Haden Merrick

Chapter One - Please Don't, We're In A Library

''Holy shit!'' My best friend, Joanne exclaims in pure excitement before clamping her mouth shut as she takes a seat beside Seth.

To say the least, Joanne and I have been best friends ever since we were kids. However, there are times when I feel like I'd want to beat the crap out of her but nevertheless, I love her with all my heart: she's my partner in crime. It was always the two of us wherever we go and when we were in high school, people even called us lesbians because of how close we are yet we stood proud, not denying anything even though my mum didn't like the thought of us being a couple. Don't blame her, she's pretty religious.

I still remember the day of Joanne's 18th birthday and I wasn't allowed to go because our mums thought we were going to run away and elope in Vegas. It was wild how I ended up jumping from my bedroom window and broke my arm in the process. That was how it all came out, Joanne and I weren't a couple. We weren't lesbians, we were just fooling and messing around with people because we knew, regardless of gender and of preferences, love is love.

When I was a tad bit younger, I was never the angelic daughter despite my name being beauty. People thought I'd grow to become graceful like the Disney princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast but they were disappointed as soon as they found out how much of a daredevil I was. Joanne was no different, like I said. . . my partner in crime. My mum has always been religious and I still remember it vividly how she would drag me to church every Sunday and how much I dreaded for it to end.

On a hot Sunday afternoon, I couldn't stand the fact of hearing another preach. So, I lied. I lied in a church saying I needed to go to the restroom when I was making a run for it through the backdoor with Joanne. We got caught, it was thrilling but we were kids, we didn't know how foolish we were acting. We were just following our instincts, no matter how embarrassed my mum was for a moment when people kept talking about her daughter; they thought I was a product of bad luck because I was nothing like my mother.

''Joanne, what the hell?'' Seth moves his hand over to cover Joanne's mouth.

Seth, on the other hand, is our second partner in crime. We both met Seth when we were freshmen and he was too. There are two stories about Seth and how we managed to be friends, considering the fact how attractive he might be to the eyes of ours and others. It started a bit funny with Seth playing basketball and ended up hitting Joanne's head with a ball-Joanne being the drama queen she is, she fainted and we had to take her to the hospital.

I still remember how it all went with Joanne asking him, 'are you an angel?' before grabbing onto his hand to only hear him utter, 'I'm gay.' and that was all it all started. Seth grew closer to us and now we're inseparable, even though I still hear Joanne complain about Seth being beautiful and gay is a problem for her because she knew she'd never have a chance.

Joanne pulls Seth closer to her before whispering in his ear which causes his eyes to widen, ''You what?!''

''Please don't, we're in a library.'' I close my eyes in embarrassment as soon as we hear people shushing us but Joanne is like a woman made out of steel, she starts to lean forward in order to talk to me.

''I saw Haden, '' Joanne says, excitedly. ''He is the most beautiful human being, ''

''No, no, no, we're not having this conversation right now. Please don't distract me, '' I look away from both Joanne and Seth before turning to write down my notes, trying my best to ignore Joanne and Seth whispering to each other about Haden: making my heart boil in defeat. There's just something about Haden that makes me want to drop everything I'm doing and listen about him. ''Okay, you got me. What's up?''

''I knew you couldn't resist, '' Joanne laughs which earns us another shush from a different group, ''Jeez, sorry! I can't contain my excitement. Give this girl a little space, '' She adds, rolling her eyes in annoyance before grabbing onto my hand.

''Tell me. Tell me, tell me, tell me.'' I grin, waiting for her to continue.

Haden Merrick or more preferably known as 'my future boyfriend' is a senior. The thing is, I've had a crush on him ever since I laid eyes on him and the moment our eyes meet, it felt like fireworks and dancing kangaroos. Even though, disappointingly, he has never noticed me. I thought our gaze meant something or that he would at least be like 'oh hey, you're that girl I was looking at' but no, unfortunately, whenever our paths cross, he'd just walk away. He'd just pretend I wasn't there.

Not that he was pretending. He really didn't see me. Ever.

''So, he was outside near the vending machine and then his dollar dropped. When he went to pick it up, '' Joanne giggles excitingly which causes Seth to cover her mouth once again, ''sorry, where was I? Right, when he bent down to pick it up, I was in a total bliss. Belle, how can you not ask him out already? Imagine being able to grab that ass. He has a good damn ass!''

''Joanne!'' Both Seth and I pull her over to shut her up, grabbing other people's attention. ''Sorry.''

Seth turns to look at me, ''Are you done? I think we should get out of here before she starts to hyperventilate.''

