XD

My friend's drawing :D Miss you chijay :)

21- The Day I Made My Mask

"Did you ever hide a real feeling or emotion? When? Why?"

            When I was in first year high school, I went through a phase in which I thought everyone was against me. Specially my relatives on my father's side. And yes, I meant all of my first relatives there.

            It really begun way before then. I have had this feeling of rebellion ever since they scolded and blamed me as child for something I didn't do. Some things happened and that feeling grew. It just so happens that my hormones ran out of control during my first year in high school. Add to it a feeling of angst towards your own relative and you have a rebellious teenager.

            I wasn't the type of rebel that had addictions and bad vices. The only thing wrong with me was that I refused to go to my relative's house willingly. Each time my parents would say that we would go visit them, I would make up an excuse not to go with my parents. At first they were agreeable to it since my excuses were all academic related. But later on, they noticed that I was avoiding visiting my relatives. I guess denying to go there for two years will really do that.

            At some point, they didn't buy my excuse and forced me to go with them. I agreed to go there since my dad asked me, and I didn't want a sulking daddy in the house. That was my job! Anyway, as to not alert my parents in what I was going through, I pretended to bond and like my relatives, but the truth was  I was wanted to shout at them and freaking slam the doors at their faces. But I held it in me for my dad.

            It got over board one night. During a late night holiday, me and my cousins were singing and I over heard my relatives saying that I was forcing my parents into letting me go to a private school. How dare they accuse me of forcing my parents! I didn't even have a say in which school I was going to! After this comment many more negative comments followed about me. Angry and hurt, I went to my room and cried silently. A little while later, I heard my dad knock on my door and I call me out for dinner. I hesitantly got up and cleaned my face. I decided to test my acting skills and pretend to be alright even though I was so angry and hurt. I went to dinner and laughed, talked and ate like everything was alright. I pretended every time I went there for almost three years. I learned how to forgive eventually, and to just let it go and prove them wrong. But that's another story entirely now, isn't it ;)

20- "As I Opened my Eyes, As I Feel It on My Shoulders"

"Write about a disappointment. "

            Traditionally, each Christmas, the Irineo Clan would have a reunion party. Most, if not all, members of the clan would be there and have fun, just bonding with each other. I have never missed this reunion before and I always look forward to it. The games we would have would have been enjoyable and the money we would get as prizes were a lot. It was just this past Christmas that I wasn't able to go to the reunion. My cousins asked me why, my answer was that because I was a responsible person.

            I must admit, I wasn't responsible before high school. I was a naughty kid. Heck, I would steal and hide the keys, then secretly go out of the house every afternoon. My parents would worry about me and then scold me. It may even seem that I was the bane of their lives back then. I tamed a bit when we moved from Laguna to Batangas but I was still such a playful kid. It wasn't till I was in sixth grade that I had my eyes opened to my responsibilities.

            During that Christmas, my Dad got me a book as a gift. It was Breaking Dawn of the Twilight series. I was already into reading back then, but that book is what got my eyes opened in the responsibilities of the parents. It was enthralling how Bella was ready to sacrifice her own life just so her baby could be born. It captivated me how Edward saved both his wife and daughter in the end. What got me the most was how the whole Cullen coven was ready to die just for their youngest to survive.

           
            That year was also the year my mom gave birth to my youngest sister. When I first saw her, I immediately fell for the small infant my mother held. The feeling of protectiveness and love flowed within my heart and filled my being. Yes, I had another sister older than the youngest, but when she was born, the second, I was still a kid, too young to understand how to be the older sister. And so, when I had another baby sister during the time my mind was capable of understanding things beyond my age, because of reading, I knew right away that it was time for me to grow up. I had to be the eldest sister my sisters could look up to.

           
            Just, after realizing my role as the eldest sister, I was then tossed into another role. In a blink of an eye, I became the Class president during my second year high school. I never had any official role before then. That role in class was my first. Suddenly, I was stumped with class paper works, duties and organizing. I felt the trust and confidence my teachers and classmates had in me. My parents added to the pressure for I also felt their pride in me back then. I learnt my role as a student and daughter at the same time. I was afraid of letting them all down. I learned to how to fear the feeling of disappointment in me.

