CHAPTER 1      - Edited by tatergross

ZARA’s POV

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed in Los AngelesAirport. Thank you for flying with Malaysia Airline System and we hope you had a pleasant flight with us. We hope to see you again. Thank you”.

At last, after 14 hours on the flight I have arrived at LAX. The newly wed couple sitting beside me got up and said their goodbyes. They were coming here on their honeymoon. Wow. I could see the way they looked at each other. They’re really in love. Just the way my mom used to look at my dad. God I missed both of them. It has been 8 months since the accident that has left me an orphan. Now after settling all the unfinished business back home, I am on my way to stay with my Aunt Monica and her family. My parents had left me in her care in their will. She’s the only family I have left. She’s my mother’s younger sister, while my dad has no one else left.

Aunt Monica and Uncle Daniel (her husband) had wanted me to move in with them immediately after my parent’s death, but I managed to convince her to let me stay and complete my last semester in Malaysia so I could start the new semester in LA. I’ll be going to the same school my cousin Jenny goes to. Jenny is same age as me, both 17. She’s has long blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. She’s my best friend. I’m glad I’ll be going to the same school with her. At least I’ll have som­­eone to talk to in school. I just hope I can make new friends too. I’ve already started to miss all my friends back home and we have promised to keep in touch. I know living in LA won’t be the same as in Malaysia but Aunt Monica, Uncle Daniel, and Jenny has promised to be there for me all the time.

I started to look for them after collecting my luggage. Not long later I heard someone screaming my name, it was Jenny.

“Zara... over here...” she came running towards me.

“God, I missed you,” as we hugged each other. Aunt Monica and Uncle Daniel were standing by smiling at us.

“I missed you too” I said to her and then hugged both my Aunt and Uncle.

“How was your trip dear?” Uncle Daniel asked while taking the bags from me.

“Tiring,” I sighed but smiled, “And I can’t wait to reach home.”

“I know you are darling. Come on now, lets go,” called Aunt Monica while Jenny kept holding my hand grinning from ear to ear.

“I just can’t wait for you to get home so I can introduce you to my friends,” Jenny said excitedly.

 “There’s a party tonight at one of my friend’s house and I’m taking you there.” she smiled and whispered in my ear, “You’ll meet Brad there.” Brad is her boyfriend and she has been telling me about him almost everyday since she met him.

“I’m not sure whether I’ll be up to it. I’m feeling kind of tired right now,” I said trying to find an excuse not to go with her. “Parties definitely aren’t for me. I hate going to parties and I heard that parties in the USA, especially LA, are much crazier than the parties would I had attended while in Malaysia. Anyway, when I was in Malaysia the only parties I’d ever attended were birthday parties and my dad company’s parties.”

“Ah... don’t worry. Once you you’ve taken your nap, you’ll be fresh as ever. It will be great. I just want to introduce to some of my friends that will go to the same school with us. It’s my friend, Amy’s brother party. He’s a senior and most of his friends will be there including Brad.” She whispered Brad name again. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine and we can leave the party early if you want. No problem”.

“Yes, Zara darling, I think you should go with Jenny. Get to know some of her friends, they are great and friendly. You wouldn’t feel awkward later on when you’re in school, at least you’d get know some of them,” interrupted Aunt Monica turning her face and looking at both Jenny and me sitting at the back seat.

“Alright, I’ll go, but first I need my sleep.” Three of them laughed as I purposely yawned loudly.

****

ZACK’s POV

Home sweet home, I said to myself. After spending the whole summer with my grandparents in Boston, I had finally come back to LA. Well, actually I wasn’t there just for holiday, but also worked part time in my grandfather’s company. He’s the chairman of Harrison Hotel and Properties Pte Ltd; they have branches all over the States. My dad is taking care of the branch in LA and someday I’ll be taking over from him when the right time comes. That’s why I spent the summer working in Boston but don’t get me wrong, I actually enjoyed it. I would rather work and make some money than spend the whole holiday doing nothing. I’m not anti-social at all, I do spend my holidays with my buddies sometimes, but when you are without a partner (I mean girlfriend), holidays would suck especially when the rest of your buddies have one.

