Search results for 'tag:Conversations tag:Weddings' matching tags 'Conversations' and 'Weddings'

Re: led

Delmobile — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:46:50 GMT

In conversation, you would say "give away." The phrase I used is only for newspaper write-ups and things like that.

[conversation]

I want a real old-fashioned traditional wedding. I want to walk down the aisle with my daddy and have him give me away.

I was so touched when Stella asked me to give her away when she marries David this summer. I've been close to the family ever since her father died, but I didn't expect an honor like this.

[magazine story]

These days, brides may choose to be given in marriage by their father, or by both parents (as has always been the tradition for Jewish brides). Some brides prefer to walk up the aisle unescorted, emphasizing their independence. Some make the trip to the altar on the arm of the groom.

Re: When to use "come to" and when to use "go to"

Grammar Geek — Thu, 17 May 2007 02:55:54 GMT

Either, in American English.

If the wedding is in Australia while you have the conversation with the prospective bride in Germany, then use "go."

Re: taken into the court

CalifJim — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 04:29:38 GMT

Register = social register of language.
Very high register language (Register 3+) is typically considered appropriate for a royal wedding! Or a presidential speech. High register (Register 3) is used in formal situations, including formal scientific papers written for publication and some 'higher class' newspapers and journals. It may include many specialized terms for use in special fields such as medicine. Many works of fiction include items from this register, though they need not necessarily.
Register 2 is the focus point for most conversation by educated people. It is used in the market place, and when speaking to strangers, as well as when speaking with friends. It includes many frequently used informal expressions. Most teaching of language concentrates on register 2, with excursions into register 1 and, more often, into register 3.
Register 1 consists of many more informal expressions and inoffensive slang.
Register 0 consists of vulgar expressions which should be avoided.

CJ

90 ADVANTAGES OF BEING A MALE

Matress — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 23:01:58 GMT

90 ADVANTAGES OF BEING A MALE

1. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. 2. Movie nudity is virtually always female. 3. You know stuff about tanks. 4. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. 5. You don't have to monitor your friends' sex lives. 6. Your bathroom lines are 80% shorter. 7. You can open all your own jars. 8. Old friends don't give you crap if you've lost or gained weight. 9. Dry cleaners and haircutters don't rob you blind. 10. When clicking through the channels, you don't have to stall on every shot of someone crying. 11. Your ass is never a factor in a job interview. 12. All your orgasms are real. 13. A beer gut does not make you invisible to the opposite sex. 14. Guys in hockey masks don't attack you. 15. You don't have to lug a bag of useful stuff around everywhere you go. 16. You understand why "Stripes" is funny. 17. You can go to the bathroom with out a support group. 18. Your last name stays put. 19. You can leave a hotel bed unmade. 20. When your work is criticized, you don't have to panic that everyone secretly hates you. 21. You can kill your own food. 22. The garage is all yours. 23. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. 24. You see the humor in Terms of Endearment. 25. Nobody secretly wonders if you swallow. 26. You never have to clean the toilet. 27. You can be showered and ready in 10 minutes. 28. Sex means never worrying about your reputation: the more partners, the better. 29. Wedding plans take care of themselves. 30. If someone forgets to invite you to something, he or she can still be you friend. 31. Your underwear is $10 for a three pack. 32. The National College Cheerleading Championship 33. None of your co-workers have the power to make you cry. 34. You don't have to shave below your neck. 35. You don't have to curl up next to a hairy ass every nite. 36. If you're 34 and single nobody notices. 37. You can write your name in the snow. 38. You can get into a nontrivial pissing contest. 39. Everything on your face stays its original color. 40. Chocolate is just another snack. 41. You can be president. 42. You can quietly enjoy a car ride from the passenger seat. 43. Flowers fix everything. 44. You never have to worry about other people's feelings. 45. You get to think about sex 90% of your waking hours. 46. You can wear a white shirt to a water park. 47. Three pair of shoes are more than enough. 48. You can eat a banana in a hardware store. 49. You can say anything and not worry about what people think. 50. Foreplay is optional. 51. Michael Bolton doesn't live in your universe and you don't know what Kalvin Klein is. 52. Nobody stops telling a good dirty joke when you walk into the room. 53. You can whip your shirt off on a hot day. 54. You don't have to clean your apartment if the meter reader is coming by. 55. You never feel compelled to waste an evening trying to stop a pal from getting laid. 56. Car mechanics tell you the truth. 57. You don't give a rat's ass if someone notices your new haircut. 58. You can watch a game in silence with your buddy for hours without even thinking: He must be mad at me. 59. The world is your urinal (You can pee anywhere). 60. You never misconstrue innocuous statements to mean your lover is about to leave you. 61. Hot wax never comes near your pubic area. 62. One mood, all the time. 63. You can admire Clint Eastwood without starving yourself to look like him. 64. You know at least 20 ways to open a beer bottle. 65. You can sit with your knees apart no matter what you are wearing. 66. Same work....more pay. 67. Gray hair and wrinkles add character. 68. You don't have to leave the room to make an emergency crotch adjustment. 69. Wedding Dress $2000; Tux rental $100. 70. You don't care if someone is talking about you behind your back. 71. With 400 million sperm per shot, you could double the earth's population in 15 tries, at least in theory. 72. People never glance at your chest when your talking to them. 73. You can drop by to see a friend without bringing a little gift. 74. Bachelor parties whomp ass over bridal showers. 75. You can have a normal and healthy relationship with your mother. 76. You can buy condoms without the shopkeeper imagining you naked. 77. You needn't pretend you're "freshening up" to go to the bathroom. 78. If you don't call your buddy when you say you will, he won't tell your friends you've changed. 79. Someday you'll be a dirty old man. 80. You can rationalize any behavior with the handy phrase "*** it!" 81. If another guy shows up at the party in the same outfit, you might become lifelong buddies. 82. Princess Di's death was almost just another obituary. 83. You don't mind being a sexual object. 84. You never have to miss a sexual opportunity because your not in the mood. 85. If something mechanical doesn't work, you can fix it or bash it with a hammer and throw it across the room. 86. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. 87. Porn movies are designed with your mind in mind. 88. You don't have to remember everyone's birthdays and anniversaries. 89. Not liking certain people does not preclude having great sex with them. 90. Your pals can be trusted never to trap you with: "So...notice anything different?" DO YOU STILL HAVE DOUBTS THAT TO BE A MAN IS BETTER?

Re: What kind of LOVER are you?

Roro — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 10:45:17 GMT

Hello there!
ââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
ã...asking 'How long is a piece of string?'...ã
ââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
I didn't know this expression until now. Google search referred me at first to some mathematician's book on 'super string theory,' so I got shocked (to understand your discussion I have to master it..?). Then I found a better site, ãhttp://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/23/messages/140.htmlãIt's a witty phrase! Thank you, Mike.

ââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
I don't know it closely concerns Dj Bueno's question or not (probably not, I'm afraid), but let me quote my favorite passage: a married couple's conversation at the morning of their son's wedding (simply .. because I like it).
ââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ
(Dr Gibbs) I was remembering my wedding morning, Julia.
(Mrs Gibbs) Now don't start that, Frank Gibbs. (...)
ã[Pause. Dr Gibbs starts laughing.]
(Dr Gibbs) Julia, do you know one of the things I was scared of when I married you?
(Mrs Gibbs) Oh, go along with you!
(Dr Gibbs) I was afraid we wouldn't have material for conversation more'n'd last us a few weeks.
ã[Both laugh.]
ãI was afraid we'd run out and eat our meas in silence, that's a fact .. Well, you and I been conversing for twenty years now without any noticeable barren spells.
(Mrs Gibbs) Well .. good weather, bad weather .. 'tain't very choice, but I always find something to say.
ââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ

Dj Bueno! I envy your passion, that's the way to go.

Re: Unless + negative construction

Mister Micawber — Mon, 16 May 2005 13:22:36 GMT

Seems eminently possible to me, Hela, especially in conversation:

'Unless I don't have to wear a monkey suit, I'm not coming to your wedding!'

How to date different sunsigns

eagle — Wed, 09 Feb 2005 03:33:30 GMT

How To Date An Aries Female ( March 21-April 20 - Aries )

If you are dating an Aries female, take her out to the shooting
range.Bring an extra gun for her to shoot with you. She is capable
of
shooting at you, if you rile her anger.) Wear tight jeans,a
redshirt
and look manly. Pick her up on your Harley Davidson, but remind her
you have a private race car collection.Be Macho! Do not talk about
old girlfriends! Aries females must be the only "one".Cooking isn't
her
goal in life, but adventure will get her attention! Don't be a
pushover, she'll lose interest, and look for another challenge.Tell
her she is really cool, and the most fun and exciting woman you
were
ever with. (This will probably not be a lie.) She values honesty,
don't fabricate! Be careful though, if this Aries female really
likes you, she'll chase you until she can propose to you.Aries
females
means business and are not recommended for timid men!

Back to Top
How To Date An Aries Male ( March 21-April 20 - Aries )

If you are dating an Aries male, allow him to decide where to go and
what to do. Let him know that you have never dated a man with such
confidence and brains. You can be the dumb blonde with this guy,
he'll save you. If you are out with him and you flirt with someone
else,be
prepared to call a cab to get home. Aries males do like skin and
cleavage, therefore, you could win him back. It will not work a
second time. He can argue with you, and when you think you have
won, he will
still do it his way. He wants to chase you, so let him do the
calling
and guesswork. Don't tell him you love him, until he proposes.To
Catch this hot-blooded Aries man, give the Ram his head and follow
his
lead. Everyday is an adventure to an Aries male, marriage is also.Restup!

Back to Top
How to Date A Taurus Female ( April 21-May 21 - Taurus )

If you are dating a Taurus female, take her to an expensive steak
house, rub on your soft musk, wear your corporate suit, and arrive
in
our four-door sedan. If it is paid for, you may drop that subtlety
in your conversation during dinner. Taurus females prefer tender
hugs
and quiet candlelight dinners at home, prepared by you. She'll
return the
love by cooking for you at her home.When mentioning the house you
would like to build,make sure you tell her about the large wooded
lot
with room for kids and dogs. If you are serious about her, let her
know that it wouldn't becomplete without a woman's touch. She will
interpret your comment and hint about a cute little 20 carat
diamond
she spotted at the mall. Taurus females are warm and loving!
(Unless
you make her mad or jealous.Don't tell her you spent your rent
money
to buy drugs.) Taurus Females are security minded, and will stick
by
you!

Back to Top
How to Date A Taurus Male ( April 21-May 21 - Taurus )

If you are dating a Taurus male, be prepared to watch lots of movies
at his home. His dog will eventually accept the two of you being
together.A real treat will be when he takes you out to dinner to a
four star restaurant. Taurus males will think you look great in
forest green,however, they like nudity above all.Taurus males have
the
cuddly teddy bear approach to love. He will certainly have his arm
around
you,during the movies. If you want to win his heart, get him a cold
beer without him asking you. He will of course, apologize for his
messy home.He would know he had your love, if you surprised him by
cleaning it up, and making the chili when he entertains his friends
for Monday night football. He likes to take his own sweet time, so
don't push him. He is the marrying kind. Visualize Mr. Taurus,
watching television from his recliner,dog at his feet, a child
under
under each arm, complete with TV guide and beer can pyramid.

