Forever with You

                        Chapter 1

                  (  Paths Crossed )

"I remember the date quite well, 28th December, just the day before my birthday. I ran down the streets on that cold wintry night and bumped into a boy. Our bands collided and got stuck together."

I tried to remove my band from his without looking at his face, but my heart skipped a beat. I pulled my hand out and kept running miles down until I buried all my sorrows."

I couldn't stop myself from crying as I felt my whole world come to an end. I stopped near a park, walked towards a chair, and sat down, taking deep breaths. I looked up to the sky and asked God why he made me different from the rest. Neither was I slim like the others nor good-looking. I was just a fat lump whom everyone laughed at."

"I was so fat that whoever saw me laughed at my face or took a step back. My friends in school left me out, and not a single boy ever looked at me."

As I was lost in thoughts, questioning myself, I saw the same boy who I bumped into sitting on the other end with his hoodie on, his head looking down."

"I moved my attention from him and started battling with God, asking why there's so much pain."

"When I was crying, a hand suddenly appeared from behind me, offering me his earplugs. I looked at him in shock, unable to believe my eyes. It was the first time someone had approached me, even in the simplest way."

It was the same boy who I had bumped into earlier, the same boy who was sitting across from me, and now he was here. I couldn't say no. I agreed without hesitation, my emotions mixed, and took the earplugs from him. He came and sat beside me.

This was the first time in my life I felt I had found a genuine friend, someone who never pushed me away or laughed at me because of my body and looks.

"I looked at him and asked, 'Why did you come over to me?'"

"He looked at me and asked, 'What's the song you would love to listen to?'"

"He did not reply to what I asked him, which surprised me. I then said, 'I love the song "Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden."

"While playing the song, he said slowly, 'Why is the world filled with cruelty?'"

"I pretended not to hear, but I did. I turned towards him, our bodies facing each other. I extended my hand gently and said, 'Friends?' He looked at me and laughed, took back the earplugs, and left with a smirk."

"How could I not realize my own reality and get lost in thoughts of considering a new bond that would never happen in the first place? I felt shattered again and began questioning God, 'Why? Why me? Am I not worthy of even one good friend?'"

"Tears rolled down my eyes, heavier and heavier this time."

"Just then, I felt a hand closing my eyes from behind, and with soft whispers into my ears, he whispered, 'Friends.'

Is it him? I thought to myself. Or maybe not? Could it be my imagination again?"

He gently moved his hands and said, 'Sorry for being a jerk.'

I walked away because I was scared, and I came back because your tears for me made me realize how pure it was. So how can I neglect a pure friendship?

This time, he reached out his hands and said, 'Friends.'

I smiled and replied, 'Forever.'"

"We both burst out into big laughter, and somewhere deep down life's highway, I smiled for the very first time, I lived for the very first time, and I found myself for the very first time."

"Well, I'm Isabella. You can call me Izy; that's a sweet name," he said. "I'm Maxus," he replied, "you can call me Max."

As we sat under the stars, we realized that true beauty was all around us. The moon, shining brilliantly above, cast its enchanting glow upon us, and the profound silence of the night spoke volumes, weaving a romantic tapestry around our hearts.

In the serene silence, neither of us spoke a word, content to simply exist in the beauty of the moment we shared, far removed from the harsh realities of the world. As the night unfolded, I leaned my head gently on his shoulder, closing my eyes in peaceful surrender.

When I woke up the next morning and looked around, there was no one there, just the echoes of laughter in the air. It was then that I noticed my acquaintance, Lily, who had passed by and caught sight of me in that vulnerable moment. She pulled my hair and taunted, "This fat pig was enjoying a romantic sleep."

Roseline interrupted, saying, "She's stinking like rotten fish, ew! It seems like she hasn't had a bath."

Camille walked up to me and, with a permanent marker, drew the picture of a fish from my face all over my body. Sabrina, who was Camille's right hand, recorded everything that was happening. I was helpless, as my right hand was caught by Lily and my left by Roseline. I needed help, but all I could do was pour out my tears, feeling utterly helpless.

