Until The End Of Time

This is my latest story. Just finished writing this, this May 28, 2010.

It's a bit long but I hope you'll read it till the end. :)

I written some humor to this story. Hope you'll love it.

Don't forget to read my other stories. I can't post my other stories here. You can just tell me your email and I'll send it to you. :))

^.^ LYG
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Being an only child of a rich family, all my life I never felt to be loved by my parents. They were always at work and sometimes they even don't go home. I always ask myself if they still remember that they have a daughter waiting for them at home. But all that miserable days had faded when I met Stephen André Winchester. His family was rich and famous as well. I met him when we were in kinder garden. He always acted as my protector because he's always there for me when someone bullied me or something happened to me. And also he is my first kiss. It happened when he saved me from those high monkey bars in school. If he wasn't there to save me, I could have died.

I return my gratitude by kissing him. Well, we were still in kinder garden that time. That kiss doesn't have any meaning for the both of us. On my 7th birthday, he gave me a silver necklace. It was so large for my neck that time. He told me I could wear it when I grew up. He is 3 years older than me.

My life returns to misery when his parents decided to leave the country for good. We promise that we will write to each other. Years had passed and we stopped talking to each other. Now that I'm working in my dad's company, I sometimes forgot that I met a boy named Stephen. It has been a long time since I last saw him. It's about 15 years. Does he still remember me? Does he still remember my face?
*
I was at my office when I receive a private message from an unknown person. It says, "Hello there! It's been a long time when I last talk to you. Sorry for that. Can you still remember me? Here's an image of me." I opened the image and saw a very handsome guy that I haven't met or seen before. I stared at the picture for a very long time. He seems very familiar. Is he one of the guys that I entertain before? Urgh, I hate it when my dad asked me to entertain his client's son. Some are all right but some are really weird. But this guy, his eyes look familiar. I saw his eyes before, but where?

I reply to the message saying, "Sorry, but do I know you? But your picture seems very familiar to me. Have I met you before?"
I waited for the guy's reply. While waiting, I arranged all my things because it's late and I got to go home to change my clothes for the party. My dad asked me to go to the party that will be celebrated in the fanciest hotel in the city. It might be a really rich family to celebrate a party in there. Before I leave, I check if there are any messages for me. And a new message was there, "So, you have forgotten about me, huh? Well, hope to see you soon."
My brow rise with curiosity. Who is this guy?
*
I went home and changed my clothes. I wore a very pretty white dress that I bought in Paris when my friend and I had a vacation there. I fixed my hair and applied a light make up on my face. Now that I'm a grown up, I can wear the necklace Stephen gave to me. Its looks so perfect in my white dress. Suddenly, my phone rang and I answered it, "Hello?"

"Where are you Kirsten?" it is my mom on the other end. "The party is about to start. And I want you to meet someone."
"I'm on my way, mom," I said. "I'll be in there in about half an hour." I said putting my earrings.
"Alright then," my mom said. "Hurry up." And she hung up the phone.
As always, my mom wants me to meet someone I don't know. I'm sure it's a CEO or someone really rich. My mom wants a rich guy to be my husband. But I hope they would let me choose the man I will marry. I just hope.

Then, my phone rang again. Arg, is this my mom again? "Hello?" I said grumpily.
"Kirsten, where are you? And why's that grumpy voice?" I recognized the voice of my closest friend, Genevieve. Her family is rich too. Actually, her family and my family are very close to each other.
"I'm on my way," I said. "Wait for me, okay?"
"Just hurry, ok?" she said.
"Alright, alright," I said. She said goodbye and hung up the phone. Why is everybody so excited about the party? Who is celebrating the party anyway?

About half an hour I arrived at the hotel. The hotel was full of people. I saw Genevieve waiting for me in the lobby.
"At last," Genevieve said. "After ten years you finally arrive."
I laughed. "Sorry about that,"
"Come on," she said pulling me inside the room. "The party already started. I'm glad they reserved a seat for us. It's in the middle."
We sat down and listen to the speaker. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for all coming...."

"I hate this kind of talk. Why can't they just tell us why we're here," Genevieve said stubbornly crossing her arms on her chest.
"Just wait okay," I said. "He will tell us after his long, long speech." We laughed softly.
"Let us all welcome, the coming back of the Winchester Family," the speaker said and then a loud of applause was heard.
"Winchester?" Genevieve asked. "Who are they?"

I was shocked when I heard the family name the speaker speaks of. Winchester? Does it mean Stephen is here in the country? When? Why? The message? Is he the one who send me that message?
"Earth to Kirsten?" Genevieve said waving her hand in front of my face. "Are you alright? Do you know them?"
"What?" I asked. I just can't believe that they will come back after all this time. I thought they will live there for good and never coming back.
"I said do you know the Winchester?" she asked again. "You looked so shocked when you heard their name." She looked at the stage and I too looked there. I saw the guy in the image I'd seen in the message.

"Yes, I know them," I finally answered.
"Really? Look at that guy! He looks so hot," Genevieve said wide eyed. "I just die if he looks at me." Then she laughed.
I looked at Stephen and see that she was right. Stephen was so handsome. I can't believe he looked so handsome in person. When we were still young, he is cute but I can't believe he will be so handsome when we grew up.

"You know him, right?" Genevieve said her eyes sparkling. "I really want to meet him."
"But I haven't talk to him for ages," I said looking away from him.
"Does that mean, he doesn't remember you?" Genevieve asked.
"Maybe. I don't know," I lied. Of course he still remembers me. That's why he left that message to me.
All throughout the party, I was hoping to talk to Stephen. But when I saw him, he was always surrounded by people that I don't know.

"Kirsten?" I heard my mom calling my name. "Come here dear."
"Why did - ," I stopped. I looked up and saw my mom talking to Stephen.
"Do you still remember Stephen? Your childhood friend? I just can't believe he is so grown up. The last time I saw him, he was still a kid. He was so handsome, right dear?" my mom said. I looked at Stephen and he was blushing. I smiled.
"Well, I just leave the two of you alone. Take care of my daughter, will you Stephen?" my mom said.