Back to Top
How To Date A Gemini Female ( May 22-June 21 - Gemini )

If you are dating a Gemini female, arrive on your mountain bike built
for two. Ask her if she would like to ride over to the bar,and
shoot
a game of pool, because a lot of your buddies hang out there and
they
are fun! If that doesn't work, then suggest skating, a coffee
house,
or hanging out at the bookstore. Wear casual clothes and be
prepared
to talk a lot.Talk about the fascinating people you know, the
intellectual types preferably. Tell her about the book you are
going
to write. Have some original thoughts and be inventive. Creativity
ranks high on your Gemini females list. You'll never know what she
is
thinking. She is full of surprises. You can take her to the
neighborhood dive bar, or to the Governor's Ball. She won't
embarrass
you. You can find out what she really thinks of you by locating
her
journal, where all her secrets are kept.Gemini females are not
tidy,
so it should be lying around in plain sight. There's lots of time
before an engagement ring is necessary. Gemini females have to
fall
in love with your brain first!

Back to Top
How To Date A Gemini Male (May 22-June 21 - Gemini)

If you are dating a Gemini male, you can expect him to stand you up
on your first date, but if you are lucky, he will call, say he is
running late, and that the plans for the date have changed.Bring an
overnight bag, he can get carried away and forget that you need to
go
home. He will have the cutest twinkling eyes, and you will forgive
him. He will slightly ignore you in public, as he always knows
everyone,wherever he takes you, and speaks to each one. Somehow,
you
can't picture him in a tuxedo, going down the aisle. Gemini males
won't call you everyday. Gemini men are witty, fun, and can play,
play, and play! These men thrive in occupations where they can meet
the public, and talk.Gemini males are great as disc jockeys. If
you
want to catch this guy, don't lean on him, don't get pregnant, or
talk marriage. Be a challenge, do your own thing and let your
Gemini male
chase you. It's ok to date others.

Back to Top
How To Date A Cancer Female ( June 22-July 22 - Cancer )

If you are dating a Cancer female, dine out for pizza, and afterwards
take her to Baskin Robbins. Be sure to call her mother and check on
the kids. She'll think you are really a nice guy. Dress casual,
and
drive a suburban, or mini-van. It's ok, if you got the kids from
your last divorce, that won't stop her from dating you. Offer to
barbecue
at her house and compliment her cooking.(That way you get to come
back for more.) Bring the family with you,Cancer females can take
it.
Cancer females are very sensitive about everything near and dear to
them. Never say bad things about her family members--ever! They do
possess humor. Pay attention to all her handmade quilts and home
crafts. Cancer women are great homemakers. Let her know you like
women with a "little meat" on their bones. (They taste everything
they cook (yummy!) play games with Cancer women.

Back to Top
How To Date A Cancer Male ( June 22-July 22 - Cancer )

If you are dating a Cancer male, be prepared to go to swap meets,and
garage sales. Of course, he will take you out to eat,at least on
your first date.He is pretty thrifty, so be sure you have a little
stash
of tip money in your purse. Of course, if you want to pay for
your
own,that would be fine. Just be yourself around him. Looks aren't
that important to Cancer males, but do know some fabulous recipes!
Talk
about your love of children. Display an interest in his hobbies.
Don't go into his garage, it will take the rest of the century to
go
through all of his bargains and collectables. Your Cancer man will
be
dating just you, and possibly his ex-wife.He is extremely stable,
and
loves to eat. If you think you need to diet, he won't. He loves
chesty women! You will receive flowers from him,out of his
garden,
naturally. He will remember all the holidays and treat you well.
Tell him all your funny stories, he likes to laugh. It's ok, to
say you
are pro marriage and to openly discuss it. He's there for you. He
knows
how to treat women, afterall, his best friend is his mother. When

you marry a Cancer man, you get them both!
Back to Top

How to Date a Leo Female ( July 23-August 22 - Leo )

If you are dating a Leo female, take her to the movies, a
concert,abroadway show, a plush restaurant. Getting the picture?
She
wants tobe seen out with you. If men notice her, she will love
that.If you don't act a little jealous, she will try harder to make
you so.She thinks jealousy is a compliment. Bring her flowers,
wear
your gold chains, and wear something that shows off those muscles
you
worked so hard to get. That will excite her. Don't forget to
splash
on your Giorgio cologne. Tell her how much you love redheads, and
ask
her if all that gorgeous hair is hers? (If she isn't a redhead,
then
switch to blondes,or dark hair, but don't forget this.) Compliment
her constantly,and drive something sporty to show her off. A
convertible
would be nice.Leo gals will get you noticed! When she disappears on
your dates,she is merely primping in the ladies room. Be willing to
fight for your Leo female, but don't take any crap from her. She
can
start fights over nothing. Be prepared.You had better love her
cats
too! She doesn't care if you are well reaD or educated, but do be
suave, polished and act like you know what you are doing. She will
marry you, but be prepared to take care of her sexually,
financially, and emotionally. Leo females are a handful,and
remember, she can
always get another man, so treat her right.

Back to Top

How to Date a Leo Male ( July 23-August 22 - Leo )

If you are dating a Leo male, he will take you to the best places for
dinner, shows, etc. He will lavish money on you, even if he does not
have it to spend. You can expect him to put the studley moves on you
ASAP, not to worry. Usually it is a game, to see if you are really
interested. He will impress you with his peacock strut, and the way
he puffs out his chest. If he can convince you that he is a great
guy,then he will be,otherwise, you will be pounced on by his cat
like
nature. His favorite past-time is being waited on, breakfast in
bed,
candlelight, movies, concerts, roses and your basic everyday
adoration.He is capable of a variety of occupations, but he likes
to
be the boss the most. This includes home.Leo men can have temper
tantrums, if things don't go their way. It's ok, if you want to
toss
a few things back his way, when he starts to roar. Stand up to
him. Be
able to turn his roar into a purr.Always look good around him.
Don't
admit you color your hair. Do sleep with your makeup on,and dress
sexy and feminine. He won't marry you otherwise. Leo males love
the
chase, so let him! (Leo males will already have told you about all
of his
other women.)

Back to Top

How To Date A Virgo Female ( August 23-September 23 - Virgo )

If you are dating a Virgo female, be on time when you arrive in your
Mercedes to take her out for health food. Borrow the car if you
have
to. Do not pick her up in your unwashed car, with the baby car
carrier. She isn't interested in ready made families. Wear the
latest in fashion, and above all, have a manicure. Virgo females
notice everything! Have a degree, be a professional, know
everyone
who is anyone. Exude confidence. Stay away from the bar where you
were 86'd ! Do not have other girlfriends. Virgo females are shy
and
sometimes aloof. That does not mean they don't like you. It takes
several dates for them to decide if they want you.They are neat
freaks, and don't want to pick up after you. Be toilet trained!
If
you tell her you are going to do something at 6pm, then do it.
Virgo
females can drop you for little things like that. Don't quit
trying,
if you care about her. They only love a handful of men, and you
won't have any competition. Just be real!Quality is important to
female
Virgos. Virgo females are usually career minded, but they will marry.

Back to Top

How To Date A Virgo Male ( August 23-September 23 - Virgo )

If you are dating a Virgo male, go slowly. They hate to make
mistakes. He will take you out to nice clean respectable
establishments, and go to the movies with you. He does not go out
dancing or rabble rousing with he guys. He is a solitary person,
whose social group is small. Virgo males are inclined to computers,
and the
geeky stuff. However, he could balance your checkbook for you. Do
not
dress like a slut. Be chic! Have no children from previous
marriages. Don't be too talkative. He shys away from party
animals. He wants
to date someone with a purpose in life. Be interesting, and invite
him
to your workplace. He can visualize his name hyphenated after yours
on
the nameplate on your desk.Virgo men can be workaholics, that way
they
can avoid "nooners".Virgo males are not usually sexually
promiscuous.
Sex won't happen until you push for it, but be sure to have your
STD
test results handy. He will marry you in time, lots of time, be
patient. Your Virgo male won't divorce you, once in love, it's for
keeps!

Back to Top

How to Date A Libra Female (September 24-October 23 - Libra )

If you are dating a Libra female, take her to a wine tasting, the
theatre, your Cousin's wedding, anyplace sociable. She likes
elegance and beauty. Dress in your Sunday best. Bring her
flowers,cards and
special little feminine gifts. She'll be thoughtful too.Although
Libra women are the ultimate in fashion and femininity, they are
big
flirts. However, underneath it all, they really want to be married

to one darling man, who will romance them eternally. Flirt back
with
her, she loves little games. You can fall in love anytime you want
to with
her. Your car isn't as important, as how you treat her.Gently
please,no conflict! Your Libra female probably won't have
children,but she will have her fluffy lap dog, everywhere you go.
She isn't the
type to cheat on you, unless you forget about romance. Your
occupation isn't that important. Be sure to earn enough money to
support her
frequent shopping trips to the mall. She loves to decorate, so step
back at home.You can do the outside domestic duties. You get to
wash
the car and mow the lawn.When you propose to her, present her with
your poetic love vows,and promise to hire a maid for her. Libra
females love to be married!

Back to Top
How To Date A Libra Male ( September 24-October 23 - Libra )

If you are dating a Libra male, your first date will be in a
romantic
restaurant, highlighted with a wonderful wine list. During dinner
just smile and be sweet. Libra men don't like vulgarity in any
form.Dress
tastefully, and do use your flower scented perfume. He loves women
who dress up, wear jewellery, use makeup, and are happy being
feminine.He is fascinated with fantasy, including sexual fantasy.
Don't discuss your recent love life, or ex-husbands. He could care
unless about your children, or desire to have them. Don't be
umentative.Libra males hate conflict. You can discuss your latest
painting, the last book you read,or what your plans are for
interior
decorating.Libra males love cozy fires, and sensuous females near
it.
Foreplay is a big high for Libra males. He is not a wimp, by any
means,although, he loves to please! Yes, he would be your sex
slave,
provided you tease him a lot. At work, he is a fair boss, but at
home
he loves to be used! Libra males will stay in a bad marriage.
Flirting gets them into trouble.Marriage is part of his ultimate
plan, just make certain he is single, when you decide to date your
Libra male.

