Chapter 1 - You, Who Don't Know An Incredible Person When You See One

Two popular and smart recent high school graduate decides to get married for 10 years to settle an old score once and for all - despite their unbearable hatred to one another.

"So, are you serious about this?" Ian asks with a cold look. Elaine shrug her shoulders after sipping her strawberry milkshake. 

 

"Sure, why not?" she reply. 

 

Ian quickly frowns at her.

 

"Don't you think it's weird? Why can't we just keep an e-mail, like a regular person?" he say. 

 

Elaine glare at him.  

 

"Because, we'll be like a pen-pal then; writing stuff to each other every other week. I don't want that. Besides, it wouldn't feel like a real fight..." she reply, stirring her drink vigorously. 

 

Ian sighs. His face clearly stated that he's doubtful about all of this.

 

"You seem pretty serious about this game. Still, I don't think it would be a great idea." he say. Elaine sipped at her milkshake again. Looking at him, she slowly releases the straw from her mouth. Ian subconsciously adjusted his collar. 

 

"Which part wasn't? We can re-discussed it again." she says, turning her gaze at him. Her expression is joyful. Ian look at her with a poker face. Have she been thinking clearly? Like, at all? Highly unlikely. But there's a hint of seriousness when she explained it to him earlier.

 

When Ian still hasn't responded, Elaine sighs.

 

"Well, think about it. We get married now, wait ten years - then reap the benefits. I already told you that the winner gets them all. Along that time, either of us can do whatever we want. If it's too hard for you, then think it like - a ten year investment." she says. Ian is neither convinced, nor interested. Elaine growls.

 

"Oh, come on...You know that this is a great bet. And it's not like we're going to do it forever; just for ten years. You wouldn't even miss it. So, winner with the highest earnings - will receive the accumulated wealth of the other. Tell me, aren't you even slightest tempted to win it?" she says, luring him in. Ian, who still have some doubts, take a sip of his own drink. 

The sweet coke taste bitter in his mouth. Then, he look at her.

 

"Yeah, of course I'm intrigued. It's a risky business, but I can't deny it have a huge attraction. Not to mention, inviting as well. In ten years, what will become of us; a big success, or a big failure? That definitely gives you something to think about... But, marriage clause though? I can't understand that part. Is it really necessary? Why can't it be like, a normal contract or something?" he says with a frown. 

Elaine look at him before pushing her drink away. Moving one of her index finger; to left and right - she clicked her tongue. 

 

"No. Normal contract doesn't give me assurance. That's why, I feel necessary to double it by a marriage contract. Just in case, one of us wanted to back down. I mean, ten years is a very long time, you know? Anything can happen around then - so where's our safety bucket? The marriage certificate, of course..." she say with the brightest smile. Ian expression had started to change. 

 

So, that's why she keep insisting about that. She want a guarantee, safe net where she can fall back too if the deal is off. And she's right too. What's could be better, more secure thing; than being married to one another? It's legal and binding - all at the same time. Ian talk to himself. 

 

But even though she's right, that doesn't mean Elaine has been thinking this deal all way through. He feels like there's still some aspect they haven't talk about. Some of them can be a little bit blunt, but not saying it would seems like a bigger crime. Which is why, he feels important to be completely honest with her right now.

 

"But here's the problem - I don't even like you... How do you expect me to stay married to you for that long? With that on your mind, how are we going to keep this deal going? Seems like a full blown craziness to me." he says. 

 

Elaine smiles had quickly disappeared. This guy - how dare he?

 

"What is this? Are you trying to call me, crazy?" she ask dryly. The look in her eyes are fierce. Is she possibly mad? Ian stomach started churns. He didn't exactly say that, but the way he said it - might be suggesting for it. A cold sweat begin to trail along his jaw. 

 

A moment later, Ian heard a break of a laughter. Looking at Elaine, she already soften her glare. A mischievous smile, lay across her mouth. S**t. Is she joking just now? Her anger looks real enough to him.

 

"Oh, are you really that scared, Ian? Did you pee in your pants, already?" she mocks him. Her eyes are laughing at him now. Ian face is rigid. What's with the sudden lame joke? Did this woman had a dying wish? He thinks to himself. 

 

Watching at Ian reaction, Elaine stopped smiling. Whoops, perhaps it wasn't really a good idea to start joking if his face looking like that. She thinks silently. She forced herself to laugh as a form of quick recovery. 

 

"Calm down... I'm just joking. Gosh. I know you didn't peed your pants, you're too old to be doing that. Where's your sense of humour?" she says, defending herself. Her cracking voice tells Ian that she's a little scared.  

 

Ian makes no effort to say anything. Let her get scared... 

