Author's Note: Any Comments, e-mail me!

suzeng

My_yupen@yahoo.com

"VICKI!"

People in little clumps about the campus turned their heads at the hairaising scream. Their look of annoyance turned into disbelief as they took in the short dainty girl that looked like a wift of wind could blow her away. Good God! She had screamed so loud that every single person within a mile could hear her?

A tall slender girl stopped in her track as she heard the familiar holler. Turning, her mouth dropped open as she took in her favorite cousin standing in the center of the campus ground, her foot tapping, an impatient look on her face as her eyes searched the people.

"Fanny!"

The onlookers watched amused as the two girls raced across the grassy area in front of the Beijing College and embraced with enthusiasm.

"Fanny, oh my God! What are you doing here?" The taller of the two girls finally broke from the embrace. "You should be in Singapore!"

A wide mischievous smile appeared on the shorter girl's face, and hooking her arm through Vicki's, they strolled along laughing toward the main entrance of the college. "I decided I wasn't going to stand around having Daddy map my future out for me, so here I am!"

"You mean, you've enrolled into the college?" A thread of amazement could be heard in Vicki's voice as she digested her outrageous younger cousin's words. "Uncle Joe will fly off the roof!"

"Well.." A look of guilt flashed in Fanny's eyes for a moment before it was carelessly swept aside. "Daddy doesn't really know that I'm here. He thinks I'm in New York with my sister. But she has agree to cover for me if he calls to check on me."

"She would?" This time Vicki's amazement was definitely apparent as her mind went to her stable capadible elder cousin.

"Yup! I told her I was going to enrolled in this college, and she thinks with your more level headed manners, it'll rub off on me!" Laugher seeped through the words as she considered her sister's bizzarr idea. "But now that I'm here, we're going to have a load of fun together! I am dying of curiosity about this Alec guy, what's he like?"

"Sssshhh!!!" Vicki immediately tried to quiet her down as Fanny's voice carried, especially now that they've entered the college. What if Alec was around? She would die of embarrassment! A blush appeared on her face as she considered the possibility. "Now I wish I never told you about my crush. How was I to know you were going to fly all the way from Singapore and come here?"

Fanny grinned, not a bit put out, and waving her cousin's disapproving hand away, she sighed dramatically. "It's soooooo romantic. Ever since you saw him last year on your first day of college here, you've been in love with him. Even though you've never met him, never talked to him, you still- OUCH!" She had turned around and was walking backwards, so involved in her story as her eyes misted up, her hands fluttering over her heart, so caught up with Vicki's love tale that she forgot to look backwards and crashed into a person behind her.

"Fanny-" Vicki tried to warn her but it was too late. All her books went flying with the impact, she tripped and was heading toward the floor when a pair of strong arms caught her about the waist and swung her upright.

However, the person she collided with wasn't so lucky as he got attacked by a multiple of books, the crashing noises echoing in the hall.

"Ommp!" A masculine cry could be heard from behind her as Fanny slowly regain her balance. Looking up, she smiled sheepishly at her rescuer, but words of thanks stuck in her throat as she took a good look at the guy who still held her in his arm. She blinked.

About five feet 7, he towered over her short five feet. He had short black hair that just makes girls ache to run their fingers through. A teasing smile, and a set of straight shinny teeth too, she noticed as he flashed her a smile, finally moving his arms from her.

The pair of dancing eyes that she had being admiring looked down into her rather stunned one, and asked with another grin, "Are you all right?"

Shaking herself out of the trance, she grinned back at him and answered cheerfully. "I'm fine, none the worse for wear! I think it's him that was hurt!" Her eyes finally went to the guy who her books had attacked, and the corner of her lips twitched as she took in the disheveled appearance of him. Unfortunately, he saw it too, and mistakenly thought she was laughing at him.

"Why you little-" His eyes gleamed with anger as he saw that the entire student body had stopped to watch the scene in the hall. Not wanting to make a scene, he picked the books up, and shoved them unceremonyly at her.

"I'm sorry." Fanny told him, putting a little mournful look on her face. "Truely!" She added as she saw the disbelieving look on his face.

"I think we better introduce oursleves as we've so litereally bumped into one another." Her rescuer suggested in a deep voice. She had a suspicion that he was having trouble holding his laughers in as he took in the appearance of his best friend, standing there glowering at the girl he had collided into. Shifting his own books to his left arm, he held out his hand saying, "I'm Alec Sue, and the guy you decided to attack is my best friend Nicholas Xia."

"Alec Sue?" Fanny completely ignored the other name as a look of understanding registered on her face. She took a snuck peek at her suddenly silent cousin by her side. Aaahhh.... A secret smile curved her lips. This gorgeous man was the secret love of Vicki's life. So that's why she's grown so quiet, Fanny thought. Great, got to meet him on the first day! Though in a somewhat obsered way, she thought, giggling.

Finally putting her small hands into his, she gave him another through look over. Hmmmm...definity a hunk, perfect for Vicki!

"Fanny Kam here. That's my cousin Vicki." She literty shoved Vicki at Alec.

Shyly, Vicki shook hands with Alec, her heart fluttering. She dared peek at him, and a pleasant warmth spread over her as she found him staring at her, taking in her lovely appearance.

"I don't think I've ever seen you around, I'm sure I'll be able to remember you if I had." Alec said, seemingly unable to take his eyes off of Vicki. God, how had he missed her? "You're the type that always sticks out."

"Yeah, like a sore thumb." Nicholas added sarcastically, his meanings clear as he directed his words at his attacker. Angered by the arrogant tone of his voice, Fanny shot him a glare, and the two pairs of angry eyes became locked in a definite battle of wills.

Seething, they glared at each other, each unwilling to break the eye contact, both unwilling to admit defeat. However, their private war was finally broken when the bell rang, signaling the begining of class. The rest of the students forgot the scene and flew off to their respective classes, not wanting to be late on the first day of school.

With obvious reluctance, Alec said a brief goodbye, his eyes lingering on Vicki, before running down the hall to his class. Nicholas threw one last glare in Fanny's direction before he too headed down the halls, strolling as if he had all the time in the world. Sticking her toughne out childlishly at the hateful man, Fanny turned her back to him, and getting out her schedule, she tried to figure out where she had to go. Vicki just stood there besides her, not moving until her cousin finally noticed her, and tapped her on the shoulder.

"I finally talked to him! He talked to me!" Vicki sighed, a look of wonder in her eyes.

"Uh huh, and if we don't get to class, the principle's going to talk to BOTH of us!" For once Fanny was the more sensible of the two, and having finally figured out her class, she raced down the hall toward her class after giving her cousin an ungentle shove on the back.

Class had already started by the time Fanny reached her class. There was no way of sneaking in as the teacher's eyes were already on her. Darn! Mustering a little smile, she walked into the classroom.

"Young lady, do you know that you are 10 minutes late to class?" The loud screeching sound reached her as she took a small tentive step into the class. Obviously, that to him was a major crime as he emphasized the 'ten' loudly.

Looking up into the old teacher's crabby face, Fanny gave him a lost pathetic look and said in a small voice. "I'm a new student here, Mr..Mr..," A quick glance at the golden plaque on his desk revealed his name. "Mr. Lee." Biting her lower lips in an uncertain little girl look, she went on. "Please forgive me. I just arrived from Singapore today, I didn't know my way around, and everything seems so strange to me." A little quiver of her lower lips, "And as I have no friends, no relative," Her minds flashed to Vicki. "I had no one to help me."

Staring at her forlorn face looking about ready to burst out in tears, the harsh lines on the teacher's face soften. It is the first day of school, maybe he'll just let it slip by, just this once. "Well..."

"-I'm so sorry!" She cut off his words, "It won't happen again, I swear!" She added sincerely.

The entire class watched in fascination as they watched their strictest teacher, known for his hard heart melt under the new girl's wide-eye pleas. "Now now, no need to get upset over it. I understand. But-" He added sternly, aware of the eyes on him, "No excuse next time."

"Yes, of course!" Fanny grinned at him, her small oval face lighting up. Gotcha! Her eyes swung to the class, and the wide smug smile of victory frozed on her face as she stared right into the eyes of the rude guy she had met in the halls. What was his name again? Nicholas, that's right, Nicholas Xia. Hurrily, she scrambled into the only empty chair left in the room, and tried to avoid his mocking stare which was hard as her seat was hatefully next to his.

"Damn!" She swored under her breath. What if he tells on me? If he tells the teacher Vicki's my cousin, all her lies will be exposed.

Watching her squirm uncertainly, her eyes lowered under his hard stares, Nicholas felt a certain satisfaction seeing her anxiety. Good, maybe it'll teach her a lesson about lies and deceit! He forbay to remember that he too was an expert at lying.

Slowly, he turned his head toward that girl once more. What was her name? Fanny... What a ridiculus name, frilly and fake, just like her! Expecting to see her still squirming with uncertainty, he was angered by the sight of her flirting with the guy infront of her, seeming totally unaware of him. Angrily, he gave them both a glare, then flopped back in his seat. It was going to be a long class.

Giving the guy in front of her another encouraging smile as he started telling her of all the "in" people in school, Fanny stiffled a laugh as she took in the angry glares shot by the guy besides her. Ha! Let him get mad! With that thought, her smile brighten even more, momentarily dazzling the guy infront of her.

God, but she was a beauty!

Running into class right before the last bell, Vicki was horribly out of breath, causing her cheeks to be flushed pink, making her beauty even more noticeable. Looking around, her heart stopped for a beat as she spied Alec sitting in the very back of the room. There was an empty seat next to him, and she stared at the seat. Dare she?

