IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR (PLEASE READ):

In 2007, I first posted this story, but I actually wrote this 4 years prior, when I was 15 years old. Being a young teenager, I was obviously very naïve and immature; I had never been in love and lived out romance through reading and writing. Now, I am 28 years old, and, thanks to my dear husband, I know what love is and what it is like to marry my best friend.

Also, over the years, I have experienced joys, pains, and losses. A little over a month ago, I lost my mother to breast cancer. My heart is wounded right now, and I know scars will remain there for the rest of my life.

In order to heal, I have returned to writing as a means to relax. I went to my computer and found this story, my first fan fiction, and realized that I wanted to look at it through my new, "grown up" eyes. This may seem redundant to work on a story I finished years ago, but it is helping me to heal. I am also uploading more stories to my page - some old, some new.

Anyway, thank you for returning (or reading for the first time) this story that holds a sweet place in my life. I greatly appreciate it.

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Crossroads in Life

Written by Princess Kayla

Inspired by Naoko Takeuchi's "Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon"

Chapter One

View from a Rabbit

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As I look into the bright blue eyes of my daughter, I see innocence, untainted by the understanding of hardship and loss. For me, that "innocence" is something I left behind many years ago. My eyes, like the ones of my precious little girl, once held stars. It is hard for me to remember what it is like to see the world in a way that seemed pure and full of romantic, enchanting dreams.

Similar to searching a map, I try to trace back to when the stars darkened for me and reality sank in. As I piece the moments together in my mind, I see many roads. I realize that significant instances in my life were often met where two routes diverged, each leading to different outcomes. But, as I look at those paths, I notice an odd occurrence. Another's roads crossed mine. I follow the roads in my mind all the way to the first crossroad, and it becomes clear. My life changed because of him, because he crossed my path years ago...

. . . . . . . . . .

At seventeen, the age that left me hanging between adolescence and adulthood, I arrived at the first crossroad. Halfway through junior year of high school, my thoughts were not focused on what I wanted to be; rather, they were focused on what the world made me think that I "wanted" to be. But, that was who I, Usagi Tsukino, was. I was naïve to what was really important in life; I just went with the flow. I assumed what other people thought of me was most important. So, I tried to follow and do what I needed to do in order to please people because I, ultimately, found my value in my relationships with others. Therefore, I, most definitely, hated all forms of confrontation; I did my best to avoid it. I was so grateful, though, that I had such an amazing best friend, who made me comfortable amongst all the people in our crazy city of Tokyo, Japan.

Finding my seat in the classroom just as the morning bell rang, I sighed with relief. "Woo, good thing you made it, Usagi; you really don't need another day of detention." Already knowing the voice, I smiled over at the girl next to me, Minako Aino, my best friend. We'd known each other since we were three, when we met at the park. I had just finished making a castle in the sandbox when this bully destroyed it for no reason. Shy as I was, I began to cry, but Minako, being her outgoing self, came to my rescue. Yelling at the boy, she kicked him between the legs - if you know what I mean. Just like the weakling he was for tormenting others, he took off sobbing. After that, Minako comforted me, and together we made an even better castle. Since that day, we were inseparable.

Grinning, I replied, "I know, I'm so sick of writing 'I will not be late for class over and over!" We both laughed at the fact that I was often forgetful and late to many things - especially, school. It was a struggle for me to be a motivated and productive student; I struggled in classes like English and Geometry. Being my lazy self, I also struggled in things like sports that take coordination, self-esteem, and grace.

Minako, in contrast, had no struggles in that area. She was so full of energy and put it to use on sports, especially volleyball. That energy also helped her in tracking down what she liked to call 'the perfect guy'. She tended to be a little boy crazy, but sometimes her confidence overwhelmed the boys she met. But, that didn't stop her from believing that she possessed a sixth sense for matchmaking. She believed that she was destined to find true love for herself and others, including me. I was often embarrassed when she would point dramatically at a cute boy and exclaim, "Usagi, look at him! He might be the one for you!" Of course, she was often wrong in her predictions.