''Let's go, '' I chuckle before putting a few books in my bag and pick up the rest to hold it near my chest as the three of us exit the library, heading straight down to walk outside in campus.

''Speaking of asses, I have a good damn ass as well. Want to see?'' Seth turns around, walking ahead of us before lifting his shirt up to reveal his toned back and butt. There's no need of denying how great Seth is and how nearly beautiful he is to Haden but there's just one thing in the way of ever having that kind of relationship with him, his sexuality. He doesn't exactly like girls but his eyes doesn't exactly light up when we talk about Haden. Maybe, he's just not his type.

''Belle, you have got to confess!'' Joanne stops me, standing in front of me.

''Seth, you have an amazing butt and Joanne, you know I can't. Not when I fear of rejection, '' I continue to walk with Joanne trailing behind me and Seth walking beside me. ''In fact, I don't think I'll ever tell him. Unless, the world is ending and I am dying.''

''Why do you fear of rejection? He won't reject you, '' Joanne runs after me, letting her dark blonde hair bounce. ''Do you or do you not look in the mirror every morning? You're beautiful-he'd be stupid to reject you. He's already stupid that doesn't notice you. I mean, Seth. . . as a guy, do you think Belle is beautiful? Do you think she's attractive? Don't you just want to kiss her?''

I look up at Seth, seeing him clench his jaw. ''Yeah, you're beautiful.''

''Seth's gay, '' Rolling my eyes as I make my way through, feeling annoyed of having this conversation again. Joanne have always talked about this, about asking me to confess, telling the truth because what's the worse that could happen? Uh, hello? Rejection? It's better that he doesn't notice or know about him than having him trying to avoid me as soon as he rejects me.

''That's not my point, Belle. You know it, '' Joanne replies.

''She doesn't want to do it. There's no rush, '' Seth butts in, walking in between us before taking our arms.

''Who's side are you on? I'm trying to give Belle her happy ever after. Our B deserves it, '' She replies, crossing her arms and begins to pout which causes Seth to laugh before slowly pinching her lips. ''Really mature, Seth. Really mature of you.'' She adds, smirking.

Just as I turn to look at both Seth and Joanne, I hear someone shouting out his name which causes me to freeze and immediately turn to look for where that voice came from. Both Seth and Joanne stops as well before their eyes widen in surprise and Joanne begins to slap Seth a few times in trying to express in desperation, ''Oh my god. That's him!'' She shakes me.

''Yo, Haden!'' The guy says, making his way towards him.

Haden turns to look at him before smiling, revealing his perfectly straight teeth and they begin to have a conversation as he constantly shows what's written in his book. Once in awhile, Haden would laugh as they continue to walk, slowly getting out of view. Even by staring at his back, I can tell how perfectly carved he is-it's like he was made by the hands of God itself.

''How can someone be that attractive? I wonder, '' Seth mutters before shaking his head and both of my best friends begin to sigh deeply, shaking their heads together.

''Okay, fine. Look at me.'' I stand in between them, letting them take a closer look at me. ''Look at me and tell me that he wouldn't reject me. Believe it or not, our eyes locked. . . one time. One time! And, he didn't even look at me twice. Maybe, I'm not his type. Maybe, I should move on or maybe, I should get a different hairstyle. Should I wear extensions? Does he like girls with long hair? Does he not like girls with hazel eyes? Does he want taller girls? I don't know, I have these questions stuck in my head and I can't get it out of me.''

''Mirabel, you look fine.'' Seth cuts in, saying my first name.

''Fine? Exactly. Fine!'' I exclaim, laughing.

''What Seth meant is that you look sexy as hell. We've all seen you naked, '' Joanne responds which causes Seth to clear his throat, ''We all know you have a nice body. Have you even looked at your breasts or your butt? They're good, they're firm. That's your power. Moving on, let's see your face. You look pretty, you're very pretty. You have high cheekbones and your jawline's defined. You're fine!'' She throws her hands up in the air, completely frustrated.

''Exactly, I'd date you.'' Seth says, ''If I wasn't gay.''

''Besides, it's almost Valentine's Day. You can give him a letter or you can just be like 'hey baby, I've had my eyes on you for a little while. Why don't we kiss and make love already?' that's a pretty great start.'' Joanne laughs, giving Seth a high-five as they both continue to walk, hand in hand like the world's greatest couple.

The three of us continue to laugh as we both walk, Haden slowly drifting away from our minds.

''Oh, dang it! I have this group assignment to finish. B, I'll see you at home and Seth, I'll see you tomorrow? Peace!'' She pecks on our cheeks before running away, holding her books tightly to her chest until she's out of our sight, leaving Seth and I on our own.