Her problems were solved as Alec waved to her, his head nodding toward the seat beside him, indicating she should sit there. Her heart going wild as she started toward him, she didn't see the envious looks the other females directed at her.

"Hi." Alec smiled at her, his eyes lighting up as he slowly took in her appearance.

"Hi." She flushed at the open admiration in his glance. She sat down slowly, then opening up her book, she tried to sound cool and calm as she said, "This is the first time you've ever been in my class."

"Hmmmm..." His fingers touched her shiny strands of hair that gotten lose from the butterfly clips that held her hair up, exposing her delicate nape. Looking down into her oval face, he smiled again, showing perfect teeth. "I'm sure I've never had classes with you before. I would definity have talked to you if we've had."

Her eyes lowered, she could not prevent the blush that spreaded across her face. Her hands gripped hard under the table, she was unconcious of everyone in the room except for Alec as he slowly smooth her hair back.

His attention entirely on her, Alec was tottally unaware of the professor standing infront of him.

"-Alec! Alec Sue!"

"-There's Ruby Lin, she's the biggest prep in the college."

"Hmmm....." Stifling a yawn, Fanny raised a lazy pair of eyes to Danny's face as he rambled on, trying to look as though she was listening on intently. "Every guy in college is in love with her. They would do almost anything for one look from her. But-" He paused dramatically.

"But what?" Fanny asked expectantly.

"But she's only got eyes for Alec Sue and Nicholas Xia. Now they are the most popular guys around. All the girls imagine themselves in love with them."

Her interest caught, Fanny sat up, and batting her long eyelashes at him, she purred, "Go on."

"But it seems they didn't want to be caught. Those two are well known flirts, unwilling to settle on the one girl. After all, why settle for one, when they could have them all?" Deliberately keeping his rather envious tones low, Danny sneaked a peak at Nicholas next to them. It wouldn't do him any good for Nicholas to hear him gossiping about him and his friend.

"Why indeed?" Fanny asked. Her mind whirling, Vicki was in love with Alec. She had to help them, and help Vicki to reform the flirt that she had instantly catergorized Alec as, even without Danny's invaluable information. It was going to be tough, but, Fanny grinned, planning a stratagy was her number one talent!

"I'm sorry Alec, it was all my fault." Vicki said, her face worried and apologetic. The teacher had yelled at them both, but most of her wrath went to Alec rather than Vicki, as she was at most times, a model student. The professor had remain immune to Alec's charm as he tried to weedle his way out of the situation and had remain firmed on his punishment. "Now you have to stay after tomorrow! And this is only the first day of school!"

"Well..." Alec's brain turned quickly. "It wouldn't be so bad if-"

"-If what?" Vicki broke in eagerly.

"If you stayed after with me!"

"What do you have in here, stones?" Vicki muttered as she carried two of her cousin's suitcases into the guestroom of her apartment.

"Well, I'm going to be here for a while, so I had to bring everything, right?" Fanny protested, her oval face flushed as she carried two other cases which seems to weigh as much as she did. "And it's your fault you wouldn't let Danny up here. I mean, we're on the 4th floor! And no elavators at that!"

Heaving the suitcases onto the carefully made up single bed, Vicki sat down heavily on it, and said, her eyes on her cousin, who sat down with a flurish on a suitcase. "I don't like Danny. He's the school's reknowned flirt. Every girl knows not to get involved with rich guys like him, only out for fun, and not fit for a serious relationship."

"I don't want a relationship with him! I just want him to help with the cases! Besides, talking about flirts," Her eyes went to her cousin, "The man you're in love with just happens to be one too. Danny's told me all about him!"

Vicki flushed, heat starting to spread across her sensitive cheeks while Fanny watched fascinated as she stuttered, "Will you stop mentioning him? I never thought you would move here, else I would never tell you about him! Besides, he's very nice, and definity not a flirt!"

"Hmmmm.." Fanny muttered, lifting one disbelieving eyebrow delicately. "Than why doesn't he ever stay with a single girl? All his past, 'relationships' have lasted about but a week before he breaks the poor girl's heart. He may be nice, but he's got no staying power."

"No! He just hasn't met the right girl yet!" Vicki protested. In her heart, she knew what Fanny was saying was true, but she couldn't face the facts.

"You mean you?" Fanny replied cheekly, her almond shaped eyes dancing. But before her cousin could mutter another protest, she continued, "With my help, we can make you the only girl that's going to capture the school's reowned flirt's heart!"

"What do you mean?" Confused, Vicki could do little more than stare. To capture his heart, to be his girl, oh but that would make her the happiest person alive!

"We'll come up with a plan to make Alec fall for you, completely, and absolutely. And make him forget that there are other girls around. Including," Fanny added darkly, "that Ruby Lin."

"Ruby Lin? What's wrong with her?" Vicki was confused by the harsh dislike on Fanny's face. "I mean, I know she's after Alec and all, but so's half the girls in school. She seems all right, just a bit too selfconcious."

"Just a bit! She's a total flirt! You should have seem how she drooled over that guy, Nicholas Xia. She might as well have sat on him the way she was leaning on him! And him, he was only too happy to goggle at her!" Fanny burst out heatly, her hands forming a tight fist. She didn't know why, but the sight of the two flirting together made her want to puke. It was just too sickening, she thought.

A look of understanding appeared in Vicki's eyes. So, she mused, her hot-headed cousin was jealous. Her lips curled upwards at the thought. Fortunenally, Fanny didn't see her secret smile.

"Alec darling!" Ruby murmered, her hands stretched out to the handsome man coming toward her, her eyes gleeming as she took in his appearance. His hair blown a bit untidy by the wind, three buttons of his shirt laid open, showing his smooth tan chest. A clunky silver chain rested on his neck, giving him a lazy appearance as he stepped into the popular college hang out, as always crowded by the many students already there. His confident stand however, opened a path towards Ruby despite the packed place.

Sliding down into the stool beside her in the very center of the room. Alec gave her a lazy through lookover. The girl besides him was indeed beautiful, he decided, taking in the perfect makeup and carefully done hair. Her clothes were the envy of the school, every clothing screamed style. There was nothing he could fault about her appearance. Yet somehow, she had never strucked a single cord of attraction in him.

Perhaps it was because she was too perfect, her hair, her clothes, everything about her seems so fake, as though she was a plastic doll in a showcase, on display at all time. Seeing in his mind the flushing sweetness of Vicki Zhao, he almost groaned out loud as the force of his desire for her spread through him. Now, that was a woman, he thought, his lips curling upwards in a satisfied smile.

Aware of his bland stare, Ruby gave him another smoky smile. About to say something, her teeths gleeming, she was interrupted by a comosion at the doorway of the ice cream bar. She looked over at the same time Alec did.

"What's the big deal? So I stole your parking space, there's plenty more you know! God, if you go on this way, you'll die of a heart attack before you're 30!" Naturally, the cause of the commosion which had the whole room looking their way was Fanny. Her eyes shot angry sparks at the man blocking her path.

Vicki stood beside her, her face coloring at the attention they were causing. Her hands tugged at the sleaves of her cousin, knowing full well her cousin will never listen to her. Heck, Fanny never listens to anyone!

Nicholas felt a fierce anger rising in him as he looked down at the short elf across from him. God, why the hell did he always seem to bump into her? She was a devil, he decided, someone out to torture him. Right then he could just imagaine throttling her to death.

Calming himself down with difficulty, he said slowly, as if talking to a demented child, "Honey, just walk out there and get your car out of my parking spot. You could see I was there first, I was just about to back in it when you came out of nowhere and stole it. Just go back and move the car, and everything will be solved."

He seemed so sure that she would obey him that she seethe inside. She forced her lips into a sweet smile, her eyes widening innocently. "Oh yes, I see what you mean. Your words are all so reasonable.." She could see he was eating it, thinking she really was a simple little witless girl. "But-" She flashed him another smile, this time her dislike apparent in her smile. "Too bad!"

Sweeping aside, she left him fuming, her lips curving in an actual smile as she headed toward the center of the room, the people parting naturally for her as they watched, stunned at the way the usually cool and calm Nicholas looking about ready to explode.

That damn- He sudden noticed the stares of the students around him. Stiffly, he masked his anger, and turning around, he saw Ruby and Alec in the center of the room, and headed towards the table. If he had not being so angry, he would have been amused to see the shocked expression on Ruby's face as she watch him. No wonder she was shocked he thought, she had never seem him blow his top before.

Sitting down without a word, he roughly took the can of beer from Alec's hand, and finished it with one gulp.

"Thanks for taking my drink, old man." Alec kidded. His eyes were amused as he watch his long time friend get so frustrated over a simple girl, and a midget at that. Unknowingly, they always seems to sent sparks flying whenever they meet. Looking towards the corner of the room to where Fanny and Vicki sat alone, he gave them each a wide grin, then idicated with his head, that they should come sit with them.

Fanny and Vicki both smiled at his invitation and got up slowly, walking towards him. Inwardly smirking, Fanny thought, stratagy one under way! Her smile wavered as she took in the dark look the man besides Alec shot her, his eyes daring her to sit down. Her chins went up at the challenge, she deliberately chose the seat next to him, and sat down, giving him her infamous flashy smile. The usual effect seems not to be working as his expressions remained dark.

