CHAPTER 11

When The Past Catches Up With You... Just Continue To Run.

The door bell rang again. Kaine swore he could here the person behind the door swear impatiently and it amused him so. Jason was still in the bathroom so Kaine decided to do the honours.

Hand on the knob, he turned and pulled; the door swung open and there was a face he didn't expect to meet. The visitor did not seem to have expected to see the 24 year old redhead either, and it was rather obvious from how her mouth formed an "O".

"Kaine!"

"Ehh. Jenn! I'm surprised to see you here."

"Yea, I'm surprised to see y-"

"JENN!"

Jason appeared with his hair damp and with a rather sweet rose smell. He walked briskly up to his sister and gave her a warm hug. Kaine took a step back and watched the siblings embrace. He observed the woman Jason was hugging, she was so familiar yet some what unrecognizable. Memories of days at school when he walked down the corridors proudly wearing clothes that the principal and staff had disapproved of and with girls practically falling at his feet. Then he would see Jason and find his sister standing right next to him.

"Really, Kaine, who dressed you?" She would say. It didn't anger Kaine at all, in fact it made him even more tempted to ask her out on a date. But Kaine wasn't so stupid as to crush on a girl who didn't like him the first place. He knew she actually had a crush on him. When they had first met during her freshman year she kept staring at him and when he looked back, she turned a funny pink colour. Of course egos grow as years pass and she started criticizing positively anything she could. Then prom night came and he asked her out.

Kaine seemed to be walking in a dream. He felt what he had felt that night. And he missed it.

"-So I just decided to pop by and visit you! Didn't expect to see Kaine here though. Kaine?" Jennifer looked curiously at the man. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts; His eyes stared into space and he seemed to be swaying a little.

Jason gave his friend a slap across the shoulder and Kaine jerked abit. He rubbed his head then put on a bright smile. "Yes?"

Shaking his head, Jason ignored his friend and led his sister into the living room after closing the door. Kaine followed behind and sat on his bubble arm chair.

"Want something to drink?"

"Water'll do."

As soon as her cup of water was served, a faint ringing tone was heard from the bedroom. Jason shrugged and excused himself, leaving his sister and his best friend alone in the room.

"So Ms Hardislaye... what've you been up to, huh?"

Jennifer looked up at Kaine and smiled, "Y'know journalism and stuff. Did some part time modelling last month too."

There was something in her eyes that made Kaine feel like she was uncomfortable, it made Kaine himself feel uncomfortable. So he looked away.

"You've changed ALOT since we've last met."

"That was a looong time ago," Commented Jennifer with a laugh.

"So..."

"So."

"What's up? Any hot boyfriend?"

"Kaine, didn't you know, I'm married!"

"WHAT?!!" Shocked, Kaine leaned too far back and the whole bubble chair capsized.

Giggling, Jennifer took a sip of water before saying, "I was just kidding."

Kaine stood up, blushing and made sure his hair was looking okay. Then he set the bubble chair upright and just to prevent any further embarrassment, he plopped onto the sofa next to Jennifer.

"So that means your single, huh?"

"Yea... But from what I heard, you're not." Was the answer.

"Actually, I'm single...."

Jason's sister's surprise was evident. She turned to Kaine with a questioning look and he answered, "If you're talking about Natalie, I broke up with her. And no, I didn't break up with her the same reason why I break up with every other girl. I'm a long-relationship man now!" He proclaimed triumphantly, hitting his fist against his chest just for the effect.

"So why did you break up with her?"

"Well. Look I haven't been the nicest dude lately but I do have a conscience. And dating your best friend's ex who he obviously still loves goes under the category of "Wrong". So, I broke up with her. But it was like a friendly agreement and stuff, yknw?"

Wow, Jenn thought. Though she hadn't seen Kaine in 8 years, the tabloids and random background shouts heard when talking to Jason on the phone was enough to tell her that the limelight had gotten to Kaine's fat red head. He hadn't been the nicest guy at school (pretty much bullying freshman and disobeying teacher's) but he could make a girl feel like a princess. After plummeting in stardom however, Jennifer had heard about his one night stands and month long relationship. He wasn't treating the women very well but they didn't seem to hold a grudge on him. Yet now... what he said made him sound somewhat nicer and more responsible.

With thoughts running through her mind, Jennifer didn't notice the silence she sat in. But Kaine was thankful, he needed to clear his mind and ready himself for what he was going to say.

"Jenn?"

"Yea?"

"I... I wanna tell you something."

"Um. Okay."

