A lip Kiss 1

While driving, Levi glares at me and mouths. 'You'll regret it.'

The last time he told me this, I actually regretted it and that was yesterday at school during Hide and Seek. What's he gonna do this time? I've got Jacob. My face fell. But Jacob's no fighter. I'm screwed.

'Get ready to have your mind blown.' Jacob leaned closer to my seat.

The large billboard caught my eyes and I couldn't help but gasp.

'Welcome to New York.' Jacob whispered. His voice as though in a sharp blow.

I had the best time scouting foreign parts of the city. Thanks to Jacob who did most of the talking. In fact, he did all of the talking. I just nod and smile at what he says while all Levi did was stay quiet and look sexy and cool.

'Let's go shopping.' Jacob recommends and I nod again like an agama.

We venture into a mall with pink interior and exteriors. Looks like Barbie took a piss here because everywhere is pink. And I love it.

'We're moving ahead.' Jacob tells the aloof brother.

'Yeah. Whatever.' Levi says nonchalantly through his facemask and I'm upset. Just who does he think he is?!

Angrily grabbing a shopping trolley, I walk down the first aisle. Of course, Jacob trolls beside me.

'Don't like the trip?' he asks and I can almost see his puppy dog eyes.

Now, I feel guilty. 'I love it.'

'Something's bothering you.' Of course. He can see right through me. If hiding my emotions was an exam, trust me, this girl, is coming in dead last.

I say nothing as we, I, push forward. Picking snacks along the way.

'Is it Levi?' Jacob asked.

I say nothing and he laughs. 'I won't blame you. The facemask and hat bothers me too but you can't do anything to change that about him. Levi's Levi.'

On our way to another aisle, a slim girl approached us. She wore a black hat that looked like Levi's. Her white flare velvet gown is decorated in exquisite taste. Her brown hair was elaborately curled and it fell beneath her shoulders. Her face was exceedingly brightened with light make up and when she smiled, her teeth gleamed white against the tanned skin of her face. She looked so beautiful that I felt jealous. Was she a celebrity?

Wrapping her arms around Jacob's neck, she gives him a kiss on the lips. Oh wow. She kissed him. That action really rubbed salt on my nonexistent romantic life.

They pull away and the girl smiles at me. 'Hi. What beautiful hair you have.'

I replied with an awkward smile. Why did she sound like the big bad wolf from Red Riding Hood? And what's with the weird accent?

Jacob cups the back of his neck with his right palm. He's flushed. Why wouldn't he? He just got kissed by a girl in public. A face-slap to me. Darn it. I can't believe I was crushing on a taken man.

'Lin, this is Charlotte, the neighbor I told you about.' Jacob begins the introduction. He told me about her? What things did he say about me to her?

'Charlotte, this is Lin, my girlfriend.' Jacob conclude the introduction.

I knew it. I knew she was his girlfriend.

Lin gives me a hug.

I'm taken back by the hug. 'Hey.'

Lin pulled away. By her accent, she's French but her name's Asian so I don't know.

'Jacob told me you guys were here and I wanted to meet you. I was so excited to meet the English girl.' Lin suddenly link arms with me and we resume shopping.

Ugh ! I almost roll my eyes. Jacob described me as the English girl. I expected something fancier like the sexy girl next door or the rich girl next door.

Lin whispers in my ear. 'Don't worry. Jacob and I aren't a thing.'

I'm confused. Why is she telling me this? And why does she look like a celebrity? Does she attend our school?

'I'm just one of his distant friends. Arrived the country during the weekend.' she smiles and stops to collect a pink glow stick.

Who's paying for those? I hope it's not me.

Jacob walks silently behind us. What's wrong? Shy? It makes me wonder what kind of deal he made with Lin. My guess is "XO, Kitty." The part where Kitty's boyfriend pretends to be the boyfriend of the rich girl. Jacob and Lin's story might be like this but who am I kidding? These things only happen in movies.

In the next few minutes, I find myself laughing. Lin is indeed a funny person to be with.

'The English teacher liked my essay because it had lots of beer in it. I think the woman has a drinking problem. It must be the stress of her job.' Lin snickered and I burst out laughing.

Jacob meet up with us at the counter to have our things packed and paid for. I'm sure you ladies had fun.'

'We did.' I reply. Lin is prettier than me and she's funny. God knows she might be a celebrity but I'm greatful she's not Jacob's girlfriend. Don't give me that look. You all know why.

A petite woman points at Lin and whispers to her female partner. Soon, others follow. What's going on? Why are they whispering? Oh no. Is she on? I move slowly behind Lin to check for a stain on the back of her gown when I heard a girl scream.

'Queen Lin! Oh my gosh. I love you.'

Soon, everyone flooded Lin. I knew she was a celebrity but what kind? Movie star? Musician?

'Is he your boyfriend?' someone asked.

Lin linked arms with Jacob and smiled. 'Yeah.'

Jacob smiles. That smile is genuine. He truly like Lin but why does she - - -

The world ignores me and focuses on both of them. I feel small. Again.

'Here are your bags.' The girl at the counter said hurriedly and I bring out my card to pay and she processes the payment.

'Thanks for patronising us. Do come again.' The girl is looking over my shoulder. I bet she wants to see Celebrity Lin. 'Can you move? I can't see.' she tells me.

I hit rock bottom. Trying not to hang my head in shame, I gently carry the bags. Don't worry. They aren't plenty. Just 2 of them I shelved on my left arm. My right arm went to sleep.

Pushing past the crowd, I safely get outside the store and walk briskly to the car. Then it hit me. The car keys. Levi drove us here.

'Holy shit. Levi. Where the hell is he? I hope he's not stealing again.' I drop the items by the car and rush back inside.

It took me a lot of guts to get back inside because where the bloody hell were these people coming from?

I exhaled sharply. I'm in. I look at the girl behind the counter as she takes pictures of Lin and Jacob. Someone could easily rob this store.

I remember my mission : Finding Levi. In this case "shoplifter." Who knows what he's up to?

I move inwards and turn left. There's the aisle for make up and jewelry. I find a familiar hat and face mask - shoplifter. He lifts his head and our eyes meet. My heart skips a beat. Jesus Christ. Just his look is making my heart do the impossible. Imagine what his touch would do. Charlotte, stop with your unholy thoughts.

He begins to move. Oh no. The aisle is like a wilderness. Its no one but us. Both of us. The rest of the people are going crazy over Lin and Jacob at the entrance.

Now, I'm nervous. Now, everything's in slow motion. Charlotte, baby, calm down. This is just in your head. But it's not. Levi's approaching me and I know that there's a dirty grin on his face behind that mask. Even his walk is theatric.

'Hello, Lamb.'