Rhythm Of My Soul - Chapter 5

"David! Did you crawl here?"

I cried in frustration when I finally spotted him among the crowd. We were supposed to meet up and head to the beach but he was half an hour late. Usually girls would be the ones late for their dates but with David, it's the other way around. He is always late for everything! Wait...did I just say dates? I didn't mean that...it's more like a....gathering for friends? Ha! How lame can I be? I'm so not going to stress myself over such things! I have more important issues to settle...for one, David's punctuality.

"What took you so long?" I asked but immediately regretted asking.

"Traffic jam" he replied, the same answer every single time.

"I bet you were spending hours in front of the mirror, checking that every strand of your hair is in order" I snapped.

"Of course! I need to look good to see you, Princess Chelsea" he said, laughing.

"You can sweet talk any girl but me, remember?" I said, sticking out my tongue.

"Yeah, yeah. You're not like any girl. You're like my mother" he teased.

"David!" I cried, hitting him playfully on his shoulders.

"I'm sorry, okay? Look, this is the beach! Are we going to stand here forever?" he asked, in between giggles.

"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me why you're always late" I huffed, angrily.

"Come on, Chelsea! Don't you want to take off your shoes and feel the sand with your feet? To feel the wave splashing on you? To ride the jet skis to Never Never Land?" he asked, knowing that Peter Pan is one of my favourite story book.

"No. I'm not going to do anything until you tell me" I said, coldly.

I turned my back at him and crossed my arms, feeling upset. However, after minutes of silence from David, I began to worry. He usually has a lot to say but today, he just kept quiet. Is he feeling guilty? Could he be thinking of more excuses to satisfy me? I finally let out a smile because I knew I could never stay mad at David. I'm always the one who gave in whenever we have any disagreements.

"Fine, I give up!" I sighed, turning back.

"Chelsea! Come on!" he cried, happily splashing around the sea.

He really has the guts to leave me there standing like a moron while he goes swimming! No wonder, the people who walked pass me were all giving me weird stares. I could feel my blood boiling as I dashed into the sea after him. Within minutes, the beach were filled with our bickerings and laughter. Ever since David entered my life, I have become so much happier and free. Almost like a child again. With him, it's like I'm in another world altogether.

He's my Peter Pan.

I'm his Wendy.

And together, we flew to Never Never Land.

"Let's try the jet skis!" he cried, suddenly.

"I was aiming for the banana boat actually" I said, smiling.

"Banana boat and then jet skis?" he suggested.

"Sure! Race you to shore!" I yelled but started swimming first without him.

When I was about to reach the shore, I turned back hoping to taunt him. However, before I could do so, he surfaced beside me and carried me all the way to shore despite me screaming, all the way.

"Put me down! People are watching!" I pleaded.

"Who asked you to play dirty?" he replied, after putting me down.

"You're always winning! Can't you at least let me win just once?" I pouted.

"Well, we both reach the shore at the same time. Technically, you are a winner! But then, so am I" he said, cheekily.

I rolled my eyes and put my hands up, a sign of surrendering. We rented a banana boat together with a few tourists. I was surprised when David started speaking a weird language with the tourists and what's even more surprising is that they actually understand him.

"I didn't know you knew Japanese!" I commented, surprised.

"It's Korean, silly" he said, knocking my head playfully.

"Sorry. I'm not a language person" I admitted, blushing red.

"I used to have a Korean friend back in Canada. He taught me a few words" he replied, smiling.

"Why don't you teach me?" I asked, eagerly.

"Sarang heyo" he said, smiling.

"What does that mean?" I asked, confused.

"It means you're my best friend" he said, with a wink.

"Oh, sarang heyo to you too then" I said, shrugging.

"Thanks" he said, smiling mysteriously.

We were starting to have a lot of fun with the banana boat and jet skis when the skies suddenly became cloudy. Before we could run for shelter, the rain started to pour down heavily on us. David stopped me and turned me around to face him. Before I can ask him what is he doing, he bowed down....wait....is he asking me to dance?

"May I have this dance with you?" he asked, smiling playfully.

"In case you haven't noticed, it's raining! Are you out of your mind?" I asked, laughing.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" he assured me.

"But there's no music" I objected, giggling.

"There is. Use your heart to listen, not your ears. Can you hear that? The same song you played for me on the piano?" David said as he wraped his hands around my waist.

