"It's official, guys." I announced excitedly, grinning goofily and dancing wildly.

"What's official?" Damien and Peter asked me at the same time, raising their eyebrows.

My goofy grin disappeared and my wild dance faded away, replaced with a pair of furrowed eyebrows and pursed lips. I let out my arms and said, "It's winter break!"

"Ah..." They both murmured out in realisation, slightly awkward. That's right, they hadn't really introduced themselves and indulged in a normal and sane conversation.

Looking at both of them, I said, "You both haven't really known each other, right?"

Instantly, they both eyed each other awkwardly. But, Peter said, "Nah, there's no need for introductions. I know him from a long time ago."

"What? How do you know me?" Damien responded to Peter's words instantly, widening his eyes.

Peter chuckled and said, "I went to the same high school as you did. You've been sticking with Tay-" He halted himself, causing us to stare at him wide-eyed. "-no, we've been in the same class before."

All of a sudden, he continued, "Aha, I have to go, my class is starting soon. See you later."

Before we both could even manage to respond, he had already left us alone. Damien crossed his arms and hummed, "Hmm..."

"What?" I asked him, but he didn't twitch at all.

He said, "There's something fishy about him. Who is he?"

"He's Peter." I told him, teasingly.

Damien rolled his eyes and said, "Duh, I know he's Peter. But, how did he know that we have been best friends?"

"Does that even matter?" I questioned him, rolling my eyes. "Maybe, he's a great observant?"

"Whatever it is, I'm stalking him." Damien told me firmly, straightening his shirt. He started tiptoeing towards where Peter had gone to and disappeared.

I giggled slightly and shook my head. Just as I whirled around, someone bumped me right there. A feeling of déjà vu overwhelmed me, just for a short while. I opened my eyes and stared at the human standing in front of me, Asher, the last person I wanted to see.

"What?" Asher asked me, his jade orbs hinted emptiness and his lips didn't twitch. His mean side again...

"What?" I retorted, slightly venting my anger at him.

He sighed and said, "Why are you in my way?"

"Why am I in your way? Am I blocking the whole hallway?" I asked him back, sinking in the a mist of confusion. I definitely wasn't in his way, he could've just walked the other side.

"Yes, you are." He scoffed, obviously annoyed with me.

I didn't know why he was mean to me, causing me to be bewildered. Whatever the reason was, he had no rights to treat me this way. But, I was cowardly. I told him, "Fine, sorry. I'll be on my way."

I whirled around again and took steps forward, leaving him. But, he grabbed my wrist and halted me. From behind, he said, "We need to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you." I retorted, holding back my tears.

"Then, listen instead." He told me, dragging me past other people, receiving some stares. We both turned in a corner and reached a dead end—secretive enough for no one to eavesdrop.

"Jeez, why are you doing this to me?" I questioned him, venting my anger at him. To shut me up, he pushed me against the wall in his grasp—causing me to stiffen.

He muttered under his warm breath, "You're too loud."

I wanted to wince in pain, but the tension was too hard for me to wince. His hands were grasping my wrists, right against the wall, not letting me go. I couldn't even move an inch, because I was completely frozen. Hot blood ran through my veins, rapidly flowing as my heart beat in a fast pace. His face was merely inches away from mine, but I guess merely was an understatement.

Despite of the close distance between us, I scowled, "Let me go."

"Promise me you won't flee right after I let you go." He told me, eyeing me seriously.

"Fine!" He let go of my wrists and backed away a few steps, but he didn't give me a chance to escape at all.

I breathed heavily, exhaling a long breath I didn't know I had been holding. I scoffed, "What do you want?"

He rolled his lower lip into his mouth and sighed, running his fingers through his brunette hair. He said, "I want to repeat everything again, sincerely."

I merely stared back at him and looked away. But, he started anyway, "I clearly told you to not mind anything I do or say, ignore it."

I eyed him back in disbelief, not able to find truth in his words. I scowled, "You kissed me. Yet, you told me to get lost. What part should I ignore exactly?"

"Just don't approach me anymore, I'm...sick of it." He hissed in response.

I'm...sick of it, those words stung my pride and dignity, as well as my emotions. I didn't know why he was cold, why he hated me so much, and why he stopped treating me like a princess like he did with acts and words. I was treated badly, as if I were a stray dog. Maybe he did have a reason, a reason why he was indulged in the marriage—seemingly connected to his father and the company. But, I didn't expect him to be so cold in breaking ties with me. It would've been fine if he had just said that nicely instead of coldly.

There I was, rejected by the man in the mask, the man I once loved.

Unknowingly, tears escaped my eyes and strolled down my cheeks. The trail that the tears left behind stung like an injected venom and fiery like a trail of fire. The tears blurred my vision, causing me to lose sight of that jerk's face. Those jade orbs, brunette hair, and devious smirks. My fingers trembled in fury and depression, my lips finally tasting the saltiness of my tears.

"Fine, I'll be out of your life. But, you also have to promise me to get out of my life." I hissed for the last time, with a slight groggy voice. I swallowed a lump in my throat, not getting any better.

I walked away, passing him. I passed him like a ghost, feeling as if my whole world shattered. But, I was holding up and walked away. I lost all my admiration for him, left with lingering heartbroken feelings.

I was heartbroken, wasn't I?

***

"Are your luggages ready?" I asked the awkward and suspicious two boys, my eyes switching from Damien to Peter.

They eyed each other again awkwardly. Damien asked me, "Am I supposed to stay in the same house as him?"

"Watch your words, it's Nana's house, also known as MY house." I made it clear to them. "So, all decisions are up to me."

