Saturday, February 20, 2010

Me And The Boy Next Door - Round 29

Round 29 – A Real Life Fairytale



[Hebe's dream - Cinderella]

“Hebe! Where are you, you little brat!” Larissa shouted all over the household. “Oh, mother dear! Maybe that Hebe is sleeping again!” Jae Joong said as she folded his arms. Arron, on the other hand, began to fix his hair. “As always...” he said as he sighed. He stood up from his seat, and then fixed her gown. Larissa groaned in anger. “Just when I needed that stupid girl...” she hissed. Just then, Hebe came in, rushing to her step mother. “Mother -” she said in between pant. Larissa glared at her. “I told you not to call me mother. I told you to call me madam!” Larissa shouted angrily at her. “I'm sorry, madam...” she said softly as she lowered her head. “Where have you been, you little brat? Did you know that because of you, we are going to be late for Prince Nicholas' ball?!” Arron shouted at her. “I'm sorry... I really am. I was trying to dry my dress for the ball tonight...” she said.

With that, Jae Joong folded his arms, and smirked at her as he circled around her. “You, going to the ball? No way!” he told her. Hebe gave her gay stepbrother a confused look. “But... but didn't he said that all the girls in this kingdom should come to his ball?” she asked. “Everyone but you!” Arron said. The three of them let out an evil laugh at her. “You can never go to that ball!” Larissa said to her. “And besides, why waste your time? I know Prince Nicholas will choose me.” Arron said. Jae Joong glared at him. “Oh really?” he said. Arron just smirked at his effeminate brother. Hebe could only let out a sigh, and roll her eyes at them. “Oh yeah, if Prince Nicholas is gay!” she thought. “So, you have to stay here and look after the house, OK?” Larissa said. Before she could protest, the three of them left her. She tried to follow them, but as she reached for the door, she found it locked.

“Great, they locked me up...” she thought. She sighed and then slid onto the floor. “I really want to see Prince Nicholas... what should I do now?” she thought sadly. After a while, she saw a very bright light, which almost blinded her. And then, a fairy appeared before her. It wasn't just a fairy, it was a male fairy dressed as a female fairy. “Hello!” she, or he, said to her. Hebe looked up at him. “Why are there so many cross dressers nowadays?” she asked. The fairy just laughed at her. “Oh, silly girl! This is the fad, you know!” he said. “It's enough that my two step brothers are cross-dressing as girls and wanting to marry the prince. Why does a male fairy have to dress up like a female one? Who are you anyway?” she asked. The fairy smiled at her. “I'm Zhang Dong Liang, your fairy godmother.”
“Fairy godmother? Isn't that supposed to be fairy godfather?”
“Well, they don't exist, and so, I became a fairy godmother.”
“How did you became my godmother?”
“Well, I used to curl your mother, Selina's hair...”

Hebe flinched at what he said. “Too bad, he's cute but he's gay...” she thought. “So, Hebe, dear... you want to go to ball and see Prince Nicholas?” the fairy godmother asked. Hebe nodded her head. “Then, let me help you transform into a beautiful princess so that you can see your handsome prince charming.” he said. He waved his magic wand at her, and then she transformed into a beautiful princess.

[End of Hebe's dream]

Hebe heard her alarm. She reached for the alarm clock on her table, and put it off. She dragged herself to sat up on her bed. “Why does Nic have to be gay on my dream? And why does he have to be my fairy godmother?” she thought. She let out a sigh, and shook her head. She stood up from her bed, took a shower and dressed up. As soon as she finished dressing up, she heard a loud knock on the door.

Hebe rushed down the stairs as fast as she could. “Coming!” Hebe said. She opened the door, and saw Nicholas standing before her, smiling. Suddenly, she felt her heart began to beat fast again. “Oh... h-h-hi Nic... what b-b-brought you h-h-here?” she stuttered. “Didn't we have an agreement that I will be your fairy godmother?” Nicholas said. Hebe nodded her head. “Well, today is the day that I will be your fairy godmother.” he said. Hebe was surprised at what he said. Before she could further react, Nicholas pulled her out of the house.