 

Ian turn outside to look at the couple of passer-by. There's a hint of joy in their faces, since Christmas will be coming in just a few days. It had been such a tamed winter all week, no snow or blizzard news - no wonder people leave their homes and start swarming around the side-road to do some last minute shopping. 

 

Despite the happy and warm facial expression outside, the atmosphere is dead and quiet between the two of them. 

 

"Sorry." Elaine managed to say after a while. Her eyes are looking at Ian. He look at her, her face is apologetic. Okay, maybe that's silence treatment is enough. He thinks that she had learned her lesson. Also, he feels necessary to start speak up again, since another problem had come across his mind and he want to discuss it with Elaine.

 

Turning his glance from the passer-by, he look at her. 

 

"So, if we wanted to do this... fine. I'll agree. But, I only had one concern though..."he said. Elaine look at him weirdly. 

 

"What is it?" she ask. Ian mouth turn vicious. 

 

"The parent consent. What are you going to do about it?" he ask, matter - factly. Elaine frowns. Looking at her expression, Ian knows that he had win something here. So, she hasn't think that far yet, huh? This could be interesting. To add more dramatic twist, he suddenly leans forward. Their eyes immediately locked. 

 

"What... what are you doing?" she stammers. Ian laid out a nasty smirk at her. Right now, he feels like he's in a comfortable position in doing so. Elaine look at him with a disapproving scowl. What is he thinking right now? Looking at her like this as if he had his triumph over her or something?

 

Ian continues. 

 

"Do you really think, just because the two of us are in legal age - they are going to hand the permission to us, without any particular reason? Do you think that's how it's easily going to happen?" he ask, sitting back at his previous position. There's an accomplishment in his face. Something that, couldn't easily be interpreted by Elaine.

 

Is he happy about calling off the bet, or is he happy because she haven't think about this possibility?

 

Having no answer to this, Elaine pretend to gasp - as if she's starting to recognize this one little detail she had missed. 

 

"Ah, that parent consent...  You're right. Jeez, how could I forget that? Darn it, what sort of excuse shall we gave them so they would agree?" she says, pretend to fluster. Ian frowns at her reaction. Oh, crap. She's acting like it wasn't a big deal, when it's actually - everything! 

Elaine clasped her fingers together and puts it under her chin. She avoided any eyes contact with Ian. For a moment there, neither of them speak out. Even Ian is looking somewhere else, looking for an inspiration. Then, quite suddenly - Ian turned his gaze at her. He finally had figure out something. The most logical excuse, and easiest way out to support them and therefore, this entire scheme. All he need to do now is to convince Elaine, and have her approval on this.

 

"Well, for one thing- we can say that you are pregnant..." he say. Then, he quickly looks away. That's one bold move, he knows. But he just couldn't help it. Serve her right for proposing this crazy, diabolical scheme to extort future money from him at the first place. Well, maybe not just his money - hers too. Anyway, it's a fifty-fifty chances between the two of them.

 

Elaine look at him with disbelief.

 

"I can't believe that such suggestion could fly out from your mouth." she say, extremely annoyed. When Ian didn't say anything, she continues. "So, what are you planning to tell them then after that nine months had passed, huh? Miscarriage? Is that what you got under your sleeves? Have you think about your suggestion, really carefully before proposing it - you crazy b*****d?" she ask cynically. 

 

With that been said, Ian knows that he had stepped over the line. He quickly apologizes. 

 

"Sorry, that was rude." he say. Elaine looks at him with a disgust. She taps her fingers on the table clumsily, tries to erase that inside of her head. Very hard. Shameful, it's not really working at the moment.

Then, she suddenly speak up. 

 

"Here's the thing... we need a simple, but effective kind of excuse. Something that we can just mediate it by ourselves and won't lead too much interference from anyone. But, what is?" she says, looking at Ian.

He shrugs his shoulders. 

Both of them are keeping eyes on each other movements, hoping that one of them would come out with better ideas - but so far, nothing good comes to mind. 

 

"Can't we trick them to sign the consent paper or something?" he suggested, nonchalantly. His voice sounded like he's already boring about all of this.

 

Elaine gives him the impossible look.

 

When it comes to making decision, bargaining or signing anything; her parents are one of the most cautious people in the world she knows - thanks to their business-related background. They would never sign anything, unless they had been through that stuff for so many times. Sometimes, a lawyers would even present in their house, before any deal was closed. Knowing her parents like that, how does Ian expect her to succeed in conning such people? 

That’s like asking for some crazy and unattainable thing.

 

Her silence made Ian sighs. He had started thinking about his family too. Would they be fooled? Haha, what are you talking about, Ian? Absolutely no-freaking-way. His family wasn't that crazy. There's low chance he’s going to get away with this and survives. 