"Hi there..." Alec's drawl prolonged as he took in the appearance of the two girls. They were both beautiful he decided. Fanny was wearing a bright yellow dress which on another girl might have faded her out. But on Fanny, it brought out the tan of her skin, giving her a dark mysterious glow. Though short, her figure was very full, he noted, taking in the full breast pushing against the soft material of the dress, and very very curvy. She had a sunny smile on her face, which at will could change from sulky to sweet.

But Vicki was another matter, he thought as his eyes swung to the girl beside him. She was tall, almost to his eyes. Her height might've made another person ackward and clumsy, but instead, she was very graceful. The proud way she held herself, and the cool innocent look in her eyes that tempted men to explore beyond the outer beauty without knowledge was very alluring. Her most beautiful asset were her large clear eyes which needed no makeup to emphasize it's loviness. In fact, he noted, she didn't seem to wear makeup at all, her complexion smooth and clear.

Under his unwavering gaze, Vicki blushed, and looked away, only to meet the cool eyes of Ruby sitting across from her.

"So Alec," Fanny bringing his attention back from her cousin with a drawl, mockingly imitating him. "I heard you're holding a bash at your house this Friday." She paused them, lifting one delicate eyebrow in a questioning look, obviously expecting an invitation.

Alec smiled inwardly, wondering, what outrageous thing would she do if he didn't invite her? He had no doubt that she wouldn't just flush meekly at his ignorance of her balant plea. Fanny wasn't one to give up. "So?" Alec lifted his own dark eyebrows, his eyes challenging.

He didn't have to even look to know that once again, Vicki's face was bright red with embarassment, a ruffled look on her face as she tried to tug her cousin from doing something outright again.

Ignoring her, and the twisted smirk of the man beside her, Fanny curved her lips up slowly, then blew calmly on her nails with her fingers spread out infront of her. "Remember to prepare some champagne darling." She looked up into Alec's amused eyes, "because," she paused again, her lips widenly in a smile of triumph, "that's the only liquer I drink!"

"Tonight, is the night, when two become one..." Fanny hummed under her breath as the water poured down on her. The bathroom was already so steamy she couldn't even see the door any longer, but she still refused to turn off the water. After all, she had only been in the shower for, she checked her water-proof watch, half an hour. Her eyes gleamed as she recalled the astonished look on Ruby Lin's face when she had made her little announcement about the champagne, then the roaring laughter that had errupted from Alec. She knew he was perfect for Vicki, she thought happily, finally turning the fosset off, and getting out of the bathtub carefully, trying to see through the steamy air.

But that Nicholas, he had shot a dirty look at her upon hearing her announcement. He had no sense of humor at all. The ugly-

"Fanny!!!" The screeching sound on the other side of the bathroom door woke her from her trance abruptly. "Did you drown in there! You've been in there for hours already!!" Vicki pounded at the door, her voice agrivated.

"Okay, okay! Coming!" Fanny sighed, and pulling on her favorite white cotton bathrobe, which rode danerously high on her midthigh, she finally wrenched open the door.

Her eyes widen in dismay as she caught sight of Vicki. "Oh my god Vicki! What are you wearing?"

Selfconconciously, Vicki ran a hand down her neat white dress. Looking up, she asked, "What? What's wrong with it? This is one of my favorite!" She gave Fanny a reproachful look.

"What's wrong with it, what's wrong with it, she asked!" Fanny rolled her eyes dramtically. "How can I possibly be related to you people? You insane normal people?" She stressed the 'normal' as if it was something extraordinary. "Honey, that is something our prissy great aunt would wear!"

"Is it that bad?" Vicki had never seen the dress in that light. Was that what she appeared to people? A prissy great aunt?

Her uncanny knack of reading her cousin's mind at work, Fanny answered Vicki's silent question. "Yes, that's how people see you!" Without another word, she pulled her cousin along to the guestroom, the only other bedroom in the tiny apartment where Fanny was staying in.

She pushed Vicki down on the previously empty bed, now littered with half a dozen of Fanny's dresses, she stucked her head into the closet. After rummaging for a few minutes, she finally pulled a light blue dress out with triumph.

About to say something, Vicki was again ungently hulled to the dressing table where Fanny ordered her to be quiet as she spattered makeup on her lovely face, working her magic.

Vicki sighed, feeling like a puppet being pushed and pulled by the strings, and gave up arguing with Fanny. She always gets her way anyways, her small dainty frame giving people no clue on her bossy character. Fanny was sweet and lovable, but she was also very spoiled. Being the youngest daughter, she had being given all she had asked for ever since she was young, twisting everyone around her fingers. No one had ever said no to Fanny before. Who, Vicki mused, would be the one to say no to Fanny? Thinking of Nicholas, she smiled, earning a severe frown from Fanny as she was putting lip gloss on her lips. She wiped the smile from her face, but continued smiling inside. Nicholas would be a man to say no to Fanny.

"Wow! Alec must be loaded!" Fanny breathed as she stopped in front of the large mansion that Alec had called a house. It was definity not a house. Heck, it could probably hold a hundred people and still have room to play football inside. For the first time she wondered if Alec was a snob.

"He is." Vicki answered beside her. For a second, Fanny thought she had read her mind. Then relising that she was answering her earlier question, she turned sideways. "Him and Nicholas's family have been around forever. They are 'old money' and is rumored to be the two most wealthy family in Beijing."

They had just entered the large hallway and could now see into the ballroom, yes a real ballroom, and the overdressed guests dancing inside. This was the first time Vicki had been inside Alec's home also. She stared at the beautifully dressed women in the expensive silk and satins. What was she doing here? She was way out of her class. How could she possibly think that Alec could love her? Normal, plain her?

"Stop it Vicki!" Again, Fanny could read her mind easily. "Don't think those thoughts! It's modern times, class no longer marries only class! Besides, we are not exactly poverty striken!"

"You might not be!" Vicki's voice was tinted with bitterness. "After all, Uncle Joe is a member of the highest society in Singapore. You have estates in Singapore, a house in New York, and two houses in China, you've never been just a middle class citizen!"

Fanny was astonished. She looked at Vicki's profile which was still staring at the colorfully dressed guests in the ballroom. She had always been somewhat jealous of her sweet, elegant cousin. Wherever Vicki had gone, she had won the love of people. Fanny had never known a single person to deny her cousin. Of the two ,Vicki was the kind of girl that men protected, she had that kind of fragile air about her despite Fanny's shorter and smaller frame. All her childhood, Fanny had heard her parents tell her, "Look at Vicki, she's so graceful" or "Why can't you be like Vicki, she's so elegant." Even Adam had said Vicki was a lady, and Adam had never said that to her!

Opening her mouth to tell her, Fanny's words were cut off by Alec coming toward them, holding a glass of champagne in his hand. "Vicki, Fanny! So glad you can join us!"

His eyes gleamed as he took in the dress Fanny had convinced Vicki to wear.The respectable knee length dress on Fanny had turned into a shockingly short dress that ended at mid thigh on Vicki's taller figure, making her legs look impossibly long. The deep V-necked of the dress dipped dangerously low, the silver glitters that ran along the edge drawing attention to the cleavage. No jelwery was needed other than a slinky strand of silver that rested on Vicki's neck to complete her outfit.

Though Vicki had protested, saying the dress would give people the wrong impression, her protests were merely cut off by Fanny's lift of eyebrows that said without words, "Our great maiden aunt isn't going to tempt our playboy Alec now, is she?" Vicki had always been lovely without any makeup or obvious dressing up, but tonight, she looked stunning. Amused, Fanny had admired her own artwork with satisfaction, Ruby Lin was getting a heavy competitor.

Now, she watched with triumph as Alec's stunned eyes took in her cousin's appearance. Behind him was Ruby Lin, and her expression was quite comical as she spied Vicki. Her lips opened on an "oh" and Fanny struggled not to laugh out loud. Score one, Ruby dear.

Standing behind Ruby was the hateful Nicholas, still carrying his dark expression. Not a single movement showed as he looked at Fanny. She was wearing something quite different. It was a tight strapless dress that shimmered with gold as she moved, the slinky material molding her well rounded figure lovingly. The dress ran knee length with two wide splits on either side, discreetly showing her golden skin as she moved. The effect of the dress was smoky and seductive, and the golden sparkly eye shadow that she had brushed lightly on more than emphasize the effect.

Fanny stood under his searching look unmoving, her eyes demure. When he didn't show a single reaction to her, merely smiled cynically, his lips moving at the corners mockingly, she felt a violent rage boil up inside of her. How dare he looks so indifferent! Unconciously, she admitted that she had dressed for him, hoping to shock him and make him aware of her attractiveness, and yet, he seems so unaffected. Seething inside, she smiled another fake smile, pretending not to notice him. "Alec, Ruby, you both look great."

And they did. In fact, they compliment each other perfectly. Ruby wearing a pale pink gown that was also knee length, and with her soft baby doll look, she was a perfect foil for Alec, who stood dark and in command, dressed in black designer jeans and a loosely buttoned up white shirt. Again, the metal chain gleamed on his chest. She wondered at it. Why did he wear it all the time?

Knodding an absent acknowledgement of her words, his eyes still intent on Vicki, Alec perseeded to galantly show a blushing Vicki around his house, leaving them still standing together.

"Thank you dear, you look very nice too, if somewhat too-" Ruby paused as though searching for the perfect word to describe Fanny. She finally found one, after going through the limited vobabulary she had stored in her empty head, Fanny thought nastily. "Sophisticated doesn't seem to be the right word. More like, the lady of the night." She laughed merrily as though it was the funniest joke of the year.

Miao! Fanny thought, a cat with claws. "Oh really? I was just thinking that the dress suits you perfectly, so very-"She imitated Ruby's pause perfectly, her eyesbrows nitted together as though she was also searching for the perfect word to describe her. "Young."