           

            But my eyes became fully opened just this year, when I stepped in college. As I have said, I already fear disappointment in me, but I felt it more here. It was because I knew how much my parents are paying just so I could study here. Each month, they have to pay almost 20, 000 pesos just for my tuition and dorm. Add to it money for my food and school supplies and other essentials. Then I also know how much they were paying for both my sisters' tuition fees. Then there would be the rental of the house, the electric and water bills. I knew how much they are sacrificing for us. Then add to it the expectations of all my relatives and since they helped me in my studies, they're the ones who gave me my laptop, pen tablet and camera, I knew I couldn't disappoint them. All of them.

           
            I had a lot on my shoulders. I am the eldest sister. The first of both the Irineo and Velasquez clan of this generation to step into college. The first one of both clans to step into the multimedia business. The First daughter, granddaughter, cousin, niece, nephew. I was a role model to be followed, the hope of my family, the future of both has a lot to do with me. I was expected to be all these things. And that was why I had my mind set on the future. I am now cautious of what I do. Each responsibility thrown at me, I take seriously.

           
            It just so happened, I had a responsibility of finishing a video for my mom's reunion with her college friends that Christmas and that was why I wasn't able to attend the clan's reunion. I was down that I wasn't able to go, but I was able to finish my responsibility. My mom wasn't disappointed. I guess because of this fear and because of my eyes being opened in the tender age of 12, I now don't care for my own enjoyment.

           
            You might think that I would advise you to follow my lead, but no. I want those reading this to do the one thing I wasn't able to. I feared disappointment. I took in my responsibilities to a dangerous level. Because of this, I don't care about my social life anymore. What I want to leave you with is another kind of fear. The fear of fearing. Enjoy life, don't be like me who regret not going to the party I was looking forward to all year long. Learn to balance your life. Never fear making mistakes, learn from it. Don't put a barrier around you just because of your responsibilities. Because let me tell you this, my life though may seem nice, with good grades and proud parents, is really a hard life to live constantly.

19- My Own Pair of Medicine

What was it like to get glasses or braces?

                Those that know me also know that I wear glasses. In truth, the first time I wore them I was in first year high school. At first I was excited in getting them. But then, as time wore on, I realized how tedious it was to have them.

                When I got it, I wore my glasses the whole of the first week. But then, it started feeling weird and the comments of how new I look with it was getting to me. and so, I begun wearing it only during the time of my reading in class, where I had to see the black board. But then my mom would scold me saying I had to wear them all the time since it could right my eye sight. There would be times I would forget it at home and just lay it anywhere, not caring at all. I still read books without it. At one point, it became lost.

                Then one day, my head started aching so bad. The pain was just behind the ear. When it he pain got unbearable, I called mom and told her of my predicament. She scolded me and told me that it was because of my eyes. Since I read without their protection, my eye sight became worst.

                We went back to the eye center and had my eyes checked again for new glasses. I found out my eye grade became 100 each, a lot higher compared to my 72 before. I learned my lesson then. I had to wear my glasses to avoid a big headache.

18- Careless

"A Thoughtless Act"

         I mentioned a story on my post 17, right? Well, basically, I wanted to share this story with you. It is kind of personal. It didn't happen to me, I know but the thing is, this story was written in such a way, thoughtless. It was made as my fingers typed and i had no planning of it. Amazingly, it came out pretty good.

Here is the story:

Careless

By: Vanessa Irineo

How could everything be this complicated in just a short time? Everything was normal before this, but now it’s all messed up! Yes it was complicated since the beginning, what with me being one of the richest kid and most popular male in school and her being the nerdy, quiet type, and not to mention our secret friendship. But for it to lead into this mess? Come on! All I wanted was to be with her!

 I sat there pretending to listen to my girlfriend as she suddenly walked in. Her raven locks swaying to the breeze that came, her eyes twinkling with delight as they met mine, and her cherry lips turn up a little to secretly smile at me. I nodded towards her, knowing that she would know it as a greeting.

“So what do say, James?” I heard my girlfriend asked.

“Huh?” I said turning towards her, dumbfounded.

“I said, if you wanted to go to my house tonight? No one’s going to be there.”

“Sorry, Marlene, I promised sweetheart to drive her home today.” I smiled. I tried to make it apologetic but I knew I didn’t look sorry. But she took it anyways. What a stupid girl. I wonder why I even bother to go out with her in the first place.

“Who is this sweetheart anyways? And is she more important to you than me?” she pouted-an ugly pout at that. I almost rolled my eyes.

‘Yeah she is. She’s my best friend since I was in my mom’s womb!’ I thought. “You know I can’t tell you that. And don’t dare make me choose.” ‘cause it won’t be you.’ I added in my head.