Back to Top

How To Date A Scorpio Female ( October 24-November 22 - Scorpio )

If you are dating a Scorpio female, be careful! Show up wearing
black clothes that fit you well. Arrive in your black car with the
dark
tinted windows. She likes the dark places, so take her to the
bars,
a casino would be fab! Don't tell her about the drugs you are
on,she
won't tell you about hers either. There needs to be caution
exercised
here, because Scorpios are one of two extremes. One the saint, the
other the sinner.The firs t type of Scorpio is very religious, and
does not smoke, drink, or do drugs. If you are on a blind date,
you
will know which version you are dating. Neither type is hung up on
what you wear, but more how you wear it. Have sex appeal. Be
interested in occult matters, be deep. She won't offer you much
information about herself, you will have to guess. Scorpio females
will pry your whole life story out of you.To keep her interested,
be
hard to get. You won't know if you are pleasing her, or where you
stand. A fatal mistake is to anger a Scorpio female.Scorpio women
will get you! She has a passionate nature and can have more than
one
love interest. They are not usually domestic,nor want to be
involved
>with parenthood. She will put all of her intense energy into
either
partying or getting to the top. Female Scorpios are "all or
nothing",even when it comes to marriage.

Back to Top

How To Date A Scorpio Male ( octr 24-November23 -Scorpio )

If you are dating a Scorpio male, make sure you love secrets! He
loves for you to be sexy, and downright sleazy works for him
too.He can
make love to you, and not be in love with you. His passion can fool
women, don't mistake it for love. Oftentimes, they are most in love
when they can't possess or own you. Jealousy is a big issue with
him. He stays jealous. He does not care what you do for an
occupation,nor
your financial status. Scorpio males want to control you to
conform
to their ideas of living. So, if you aren't strong in your own
identity,then you will lose him. Scorpio males like the challenge
of
ownership.They love you most when they can't have complete control
over you. Only the fearless need apply here. One type of Scorpio
will
marry you and stay put and dominate the household. Whereas, the
other
type will just disappear on you without warning or reason. Be true
to
yourself with Scorpio males, and let your personality stay on top!

Back to Top

How To Date A Sagittarius Female ( November 23-December 21 - Sagittarius )

If you are dating a Sagittarius Female, be ready willing and able to
go anywhere. She loves sports and to travel. A perfect date would

be an overnight excursion to Mount Olympus, and skiing down the
slopes
for breakfast. Pick her up in your jeep, or pickup truck,she
won'tmind your dog either. Dress casual, and be able to tell her
about an Indian Shaman you know, who invited you to a tribal
ceremony.
She'll want to go with you. Don't do the same things twice in a
row.
She won't care who you are dating, because she has plenty of men
friends. Sagittarius women can be ready for a date on a moments
notice. She'll be great at men's activities, like softball, and
eating the worm from a Tequila bottle. She will have been
everywhere,
but darn, Sagittarius females are fun to be around. You can win her
heart with variety in your lovemaking.She isn't the type to spend
time in the kitchen or babysitting.Show her you want to be a
companion in
all of her zany schemes. When she falls for you, she will ask you
to
do things with her. Marriage is not on her mind,but she would
marry
you, if she felt you were compatible enough. Sagittarius women love
their freedom!

Back to Top
How To Date A Sagittarius Male ( November 23-December 21 - Sagittarius)

If you are dating a Sagittarius male, expect anything and
everything.He is not very reliable about schedules, dates, or you.
Not in the beginning anyway. He likes talkative women and female
jocks.
He wants a buddy to join him in his pursuits. Most Sagittarius
males
are employed in sales/traveling jobs. They can have a gal in every
port.Let him tell you he is serious about you first. Sagittarius
males only get married when they have to, and then they can't seem
to stay
married.They love the thrill and adventure of chasing a
woman,similar
to their love of hunting, fishing, and sports. You rank in there
somewhere. You can get used to being a hunting widow, sports widow,
etc., with Sagittarius male! You should love the same things he
does.Sagittarius men can be very funny and interesting. He will go
to
restaurants, but throw out his suit and tie. Sagittarius males like
their comfort and the wide open spaces and places, and freedom with
their women.Make no mistake about it, he does love women, all of
them. When your Sagittarian's heart goes out to you, he won't know
what to
do about it, because he didn't expect to fall in love. If you live
with him, he won't find time to go down the aisle. Sagittarius men
dread the thought of a tuxedo, and the stares from wedding guests.
You 'll have to drag your Sagittarius male to the altar!

Back to Top

How To Date A Capricorn Female ( December 22-January 20 - Capricorn )

If you are dating a Capricorn female, take her to dinner at the best
restaurant in town, arrive in a limousine with flowers. Dress in
your
designer clothes, and be impeccable. Pinstripes and subtle scents
arouse her. Be successful at whatever you are undertaking. Let her
know about it. It's ok, to tell her you made two million last
year.Don't be cheap. Tell her you have been saving yourself for the
right woman, and that you have been working your buns off , to
build
your empire. Tell her you need someone to share this big business
burden with, and that your thoughts are about expanding your
business. Hint that a woman, would be perfect as a manager in your
new
expansion. She will be so intrigued, that she will offer you sound
business suggestions. She is SMART! Capricorn females won't compete

with you, they'll help climb the ladder. Don't forget about her.
She
loves expensive presents with thought behind them. Her little
"black book"
is filled with business appointments, not telephone numbers.
Capricorn
women are almost always successful in whatever they undertake.
They
don't take enough time to eat, so take her to lunch, dinner and
your
next corporate meeting. Business thrills them. She may seem cold
emotionally,but don't be fooled. She has those sexual infernos,
looking for a release!She does not trust men entirely, so don't
give her the
bums rush, or you will be part of the homeless. She would be a
great
wife to a success oriented man. She can entertain your clients,
and
friends.Capricorn females, can be boss in marriage too. Be
prepared
to be hen-pecked, if you are thinking marriage!

Back to Top
How To Date A Capricorn Male ( December 22-January 20 - Capricorn )

If you are dating a Capricorn male, plan on doing most of the
talking.He will take you to places with class and ambience. He
will pick you up
in his black, luxury car. You will be treated like a
lady.Therefore, you should let him open the doors, etc. Dress in
style, but be sure you show some cleavage. Still waters run deep
with
Capricorn males.Your first dates will seem like business meetings,
but eventually you will get to know him. He is insecure about his
emotions and likes to keep them under control. Of course, he won't
make this
obvious. Compliment him on his achievements and he will open up to
you. He would be strict as a parent, and holds very traditional
beliefs about relationships. Don't be an airhead or aimless. He
appreciates a hard working woman, whom he can consider an equal.
He
does not know how to play, so you will have to lighten him up with
your humorous antics and fun loving side. Once your Capricorn man
commits, he will not leave you.Divorce is a nasty word in his
vocabulary. Capricorn males make good husbands and bread
winners.They are extravagant with gifts to those whom they love.
Marriage will
have to be his idea, not yours!

Back to Top
How To Date An Aquarius Female ( January 21-February 19 - Aquarius )

If you are dating an Aquarius female, arrive in your restored
classic.Wear a funky hat and clothes that shouldn't go together,but
somehow do. Take her to an out of the way coffee house, featuring
jazz.Feel free to discuss anything and everything. She is an
intelligent listener,and will have some bizarre insight of her own.
You'll never truly understand her, so bring a tape recorder for
instant replay to sort it out later. Aquarius women are unusual,
not
necessarily hippies, but aware of the entire globe. She won't be
ready to jump in the sack on the first date, she has to get to know
you. Be
fascinating, tell her that you are going to Spain to run with the
bulls. Explain your philosophy on combining chemicals to combat
radiation. Tell her about your thesis which was published in the
"International Who Dunnit Magazine". Don't tell her you are in
love
with her too soon. You will know when she has taken a strong
liking
to you. That is when your Aquarius female will invite you to her
abode.Then you will see the real Aquarius female. There will be
many
unusual pictures, and books. There is a story connected to all of
her belongings.When your Aquarius female commits to you, she will
not
necessarily be ready for marriage. That is just her way of saying
she
likes you. You must have likminds, or there will be no future
Mrs.Anybody!

Back to Top

How To Date An Aquarius Male ( January 21-February 19 - Aquarius )

If you are dating an Aquarius male, consider yourself lucky to even
get the first date. Aquarius males don't date much.They would
rather
be an observer, hanging out on the scene. He would prefer to go to
your house and have long talks into the night, and possibly just
stay
over. He may tell you that he just video taped an erotica video
featuring wild animals at the zoo with some vacationing starlets.He
may stay at your house, never cook or clean, but just be there,
when
you come home from work. Then one day, without warning, he will be
gone. If he is employed, he can be quite selfish with his money.
He
likes his freedom, in every way. Eventually he will call
you,.....expect >the unexpected with Aquarius. When Aquarius males
fall in love,
it is usually with someone who is intellectual, self-sufficient, and
childless. Have a deep purpose or goal in life and he will be
attracted to your dreams.Aquarius males will marry, but they
usually marry the
wrong person the first time, and shy away from second marriages.
They love their mental freedom. Nagging won't change them. He
won't
care what race you are,how much you weigh, etc.Mind altering drugs
can
ruin an Aquarian male for marriage completely. If he is more
holistic,
then he is searching for a soul mate. Love yourself and your
Aquarius male will too!

Back to Top
How To Date A Pisces Female ( February 20-March 20 - Pisces )

If you are dating a Pisces female, take her to a psychic far, art
gallery, or out for cocktails. Don't take her to the animal
shelter,
or you will have a new pet. You can wear anything you like, and
you
get to make all the decisions. She prefers men with a passion
about
something, just believe in it. Music is one of her favorites and
dancing is definitely a must. If you can't dance, take lessons.
pisces females don't care if you are good looking, just have a
heart. A
sense of humor is an asset, she has one too. She has no
confidence in
herself, so support her in her dreams. She falls in love easily.
Don't promise her a rose garden, if you don't mean it. When you
go to
the movies, take tissues.It does not matter what the movie is
about,she will inevitable cry, when something touches her. Pisces
females love everyone, even if they treated her badly.She hates
to
see pain, but can drown in her own. Cheer her up, be a positive
kind of
guy, and be romantic. Encourage her to not live in your shadow,
but
to have her own life. Yes your Pisces woman wil marry you.
Pisces
females have a hard time saying "No"!

Back to Top

How To Date A Pisces Male ( February 20-March 20 - Pisces )

If you are dating a Pisces male, it will be up to you to decide
whereto go, what to do, whose car to take. He likes music,
alcohol, and
strong-willed women. He will do whatever you want. He has an
extremely creative side, which takes precedence over his mundane
duties of the everyday work world. He could be happy being
supported
by you, because he would surrender all of himself to you and your
causes.Pisces males are romantic, and hate to make decisions. He
does not want to displease you in any way. He donates to every
solicitor
knocking at the door. Pisces males are not normally good money
managers, therefore, you get to. He won't mind. He would give you
every
paycheck. He loves you when you are dreamy and romantic, with the

candles lit and soft music. He will cook for you he dresses
nicely and won't embarrass you in public. If you want to marry this
man, just take him home. He's yours.Pisces males can't bear
divorce.
Marriage minded they are, Pisces males function best with a
partner!

