Volume 1 (Dina and David's Story)

I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. A couple on the street is sharing a passionate kiss under the rain. I look around, considering the possibility of a film crew somewhere. It's so movie-like that I can almost hear a cheesy soundtrack playing in the background. Followed by a roll of the credits as the couple's picture pans out, of course—an advertisement for a happily ever after. The biggest lie ever told in all history of lies.

In real life, they get separated after a year, or maybe they wake up the next day, and it's over, just like that. You never know. But one thing's for sure; nothing lasts forever.

I cringe as the make-out session gets intense. What the hell is wrong with these people? Looking for a distraction that doesn't make me want to gag, I head toward the 7/11 near me. The road is getting slippery from the weather, so I struggle to keep my balance. The last thing I need is a sore butt from falling into the pavement. I squirm inside my wet clothes, which now cling to me like a second skin. Basically, I am a mess and deeply uncomfortable, but I trudge on. I have work to do, after all.

I slow down a bit as I hear footsteps behind me, looking up as the person passes by me. I frown at what I see as it immediately reminds me of someone I know. Asian, with a beautiful face, flawless skin, and an outfit that can probably buy an entire country. He looks exactly like the type who has had it easy his whole life. I already hate his guts.

The guy doesn't bat an eye as he notices me staring at him, which means he's probably used to it, too. He does give me a nod and opens the door for me, though, so I'd give him that.

Inside the store, a bored-looking cashier is inspecting a hangnail. She straightens as she catches sight of the guy, and I try not to roll my eyes. Of course, she'd be interested in him. Mr. Cool (this is what we're calling the guy now) just nods at her non-committally, heading straight into the freezer. I smirk at his reaction. Most guys usually just go for it—especially if the girl's attractive.

"There's a bar across the street, and you're picking drinks at the 7/11?" I say, slowly approaching Mr. Cool. His head is bent, deep in contemplation about his drink choices. For a second, I think I hear him let out an annoyed sigh, and my eyebrows cock up. Wow, this stranger is really the coldest of them all.

"I don't drink. I'm still a minor," Mr. Cool replies after a while, not even turning his attention away from the freezer. Rude. I hang around him, suddenly unsure of myself. He obviously didn't want the company. Come to think of it, I'm not the kind to strike up a conversation with a stranger in the middle of the night, too. I know full well how dangerous this area is after dark. I guess it figures that the one time I try to entertain my friendlier side, I do it in front of Mr. Cool and make an absolute fool of myself.

I narrow my eyes at him as he continues to choose his drink carefully. He must have noticed me staring daggers at him, but he continues pretending to be the only person in the room. Picking up a set of chips on one of the shelves, Mr. Cool pats the back pocket of his jeans. The sight of his wallet makes me remember something I was meant to do. Slowly, a smile creeps up my face.

"Oooh...orange juice," I drawl, pretending to reach over him for a can. He finally turns his attention to me, clearly annoyed now. But before he can say anything, l snatch up the wallet from his back pocket.

"Hey!'' he shouts after me as I swiftly exit the store, splashing my way across the street. I don't pause to look back, maneuvering the puddles in front of me, silently praying that I don't slip. I hear Mr. Cool's footsteps and loud cursing behind me. I snicker. Good luck to him. I've never been caught in a chase before.

I keep running, my ears working double-time to hear any signs of him catching up to me. I round into a dark alley, hoping that would discourage him from picking up his pace. But he keeps giving chase, so I run even faster. It takes a long while until I can only hear the sound of my footsteps on the wet pavement. And as soon as I'm out of the woods, I stop to catch my breath.

"Aah!! You scared the shit out of me!' I scream.