Some people would say Minako and I could pass as sisters because we looked so much alike; maybe people thought that because we spent so much time next to one another. However, there was a difference between us. Minako was beautiful. Just like the bright red ribbon that she would always pin her waist length, honey blonde hair back with, she attracted attention from a mile away. Even her sky blue eyes sparkled with it. Oh, how I wanted to look like her. Instead, I was awkward. I lacked being physically activitive, but did not lack a strong appetite. That fact resulted in a little chub around my waist and on my legs. Then there was my hair that I could not figure out what to do with it, but tie my long golden locks in two pigtails. Trying to attempt some sort of unique characteristic, I added a bun at the top of each pigtail. I knew people thought it was silly, but for some reason, it was the one thing about my appearance that I felt okay with. Perhaps, I kept the style because my father made me feel special every time he called me his 'little bunny' and, with a kind laugh, lightly bopped me on the head. I loved my father and still wanted to be his little girl, even though I was seventeen years old.

"Class, time to begin," my teacher commanded. I put my random trail of thoughts aside and turned my attention to her. She looked around the room and her eyes stopped on me, "It's nice to see you actually on time, Usagi." I blushed as I heard snickering covering the room. Taking a stack of papers from her desk, she began to pass them out. "Kakeru, great improvement…Minako, nice job." Stopping, she sighed and placed a paper in front of me, "I wish I could say the same for you, Usagi."

My eyes bugged out as I saw the red thirty-percent marked on my test, "Ms. Haruna, this can't be right! I really studied for this test!"

"Where have I heard that before?" she groaned, "Usagi, I'll believe you studied when I see your grades improve. Now, have that test signed and returned to me." I lowered my head in my hands and sank into my own world of misery.

. . .

"Usagi, it's not the end of the year. You still have time to bring your grades up," Minako tried to comfort me in the hallway, even though I could hear the pity in her words.

Looking down at my test, I sighed, "You don't have to lie, Mina. I have to think of something; I can't show this to my mom. She said that if I didn't pass this test, I'd have to be tutored. One day of school is all I can..."

Unexpectedly, I found myself on the hard tiled floor with a bottom jarred from an abrupt crash. Collecting myself, I tried to connect why I was no longer standing. "Are you okay?" came a profound voice, bringing me back to my senses.

"Ye..." My words were cut short when I found myself staring into the deepest blue eyes I had ever seen. The pair of eyes belonged to the cutest...no, I couldn't describe this older boy as merely 'cute'. He was incredibly handsome with messy raven black hair hanging boyishly over his forehead. I knew that if I had seen him before, I would have remembered him. He had to be a new student.

Suddenly, I realized he was waving a hand in my face. I blushed as he raised an eyebrow at me, "I hope I didn't add to the damage."

All my previous thoughts disappeared as I noticed him holding my test. Taken aback by his impolite statement, I grabbed the embarrassing paper and jumped, awkwardly, to my feet. I huffed, "That is very rude."

"Don't take it personally, Dumpling Head," he fingered a strand of my hair then stepped around me and continued down the hall.

"Wow! He is quite the looker!" Minako exclaimed.

"Definitely not!" I growled, blood boiling under the skin of my face. I had never felt this emotion before. His few words had ignited something unrecognizable inside me.

"Come on, admit it. I saw the way you looked at him," she stated, matter-of-factly.

"No way, Mina," I sighed, taking deep breaths through my nose in order to cool my face down, "Let's go; I'm hungry!"

She rolled her eyes, "When are you not!" I joined her in her laughter, trying to cover up the way I was feeling.

. . .

The school day finally ended. While Minako went off to volleyball practice, I should've been off to show my mom my test, but I wanted to postpone the event as long as possible. So, I decided to take a detour, which led me to our usual hangout place - the Crown Café and Arcade. Ever since we were allowed to walk to and from school, we were given permission to go to this fun place without our parents. But, I believe my parents felt extra secure about the Crown because a certain, trusted friend watched over us while we were there.

"Hey, Usagi!" the older boy behind the counter with muddled, dirty-blonde hair waved to me. Motoki Furuhata was the manager of the Crown, the son of my parents' good friends, and one of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. Motoki was like a big brother, always looking out for me.

I smiled and sat down at the bar, "Hi, Motoki."

"We have the new Sailor V game today. Do you want to try it?" he asked.

I sighed, "Not today. Can I just have a strawberry milkshake?"

Heading to make my treat, he frowned, "What's bothering you?"

"I had a really bad day."

"What happened?" he questioned as he prepared to make my order.

"I got a really bad grade on my English test; mom's probably going to kill me," I sighed as I watched him load the tasty ingredients into the blender.

Sending me a reassuring smile, he clicked the button on the mixer, "I'm sure she won't be as mad as you think."

"Probably worse," I whispered. "And..." I regrettably recalled the moment from earlier that day, "...and I was pushed to the ground by this really rude guy who pretty much called me 'stupid' in front of everyone."