Seth turns to look down at me, ''Come on. I'll drive you home, ''

''I can take the cab. Really, don't trouble yourself.'' I respond, knowing Seth would have to come back here in order to head back to his house. It'd be easier if I take the cab home-he lives on campus while Joanne and I live out of campus. We rent a small apartment outside and in a matter of less than a month, Seth will be moving in with us.

''It'd be no trouble. I thought I can stay over tonight? Besides, I'm going to be living there as well.'' He replies, taking his car keys out of his bag before gesturing me to follow him in which I do. ''We're getting dinner on the way, what would you like?''

''You know what I want?'' I turn to look at him.

We both enter the car and as he starts the engine, ''What?''

''Your cooking. You're good at that, ''

Seth laughs before driving out of campus, down the road. In all honesty, I have this thing for guys when they drive-they just look much more attractive than they already are. I'd always pay attention to whenever Seth drives, I even wonder how Haden looks like when he drives. However, Seth's nice to watch as well. ''Then, we'll have to go and head to the supermarket. What do you feel like eating?''

''Mac and cheese!'' I exclaim, both of us laughing together.

I begin to speak again as soon as the drive to the supermarket ends up being awfully quiet, ''Hey, what ever happened to that new guy in your class?''

''Huh? Which guy?'' He asks, making a left turn.

''The new guy. The one you were talking about, the one with light brown hair. You know. . . the guy who's in your class.''

''Oh, oh. . . that guy. Yeah, he's hot. What about him?'' He clears his throat, both of his eyes focusing down the road but he'd glance at my direction once in awhile.

There's just something odd about Seth whenever we have this kind of conversation. At times, he'd talk about boys like it means the world to him and he'd join in whenever we talk about boys as well. He has seen both Joanne and I naked, he didn't seem bothered by it or surprised or even attracted in the slightest which makes a whole sense, since he's not attracted to girls. Then again, it feels like the whole guys at campus just doesn't seem to be his type. He talks about them, saying they're cute and all but he doesn't really go crazy over them.

''Well. . . I thought you liked him? Didn't you make a move?'' I ask.

''I didn't say I like him. I just said he was hot, '' He replies, glancing at my direction before smiling at me. ''Why? Are you interested in him? You're already moving on from Haden?'' He raises an eyebrow, teasing me.

''No, that's not it.'' I smile, ''It's just that. . . Joanne meets different guys all the time. She sleeps around and she has fun. She'd talk about guys that she slept with, saying who's bad in bed and who's good. She has that kind of sexual life but you. . . I never heard about you having sex with anyone on campus. You've told me a few guys that are hot in your class but you never told anything about sleeping with them?''

''So, I'd have to sleep with them?''

''No, no. That's not what I meant, ''

''I get it. Joanne sleeps around and I don't when I should?'' He turns to look at me for awhile, ''I don't feel like it. I just don't really feel like it.''

''Okay, what about the other guy? The one that asked you out, '' I lean closer towards him, grabbing onto his hand before entwining our fingers as he has his left hand on the steering wheel. ''He was pretty cute. Did you turn him down as well?''

Seth smiles, ''I have my eyes on someone else.''

''Oh, juicy. Do I know him? Tell me about him, '' I look up at him, practically grinning.

''You can say that. He's around campus, ''

''Tell me. Who is it?''

Within seconds, Seth has already stopped the car and it doesn't take me long to realise we've arrived at our destination: the supermarket near my apartment. Our apartment. I immediately let go of Seth's arm and step out of the car, letting him wrap his arm around my shoulder as we continue to walk inside, completely forgetting about the topic we were talking about.

Oh, and is that chocolate cake I see?

Chapter Two - Beautiful Stranger

''It's Valentine's Day, '' Joanne joins on the bench, ignoring Seth who was clearly having a conversation with me which causes him to scoff before taking a bite of his tuna sandwich. ''It's the day where people conceive unintentionally.''

''Valentine's Day literally means Sex Day, '' Seth replies, frowning. ''You're so caught up in some celebration that doesn't even need to exist. It's a day for cowards to profess their undying love, '' He adds, not agreeing with Joanne who has this whole other idea in her head; she enjoys living in a world where people are easily expected. Joanne likes to know what to expect as well and one of the reasons why she gets along with almost everyone on campus is because she's good at making friends and lovers aside from her born beauty.

Joanne doesn't need to put an effort in what she wears or put on her face, she's already beautiful and she's confident. She knows she can have anyone in bed, girls or boys because she's confidently pretty, in a way of saying. For instance, she's sitting on the bench with us right now wearing a tank top and skinny jeans, purposely showing off her cleavage but like I said. . . her confidence is something I can never compete.