The video was sent to the entire high school, and everyone laughed at me. I became the laughing stock of the school, known as the coward who was afraid to stand up for myself.

"I felt everything around me rotating in black figures, and from a distance, I saw someone walking towards me. However, I couldn't make out anything clearly. As the person approached, everything seemed to stand still. When he held me, everyone was taken by surprise. 'Who are you?' I managed to say before fainting."

"Despite being unaware of my surroundings, I could sense amusement in the air. Voices chuckled around me, saying, 'The pig is on a lap,' indicating I was quite heavy."

" He led me to the terrace of the school building and gently sprinkled water on my face. As I slowly opened my eyes, I saw Max. I was shocked. 'It was you who saved me?' I asked, surprised, as he brushed my hair behind my ears and carefully poured water into my mouth. 'Why did you leave me yesterday?' I questioned, to which he responded by looking at my face and gently wiping away the drawings with a tissue. 'Why do you care?' I asked, puzzled. He gazed into my eyes and softly replied, 'I care because you are you. I care because I, too, have a similar story, and deep down, we are both broken.'"

Do you know who I am ? "

My  eyes fluttered .

" Do you know what has happened? " 

My mouth quivered . I closed my eyes . Swallowed. Max leaned in closer . 

' This body," I breathed ." Is the cause of myisery ." 

For the past few weeks,  I did not sleep . Sometimes i spoke gibberish, cried out , called out names . I swept in my sleep, grew agrigated , kicked the blankets off , and my Mom had to hold me down . 

When I wasn't agitated, I was a sullen paur of eyes staring from under a blanket, breathing out short little cried to myself. Somedays I was childlike , head side to side . 

It was Max who helped me. When I felt I had no one . 

" When I asked him about his story, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and drew closer. 'You must be in pain,' he said, embracing me tightly. I noticed that whenever I asked him a question, he never directly responded, instead choosing to inquire about me. It felt like he was avoiding talking about his past. 'Could we meet again in the evening at the park?' he asked. 'Do you want to meet me?' I was shocked; it was the first time a handsome boy had approached me, and I felt insignificant beside him. It all still felt like a dream."

I was extraordinary lucky , I thought but then some memory would rise , unbidden and there would be stony silences or spells of churlishness . Nightmares and suddenly attacks of grief . Retching. And sometimes regrets. 

What could be say to a girl that would ease her burden ? 

As it turned out , Max didn't have to say anything. 

'Would this hurt me?' I asked. 'Do you believe in me?' he replied. 'I hope you don't leave me alone again.' With that, he reached into his pocket, retrieved a bracelet, and gently placed it on my wrist. It was a star, shining brightly and beautifully. 'Why are you giving me this?' I questioned. 'Because you're my star,' he answered softly. 'I'm your star.' With those words, he left me to ponder, walking away and leaving me behind."

" Lost in thought, his words about me being his star echoed in my mind. I made my way to the washroom and stared at my reflection in the mirror. Determined, I decided to transform myself, promising that I wouldn't appear in front of him until I felt beautiful. Kissing the bracelet, I whispered, 'Even though I'm far, I'm forever with you.'"

"I knew it wouldn't be right to not show up, but I felt I needed to go far to find my way back again.

" You'll have to forgive me, Max," I said adjusting my clothes and dabbing my face with a handkerchief. I still haven't quite recovered, I fear . 

 Later that evening, I hid behind a tree and watched as Max sat on a bench, waiting for me with a bouquet of roses. Should I go to him? Something held me back. I could see him glancing at his watch, scanning the area. I couldn't bear to see him like that any longer. It was past 11, and yet he sat there, hopeful that I would come. Yes, I was there, but at a distance. Like stars, we're never close but provide light from afar, and that's what I did. After a while, he left the roses on the bench with a note and departed. As soon as he was out of sight, I ran to pick up the rose and the note."

