-heaves a deep sigh- Gosh ... I'm dead beat !!!! I like, just went for hell training with marching ... AAH !!!!!
Pure : Don't mind her, she's loony and mentally-disturbed now. Anyways, thanks for the over 100 reviews guys !!!! You all did a great job. And sorry for updating slower than usual, PBR's been really busy with schoolwork and sports day stuff lately ... Thanks for the understanding guys !!!
PBR : Oh hail dear commander, what is your wish ? Shakespeare once said : to march ? Or not to march ? That is a question ...
Pure : Seriously ... Sigh ... anyway, PureBlackRaven does not own Beyblade and any of its characters. She only owns the plot and her OCs.
Chap. 11 : Skipping School
It was a Sunday, and yet we still had to go to school for additional activities. I actually got my whole day holiday and still I had to go to school for some stupid activities. Besides, sports wasn't really my type. I dressed myself in the school activity T-shirt they gave us, shorts and wristbands. I tied my hair into two high ponytails. I stuffed some clothes into my bag before leaving the house. A few days since the day Tala stole my first kiss and we were getting along fine. We haven't actually gone out on a date yet, just starting on the basics. I remember warning him that I wasn't an expert in these but he just chuckled. Sigh … it was complicating. We also made a deal. I thought it was stupid at first to make a deal but Tala just assured it was fine. Was this how he got along with his previous girlfriends ?
" I'll make a deal with you, you give me a chance and we'll try it out for two weeks. If it doesn't work out, you can break up with me and kill me." His voice echoed in my mind. It was scary to think that a relationship would even have a deal. But I agreed to it, seeing that he was already giving me a choice. Most people won't even care about their girlfriend's feelings !
I closed the door before locking it, turning to face the neighbourhood. The sky was getting brighter and I just wanted to stay at home. I needed a break. I sighed and walked to school. Damn Tala hadn't paid me a bike for ruining mine. He said he was going to though. A bike shouldn't be a problem for a rich guy like him.
" Morning Lizzie. Long time no see." A pair of arms snaked onto me, hugging me from behind as I jumped.
" Tala !! Don't scare me like that ! I have heart problems you know." I rolled my eyes.
He was wearing the same shirt as I was, just that he wore long pants while I wore shorts.
" You look good." He smirked, looking at my legs as I glared at him before turning away. " C'mon Lizzie, you know I didn't mean it." Tala said, catching up with me just with a few steps. He was fast.
" Whatever." I sighed as we walked in silence.
I groaned silently. The thought of running ten rounds around the field made me sick. Tala noticed my expression and just laughed.
" What's so funny ?" I asked, frowning.
" You want to skip school today ?" he asked, grinning.
Say yes Lizzie ! SAY YES !!!! " No." I forced the words out of my mouth.
He looked surprised. " I know you want to. You're a bad liar."
" Right then, you got me. But I just had a feeling today isn't the day for skipping classes. There's something telling me it's gonna turn out bad." I groaned.
" Just one day. It won't hurt, I promise." He smiled.
" You're evil you know that Tala. You know I can't resist that smile of yours and yet you still use it on a poor lowly human being like me. You're bad." I rolled my eyes when he grinned.
" C'mon Lizzie." He persuaded. " I know you don't want to go to school. Besides, I need help on Maths and other stuff. I know you're a genius in class."
" How can you be so sure ?"
" Maxine told me and the others. Tyson and Asher choked when they heard it." He told me as I gritted my teeth. Maxine … You're dead meat. I sew your mouth in order for it to stop working.
" You sure you want to do this ?" I asked anxiously.
" It'll be alright. I'll cover for you if anything happens." He smiled again before grabbing my hand, leading me to another unfamiliar direction.
-
My legs were tired after 20 minutes of walking. I groaned silently.
" Are we there yet ?"
" Don't worry, we're almost there. Just a few more minutes and we'll be reaching." He assured.
