Hexagon+Hearts+<3+<3+<3+<3+<3+<3


 * Chapter 1 **
 * Karin Haviera **
 *  -Long dark brown hair with bright red highlights **
 *  -Birthday- May 2nd **
 *  -Currently 15 **
 *  -A little short but also kind of tall **
 *  -Very clumsy and energetic **


 * Lily Haviera **
 *  -Karin's little sister by 3 years **
 *  -Semi-long brown hair **
 *  -Birthday August 19th **
 *  -Currently 12 **
 *  -Is not as clumsy as Karin **


 * "Karin hurry up! We're going to be late for Lily's gymnastic competition!" my mom bellowed at me. **
 * "I'm coming! Calm down!" I grabbed my cellphone and rushed downstairs tripping on the third to last step. Ow. I do it all the time. It's like a daily routine for me. **
 *  I got into the last row of my mom’s silver minivan. I took a quick glance at Lily next to me. She looked //gorgeous//. She was wearing a sparkly white gymnastics outfit, make-up and her hair in a neat bun with a white bow. Compared to me, who was wearing shorts and a tank top, she was so much prettier. Well, she always has been prettier than me. I'm not saying I'm bad looking, guys have considered going out with me until they find out, well, me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I sighed and stared out the window looking at the calm streets of Long Island. Today was Lily's gymnastics competition. Let me tell you, she's really good too. I've tried but it didn't turn out to well. I'm an accident prone and gymnastics does not equal me. Feeling the vibration of my phone, I took it out of my pocket and saw it was a message from my childhood friend Peter. **


 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Peter Sullens **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Karin’s childhood friend **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Birthday-March 27th **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Currently 15 **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Brown hair with green eyes **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Handsome, popular, easy going **


 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Peter: Yo Karin. What’s up **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">Me: Nm. U? **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Peter: Bored. Whatcha doin? **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Me: G2g to Lily’s gymnastic competition **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Peter: She’s gonna win. She’s so good **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Me: No duh **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Peter: Text me when you’re done. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Me: Sure. Why? **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Peter: It’s a surprise. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Me:? Ok. It’s been so lonely since you transferred. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Peter: Yeah. But my new school isn’t bad. Talk 2 u bout it l8r. Miss ya 2. Ttyl **


 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> A surprise! I can’t wait! I love surprises! I can’t wait to see Peter too. It’s been forever since I last saw him before he transferred to Sero Academy! **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">We arrived at the concert hall of the competition. I looked at Lily. She didn’t look the least bit nervous. She was wearing a confident smile on her face as she looked up at the building. We walked through the front doors and I bumped into someone and fell flat on my butt. I looked up to see a super cute guy with shaggy dirty blond hair. He stared at me with cold eyes. He was wearing a black tee with jeans and black sneakers. He looked down on me. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Move it. You’re in my way." he said coolly. That got me mad. Who does he think he is? Nobody messes with me like that and gets away with it. I stood up to him to show him I wasn't afraid. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "A simple please or sorry might persuade me." I shot back. The guy stared at me, and then gave me a smile which I found creepy. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Does your name happen to be Karin?" he asked. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> What? How does he know my name? I thought about it while the rest of my family filed into the hall for Lily's performance. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Who are you? How do you know me?" I asked confused. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> He walked past me but before he went out the door he whispered, "See you next time." What the heck? **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">I shivered and found my parents seated in the front row of the huge auditorium. There were already many people there who were dressed in much fancier attire that looked really hot to wear since it was only July. I sat down next to my parents and the competition began. **
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Congrats Lily!" I gave her a hug. "I knew you could do it!" <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Lily smiled at me while holding the first place trophy in her hands. "Thanks." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I texted Peter and he congratulated her too. He also wanted me to come to his house "A.S.A.P." For what you might wonder? His new friends and the surprise. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> * **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I walked down the street of the neighborhood I live in somewhere in Long Island. It wasn't crowded like Manhattan. This part of New York had fairly large houses with one garage. I walked up to Peter’s house. I knocked on the door and a pretty girl about my height wearing a spring-like dress opened the door. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Is Peter here?" I asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Yeah. Hold a sec." she disappeared into the house. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I let myself in and took off my shoes and placed them where the others were. I noticed a familiar pair of black sneakers, but I couldn't think of where they came from. I shrugged and walked into the living room to my left to find Peter and another guy engrossed in a game of chess on the small, round glass table surrounded by two couches. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Checkmate." the other guy said. I recognized him! He was the brat from Lily's competition hall! I was so shocked that I fell backwards (again) on the hard wooden floor. Peter turned around and saw me. He smiled a rushed over. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Karin!" he pulled me into a gigantic bear hug. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Easy now." I took a glance at Peter. He looked so even more handsome than the last time I saw him. My heart gave a loud thump and I blushed. I quickly pushed him away. My attention directed back to the other guy. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "These are the two people I want you to meet." Peter began. "Crystal Aira," he pointed to the girl who opened the door for me, "and Kai Chaser," he concluded pointing to the brat. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "You..." I started. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Kai smiled. "Yeah. Me." **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Crystal Aira **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Pretty girl about my height with long dark hair and blond highlights **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Birthday-June 17th **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Currently 15 **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Energetic and sly (in a good way //<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">sometimes //<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">) **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Kai Chaser **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Tall with a dirty blond and brown mixed hair, hazel eyes and (though I really hate to admit it)... cute/handsome **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Birthday-April 19th **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Currently 16 **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> -Quite popular and cool (as referenced from Peter) **