"The note read:When we were both twelve, I was that fat guy who accidentally bumped into you while running from my friends, who were teasing me. Life took its twists, and you ran into me like the way I ran into you. That day, you were my light, and on that dark night, you were my brightest star. When I was miserably hungry and had no food, you left your food behind for me to eat. From that day on, I promised to always be by your side, just as you were in the past. I promise to never leave you alone. I know you didn't show up today, but I'm still waiting for you."

" After reading the note, I cried out. My heart started beating fast, and I ran from there, looking all around for him, but he was nowhere to be seen. I longed to hug him tight and tell him how much I missed him over the years. Would I ever be able to see him again?" 

"Restless with the desire to see him and share everything I had kept within myself for years, I knew I had to keep my promise to transform myself. I made the difficult decision to leave Kalimpong and move to Australia."

"Leaving Kalimpong wouldn't be easy, as I'm not just leaving my love behind, but I'm also leaving my past—the past that was a burden, that brought me sorrow, that made me hate myself. I decided to leave and never return again."

                  Chapter 2 

                   ( New life)

Hi Izzy, wake up! It's past 10," Zoe said, looking at me and the alarm. "Zoe, goddamn, let me sleep more!"

'Are you planning to bunk work today?' she said. I looked at her, and we both laughed. 'Let's get ourselves some coffee, and I need to visit the parlor today, so yes, I'll bunk work,' I said, and we laughed together again. Zoe wasn't just my alarm clock; she was also like a constant guide since I came to Australia.

'I hope I'm not out of the plan,' said Kohinoor, throwing off her new shades of lipstick. She looked stunning, as always. 'Of course not, we're all in,' I said."

'Can we change the plan for the evening?' Kohinoor insisted, suggesting that going to a pub seemed like more fun. 'Come on, Koh,' Zoe said. I added, 'There's more to life than going to a pub.' But Koh kept insisting that we should go and have the time of our lives. 'But before that, I need to visit the parlor, so let me get fresh, and we're off.' 'Well, that seems more like a plan,' Koh said, looking at herself in the mirror, as she was quite self-obsessed."

While taking a shower, my eyes fell on the bracelet given by Max. I smiled, realizing the promise I made to myself. However, I never wanted my past to resurface. I was content with my new self in a new atmosphere, surrounded by lovely people who loved me endlessly. As I came out of the washroom, Zoe surprised me with a special breakfast. 'Ta-da! This is for you, Izzy,' she exclaimed, presenting ham and cheese bread. 'I need a bite too,' Koh said. We all dug into the sandwich made by Zoe, and it was delicious."

beepp ! Beeep ! A watsapp notification appeared on my screen it was a message sent by Adam ...'" Coming to see my football tournament?" I smiled and replied: Nope, not this time! You'll have to win without my cheers. Pogo!"

It's good to see you blushing quite often,' Koh said. 'This only happens when Adam messages,' Zoe added. 'Girls, can we cancel everything today? I've got plans!' I said. 'Wooah, is it a date with Adam?' Koh said, suggesting I wear my most beautiful outfit. However, I couldn't waste any time, as I had to be there for Pogo's final football tournament."

"I got dressed and left. As I reached the stadium, I took my seat right in the middle so I could see his match clearly. Pogo looked nervous, but I knew nothing could ever stop him.

After leaving Kalimpong, I came across Adam at the airport, and that's how our paths crossed. He saw me at my worst and at my best, and we have been best friends ever since. There was nothing we didn't know about each other."

I could see Adam looking all around for me, but he couldn't spot me. Not wanting him to play with discouragement, I came down towards the field, and there, his eyes met mine. It was unexpected, but he left everything and came to hug me, whispering into my ears, 'Thanks for coming, my lucky charm.' My heart skipped a beat, taking me back to old memories. I pulled myself back, lightly hitting him on the head, saying, 'All the best, Pogo. I know you will bring home the cup.' He looked at me and said, 'Nothing is impossible if you're not there by my side.' He came closer, and all eyes were on us, as it seemed like a romantic scene. 'Don't you try to kiss, Pogo,' I said. He smiled and said, 'You look beautiful. You looked even more beautiful when you were chubby, but this is our win.' I felt a deep sense of happiness and asked him to concentrate on his game, as that was his career."

