---12---

AUSTIN:

"C'mon Andy! Wake up!! What the hell is wrong with you! Damn it Andy wake up!" I clapped my hand at her cheek, jolted her body to wake her up but she was like dead or something. She lay on the bed pale faced and a little distorted.

I'd been looking for her all over the place. Last time I saw her she was going up stairs with some guy. Wish I'd just seen his face, I'd have find him even from the core of the earth and beat the shit outa him for doing this to Andy. I don't exactly know what he did to her but she was drained and unconscious and the worst of all... she was wearing the guy's shirt!

"Andy babe, wake up for my sake!" I was pleading in thin air. She wasn't listening to me. She didn't even know I was about to cry 'cause if something happened to her, I'd never forgive myself!

If she's like this it's only because of me. I brought her here and then I was with Veronica. She'd got me so hooked up; I forgot about Andy that she's with some other guy. Jake got me involved in a poker game and I lost track of time until I looked at the dial of my watch which showed that it was quarter past four in the morning.

In the morning! It was so darn late. I didn't sleep all night but partied around, forgetting about the girl I brought with me!

I looked for Andy and finally I found her dumped on the bed in the room, wearing a guy's shirt.

I just don't know what to do! How to wake her up? My hands were shaking of nervousness and I was sweating. She's gotta be okay 'cause today's our engagement ceremony!

I quickly got up, went to the bathroom and spotted a glass there. I filled it with water and came back to Andy. I sprayed a little on her face with my fingers, not knowing why exactly I was doing this 'cause she doesn't seem to respond to anything!

I brought the glass to her lips and let her drink a little then again I sprayed the water on her face. She moved her face a little, like she flinched. "Andy, wake up. C'mon, open your eyes babe. Please!" I pleaded again, jolting her a little.

She slowly opened her eyes, blinking them a thousand times to adjust her vision. "Austin?" she mumbled.

A relief washed through me. I pulled her to me, hugging her tightly. "Damn Andy! You freaked the shit outa me!"

"Where am I? What happened?"

I pulled her back. "We're still at Jake's house." I brushed my finger at her forehead, removing the hairs that came in front of her eyes. "And you tell me what happened!?"

"I don't know..." she said in a low lazy voice.

"Were you drunk? Did that guy did anything to you? Do you know his name?" I know I was being a jerk but I can't control myself. Anything could've happened to her!

She shook her head in no, shutting her eyes tightly trying to remember. "I-I don't know.. I don't remember!" she reached for her head, "My head... Urgh it's hurting. I think I'm gonna throw up..."

I held her close to me tightly. She looked sick. "Nothing's gonna happened. I'm just gonna take you home." I helped her up but she was so drained I had to lift her in my arms. I carried her down to my car and helped her in on the passenger seat, buckling her seat belt.

As we got on the road, I sensed she's not going to make it till the ceremony. She often mumbled that her head is spinning. Damn! What should I do!?

I called Collie. Maybe she'd help. At first she didn't picked up her phone. She might be sleeping. But I need her now. I called her again. Finally she answered sleepily.

"Collie? I need you're help."

"Austin?"

"Yea. I'm coming to pick you up. Don't need to get ready, just be out." I told her.

"Wh-what? What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"It's Andy. She's-"

"Is she alright?" she panicked, probably sat up.

"I'll tell you later. Just come out. I'm almost there." I hung up. I drove fast to her home and she was standing out, in her Pjs and sweat shirt. She quickly got in the back seat, her face totally worried.

I started driving. She looked at Andy's face. "What the hell have you done to her?!" she shouted.

"She got really drunk." I told her. She looked at her cloths. "And I don't know what else she did. But the point here is to get her sitting up straight and healthy before the ceremony starts."

"Where did you take her Austin?" she asked crucially, looking at me with 'you're so dead' look.

"Uh, a party..."

"You freaking took her to one of your horrifying adult parties! What the hell were you thinking!?" she shouted again.

"It's not helping Collie! We just have to get Andy fixed."

She dropped her head back and we drove in silence for the rest of the way. It was still dark and I was sure everyone was sleeping. I hope so.

I pulled the car in front of my house and helped Andy out, carrying her in my arms. Collie helped opening the doors and closing them behind soundlessly and watched if anyone was still up.