**<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">Chapter 2 **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">"So anyway..." I got up from the ground. "What's the surprise?" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">I filled out the audition form excitedly. Peter's surprise was a keyboard player (I think that's what you call it) position in a band a CeCe Studios. There were a total of 5 positions: a singer, a drummer, a guitarist, a bass, and a keyboardist. Like a normal band should have. I loved Peter's surprise. I loved to play the piano! I even won awards for the competitions I've been to. I couldn't wait for the tryouts next week. I'm positive my parents will sign the form. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "What did you guys sign up for?" I asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Drums! Of course."Peter smiled at me with wide grin. My heart gave another loud thump. I had no clue why. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Singing!" Crystal also gave me a smile. "All the way!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "What about you...” I started the sentence. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Guitar." Kai replied interrupting my sentence and continued playing some app on his iPhone. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Impolite little imbecile! **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "You must be an annoying idiot in school." I mumbled under my breath. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Crystal, who was sitting next to me on the couch, was the only one that heard me. She smiled at me and giggled. "Hate to break it to you but he is actually the smartest kid in the grade. He ALWAYS gets first on the exams in his grade. And I always end up second in mine. By the way, Peter is pretty smart too. He is normally in fifth place. If not, then it's not lower than seventh place." Crystal praised. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Well that's nice to know. I shot Kai a devious smile. I was getting the top scores at my school so there. Ha. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> As if Peter read my mind (or smile), he announced my thought, “Karin is always getting top scores at our old school too!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Kai's eyes turned from his iPhone (5 <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">th <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> generation I think) game to me and played back the mischievous smile I gave him earlier. Then, went right back to playing his app. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I slouched back onto the comfy couch and a question popped up in my head. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "How did you guys become friends?" I asked. It was a good question. With Peter's personality it was easy for him to make friends and with Crystal's awesomeness how could anyone not like her? That's where we run into the real question... Kai. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Oh, well, the top ten students of each grade have the authority to join this club called A.S. It basically stands for Advanced Students. It's a stupid name I know. Requirements include being in the top 10. And that's how all of meet. We meet after school every Tuesday until 4:00. The student council members are elected from those people. There are 4 from each grade and the senior year has 8 counting the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Then their 4 representatives." Crystal explained. That's cool. They even have a club for smart people. "Then, of course, with Peter's personality he was everyone's friend. He turned into one of the most popular people in school within a few days." Crystal continued. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I figured. Peter did have a lot of good qualities. He was good or at least decent and almost everything in school from sports to academics. He use to be second in exams every time in my school before he transferred, right behind me. But sports were another issue. To put it out bluntly and simply; I sucked. My only strong points were probably soccer, volleyball and basketball, maybe lacrosse. I would be first in those and academics. Everything else I wouldn't be good at in a million years. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "So what's Sero Academy like?" I had been dying to know how the school for the rich (Sero Academy) was like. Whoops. I forgot to mention. Peter is rich; he has mansions all over the place. This house is just one of the houses he bought when he was in our school. Then he moved to Sero's Academy that's about an hour away. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Sero Academy is for the rich so the tuition is expensive for normal people, that's for sure unless you’re on scholarship. It has chandeliers as lights, a swimming pool, other various sports’s fields, about five floors, elevators..." Crystal went on listing the things that my school will never have. I felt so jealous! **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> At some point during Crystal's listing, my cell phone played a beautiful piano song called “River Flows In you” by Yiruma. I took my phone out of pocket and read the message from my mom. Dang. I had to go home for dinner. I asked Crystal for her phone number and we swapped. Kai's phone number? Forget about that. I gave Crystal and Peter a hug and started out the door; I turned back around and saw Kai looking at me. I gave him a smile and walked back home. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> * **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">I was right. My parents signed my audition form over dinner and encouraged me to try my best. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "We have good news for you too." my mom and dad both smiled at each other. "This November, Lily will be participating in the state competition for gymnastics!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I screamed. Lily was going to compete in the state champions! I gave Lily a death squeeze. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Congrats! I'll definitely come and see you!" I smiled at Lily and she smiled back at me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Promise?" Lily asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Promise." I replied. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Honey, When's the audition?" my mom asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Oh. Next Thursday." I replied. "At CeCe Studios." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I quickly finished up the rest of my dinner and went upstairs. I couldn't wait for the audition. I smiled at the audition form and fell asleep with it. **


 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Chapter 3 **
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">A week flew by in a blink of an eye. Soon enough, I was at CeCe Studios for the audition in the assigned room with the other pianists. The company eliminated a lot of people before the audition based on the recording we had to make. So there weren’t many people left to try out. I scanned the room and everyone seemed to be absorbed in their looks (girls) or looking at girls (guys). **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> The building was really big. It had a total of 72 floors and each door on each floor labeled with the floor number and the room number. For example, I'm on the 27th floor in room 2702 right now, patiently waiting for the lady to call me for my audition. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Karin Haviera. Please proceed to the next room for your audition." the speaker announced. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I let out a big sigh and went to the audition room. The room was spacious and had a pretty tone of green. There was a table with the judges and a keyboard in the front. I walked up to the keyboard and stood there, waiting for further instruction. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Please choose the song of your choice." one of the judges said. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I chose my phone ringtone song. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Ok." I replied with a smile. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I sat down and started playing. At one point, I eventually started forgetting the judges were there and made by body become in sync with the keyboard. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">* ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"> When I was finished, I took a bow and walked out of the room. Crystal passed me as I was walking back to my room and I gave her the thumbs up. She smiled and strode into her room. Back in my waiting room, I sat down and started texting Peter. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">Peter did not reply. I started to wonder how Kai was doing. I pondered what would happen if I ended up in the same band as him. I grimaced at the thought of it. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">* ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> The results were out within another hour or so. The finalists were a guy named John, some girl named Jessica, and me! I squealed and gave Crystal a bear hug. She took her eyes off her finalist paper and hugged me back. We had made it to the finals! I read the requirements for the last and final challenge and my jaw dropped wide. It was a fashion show. // A fashion show. Really? // That would mean I would have to do a walk without tripping. // Is that possible? // // What does that have to do with music anyway? // I let out a sigh and sulked back into the audition room to retrieve my belongings. There was no way I would make it. I walked out of the room to find Crystal waiting for me.  ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"What are you doing for the show?" she bubbled. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"I don't know. Something." Decent. I hope. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Why don't you come to my place? We look about the same size. Why not?" Crystal was way too nice. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Thanks but no thanks." Either way, I was going to screw up on walking so there was no point. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Ok. Fine. If you’re not going to do it at least come to see me!" she huffed. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Ok." I laughed and followed her down to her waiting limo. ** **<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">She got into the limo and snapped her fingers. What? Her men (I assume) surrounded me on all sides and covered my mouth with a napkin. I suddenly felt super drowsy. I was drugged. The last thing I saw was Crystal's evil looking smile before the darkness completely consumed me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> * **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> I awoke and found myself looking in a mirror in a fancy room with rose walls, crystal lights, and smooth furniture. I hardly recognized myself. I was wearing designer brand cut up shorts and a tank top with one strap and professionally done make-up and curled hair. Memories suddenly started flooding back into my mind. That's how I found my location; Crystal's mansion. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "You're awake!" exclaimed a familiar voice behind me. Crystal. I whipped my head back and found her standing at the doorway in a gorgeous rose red dress that was shaped like a rose, strapless, and finished with a red shawl. Her curled hair put to the side with a rose and red heels complemented the outfit perfectly. Finally, the finishing make-up that made the dazzling figure in front of me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "O-la-la. My stylists did some fancy work here." she complimented. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Crystal, thanks for what you've done but I can't accept it." I said. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Why not?" she asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "This is gorgeous but look, I'm going to ruin all this by tripping." I pointed at the heels I was wearing. "This is a safety hazard." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "It won't be in an hour and a half." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Huh?" I looked at the clock. We had an hour and forty-five minutes before the show started. I looked behind Crystal and saw another middle-aged woman behind her. Oh no. That can't be a... **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Tutor." Crystal finished my thoughts. Uh-oh. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Crystal..." I started. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Don't you get started with me now? Failure is not an option." she gave me smile and walked out of the room, leaving me with the middle-aged lady. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Let's get started. Shall we?" the tutor gave a menacing smile. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> Crystal!!! **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> * **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. And ow. My feet were in a great deal of pain when I arrived back at the CeCe Studios. I walked backstage and found Kai and Peter. They were both dressed in fancy cool outfits that looked like they were both attending the fashion show. I stumbled over to them and almost fell until Peter caught me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Hey. You ok?" he asked. His eyes glanced down at my feet and his eyes went wide. "That's a safety hazard! No wonder you fell."I was about to protest when he scoped me up and carried me to Crystal. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Hey! Put me down!" I whined. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "No." he said roughly as he carried me over to Crystal. I started to blush. My heart was pumping so loudly I couldn't even hear the spokesman announcing the fashion show. I hope no one heard. Suddenly, it felt as if though I didn't want him to put me down. I turned redder at the thought. Arrrggg! What was wrong with me? **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Crystal! Why did you put her in heels?" Peter asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "How do you know it was Crystal?" I asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "I saw you walk out of her limo and I don't think you have the money to buy designer clothes this expensive." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> So true. I was about to explain the tutoring process until Crystal told Peter for me. He gave an understanding nod and set me down on a chair. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Well." Peter started. He was interrupted by the spokesman who called the Peter to perform his walk. I guess he was in the show after all. "Wish me luck." With that, he walked out into the screaming audience. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Chapter 4 ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> Luck seemed to totally be on my side today. Jessica had tripped on her shoelace, and went crashing face first to the ground. John obviously didn't know what to do in a fashion show and had ridiculous poses. I on the other hand had somehow managed not to trip. So Jessica was disqualified and John was a goner, which left me to automatically receive the position. Since the audience was suppose to vote for this round, I couldn't help but believe most of the people chose depending on looks. I was quite amazed that both Peter and Kai both received the positions they auditioned for, Crystal also made it (no surprise).Then, some guy named Ryan Palado received the position as bass. He was obviously friends with Kai, Peter, and Crystal because they were all clustered in a group talking about several topics. Later I found out, he was in the A.S. with them. He usually ranked 3nd in his grade. Right behind Kai somewhere. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Then, there was another girl named Claire Rina who also attends Sero Academy and is in the A.S. She usually ranked 2nd in her grade. She’s a really good dancer by the way. There happened to be an audition for a dancer held at the second floor. Guess who won? **