The football match played by Adam was nothing short of exhilarating. From the first kick-off, his passion for the game was evident in every move he made. With swift footwork, he maneuvered through the opposing team, showcasing his agility and skill. As the game progressed, Adam's determination became more apparent, rallying his teammates and leading the charge towards victory.

With each goal scored, the stadium erupted in cheers, echoing Adam's name. His strategic plays and unwavering focus captivated the audience, drawing them into the intensity of the match. Despite facing formidable opponents, Adam remained unfazed, demonstrating resilience and perseverance until the final whistle blew.

As the game concluded, Adam emerged victorious, a testament to his talent and dedication. The match was not just a display of skill but a testament to the spirit of football, where passion and teamwork triumphed against all odds."

After the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted in cheers for Adam. Overwhelmed with joy, he sprinted towards Izzy, beckoning her onto the field. Pulling her into a tight embrace, She whispered, 'Congratulations, Pogo, you made it.' Pogo playfully corrected her , 'Nope, you're wrong, Miss Angry Bird, it's our win.' In that moment, amidst the cheers and celebration, our bond felt stronger than ever . 

After the game, we went to a nearby café to enjoy our favorite cappuccino, a tradition after every football match Pogo played. 'Did you like the game?' Adam asked, pulling my cheeks. 'No, I didn't,' I replied, turning my eyes away. 'I thought you wouldn't come,' he said, looking deep into my eyes. 'And what if I didn't? What would you have done, Pogo?' I asked, looking at the empty cup. 'I wouldn't have played,' he replied. For a moment, we were both lost in thought until I broke the silence by playfully hitting Adam on his head, as I always do."

"I asked Adam if he'd like to join us at the pub tonight, but he insisted he'd rather sleep. Concerned about his upcoming tournaments, all I could do was console him. He mentioned that he might be moving to Brazil the coming week, possibly for a month or so. Just then, Koh called up, 'Pogo, excuse me, I need to take this call,' I said, and got up, moving towards the door that led to a beautiful hallway. 'What's the matter, Koh?' I asked."

I'll be there shortly," I said. "You both better not do anything without me. We'll do our treatment together," I insisted, as Zoe and koh  were moving off to the parlor.

"I went back to our table and told Adam that I had to leave because I had plans with my girls."

"As I got up to leave, he held my hand tight and said, 'Why do you keep running away from me?' I laughed and replied, 'I keep running away from the ghost in you.' We both burst into laughter. 'Well, you will not change,' he said, pulling my cheeks again. 'Hey Pogo, I'll smack your head if you pull my cheeks again,' I warned. But he did it again, and I playfully hit his head. Sometimes, I felt like I was reliving my childhood with him all over again."

In the bustling salon, Zoe, Koh, and I settled into plush chairs, ready for our pampering session. The air was filled with the soothing scent of essential oils and the soft murmur of chatter from other clients. Zoe flipped through a fashion magazine, while Koh admired her newly painted nails, already planning her next color.

The hairstylist approached, and Zoe eagerly described the new hairstyle she wanted to try, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Meanwhile, Koh, known for her adventurous spirit, decided on a bold makeup look, choosing vibrant eyeshadows and a daring lip color.

As the stylists worked their magic, we chatted and laughed, sharing stories and jokes. The conversation quickly turned sassy and lively. Zoe, always the fashionista, teased Koh about her latest outfit, jokingly calling it "bold" and "out there," while Koh, never one to back down, fired back with a playful insult about Zoe's love for all things sparkly.

I joined in, adding my own witty remarks and sarcastic comments to the mix. We bantered back and forth, each of us trying to outdo the other with our quick wit and sharp tongues.

Despite the teasing, there was an underlying sense of love and camaraderie between us. We knew that no matter how sassy our conversations got, we always had each other's backs.

