One way, or another.

Some people my age are married, some already have kids, most of them are already in a stable relationship with their boyfriend. While a few others are living their life to the fullest, travelling around with their best friends rocking up each other's and everyone's world, having as many tattoos as they want all over their body (read : One Direction). And here I am, stuck in a dental school in the rural part of India, eating chocolate chip cookies while reading the physiology textbook, my ever so faithful partner.

I'm not sure whether I should risk my future by quitting and start over on something new, or I should just proceed and be unhappy with the future that I foresee. It scares me, I hate making decisions. How I wish I could see what's gonna happen for whichever path I choose. It's scary how everything in life is uncertain.

You wouldn't know if you'll end up marrying Harry Styles or Louis Tomlinson, the way they didn't have the slightest idea how drastically their life would change for joining the X-Factor audition. From the-guy-who-work-at-the-bakery to the-guy-every-women-would-die-for a.k.a the-guy-girls-wouldn't-mind-losing-virginity-to. Don't get me wrong, this is not a fan-fiction, I'm just thinking of some possibilities. The ones that are very rare but not impossible.

But nah, I can't even find a decent guy around here. Let alone a cute one. The people around here are very harsh, they'll just push you regardless you're a girl or a boy, they never queue and I swear I wasn't much of an angry person until I came here.  What was I thinking when I told my mom I wanted to study here?

"WHAT THE HELL?!" My thoughts were disturbed by the shouting of my roommate and a very loud sound of something hard crashing the floor.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" I shouted back when I saw our skull on the floor, cracked. 

"There's a freaking cockroach at the back of the eye socket!" She continue screaming. I wonder if she has really been studying osteology or her mind also wanders until the cockroach brings her back to the real world.

I took the skull from the floor and went out of the room. It's raining tonight, I doubt it would be easy to take out the cockroach. I bet it's comfortable inside there, feeling warm and protected. But nah, I can't let it make my skull it's house, can I?

"Sorry little mr cockroach, I can't let you stay inside there, come here, come out." If people see me now, they'd think I'm mad for talking to the skull of a dead man, imagine if they know I'm actually trying to persuade a cockroach.

I screamed a little when the cockroach ran out from the skull onto my palm, almost threw the skull down from the third floor.

"You alright?" Hayley, my roommate came to check out on me. 

"Yeah I'm good. It's safe now." I passed her the skull.

I wonder what will happen to the cockroach, where will it go, will it find a better shelter?

*

The thing I hate the most about this place is the lack of holidays. We've school from Monday to Saturday. It's two weeks before my only-two-week school break, which I will extend on my own will by leaving a week earlier. It feels good to wake up to the thought of "This would be my last Monday waking up to this!"

Though I don't really fancy this place, I love the cold and breezy weather, India's very own kind of winter. Every morning, I'll enjoy the clean and refreshing air around my dental school before facing the dusty road on the way to the medical school.

"Morning Diana! How's the preparation to go back?" A local friend greeted me as I entered the class. She's probably the sweetest local I've known.

"Hello Gizelle! Everything is good. I can't wait!" And then the lecturer entered. It's annoying how the lecturers are never a second late to arrive, neither a second early to leave.

When I reach at the hostel, four of my parcels have arrived, out of nine. I can't resist the online year-end sale and it's not that I wanted to, I have to buy winter clothes since I'll be visiting my best friends in the UK. Okay fine, I might not need that much but well, I'm a girl.

I've another hour before the next class so I take my usual 19-minute afternoon nap, wishing the days will pass, thinking "Can't I wake up on the comfy bed in my bestfriends' house in London already?"

*

Why can't I open my eyes. I can't be sleeping for only 19-minutes. I must have missed the dissection class at 2pm. My head feels so heavy and it feels very cold.

After struggling so hard, I finally managed to open my eyes.

Wait, this is not my room. Wait, did my wish came true?

But this doesn't look like Miranda's nor Carolyn's room, too simple to be theirs. The bed sheet is plain, maroon in color. There's no "Keep Calm and be A Chemist" poster, one which should be on the wall of Carolyn's room. Even the study table is too clean, there's nothing else but only a MacBook, and the book shelves are full of English novels, wait, Shakespeare? Definitely not Miranda.