Yeah, you guessed it right. I don’t have a girlfriend. Its not that I’m not good looking (ahem), or no girls would want me, it’s just that I’m not interested in any of them. They’re just not my type and I don’t know if I’ll ever find one. My buddies Brad, Danny, Mick and Ryan especially Amy, David’s younger sister have always tried to introduce to me girls that they think I would be interested in, but to no avail. I, myself, don’t actually know what I’m looking for in a girl but I think I would know once I found her.

“Hey, Zack, welcome back,” I was on the phone with my best friend Brad. Even though I have known Danny since we were babies, I got along much better with Brad. I could tell him anything and he would always be there for me as I would be for him.

“Yeah, man,” I’ve told him, “It’s good to be back. So, what’s up?”

“You know that Danny is having a party tonight, so you’ll be coming right?” he asked.

“You know how I hate parties, but since it’s Danny’s, I’ll be there, if not, Amy would be nagging at me whenever she sees me again.” I laughed and Brad joined in. Amy and I were very close. She was like a sister to me. Our families have known each other since my parents moved here and became neighbors. I don’t know why we never fell in love with each other but I so thrilled when I found out that she was with my buddy Mick.

“Are you going?” I asked Brad.

“Most definitely, Jenny will be there,” he replied and I could hear him smiling. Jenny his girlfriend of course, he had been trying to get her since he saw her for the first time when she started high school. Finally, this year, they officially became a couple. Good for them.

“I’ll see you then, but I’ll be coming a bit late,” I told him.

“Ok no problem, but try not to be too late. Jenny is bringing her cousin who’s coming from Malaysia. We thought…” 

I cut him off “To introduce her to me? No thanks man. Don’t waste your time. I don’t think I’ll be interested,” I told him.

“Hey, you have not met her. How would you know? Who know she might look like my beautiful Jenny,” he laughed.

I laughed with him, “That’s what I’m afraid of. No hard feelings man, but you know that I don’t really fancy cheerleader types.” I laughed louder, “Please don’t tell Amy I said that.”

He sighed, “Man, I really don’t know what you are looking for. Sometimes I think you might be gay. Girls swamp around you like crazy but you just ignore them.”

I laughed, “Well, maybe I’m waiting for a fallen angel from heaven.”

“Yeah, right,” he chuckled. “Ok man, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you at Danny’s.”

“Yeah,” I responded.

******

ZARA’s POV

We arrived at Amy’s house around 9:00 after I debated with Jenny on what to wear and how my make-up should be. At last I managed to convince her not to put too much make-up on me by letting her choose my clothing. She chose a pink short sleeve shirt and a pair of skinny jeans. She was still grumbling about my make-up saying that I should put on some blush and/or mascara. Well, no thank you. I’m not used to them. Just a light pink lipstick and foundation is enough for me.

A beautiful girl with the sweetest smile opened the door and screamed excitedly when she saw Jenny. I felt like my ears drums had been ripped out when the two girls began screaming at the same time.

“Ahhhh!! I’ve been waiting for you. What took you so long to arrive girl?” she scoffed pulling Jenny into the house.

“Well, she’s the reason why”, said Jenny while pointing at me.

“Hey, you must be Jenny’s cousin that she been talking about,” she said smiling pleasantly at me.

“Yep, that’s me” I said grinning like a crazy girl.

“Hi, I’m Amy, Jenny’s best friend,” she introduced herself and extended her hand for me to shake.

“Zara,” I simply said shaking her hand.

“Nice meeting you Zara. Come let’s me introduce you to the rest of the girls. They’re at the pool,” she replied nodding her head towards the sounds coming from somewhere outside the house.

