Jamie:Okay, thank you everyone for reviewing to this story. I love you all! If I could, I would take you all to Italy with me! But, I'm not that rich. So, Sorry! But please enjoy this story.

Nicolee!: Okay I'm editing this chapter. So if ya'll don't like it. Don't drag Jamie down. Oh and if you could, when you're reviewing, could you tell us which one of us you're talking to. That would be a big plus. Thanks!

I walked towards Ulrich as he slept, soundly. A bandage covered the left side of his well-chiseled chest. I never really took the time to notice but Ulrich was really handsome. His brown, chocolate hair. His full pink lips. His rosy cheeks. Somehow, he made me feel dazed. Whoa what?! I'm talking about a boy who dated my sister. No way should I like him! But, he did after all save my life. Argh! I hate myself.

He shifted in his sleep. I panicked, unsure if I wanted him to see me here. But, it was too late to decipher. His eyes fluttered open and squinted at me.

"Yumi?"oh crap.

Now, I was positive I didn't want Ulrich to see me here. How would I explain myself? I couldn't tell him I was worried. Even though I am. I couldn't give him that satisfaction. I shot up and try to escape while Ulrich just thought I wasn't really there.

"Yumi, where are you going?"he choked out.

Stupidly, I turned around and met his chocolate eyes. They were stained with hurt and fear. He tried to sit up but ended up screaming from the pain. His hands, automatically went to his chest. I ran to his aid and supported his back.

"Lay down, please!"I begged.

He obeyed, breathing deeply. His heart monitor sped quickly. I thought my heart was beating faster than his. Seconds later, a doctor and another person, who looked like Ulrich's mother, walked in. Where was his father?I wondered.

I moved away from Ulrich, but Ulrich grabbed my arm the second my hand left his back.

"Stay,"was all he said.

I tried to pry away, but he had a firm grip on me.

"Who are you?"A woman(I'm guessing Ulrich's mom)asked in a coarse voice.

I felt pity towards her as I saw her condition. She looked like she hadn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. Her eyes sagged but were filled with wet tears.

"I-I'm-"

"She's the victim of Heidi's attack,"Ulrich replied, between coughs.

The doctor checked his chest and the monitor, sort of blending into the background.

Suddenly, I was engulfed in a huge hug. Ulrich released my arm but held my hand, tightly, instead.

"Oh! Dear, are you fine? Do you need to see a doctor?"She examined all around me.

"No, no, no. I'm perfectly fine,"I reassured her."I just wanted to see how Ulrich was doing."

The doctor turned to us and smiled,"He's doing extremely well for someone who was stabbed with a bowie knife. Any knife really."

"Thank you, Yolanda,"Ulrich's mother sighed in relief.

Then, Yolanda, turned to me,"Are you sure you won't be needing any assistance?"

I shook my head.

"Very well, then. Ulrich will be released in one week, depending on how much the wound has healed."

It was my turn to feel the relief.

"Mrs. Stern, if you don't mind, I would like to speak to you alone."

Ulrich's mother looked puzzled, but followed Yolanda out into the hallway. As soon as they left, I rested my eyes on Ulrich. I desperately wanted to ask Ulrich a question, but I worried Ulrich wouldn't answer or it would be too early to ask.

"If you want to ask me something, I think sooner the better because I'm sure I will die from constantly wondering what you're not asking,"He joked.

My lips curled upwards."Why'd you jump in front of me?"

His teasing eyes became serious and turned away."Maybe it's best you don't know."

Why? That doesn't even make sense. Why can't he tell me? Was it on impulse? Did he want to look the super hero? Did he feel he had to do it? I had another thought, but I was sure I was wrong.

"I need an explanation, Ulrich,"I said, simply.

"You wouldn't believe or like what I told you,"He breathed in."You'd probably even hate me more than you do now."

"Who says I hate you?"

He turns his head back to me,"It's really obvious. When I was at you're house. You didn't glance at me unless you were glaring or rolling your eyes."

I couldn't say anything, but "oh" and looked away.

"So, why are you still here? I thought you would have left already."

I smiled, half-teasing,"If I told you, wouldn't believe me."

"Mocking the injured isn't nice,"He joked again.

"Again, who said I was nice?"

"You sound like that singer Hannah Montana."

I raised my eyebrows,"Hannah Montana? Are you serious?"

He was about to answer, but my sister and about 7 other girls from school barged in, running over a policeman. All of them spoke at once, hovering over Ulrich. They were pushing and shoving so much, I lost Ulrich's hand and fell to the freezing tile.