--

Ella stared at Chun as they do their grocery shopping. They have all the ingredients for the cake he will be making, but she was confused as to why Chun is taking some more – like spices, noodles, and beef. “I thought you're only going to make a cake?” she finally asked him. “Don't be such a snoop, all right?” he said as he looked for his ingredient. “Something tells me that you are not just making a cake. You are making a dinner.” she said. Chun looked at her, and just smiled. Then, he turned his attention to the shelf to find his missing ingredient. Ella looked away from him, and smiled to himself. “Oh my God, is he preparing a special dinner for me?” she thought. “I know what you're thinking, Ella Chen. Sorry, but I am not making you a dinner.” Chun said. Ella could only give him a confused look. “How did you know what I am thinking?” she asked. Chun just let out a mysterious smile.

“So, who is the lucky one you're making dinner to? Are you secretly seeing Larissa?” she asked. Chun let out a chuckle, and shook his head. “You told me not to see her, right? Even if I have the means, I am not seeing her.” he said. “Yeah, and remember, rule number 4? We're not supposed to date other people while we are together?” she said. Chun just smirked at her. “You are so jealous for a fake girlfriend, did you know that?” he said. Ella wrinkled her brows as she glared at him again. “Who said I'm jealous?!” she said to him. “Rule number 1 and rule number 2, may I remind you?” he said.

Ella growled as she folded her arms. “I am not jealous. Why should I be jealous? I have no reason to be jealous.” she said. “Then, good. As soon as this is through, I'll go and find Larissa. I have her number.” he said to her. Ella gave him dagger looks. “Fine. I'll go and see Hiro after we're through. I have his number.” she snapped at him. Upon hearing that, Chun looked angrily at Ella. “Don't you dare do that or-”
“Or what?”

Chun paused as he thought of a reason for Ella not to see Hiro. “Or I will call Larissa and see her.” he said. Ella let out an evil smile at him. “Fair enough. As long as you don't go and see Larissa, I will not call and see Hiro.” she said. Chun looked away from her, and pushed the cart. “So, who's jealous now?” Ella said triumphantly.

--

“Where are you taking me?” Hebe asked as Nicholas put on the seatbelt on her. Nicholas just let out a smile at her. “You'll find out soon.” he said. He started the engine of the car, and then began to drive. Hebe could only sigh, as she looked outside the window. Being around Nicholas made her ecstatic and nervous at the same time – ecstatic, for she have always wanted to be alone with the guy she have been crushing to, and nervous because she doesn't know what he have in store for her. Today, as he said, is the day that he will be her fairy godmother. She doesn't to be transformed into some kind of a princess if her prince charming will turn out to be a fairy godmother.

After a while, Nicholas stopped the car. She looked up, and saw that they were in front of the most expensive beauty salon in Taipei. “What are we doing here?” she questioned him. Nicholas looked at her, and shot a mysterious smile at her. He lead her inside the beauty salon, and found that the only people inside are Arron, Jae Joong and their friend, Tiffany. Tiffany let out a smirk as she raised up the blush-on brush on her hand. Jae Joong smiled as he raised up his scissors. “W-what is this?” Hebe asked nervously. “Do you still remember how Cinderella was transformed into a beautiful princess?” Nicholas asked. Hebe turned to him, and slowly nodded his head. “Well, I don't have any magical powers, and I don't have any magic wand to wave and turn you into one. I only got Arron, Jae Joong, and Tiffany here to help me turn you into a beautiful princess.” he said. Hebe gave him a confused look. “A make over?” she asked. Nicholas nodded his head. “Why do I need a make over? Is there any occasion?” she asked.

Arron let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes. “Aiya, Hebe, dear. Look at yourself. You definitely need a make over, sweetheart! You have a fashion sense of a blind librarian!” he exclaimed. “Why do I need a make over?” she asked again. “You'll find out later.” Nicholas said, winking at her. Hebe was confused with what's happening to her. There were several attempts by Selina and Ella before to change her looks, but the two of them failed. She likes her old self, and does not wish to change herself. Before she could say anything, Jae Joong and Tiffany pulled her. “Come on, let's start your make over.” Jae Joong said. “You need to relax and take a very relaxing bath first.” Tiffany said. Hebe could only look in confusion with the two. “I'm sorry, but I think this is not a good idea...” she said. “Don't say no now, dearie!” Jae Joong said. Nicholas watched as the two dragged Hebe inside. He could only watch as the two tried to convince the girl he loves to go with their plans. “Well, Nicky... I'm telling you you're wasting your time with this plan.” Arron said. Nicholas just smiled at him. “It's still worth it.” he said.