''Hey! Valentine's Day gives hope to those who are scared of professing their love. For example, your dearest friend over here.'' Joanne chuckles, pointing at me which instantly causes me to roll my eyes and Seth to laugh-as annoying as she is, it's true. I'm too scared of confessing my silly crush to Haden because looking back at myself and looking back at him, it feels like we're worlds apart. Something occasional turned out to be something serious when I realised just how much I am attracted to that beautiful stranger.

I lean my back on the bench, ''I'm not scared. I'm just being careful with the choices I make, ''

''Honestly, Belle, you're not getting anything out of being careful.'' She rests her head on my shoulder before grabbing my hand and play with the tips of my fingers, ''It's now or never-he's a senior and you're a junior. He'll graduate this year, then you probably won't see him ever again unless you man up and talk to him. At least start off as friends, ''

''Friends? I can't even go to him and say hi!'' My heart feels like it's going to thump out of my chest before standing up, taking a few steps back and for some reason, Seth and Joanne has their eyes wide but before I can question them, I feel myself trip onto something which causes me to grab onto the nearest thing I could find, someone's arm.

I close my eyes in fear of falling but the somehow, the stranger has his arm wrapped around my waist to avoid me from falling onto the ground. The familiar smell of his cologne confuses me for a few seconds as I open my eyes, meeting a pair of beautiful brown eyes staring back at me in surprise-letting me blink a few times, realising how I'm in the arms of the man I like; possibly love.

His eyes pierce into my own and right through my soul, ''Are you okay?''

'Oh lord, what is happening? What is going on? What the hell just happened?!' A lot of questions are playing in my head as I nod anxiously, trying to make sure this isn't a dream. Yet, the pressure of his arm around my waist feels real, as if I'm being held into the arms of an angel-not literally but you get the meaning. Everything around me seems to fade away and the only thing I can focus on is his warm eyes and breathtaking smile as he looks at me with concern, ''Um. . . '' I open my mouth to speak but no words seem to escape.

Haden slowly lifts me up, letting me stand straight on my two feet before finally letting go of my waist; and for some reason, I already miss the touch of his fingers on me-even though, we weren't touching skin to skin.

''You okay?'' He asks once more, his voice a little bit raspy and deep which makes me feel like the ground is melting as my knees weaken.

My eyes wander to my two best friends as they both seem to be in shock as well, their eyes wide and their lips slightly apart. Joanne on the other hand, is gripping hard onto Seth before giving me looks to try and start a conversation with Haden but nothing seems to be coming out of my mouth other than 'uh' or 'huh' or 'um' and it looks like I'm humming.

''I'm. . . uh, '' I furrow my brows, forgetting how to utter proper words.

He continues to look at me and by the looks of it, he seems pretty confused as well but manages to hide it perfectly by smiling. ''Be careful next time. Okay?'' He turns around after sparing one last glance at me and walks away until he's out of sight. Then, I feel like I can finally breathe as I fall onto the ground, trying to process what just happened.

''Belle, what the hell?!'' Joanne and Seth both say in unison, shaking my hands a few time to make me realise what a mistake I made.

''Guys. . . what just happened?'' I blink a few times, still in daze.

''Haden just saved you. Haden just saved you, that is what happened!'' Joanne exclaims, catching other people's attention as I cover her mouth; not wanting the whole campus to know about my crush. ''Oh god, I panicked. We panicked. You panicked! We were just staring at him. Did you even see how quick he moved to grab you? Did you even feel his muscle underneath you? Belle!'' She continues to hyperventilate while Seth takes a moment to process, sitting quietly near the bench.

''He looked at me, '' I place a hand on my chest to feel my heart beating fast.

This kind of thing has never happened to me before, especially not when it comes to Haden. It feels as if the world is finally on my side and my life has gotten lucky, even by that small gesture. Even if his full intention was to prevent a silly girl from falling onto the ground and embarrass herself but he was there, he was right next to me when it happened.

It was as if I had to fall and he was there to save me. It could've been anybody else or I could've faced the embarrassment by falling and no one would've bothered but it was Haden and he was there.

The way his brown eyes looked at me with worry, it felt like the world stopped spinning. It even felt like the time stopped as well and it was just us. A little space of our own. There was no one else surrounding us-it felt like we were standing in an empty field of flowers where roses bloom and everything is at peace.

The whole sensation of having him that close to me was not foreign in the slightest, it felt surreal but perfect. It was as if my mind went blank and all I could think of was his hand on my waist.

