Kaitlin's Destiny

8/9/2019 Kaitlin's Destiny

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KAITLIN STARLIGHT’S DESTINY

‘Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.’ This is one quite interesting phrase.Normally, people use the phrase to describe a very beautiful, young lady especially

the one who has the most glimmering eyes in the whole entire universe. Well, in ourcase, that phrase is a good start for the story.

A ponytail-haired girl was racing from the stairs to the end of the hallwaywhile carrying loads of posters. “Kaitlin, there you are! The posters are ready.Where should I put them?” she asked, panting. “Well, just put them in the art class.I’ll pick them up later.”

Then, a braided-haired girl with a pair of large glasses popped out fromnowhere and said, “Kaitlin, the national science fair will be held next week and thescience club is way behind schedule here. I was just wondering that maybe youcould give us a hand after school today?” Kaitlin turned her sight to the girl andanswered, “Sorry, Stella! I got cheerleader practice today. How about tomorrow?”

“Well, great! Thanks, Kaitlin! Meet you at the lab later.”Her cell phone suddenly rang. She quickly flipped it open. “Hey Lily, I was

about to...” “Kaitlin, where on earth are you? Everyone’s waiting for you for likeages. Come to the gym now!” Kaitlin sighed and said, “I’m on my way. I was justpicking up my pom-pom from my class. Chill out will you?” She hung up the phoneand picked up her pace towards the gym.

Kaitlin Starlight was your average school girl...Not!!! Okay. Kaitlin Starlightwas the Barrymore High School’s goddess. It was her senior year there and she gotthe whole school in her hand. Well, thanks to her beautiful violet eyes and herflexible body, she was chosen to be the head cheerleader for two years in a row.

The thing was that she broke the head cheerleaders’ rule of not having a nut head

and an empty-shelled brain. That’s right. She was also the brain of the school. Lastyear, she was able to create the coolest routine of the year for the cheerleaders’team. On the same day, she successfully created a mini airplane prototype with amake-up case, so she could ‘teleport’ them to her from home to anywhere atanytime. Plus, she was also running for the class president and the upcoming‘Homecoming Queen’ title. Talk about life! Anyway, how about we stop talkingabout her? Let’s get back to the story.

“About time you got here.” Lily said with her right hand on her hip. Kaitlinsighed and said, “Sorry, everyone! I had to meet up with the principal to tell herabout our next competition. Anyway, shall we get started?” They all smiled andstarted gathering in the middle of the gym. Their short skirts swayed from left toright as they performed their routine. Then, they started forming the humanpyramid where they began with three people at the bottom and two peoplestanding on their shoulders. Two other cheerleaders knelt about five feet away fromthe pyramid while holding each others’ hands. Lily was one of the cheerleaders.Kaitlin was getting ready from far away. She was waiting for Lily to give her a signal.After everyone got ready in their position, Lily nodded towards Kaitlin. In a splitsecond, she began to leap towards the pyramid. Lily and her partner gave her aboost and she jumped right on top of the pyramid.



Once she has landed, she raised both of her arms and all of the cheerleadersstarted their cheers. Right after Lily said the last word, Kaitlin jumped andperformed a loop-de-loop and landed with both of her feet on the ground and herhands were high up in the air; followed by the other cheerleaders who were alsopart of the human pyramid. “And that’s a rap. Great work, girls!” Kaitlin said as shewaved her pom-pom, signalling that she’s going to leave the gym. Everyonefollowed her steps and left the gym as well.

“Another great job on the pyramid to you again, Miss Starlight,” Lily said asboth of them walked home. “Stop it with that ‘Miss’ stuff. You sounded likeSherleen, you know. About the pyramid thing, I hope everything would go well onour big day. Anyway, I need your help tomorrow to put up the Homecoming Dance’sposters,” Kaitlin said to her best friend. “Sure. I’m free before lunch,” replied Lily.Kaitlin smiled and said, “Alright then. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye!” Theywaved to each other as Kaitlin entered her home.

Seriously, when I said her ‘home’, I meant the place almost belonged to her.Her parents only stayed there twice a week since they were too busy with theirworks. Not only that, her ordinary ‘home’ also meant everyone else’s ‘dream home’.What? You want to know about the details? Well, it’s not actually a house. It’s morelike a mansion completes with its own swimming pool, tennis court, a horse stableand don’t forget about the four-acre backyard. You could have your own schoolthere. And that’s what you could see from the outside. Trust me on this. You don’twant to know the details on what’s the inside looked like. Even two-whole pageswouldn’t feel in the detail.