Or maybe I'm in their guest room. 

"Miranda? Carolyn? You there?" I waited for a few seconds but there's no respond.

I rolled out of bed the way I usually did, but this time instead of getting up on my feet I fell flat on the floor. I couldn't feel my legs. I remember feeling this many years back, after waking up from a 16-hour so-called "nap". I wonder how long have I been asleep this time?

After a few seconds, I could feel my feet again. Before I get to get up, I hear footsteps of someone running towards the room and the door was banged open.

"Oh my god Diana are you okay?!" Wait, who is this very pretty lady who just barged into my room and suddenly sat next to me and wait, do I know her?

"Urm, I think I am. Are you?" 

"Why wouldn't I be? Of course I am. Why are you on the floor? Can you get up?" She asked, she's too concern about me and it's creepy.

"Yeah. Urm, this might sound a little bit impolite but I had to ask this, do I know you?"

"It's a long story. Why don't you take a shower first. And since it's almost noon, let's have lunch together. I'll wait for you downstairs. Is that alright?"

I was very clueless about what is actually really happening. I just nod. She gave me a weak smile and left the room.

All the time I was in the shower, I can't stop trying to figure out how did I end up here, in a stranger's house. Thank god for the water heater or else I would die frozen. This very extremely cold weather, I can't be in India, right?

I naturally put the winter clothes on. The winter clothes, which in my latest memory, was yet to come. Before looking at the mirror, I was hoping to see a very beautiful girl (as what happened in the novel Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella) but nah, I still look the same. Still the same, plain Diana.

"Hi Diana. Come on, let's have lunch." Said the pretty lady, whom I bet is also a pretty good cook looking at the meals she prepared for our lunch. Seriously, who is she?

It was eerily quiet until she broke the silence.

"In case you've been wondering, I'm Gemma."

And my heart stopped beating. "Gemma Styles?"

She laughed and said "I do have a brother named Harry but no, I'm not a Styles, I'm an Anderson."

"Oh okay." And then the silence continues. I've too many things running on my mind, too many questions, too many whys whos and hows.

When we finish eating, I help her to clean the table and it seems like she had to leave.

"D, I'm so sorry. I know you must have a lot of questions in mind but I really have to go now but Harry will be back in a bit. You'll be more comfortable with him and he'll get to give you better answers. Will you be alright staying alone for a while?"

"Yeah. Sure, I'll be fine."

She left. I walk around the house, nothing seems familiar. There's a family picture in a very beautiful frame on top of the white piano. I bet the little girl in the picture was Gemma, and the baby boy held by their parents was Harry. And no, even he doesn't look familiar at all. Why would I be comfortable with him?

The frame slipped out of my hand when someone opened the door, it broke. Shit.

"I'm so very sorry I didn't mean to I didn't know how it I I'm sorry." Why Diana why why whyy

"It's okay. We can always get a new frame." He smiled at me as he helped to clean the mess. That's when I realise how hot he is. A fair-skinned brunette with curly hair and a pair of gorgeous green eyes.

"So how're you feeling? Much better?" He asked. Oh my god, how can a guy look so freaking hot in a plain white shirt and jeans it's illegal. "Diana? Can you hear me?"

"Urm yeah yes I feel grand. Never better." I was speechless. How in the world did I get here, how in the world did this beautiful guy know me? I surely do not know him but he must be Harry.

"I bet you're Gemma's brother, Harry?" I asked just to confirm that he's not a serial killer who would kidnap me.

"So this is what the doctor was talking about." His facial expression was unreadable. 

"Doctor? I was sick? How did I get here? Where am I? How long have I been here? Who are you and why am I with you?" I can't help blurting out all the questions at once. 

"Doctor at the hospital. You weren't sick, you fell down. The hospital bills will be too much if you were to stay there for weeks so I bring you here, to my house. You've been unconscious for about two weeks. I am Harry, we met on the plane and I can't find any of your friends/relatives so that's why you're here with me." Wow. I like the way he answers my questions very accordingly, or maybe I just like him.

