with you.” Lily gasped, her emerald eyes widening. “ Calvin??” Calvin reached out and touched her cheek. “ Don’t be shocked! I’ve been feeling this way since I first met you...at the dance.” Calvin looked down and looked back up, his eyes filling with water. He reached up and plucked a cherry blossom from her head and gave it to her silently. Lily accepted the cherry blossom with shocked eyes as Calvin went down on one knee and took a box out from his pocket. “ Lily....will you marry me?” Lying Lily could not speak. Her whole body had frozen in shock at Calvin’s words. She could not think, all she could do was stare at him. The box in his hand was real and the ring that glimmered in the sunlight was real as well. But Lily couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t believe any of it. Calvin must have read the shock in her eyes and said, hurriedly, “ You don’t have to answer now. Maybe before the end of this week, you can-you can tell me your answer. And if you don’t love me, its alright. Just do-do what your heart tells you.” Lily tried to say something. “ C-Calvin, I-I-” Calvin put a finger against her lips and Lily felt a painful reminder of Sebastian. “ Don’t say anything. Tell me when you’re ready.” With those final words, he got up and Lily followed him into the house where he said his farewells and walked out the door. Lily watched him leave with a pounding heart. Oh god, what was she to do? She couldn’t even believe it...Sebastian's best friend, falling in love with her! That was unbelievable! No, it couldn't be true! But...what other explanation was there? But the facts remained that he had proposed to her. And she had to give an answer. Lily was jolted back to reality as Karen came around her, tapping her shoulder. “ Lily? Lily, are you ok?” Lily blinked hard. “ Karen? Oh yah, I’m okay...” Karen smiled gently. “ You look worried. What did Calvin say...or didn’t say?” Her eyebrows rose in definite question and Lily could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks. “ He didn’t say anything....important....he just...” Lily stammered. Karen’s eyes widened. “ Calvin...Calvin likes you doesn’t he? And he just told you!” Lily looked down. “ That’s one way of putting it.” Karen stared at her and realisation dawned on her. “ No...He didn’t!” Lily looked up into her amethyst eyes and nodded slowly. “ He did.” Karen stared at her for a few more seconds before letting out a huge squeal. “ OH MY GOD! LILY IS GETTING MARRIED!” David, who had been walking into the room at that very minute, stared at her and a happiness that Lily hadn’t seen in a long time, alighted his eyes. “ You’re....you’re getting married??” Lily tried to say something, but Karen was all excited and she was running around the house, like a banshee and screaming to everyone that Lily was getting married. She then ran to Sebastian, who had been looking a bit lost through the whole thing and wrapped her arms around his neck. “ Did you hear? Lily is getting married!! To CALVIN!!” Sebastian stared blankly at Karen and then let out a hint of a smile. “ Yah, I heard. Congratulations, Lily.” Lily stared at him and he nodded slightly at her. He approved. She felt dread seep her veins and she felt everything start to weigh on her shoulders like heavy weights. Was this...was this how Sebastian felt when Lily asked him to marry Karen? David wrapped Lily into a bear hug so tight, she couldn’t breathe. “ My only daughter...getting married! I can’t believe it!” He said, his voice choked. “ Calvin is a nice boy. He will make a good husband for you, Lily. A good husband.” Lily wanted to tell them all, I didn’t say yes yet! This is all too soon! I can’t marry Calvin! I can’t!! Everything was happening in such a whirlwind of events , Lily could hardly keep ...

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