Anyway, Kaitlin entered her ‘house’ and greeted all the staffs, as usual. Shewas dog tired after her busy daily schedule. “Miss Starlight, do you want me to getyour hot bath ready now?” Sherleen, her personal maid asked her politely. Shenodded her head and said, “Yes, please Sherleen! By the way, has mom and dadcalled yet?” Sherleen looked at Kaitlin with disappointment and shook her head. She

sighed heavily and rubbed her forehead, “Oh well, it’s been a week already. Maybethey’ll ring tomorrow.” She smiled weakly at Sherleen and struggled herself to climbup the grand staircase.

As she was half way up the stairs, she felt as if the world was spinning. Shetried to balance herself. All of a sudden, all she could see was black and she couldhave sworn that she saw thousands of stars right above her head. She fell down toher knees and rolled down the stairs. She barely heard the faded screams aroundher.

“Oh my God! Miss Starlight!” Sherleen shouted as she saw Kaitlin fell downthe stairs. The other staffs looked at her in fright and quickly gathered around her.“Someone please take her upstairs!” begged Sherleen. There was a panic tone in

her voice. Then, Mark walked through the crowd and said, “Let me carry her to herroom.” He held out his arm and placed his right arm below Kaitlin’s knees and hisleft arm behind her neck. He carried her all the way to her room and laid her on herbed. Her face was pale.

Sherleen rushed into the room with a bowl of water in her hands. Markstepped aside while Sherleen treated the young mistress of the house. Sherleentook out a towel from the bowl, dried out the excess water and place the towel onKaitlin’s forehead. She looked at Mark and said, “Mark dear, could you please called



Dr. Alex over? Thank you for all your help.” Mark nodded and said, “Anything forMiss Starlight. Please excuse me.”

About half an hour later, a nicely-suited man with a briefcase entered Kaitlin’sroom. Sherleen greeted him warmly, “Good evening, Dr. Alex. I’m sorry to call youso late this evening but it was kind of an emergency. She suddenly collapsed while

climbing up the stairs.” The doctor just gave her a friendly smile and said, “It’s notthat late yet. Anyway, her parents trusted her health to me. I can’t just ignore therequest. Besides, she’s a bright girl.” He took out his stethoscope and startedchecking up on her breathing and heartbeat rates. Then, he took out a thermometerto check up her temperature.

All Sherleen could do was to watch patiently. She really did want to preparesome tea for Dr. Alex but she knew he would refuse the offer since he only droppedby to do his duty. After a few moments, the doctor packed his things and took out abottle of capsules. “Maam, I suggest that you should bring her to the hospital. In themeantime, please give this to her every six hours.” He was referring to the bottle inhis hand. “Wait! Is it something serious? What’s wrong with her?” Dr. Alex justshook his head and said, “I hope I can tell you more. Perhaps she will get a moreaccurate check-up and treatments there. Just don’t let her wear herself out in themeantime. Then, everything will be all right.” Dr. Alex picked up his briefcase andleft the room. Sherleen just stared at Kaitlin. She was aware of Mark’s presencebehind her. She said with a sorrow voice, “Call her parents immediately.” She didn’teven face him and by that, he knew that that’ll be his priority job; as though it’ll behis last.

She opened her eyes slowly and saw Sherleen wiping up her right hand with awet towel. Sherleen looked at her and her eyes brightened. “Miss Starlight, I’m soglad you’re awake. Everyone was so worried about you.” Kaitlin just stared atSherleen and asked, “Sherleen...what happened?” Sherleen put on her warm smileagain and said, “You collapsed while climbing up the stairs just now. So, we rang Dr.

Alex and he said you just need some rest.” Kaitlin stared at Sherleen some moreand pulled her right hand away from Sherleen. “Don’t worry about me, Sherleen. The doctor is right. I just need some rest. By the way, about my hot bath...”Sherleen grinned and quickly replied, “Everything’s ready, Miss Starlight.”

“As you all know, the mid-term exam is around the corner. So, I want you tomake a presentation on the history of any local cuisine of your choice from aroundthe world. You can choose either from Asia, Africa or even America. I’ve alreadypartnered you up. Remember, McDonalds is not in the list of local cuisine. You cansee whom you’re partnering with on the info board.” The whole class startedwhispering. Well, the extra credit history project couldn’t get any better than doingsome research on food. The students were also curious about whom they’repartnering with, especially Kaitlin since Mrs. Collins were never good in grouping herstudents.