Re: My story so far... (only about half done) please tell me what you think

asher_francis — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 20:15:46 GMT

Right, if anybody is interested, i have now written around 12,400 words altogether. I would appreciate it if you would read the continuation of my story and give me any feedback, whether it be positive or just CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Thanks!

Tired of being me

Chapter 1 â Dreams come true

I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth as I felt the sharp blade of the knife cut through my skin. I could hear it slide through the flesh as I pulled it towards me. I felt the pain sear down my arm, as I drew the knife away and opened my eyes. I put the knife to my skin again, and pierced it once more, trying to take the pain. I opened my eyes, hoping it was just another dream, one of the many dreams I had had of doing it. Waking up to the sound of my teachers voice in class, telling me to pay attention, or waking up in the night in a cold sweat. But no, this was not a dream. This time I was really doing it. It had gone too far. I didnât want to live any more, and this was how I was going to end it. All the lies, the teasing, the being me. It was all going to end. Right here. Right now. I drew the blade through my arm one more time, lay back on my bed and closed my eyes.
I awoke in hospital the next morning. But no. I wasnât supposed to be here. I didnât want to be here, I was meant to be dead. What had gone wrong? Why hadnât I awoken in heaven?
My eyes were blurry after being closed for a long time, but I could make out the outline of a nurse towering over me. I opened my mouth to talk, but the nurse had already left. âDoctor, sheâs awakeâ, I heard her say. Then another figure appeared, and as things became clearer I could see he was a tall man with a muscular, but wrinkled face. He spoke to me in a soft voice, âHow are you feeling? Do you feel sick? Faint? Drowsy?â I didnât want to talk back. I didnât feel like it, I was too disappointed. âHmmâ, he mumbled, âWell then, maybe you should get some more rest. Just say if you need anythingâ. So I closed my eyes and relaxed again, with his face still in my mind. Then I suddenly became aware of the numb feeling in my right arm. I looked down at it weakly, and saw the white bandage wrapped around it, stained with dry blood. I stared at it for a while, but it wasnât long before I had drifted back off to sleep. As I slept, I could hear the voices all around me again. I could hear the other children in the playground throwing abuse at me; I could see Mandyâs face in an art lesson, sneering at me as she whispered to her friends. And again I saw myself in the mirror, looking at my round, mutilated body and the tears streaming down my chubby cheeks. Then I remembered the real reason I wanted to die: I hated myself, and I hated being me.

Chapter 2

I opened my eyes and stared up at my ceiling. As I stared, I started to make pictures out of the patterns that were there. I often did that; it was something to pass the time and a good way to clear my mind. The only problem was, this time all I could make out was gravestones, tear drops, sad faces and anything else associated with gloom and doom. This was my first day back at school after I had been in hospital â and I wasnât looking forward to it. In some ways, I wish I had never cut my wrists, like the stick I was going to get when I returned to school, all the names; âWeirdoâ, âTwisted little girlâ, âFreakazoidâ. I thought maybe doing it would make life easier, but I realise now that it is just another thing that people can use against me. Along with my glasses, my height and everything else, I had gone and given them something else to tease me about.
I climbed out of bed, walked over to my wardrobe and looked in the mirror â well, tried to. I took a glimpse and had to turn away instantly. I couldnât stand to look at myself, not for even one moment. But I had to force myself. I picked up my glasses and hooked them over my oversized ears. The first thing that hit me, as usual was my nose. It stuck out further than most, and was crooked like that of a witch you might see in a horror film. Then my mouth, that was ok, until I opened it. My teeth were crooked, even though I wore a brace, which didnât exactly make my mouth look any nicer. Then my shoulders and my back, covered in little red spots like my face and neck, overwhelmed by flushed skin and horribly visible pores. My chest, out of all my body was probably what I liked most, although it still made me feel disappointed inside. I didnât exactly have a big bust, but that was the way I liked it: not so small that they look like those of a boy, but not too big so that they wobble a lot when I run. Then my tummy, maybe the worst part (other than my face), looked plump and round. I couldnât stand my tummy, sometimes I felt like Mr Wobbly off Noddy when I looked at it. And my legs: well, tree trunks, what else can I say? My feet werenât any better, but I never liked feet anyway. I looked up again and saw the clock in the reflection. I had been standing there for at least ten minutes! It was getting late and I really needed to get ready for school.
About half an hour later, I slung my bag over my shoulder, stuffed a low fat biscuit into my mouth, took a deep breath and walked out of the front door with my shoulders back and my chin in the air.

Chapter 3 â The first days

I stepped from my drive onto the street, the first time I had done it for the past four months. I never thought taking a few steps could be so frightening. As I took that step, my heart seemed to skip a beat. I knew what would happen as I walked into school, or if one of the students caught me walking down the road, and I wasnât sure if I could face it. But yes, it just happened to be my day.
I had walked only a few hundred metres when a voice bellowed from behind me, âHey look who it is! Itâs the one and only Fatty-Kattyâ. I tried to ignore it like mum said I should, and I did. Well, at least for a while. The culprit was a boy in my year in class H, he was just one of those who did things so he would fit in with the rest. Those kind of people always annoyed me; why did they want to be like everybody else? Why canât they just be themselves regardless of what other people are like? Anyway, he continued to shout stupid insults at me for the next five minutes, until he got bored and tapered off down an alleyway that led to the back of the school. I tried to clear it out of my head and continued wandering down the street until I came to the main gates. As I approached, I stopped and looked around me, taking one last look at the outside world before I entered my soul into an eternity of bullying and torture, not to mention the workload. I looked straight ahead again, and walked straight into the next few years of my life.
To be honest, I donât think I had ever known any group of people that size go silent all at the same time. As soon as I stepped foot into the courtyard, everybody around me stopped playing tig or chattering with their friends or whatever people usually do on a school morning. Some people whispered to each other, and everybody stared as I walked up the stairs through the main doors of Hilford Secondary School. The same happened inside. The corridors were filled with people, and as I walked, they fell silent and they moved out of the way as I walked towards them. I felt quite important, actually, like the queen or something. It was as if everybody had come to marvel at a great site, and they were amazed that it had come straight towards them. The first place I was headed was the Headmasters office. I knew, out of everybody in the school, he would be the one that could do the most for me and help me face anything that should come my way. Mr Catford was one of the nicest men I had ever met. I could never quite understand why he became a head teacher, I could see him more as a social worker or psychologist, trying to help people and do the best for them. I walked up to his office door, but was stopped in my tracks by the only person I really didnât want to see: Mandy. Mandy was the most annoying person anybody could ever meet. For one, she had the face and body of a supermodel, but she had the worst personality and most disgusting sense of humour. She had long, blonde flowing hair, usually in plaited ponytails. She had a perfectly shaped nose, mouth, and ears, and her eyes were like diamonds. He body was a perfect shape, and she had the skinniest legs anyone has ever seen. Other than her looks, everything about her was sickening. And she, out of everyone, was the person that hated me most.
âGoing somewhere?â she sneered as she leant against Mr Catfordâs door. âOh, let me guess, youâre going to tell your best, and only, friend in the world all your little problems. Are you going to tell him to keep me away from you? Oh, no, I know what it is, youâre going to declare your undying love for him!â A group of girls roared in laughter behind her, but I just looked her in the eye, knocked on the door and walked in.
I guessed he had been waiting for me, as he was sitting back in his chair reading his notes, and there was a bowl of lemon sherbets on the table. He looked up at me over the top of glasses and signalled for me to sit down. He set the papers down on the table, removed the glasses from his nose and hung them around his neck. âSo then, Katherine, how are you feeling today?â he asked what appeared to be a very concerned voice. âIâm, um, ok I supposeâ I replied, âIâm just worried about how my life is going to be from now on. Iâve already had two people have a go at me today.â
âHmm ok. Well just try to ignore them, ok? I know it wont be easy, and I know you may have had enough of ignoring people, but if you are going to carry on like you are, you need to be able to put them out of your mind. Now, Iâve got you a weekly slot with the school nurse, so if there is anything going on that you want to talk about, you can tell her.â I couldnât really thank Mr Catford enough. To most people at the school he was just another teacher, but to me he was more like a friend. Sometimes he was even like the dad I had never had. âOk, thank you Mr Catford. Can I tell you if anybody else gets to me?â âOf course you can! And who were the two people you mentioned before?â âThat was a boy in H in my year, I donât know his name, and the other was Mandy â as usualâ. âOk, ill look into it for you.â He smiled at me as I walked out the door back into the corridors of Hellâs Kingdom.
Who would be waiting for me but, yes, you guessed it: Mandy. She was about to say something when I said âHello Mandyâ. She stepped back, shocked. This was the first time I had ever said hello to her. Usually when I spoke to her it was âGo awayâ, or âleave me aloneâ. But now I was going to stand up to her. I wasnât going to let her ruin my life anymore. It was time she knew she didnât have power over me, and I wasnât her toy that she could mess around with. She couldnât do whatever she liked to me.
âHow are you today? Happy to see me?â Suddenly I felt good about myself. I think it was just the look on her face that made me smile. I think the only time I had seen a face like that was when I had watched a horror movie. Her face went pale, her whole body tensed up, and her mouth fell half open. I was expecting her to come out with some witty reply, but she just flicked her hair, stuck her nose in the air and walked away, her friends following her like sheep to a shepherd.
After that, she didnât talk to me for the rest of the week. She didnât talk to me, she didnât make eye contact with me, and she didnât even whisper to her friends about me when I was around and cackle like she usually would. She just ignored me totally, pretended I was invisible. I liked it that way. But on Monday, she struck, and she struck big. I was just about to walk into the canteen to get my lunch, when two of her friends came up behind me and grabbed me. One grabbed my arms and put them behind my back, and the other got a firm hold of my hair and tugged it so my neck flung backwards. They dragged me into the nearest girlsâ toilets, and there, sitting on the wooden surface where the sinks were, was Mandy, with another one of her stooges. As I was dragged in, with my eyes watering with the pain of my hair being yanked out of my head, she let out a roar of laughter. âNot so big now, are you Katty? Thought you had got away with talking to me like that, I suppose. No, no, you were stupid to think that. But then thereâs no change there. Like slitting your wrists, I mean, what a stupid thing to do. Thought maybe you could get away from me that way. Pity you failed, really, isnât it? We would both have been better off thenâ The 3 other girls giggled and looked at one another. âWell, now you have to live with it, donât you? Yes, l-i-v-e. Not what you wanted is it? You wanted to die to get away from me. But you didnât, so now, here I am. Do you like my new haircut? I spent over Â£80 on it!â
âUm, no, not really.â I said. I could feel the anger building up inside me. She had dragged me into the toilet by my hair and basically told me it was a pity I was still alive, and now she was talking about her hair, as if everything was all hunky-dory. âWhat did you say!â? Her face went bright pink, and she leapt off the sink and walked right up to me so our noses were almost touching. I looked her in the eye and said, âNo, I donât think it suits you muchâ I wasnât expecting what came next. She turned around, took one step forward, and without warning she swung back round and I felt her warm hand make contact with the side of my face with so much force that my head jerked sideways. I wasnât going to take that. That was the last straw, this time she had gone too far. All of a sudden all of the anger in my body seemed to transfer to my fists like lightening, and before I knew what was happening I had wriggled out of the girlsâ grasp and I was down on the floor, with Mandy underneath me, pounding her hard in the face. Her friends tried to pull me away but they were caught in the rebound of my fists as I thrust them forwards over and over again.
I donât know how long I was there. Everything I did just seemed to happen, and I wasnât thinking about anything else but paying her back for the past few years of misery she had put me through. I donât think it lasted for long, and when it had finished I regretted it. By the time I had stopped my knuckles were red raw, and her face was covered in blood and large bruises. I got up off her, tears streaming from my eyes, looked down at her, amazed and confused about what I had just done, swivelled around and ran out of the door. I ran straight down the corridor, knocking a few people down as I flew past them, and flung myself through Mr Catfordâs door without even thinking about knocking, collapsed on the chair in front of him, and took a deep breath.
He looked at me, astonished. His eyes were wide, and his mouth had dropped at the corners. âWhat on earthâ¦?â he said, in a low, airy tone. âWhatâs happened, Kat?â âIâveâ¦ Iâve done somethingâ¦ really terrible.â I replied breathlessly as I wiped the tears off my cheeks. âIn theâ¦ toiletsâ¦ Mandyâ¦ she dragged me inâ¦ and wasâ¦ really horribleâ âWait, wait, calm down, Kat!â âMrs Radel? Could you get Kat a glass of water please?â Mrs Radel was the deputy head, and she was just tidying a few papers up around the office. âOf courseâ, she replied. I felt a bit better after a drink; I had stopped crying and finally got my breath back before he asked me to continue. âStart from the beginningâ. So I told him exactly what had happened, every little detail from me being grabbed from behind to me dashing into his office. âIs she still there? In the toilets?â He asked, concerned. âUm, I donât knowâ At that, he got up, said, âStay hereâ, and walked out at a brisk pace. I was waiting for about five minutes before he returned. The first thing he said, as soon as he walked through the door was âOh dear, Kat, what have you got yourself into?â He leant back on the door and put his head in his hands. âIf it as up to me, I would let you off with a warning, but Iâm afraid something of this nature and severity has to be discussed with the governors, your parents, and maybe even the police. Iâm sorry Katherineâ I just leant back in the chair and closed my eyes. I wasnât even quite sure what had just happened. Even though I had told Mr Catford exactly what went on, it still wasnât clear in my own mind. 2Well, for now Iâm going to send you home, and thenâ¦ weâll see what happens next.â He straightened up, turned around, opened the door and ushered me out.