So, bad idea Ian…

 

"If that's not possible then, how would you feel about forging their signature?" he finally suggest, after an eternity pause. The suggestion that come out from his mouth must be a half-baked, because there's certainly no confidence in his voice. 

 

Elaine stop tapping her fingers on the table. Can’t his suggestion gets any better than this?

 

At the disconcerting look on her face, Ian had finally gave up. He tried. He really do. But, there's absolutely no way to reach an agreement with this woman. No way at all! She'll keep on finding flaw with his solution and shutting him down, that's why.

Elaine keeps on yapping about how they need to buy their trust, with a strong and logical excuse. What should and shouldn't be. Blah, blah, blah... Her ideals. Ian sighs. 

Yeah, all of that crap, she believes would sort it all out. 

Her eyes are immediately pinned into his, as soon as she finished talking. Ian couldn't exactly hear what she been talking about, since he was too busy rolling his eyes at her. Everything she had said, hasn't he been trying to offer the solution for these past fifteen minutes? Were she even been listening to him?

 

"Yeah, what?" he responds. He said it in the most uninteresting way possible; just to annoy her. As expected from her, it has no effect. Elaine never listens to anyone opinion unless she wanted too. So far, Ian had already run out of good suggestion, because every single one of them had been declined by her. There's no good reasoning left in him any more; so it's her turn now to come up with a new suggestion. 

Elaine started to smile. Now, if you had been around this girl long enough like Ian, you'll know this is a bad sign. She definitely had nasty plan inside of her head. Somehow, her smiles reminded him of a villain he used to watch on TV when he's a child. So nasty and insincere.

 

"We'll tell them something they couldn't turn down."

"Like what?"

"How much we really like each other and couldn't leave live apart. How we been secretly in love all of these years. Doesn't that sound more believable to you and safer; than any pregnancy excuse or forgery?" she says. Ian look at her, blinking. 

Well, at least her words sounds acceptable. Yeah, people do get married because all of that stuff. But, that doesn't keep Ian from looking hard at her. Does she... meant it? There's no hint of joking in her face now. Ian thinks to himself. So, she's really serious about using that excuse to convince their parents of giving them that marriage consent. 

Deep down inside, he's doing his best to suppress his laugh. But, no matter how hard he tried, that laughter come out anyway. 

Elaine look at him weird.

 

"Secretly, in love?" he quoted back. "In love, my a*s. You must be joking right now, aren't you? Haha, no way..." he says, almost breaking down in tears. His laughing face is priceless. Elaine frowns.

This stupid guy think it’s just a bluff when she's being serious. What a great jerk!

 

"Why not?" she ask, changing position in her seat. "That's how people get married at the first place, right? Because they're so madly in love with one another and couldn't live apart? So, why don't we just use that same excuse?" she puts in the logic. Her own thought couldn't digest, what could be so bad about it. 

Ian opens his mouth.

He could almost feel his jaws dropped to the floor. Is she really that desperate in closing this deal with him, to make him tell that obvious lie?

Looking into her eyes right now, he feels like he need to speak his mind clearly.

 

"Because... everyone knows we f*****g hate each other! What, do you expect them to magically believe once you tell them that excuse? No way! They won't buy it for a minute, because it doesn't make any sense." he says, deadpan. His expression is serious. 

Despite her effort to try look cool, it's hard for Elaine not to be offended with his word right now. She quickly stands up to hide her embarrassment. Her eyes are as fierce like when she try to joke with Ian about calling her crazy.

 

"Well, you aren't my type either, so don't get too full with yourself!" she shoot back. Her nose flares. Ian stirred at his seat, a little uneasy. Okay, she is very, very mad at him right now. A few customer is looking at them, their eyes are curious about what's happening.

 

"Sit down. People are looking at us." he whispers. Elaine take a seat, but her anger still hasn't subsides. Ian look at her, his words are frozen. Elaine start to look at him again. 

 

"The point is - do you still want to keep this bet or not? I mean, you do realize why would I suggests it to you at the first place, right?" she ask, reminding him about their earlier conversation. 

Ian obligingly nods before replying;

 

"Sure, you tell me. I'll be in Princeton next spring, you in Yale. That wasn't how we pictured things should have ended. Ah, think about all of our wasted efforts.” he says, running his fingers through his hair. All of those years spent on each other throat... 

Their surroundings suddenly turns quiet. Yeah, all of that wasted years... It's a shame to put an end to it now, just because the two of them are going to a different college.

"Where's the fun then, if that is going happen?" Ian continues after a moment of thought. Looking at her, he open up a smile.

Elaine returned his smile with a mischievous grin.

 

"My thought, exactly. Why stop now right; when we can still keep on fighting each other - even extensively and grander scale, in the future?" she says, repeating her earlier suggestion. Her mind claps again at the thought. Ian broaden his smile. 