                       Chapter 3 

                ( Call of the Past ) 

As Zoe, Koh, and I entered the pub, the lively sounds of music and chatter greeted us. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, and we couldn't help but feel excited for the night ahead. Zoe, always the life of the party, led the way, her infectious laughter drawing the attention of those around us.

Koh, with her adventurous spirit, immediately headed to the dance floor, eager to show off her moves. I followed suit, joining her in the midst of swirling lights and pulsating music. The crowd parted, creating a space for us to dance freely, lost in the rhythm of the night.

As I danced in the dimly lit room, the music pulsating through my veins, I suddenly felt a gentle bump. Turning around, I found myself face to face with Camille, a blast from the past. Memories flooded back, revealing chapters of my life I had tucked away.

Camille and I locked eyes, and in that moment, it felt as though time stood still. I could see the past reflected in her gaze, memories of  tears  and unspoken words. The music faded into the background as we stood there, lost in our own world.

[So, that fat, squashy, dirty pig has transformed into plastic ! I wonder how you are among all people. Have you stolen someone's dress?" Camille said, holding her nose. "The stink is disgusting."]

Camille's words cut through the noise like a knife. Her statement, loud and clear, echoed in my ears, causing a wave of embarrassment to wash over me.

As she made the remark, a few heads turned in our direction, and I felt my face flush with shame. I tried to laugh it off, to pretend that her words didn't affect me, but deep down, I knew they did.

Camille's words were like a dagger to my self-esteem, a reminder of a past I had worked so hard to overcome. The fact that she would bring it up in such a public manner was humiliating, to say the least.

Despite my efforts to brush it off, her words lingered, casting a shadow over the rest of our interaction. I tried to hide my hurt, but inside, I was reeling, wondering why she would choose to embarrass me in such a cruel way.

As Camille's hurtful words hung in the air, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. However, before I could respond, Zoe and Koh sprang into action. They stood by my side, their expressions filled with indignation and solidarity.

Zoe, known for her fierce loyalty, stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "How dare you speak to her like that?" she exclaimed, her voice ringing clear above the noise of the cafe. Koh, always the voice of reason, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, offering silent support.

Camille's voice pierced through the air, sharp and accusatory. "You all know nothing about this Ugly fat pig ," she spat, her words dripping with venom. "She's nothing but a coward who had a hidden affair with the park boy."

Her words landed like a slap, and I felt a surge of anger and disbelief. Zoe and Koh exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring my shock. How could Camille say such things, especially in such a public setting?

Before any of us could respond, Zoe stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Camille, that's enough," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Izzy is our friend, and we know her better than anyone. Whatever your issues are, this is not the place to discuss them."

A voice from behind said, "Well, if she's an ugly fat pig, you're no less than an evil, ugly beast."

As the harsh words cut through the tense atmosphere, we turned to see who had spoken. It was a stranger, a man whose face was hidden but the voice seemed familiar. 

I was shocked by Camille's appearance; it took me back to the day when I was stripped and marked all over my body.

Hey, that's enough," Zoe said, her voice firm. "You have no right to speak to her like that." Koh, always ready to stand up for what was right, added, "We won't tolerate this kind of behavior. Please leave."

Camille's gaze hardened, but she said nothing more. With a final glare, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving us all reeling from her hurtful words.

Zoe and Koh turned back to me, their eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?" Zoe asked, her voice gentle.

I nodded, grateful for their support. In that moment, their comforting presence was all I needed to feel strong again. 

I wondered whose voice it was, and then Adam appeared, pulling me close to him in front of everyone. He hugged me tightly and said, "I'm sorry I wasn't here for you at your worst."

"I wondered how you ended up here," I asked, my thoughts deep.I was in search of that voice, and as my heart started beating faster, I realized I needed to find out who it was.

Where are you going, Izzy?" he said, holding my hand tight.

"I just need some fresh air," I whispered, slipping out into the night. As I walked down the pathway, tears streaming down my face, I bumped into a man. His voice, so familiar, sent a shiver down my spine.

