HAPINESS?

CHAPTER 3: WAITING

The girls had managed to cheer Stella up a bit, but the good mood didn't last very long. The second the girls had all left Stella had sunk into her bed with a tub of chunky money. Stella knew the girls were upto something, all their excuses were lame and Stella saw straight through them. Stella would have dwelled on the girls if she her mind wasn't preoccupied by a particular someone.

She played with her phone, and every time it rang she instantly flipped it open hoping to see a certain name flash across but it was always some sales pitch. When it rang for the 11th time Stella had almost given up hope, but still enthusiastically flipped it open only to see Flora flash across. She sighed deeply and opened the text 'be ready by 8:00, we are all going out and remember to bring on the glamour'. Stella wasn't in the mood to party, but she thought it was a good distraction.

"Why haven't you called yet Brandon?" she muttered as she went through her closet "Are you really not interested anymore? Are you also starting to think I'm just a spoilt princess? Have you decided I'm not worth it or are you just tired of my attitude and me? Wasn't it my attitude though, which attracted you in the first place? Am I just being too unreasonable this time? Should I just take the first step and call you?" Stella no longer knew who she was talking to, the non-present Brandon or her reflection in the mirror.

As she went through the insides of her closet till her hands found a box. Stella pulled the box and smiled at it in a bittersweet manner. The box was still in pristine condition. She opened it and pulled out the gold chain with a heart shaped charm dangling on it. On the back of the heart B and S forever was carved in. The carving was rough, and Stella knew despite Brandon's constant denials, that Brandon had carved it in himself. That's what he had given her when he had asked her out. It was too special for her to just wear everyday, it was just hers and she didn't want anyone else to see it.

She clutched the pendant tightly and felt herself getting teary. "I wonder if you remember what tomorrow is, I certainly do cause 3 years ago that moment made my life perfect," She said softly. The memory of that day was still so clear in her mind.

FLASHBACK

Stella and Brandon had gotten along well since the fresher's party. They had always been flirty and close but neither of them ever took a step forward despite the obvious attraction between them. Stella was never the type who did things first she always preferred others taking the initiative, even if she had to coax them a bit to bend to her will.

Stella always loved attraction, especially from the opposite sex, which she usually got, but what she loved more than attention was seeing them all crave and fight for her attention. Brandon always casually flirted with her but never fought for her attention or played along according to her. This annoyed Stella but also drew her towards him. He always left her confused as to what he thought about her, she could never tell if he truly wanted her or just enjoyed messing with her.

Tired of not having her way Stella had decided to longer let herself be played by his charm and coolness, so when Josh had asked her to accompany him for the Halloween bash she had gladly accepted. She couldn't wait to rub this into Brandon's face hoping to see him jealous and desperate for her.

She walked down the Magix square road with a smug look on her face. She was trying on clothes when she saw Brandon approaching her. 'Yes he seems angry and jealous, I can't wait to see him beg for me to be his date' she thought to herself. Unfortunately things didn't turn out quite as Stella had expected.

"I heard Josh is stuck with the unfortunate duty of escorting you to the Halloween bash" he said going through a couple of ties.

"Jealous much" said Stella, hoping for some sort of reaction, all she truly wanted was to see his cool exterior crack.

Brandon just smirked "The only I feel is pity for the poor guy. I can't imagine anyone surviving a night with you"

Stella was getting upset; Brandon seemed perfectly fine with her going out with some other guy. She just huffed and said "I'll make sure it's a very memorable night for him" promptly licking her lips, hoping this would show Brandon she was serious. When all he did was scoff I doubt it, she left from there.

Stella had gone to the changing room and for the last 5 minutes had been trying to zip up her red dress. Finally someone stepped in and pulled it up for her.

"What took you so long, aren't you supposed to be here to help" she huffed turning around only to see the six feet brown haired guy behind her instead of the blond shop assistant.

"See you do need me after all" he whispered in her ear seductively, slowing pulling the zip up and running his hand over her milky bare back.

"Get out pervert," said Stella though her neck tingled with his breath and her body loved the feeling of his body against hers.

"I just had to check something," he said pulling back "I prefer the red dress, but if you want to make Josh feel like a man go with the pink, that's his colour"

Brandon then left a craving and confused Stella inside the changing room. Stella's confusion soon changed to anger, she couldn't understand him. One second he was monopolizing her and then next he was telling her how to get into another man's pants.

Josh had definitely appreciated the pink dress; cause the whole party he seemed to have a problem keeping his hands off Stella. Stella didn't like his touch, she felt disgusted every time his rough hands met her skin, but she couldn't push him off, not when Brandon was looking at them. She had to show Brandon that she was enjoying Josh's company.

It was time for the final dance where everyone changed partners after every count of eight. Stella's last partner was the one she dreaded, she didn't know if once she felt Brandon's arms around her she would be able to leave that warmth. She spun to him and he pulled her in till there was no space between them.

"You seem to be having fun," he said with slight bitterness in his voice.

"And you seem to be unable to keep your eyes off of me" Stella retorted, she had finally sensed some emotion in his voice and she wanted to enjoy that bitterness.

