Hello everyone~!
I am currently struggling to deal with the hot summer heat, which I should let you know makes me incredible lazy (well even more that is...) And this chapter just letting people right now, to avoid confusion has moments of the Korean version too, so don't be confused!
So here's another update!
Enjoy~!
Chapter 17 Point of Desperation
"C-Chad..." Sonny could barely choke out, already understanding his cold eyes that were darting from her to Hayden. Hayden immediately detached himself from Sonny and looked behind to find Chad at the top of the staircase with a fierce stare which was meant more for Hayden, rather than Sonny.
The anger in his face was indescribable in words, and it honestly frightened Sonny to meet such a dark glare.
'Did he misunderstand the situation?' Sonny couldn't help but want to know however; judging from his facial expressions its wasn't going to be anything pretty.
Why was it getting so hard to breathe? Sonny felt the wind being knocked out of her, her heart racing, and palms sweating. She couldn't help but find the feeling she was experiencing at the moment to be a little familiar. It was just like the time she was framed, and he didn't believe her, or better yet when it seemed he lost faith in her.
However this was much different than before, who wouldn't find the scene compromising? When you see two people hugging tightly, and alone to top it off. Well any boyfriend would find that suspicious, or is it ex-boyfriend?
This horrible icy stare rivaled against the old look she used to get from Chad when they first met. The look of annoyance, and anger. However, the look would only intensify when he looked at Hayden.
"So, is that how it is?" His voice sharp, and although it was a question his tone demanded that there be no answer from either of them. Sonny was left speechless, why now at this moment did her voice have to dry out?
Why is she losing confidence to stand up against him lately?
"C-Chad, wait..." Was all she could muster at the moment, she knew that from his point of view the whole situation could look a bit too compromising but she had to clear it up. She didn't want any misunderstandings, even if she did end the relationship within the time period of ten or more minutes ago. Chad didn't bother to hear the rest of what she had to say, before he walked away and the door closing behind him.
Hayden sighed, "I shouldn't have..."
Sonny turned around to look at the troubled Hayden whose eyes looked confused, and slightly frustrated. Could it possible that he is angry?
"Hayden, don't blame yourself. you know, Chad. He just jumps to conclusions to much..." Sonny tried to lift his spirits but he didn't seem to buy any of her kind words. Shortly afterwards, the elegant chime echoed throughout the halls signifying class has just ended.
"Jumping to Conclusions, huh?" Hayden stated as he went up the stairs and left through the same doors that Chad had just left shortly. Sonny leaned against the wall feeling the familiar headache again, why was everything so difficult? Was being in a relationship such a burden? But thinking about it, they weren't even in a relationship anymore, so why did it still feel like they were?
Was there a reason for her to be caught up in some sort of misunderstanding? The first time, they were somewhat already going out with each other. However this time, she was sure to make a clean cut, so Chad didn't have a right to be angry, or have the right to give her that look.
But the break up was fresh, and despite what cuts were made the two still saw each other as their partners.
...
Chad stormed his way quickly throwing down trashcans or rather anything he could get his hands on onto the floor creating a horrible mess. All this just couldn't simmer down the heat of anger rushing through his system. He felt upset, betrayed, hurt, and angry. He didn't want to admit but he even felt like crying.
Before he knew it he was at the cafeteria greeted all the flirtatious smiles that made him feel even more sick, all this people were the same. Liars for attention, or flirts for the attention.
Chad was silently making his way to the sacred floor to which was reserved for only the F4 members and their guests, when someone bumped into him. Rather harshly, but still on accident. Chad spun around quickly on his heels and had fisted the collar of the boy's shirt so quickly the boy out of shock dropped his lunch tray landing in-between them, hardly getting any of the two dirty.
"Not going to apologize, ass?" Chad fumed, obviously going crazy with anger. The boy tried to talk, but Chad shook him rather violently that caused him to shut up. "Think you can get away with anything? Do you think I'm some sort of push over and going to accept it?" The boys was lost and confused at his words, did he really cause all this?
However it was quite obvious that Chad was using the poor boy to exhort some of his anger inside him.
"I-I didn't mean anything by it..."
"That's what they all say..." Chad smirked evilly and landed a punch on his face, and let him go at the same time sending him crashing to the floor.
"Chad! Hold up!" Nico yelled coming down the step and charging towards Chad to hold him back. Devon as well followed suit, and struggled to keep in control.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Devon asked, and sighed when the boy picked himself up and ran away. When he was gone, Chad noticeably relaxed and didn't struggle anymore.
"It's-" Chad looked away and tried to speak but was cut off.
"Chad." The voice belonging to Hayden that sounded to curtly and annoying to his ears suddenly. Chad didn't want to turn around to look at his face, or better yet acknowledge the man that was caught acting intimate with his girlfriend, or ex-girlfriend.
