“I’m finally leaving,” said Scarlett as she pack her things to go abroad.

After she finished packing, her parents said goodbye and she left for college.

“I can’t believe it that I’m really leaving. Meeting new people and going into a new world.” said Scarlett.

“Yeah...but I somehow feel nervous and scared of meeting new people and stepping out into the new world. What if they hate me? What if they bully me? What if no one likes me at all? What if I make no friends?” Leo complained.

“Don’t think too much Leo! Every mistake that people do is think of what the worse could happen and not think of the good. What if you became the popular guy, Leo? What if everyone likes you? What if everyone wants to become friends with you? Look Leo, there could be so many things that can happen to you and you don’t know if it’s either good or bad.” Says Scarlett

“But what if no one really wants to become friends with me?”

“Leo. If no one wants to become friends with you then I will. I already am. We are best of friends. Since we were babies, Leo. So don’t worry too much about what will happen. OK.?” says Scarlett

Leo worryingly replied, “ok..”

They both got off their plane. They finally arrived in Scotland.

“Where is our things? Our suitcase and bags? My jewels and jeans! Did it fell of the plane?” Scarlett panicked.

“Our attendants will bring them to our dorm. Don’t worry.” Replied Leo.

“Ohhh...right. I haven’t travel in such a long time, I forgot where they go. Sorry I panicked Leo.”

“That’s alright. Now let’s get out of here and get to our dorm ASAP. I am hella tired and 1 more week til’ we officially start going to classes.”

Scar ( short for Scarlett ) and Leo finally arrived at their dorm. They chose a mixed dorm so they could stay together. They unpacked everything and was very exhausted. They fell asleep after.

The next day...

“Morning!!” Screamed Leo excitedly.

“Morning..” Scar just woke up yawning.

“Get up, shower and then let’s head out to a cafe for breakfast.”

“But school haven’t even started yet..” complained Scarlett.

“We can go buy the books we need and meet new people after eating...” smirked Leo.

“Ok, ok, fine. Your got me. I’ll be ready in 10 minutes.”

After Scarlett finished getting ready, they went out for breakfast. They had bacon, eggs and buttered toasts. It sure was a delicious breakfast for them. Scar and Leo went to buy all the college books they needed.

Leo finished buying his books first and so he waited for her outside.

“I don’t have enough money to buy the books. Please, just lend me these two books. I promise I’ll pay you back when I have the money. Please. By the time I have the money, the books will be out of stock.” says an unknown voice.

“I’m sorry but we can’t sell or give any books out until we have been given the money.”

“Here.” a girl handed $500.

“Are you sure?” says the unknown voice.

It was Scarlett! She’s the one who handed the $500.

“Yes, I am sure.”

“Thank you, thank you so much.” says the voice.

“Anytime!”

“The name is James and thank you so so much once again.”

“Anyways I gotta head out! My friend is waiting outside. It was nice meeting you James.”

“But—I” Scarlett dash out as James was speaking, “I don’t even know your name yet...”

Scarlett head out, apologising Leo for making him wait.

“You can head to our dorm first. I forgot to buy some books.” Says Leo.

“If you say so then, cuz I am so tired.” replied Scarlett.

Little did Scarlett know, she left. Leo dashed inside with a mad face. He was furious! Did he really forget to buy his books??

Leo dashed in the store, grabbing James' collar. "What did you say to her?!" Screamed Leo.

"I just thanked her." Replied James.

"Are you sure you didn't say anything?! Because she was running outside as quick as possible."

"I swear I didn't say anything rude to her. I just thanked her. I promise. I didn't have any money to pay for my books so she offered to pay. I asked her if she was sure and she said yes and paid for me, so I thanked her." said James.

"Ok, I'll believe you but next time DON'T EVER TALK TO HER AGAIN!" Yelled Leo.

Leo rushed outside the bookstore and went back to the dorm.

In Scarlett's and Leo's dorm...

"I'm back!!!" Replied Leo.

"As if I care." Smiled Scarlett.

"Common, don't be so cold."

"So, what took you so long in the bookstore?"

"Nothing, as I got the book I needed, I realised I already had it. Lol" Leo joked.

"You're cooking for dinner! I'll wait" smiled Scarlett as she's going back to sleep.

"I am not!"

"Yes, you are!!"

"No, I'm not.." replied Leo.

"Yes, you are!!"

"Ok. Let just head out for dinner alright? What are you craving? I'll searched restaurants online." Sighed Leo.

"Hmmmm....Why not try Scottish cuisines? Since this is our first time here. And btw I'm treating u! Since you waited for me outside." Insisted Scarlett.

"Ok, get ready! I found a restaurant online, it's a 10 minutes walk.i already made a reservation."

Both of them walked to the restaurant and arrived. By a coincidence, James was also there! Scarlett walked toward James but Leo insisted that she shouldn't go talk to a stranger and that they should go to their table. "We didn't really get to know each other last time so stop interfering." Said Scarlett

"Look, you don't really know him and he doesn't really know you. What if he thinks you're weird and can't remember you?" Leo disagreed.

"What has gotten into you,Leo? These past few days, you seemed a little....umm....off. Are you sure everything is alright??" Asked Scarlett curiously as she stopped walking to talk with Leo.

"Everything is alright. It's just that since we are not at home anymore, I'm worried for you."