Sending another sweet smile in her direction, leaving Ruby to search for a retort, Fanny turned her eyes back to Alec and Vicki, still ignoring Nicholas hovering darkly in the background.

By the buffet table, Alec was chatting lightly with Vicki, acting the perfect host as he introduced her to the other guest present, all the while, keeping his arm lightly resting at the small of her back, a possesive action that warned the others off, telling everyone wordlessly that she was his property.

Fanny's eyes gleamed with cat-like triumph once again. Ah, but everything was going along just fine. Tonight was going to be so, her lips curved up in a secretive smile, fun, her eyes seems to purred.

"Let's leave." The softy voiced masculine words were whispered into Vicki's ear. Startled, she looked up, her nose almost bumping into his, they were standing so close. Even in the dim light, her eyes could make out the handsome profile and the classic lines of the man beside her.

Finally, she whispered back, her eyes on the people about them, "Leave? But this is your party!"

The guests about them smiled tolerantly at them, as they imagined the love words being exchanged by the couple standing itimately by them.

Without another word, Alec started pulling her toward the door, his hands holding hers firmly in his. Vicki had no choice but to follow him, ducking her head down as they pasted the amused guest parting for their gracious host.

"But you can't leave your own party!" Vicki was shocked, scandlized as the people stopped dancing to watch them.

"Can't I?" He finally turned at the doorway, and looked down, his eyes gleaming as he took in Vicki's embarassed blush. Then looking up, he nodded toward Nicky Wu, his good friend in the center of the ballroom. Nicky shooked his head laughingly at him, then waved him on.

The exchange went on over Vicki's head. She felt a faint suspicion, did Alec skip his own party all the time with strange girls? Is that why Nicky is so familiar with his ways? She could not dwell in her thoughts further as Alec again tugged her towards the door, her thoughts scattering as if it had never been.

They were off in Alec's chevelot in seconds, the powerful engine purring as it ate up the distance. The night was dark, the highway almost completely clear, with only a few cars going by as they drove through the night. Vicki glanced sideways at Alec, his profile only clear when the moonlight shown upon it. She didn't ask where they were going as the excitement seeped slowly into her blood streams like wine. She felt high, free, happy! Moving closer, she snuggled up to Alec, a warm feeling spreading over her as he curved one arm about her shoulders and held her closer.

They finally stopped at the top of the hill, and got out without speaking. The night air was sharp, the wind blowing cooly. Vicki skin pricked for they had left too hurrily for her to grab a coat, her dress lovely but definity no windbreaker. She put her hands up slowly to cover her bare arms to ware off the cold. Another pair of arms slid around her from her back just then and covered her chilled arms.

Alec wrapped his arms tightly about the girl in his arm and she didn't protest. She leaned back, setting all her weight on him as they stared at the haunting moon that hung in the sky. Her insides quivered as he slowly pulled her even tighter, her body far from cold as a fire flickered to life in her. She caught her breath as his lips pressed feathering kisses on the back of her neck. Slowly, he turned her around.

She looked up, her eyes wide, deep and mysterious as she stared into his eyes. Slowly, she closed them, tilting her head up close as his profile descends.

The lights were dimmed, the band played animatedly in the background as the guest mingled and danced. It was already well past midnight yet the guests show no incliness in leaving. The laughter and the murmor of the voices could be heard throughout the mansion, every corner of the estates crowded with people. Only the exotic garden hidden in the back by the large oval shaped swimming pool was empty.

Fannie sat alone in the center of the garden on the side of the gargoyle fountain. Her eyes seemed enratchered as she watched the small stream of water drip steadily into the rounded pool of the marble fountain. Her bare feet dangled, her legs too short to reach the grassy earth. A clear beam of moonlight shone softly on her, the golden dress seeming to glow like fire. To observers, she seems to be a ray of light in the middle of the dimmly lit garden.

Fanny sighed, breathing in the clear fresh scent of the night. She had gotten sick of the party, the men competing for her attention, the suspicious glares of the women as they clutched their men closer. They seems to think she was out to steal their men from them all. Overall, she was sick of human, the whole god damn world, including Alec and Vicki who had snuck off somewhere by themselves. She was envious, she had to admit, why couldn't she find someone like Alec?

"Nicholas!" A loud unpleasant squeal pierced through the tranquillant garden. Fanny recognized the voice instantly. Shooting a blazing glare toward the direction of the squeal, she gave a irritated grimace as she realized they were coming towards the fountain. She scrambled quickly to feet, and was hidden from view just as Nicholas and Ruby appeared.

"Nicholas!" Ruby breathed. Her arms clung to the man besides her. She turned suddenly, blocking his path to stand directly in front of him. Sliding her small, of course perfect, Fanny thought, hand up Nicholas' chest, she leaned closer, giving him an excellant view of the deep V of the bodice of her dress. Again, she whispered huskily, her eyes half closed, "Nicholas..."

His eyes cynical, a mocking smile on his face, Nicholas looked down on Ruby's upturned face. The moonlight shone on her expertly made up face, her mouth very red, very soft and pouting. He raised his fore finger to raise her chin slightly. After a few tense moment, his fingers fell carelessly from her chin. He smiled sardonically, about to make a comment when Ruby's eyes opened wide with suprise, the kiss she had invited not coming.

Just then, he caught the sight of the pair of the gold, sparkly high heels dangling from the right wing of the gargoyle in the center of the fountain. He immediately recognized them as the one Fanny Kam had on earlier. Not dwelling on why he should have noticed such a small detail of her outfit, he smiled, a broad amused smile that confused Ruby even more.

Deliberately, he pulled Ruby up close, sliding his arms around her slender waist. The corner of his eyes caught a movement behind the gargoyle, a flash of gold, just as he lowered his mouth to Ruby's.

Rat!

Fanny fumed, her temper shooting up as Nicholas' hand moved from her waist up to her hair, twisting his hand into Ruby's hair, losening the perfect hairdo, and pulled her even closer to give him better assess to her mouth.

Bastard!

Like a fire that had spreaded and got more heated as the kiss prolonged, Fanny was boiling inside. Smoke almost coming out of her head as she raged painfully inside, unable to make a single sound that would let them know of her presence.

After hours, or it seemed like hours to Fanny anyhow, Nicholas finally released the girl in his arm. She could see the smug and confused expression on Ruby's face from where she stood. All thoughts having flown from her head when Nicholas had kissed her, she now stood with a stupidfied dizzy look on her face.

Fanny's eyes landed on Ruby's lips then. The perfect lipstick and gloss were now messed up, giving her a look of a woman been thoroughly ravished, shooting Fanny's temper to the highest point. If there was a roof to hit, she would have shot straight through it just then.

Her fist balled up tight, Fanny suddenly had the impulse to run out and pull out all of Ruby's hair. God, she wanted to scratch her eyes out, scrape her nails across her perfect cheeks, give her a few kicks in the stomach, make her bleed as she was bleeding inside! She wanted to scream, rant and cry that he was hers, and hers alone!

Hers?!?! Shocked at what she had just thought, Fanny sat down with a thump, too dazed to think about them hearing her. Why was she acting like this? Could she possibly be jealous? Her? Fanny Kam? Fanny who has never given more than a sparing glance to a guy? The one that didn't give a damn whether the guys liked her or not? The one that had never cared about a single man in her life?

She was in such a confused state that she didn't even notice the couple leaving together. Could it be true? Was she attracted to Nicholas? The hateful, annoying Nicholas? The one that she had hated at first sight, the one that she had run over with her books, the one that she had stolen the car space from....the one she had dressed for tonight.

Unwilling to face it, she put her hands up to the side of her head, shaking as if to block off the voices quarreling inside of her. Stop it, stop it, stop it!!

"Did we shocked your virginal soul that much my dear?" The mocking words were whispered in her ears. Startled, she looked up, straight into the dark handsome face of Nicholas Xia. For a couple of second, she sat there with her mouth open, just staring at him. When his mocking glance setted on her, she finally woke out of her trance. Clamping her mouth shut, she stood up hurrily, trying to get away from the inviting male scent that radiated from him.

"Are we talking about that disgusting scene I was forced to witness? Let me tell you, I was so sicken by the scene that I had to sit down to calm myself, else I'll be sick all over Alec's garden!" She fired back defensively.

Holding out her high heels, he dangled them on his fingers, waving them in front of her face, he smiled. "Playing peeking tom are we? Next time, don't forget to hide your things better."

She reached for the shoes, but when he moved them higher up, out of her reach, she shot a killer glare at him. "Stop playing games with me! I was there before you two came, it's not like I had a choice but to watch your little kiss. And it's certainly nothing to do with me that the only thing that interest you are dumb plastic barbie dolls!" Giving up the high heels, she turned swiftly, walking rapidly bare footed toward the exit of the garden. She tried to ignore the man that strode by her side, easily keeping with her, his legs longer, making up for her rapid trot.

"Ah, but it wasn't a 'little kiss," His smile broadening, making her grit her teeth in annoyance. They were now outside the garden, going toward the edge of the pool where a large crowd of the guests were, apparently unaware of the couple as they came out of the isolated garden. Only Ruby and her cronies sitting on the hamlock on the balcony above noticed them. He glanced up at Ruby who was staring at them intently, and smirked. "I would say that our Ruby didn't think so." His amused eyes on Fanny's heated face, he added, "Seems as if someone is jealous."