Chad didn't respond he stayed perfectly still. Nico and Devon glanced back and fourth sensing the horrible tension between the two of them like electricity, it was so paralyzing and dangerous to even try to approach.
"Listen, it's not... like that at all."
"Don't give me that crap!"
"Chad, listen to me. You don't even know why-"
"I don't have to listen to a-a... traitor like yourself." Chad slowly turned around to look at Hayden with all vivid emotions alive on his face. Chad was angry. The word was simple but it left the everyone in gasps. The cafeteria was involved in low whispers, a fight between the members was extremely rare to see. It wasn't a weekly, or monthly thing to see, so of course everyone was excited.
"A traitor?" Hayden repeated the word, and feeling the word stab his heart. Even Chad found the word to be a little harsh, but the anger pushed out all emotions easily out of his system.
"A traitor like you, shouldn't be involved with me. Or F4." Chad spoke coldly his intense gaze never faltering. Everyone gasped loudly, was this a disownment of a member?
"Chad you can't possibly mean, that you're kicking Hayden out..." Nico said looking at the two men that were only staring at each other. Feet apart, that seemed to be miles long by now.
"Of course I do! From here on out you are no longer a member of F4!" Chad yelled to clarify himself even more, and ignored the hurt look that flashed quickly on Hayden's face but was instantly hidden away.
It was at that moment, Sonny barged into the cafeteria and immediately she froze finding what she heard hard to believe. This fight, was serious.
Chad with a quick and swift glance over Hayden's shoulder and saw Sonny standing behind Hayden. Her surprise was just like everyone else's.
"Is this some sort of sick joke?" Devon asked not liking how it felt that their friendship could be ended sp easily.
"How many times, do you expect me to repeat myself?" Chad asked coldly. "He's not our friend anymore. He is a traitor."
"How could you be so cruel?" Sonny ran up and stood in front of Chad out of habit she picked up lately whenever she lectured him. "Look this whole this is one big misunderstanding, and you won't even hear me or Hayden out! Idiot, can you not see how stupid all of this is?" Sonny was furious, and she hated the fact she was the whole reason to why things were escalating this far.
All her words were pointless as it didn't faze through Chad at all. He didn't look down to see her desperate eyes filled with depression and yearning for some sort of acknowledgement. Yet nothing came from Chad, his eyes still locked with Hayden who didn't say a word anymore. Chad brushed past her, not intentionally however pushing Sonny lightly in the process.
However, Sonny didn't take it the same way. She watched him leave the cafeteria with Devon and Nico leaving after whispering something to Hayden and followed behind Chad. That was the second time, she watched his back. Leaving her in such a cold manner and walking out through the same doors as before.
'Maybe it wasn't meant to be for the two of us...' It hurt to think like that, and Sonny quickly brushed it away when she felt her eyes sting.
"It's all her fault..."
"None of this problems ever came up, until she showed up!"
"She is the reason why F4 became like this!"
"Someone like that should be punished!"
The voices from Chloe and Penelope were the prominent ones that stuck out to Sonny within the blur of buzzing voices around her.
"What the hell do you know of this situation?" Sonny strode over to the fan club presidents, with all intentions of giving her a piece of her mind and if that didn't work she didn't mind resorting to violence to settle this.
Reading such intention quickly, Hayden ran up and caught her hand right in time to stop her half-way to her destination. The girls looked at her like some sort of beast gone wild, and Sonny's eyes widen. Not realizing how quickly the anger kicked in, and took over her mind. She felt horrible for even trying to approach the girls with some sort of intention of causing harm. She felt sick and horrible to stomach.
She looked back to Hayden who smiled kindly at her, understanding the conflict she was battling.
"It'll be okay, don't worry. I'll protect you." Hayden's smile never did it weaver one bit, and full of confidence that comforted her anxieties. Would everything be okay as he promised?
She found herself starring at his dark brown eyes more worried about him, than herself. She knew bonds between friends can be so easily damaged yet it so much more harder to make a amends to them. Both Hayden and Chad had a deep history that Sonny couldn't imagine how deep it was, and it felt like a shame for it to end right now.
'He may be smiling, but I bet he must be really depressed...'
For after all he was deemed a traitor by his best friend.
...
...
"If you do as asked, you will receive all that you see..." Mr. Condor stated dully while looking outside the glass window of his office. He had a great view of the city, and in such a height the people looked so small and inferior. He waited for some kind of response from his guest.
His guest sat on the nice leather black sofa in front of a small glass table with an open case. He gave her a proposition, and now it was the guest's turn to decide.
"Mr. Condor, I don't need this money." The woman smiled as she stood up, gathering the attention of Mr. Condor who turned around to look at her confused. Sure she was of a wealthy family but surely the amount of money was not a small amount of money. With a snap of his fingers, his assistant pulled yet another briefcase, but didn't open it. "Oh, it's not the sum of money..."