"Of course, ma'am," Stephen said smiling at her and then he looked at me. "Do you want to go outside?"
"Uhm, sure," I said smiling. I saw Genevieve staring at us and I just smiled at her. But she looked away from me. Is she angry?
Outside the hotel was a garden. We sat at the bench. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," I replied nervously. Talking to someone you never talked to for ages was sure making me nervous. "Uhm, and you?"

"I'm fine too," he said. When I look at his face, I just saw how handsome he really looks. I just love the dimple on his left cheek. His dark eyebrow that makes his blue eyes sparkles. It seems that every part of his face is so perfect. "What is it?" he suddenly asked.
"Oh, nothing," I said my face turning red. Arg! Why did I stare at him like that? It's so embarrassing. And he caught me looking at him!
I heard him laughing softly. It just makes my heart leaped. "You really look so different, you know." I said.

"Do you think so?" he said. "Do I look ugly? Is that the reason you are staring at me?"
"No, no," I said shaking my head.
He smiled at me and his sparkling white teeth are shining perfectly. "You still look the same," he said staring at the sky. The stars were shining brightly above us.
"Really? I didn't change, even a bit?" I asked.
"Of course you change a bit. Your height change," he said laughing.
"My height change? Of course my height change," I said laughing with him. "Is that only?"
"Uhm, your hair is long. You now wear makeup. And I think that's all." he answered.
"Oh," that's all I can say.

"You still look so beautiful," he said looking at me. I looked away from him. I felt so wonderful when he said those words. You still look so beautiful. Sigh. I can't believe he thinks I'm beautiful.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
I look at him and I smiled. "Nothing. I just can't believe you're here beside me. It's been a long time you know."
"Did you miss me?" he asked. "Because I really missed you, you know."
"Of course, I missed you," I said.

"Hey, you are wearing the necklace I gave to you," he said smiling and looking at the necklace he gave me. "I can't believe you still had it. I thought you'd lost it"
"Now that I'm grown up, I can wear it. And how could you think that I'd lost it?" I said holding the necklace. "It's important to me."
"It looks so perfect in you," he said. We look at each other for a while then I said, "Why did your family came back?"
"Let's not talk about it," he said. I can feel that there's something bothering him.

A guy came out looking for Stephen. He told him that his dad was looking for him. "Go now. I'll just sit here for a while," I said. He stands up and kissed me on the cheeks.
"I'll call you," he said. Then he immediately went inside. I sat there for about a minute then I took a deep breath. I can't believe Stephen came back. Is he going to leave soon? I just hope not. I want to spend more time with him. I blushed. I really do miss him.

"Kirsten," Genevieve called. She was standing in front of me and I didn't see her coming. She sat beside me. "I thought he doesn't remember you."
"I didn't know he still remember me," I lied. Why am I lying?
"Well, what did the two of you talk about? I was waiting for your return but it seems that the two of you were really having a good time," she said grumpily.
"I'm not telling you," I said smiling. But she looks so serious and this is not the right time to joke around. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," she said. She didn't talk to me all night. I just can't think of any reason why she isn't talking to me. Is she is jealous?
*
The following day, I heard my parents talking. "Do you think Kirsten will agree? If not, maybe she could help him find a wife."
"Who am I helping?" I said entering the dining room.
"Nothing, dear," my mom said. "Janice, will you please hurry up preparing the food." Janice is one of our maids. She is a little older than me and she is pretty
"Who am I helping?" I asked again.
"Are you going to work? If you're going, you are late," my dad said.
"I'm not late. The president of the company is still at home eating his breakfast," I said.
Well, my parents changed. They were home always and they spend time with me now.

My dad laughed. "The president has the right to be late," he said.
"Does that mean the daughter of the president has also the right to be late?" I said smiling sitting beside my dad.
"No," he said. Janice and the other maids was finished putting the food in the table.
"Thank you," I said to them. "Why aren't you answering my question?"
"What question?" my mom asked.
"Just forget it," I said eating my food. Why aren't they telling me who I'm going to help? They are keeping a secret from me.

After eating I said goodbye to my parents and left. When I was about to open the door, I heard someone rang the doorbell. I opened the door and saw Stephen standing in the doorway. "I'm glad you still live here."
"Why are you here?" I asked looking so surprise.
"Why? Can't I visit you?" he said. "I bring some flowers."
"For me?" I asked.
"No," he said. Then he laughed. "Of course this is for you. Who will I gave this if not for you?" He gave me the flowers and I took it.

"Thank you. They are so wonderful," I said smelling the flowers. "Uhm, let's go inside first. I'll just put this in my room."
"I'll just wait for you in here," he said. "I don't want to disturb your parents."
I smiled and I immediately went to my room and replaced the flowers that are on my vase. I went back to Stephen and he said, "That was fast. So, let's go now."
"I have to go to work," I told him.
"Don't worry. Your dad knows that you are going with me," he said. "I just want to be with you today."

My dad knew Stephen is going to visit me? "Well, alright then," I said. "Where are we going?" We were walking toward his car and he opens the door for me. "Thank you."
He started the engine and he drove. "A while ago, I listed down some places I want to visit," he said. "Just three places, actually."
"And what are these places?" I asked looking so excited.
"Some beautiful places," he said. "Just wait okay. I know you'll love where were going."

I looked outside and saw the ocean. I opened the car window and felt the breeze of the ocean. It feels so relaxing. The car stopped and Stephen went outside. He opened the door and I went outside.
I stretched my arms and said, "Is the ocean included in your list?"
"Yes," he said. "Come on. We need to find a boat."
"What -," but before I continue what I'm saying he hold my hand and dragged me in the dock.