The day went by in a bore. And now I was driving towards our secret lavender field. We found it when we were just six. It was only a garden then but she insisted that we plant more lavender flowers in it and so, it grew the area of the capacity of the place and it became a field. Lavender was her favourite flower and colour and I got to admit, it suits her skin tone and scent.

I reached the field and got out of the car and walked towards her. She was lying in the middle of the field, looking up at the sky. I sat by her right side and looked up too. “What are you thinking?” I asked.

“Us.” She answered simply.

“What about us?”

“Our friendship.”

“What about our friendship?”

“It’s complicated.”

“I know.” I sighed.

“Sometimes I wish we don’t have to hide it.” She closed her eyes.

“Just a little more and we’ll be able to graduate and shout it to the world.”

“Graduation is still in four months, Terrence.” She complained.

“It’ll come by and go, Katelin.” I assured, though I was also tired of waiting.

“But it won’t be the same as us being friends in public in high school when we’re in collage, Terce.” She sat up and looked me in the eyes. I could tell that she was crying before I came for her eyes were puffy. And I knew she’s going to break down soon.

“Oh Lin.” I hugged her and she cried in my chest. “Shh, we’ll work this out. Maybe we can ask aunty to let us tell the others at least our other friends.” I comforted.

“You think she’ll say yes?” she looked at me with hopeful, puffy eyes and my breath got caught in my throat. They were so beautiful and tantalizing that I got lost in them. Then my own eyes lingered to her lips. They were so inviting and looked so soft.

“What would you do if I kiss you right now?” I found myself asking my best friend.

And apparently I wasn’t the only one dazed for her answer gave me reason to do as I liked.

“Kiss you back.” And I took her lips.

It was gentle at first. I savoured her soft, sweet lips and she kissed my own. I then found myself wanting more of it, and it soon became heated and more passionate.

When we parted later on, it was like cold water was thrown onto me.  And I realised what I just did.

I made out with my childhood best friend, and I liked it.

The next day was a total torture. Of course it was awkward and all. Try to make out with your friend and have a girlfriend at the same time. Yup, totally awkward. But I hate ignoring Lin. And I despise it when she ignores me too. I had to talk to her. I can’t bear another day not talking with my best friend.

So by the end of the day, I asked her to meet me at the field and she agreed.

When I came there, she was already waiting for me.

“So, you were here already when I messaged you or you came with a fast flying jet pack?” I tried to ease out our awkwardness and it worked. She giggled.

“No. I got Jack to drive me.” She smiled slyly and rolled her eyes, so I knew she was joking.

And the awkward silence began again.

I sat down beside her and we looked at different directions. How the hell should I start this? Come on idiot. Think.

“About yesterday, Lin, I… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have.”

“I know. What with you having a girlfriend and all, I know it’s wrong. So…how about we just call it a friendly kiss? A one time deal?” she smiled but I know when she was hurt.

Friendly? That kiss was heated, damn it. And thinking of not being able to kiss those lips of hers again, it breaks my heart. “Friendly? Sweetheart, that was anything but friendly.”

“Ok, we both lost control. It won’t happen again.” She said sadly. But, why?

“I can’t promise that.” I said before I could even think about it.

“Wha-what?!” she asked wide eyed.

I sighed, no turning back now. “Come on Lin. Don’t you think it’s time we got over the kisses on cheek? I mean we’ve been doing that since we were babies. And also we did kiss on the lips when we were younger. Why not now? It is still considered kisses of friends.” I reasoned “Besides, compared to you, Marlene has fish lips.” I added with a smirk.

“Really now? Then why go out with her?” She asked, amused.

“Don’t know. Just feel like it. And maybe I want to get rid of the fan mails and letters I get everyday saying they want to be my girlfriend. Worst, some are guys!” I shivered at the thought. It was true. I did get those letters. And believe me when I say what it contains were freaky.

She laughed at my comment. And it felt like years since I heard her melodic laugh.

The next day, the day of the prom was announced. Yup. Two months after today. Gives plenty of time for the girls to do every essential thing and guys to have courage to ask the girls. But I won’t be joining this year. See, it’s either you join prom or join the spring trip for a week. I already joined the other proms with Marlene and now I want to join the trip with Lin.

But it was lunch when all started to be confusing.

I was sitting by my usual table with my girlfriend and her friends, when I heard Mark, a jock, say something to Lin that made my blood boil.

“Come on, Kate; go to the dance with me.”  He persuaded my irritated friend.