"You should be careful while walking," he said, his words gentle. It was the same voice I had heard inside. My heart skipped a beat as I looked up, and in that moment, my world fell apart.

I was speechless, lost in a whirlwind of emotions as the pages of my past opened up once again, revealing a story I thought was long forgotten.

It was him! Our eyes met, and in that moment, everything else faded away. I was speechless, lost in the depths of his gaze. As I turned to leave, he reached out, taking my hand from behind, pulling me gently towards him.

With a tender embrace, he held me close, his touch sending a wave of warmth through me. It was a feeling I had longed for, a feeling of comfort and belonging. His breath was warm against my ear as he whispered, "Please don't go, not this time at least."

In that moment, surrounded by his embrace, I knew that I was where I belonged.

                         Chapter 4 

                ( Our little Moments)

He led me to his place, a sanctuary of beauty and coziness.

I went and sat on the sofa and began flipping through some magazines. 

I wondered if i should call Adam to find out whether he was ok or not . I checked the time in my mobile phone - 22.30 p.m. 

"Do you want to grab a pizza?' Max asked as he walked up towards me. 

I looked up at him . He shook his head smiling, questioning. 

I smiled back and noticed that his body language had changed from when it had been an hour ago. This was a more confident stance , his body fully facing mine , almost as an offering, or maybe my mind was making that up , considering I wanted to be offered that body . 

" 'Okay, you look extremely beautiful now, but you looked even more beautiful in the past,' Max said. 'Okay, I'll order something,' I said, feeling a bit awkward."

I've indicated what you like , he said . 

' Thanks , Max . 

He asked me if I'd like a drink . 

' What do you have?' 

' Okay this is not a bar .' I turned to smile at him . ' I have a bottle of rum and some vodka and there's ice in the fridge.' 

' Okay , I think I'll have vodka . Can I bring it here ?'  he asked? 

' Ofcourse. He keeps the bottles on the mantle on the left .' 

Just as he was about to pour me a drink , I called out to him . 

' Max .' 

' Yes ,' he replied, turning back . 

I stood there staring at him , not sure if I wanted to ask about how he landed here, looking for something to indicate. 

I smiled. ' Nothing. Sorry .' 

He smiled back and blew me a kiss aahe stepped out , pulling the door shut behind him. 

Max came back with a bottle of Jim Beam and headed for the bar. He had also brought ice. He poured himself a large drink on the rock and some rum for me, and turned around to ask what Id like with it . 

I prefer Coke. There's coke on the table, ' He replied . I wanted him to talk about something about the past , so he could get a sense to what  I had in mind . 

He brought the drinks and sat down next to me . 

' So ? '

I turned to him. The perfume he was wearing was subtle but lovely. 

I couldn't help it any longer. 

Where were you over these years, and how did you find me here?' I said, seemingly confused."

I was always here , right beside you. Maybe you couldn't see me, but I was there," he replied, looking into my eyes. Overwhelmed with emotion,I  hugged him tightly, feeling grateful for his presence.I curved my lips , and I felt his hand on my thigh.

' Izzy '

' Yes .' 

As he leaned towards me to kiss me , there was a knock on the door and the night guard walked in with the pizzas . He got up hastily , took them from him and paid him , trying to gauge from his expression if he had noticed anything unusual at all , but he seemed sufficiently blank. Thank God ! He rushed back to my side and , holding me by the shoulder, hauled me into his arms . I kissed him, like it was the only thing I all along wanted to do . 

As our lips moved over each other's. He opened his eyes and looked at me , noticing the curve of my ear , and the soft , light hairs on them , my long , natural eyelashes and the crooked line of my eyeliner. 

I closed my eyes again, and lost myself in the feel of his lips on mine , and the heady taste of his mouth and tongue. He was almost always warm, warmer than the normal human body.

Well , you are hot ! He whispered into my ears. 

I smiled. My lips must have moved involuntarily, because he immediately noticed I was lost in my own thoughts and pulled back from the kiss. 

