Their Story

Their story Tina Lee

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CONTENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR..................... 4 SYNOPSIS ................................................. 5

CHAPTER ONE: CONNECTING .......... 6 CHAPTER TWO: FEELING ..............12 CHAPTER THREE: CHANGING ..........20 CHAPTER FOUR: THE TRUTH ..........28 CHAPTER FIVE: FROZEN HEART .......40 CHAPTER SIX: CAN OR CAN’ T ........49

About the Author Tina Lee is a normal student in Wenzao. She majors in English. This story is took place in her school and also her club. She wanted to write a story

which

is

familiar

to

the

readers. This is the first novel of her. It might not be so “perfect� and might have some mistakes. In three months, she will become the fifth grade student, and she will keep improving her writing skill.

-4-

Synopsis

There would be a big show which was held by Alice’s club. Because of this show, Alice knew Zeke, a bass player. Since they knew each other, they became good friends.

A

strange

feeling

appeared

between them. What will happen next?

-5-

Chapter One: Connecting It was a burning hot summer.

Everyone was busy in the campus.

Some were going to attend their clubs and some were going to have a meeting with their professors. Alice was sitting outside of her classroom.

In three months, there would be a big show which was held by her club – Folk Rock Club. “Alice, I think we should invite

-6-

a band to play in our show,” said the club leader, Duncan.

“Yes, that’s a good idea, but where can you find a band for us?”

“Don’t worry about that! I have a friend who plays bass in a band!”

The

next

day,

Duncan

introduced a boy to Alice. That was the first time that Alice met Zeke.

Zeke was a tall guy with a smile on his face wearing a white hat, black fly-away T-shirt and a pair of gray

-7-

cotton-padded trousers. “He is the guy who I told you at yesterday,” said Duncan in an exciting tone. “He said that his band was willing to play for us!”

After a simple introduction, they began to discuss the show which would take place in three months. Zeke was a very smart person. Whenever they had some problems, he would always provide a suitable solution.

-8-

From the day that Alice met Zeke, they gradually became good friends. At first, they only talked about their clubs, their guitar and bass, or the show. They didn’t even keep each other’s phone number and E-mail address. Now, they started chatting online. Not only talking about their club but also about their daily life, their friends and just about everything.

“I just heard a riddle,” said

-9-

Zeke. “Why do birds fly south for winter?”

“Um… they are afraid of the cold?” replied Alice.

“No! It’s not so easy! Think more!” cried Zeke.

“Uh… you can just tell me the answer,”

Alice

said

after

five

minutes, “I know I am an idiot.”

“Hey, you are not an idiot. You are just too lazy to think.”

“So what’s the answer?” asked

- 10 -

Alice again.

“It’s too far to walk!”

“You must be really bored,” Alice glimpsed at him walking away.

“You are so mean,” Zeke said keeping up with her, “hey, wait for me!”

- 11 -

Chapter Two: Feeling Alice was doing her homework which had to be turned in to Mr. Wallace the next day. He was a choosy, picky and severe professor.

Alice didn’t really like him, but to get the three credits for his courses, she had to work very had on the textbook and do the complicated exercises which he liked all his poor students to finish.

It was about eleven forty, - 12 -

while her cell-phone was ringing loudly in her quiet room. Zeke often called her at night.

“Why aren’t you sleeping” asked Zeke.

“Are

you

still

doing

Mr.

Wallace’s homework?”

“Yes! I don’t understand why he always

found

so

many

weird

talent!”

Zeke

questions for us.”

“That’s

his

quipped.

“How terrible a talent is!”

- 13 -

“It’s almost twelve. It’s no good for you to stay up late. When will you get back to your dear bed?”

“I can’t tell.”

“Leave your detestable table and lie on your dear bed in one hour!”

Zeke always spoke to her with an ordering tone. Since Alice knew him, she has never gone to bed after twelve o’clock. He didn’t like her to be too tired and stay up late. She didn’t like him to be too worried

- 14 -

about her and always listened to him.