"Don't you think you are exaggerating a little?" My back straightened as I heard a familiar voice from behind me.

Cautiously, I turned around and came face to face with the boy from earlier that day. Usually, I would have immediately apologized and tried to be nice, but something about him pinched my nerves to the extreme. I glared at him, "Don't you know it is rude to bud into someone else's conversation?"

He smirked and placed a hand to his chest dramatically, "Oh, so sorry, Dumpling Head, I didn't know I was intruding."

"Don't call me 'Dumpling Head'!" I yelled, feeling the nerve begin to twitch.

"Okay, Dumpling Head?" He turned away from me to Motoki, "Hey; thanks for helping me out today. So this is where you work?"

Motoki set my milkshake in front of me, while looking at this stranger. "Sure, you're welcome. Have you had any trouble finding your way around town?"

"Not really. Your directions helped out a lot," he replied.

Motoki nodded with a smile, "I'm glad I could help. Hey, can I get you anything?"

No matter how hard I tried not to, I couldn't help but stare as the dark-headed stranger looked up at the menu with those piercing blue eyes. Of course, Minako was right; he was very handsome. However, I wasn't too sure about his personality.

"Hmm…coffee sounds good," he glanced over at me, "To-go please."

"Sure thing." Motoki stepped over to the warm pot, "Hey, how is your apartment coming?"

"Pretty good so far. I still have a few boxes left to unload," he explained as he took out his wallet.

Listening to their conversation began to torment me with confusion. I jumped in, "Motoki, who is this guy?"

Motoki brought the thick paper mug full of hot liquid to him and replied, "This is Mamoru Chiba. He just moved here. Mamoru, this is Usagi Tsukino."

Mamoru looked at me with that annoying smirk, "So, now who is interfering in someone else's conversation?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Well, I was having a conversation first." My brow curled into a pout.

Mamoru grinned, "That is the most pathetic face I have ever seen. Do people actually fall for that?" Surprised, I was about to rebut when he paid for his coffee and got up to leave, "See you later, Motoki. You too, Dumpling Head." After watching him leave, I turned back to my melting milkshake.

Motoki pointed to the door, "What was that all about?"

I sighed, "He's the one who ran into me this morning. I don't know why he keeps calling me 'Dumpling Head'."

"You don't? Come on, Usagi," he grinned and pointed to the buns on the top of my head.

I blushed and felt stupid for a moment, "They don't look like dumplings."

"Don't worry, Usagi," Motoki smiled, "He was only being silly."

"Okay..." I said, quieting my aggravation. I assumed he was right, but for some reason, it still aggravated me. "How do you know him?"

"I met Mamoru yesterday at school. He just transferred. I thought it was kind of weird considering this is his last year of high school."

"So, he does go to our school," I acknowledged with dismay.

"Yep, he's a senior and got placed in all of the high level classes. He's really intelligent and seems like a good guy to me."

"Well, that's so great," I said sarcastically and looked at my watch, "I've got to go. I need to talk to my mom and then, hopefully, see Mina after she gets done with practice."

"How is Minako?" he asked, a mysterious blush claiming his cheeks.

"She's been practicing nonstop for the volleyball championship this weekend."

"Well, tell her I'm rooting for her!" he grinned eagerly.

"Okay, bye!" Waving, I headed out the door.

. . .

"Hey, have you showed your mom your test yet?" Minako asked me as we ascended the stairs to her bedroom. I nodded with a frown. She returned my frown, "Did it not go well?"

I shook my head, "No. I have to be tutored. She called the school and got me set up with a tutor already."

"Wow...that's rough." We reached her door, decorated in her name and bright stickers. She smiled, "I think I have something to cheer you up." Slowly, she opened the door and told me to look inside the room.

My mouth grew into a grin as a small pure white kitten approached me, "Oh, Mina, he's so cute!" I picked him up and carried him to the bed. "When did you get him?"

Minako collapsed onto her pillow, "Dad bought him for me as a good luck charm for the championship. I named him Artemis."

I petted his small ear and smiled, "I bet you bring lots of luck, right little boy? Oh," I recalled, "that reminds me, Motoki says he's rooting for you."

"Really!" her eyes grew big.

"Yeah," I laughed at her enthusiasm, "So, you really, really like him, don't you?"

"Well, I mean," she tried to brush it off, but her feelings could not be hidden, "What else did he say?"

"He just asked how you were."

"He did!" she beamed, "What did you say?"

"I said that you were so upset because you love him so much and can't stand your time apart," I said sarcastically.