I don't know if it was the rain or having him so close to me that I began to feel goosebumps all over. I secretly prayed hard that David is not able to listen to my heart beat that is racing like a bullet train. I wondered if God is getting sick of my prayers because I've practically prayed for the same thing everytime I am around him. I closed my eyes and let him lead me to the music that only the both of us could hear. I wish that this moment would never ever end.

"Don't you think the music is too slow?" David whispered softly.

"Why don't we start partying then?" I suggested and started jumping around to the tune of an 'invisible' rock music.

David laughed as he joined in and we started splashing water puddles at each other. We were surprised when other people started joining us as well. It suddenly became a scene right out from the movie, Step Up 2. I smiled when I look at David, trying to imitate the head spinning trick from some of the teenage boys.

He made me smile

He made me laugh

He made my heart skip a beat

Am I falling in love with him?

Does he feel the same way too?

Even the rain could not wash my doubts away

Rhythm Of My Soul - Chapter 4

Snow Queen and Mr Popular?

They're as different as night and day

One is as cold as ice

While the other is as warm as the sunshine

How could they be together?

Yep, that's the reaction of the entire college and although neither of them really said it out loud, I knew that was what exactly that is going through their minds. I have sixth sense, you see. Since I've accepted David's hand in friendship, we've been hanging out together... a lot. In fact the only time we were ever apart was during classes because we took up different majors. Yes, I did once consider changing my course but that would be too silly, wouldn't it? But I was really tempted!

He has helped me a lot especially in finding the old happy Chelsea back. I began to open up and in doing so, I've gained a few friends as well. I'm determined to start a new life now. I did try to amend things with my old besties, Fay and Giselle. Although they said that they've forgiven me, we were just not as close as we used to be. There seemed to exist an invisible wall between us. I'm not upset because I do understand that broken friendships just don't get fixed overnight.

Nowadays, I can walk down the hallways without anyone freezing up on the spot like they used to. I'm not sure if they've finally grown tired of the prank or it was because I'm now suddenly David's new best friend. I have a feeling that it's the latter. However, it really hurt me when I heard rumours about me being spread around the college. It wasn't nice and I don't even want to put them into words. By being David's friend, I've apparently offended some of the girls whom David would call, the 'green witches' and they were out to destroy me.

"Did you hear the latest greatest green witches rumours?" David asked, suddenly.

I was so deep in my thoughts that I've not realized that David was already in front of me. I was waiting for him at my secret hideway or rather, our secret hideaway for him to finish his classes. I had wanted to catch up with some readng but I ended up zoning out instead. I let out a small smile and nodded, hoping he won't notice how sad I looked. I just didn't want him to worry.

He didn't have it easy too when he became friends with me because we were both from different cliques. But he didn't give in to peer pressure and till this day, I still don't know how he convinced his friends to accept me and those who didn't...well, they're no longer his friends. David, in his own little ways, have sacrificed a lot just to stay friends with me.

"Here, this is for you" he said, passing me a box which is nicely wrapped up.

"What is this? My birthday is not till September" I replied.

"Just open it" he said, with a wink.

I slowly unwrapped the box, curious as to what he has in store for me. David was always surprising me and today was no exception. After opening the lid and looking into the contents, a smile broke out on my face. Soon, I was laughing till there was tears in my eyes. Suddenly, I realized how silly I was to let those rumours affect me personally. I know that I've done nothing wrong.

Inside the box were three funny looking angels

The first angel has her hands over her eyes

The second angel has her hands over her ears

The third angel has her hands over her mouth

See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.

David need not say anything more because I've gotten his message loud and clear. I was deeply touched because he has carved the angels out by himself.Although they're weren't perfect but to me, they were the best looking angels I've ever seen. I hugged him and thanked him for being such a great friend. Sometimes, I felt that he knew me better than I know myself.

"I'm going to take you to a very special place today" I said, teary eyed.

"Really? Is there any better place than seeing your relatives in the zoo last weekend?" he teased, laughing.

Yes, I've become his tourist guide by taking him around town during the weekends.Ever since he has been here, he never been to anywhere and his friends only brought him to parties, parties and more parties. His mother was busy taking care of Shawn's mom, who is slowly recovering from depression. I was shocked to learn from David that the reason they've migrated here was because his mother was not at ease, leaving her sister on her own. Shawn's mother has tried committing suicide twice.