After the class had ended, everyone quickly rushed to the info board andstarted searching for their names except Kaitlin. Her head was still a little nitspinning from last night fall. She even skipped P.E. which would be her first timedoing so. Everyone giggled after they found out who their partners will be. I guessthey’re satisfied, she thought. Lily walked towards her and said, “I guess we won’tbe partners this time, again. I’m with Sarah. What about you?” Kaitlin got up to her



feet and said as she headed to the board, “Who knows? Let me go have a look.” Lilytagged along with Kaitlin.

Kaitlin pointed her finger towards the top of the paper that was stapled onthe info board and started browsing through for her name. “Kaitlin Starlight...KaitlinStarlight... Kaitlin Starlight...here it is. My partner will be...Mark Sanford.” Lily raised

her right eyebrow and asked, “Who’s Mark Sanford?” Kaitlin shrugged her shouldersand said, “Beats me. There’s Sarah. Maybe we should ask her.”

“Mark Sanford? He’s the hunk with a Japanese-boy look. I can’t believe youdon’t know him. Let me see...There he is!” Sarah pointed to a guy who was sitting inthe middle of a crowd of boys. Kaitlin quickly paced towards the crowd. She couldhear one of the boys said, “Man, your partner is Starlight? That’s a good luck yougot there.” The other boy said, “You better go for it, Mark. Make sure you’ll bringher to the homecoming.” There were too many people around; she could not findher way through. Finally, she just said, “Excuse me.”

All eyes were on her now but that was actually a normal thing for her sinceshe was so popular. She just smiled and said, “Don’t bother about me. I just want to

talk with Mark Sanford.” Suddenly, all the boys took a step back and let herthrough. Then, she saw the guy Sarah was referring to; sitting with his eyes wideopen.

“So then, you must be Mark Sanford. Hi. I’m...” “Miss Starlight! It is myhonour to become your partner in this extra credit project.” He interrupted beforeKaitlin even had a chance to finish her sentence. Everyone in the class burst intohysterical laugh. Kaitlin giggled and said, “You don’t need to be so formal. Itreminds me of my maids. Just call me Kaitlin.” His face was red when he finallycame back down to earth. After that, everyone packed their stuff and went home.

“Seriously, he did remind me of Sherleen and the others you know. But still,he was vey happy and excited and nervous. They were obvious since they can be

seen clearly from the look of his eyes. Hey, I have to go. My dinner is waiting. I’ll callyou later. Bye.” Kaitlin hang up the phone and looked at her bedroom door. Three...two...one..; she counted in her heart. Then, the door opened and Sherleenpeeked in, “Miss Starlight, your dinner is ready.”

As she entered the dining room, her dinner was already on the table whileChef Leonard stood next to her chair. She took her seat and smelled the deliciousmeal before her. “Yum, I see the black pepper steak with a sprinkle of Mozzarellacheese and some ratatouille to go with it. Well cooked here, Lenny.” Kaitlin saidwith a huge smile on her face. She took her knife and fork and began cutting thesteak into chew-sized. She ate it happily as if it was the best meal she had evertasted. Meanwhile, Chef Leonard went back into the kitchen to prepare the dessertthat Kaitlin had requested which a slice banana cake topped with melted chocolate.

Suddenly, one of the maids came in with dirty dishes. She said, “MissStarlight’s requesting for her dessert now.” Chef Leonard quickly handed over thedessert to one of the butlers, “Boy, take this to Miss Starlight will you?” The ‘boy’was quite surprised and immediately refused to do the job. “What’re you talkingabout??? You have to work to be in this house, you know. Now, go on.” He forcedthe ‘boy’ to take the dessert and pushed him out the kitchen, into the dining room.



The ‘boy’ tried his best to hide his face from Kaitlin while walking towards herwith the dessert balanced on his right hand. “He...he...here’s your dessert, MissStarlight.” He put the plate before her and took a step back. She replied oddly,“Err...thank you. By the way, why are you trying to hide your face? Is somethingwrong?” He quickly shook his head and tried to escape but Sherleen held onto hisleft arm.

Kaitlin asked worriedly, “What’s wrong? Are you scared of me or something?Come on. Show your face. Look at me in the eyes.” Oh my God, she got me; hethought. Once he felt that Sherleen’s grip was getting tighter, he slowly revealed hisface to Kaitlin. “I’m sorry for his behaviour, Miss Starlight. This is my brother...”“Mark Sanford??! Wait; did you just say he’s your brother, Sherleen?” Sherleennodded and said, “Yes and he told me that he’s your classmate as well.”