Chapter 4 â The verdict

Later that evening I was lying on my bed in my room, staring up at the ceiling as usual. My TV was on, and I had an exercise book next to me that I was supposed to be working in. Then came a knock at the door. âKat, darling will you get that for me?â, mum yelled from the bathroom. I hadnât been able to tell mum about today, I was afraid of how she might react. Maybe I should have told her, so she didnât hear it from anyone else first. But it looked like she was going to. I ran down the stairs and jumped the last two or three steps, skipped the rest of the way across the hall and opened the front door with a quick snap of my wrist. There on the doorstep was Mr Catford. âOh, hello Kat, is your mum in?â âYes, sheâs just in the bathroom at the minute, would you like to come in?â As he stepped inside I could feel the cold almost radiating from him, as he bought the nights air inside with him. He rubbed his hands together as he felt the warmth of the house, and took off his coat. âIll take that for youâ, I said as I offered my hands to take his coat. He took a seat in the living room whilst I went into the kitchen and made him a cup of coffee, two full spoons of coffee granules with about half the glass filled with skimmed milk, and two sugars. Mum was just walking down the stairs as I walked back through the hall. âWho is it, dear?â she asked as she followed me into the next room. âOh, Mr Catford, how nice to see you! How can I help you?â âI want to talk to you about Katherine. Do you mind if we could be alone for a while?â Mum turned her head to look at me, so I laid the cup on the table and stepped out again, closing the door behind me. I wasnât leaving, though. I put my ear to the door and listened carefully. I couldnât hear much, I think he knew I was listening so was deliberately talking quietly. I knew exactly what he was talking about, and I picked up a few odd words and phrases. âShe got in a fight, the other girl was quite a mess.â âIâm going to a meeting tomorrow night with the governors and weâre going to discuss it then.â âIâll try to put in a good word and do what I can to ensure she is dealt with fairly, considering what sheâs been through.â The conversation lasted for over half an hour, mum asking questions and them being answered in detail, and vice-versa. I heard Mr Catford say âWell I best be off, thenâ, and I dashed upstairs and into my room. Then a voice called up the stairs âGood bye, Katâ âBye!â I replied.
I heard the door being shut, and then footsteps coming up the stairs. Mum was coming up to my room. I wasnât sure if I wanted to know what she was going to say â or do. She walked in and sat down on my bed. âSit up, Kat, and come closer to meâ. I got up from lying down and perched myself next to her. She lifted her arm up and laid it across the back of my shoulders. âWhat are we going to do with you, Katty?â she said as she pulled me closer and squeezed me into her side. For the next hour mum and me sat there on my bed having a nice girly chat, and by the end we were both in tears. We talked about all the things that had gone wrong in both our lives, and she told me how she had put up with things and gave me advice on how to deal with them. Some of the things she said about her life were a great surprise to me, I could never imagine mum doing some of the things she talked about.
I didnât go to school for the next few days, Mr Catford had suggested I stayed at home until things had been cleared up and until the gossip in school had died down a bit. One evening we got a phone call. I picked up the phone, and I wasnât surprised to hear Mr Catfordâs voice on the other end. âOh hello Kat! Is your mother around?â he asked, sounding happy to hear me. âYeah, hang on Iâll just get her for you.â I put the phone down on the table, and skipped into the kitchen. âMum, Mr Catfordâs on the phone for you.â âOh how delightful!â. It was almost a yell, but not quite. She power-walked into the hall and picked up the receiver. This time I wasnât going to listen, because I knew what he was telling her and I wanted to hear it properly, not only half of the conversation. A few minutes later mum put the phone down and walked into the kitchen, where I had made us both a cup of coffee and was sitting at the table waiting for her. She sat down opposite me and sipped her coffee. Then she looked up and said, âDo you want the good news or the bad news?â âBad news first, pleaseâ. âWell,â she said, sighing, âThe bad news is you have to have private lessons, and the good news is that you can go back on Mondayâ. I wasnât totally sure what she meant. ââPrivate lessonsâ?â I enquired. âWell you can go into school as normal, and have break and lunch and everything, but you will have to have a private lesson with whichever teacher is available. Oh, and there will always be a teacher keeping a close eye on you when youâre not in lessons. And you will have an anger and stress management session with the school nurse twice a week.â She gulped down the rest of her coffee, got up and walked upstairs without saying another word. I heard a thud from upstairs as she threw herself on her bed, and I started to hear quiet, soft sobbing noises coming from above me.

Chapter 5 - Back again

I opened the main double doors leading into the school, and as I stepped foot into the entrance hall, the response was not what I had expected. I thought that everybody would go silent, like before. Instead, everybody carried on as normal. They acted like they would if it had been anybody else. I got the odd glance, and a few disgusted looks, but nothing else. Then I saw Mandy. She was standing near the fountain surrounded by a group of giggling girls. Luckily she didnât notice me, she was too busy gossiping with her friends. She still had some steri-strips across her eyebrow, and a bruise on her left cheek, but that was expected. I headed towards my locker at the other end of the school, and stopped at the fountain on the way past. I bent over and pursed my lips ready to catch the water, but just before I pulled down the lever a voice echoed down the corridor. âHey, Kat!â I looked up and saw Bella running towards me. Bella was probably the best friend I had ever had. She had always been there for me when I was down, I could always talk to her about anything, and she was one of the only people that had come to visit me when I was in hospital. âHey Bella! Why werenât you at school last week? Are you alright?â âYeah Iâm fine now, I just caught a bad cold.â âAt this time of year!â I replied, laughing. âItâs the middle of the summer! But youâre ok now?â âYes thanks! I heard you got into a fight with Mandy, the cow. You alright?â Itâs amazing how quickly things like that get around, she had only been back at school a few minutes and she already knew. âYeah Iâm ok, Mandy was a lot worse off. I wasnât hurt much, but sheâs still got bruises and stuff. What have we got first?â Then I remembered I had to have private lessons. I told her all about what had happened and why I wouldnât see her in IT. We were talking for about 10 minutes before the bell went and we made our way to our form room for registration.
The day went ok, I was really glad I had seen Bella again; it had made me feel a lot happier. Bella and me had been friends for a very long time, in fact for as long as I could remember. We had stuck with each other through thick and thin, no matter what. She was like my soul mate. We liked all the same music, all the same TV programmes, the same food and the same films, and the most important thing about our friendship was that we were always there for each other when we needed someone to talk to or pile our problems onto.
After that, Bella and me saw each other as much as we could around school. We didnât have any classes together, so we arranged to meet on the field at the beginning of every lunch and break time, and we waited for each other at the gates in the morning. The strange thing was, we never ever ran out of things to talk about. Usually when you talk to somebody after a while you run out of things to say, the conversation tails of and you both sit there in silence, but we always seemed to be able to think of something to bring up. One morning we got talking about boys, which isnât anything unusual for girls our age, but this was the first time I had talked about boys since I was in hospital. It was strange, getting back into the swing of things at school. I had missed a lot of it, and returning to normal wasnât one of the easiest things in the world to do. Anyway, the subject came up when Bella told me about how she had watched Titanic for the sixteenth time last night, and how she thought Leonardo Dicaprio was the best thing since sliced bread. And, of course, we started talking about boys at school, and who was âhot or notâ, and it all came down, strangely enough, to the same boy. He was in F, but he wasnât very popular. Strange that Bella and me should like the same boy, even though he was a loner, but we both thought he was really good looking, aside from the fact he was very strange. He was that kind of person that had all the looks, but when you got talking to him he had a few insane tendencies, like doing impressions or making breaking-wind-noises with his mouth, which, for most girls really isnât a turn-on. Bella, and me however, really liked him, and we thought we could try and hook up with him one time. A lot of girls might take the mick out of us for it, but we werenât worried about street-cred, for the simple reason we didnât have any in the first place so we had nothing to lose! We sat there all morning talking about him â quite sad really, but great fun. Ok, so that was final, one of us was going to try and get a date with him, but how?