--

Ella and Chun arrived in a small bungalow house outside the village. As Ella tailed behind him, she was wondering to herself why Chun brought her here. “Does he want to be alone with me? Is he planning to... to...” Ella paused, and closed her eyes, she shook her head to erase that thought. “Chun could never do that. If he has plans to do 'that' to me, he should have done 'that' to me during our vacation...” she thought. Chun paused, and looked at Ella. By the look on her face, he could easily tell what's inside her mind. “Hey, it's not what you're thinking, whatever it is.” he said. He placed the grocery bag on the table. Then, Ella walked up to him. “What are we doing here? And whose house is this?” she asked. “This is our house.” Chun answered. Ella became more confused with his answer. “Your house?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. He headed to the kitchen, and opened the cabinet to take out the things he needed to cook. “So, if this is your house, how come you have to rent?” she asked. “First, it's because as you can see, it's far from my shop. Second, this is technically my stepdad's house. Not my house. This is Nic's house. Now, if you're asking why Nic is staying with me, and not living here, it's because he have some bad memories here.” Chun explained.

Ella walked up to him, and gave him a curious look. “Bad memories?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “You see, her mom walked out on them when he was still a kid. Reason is because he is not really in love with Nic's dad, and is in love with someone else. She walked out on him and his dad one night to be with his lover, and since then, they never heard about the ex-Mrs. Teo. Soon after, dad and Nic went to Australia to rebuild their lives and forget their painful past. It was in Australia when dad met my mom, and they got married.” Chun explained. He took out all of his ingredients and began to prepare it as he explain everything to Ella. Ella just nodded her head as she listened to Chun. “So, is that the reason why Nic is gay?” she asked. Chun gave her another are-you-kidding-me look. “Who said something about Nic being gay?”
“Well, I just assumed that since his mother left her, he doesn't trust girls, he became a woman-hater, then became gay.”
“You and your wild imagination.”
“But is that what happened?”

Chun sighed and just ignored Ella. She jumped up to the counter and sat as she watched Chun prepare the meal. “So, is Nic gay?” she asked again. “Don't assume things just because you've seen or heard something. What you witnessed is just a small part of the story.” Chun said. “Why aren't you answering my question? You can answer it by a yes or a no.” she said. Chun let out another sigh, and faced her. “OK, let me tell you this, all right? Whatever that happened in the past, yes, it had something to do with Nic's past. If you see Nic from before to the Nic now, you will say that there is a big difference.” he said. Ella shot him another confused look. “I don't get it...” she told him. Chun let out a laugh, and shook his head.

--

[Nic's Dream]

“Of all the lovely girls in this ball, I believe you will finally find the girl who will capture your heart.” he heard his brother, Prince Chun, tell him. Nicholas could only give his brother a confused look. “Will I?” he asked skeptically. Prince Chun nodded his head. “Of course, you will. Look, all the fairest ladies from this kingdom is here. All you have to do is make your choice to be your bride.” he said. Prince Nicholas looked at the girl around the ballroom, and then he shook his head. There was nothing special about this girls. All they care for about is their looks and their lovely gowns, as well as the chance to be with him. He was looking for something more than someone who cares about their own vanity. “This ball is a waste of time, you now that.” he said. He spotted a lady coming his way, and before she could reach him, he excused himself from his brother, and went out of the palace.

He strolled at the garden to get some fresh air. Being inside the palace and being around a lot of strangers makes hims suffocated. How may times have his father tried to set him up with a lot of ladies for marriage? Not that he is not ready for one. It's just that, he felt the girls he meets is not right for him. Even if they look perfect, he felt that there's always something amiss from them. “I guess you are tired of dancing and talking with the other girls at the ball, huh?” he heard someone say. He looked back, and saw a beautiful petite girl walking up to him. When she smiled at him, he felt his heart beating fast. It's as if there were fireworks in the skies as she smiled his way. “Y-yes...” he answered.