''You're damn right, he looked at you. Ah, it was thrilling!'' Joanne breathes, clapping her hands in excitement while my mind keeps on replaying the previous scene of Haden wrapping his arm around my waist to prevent me from falling and using his strength to pull me up. For some unknown reason, I wanted it to happen again even though he acted out of concern, out of humanity yet it felt refreshing.

''I don't know what to say, '' I mutter.

''I do. We're late to class!'' Seth's eyes widen before grabbing onto Joanne and I as he pulls us away, letting Haden slip out of my mind from continuously thinking about him. If only we were given more time to relive that moment, if only I was able to grab onto his face and kiss him right there! If only I was given the strength but I was confused, surprised and embarrassed. Out of the moments we could've met and started talking, it had to be that moment where I fell. Almost fell.

''Belle, snap out of it.'' Seth adds as we enter our class, seeing the room slowly being filled with students.

For the first time in years or even months, it feels hard to focus. All I can think of is Haden's eyes and his hands on mine rather than Professor Rodriguez's teachings up front. My mind keeps on wandering to Haden and it keeps replaying his voice in my head, the way he asked me 'are you okay?' and the way he pulled me up, our faces were inches apart. For all of this to happen on Valentine's Day makes it a whole lot more meaningful.

''Eric is taking me out tonight, '' Someone says from behind, ''I can't wait to meet him. I'm excited to know what he has in store, ''

''Don't forget the condoms, '' Another girl says which causes me to hold back my laughter, knowing how exceptionally boring my life is even on Valentine's Day-there's no need for condoms, for money or for romantic dinners because I know at the end of the day I'll be going home and spend my night watching my favourite show with Joanne and Seth. The casual celebration.

Yet again, Haden. Haden, Haden, Haden. Can't seem to get him out of my head. My mind keeps on replaying different scenes of him, when he lifted his shirt up and he revealed his toned abs or when he laughed with his friends and for some reason, he glowed. Ever since I first laid eyes on Haden, everyone and I mean every other guy on campus seems to be out of league. They can't simply compare even though I have to admit, there are a lot of beautiful guys on campus but Haden has that special spot in my heart.

''Ms. Collins, '' I smile as I doodle in my notebook, ignoring Professor Rodriguez's voice calling out my name. ''Ms. Collins. Excuse me, Ms. Collins?'' I look up, finding the rest of the students have turned to look at me which causes me to stop smiling immediately.

Professor James Rodriguez is by far the youngest professor on campus and with his outstanding looks, it appears a lot of girls are crushing on him as well. With him only being in his early thirties, he has an exceptional view on Science and even on himself. The way he'd walk the campus grounds with confident as if he owns half of it yet stay humble throughout his teachings makes him more appealing; in fact, Joanne has once tried to flirt with him but he acted professional and she considered him 'boring' as disgusting as that seems.

''Yes, Professor Rodriguez?'' I immediately sit up straight.

''Were you paying attention?'' He asks, looking directly at me while I mentally curse in my mind; knowing better that I did not hear a single word he said earlier and paid further attention to Haden's voice in my head.

''Y-yes.'' I stutter.

''Then, what was I talking about? Would you mind elaborate it for me and the entire class?'' The side of his lips curve up into a smile as he leans back on his desk, making me feel all eyes on me before glancing at Seth who has already turned to look at me with worry. ''I want to hear it coming from Ms. Collins and no one else unless he or she feels like getting a slip. I don't mind, '' He adds, silencing everyone else.

I look at Seth once more and see him mouthing, 'molecular biology.'

'Fuck, I'm screwed.' The words immediately appear in my head as I try to think of molecular biology, not exactly knowing whether the words I might say will have anything to do with it since we're far ahead in the topics. ''Is it gel electrophoresis?'' I ask, eyes meeting Professor Rodriguez as he stays still at his spot, making me nervous.

''What about it?'' He clenches his jaw, waiting for me to elaborate.

''The basic principle is that DNA, RNA, and proteins can all be separated by means of an electric field and size. Proteins can be separated on the basis-''

I am cut off by Professor Rodriguez, silencing me immediately. ''-we're not learning the basics here, Ms. Collins. In fact, we're nowhere near the basics. We're not even talking about gel electrophoresis. What makes you think you can daydream in my class instead of paying attention to the words I was saying? Tell me, ''

That's it. Even with the incident with Haden was a blessing but now I feel like my life turned into a nightmare. Professor Rodriguez is asking me questions I can't even answer because I don't have the slightest clue of what to say; it feels as if my mind is corrupted and I'm left alone to finish it. Not even Joanne or Seth can help me. Joanne won't be able to help me at all, she's failing Professor Rodriguez's class while I'm struggling to make sure I pass with flying colours. Unlike Seth, he's a genius.