Minako's mouth dropped open, "What?!"

"I'm just fooling with you! Goodness...all I said was that you were practicing really hard for your big game."

She relaxed a little, "Oh..."

I grinned, "Maybe you should tell him how you feel."

"No, I couldn't! I don't think he likes me."

"Believe me, I think he does."

"Oh, Usagi, how I wish." She sighed, "So what'd you do at the Crown?"

I groaned at the question and filled her in on my interaction with Mamoru Chiba and what Motoki told me about him.

"Usagi," Minako said when I had finished, "All the girls at practice were talking about him today."

"Why?" I was shocked at the thought that he had already gained a fan club.

"They were saying how attractive and smart he is. They also said that he is really polite." Minako explained.

"Seriously? Not from where I'm standing," I huffed.

She raised an eyebrow at me, "What do you mean?"

"You weren't listening, were you? Mina, I told you how he acted at the Crown."

Minako grinned with silliness, "Well, maybe you're special."

"Mina!" I threw a pillow at her. Even though I was laughing, curiosity took over my thoughts. I wondered if I was misreading Mamoru's personality.

. . . . . . . . . .

Breathing in my last breath of freedom, I waved goodbye to Minako and entered the library. The scent of old books overwhelmed me along with the out of place unease. Not sure what to do, I went to the front desk where a middle-aged woman sat stamping some papers. "Can I help you?" she quietly questioned.

"Um...yes, I'm Usagi Tsukino. I'm supposed to meet my...um...tutor here," I explained with embarrassment of needing such a thing.

She didn't seem to notice because she just nodded and pointed down an aisle between some shelves, "Go that way and turn right. He's been waiting for you."

'He?' I wondered. Saying 'thank you' to the woman, I followed her directions. When I turned where she had said, I stopped in my tracks. There, sitting at a table, staring down at an open book was the awful Mamoru Chiba. I was about to turn away when he looked up and spotted me. He didn't look surprised at all to see me. "Are you just going to stand there with your mouth hanging open?"

My mouth shut with a snap and I stomped forward. "You're not my tutor?" The statement came out as more of a question than what I had planned.

Glancing down at the paper, he then turned back up to me, "Well, it seems I am."

"What!"

"Shhh!" He looked around in embarrassment, "This is a library; you have to be quiet. Now, sit down."

Heat came to my cheeks as I took the seat across from him. Trying to reclaim my dignity, I questioned, "How can you be my tutor? You just started going here."

Rubbing his temples, he sighed, "I am thinking about minoring in English in college, and 'English tutor' looks really good on my applications. I signed up yesterday morning."

I crossed my arms over my chest in a pout, "But, why are you my tutor?"

"It's not like I planned it, you know. I was called to the office this morning. They asked me if I could tutor a student in English because everyone else was already booked, and I took the job. I didn't even know it was you until this afternoon," he explained.

Being myself, I still didn't like the explanation, "This is so unfair."

Rolling his eyes, he spoke, "Look, I'm sorry this is so hard for you; I am not very excited about this either, but you better listen up. I'm going to do my job and you are going to work. I expect your grades to improve."

"I don't have to do what you say," I retorted.

"Oh, fine then. Why don't you just go home and try to explain to your parents why they received a phone call from the school about your lack of effort."

I sucked in a deep breath, but found no words to counter him with. He was right; Mom and Dad would have been angry.

That annoying know-it-all look came to his face, "Very well then, let's get started. It looks like you are having trouble with your grammar."

. . .

Silencing my scream in my pillow, I let my anger flow. Then, with rage, I punched it, "Out of all the arrogant people on this planet, I get stuck with the worst!" I finished my pillow tantrum by throwing it with a thud against the wall.

"Knock it off!" my little brother yelled from the other side.

"Mind your own business!" I shouted.

"Shut up, Barf Bag!" he snapped.

Growling, I stomped to my door. "You shut up!" I slammed the door shut. I clicked 'play' on my CD player. The music of my favorite singing group, the Three Lights, filled my room and I instantly felt more peaceful. Their music took me back to younger years. I dropped down to the rug by my bed. Pulling up a part of my rug, I moved a loose board in the floor. From underneath it, I removed a pink book and opened it. The Three Lights inspired me to write, and my soul rang out in the book. Lyrics, poems, and little stories were the disguises of my thoughts, hopes, and dreams. I was thankful to my friend from long ago; his sweet smile and beautiful voice came to my mind. He had given me the confidence to put my pen to paper.