She is pretty. She had those big black orbs, that seems to be seeing through his soul. She had the loveliest smiles he saw, and she knew that her smile is for real. Most of all, he felt everything is so right. It was as if he was looking at the missing puzzle of his life. “Then, can I accompany you for a walk? If not, then I can always leave you alone...” she said. “O-of course you can. I... I insist that you do.” he said. He smiled at her and then he extended his hand to her. “I'm Prince Nicholas.” he said. She let out a soft giggle. “I know.” she said. She took his hand, and smiled at him. “I'm...”

[End of Nic's Dream]

[Nic's Flashback]

“i want to go to Taipei.” Nicholas announced to his parents while they were having breakfast. Mr. Teo looked at his son skeptically. “Are you hiding from one of your girlfriends? Did you get someone pregnant?” he asked. Nicholas smiled at his father, and shook his head. “I've had enough of my playboy ways, dad.” he said. “Then, dear, why do you want to go to Taipei?” her stepmom asked. “I don't know... I just had this urge to go to Taipei and live there. And besides, there's this university that offers the masters degree I want to take.” he said. “You're not going there to break hearts, are you, Nicholas?” Mr. Teo asked again. With that, Nicholas laughed again and shook his head. “Of course not. I told you I'm retired from being a playboy.” he said.

Then, he looked at his stepmom with excitement in his eyes. “Mom, did you remember that dream I'm telling you about? The one about this beautiful girl?” he asked. His stepmom nodded her head. “I don't know... I just have this instict that I will be able to meet her in Taipei. I want to take the risk and find her. Who knows, right?” he said. “Really, dear?” she asked. Nicholas nodded his head. Mrs. Teo turned to her husband, and held his hand. “Let Nic go back to Taipei, Randall. I know you've been asking him to settle down with someone. Maybe he will be able to find the girl for him there...” she said. His father looked at him, and nodded his head. “OK, I'll let you go. Don't come back till you find her, all right?”

--

Nicholas stood before the gate, then he looked at the paper on his hand. “1223-B Willow Street...” he said to himself. He looked around him, but he can't seem to find that address. “This is Willow street, but where is 1223-B?” he thought. Just then, Hebe got out of the gate. Nicholas had an idea to ask the girl where he could find the address. “Excuse me...” he said as he approached Hebe. Hebe paused, and looked at him. Nicholas looked at her, and then smiled to himself. He doesn't know why, but he felt a familiar feeling upon seeing her. “Y-yes?” she stuttered. She let out a smile at him, and as she smiled, he suddenly remembered the dream. The girl in front of him was the very girl in his dream. “I found her...” he thought. “Hi. I'm wondering if you can help me? I'm looking for this address...” he said, showing her the paper in his hand. Hebe took a look at it, and smiled at him. “There is no 1223-B Willow Street... but there is 12223-B Willow Street.” she said. She pointed at the gate. Nicholas looked at the number on the gate, then looked at the paper in his hand. “That's weird...” he muttered.

He looked at the paper on his hand, and then secretly glanced at her. “Maybe this girl lives here. I guess I can have a chance to get to know her if she does...” he thought. He could feel his heart racing against his chest as she smiled at her. Just then, he heard his step brother calling him. “Nic!” Chun called. Nicholas looked up, and his face lightened up upon seeing his stepbrother. “Chun!” he said. The two hugged for a while, then Chun turned to face his landlady. “Oh, Hebe, this is stepbrother, Nic. He's the one I told you who'll live with me and Ethan. Nic, this is Hebe, our landlady.” he said Hebe smiled at him. “Oh, so that's your stepbrother...” she said with interest. Chun nodded his head. “Yeah. He's here to take over the family business...” he said, nudging Nicholas. Nicholas just let out a laugh. “Of course not. Don't listen to him. Actually, I'm here because mom and dad threw me here.” he said. Hebe just laughed with him. “Well, whatever the reason is, welcome to the neighborhood, Nic. I'll see you around, I guess...” she said. Nicholas smiled at her, and nodded his head. “Looking forward to see you around, Hebe.” he said. Then, he and Chun went back inside the apartment.