She smiled, somehow enjoying the idea that such a great man like himself could be brought to the point of desperation when he couldn't get what he wanted. This man was powerful, but also smart. She stood up smiling at his weakness, he needed her help.
"But, I'll still help." Mr. Condor saw the twisted double smile of hers, such innocence with that small drop of mystery and deception. And with that she left confidently through the luxurious cherry wood doors.
"What a deceitful little girl, I like her." Mr. Condor chuckled lightly, but frowned once more. "But all the more reason to be careful. What did you say her name was again?"
"Her name is Portlyn, sir." His assistant responded, and he began locking the suitcases that were loaded with money. "And according to the information retrieved she is a classmate of Allison Munroe, and is acquainted to the young master."
"That will be enough." Mr. Condor laughed lightly enjoying how things will fold out.
...
...
"So are you sure you're okay?" Hayden asked as they both walked back to the staircase together, ignoring the elegant chimes to alert that class has just begun. The strange thing sonny could still not get used to is that somehow missing classes here doesn't result into punishment.
"Yeah, But I guess I'm just shocked is all." Sonny responded leaning forward to the railing and letting out a heavy sigh as she starred at the beautiful scenery before her. Hayden watched her movements slowly and analyzed her eyes very carefully.
"Are you worried about him?" Hayden couldn't help but ask, somehow sensing that there was something that she avoiding. He saw how her eyes widened but just as quickly scrunched her nose to appear disgusted.
"W-What? No." Sonny replied looking away slightly. "I'm just mad at him, that's all."
Hayden smiled slightly, before walking in front of her, and coming face to face with Sonny. Sonny however looked down to the floor finding it awkward suddenly to look at him straight in the face. Somehow it felt like his eyes could always read her like an open book.
"Hey Sonny."
"What?" She looked up slightly, having her bangs provide some mental comfort as some sort of light barrier between their eyes.
"Do you want to hang out, tomorrow?" Hayden asked looking down to get a good glimpse of her eyes. Sonny forgetting her shyness instantly, was confused as she looked up at him with questioning eyes.
"You can't be serious, at a time like this?"
"Of course I'm serious." Hayden responded with a small smile. "And I'm a bit busy today, so how about tomorrow?"
"B-But, I don't know..."
"What's there to lose?" Hayden tempted. Sonny thought about it, and of course it's not like it was going to be an official date or anything of that sort, but more of a casual friendly outing. And who knows maybe this is what she needs to forget this whole ordeal, and just perhaps she could see how things could go between the two of them finally.
...
...
"Like you're very serious?" Nico couldn't help but want more confirmation, he didn't need to add further details in order for the angry blonde man to understand what he was referring to. Chad sat on the sofa, practically spacing out eyeing the current puzzle piece he was working on with slight disgust.
"Listen, just shut up." Was the only thing that escaped his lips. Chad ignored the hurtful looked on Nico's face. Why did it feel like everyone was going against him? He was hurt by all this too, yet it was like no one understood that. Chad knew better however than to let his real emotions go out of control. Nothing could be gained if he actually said he felt like crying or that the rage he felt inside was strong enough to punch the wall until his knuckles bleed.
Because doing so, would be reaching the point of desperation. And at that stage the most unpredictable moments occur, and even the simplest of things seem too confusing. He knew from his experiences as a child that crying or making a fuss about it wouldn't change the outcome. His mother sold him off for money, no amount of tears could ever change that.
There was no way he was going to return to that.
"Chad, I think you should look at this." Devon announced as he came into the room with something in hands. His voice was strong and firm. "You should at least try to understand Hayden's feelings." Devon shoved the cover of the magazine in his hands in front of Chad's face knowing that Chad would brush it off otherwise. Chad's eyes widened as he read the bold captions spread through the magazine cover. Even Nico was surprised of what the magazine said, how could it be that all three of them didn't know of this.
However, what does that have any connection to what happened earlier?
Chad looked away from the magazine, as if his own guilt dangling in front of him. He couldn't bare to face it.
"At least try to consider it!" Devon couldn't help but yell knowing that his own emotions were slightly getting the better of him, he of all people knew what Hayden was going through. It was much similar to his own situation, yet they left Hayden by himself at the time where he needs them the most. Devon knew from experience that if it weren't for these three friends of his, he would be a much more pitiful person.
Chad didn't respond.
'Is he hurting right?' His own conscious couldn't help but wonder how he was doing to go through this.
"You're hopeless." Devon whispered when he saw no change in Chad's attitude. Feeling the room stuffed, he left the room without saying another word.
"Devon, wait!" Nico called out, but only got a wave of his hand not bothering to look back. Nico looked between Chad and Devon not knowing who to go with. Why did it feel like everything was melted down to choices lately? Seeing Chad's solemn look, Nico felt that despite how much he wanted to be here for him, it might be best to give him some personal space. And with that, Nico chased after Devon.