"Err... Y'knw the reason I gave for our break up isn't-"

"Wait! What reason?"

"The... reason... I gave...?"

"You didn't give me a reason Kaine. You were supposed to pick me up for your graduation party but you didn't. After that I just didn't see you."

"O gosh. I didn't give a reason?"

Kaine could see a tiny spark of misery in her eyes. She looked down and his heart sank.

"Well. Since I didn't give a reason, I'm gonna tell you the truth. I broke up with you because... because three nights before graduation I... well, cheated on you."

Yet another awkward silence. Kaine was staring at Jennifer who stared right back. But she had magically frozen in time and Kaine was getting ready for a tight slap.

"Huh."

It wasn't a questioning "Huh". It was a okay-whatever-let's-move-on kind of "Huh". And Kaine was very taken back by her reaction.

"Y'know, you can slap me if you want to. I wont cry or anything. Just slap me." But the request was denied. Jennifer merely shook her head and took another sip of water.

"C'mon," Her fingers were taken away from the cup as Kaine grabbed it and slapped himself. Then he looked at the girl who stared at him, dazed. The unexpected happened, she wrenched her hand out of Kaine's and gave him another slap, a hard one.

"AH!" Kaine fell back on the sofa armrest, his hand rested on cheek. Red was spreading across it like a rash.

"Happy?"

Jennifer turned to the man who had not yet recovered from the shock. She looked at him with an intent stare and then grinned, contributing to Kaine's surprise. Feeling guilty about hitting him, Jennifer leaned forward and after moving his hand away, gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

Then things took another twist when she pulled back but he grabbed her and gave her a kiss on the lips.


HAHA. IS THIS CHAPTER SURPRISING OR WHAT? even i didn't know what the heck I was gonna write. sheesh. ok. so chapter 12 coming sooon, read and... COMMENT! yea. do that, and u'll have this warm sense of satisfaction in ur heart.

HA.

CHAPTER 10

Tabloids aren't just for the kids.

"ERRRR.... Jason?"

Placing the porcelain cup on the table and turning around, Jason met with a rather worried faced Kaine.

"Yea...?"

"Have you seen the tabloids lately?"

"Why? Did they insult your hair again?"

"No. Is there anything to insult about it?" Kaine immediately started threading his fingers through his hair and flattening parts of it that popped up seconds later.

The only response he got was eye-rolling. "Right. so what about the tabloid?"

"Um. There's this article on Natalie."

"Natalie? Why, did they say something about me still going with her?"

"Nope."

"Then what's so important? Let me see that." Jason reached out to grab the magazine but Kaine jumped back a step and insisted that he read it out.

"Fine."

"Right here goes.." Kaine took a second to clear his throat. Then he read out loud in a British news-reporter kind of accent.

"'As Natalie Grahm, star of blockbusters like City Yell and Pass the Past, walks down the red carpet, smiling and waving and being the humble 23 year old that she is, cameras flash and reporters quickly ask for her time. The young actress is the hottest thing in Hollywood since her latest movie One Time Tutor where she plays a university student who falls in love with a college teacher (played by Patrick Imraied). Critics say this movie is the perfect one to help shoot back into the movie industry after her 1 year break away from the lights and cameras. Of course, during that 1 year break she-' okay this is where you come in Jason,'- was spending her time with TV star Jason Hardislaye. Sadly, their 2 year relationship ended only recently contrary to rumours that they were going to get married.'"

Kaine gulped and looked at Jason. He seemed to be in a daze and was staring completely into space. Kaine thought of offering a tissue to Jason in case he broke down but the man seemed to wake up from his daze and stared at his friend with a questioning look.

"That's all?"

"Well, no."

"Then continue!"

"Sure? Okay. Right so where was I? Oh yea the thing about her and you getting married blah. Right. Ahem. Soo... "I was sad, very sad." She says, talking about her break up with Hardislaye. "But it didn't work out, and the only thing both of us should do is just move on." Moving on is exactly what Natalie Grahm is doing. With her latest movie, another upcoming blockbuster set to be released late next month and new b-' ERRR where was I? Right'- next month and she is on the right road towards success and rising stardom. Watch out for advertisements, more movies and many more articles about this actress in the near future.'" Taking a deep breath, Kaine closed the magazine and observed his friend for a while. Jason looked straight back his friend then spoke.

"That was it?"

"Yea. Y'know... I thought you wanted to know how great your ex is doing. I mean, I'm not trying to rub anything in. Just thought... you wanted to know..."

"Uh. Okay."

"Yea. So if any reporter asks you if you know about your ex you can say "yes" cause now you know."