" Are your parents in ?" I asked, biting my lip. I didn't what to say if I met them. We were supposed to be at school ! I can't just barge in saying ' Good morning, and I'm Lizzie Olenska. Tala and I are skipping school for the day so see you later !'. What would people think of me ?
" They're out on a business trip, haven't seen them in years." He said. I assumed he was exaggerating. It couldn't be that bad …
" Oh. Won't you be lonely ?"
" Its freedom, but yes, you'll get bored once in a while. Now that I have you, I think I'll hardly get bored." He grinned as I blushed. The guy sure knows his words.
" What do you do when you get bored ?" I fought back the blush fiercely. He was teasing me.
" Go to Kai's place. It's much better to hang out with friends." He skidded to a halt.
I felt my eyes widen. OMG this was just like heaven. Inside the gates was a LARGE mansion painted in a darker shade of brown. The roof was black, like Kai's too. It looked like a palace just taken right out of fairytales.
" I know its nothing compared to Kai's." Tala whispered suddenly as I jumped. I forgot he was still there.
" No, it's lovely all the same." I commented.
" You like it ?" he asked before pushing the gates as we entered the Ivanov residence.
" No, I love it. It has a certain charm." I grinned as he sniggered.
" This time I win !" he said. I sent him a puzzling look.
" Over these years, people who came to my house and Kai's house always prefer Kai's house. But this time, the great Kai finally loses !" he grinned.
" Kai's mansion's too big. It's scary to go to the loo by yourself at night." I shivered when I imagined myself being haunted by ghosts in the toilet. It wasn't very pleasant.
" Don't worry, I swear my house's ghost-free. Even if there IS one, I'll protect you." He promised as I snorted.
" Don't know who's the one to run away first when the ghosts come." I said as Tala rolled his eyes.
" Think optimistic Lizzie, think optimistic." He encouraged as I grinned, before looking at the door in front of us.
" Don't worry, my parents won't suddenly pop out. Nobody really cares about me skipping school anyway." He smiled as I nodded. He pulled one of my ponytails when we reached the main door.
" Ivanov …" I growled, glaring at him.
He shrugged and opened the door as we stepped into the room. The living room was bright. The walls were painted creamy peach. The windows were opened, letting rays of sunlight shine in the room. The house didn't need lights for daytime I guess. Suddenly, a voice made us jump and turn around. A rather old-looking man with glasses walked towards us, his expression worried.
" Except for Eugine. He's really bothersome sometimes." I heard Tala whisper.
" Master Tala ! What are you doing here ?" he asked.
" Eugine, Lizzie; Lizzie, Eugine." He introduced quickly before grabbing my hand out of the room and up the stairs.
" Hey !" I protested. I wanted to see more of his house.
" Master Tala !!! Ma'am has just phoned ! Please call her back. She wants you fast !!!" yelled the poor man as Tala moaned.
" Whatever !! Now give me some personal space Eugine !!!" he barked before slamming the door that startled me. Oh god I was such a klutz sometimes. I didn't even pay attention to where we were going !
" Welcome to my room." Tala said simply as I nodded, admiring the whole structure of his room silently. Tala's room was painted dark red, a bit like blood, and the furniture just suited the colour perfectly. A large king-sized bed placed on the top middle, a door beside the bed leading to the closet, a desk on the other side of the room with a laptop on it, piled with stacks of books and a bookcase beside it. Then beside the bookshelf was a door, which I reckoned lead to the bathroom.
" You stay here Lizzie and be good. I'm gonna go answer a few things." He told me as I nodded obediently, sending him an innocent look.
" Cute." He smirked before closing the door. " I'll be back !" he shouted.
I sat on the edge of his bed, staring into space. Suddenly, the door creaked open and in came the butler, Eugine.
" Yes ?" I asked.
" Do you need anything miss ?" he asked, his voice filled with British accent.
" Thanks but I don't need anything." I smiled.
" I see. Well then, have fun with young master. I have never seen him so happy before, and from what I see, he seems serious about you. So please treasure him. He needs someone to care about him. He's everyday so lonely." Sighed the butler as I nodded. Just then, Tala came in. I wonder if he heard what Eugine told me.