"Oh, yeah…" he says. Hearing that makes his blood pump up too. 

 

Still looking at each other; the two of them realize that this is the first time, the two of them are in the same page.

 

It's hard to deny, that Elaine and Ian had been rivals for so many years. Ever since they were a children, they had often fought a lot for particularly no reasons at all. Other kids think them as an odd pair but the two of them identifies their friendship as special. It become the solid base for the mutual understanding to one another.

 

During high school years, their relationship was even harder to explain. They would fight, mock, degrade, and testing; basically do anything to one another to an extent that nobody could really understand. Everytime the two of them causes any dispute or ruckus; their teachers and parents would just scratches their head. They try to find out what is wrong between these two kids but, never found explainable answer. Even the two of them had stepped up, saying that they are only doing it because it’s their special form of bonding - whatever that means. Their parents and teacher finally let them anything they want; as long as neither of them become the danger to one other, or start involves anyone else inside of their odd shenanigans.

Countless of times too, the teachers, parents and friends thought that it probably be better if they just leave each other alone. But through it all - they remain inseparable. 

Other kids at school who are well-aware about the pair, simply dubbed them as the smart, popular and good-looking frenemies. Basically, it's much easier for them, rather than have to explain the whole base of Elaine and Ian complicated relationship. Only one question remains though, even until the end of high school - why the two of them haven't gotten together yet? Despite of their rivalry tendencies and other unspeakable differences, the two of them had a great understanding of one another and would definitely make a good couple.

 

So now, with that part of their life is over - the two of them feel it's necessary to maintain their long-profound rivalry. Even better now; bringing it up to the next level.

 

Ian suddenly look at Elaine with a quizzical expression. This shall be the last time he poke fun at her, he swear. Elaine is humming softly under her breath while stirring at her milkshake. She only making it worse. Her drinks looks like a vomit now. Yuck.

 

"Hey, Elaine. I had one question for you. Answer this one to me truthfully would you?” He says, forming a mischievous smile. Elaine look at him.

 

“Sure, what’s the question?” she ask. Ian grins.

 

“About that marriage clause, are you sure that's the only reason? Just for the safe bet? I mean, this hasn't been a part of your grand scheme to keep me single and unattached from anyone, until the day I graduated college or found employment?" he ask. His question is pure curiosity, if not speculation at all.

 

Elaine look at him with an unreadable expression. She continues to blinks a few times at him. Her mouth wanted to counter his words, but she just couldn't bring her voice to it.

 

After a moment of silence, Ian begin to chuckle. 

 

"Well, I couldn't believe that could've silenced you. That's just a joke, silly. I don't really mean it..." he says. The drink in his glass had gone empty. Ian face is looking a bit uncomfortable. As for Elaine, she had started to turn pale. Ian fail to recognize it.

 

"Ah, no wonder my bladder is about to burst. Wait here, I'll be right back." he say and ran to the bathroom. Elaine still hasn't said anything. Her thoughts went all blank. How does he knows? Was it too obvious? He's a total magician.

 

Ah, impossible - that must be purely out of luck. There's no way he could have known anything. This guy is too dense. No way he would have noticed. Unless, someone had told him about it - so there's a chance he would be suspicious. Is that what he’s trying to do right now - digging some information from her? But wait, who would be the one who told him that? Elaine continues to debate alone. 

 

Ian return a few minutes later, his face huge with relief. He quickly sits down across of her. "I'm sorry, where were we?" he asks, wiping his hand with a handkerchief. 

 

Elaine tries to change the subject by telling him she had forgotten. 

 

Ian crooks his mouth. "Okay, whatever." he says. His eyes are now scanning at the menu.

 

"Hey, how's your milkshake taste?" he ask suddenly, glancing at the tall glass Elaine is holding. It’s already half-way empty. She reply with a shrugs her shoulder. "So-so..." she adds. 

Then, she immediately frown.

 

"Hold it. Are you thinking about ordering another drink now?" she ask. Ian look at her weirdly. "What? I'm still thirsty...” he reply, a bit confused. Elaine sighs.

 

“Why, do you wanna leave?" he asks. Elaine shrugs. "Well, I think we been here long enough." she reply. Ian put down the menu list, leaves a few bucks on the table, enough to pay for the drinks plus tips; before making a move. "Okay, then. Let's go." he says.

 

Elaine quietly follows him from behind.

*****

 

Outside the diner, the two of them walk side by side. Anyone who could see them right now, must've mistaken them for a couple - when the reality is really far from that. For a moment, neither of them look nor say anything. Then, Ian breaks the silence. 

 

"So, about that bet... Still up to it?" he ask. Elaine turned her head towards him. "I don't know. Aren't you still reluctant about that parent consent?" she asks back. Ian shrugs his shoulders. "Yeah... I think we can do something about that." he reply. His expression is unreadable. Elaine have no idea what he meant. 