"I think you're the one whose into me, cause our count got over long ago but your still here holding onto me with such a passion" he said aggressively. He then pulled away and pointed towards Josh "He seems lonely and you're not going to please him if you stay with another guy."

That's it, Stella then snapped and then anger took over "Why are you telling me how to get him, your supposed to want me so why aren't you jealous?" Stella yelled loudly. Brandon pulled her into an isolated area.

"Why aren't you jealous?" Stella repeated.

"Because I am the only guy who can get you to crack your cool exterior, because I am the only one you seem desperate for, because I am the only one you show your those expressions to" He said smugly.

"So that's it, you just enjoy seeing me flustered and vulnerable" she said angrily.

"You didn't let me finish" He said stepping closer to her "I am also the only guy who has the right to do this to you and stand next to you" He softly pressed his lips onto Stella's, but Stella pulled away.

"Who said I give you have the privilege to monopolize my lips" Stella said now back to her usual prideful face.

He smiled, Stella turned around to leave but Brandon caught her hand and pushed her hair forward and then gently placed the necklace around her neck. Stella let them be together in that intimate position for some time before she walked away.

"Is that a yes?" He asked

"Its not a no" said Stella coyly.

"I guess it's my turn to be desperate for you" he muttered. Stella kept on walking with an ear-to-ear grin on her face.

Stella put the box away and then pulled out the red dress she had secretly bought all those years ago. She hoped this was the right time to pull it out and wear it. She wanted to clear things up with Brandon and didn't like how she had become so with a lot of courage she picked up her phone and texted Brandon. Usually she would have spent hours ensuring she had framed the message to perfection, but today she just typed and pressed send before her tiny amount of resolve washed away.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The specialists didn't know what to do when the girls had shown up. They couldn't tell the girls that they had misplaced the main guest for tonight's event, so upon being asked where Brandon was the guys the just lied and said he was with Sky, who had in fact gone out to hunt Brandon down.

Sky was having no luck in hunting down Brandon. He had literally checked every place he could think off but it seems that lady luck had taken a disliking to him today. Sky was just walking through Magix Square as a last resort. He knew Brandon wouldn't be here but he been to every other place in Magix.

Sky looked into the store windows with intense concentration. His eyes were so busy on scanning for Brandon that he wasn't exactly paying attention to what was in front him. His lack of attention to the road caused him to bump into another passer by through Magix.

"I'm sorry I was actually looking for someone so I wasn't paying any attention" said Sky pulling himself up and then lending a hand to the brunette beauty.

"You actually kinda stole my excuse," she said chirpily taking his hand and straitening her clothes.

"Are you a new student at Alfea? I've never seen you around" Sky said studying the girl.

"Ya Sherlock I just got here today. Oh do you go to Red Fountain?" she asked with enthusiastically. Sky nodded with a smile, but he really wanted to get on with his hunt for Brandon. "Great, maybe then you know the guy I'm looking for" she said hopefully.

"Do you have a name for me?" asked Sky

"Prince Sky of Eraklyon" she said. Sky was dumbfounded. This girl was looking for him and he hadn't the slightest clue as to who she was. He starched the back of his head and said, "That's funny cause I am prince Sky of Eraklyon"

The girl looked as shocked as him. "No you can't be him cause the prince Sky I knew had chocolate brown hair and gorgeous brown eyes. If your hitting on me I swear you'll be sorry cause I have no time for stupidity" she said her disbelief changing to anger. She thought the guy in front of her was joking with her. She knew she would recognize Sky even if he had dyed his hair and put in contacts, and she knew the guy in front of her wasn't the guy she had dated for three years.

"Listen I don't know who you are or what you want but I am Prince Sky and I already have a girlfriend," said Sky running out of patience and irritation visible on his face.

The girl was also not in the mood to be duped so she just walked muttered something under her breath and then walked away "Thanks for the help" she grumbled but Sky had already sprinted off in search for his best friend.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Brandon knew the best places to stay hidden and undisturbed were the most obvious choices usually overlooked by frantic searchers. He sat on the terrace of Red Fountain pondering over the last 24 hours. He didn't quite know what had happened other than that his emotions had decided to lash out.

He felt bad for yelling at Sky, but he was very defensive about his past especially since it wasn't all roses and chocolates. He didn't want it to define him even though it had done exactly that.

He really badly wanted to make up with Stella. His anger regarding her had subsided; but he knew they had to talk. Brandon had wanted to talk to Stella about the flaws in their relationship for some time now, but he was scared to breach the topic because of his fear of loosing Stella. He sighed, he felt lost.

He had often wanted to tell Stella about his past but then he had always stopped himself cause deep inside he knew if he spoke about his past Stella would realize part of him was still in love with someone else and he knew she deserved better than him but he didn't want her to realize that.

He was looking forward to a peaceful night of solace, where he could sleep without having to hear Sky and Riven battle about their egos. That's when his phone buzzed and the name Stella flashed across the screen. He instinctively opened the text.

'3 years ago you made me desperate for this charming boyish cool guy and tonight its his turn to show me he cares. Don't disappoint me Brand, if tomorrow is an important date for you you'll come tonight'

Tomorrow. How could he ever forget that date? The next memory in his mind was the first positive one he had thought off in the last few days.