During recess the next day, Kaitlin skipped her meal and told her friends thatshe got to do something in the class. The only thing that she sis was thinking aboutthe incident that happened to her last night. Mark Sanford was one of her butlers?He was also her classmate that she never notice and turned out to be her partnernow? Awkward. While trying to set everything correctly in her mind, Mark enteredthe classroom. They were both surprised. He paced towards her seat and said, “I’msorry, Miss Starlight.” She rolled her eyes and said, “Don’t call me that. Yousounded just like my butlers.” He looked down and said, “Well, I am one of them,right?” Kaitlin placed both of her delicate hands on her desk and stood up. “Athome, you are. But we’re at school right now. Just call me Kaitlin.” She smiledsweetly at him. He blushed and his face was turning red. Just before they couldcontinue their conversation, the bell rang and the other students rushed into theclass.

All the cheerleaders had their last practise right after school. Once again,Kaitlin was the last one to arrive. As she walked nearer to the gym, she saw Markwas leaning the wall with his arms folded. She went to him and asked, “What’re you

doing, Mark?” He turned his gaze towards Kaitlin and answered, “Well, my sis toldme to escort you home. I also wanted to ask you about the extra credit.” Kaitlingave it a thought for awhile, then answered, “Sorry, Mark; but I had the last practisetoday. You know that the competition is tomorrow, right? Anyway, how about yougo home first? We’ll discuss about the extra credit later, okay? I really need to gonow. See you later.” She dashed away from him and into the gym before he couldeven say anything. He closed his eyes and sighed. He stared at the gym for awhilebefore he made his way home.

“Thank you for the dinner, everyone.” Kaitlin said as she got up from herchair. Chef Leonard smiled brightly and said, “It’s our pleasure to please you, MissStarlight.” Before she climbed up the stairs, Sherleen called for her, “Miss Starlight,I got a message from your parents while you were at school today. They apologisedfor not keeping in touch with last week. Your father got the measles and he just gotbetter yesterday. They also apologised if they could not make it to your competitiontomorrow but they already told me to send someone to record your cheers. That’sall.” Kaitlin was shocked to hear the news but she was glad that her parents were allbetter now. She looked away for a second, and then she gave her attention back toSherleen. “Thank you, Sherleen. One more thing, is Mark around? If he is, can youtell him to meet me in my study room now? I’ll be waiting for him there.” Sherleennodded and quickly made her way to look for Mark.



Knock. Knock. “Come in, please. Oh, hi Mark. Please, have a seat right overhere,” said Kaitlin while gesturing her left hand to a seat in front of her. Markentered the grand study room humbly. He never came into the room before; plus tobe alone with Kaitlin, that made him even more never nervous. “Can I get youanything, Miss Starlight?” he asked nervously. “What’re you talking about? Stop itwith the ‘miss’ thing and get over here.” Mark stared at her blankly and said, “Ithought we should all addressed you with the word ‘miss’ and besides, this is notschool. I obviously can’t call you Kaitlin.” Kaitlin sighed and explained, “Sure youcan. Just for your info, Mr. Sanford, that for me, this room is my school. The rule is‘no formal addressing in this room’ because for me, you’re no longer one of mybutlers in this room. Instead, you’re my friend.” Mark smiled and took a seatopposite to hers. Kaitlin continued, “Now that we understand each other, why don’twe begin? Oh yeah, before that, I just want to let you know that you can use thisroom anytime you want, okay? Even without my permission,” she turned on herVaio laptop and started web-surfing.

After an hour non-stop working, Mark insisted Kaitlin to go to bed, “Come on. You have you big day tomorrow, so you got to have your beauty sleep.” Kaitlin gave

up and got up to her feet. “Okay, then. Good night, Mark.” She walked to the doorand opened it. Just before she stepped out of the room, Mark said, “Hey, good luckfor tomorrow. I’ll be cheering for you.” She smiled and thanked him before sheclosed the door and went to her slumber. Alone in the study room, though he didnot realise it, but he was smiling with no reason at all.

The next day, the stadium, which was located in the mid-town, was packedwith people. Fifteen squads would be participating in the Annual Silky GirlCheerleaders Competition on that day. After about half a day, there were only threesquads left that would participate in the finals. They were the East High Wildcats,the Jordon High Eagles and last but definitely no the least, Barrymore High Dragons.

First up was the East High Wildcats. The cheerleaders were all skinny and

white and they looked gorgeous in their red and white outfits. The crowd went wildas they were performing their routine. Next squad up was the Jordon High Eagles. The girls were wearing brown and beige outfit, though it wasn’t a perfect colourcombination but they still looked fantastic. Their routine was also great and theyalmost perfect scores from the judges.