 

Ian momentarily look at her before deeply sighing. 

 

"Well, it seems like I would have to tell my parents the reason you told me earlier. That I am so madly, deeply and truly in love with you, and couldn't bear the thoughts of separating from you when both of us goes to college. So, that's why - we need to get married. How's that sounds to you? Believable enough?" he says. 

 

Elaine quickly beams at his words. 

 

"Seriously? You, are going to say all of that? I thought you already wanted to call off the bet." she says. Ian frown at her.

 

"Yeah, but then; thousands thoughts started to linger inside of my head, thanks to the solitary moment I had - inside of that small bathroom. I keep on thinking if I don't want to take part in this bet, you know if I do that - will I ever found a true, dedicated and challenging opponent like you, again? Maybe. But, can he or she - come out with a deal that is similar to yours? I don't think so..." he reply. 

 

Elaine grins. She moves a bit faster to keep up with him. "You think well, Mr. Ian. I'm glad that we finally arrives somewhere, to close down with our negotiation. That this hasn’t be just, a mere talk…" she says. 

 

Ian smirks and raise both of his hands.

 

"Well... anything for the prize, honey. Anything for the prize. But, not the commitment though." he declares with a glee. Elaine quickly nudge his ribs. Ian look at her with pain. "Same here." she says, walking a bit faster than him. Ian quickly speeds up until their walks finally synchronize with each other.

 

*****

 

“What do you mean, marriage?” Elaine father ask. He's frowning. Her mother put down the casserole on the table before looking at her.

“What are you talking about, honey?” she ask, looking at Elaine. Her voice concern. 

Elaine take a sip of water from her glass and repeats.

 

“I'm getting married before going to college.” She says. Mr. Caren looks doubtful. Is he hearing it wrong? Did his daughter just say that big word ‘M’ right now? 

He turn to his wife for an assurance. Mrs. Caren slowly nods. She's pretty sure that’s what she meant. M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E. But, marriage to whom? She exactly have not idea. Does her daughter even had a boyfriend right now? 

Elaine haven’t say anything about that yet. 

Mr. Caren looks like he’s about to flip the table. His wife, who could recognize the storm when it's coming; tries to calm him down. She is angry about this sudden, ridiculous announcement too, and quite honestly - confused. Elaine had never talk about this before. It always about her GPA's, school activities, college choices... that kind of stuff, but never marriage. So, why now?

But, instead of getting angry like her husband, she try to soften her looks and ask her daughter about her sudden decision of getting married.

 

“If you don’t mind me asking, honey… Who are you marrying?” she says. Her question is not suggesting anything, just pure curiosity. Her husband looks like he’s about to faint, but she repeatedly nods her head; suggesting that she’ll take care of this.

 

Mr. Caren have to bite his lips hard.

 

“Ian Levine. That guy from my high school.” She says. Her parent look at one another. Her father interrupted. His face starts to flame red. “That… that punk?” he says, with an unmistakeable disgust. Oh, why world? Why? Why would his beautiful, smart and talented daughter wanted to marry that kid? Mr. Caren is well aware of his daughter relationship with Ian. All the two of them did when they were together was fight. What kind of happiness would he possibly gives her if not just immensely pain?

 

He won’t ever going to accept this.

“No! Absolutely no way…” he adds. His right hand clenches his glass tightly. The glass breaks and shattered across the table. Blood begin to drip from his hands.

 

“Oh, dear… why have you done to yourself?" his wife mutter. "Elaine, go to the kitchen and bring me a clean napkins.” She says. Elaine walk away from her chair and return with the napkins. 

“Let me do it, mom.” She says. She’s an experience St John Ambulance members at school, so this sort of cuts is normal to her. Her mother step back and let her do it. Elaine look at her father. She can see a little disappointment in his eyes.

Ah, so this is it. She thinks. The sad-looking father who wouldn't let his daughter for marrying so young. 

 

“Father… can I ask you something?” she ask. Her hands are carefully sterilizing her father wounds. “What is it, Elaine?” he says. Elaine look at him.

 

“How did you met mom?”

 

“Why do you suddenly wanted to know that?”

 

“You never tell me how you met her. So, I am curious about it.” She reply. Mr. Caren sighs.

 

“It was a very long time ago… I can’t remember the details.” He says. Elaine is putting the bandage over the wound. “Mom had told me how she met you. How both of you fall in love. The entire story.” She says. Mr. Caren frowns. “Where are you going with this Elaine?” he says. His eyes are looking at his wife. Mrs. Caren only smiles at her husband.

 

“I think I know, dear. Do you?” she reply. She turned her gaze at her daughter and smile at her too. “And I understand her… Completely.” She adds. Mr. Caren sighs.