FLASHBACK

Brandon hated the fact that Stella was going to the Halloween Bash with Josh. Josh was just plain and unimpressive in his eyes. However Brandon loved breaking Stella's cool exposure so he wasn't going to give her the reaction he knew she wanted from him.

He couldn't help but toy with her when he had seen her looking at the seductive dresses. Though Stella had managed to shock him by insinuating the fact that she wanted to physical with josh. Brandon knew he had to do something to ensure Stella was wrapped around his finger. He decided he would give Stella a tiny thrill and leave her craving for more. When Brandon had gone into the changing room he was shocked at how his body reacted to hers. He only pulled back because he knew if he stayed in there any longer he wouldn't be able to control himself.

That night he had cringed every time he had seen Josh touch his Stella. He knew he had to move fast cause Stella would never admit she wanted him, but by the end of the dance he had finally broken Stella. He felt extremely victorious when she admitted coming with Josh only to make him jealous.

He played it cool evening throwing in a kiss. But that's when Stella decided to play hard to get and he knew he was completely desperate for her. When she was walking away he couldn't help but ask, "Is that a yes" and felt this ticklish feeling when she replied that it wasn't a no.

Only later that night did Brandon realize he had no idea as to what he and Stella stood as. He had gone to Alfea to meet Stella.

"What's up boyfriend" came a strong sweet voice from behind him. He turned around only to be greeted by an aggressive and passionate kiss. He so enjoyed that kiss.

"Now that's a kiss," Stella said placing herself on Brandon's lap. "By the way the hand carved B and S was very cute, so not the cool you, but I like the teenage girl side of you" Stella said playfully.

An embarrassed Brandon just protested saying "That's just bad carpentry, not me"

Brandon got up and then decided he was going to go meet Stella. He was very happy that Stella had made the first effort to reconcile; maybe he still made her desperate for him at times. He missed those days where they just casually flirted instead of always fighting and then having artificial make-ups.

Brandon pulled out his phone and called Sky to tell him he was in for tonight. That's when Sky told him that it was there surprise three-year anniversary party and that he would have to hurry up cause the surprise was in 15 minutes and that Stella would not be pleasantly surprised if he wasn't there on time. Brandon went into overdrive mode.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Stella hated surprises. Flora assured her she would have a great time tonight. Stella walked towards the fountain when a band started playing her favorite song Without you and a banner reading HAPPY 3 YEARS STELL AND BRAND came up. Stella was dumbfounded, she felt extremely touched.

Stella wondered if Brandon hadn't made up with her cause he was planning this for her. Stella felt her hopes rise and a huge sense of happiness washed over her. She was glad she had worn that red dress; it was very befitting of the occasion. Her eyes scanned through all the people looking for her prince charming, but she couldn't spot Brandon anywhere, and that's when her hopes like a house of cards came crashing down.

"Where's Brandon?" Stella asked the specialists. All the guys exchanged nervous glances. "He is on his way, he's just having transportation problems" answered Riven. Stella could see they were lying, however she smiled and let them think she believed it.

She also really hoped that that was the truth cause otherwise it would mean Brandon chose to purposely not attend their three year anniversary and what that meant was that he didn't value their relationship. Could he actually be that angry with her, or did he just hate her by now or worse was this his way of breaking up with her. He wouldn't do that to her, would he?

Everyone danced and enjoyed the evening but Stella spent her whole evening sitting by the fountaining waiting for Brandon to show up. With every passing second her Stella's faith waivered and insecurities grew. How had Stella become this girl she was now. She used to be the embodiment confidence and attitude but now all she saw in the mirror was an insecure and clingy girl. She hated what her relationship had made her. She knew this version of her wasn't the one Brandon liked, but he had to understand he was the one who had broken her. All that happened recently with them were stupid fights and then he would show up with a gift only to go back to another fight later.

She wondered if this relationship was more harm than good. She wanted to talk to Brandon but was scared of loosing him. She looked in the fountain and longed to see his reflection sitting next to hers.

"Are you going to come for me, or are you not going to let yourself crack" she murmured.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

King Erendor of Eraklyon was busy attending official work. He never attended any random calls, he didn't have time for leisure. But when he saw that number flash across his phone screen he was stunned for the next few seconds.

He had not heard from the caller in over three years. He cautiously picked up the phone and answered

"What do you want calling me after all these years" he said bitterly. Erendor knew this person was like a bearer of death. Whenever this person was involved things always ended on a poor note.

"Erendor I would be cautious about your tone, there are few people of as much service at me. You wouldn't want all those underground affairs coming up would you. Erendor there is trouble heading your way" the person said coldly.

Erendor and the person exchanged a couple more words with a dark and grave expression plastered on his face. Once the call was over Erendor stormed into his wife's chambers "Start making arrangements, Sky is going to get married"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Now is when the plot really begins. The whole emotional thing is going to continue but now a real story line starts to develop though most of it is still going to be about the relationships between the different characters. Also the past will be a huge theme.

Please give me suggestions and ideas and most importantly REVIEW, FAVORITE and FOLLOW.