I lay Andy down carefully on her bed, covering her legs with the sheet.

"Now what? What do you want me to do?"

"Help her get over it..."

"Let her sleep off it." She said plainly.

"She can't Sleep OFF IT Collie! We don't have time. If she's not good till the ceremony... I'm dead!" seriously speaking, I was pretty worried... for the first time.

"Okay, let's see... we'll need some vinegar and some garlic. We need to make her throw up!"

"Everything's in the kitchen."

Collie and I got everything we needed. She helped Andy drink vinegar water and taste garlic. Just as she did that, Andy's mouth got filled with saliva.

I quickly helped her to the bathroom, Collie led her in but I stayed out. I felt like I'd be sick myself. It's all my fault. I hear Andy throwing up bad. After quiet a long time, Collie came out, supporting Andy. She seemed way better. I helped her on her bed.

"She's gonna be okay. I just need to change her clothes." Collie assured. "You go and get some sleep. You've got a big day ahead." She told me. I felt so relieved that I felt like hugging Collie for all that she did, but I didn't.

"I owe you big time Collie. Thanks for coming." I smiled to her and she smiled back. I walked out to my room and threw myself on bed. I was dead tired!

ANDY:

I was sitting in front of a huge mirror, though my eyes were closed but I knew what was going on. I was in my engagement dress but they didn't let me see it. They were saving the best for the last. Quiet a few people were working on me.

One was doing my hairs while other fixed my eyes and lips and coco-pops knows what not! It was just a few minutes before I could be walking in between so many people, and they all will witness my bonding with Austin Blake.

I couldn't believe I was getting engaged to a total loser today! My life is officially over! Even thought I've started liking him... he doesn't like me back! He couldn't like me until he stops flirting with other girls! Last night was horrible. All I could remember was a gorgeous face I saw before I passed out. And then bits of hugging Austin and Collie helping me to change my cloths...

I didn't even got to see Austin. Maybe he wanted to tell me that he'd changed his mind and it's all over? Or maybe that he's sorry he left me alone last night? Or... that he liked me? Maybe?!

A few moments later she made me stand up, cleared the wrinkles of my dress and whispered excitedly. "Open your eyes..."

I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the full mirror. The first thing I notice was Collie's mouth hung open in an O and her eyes wide, looking at the figure standing before her. It wasn't me! It was me totally transformed into someone else.

I grasped, looking at the girl in the mirror wearing a strapless bluish-silver flowing dress decorated with silver ribbons. Her hair was set down in loose curls and her eyes were nothing like mine. She was looking beautiful.

"Breath Andy..." Collie said slipping her fingers in mine. I let go my breath which I was holding for a long time. "You're looking stunning." She smiled at me.

"Beautiful! Me?" I barely whispered the words.

"Yes you." She smiled again. I felt I'd cry. It was the moment I'd never thought would come like this but it did, overwhelming me. I started hyperventilating.

"Just relax Andy! It's going to be alright. Just think it your birthday party." She grinned and before I could comment on this she said, "I'll get you up, but wait till you're told to come out. Okay?" I nodded and we both walked out of the room to the private elevator.

As it started to ascend, my heart raced wildly. My palms became sweaty. I can't do it!

The elevator stopped and Collie gave my hand a last assuring squeeze and stepped out. I was about to ask how many people were out there when the elevator door closed. I inhaled deeply telling myself that everything's gonna be okay. I hope!

A few moments later the elevator door opened and Dennis Sparks stood there. "It's your call now..." he said in a way that I thought I'm being sacrificed or something!

He took my hand I stepped out. Just before opening the door to the hall he whispered. "You look great. Just don't forget to breathe if anyone tells you that."

I smiled and he led me in. the Spotlight blinded me at first. While I was trying to focus I heard a lot of grasps and sighs and weird of all... 'what!'. Who on earth says what when they welcome someone!?

As my sight adjusted, I saw some huge eyes staring at me, including Austin who was standing in the middle of the hall, wearing black tuxedo. His eyes wide open and mouth hung down. I spotted my mom and dad with Mr. and Mrs. Blake... my parents-in-law.