" Ah Eugine, you're here." He grinned. " Two glasses of water please." I stared at him disbelievingly. OMFG The great Tala actually used 'please' !!!
Eugine nodded, smiling before exiting the room. He noticed I was still staring at him like some idiot.
" What ?" he snapped.
" Nothing, just couldn't imagine you using the word 'please'." I mumbled as he sighed.
" Get used to it then. Anyway, let's do what we were supposed to do." He grinned and pointed to his bag. " Teach me Maths."
I stared at him dully. " Tala you're hopeless you know that ?" I groaned before pulling a chair, sitting beside him in front of the desk. He fished out his homework from his bag and placed them on the table.
" You're lazy." I noticed, checking one of his workbooks. Practically every page had 'late' word stamped on it.
" It's my habit. I can't change it." He shrugged as I sent him a cold stare.
" You learnt these all last year Tala. And you're saying now that you don't know how to do them, what were you doing in class ? Having a kissing session ? Eww … Thank god I'm not in your class during Maths." I shook my head in disapproval. " You need to study more. You suck at it."
" Maybe you can be my tutor. It's a job right ?" he suggested hopefully.
I gave out a weak laugh. " No way I'm gonna quit my current job Tala."
" Whatever. It was just a suggestion." He shrugged.
" Anyway, you'd better be ready for a lecturing and non-stop-studying session. I'm gonna go through these ASAP." I warned.
" As long as it's you, I'm ready for anything." He said confidently.
" Good." I patted him on the back hard-I meant to do that- until he coughed.
" Ouch." Was all that came out from him.
" Anyway, let's just start. I want to go home soon. Lily and Libby are out for the whole day." I said as he nodded.
The teaching went well. In two hours, we finished one thick workbook. He was an attentive student when you made him listen. He was smart but he didn't use it the right way. It was hidden inside him all along. When we finished the first one, it was already ten.
" Ah …" I stretched my arms and backbone, " How time flies." I said before returning to Tala. He was staring at me, absorbed in his thoughts I think. " Hello ? Earth to Tala ?" I snapped my fingers in front of his eyes as he jumped. What the hell was he thinking ? I hope it wasn't something to do with me …
" Yes ?" he asked innocently.
" What were you staring at ?" I asked suspiciously.
" Oh it's nothing. You want a break ?" he asked when he noticed me yawning.
" I can manage. I just slept late yesterday, that's all. Anyway, let's get on with the next workbook." I continued, picking the second thick book as I started to explain and guide him.
-
" OMG Tala !!! You don't know this ?! It's simple, really ! You just need to multiply this sum and divide it by 15 before adding 693. Then you need to minus 16503 and the answer will be a negative. God Tala, what happened to your brain ?" I paused to look up from the book, only to find him staring at me AGAIN. " Tala Ivanov ! Are you listening ?!" I yelled as he nodded, looking back to his book as I sighed. This was the fourth time he did that. " If you think my explanation is boring, I can go home this instant. I'd rather spend my time at home than wasting my time and your time here."
" Sorry. Just go on, they're interesting." He smiled a heart-breaking smile. How I wanted to smile back but I was in the middle of tutoring an unmannered guy like him. I forced myself to frown and continued.
-
Finally, it was 2 PM and we finished three whole thick books. School should be over by now. All that was left were a few paper-worksheets. I yawned again.
" When did you sleep yesterday night ?" he asked worriedly.
" 1 in the morning." I replied, rubbing an eye.
" Why ?!" he asked. Obviously, there was shock in his voice.
" Just celebrating the fact that I recovered from my temperature." I stretched my legs, trying to gain conscious.
" You're one weird girl, which is why I like you." He grinned, standing up.
" Why, thanks for the comment Ivanov ! It was really sweet to hear such things coming out from that mouth of yours." I rolled my eyes.
" You're welcome anytime. Anyway, I'll go get us something to bite." The redhead smiled before closing the door.