One Thursday afternoon, Alice was talking to Duncan next to the stairway. When Zeke walked toward them, she didn’t notice him and kept chatting with Duncan.

Zeke was annoyed. He didn’t like that kind of stuffy feeling when Alice ignored him. It’s like a huge stone pressed down on him. He just pretended that he didn’t mind it.

After three minutes, Alice finally

- 15 -

observed Zeke. However, she just pretended that she didn’t know that he was there.

“Why doesn’t she look at me?”

Zeke thought.

“Why doesn’t he talk to me?”

Alice thought.

Poor Duncan, there was nobody listening to him. Fortunately, he didn’t

notice

their

complicated

emotions hidden with their ordinary smile.

- 16 -

After they went home, Alice started thinking of Zeke. She always thought

he

was

just

a

friend.

Nevertheless, she didn’t like the fact that Zeke didn’t talk to her nor notice her. She knew that he was not only a friend to her anymore. But what she didn’t know was what Zeke was thinking of her thought.

The next day, Alice bumped into Zeke. They sat together on a bench but just kept silent. There

- 17 -

was an atmosphere of embarrassment pervading the air.

“Why did you pretend you didn’t see me yesterday?” they said the same words at the same time after five minutes. Then a second passed when they kept their mouths buttoned-up.

“I don’t feel comfortable that you pretended that you didn’t see me,” said Zeke. “You can say hello to me or even just a look with a smile.

- 18 -

Not so, I am just like a stranger!”

“That’s also what I wanted to say,” Alice said looking at him.

“Ok, let’s make a promise,” Zeke said stretching out his little finger.

They

linked

their

little

fingers and made a promise that they would never turn a blind eye to each other.

- 19 -

Chapter Three: Changing That was the weekend which was just after midterm examination.

There had been no homework, no tests and no presentations! Alice felt relaxed. Everything without assignments from Mr. Wallace was wonderful. Alice was going to see a movie with Zeke that Sunday night.

In the movie theater, it was cold because of the air conditioner.

Zeke wore his short-sleeved T-shirt - 20 -

as usual. He was getting closer and closer to Alice. When he held Alice’s hand, she felt strange but not repugnant.

She

didn’t

want

to

release his hand. She knew that was unnatural for their friendship.

After they watched that movie, they took a walk in a park. They talked in the way they used to.

There was a small distance between them. Neither of them mentioned about what they just did in the

- 21 -

theater.

It’s cool during summer nights.

The wind was blowing softly. Alice’s hair fluttered in the air. Zeke walked near her and smelt the smell of her hair. The sight of her back was so slim that Zeke wanted to hug her. He recalled his memory on holding her hand in the dark theater.

He didn’t know why but just wanted to do it. There must be some special attractions

between

- 22 -

them.

He

couldn’t escape from that the feeling and he didn’t want to escape, either.

That feeling became stronger and stronger day by day.

“Do you know what Duncan did last Monday?” asked Zeke.

“What?”

“You know he has a class with Mr. Wallace.”

“Yes, what’s wrong?”

“Last Monday he had to hand in his assignment to Mr. Wallace, but

- 23 -

he forgot to do it.”

“Oh! He must be dead…”

“Yes, Mr. Wallace was very angry. He asked Duncan to do one thing.”

“What was it?”

“He asked Duncan to transcribe Chapter three which he has taught five times.”

“Do

you

mean

article in our book?”

“Yes, you got it!”

- 24 -

the

longest

They laughed. Maybe Duncan was writing his terrible transcription somewhere now. Maybe he would bear in mind that he must not forget Mr. Wallace’s homework again.

Zeke and Alice often went out together riding on motorbike. When one was tired, the other one could ride the motorbike. Alice got used to go out with him every weekend.

When Zeke carried her by the motorbike, she liked the smell of his

- 25 -

clothing. They became very intimate but they were still friends.