How dare this guy ask her out?! She’s mine!

Wait. Mine? No! She’s not mine, she isn’t even my girlfriend. But the thought of this broke my heart. Why?

Why am I jealous? Why the hell did I ask to have those kisses of friends on the lips? Why am I feeling this way towards her? What am I feeling? Why only now, when high school’s about to end?

“I said no Mark. I won’t go. Besides, you know I go to the trip every year and I won’t miss it this year. So, bug OUT!”  She shouted at him, irritated. And I smirked. The bastard deserved it.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. Lin wouldn’t get out of my head. So, I decided to check my mail and found her online.

DarkAngel: Hey Terce! ‘Sup?

DarkWarrior: Nothing much. You?

Dark Angel: Same. I couldn’t sleep.

DarkWarrior: Are you some kind of twin of mine or are we just so close that we couldn’t sleep at the same time?

DarkAngel: Pick, anyone sounds good to me. So, why can’t you sleep?

DarkWarrior: How’ll you know if you’re in love with someone?

DarkAngel: Well, if you’re always happy with that person. You’ll feel free with him or her. You’ll be jealous if someone else with her or him and you won’t be able to sleep at times because of her or him.

Now that I knew it, I am sure damned. I’m in love with my best friend.

Oh yea, being best friends for your entire life is one thing. Hiding it is another…

But falling in love?

The story is just beginning…

It’s been a week, and I pretended to be alright even though, I wasn’t. Com on, Have another girl with you when you’re in love with another and see that one be asked to a date. Yup, a monster named jealousy will eat you up.

“Why did you call me?” I asked my father irritated.  Lin was in my bed room and I really want to be with her.

“I just needed you to sign some papers.” He pushed a document towards me. That was all? Come on! I could be having a good time with the one I love! So, even without reading it, nor hearing my dad’s explanation about it, I signed it, and left without a word.

“What was that about?” Lin asked as I lay down beside her on my bed. She snuggled in my arms and I sighed.

“He just wanted me to sign some damned papers.” I laid my head in hers and inhaled her scent. Gods, she smelled heavenly.

“You didn’t listen before signing it, didn’t you?” she asked sternly and I flinched.

“Well...” I said slyly. I knew there was a lecture coming.

“You idiot! How could you do that? Don’t you know that was carelessness? Well, what should I expect of you? You are careless. Now, you don’t know what you might have gotten into!” she scolded.

I didn’t know then that she was so totally right about not knowing what I got myself into.

“I’m WHAT?!”

“You’re engaged to Marlene. That was what you signed this morning. It states that you two are to be wed in exchange for her father’s cooperation in our company.” My father said over at dinner “Why are you exaggerating anyway? She is your girlfriend.”

“Because I don’t love her anymore, damn it! Dad why didn’t you tell me before I signed those damned papers?” I exclaimed. This can’t be happening.

“I’m sorry, Terrence, but you didn’t give me time to explain. I can’t go back on my word either. I signed those papers too. But if it has loop holes, I’ll tell you about it immediately.” Dad apologized.

“I want a copy of that document dad, then I’ll hire a detective to check on Marlene’s dad’s history or something.” I said stoically. How could I not be stoic, when I’m now tied with an engagement to a girl I don’t love and not having the chance to admit my feelings to the one I love? Yes, things got way too complicated.

“You’re engaged.” Lin said to me hurtfully. We are in the field two days later and everything was a disaster. “Why…”

“No, Lin. I am engaged but I don’t want to be, not with her anyway.” I tried to explain it to her.

“Then why are you?” tears started to go down he cheeks as she said those words.

“Because I was careless! It was a mistake!”

“How can it be a mistake? She is your girlfriend!”

“Because I don’t love her any more!”

“You’re lying!”

“No I’m not!”

“Then who do you love?!”

“You!” before I could even think about it, I had confessed my love for her. And this wasn’t the confession I wanted to do.

“Wha-What?” her eyes widened as her tears stopped temporarily.

NO turning back now I guess. Better to get it out now that it slipped anyway. “Yes. I love you Katelin. Not Marlene or any other girl out there. You. I love you. “

“But… You… Engaged….” She stammered and I sighed.

“Yes. But I was a stupid, careless, idiotic, dumb ass. I should have listened to father first before signing. Gods, how I wish I didn’t sign it. But I know you don’t feel the same towards me and all but I still don’t want to get married to Ma-“but I never got to finish because Lin suddenly kissed me. And before I could respond, the kiss ended as soon as it started.