I smiled to them but it faded away as I spotted Lana Travis and Bianca Campbell and Jerry Tenor and wait... is that the Soccer team? And... shit!

What. The. Hell. Is. This?!! So many kids from my school!? SHIT! Not MANY but the WHOLE school's here!!!

My chest was rising and falling as I breathed heavily. What the hell Austin did?!

AUSTIN:

There she was. My heart did a flip when she entered. Andy... My Andy now! I was excited and astonished. Excited to have her for myself... and Astonished to see her looking so beautiful... her eyes sparkled in the light and she looked so delicate in that dress.

She smiled, taking my breath away. But it faded away as she noticed all the people around her. I knew what she was thinking. I'd invited everyone. Damn you Austin!

I was such a fool to do that but that time I was really mad at her... but now... shit! I regret doing that!

Her face dropped and I knew she'd run away. I quickly paced towards her, and caught her hand just as she was about to turn around. She looked at me with a strange betrayed looks. I felt like beating myself but nothing could be changed when the damage is done!

I curled my arm around her waist, gripping her tightly in case she really runs away. I could feel her body tensed up. "It's going to be alright..." I whispered to us, as people started clapping.

"Will everybody stop telling me everything will be alright?!" she hissed. "Why the hell did you do that?!"

"They'd eventually know someday..." I smiled to her assuringly. She squeezed her finger in my hand warming me till the core of my heart. We stepped down to the floor and my mom came rushing to us, hugging tightly. Then it was her mom's turn.

"Honey, you look so beautiful!" she had tears in her eyes. "I'm so glad you're happy." She hugged Andy.

"Okay mom. You're gonna make me cry too and this mascara too ages to get set!" she joked making us laugh. I introduced her to the people mom and dad had invited from their business-list.

I held Andy's hand all the time, 'cause I didn't wanted her to be taken away from me even for a second. I took her to meet my Grand-father's brother when she stopped dead, staring behind me. "Andy?" I stroked her arm but she didn't respond. Her eyes went wide and she stopped breathing. "What's wrong?" she stood still, her hands going cold.

I turned to look at what she was staring at and there he was. Lee...

Shit! I'd totally forgotten about him! He looked at Andy with questioning eyes.

Why the heck did I have to invite him! 'Cause then I'd to see their heart breaking. But not anymore. I never wanted to see my Andy breaking....

I squeezed her hand but she slipped it away.

ANDY:

Lee looked at me with a strange expression. Like he'd been betrayed. Yes! I betrayed him! I can't believe Austin invited him too. My heart stopped and my body went numb. Everything started to spin. The loud chattering and soft music and glamorous people all around but nothing seemed alright!

All I could do was to look at Lee. His watery eyes, pleadingly looking at me. I could feel the pain return. My heart ached so bad I wanted to run away. Nobody seemed to notice anything. Nobody could feel the pain! Not even Austin! Why did Austin do that?

He squeezed my hand but I slipped it away. I stepped away from him to Lee. His eyes went from soft to crucial, but I knew he wanted to cry. I stood in front of him.

"Lee I-"

"Just tell me Andy... this cousin of yours... is it you? Or was that the one thing you didn't lied about?"

"Its not li-"

"Nicely done Andy... Nicely done!" it was like he was stopping a flood of tears behind his eyes. He quickly turned and started walking away. I ran after him but he didn't stop. "Lee..." I almost tripped on my dress but I controlled myself. Damn dress! Nothing seemed alright!

"Lee please stop!" I called after him but he went on, pacing fast. He disappeared behind the curtains. I followed him in, not caring if anybody saw me or not. "Please stop! Listen to me..." my voice was shaky.

He suddenly stopped, turning to face me. I bumped into him. He stepped back. "Listen to what Andy? Huh? What is left that you need to tell me now? I'm not blind to see what is going on!"

Tears started welding up in my eyes, blurring the vision. "It isn't the way it looks. I can't help it. I wanted to tell you but I-"

"But you never did! Even till today because-"

"Because I never wanted to break your heart!" hot tears came pouring down my eyes.

"As if it already hasn't! At least I got invited by Austin, unlike you who went around lying all the time!"

"I didn't lie about anything! I just couldn't say it..." I felt a lump in my throat.