I rested my face on my palms the very moment he went out. It was hard not to smile at him. I groaned. Since when did I become someone like this ? My life didn't really need love. At least, that was what I thought before I met Tala. A slight smile curved on my lips. He was nice once you get to know him. Just when I was truly engrossed in my thoughts, I felt myself drifting into sleep mode.
-
( Four hours later … )
My eyes fluttered open as I sat up from something soft I was sleeping on. Man, where the hell is this place ? I rubbed my eyes and looked beneath me. I was sleeping on a bed, but who's ? Putting that aside, why wasn't I in my own room but in a room like this ? I looked around and saw a redhead reading a book, sitting on a chair, his back facing the desk. He looked up from the book when he noticed me staring at him.
" Morning sunshine." He greeted, smiling. I looked out of the window. Oh my fucking god did I oversleep in Tala's place ?!
" You've just spoilt the fun. You're really interesting when you sleep." He chuckled, placing the book on the table as he walked towards me.
" What time is it ?" I asked anxiously.
" Don't worry. It's only 6 PM." He said calmly as I gasped.
" No way !!!! God I'm SOOO dead !!!!" I yelled, jumping off the bed as I packed my stuff and grabbed my bag, running to the door to exit his room but Tala just had to block my way.
" Tala, this isn't the time to play. I really need to get home. I stayed here too long. Why didn't you wake me up anyway ! I'm not supposed to sleep in the day !" I grumbled.
" Wow … Lizzie, calm down. What's the rush all about ?" he asked. He didn't want me to leave, for some reason.
" You don't get it !!! I have to be home before Lily and Libby do ! Or I'm dead shit !" I explained briefly as I shove him aside. Damn his reflexes were good. He immediately grabbed my hand and pulled me into a tight hug from behind.
" You're not going anywhere Lizzie." He whispered in my ear before giving me a peck on the cheek.
" But I-"
" Who cares about them. C'mon, I must repay you in some way since you helped me in schoolwork." He said. He's so selfish, I don't know why I even agreed him on the deal.
" That can wait." I gritted my teeth. His grip on me tightened as I winced.
" No, it can't. I want to show you something. And it's now or never." He sounded serious, which was scary yet surprising in a way.
" Fine then. You win this one." I relented, after hesitation. He smirked victoriously.
" Go get yourself changed then. You can't wear that out." He smiled before freeing me. I noticed he changed into his normal outfit already.
" Oh." I nodded.
" I hope you brought your clothes." He added quickly.
" Yeah, I did. But remember Tala, if I am caught, you're gonna be responsible. It's hard not to break the curfew." I warned as he nodded obediently.
" I'll keep you then if you get kicked out."
I glared at him before closing the bathroom door. The idea of Tala and me living together under one roof was ridiculous. I changed into the outfit I brought, which consisted of a white loose shirt and blue cargo jeans. I pulled out the elastic bands from my ponytails, letting my hair flow down like water. Somehow, I managed to find a cap hiding in my bag.
' This will be useful.' I grinned silently as I tucked my hair under it, before going out.
" Lizzie, you look like a male." Tala stated straightforwardly.
" Good. Now people won't know it's me." I grinned. Success …
" Not good. People might think I'm gay." He frowned. " But anyway, let's go. We're taking the car."
I nodded and followed him down the stairs and into the garage.
" We take, the Volvo I guess. It's the worst car I can come up with." He said.
" No it's not, one car is good enough for me. You guys should learn to treasure your stuff. Count your blessings Tala." I rolled my eyes before sitting on the co-driver seat as we set off.
" Where are we going ?" I asked curiously.
" Somewhere you'll like." He assured before giving my hand a squeeze, not letting it go. I glanced at the redhead. I had never seen him so serious about a relationship like this before.
Soon, we reached. I looked out of the window and blinked. The beach ? What the hell was he trying to do ?!
" Come down of the car. I bet you'll like it." He grinned as I obeyed.