"One boat please," he said to the man who I think is the owner of the boats. I saw the man arranged the boat for us and I saw Stephen looking so excited. A man with a guitar climbs in the boat with us. A man will sing while we were in the boat? It's like in Italy.
"Come on," he said climbing first in the boat then helping me climbed in.
We sat down and the boat started. The man started to sing some Italian song. I chuckled. When I looked at Stephen he was staring at the water. Is he looking at his reflection? He looked at me and I felt my body stiffened.

The man continues singing and Stephen and I continue staring at each other. "We were about to see the famous Rosella Island where Princess Rosella herself stayed for her vacation," the man said. At that, we stopped staring at each other. My face was red and so was Stephen. We look at each other again then we laughed.
"Your face is red," he said.
"Yours too, you know," I said still laughing.
After half an hour our ride is over. "Were we going next?" I said.

"Let me look at my list," then he bring out a paper from his pocket then started reading. "Ocean? Check. Next is the park."
"The park?" I asked. "What are we going to do in the park?"
"Let's just go there and see," he laughed.
He drove his car toward the park and we got out. He held my hand and he brought me to a store that rents some roller blades.
"Roller blades?" I asked.

"Yeah. We used to do this when we were younger," he told me. I remember those days when we used to roller blades in this park. That memory makes me smile. Then I remembered that I already forgot how to roller blades.
"Uhm, Stephen," I said.
"What is it?" Stephen said giving me my helmet. It was a pink helmet.
"I - I forgot how to roller blades," I mumbled.
He smiled then put my helmet in my head. "Don't worry. I'm here. I won't let you fall." He said. When he said those words I feel so protected.

The man looked at me and asked. "Size 7?"
"Yes, please." I said. He gave me my roller blades which is also a pink roller blade.
"Sir, we run out of helmet that suits you," the man said giving Stephen an apologetic look.
"That's alright," Stephen said. "Just give me something that I can wear." He smiled and it makes my heart melt.
The man looked a little nervous but then he gave Stephen his helmet. Then I burst out laughing. "That helmet really suits you Stephen," I grimaced.
Stephen looked at his helmet with a design of spongebob. "Well, this looks so manly," he joked.

I continue laughing when he put on his helmet. Then he looked at me, "Well Patrick star, are we going roller blading or what?" he laughed.
I looked at my helmet and roller blades which are both pink. "Let's go spongebob," I laughed.
He held my hand when we started.
Some kids passed us and then someone shouted, "Look, his helmet is a spongebob!" the kid shouted pointing at Stephen's helmet.

Stephen and I just looked at each other, then we laughed. We ate ice cream after that. "That was fun," I said with a breezy smile.
When I looked at him he seemed to be thinking of something. "Stephen?" I said.
He looked at me then he smiled.
"There is something that you're not telling me," I sighed.
"Well it's not important," he muttered. "Let's just have some fun, okay?" He looked at his list again. He checked the word park and then I saw on the list the word star gazing.
"Wow! Star Gazing?" I said.

He looked at me and he said, "It is perfect for star gazing," he said. "It's getting dark already. I can't believe the time passed by so quickly."
I looked at the sky and agreed. It's getting dark already. "Where are we going star gazing?" I asked.
"At home," he said. "I have a perfect telescope for star gazing."

That makes me nervous for a little bit.
"Shall we go now," he asked standing up and looking at me. "Is there a problem?"
"No, no." I said. "Let's go." I smiled at him.
He drove his car to his house and their butler greeted us. "Welcome home, sir." He greeted Stephen. "And miss." He looked at me then bowed.

"Tell mom that were going to my room," Stephen said. "Me and Miss Kirsten Chase. Well, just tell her okay." He waved then he held my hand and we went to his room.
"Well, your butler changed," I said when we went to his room. His room was a little clean for a boy. Maybe because there are someone who cleans it for him. I walked toward the book shelf and checked out his books. At the left side of the shelf are books of astronomy, encyclopedias and some science books about stars, meteors and solar system. In the other side are series books of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and the Olympians and some other books that I also read.

"Yeah," he said staring at me. That makes me nervous.
"Have you read all of these books?" I asked.
"Yes," he said. "Come. The telescope is at the terrace." He waited for me to come to him then he put his hand in my shoulder.
"This is like in the movie "A walk to remember". I really love that movie," I said. I looked at him and he was looking at his telescope and he was arranging something. Well, I don't know anything about telescopes that's why I don't know what he's doing. But he looks so handsome in there. All I could do was stare at him.

"Come," he said looking at me.
I went to him and I peeked at the horoscope. "Wow!" I said. "This is beautiful."
"Just wait. You'll see something beautiful," he said.
I waited for about two minutes then -there it is. A shooting star! "Did you wish for something?" he asked me.
I didn't think of that before but I just nodded. I wished after the shooting star passed. I wished that Stephen will never again leave. I looked at him then he looked at me seriously. My heart is beating so fast now. My lips seem to be dry and my body is shaking.

He put his hand in my shoulder then he lowered his face, then -
"Stephen?" We heard his mom calling. "There you are. I - "
We jumped when she saw us. My heart is pounding so hard.
His mom smiled. "Am I interrupting something?"
"Mom," Stephen said nervously.
Her mom looked at me then she said, "My, my. Look at Kirsten. You look so beautiful, dear. I'm so glad Stephen chose you for -."

"Mom," Stephen glared. They looked at each other, a message just passed between their stares.
"Our cook just cooked a special dinner for us. And your dad just arrived from work. Can we go now?" she asked.
Both Stephen and I nodded. We went to their dining room and sat down. "Look dear. Kirsten is here. Remember her?" Mrs. Winchester told her husband.

Mr. Winchester looked at me. He really looked like Stephen but an older version. "Of course. Stephen's childhood friend. How are you?" he asked.
"I'm fine, sir." I said.
"Your parents are still the same. We talked in the party," he said. "Well, I think your parents agreed that -"
"Dear," Mrs. Winchester interrupted. "The food is getting cold."
They looked at each other and then he just nodded. "Let's eat," Mr. Winchester said.
After eating, Stephen told his parents that he'll drive me home. "Thank you for the wonderful meal," I told them.