Chad sighed and looked down at the magazine, and read the caption once more.
"Why didn't you tell me, idiot?" Chad whispered as he felt his heart skip a beat when he tried to place himself in Hayden's shoes. Chad, just like the other F4 members knew of Hayden's feelings about her, sure they used to tease him. But as the years went on, all the members noticed that Hayden's feelings towards Selena were true and sincere.
"I don't know how to explain it. But somehow it feels right when I'm with her."
Chad felt like crying when he remembered Hayden's exact words, Chad had to admit he was still awkward with Selena for the way she always acted. As if all those feelings didn't exist. As if they were easy to brush off, but Hayden never seemed to mind in the very least. Always smiling, and also pretending that his own feelings didn't exist.
"It's okay, because just being friends with her is enough for me."
Hayden's sense of maturity always surprised Chad, and he had to admit he always found that quite respectful only because it was a quality that he knew he didn't have himself.
"Big News: World famous singer Selena Gomez
has decided to finally get married!
For more information check out page 87 for all the details!"
Chad sighed, and he laid the magazine on the table.
...
...
"Hey, Grady, do you think you can cover for me and Sonny for a quick second?" Lucy asked Grady who was cleaning the glass table.
"Sure, doesn't look like its going to be busy." Grady smiled, Lucy then dragged Sonny out of the store interrupting her while she was stacking new lenses on the shelf.
"Hey, where are we going?"
"Sonny, I need to show you something." The desperation in Lucy's voice quieted any other response Sonny could come up with. She followed Lucy down the practically empty streets and alleys of the shopping district. The sun was still high and up and the today, just seems to be getting longer.
She followed her for about a good ten minutes and she knew she reached her destination when Lucy stopped walking and hide behind the wall of the alley and brought her hands to her lips signifying her to stay quiet.
"As weird as this might sound, but when he avoided my phone calls, and text messages, I tried to see him to talk to him. But however I heard that very recently that he already a girlfriend, but we're here to confirm that." Lucy whispered to Sonny filling her in quickly.
Sonny nodded knowing that she was here for support, and looked around to find Dave. Surely enough, both of them found him with his arm around a girl's shoulder. She had long brown wavy hair and walked like a model. Lucy frowned as she knew she was no competition for this person, who looked flawless. The couple was coming down the hill together and stopped by the bench close to Lucy and Sonny.
"That's not the same girl from yesterday..." Lucy whispered.
"So heard you've had rough past couple of days, is that true sweetie?" The girl asked twirling around her perfect wavy hair around her index finger. Dave's response was a fit of laughter.
"Rough doesn't begin to describe it!" Dave added still laughing. "That's gotta be the last time I go out with a high schooler."
"Well that's your fault, idiot. Dating someone younger than you just to make extra cash is pretty stupid." The girl replied with a chuckle.
"Damn, they're clingy! But it's okay at least now I can treat you to whatever you want to eat. You know you're my girl." Dave announced proudly wrapping an arm this time around her waist.
Lucy gasped lightly, and turned around began walking not wanting to hear the rest of the conversation already.
"Lucy!" Sonny called out forgetting about the couple that could clearly hear them, but Lucy just continued to walk away.
"Do you know those two girls?" his date asked not bothering to conceal her voice.
"As if I would know person like that." Dave answered loudly enough for Lucy to hear who stopped for a quick second before she continued walking again. The couple was going to continue walking, but Sonny decided to take action.
"Hey, asshole!" Sonny yelled, the two of them turned around, and before Dave could react, Sonny's fist had already collided with his face. Making perfect contact, and knocking him back a couple of steps.
"What the fuck?" Was his outraged response and wiped the blood coming from the side of his mouth. "It's you!" Dave pointed to Sonny with shock.
"Wow, you're quite a wimp sweetie." The girl laughed at him and walked away completely turned off by him now.
"Now look what you have." Dave sighed and looked up at Sonny with flirtatious eyes like the day they met. "Did you come running to me, because that guy finally left you?"
"What?"
"I mean it was about time, I told him too..." Dave shrugged enjoying the angry face Sonny had.
Sonny kicked him in the shin sending him down to the ground.
"So damn lucky you are a girl..." Dave whispered as he rubbed his shin.
"You better explain yourself..." Sonny spoke dangerously low and prepared to punch him once again. She grabbed onto his collar tightly and looked at him with a deadly glare that proved how serious she was.
"What If I don't wan to-" Sonny punched his face once again. Her confidence and anger mixing well together that actually made her look more threatening.
"God! You two are the same! You two are a great match, punching people like crazy, I told that dumbass to ditch and come meet real party girls. Happy?"
"What?"
"And he got mad and punched the crap out of me!"
Sonny let him go and stayed still in shock not sure what to do or say. Instantly the guilt was riding its way back to her stomach along with happiness.