I turned to a page where a song was started. Getting a pencil from my nightstand, I tried to continue, but my attention was elsewhere. Even though I felt calmer, the thought of Mamoru hung in the back of my mind. He brought out this weird emotion in me that I didn't understand. I was frustrated. I needed to get my thoughts away from him, so I let my eyes stop on the bracelet around my wrist. Little rabbits, roses, and moons dangled from the silver chain. I didn't receive it from anyone, but it still held something special for me. Smiling to myself, I got an idea. So, I turned toward my window and saw the moon shining bright in the sky. Gathering my book and pen, I stood to my feet. Tiptoeing, I went and switched off my CD player and light, and then silently, I went to my window. Holding my book close to my heart, I opened the portal to the night world.

. . . . . . . . . .

Ever since the tutoring sessions began, I longed for Saturday to come. Saturday meant freedom from Mamoru and time for my favorite activity – volunteering at the hospital. My position seemed simple, but it was so rewarding. It was my responsibility to visit patients and do my best to cheer them up, especially the kids. Minako said that 'cheering people up' was one of my best skills. Maybe it was, but I felt like I got more out of it than I gave.

With a basket of flowers, I arrived at the hospital. When I reached my assigned floor, I checked in with the front desk. "Hello there, Rina," I smiled at the secretary.

She handed me my list of patients to see, "Hello, Usagi. We have a new volunteer today, and since you've been volunteering here so much, I was wondering if you could show him around."

"Sure," I nodded and looked around, "Where is he?"

She smiled, "Thank you. I went ahead and sent him into the first room on your list."

Looking down at the paper; first on my list was Maikeru Tanaka, a twelve year old who received a very bad break to his hip when he was bucked off a horse. "Okay then," I grinned, "I'll talk to you later, Rina."

I knocked on his door and waited until I received permission to enter. As I stepped in, my grin faded because there, sitting next to Maikeru's bed, was Mamoru.

"Hi, Usagi!" the little boy cheered.

I shook out of my gaze and walked over to the boy, "Good morning, Maikeru."

"Usagi, this is Mamoru, it's his first day here," he looked from me to him, "and, Mamoru, this is Usagi, the best volunteer ever!"

I faked a smile and nodded to Mamoru.

"It's nice to see you again," Mamoru nodded to me.

"Hello," I replied shortly.

"Do you know each other?" Maikeru asked.

"Old friends," Mamoru answered.

I noted the sarcasm in his voice, but kept my full attention on Maikeru, "So, Maikeru did the doctor come by today?"

"Yeah, he said I can get the cast off in a week, but..."

"But what?" I asked.

"I have to take therapy to walk again and it will probably be really hard."

I smiled, "It won't be bad. I know the lady in charge of the therapy center, and she always gives special treats to her hardest working patients."

"Really?"

"Yeah," I picked a sunflower from my basket, "Here, for good luck."

He took it and smiled, "Thanks, Usagi."

"You're welcome," I smiled and kissed his forehead, "I've got to go, see you next week."

"Me too," Mamoru got up and headed to the door.

"Bye, Mamoru! Bye, Usagi!" Maikeru waved as we left.

Outside Maikeru's room, I turned and faced Mamoru with a glare, "Did you know I volunteer here?"

He rolled his eyes, "No, how could I?"

I groaned, "Then why are you here?"

"Don't you listen? I've volunteered here."

"I know that! But, I mean...ugh!" I groaned as he looked down at me. "Okay, well, I have to go visit other rooms, so good day," I gave a cynical wave and walked off. Annoyance began to churn in my gut when I noticed I was being followed. I stopped and spun to face him, "Don't you have some work to do?"

"You're supposed to show me the ropes," he stated the fact that I didn't want to accept. I turned and headed down the hall, and again I noticed I was being followed. I growled in frustration. "You realize I'm not leaving," he smirked.

"I know! Why do you keep showing up in every part of my life?" I sighed, "Fine, but you have to follow my rules."

"Whatever you say, Dumpling Head."

We came to room 216 and stopped at the open door. I looked at my list, "Mr. Saito, room 216."

Suddenly, a bedpan flew out the door. "Get out! Out! OUT!"

A nurse walked out of the room covered in Jell-O. She brushed herself off, "Goodness! He's horrible!" She headed off down the hall.

"Are you still going to go in?" Mamoru asked.

Wanting to show that I was not afraid, I gulped, straightened my posture, and sauntered through the doorway. "Uh...excuse me, Sir."

The old man propped up in the bed, looked at me with cold eyes, and yelled, "You better get out if you know what's good for you!"