"Come visit us again okay?" Mrs. Winchester said.
I smiled. "Sure," I said. I waved them goodbye and we went to Stephen's car.
"Your parents are still the same," I smiled. I looked at Stephen but he looked like there's something bothering him. I really need to know why. "Stephen. Tell me what's bothering you."
"You'll know," that's all he just said.
I kept quiet all throughout the night. Then he stopped in front of my house. "I really had a great time with you," I said not looking at him.

"Kirsten," he said softly. That made me looked at him. He was looking at me like there's something he wanted to asked but hesitated. "I really had a great time with you too." He said. I think that's not what he really wanted to tell me. "See you tomorrow?" he asked.
"Does my dad know?" I asked.
"Knows what?" he seemed to be nervous.
"That's we'll see each other again tomorrow. That's I'm not going to work," I said looking at him sternly.

"Yes," he said.
"Okay, then. Bye Stephen," I said. When I'm about to open the door he pulled me and kissed me in the lips.
His lips are so soft and sweet. Then he pulled away. He looked at me softly, "Bye Kirsten," he said.
"Bye," I was stunned. I went out and waved him goodbye then he waved back.

When I entered the house, my mom and dad was waiting for me. "Kirsten?" my mom called.
"I'm here," I called back. I went to the living room and saw them looking very serious.
"We need to talk about something," dad said.
"About what?" I asked sitting in the couch and put a pillow in my lap.
"Kirsten, we just want to ask if you are ready to get married?" my mom asked.
That stunned me for a little while. "Get married?" I asked. "I don't know. Do you think it's a little bit early for marriage? I'm only 22."

"We know that. Maybe you can be engaged for a little while then when you turned 23 or 24 you can get married," my dad said.
"Do you have someone of your mind that was supposed to be my husband?" I asked angrily.
"You know him," my mom said smiling.
My dad is smiling too. How odd? "Who?" I asked. "Someone you told me to entertain before?"
"No, no," my mom said.
"Then who?" I demanded getting angrily at every minute.
"Your childhood friend, Stephen," my mom said smiling. "Well, you seems to be perfect match, don't you think so?"

"Stephen?" I asked. Maybe my ears deceived me; maybe my mom said Steven or Tephen, like there's a name liked Tephen, but maybe its Steven. But she said childhood friend. She really means Stephen. Then I said, "Are you sure?"
"Of course," my dad said. "Don't you like him?"
"I think he's okay, but - " I stopped because my dad interrupted me.
"Then there's nothing we need to talk about this topic. It's a deal then," my dad stand up.

"But dad," I said. "What if I don't want to get married or he doesn't want to get married to me?"
"Well, your mother and I talked about it yesterday," my dad said. "If you don't want to get married to him, you'll help him find a wife. Why do you think they came back here? Stephen is at the right age to get married. He'll be the next CEO of their company."
"Help him find a wife?" I asked. "But - "

"Just decide okay," my mom said. Then the two of them left me. I went to my room and think about it. Get married to Stephen or help him find a wife? That's though. I can't imagine that I'll be Stephen's wife. The two of us together. That's silly! What if he doesn't like? But he kissed me. Does that mean something to him? What should I do? I don't want to see him married to someone else. But that's selfish right? It's selfish if he doesn't want to get married to me and I agreed to marry him and he wants to marry somebody else. Arg!

Then my phone rang, "Hello?" I answered.
"Kirsten!" I recognized Genevieve voice on the other end. "Where did you go to? I called then your mom told me that you went out."
"Yeah," I said. "I just hang out with -"
"Don't tell me!" she screeched. "Don't tell me you hang out with Stephen!"
"Well, yeah," I said.
"Well, did he decide yet?" she asked me.
"Decided what?" I asked getting a little bit annoyed. Genevieve is acting so strange lately.

"Just forget about it. I asked my parents a while ago who the Winchester's are. Then they told me that they lived here about 15 years ago. Then they went back here to find Stephen a wife. Isn't that great?" Genevieve said sounding so happy and excited.
"What's so great about it?" I said. Now I'm really annoyed.
"Maybe Stephen can pick me!" she said happily. "Can you believe it? The hot Stephen Winchester will marry me."

"Uhm, Genevieve. I've got to go. Uhm - my mom is calling for me," I said. "Bye."
"Bye Kirsten," she said still sounding so happy.
I don't want to tell Genevieve that Stephen's parents chose me to be his wife and my parents agreed. But I still don't know what to do. What if I helped Genevieve? What if I helped them get together? Maybe Stephen will like her. But I don't want Stephen to get married to someone else. Even to Genevieve? I want him to be my husband since I was a kid. Sighed.
*
Stephen again went to my house early in the morning. I was still asleep. He went to my room and tickled me.
"What the - ?" I said laughing. "Stephen! What are you doing in my room?"
"Your mom told me to wake you up," he said smiling. His smile is really different today like someone told him a happy news.
I laughed. "You seem to be in a good mood," I told him.
"Yeah," he admitted. "Get up. We're going somewhere."
"Where?" I asked. "Another list you made?"

"Nah," he said standing up. "I'll wait for you downstairs." Then he left my room. I can't believe he waked me up like that. But that made my day so wonderful. I took a bath, brushed my teeth and picked a simple clothes that I could wear. I still don't know where were going so I'll just wear something simple. I wore my flat sandals, denim shorts and blue baby tee t-shirt.

"I'm ready," I said when I went downstairs. I saw my dad talking to Stephen. They looked so serious. I caught the word "decide". Maybe they're talking about the marriage thing.
Stephen looked at me then smiled. "You look lovely," he complimented. "Can we go now?"
I bid goodbye to my parents and so does Stephen. "Where are we going?" I asked sitting inside his car.
"Well, you haven't eaten your breakfast yet, so we need to eat first. I'm hungry too," he said. We haven't talked that much in the ride. Maybe we are both thinking about the marriage.