'I knew he couldn't be that bad!' Sonny instantly smiled.
"No, I see I was the stupid one. For thinking that you have changed, but I see that you haven't at all."
Sonny sighed, thinking back all the cruel words she said to him, how much she wanted to take them back at this instant.
"Chad did that?" She turned around and found that Dave was already walking off. "Why didn't he say anything?" Sonny's eyes glistened with tears feeling a strange bittersweet feeling going through her body.
She was happy, to know that Chad had changed.
Yet, the feeling of guilt was growing ever more stronger. How much she wished for her legs to take her to him. To apologize, and start over.
Sonny gasped, as she realized what was going through her mind, start over?
Is there such a way to start over?
Isn't it selfish of her to think like this...
...
...
Lucy walked around the streets aimlessly without any destination, she felt numb. Numb with pain, how foolish she felt for letting herself be tricked like that.
"What an idiot." Lucy whispered as she felt the sting rise up to her eyes, and she knew that she was going to cry soon. But at this time, she couldn't care less of who was watching and what they thought. She deserved to let out a good cry.
And that is what she did.
She walked slowly feeling her feet become heavy in-between the sobs she was letting out. Some people looked genuinely concerned for her, but still didn't approach her.
"Am such an idiot." Lucy choked out between sobs as she walked down the streets and found it best to avoid the bigger streets, and turned to the small street to her right.
...
"Just make sure you take your medication...Of course, I care!...Mother, I'm sorry its been a hard day...Don't bring up that old man into the conversation...I don't care about him...Don't make such horrible threats mother, you must take care of yourself...Please, just take your medication...Don't be so difficult with the maids...I'll stop by when I have time." Devon hung up and placed his phone into his pocket. He sighed and looked outside the window.
His mother typically had break downs whenever she refused to take her medicine, Devon clutched the arm rest when thinking about how his mother's 'disease' came about. It was when his good-for-nothing father of his started having an affair with his own college students. His mother found out, by then his father had an affair four times. His mother turned hysterical and even threatened to kill herself with hopes that the old man would come running back to her to pay attention to her. However, he never did.
Devon remembered that day well, when he received a call from his older brother that his mother was sent to the hospital. She had her first breakdown, breaking everything all the vases handmade by her husband. Devon ran to his father's workplace with hopes that he would help his sick mother. However, what he saw that day was forever burned into his mind, he stumbled upon his father kissing one of his 'apprentices'.
"Mother is in the hospital! Aren't you going to at least visit her?"
"Why should I? She got herself in that position... I'm not responsible for what she did. Don't worry she'll be fine."
Ever since then, Devon didn't believe in love. He brushed it off thinking nothing more of it than a mirror. A person who was in love can't really see the meaning to it, and their idea of love is something that they project off of movies they've seen. A mirror. Something so fragile, that the smallest thing can cause it to crack, or worse shatter. It was for that same reason he vowed to never be in a committed relationship.
Yet, despite all that...they were still 'married' but lived in two different houses. It was only because they were engaged due to some business merger his grandparents decided. And to avoid public scrutiny they never filled for a divorce. However, he and his older brother, Jason couldn't handle seeing their mother look so depressed staying in the same house as that pig. So they both had decided to buy her a new house.
Devon sighed as he shook off all the memories, and saw a familiar figure walking down the street so slowly in a slouched form that informed him that she was depressed. She made a slow turn to her right, and sat on the steps on some random building.
"Should I?" Devon asked out loud noticing that she was depressed, and with careful inspection he noticed her shaking shoulders she must be crying. "I am no mood to comfort someone..." he added, but he couldn't shake it off. Should he do something?
He sighed.
"Make a right turn." He said, sighing when he finally gave in. The driver nodded and did as told.
...
"You know, for some reason girls tend to think that crying makes them look prettier, but it doesn't."
Lucy who was sitting on the steps, hugging her knees looked up to be greeted the person she least expected to find. Dressed from head to toe in his branded items, and an expense car right behind him.
'Did he just indirectly call me ugly?' Lucy wailed loudly gathering attention of the bystanders walking by, giving cruel looks to only Devon who looked like the cause of all this. Not only did she just get dumped, she also overheard her ex-boyfriend say hurtful things, and not she had to hear some guy she barely knew call her ugly.
The worst day ever.
"That jerk making his girlfriend cry."
"What kind of guy does that? He's not even comforting her!"
"N-No! She's not my girlfriend..." Devon tried to explain it to the crowd who didn't believe him.
"Look! Now he's denying her! What an ass!"
"Isn't that a member of F4?"
"I'm serious! She's not my girlfriend!" Devon began to feel the odd pressure as the crowd was slowly growing bigger. He shouldn't have stopped, after all. "Lucy...Lucy...please! Stop crying..." He added in a much harsh tone.
Lucy only let out another chocking sob, that earned a horrible response from the crowd as they all verbally once more lashed out on poor Devon.