Ulrich, surprisingly, sat up and stared down at me with worried eyes. He stood up, limping, then crouched beside me and laid a hand on the small of my back.(A/N I don't really understand that. But, I'm guessing it's the middle of your back)

"Are you all right?"Ulrich asked.

I couldn't speak. He didn't even cringe or scream in pain. He looked perfectly fine, if it wasn't for that bandage. Apparently, all the girls in the room didn't notice anything, except Ulrich and his beauty. They kept reaching for him like he was a number 1 hottest male model.

"What's going on in here?!"My eyes searched for the door and found Yolanda."Ulrich! Everyone back away!"

No one paid any attention to her.

"MOVE PEOPLE!"Yolanda demanded with a roar.

Everyone covered their ears, no longer trying to grab Ulrich. Reluctantly, they removed themselves from the room. Half because they were scared of Yolanda's voice and half because 3 policemen were already waiting at the foot of the door.

"Ulrich, you need to lay down. You shouldn't have gotten off your bed,"I blabbed on.

He knew I was right because his face tightened and his hands were over his chest, immediately.

"This young lady is right,"Yolanda agreed."If you want to be on your feet without any severe chest pains, I suggest you lie down."

"Fine,"he mumbled. Then, he looked up at Yolanda."Where's my mom?"

"I sent her home. She was here before you were even put into surgery,"She replied.

Ulrich nodded and slowly went back onto the bed. The doctor disappeared again, leaving Ulrich and I alone. Again. I found this time awkward. It was just weird.

His eyes began to droop. He was definitely tired.

"I should go,"I took a step away from Ulrich, but his hand shot up and pulled me back.

"Don't go yet. I mean, you don't have, too."He fidgeted, uncomfortably.

I felt the heat rising in my cheeks."I would stay if my brothers weren't waiting for me."

His face fell,"Oh. Well, I'll see you later then. Maybe. If you want."

Again, with the surprises. The Sterns are people you can never be sure of.

"Sure,"I said, walking towards the door.

I mentally hoped Ulrich would grab my hand again and beg me to not leave him. But, he never did.

I reached the door knob and turned my head back to Ulrich. He was sleeping, softly snoring. That was quick. But, he must have been exhausted.

"Thanks for being my hero,"I said with a smile and left the hospital-my brothers right on my tail.

Ulrich's Pov.

I pretended to fall asleep right away, hoping Yumi would say something that she wouldn't tell me if I was awake. It worked in movies. So, why wouldn't it worked now?

Her footsteps became distant and came to a stop. I strained to listen if she would say anything or just leave.

"Thanks for being my hero,"A door closing was followed. Yes! I just knew i t!

The ends of my lips curled up, feeling the need to gloat. She didn't hate me as much as I thought she would have. Then again, I'm never right about anything. Especially, school related things.

I heard the door reopen and close. It sounded like one person. The person sat in a chair near me and spoke,"You can cut the crap now. It's just me."

I blinked my eyes open and saw Theo. I narrowed my eyes."What do you want?"

"Leave Yumi alone. You aren't going to use her as one of your pathetic toys,"he seethed."Yumi is not like those girls you date, Ulrich. She's different. She's special."

"Tell me about it,"I mumbled.

"Just stay away from her, okay,"Theo balled his hands into fists."If you even come within a miles distant of her, I will murder you."

I smirked,"You aren't going to kill a person who just got stabbed near the heart now, would you? Especially, your own brother. I mean, how would that make you look?"

Theo's fist tightened,"You better leave her alone."And with that, he marched out with a slam of the door.

"This day just keeps getting better and better,"I lifted my hands off my stomach and rested my head in them.

ONE WEEK LATER...

.

.

.

"Well, Ulrich,"Yolanda sighed."you're one lucky man. You survived the week. I can't say I'm shocked because I was so sure you would make it through."

I pulled my green shirt over my head and pulled each arm through my army jacket.

My mother thanked the doctor, signing me out. As soon as I smelled the California breeze, I almost coughed. I'd been in the hospital so long, I guess I got used to the weird fumes. We walked to the black Mercedes with our chauffeur, Jameson.

Jameson has worked for our family since I was born. That makes him 35 today. I think he's 2 years older than my dad. I wouldn't be sure. He usually is the loudest person, but when with my Mom and Dad and Theo, he has to obey the rules of a slave. He looks a little young for his age. Maybe 25 or 27. He doesn't even have grey hair.