The self-sastisfied look on his face was too much. Without thinking, Fanny pushed him, releasing all her anger. Startled, Nicholas fell backwards, the dainty hands that had pushed him more powerful than he had imagine. With a loud splash that cause everyone outside the mansion and by the pool to look in their direction, Nicholas fell into the pool, sending water flying in all directions.

The others watched, their mouth hanging open as the Nicholas the entire college had thought nobody could get the better of shot up from underwater sputtering and ranting. The high heels that he still gripped in his hand was dripping wet, ruined beyond repair. He shot a dark look around the guests, daring anyone to laugh and make fun of his predicament. Throwing the high heels down violently back into the water, he glared up at his vicious attacker.

Fanny stood there stunned, the entire party now drifting out to watch the scene as words spreaded quickly, and yet no body said a single word. Staring at Nicholas, still in the water, his entire body dripping wet, the clothes clinging to him tightly, wearing an outraged look on his face, as if he expected her to go on her knees and appoligize, she felt a bubble of amusment rise inside of her. In the complete silence, she startled everyone by bursting into laughter. Everyone stood looking shocked, their eyes wide open as she bend over in laughter, tears coming out of her eyes as she giggled uncontrollably. The blazing glare that Nicholas sent her didn't stop her laughter, only adding to her amusment.

Slowly, Nicholas stood up, climbing out of the water, spraying water roughly as he went. The guests watched as he strode toward the girl, his menacing stand making the guests pray for the girl's safety.

Fanny kept on laughting, not a bit frighten as Nicholas slowly advanced towards her. When he finally reached to stand directly in front of her, they stood there looking at each other, him glaring, her still amused, the tears creeping out the corner of her eyes. Just when he was about to make a snapping comment, her hands raised. Gently, she smooth the wayward lock that half covered Nicholas' left eyes back in place.

"You look so cute like that." She finally said, a broad grin still on her face as she studied the black look of the man in front of her. Leaning forward, she pecked his wet cheek softly with her lips, then whistling a low tune under her breath, she left, skipping, still barefooted from the pool towards the mansion, leaving the stunned group behind.

Fanny sat at the kitchen table, her chin resting on her flattened hand, her eyes dancing still even though she had gotten back from the party two hours ago. It was already 2am, but Vicki still wasn't back. Not that Fanny was concerned as she had seemed Alec and Vicki leave the party together. Of course they hadn't seen her! Her lips curved upwards in amusement. They were too involved with themselves to notice anyone else around them! She giggled again as she remembered the party. Nicholas. She mouthed, the happy glow within her were reflected in her bright smile. Nicholas!

She wanted to see him so much right now, see his handsome face again, his astonished look- She couldn't stand it, her laughter rang out as she recalled his expression.

She finally stopped, after taking in a huge gulp of air to calm herself down. Somewhat selfconciously she looked around at the empty apartment. Oh boy, if someone saw her now, they'll call 911 straight away!

"Nicholas." Her lips widen as she whispered the name out loud. She had never felt this way before, not in her entire nineteen years of life. The feelings that she felt now were foreign to her, she couldn't understand it, but she knew that she liked Nicholas at least. As for how deep her feelings ran, she didn't know yet.

All her life Fanny had been waited upon by men. There had never been a challenge as the guys all flocked about the fun and pretty Fanny. Nicholas was different, her eyes gleamed. To get him, she needs strategy, strategy, strategy!

Vicki closed the door softly, keeping her footsteps light as not to wake Fanny. It was only five in the morning, the neighbors were still resting in their beds, not about to comment on her, thank god.

She stole carefully into the still darkened kitchen, her hands reaching toward the light switch just when she heard a soft cough. Startled, Vicki whirled around in fright just as the light flooded the small narrow kitchen.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, and what have we been doing out all night?" It was Fanny of course, who else? Sitting on the kitchen counter in her bright blue tank and boxers, her feet swinging, she seems extremely bright and energetic, despite that it was the wee hour of morning when she should be in bed.

Vicki shook her head at her cousin, her hand over her racing heart which was still shaken after the scare. She sat down carefully on the chair at the table without answering Fanny's question.

"Well? I've been dying of curiosity! So how is our dear Alec?" Fanny was presistent if she was anything. Her grin widen as she watch her cousin's face turned a fascinating shade of pink, then red, then pink again. "Does he live up to his womenizer's reputation?"

"Fanny! You know it wasn't like that!" Vicki protested, her face warming up under her cousin's disbelieving look. "All we did was drive up to the hill top and sat there talking for the whole night! Nothing like what you thought!"

"Well of course!" Fanny replied, a sincere look on her face. "I mean, what else would a man and a woman do when they've been out the whole night? What was I thinking?" She held her hands out in a astonished gesture, rolling her eyes at the ceiling.

"Oh!" Picking up the wooden napkin holder sitting on the kitchen table, Vicki threw it at her cousin in fustration. The aim fell far from target. However, the napkins cascaded and fluttered all over the kitchen.

Not to be outdoned by her cousin, Fanny picked up a batch of plastic spoons and shot them at her like a weapon.

"Ahh!!" Vicki cried as a spoon hit her on the forehead. "Okay, that's it! I've had it!" She got up from the seat, her hands held out as if to strangle someone, she started heading toward Fanny with a manacing glare in her eyes.

"Help! Murder! Ahhh!!!" Fanny screamed, and picked up the item closest to her, which just happened to be a salt shaker, and shot it at Vicki. She yelped again as Vicki shot her a wet sponge, the water dripping on her boxers. "All right! You think I can't fight?" She hopped down onto the floor and darted away just as Vicki reached her. Heading towards the living room, she turned, running backwards, and snatched a bowl off the kitchen counter. As Vicki advanced, she shot the bowl directly towards her cousin's lovely face.

The buttery popcorns in the bowl now sticking to her hair and clothes, Vicki finally grabbed Fanny by the arm and pulled her down in a wrestle. Sitting on Fanny's squirming body, she picked up the sunny yellow and green cushion lying pacidly on the love dove seat, and plunked it down on Fanny's face.

"Say you believe me!" Vicki demanded, the cushion sitting neatly on Fanny's face, with her palm over it.

"Ahhhh!!!" Fanny tried to scream, but the sound was muffled by the cushion.

"Say it! Or you're going to sit here for the rest of the night-morning." Vicki corrected guiltily. It really was quite late.

Fanny shooked her head violently, one of her legs finally freed, she kicked Vicki clear on the back. Struggling to her feet, after knocking an unbalanced Vicki off her, she hopped away to the other side. "Hell, you are heavy!"

"Is she trying to say I'm FAT???" Vicki yelled to the unknown above, and picking up a white cushion she shot it at her cousin from across the room.

Fanny picked up a pink cushion and shot it back at her. Her hands were up on her head protectively, her mouth opened, ready to scream, when Vicki retorted by bringing two cushions down ungently on her head.

The two girls raced around the apartment, throwing anything they could get their hands on for the next hour, screaming and yelling, not a bit tired after the epidsode last night. The entire apartment was trashed by the time the neighbors next door finally could stand the noise no longer and got out of their warm beds to bang on the door and complain.

"Damn machine!" A loud kick, then the sound of metal scraping across a hard surface. "God, why don't you work! I paid for you, I fed you, I cleaned you, I do everything for you. And this is how you repay me?"

Fanny stopped and watched in amusement as the guy aimed another kick at his motorcycle. Her eyes dancing, she watched as he lectured it as if it was a human. "Uh, need help?" She finally spoked, a wide grin split onto her face as she saw who it was as he turned around at the softly voiced utterty feminine question.

Nicky stood there with his mouth opened at the vision in front of him. He recognized her of course, who didn't? By now, the whole entire campus must have heard about her act last Friday. Rumors were buzzing like crazy already. But the Fanny in front of him was one he had never seem before. The Fanny he had admired though stayed away from last Friday was a seductess, a radient temptess dressed in gold. This Fanny, clad in a soft lavender skirt, and a light white top radiated spring, freshness, innocence. Who the hell was she really?

"You okay?" She tilted her head quizilly, her bright eyes enchanting him. "I can help if you need it."

He finally closed his mouth. Oh lord, now she must think he's a retard! "Uh, no thanks...You really can't help much."

"Oh yes?" Fanny's eyes gleamed. He was fascinated by the determined light. Dropping her light backpack, Fanny walked around him, and he watched as she bent on her knees to inspect the damage. She slid her hands into the workman's glove lying on the ground, and without a word, began taking apart the engine.

His mouth dropped open again. He was amazed. This was a girl that he would never have imagined knew anything about engines! She looks like the sort that waited by the roadside for men to come along if their car broke down! He grinned sheepishly, now the situation had been switched around! He's the one that's hopeless, while she's the one that's helping!

While he stood there musing, she had pulled the gloves off again, and standing up, she motioned for him to get on with her hands. Nicky stepped forward wondering if she had really created a miracle and brought life to his bike again. Swinging his leg over, he turned the switch. The roar of the engine suprised him. "It worked!" He turned and watch a wide smile of satisfaction spread over her face.

"Well, thanks. I never expected a beautiful girl to come along and rescue me!" He said a bit awkwardly, climbing off the bike. He stuck out his hands, "I'm Nicky Wu."

"I know." She smiled, a beautiful sunny smile that lit up her naturally tan face. He caught his breath as he watched her. He knew that very instant his heart was captured, captured like it had never been before.

"How about trying the bike out then?" She suggests, swinging her backpack over her back in one fluid movement. "Especially when I have to walk to the college!" She added impishly.