“Okay girls, this is the moment of truth; the moment that we’ve been waitingfor. We have to prove to them that we can hold the title that we’re fighting for; theSilky Girl Cheerleading Squad of the year!” They were high-spirited and ready toperform. All of a sudden when everyone was scurrying to get their pom-poms,Kaitlin coughed really hard. The concern Lily asked her, “Kate, are you okay?”Kaitlin just smiled and said, “I’m fine. Maybe I’m just overwhelmed.” She secretlyopened her right grip behind her friends and she saw some blood on her palms.“No, not now.” She wiped it off with her handkerchief and followed her friends out of the room.

The Barrymore High’s cheerleaders were awesome. They did not make anysingle mistakes in their steps. By the time they performed the human pyramid,Kaitlin was nervous. Hundreds pair of eyes were on hers. She looked around andsaw Sherleen cheering for her while Mark was sitting beside his sister with a videocamera in his hand. Her spirit rose up again. She quickly made her move andsucceeded to complete the human pyramid; and made her finest loop-de-loop jump.



“And now, the moment that we all have been waiting for, the champion of theAnnual Silky Girl Cheerleaders Competition is...the Barrymore High Phoenix!” Thecrowd went wild. The girls were high up in the air while Kaitlin went to get their goldtrophy. Afterwards, they celebrated their winning at the Johnnys’ restaurant. Theywere over-the-moon. After three hours of celebration, Sherleen and Mark walkedKaitlin back home. While they were chatting about the competition, Kaitlin coughedup more blood. Sherleen was really shocked, “Oh my God, Miss Starlight, are youokay?” This time, it wasn’t just blood. Kaitlin struggled to stay conscious but after afew seconds, she fainted.

Kaitlin opened her eyes slowly. Her right hand felt warm. When she looked toher right, she could see her mom was gripping her hands tightly onto hers while herdad was patting her mom on the back, saying that everything’s going to be alright.“Mom?” Although she only called her mom, but everyone in the room started facingher. “Kaitlin, thank goodness you’re alright! I’m so worried. We quickly came backright after we heard the news that you were hospitalized after you won thecompetition,” said Kaitlin’s mom. The, everything started to come back to her; thecompetition, the cough, the blood...everything. She knew that she was suffering

some kind of illness, so she brought herself to ask her mom. “Mom, what’s wrongwith me? Am I sick or something? Please be honest with me.”

Her mom looked helpless. She could not control herself. Tears were startingto flow down her cheek. Seeing her like that, Kaitlin’s dad gathered up all of hisstrength and said, “Honey, the doctor told us that you have the brain cancer.” Asmuch as he tried to be strong, he realised that he was collecting water in his eyes.Kaitlin was shocked. She did not expect this at all. “Not only that, honey,” her dadsniffed and continued, “there was also something wrong with your heart but theycould not figure out what.”

Her mind was blank. Her brain and her heart were ill. Suddenly, without herown will, she asked, “Dad, how much?” Her dad asked her confusedly, “How much

what, Kate?” she continued her question, “How much time do I have left, Dad?” Hedid not answer. Neither did Mom. She turned her gaze towards Sherleen, who wasstanding on her left. Sherleen looked at her employers, seeking for theirpermissions. They closed their eyes and slightly nodded. Finally, she answered, “Amonth, Miss Starlight.” Kaitlin closed her eyes, tearing endless drops of water thatshe had been holding back since she woke up.

“Kaitlin, you’re back! I heard you had a high fever. I was so worried. Maybebecause of all the excitement after the competition. Anyway, I missed you so damnmuch.” Lily greeted Kaitlin after she was absent for a couple of days. “I’m fine, sodon’t worry, okay?” Kaitlin forced a smile on her face. Then, Lily put her right armover her best friend’s shoulder and said, “Right now, the only thing that is standingbetween you and the ‘Homecoming Queen’ title is a two-week time.” Kaitlin listenedto her joyous friend happily; the smile on Lily’s face did cheer her up. She haddecided not tell anyone about her diseases.

After dinner that night, Mark went into the study room to do the extra-creditassignment. He would not mind not to ask Kaitlin to join him since he knew she hadhard time thinking about her diseases. All of a sudden, he heard a sob. He searchedthrough each shelves of books in the room to find out where that sound came from.He was stunted to see Kaitlin was crying on the floor while hugging her kneestightly. He approached her silently and stood beside her.



Once she realised the presence of some else in the room, she looked up andsaw his concerned face. “Are you okay?” he asked silently. She just shook her head.

Then, he sat next to her and put his arms around her. She was surprised by hisaction until she heard he said, “If you want to cry, just cry. Don’t hold it back anylonger. It will just make you suffer even more. I saw you fighting a smile on yourface the whole day at school. There’s no one around here, so feel free to cry it out.”She could no longer hold back her tears. She cried out so loud, she could even hearher cry echoed throughout the room. She leaned her head over his shoulder. Theonly thing that he could do right now was comforting her.