"Lucy...Please... Stop crying..." He repeated softly for only her to hear.
"Why should I?"
"Because..." Devon glanced at the crowd behind him quickly. "It's a shame to see a girl like yourself cry. Whomever caused you to cry, must not be worth all those tears..." Devon added, the crowd was silent apparently pleased with his response.
Lucy looked up at him completely confused, and mesmerized. She looked at him with his over-confident smile of his as he extended his hand out to her. She looked at his hand, and back to his face, not sure what to do. The desperate look on his face made her slightly giggle as he directed to the crowd that was dispersing, but there was still a few people left observing the couple.
"Let's go..." He whispered.
...
"Your house is beautiful. Do you live alone?" Lucy asked as she was welcomed into the house and the first thing that greeted her was a wooden table filled with the latest vases that Devon had created. There was a long counter that hugged a whole room all filled with his creations. What devotion.
"Yes, why?" Devon asked as he noticed that Lucy was looking at all his creations with amazement, and it made him laugh. His artwork never received such attention before, even from the girls he would frequently bring with him to his house. They always ignored it. Devon observed her carefully, noticing that her eyes were still a bit puffy. During the car ride back home, Lucy began talking about what had happened, and what she had experienced. With no more tears in her eyes, she was completely drained out of tears and more relaxed.
"Well, it's really big, and look at the size of this room!" Lucy replied with a smile, her red eyes still evident but her tears were gone. The style of this room was very traditional, slightly resembling a lodge with the wood around the room.
"Here." Devon handed her a small tea cup empty.
Lucy looked at the smooth object in her hand, unsure as why she had it. She found it hard to believe that the object she was holding was once a mere chunk of clay that was been crafted and so smoothly finished.
"It looks weak doesn't it?" Devon asked as he sat down on the table, and gestured for her to do the same. Lucy sat down as she looked at the other artwork at the table the matching tea set bellowing with the cup. Lucy set it down on the table gently afraid of breaking it. Devon laughed. He grabbed the tea cup, and purposely outstretched his hand, almost tauntingly going to cause its destruction.
Lucy looked at him confused, and was baffled by his laughter. Devon let it go with a smile, Lucy expected to hear the sound of it shattering, however she heard the sound of it making a thud on the ground in one piece. She gasped as she noticed there wasn't a single crack on the tea cup.
"However, it's stronger than it looks." Devon picked it up and examined his artwork critically. "Do you know how it got to be so strong?" Lucy shock her head, not knowing one thing of ceramics or pottery. "Well it had to be cut, rolled on, wedged, and lastly it must endure the heat of 1,300 °C."
"And well it usually doesn't end there." Devon spoke up noticing that Lucy was following his every word intently. "If you aren't pleased with the outcome despite all the hard work, then you must give up on it, cleanly. Like this." Devon walked to the free space in the counter with the tea cup in hand. He wrapped the tea cup in a cloth, and retrieved a hammer in the one of the cabinets, and easily crushed the tea cup.
Lucy looked at him completely shocked as he uncovered the now crushed tea cup and now left in small shattered pieces.
"What I'm saying is that there are steps that are needed to take. Like what you experienced today. In order for someone to become strong, and pleased with whatever outcome... " Devon said in a delicate tone that floated in the room nicely. Lucy couldn't help but feel a slight kick in her chest that caused her to smile.
"I see what you mean." Lucy smiled thinking of the beautiful message, as she looked at him with her first sincere smile. "Thank you." Devon smiled back, feeling it slightly strange however. It felt odd, to be developing a relationship with a woman like this. He never started it out like this, he barely knew any of the names of the girls he had hooked up with in the past. He coughed, feeling the hair on his neck stand slightly as something tickled down his spine awkwardly.
"How about we go out, now?"
"Where to?"
"I'm not having a good day either. So let's make sure we cure all the symptoms of the 'disease' we have today. So it won't come back." Walked towards Lucy with a smile as he gently grabbed her hand to pick herself up and lead her out the door. "You know Lucy, you could do a lot with your looks. You should take advantage of that." Devon smiled pointing to her face, and hair.
"That's a compliment, right?" Lucy sneered playfully.
"Of course, of course..." Devon responded, as he notified a butler to take the keys and start the car. Devon dragged her into the car, and went in afterwards.
"You said, he worked at a club right?" Devon asked. Lucy nodded going slightly pale at the thought of having to confront him. "Oh don't worry we have to do something to your looks first to give you that confidence, then you'll see him."
"But, I mean what if I can't?"
"Of course you can." Devon responded with a smile as he buckled her seatbelt along with his own. "You should know where to go..." he directed the last bit to the butler who nodded with a smile and began driving.
"What makes you think I can?"
"Because, I can already tell you've gotten stronger. And with a bit of a magical touch you can pull it off. You'll be completely transformed."
...
...