“Idiot. Stupid. Careless. But my love, still.” She said, eyes behind her bangs. And when she looked up, fresh new tears were running down he face. “I love you too. Since we were ten.”

“That long?” I couldn’t believe I didn’t notice it! Gods, was I blind!

She giggled and nodded but then she frowned again. “But what about…”

“I’m trying to find some loopholes, but until now, I found none.” I sighed then my phone rang. I answered it and it turned out that my detective found something.

“Marlene’s dad had an affair with a girl before her mom and they had an older daughter in the same year. The girl’s name is Hannah Javier.”

I froze. That name… that was Lin’s mom… and apparently, Lin heard what he said.

“Mom, why didn’t you tell me?” Lin asked her mom, crying.

“I’m so sorry Kate.” Her mom cried, “But I did it to avoid problems.”

“You lied to me, my dad, and my biological father to avoid problems? You just made a bigger one!”

“What was I supposed to do? He got married and I couldn’t bear to break them up! And I couldn’t bear to break up your father’s heart too!”

“But, mom, you hid it till dad died! He thought I was his real daughter! Mom, I thought he was my real dad!”

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” Aunty continued to cry and I continued to comfort Lin.

“I’m gonna talk to him…” Lin said after a minute of silence. “He has to know.”

“Are you sure you can?” I asked her worriedly.

“Yes. And we have to do something about your engagement anyway.” She said, determined.

“I’ll come with you.” Her mom said through tears, “It’s time for the truths to be out.”

We talked with Marlene’s dad and Marlene. They became united and she accepted Lin as her sister. I stated that in the document, It said that I was to be wed with the eldest daughter and it was Lin. But Lin refused to be arranged for she didn’t want me to be her fiancée only because of business but she asked her father to still help out our company. I told Marlene that I didn’t love her anymore and she took it gently, understanding that I couldn’t be with her. She eventually found another guy and now, they’re happily dating. I convinced Lin to go to Prom with me and now, it was time for my dreams and nightmare to come true.

“Will you stop fidgeting, Terrence?” dad asked me, annoyed.

“How the hell am I supposed to calm down when I’m going to ask her tonight?!” I exclaimed, nervous as hell too.

“You still have a few hours before you get to ask her. Enjoy your night first and just be relaxed. You’re just gonna ask.” He rolled his eyes.

I did as I was told. Today, we are going to tell everyone that we are dating and all for the past couples of weeks and also, today, I’m going to ask the dreaded words to the one I love.

When I saw her for the first time tonight, I thought I had gone to heaven and saw an angel, no, a Goddess. We went to prom and enjoyed it and when we were crowned prom king and queen, I finally told everyone in the celebration.

“I would like to tell all of you that, I and Katelin have been friends since we were babies and now, we are currently dating.” Some awed and some whooped. “But also,” I turned to Lin “She is the one I want to spend eternity with.” Everyone got quiet. I reached in my pocket and got on one knee in front of the woman I loved, “So, I’m going to ask her tonight, Katelin Javier, would you marry me?” I stared at her wide watery eyes. I couldn’t help but grin as she said yes and I put on the diamond engagement ring on her finger. I got up and kissed her passionately and the crowd started to cheer for us.

Yes, everything was complicated, but I don’t regret a single thing about it.

What i want to prove here is that not all thoughtless acts have a negative result. My story proved to me that if I just let my fingers type out whatever it wants when I was in a pinch of needing a story in a snap then it could give me a good result. 

17- How to make your own world

         "Daydreams"

         I love daydreaming. I first observe all that are around me then i daydream of an event or story i can relate to it. That is how i usually get ideas for my stories. 

         I remember one particular assignment on my second year of high school in which we had to make up a short story. i was a t a stump then so i observed my classmates and saw John and his childhood friend Lyndsey talking. I noticed john having a rather dreamy look while looking at Sey. It seemed like he had a crush on her. Then i remembered that he had a girlfirend then and thought to myself 'He already has a girlfriend but he's in love with his childhood friend.' That was where my day dream started.

 

It went like this:

                  How could everything be this complicated in just a short time? Everything was normal before this, but now it’s all messed up! Yes it was complicated since the beginning, what with me being one of the richest kid and most popular male in school and her being the nerdy, quiet type, and not to mention our secret friendship. But for it to lead into this mess? Come on! All I wanted was to be with her!