Somehow they wouldn’t talk about their relationship. Maybe they were afraid that they would break their special “relationship”. They seemed to be a couple but they weren’t.

Sometimes

Zeke

would

ask

Alice who she liked, but she just couldn’t answer this question. She knew that she liked him but what

- 26 -

about him? What if he didn’t like her and just considered her as his good friend?

- 27 -

Chapter Four: The Truth The show would be held in two weeks. All the club members were busy preparing. Alice felt fidgety and tired for the sudden pressure appeared in her mind. The school works, the club routines and the examination all came to her at the same time. It was the third day which she didn’t see Zeke nor talk to him.

Alice still remembered that - 28 -

Zeke had asked her an unusual question, "What do you think of me?"

She felt a little surprised.

Then she looked elsewhere and thought over his question. It was ten minutes before she responded.

"I don't know. I can't figure out clearly what I really think, but the only thing which I know is that you

are

important,

extremely

important." Alice said looking at him.

Zeke stroked her head softly

- 29 -

and said, "You are also important to me. I care about you. Whenever I am upset, I just want to talk to you, hear your voice and see your smile.

All these things have become needs in my life."

Alice could feel that her face was glowing while he was saying those words.

"I don't want to let you down. I don’t want you to cry" said Zeke.

"Hey, Alice! Come to help me to

- 30 -

carry the heavy folders," Duncan called her interrupting her thought of Zeke.

"Why do I have to do these things for you?" Alice murmured.

"Because I am the leader, but you are not."

"Your excellent geography

hearing not

like

test,"

must your

Alice

be poor

thought

staring at him.

Duncan was six feet two. He

- 31 -

walked so fast that Alice could not keep pace with him. " Would you mind slowing down, Mr. Duncan?" Alice said.

"Why don't you have a pair of long legs?" Duncan said and stopped walking.

"There must be hundreds of girls like you if you keep your mouth shut."

"Come on! There have already been thousands of girls like me."

- 32 -

Alice lifted her leg and stepped on Duncan’s foot heavily.

"Oh!

That’s

hurt!"

Duncan

shouted.

"I know that hurt," she said and gave him a lovely smile.

It was about seventeen o'clock.

The whole busy day was finished.

Alice took up her bag and left school with Duncan. They strolled slowly against the street. Then she saw Zeke standing in front of a store.

- 33 -

However, he was not alone. There was a girl holding his hand tightly.

Alice was shattered. Her eyes just couldn't move away from them.

"Why are you standing here like a stone?" Duncan came to her asking.

There was no response. He looked across the street and saw Zeke and the

girl.

"That's

Doris,

Zeke's

girlfriend," Duncan said, "I just heard that they broke up. It seems like a rumor now."

- 34 -

After a while, Duncan looked at her carefully. She seemed to lose her energy and her eyes were watery.

Duncan felt strange but he was sure that

there

must

be

something

happening between Zeke and Alice.

He didn't say anything anymore but grabbed her hand and took her home.

"You look bad," Duncan said and pulled her cheek slightly. "I know you don't want to talk. Call me if you need someone to talk to. I am always

- 35 -

there."

That night Alice couldn’t fall asleep. She couldn't stop thinking about Zeke and Doris. The radio was turned on and the volume was full.

She fixed her eyes on the ceiling.

She didn’t call Duncan nor spoke to anyone. She just wanted to be alone.

The next day, she met Zeke right after leaving her home. They walked to school together. Neither of them talked.

- 36 -

"Sorry," said Zeke.

Alice didn't look at him and walked away.

"Duncan told me yesterday," catching her arm. "Sorry, I don't tell you I have a girlfriend."

"You won't tell me the truth if I didn't see you yesterday."

"I don't want to let you down,” Zeke said, “I like you. I like you so much that I don’t want to hurt you!"

Alice looked up at him but

- 37 -

didn't speak.

"I know that must have hurt you, but I just can't break up with her. I don't want to break her heart.”