Sonny sighed into the sofa as she found nothing to entertain herself with. She should instead be picking out clothes to wear for 'casual-date' with Hayden that she has tomorrow, but couldn't find the energy to do so.
Sonny had all intentions of going to Chad's house and apologizing to him, but she knew Chad's temperament better than anyone else. He would still be too angry to listen to her, and probably kick her out before she could get a word in. Sonny heard the doorknob jiggle before the light in the living room was turned on. Her mother came in with a bright smile, bigger than usual.
"Sonny I have amazing news-wait where's Zora?"
"Sleeping."
"Oh, well I'll just tell her tomorrow morning. Sonny guess what?"
"I don't know, what?" Sonny responded too lazy to actually guess, she wasn't feeling to proud of herself. She felt quite ashamed that she somehow felt weakened if she were going to go against Chad.
"I got promoted!" Her mother cheered loudly not caring if anyone else heard that.
"Now way! Really?" Sonny asked feeling excited for her mother.
"Yep! I have been promoted to be a supervisor! So I don't have to work on the line anymore!" Her mother yelled leaping into Sonny's arms squeezing her tightly while screaming.
"What's going on?" Zora asked rubbing her eyes, as she looked at the other two confused. She had woken up with all the ruckus.
"Mom got promoted!"
"No way!" Zora automatically woke up and cheered fro them.
"Oh my girls, looks like luck is finally on our side."
...
...
It was night time when the two of them were back in the car. What he expected to take at most an hour turned out to be three hours of waiting. Not that he was complaining he actually had a good time picking the items and make up for Lucy.
Lucy fidgeted in her seat for the nth time, which was the last straw for Devon. He had taken her to a salon to get her hair and makeup done. The had given her normal dull straight her a wonderful wave to it, and the ends curled up so innocently. Right afterwards, he took her to a branded clothing line she had never heard of before. Where he had personally picked out her outfit.
It was a beautiful Spanish rose color, that hung around by the neck with the sparkling golden straps that added a flare to the dress. The dress was shorter than she expected it to be, but still fit her wonderfully and hugged her body in all the right places, and the wonderful scrunches in the dress only added to the affect that showed off her small and proportional frame. One thing Lucy liked about the dress is that compared to must dresses now, the dress covered her chest very nicely, and had a sophisticated feel to it. Though one thing she didn't like was that her back was more exposed than she expected.
"I told you already, that you look beautiful, gorgeous, and pretty. So please stop fidgeting. It won't do any good for that confident look you are supposed to have." Devon touched his temple already feeling doubtful of the plan, but there was no back down now. They were less than five minutes away from the club. "Don't worry you can do it."
Lucy nodded determined, looking absolutely like doll they way the pink blush gave a bit of color to her face. The nice light eye shadow made her eyes stand out nicely but not too overwhelmingly, and eye liner and mascara was to give all affects to her eyes, and all toped with a light strawberry lip gloss.
Devon nodded at his own skills, he had completely transformed her into a beautiful young lady, who no one could guess wasn't rich.
"Don't worry I have a plan..." Devon said noticing how uneasy she still was.
...
Devon and Lucy entered the club holding hands, all eyes were on them as people were surprised by their good looks.
"They must be famous, look at their clothing."
"They look really good together!"
Lucy couldn't help but feel uncomfortable being the target of others conversation, yet Devon walked passed it all like nothing. With charming confidence as if he hadn't heard a thing. Or did he?
'We look good together?' Lucy couldn't help but think to herself as she let Devon lead her through the small corridor and into the large dance floor filled with people dancing provocatively. There was a stage up front where a DJ was located with also a few instruments like the piano, saxophone, and drums for guests to use.
"That's him by the bar, right? Do you see him?" Devon asked noticing the man leaning against the empty bar table whispering to one of the female customers.
"Yeah that's him."
"Alright let's get the plan ready, are you ready?" Devon asked, Lucy hesitated for a bit, but nodded anyways. Her knees were shaking but she knew she had to do this, in order to forget all about him once and for all. "Alright let's go..." Devon grabbed her hand again, and lead her to a table more closer to the bar, but her back was facing Dave. Before letting go of her hand, he gave her one good last luck. Lucy nodded, knowing that she needed to go through this.
Devon then walked away, and purposely gained attention from the crowd.
"Isn't that Devon, from F4?"
"Oh my! It is. Why is he here?"
"I didn't know the F4 members came to this club."
"Who the hell is that?" Lucy heard Dave ask his new female companion, who was on the girls swooning over Devon's good looks.
"You don't know he's one F4 members! He's rich, sexy, popular, and famous!" His companion swooned and literally squeaked when Devon winked at her.
"What's so special about a guy like that?"
"All the things I said, duh." Her words became murmurs when she noticed that Devon was looking at her. She completely forgot all about Dave and went off into the dance floor to join the other fan girls drooling for him.