Chapter 6 â The Disco

Perfect, the school disco was on soon; all I had to do was ask Richie if he wanted to go with me. That was the hard bit. I had never asked a boy to a disco, or to lunch, or anything really. I sat at home in front of the next day, talking to it, rehearsing what I was going to say.
âHey Richie!â I shout as I see him walking down the corridor. I catch up with him and âDid you know the disco is on Saturday night? I was wonderingâ¦ do you want to come with me, that is, if you arenât already going with someone?â I tried about six different lines before I got it right.
At school the next day, I saw him walking across the field with his shoulders hunched over and his bag hanging low off his back. I ran over to him and called to him like I had rehearsed, I caught up with him and put my hand on his shoulder, but as he turned round I immediately noticed he had been crying. His eyes and cheeks were red and he was still frowning. âRichie! Whatâs wrong?â I asked sympathetically as I hugged him. âTheâ¦ theâ¦ him. That boy, the one with the gelled hair who walks around with all the cool people. Heâ¦ he said stuff about me. I had a go at him andâ¦ he hit me.â Richie turned his face to show me the bruise on his left cheek. âWell, that was quite a smack, wasnât it?â I said, jokingly. He pushed me off him and looked away. âHey, hey I was joking, come back!â I tugged him and asked him if he wanted to talk, so we ended up sitting on a bench pouring our hearts out to each other. âHey, um, I have an ideaâ¦ you know theâ¦â He interrupted me âDo you want to go to the disco with me?â I was so shocked! I never thought anybody would ask me to go to the disco with them. I was so pleased I almost kissed him, but I thought he might get a bit freaked out and change his mind.
The night of the disco came, and I was really excited â more excited than I had been in a very long time. The disco started at six oâclock, it was four oâclock and I still hadnât started getting ready. I was running about helping mum do some jobs, like putting washing in the washing machine, when I suddenly looked at the clock.
âMum, I have to go and start getting ready! The disco starts in two hours!â I yelled from the kitchen âOh for goodness sake, dear, itâs only four oâclock! You donât need two hours!â I just ignored her and ran upstairs with the phone, ready to call Bella. I rang her up and asked her to come around to help me get ready, I needed her to help with my hair, help me choose what to wear, make sure my mascara wasnât smudged and various other little things that would just finish off my looks, making me perfect for a date. When she got there, I ran downstairs so fast and so excitedly I almost tripped on the first step and fell all the way, but managed to regain my balance just in time. I skidded to a halt at the door and opened it, almost smashing it into the wall. âHey Bella!â I yelled as I flung my arms around her. âLetâs go upstairs and you can help me choose my clothes!â We walked upstairs, madly gossiping as usual, and entered my room. It took us about forty five minutes to choose what to wear and do my makeup, about forty five minutes doing my hair and about fifteen minutes deciding what shoes to wear, which left about another ten minutes to get to school.
We got to school just after six, and, not surprisingly, Richie hadnât arrived yet â no doubt he was being âfashionably lateâ. Me and Bella made our way over to the refreshments table to get a drink and a few crisps, and then sat down on the chairs lined down the side of the main hall. We waited for at least ten minutes before he poked his head round the main doors. âHey, Richie!â I shouted. The noise in the hall was far too loud for him to hear me, so I ended up running down the hall with my high heel shoes making a clacking sound as I approached him. âRichie, there you are! You took your time getting here!â I finally reached him and he swivelled round to look at me. Suddenly I noticed that he was totally soaking wet. âWhat on earth happened to you?â I said, looking him up and down. âThe car broke down half way here, so I ended up walking the rest of the way. Itâs flippinâ chuckinâ it down out there! Can we go and sit down somewhere nice and warm so I can dry off?â We went and perched on a bench as near to the heater as we could get, and starting having a conversation about the weather, which, I thought was a strange thing to talk about, but under the circumstances it was also quite appropriate. We sat for about half an hour just chatting away about various things, I cant remember what exactly, but it was really fun just sitting there having a chat. After that, he sat back and stretched his arms out, then stood up, stretched his legs and put his hand on mine. âMay I ask you for this dance, Maâam?â he asked politely, with a cheeky, boysish grin, as he gently lifted my hand. I stood up with him as he did so, and we walked into the middle of the hall, hand in hand. He timed it just right, because just as we got onto the dance floor, the first slow dance of the night began to play. We started off just swaying from side to side, but after a few seconds he gently put his arm around my shoulder, and then the other, and within no time at all we were dancing together, his arms round my shoulders and my arms around his waist. After that we sat down for every song that wasnât a slow one and talked, occasionally checking on Bella to check she was ok and having a good time, and as usual she was flirting with all the other boys. The night seemed to go pretty quickly, and we danced together at every slow tune. It was about five minutes before the end, and the DJ had put on one last slow song, for, he said âAll you boyfriends and girlfriends out thereâ. As we danced, we seemed to get closer and closer, until our hips were touching and we had our heads on each otherâs shoulders. It was almost the end of the song when he lifted his head off my shoulder, looked me in the eye, and moved closer until his lips were touching mine. I think we kissed for the rest of the song, and I could see Bella out of the corner of my eye jumping up and down, smiling and clapping her hands. After the disco, me and Richie walked out of the hall together holding hands. We got outside and luckily it had stopped raining, but there was still that awful damp smell hanging in the air. âSo, did you have a good time tonight?â Richie asked as we got to the bottom of the steps leading up to the school. âIt was amazing! It was probably the best night of my life!â, I replied, wrapping my arms around him. I felt his breath on my neck, and then he whispered in my ear, âMe too, it was a great night. I think I love youâ Then I felt his warm lips on my neck as he kissed me. I carefully pushed him back very slightly, making sure I didnât make him think I didnât want him too, so I could kiss him on the lips. That kiss was probably the best of the whole night, because I knew it would be a couple of days before I saw him again, and it really meant something to me. As he walked away, we linked little fingers, like we werenât going to see each other again for a long time and didnât want to let go. I watched him walk round the corner, and then started making my way to the car park where my mum would be waiting for me. I almost jumped out of my skin when Bella came up behind me and put her hand on my shoulder to turn me round. âOh my God Kat! Nice one! You pulled!â she laughed. I smiled at her and said âTo be honest, Bella, I think I did more than pulled. I think I fell in love.â

Chapter 7 - Monday

I got into school on Monday and as soon as I walked through the gate Bella came running up to me and gave me the biggest hug in history. âEasy tiger. Grrr,â I said jokingly as I returned the hug. âIs Richie here yet?â. She rolled her eyes and said, âHow did I know you were going to ask that! Um, no, I havenât seen him. Iâm guessing you two areâ¦â She giggled a little, and coughed sarcastically, âAn âitemâ now?â I looked at her and raised my eyebrow, âWell done! First prize for intelligence,â I joked as a patted her on the back and walked into school.
My first lesson that day was History, which was pretty good as Richie was in the same group as me. We had set seats for our History class, but as I perched myself on my seat Richie came over and sat next to me. âHey babeâ he said. Babe? Since when do people call me babe? âHey!â I replied. âUmâ¦ donât you sit over there?â I looked across the classroom and I could feel the redness beginning to appear in my cheeks. As soon as I had said it I thought to myself, âWhy on earth did I say that!â He looked really disappointed and said, I noticed, in a very quiet voice âWellâ¦ umâ¦ I can go and sit there if you likeâ. He was about to stand up but I put my hand on his arm and said, âHey, I was only kidding! Of course I want you to sit here!â That lesson he and I got old off several times for not paying attention. We talked all lesson and occasionally gave a great outburst of laughter, at which Miss Murfen said, âSo you think itâs funny that several thousand people died in The World Wars do you?â
Next was Maths. Richie was really good at maths and in a higher group than me, so instead I had to spend the lesson facing my most favourite person in the worldâ¦ Mandy. The excitement of the first lesson was totally crushed by Maths. It was bad enough that Mandy was sitting with her friends all lesson pointing and sniggering, but the fact that she happened to be a favourite of the Maths teacherâs made it so much worse. To add to that, it was maths, my worst subject â and in my opinion the most boring. As far as I was concerned, as long as I could add two and two that was all I needed, not all this algebra and Pythagoras! I couldnât wait until break time came when I could see Richie again.
The bell went for the end of the lesson, so I scribbled down the homework of the board, virtually rammed my books into my bag and set off for the lockers. I was just about to step into the corridor when I felt a sudden sharp pain on the back of my head. I immediately put my hands on the back of my head and turned around to see what had hit me. Mandy had decided it would be funny to catapult a ruler at me with an elastic band held between two tables. I tried to hold back the tears until I got out her sight. I walked into the corridor and my eyes burst, the pain in the back of my head was overwhelming. I got to the lockers and, as he had promised, Richie was waiting for me. He saw I was crying and ran over. âHey babe whatâs wrong?â he said as he put his arms around me and kissed my forehead. âIâm alright,â I said, âJust Mandy being a cow as usual. She catapulted a ruler at meâ. âRight!â he said angrily as he set off down the corridor. âNo Richie please, donât, itâll make things worseâ. I explained as I pulled him back. âOk, ok. Are you sure youâre alright?â He inspected my head and gave it a gentle kiss. We walked down the corridor hand in hand in the opposite direction to the maths rooms, outside into the courtyard. We sat down on the bench near the big oak tree and I put my head on his shoulder as he put his arm around me. As we sat there, I started to get this strange feeling inside. A nice, warm feeling. I wondered what it was, whether it was just that I felt someone loved me, or that I loved them, or just something completely different. All I knew for sure was that it was the nicest feeling I had ever experienced and I never wanted it to go away. I was so relaxed, sitting there with him, that the bell made me jump when it signalled the third lesson of the day. English was probably one of my best subjects, so I was kind of looking forward to it, but I knew Richie wasnât in my class, which took the glory out of it. The remainder of the day went ok, Richie and me spent all of lunch together, some of it eating and the rest of it sitting on the same bench like at break time. I walked home with Bella after I said goodbye to him at school before he caught his bus home. I think Bella started to get a bit annoyed with me because I would often go off into a daze, dreaming about him whilst she was in the middle of telling me something. âOh it was so funny in French, Matt sent this note around sayingâ¦ Kat! Are you listening to me?â âOh, sorry, go on.â It happened several times and by the time I got to my street she had given up trying to have a whole conversation with me and just walked along next to me in complete silence. As soon as I go in, I said hi to mum, ran upstairs and lay on my bed for the next hour or so, just thinking of the time I had spent with Richie. It was quite sad, really, but I couldnât stop myself. I now treasured every moment I spent with him, every word he said to me, everything about him. I even imagined him and me getting married and having children, I started to plan out a wedding in my mind, exactly how I wanted it to be, who we would call to do the catering, where I would buy my dress from, I didnât want to miss even any minor details. I snapped out of it when mum knocked on my door and came in. âAre you ok, darling?â she asked. âYouâve been up here for a long time.â âYeah Iâm ok thanks, just thinking.â âOk, well tea will be ready in about half an hourâ she said as she pulled my door to. I think I was becoming obsessed. Fifteen and thinking about getting married to a boy I had only really known properly for a few weeks? I really started thinking I should start to grow up a bit. I didnât quite know why, but somehow within the next five minutes I had started to feel extremely down again, I started thinking about all the bad things in life and broke down into tears. I only cried for about 10 minutes, but why I had started to dwell at that point in time, I couldnât, and still canât explain.