Alice pulled her hand away and said calmly. "You don't have to explain anything to me. I am just your friend. There is no need for you to break up with her," gave him a big smile. “Sorry, I have Mr. Wallace’s class at eight o’clock. See you later.”

- 38 -

She ran away and disappeared in the corner.

Zeke couldn't move. He stood still and thought about what Alice had said just. He hunkered down beside the wall. Alice's words came over him. He knew what she had said wasn't true that she didn’t get hurt.

It must hurt a lot. He covered his face with his hands and tried to figure out what he should do.

- 39 -

Chapter Five: Frozen Heart The night was hilarious. The show began. Duncan now was singing on

stage.

The

spectators

were

excessively excited. The fevered shouts never stopped. Alice sat at the front side of the assembly hall with her friends. Like everyone in the hall, she laughed, clapped and shouted.

The last performance of the show was played by Zeke’s band. The - 40 -

scene became more intoxicating.

Alice looked at Zeke playing the bass.

There hadn’t been any tiny change on her face. However, Alice didn’t pay attention to what the lyrics were song. The singing, the bass, the piano and even the drumbeat all seemed so far away.

The show ended at ten o'clock.

The spectators left slowly.

Alice helped with cleaning the hall.

She came across Zeke and Duncan

- 41 -

who were talking at the gate when she left. She smiled and said, "you guys were wonderful." Then she left quickly. Zeke looked at her back. He felt chokingly uncomfortable.

The next day, the sun was shining heavily as usual. Nobody wanted to stay outside. Zeke was playing basketball with Duncan and some

friends.

While

they

were

taking a break under the shadow of trees, Alice passed through the

- 42 -

basketball court.

"Where are you going, Alice?"

Duncan shouted.

"To

meet

the

dear

Mr.

Wallace," Alice replied with a vexing smile.

"It is not Thursday. You don't have to go to his class."

"I don't have the class today, but I do have to talk to him about my assignment."

"Is there any problem?"

- 43 -

"Oh, it is a huge problem! I can't explain it to you. I had to go.

See you," she waved her hand and ran away instantly.

Zeke was just sitting near Duncan, but Alice did not look at him for a second.

He held his cell-phone tightly and hesitated if he should call her or not.

Alice

walked

toward

Mr.

Wallace's office, looked at her cell-phone and guessed if Zeke would

- 44 -

call her or not.

How disingenuous they are.

In the afternoon, Alice went to the library to borrow some books.

Those books were too heavy to take them all at the same time. She stood still in front of the library counter and didn't know what to do.

Suddenly a hand appeared to carry her books. Alice lifted up her head to see who was helping her.

It was Zeke.

- 45 -

"Thanks," murmured Alice.

They

walked

together

but

there wasn't even a word between them. They retained a distance of three steps.

While Duncan walked out of his classroom, he saw Zeke and Alice.

Both of them had a kind of awkward expression on their faces. He ran to them and tapped them lightly on their shoulders. The stiff sentiment on her face seemed to be released.

- 46 -

"Why are you carrying so many books?" Duncan asked.

"I have a report to do. These books

are

all

my

reference

materials," said Alice.

He took the books held from Zeke and said, "I remember that you have

an

professor

appointment this

with

afternoon,

a

don't

you?"

"Yes." "Then I will help her with

- 47 -

taking these books. Don't worry."

Alice looked at Zeke for a short while and then walked away with Duncan.

Zeke and Alice didn't talk much these days. The only word they said to each other was "hi" or sometimes “good-bye". Their cell phones were quiet, completely quiet.

- 48 -

Chapter Six: Can or Can’t Zeke sat on his bed. His cell-phone was ringing. He knew that it couldn’t be Alice. He lay down and shut his eyes. These days without Alice seemed so long. Duncan told him yesterday, “Alice is a bright girl.

I want to be with her. You know that she…” Zeke didn’t pay any heed to what Duncan said later about Alice.