For winter break, I was planning to stay in Nana's house. But, these two boys wanted to join as well for the feast. It's actually optional, but they both wanted it anyway. Damien was a regular guest in my home, but Peter decided to join as well.

At this moment, we were standing in front of the university's entrance waiting for Nana to come driving in a pale yellow 68' Plymouth Belvedere. Trust me, Nana was a great driver despite of her age—she had her driving days back in the sixties.

While waiting, I eyed both of the guys. Peter's hair was oddly stylish today, his brown locks swept upward. His pale complexion was creamy underneath the sunshine, quite fitting. His blue orbs matched his denim jeans, making his legs seem longer. He wore a green winter coat which had fur around the collar of his neck and thick surface. His sneakers, a stylish choice which gave him a chic look. Meanwhile, Damien wore a much simpler winter outfit than Peter. The mops of blonde hair were disheveled, towards all direction. His lightly-tanned skin was slightly dry, he needed to keep his moisture well balanced. His red winter coat is a faded one, an old hag I would say. His denim jeans was slightly ripped and torn, in contrary to Peter. His sneakers had mud smudges smeared on it, the shoelaces not tied well. Looking at both of them, they're the exact opposites.

A deafening screech could be heard, loud and sharp in our ears. A grand look appeared in front of us, a pale yellow 68' Plymouth Belvedere, vibrant and polished. From bumper to bumper, the car was a beauty. I admired each and every one of its stunning ancient details. The headlights shone just as bright as the blazing sun up above, which was beaming off the hood and into the supple, leather interior. But, the headlights would flicker sometimes. Then, looking down, I could see my reflection in the shiny and slightly-rusted metallic rims each surrounded by rugged, gravel-encrusted tires. The haze of smoke from the exhaust remained in the air, causing me to cough in response.

Nana rolled down the window, exclaiming, "Hello, hello!"

"Ah...hello Mrs. Peaksons." Peter and Damien said in unison, giving her a slight bow.

"Oh please, just call me Nana. I don't mind." She said, creating an awkward atmosphere.

"Alright...Nana." Peter said quite nervously and stiffly.

"Well, put your luggages in the back and get in!" She exclaimed in hurry.

***

The longing scent of apple pies blasted on my face, satisfying my desire for the sweet and sour taste. Instead of the eighties music, Nana decided do put up christmas music. I missed the vintage interior of the house, creating a longing feeling for home.

"Now, now. Taylor will show you your rooms and freshen up, boys." Nana instructed the guys, Damien and Peter.

"Dibs on the room at the end of the hallway." Damien suddenly sputtered out, startling us.

Looking startled, Peter eyed him with widened blue orbs and a gaped open mouth. He protested, "I haven't even known the rooms yet, why did you pick that room?"

"No reason, it's just perfect for me." Damien said teasingly, sticking up his tongue and moving towards the hallway. He went into the room and shut the door behind me, causing us to avert our gazes.

I coughed to break the awkward silence and said, "Follow me then."

I walked through the hallway with my sock-padded feat, creating soft thumps on the polished wooden floor. Behind me, Peter followed me either the thumps or the direction. I stopped at the first door to the left, whirling around. I gripped the door knob and twisted it around, pushing the door open afterwards. I faced Peter and said, "This is your room."

It was a plain room to be honest. This room consisted of a single bed, a cupboard, a small desk with a chair and a table lamp, and a large woven mat spread out on the wooden floor. But, this room was practical and spacious.

With his hand holding the luggage, he limped into the room and placed the heavy luggage beside the cupboard. After placing the luggage, he stretched his arms out with a heavy sigh of relief.

To break the awkwardness in the air, I said, "You're free to wash up and such, I'll see you later."

Before he could speak, I shut the door and leaned my back against it. I released a deep sigh and walked towards my room instead. I let myself fall on the bed, immersed in the familiarity of my bed. The familiar scent of the bed calmed me down, sinking me comfortably.

Zzzzz...

***

A throbbing pain spread all over my body, making me groan in frustration. It was probably because of my ineffective sleeping position, anyone could've mistaken me as a doll with broken limbs or a dead body. I slowly crawled comfortably on the bed, attempting to place my own body straightly on the bouncy cushion. I stretched my arms forcefully, groaning in pain as my muscles made an unpleasant noise.

I sighed in relief of not having broken bones after all, staring up at the ceiling. I was still filled with exhaustion, feeling numb all over, but the room helped me gain strength with the familiar scent of the room. I abruptly got up from the bed and eyed the reflection of myself in the mirror.

All of my hazel hair was tangled up in a messy bird's nest, having a few strands sticking out in all directions. The pale complexion I saw was horrible, dry and terribly pale. Dark circles rounded my grey eyes, making me seem like a human panda. The outfit I wore today was all wrinkled and messy, I had to change indeed.

After a few minutes of changing into more comfortable clothes, I was glad. The christmas-themed sweater I wore radiated red, green, and white fashionably—although it might not be acceptable in the runway shows. Along with sweater, I wore a pair of striped sweatpants in the shade of green. I tied my hair into a messy bun, more disheveled than beautiful messy buns in Pinterest, and I wore a pair of flippers. It wouldn't hurt to wear comfy clothes in the winter season, right?

Walking out to the open, the backyard to be exact. A startling view caused my eyes to widen and my mouth to drop open.

"What the heck are you doing to Nana's backyard?!"

A cliffhanger, well don't get angry about this! This chapter isn't the best, but it's one of the bad ones. I know the continuation, but I don't know what to add to this chapter. Anyway, thanks for reading this crappy story!