 

“Yeah… I get it. But that wouldn't suddenly turned that punk into a decent boy in my book. I still think him as a bad influence.” He says, but his anger had already subsides. Elaine suddenly hugged her father. “Is this means, you are going to allow us to marry?” she ask. Mr. Caren rolls his eyes.

 

“Bring him to see me first. Then, we’ll decide.” he reply. His daughter is smiling at him.

 

“Thanks father… I’ll tell him you say that…” she says, happily. As soon as Elaine disappeared, Mr. Caren sighs. His wife, Catherine walks towards him.

 

“What’s with that look, dear? Aren't you happy that your daughter had finally found someone that she’s going to spend the rest of her life with?” she ask. Her husband groans.

 

“She’s too young, Catherine. Just look at her. She haven’t even finish her college education yet… I can’t let her marry someone - not like this, and certainly not with that punk. He always stirring up troubles whenever he’s with her, so how can I trust him?” Mr. Caren expresses his concern. His wife look at him dutifully.

 

“I heard that Ian’s going to Princeton.” She says. Mr. Caren scoff. Not too bad for a punk. “He is, huh? How would you know?” he ask. Catherine smiles.

 

“He told me himself. About two weeks ago, when he dropped Elaine home. I saw him, so we had a little chat. Oh, come on now, James… You know that he wasn't a bad kid like you would want to think. I mean, you seen him right? How polite he's when he met you at the principal office?"

"Yeah, that's because his parents were there too. He have to behave." he reply. His wife put her arms around him."How about giving him another chance?” she says nicely. James turned towards her.

 

“Hmph, like I wanted to do that… over my dead body. Princeton boy or not… Once a punk, always a punk!” he exclaims. His wife doesn't look so pleased with his thought of Ian. She releases her arms and walks away.

 

“What’s the matter baby? Are you sick?” he ask, try to grab her hand. She pulled back.

 

“Is that what you’ll be saying about yourself too, James? A punk? Oh, I'm so disappointed in you…” she says. Her beautiful blue eyes are clearly mad at him. Mr. Caren quickly apologizes.

 

“Oh, you know I don’t mean that… I’m just, oh you know, mad about our daughter decision on settling down too soon with that punk. Err, I mean Ian. You know I don't mean it that way…” he says. Catherine smirks at him.

 

“Really? You, who clearly says; once a punk, always a punk?” she repeats. James sighs.

 

“I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have said that.” He regrets. Catherine click her heels. Barely even a few steps, she look back. “I don’t care if you like that boy or not. Elaine had already decided to marry him. He’ll be coming to our house for dinner next Friday.” She says. There’s no chance to rebuff, once Catherine Caren made up with her mind. This woman is stubborn, just like her daughter. 

Oh, how James knows that too well.

*****

 

“What do you think mom?” Ian ask his mother. She is busy chopping down some parsley and rosemary. Glancing at her son, she ask him to think about it again.

 

“Are you sure that she’s the right girl, Ian? I mean, if you wanted to settle down this fast and can take a responsibility, I can understand and agree to that. But, I'm doubtful about this.” she says. Ian put the final plate on the mat. Four plates. One of them is for his older brother that’s coming home from college. He hasn't been seeing him for weeks.

 Ian walked towards his mother and suddenly hug her from behind. His action completely startled her, that she almost dropped the ladle next to the chopping board. 

 

“Well, didn't you the one who said that you want some grandchildren early?” he says. His mother slams his tall back. “Says who? When did I ever said such a thing?” she says. Ian laughs heartily and take a sit at the dining table. “Anyway, when is dad coming home?” he ask, looking around. His mother put the entire chopped herbs into the pot and turned at him.

 

“I'm not really sure. He said he'll be on duty again tonight. But, he'll be back later. In the meantime, you can put his plate back to its place. Looks like it's just going to be the three of us tonight." She instructed. Ian grabbed the plate near his father seat and put it on the counter table. "What time did Logan said he'll be here?" he later ask. "Soon..." his mother reply. 

A moment later, they heard the door opened up. A familiar face greeted them.

 

“Hello, everyone…” a voice speak. Mrs. Levine quickly turned her back. Her face is joyous at the sight of her eldest son.

"Logan! My boy, you're here... Oh, dear. Come, give your momma some sugar. Oh, my boy... you look so much thinner than the last time I see you. What happened?" Mrs. Levine planted a kiss on his cheek. Ian almost burst out laughing, when he saw how red Logan cheek is after receiving that kisses from his mother. He had to swallow some water to keep himself from laughing.

"Oh, nothing. Just tired with the classes and assignment, that's all." he reply with a smile. Mrs. Levine look at him, a proud look that a mother would give her son - before pinching his cheek. "I miss you so much, dear." she says. Logan hugs his mother again before taking a sit next to his little brother. Ian is still drinking his water when Logan starts messing with his hair.