"Really Andy? Lying about me and you. Lying about us being together again. Lying about your feelings. Isn't it enough lying? Biggest of all... lying about your marriage!"

"This is an arrange marriage! More like a business deal... please Lee... I didn't have a say in it..."

"What ever it is... if you thought we'd be ever together like this... its over." he gulped in. "Congratulations Andy..." he smiled and walked away.

My heart ached and ached so badly, I thought I'd die. I rather die! Lee hates me... I hate myself! My body went totally numb and my legs started shaking so much that I could hold my body anymore. I wanted this all to end! I fell on the floor when my legs totally gave up and streams of hot tears poured down from my eyes. I wanted to cry so much that my pain washed away and there would be nothing more to cry about...

"Andy...?" Austin whispered, planting himself in front of me. He held my arms, stroking it lightly. "I'm sorry..." his words were meaningless to me. It had nothing for me. He'd already done what he had to.

He raised my chin up so I could see in his eyes. He had guilt in his piercing blue eyes. He brought his fingers to my face wiping the tears. "I'm really sorry Andy..." he mumbled and brought his lips to mine. He pressed in tightly but then gently. He was soothing me... but I was so numb to feel anything.

He pulled back, looking deep in my eyes and curled his arm around me, raising me up. "Austin, please leave me alone." I mumbled.

"But everyone's waiting."

"Do I get to have a say in anything!?" I couldn't raise me voice. Thought I wanted to bad to shout at him and beat him but I couldn't. "I just need a moment." I walked away from him and this time he didn't followed me.

AUSTIN:

She fell on the floor helplessly. I've heard every word and it is all my fault. I wish I could take it all away. But I just couldn't. I wanted Lee to leave her alone, but now... I knew he was the only one that makes Andy happy. Now she's broken all because of me. And I was all broken to see her like this! I never wanted do to something so bad as this to her...

I walked to her, kneeling down, I whispered. "Andy?" she was crying silently. I wanted to hold her and hug her pain away. I lightly put my hands on her arms and she winced. She hates me! I'm such a bad ass!

"I'm sorry..." I told her but she didn't say anything. I brought my finger under her chin, raising it up so I could look in her eyes. They were teary and empty. I wiped her tears and whispered. "I'm really sorry..." I really was! I was a jerk to do that!

I slowly pressed my lips to her but she didn't move. I wanted her to show her aggression but it was like she was dead. I pulled back and raised her up.

"Austin, please leave me alone." She mumbled.

"But everyone's waiting."

"Do I get to have a say in anything!?" she said frustrated and tiredly "I just need a moment." She withdrew herself and walked away.

I walked back to the hall where people were so busy with themselves that they didn't even notice we weren't there. My mom walked to me. "It's time honey. I think you should..."

"Just a moment." I didn't want to rush things. I was so angry at myself I felt like calling everything off but I couldn't. How could I hurt her like that?! How could I be so selfish? I should talk to Andy.

Just when I was about to go look for her she walked to me, he face was all back to normal but only I could feel the pain she was in. and how badly she was broken. She nodded to me and we walked to the middle. My mom had already called attention to us and everyone gathered in a circle around us. I faked a smile. Andy somehow managed to do the same.

We stood opposite to each other. She looked at me with hurtful eyes. I sighed and took out the ring from my pocket. I was just supposed to slip it in her finger but instead I knelt down and held her hands in mine.

She closed her eye, inhaling deeply, knowing what I am doing. I just broke her heart and now I'm proposing her! I couldn't come up with anything. I inhaled and started.

"If ever in my life I was happy... it was with you. If ever I felt my life was amazing, it was because of you. Thought I don't know you much... I would want to know you, and only you. Every next moment of happiness in my life, I would want to share it with you. Every beat of my heart, I want it to belong to you... Andy Carter... will you please marry me?"

I held my breath in, looking in her eyes. She looked with intense and hurtful eyes, ready to shed tears right away. "Do I have a choice?" she whispered so lightly that only I could hear it.

I gave her hand a little squeeze and she flinched. I could feel the intensity in the hall but all I cared was even if Andy refused... I'd want her anyway... because that moment I know I've totally fallen for her......