Chapter 8 â Thinking

I woke up the next morning to the sound of my radio telling me that today would be a sunny day with hardly any clouds and temperatures reaching 25Â°C. âBrilliantâ, I thought to myself, âThat means I can spend some descent time with Richie after schoolâ. I got ready for school and set off when Bella arrived at my house. She hardly talked all the way to school, but after last night I really wasnât surprised she wasnât bothering to try.
I walked into the gates and made my way over to mine and Richieâs bench where he said he would meet me. I waited all morning, but he never came. I couldnât understand it. He seemed ok yesterday so I didnât think he was ill, but if that was the case why hadnât he waited for me? What had I done wrong? I tried to cast my mind away from it as I went to registration. I didnât have any lessons with him that morning so I still didnât know if he was at school or not by break time. When the bell went after the second lesson I went to wait at the lockers where I usually met him. After about two minutes Bella came sprinting up the corridor. When she got close enough to me she leaned against the lockers and panted, âKat, I donât know If itâs true but someone said that Richie has been in a car crashâ I froze. I looked her in the eye and said, âWho said that?â âI donât know,â she replied, âI just heard a group of people saying something about itâ. I didnât know what to think, but I knew what I would do. I thanked her, gave her a hug and headed off to Mr Catfordâs office. When I got there it seemed as if he was expecting me. âHello Kat,â he said as I walked in. âI am guessing youâve come about Richie?â âYeah,â I replied, puffing. âLook, Kat, donât worry, heâs ok. He was kept in hospital over night just so they could keep an eye on him, but heâs not badly hurt. He may be staying in hospital a while, though, his mum isnât good. Sheâs in intensive care.â I took a step backwards. âIsâ¦ is sheâ¦ going toâ¦â âThe doctors donât know yet, sheâs in a critical condition.â I didnât know what to say. I stood there for a few seconds and then asked, âSir, can I have the last four lessons off? I wont be able to concentrate and I need to go and see him.â âSorry, Kat, but I think itâs best you stay here. That way you can be with your friends and it might help to relax you a bit and take your mind off things, ok?â âBut sirâ¦â. He stopped me. âNo, Kat. I want you to stay until after school, it will be better for you, I promise.â I looked him with a slightly disappointed face and said, âOk, sir,â and walked out of his office. I plodded down the corridor with my head to the ground and went and sat on mine and Richieâs bench again. As I sat down I caught sight of the tree opposite, and from that moment I stared at it for at least the next five minutes, in a world of my own, until I was disturbed by the bell. As I walked to Art I was still miles away, I could hear people greeting me but I couldnât respond, even if I tried I couldnât get out of my own little space. All the way through Art, and then through English I felt very under the weather. Just before I left English, Mr Lockton, my English teacher, stopped me and asked if I was ok. He ended p sending me to the medical room, and there I sat staring at the same tile on the wall until Mr Catford walked in. We talked for at least the next fifteen minutes, and after that I felt a lot better, but still not myself. As soon as school finished I ran all the way home and as soon as I opened the door I yelled to mum and begged her to take me to see Richie.

Chapter 9 â Hospitalised

Mum took me to the main desk and asked if Richie Woodman was fit to see visitors. Within the next five minutes I was racing down the corridor and flung myself into his arms. âRichie! Richie! Are you ok?â I yelled. He hardly hugged me back; He just stood their looking glum. I looked round and there was his mum, laying in a room on her own with machines all around her, tubes sticking out of her body in very possible place, with the steady beat of the monitor which, for a second, was the only sound I could hear. I turned back to Richie. âRichie im sorry.â I kissed him lightly on the cheek and out my arm around him. Again he didnât respond. We stood there for a few minutes while my mum talked to the nurse who had just left the small room. She whispered in my ear, âDarling come over here,â and as I left Richie didnât make a move. âThe nurse says he has been standing there for hours just watching. Physically heâs ok, but he is very worried about his mother. I think you need to try and talk to him, sit him down. She is in a critical condition, Kat, they donât know if she is going to make it.â After that I went back over to Richie. âHoney, come and sit down, please?â I pleaded. He didnât bat an eyelid. âHoney please, I want to talk to you.â I gently tugged his arm, but he shrugged me off. I tried putting my arm around him, and I think it helped because he returned the favour and I put my head on his shoulder. âAre you ok, Richie?â I asked. He shook his head morbidly, and I thought after that it was a bit of a stupid question. After a while I managed to get him to sit down, but he burst into tears. I did my best to comfort him, told him I was sure his mum would be ok, and that whatever happened I would be there to support him. After talking to the nurse, and spending about twenty minutes persuading Richie it was for the best, we took him home with us and let him stay for as long as he needed. His mum lasted the night, and the week, and unexpectedly, started to recover. As the days went by and Ritchieâs mum began to get better, he started to cheer up.
Richie wasnât really up to going to school for a while, until his mum was in the clear. But once the doctors had said she was definitely going to be ok, I convinced him it was time he went back to school and stopped lounging around at my house all day watching television. After a lot of tugging and nagging I managed to pull him out of the front door and started walking down the street with him on the way to school. He wouldnât have minded going back to school, but he was the type of person who doesnât like people fussing over him all the time, and knew that people would be asking if he was ok and if he needed anything all the time, and he didnât want that. I tried to help him, I told him to just say he was fine but needed space and Iâm sure they would understand. As soon as we got into school we headed towards our bench, and on the way we passed the one and only Mandy, who I was expecting to make some sick comment, but to my surprise she just walked past waving her nose in the air and looking down at me as usual. We sat down and I immediately put my arm around Richie and he did the same, so I rested my head on his shoulder as he pulled me closer. Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of a small group of people heading our way, and as they approached I knew what was coming. The leader of the group, a girl I knew from my old school, but in the year above us started talking before I had time to say anything. âHey Richie, you alright? I heard about the crash! Howâs your mum doing?â âLisa, please, he needs some space, can you just leave it for now?â. âItâs ok,â Richie interrupted, âI can deal with it. Yeah sheâs fine, the doctors said sheâs getting better, thanks for caring, but I need time to myself.â I felt guilty for interfering, almost as if I was suggesting Richie was incapable of talking to people for himself, but I didnât say as to make sure I didnât make the situation worse. They chatted to him for a little longer and then drifted away from the bench. âSorry, Kat, I know you were just trying to help, but I do have a voice of my own.â I kept apologising for the next five minutes, even though he said it was ok each time and told me not to worry about it. We spent most of the remainder of the day together, meeting at our bench at break and lunchtime, and then at the gate at the end of school to walk home together. I wanted to talk to people about how I felt about Richie, but I found it difficult to put it into words and explain how much I loved him. When I got home I found a note from mum saying that she would be late home because she was getting her hair cut and styled straight after she finished work. We decided to make the most of having the house to ourselves, and put a DVD on in the living room, and sat holding each other, kissing now and then occasionally laughing or imitating the characters. About half way through the film, I went to kiss Richie, but it turned into more than just a peck on the lips. He started moving down my body onto my chest. After a few minutes, he slowly stood up and took me by the hand, he kissed it and he started leading me towards the hall and up the stairs. He led me to my bedroom and things just led on from there. After about an hour, we heard the front door slam and rushed to make ourselves descent before I jogged downstairs and jumped the last two steps to greet mum who was already sitting down with a coffee in the kitchen. âSo what have you two been up to then?â she asked, as she gave me a sarcastic look. âWe just watched a film and thenâ¦â I had to think for a second, âWent upstairs and laid on my bed listening to musicâ. She rolled her eyes at me and took a sip of her drink. âWant one?â she said. âUmâ¦ yeah, please, ill ask Richie as well, back in a second. I ran back up the stairs and came back dragging Richie behind me, âHe said yesâ, I said, sticking my tongue out. Once mum had made us all drinks, we sat down at the table and talked for about an hour and a half, which I was surprised at because we donât usually have much to say. Then the night started to darken, and we were all soon off to bed after watching our usual television programmes. As I laid in bed that night I remembered what had happened with Richie and it kept running over in my head, exactly what had happened, every move we had both made, and I fell asleep thinking about it.

Chapter 10 â Relief

It was quite lucky that Richie and me had sex when we did, as according to my calendar my period was due the next day, and after that the opportunity may not have arisen again. But I had one big problem. My period didnât start the next day. Nor did it start the day after that, or the next week, or even the week after that. After the first week I began to get worried, and thought it was probably just the hormones, but after the second week of being late I had to tell Richie. I found it so hard to bring myself to tell him, and it was only after another week of my period not starting that I told him.
It was a Saturday morning, exactly three weeks after I was due, when I grabbed him on the way downstairs. âRichie, I need to talk to you about somethingâ. He looked worried, but willingly let me take him to my room and sit him down on the bed. âRichie, you know what happened just over three weeks ago?â âWell, yeahâ¦â he said, âI think something is wrongâ. He just looked at me, quite taken aback. âWhâ¦ what do you mean, âsomething is wrongâ. What is it?â he asked. âI was due on the day after, but I still havenât started my period yet.â He stared at me. I guess he just didnât know what to say. âIâ¦ Iâ¦â he started, âI think we need to buy a testâ, I interrupted. We decided we would leave it another week before we went into the local chemist, just in case it was a one off, but when I missed it again we decided we should, just to make sure. He wasnât too keen on going in with me and buying a pregnancy test, so instead we walked into town the next Saturday morning and I left him waiting outside whilst I went in on my own. After I had bought it, with money we had put together, about five pounds each, we headed off to a cafÃ© down the road where I could do it in the toilets, meaning we could get it out of the way and get rid of it somewhere where my mum wouldnât find it. Other than Richie and me, nobody else knew about my scare. I didnât see the point in telling anybody until I knew exactly what was happening, not even Bella. The two minutes I had to wait for the test to show the result were probably the longest two minutes of my life. When I finally looked at the stick to see what it had to tell me, a sudden wave of relief passed through my body. There was a thin blue line across the screen, revealing the test to be negative. I couldnât stop myself from bursting into tears. A few moments later, after the feeling had worn off a bit and I had calmed down, I walked out to meet Richie. He saw the look on my face and must have guessed Iâd got the all clear. âOh thank god! Babe Iâm so glad itâs all ok!â He strolled up to me and hugged me, squeezing me tightly and kissing me on the cheek. I went to pull away from the hug but he wouldnât let me go. I guess he was just pleased and wanted to show me how much he cared. I kissed him on the side of the neck, as I couldnât reach his cheek. âRichie thank you so much, for being here for me. You donât know how grateful I amâ

