How to survive in your favorite book

Chapter 4 - The first encounter (Part 1)

"In the crowd alone
And every second passing reminds me I'm not whole
Bright lights and city sounds are ringing like a drone
Unknown, unknown

Oh, glazed eyes, empty hearts
Buying happy from shopping carts
Nothing but time to kill
Sipping life from bottles
Tight skin, bodyguards
Gucci down the boulevard
Cocaine, dollar bills

And...." [lyrics for Happy Little Pill, Troye Sivan (Ling: LOVE THE SONG!!!! *fangirl mode*]

The bushes surrounding this area moved for the slightest bit. I wouldn not have realised if I was not paying attention. He's here! Excited, I still continued singing and acting oblivious to his presence.

Do you know how hard it is to simultaneously ignore a person, act emo and sing like you are the last person on earth? Actually, it is........surprisingly quite simple.... Alright, it is simpler than it sounds but it is definitely as awkward as you imagined it to be. Seriously, is he going to move or something so I can stop! Come on, it's not that hard. Just bend your knees, tilt your head or even flexing your pinky finger a tiny bit! Then I'll be able to pretend that I heard something and stop!! My gosh, the song is ending and he hasn't moved the slightest bit! Is he even human? (Ling: Yes, superhuman! Liam: Why did you appear again? Get out! Ling: : (walking away and murmuring) PMS?) Okay, the song has officially ended. He is still not moving. Fine, two can play at this game! I'm not gonna acknowledge you if you aren't moving! (Ling: Nobody is playing with you, Liam... (to self) I don't remember giving him a mental disorder) I sat there staring across the cliff deep in thoughts (actually just staring into space and having my brain on auto-mode waiting for him to do something to break the silence). An almost inaudible sigh came from behind and I knew it is time for the next step.

I was startled but calmed down quickly. Lisa is here to fetch me and I stood up and turned around. "Is it dinner time alrea..." I stopped and stared in shock when I saw the person behind me. It was a stranger, a guy I have never seen before. The only thought in my mind was "oh no, I'll be punished if they found out I talked to someone!" He obviously realised the need to give an explanation because he started, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you! I was just taking a stroll and heard singing." He seemed apologetic and I knew he meant well. However, the family isn't going to care who was truly in the wrong. They would just pin the blame on me anyway. I looked at him with hesitation but still felt the need to warn him. "You...shouldn't be...here. This...area is....out...of bound...to non-Lingering," I stammered, hoping he could understand. He stared at me for a moment looking confused. His expression finally cleared and I knew he understood what I said. He was able to say something when we heard footsteps. Panicking, I looked around and pointed to the big tree a few steps from me. I looked at him eagerly and continued to point at the tree. He obviously understood the meaning I was trying to convey and ran behind the tree. The tree was planted by the first generation of Lingerings when they moved here. It faces the path and has a huge truck that would require at least five person, arms outstretched, to hug it. The perfect hiding spot. "Young master, it's time to go." Lisa called. "Coming..." I replied and gave the cliff one last look for the day. This is a habit that I have cultivated and Lisa thought nothing of it. Only the guy behind the tree and me would know what I was really looking at/ checking on. I walked up to Lisa and we leave this secluded area and hidden stranger behind.

"So, young master, did you succeed?" an obvious excitement in Lisa's voice. I grinned and replied "What do you think?"