He didn't need Duncan to tell him how lovely Alice was, what she - 49 -

used to say or even how slender she was. He knew more than him! He felt afraid that one day Duncan would take Alice with him and say, “hey, she is my girlfriend now.” He would absolutely kill Duncan at that time.

The ringing didn’t stop. Zeke felt fretful and turned it off. A thought came to him.

Alice lay on the wooden floor in her room. Her cell-phone was put on the table. This Sunday she stayed at

- 50 -

home

all

uniforms,

day.

She

finished

ironed her

her

report,

studied for her tests and cleaned the whole house. She didn’t leave any free time for herself. It was twenty minutes to eleven o’clock. Alice turned on the music and went back to her bed. She still expected that Zeke would call her, but he didn’t.

She knew that he hadn’t broken up with Doris. When she recalled the memory what she pulled Zeke's hand

- 51 -

and her brows tangled together.

Maybe next time she saw them together again, she would rush to them and pull Zeke away! She knew that was her incredible imagination and would never be done.

This

Monday

Alice

had

an

important test at four o'clock in the afternoon. It was almost six o'clock when she finished the test.

She packed her books in her bags then she walked to the front

- 52 -

gate

of

the

school.

Suddenly,

someone grabbed her arm. That scared her. She turned her head, and Zeke was standing near her.

"Let's have dinner together," he said and didn't wait for her response.

In the restaurant, they sat face to face. Zeke looked at Alice and didn't eat anything. Alice felt strange but she just kept eating her meal.

- 53 -

After fifteen minutes, Alice eventually couldn't ignore his line of sight saying, "what do you want?" she asked.

"I just want to have dinner with you,� Zeke replied.

"But you didn't eat anything!"

"I haven't seen you for more than two weeks," he said.

"I know."

"Do you miss me?"

"Excuse me?"

- 54 -

"Do

you

miss

me?"

Zeke

repeated slowly and held Alice's hands.

She wanted to withdraw her hands, but he held so tightly that her hands couldn't move away.

"Did I have to answer this question?�"

"No, you must answer it. I know I miss you very much."

Alice became angry, "who do you think you are! We are just

- 55 -

friends! Don't say something like that! I am not going to answer this kind of question. Go to find your dear Doris and say these sweet words to her! Good-bye!" She stood up and left the restaurant. Zeke followed after her.

"Wait!� Zeke shouted. However, Alice didn’t listen to him and kept going.

"I broke up with her!" Zeke shouted again.

- 56 -

Alice stopped but didn't turn around.

"I know you can hear me clearly.

I said I broke up with her," Zeke grasped her hand firmly and turned Alice around to face him.

Alice didn't know how to react to this news. "Why?" she asked after one minute.

"I know that might break her heart, but I had to do it."

"When did you break up?"

- 57 -

"Last Monday," Zeke said. "I told her I can't stay with her when I don't love her. That is unfair to her.

If we had more time to be together, she would get more hurt in the end."

"So she agreed to break up?"

"No. She cried, cried heavily. I felt extremely sorry for her, but I had to be cruel. So‌" he paused for a second and said, "she punched me."

"She

punched

repeated surprised.

- 58 -

you!?"

Alice

"Yes." "Did that hurt?"

"Of course it hurt. It was the first time I realized how strong she was."

Alice looked at the band aid attached on the corners of his mouth and his smile on his face. A feeling which was beyond words came to her mind. She couldn't find anything to say.

"So would you mind giving me a

- 59 -

lovely smile?"

Alice smiled with her eyes full of tears.

Zeke held her in his arms and said, "will you forgive me for letting you down?"

"No, that depends," Alice said in his hug.

They walked slowly on the street hand in hand. That would be a wonderful winter.

- 60 -

There would be a big show which was held by Alice’s club. Because of this show, Alice knew Zeke, a bass player. Since they knew each other, they became good friends.

A

strange

feeling

appeared

between them. What will happen next?

- 61 -