“So her name is Hebe?” Nicholas asked as they entered inside the house. Chun paused, and gave him a meaningful look. “Interested in her?” he asked. Nicholas could only smile at his step brother. “Well, all I can say is that, I think I'm going to stay long here in Taipei.” he said.

[End of Flashback]

Nicholas smiled to himself as he remembered the very reason why he is here in Taipei, and how he was able to find what he was looking for on the very first day he set his foot here. He never thought that he would be able to find the girl in his dream that easily, and that girl turns out to be their nerdy landlady, Hebe. There was nothing that he wants to change about her, really. He love her as she is. But then, he wanted her to feel special and beautiful, and he knows by making her feel that way, she will be more confident of herself.

Tonight will be the night that he will admit to her how he feels for her. Although he is not sure if Hebe feels the same way, he will do everything so that he could prove to her that he loves her. “Stop smiling. You're making me fall for you.” he heard Arron said. Nicholas looked at him, and laughed. “You've been smiling to yourself the whole day. Aren't you getting tired of it?” he asked. “Sorry. I tend to smile a lot, especially if I'm nervous.” he said. Arron folded his arms, and smiled back at him. “Aren't you supposed to prepare as well? Why don't you go now?”
“i want to see how Hebe will look...”
“Aiyo! You'll be able to see how she looks tonight, all right? Don't be too excited.”
“But I want to make sure....”
“She'll be the prettiest girl ever, all right? Don't you trust us?”

Nicholas stood up from his seat, and then let out a sigh. “I guess, it will spoil the surprise if I wait for her and see how she looks like.” he said. “Now, you're getting my point. We have a long day ahead, so, you better go now and prepare, all right?” he said. Nicholas nodded his head. He said goodbye to Arron and left the salon.

--

“Ellie, get me the salt.” Chun told Ella. She took the salt from the counter and then handed it to him. “So, you were saying that Nic's mom left him when he was young, and the Nic I know now is different from before. Care to explain more of that?” she asked. Chun paused, and looked at her. “You're not going to stop till you find out the truth...” he said. Ella nodded her head. “I want to know. Chun sighed, finally giving in to her. “Fine. I'll tell you. But before anything else, give me you mobile phone.” he said. Ella gave him a confused look. “Why do I have to give you my mobile phone?” she asked. “If I have to tell you everything, I want to make sure that you will not spoil anything.”
“Spoil anything?”
“Just give me your mobile phone, and I'll tell you everything.”

Ella sighed a she reached for her mobile phone inside her pocket. She grudgingly gave it to Chun. “Now, will you tell me the whole story?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “You see... Nic, Ethan and I used to a trio of playboys...” Chun began. Ella gave him a skeptical look. “You used to be a playboy?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “Up until I met Bianca.” he said. Ella nodded her head in understanding. “Nic was a playboy simply because he was scared that he will end up like his dad, who was left behind by his mom. He never believed in love. He never believed that there is such a thing as soul mate. For him, love is a very foolish thing, and so, he just played the field. He changes girlfriends as fast as he could change his underwear. One time, he had 10 girlfriends at the same time. That's how much of a player Nic is before.” Chun explained. Ella couldn't believe what he was telling him. For her, Nicholas looked like a good boy. He never thought that he have a dark side. “He is? And I thought he is gay?” she asked. Chun laughed, and shook his head. “He isn't. So, one night, when we were in college, Nic began to have a dream about this girl. Since he had that dream, he stopped being such a player, and became a stick-to-one guy. But then, none of his serious relationships ever last because he felt that something is amiss. Before he came here in Taipei, his dream about the girl become frequent. He had this gut feel that he will be able to meet that girl here in Taipei, and so, he came here not to study or take care of any of his dad's business, but to find that girl in his dreams.” Chun said. Ella was even more surprised at what Chun revealed this time. “He came all the way from Melbourne to Taipei to find that girl?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. Ella turn into a smile. “That is the sweetest thing ever!” she said. “I thought it was stupid at first. He came here to find a girl he doesn't even now. But when he came, he told me that he finally found the girl. I was surprised, because he has not step a foot here in Taipei for a day, and he found her. Talking about weird coincidences.” he said.