We stopped at Jannie's Diner. It has the best breakfast meal in the word. We find some seats and ordered our food.
Stephen looked at the menu then said, "I'll get some bacon, sunny-side-up egg, cheese dogs and coffee." He looked at me then I just told the waiter that I'll get also what Stephen ordered.
"I really missed this place," he said. He looked around maybe looking for some changes. "The jukebox is still there. The counter just changed its color, the chairs and tables also, and the crew changed. But all in all, it haven't changed that much."

I looked at him. "Did you miss this place?" I asked.
"Yeah," he said. Then he looked at me. "But I missed you the most."
That turned my face red. Arg! Stop blushing! Luckily, our food just arrived. "Here's your order," the waiter said with a beaming smile. "Bacon, egg cooked sunny-side-up and cheesedogs. For your drink, here's your coffee. Here's the sugar and milk. Anything else?" She puts our food in our table.

"None, thank you," Stephen answered.
We started eating and talked about what happened to us 15 years ago. After eating we went to the mall. We watched movies and played some games in the arcade.
"Another great day!" he said smiling at me.
I smiled back and said, "I don't want this to end."
He drives me home and before I went out to his car, he asked me, "Haven't you decided yet?"
I looked at him but no words came out. What should I say to him? Maybe I should ask him if he likes me. Before I could ask he said, "Just forget about it. Let's have some fun again, okay?"
"Okay," I said. I went out and waved him goodbye.
*
The following day at breakfast, my dad asked me, "Kirsten. Have you decided?"
I took my seat and pour some cereals in my bowl. "No." I finally answered.
I saw both of my parents looked at each other, then sighed. "Maybe it was a wrong idea that we agreed to let you get married." My mom said.
I didn't talk.
"Stephen isn't coming today," my dad said.

I looked at him. "How did you know?" I asked.
But my dad didn't answer my question. I went to work and all day long, I'm waiting for Stephen's call but he didn't call me. I feel so lonely all of a sudden. I went home after work. When I'm near our house, I saw Stephen's car outside our house. I parked my car in front of his.
I went out and so does Stephen. We looked at each other for a long time. Stephen broke the silence. "Kirsten. I want to ask you something," he said. I can see that he is nervous but serious. "I want to ask you if - if you liked me."

My eyes widened and I didn't talk for a little while. Do I like Stephen? I really liked him. A lot! Not just friend, but more than that. But, is it really what I feel? Isn't it because we haven't seen each other for a very long time that's why I missed him so much. Maybe I didn't like him that much. But maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I do really like him. Even love him. What should I tell him? Why is he asking me? When I'm about to answer, Stephen interrupted me, "Maybe this is a wrong idea. Maybe it is wrong that I asked you this question," he said turning his back on me.

"Stephen," I said. He went toward his car and I yelled. "Wait!" But he didn't look back. I felt my eyes watering. I wiped away a tear that dropped. Before I went in, my phone just rang.
"Hello?" I answered, half-heartedly.
"Kirsten!" I heard Genevieve's booming voice. "You won't believe what happened! Oh! I'm so happy Kirsten!"
"What happened?" I asked not feeling well.

"I'm - ," she was interrupted by someone. "I've got to now. I'll talk to later and tell you the great news!" She hangs up the phone and I sighed. Right now, I don't care what Genevieve's great news is. I went inside the house and my mom called.
"Good evening, miss," our butler greeted.
"Kirsten," my mom called. "Can you come in the living room, please." I went there slowly. I don't want to talk to anybody right now.
"Can you sit down for a minute," my mom said.

I saw my mom alone. I thought my dad is here too. "Where's dad?" I asked.
"He's still at work," my mom answered. "Kirsten. There's something I want to tell you." At the look of my mom's face, I realized this is a bad news.
"What is it?" I mumbled.
"Well, your father and I talked about it. Your marriage or engagement. We realized that you really don't want to get married soon. Maybe it's really early for you," my mom explained. I was looking at her nervously. "So, we told Stephen's parents that you don't want to get married. That you are too young."

I was stunned. I want to marry Stephen. I already decided that but I haven't got the chance to tell them yet. "But - " I said but my mom interrupted me.
"Stephen's parents said that they thought the two of you were great together. And we also thought about that. But we don't want to push you to get married to someone you don't love."
But I love Stephen.

"So, Stephen's parents decided to marry him to someone else," my mom said sadly.
I looked at her wide eyed. To someone else?
"It is Stephen's duty to get married soon. His father is getting old and he needs a replacement," my mom said.
"I know that," that's all that I can say. I'm stopping myself from crying. I really want to cry hard now.
"And Stephen's fiancé," my mom started. I looked at her. "Is your friend Genevieve."
*
After talking to my mom, I locked myself in my room. I'm losing him! I'm losing Stephen. I don't want him to get married to someone. I want him to marry me. Stupid! Stupid! If only I told my parents before that I really do want to marry him! But it's too late now. They already decided. Maybe they are already planning some engagement party. I feel so heartbroken.

Maybe it's okay. It's Genevieve that he's marrying. She's smart and funny. He'll have some great time with her. I realized that, that was Genevieve's great news. That's she's going to marry the hot Stephen. Sighed. Lucky girl.
And Stephen, why did he ask me a while ago. Stupid again! I should have told him that I really like him. Stupid Kirsten!

I cried really hard that night. The following morning I don't feel well. My mom told me that Stephen called. I just told her that if he called again, tell him that I'm busy.
My phone was turned off; maybe that's why he called our home. I don't want to talk to him. I feel so hot right now. Not hot. Hot. You know what I mean. I called my mom and told her that I need a medicine.

The following day, I still don't feel so good. I didn't go to work.
That night, my bedroom door just burst open. When I looked up, I saw Stephen standing there. Or maybe it was just my imagination. My eyesight started to blur.
"Kirsten," he said softly. This is definitely Stephen. No one said my name that softly. And no one makes my heart melt whenever they called my name. Stephen is the only one that can do that. "I called and your mom told me that you're sick since yesterday."