"Okay..."

"Yea. Okay I shall go now..." Kaine turned around and gave a sigh of relief as he started to walk. But he was stopped short by a question.

"Wait. Can I see the article?"

Quickly composing his panicked expression, Kaine turned around and asked, "Um. Why?"

"I just wanna see something."

"The pictures aren't very nice. There's one only." Kaine smiled and flashed the page at Jason before quickly closing it.

"Just hand it over."

"Why?"

"I just wanna see something." Hand reaching out for the magazine, Jason was surprised when Kaine quickly hid it behind his back. Something was up.

"KAINE! Hand it over!"

"NO!"

"Hand it! It's just a magazine Kaine, handing it over won't kill you."

"EXACTLY! It's JUST a magazine, so whatever you wanna know I'll just read it to you- HEY!"

Jason made another reach for the magazine and failed. Soon the two had moved across the room, Kaine trying his best to protect the magazine and Jason trying his best to grab it. Finally the brown haired and taller man managed to snatch the magazine and shove his friend onto the couch. Just to make sure he didn't get up, Jason sat on Kaine.

"Now where's that page..."

"Jason, JASON! Stop it, GET OFF! OOF! GET OFF JASON THIS LOOKS GAY!"

Jason found his page and used one hand to hold up the tabloid and the other to push his friend's head into the sofa so his yells were muffled and sounded rather amusing. His eyes scanned the page; A pretty picture of Natalie was on page 12. She had her hand on her hip and a green eyes stared at him coyly. It reminded him of those days that he had her hand in his and they were sitting in the sunlight and having never-ending conversations while she stared at out at the sea and while he stared at the sight in front of him. It was moments like this that Jason missed the most.

His attention moved on to the write-out about his ex-girlfriend that Kaine had read out. There was one part where Kaine had said something and seemed to jump to the next line. That was the part he was looking for.

"Jason, I CAN'T BREATHE! I MIGHT DIE! JASON!! YOUR BUTT STINKS! GET OFF MEEEEE!!" Some how Kaine had managed to get his head of the couch and his yells rang through the apartment. "JASSON GET-"

Suddenly the weight that had been pinning him against the sofa was gone. Kaine jumped up and grabbed his friend by the shoulders, yelling, "YOU CRAZY? Don't you ever do-"

Then he saw something in Jason's eyes that made him stop. The air around seemed to have gone all cold.

"Jason.."

Kaine quickly removed his hands from Jason's shoulders. The latter merely tossed the magazine on the coffee table next to him.

"So when were you planning to tell me? When you guys broke up? When I'm on my death bed? Never?" Jason was obviously serious but Kaine was just praying for him to burst out laughing and say something like "You shoulda seen your face!"

Didn't happen.

"Kaine, I'm asking you. Were you ever going to tell me?"

"You... I... she... We just... and you... I mean you.. um..." Guilt-filled, Kaine looked away and concentrated on the blank TV screen across the room. "No."

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Jason shift uncomfortably, then he started to walk away. Kaine wouldn't let him.

"Hold it."

Rather surprised that his arm had been grabbed, Jason looked at his friend who seemed to be rather confident about what he was about to say or do next.

"Shit."

Jason shook the other man's hand off and turned fully to him. "Usually, when a guy betrays his best friend, he says something like "Sorry." Try it Kaine, it'll actually make you sound sincere."

The comment didn't make Kaine flinch or feel bad. He couldn't feel any worse about himself.
"Shit, Jason. We're doing it again! We're fighting like a married couple would! Acting as if we we're from some kind of soap opera and we're a very hot couple who just broke up! Look I'm sorry okay? But... but you were the one who gave me your phone book and told me I could call up one of the girls. And I know Natalie was obviously a bad choice because you still love her but... Face it. Both of you are done. Finished. Zilch. Finito. Mei you le. So you should just move on, like she has."

"I have moved on!"

"No you haven't! It's like telling yourself that your more handsome then I am: IT'S NOT TRUE. If you have moved on then why the hell are you getting all pissed with me?"

"Because. Because." The loss for words shocked both parties. Jason turned away. "I don't know. This is so.... stupid."

"Yea? It's about time you noticed."

Silently, Jason made his way back to the dining table where his coffee had been sitting. Kaine watched his friend for awhile before grabbing his coat and walking out of the door.



"I say... That Jason guy's friend isn't very good at being friend, huh?"