"Yikes, we are not kids anymore, Logan." he pushed his hand from his head. Logan grins and put the napkins on his laps. "I know. But I still think you need a little reminding, every now and then. Who's your brother?"

"You are..." Ian reply, submissively. Logan laughs. Shortly after that, their mother arrives with a plateful of Coq au Vin into the tables. The two boys look at their dinner with wonders.

"Looks delicious, mom." Ian says. 

"Like a true chef, Mrs. Levine." Logan adds. Mrs. Levine smiles widely at both of her boys. "Well, everything is in the house. Eat up, boys. There's a lot more on the pot for second serving." she says. Ian and Logan returned her smile and start filling their empty plates. 

The three of them were eating in silence, when Logan suddenly remembers about Ian admission to Princeton. He quickly turned to his brother. 

"So, I heard you get into Princeton. Wow, you really are the brain in this family. And here I thought you never could've make it because you keep on playing with that witty girl." he says. Ian ignored his brother remarks about Elaine. "Yeah, I was aiming for Harvard though, but..." Ian words trails off when his brother lightly smacked his head.

 Ian look at him with annoyance.

"Serves you right for showing off..." he says playfully. Then, he patted Ian head. Ian anger subsides. He slowly break down to smile.

"Say, speaking of which - what happened to her? Did she make it out high school alive? Man, I always remember how she would get you in trouble... Haha, good times... good times... Doesn't make me look all bad in this household." Logan adds, looking at Ian. Ian smirked at him. 

"She survived. That witty girl gets into Yale."

"Yale, huh? Wow, you really are an odd, smart couple. I'm so proud at both of you... Call witty girl later and tell her I'll buy her a drink." he says. Ian drink his water. 

"Elaine couldn't handle her drink. It's just a wasteful giving any to her." he says. Logan laughs and continues to eat. Mrs. Levine look at Ian, before turning his gaze at her eldest son. "Do you boys want more?" she ask. Logan quickly nods his head and turn at Ian. "How about you lover boy? Ready for the second round?" he says. His mood for teasing Ian is still there. 

"No, I'll pass. Thank you mom for the delicious food." Ian says. Mrs. Levine smile at him as she watches him leaves. As soon as his brother disappears, Logan look at his mother.

"Mom, you been so quiet all night. What's the matter? Are you feeling sick again?" he ask. Mrs. Levine look at him. "What. Oh, no.. I'm not sick. I'm feeling pretty fine." she says. Her son wasn't convinced by her words.

"So, what is it then? Is it about dad? Had he been over-working himself again?" he guess. She shakes her head. "No, not about your dad. I'm fine. Really, I am..."

"But, you don't look fine, mom. Something is bothering you right now. Tell me, what is it?" he continues to ask. Mrs. Levine look at Logan. Then, she look at upstairs before sighing.

"Please don't say anything to your dad, just yet. It's about Ian." she says, almost like a whisper. Logan nods.

*****

 So, Ian and witty girl - are like together, together? For real? Logan still couldn't believe it. He had been making fun of that girl every single time he saw his brother face. Years and years, he had been doing that. So, if she really is, his girl or whatever he says their relationship is - why hasn't he said anything to defend her? Why do Ian play along whenever he starts mocking? 

Now, that part is weird. 

Anyway, who cares about all of that now? The main thing is, how long has this been going on between them? No hint of romances between the two of them and suddenly, marriage? This doesn't make any sense at all.

He had an urge to ask Ian what's going on; is the witty girl threatening him by any chance? He need a clear explanation from Ian about all of this. 

Logan quietly turned the knobs on Ian's door. He had his fear that it might be lock, but to his surprise - it wasn't. Ian must have been forgotten.

He slowly open up the door. Inside, he saw his brother already stretching his body on the couch. His left arm is on his face. Is he asleep? Logan step into his bedroom and closed the door. Ian immediately wakes up.

"Sorry, did I wake you up?" Logan ask while walking towards him. His voice doesn't sound guilty at all. Ian is already in a sitting position.

"Do you need to borrow something, Logan?" he ask. Logan frowns. Why does every time he entered his bedroom; Ian have to think that he needs to borrow his stuff? Can't he just dropped by to ask him how's he been doing so far; like every other big brother do? Logan thought that this boy need to be teach a lesson for disrespecting his older brother. 

Taking a sit next to his brother, Logan put his arms around him. Ian look at him, his face annoyed. Then, he started to squeeze him down. His brother acts are suffocating Ian. Logan look at him. His smile is mischievous.

"Rascal, I heard from mom that you wanted to get married. To that witty girl?" he says, still hasn't let go. Ian continues to hit his arms. "Let... me.. go.. Can't... breathe..." he says. Logan finally let him go and look at him. Crossing his legs, he's waiting for Ian to speak up.