He drove us back home, totally silent. I decided I couldn't handle the quiet so I spoke up first.

"Hey, James,"I called him by his nickname.

Jameson looked at me from the rear-view mirror,"Yes, Ulrich?"

"How you been?"I asked, casually.

"Your parents have been lovely, but it seems a little out of place without the whole family,"He said in his European accent.

"I'm sure,"I said, hinting sarcasm.

"Very sure,"he repeated, a teasing grin, hiding in his boring mask.

We arrived home, quickly, greeted by all our maids. Dad was usually out at work. He never has time for me or my mom. Only work and Theo. Theo is such a suck up when it comes to Dad. He follows him around and acts as his assistant or something. He just wants to be able to take our Dad's position as President of the CEO. Theo is actually, truly evil.

"Ulrich!"Nicole appeared out of the entrance of our front door.

She wrapped me in a hug, causing pain in my chest.

"Ahh!"I screamed, but she didn't release.

Thankfully, James, pulled her away."Terribly sorry, Sir."

"It's all right,"I said, rubbing my chest."How are you, Nicole?"

"Oh, God I missed you!"She jumped out of Jameson's arms and smacked her lips against mine.

Again, she was pulled away. This time, by two buff looking guys.

"Sorry dude. This girl seriously needs to be put on a leash,"Buff guy number 1 laughed.

"Better yet, A very small box,"Buff guy number 2 muttered.

A knock came from the entrance. Everyone turned to the front door. It was Yumi. I smiled widely, flashing my teeth.

"Sorry for my ill-mannered family,"She apologized.

"It's al-"I started but was interrupted.

"Yumi! How wonderful to see you again,"My mother greeted, cheerfully.

"Hi Mrs. Stern,"Yumi hugged my mother.

"Deary, I told you to call me, Mom."Mom?! Have they met more than once?

"Mom?!"Everyone said aloud, but me.

Yumi blushed a beautiful cherry. Why is she so irresistible to me? Why me?

"Why does she get to call you Mom?"Nicole sneered.

My mother smiled, still looking at Yumi,"Because, she's like a daughter I never had. Living with 3 men, you sort of get lonely." Gee, Mom. Why couldn't you wait till AFTER 2 millions when I ask her to marry me to call her your daughter?

"Thanks. Not to be rude, but I feel if I call you mom, I'm replacing my mom that raised me,"Her face was sincere.

"Don't worry. I'm aware of how mothers usually have a special bond with their daughters,"Mom said.

The air seemed to disappear as it was replaced with awkwardness.The only ones who seemed comfortable was my mother and Yumi.

"All right, well, all of you continue your chores please,"My mother instructed to the maids with a soft voice.

"You're all welcome to stay,"My mother referred to the Ishiyama family, then turned to me."I'm going to visit your father. Please behave yourself."

With that, my mother left, followed by Jameson.

Yumi and her family stared at me, waiting for me to say something.

"Um are they your brothers?"I asked Yumi.

"Yes, they are my pathetic brothers who don't give a damn about me!"Nicole screeched, still struggling to get free of their grasps.I was talking to Yumi!

"Let her go, you guys,"the two buff guys shrugged and let her fall on her face.

Yumi laughed, musically. I would have laughed too, but Nicole would probably cry about it. I didn't want to have to make it up to her.

"Ulrich, these are my-our brothers, Frankie and Eric,"She introduced.

They bowed like Jameson. Low and robot-like."At your service. Not really."

Yumi smacked them both on the head and scolded them.

"Geez, Yumi. Don't get all pissed off. It was just a joke,"Eric rubbed the back of his head.

Yumi rolled her eyes and looked at me,"Well, my brothers and I better go. See you around."

She was always slipping through my fingers. I could never get passed the little questions. At this rate, I'll never even get to ask her to be my girlfriend.

Yumi is not like those girls you date, Ulrich. She's different. She's special. Theo's voice echoed through my head.

He was right. She's way different. Not slutty or hot. But, she had real beauty. One, Nicole would never have. Or the other girls I've dated.

She was the one I don't deserve.

She deserves better.

Better than me.

Nicole: All right. 1)Horrible! 2)Whatever. 3)Good! 4)Holy Shit, that was awesome! Pick one of the four and review! Please and Thank you!

Jamie:Well, I thought that was number four but I'm nicole's best friend so it's obvious I would pick that :)