Nicky smiled with pleasure and moved to get on the motorcycle. But Fanny stopped him, and giving him another impish grin, she asked, more of a command than a question however, "Let me drive!"

Bowing dramatically, Nicky gestured grandly toward the bike. Well, he figured, if she can fix his bike, she can certainly drive it!

"Where the hell is that damned Nicky? He was suppose to be here half an hour ago!" Nicholas shifted his foot in annoyance. Leaning his back on his expensive bright red car, parked at the very edge of the college parking lot with the top off as the windy September has yet to turn cold. He moved his arm laziyly, attracting the attentions of the nearby group of girls that had gathered there ever since the two hottest male in school showed up, arriving as always, dramatically racing into the lot with their squeeling tires, pulling side by side into the lot that no one else in school dared take.

"His bike probably broke down again." Alec yawned. It was just too early in the morning. He had spent all weekend with her, and yet, he still couldn't wait til she gets there. He masked his impatience with another fake yawn as his eyes wondered about the campus, wondering where Vicki was.

Nicholas grinned. He had known Alec long enough to figure out his every movement and thoughts and could nearly read him like a blank book. Alec was hooked this time, and there was no way he could swim out, though he apparently doesn't know it yet. He didn't tease him however, as he would've in the past, for getting so obsessed with a mere girl. The image of Fanny appeared in his mind, and he nearly groaned out loud. Oh lord, but he knew what women can do to you!

He had made no contact whatso ever with Fanny ever since the party last Friday. To call her would have been asking too much of Nicholas. Afterall, she was suppose to make the first move and appologise, right? She seems to have disappeared just when he wanted to see her. Women were like that, he decided, they appear when they're not wanted, but never seems to be around when they're needed.

As Nicholas mused, his thoughts miles away, he was unaware of the sound of motor. He was finally pulled back to the present when a cloud of dust flew up into his face and choked him so much he couldn't breath. "What the hell?" He managed to sputter before another coughing fit overcomed him.

He opened his eyes to see Fanny driving a motocycle pull right up besides his car with Nicky in the backseat. His eyes buggled. The sight of Fanny dressed so simply, looking so cool and calm, and driving a motorcyle was too much. His mouth dropped open with astonishment as Fanny hopped off the bike, as cool as cucomber, and gave her audience a dazzling smile of victory.

Alec was the first one that spoked, his eyes amused as he watched his friend once again stunned speechless. "What other suprise do you have up your sleaves Fanny? I didn't know you could drive a motorcyle too!"

Fanny smiled and gave him a demure look, her eyes widening, "Why Alec dear, you haven't guessed any of my secrets yet!"

Nicky hopped off the bike too, and added proudly, "She can fix motorcycles too! This girl's a complete genius!"

Nicholas watched silent as the three of them poked and made fun of one another. His face grime, he watched the adoring look Nicky directed at Fanny whenever she looked at him. His insides felt twisted and sick as he watched Fanny respond to him flirtingly. Without a word, he swung around abruptly and walked the way up the main entrance of the college, unaware of the curious eyes of the students on him.

"Please settle down class, settle down please!!" There was a desperate note in the teacher's voice as he faced the students that seems to naught have heard him. "Please settle down!!"

As usual, the Drama II class was noisy and loud as the students chattered on without a heed to their teacher. Mr. Kemp was only a new teacher here after all. Perspirating, Mr. Kemp drew out his hankerchief and wiped his head warily. Then setting the hankercheif down with resignment, he began his announcement, shouting helplessly over the noise.

"Students, I want to announce the new competition that is being held at the beginningof the year! All the drama classes will have to participate in the competition, ours is no exception. You shall be choosing a group of your own, at about 5 to 6 people per group, and you shall be writing your own scripts, and rehearse, direct and act out your skit." He paused, and beamed as he finally caught the students' attention. Proud of his acheivement, he went on with barely contained excitement. "The skits will be performed one by one on the competition day, and well known directors, actors and news critics will be invited to attend and judge the performance. The winning group will receieve a large prize as well as being featured in various papers and magazines. Students, this could be your chance!"

The excited buzz of the students cut in once again before he could start his prepared speech once more.

"Hey, that's great! Who should we work with Vicki?" Fanny didn't wait for her cousin to answer before wrinkling her forehead in concentration. Then she smiled, and winked at the Alec who was sitting next to Vicki, "Well of course our dear Alec is invited!"

"Thank you m'am." Alec replied in a sincere voice, "and what about our dear friend Nicholas?"

Fanny frowned, and stole a quick glance over at Ruby's table. There, amist Ruby and her cronies sat Nicholas. He hadn't talked to her since this morning, or no, he never talked to her this morning either. She looked away quickly when his head turned, advoiding him as his eyes settled on her. She had never been insecure about anything before, but anything concerning Nicholas, she seems to always be insecure, without her usual breezy confidence.

"Bing Bing!" Ruby's hair-raising squeel of delight brought everyone's attention to the doorway. There, a slender girl dressed in an elegant light green sleeveless dress stood, an aloof smile on her cool, triangular shaped face.

Fanny desliked her on the first sight. Maybe it was those catlike eyes that rubed her off the wrong way, or the cool expression on her face, but for an unknown reason, Fanny could tell they were going to be enemies. Their eyes met for a moment as Bing Bing scanned the room, and looked straight into Fanny's eyes. With a lift of her eyesbrows and an amused smile that set the other girl's face tightening in anger, Fanny turned back to her group calmly.

"Fan Bing Bing." Alec's face darkened as he watched the two girls embraced. He glanced down at Vicki's still face, then placed his arm over her shoulder, squeezing it in an attempt to comfort her.

Fanny watched the two curiously, before turning to Nicky with a questioning look on her face. Reading her thoughts, Nicky leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Bing Bing is Alec's ex-girlfriend."

Nicholas, who was watching Fanny, stiffened in anger as he saw the intimate way Nicky and Fanny was sitting, and darted them an irritated glare which Fanny caught as she glanced around. Her good mood restored, she smile, a wide smile that turned into a full bloomed grin as Bing Bing's blazing eyes settled on Vicki and Alec.

"Uh, many of you may reconize our new guest. This is Bing Bing, she has just being transferred back to our school. Uh, let's all welcome, her shall we?" Mr. Kemp glanced at the unenthusiastic class, many a students wore an irritated look on their face as they looked at Bing Bing heading with Ruby to her group at the back of the room before gulping desperately. "Uh, so, has, uh, anyone chosen their group yet?"

"I have!" Ruby jumped up. "My group will consist of me," She giggled at her own joke while Fanny rolled her eyes at Vicki. "Bing Bing and" She glanced down at Nicholas, "Nic-"

Fanny jumped up at that, and without a thought, she cut Ruby off. "Nicholas will be in my group, Mr. Kemp."

"Uh.....well..." Mr. Kemp stood there undecided between the two girls, both staring at him waiting for him to decide, "Uh..." The rest of the class also stared in amusement as the two girls fought over Nicholas.

Alec shot Nicholas a look, and mouthed, "Fanny." Nicholas ignored him, and looked up, straight into Fanny's pleading eyes.

Powerless to resist, he stood up, and without a word, crossed the back of the room to Fanny's side, and sat down in her seat. "I'm in Fanny's group."

The astonished look on Ruby's face was incredible, and the whole class waited for her to explode. But just then Bing Bing patted her on the arm, and pulled her back down.

Mr. Kemp cleared his throat with some difficulty. "Well, then-"

"Mr. Kemp, the people in my group is going to be Vicki, Alec, Nicholas," She looked down at him with a smile, "and Nicky."

He frowned. Why the hell is Nicky in our group? Oh Nicky was a great friend and all, but right now, Nicholas just didn't care for him to be around. As Fanny moved to sit down, he scooted over, leaving her a corner of the chair. Fanny's eyes twinkled in amusement, before sitting down next to Nicholas on the same chair.

"Nicholas!" Ruby's scratchy voice called from behind him. Damn it! Nicholas sword under his breath. Maybe he can just ignore her, maybe she'll just go a-

"Nicholas!!!" The loud screech sounded closer. Oh god..."Nich-"

Nicholas turned suddenly, and Ruby, who was inches behind nearly slammed into him at his abrupt turn. At his inquring stare, she swallowed, and mumbled something under her breath.

"Out with it Ruby," He was annoyed, and tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for her to go on. "Come on, I don't have time! I have to go meet Alec and Fanny and them!"

Ruby's face snapped up at his words. Her face shriveled up, her chin quivering, she finally asked reproachly, "Oh Nicholas! How could you choose Fanny's group over mine? How could you?"

"Easy darling, he prefers girls with brains, not Barbies." Fanny's voice startled them both and Ruby whirled around to face Fanny. Alec and Vicki stood behind her, holding hands, while Nicky who was carrying Fanny's backpack, which Nicholas noted in annoyance, stood at her side. Seeing the amusement on the group's face was humiluating, and without a word, Ruby turned and ran back toward her own group.

Fanny didn't watch her leave, she was more concerned about Nicholas, whose very eyes were on her. She pouted when he looked away without a word as she turned to him. "Okay guys. Let's all meet up at Vicki's place to discuss the skit. I'll go with Nicholas." She didn't wait to see his reaction at her announcement, merely retreieved her bag from a curious Nicky, before pulling him along to his car.

Watching them go, Vicki's eyes were concerned. Fanny has always been spoilted, how would she be able to cope with an equally spoilt Nicholas. Her eyes slid sideways to Alec, and her concern about Fanny disapeared as she faced her own problems. How was she suppose to cope with Alec? He had been spoilt all his life by girls who chased after him rather than the other way around, would he be satisfied with only her?

