GREG:As days went by, I found myself still trapped in a prison of anger. I avoided anything and everything related to Nicholas, except for the wallpaper in my room, which I couldn't bring my hands to remove. I convinced myself that I had put so much time and effort in the darkroom creating that stunning image. So, whether pissed on the model or not, I will not allow a petty emotion push me to discard a perfect work.At school, I withdrew from every activity that may involve seeing Nicholas. I ditched the swimming club too. I dedicated more time in the photography club which I invested in tutoring the newbies, thanks to the online classes, I became more advanced in the knowledge and skills.Frederick, on the ground of being helpful and supportive, tried to convert my interest to his club as well. He believed I had grown bored of the swimming club and needed another activity to fill my time. He didn't let a school day go by without extending an invitation. My eardrums suffered from h
POV: WENDYD'Caprias is the perfect escape. It provided ample attention and engagement, giving me a taste of adventure and easing my years of loneliness.Then, there is Park. Our friendship started the moment we both joined the school. Park is a lively individual. It didn't cost him a sweat to win me into responding to him. Our friendship developed hugely in which many believed we've known each other since birth.Meeting Park on my first day in D'Caprias was a stimulating experience. He had returned to the country from England the same year, and as a greener in the land, he was slowly tailing on making friends. The pretty English boy found no one interesting until I came driving into the school. He said he had found me oddly intriguing and had told his mum that I will be his best new friend. And so it happened. We became inseparable. He knew everything about me—the struggles with my broken family and solitary existence. I didn't try to hide anything; I didn't want to. Being around h
WENDY:Through the mourning period of Park's deceased grandmother, I witnessed a side of him I had never seen before. He was visibly sad and vulnerable, and completely sank in his shell.He became less talkative and disinterested in doing anything. It was difficult for both Ms. Drown and I to handle him. His father was out of phase. He had traveled back to England upon the news of his mother's death and had made plans for his family to join him after Ms. Drown must've nursed Park out of the sorrow.I did a lot of nursing for my best friend as well even when I have no experience in consolation. I stayed at his house from dawn until nightfall, before returning to my isolation. I lent him my shoulder and listened as he told stories about his dear grandmother and expressed his regrets about not being able to say goodbye.Park couldn't bring himself to go back to school either. Hence I missed school with him; it wasn't that difficult to decide. He was the only reason school was enjoyable f
WENDY:"Wendy!" Park's voice delighted from the other end of the phone. "Switch to video, I want to see your face, man,' he cried eagerly.I switched to the video without hesitation, "And how does my face look?""Cold as ever.""Thanks," I replied. We paused for a moment, smiling at each other. I debated whether to ask about the burial or not. He seemed happy, and I didn't want to change his mood. But I decided to take my chance. "What's up with you, Park?""Fine. It's boring here. And cold.""How is Grandma Isla?""Buried and rested," Park's voice conveyed that he had come to terms with his grandmother's death. I felt relieved that he was doing better."Okay. Send my regards to Ms. Drown.""Sure. Good to see you, Wen. You know I appreciate you, right?""Not so sure?"He smiled. He further asked about Grandpa Kosa and his condition, to which I briefed him and shared the good news. We discussed how we were spending the holiday without each other. Park was with his relatives and they
NICHOLAS:Since my arrival, Elena has shown no signs of improvement. She remains motionless, her complexion growing paler and thinner by the day. Her skin is unnaturally white and shrinky, resembling that of a vampire's victim.It is manifest that something is devouring her from within, which demands crucial attention, but the doctors have chosen to proceed at a snail's pace, insisting they need more time before starting any rescue mission."We have to wait until the tumor grows larger and becomes more visible," Dr. Saint explained.According to his diagnosis, Elena's brain has become stagnant, and a tumor has developed within it. The tumor must be removed, but it can only be done when it has reached a certain size. This growth could take days, weeks, or even months, depending on how quickly the tumor chooses to develop. "I'm sorry, but she will continue to become weaker and paler. The tumor requires her blood and strength to grow," he said.His explanation made no sense to me. Lettin
NICHOLAS:Same old. The bar hummed with life as usual, filled with patrons enjoying their drinks and the lively atmosphere. Colorful lights bathed every corner, while the rotating balls above the ceiling added to the vibrant ambiance. I approached the counter, where a tall, dark-haired man with an apron tied around his waist greeted me, holding a hand towel."Coke with ice, please," I ordered, and he moved towards the shelf to prepare my drink.Leaning on the counter, I scanned the bar, pretending to search for someone. I had no clear reason for being here or what I hoped to achieve. My gaze shifted upwards to the lounge area, where Vain usually oversaw his business. He was nowhere to be seen, only his loyal men standing in ovation."Are you new around here?" The waiter asked, sliding a glass across the counter.It was customary for friendly waiters to initiate conversations with customers. I could either ignore him or use the opportunity to divert attention from my true purpose of
NICHOLAS:"Nice bike."I heard the compliment from my raging state as I struggled to unstrap my helmet. I curiously turned to the voice, and he was on his height, daring and staunching in the dark. He leaned against a wall covered in amateur graffiti, puffing on a smoky cigarette that polluted the air, defining a prodigal waiter notwithstanding his attractive physique.The music from the bar blared, and scantily clad women wandered around with their prey. He looks not so different from those men, they are all filled with randy intents and conquests.He grinned at me as I mounted my bike, paying no attention to his hymn and presence."Riding off with such venom should be the least of your worries," he began, tossing the cigarette to the ground and stamping it out. "The alley is dangerous after sundown, everyone knows that." He paused, waiting for his words to muddle some punch, but I raised my eyebrows precipitously for his continuance; I have no patience in dialogues that have nothi
NICHOLAS:The night had been pleasant, and the morning promised even better. I slowly stretched on the oversized mattress until my hand came to rest on his solid sleeping form. Blinking sleepily, I took in the warm and dimly lit room, my gaze settling on his peaceful presence beside me.The lingering scent of our encounter filled my nostrils, and the gentle sound of his snores affirmed that the night had been equally satisfying for him. I shifted comfortably, stealing a glance at his serene face, memories of our escapade flashing through my mind. The turbulence from his thrusts sweeps me again, wishing he hadn't stopped last night; the desire for more of him still burned within me.We had reveled in exploring each other's bodies, and what he had done to me was worth cherishing as a memory. I could wake him and indulge in another round, but I knew that wasn't how a one-night stand worked. I needed to leave without him knowing. It was a shame that he was too good to be abandoned, but I