Sighed. Mom really is an honest person. "I just don't feel so good, that's all." I said trying to get up. He helped me. He sat at my bed then touched my forehead.
"You're burning up," he sighed. "I'll get some cold water."
"No," I said. "Just stay here." I felt a little better now, now that Stephen is beside me. Then I realized that Stephen is wearing some tuxedo. I asked, "Is there any occasion that you went to?"

He looked at me then at his attire. "Yeah. But I didn't go," he said.
I didn't ask why. He told me to get some rest. "I'll just go home when you fell asleep," he said.
I don't want to sleep then. I thought. But the medicine I drank is getting me drowsy. My eyes started to feel heavy. "Goodnight, Stephen," I finally said.
"Goodnight, Kirsten," he said gently.
As I closed my eyes and I felt Stephen's lips to mine. "Get well soon," he said. Then I fell asleep.
*
When I woke up the next morning there was so many missed calls of Genevieve. What's her problem now? I didn't call her back. Then I also got some missed calls of Stephen. I smiled to myself. I feel so great right now. When I'm about to get up my phone rang, but when I saw whose calling I saw Genevieve's name. I answered my phone and Genevieve's screeching voice came.

"Kirsten! You wouldn't believe this!" she screeched.
"What happened?" I asked not feeling interested.
"Stephen! He didn't come to our meeting yesterday! His family and my family were supposed to talk about the wedding but he didn't come. His parents are there but they said Stephen got something important to do. But I don't believe them!"

Genevieve continues screeching but I didn't listen to her. My mind is running so fast. Stephen didn't come to their meeting because he came to me. That's why he's wearing his tuxedo last night. He was going to a meeting but he didn't because he found out I was sick. I smiled to myself. Then I came to my senses and Genevieve is still talking madly. And her last words stunned me.

"If he is seeing another girl, I will kill her. Well, not really kill her. I'll just make her life miserable. I'll see to it," she warned. But when she said it, it feels like she was warning me.
"Woah! That's a little evil, don't you think?" I said nervously. I am nervous because I was the other girl. I know Genevieve can do that. She did that once when her last boyfriend dumped her because of another girl. I think I'm going to be sick again.

"I'll just go now, Kirsten. I will meet Stephen later. Were going to the movies. Hope he'll come. Wish me luck!" she said then hung up the phone.
Sigh. She really likes Stephen. Maybe I should leave them alone. Then, my phone rang again and when I answered it, I heard Stephen's voice.
"How are you? Do you still feel sick?" he asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I'm fine now," I said.

"Do you want to go out? It'll make you feel better," he said.
But then, I remembered that he is going out with Genevieve today. I asked him, "Don't you have an appointment today?"
"No," he replied.
"Really? What about your date with Genevieve?" I asked him suspiciously.
"Well, I canceled it. I told her I've got something important to do. So, do you want to go out?" he asked.
Maybe it was stupid or even mean if I say yes. But I really do want to go out with him. It will really make me feel better. "Sure,"

At lunch time, he picked me up. "Do you have any place in mind?" he asked me.
"Well, none exactly," I admitted. "You?"
"Yup," he said smiling. "I just want to go to this garden that my mom told me about. It's in the Kaines City, just 10 miles from here."
"Oh! I've heard of that," I said smiling brightly. "The Kaines Garden."
"I know you'll love it," he said looking at me then smiled.
I smiled back. I feel so happy right now.
When we reached there, I feel so peaceful. Like the smell of flowers were pulling my problems away.

"Come," he said holding my hand. "Let's walk around."
We took some pictures from his cellular phone. I took a picture of him climbing a tree, smelling a flower like he was gay, got a flower on his left ear and just standing there smiling at me. That's my favorite picture. He also took a photo of me but not climbing the tree. He asked me to pose for him exactly. He took a picture of me holding a bunch of flowers that he picked, just sitting in there smiling, putting out my hand like I want to hug him and just smiling at him. He told me that's his favorite picture.
We took a picture of us together. We also took a picture of our shadow, our hands together shaped like a heart. It's so cute!
This day was so great!

When it started to get dark, we headed home. Stephen opened the car door for me when we reached my house, then I get out and thanked him.
"I really had a great time, Stephen," I said. "I'm really happy and I feel better now." I smiled at him.
He looked at me, and then he smiled. He lowered his face then he kissed me. I kissed him back but when he ended our kissed his eyes widened when he saw my back. I looked back and there was Genevieve standing.

We were like that for a long time. Just looking at each other like there's an electric shock between us. Like if somebody just passed between us, he will be electrified.
"How dare you," she said. It sounded like she was close to tears.
"Genevieve," Stephen said.
"How dare you too!" she burst out.
"Genevieve please," I started. I was also close to tears.

"I thought you were my friend," she shouted. "Yesterday, someone told me that he saw Stephen's car parked here but I didn't believe him! You know why, because I trusted you! I thought you were my friend! But I was wrong; you were a liar and a great actress!"
She went to his car and got something out. It was a basket of fruits. "Your mom said you were sick so I decided to visit you and bring this to you. But I'm wrong. It seems like I am the one going to be sick because of this! You are not sick; you just go out with him! That's why he broke our date. He's going out with you! I can't believe you can do this to me. You are not my friend anymore Kirsten." She looked at Stephen sternly. I heard Stephen gulped. "I really like Stephen, you know. And I will never give him up! He is mine, Kirsten! All mine!" She threw the basket of fruits to us then she ran to her car and drove away.
I was stunned and so was Stephen. "You'd better leave," I said to him. "I just want to be alone."