"Two weeks?! But my school break is only for three weeks and...wait, what is today's date?"

"3rd of Fabruary."

Now I feel lost and confused. My flight ticket was on the 2nd of February which means 1) I've missed my flight 2) I spend my holidays in the UK by lying on the bed of a stranger and 3) I didn't even get to see my best friends 4) I missed Carolyn's birthday. All of a sudden I could feel a very painful sensation at the left side of my head. I can't digest what is happening.

"Hey hey take it slow okay? Let's go out to get some fresh air and have a hot coffee."

I can imagine how terrible I look like at the moment. With my skin so pale, I look like a corpse when I feel ill. Though I was tongue-tied, I managed to reply "Okay."

*

He bought us hot coffees and I think he knows a little bit about me, cause he ordered my favourite, caramel latte. Or it might be a coincident. 

"So, what's on your mind?" He asked.

"The last thing I remember before waking up this morning is taking my usual afternoon nap during my one-hour break in between classes. And then tadaa, I'm here." Diana

"The doctor did tell me about this retrograde amnesia. You might forget some events that occur before the trauma." Harry

"What trauma?" D

"It's a long story. I don't know where should I start. You really don't remember me at all?" H

"I've loads of time, not that I know what to do with it." D

"Okay so, we met at the airport. When it was announced that our flight will be delayed, I saw you standing alone, pissed off. I decided to approach you, and so we started talking. And when in the plane, no one was sitting next to you since there weren't so many people on board so I did." H

"I can't be trusting you so much very easily to want to stay at your house? How did you trick me into this?" D

He laughed at that.

"You didn't want to stay here, you have to. I know very little thing about you cause when I asked 'What are you doing now? What course are you taking, at which university?' all you answered was 'I choose not to talk about that during my school break'. So the only thing I know is that you're coming here to see your best friends, Carolyn and Miranda."

"So how did I end up here?"

"I offered to help you to find your friends' house, but only after giving you a tour around London and you agreed." He smiled. Oh god, he's so handsome. As handsome as he is, he could be rapist and I would have no idea.

"I did?" 

"Yes. So we spend a whole good day together, and on the next day while we were walking around to search for your friends' house, you took out your phone to call her. That's when your phone was snatched and you fell, your head hitting the lamp post, quite hard, I guess."

"Wow. That sounds very tragic. And so, then I passed out and then you brought me to the hospital then to your house and then now I'm back on my feet with some memory loss here and there?"

"Something like that."

"Didn't you at least try to call my friends to tell them about this?" I don't know why I feel so pissed off out of the blue. Didn't any of my family members search for me? What about my best friends who know that I'm coming?

"Your phone was stolen, remember?"

"But..." I don't know what to say. I don't know if I could trust him, but who else do I have now. I don't even know which part of UK I am in right now, I lost my phone and I don't remember anyone's phone number.

I'm starting to feel very dizzy again, I see stars. I pushed his hand away when he tried to help me. Yes, all I ever wanted was to not go back to the torturing dental school, but this is not the way I want it to be. 

"Diana, breathe."

His voice somehow brings me back to reality. I did what he ask me to, I breathe. 

A thought comes to mind, "I wanna go home. Now."

*

We were in the car and neither of us said a word. It was so quiet I decided to turn on the radio. I get excited when the first song that came out was "What Makes You Beautiful" by my favourite boys, One Direction! I was happily singing and I could hear Harry humming to that song. Whatever, who doesn't know this song, right?

"...feels like snow in September but I always will remember cause you were..." I was singing mindlessly to Summer Love, and then I was like "Wait, isn't this the fourth song of One Direction, continuously?"

Before Harry had the chance to reply, again I was like "OHMYGOD You're a directioner?" I think my voice went a bit high-pitched. A male directioner, that's rare.

"I, urm, it's Gemma's playlist actually." Harry

"But you were humming to all the songs!" Diana

I can't help laughing out loud when he rolled his eyes and admitted it.

"I am too!" I screamed. 

