Despite the dreary rain clouds that followed Madeline to school her spirit remained optimistic. It was Friday and she had the weekend to look forward to her parents being out of town. Tonight she'd stay up late watching her favorite scary movies in the living room without her mother lecturing her to go to bed, it was rare for her to laze about in such a fashion. I'll get to eat all the Twinkies I want! I can't wait for today to be over with already! She grinned. Madeline's walk to Mabon Junior High was uneventful to say the least. She passed the usual houses in the neighborhood and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Mrs. Burlington sat on the porch next to the empty rocker her husband used to occupy until he died last month but unbeknownst to her he was still there. Madeline saw him and when she waved at Mrs. Burlington her husband also returned the greeting.
"Good Morning dear!" The old lady smiled at her. "Hello Madeline!" Her husband also greeted her as she walked by.
"Morning!" Madeline said back. She was careful not reveal the startling information to the elderly woman that her love still remained by her side. He told Madeline personally he'd stay till it was his wife's time too so they could enter the next world together. Most fourteen-year-old's would most likely be startled by this information, or the fact that the dead was able to communicate with the living. However, for as long as Madeline could remember was able to talk to ghosts. Her mother was very aware of her abilities and accepted them while her step-father remained skeptical. It was a daily routine to talk to the spirits that roamed her route to school. One was the spirit of a little boy who sat on a fire hydrant. His name was Tommy. When she had time she liked to stop and talk to him because he seemed really lonely. The first time they spoke he was surprised she was able to see him. After explaining she can see most ghosts he became fascinated with her. Now, she talks to him every day. He was coming up on her stroll. "Good morning Tom Tom!" She greeted with a small wave and a giggle.
The blonde ten year old scowled at her. He hated the nick name she had given him. "Please don't call me that! You make me sound like a baby! I'm supposed to be a scary spirit!"
Oh yeah, that's right. During their conversation yesterday Tommy told Madeline he wanted to become a poltergeist. She encouraged him simply because she knew he'd never do it. Tommy was a good boy. It was too bad he was killed in a hit and run ten years ago. Madeline was certain he would've became a great member of society. He was very intelligent. "Alright, alright, I apologize. Have you picked someone you want haunt?" She asked.
He shook his head, "Not yet. I'm still practicing my levitation skills but I'm certain I want to pick someone around my age. I want to move toys around their room while their sleeping."
Madeline refrained from chuckling at him. He probably just wanted to play. She nodded her head in agreement. "Sounds like you've got it figured out. I'd stay and chat more but I'm running just a bit behind. I'll see you on my way home."
Tommy waved her off, "Yeah, I'll see you then."
She continued her walk for ten more minutes till she reached the middle of town. Before her stood a red and brown brick building with a cement sign out front that indicated that she had made it to her destination. Madeline let out a heavy sigh and adjusted her back pack. More than anything she hated school. She tried to follow her step-father's advise in making friends not too long ago and became acquaintances with one of the girls in her class named Taylor. She told Taylor that she saw ghosts and it wasn't long till the whole class found out then it spread to the rest of her peers. After that one instance of mistrust she went back to keeping to herself. Students whispered about her as she passed. She made her way into the school trying to ignore the snickering and snide comments made at her tiny frame. Nervously she tucked a strand of her wavy violet hair behind her ear keeping her green eyes focused on her sneakers. Another mistake. Instead of watching where she was going she bumped into someone's back. She landed with a thud on the ground where as the person she collided with remained standing.
"Oh dear! Are you okay?" an English voice asked in a sing song voice. A pair of hands had a hold of her arms and was helping her up before she had the chance to answer. When she met the gaze of her victim she was astounded to be staring into bright pink iris rimmed eyes. Color contacts? She wondered. Madeline took in the girl's beauty dressed in business attire. Her bright blue hair was pulled into a high pony tail. She didn't look much older than herself.
"I'm fine," Madeline whispered softly. She adjusted her square black glasses trying to assure herself that the girl was real.
"Oh good! Would you mind being a dear and pointing me to the direction of the principle's office?" the stranger asked.
"Y-y-yes, down this hall take a left and it'll be the first door on the right," she stuttered.
The blue haired girl grabbed her hand and shook it, "Thank you so much!" Then darted in the direction Madeline told her to go.
She was still in a daze but not for long. The bell rang signaling the start of first period. Cursing silently to herself she ran the rest of the way to her first period of class. English was filled with the normal crowd and like usual she took her seat towards the back. She slid off her back pack and took out her text book and her favorite journal she enjoyed to doodle in. Opening to a blank page she began to sketch the woman she just met. Instead of her pencil skirt and blazer she dressed her in a Japanese kimono. What else should she do to the picture? I'll draw her flying on an oar! Staring at her finished work an odd premonition hit her, a vision. She saw the girl in her mind's eye flying through the early morning sky and landing on the Junior High's roof.