"But -" he started.
"Please," I cut in. My tears started to flow. When he saw me he looked away and went to his car and drove. I ran to my house and never bothered to look back. I locked myself in my room and cried. How could I do this to Genevieve? She was a great friend. She really was. She was right, I was a not a good friend. I can't believe this. I was so ashamed of myself. I'm so selfish. I didn't thought about Genevieve's feelings. She was so in love with Stephen. But so was I. And Stephen, I really think he likes me. What should I do? Our friendship was ruined forever.
*
Genevieve never called me for 2 days. And Stephen tried to contact me but I wasn't answering his calls. I'm glad he's not coming to my house to talk to me. I just don't know what face to face him.
I was readying to get home when someone knocked at my office door. "Come in," I called.
Then I saw Stephen standing there. "Hi," he said.
I didn't answer.
"I just want to talk to -" he started.
"I don't want to talk to anybody," I said. My heart is pounding so hard.

"Kirsten, please," he pleaded. "Just tell me you love me. I will break our engagement."
I wanted to cry and hugged him tight but I just feel so guilty about Genevieve. For the past few days, I was comparing myself to Genevieve. And the result, Genevieve will make Stephen happier. She will be a great wife. It's hard to admit but it was the truth.
"I - I don't love you," I crocked. "Just marry Genevieve and be happy."
"Look at me then tell me those words," he said.

I looked up and I saw him looking very serious but heartbroken. I took a deep breath and said, "I don't love you." I was stopping my tears from flowing.
He didn't talk to a minute. His head was bowed down and I was feeling so heartbroken. When he finally looked up he just looked at me his eyes were close to tears and he just left. Without any words to say to me. My knee started to wobble and I fell a little. My tears started flowing and I can't stop it. What happened today is for the best. Even if it kills me.

For the past few days, I heard my parents talking about Stephen and Genevieve upcoming marriage. They thought I didn't care. But deep inside, I really do care. I want to stop the wedding but I know I couldn't. Of course I was not Genevieve's maid of honor. But still, I was in the guest list.
"Wow! Their invitation is so beautiful and it smells so nice," my mom said holding a white and silver envelope. "I know you want to see the invitation too Kirsten. So here," my mom handed me the invitation.
My hands were shaking when I got it. At the back of the envelope, the words "Chase Family" was written. I opened the invitation and saw at the very center of the first page the lines:

Each hour, each day, each year
We grow as two, yet as one,
We grow apart, yet together
Forming an eternal love
We, Genevieve Antoinette Hughes
and Stephen André Winchester
together with our parents
invite you to share in the celebration
of our marriage.

The date and the place were written at the bottom. There weren't any picture of them in the invitation. At the next page were the maid of honor and best man. And some other important people that have something to do in the wedding. I closed the invitation feeling so defeated.
"Are you going to their wedding?" my mom asked worriedly. I believe as my mom, she knows what I'm feeling even if I didn't say it.
"Maybe," I finally said. "The wedding is at the end of this month."
"I know that," my mom said getting the invitation from me. "Only one and half weeks to go." She then left me alone.
One and half week to go. More weeks of being heartbroken and a thousand days crying about it. Sigh.

The wedding caused a big fussed. It seems that Genevieve's family invited all the important people in the business area. They were really excited about it. I think I am the only one not feeling excited. I decided not to go to their wedding. It might look like a funeral because I might cry in there.

The night before their wedding, I dreamed about a wedding day. There were people dressed for a wedding and looking at me. I was walking in the isle dressed in my best wedding gown. My dad was beside me grinning from ear to ear. I looked up and the end I saw a man standing his back on us. When we reach there, the man turned his head and I saw Stephen smiling. I smiled back at him. He took my hand and I stand beside him. I was feeling so happy and also relieved. Then, Stephen spoke. "So Kirsten, are you happy now?" he asked not looking at me.

"Of course! I'm the most happiest bride in the world!" I cried.
Then he looked at me then he grinned. "You know that we were not going to get married today," he said.
I looked at him nervously. "What are you talking about? This is our wedding day. You are here beside me," I said.
"No, Kirsten. I already married," he said.
"To whom?" I asked getting angry.
"To Genevieve of course," he said. Then Genevieve stands up also wearing a wedding gown.

"You're late," she said smiling.
"But -" I started but no words came out.
"You let me go, Kirsten. You told me you don't love me," he said.
"No. Please Stephen. Let me explain. I want to tell you that - " But they were fading from my sight. All around, the church, the people were fading and I was left alone in the altar with my best wedding gown and no one to marry.
I woke up with start and I was sweating and I was crying. I felt the pain so much right now. Like my heart was breaking into tiny little pieces. I need to see Stephen.

Today was their wedding day and in my mind I really need to talk to Stephen. My parents were already dressed and when they saw me getting out my dad asked, "Where are you going?"
"Just outside," I said then I left without any words to them. I want to see Stephen right now. I want to talk to him and tell him that I love him. My nightmare was still rolling in my mind like there was a dvd being run over and over again.

I didn't park my car at the front of his house. Just a little bit away from it. Stephen's car was still outside. He is still in the house. His parents' maybe was gone because their car was not here anymore.
When I was about to go out from my car, Stephen came out from their house. He was looking so handsome in his white tuxedo. His hair was brushed nicely and he had a smile on his face.

I felt the pain in my heart again. I was here at my car looking at the person I love smiling because it was his wedding day. Maybe he was happy because of this. Maybe he already falls in love with Genevieve. He went to his car and drove toward the church.
I can stay in here for a hundred years. But I know I couldn't so I drove home. My parents were gone. They already left for the wedding. And I was here all alone feeling so lonely. My friend was gone. And the one that I truly love is gone forever. But at least they were happy. I know this is stupid, feeling like this. It is my fault why they will get married. If only I could turn back time and told my parents that I want to marry Stephen. This could be my wedding day.

I looked at the clock and it was only 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Maybe I should just sleep until they got home. I wish I would never wake up again. Because if I did, the pain is still there. Are there any pills for brokenhearted? If there were, I would buy a box of it. Maybe three or four boxes are enough for my entire life, right? Sigh. Maybe I would meet someone named Tephen. Maybe there is really is a person named Tephen.