''I'm sorry, Professor.'' I sigh in defeat, pressing my nails deep into my palm in order to hide the embarrassment.

''Meet me after class, '' He responds before continuing to teach at the front, leaving me to groan-immediately face palming myself, knowing how this day is the best yet the worst day of my life.

As soon as class is over, I find Professor Rodriguez sitting down on his desk before rearranging the books while Seth and Joanne make their ways towards me. ''We'll wait for you outside, yeah?'' Joanne says, walking out with Seth after glancing a few times at my direction just seconds before I make my way towards Professor Rodriguez who appears to be waiting for me, both of his eyes has already turned to look at me while I keep my head down, not wanting to hear him say about how I'm on the edge, if I don't work harder, I'll drop.

''May I ask what's going on, Ms. Collins?'' He asks, making me look up at him.

It's kind of odd to have a young professor at our university especially in this major because at first, I thought we'd be having an old and grumpy professor that would fall asleep every few minutes but we were surprised to find him as our professor. Not only is he young but he's the main cause for the girls to focus in his class, they drool over him-can't blame them though but the relationship between a student and a professor is strictly professional, no matter how it might lead.

''It won't happen again. There was just a lot on my mind, '' I reply.

''I don't want you slipping in my class. You're a good student-I know you're brilliant but don't let that get up to you. There are other students who are struggling to make sure they be the top of the class. If you're simply uninterested, then you can drop this subject off. I want this behaviour out of my class if you wish to continue, '' He responds, causing me to blink a few times; knowing this is a warning.

''Yes, Professor. I'm sorry, ''

''Good. You're dismissed, '' He walks back to the board, writing something on as I walk out of his class with relief.

Just as I step out of the door, I find myself staring face to face with Haden which causes me to stumble back a little as he places his hand on my waist to steady me. Both sides of his lips curve up into a smile before chuckling, ''Why is it that every time we meet, you're about to fall?''

His hair seems to be messier than earlier, as if he had a busy day but he doesn't seem bothered by it. In fact, it makes him look more attractive in a way; makes me want to run my fingers through his hair and just pull him close but with all my dignity and common sense, I stay back and only manage to utter, ''Um.''

''Uh, actually-'' I start.

''-Mr. Merrick, you're five minutes late.'' Professor Rodriguez says from inside, causing Haden to look away from me.

''Take care, '' Haden says before entering the room, leaving me to close my eyes in frustration. Not being frustrated at Professor Rodriguez for interrupting me but being frustrated at myself for not being able to utter words properly in front of Haden-it's like I'm cursed or something and I'm not bound to ever speak with him but. . . he did say 'take care' though.

My eyes wander to Joanne and Seth who have wide grins on their faces.

Chapter Three - Drunken Encounters, Perfect Encounters

Have you ever being dragged to a party you dread not going? It feels exactly like being dragged to church when I was younger but instead of going to a place where you'll seek for forgiveness, now it's rather like going to a place where you'll commit sins but Joanne gets very ambitious on wanting me to attend. No matter how annoyed or angry Seth and I might be.

''Why are we here again?'' Seth asks, running his fingers through his dark brown hair before looking down at me.

''The adrenaline rush?'' I raise an eyebrow as we both laugh.

''Guys, come on. Let's party!'' Joanne shouts through the music, grabbing onto our hands and literally dragging us towards the dance floor; dancing to the music and swaying our hips with mostly strangers in the room but positively viewing it, Seth, Joanne and I get to spend some fun together and it feels like we're bonding rather than stressing out about exams, tests and even projects. For once, it feels like our problems are slowly pushed away.

My eyes wander around the crowd to find people losing themselves to the music, letting themselves drown and for some reason, no one seems to be thinking about unsolved issues or dreadful problems. We're all young and craving for the sensation of adrenaline rush in our veins.

Without me realising, we're already jumping up and down to the music as we hold the bottle of alcohol up high in our hands. Just like that, everything around me starts to move in slow motion and even the music feels more soothing rather than something damaging my eardrums. ''Why are we here again?'' Seth shouts, causing me to laugh before wrapping my arms around his neck as his hands hold me by the hips-swaying our hips side by side to the music.

I immediately look up into his blue eyes to find them looking down into my own as well, making me smile.