"Yes, I'm going to marry Elaine Caren. Why, is that so hard to believe?" he ask back, touching his throat. Oh, that feels painful. Logan should have wear the sign on his forehead next time, if he's going to nearly kill him. Then, he can be prepared. 

Logan raise up both of his hands. "Nope. I found it not so hard to believe at all..." he says. Then, he grins at him. 

"So, tell me... Why do you want to marry her? Did you guys... you know?" Logan makes a suggestive moves. Ian quickly frowns. What an immature gesture coming from a twenty three year old man. His brother is really hopeless. He sighs.

"No. We just can't bear the thought of separating from each other. That's why we planned to get married before going off to college."

"So, she wasn't pregnant then?" Logan ask. Ian shakes his head. Cool.

"Still, why do you guys need to get married? Connecticut and New Jersey wasn't really that far - just two and half hours drive. If you miss each other so much, you can still see each other every weekends. What's the problem here?" 

Ian look at his brother with a dreadful emotions. Oh, Logan is digging some dirt on him now. Jeez, sometimes he's doing it so well, that Ian feels like he had to be careful with what he says. He didn't want to say anything to Logan and give him any clue of what he and Elaine are actually planning. 

"We had our own reasons. You don't have to know." he finally answer.

Logan give him a scornful look. "Own reason?" he repeats. Ian shrugs his shoulder. No, please don't ask me any more question. Or, I might accidentally blab it to you, Logan.

Logan suddenly smiles. "You know, all of this getting very obvious to me. You don't have to say anything to get me understand this situation."

"What are you talking about?" Ian asks. S**t - did Logan manage to sniff it out? Heavens, no...

"You guys are f*****g in love with each other, right? Come now, don't be shy now or try deny it. I can see it right through your eyes. That's why, even though it's only two hours drive - you still want to be married to her. You're worried about leaving that witty girl in Yales alone, aren't you?" he ask. Ian look at his brother. 

He simply couldn't believe it...  His brother is a freaking genius. He had just created a perfect excuse for him to marriage to Elaine! Ian knows that telling his parents that the reason he want to get married to Elaine because he's madly, deeply and truly in love with her wasn't enough and needs more brushing - but why haven't he thought about Logan words before? His excuse are more believable than his. 

So, why not take this opportunity and use it? Since Logan had no clue whatsoever, what he and Elaine is doing...

"How could you tell, Logan? That's exactly spot on..." he praise him with a convincing voice. Logan smiles proudly. "Because, I am the Master of Love. You can ask me anything about it; I would still be right through everything." he claims. Ian deeply breath in.

"Since you have finely dissected my personal life tonight, let me return you the favour by asking you this. How's it going with you and Cecilia? Are you guys still seeing each other?" Ian ask.

Logan look at his brother with a weird concern. 

"You have never ask me about that before... I thought you didn't care about my relationship with her at all." he reply. Ian smile wickedly. "That's why I called it as 'favour'. Besides, he used to be my senior in school. I want to know how my future sister-in-law doing." he adds. Logan grins at him.

"She's okay. We just celebrated our third year anniversary last month."

"Great to know that the two of you are still going strong. Aren't you guys going to get busy this year? Your final year for bachelor degree, right?" Ian ask. Logan smiles at him.

"Yeah... my final year. Tell me about it." he says. His expression turns solemn. Oh, no - what's wrong now? Ian said to himself. Logan hasn't say anything yet, but his sad faces was never a good opening for anything. Is he having a second thought about pursuing his career in medical field, again?

"I don't think I'll be pursuing my medicine career after receiving my BS." Logan admits. Ian frowns.

"Why not? Didn't you say that's your long-life dream? You want to be like dad?" 

"Used too. But, I don't feel like doing that any more now." he says. When, Ian didn't say anything - Logan continues. "Let's make a deal now. I'll talk to dad about your desire to marry witty girl, if you can talk to him about... you know, my desire to quit the medic school."

Ian look at him momentarily before replying; "No."

"No?" he ask back. Ian smiles. "I'll talk to him about that one myself. You, on the other hand - just worry about what you're going to say to him about that." he says. Logan heavily sighs. "He surely going to kill me. Let's just forget about ever having a brother right now, Ian... because I'm already dead." he later adds. Ian patted his backs and look at his watch. 

"It's already eleven thirty. I am going to bed. What about you?" Ian ask Logan. "Okay. I'll be going back to my room now. Good night." he reply, making faces at Ian. Ian heads to his own bed and pulled the blanket over his head.

"Good night, my boy. Sleep tight." Logan imitated their mother voice. Ian shakes his head before going to sleep.

[End of Chapter 1]