Ella gave him a curious look. “So, Nic found her. I'm not aware that he is dating someone. All I know is that he always hangs out with Arron and Jae Joong, making us all think that there is thing going on with them. Who is the girl he is dating?” Ella asked. With that question, Chun just smiled at her. “He isn't dating the girl yet, but we do hope she will. That's why we are preparing this special dinner. This is especially for her. And you know who she is.” Chun said. Ella gave him a wondering look at what he said. “Who is she?”

--

It was almost night time, and Arron, Jae Joong and Tiffany have just finished their make over on Hebe. As they swiveled her chair to face the mirror, Hebe was surprised to see her reflection on it. Her hair was pinned up, with a little curled strands of her hair hanging on her face. The shade of pink on her face and lips made her more prettier. And the green dress she is wearing compliments her well. “Is... is this really me?” she asked. “Who else?” Arron said. Jae Joong clapped his hand in happiness. “I'm so proud of my masterpiece!” he said. Hebe's mouth fell open as she recognized that she was the girl she is staring at the mirror. “It's me... it's me...” she said softly. Then, she smiled at herself. “And, because you had this special makeover, you know what will happen next.” Arron said. Hebe gave him a confused look. “Why did the fairy godmother turned Cinderella into a beautiful princess?” he asked again. “Because she have to go to the ball?” she asked. Arron smiled at her upon hearing her answer. “Exactly! You are going on a date tonight. A blind date with your prince charming.” he said.

Hebe got confused with what Arron said. “Did Nicholas set me on a date with someone else?” she thought sadly. She doesn't want to go out on a date with anyone, but him. “I... I can't go...” she said. “Aiya! Hebe! If you don't go to this date, you will just waste all of our efforts in turning you into a beautiful princess!” Jae Joong said. “I don't go out with some random strangers. And besides, what if he does something to me?”she asked in a worried tone. “We trust this guy, don't worry. And besides, Nic will not let you go out on a date with someone who is not trustworthy, right?” Arron said.

Before Hebe could answer, they herd a loud honk outside the salon. All of them went out of the salon, and saw a black limousine parked outside. The driver came out of the car, and Hebe was surprised to see Joe. “Joe? What are you doing here?” she asked. Joe just smiled at her. “Oh, you're ready, I see. Shall we go?” he asked. “Are you my date? Because if you are, you know I don't go out with married men. And besides... I'm scared of Ariel!” she said. Joe just let out a laugh at what she said. “I'm not your date, silly! I am the driver of this lovely carriage that will take you to your prince.” he said. He then opened the door of the back seat of the limousine. “So, shall we go, Cinderella?” he asked. Hebe looked at him hesitatingly. She was still contemplating whether he would go out with Joe or not. “Go now, Hebe... your prince is waiting for you!” Jae Joong said, pushing Hebe towards the car. “Don't keep him waiting!” Arron said, further pushing her inside the car. “But -” Before Hebe could further protest, Arron closed the door of the car, and waved goodbye at her. “Have fun tonight!” he said. Before she knew it, she was on her way to meet her date tonight.

--

“Wow! The cake is really nice!” Ella said as soon as Chun finished the cake he was decorating. Ella looked at him as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. “I really hope Nic and his girl will like this one.” he said. He looked at Ella, and smiled. “I'm sure she will like it.” she said. Ella let out a dreamy sigh. “I can't believe she will finally have the kind of love story she have always wanted...” she said happily. “I'm happy for the two of them... I really hope the two of them will last forever.” he said.

Meanwhile, Hebe arrived at the house. As she got out of the car, she saw a table for two, filled with her favorite food. There were rose petals around, and there was someone serenading her with a violin. “Wow... this is just like in those romance novels I've written...” she thought as she looked around the place. As she looked at the place in awe, she didn't know that Nicholas was behind her, staring at her. He smiled to himself as he watched her. He was just as beautiful as he imagined her to be in this day, and he have to thank Arron and Jae Joong for helping him transfer Hebe into his beautiful princess. He clutch the long-stemmed rose in his hand, and began to walk towards her.

“Hebe...”