                 I sat there pretending to listen to my girlfriend as she suddenly walked in. Her raven locks swaying to the breeze that came, her eyes twinkling with delight as they met mine, and her cherry lips turn up a little to secretly smile at me. I nodded towards her, knowing that she would know it as a greeting.

“So what do say, James?” I heard my girlfriend asked.

“Huh?” I said turning towards her, dumbfounded.

“I said, if you wanted to go to my house tonight? No one’s going to be there.”

                “Sorry, Marlene, I promised sweetheart to drive her home today.” I smiled. I tried to make it apologetic but I knew I didn’t look sorry. But she took it anyways. What a stupid girl. I wonder why I even bother to go out with her in the first place.

                “Who is this sweetheart anyways? And is she more important to you than me?” she pouted-an ugly pout at that. I almost rolled my eyes.

                ‘Yeah she is. She’s my best friend since I was in my mom’s womb!’ I thought. “You know I can’t tell you that. And don’t dare make me choose.” ‘cause it won’t be you.’ I added in my head.

                The day went by in a bore. And now I was driving towards our secret lavender field. We found it when we were just six. It was only a garden then but she insisted that we plant more lavender flowers in it and so, it grew the area of the capacity of the place and it became a field. Lavender was her favourite flower and colour and I got to admit, it suits her skin tone and scent.

                I reached the field and got out of the car and walked towards her. She was lying in the middle of the field, looking up at the sky. I sat by her right side and looked up too. “What are you thinking?” I asked.

“Us.” She answered simply.

“What about us?”

“Our friendship.”

“What about our friendship?”

“It’s complicated.”

“I know.” I sighed.

“Sometimes I wish we don’t have to hide it.” She closed her eyes.

“Just a little more and we’ll be able to graduate and shout it to the world.”

“Graduation is still in four months, Terrence.” She complained.

“It’ll come by and go, Katelin.” I assured, though I was also tired of waiting.

                “But it won’t be the same as us being friends in public in high school when we’re in collage, Terce.” She sat up and looked me in the eyes. I could tell that she was crying before I came for her eyes were puffy. And I knew she’s going to break down soon.

“Oh Lin.” I hugged her and she cried in my chest. “Shh, we’ll work this out. Maybe we can ask aunty to let us tell the others at least our other friends.” I comforted.

“You think she’ll say yes?” she looked at me with hopeful, puffy eyes and my breath got caught in my throat. They were so beautiful and tantalizing that I got lost in them. Then my own eyes lingered to her lips. They were so inviting and looked so soft.

“What would you do if I kiss you right now?” I found myself asking my best friend.

And apparently I wasn’t the only one dazed for her answer gave me reason to do as I liked.

“Kiss you back.” And I took her lips.

                It was gentle at first. I savoured her soft, sweet lips and she kissed my own. I then found myself wanting more of it, and it soon became heated and more passionate.

When we parted later on, it was like cold water was thrown onto me.  And I realised what I just did.

I made out with my childhood best friend, and I liked it.

This became the start of my story. 

          Daydreaming is like my own personal safe where I get my stories. It is where i get my worlds. 

16- Better Entertainment

"Who is the person from literature that you would most like to meet and talk to? 

Why? What would you like to ask? "

                I have always loved reading. Specially fiction books. I love living in a world that the books provide me. Each time I read a new story, I would always imagine myself talking to the characters and being friends with them.

                One particular story in which I imagined myself talking with the characters would be Vampire Academy or VA. VA is all about Lissa Dragomir, a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

                The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

                After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

                Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever.

                I love Rose. I liked her character after reading the synopsis of the book. I found her to be witty, loyal and fun. I imagined myself asking her why they decided to leave the academy. What happened during the car accident? Do you regret staying in the school? How did she feel about Dimitry at first? How did it feel like being bonded to Lissa?

                I would picture all of it in my head. We would be under the shady trees of the Academy. Rose towering over my own 5"3. Her hair so silky and blowing with the wind. I would be sitting on the ground and starring up at her brown eyes. Then Dimitry will come to scold us for being out so late (since they're vampires, morning IS LATE.) And they would quarrel a bit and I would be entertained, even though only half of my questions were answered. We would go back to the dormitory with Rose fuming but blushing cutely because of her mentor, Dimitry.

                As I sit and imagine this, my mom would always come and scold me for not listening to her as she shouts out my chores. I would roll my eyes and say sorry and start doing the housework. Damn, I wish I was in the Academy right now with Rose and Dimitry. They're so much more entertaining than chores.