"But..."

"Get out of my room!" He lifted the food tray from the side table.

"But I..." I glimpsed down at my basket and got an idea.

I watched as he raised the tray high, in order to sling it in my direction, "Listen, girl, can't you understand? GET OUT!"

"But I want to give you these!" Clenching my eyes shut, I held up the flowers. I waited for the impact of the tray, but it never came. Peeking my eyes open, I saw that he had lowered the tray onto his lap. I gestured around the room, "These hospital rooms are always so dull and boring. I just thought these flowers could bring some color to the room. I don't know about you, but I just love color."

"Why would you want to give me flowers?" the old man stared at me, dumbfounded.

I smiled at him gently, "Just because." Slowly, I walked over to his side table, where an empty vase sat. I took some of my flowers and placed them in the vase.

He looked at the flowers for some time. "My Pattii always kept flowers in the house," he said softly with a distant look in his eyes. He looked up at me, sadly, "I apologize. It's been so hard not being able to see her." I stayed quiet as he continued to speak. I wondered how long it had been since he had shared these words. "I just had to fall and break my hip. I was so careless," he shook his head in irritation, "Now, Pattii is alone at the nursing home, probably confused as to where I am. I wonder if she even knows I am gone..."

I assumed that Pattii, his wife, must have developed some sort of Alzheimer's. I was sure he feared that every moment he was away from her was a memory lost. My heart started to break. I sat the basket away and leaned down at the side of the bed. "Mr. Saito, I am so sorry you have to be here instead of with your wife. It's obvious how much you love her. I have never been in love, but I believe, if I had a person who loved me like you love her, I would feel safe and comforted no matter how far apart we were. Your heart is with her, and it protects her now." I did my best to find the right words to say.

With his wrinkled hand he touched mine, "Thank you..."

"Usagi," I smiled.

"Usagi...that is such a beautiful name."

"Thank you."

"I can tell that you have a pure heart, just like my Pattii." My eyes widened for a moment then warmed at the sincerity in his voice. He stared up at me with worn eyes that had seen many days, "Promise me one thing, child."

"What?" I questioned.

He smiled at me, but his words held a strong meaning, "Don't lose it."

. . .

After some more conversation with Mr. Saito, I said my goodbyes and turned to leave. I was surprised to see Mamoru leaning against the side of the door. He must have been standing there all that time, allowing me to have that important exchange with the old and lonely man. I felt an odd appreciation for him in that moment, but I quickly looked away and walked past him down the hall.

"Are you okay?" Mamoru asked me.

"Yes," I replied, "My heart just aches for him and his wife."

"You handled it well." My eyes shot to his face. He didn't look at me, but his comment surprised me. I couldn't help, but feel encouraged.

Moving on, I cleared my throat, "Okay..." After checking the list, I frowned, "Next is Seera Ito's room."

He noticed my frown, "Is she difficult to talk to?"

"Oh, no, not at all. She's wonderful. I just feel sorry for her," I admitted.

"Why?"

"I found out that her mother died and her father is some big shot lawyer. Seera has been here awhile, getting over a terrible case of the measles, and her father has only been in to see her once. I'm afraid she very lonely," I explained to him.

"Oh," he frowned.

A vibration occurred at my side and I looked down at my phone, "My mom's calling me. I'll be right back."

"Okay, I'll wait here," he said as I walked a few steps away to call her. After I had clarified with mother that I would be home in an hour and a half, I turned back to Mamoru, only to find him gone. I walked up to Seera's slightly opened. I was about to go in when I heard voices from inside. Coming close to the crack, I could see Mamoru talking to the small girl and decided it was my turn to listen quietly.

"So your dad's a lawyer?" he asked. She nodded silently. "He must work a lot."

"He does," she spoke sadly.

"I never see my family either?" he told her. This statement surprised me and my curiosity peaked.

"You don't?" Seera was surprised as well.

He nodded, "I haven't seem them in a long time. But, sometimes I think of the things I would say to them."

"I'm not sure what I would say to my daddy," Seera said insecurely.

"You know, I think you are so much stronger than I am." She made a face in disagreement. "Seriously, I bet you are. I bet you can tell your father all of those things I know you want to say."

"I don't want to bother him."

"Sometimes you have to be selfish with your feelings. If you don't talk to him, you will probably regret it. I regret not talking to my parents. I don't want you to be like me."