I felt bad for not visiting her but I just couldn't bring myself to. I'm just not ready.I can't even imagine myself walking into the same house, knowing that Shawn wouldn't be there. It's just too much. I didn't want to break down in front of Shawn's mother. The timing is just not right yet and I'm glad David understood because he never brought up the subject again.

"Earth to the monkey! Missing your relatives already?" David said, waving his hand in front of my face.

"David! I'm so going to kill you!" I cried, snapping out of my thoughts.

I chased him around and the once quiet park became alive again with the sound of our laughter. Yes, I am very happy now. I then led him to the college's music room. No one knew I could play the piano except Shawn. Once, Shawn commented that if the music teacher were to hear me play, she would be jealous of my talent. Yes, that was my Shawn. He was always making me better than I really am.

It was our own little secret and right now, I'm going to share it with David as well. I was just playing the piano the other day when a beautiful melody just came into my head. I decided to work on it and with David's as my inspiration, I slowly made it into a song. I was a nervous wreck when I sat down in front of the piano. I really wanted him to like it. I smiled at him and started playing, putting all my heart and soul into the melody.

"Wow! I didn't know you can play, let alone play so well!" he gushes excitedly after I finished playing.

"I wrote that especially for you. Do you like it?" I asked, shyly.

"You know what? I always thought that the sound of your laughter was the best. I was wrong because it's only the second best. Chelsea, the piece you've just played was breath taking! I've never heard anything as good as that!" he praised me.

"Thanks" I said, softly, trying to hide my red and embarrassed face.

"How come I never hear you talking about the piano? You're really talented!" he continued saying.

"I don't want anyone to know. When it comes to music, I'm selfish. It has always been me and the piano. Only you and Shawn knows about this 'special' talent of mine" I explained, with a wink.

"Well, if the Mrs Lai heard you, she would have been jealous because she sure could not play as well as you!" he commented.

I was shocked. I stared at him, wide mouthed. He just said the exact same thing that Shawn has said to me. Although he has put it in another way, it still means the same. I felt the tears brimming in my eyes again but I held it back. This isn't the first time that David has reminded me of Shawn and everytime he does that, I became an emotional wreck. However, I'm starting to have control over my emotions now.

Is this a sign that I'm starting to let go of Shawn?

"Did I say something wrong?" he asked, panic written all over his face.

"Shawn said that to me once" I whispered, sadly.

"I'm so sorry" he quickly apologized.

"No, don't be.I only play the piano when I'm sad but thanks to you, I now play it whenever I'm happy too. Thanks, David. For everything" I said, sincerely.

"I didn't do anything! You should be thanking yourself" he replied, smiling.

"But if it wasn't for you, I would never...melted" I said.

"Melted? We all like you better when you're not the Snow Queen, Chelsea but you should be thanking the sun, not me. It's the heat that made you melt" he said, laughing.

"You are my sun" I blurted out, before I could stop myself.

"Thanks, Chelsea. That means a lot" he answered, hugging me close.

"Promise me that you'll always be best friend?" I asked, softly.

"I promise" he replied, after hesitating.

Was it my imagination

Or did I saw a flicker of disappointment in his eyes

When I mention the word 'friend'

Was he expecting for more?

And why am I feeling disappointed

When I, myself mention the word 'friend'

Was I expecting for more?

Rhythm Of My Soul- Chapter 3

It's been nearly a week since I've that strange encounter with the new boy in college.Although I kept telling myself that I do not wish to see him again, I knew that deep down in my heart, it was the other way around. I found myself lingering around longer than I should during our breaks and after our classes end just to catch a glimpse of him. But, I never saw him. Whenever I was in my secret hideaway, I would jump up at the slightest sound, thinking that it would be him but it never was.

I was disappointed and yes...worried.

I know that I'm probably losing my mind and whenever I felt this way, I would go to the cemetary....I know, of all places? It was either here or the music room and sadly, the music room is packed today. To others, this may be a gloomy and scary place. However, it is my place of sanctuary and source of comfort. It is here that four of the most important persons in my life are laid to rest.

"Mom, Dad. It's me" I whispered, tears running down my cheeks.

I run my fingers along the name of my parents, engraved on the cold gravestones.

Brian and Christine Chung.