They started walking to Alec's car, Nicky having left unusally quietly. A group of girls that stood by the parking lot giggled as Alec went by, their eyes following him lovingly. Unwillingly, Vicki's hand tightened about Alec's larger one.

In the car, Nicholas, who had gotten in without a word to Fanny, turned on the engines wordlessly. As the car sped past Alec and Vicki who was still strolling toward the lot, he didn't wave, merely nodded at them. Still, neither talked.

Fanny, who was quietly tracing the patterns on the window, made by the coldness, was debating what to do. She had never planned a strategy to 'get' a man before, at least, not for herself. She had no clue where to start. If she waited for Nicholas to make the first move, she rolled her eyes, they wouldn't start dating til they were eighty! She was aware of the uneasy glances that he had given her, ever since they had gotten in the car, at her unusal silence. She smiled, glad that he was as uncertain of her as she was of him. At least they were equal there.

They had left the college grounds, and was heading towards Vicki's apartment when Fanny suddenly yelled a loud stop. The noise was so sudden, after the long periods of silence that Nicholas stepped on the break hard, causing the wheels to squeel loudly. Swearing, he manuvered the car beside the sidewalk infront of the large shopping square that clearly marked no parkings in bold print, before turning sidesways to glare at Fanny. "What the hell! Next time you want to stop, say it quiet-!

He never got to finish his sentence as a soft mouth came down on his. For a minute, he was too shocked to even move. But finally, he was shaken into awareness as she nibbled his lower teeth sensuously. Like a grapevine, he curved his arms around the small body and lifted her completely out of her seat to lay across him in one fluid movement, kissing her all the while. He finally let go of her mouth before trailing his lips down her cheek, her chin, then the corner of her vulnerable neck. He snaked his hand up her hair, and pulled her head back gently to get a better asset of her neck, sliding his other hand up her back. Fanny was on fire, moaning as his lips touched her neck at first tentively, but at her groan of encouragement, he suckled the silky skin passionally. The seduction that she had begun was tabled turned, he was seducing her, making her insides melt and turn to fierly liquid rather than the other way around.

She slid her arms up his neck, and slid even closer to him, if it was possible. "Nich-"

A loud rap on the window startled them both. Nicholas looked up, his hot eyes slowly clearing from the daze to stare right into an officer's disapproving face. He pushed Fanny's embarrassed face onto his shoulders before handing his licence to the officer through a crack in the window.

After giving him a ticket, and casting another disproving look at Fanny who was still laying with her heated face down on Nicholas' shoulder, the officer finally left.

"It's okay now." Nicholas whispered to a distinctly shaking Fanny in his arms. He wasn't sure whether she was shaking from their kiss, if you can call it a kiss, or whether it was from embarrassment.

Without a word, she moved back to the passenger seat, her face flushing as she saw the crowd that had gathered about the car.

As he swerved the car back out into the road, Nicholas looked at Fanny in concern. She hadn't spoken since they left, her face staring out the window so he couldn't read her expression.

Instead of driving into the parking lot where Alec's car and Nicky's bike was already parked below Vicki's apartment, he continued on. He didn't stop until they had reached a small deserted beach.

"Are you all right?" He asked in concern as she still didn't say anything, her hair covering the sides her face. He reached over, and turned her chin towards him. Looking down, he was startled to see that she was not crying, or angry as he had supposed, but rather, laughing.

Upon seeing his astonished face, Fanny burst out into laughter.

"You looked so funny!" Fanny could not stop giggling, her stomach hurting as she took in Nicholas' astonished reaction.

Finally relizing that she was just fine, not crying as he had imagined, Nicholas shot her an evil look. "Would you stop laughing! I thought you were upset!"

"I was! I really was!" Fanny protested, her hands combing back the hair that hung down the side of her face as she turned to look at Nicholas. "I was so embarrassed when that policeman came up to the car while we were, " she blushed, "kissing."

Looking at her embarrassed downcast face, Nicholas smiled with bemusement, forgetting his temper immediately. Imagine, bold, brashy Fanny, embarrassed and blushing! He cupped the sides of her face with his hands, and lifted her face so that they were staring at each other.

Fanny, who was totally at lost, her thinking power seemed to have vanished, just sat there staring at him stupidly as his handsome face got closer and closer until they were barely an inch apart.

"Next time you want to suprise me with a kiss, choose a quiet place like this." Fanny barely heard his murmur as his head descended, and his lips touched hers. She was powerless to stop the excited reactions of her heart as it pitter pattered as they kissed. Reacting to her feelings automatically, she slipped her arms around Nicholas without thinking, her ears roaring as if she was in an airplane as the kiss went on and on.

They finally broke apart when they were both breathless, and with their arms around each other, they just sat there watching the sun setting slowly in the horizan, and yet not seeing anything as both their thoughts were on the other. Fanny snuggled closer, her arms creeping up to entwine behind Nicholas' back, a little satisfied smile on her face.

"Stop it Alec! Stop!" Vicki pleaded as he advanced towards her in the small cosy bedroom, her arms hugging herself as she slowly backed herself into the corner.

With a menacing look on his face, Alec kept going, his eyes dark and glittering.

"Stop!! Stop it Alec! I mean it! No!!" Vicki cried out as he caught her arms. "No! Let me go!"

"You're not getting away this time!" Alec flashed his teeth at her warningly, reaching towards her with his hands.

"Aaaaaahhhhh!!!" Vicki howled with laughter as Alec tickled her abdomine and blewed a ticklish breath on her neck. Still giggling, the two of them fell backwards together onto her bed, rolling about with laughter. Strands of hair sneaked out of her perfect french braid, and Alec's outer shirt came off in their wild tumble as they rolled about, trying to tickle the other.

"Stop it Alec!" Vicki pleaded, laughing until tears came out of the corner of her eyes. "Stop!!!"

At her last howl, the door banged open, startling the couple on the bed. They turned about at the sound, still lying on the bed. Vicki's hair was now tangled, and flowing, the braid completely undone in the tumble while Alec's hair stood wildly at its end, his outer shirt dangling on the foot of the bed, wearing only a snug tight blue shirt. Their mouths hung wide opened in suprise.

When Fanny's anxious eyes took in their appearances, she was shocked silent. After an ackward moment Nicholas who was besides Fanny, after a shock, shooked with silent laughter at the scene. "Uh, sorry to interrupt. Continue on!" Flashing a bright lopsided grin at Alec and Vicki, Nicholas took hold of a still stunned Fanny, and dragged her ungently out of the room.

> "Uh, let's get started.." Vicki said awkwardly, glancing around at the round kitchen table, advoiding Nicholas and Fanny's wide grins of amusement. Nicky, who had arrived only a couple of minutes ago sat there confused. She couldn't believe that they had chosen that moment to walk in on her and Alec. Oh she'd never been that embarrassed before in her life! She peeked at Alec sitting next to her through her long eyelashes and was infuriated to see how comfortable he looked, as though they had not been caught rolling about her bed a couple minutes ago. With one of his arm flung behind her chair, he smiled lazily as he caught her glance. She glared at him furiously, unable to believe that she seemed to be the only one embarrassed there. She smiled a cat-like smile before stamping her tall platforms, given to her by Fanny last Christmas, down on his tapping foot. She ignored his yelp of pain, and turning to Nicholas and Fanny, she asked again sweetly, "Well, what are we going to do for the skit?" She wasn't related with Fanny for no reason.

After the first giggling and crackups, they finally got to work, and finally decided to act out a short but touching episode from Huan Zhu Ge Ge one, which had already been released as a set of novels, however has not been filmed yet. Vicki will act as Siao Yan Zi, Fanny as Zi Wei, Nicholas as Er Kang, Alec as Wu Ah Ge, and Nicky as Er Ti.

At first, Vicki protested at her role, imagining Fanny as a better suited Siao Yan Zi, but after a convincing argument with Fanny emphasizing the basics of being an actress was to act entirely different roles, she relented. Besides, arguing with Fanny was never a good choice. It saves a lot of energy just agreeing with her from the first.

For the rest of the month, they mostly spent all their free times together, practicing their lines at an empty apartment that was owned by Alec's father. The apartment was never used, and therefore had been a second home to Nicholas and Alec which was funny, as the apartment was in the building directly across from the building where Vicki and Fanny lived.

At the college, everyone was amazed by the two couples, and they soon became the hottest topic of the student body. Not only was Alec and Nicholas two of the hottest as well as the richest guys in school, but Vicki and Fanny was also two of the most re-owned beautiful girls in school. What amazes them the most is how much the teachers loved Vicki and Fanny, praising their good works, and set them as examples for other students to follow, while discreetly ignoring the way how Fanny let her opinions be known at times.

Nicky, who knew of Nicholas' and Fanny's relationship backed out of their relationship right away, knowing that he had no chances. Instead, him and Fanny became fabulous friends, and got on like house on fire.

At the same time, the college announced the annual race car competition which all students with a liscence could participate in. Nicholas and Nicky, both fanatics of racing joined as usual, but everyone was amazed when the names were announced, and discovered Fanny as one of the competitor, becoming the one and only girl that entered.

By now, the entire Beijing University knew of the two cousins, Vicki and Fanny. After all, how can they not? Not only did they captured the hearts of the two most eligible bachelor in Beijing, which all the girls in the college had been in love with at one time or another, but they were also well-liked by both the student body as well as the college staff.

Vicki, who had always been a model student was naturally the teacher's favorite with her quiet and responsible personality. She was always on time, and was one of the top students of the sophmore class. However, what was strange was that Fanny was also well-liked by the staff.