The smell of coffee wafted through the cafe. The faint sound of it bubbling could be heard. The morning sun made it's way onto the table of customers as they sat silently having their breakfasts. The lack of people at the counter was the cause for Karyn to answer the call of one of the magazines Amber had left on the counter.

"Yea... I wonder if Jason knows?"

"Of course he has to! If Kaine didn't tell him, Carson Daily would."

Amber giggled. "Yea..." Then she realised something. "How do you know about Carson Daily?"

"HEY! I'm not that outdated."

Accepting the answer, Amber turned back to creating her perfect Mocha Latte.

"I switched on the TV and he was like, "Hi, I'm Carson Daily!""

Karyn watched, rather amused as Amber laughed and shook her head. Then she decided to ask about the date last night.

"Speaking of Jason.... How are you two going?"

"Counted that we've only been on two dates, I'd say pretty well."

"That's good right?"

"Yea, I guess."

A slight breeze ran through Amber's black hair as a man walked into the cafe. Suddenly Amber was taken back to the night before.

Karyn smiled.

"So, do I hear wedding bells in the future?"

"Are you kidding? I told you we've only been on two dates!"

"But the amount of time you spend dreaming of him I could have sworn you're ready to go around telling people how deeply in love you are with him."

"Look, it's just that... it's just that he's different. From the rest of the guys I've dated. But I'm not saying that he's THE one and that I am 100% certain that I want to marry him."

"Right....."

"Yes! I really am not that much in love with him as you think. You don't have to believe me but a fact is a fact and that customer is waiting for you to serve him."

Karyn sighed and turned to the customer. She pretty much didn't believe her.


I'm at my wit's end. i seriously need to start reading more. haha i think my writing is just worsening as the seconds go. anyway since im done with this, you know wat to do.

COMMENT.

:)

CHAPTER 9

That Little Black Phone Book

Kaine was worried. He was worried Jason was going to find out and was going to kill him. He was too young to die. Too handsome too.

Then he remembered about the little black book in his hands.

"Take this." Jason had said. "Since you can't find ONE girl you know whom you haven't dated before, try one that I know."

The sad thing about Jason's plan was that he didn't know that most of the girl who's number had somehow landed in Jason's phone book (Kaine had no confidence in his friends "charm") had already dated Kaine. And those girls who Kaine hadn't dated were those he didn't really like much. But there was one.

"Ah well. It was Jason's idea in the first place. If anyone's to blame, he is." Kaine muttered under his breath. Then he picked up the phone and started to dial.



"CUT!"

Sighing with relief the cast and crew made their way off set and towards the buffet table. Jason took the chance to grab a danish and have a seat. He watch as Max lived up to his reputation as a great director and tried to ignore the creepy lighting guy who was staring at him. It only took a few seconds of vibration for Jason to reach into his pocket and withdraw his cellphone.

"Hello?"

"Hey.. Jason."

The 24 year old felt his heart skip a beat. He smiled and sat up.

"Hey Amber, what's up?"

"I was just thinking, I mean we said that night when you dropped me off at my house that we would go on a second date. I was thinking maybe we could have that date tomorrow? Go out for lunch?" Then she quickly added, "If you're free."

Jason tightened the grip he had on the phone. "Yea, of course I'm free."

There was a pause. Then, "Okay."

"So I'll see you tomorrow then? Pick you up at twelve thirty? Okay? Okay. Haha. Bye Amber." The phone shut with a small "click". Jason looked up at shoved the phone into his back pocket. Not without taking a deep breath, he stood up and headed to the set just as Max was calling people to come back for the next scene.

It was evening now. Kaine counted himself lucky that he had been able to go out with her on the same day that he had called her up. He adjusted his tie and placed his fingers on the brass door bell.

"Well. Here goes." He whispered.

The finger went down the and the door bell sounded. Only after a few seconds the door swung open and Kaine felt satisfied with how his date looked. After saying some sweet lines and complimenting her fashion sense, Kaine took his date by the hand and escorted her to his convertible which was parked outside the gate.

"Does Jason know about this?" Kaine was expecting the question. He stepped on the accelerator but at the same times answered, "No. Not really. Do you want him to?" This question made her think for awhile. Then she turned to him again and shook her head. "Well, not really. But don't you feel bad you're not telling him?"

Sitting back in his seat, Kaine took a few minutes to feel remorseful. Or at least try to look remorseful. He didn't feel bad about not telling Jason that he was dating one of his exes. Besides, Jason wouldn't mind....

Right?

ok. i've run out of things to write for chap 9. lookout for chap 10.i got alot to write for that. HAHA. whee i rule. NOW COMMENT U PERSON!