About an hour later, she felt asleep. He carried her on his back and exitedfrom the study room. Once he stepped outside, Sherleen was standing in thehallway with Mr. and Mrs. Starlight. Kaitlin’s mom asked worriedly, “How is she?”Mark looked at Kaitlin and answered, “She’s alright now. I guess that cry really woreher out.” All of tem escorted Mark to Kaitlin’s room and he placed her gently on herbed, not trying to wake her up. While Kaitlin’s mom sat beside her bed, the othershad a talk outside. Dad said, “Your name’s Mark, right? I just have one request.Please take care of Kaitlin for me. I know I hadn’t been a good father, but please

look after her especially at school. Don’t let her mind wonder even for a while.”Mark looked at him and said, “I’ll do my best, sir.” Sherleen smiled at her brotherand from her eyes, he knew that even she was begging to him to take care of Kaitlin.

At school, no one noticed any changes in Kaitlin. She looked pretty normal tothem. It was not a surprise actually since she was good in acting as well. She actedas if nothing had ever happened but still, Mark kept his eyes on her and he saweverything; the sadness, the suffering and all the emotions that she hid from others.During recess, both of them spent their time in the library to do their assignment.

They only got two days left before the presentation. They made a great teamactually. They actually finished up everything a day earlier than they expected.

That was not all; just wait till I tell you about their presentation. It wasawesome! They got everyone’s attention. The food that they prepared themselveswere also vey tasty and mouth-watering. They presented their assignment on atraditional cuisine from Asia called ‘Kuih Koci’. Well, they actually got some usefuladvices to improve the sweet taste of the cuisine from Chef Leonard, who Kaitlinpreferred to call Lenny. While everyone was busy tasting each others’ delicacies,Kaitlin looked at Mark and said, “Thank you for being my partner, Mark. You weregreat.” Mark smiled and replied, “The same goes to you to, Miss Star...I mean,Kaitlin.” She giggled and both of them joined the rest of the class.

It was Friday night and the stars were twinkling brightly. Kaitlin sat by the hillin her house compound where it had been her favourite spot for star-gazing.Suddenly, Mark startled her from behind. She said, “Mark, you gave me a fright.Stop doing that!” Mark looked at her confusedly and replied, “Doing what?” Sherolled her eyes and said, “Surprising me, duh.” He gave a cheeky smile and said,“Sorry about that, Miss Starlight. Anyway, may I join you?” Kaitlin nodded andpatted on the grass next to her, gesturing that he should sit there. “Beautiful night,isn’t it?” Mark said as he looked up to the sky and saw million of shining stars. “Yup.I’m still waiting for the shooting star, though. The crescent moon is not bad as well.”

Tears started to collect in Kaitlin’s eyes out of the blue. Once Mark noticed it,he asked, “What’s wrong, Miss Starlight? Do you feel okay?” By then, she realised



that once again, she was holding back her tears. She answered quickly, “Yes, I’mfine. These tears just wouldn’t stop coming out, right? I was just thinking that everygirl at school wanted to be Kaitlin Starlight; and they never stop wishing that. I don’twant to sound snobbish or anything but I got to say that I am perfect in their eyes.People told me that I’m beautiful, my eyes are gorgeous, I got to be the headcheerleader and yet, I got an IQ of 180; I can connect myself with most of theteachers and student bodies; my parents are filthy rich; I got a mansion for a house;plus, a ten-star restaurant chef cooked my daily meals. Can you please give me aname of a girl who doesn’t want to be Kaitlin Starlight?”

Mark was thinking hard at first before he finally answered, “Let meguess...you?” Kaitlin turned back her sight towards the stars and said, “If only Icould wish I was somebody else. I got a chance to have everything that all the girlsin my school wished to have, but I also got the only thing that any human in thewhole entire universe wished that they would never want to have.” This time, shedid not hold back anymore. She let the tears fell down her cheeks and down to herneck. There was a silent moment after that.

Finally after a few minutes, Mark broke the silence and asked, “Miss Starlight,do you want to go out this Saturday?” She was quite surprised to hear thatquestion. She asked, “Go out? Where?” Mark looked at her and wiped away hertears, “Anywhere. You should give yourself a time out, you know. Why don’t you letme take you some places that you never have gone before? We’ll ride the train,walked around the park, the beach, the mall and other places.” She stared at himblankly at first, thinking hard of a way to answer him. After she saw thedetermination and sincerity in his eyes, she blinked away the last drop of tear in hereyes and smiled, “Sure. This could be fun.”