"Stupid bitch." Lucy heard Dave curse for the first time, and she found herself knowing more about the real him in less than a day. She never would have guessed that he would curse so openly, and easily. All this just inspired her more to get even with him.
The music suddenly came to a swift stop, and everyone turned to look at Devon who was on the stage holding the microphone and a flower on the other.
"There is someone out in the crowd, today. Who has taken my whole heart away, and I stand here before you all to play a song for her..." The owner of the club had given him a saxophone, and Devon easily began to play following his speech. Lucy stared in wonder as she hadn't moved in inch from her spot. She had become entranced by the gentle playing of the saxophone that was supported by the drums and cause the dance floor to pair up into couples that started slow dancing.
'Is there anything he can't do?'
Devon smiled shyly once the song came to an end, and got off the stage only to be crowded by the some of the remaining fan girls.
'I bet he did so he could get attention from all the girls.' Lucy amused, thought to herself.
"Hey there, you must not be a regular here. My name is Dave." Lucy felt him place a hand on her exposed shoulder, and the touch disgusted her to her very core. Lucy turned around slowly to come face to face with him.
"Lucy?" Dave gasped as he checked her out head to toe. "Why didn't you dress like this when we were dating? I barely recognized you. Should we go out?" He teased her lightly but once again flirtatiously as if what happened earlier today never happened.
"Lucy." Devon's voice was loud and clear as he cut through the girls and made his way to Lucy. He smirked lightly knowing that everything was going as he planned. "Do you know this man?" He asked playing off as the protective boyfriend. Lucy looked at Devon for a split second, who shock his head lightly signifying for her to say 'no.' Lucy couldn't help but feel some sort of power radiating from his intense glare.
"No I don't." Lucy looked at him with that strong confidence she needed, and brushed him off.
"Lucy!" Dave responded shocked. "What's your relationship with this guy anyway?"
Devon smirked as he noticed that the man needed an extra push in order to believe that they were dating, so with that in mind, Devon spoke out.
"The person, who has captured my heart and won't return is this beautiful young lady right here." Devon smiled all the words being effortless and magical to have all the people listening and around them swoon in jealousy yet at the same time delight to hear such a beautiful pick up line.
"So don't let me suffer any longer." Devon extended his left hand for her to take, which she did with a smile. Devon smiled in response as well, as he wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder, and lead her out to the exit of the club.
"Wow, some girls just have all the luck." The same girl that had abandoned him came back to stand right were she once was.
"Shut up!" Dave exploded as he turned away to the break room.
...
As they reached the club exit, Lucy couldn't help but detach herself from him. knowing very well that this was all just an act, and she shouldn't let her heart be swayed so easily.
"You must not be used to wearing such a dress. Here." Devon responded by taking off his sweater and placing it along her shoulders. He was about to start walking when he noticed that she wasn't moving. Devon smiled understanding her silence. He extended his arm as he spoke, "It may just be an act, but shouldn't we do it perfectly all the way to the end?" and had her link arms with him knowing very well that she wouldn't do it on her own.
"Look I think I see the car parked." Devon announced casually, as if he was not affected by their close proximity. However the same could not be said for Lucy who was still shaken up by the whole ordeal. "You did really good, and its all in the past now, right?"
"Right." Lucy smiled and responded knowing that without him none of this could have been possible. "It's all in the past." Lucy flashed him a sincere smile, all pains she felt today truly did feel like they were cured.
She knew wouldn't be feeling any of the symptoms tomorrow.
Alright~! I was in a whirlwind with this chapter if you haven't noticed, it included some parts from the Korean version which was clashing with the plotline with the Japanese one. So I had to twist and make connections to fit the dots together, metaphorically. ^_^
So I think this chapter is pretty much self- explained. Its just a lot of rushing emotions clashing with each other. Sonny and Chad can't seem to let go of each other, but don't want to admit it. (Well, mostly Sonny...) I really think the title of this chapter suited it very well! It deals with reaching that point when emotions are on the line and close to breaking out~ Thus the whole point of the chapter too! ^.^
And the reason to why Hayden recent slump is because he found out Selena's going to get married to someone else! What a shock~ not really. Well keep in mind that Hayden loved Selena for years, since childhood so it's not something he can get over quickly.
And I finally made a Devon and Lucy scene! Which is from the Korean version, and I felt that it was too important to not include in the story~
Why did Portlyn meet with Chad's father? Stay tuned for the next chapter to find out! lol~ ^^
If you have any question, don't hesitate to ask~
Don't be afraid to leave any opinions or anything of that sort! :D
Thank you for reading! And thank you to all the lovely reviews!
Don't forget to leave those encouraging reviews too! ^^
Next Chapter: Not that Complicated. (I had a hard time deciding what to name the next chapter, and I honestly still feel unsure with this title. Don't be surprised if I chage the name!)
Again, Thank you~! :D