"Madeline Sparks please report to the principle's office immediately. I repeat Madeline Sparks please report to the principle's office immediately. Thank you."
Hearing her name called over the intercom brought her back to reality. The students were all staring at her most likely thinking up an explanation to why she was being summoned to see Mr. Elliot. What did she do? As she gathered her things, stuffed them back into her bag and dashed out of the room she could of sworn out of the corner of her eye she saw another figure looming outside the window by the teacher's desk. She dismissed the idea since they were on the second floor and forced herself to keep going without looking back to check.
In a matter of minutes she was at the tall wooden door that had the name "Mr. Elliot" scribbled with bold gold stickers on its textured window. Using her index finger to push her glasses up to the bridge of her nose she took this moment to gather herself. Why did he need to see her? Was it because she was late to class? It was only by a minute! That idea was pure speculation. No way he knew that she arrived in the room at 8:01 on the dot. Building up as much courage as she was able to muster she knocked.
"Come in!" Mr. Elliot's voice boomed.
Madeline jumped and used her shaking hand to twist the nob slowly. Upon entering she was surprised to see the blue haired girl from earlier. The unusual looking woman sat next to an empty seat across the desk from the principal. The smile on Mr. Elliot's face contradicted the deep command that she had heard seconds before coming in.
"Take a seat Miss Sparks! We have someone special here to see you today," he welcomed her in.
Madeline took the available chair and glanced between the intimidating balding man and the beautiful woman. What's this about?
Mr. Elliot cleared his throat, "This here is Yui Mikazwaw-"
"Misazuki," Yui corrected cheerfully.
He chuckled, "Right, right, sorry... Yui is from IAASP which stands for "International Adopt A Student Program" and she's very interested in you." Mr. Elliot chose to use her first name in order to avoid mispronouncing it again.
Madeline raised a brow, "Interested in me?"
Yui nodded eagerly. "Oh yes! In our new adopt a student program we select a talented student from another country to study in our school system and prosper from the knowledge we have to offer. Similar to being a foreign exchange student you'll be housed by a family selected by the principal of Sarayashki Junior High school, Mr. Takenaka. You'd be relocated to Japan."
Japan! Madeline always wanted to study abroad but never figured she was cut out for it. Her academics paled in comparison to the other top ranking students at her school. Out of nervous habit she tucked a thick strand of her hair behind her ear. Her mind was reeling in thousands of directions.
"I... there has to be some kind of mistake. I'm not that smart." She admitted adverting her stare to the floor.
"Oh we're not interested in you based on purely academics Maddy! Do you mind if I call you Maddy?" Yui gushed, "Your art skills are beyond that of any other child your age. That's the main reason why we want you!"
The cheerful associate of IAASP was throwing Madeline for a loop. She blushed at the given nickname but forced herself to meet Yui's unusual eyes.
Mr. Elliot cleared his throat. "If Miss Sparks, you choose to accept this invitation, it is understood that your parents are away on business. I've taken the liberty in contacting them. They are thrilled that such an opportunity is being presented to you and have given their consent. All I have to do is fax over the paper work to be signed. You'd be on a plane tomorrow morning!"
Tomorrow morning?! Her green eyes grew to the size of saucers. Everything was happening so fast. Her nerves were getting the better of her. A part of her wanted to decline. What about my junk food filled weekend? Horror movies? FINALLY ALONE!
"If you choose to accept our offer you will be staying in the home of Minamino, Shuichi a current High school student who has proven to be a budding scholar. Truly a genius!" Yui exclaimed.
Madeline bit her lip,"For how long?"
Yui rested a hand on her shoulder, "It is an extended program so not only would you be there for the remaining year of Junior High but... for the rest of your high school career as well. All of your expenses are paid for with the scholarship we provide and we pay for your return flights home. You can spend the holidays with your family."
The more the representative explained it, the more appealing it began to sound. Not to mention it'd be a chance to start over at school where no one knew her. Maybe I could sacrifice my weekend for this chance... They sat in silence for a few minutes. The principal fidgeted in his seat while Yui twiddled her fingers. How could I say no? She asked herself. "Alright, I'll do it."
Yui clapped her hands together excitedly, "Goody goody! I can't wait!" She reached into a brief case on the floor and pulled out a giant yellow envelope to hand to her. "Inside is everything we discussed as well as your plane ticket, information on school supplies you may need which again you can use your scholarship for, and a translation book to aid you in your stay. My people will be sure to work with your parents on getting an account set up for your school fund."
With shaking hands Madeline accepted it. The principal shook both of the girl's hands before escorting them out. In the barren hallway she held the packet in her arms and stood star struck by what she concluded had to be an angel. Yui was sent to save her from this lonesome town where her only friends were the dead.
She wrapped her arms around the girl in a quick embrace. "We're going to become the best of friends Maddy. Please from here on out call me Botan!"
"Botan?" she raised a brow.
"Yes! I look forward to meeting you again real soon!"
