Chapter 25

A New Friend (Shan Cai and Lei's View)

Music: Breathe Again – Juwita Suwito

*Shan Cai*

I stared at all the acceptance letters with shock. This must be a big sign. A sign for me to really leave and forget about Hua Zhe Lei. I have to make my decision quick, the deadline is in less than two months. I picked up all the letters and took them to my room. I gently laid them down onto my desk and decided to make my decision so I can begin planning for my departure. I applied to mainly American schools. I'd have a better opportunity over there than if I stayed in Taiwan. I hope my English is still as sharp as it was back in high school.

It was hard making a decision. I didn't know which school would be the best, nor did I know which was far enough. I got up from my desk and decided to change out of Jing Xue Jie's dress. I slipped out of it and removed the hair clips out of my hair, and hastily smudged the make up off my face. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw an image of Jing Xue Jie's face next to mine. I could see her perfect smile, beautiful brown eyes, and soft skin. She was so beautiful, whereas I was as plain as bread. There was no way Hua Zhe Lei would look at me the way he looked at her . I stepped into the shower and turned the water to hot, I let the hot water blend in with my hot tears as I felt them skipping down my cheeks. I cried as I wrapped my arms around my body; trying to comfort myself, because after today, I'm completely on my own.

The next day cane and as usual, Hua Zhe Lei came to the apartment to pick me up to go to school. I had a feeling that he wanted to talk about last night. I honestly didn't want to. I didn't want to be reminded about how I'm not on his priority list. "Shan Cai, I can't ignore last night. I want to talk this out," Hua Zhe Lei started. We were walking along the outdoor halls of school, slowly dragging our feet. I tried to avoid his topic, but he kept being persistent, I wasn't getting away from it.

"Hua Zhe Lei, really, it's okay. Jing Xue Jie is your girlfriend. You should have taken her in the first place. I can see other shows. It's no big deal. I'm laughing at myself for even crying," I let out a fake chuckle. We continued to walk the halls slowly. Hua Zhe Lei suddenly stopped me.

"Shan Cai, I know you better than you think. When you lie, you let out a nervous laugh and your arms straighten at your side. I know I'm not supposed to push you and give you your space, but I really can't ignore what had happened last night. I apologize for not telling you, and I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way about my little secret, but if you let me, I'm willing to make it up to you. Will you allow me to?" Hua Zhe Lei almost pleaded. I just wanted this all to get past me.

I let out a sigh of defeat, "okay. If it will make you feel better," I said to him. I then continued walking the halls. I could feel that Hua Zhe Lei was straggling behind me, watching my every move. "I'm going to class," I called out, and picked up my pace as I headed for my next class.

As the lecture went on and on, I kept thinking about all the acceptance letters that I received the other night. I really need to start planning. The sooner I leave, the better. "Excuse me, you dropped your pencil." A voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned my head ans saw my classmate, Qing He, hand me my pencil.

"Thanks," I said as I took it from him.

"You okay?" he asked me, "you seem deep in thought."

"I'm okay. I was just thinking of something. I just recently got accepted into several universities overseas," I explained.

"Wow, that's great to hear. Where overseas?"

"America."

"No way! That's where I'm from. I'm actually studying here in Taiwan for the semester. Have you decided what school yet?"

"Somewhere around New York maybe. I'm not sure yet."

"Well, if you're ever in the Southwest area, like Los Angeles, that's where I'll be. I go home this summer. Let me know when you decide," Qing He told me with excitement. He scribbled his number down and handed it to me, "you heading over to the canteen?"

"Yeah."

"I'll join you." He got up after me and walked with me to the canteen.

"So how do you like it here in Taiwan? Were you born here?"

"Nope, I'm an American born. I like it here. I was worried about my Mandarin before I got here."

"It sounds fine to me. Like a native speaker," I smiled.

"Thanks," he smiled back.

"You like it here better than America?"

"People are more friendly here than LA, in my opinion," we then sat down and ate our snacks.

"Are the schools good?" I asked me.

"I think so. I love my school, but it was nice to be able to do some traveling."

Qing He and I talked and talked. We laughed here and there as well. I was surprised at myself for opening up to someone so quick. He's so easy to talk to.

*Lei*

I was roaming the streets for a floral shop while Shan Cai was in class. I wanted to be there for her when her class got out with a small bouquet of flowers. I finally found a shop and made my purchase. I then made my way back to school, but noticed that Shan Cai's class had been let out early. I then looked for Shan Cai over at the canteen. As I searched for her, I heard a female voice call out to me, "Lei!" It was Jing once again, "hi Lei!" she said as she embraced me. She then noticed the flowers, "oh Lei, you remembered!" she said with a huge smile, and took the flowers from me.

"Remembered?"

"Today's our anniversary, remember?"

"Oh... right..." 'Shit' I thought to myself and turned my head. Once I turned my head, I saw Shan Cai. But she was not alone. She was with someone else; she was with another guy, and she was smiling...

I felt my heart suddenly drop.