Only ten chapters left :) The sequel will be called 'The Choosings', I think, or 'The Couplings'.

"Park," I laughed as he nuzzled my neck, "That tickles."

He straightened up on top of me with a wink, "But, Dove, you know I love tickling you."

He nibbled my ear slightly and I jerked suddenly with laughs, "Oh my god..."

Park laughed at me and brushed my blonde hair out of my eyes, "You're so beautiful, Dove."

I grinned up at him and placed my hand on his cheek, "And you're the hottest boy to walk this earth but you'd hate to admit it because it would ruin your macho."

He placed a hand to his chest, "Aw, you understand me!"

I let out a small chuckle, "You know I do."

He pecked my lips softly and then I saw his eyes change. My brain interfered with my dreamscape and I broke through. 

I wrapped my arms around Christian's neck, "I... I need to tell you something."

"Me first," he said quietly, "My ex-girlfriend's come to visit me."

"I have to deal with the guy I lost my virginity to for three weeks."

"You lost your virginity?" his eyebrows popped up, "I... honestly did not expect that."

I winced, "Are you mad?"

"I can never be mad. You don't... like the guy, do you?"

"I only like you," I confirmed.

***

"Natalie Ann Roberts, wake up!"

I was shaken awake and I screeched, "Unhand me, I say!"

Emily took a step back in confusion, "'Unhand me, I say'?"

"It was the first thing to come to mind," I blushed.

Em rolled her eyes, "Come on, we're going to go and enjoy the sun, today."

"Fine," I sighed loudly. I slipped out of the bed and stripped to my underwear as Emily shifted through her suitcase. 

I fumbled through my own for my polka-dot one-piece and slid out of my underwear as I pulled it on. I threw a white blouse on over the top of it and Em said cheerily, "Grab a towel and let's go!"

"But I want food, first," I whined, "You can't expect me to live without food can you-"

"Stop," she cut me off and raised a hand, "Before you go on about your 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day' crap, stop. We're going to get breakfast at the shack."

"Let's go then before it gets busy!" I scolded as I grabbed a towel, my phone and wallet. 

We rushed down to the shack, picking up sand behind us. I wonder what people would say if they saw two teenage girls running like maniacs towards food along a beach. Probably something along the lines of, 'calm your farm'. 

But food was an essential part of waking up. 

We waited in line behind a few tourists ordering before we placed in orders for bacon and egg rolls and strawberry smoothies. 

The worker said it would be ready in a few minutes so we sat down under one of the umbrellas along the sand. The water was already crowded with surfers and little kids playing in the whitewash. A few people were sunbathing in the morning light. The same group of guys, including the devil himself, were playing with a frisbee on the shore. 

Emily followed my gaze and then said quietly, "Just forget about him. Remember, you're a part of this massive science experiment with Christian. Christian for whom most girls were fawning over when we were at The Facility."

"Most girls were fawning over my brother," I corrected.

"No," she smirked, "You practically laid your claim on Christian at that first dinner, girl. Then we moved over to your brother."

"I did?" I thought back to what seemed like aeons ago, "All I remember was a bunch of arguing..."

"It looked like flirting," she grinned, "And he flirted back which is why you two are perfect together."

I rolled my eyes, "Sure, he's perfect. But there are times when I wonder if I really do like him or if it's caused by the... by the experiment."

Emily shrugged, "I reckon you would've liked him anyways. How can you not like Christian Park?"

I dreamt quickly about his gorgeous brunette quiff, his unique red-brown eyes that kept losing me in a trance and... oh, god, his flawless, muscular, abdomen. Besides that, he isn't a troublemaker. He has a good reputation, he's smart, he's funny and really kind. 

God, so help me, I do like him.

I shrugged at Emily, "He... is flawless."

"You talking about me, ladies?"

I scowled, my mood dissipating. 

"I thought I told you to leave us alone," Em glared up at the offender. 

James Winchester just smiled, "Oh, I thought you were joking. Don't you remember how close we used to be Emily?"

"That was before you slept with my best friend and then left her," Emily stood up, "Come on, Nat."

I stood up willingly, "Fine by me."

"You aren't going to say anything to me, baby?" James fell into step on my other side - way too close.

I remained silent, turning my head obviously towards Emily, "What were we talking about?"