When I stepped out of the car, I felt the sun shining its light on me. I covered my eyes with my hand and moved to a different spot before moving my hand away. I almost squealed. The sunset scenery was just amazing ! I strolled down to the sand of the beach and stopped my tracks when I came near to the sea. I just looked at the sunset-coloured sky before smiling a genuine smile. It felt calming to gaze and admire the sky, especially when it was sunset. Just when I was sinking into my thoughts, a pair of strong arms suddenly sneaked up to me, hugging me tight.
" You're beautiful when you smile." said Tala softly at my ear as I blushed.
He released me after a few seconds as I turned around to face him. His expression was unreadable. His hand suddenly reached out to my head, taking my cap away from my head as my hair flowed freely down my back. " Tala …" I called out his name softly when he threw the cap away towards the sea. His gaze averted to me and soon, I was pulled into a warm embrace. My heart skipped a beat.
" Promise me, that you'll be yourself. And swear that you won't leave my side and always be where I need you." He pleaded as I blinked. Why was he being so … depressing all of a sudden ? " Please." he added as I smiled, returning the hug.
" Don't worry, I will." I promised.
" You promise ?' he asked.
" I promise." I grinned.
Slowly, he broke the hug. We stared at each other for a moment. I felt him getting closer, closer and closer, until we were a few inches away from each other. I placed a finger on his lips as well as mine before turning away. I still wasn't used to the mouth-to-mouth thingy. I know it was rude to interrupt him but I just wasn't well prepared.
" What's wrong ?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
" Nothing, I just feel that we weren't meant to be doing this." I murmured.
He sighed. " You promised. And now you're thinking negative about me."
Silence fell between the both of us. We didn't say anything for a few minutes, just staring at each other.
" I'm scared." I admitted quietly, looking away.
" I'll be there to catch you if you fall." He joked as I laughed weakly, but still unsure of whether to believe him or not. He noticed my uncertainty. " I swear Lizzie, I'm always with you. I won't betray you or do anything to hurt you." He smiled sadly, caressing my face.
" I hope you mean it." I bit my lip. " And I hope you mean all-"
" Enough Lizzie." He hushed as I paused. Soon, we were inches away from each other again. He hesitated for a moment when his lips were near mine.
" Just do it." I mumbled. God, why was I encouraging him ?!
He obeyed immediately as he closed the gap we had between us, his lips crashing onto mine. At first, it was just a plain, innocent and gentle kiss. Soon, it turned more and more passionate each passing second. His arms around my waist tightened as he pulled me closer. Gradually, I placed my hands on both of his shoulders, retuning the kiss. I didn't notice I had tears around the corner of my eyes until he stopped.
" Did it hurt ?" he asked.
" No." I lied, wiping away the liquid that flowed out of my eyes.
" Lying isn't one of your special abilities." He said, his tone slightly stern.
To be frank, it did hurt. My whole heart was hurting. Why did he do such a thing for me ? It was the only thing I couldn't understand. Noticing that I had a sad expression hung on my face, he pulled me into a comforting hug again. I felt so warm, so secure in his arms. I told myself that I was crazy when I wished things would just stay like that for eternity.
" I love you, Liz." He confessed.
I felt the words I wanted to say stuck in my throat.
" More than you can ever imagine." He smiled.
More tears ran out from my eyes.
" Don't." I mumbled, looking away.
Tala stared at me, with sad eyes.
" Don't be silly Liz. You know I'm forever yours." He smiled sadly, wiping away my tears.
" But-"
" No buts Liz. I made up my mind that I'm gonna spend my whole life with you." He said flatly before leaning forward to taste my lips again. However, neither both of us noticed a pair bright cerulean eyes flashing angrily at us.
Wowy, thank god I typed this during the long hols last December ... Or I don't think I'd manage a chapter with over four thousand words ... Phew ...
Pure : Well, that's all for today. Join us on Sarcasms of Life next week as we reveal what the next chapter chall be !! Bubi !!!
PureblackRaven,
Signing off.