To my surprise, Seth pulls me closer as I turn around and letting him run his hands down my arms. It's nothing bizarre or unusual with him leaning close to my neck and with our bodies leaving no space in between, only dancing to the music because we both know where we stand. His arms begin to wrap around my waist from behind as we sway our hips, purposely leaning my back closer to him which causes him to turn me around, our faces are inches apart.

Our eyes meet in an instant and immediately, I don't know who or what to blame. Maybe, it's the alcohol in my veins or the beautiful ocean blue eyes he possessed. Everything around us begins to slow down or so I thought before he leans his forehead against mine-our eyes closed and our fingers entwined, seconds before our lips brush against one another. ''Belle. . . ''

''Huh?'' I frown as I feel him placing his hand around my neck.

Seth and I have never been in this kind of situation before because as far as we know, we realise our boundaries. No matter how close or how much we know about each other, it feels impossible to develop this kind of attraction especially when his own attraction leads to men but everything about that is somewhat forgotten as our lips meet. One thing or more precise, one person begins to appear in my mind which causes me to pull him closer towards me, letting him run his hands down my back.

As I open my eyes, I find Haden kissing me with his hands on my waist to pull me close which leads me to run my fingers through his hair as I inhale his scent.

We break apart and the person in front of me begins to change from Haden to Seth which makes me squint my eyes in confusion, trying to focus onto something or someone more realistic than a drift. The familiar blue eyes change to brown and quickly changing back to blue, making me look around to find the crowd suffocating me as I walk away, pushing through and ignoring a familiar voice calling out my name. My heart starts to beat in an unstable motion as I quicken my pace, immediately stepping out of the house.

''What the hell?'' I mutter under my breath, feeling my head aching.

I walk towards the back of the house where it's more quiet before sitting down on the ground, ignoring the stares I'm getting from people passing by as I look around, finding a familiar figure not quite far from me. ''You there! What are you doing?'' I point at the stranger which causes him to turn around and look at me, his eyes widening a little before his lips begin to curve up into a smile. ''What are you smiling at, huh? Is it funny? Did I say something funny?''

The figure stays still at his spot which causes me to feel frustrated, making me stand up and immediately walk towards him. Just as I'm about to reach him, I stumble onto something and it feels as if I'm losing my balance but his hands reach out for mine, preventing my fall. ''Why are you touching me?'' I pout, pulling myself away from him.

He laughs, ''You're drunk.''

I squint my eyes at him, leaning close. ''No, I'm not.''

''Yes, you are.'' He replies, leaning even closer before leaning back. ''Can't we have a nice encounter where you're not falling or drunk?''

''I'm not drunk!'' I scoff, raising the bottle to my mouth but only to find it empty; upsetting me in the slightest. The blurry figure in front of me continues to look at me as he smiles, both of his hands are shoved into his jeans' pockets, letting me eye him down-finding him standing tall, probably around 6'2 and casually just hovering down my height. ''You find me entertaining?'' I ask, my eyes droopily closing for a few seconds.

''I find you adorable. Why did you drink so much?'' He takes away the empty bottle from my hand, putting it down on the ground.

For some reason, the person in front of me seems oddly familiar with his eyes staring back at me. The way his features are highlighted in the dark under the dim light, it makes me wonder if we might have met before. Probably once or twice. As I continue to stare at him, he takes his time to do the same without being bothered to hide it away and it's no doubt I look like a miserable drunk at the moment-not that I'm admitting I'm drunk but it sure does feel like the world is moving slow.

''You look really familiar, '' I squint my eyes, using my index finger to poke onto his cheek before dragging it down to meet his lips. ''Eh, have we met before?''

He pays no attention to my hand touching his face, ''What do you think? Have we met before?''

''I don't know. Let me think, '' I frown, massaging both of my temples. My eyes continue to wander up and down his figure, the look on his face shows just how much he's interested in me as I am interested in him but as soon as my eyes land on something in his hand, I immediately point at it. ''What's that? Can I have it?''

''It's-''

I cut him off by immediately raising the bottle near my lips, letting the liquid travel down my throat which causes me to frown in disgust. ''Yuck! It's water.''

''That was what I was trying to tell you, '' He chuckles.

''Well, this is boring. You're a very boring person, do you know that?'' I look up at him, both of my hands are on my hips before running towards the nearest bench-finding interest in it. ''Come here. Come sit with me, '' I pat onto the empty space beside me as I find myself smiling at him as he makes his way towards me; slowly sitting beside me, both of his brown eyes turning to look at me.

''Don't you think you should head home?'' He asks, making me scoff.