"Really?! Diana please stay here until May so that we can go to their Where We Are tour together!"

"I would really love to! But I came here for a general visit, I can't stay longer than three months." D

"Three months? No, its six months." H

"I'm not allowed to work, legally, during my stay, I doubt I will have enough money to stay here for that long." D

"We can always figure that out!" H

The next song was The Best Song Ever. Volume up, we both sang at the top of our lungs, it was fun.

*

Back at Harry's house, I couldn't decide. Should I go home, or should I go back to the dental school, or should I choose the craziest option available, it is to stay here until May?

*

"Hey Harry, I think I'll be leaving tomorrow." D

"Are you sure you don't wanna stay just a little bit longer?" H

"I'm not leaving leaving, I'm only leaving to Carolyn's house." D

"Oh. You want me to come with you?" H

"If you promise to protect me from snatch-thieves?" D

*

That night, while I was almost done packing my stuffs, I was surprised to see Harry at the door.

"Are you coming in?" I asked. He was standing like a statue, what the hell was he doing there?

"What do you think about the song Midnight Memories?" Such a random question, is he actually sleep-walking?

"I love it. It's very different but it suits them though."

"Okay, goodnight." And he left. He's weird, just like my big brother. Awh now I miss him. He'd suggest more crazy options if I tell him the situation I am in.

I thank God Harry didn't ask how did I find Carolyn's address because I actually used his laptop, his Facebook account isn't logged out. Am I the only one who doesn't own a Facebook account?

Whatever. I can't wait to see my best friend!

*

By 10am, we're both ready to go out. I wish my luggage hasn't been too big. Harry's house is in London and Carolyn's is in Southampton. So we'll have to take a train and it'll take about one hour.

We talked a lot during the one-hour journey, it is most probably the second time he listened to my stories. The first time was in the plane, which I've no memory about. 

Suddenly a thought came to me. I've another person to see besides my two best friends. How could I forget about Zack? But I plan to give him a surprise visit, I can still go on with the plan now.

When we get down from the train, it wasn't so hard to find the fashionistas. 

I can't help but squeal when I see them! We group-hugged and I can see the who-is-that-guy-why-is-he-with-you-you've-got-loads-to-tell look. I know I wouldn't be sleeping for the night.

"Oh yeah sorry I forgot to introduce you guys. Miranda and Carolyn, this is Harry. The sweet stranger I met on the plane who actually took care of me when I was 'missing'" I explained. After that we head to the Malaysian cuisine restaurant for lunch.

Harry clicked very well with my friends. It's not a big wonder how I end up being so close with him in a matter of days.

Harry's phone rang, the name "Louis" appeared on the screen. "I'll be back by 6pm. See you later alright." I didn't mean to eavesdrop but hello, he was sitting next to me okay.

When we were about to go separate ways,

"Will you be free next weekend?" Miranda asked Harry. In my head I was like, OHMYGOD is she gonna ask him out, is she flirting with him?! And no, the thought doesn't come out due to jealousy, it's more to a reflex-surprised action,

"I don't have any plans yet. Why?" Harry

"We're having a housewarming party. Come and join us if you're free." Miranda

"I'll try. Take care of Diana alright. I'll see you girls when I see you." Harry

Right after Harry was out of our sight;

"DIANA WHERE DID YOU FIND HIM?!" Both of them kinda screamed simultaneously it freaked me out.

"On the plane, I think? If it's not his bedroom." HAHA

"How can you not fall for him? He's hot, and such a gentleman!" Carolyn

"I don't think he's interested in girls...?" Diana

"HE'S GAY?" Again, the simultaneous scream. I bet their brains are synchronised. 

I am forced to wake up very early in the next morning. Miranda wants me to come with her to college cause she need my support. She's hosting a charity event which will go on for two weeks, and today is the opening ceremony by which she has to give a speech. To thank all the volunteers (one which I am forced to be) and give a brief introduction of the event.

If there are two things I really suck at, it's baking and decorating stuffs. I can't believe she made me do this, I was shocked when she said "So, the volunteers will be divided into two groups, one team will be distributing/selling the cupcakes, the funds collected will be donated to the poor people in Africa. The other team will be preparing it."