She stared up at him, "But...what do I do?" Mamoru pulled the phone to Seera's side. She understood what he wanted her to do, and he gave her an encouraging nod. With shaking hands, she lifted the receiver and dialed a number. After a couple seconds, she spoke weakly, "Mr. Ito, please...Hi, daddy. It's me, Seera...I'm fine, but daddy...I need you...I miss you a whole lot and wish you would come see me," she paused to listen. Finally, she responded through tears, "...uh-huh...now? Okay...love you, too! Bye!" She hung up the phone, a huge smile was on her face, "He said he was sorry that he had left me alone. He is coming right now so we can talk in person. He said that he loves me!"

"I'm so happy for you," Mamoru smiled with a far off look in his eyes.

Stepping away from the door, I left the two and headed down the hall.

. . .

As I strolled home from the hospital, I was very confused. I didn't believe Minako when she said that people thought Mamoru was polite. I didn't understand how Motoki thought he was a nice guy, but he was so kind to Seera. Staring down at my feet, my thoughts continued to wonder why Mamoru had been so obnoxious towards me. I didn't understand.

. . .

It was the first beautiful, sunny day that we had in over a week, and the best way to enjoy it was from the shade of the school's giant oak tree. I rested down in the soft grass and took in a deep breath. "It's so warm today - a good warm," I sighed peacefully.

"You're in a good mood." Minako sat next to me, clearly enjoying the day as well. "So how'd you do on the English test?" she asked.

I smiled, "It actually went well."

"So, I guess tutoring is paying off?" she questioned with a grin.

"I guess so," I rolled my eyes, "but I still don't see what the other girls do when they look at Mamoru."

"I don't get it, Usagi. You usually get along with everyone," Minako stated.

My brow furrowed, "I try, but there is something so odd with him. I feel like there is coldness in him. It's hard to get past that."

"Well, maybe you just need to get to know him more. You know," she paused, collecting her thoughts, "You are probably with him more one on one than anyone else. Maybe you are seeing the person he really is, while everyone else sees a popular, great guy. Maybe you make him uncomfortable."

I sat up and pointed to myself, "Maybe he is uncomfortable with me?"

"I know it sounds weird, but it's just a thought." She noticed my shoulders slouching and perked up, "Okay, okay! Enough of the drama!" She held up the volleyball that was at her side. She smirked, "I was meaning to ask you, Usagi, who won the championship?" This was a questions she had asked me many times.

I mumbled, "Minako Aino's number one team won this year's championship."

"With enthusiasm!" she exclaimed.

Like a sports announcer, I repeated, "Minako Aino's number one team won this year's championship!" I started to laugh as she got up to take a bow. She lifted the ball onto her index finger and spun it professionally. "You have to teach me how to..." My sentence abruptly ended as I let out a yelp. I put a hand to the back of my head and turned to see the cause of the pain. Taking the football in my hands, I wobbled to my feet. I looked behind me at the several people whose attention was focused on me after my loud shout of pain. My face turned red and I asked in annoyance, "Whose is this?"

"Sorry, my fault," I looked over to the field where Mamoru Chiba emerged with some other boys. Mamoru sighed, "Oh, Dumpling Head. That's a relief."

My eyes narrowed at the odd tone, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I was worried that I hit someone important," he stated blatantly. I noticed the looks on some nearby girls' faces; it was obvious that his statement surprised them. He looked me up and down, took his ball, and shrugged, "So, it looks like no more harm was done. I'll see you later."

He turned to walk away, and I hurried in front of him to stop him, "Wait. What do you mean 'no more harm'?"

Leaning down towards my ear, he lowered his voice, "Dumpling Head, you know I have seen your grades. You can't do much worse."

I stepped back as if he had hit me in the chest this time. Swallowing hard, I felt tears building behind my eyes. My blood began to boil, and I knew the heat in my face was from both anger and embarrassment. "I may struggle with my grades, but at least I try."

"That's right," he patted me on my head, belittling me, "Don't you give up." He moved around me.

I watched as he started to walk away and became fully aware of the many eyes glued to me. All of my emotions reached their breaking point. The words poured out of my mouth, uncontrollably, "You're a big fake, Mamoru Chiba. You make everyone think you are a totally different person, but I know how you really are. You are cruel and no one cares about you. I don't care about you. Your so-called friends don't care about you." He continued to walk away so I shot my final arrow, "I bet your own parents don't care about you."

Mamoru stiffened. Slowly, he turned to look at me with a glare that seemed somewhere between anger and pain. He stepped back towards me, and I bit my tongue. In a deep tone, his words pierced me, "Usagi Tsukino, do you think it means anything to me if people care about me? You're the one who needs to admit your desperate need for other's to like you."