''What? Do you think it's past my bedtime? I'm not a child, Mr. Mind Your Own Business.'' I reply, earning myself a chuckle from beside; letting me close my eyes for awhile, letting my body float as the alcohol continues to stream in my veins. It feels as if my body is being supported by something light. ''Hmm, hmm. Hmm, hmm.'' I begin to hum my favourite song with my eyes closed but moving side by side.

''What's your name?'' I immediately open my eyes to look at him, wondering why would this stranger beside me would want to know my name. Does he have bad intentions behind it? Does he want to stalk me down? All of the thoughts begin to wander in my mind, wanting an explanation of its own as I think of a name, a name where he won't be able to trace me. A name where he'd believe it's mine but not really.

''Mulan.'' I answer, putting on a straight face.

''Mulan?'' He grins, revealing his perfectly straight teeth. Huh, looks like someone got braces.

''Yeah-wait, no. It's Ariel, ''

''Okay, which one is it then? Is it Mulan or is it-''

I cut him off by shaking my hands, ''-you caught me. Fine, fine. Jeez, it's Jasmine.''

The beautiful stranger beside me starts to lean his head back, laughing before turning to look at me again. Our eyes meet in an instant, ''Okay, Jasmine. Who did you come here with? Let's get to them so you can go home, '' He begins to stand up but I stop him by grabbing onto his hand, causing him to look down at his hand. ''What's wrong?''

''That's not fair. You haven't told me your name, '' I look straight into his brown eyes, my hand still gripping onto his.

''It's Aladdin, '' He replies, seconds before we both burst into laughters.

Even in my drunken state, there's no denying the fact that this man in front of me is beautiful. The way his lips are curved up into a smile before he laughs, revealing his pearly whites and when he leans his head back with the sight of his Adam's apple moving up and down or when he moves his head to the side, giving me the perfect view to his profile. It's like I've seen this man in details before but I can't exactly recall when or where especially underneath the dim lights. There are only little details I can comprehend, details that is attracting.

''Very funny, Aladdin.'' I cross my arms, leaning on the bench.

''Why, thank you, Jasmine. You're not so bad yourself, '' He smiles. Just like that, both of his eyes begin to focus on me once more, ''Seriously, tell me your name. How can I look for you if I don't know your name?'' He asks, making me look down at our hands; it appears that my grip on his hand is not loosening any time soon and it also appears that he doesn't seem to mind.

''How can I know you're not a bad guy, huh?'' I raise an eyebrow.

''Duh?'' I roll my eyes, making him laugh.

''Fine, fine. Come on, you need to head home before you wander off to God knows where, '' He stands up and this time, I don't bother stopping him but as soon as I stand beside him, I begin to tug onto his shirt-letting him turn around to look at me. ''Yes, Jasmine?'' His lips curve up into a smile once more, making his way towards me.

''Is this the end of our fairytale?'' I ask, pouting. ''Aren't we suppose to end it with a kiss before our happily ever after?''

Both of his eyes wander down to my lips for a few seconds as I make my way towards him, nearing him with every second passing. Our eyes are never leaving one another and as soon as I run my hands up to his face, I feel him clenching his jaw underneath my touch but he doesn't bother to move. It feels like I'm possessed and there's this braveness surrounding me, making me stand on my tiptoes, only to near his lips.

I close my eyes at the sight of his lips, leaning my head to the side and to find him leaning forward towards me as well.

''Which reminds me, '' He says, causing me to open my eyes. ''I don't exactly want this to end. So, '' Both of his hands slowly move up to grab onto my hands, turning it around to kiss the back of it before slowly letting them go. ''you're going to have to see me again. In fact, this is only the beginning. I'll find you, Jasmine.''

I smile, ''Oh, is that so?''

As soon as he turns his head to face the light, my eyebrows furrow in confusion at the sight of his face; making me blink a few times, trying to get a clearer vision. For a few seconds, I find myself staring at a familiar someone. A familiar special someone: Haden. The beautiful brown eyes, the defined jawline, the gaze and for some reason, I begin to look away. It's twice today, seeing his face on someone else which causes me to look back up at him.

''There you are!'' Joanne shouts from afar, a bottle of beer in hand.

''I'll see you, '' The stranger leans forward, whispering near my ear before walking away; leaving me to stare at his back, feeling somewhat confused-wanting to run after him and get a better look but all I can think of is, why would Haden be having a conversation with me or bother? It's clearly someone else.

Joanne wraps her arm around my shoulder, ''Where did you run off to, silly pumpkin?''

''I was just-I was here and there, '' I frown, feeling my head aching in pain due to consuming a lot of alcohol.

''Come on, don't wander off.'' She adds as I turn to look at the exact spot where I was sitting.

Where we were sitting. Maybe it was a perfect drunken encounter.