Mark was waiting for Kaitlin outside the gate of her ‘house’. About tenminutes later a figure showed up. It was her and she never looked this fantastic.She wore a simple short-sleeved azure blouse which paired up with her dark blue

skirt that lengthened until just below her knees. “Sorry I’m late. Am I overdressed?”Mark smiled and said, “No, you looked amazing! Ready yet?” Kaitlin just noddedand smiled. Mark got unto his bike, followed by Kaitlin and off they went on theirone-day adventure.

Kaitlin had no idea where Mark was taking her. About twenty minutes later,he slowed down his bike and parked it at a corner in the parking lot. “We’re here,Kaitlin at our first destination, the South Lake Park.” Kaitlin got off the bike and sawa very scenic view of a park surrounding a beautiful lake. The wind brushed herface, blowing through each strands of her hair and making her feel relaxed andwelcomed. “This is wonderful, Mark!” she said. Mark replied, “You haven’t seenanything yet. Follow me.” Mark was leading her to a park that looked more like anenchanted forest.

The morning glory was blooming and the nightingales were singing theirfavourite tune. The young man took the princess to the lake and she saw a fewswans danced gracefully around the lake. Kaitlin was speechless. Mark knew thatshe didn’t have to say anything to express her feelings; she already showed them inher violet eyes. They walked around some more for about one and a half hour andtalked about a lot of things. Then, they continued their chat on the bench under ashady tree.



“Hey, it’s around one o’clock. Want to grab a bite somewhere?” Mark askedright after he looked at his watch. Kaitlin looked at him cheerfully and said,“Surprise me.” His mouth was carved into a smile. He took her hand and they wentback to his bike.

They rid for about ten minutes before they arrived at the train station. Once

they got off the bike, Mark went to the ticket counter to purchase their tickets whileKaitlin waited for him by the gate. Five minutes went by and as soon as Markreturned, he handed Kaitlin her ticket for the train. The train was on time and whenthey stepped inside, there weren’t as many people as Kaitlin had imagined, still allthe seats were already taken. Mark told her that the train would make another threestations before they arrived at their destination.

It was the first time she ever had a train ride, so she got pretty excited whenshe felt how fast the train was moving. She looked like a nine-year-old little girl onher first field trip. Mark really pleased to see her acting like that. The train startedslowing down until it finally came to a complete stop. Mark was alert of what wouldhappen next. He pulled Kaitlin away from the door. Kaitlin was stunted by his action.She was about to ask him what was going on when suddenly the door opened. Acrowd of people entered the train. Mark pulled her body closer to him, leaning heragainst the wall. He said, “Hold on, Kaitlin. It’s their lunch hour, so people arerushing to the next stop because tons of restaurants are located there.”

It was crowded in the train; she could barely breathe. Despite the heat, shefelt very safe and secured. Mark was so close to her, she could hear his heartbeat;and it was very fast. She could even hear his breath just above her head.Somewhere in her mind, she wished that the time would just stop that moment.

After the crowd exited at the next stop, both mark and Kaitlin tried to catchtheir breath. They looked at each other and blushed. Then, Kaitlin got her attentionback outside. They arrived at their destination after five minutes travelled from thelast station. They arrived at The Mall, a place that Kaitlin had been dying to go. Theywalked around the shopping complex before they arrived at the food court. Marksaid, “I was thinking of bringing you to the restaurants at first, but since you nevercome to this kind of place, this can be your first shot.”

Kaitlin had a trouble of choosing a meal for awhile until she decided to buysome mushroom soup and a glass of orange juice. Mark stared at her when shetasted the soup. “How is it?” he asked curiously. She smiled and said, “Goodenough for me.” They both enjoyed their lunch together. Afterwards, they tookanother walk around The Mall before they headed back to their original station.

“Before we went back home, there’s a place I want you go,” Mark told Kaitlinright after they reached his bike. Kaitlin didn’t say much; she just nodded to hisdecision. About half an hour later, they arrived at the beach. “It’s about time now,”he said. She was confused, “Time for what?” He pointed his finger towards the sea.She turned her sight at the direction and her breath was taken away. The sunsetwas nothing like she had seen before. It was definitely something that she wouldgive her life to. It was very scenic and beautiful. Everything was just orange andred. While she was enjoying the scenery, Mark held her hand and said, “Time to gohome.”

After a long day, she finally arrived home. When she was about to enter thehouse, she called for Mark. “Mark, thank you for going out with me today. It was the



best day of my life.” Mark smiled and went to the garage to park his bike. WhenKaitlin was about to go up the stairs, Sherleen called for her and asked, “How’s yourday, Miss Starlight?” Kaitlin smiled and said, “I’ll never ever forget this day for therest of my life.”