"Christian Park," she smirked.

I grinned at her and began laying it on thick, "Ah, Christian. Do you reckon we'll last long?"

"Of course," she rolled her eyes, "You two are meant to be."

"Who's Christian?" James asked.

"None of your business," Emily snapped.

James continued, "Does he go to the snobby male equivalent of your school?"

"Yes," Emily grinned brightly, "That means he's smart, hot and rich."

"Could I be dating a better guy?" I mused to myself.

"Yeah," James said, "You could be-"

I cut him off, "No. The answer's no. I can't wait to see Christian again."

I took a leap and began skipping back to the beach house. In reality, where I wasn't laying it on thick, I couldn't help but agree with myself. 

I really, really couldn't wait to see Christian again. 

***

"Hey, new sis."

"Hey, new bro," I chuckled lightly, "How's everyone?"

"Good," Max replied, "Though, you should have seen how upset Brooke was when she found out she'd be the only girl in a house of three guys."

"She's got my mum to talk to?" I suggested.

"She can't exactly go on about her latest crush with her step-mum."

"Right," I chuckled, "She could go raid my mum's makeup collection with her friends? I doubt my mum would never know."

"Does she have that much makeup?" Max asked.

"How haven't you seen it?" I laughed, "Mum's makeup collection is the size of my dorm room."

"Really?" Max joked, "I might have to see if I can find a secret room in the mansion hiding eyeshadows and lipsticks."

"Right," I drawled out, "So, is Shawn there with you?"

"He was here for a few days but he decided to go back to his dorm for the remainder of the holidays. Something about helping a friend out."

"Which friend?" I was on high alert.

"I think his name was... um... JAMES! WHAT WAS SHAWN'S FRIEND'S NAME?"

I heard my younger stepbrother muffle something and then Max said, "James thinks the name was Christopher?"

"Christian?" I corrected hopefully.

"Yeah. The guy got home and then decided to go right back to his dorm. Problems at home I was guessing."

Christian was having problems at home? Was it to do with his ex-girlfriend he told me about?

"Right," I said quietly.

Marie called from the kitchen, "Dinner's ready!"

"I have to go, Max. Dinner's ready."

"Nice talking to you, Nat."

"You too."

With that, I hung up, placing the phone on my bedside table. 

***

"Your test results came back negative," Dr Shree smiled brightly at me, "No sign of any lasting damage to your digestion organs. That's a step forward, Natalie."

I nodded weakly, "Yeah. It is."

"Your eating habits are also improving," she said, "I suppose you once used to love food?"

"I suppose so," I answered, "My dad loves cooking dishes for me and Shawn."

"Right," Dr Shree nodded. I'd only been told this morning that dad had been hospitalised for leukaemia. 

I went on, "What else is new, Dr Shree?"

She looked down at her notepad, "Your sleeping is also improving slightly. A few sleeping hitches here and there, though. How is your therapy going?"

"Don't you already talk with Dr Freemont?"

"Yes but I'd like to hear from you," Dr Shree replied, sitting on the end of my bed comfortably. 

I sighed and answered truthfully, "I hate going to therapy. I doubt going to talk about my anxiety with a complete stranger who only asks questions is going to help."

"Really?" Dr Shree frowned, "But I only ask questions..."

"You aren't a stranger," I pointed out, "I know your full name is Dr Aisha Amethyst Shree, you were born in New Delhi but grew up in Epping, New South Wales. You have four siblings, all girls. You love cats and dogs. You like whatever music is famous at the moment. You see all musicals at The Capitol Theatre even if it means you can't pay your side of the rent for a week."

Dr Shree grinned, "We're closer than I thought, Miss Natalie Ann Roberts."

I chuckled slightly. 

"Tell me, Natalie, what type of doctor would you like me to be then?" she winked playfully.

"Who you are. You're a lot nicer than Dr Freemont; that's for sure," I smiled, "Ask away if you must."

"Everything's been improving," Dr Shree admitted, "Your sleeping, your eating even your anxiety - though you hate the sessions. Anything had a downfall?"

Dr Shree and I were close; almost as close as sisters. However, I didn't want to tell her about the boy.

The boy I'd been dreaming of three times in the last week. 

***

Song: Remedy - State Champs.

xx Sharky.