Unlike her more serious cousin, Fanny seems to do everything at the last minute, hurrily finishing her homework just before class began every day. With her love for parties and going out, it was a mystery to the other students when she found time to study, for somehow, Fanny always scored high on her tests. Though her grades were not as high nor as brillant as her cousin, Fanny scraped by as a high B+ student.

Ever since the beggining of the year, the two cousins had become the most talked of people in the school, by both staff and students. The staff was full of nothing but compliments for the two girls, especially the grouchy Mr. Lee, who took a suprising interest in both girls, especially Fanny. Not only were the two girls both intelligent and beautiful in their own ways, but, the teachers paused in their boasting, they had a great talent for acting too!

As for the student body, while generally the female population was jealous of the more popular girls of the school, they were merely envious of Vicki and Fanny. The two girls had everything, they sighed, looks, brains, and the two handsomest most saught after guys for they boyfriends. Worse of all, they groaned, they were nice!

The male population however, was less complex. They merely admired the two girls, and a tint of envy could be heard as they talk of Nicholas and Alec. Well, some people get all the luck! They even voted the two cousins as the 'flowers' of the college, and labeled Nicholas and Fanny, Alec and Vicki as the 'hottest' couple in collge. Therefore, the four became one of the most beloved gossip topics as their every movement was watched with interest by the entire staff and body.

Ruby, who had always imagined herself as the queen of the college was astonished to find the spotlight going to the two cousins. While she had been admired by many of the males in school, everyone acknoleged her to be an empty headed barbie doll, only concerned about her herself. Fan Bing Bing, who had been liked by few, was even less popular, with her sly minipulation and cat like eyes that glowed with dislike when she was not the center of the attention at all times. But as the two girls were daughters of the two oldest family in Beijing, and with Ruby's father as the top of the school board, few could afford to offend the two girls.

While Vicki merely starred clear of them as much as she could, Fanny, who had never practiced caution, was a different matter. For the first time, the student body watched fascinated as Fanny made fun of the two most influencial girls in school. They were concerned, and was certain Ruby and Bing Bing will surely use their influence to get Fanny kicked out of the college. But suprisingly, nothing happened.

Some rumored that it was because all the teachers backed Fanny up with compliments, and refused to write the assurance that the board needed saying Fanny's behavior was untolerable. Others rumored that it was because Alec's and Nicholas' father, who was the two most important funder of the college, and Ruby's father didn't want to risk offending them over such a trival manner, knowing Fanny and Vicki's closeness to Alec and Nicholas.

During that time, Fanny was in her element once again, as she had been in Singapore. Only difference is, here in Beijing, she had blossomed as she'd never had before. Strange though it may seem, it was the first time she had ever really ben anything more han a good friend to a male. She had always imagined herself too smart to be "caught" and had laughed at Vicki's secret love for Alec. Now, she truely believed it. Love that she had scoffed at, believing it only existed inside those silly romance books that she devours, she finally had confidence existed in real life.

Was she happy where she was? Her sister had asked worrily. Fanny grinned, her lips spreading wide with amusement at the absurbed question as she race across the grassy green lawns of the college campus, ignoring the bold "DO NOT WALK ON LAWN" sign, her long hair flying behind her. Twirling, she danced in a circle, her eyes sparkling, a hum of happiness bursting from her lips. Was she happy!

She ignored the strange looks of the other students off to the side, obeyingly walking on the side walks, and did another happy twirl, her feet flying, her eyes closed in the enjoyment of the moment.

SMACK!!!

Before she had even come to her senses, and realised she'd collided with a hard male body, she was already falling. Fanny woked from her trance with a dazed shake of her head, as she realized that she had sat down with a hard plump on the grassy lawn, her books scattered beside her. Dizzy, she looked up into the familiar handsome eyes that was shaking with laughter.

"Nicholas Xia! You did that on purpose didn't you!" Scrambing to her feet ungracefully, her face still pink from her breathless fall, she stood up to her full height, and glared up at Nicholas. "You were trying to get back at me weren't you?" She accused angrily.

Unable to talk, for he was bent over trying to stop from laughing, his side hurting as he watched her outraged face, already pink, turning a deeper, more interesting shade of red, as she glared at him more forcefully, which did nothing but to increase his murth.

"Stop it!" Fanny threw her hands up in exasperation and embarrassment as the other students began to gather in a crowd about them, naturally, at a discreet distance. However, their giggles, and whispers were nowhere discreet enough for Fanny to bear. Lord, did they think it was a show or something! She had never found herself in such an embarrassing situation! Totally forgetting all the other times that she had been embarrassed, Fanny merely worked herself up in a temper, and naturally, Nicholas was going to take the full blame for it.

"Oooohhhh!!!" Flinging her little sense of caution in the air, Fanny threwed herself on Nicholas, knocking him easily to the ground, as he was, she gritted her teeth, laughing too hard to pay attention to her.

She bared her teeth down at Nicholas, now trapped under her body, her eyes flashing with embarrassed rage. He looked up into her pinkened face, and suddenly the laugher was wipeed completely from his rage as he took in the sight of Fanny's flushed face, her hair cascading on either side of his face, blocking the interest crowd out. Opening her mouth, Fanny was about to let out a stream of swear words when Nicholas suddenly leaned up and kissed her passionly on the mouth.

Startled, Fanny immediately melted under the pressure of his mouth as heat corsed through her. Totally unaware of the students around them, their mouths clung, oblivious to the rest of the world.

"I think I'm in love!" This was said breathlessly by Fanny as she twirled happily about the small kitchen of Vicki's apartment. Sitting on a desk by the table, her face in deep concentration, Vicki lifted her head from the script that she was studying to look her at young impulsive cousin.

"I've never felt this way before. Light, carefree. Yup, I'm in love alright!" Fanny added with a flourish, sitting down across from her cousin. Both girls were dressed in casual nightwears; Vicki in a demure tank top and shorts, while Fanny, who has a passion for men's shirts, was wearing an oversized beige shirt which had once belong to her older brother. Both girls were a sight that many men could gaze timelessly on without boredom.

"Nicholas certainly seems to have made you happy." Vicki teased, her own face lighting as she thought of her own handsome boyfriend.

"Mhmmm." Fanny agreed shamelessly. Then she grinned, shooting an inquiring look at Vicki, she added slyly, "Alec's not doing too bad either. In fact, I can sincerely say that he's a fortunate influence on you. At least you're no longer stuffy." She squealed as Vicki aimed a pen at her.

Vicki grinned at Fanny's antics, but then her thoughts turned serious. Have you thought of the future yet Fanny? What are you going to do when your Uncle Joe finds out that you"re here? What will happen to you and Nicholas?"

Fanny's smile disappeared at Vicki's worried questions, and for once, she was no longer funning. "I don't know."

She stared across the table at her cousin, her chin plopped on her hands, and for a minute, Vicki saw the vulnerable look crossing her cousin's face. "I just try not to think too much past the present. Though Nicholas and I have great fun while we're together, we never truly talk deeply about anything. I know his parents' marriage left a bad scar in him, so deep that he has a hard time committing to a relationship, therefore I don't try to push him. But for once, I really want to know where I stand in his life. Merely as a lighthearted entertainment, or..?" At that, Fanny bit her lip uncertainly, gazing at Vicki, as if pleaing for help.

Vicki was speechless. She had always imagined her cousin to be self-confident and assured. Despite that Fanny was younger that herself by two years, Fanny had always appeared to know everything. In her memory, Fanny had never been uncertain about anything.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Fanny. "Forget about my problem for now. What about you and Alec?"

Now it was Vicki's turn to frown. Her teeth nibbling the top of her pen, not the one that she'd thrown at Fanny, as she tried to explain Alec and her muddle relationship. We act like we're the closest couple, in both private and public. But somehow, like Nicholas, I get the feeling that he doesn't want to truly commit yet. I think it has something to do with his parents too.?lt;P> "I thought they were happily married? Heck, look at this picture." Fanny pointed to the entertainment page of the Beijing Times. On it was a huge picture of Alec's parents at a society ball last night. The couple in the picture were holding hands, a perfect image of a happily married couple.

"It's all a show. Last time I was over at Alec's house, I could almost smell the tense atmosphere there." Vicki had been deeply troubled by the indifferent way Alec’s parents had treated each other.

"They must have married like all the other high society members did; for money and a place in society." Fanny pointed out ruthlessly.

"Fanny! You don't know that!" Vicki was appalled at how cynical Fanny had sounded.

"But it's true! They do! I’ve seemed it all! Remember, my family’s a part of the so-called higher society in Singapore. I’ve seemed tons of these loveless marriages. All the women wanted in a husband is a trememdus bank account. What the husbands seemed to want is merely a hostess that will look beautiful hanging adoringly on their arm.?Fanny put in sarcastically.

“That’s another one of my reason I feel so discontent. I…I just don’t think Alec and I suit.?Vicki flushed. She remembered the obvious snobbery of Alec’s mother while she was at their house. She just felt out of depth in the huge mansion that Alec calls a house, and the way he spend money like water-she shuddered, he was so extravagant.

“Vicki. For the hundredth time! Alec does not care about how much money you have, he wants you, not your background!?Fanny frowned disapprovingly at her cousin.

Helplessly, Vicki turned away from her cousin’s intent stare. “But I just don’t know what I am to him either?

At that, Fanny could not say anything more as her thoughts returned to her own similar problem. Perhaps it was in their blood, she mused. Destined to fall in love with men who will not commit at any price.