She led us straight through the back door and to where the party was. I let out a loud gasp when I saw so many people around. Most of them were around my age. Jenny smiled at me and I kept on holding her hand. Suddenly a guy came and grabbed Jenny’s waist from the back. Jenny quickly spun around to kiss the guy passionately. He must be Brad.

“Hey Babe, I missed you. Why are you so late?” he asked.

“Well, ask her why!” Jenney pouted her lips at me.

“Sorry my fault,” I say putting up my hands up in surrender. “You must be Brad, I presume?” and extended my hand to him.

He took my outstretched hand and shook it, “Yes, and you must be the cousin that Jenny has been talking about?” Brad said smiling at me, “Zara, if I’m not mistaken?”

“You got that right,” I smiled back.

I was later introduced to the host of the party, Amy’s brother Danny. Jenny and Amy also introduced me to the rest of their friends, Lisa and Sue. All of them were beautiful and sexy with full make-up. I was told that Lisa was Danny’s girlfriend. Aunt Monica was right; they were all friendly and great. At first glance I thought they might not like me but throughout the night we were all laughing so hard, almost like the five of us have known each other for a long time. They all promised to help me along with my stay here and in school.

The party was getting crazier towards midnight and I thought it was the best time to go. Anyway, I still felt the jet leg from the trip this morning.

“Can we go home now? I’m feeling kind of tired already.” I whispered to Jenny.

“Sure, I think mom and dad wouldn’t like it if we came home too late. We better get going,” agreed Jenny.

I stopped her, “Can I just go to the restroom first? Where is it?”

“You can use my bathroom upstairs. You will never know what you will see if you use the bathroom down here,” offered Amy and signaled me to follow her.

Jenny and I followed Amy into the house. Oh my god!!! What I saw was unbelievable! There were people on the couch, on the floor, and on the stairs sucking and licking each other’s faces, they were everywhere. I’ve never see anything like this before. Both Jenny and Amy laughed at my shock.

“That’s the reason why I don’t want you to use the bathroom downstairs”, said Amy smiling.

Jenny stopped at the stairs and told me to follow Amy, “Hey, I want to look for Brad. I want to tell him I going home, you go ahead with Amy. I’ll be down here,” she told me.

“Ok” I nodded my head and followed Amy upstairs.

“Well here’s my room, go on in. You want me to wait for you?” asked Amy opening the door for me.

“No, I’ll be fine. You go ahead. I’ll lock the room when I’m done,” I told her.

“Ok,” Amy nodded and left.

****

ZACK’s POV

I arrived at the party around 10:30pm which was late actually. I found my buddies without their girlfriends at the pool laughing and enjoying themselves.

“Hey man,” acknowledged Brad. “You’re late.”

Shaking his hand I replied “Sorry, I had to go to my aunt’s place to have dinner with them. I didn’t expect it to be so late.”

“It’s ok,” said Danny, “All that matters you are here, finally.”

“Hey, you should meet Jenny’s cousin,” says Ryan.  “She’s a beauty.”

“Does Sue know you think that?” I laughed at him.

“Hey, she doesn’t have to know, ok,” he warned. “Anyway I only have eyes for her, but I’m telling you that Jenny’s cousin is really beautiful. You should really meet her.”

“Yeah,” agreed Mick. “Even though I love Amy, of course,” he said giving Danny an uneasy look. He had to be worried saying that he was in love with his sister. If Mick ever hurt her I don’t think Danny would forgive him and neither would I.

Danny laughed, “Don’t worry, guys, I also agree that Jenny’s cousin is beautiful.”

“Well, to you guys all girls are beautiful. No,” I corrected, “anything or anyone that wears skirts is beautiful to you,” I laughed at them.

“Zack this one wears jeans, ok,” informed Brad “and surprisingly no make-up, just lipstick and yet she looked beautiful.”