**<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">I stared at the group. Why did they have to all be born with camera ready faces? I was pretty decent looking myself (well not bad looking at least) but not as radiant as them. Sigh... ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">* ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"> I met my parents outside. They were wearing a huge grin on their faces. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"I knew you would make it!" they seemed so excited that it was obvious they were putting on a show.My parents knew me. And I doubt they thought I would pass this fashion show. "Uh-huh." I replied sarcastically. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">The whole ride home, my parents were talking about me and the band. They said that the company had given them a schedule that said I had practice every Saturday. Of course, there would be sooooo much more after we had actually become more famous. In addition to that, I actually got paid a salary of $1,000. That was rocking awesome! ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">The whole $1,000 a month would be my allowance! Once we arrived I rushed upstairs and changed out of Crystal's clothes (which she actually said I could keep). I threw on ripped jeans and a tank top and strolled outside with my Beats headphone I received for Christmas and iPod as well as cell phone in hand. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">My phone vibrated in my hand with a number I've never seen. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Hello?" I answered it anyway. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Hey. It's Kai" said Kai. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Kai?!" How on earth did Kai receive my cell phone number? ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"No, I do not stalk you just because I have you number which I happen to have though I would rather not have it."Kai replied. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"What?" I was so confused. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Nevermind. To the point, Crystal left her cell at home and she's inviting everyone who made it to the band and the girl named Claire to dinner at some Italian restaurant. Of course, out of everyone, she chose me to pick you up. I'm almost there." Kai sighed. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. Why you out of all people? Peter could have done it. "I squeaked. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"I don't know! I'm not Crystal! She never answered why!" Kai snapped. With that, he hung up. We have such a good relationship. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">* ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">I wasn't a very silent ride to the place either. Kai and I were at each other's necks the whole way there. Arg! He gets me so annoyed! As soon as I spotted Crystal, I went over and blew my head off. Crystal didn't even seem apologetic. She just laughed. I was about to punch through a window until Peter stopped me. I was abnormally strong for a girl and, um...yeah, enough to break wood and windows. Well, at least the tae kwon do lessons paid off (I was a black belt before I quit). Remember when I said guys would ask me out then think twice? This is why. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">I finally settled down and placed my order. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> "Why did you have to put me up with // him // ?" I complained. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> "That's my line. Why did I have to pick // her // up? Why not Peter? He's known her the longest." Kai shot back. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"This is why." Crystal looked at the both of us. "You're relationship is as horrible as ever. I'm trying to get you guys to get along with each other!" ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Uh-huh. That's totally gonna work." I said to myself under my breath. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Haha. Maybe in a million years!" Kai wondered out loud. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">I looked at Kai. He looked back. Then, we simultaneously turned out heads away. I heard Crystal sigh and Peter laugh. Whatever. I put on my headphones and started listening to music on my iPhone 4s. I quietly ate my food unaware that Peter was speaking to me. He tapped me and I quickly took off my Beats. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Yes?" I answered. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"I want to introduce you to the other people in the band. They all attend Sero Academy." Peter replied. "This is Claire Rina." he continued pointing at the girl who won the dancing competition. "She's one year older than us. She'll be a junior this year." ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Hey." Claire smiled. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"And this," Peter pointed at the band's bass, "Is Ryan Palado, also a year older than us." ** **<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> Ryan made no effort to talk. He simply waved. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Chapter 5 ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I grabbed a taxi and told them to take me to my house, and pronto. Let me tell you, when I got to my house. It was not a pretty sight. The house was falling apart with pieces of wood everywhere and smoke rising from it. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Miss, is this your house?" the male taxi driver asked me. I didn't answer. I got out of the car. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"I'll take that as a yes. Gosh. I'm sorry. Listen, I give you no charge for this ride. I hope you do better." the taxi driver took one last glance at my house and drove off. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I approached my parents standing in the front of a large crowd. They were dressed in their pajamas. Lily was holding her favorite stuffed animal, my mom was wearing her purse with her cell phone on the ground, and my dad was holding my keyboard; my favorite piano keyboard. I couldn't believe he risked his life to get that out for me. My dad saw me and smiled. I gave him a big hug and started crying. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Thanks dad." I sniffed. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"No problem kiddo." he smiled. I love my dad. He's the easy-going one in my family. I'm not saying I don’t like my mom, it's just that, she's the more strict one and wants me to get first place in academics otherwise my head gets chopped off. Well, I guess that's because since I can't do anything else right. I took the keyboard away from my dad and hugged it tightly. I turned back to the house and saw the fireman looking around. I was close to tears, partially because the house burnt down and mostly because everyone was safe. Lily came over and hugged me and told me everything was going to be alright. Now how embarrassing it THAT. I was told that from my //little sister//. I automatically stopped crying and turned around. There was now a huge crowd gathered around a limo in the driveway. That could only mean one thing... ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Karin!!!!" Crystal emerged from the crowd and behind her I could see her "men" fending off the sea of people. She tackled me and we both ended up on the ground. "I'm so glad you’re alright!" ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Yeah. You scared me when you suddenly ran out the door. I heard the call on your phone and got even more worried." Claire added. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Karin!!!!!" I finally got up and saw Peter coming towards me. Again, I was tackled to the ground. But this time it was different, it was //Peter//. I started blushing a whole lot. I saw Crystal looking at me and tried to stop. //Stop! Crystal is looking!! Cry! Pretend to cry!// I gathered up some tears and forced then to fall down my cheek. I started laughing. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Thanks guys." I managed to say, Peter got off me and helped me up. That worked well. But, part of it was actually genuine. I was really glad that they came after me to check up on me. Peter looked behind me and rushed past me. I turned around and saw that he was hugging Lily. Next to Lily, my mom was on the phone nodding vigorously and smiling happily. "Thank you so much!" my mom gushed. "How could I ever repay you? … Haha … My daughter marry your son? That would be cute! Ok! See you! Thank you!" ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Ewwwwwwwww. I'm going to be a //sophomore// soon and she's talking about my future fiancée? No way. I walked up to my mom. She looked so blissful. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Oh honey." she gave me a sudden hug. "We'll be living in a mansion soon!" ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Huh?" What on earth is she talking about? "Oh. One of my really good friends, I've known her since elementary school offered after she heard what happened from her son. News sure travels fast. She's also going to arranging for you to attend their school. And you qualify for scholarships since your grades are so high!" ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Son that told their mom what happened. Old aquantice. Peter's mom?! I'd be living with Peter. My head started spinning and my heart was pounding like crazy. //OMG! I would be living with Peter! And they were talking about us getting married!// I glanced over at Peter. He looked at me and walked over. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Hey!" I blurted out. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Did you tell your mom this happened?" ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Yeah. She was going to offer you a place to live. But I guess she was too late." Peter replied. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"No. Didn't your mom call my mom just a second ago?" I asked. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"No. She's on the phone with her right now. Look." ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I looked behind me and sure enough my mom was on the phone again saying things like "Oh. Sullens. Thank you so much for offering. But we already have plans. Thank you." ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"See?" Peter said. "What...” What was going on? If it wasn't Peter's mom then who was it? ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"WHAT?" I looked behind Peter and saw Kai on the phone in complete shock or surprise. Or maybe even both. He calmed down and replied to the person on the other line; “Ok, so they’re going to live with us… Great. Bye ma.” ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Claire, Crystal, Peter, and Ryan all stared at Kai with shock. I stared at Kai with horror, as if I've just seen a ghost. A black limo pulled up in the driveway. Men that looked almost exactly like Crystal's men came out. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Master Kai and Miss and Mr. Haviera, we are here to escort you." ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Well, what do you know? I suddenly have a bad premonition about the future… ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">* ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> Let me tell you something, mansions are //horrible//. Most people would be like “OMG! You live in a //mansion!// That’s fantastic!” Well, that not what I think. Ok. I was totally fascinated when I heard I was going to be living in a mansion. I saw Crystal’s mansion and I was like I want to live here! But, that was when Crystal was actually guiding me on where to go. This is where I am right now: ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> As you can see, I am totally lost. Along with all the luxuries included it’s not very pleasant to be lost. I asked my way around but I guess many people didn’t know that I was going to be living here. Now I am walking around on some floor completely lost. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I approached another maid that was walking down the hall. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Excuse me miss. But um, do you know where the Haviera family is? Or maybe where Karin Haviera’s room is sort of located?” I asked. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">The maid’s face lit up and she gave me a quick curtsey. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“I am Michelle madam. Yes I do know where your room is. I am assigned as your personal maid.” she said in a polite tone. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Personal maid… wow. I even had a personal maid. I looked at the girl with her light brown hair pulled back in a braid wearing a maid’s costume and round glasses. She beckoned for me to follow her. She lead me to what she said was the second of five floors. The room numbers were labled like the ones at my audition hall. Mine was 207. Just How many rooms were there?! I followed her inside. And… Oh. My. Gosh. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Chapter 6 ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> Cereal and milk: that's what a normal teenager may have for breakfast. Not to mention served in the kitchen. Not in Kai's mansion. I woke up and was greeted with a large tray of fancy French toast sticks, pancakes, rich maple syrup on the side, a tator tot with ketchup, sausages, and scrambled eggs. That was a //lot// of food. Come on. I didn't think I was that fat. "Michelle." I stared at my breakfast looking stunned. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Yes master Karin?" she replied. I glanced at her in a menacing way. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Errrr. I mean Karin." she corrected quickly. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I shift my glare into a sweet smile. "That's better." ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">I took the food and handed it to Michelle. I told her I was going to skip breakfast this morning and ran into the walk in closet. I stare in amazement at all the clothes that seemed to sparkle. I decided on a really cute white and yellow tank top along with ripped up jean shorts. I never had such clothes to wear at my house. My family wasn't really rich. I slip on the matching white sandals and went for my cell phone. I wasn't surprised to find it plugged into a charger. Someone had already bought me one. I wonder. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">Outside the room, Michelle was waiting for me patiently. I mean seriously. It was amazing. The more I toured, the more I found myself getting more and more use to house. My phone vibrated and I whipped it out of my back pocket. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Hello?" I answered. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Where the heck are you?" Kai asked. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Um... room 106." I replied. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Claire's here. Get back into your room." he said hastily then hung up. I took the elevator back down and met Claire. To my surprise, she was half blushing and tried to seem casual while talking to Kai. Kai on the other hand seemed rather friendly. Then why is it only me? What did I ever do to him? Kai eyed me and beckoned for me to come over. I stride over to where he was and he simply left. I hissed under my breath and dragged Claire to my room. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Kai's so nice isn’t he?" Claire sighed. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">That's when it hit me. Claire had a crush on Kai!!!! I stared at Claire, awestruck. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"What?" Claire tried to act all innocent. Not working. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Kai?? Out of all people?" I asked. She seemed to know what I was talking about and blushed. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Haha. No way. What are you talking about?” she covered up. "By the way, this is a great room!" she announce quickly changing the topic. Claire circled the room a few times. I heard a knock on the door and opened it. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Hiya! Oh fancy room you got here." Crystal rushed into my room and looked around in amazement. Suddenly, it seemed as if something had struck her. She glanced over at Claire who nodded. They both ran into my closet. I followed. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"This is definitely her Jess's room." Claire confirmed. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"What are you guys doing?" I asked. They ignored me and continued on with their conversation. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"I can see why Kai would give her this room. She's just like her." Crystal replied. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">“Just like who?" I asked. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Should we tell her?" Claire asked. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"HELLO? I'm over here?! And tell me what?" I tried again. They finally seemed to notice that I was existent. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"This room..." Claire started, seeming a little hesitant, "belonged to Kai's first girlfriend. They were madly in love and she lived here since her family’s house also burnt down... that was until... the car crash." ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"You're personality is just like Jess's. Even your looks, the dark brown hair with the chocolate eyes. It makes us evoke memories of her. I can see why Kai gave it to you." Crystal looked at me. I felt a wisp of anger until Kai approached us. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Talking about me?" Kai seemed angry. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Karin is staying in Jess's room and I thought that she should know. She's a friend now right?" Crystal said. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Well, stay out of my business! Why should she have to know about what room I'm giving her? It's my mansion, my life, and my dead girlfriend so stay out of it!" Kai yelled. Suddenly I felt scared. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">I cringed against the wall. Kai looked at me and his eyes softened. "Sorry." he walked out of the room. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"> * ** **<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">For the rest of the day, I stayed out of my room. The situation got awkward and Claire and Crystal left. Kai avoided me through the rest of the day. There was only one thought that occupied my mind. The room I was sleeping in was Jess's room. Jess, Kai's lovely dead girlfriend slept in my room. Also, as Crystal kindly informed, chose the current wardrobe in the room. I was scared. Seriously, why would Kai give me her room out of what? 1 trillion rooms? I still couldn't understand. I buried my face in my pillow. A gentle knock on the door sent me sprinting back in sitting position. ** <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> **“I am listening.” Kai’s footsteps approached my bed as he sat down next to me and tried to pull my covers off. He succeeded in doing so. My strength was sapped out since I was sick, so I was not as strong as before. I covered my face with my hands. I did not want Kai to see me crying. Honestly, I think he has seen it enough. Kai grabbed a hold of my hands and** **<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">pulled them away from my face. ** <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> **“What…” we both started laughing. It was nice to see him smile for a change. “Look,” Kai started, “I don’t think you’re so bad after all. Slowly, you’ll get to know everything. So wait,** **<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">ok?” **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Ryan Palado ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">-Claire's childhood frie nd ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">-Birthday-January 15th ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">-Currently 16 ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">-Usually quiet and doesn't act like a jerk (referring to Kai) ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">-Handsome (This company is biased, why do all the people have to be good looking?), tall. dark brown hair, hazel eyes **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> Claire Rina <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">-Tall, pretty and mature looking, long curly brown hair **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> -Birthday -February 11th ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">-Currently 16 ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">-Graceful (she's a dancer, duh!) and fun to be around (from the looks of how others are talking to her) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Hi. I'm Karin Haviera. Nice to meet you." I smiled. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> I looked at Peter. He smiled and I blushed. Arrrrrrggggggg! Not now! I panicked. I had to think of a plan to stop blushing. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Karin. Are you ok?" Peter asked. "You’re really red." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Nah. I'm going to use the restroom." I abruptly got up and rushed to the bathroom. //What was wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? Peter's my friend. It's not that I like him.....Like? Do I like him?! No, that can't be possible. I probably have a cold//. "Yeah. That's it. I have a cold!" I confirmed out loud. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "I don't think so." I whipped my head around and saw Claire coming towards me. "It's love." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "No way. It can't be. I've known Peter since diapers and this has NEVER happened!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "So? Doesn't mean it can't happen now" Dang. Claire got me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "But..." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Don't deny it! You know you do." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "How would you know? I've only met you a minute ago!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "It's so obvious! You were blushing like crazy! It's a good thing Crystal didn't see. Would you prefer talking to her?" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "No. But I don't like him!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Yes, you do." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "No, I don't" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Yes." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "No." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Yes." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "No." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Yes, you know I'm right." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Hm..." I really hate to admit it but I had a feeling she was right. What if I did like Peter? The thought of it made me blush. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "See?" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> “But why would I love him? I don’t have a reason to suddenly like him!” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> “Since when did love need a reason?” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Just … please. Don't tell anyone!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Haha. Cross my heart and hope to die!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> Claire came over and patted my head. I looked at her and wondered how someone can be so nice and helpful within the minute they got to know a person. This experience told me a lot. I really wish I could be like her. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Come on! Let's go back!" she grinned. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Ok." I smiled back. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> As I walked out of the bathroom door, my phone rang. It was a call from my mom. I took the call while walking back to the table. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "Yeah mom?" I answered. My mom didn't answer. Instead, I was greeted by her screaming and the sound of sirens. I dropped my phone and changed direction. Now I was headed for the door. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> Destination: Kai’s Mansion ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Where in the Mansion: No idea whatsoever **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> Room Interior: Turquoise walls, King sized bed with golden covers and soft white pillow, mahogany nightstand on either side of the bed, a cute bear lamp on one of the nightstands, a mahogany dresser on the left side of the bed, a desk with a laptop, a walk in dresser (with awesome clothes, accessories, and shoes! All brand named!) , a small balcony, a personal bathroom with hot tub and shower, etc. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;"> This was any girl’s fantasy bedroom. It had to be at least a few times bigger than my old room. I just can’t believe my luck. First, I’m worried I might fashionably fail, but I end up winning. Second, I don’t know I’m in love and strange things like blushing happen, the Claire tells me (that’s sort of luck because I got to confirm my feelings). Third, my house burns down, but my family and keyboard are ok. Plus, I get to live in a mansion in a totally amazing bedroom! ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“There she is!” I turn my head around and saw my mom pointing at me. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Geez. We were looking everywhere for you!” “He he. Whoops.” I scratched my head and smiled. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Don’t ‘whoops’ me!” my mom seemed mad. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Sorry.” I lowered my head to show regret. My mom sighed. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Ok. Just, don’t get lost next time. And what happened to your cell phone?” ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“It ran out of battery.” I replied. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Great. Now we need to buy you a new charger.” ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Yeah…” ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“So you already met your maid?” Kai asked. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Yeah, err. What did you say your name was again?” I asked. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Michelle ma’am.” Michelle did another curtsey. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“No need to be so formal. Call me Karin. And, um, you don’t need to curtsey either. I’m not use to it.” I politely asked. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“No. No can do. Under regulations I have to act like this. I will follow your every command.” ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Ok, then I command you to do that.” ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“But, miss…" ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Not miss.” ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Yes K-k-k-Karin.” Michelle refrained from curtsying. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I looked at Kai. He looked so distant and sad while staring at the room. Why? ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“What’s wrong?” I asked casually. As soon as I said this, he seemed to spark back to life. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Huh? What?” Kai looked startled. “What’s wrong?” I repeated. “Nothing, why?” Kai asked. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Nevermind.” I waved him off. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Kai stared at me for a while then continued to look sad again. I sighed. Whatever. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Well, I’m going to bed so night.” I started towards the bed. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">“Wait you still have to change!” I heard the maid yell. ** **<span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I gave a big yawn and ignored her. I was really tired. I immediately fell asleep. **
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Hey." Ryan approached me with his hands in his pockets and plopped on the carpet floor in front of my bed. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Hi." I replied quietly. His appearance startled me. Ryan never talks to anyone. Yet, now he’s in my room. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Claire told me what happened." Ryan started. "I want to remain neutral to this but seeing Kai is a really great friend of mine I can't." ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I stared at him. He returned my stare and continued to talk. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Kai may seem really obnoxious and annoying at times but deep down; he's a really nice guy. He wouldn't do anything bad without a reason. You must be wondering why he gave you this room right. I probably don't have any authority to ask you this. But, at first glance you really do seem like his ex-girlfriend, Jess." Ryan took a deep breath and continued. "Kai probably gave you this room in hopes of you replacing Jess. And I'm asking you to help Kai turn to the present and away from the past. Give him a shoulder to cry on when things are hard." Ryan looked flustered. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">I smiled. "You must be a really good friend of Kai's huh?" The only good friend I really had was Peter. This kind of friendship really touched me. "No problem." ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Thanks." Ryan got up and headed for the door. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Hey Ryan. Have you ever been in love?" I asked. ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Ryan turned to look at me. "Yes." He gave me a smile. "I've loved her for 10 years and I still do." ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"Who is it?" ** **<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">"That's something I'll keep a secret." with that he walked out. **
 * <span style="background-color: white; display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; text-align: left;">Chapter 7 ** ** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"Ryan came over your place yesterday?!" Crystal looked baffled."Shhh. Quiet down. This is a Starbuck's cafe." I whispered. I was planning on telling her what happened yesterday and the fact that Ryan came over my house is already a big deal."Why is it such a big deal anyway?" I asked. <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Crystal's face turned as bright as the stop sign down the street. //<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Oh my goodness. Please don't let it be what I'm thinking of. // <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">"If I tell you will you keep it s secret?"Just as I had assumed."Nope. I figured it out already." I held up my hand to indicate she didn't have to say anymore.Geez. Why is love such a hassle? Seriously. Cinderella made it seem like anything can happen. Well, welcome to reality Karin."So what happened yesterday?""Oh nothing really." I answered quickly."You sure? Did Ryan say anything about me?""Uhh. No, but I'll let you know if he does!"I couldn't tell Crystal. Time for childhood friend emergency.*"So what did you want to talk about?" Peter asked.I was now in Peter's mansion. I had to sprint all the way there due to the thunderstorm outside. Stupid weather forecast. <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">My face was as red as Crystal's was earlier. Probably redder. //<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">Karin, what were you thinking? Peter is your childhood friend but you forgot that you had a crush on him! // <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">I mean, being book smart was one thing, having common sense is another. I tried to keep my mind occupied by looking at the various objects in Peter's bedroom. His room was probably three times as big as mine. I constantly envied it as a child, but now I have my own."Nice room you get here." I got up from the comfy sofa and walked around his room. My eyes landed on a photo sticking out of a notebook and reached to grab it."Hey Karin! That’s..." Peter was too late.There was a girl wearing a flowery spring-like sundress smiling like the sun and her long dark hair blowing in the wind and a boy looking embarrassed with red cheeks and shininggreen eyes standing in the summer sun with her, Crystal and Peter. My heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces."What's this?" I asked my voice cracking."Well..." Peter scratched his head. "I was planning on telling you sooner or later but I never had a chance to. Um...." Peter looked down on the ground.What is this? Claire likes Kai. Kai liked someone. Ryan likes someone. I could care less though. But I like Peter! Peter likes Crystal. But Crystal likes Ryan. Crystal likes Ryan!!I knew that if I didn't get out soon, tears would soon be falling. No. I couldn't let that happen. ** **<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">"Well look at the time. Good luck with you and Crystal!" I ran out of the room. ** **<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">"Wait! Karin!" Peter called after me. "It's pouring out there!" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I was out of the mansion so fast. I didn't care if it was raining. Tears involuntarily streamed down my face. I couldn't stop crying. It was raining heavier than before. But, I didn't care. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> The sky was crying with me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> * **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">I arrived back at the mansion soaking wet and slowly walked upstairs. Kai was walking down at the same moment. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">"Woah. What happened to you?" he seemed taken aback by the appearance. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">"Nothing! Haha. Forgot an umbrella!" I gave him a fake smile. I dashed past him. He grabbed a hold of my arm. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "You look like you've been crying. Don't give me that plastic smile. It doesn't suit you." **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">I couldn't help it. I started crying. Bawling like a baby. Kai gave me his shoulder to cry on. Wasn't I supposed to do that? Ryan was right. Behind everything, Kai is truly a nice person. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> He led me upstairs back to my room. "Go and get changed. I'll wait outside." he walked out of the room.He led me upstairs back to my room. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">"Go and get changed. I'll wait outside." he walked out of the room. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I slowly trudged into the closet and touched the clothes softly, Jess's clothes. Why would Kai give this room to me? Why? I randomly grabbed a pair of pajamas and walked back to my bed. I felt lightheaded. Then, things around me were spinning. I felt dizzy. My legs were weak and I collapsed to the ground. I couldn't get back up. The door slammed open. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Karin? Karin! Are you okay? Karin!" Kai's frantic voice echoed in my head. Then, I blacked out. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> * **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I woke up in my bed and the morning light shining in my face. Memories started rushing back and I realized the whole situation. I felt my head and sure enough there was a cold towel **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> stuck to my forehead. I had passed out due to a high fever. Next to me was Kai sleeping soundly on the side of my bed. Was he with me the whole night? His eyes slowly opened and **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> looked at me. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">"Morning." I smiled. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Oh hey. You're awake. Feeling any better?" he asked. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Yeah thanks." I sat upright in my bed. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">"I'll go get Michelle." Kai got up from the ground, stretched and turned to leave. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Wait. Before you go can I ask you something?" I grabbed the sleeve of his Polo sweatshirt. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "What?" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Why did you give me Jess's room?" **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> There was a long silence. Things felt awkward. Kai had his face directed at the door and not me. I knew this was a touchy subject but I had to get an answer. He finally turned around to **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> face me. His eyes the emitted such sadness bore into mine. I shivered. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "Do I have to answer?" he asked, every word long and full of sorrow. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> "No. Sorry." I let go of his sleeve and lay back down on my bed. I closed my eyes pretending to be asleep. The door closed shut and I opened them again. // Why? Why did he give me Jess's // **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;"> // room? Why is everything so complicated now? Love. Wasn't it supposed to be something that made others happy? // Love can be joyful, but there are consequences that lead up to a perfect love. As **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> they say, no pain no gain.I sighed heavily and plopped back down on my bed. The door suddenly opened and I jumped right up. It was my mom. She rushed over to my bed, felt my **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> head, and sighed with relief. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">"Karin! Don't scare me like that." she scolded. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "I'm sorry." I replied. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> "What's with you these days? Seems like you got boy trouble." she said slyly. Her smile was like that of a fox. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Haha, no.” I reply. This is a big lie. I’m in the middle of a crisis. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Oh.” She looked disappointed. “Well, I’m off to work!” she got up to leave. “Also, there’s a visitor at the door.” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> At that moment, Ryan walked in. How long has he been there? Did he hear the conversation between me and Kai? I looked up at him. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Have fun!” my mother smiled and left the room. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “So…” I started. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “So what’s your plan?” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “My plan?” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif;">“Why did you ask Kai about Jess?” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">“I had to know!” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;">“I told you it was because it was in hopes of replacing her!” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> He slammed the door shut. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Are you positive? Are you sure? You may know Kai but is that really the right answer?” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “I know him more than you ever will!” I had never seen Ryan so mad before. His calm mask had been broken. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I rose from my bed. “Yes, you probably do.” My low voice progressively got louder. “You are probably right too. But, you asked me to help him! I want to help him! He is an incredible **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> person! However, if he doesn’t tell me and open up to me than I can’t help him! Do you understand that?” Unknowingly, a tear dropped down my cheek. I felt so helpless. I should not **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> have let my anger out on Ryan. He was right. Why did I ask Kai such a painful question for him to bear? **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “You…” he walked towards me and reached out his hand to touch me. I flinched as the door burst open. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Ryan. What are you doing?” Kai asked in a stern voice. My first thought was “another eavesdropper”and “the door will probably break by the end of today.” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> He stormed up to us. He looked at me. “Ryan. Wait outside. Michelle is there to escort you somewhere so you don’t listen. I’ll call you back when I’m done talking to Karin.” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Sure.” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> The door, for once, silently closed. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> Kai faced me and I immediately submerged under the covers. **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Karin. Please. Listen to me.” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “You were crying.” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “No, it’s my allergies.” I replied. It was such a stupid remark. Why did I even say it? **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “What could you possibly be allergic to in here?” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> “Bananas.” **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 1.5;"> I smiled at him. “Of course!” With that, we exchanged hugs. He’s definitely not a bad person. **