I've killed her twenty times in my head. Look at the bright side, at least I've got things to do.

For the first week, I'll be in the preparation team that is further divided into mixing team, baking team and decoration team. We were given the chance to choose. Mixing? Everyone in this town will suffer from diarrhoea. Baking? I'll burn the kitchen. So I choose decorating, though I suck but the worst that could happen is no one would buy because it's too ugly, but people will buy anyway cause it's for charity, no?

"You're gonna hate me cause I really suck at this." was the first thing I told after introducing myself to our supervisor, Andy. He is one of those typically hot British guy, pale skin, dirty blonde  hair, blue eyes, 6 feet tall. As typical as he looks, he's hot though and yes of course, the sexy British accent.

Andy is very friendly, so does everyone else here, I've a great feeling I'll enjoy these two weeks very much!

*

"Andy look! I drew your face!"

"Oh my god you really suck!"

Hahahaha we had a really good time. I get better with time. I didn't know I actually have some artistic talent. I invited him to come over to the house warming party (as if it's my own house) but Miranda has already invited him.

I had almost forgotten about Harry, I was surprised to see him talking to Harry when I went out of the kitchen. Harry is much hotter than Andy in so many ways, I can't get my eyes off of his green eyes as much as I can't get over the fact that he's gay.

Harry stayed over after the party and help with cleaning the house.

"Hey, why don't you stay over for the whole week? You can join me for the charity event? Miranda would be glad!" Again, as if I was the one holding the charity event.

"Yeah that would be great! You can look for Diana, so that she won't eat up all the cupcakes before she sells it!" Miranda shouted from the kitchen. Bitch.

"I would really love to, but unfortunately I can't. I've assignments to be submitted by this Friday." Harry

After saying goodbye to him, both of my best friends sat beside me and gave me 'the' shot. I was like "Whattt?"

"Don't you think he likes you?" C

"Do I look like a guy?" D

"How sure are you he's gay?" M

"The only straight guy who likes One Direction is my brother, even then I'm not quite sure if he's really straight." D

"Since when are you so stereotypical?" M

"And he has a boyfriend, Louis." D

"He told you Louis is his boyfriend?" C

"I assumed...?" D

*

"Hey wake up! It's a beautiful Sunday morning don't waste it on your bed! - H"

I woke up to that text as early as 8am. Who the hell wakes up at 8am on a Sunday morning? And who is H? And when did I get a new phone?

The phone is really brand new, no text messages no pictures nothing. Maybe it's not even mine. Probably someone left it here yesterday. I'll give it to Miranda to ask her friends who came yesterday.

I woke up and prepared breakfast, I left a note that I'm going out to the Sunday market. I always love to go to this kinds of markets when I travel to new places. It's the place where you get to see a lot of people, a lot of vintage things and of course, try their best food. The perks of travelling alone is you don't really get to capture everything that happens, and please don't forget how terrible I am at taking photos. (God, please give me a photographer boyfriend who is also a good travelling company.)

I don't usually buy clothes from the market but this time I bought a few. It's too pretty to not be bought though! And I can always send it to the laundry first before wearing it. I don't know which one should I wear when I go to see him. His birthday is coming up in two weeks time, a day after Valentine's day. After I'm done with the charity event, I plan to travel around there and give him a surprise visit on his birthday.

I was very tired when I got home.

"Where have you been?" C

"I'm just looking around." D

"Why didn't you wait for us? We thought you got lost or something." M. I feel bad. I mean, it feels like I've caused them lots of troubles since I came here, probably a few heart attacks. But of course, they understand me.

"Oh my god this is so cute! Where did you get this?" C. She was somehow busy digging into my shopping bags while we were talking.

"The market for only 7 pounds. It's too cheap and pretty I can't resist!" There you go, once we start talking we'll never stop. And we also started gossiping about the party. I actually told them that I fancy Andy.

"Oh shit. Didn't I tell you?" Miranda asked me in a voice that signifies a bad news.

"You don't say....." I think I know. I should've known. Oh god why....