"I'm not a baby! Alright Leo? I can deal with stuff myself so why don't you stop interfering with me."

Scarlett walked toward James. "Hey...umm....James! Yes James. I didn't properly introduced myself last time so I'll be sure to do that today! My name is Scarlett." Said Scarlett cheerfully.

"Oh yes. I am very very thankful for you for paying my books. Thank you so much. I promise to pay you back when I have the money."Said James.

"It's ok. Don't worry. Take your time, no rush." Chuckled Scarlett.

"So what are you doing here???"

"Oh, I'm here with my friend, James, for dinner. And what are you doing here?"

"Same reason. Here for dinner. Searched on google and this place got a 4.8 star rating so I decided to try the food here."

"Are you by yourself?" Asked Scarlett.

"Yes. I haven't made any friends yet except for my roommate but he's off to a date with his girlfriend so guess I'm alone.." James laughed.

"Ahh...I see. Common! Join us!"

"I'd be delighted to but is your friend ok with it?"

"Of course he is ok with it, he is the kindest person I know but sometimes he might be a little over protective. Even though he is just a friend."

Scar and James walked back to where James was sitting.

"James, Leo. Leo, this is James. He is gonna be joining us for dinner today." Smiled Scarlett.

"Hello James." Said Leo.

"Hello Leo!" Said James nervously.

They ordered haggis (a type of Scottish food), lobster, mashed potatoes and root beer.

"I need the toilet, I'll be back." Said James.

"Ok. We'll wait here." Replied Scarlett.

"I suddenly need the toilet too. I'll be back." Leo snapped.

Leo followed James into the toilet and....

James Anderson

Ever since my 17th birthday, I stopped believing in love...

While my families, friends and I were celebrating my birthday. I was playing piano. Everyone was in awe. After playing the piano, I went to my parents to talk to them about the courses in university I was interested in, since I'm going to finish high school in one more year. We talked for awhile until we agreed on something. I chose to study business and management. My parents were talking as I ran and greet my friends.

"Uughgh!" I heard someone shouted in rage. It was my Paps! My mum had spilled the glass of wine she was holding by accident. Everyone eyes were on them... "Everything is alright everyone, I'll just go change my shirt. It's not a big of a problem and I'm sorry about disturbing everyone. Now, I will get going." Said father as he forced on a smile and walk into our mansion.

"Mum, are you ok?" I still asked my mum even though she got nothing wrong with her.

She's my favourite parent. Dad is always busy with work and never really spend time with mother and I. Mother mostly know everything about me. My favourite colour, my favourite type of animal, my favourite game and my best friend. I tell mother everything. I tell her about school nearly everyday about what happened, even though sometimes nothing interesting happened at school. Mum has always been a good listener. She has always been a perfect mum to me. No one could ever replace her.

"I'm ok." Mum said, putting a smile on her face, trying not to make me worry.

I can see it in her eyes. There is something wrong....going on.... I really wish it's nothing.

"Are you sure, mother?" I asked her once again just to make sure everything is ok.

"Yes, I'm ok. Now, why don't you go and have fun with your friend, hunny."

I walked away assuming that everything is alright. But I get a feeling that something bad is going on.

"Hey guys! Let's take a picture together!" Exclaimed Luke. Luke is my bff. Ever since we were at a park when we were 3 and I saw him alone and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. And I guess you can figure it out since then.

"I forgot to bring my camera though.." Replied Elijah as he came back walking to us holding a glass of ice coke, while handing it to Luke.

"It's ok you guys, y'all wait here. I'll go get my camera." I told them realising that dad haven't come back yet.

Dad has never been a good dad to me. I never wanted to complain knowing that he was trying his best to maintain and organise his company. Sometimes I just feel like dad is hiding something from me......something from the family......something I don't feel good about.

I walked into my room to grab the camera. I realised that the lens was broken so I changed it. It took me about 3-5 minutes or so because I literally don't know where I put my lenses. After I put on the lense, I grab my camera and walked to the veranda to check if dad went back to the party. Unfortunately he wasn't there. I decided to go to his room...I opened the door and........

"It isn't what it looks like James!" My dad yelled immediately after I open the door.

"Dad, are you ok?" I asked as my dad was saying that it wasn't what it looks like. I was.....disappointed. I knew this was coming some day but I just didn't expect it to be today. Why my birthday? Why me? Why can't we ever be happy? Why god? Why not give us happiness, even once? I started questioning myself the moment I saw them.

"Dad, what is this?! I knew you were hiding something from us, something from the whole family who trusted you!! That's why when I saw mum, she had sadness in her eyes. She must've already found out about this but she didn't want to break it to me!! Dad, you don't really care about me and mum's feelings, do you? You were just playing with our feelings, right?! Am I right?! I have always trusted you knowing that you were working really really hard and I never complained when you have no time for me and now that I see this, everything makes sense now. All the nights that you weren't home, all the meetings you must go to and all the calls you declined.....everything makes so so much sense, I knew you were hiding something from me, something from mum...but I didn't know what it was. I called you. You replied saying that you were in a meeting and I can't hear anything beside your voice, talking to me. And no wonder it was quiet. You were with this bitch!! " I screamed as loud as I can. I was never this mad and upset before. How am I not supposed to not get mad when my dad was making out with this stupid bitch. On my birthday.

The whole room went silent.