The next two weeks, Kaitlin had a very hard time trying to keep awake. She

kept fainted every time she felt tired. She also had been hospitalized from time totime. Not only that, there were also a lot of guys asked her to become their date forthe homecoming dance but she turned down all of the offers. She became evenmore ill as the fortnight passed by. Two nights before the homecoming dance,Kaitlin lied in her bed, not feeling very well. Sherleen was right next to her, trying tofeed her some porridge. She coaxed, “Miss Starlight, you have to eat something.Otherwise, you cannot go to the homecoming dance.” Kaitlin just stared at theceiling and said, “I’m not sure whether I can even make it to the dance or not.”

Sherleen put down the bowl of porridge and sighed, “Don’t say that, MissStarlight. You already have your dress for that night.” Kaitlin closed her eyes anddid not reply. “I’ll leave you alone for now, Miss Starlight.” Sherleen slowly madeher leave. A few moments later, there was a knock and someone opened the door.Kaitlin opened her eyes and saw Mark was sitting next to her bed.

“Kaitl...I mean, Miss Starlight. There’s something I want to ask you,” hepaused for a while, took a deep breath and continued, “Will you go to theHomecoming Dance with me?” She didn’t know how to reply. “Please, Kaitlin.” Onceshe heard him saying her name, she smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Kaitlin. Butyou need to finish your porridge first.” She smiled and got up. Sherleen, who waspeeping through the door, smiled as she saw Mark helped Kaitlin eating her dinner.

“Kaitlin, you make it! I thought you still have your fever. Take a look at thisplace, it’s awesome. Even you looked hot. So, don’t tell me that you still don’t haveany dates for tonight.” Lily talked to Kaitlin as she made her grand entrance. Therewere already so many people arrived and all their eyes were locked on her. Shelooked fabulous in her custom-made peach dress. Kaitlin waved at everyone andquickly faced back to Lily, “Thank you, Lily. Of course I have a date. Just wait andsee.”

“Now,” said the DJ, “I’ll proudly announce that this years’ HomecomingQueen goes to...Kaitlin Starlight! Come over her, Kaitlin! Claim your tiara!” Kaitlinwalked gracefully to the stage and claimed her tiara. The DJ continued, “Let’s getthe dance on now!” Everyone got their date by their side and started dancing.Suddenly, Mark Showed up and held out his hands towards Kaitlin, “Would you liketo dance?” Kaitlin answered happily, “I do.”

Everyone was shocked. Kaitlin Starlight dated Mark Sanford was a big hit.Everyone started cheering for them, not to mention Lily. She was happy for herfriend. Meanwhile, Kaitlin danced her heart out with Mark. It was the night of herlife. When it came to a slow dance, Mark held her waist while she put her armsaround his neck. They were the centre of attention. She silently whispered to hisear, “Thank you, Mark. I’ll remember this moment, for now and always.”

He took her home that night, safely. When they entered the housecompound, Kaitlin stopped walking, followed by Mark. He asked her, “What’s wrong,Kaitlin?” She gritted her teeth and said, “Nothing. I just wanted to give you mygratitude for you had given me a chance to realise what life is all about. Since you



showed up, I never felt lonely and never had to force a smile on my face. Thank youfor always being here with me all the way. I also wanted to say that I...I...I reallylove you, Mark.” He did not say anything. He moved closer to her, held hershoulders and kissed her. Then, he said, “I love you too, Kaitlin.”

The next morning, Sherleen went into Kaitlin’s room to wake her up. She tried

a few times but there was no respond from Kaitlin. She called for Kaitlin’s parents. They also tried to wake her up but there was no good. Mark was there, staring atthe door while tears started to fall down his cheeks.

On the same day, there was an announcement about Kaitlin’s death. Nobodybelieved it especially Lily. She said, “What kind of sick joke is this? Well, it isn’tfunny. Why don’t we ask Mark? Hey, Mark. You dated her, right? Tell thatannouncer, tell him. Mark? Mark?” he spaced out for awhile. When he snapped outof it, he told the truth about everything; the cancer, the dates, the butler andeverything. Lily cried out loudly, almost the whole block could hear her cry. Amongall of the students, Mark was the only one who did not cry. He looked out at the skyand said, “Kaitlin, looked out after us. They all cried for you. Now, it’s your turn tobe happy. I’ll never forget you, Kaitlin. I promise, Miss Starlight. Kaitlin Starlight.”

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Kaitlin's Destiny