Thinking always makes me sleepy. I closed my eyes and I fell asleep. When I woke up it was already dark. I looked at my clock and I read 9:00pm. Wow, I slept for about 7 hours. I get up and went downstairs. My parents were still not home. They were enjoying the wedding reception so much, huh. Maybe Stephen and Genevieve are already on their way to their honeymoon. I pursed my lips. When I went downstairs, some of the lights were turned off. Our light bulb is already broken. I should tell our maid about this. I went to the living room and when I looked at the television, words were screened. "Click play". It said. How odd?

I searched for the remote and click play. A music started playing, just instrumental music. I sat down in the couch and watch the movie or is it a presentation? The screen was just all black but the music continues. Maybe it is broken or something. Maybe the LCD was broken. Then, pictures of me when I was in kinder garden were pictured. Woah! Where did they get this? I grinned when I saw what I looked like then. Then pictures of me when I was growing up. The last few pictures of me are in the Kaines Garden. Stephen took those pictures of me. The screen turned to black again. Then the words "US" where screened. Another few minutes, pictures of me and Stephen in kinder garden were there. The last few pictures were from Kaines Garden. The last was the heart shaped shadow.

My tears started to flow. Is this Stephen's doing?
Suddenly, the lights in the living room were turned on and when I looked back I saw Stephen still wearing his tuxedo was standing holding a long stem white rose.
I froze at the sight of him. I was stunned really. Why is he here? Or maybe it is just my imagination. But he was really there. I could see his shadow.
I stood up and he was walking towards me. "What are you doing here?" I muttered. "You should be in your honeymoon right now."

"Here's a flower for you," he said.
"I don't want that," I said looking away from him.
He held my hand and put the flower in my palm.
"Tell me. Why are you here?" I asked looking at the flower. They were so beautiful. "Where's Genevieve?"
He looked at me then he knelt. He put out a ring from his pocket and then he said, "All my life I wished for someone like you. You take my breath away whenever you're near. My life is not complete without you in it, Kirsten. I want to tell you so many things. I want to tell you something and it's the summary of all the things I want to tell you. I love you,"

Tears stared to flow from my eyes. Is this really happening?
"Will you Kirsten Chase, marry me?"
I was looking at him for a long time. "I - I don't know what to say," I said. "What about you and Genevieve? What about your wedding? What about-"
Stephen cut in, "Genevieve will explain it to you after you agreed to marry me."
"You didn't get married?" I asked.
"No," he said.
"Why?"
"I told you, Genevieve will explain it to you,"

"It's driving me crazy," I said. Then I remembered that he was proposing to me. Kneeling maybe hard but just kneeling for a few minutes is nothing compared to what I felt for the past few weeks.
He was looking at me. I could see that he really loves me. "I do want to marry you," I finally said.
He smiled then he put the ring in my finger. He stands up and picks me up happily.
"Stephen!" I cried.
A cough from somewhere broke our celebration. He put me down and then all the lights came up. I was so shocked to see my parents, Stephen's parents, some friends, Genevieve's parents and also Genevieve from the crowd.

"You are forgetting that we were there, Stephen," Genevieve said. She seems to be smiling. She wasn't mad at me anymore.
"Genevieve," I started to say.
"Kirsten. I just want to apologize," she said.
When she said that, I just looked at her shocked.
"I know the two of you love each other so much from the start. I was so selfish. I know Stephen agreed to continue our wedding but I know deep inside he doesn't want to marry me. I could feel that. He doesn't love me. And the one he loves is you. I hope it's not too late for the two of us. Will you forgive me?" she said.

"No," I said. But then Genevieve eyes started to form some tears. "I'm joking! Of course! You're my friend Genevieve. Even friends fight from time to time."
Genevieve ran to me then we hugged. I really missed this girl so much. "What are we waiting for then," she started. "We got planning to do."
"What planning?" I asked confusedly.
"Your wedding of course," she said grinning.
"My wedding?" I asked stunned. "But I haven't decided the date yet."
"The sooner the better. We already decided for you. Isn't that fun?" she said laughing.

I looked at Stephen and he shifted uncomfortably but I saw that he was smiling as well. "We already made the invitation as well." He said.
"What? That fast?" I asked. "How? When? -"
"Don't ask any more questions okay," Genevieve said.
I saw the others busy from their work. A wedding gown was already designed for me; they only need to measure me.
"You know, Stephen didn't give me an engagement ring," Genevieve said helping the tailor to measure my body.
"Is that why you cancel your wedding?" I joked.
She smiled. "Yeah," then she laughed. "I really want an engagement ring. That's got a big diamond in it."

"But, how did you do it? I mean, cancel your wedding," I asked. I don't want to asked this but I was really curious.
"Well, I was walking in the isle and I left my father in the door. I went to the microphone and I told everyone that the wedding was off," she explained.
"That's all?" I asked looking at her.
"Yeah," she said. "Some were happy actually. Especially Stephen. He looked shocked but happy. If only I saw him before I said those words I would have married him. He looks so handsome in his white tuxedo." She said dreamily.
I laughed. "I know. He really does look so handsome."
Planning the wedding is so much work especially the wedding date was two days from now. The bride and groom was sure going to be exhausted.

The wedding is successful thanks to all the people who helped. Genevieve cornered me at the reception and told me to introduce her to Stephen's best man, Angelo.
"His blond hair makes him look like an angel," she said her eyes twinkling.
I laughed. "Maybe you should talk to Stephen," I said.
"That's a great idea!" she left me then she went to Stephen. I saw Stephen laughed and introduced her to Angelo. They danced the waltz after a few words. Stephen came to me then we danced also.

"I love you," he said.
"I love you more,"
"I will love you until the end of time," he said then he kissed me.
"Wait for your honeymoon," Genevieve chimed when they got close to us.
We all laughed. Well, at least we all have a happy ending.
If the person you really love is meant for you. You will be together no matter what. True love always finds its way to you.

THE END
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What do you think of this story? Hope you'll post some comment and vote in the poll.

My other story:
I'll Always Love You - Read it here

^.^ LYG