"That's not true." I cringed at the sound weakness in my voice.

Mamoru rolled his eyes, "The only thing that is unique about you is that ridiculous hairstyle."

I don't know why that final remark did it, but the floodgates opened, and my tears ran freely. "I hate you, Mamoru! Stay away from me!" I roughly pushed past him. I tried to wait until I was far enough away from all the stares before I took off running. I, then, ran from their eyes, his words, and myself.

. . .

It was hard to breathe out of my completely congested nose. There on my bed, I let out one of the longest and ugliest cries of my life. 'I don't want anyone to see me like this,' I thought, avoiding the mirror on my nightstand. That was when I was reminded of the truth in Mamoru's statement. It was true; I never wanted to be vulnerable in front of anyone. I did my best to hide that part of who I was, but all those people and hateful words overwhelmed me. I winced at the bad aftertaste the moment left in my mind.

I didn't understand my struggle to control my emotions when I was around Mamoru. I wondered if he struggled in that same way. We didn't even know each other well, but there was such tension between us. It was a tension that made me want to get as far away as possible.

My heart constricted. There was a different emotion that I tried to ignore because of what it meant. I didn't want to prove him right. I didn't want everyone to like me. Really, I didn't. 'And, yet,' my heart thudded, 'you want to like him.' I shook my head, and tried to block out the memory of Mamoru helping Seera at the hospital. He was so sweet and kind to her, and I genuinely believed that was real. Abruptly, a part of that memory came front and center. 'I never see my family either?' he had told her.

I recalled the pain on his face after I had said to him, 'I bet your own parents don't care about you.' He had said horrible things to me, but I could not ignore the horrible things I said to him. We both were at fault.

The sound of my phone ringing, grabbed my attention. I read Minako's name on the screen and clicked accept. "Hello," I answered.

"Usagi, are you okay?" her voice held a lot of concern, "This afternoon was horrible."

"I don't know," I admitted, "I am so mad at him, but I wish I didn't say the things that I did."

"Oh, Usagi, that's what I love about you. You have such a big heart," Minako encouraged, "Mamoru was so wrong in his actions towards you, but Usagi..."

"What?" I asked because of her pause.

She explained, "I just left the Crown, and he was there. He looked miserable, but not an 'angry miserable'; more like a 'sad miserable'."

I was confused, "Do you think he regrets what he said?"

"I would hope so," Minako waited for a moment, "Usagi, I don't think you are going to be able to rest tonight if you don't talk this out. I don't want to tell you what to do, but you have such a sweet heart. I think it would be good for Mamoru to see that."

"I don't have his number," I admitted.

"Me neither, but if you go to the Crown now, he may still be there."

I swallowed my nerves, "Okay. I am going to go."

I could hear her smile, "Good for you. Call me later! Love you, my friend!"

"Thanks, Mina! Love you too!" I ended the call, changed from my school uniform to regular clothes, and rushed out of the door.

. . .

Catching my breath, I searched the Crown, but Mamoru was nowhere to be found. "Usagi? Are you okay?" Motoki asked from behind the counter. Concern was all over his face.

I hurried over to him, "Minako said that Mamoru was here. I wanted to talk to him."

Surprised, Motoki pointed out the door, "He left a couple of minutes ago. He went out to the left."

"Thank you, Motoki. I will talk to you later," I waved to him. I was sorry to leave him so abruptly as I hurried out of the cafe.

The sun was starting to set as I left in the direction that Motoki pointed. Scanning the faces of those on the sidewalk, I struggled to find Mamoru's. The lampposts flickered on, and my pace slowed in defeat. I hung my head and tried to rationalize my actions. Stopping, I realized that even if I had found him, I didn't know what I would have said.

I glanced up to see the streetlights turn red and stepped off the curb. I tried to imagine what Mamoru thought about everything that had happened. Minako said he looked miserable. Perhaps, he regretted everything he said. I hoped he did.

Suddenly, a car's horn sounded madly. I froze as two large headlights came straight for me. I screamed at myself to move, but it was like all the control I had over my body functions left me. I was stiff from terror and could only wait for the impact to come.

Everything seemed to go in slow motion. I felt the rush of the car drive past me as I was pushed out of its path. Rolling, I landed hard on the pavement with a heavy load on top of me. After a moment, I realized it was a person. My vision slowly came to focus and I could see two amazingly deep blue ones staring back at me.

It was...Mamoru.

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