Hebe turned around, and was surprised to see Nicholas walking up to her. She realized that Nicholas was her date today – the prince charming that Arron and Jae Joong were telling her about. It was all of a sudden for her. She was so excited and happy to know that it was her dream boy that will be her date today, and not some stranger. “Nic? You... you are my date tonight?” she asked. Nicholas smiled, and nodded his head. “Why would you think I asked Arron and JJ to do a make over on you? Of course, it's because it's our date tonight.” he said. Hebe walked up to him, and then stared at the rose he was holding in his hand. “And Cinderella finally met his prince charming...” she whispered. Then, she looked up at Nicholas and smiled. “Who turned out to be her fairy godmother at first.” she said. She let out a giggle as she took the rose from his hand. “I wanted you to be beautiful today. Not that you're not beautiful as you are. You are pretty, Hebe. I just want to make this night very special to you...” Nicholas said.

Hebe could feel herself blushing at what he said. “So, it means that you like me even from before?” she asked. Nicholas shook his head. “You're wrong...” he said. The smile on her face abruptly disappeared. Nicholas put his hand on her shoulder and smiled at her. “I love you. From the very first day I met you, I know I love you, Hebe... The first time you smiled at me, I knew that you were the one for me. And since then, I told myself I will do everything for you to be mine, and once you're mine, I won't ever let you go.” he said. Hebe was surprised at what he said. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words ever came out. “I... I know this is too soon. But, Hebe... can... can you be my girlfriend?” he asked. Hebe was only able to nod her head in surprised. “Really?” Nicholas asked happily. “Y-yeah, I guess... I mean, I like you. I mean, I love you, Nic. You're the reason why I kept on looking for the purple sea shell. I've been wishing for you to be my true love... and praying that you are not really gay...” she said.

With what she said, Nicholas laughed. “I knew you would think of it that way.” he said. Hebe could only pout at her boyfriend. “So, you really made me believe that you are gay?”
“A little?”
“But why?!”
“Well, I don't want to be too obvious that I like you. And besides, hanging out with Arron and JJ earned me this favor. I had to help them around their house so that they will give you this make over. And though you thought I am gay at first, It's still worth it.”
Hebe smiled at him, and then she put her arms around his neck. “Just promise me you won't be gay. It will freak me out.” she said. Nicholas laughed, and nodded his head. “I promise. I will only have my eyes on you. You will only be the most beautiful girl in my eyes. I love you, my Cinderella...” he whispered to her. “And I love you too, my frog prince...” she said. With that, Nicholas leaned down to her, and gave her a loving kiss on the lips.

--

What the two didn't know is that Chun and Ella have been watching them all this time. Both of them were happy that Hebe accepted Nicholas' love. “Finally, Hebe got the love story she have always wanted...” Ella said. Chun smiled, and nodded his head. Then, he put his arms around her. “I'm glad. I guess Nic can be at ease now, now that he found the girl in his dreams. Don't worry, Hebe will be in good hands, Ella.” he said. Ella looked up at him, and smiled. “I know.” she said. She looked at Hebe and Nicholas again, and sighed happily. “I wish me and Chun could be like them... I wish our love story is for real...” she thought. Chun looked at Ella, and then smiled to himself. “I wish we could be happy like Nic and Hebe. I guess it's about time for me to be tell Ella how I really feel, if I want to have that kind of happy ending....” he thought. Ella looked at Chun, and noticed that he was staring at her. “What?” she asked. “Nohing. I'm just wondering...” he said. Ella gave him a confused look. “Wondering about what?” she asked. “Wondering if one day, we could be like Hebe and Nic...” he said. Ella looked away from him, and smiled to herself. She was wondering if Chun feels the same way towards her. She knew inside her heart that she loves him, and it will be beyond her dream that Chun will love her back. “I guess we can be happy like them...” she answered. Chun nodded his head. “One day, you and Bianca will have the same happy ending...” she added. Upon hearing that, the smile on Chun's face began to fade. “I guess one day, you and Sphinx will be happy too...” he said in a hurt tone. He took his hand away from her, and then went back to the kitchen to clean up. The momentum for him to tell her how he feels for her is already there, and Ella had to ruin it by mentioning Bianca's name. He knew that once she mentions her name, Ella will mention Sphinx's name as well. He knows where he stands in her life. He is just a fake boyfriend while Sphinx is the best friend she have been in love with all these years. “Guess Ella will never love me, because of Sphinx...” he thought to himself sadly.

Labels: fan fic, Me And The Boy Next Door