They were both killed in a road accident, just two days before my 5 year old birthday. My once colourful world turned black that fateful day. From a child with a happy family, I became an orphan overnight. It's been so long now but I still remember my mother's laughter that sounded like music and my father's gentle but strong voice. There was not a day that passed by without me missing them. I updated them about my life before making my way down to my grandmother's grave.

Christie Chung.

After I lost both of my parents, my grandmother took me in. She made sure I have everything and she never once allowed me to feel as if I'm an orphan. She had sacrificed a lot just to bring me up and I will be forever grateful to her. I still remember straying away during my teenage days and if she weren't there to guide me back on track, I would probably end up in jail or something worst than that. It's been 6 years since she left but I always feel as if she's still here, right beside me.

After my grandmother's death, I continued living in her house alone. I've lost all my loved ones. It was then that I met Shawn. He was just there at the right time. We became friends and soon,we fell in love. Don't ask me how we fell in love....we just did. It's as simple as that. The two of us were inseparable, we were meant for each other. I gave Shawn everything and he did the same for me too. Everything was just perfect.

He was my rock.

He was my world.

He was my everything.

But in a second, everything was taken away from me.

Shawn was diagnosed with lung cancer, which I could never understand till this day. He didn't drink, neither does he smoke. Right after he found out, it seemed as if the time was ticking away like a time bomb. We tried to spend as much time as we could together and we always pretended as if everything is going to be okay although we both knew that it will never be. I felt helpless as I watched him slip away, taking a piece of me together with him.

One by one,

My loved ones are taken away from me,

I am indeed cursed,

For no one who are close to me will live.

I pushed away my thoughts and stared at the unknown person, standing in front of Shawn's grave. He had his head bowed them, as if he is in a prayer. I squinted but I could not make out who he was because he had his back facing me. I knew Shawn has a younger brother, Seth but this could not be him. Seth is currently in Japan pursuing his studies and Seth was definately way taller than this guy.

Just then the guy turned and I swear, I felt my heart stopped.

It is him.

"Chelsea!" he cried, surprised to see me.

"Wha.....What are you doing here?" I stammered.

"Okay, before you get any wrong ideas, I didn't skip my classes. I just had my bandages removed this morning. I'm going to class tomorrow" he quickly explained.

"How....How did you know Shawn?" I asked, not even hearing what he had just said.

"Shawn's my cousin. I didn't come for the funeral because I couldn't get a flight...By the time I reached, it was over. Everything just happened so suddenly" he said, broken hearted.

"You're the cousin he always talk about? The one the always follow him around when you guys were little? The one that he adores? You're little David?" I asked, in disbelief.

"Yes, and you're Chelsea, his girfriend. But I'm no longer little, as you can see" he said, with a sad smile.

"Did he.....Did he talk about me?" I asked, softly.

"Yes. He loves you a lot, Chelsea. He would go on and on about you....so much that I'm even jealous of you" David said, with a chuckle.

"And I was jealous when he went on and on about you" I added, smiling.

"It's nice to have finally met you" David said, extending his hand out.

"Me too" I replied, shaking his hand. "And David, Shawn is not upset that you couldn't make it in time for his funeral"

"Thanks. I needed to hear that. He told me everything but he never once told me that he was sick. I would have taken the first flight back to see him and to, you know, be with him" he sighed.

"That's exactly why he didn't want to tell you. You know Shawn, he would never want people around to him to worry especially the ones he cared for the most. Having Seth, his mother and I...it was tough enough" I answered, tears forming in my eyes.

"I just wish I could have been there. Were you there when, you know, he took his last breath?" he asked, cautiously, as if he was afraid that I would eat him up.

If he wasn't Shawn's cousin, I would have probably eaten him up, to be honest.

"Yes. He left with smile on his face" I replied, a tear streaming down my cheeks.

Both of us fell into complete silence as we stared at Shawn's grave. I couldn't believe that this boy whom I once thought I would have nothing in common, is so closely connected with me. We both lost someone very special and dear to us. I still remember how Shawn's face would always light up when he talks about David..they were so close that I once suspected whether Seth and David were switched at birth. Shawn and Seth were never that close and they're blood brothers! Shawn had always wanted me to meet David and we finally did but sadly, Shawn is no longer around.

"Chelsea, do you think he would be happy if he sees you like this?" he asked, suddenly.

"What do you mean?" I answered back, confused.