Chapter 11 â

Nothing much really happened in the next few weeks, apart from mum got a new boyfriend. She seemed to really like him, and I was glad she had found someone who made her happy. I hoped in time I may grow to see him as a bit of a father figure, like Mr Catford, only mum wasnât dating my head teacher. Sorry, I havenât explained about my dad. My mum and dad hadnât planned to have a baby, and then when mum told dad I was pregnant he didnât seem too happy about it. Mum thought at first it was just the shock, and he soon came round. Until the day mum went into labour. It was in the afternoon when both my parents were still at work. One of mumâs workmates called an ambulance, and once in the hospital the first thing that mum requested was that my dad was informed. Well, he came to the hospital all right, but by the time he got there I had already been born. My mum saw him look at her and me through the window, but he didnât come in. Instead, he walked away. Neither of us ever saw him again. Mum says he was just scared of responsibility, but, of course, I blame myself. He saw me and ran a mile. Anyway, she really liked him and I was happy for her. Me and Richie were also getting along very well. We had been together for a few months and still going strong. I wasnât looking forward to the next two weeks though, as he was going on holiday to Majorca now his mum had recovered and I wasnât even going to be able to ring him! I could never understand why, but I had this disturbing thought in the back of my mind thinking something was going to go wrong while he was away. Maybe the plane he was on was going to crash, maybe he was going to get washed out to sea and drown, silly things like that. But probably the thing that worried me most was that he was going to find someone else and get carried away with them. I think it was just the fear of us being apart for a long while, not knowing what was happening. No, no that wasnât going to happen. He loves me too much.
Those two weeks were probably the longest two weeks of my life, not being able to talk to the one person in this world that I really loved with everything I had. I knew he was getting back on Sunday night, but not exactly what time, so I was ringing him every 5 minutes from about six oâclock onwards. Finally, just after 8, his mum picked up.
âHello?â She sounded out of breath, so I guessed they must have only just got in.
âHey Sandra, can I talk to Richie please?â âYeah, hang on, ill just get him for youâ. There was only a short pause, in which I heard Sandra calling Richie from upstairs. âHey baby!â he said excitedly, knowing it was me without being told, âHow are you?! I really missed youâ, âIâm fine,â I said, relieved to hear the sound of his voice again, âWhat about you? Did you have a good time?â ââYeah it was really cool! We had the sea right next to us, as well as a massive heated swimming pool, and the hotel was really nice, en-suite bathrooms and everything!â âGood, Iâm glad you enjoyed yourself! Butâ¦ look Iâm sorry, I donât know why I need to ask this but while you were there, you didnât get carried away with anyone did youâ¦?â âWell, actuallyâ¦ I need to talk to you about that, face-to-face though, not over the phoneâ. My heart stopped. It couldnât be happening. I must have jinxed it. When I thought about it. I must have jinxed it. I couldnât believe it. âRichie noâ¦ pleaseâ¦ tell me now. What happened?â I felt a lump suddenly reside in my throat. My stomach lurched. âLook I really didnât want to have to tell you this over the phone but, as you asked it looks like I donât have any other choice.â My stomach lurched again and I reached over the side of my bed to bring the bin closer to me, just in case. âThere was this girl who was on holiday there too, but she wasnât English. German. She was very good at English. Anyway, I met her in one of the restaurants, and we started talking and she was always saying really nice things to me, like I had nice eyes, a cute voice and things like that ââ âJust get to the pointâ, I interrupted, âWellâ¦ we met on the beach that night â just as friends. We sat on the beach and she was just being really nice so I put my arm around her and she got the wrong idea and kissed me.â. There was a gap of silence. I didnât know what to say. âKat? Iâm really sorry, Kat.â âDid you kiss her back?â âWhat do you mean?â âWell you said she kissed you, did you kiss her back? And was it a kiss or a snog? Did you use tongues?â âYeah I guess I did kiss her back, and yeah it was a pull but no tongues! It didnât mean anything to me, I swear. It was just that I was missing you and she was really nice to me, I feltâ¦ flattered! Iâm really sorry I swear it didnât mean anything. And afterwards I ran off the beach and went up to my room and sat there and cried. I felt so, so guilty.â I sat there on my bed, phone in hand, absolutely speechless. Then a tear emerged from the corner of my eye. And another. Then another. âBaby Iâm sorry,â he repeated. âI wish I could say it was ok, but itâs not,â I murmured through the tears. I sat there, with a lump in my throat, my stomach churning and tears streaming from my eyes. âI thought you loved me.â That was the thought that kept going through my mind. âBut Kat I do! I really do! Do you think I would have reacted like this if I didnât? I have felt like crap ever since it happened, I just wish I could make it rightâ. âI donât know If you can, though. Not now. I donât want to talk about this on the phone. Can you come over tomorrow?â. There was a pause, then a yell, another yell from somewhere in Richieâs house, and then, âNo Kat, not tomorrow, Iâm sorry, but mum said I can come over on Tuesday.â âOk, I said we will talk about this then. Usual time?â âYeah ok. I love you Kat.â I hesitated and thought for a moment. âDo you?â âOf course I do! I promise Kat, I really do!â âI hope soâ, I replied, âIâll see you soon. I love you too.â I hung up.
I didnât sleep too well on Sunday night; in fact I would be surprised if I even got over an hourâs sleep. Monday was hell. I went to school and talked to some of my friends about it, and Bella was a great help as usual. We talked all lunchtime about it, and I decided I was going to give him another chance. But only one. I couldnât stand to lose Richie, apart from this; he was always so good to me. We had our ups and downs, as everyone does, but he was always so good to me. He never made me feel unwanted, and when I was with him I always felt really special, like I was the only thing that mattered. I didnât see Richie that day. I didnât see him walking down the corridor, in the dinner queue or even on the field. Quite lucky, really, I didnât want to have to fight things out at school. So, Tuesday came, and again I didnât see him all day until I went to wait at our bench to meet him after school. He came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder before sitting down next to me in silence. I didnât know what to say, and by the sounds of it neither did he. After a few seconds, he said âHey babe,â and put his arm around me and kissed me on the cheek. âHeyâ, I replied reluctantly. I really was lost for words. I didnât know whether to hold him close and tell him everything would be ok or to bite his head off and yell at him, telling him how much he had hurt me and he better not do it again or else. But I looked at him in the eyes and he smiled at me. That was it, I was gone. I burst into tears and put my head on his chest as he stroked my hair and kissed me on the head. After about 5 minutes, I had calmed down, and we stood up and began to walk slowly back to my house with our arms around each other. If it werenât for my red and blotchy eyes, anybody would think nothing had ever happened. Finally we got back to my house, got drinks and went straight up to my bedroom to talk. He sat down on the side of my bed, and I followed his lead and sat down next to him. I sighed. âKatâ¦â he started. I interrupted him. âI just want to know why. Justâ¦ why? If you really love me that much, why did you do it? It canât have felt right. I would never even dream of kissing anyone else but you.â. I donât know Kat. I really, really wish I could answer that, but I donât know. If I could turn back time and take it back I really would, because I feel like crap because of it and I hate myself for hurting you like this.â I sighed again. So many thoughts were going through my head. âI just donât get it! If it is hurting you like this then why didnât you think about it before you did it? Why didnât you think what it would do to me, and you come to that?â I just couldnât put it all together in my mind. He said he loved me, he regretted it, wished it had never happened; but why did he do it in the first place? I just didnât understand. We talked it over; sat there for ages; it felt like hours. After a while, we ended up lying on my bed with out arms around each other kissing. Everything was back to normal again. Well, almost. He had hurt me a lot, and I knew it would taker time for the wound to heal, but I knew in time it would get easier and we would be as strong as ever. People always say that what wont ruin us will make itâs stronger; I just had to hope it really worked like that in practice.

A passage on /ng/

darek — Wed, 24 Nov 2004 23:45:40 GMT

Here is a little something on the sound /ng/. I wrote it for my students at a
Teacher Training College. Enjoy it. Comments are welcome, esp. regarding
the length and quality of the text, the level of difficulty and the "do-ability" of the exercise
If anybody is interested I also have a recording of the text.
Darek.

D i a l o g u e +exercise
In the following dialogue most words with /ng/ are not followed by /g/ or /k/. There are a few words, however, where /g/ or /k/ appear after /ng/. As you listen to the dialogue, find such places, and highlight them. Then repeat the conversation with a partner.

The Meeting
Mr. Manning : Mrs. Lang, is anything wrong? What's this moaning and groaning all about?
Mrs. Lang: Well, Mr. Manning, the teachers are complaining about having to attend the
meeting.
Mr. Manning : I know that sitting in a meeting and discussing our recruiting and grading
policies isn't half as exciting as watching horse racing on TV. The thing is
though, participating in our weekly gatherings is directly linked with
what we're earning. Well then, Mrs. Lang, who's not coming?
Mrs. Lang: Well, Mr. Wang Tang says he's having his ping pong training in the evening.
Mr. Manning : What about the young Keating?
Mrs. Lang: Mr. Keating is taking his driving test.
Mr. Manning : I think Keating's lying. I just saw him carrying his angling rod. What about the
Sterlings? Are they planning to spend the evening quarreling again?
Mrs. Lang: Well, they haven't been getting along recently. They're getting divorced.
They're waiting for the ruling regarding their siblings.
Mr. Manning : And Frank King?
Mrs. Lang: Mr. King is having his wedding ring removed. It has to do with the swelling on
his finger. It's getting pinker and pinker.
Mr. Manning : Mrs. Lang, what're these... things hanging from your shoulder ?
Mrs. Lang: These are wings.
Mr. Manning : Wings? Are you joking, Mrs. Lang?
Mrs. Lang: I'm being dead serious, Mr. Manning.
Mr. Manning : Are you... flying anywhere?
Mrs. Lang: Well, I think I might say so. I'm flying to Beijing.
Mr. Manning : Flying to Beijing? Mrs. Lang, am I dreaming or is this really happening ?
Mrs. Lang: Beijing, Mr. Manning, is the new bingo hall they are opening this evening. I'm
performing in The Kings of Swing. The wings are just a prop.
Mr. Manning : Performing? You mean like singing, dancing, and fooling around?
Mrs. Lang: Among others, Mr. Manning. I thought I'd bring the wings to get used to
wearing them.
Mr. Manning : Well then, since nobody's coming to the meeting there's no point in
organizing it. You know what, Mrs. Lang? I think that instead of getting angry
I'll just get around to cleaning my car. Frankly speaking, I love polishing my
Mustang while listening to Sting, the Rolling Stones or Bing Crosby.
Mrs. Lang: Mr. Manning, your Mustang can wait. I suggest spending the evening
in "Beijing".
Mr. Manning : (to himself) An evening playing bingo and watching Mrs. Lang singing and
dancing in The Kings of Swing, wearing her flying wings and those dangling
earings. I'd rather sink in a sea of some stinking ink than listen to this
twang, twang, twang.
Mrs. Lang: Did you say something, Mr. Manning?
Mr. Manning : Oh, nothing.