What are you thinking? He asked with a twinkle in his eye.

  I kissed him back gently and asked, "Am I still your lucky star?"

'Thats it ? One minute we are kissing and the next minute we sit down and talk about the few things left unsaid. 

"He looked deep into my eyes, our breaths embracing each other— you were, you are, and you will always be.

'Do you want to pull up the past ? I asked. We have a lot to talk about. 

Izzy ! 

Yes ? 

Whatever I'd meant to say fled my mind .

He giggled . Instantly, as if his mind were controlling me , his hands moved up to my breasts . He slowly massaged my breast as I leaned back into him, arching my back , firmly pushing my boobs into his hands . His fingers found my nipples through my dress and he began pinching and rubbing then as they turned hard . I put my left hand over his and kneaded my breasts harder and with my left guided my other hand down my body to between my legs , spreading them to make room for him. He pulled up my dress- not that it needed much pulling - and slid his hand inside my panties. I moaned , leaning further back into him and , lifting my legs ,planted my feet on the the edge of the bed . When he found my clit, he held my hand in place, firmly pressing my fingers deeper into his. 

'love that ! ' 

"As we were locked up together in each other's arms, my phone started buzzing. I picked it up to see who it was, and it was Pogo's call with our picture together on the screen. I could see Max looking from the corner of his eyes, seemingly not bothered, but I knew he wanted to know who this guy was. 'Well, I need to take this call,' I said as I released myself from Max's locked arms and went towards the window to receive his call. I slid the screen and picked up. I could hear Koh and Zoe shouting their lungs out. 'What's the matter, Pogo? What's wrong?' I asked."

" 'Where are you exactly?' Adam burst out. 'Do you even have any idea how many times we've rung you up and looked for you high and low?' A sense of fear arose. I couldn't let Adam know a thing about Max. I stood there in silence, listening to everything he was saying. 'Where exactly are you?' Adam burst out again... ummm, I didn't know what exactly to say, neither could I lie."

'Izzy, say something,' he said. I realized that Adam was crying out because he seemed worried. Zoe snatched the phone from his hand. 'Izzy, where are you?' 'Zoe, I'm sorry, but I'm just keeping to myself for now,' I said, holding my heart tight as with every word I echoed, I could hear Adam's cry louder and louder. 'Do you even have an idea what's going on with Adam right now?' she said. 'I know, Zoe. Please take care of him. I'll be there.'"

"I hung up the call and walked back to the bed where Max and I were sharing our little moments. 'Max, I need to leave,' I said, not wanting to leave at all. I wanted to spend and recreate every moment that was left unfulfilled, but doing this would hurt Adam too.

I need to go to the loo. 

I walked back into the room looking fresh . I had brushed my hair and reapplied lipstick. 

I am hungry.

Yeah , we almost forgot the pizza. 

 I felt stuck as I couldn't lose either of them; both are special to me. 'What's more important than this moment, Izzy?' Max said, with watery eyes. 

He brought the pizzas over to the bed and we sat down to eat . 

I didn't like this whole thing that has just happened. 

'It's an emergency,' I said, not meeting his eyes.I need to leave . 'Okay, I'll drop you,' he said, giving me gestures that he didn't want to leave me for a while. 'It's okay, Max, I can go by myself.' 

I felt a momentary pang of guilt when I realised that i shouldn't have gone forward with this at all . I wasn't sure how I was meant to react to that . I knew I was incredibly lucky but at some point I had to talk to him about this . 

An hour later I headed home . As I pulled out my dress , I wondered why I had never fantasized about Adam. He had a great body, was a gorgeous man and a wonderful person, in every way. But the things I could think of doing with Max, or indeed was doing with Max , I just couldn't associate with Adam. And yet I adored him, increasingly,wanted to spend time with him more than with anyone else. I pulled on a black t shirt and headed for a walk, texting him on the way down. He replied with a simple smiley . I had never imagined he could be this lame . 

He spotted me