With that her angel disappeared. She watched her take the exit but she could've sworn she took the door to the school's roof instead. Don't be silly Madeline. She glanced down the empty corridors and darted for the bathroom to try bide some time before returning to class. As she entered she noted that there was no other presence but her own. Dropping her bag on the floor she made her way over to the sink. Madeline took off her glasses and placed them on the porcelain top before splashing her face with water. She dried her face with a paper towel and pushed her spectacles back onto her face to study her reflection.
Her lazy green eyes stared back at her, taking in her round freckled cheeks that wasn't proportioned with the rest of her skinny features. She also noticed that she was bit more paler than usual. Probably just feeling overwhelmed... Madeline tried to tell herself. A noise startled her. Suddenly she wasn't feeling alone. Madeline tried to ignore the new aura that invaded her own. She turned around quickly to see a boy. He didn't feel like he was of this world... a wondering spirit? She didn't know of any ghost to haunt the girl's bathroom. His eyes were dark, almost black and he was wearing a blue jump suit that contrasted nicely with her dark red bowler cut. He too wore glasses but his were thin and made him appear older than what he probably was. "Hello?" She whispered meekly.
His expression quickly went from relaxed to shocked. He nearly fell over. "You can see me?" he asked quickly. She nodded and grinned. "You're spirit awareness is stronger than what I was told." Madeline frowned. Maybe he wasn't other worldly. The longer he stood before her the more she became aware of his physical presence.
"Are you new here?" she questioned. It's possible that her peers already expressed to the new comer her hidden talent.
He shook his head, "No, my name is Kenji. We'll meet again soon enough Madeline." Kenji began to walk away.
"How did you know my name?" She asked quickly.
The boy stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder at her. "We're going to be school mates soon. It's my responsibility to know who it is I'm going to be learning alongside."
Madeline blinked slowly taking in the stranger's words. "You go to Sarayashki Junior High? What are you doing here in America?" She was feeling weary of the new character.
He shrugged, "I was supposed to welcome you but I was late to the meet and greet. I'm the student council president."
"Oh, well, it's nice to um... meet you," she said softy. Madeline wasn't sure whether to trust his words. There was something off about Kenji. There was no denying that he was quite handsome. This also startled her. His smirk disappeared suddenly as an expression she wasn't able to identify flashed across his face.
Kenji's cheeks turned a bright red. "It was a pleasure meeting you as well." With that he was walking out of the restroom leaving her alone to reflect on the unusual encounter.
Kenji watched from the roof later that afternoon as alternative violet hair teen walked out of the school with a look of confusion plastered to her face. The other kids in clusters mocked her as she passed. He felt bad for her. No one understood her gifts, that her abilities made her special, not a freak. Looking back on their conversation his face grew hot again. Why was she making him feel so strange? They barely said anything to one another. Kenji had to lie to her just as the blue haired woman named Botan lied to her. He knew who Botan really was, his enemy.
"Report," a gravely voice demanded.
Over his shoulder hovered a strange insect monster flying in place. It's fly head held a devilish smile that grinned to reveal two rows of sharp beastly teeth. Kenji cringed at the creatures hideous features.
"Grimwald, you can tell the King that the subject is confirmed. She definitely meets the qualifications," Kenji explained.
"Splendid!" The monster cackled, "He'll be delighted. Hopefully this experiment won't fail like the last."
Kenji gazed at her distant figure, "I think she's the one. We won't have another incident like last time."
During her walk home Madeline flipped through the pamphlet about her new school trying to forget about the eerie boy she met earlier. She had to do really well in order to make it into the high school. Their school system worked a bit differently than the ones in the America, in order to get in she had to pass an entrance exam. She was never really interested in academics but Madeline was inspired by this opportunity to give it her all. The picture of the Junior High looked bright and cheerful with students in uniforms standing in the yard. All the boys wore the ones like Kenji was sporting she noticed so maybe he wasn't lying to her. He just made her feel really uneasy.
"Madeline?" A child's voice called for her. Tommy sat on the hydrant staring at her quizzically as she had started to walk past.
"Oh Tommy!" She smiled stopping in her tracks and taking a few steps back to talk to him. "I'm sorry, I was so caught up in my head I almost strolled on by, huh?"
He smiled reassuringly at her, "It's okay, what cha' reading?"
Madeline glanced at the booklet in her hand then back at the boy before holding it out for him to read the cover.
"Is that another school?"
She nodded, "Yes. I'm being sent to study abroad in Japan." With that statement she realized she was going to miss her little friend a lot. The same thought flashed across his face as well.
"When will you be back?" he asked carefully trying to hide his hurt.
Madeline pondered this, "Well, I guess Thanksgiving or Christmas. I'll come by and see you every time I come home."
The child accepted these terms. "Okay! You have to! Promise?"
She smiled at him holding out her pinkie finger, "Pinkie promise." Madeline felt the cold brush of air as his invisible finger wrapped around her own.
"I'm holding you to that!" He grinned.