“Really?” I asked him not interested at all. “Whatever, guys. You know why I’m here. I just want to be with all of you and I’m not looking for a girl. Ok?” They finally gave up talking about her and started talking about random things.

I looked at my watch and it was already nearly midnight. I excused myself and made my way upstairs to Danny’s room to use his bathroom. When I came out from his room I saw a girl coming out from Amy’s. What is she doing there? I asked myself. Knowing Amy, she would never allow anyone into her room, especially during parties unless of course she was her friend, but I’m sure I never seen her before. I quickly made my way over to find out who she was.

****

ZARA’s POV

“Ah!!” I screamed as I turned around after making sure the door was locked. A guy was standing in front of me blocking my way. I thought Greek gods only appeared in romantic novels, but there he was standing alive in front of me. His dark brown hair lay just above his ears and was perfectly styled. His eyes were a deep sea green. I don’t know how to describe him further but I can tell you he looked like Orlando Bloom in the “Lord of the Rings”. Wow.

“Are you done inspecting me?” he said looking seriously at me.

“I’m not inspecting you. What do you expect? You shocked me. I didn’t expect anyone to be behind me,” I denied his accusation but yeah, I had been checking him out. Who wouldn’t? Anyway was just trying to make sure that was he real but of course I’m not going to admit that.

“Who are you and what are you doing in Amy’s room? She does not allow anyone to enter her room especially during parties,” he questioned as if I was some criminal.

“Well, I’m her friend and I was using the bathroom, with her permission of course!” I replied angrily. “Now, will you excuse me?” I said pushing him back to make my way to the stairs.

“Her friend? How come I’ve never seen you before? Not even in school? I would remember a beautiful face like yours” he stated putting his right hand on the door blocking me from moving.

“Let me think why? Hmm,” pretending to think, I scratched my head. “I know why,” I answered him after while with a smirk, “Maybe because I just got here or because I’ve never gone to the same school as you, Mr. Idiot!” I pushed his hand to let me through.

“Not so fast. How do I know you didn’t take anything valuable from her room?” he accused and smirked back at me.

“What you think I am?! A thief?! My god! How dare you?!” I said angrily, “Well let me prove to you then,” at the same time I put both my hands in my front pockets and took them out. “See nothing, and at the back,” turning my back at him, “Is my phone and wallet,” taking both my phone and wallet out to prove it to him. “Now are you satisfied? Please let me through. My friends are waiting for me downstairs,” and again I tried to push his hand that was blocking my way but god, he was too strong.

“Not quite. Who knows you might hide it elsewhere? You know?”  His eyes trailed off and smile evilly while raising his eyebrow and looking at my chest!

“My god you are disgusting!!! What?!! You expect me to strip in front of you!!!” I pushed his chest harder hoping he would budge. Goodness is this guy made of stone or what? He didn’t move an inch.

“Well I would certainly like that,” he said smirking at me. This time he put his other hand on the other side of the door totally trapping me in between his arms.

“In your dreams, you scum bag!! Let me go or I’ll scream,” I threatened.

“Go ahead and scream,” he said, “I don’t think anyone can hear you.”

He slowly lowered down his head toward me. He was so close and I could smell his cologne. Wow, what lovely smell. He must have been using “CK for Men”, I’m sure he was and I love that smell. Suddenly I froze. I just couldn’t move. I stood there staring at his amazing lips, wanting to taste them.

As if he read my mind, he lowered his lips to mine and I unintentionally returned his kiss. It felt so good and so right. My hands crawled up to his neck pulling him closer to me. I felt both his hands holding my waist as he deepened the kiss.

Hearing the voice coming from the stairs brought me back into reality. I quickly pushed him away and started running down stairs. Luckily I saw Jenny at the door now waiting for me.

“What took you so long?” asked Jenny annoyingly.

“Sorry, stomach ache.” I lied. “Come on let’s go now”, I said and immediately dragged her out the door.