"You being so cold and pushing everyone who cares about you away" he explained.

I didn't know what I should say to him so I tried changing the subject.

"How's your ankle? Is it better now?" I asked, forcing a smile.

"This is not your fault, Chelsea. There's nothing you could do to save him" David contiuned, as if I have not spoken at all.

How did he know I was blaming myself?

"I know it's hard but pushing everyone away is not the solution. At times like this, friends and family are the ones that you need most" he sighed.

I have no family left and friends....they hate me

"I'm not asking you to forget him. Cherish him in your heart and memories but it is time to move on. He would want you to be happy, Chelsea"

But I don't deserve to be happy!

When I didn't say anything, he looked at me. I could feel his eyes burning into mine, so much so that I had to look away. He thought he knew everything about me but he was so wrong. He didn't know that it was because of me that Shawn died. It wasn't the cancer who killed Shawn but it was I.

Would he hate me if I told him the truth?

"You don't know everything" I said, barely audible.

"Then tell me! Tell me what's wrong!" he cried, frustrated.

"Why can't you just leave me alone?" I cried, feeling my cheeks getting wet from my tears.

"Because I care! I just can't let you live your life like this, Chelsea. I don't want Shawn to hate me when we meet in heaven" he explained.

"I'm...I'm cursed, David" I blurted out before I could stop myself.

"Cursed?" he repeated, surprised.

"Everyone who loves me will die, David! My parents, my grandmother and now...Shawn. I caused their deaths! Everytime I thought it would be different but it never was. Shawn died because of me" I sobbed.

I knew I looked like a complete fool in front of David but I just couldn't stop crying. He came nearer and hugged me as I stained his jacket with my tears. I wanted to push him away but I could not find the strength to. He wasn't rough or anything, in fact, he hugged me as if I'm the most fragile thing on earth. It was as if he was afraid that if he hugged too tight, I might shatter into pieces. I felt warm and safe in his embrace. I don't know how long we stood there but one thing for sure, I cried until there were no more tears left.

"Is that why you keep pushing other people away?" he asked, after a while.

I nodded, weakly.

"It's not your fault. It was just a coincidence" he tried to assure me.

"Don't you understand? I can't be close to anyone anymore because I don't want to see them dying in front of me again!" I cried.

"That totally doesn't make any sense and I'm going to prove it to you. From today onwards, I'll be your friend. The best one you'll ever have" he said, confidently.

"Didn't you hear what I just said? I'm cursed!" I sighed.

"Curse or no curse, I don't care. Friendships, love, life....everything is about taking risks. If you don't try, you'll never know" he explained.

"And I'm not willing to take that kind of risk!" I argued back.

"Don't be selfish. You're only afraid to open up your heart because you're afraid that you would be hurt again" he said.

"I'm not selfish!" I inisisted.

"Then don't tell me what I can do with my life. Whether I choose to take the risk or not, it's up to me. This time, it will be different. Really.If you don't want to do this for yourself, then do it for Shawn" he assured her.

"What does Shawn has to do with us being friends or not?" I asked, with a smirk.

"Bcause he wants you to be happy and who else is better at making you happy if it's not for David The Great?" he teased her.

"Why can't you just be like everyone else and leave me alone?" I sighed, closing my face with my hands.

"Because I'm not everyone else! I'm David" he replied, cleverly with a wink.

"Fine, David. We can be friends" I sighed, finally giving up.

"Good! Shawn, you be our witness. You can't go back on your words now!" he said, smiling happily like a three year old.

I couldn't help but to smile at his childishness. No wonder Shawn always called him his little David. Though I do not agree with half of what David was saying, he did made me realize something that I've not realized before. He was right when he said that Shawn would want me to be happy. Shawn has given me so much and I have given him so little. This is the only thing I could do for him. I want to be happy for his sake.

David is everything Shawn described him to be. Now, I know why he reminded me of Shawn. They are so similiar in so many ways. I already felt as if I know David a long time ago and call me selfish, but I really do want to get to know him even better. He is a part of Shawn, the closest person to him apart from his mother and I. Although I do not know if I have made the right choice but it felt right at that time. I already felt as if a big burden has been lifted off my shoulders. That should be a good sign, right?

I just hope the curse won't come back to haunt me again.

And....

That he won't realize that my heart is still skipping a beat everytime I see him

Or my face blushing as red as an apple everytime he smiles.