A/N: So, I decided to post another story. Yeah, I know. I have other stories I probably should be working on, but this one just won't stay out of my mind. So yeah.
Anyway, tell me what you guys think of this.
Disclaimer: I do not own PoT.
And I say: When Life Screws You Over—Just Deal With It
1
Good-Bye. Hello
Manila, Philippines
Life has its own way of screwing the people who are living in it—that, Erika Tajima is quite sure of.
Her friend, Maria, agreed with her, though the girl would very much prefer it if Erika wouldn't use such vulgar word in her sentence.
Black hair flying as she scoffs gently, Erika begrudgingly retracted the 'vulgar' word—making the other two girls with them giggling at the 'unladylike' gesture. Erika stuck her tongue at them behind Maria's back, sending the two to a flurry of giggles that had their much reserved friend eyeing them in both amusement and disapproval. They are—after all— at the grounds of their campus, resting after a bit of a tussle at the courts.
But really, life is like that. It creeps up to you with surprises (that you either later would love, or hate, or curse) when you least expect it— not that anybody can avoid it—but...yeah.
Erika doesn't like that. She is fairly a simple-minded girl, and so she doesn't like such complexities that come with life. She likes to enjoy her life in relative peace, riding through it in an enjoyable, easy pace. No surprises in neat little packages that only serve to gentle the shock that most probably paralyze you.
(Though she can't really say that to her teachers who absolutely love giving pop quizzes.)
"So, Erika, is your mother gonna be here for your graduation?"
Erika nodded, swallowing her sandwich before opening her mouth to put her answer into words. "Yeah. She told me when we talked this Christmas that she will."
"Good for you! So, you think she'll let you come to our graduation get-away?!"
"I'm sure she would!"
And they launched on to their extensive graduation-get-away-plans.
Their high school graduation is just around the corner, and Erika couldn't wait for it to arrive. Two more months, and then summer and then university at last! She can already see how university life would suit her.
Maybe she'll finally find a boyfriend, or maybe she'll help her friends get theirs first! That would be fun!
"Let's graduate first, shall we?" an exasperated voice cut through their excited chatter, and Erika found herself rolling her eyes along with her two other friends.
Tucking a strand of her jet-black hair behind an ear, Erika lets her soft-brown eyes gaze around her and her friends.
She just simply couldn't wait for their graduation. She's been itching to start university already. High school is not too bad, it's just that Erika is feeling a bit tired (bored) of the monotony that she'd endured for nearly four years now. She wanted it to change; she wanted things around her to change. To see new faces, to meet new people, to experience new things.
Of course, she'd like to experience them with her friends. That is why she and her friends are going to the same university this coming June. They will stick together, even going as far as staying in the same all-girl dormitory close to the university of their choice.
She and her friends have already made the arrangements, have taken the tests, filled out forms, and are only now waiting for the test results and their high school graduation.
Everything is already planned out, everything is going well—and Erika will make sure her life would go just the way she wanted it to be.
...
But of course, life decided to screw her over—in the most impossibleway imaginable.
Erika doesn't really get why this thing would happen to her—her!
She never, ever has done anything that would warrant the wrath of the mighty beings and consequently punish her with this...this unacceptable, abominable, detestable situation (Her English teacher would be very happy to know that Erika has gained such extensive vocabulary).
She had been such a good, good girl. So why her?! She wanted to shout in anger, but she couldn't. She wouldn't.
And that makes everything far, far worse.
...
It was a fine, rainy and muddy Thursday afternoon when it happened.
Erika stubbornly stood her ground as she defiantly stares her own dear mother down. The living room- where the mother and daughter war is currently taking place—is silent, except for the sounds coming from the tv, where a thousand Naruto is currently smashing their enemies into the ground with his trademark move.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
"Rasengan!"
"Kyaaa-!"
The shout coming from Naruto was cut short when the monitor suddenly turns black.
"Hey—! I was watching that!"
Her mother just stared at her blankly. "Erika, listen..." she started in her trademark I-am-your-mother-so-you-better-listen-to-me voice- which Erika absolutely, wholeheartedly detested (she thinks it is somewhat unfair that mothers can do that, knowing that their children cannot go against that very specific tone. That is like the second item in the 'Daughters'-Guide-To-Dealing-With-Mothers List'. The first being 'Mother's Knows Best').
So unfair!
"No." Erika—in a moment of extreme yet brief bravery and stubbornness—cut through her mother's words deftly, her chin jutting out beneath her pursed lips. "I will not agree to what you have just said, mom."
"But—"
"I'll be in university in months!" She insisted in a quiet voice, her hands trembling on her sides. "I am nearly seventeen years old! I can take care of myself just fine!"
"But you will be alone after your high school!"
"So? You said I should learn how to be independent!"
"But this is different!" Her mother's voice thundered loudly, drowning the future protests that Erika had been formulating in her enraged mind.
Like she has already stated above, she is a fairly simple girl—thus, she also isn't really the kind to argue, especially with her mother.
No, Erika Tajima is the typical 'yes, mother','no, mother' kind of a sixteen-year-old teenager. She is the farthest to being a rebel.
She studies hard, is friends with the other 'good girls' in her school, goes to church religiously on Wednesdays and Sundays, kisses her elders' hands, use only polite words when being talked to even with people her age. In fact, she may have won the award for Most Agreeable Daughter of the Year if there ever is one (or maybe her friend Maria will. Whatever).
All in all, she is a very agreeable daughter. Her grandmother has always told her so.
But right now, she is anything but agreeable. In fact, she is far from being her normal self.
She has just gotten home from school when her mother—who had oh-so-unceremoniously flew back home from Japan—greeted her with a smile as wide as the Pacific Ocean, engulfed her in a familiar bear hug, smothered her with kisses and gushed at how tall she's gotten.
She then dragged Erika into the couch, ignoring her daughter's muddy shoes kissing the marvelous marble floor of their living room, or the questioning look on the younger girl's eyes.
"Tell me about your school. How is everything going?" her mother gushed at her excitedly just as her bottom touched the soft surface of their couch.
Erika smiled, and then launched on to a lengthy recollection of her school-life.
Everything was fine and dandy for the first one and a half hour of their reunion. Erika slowly got over the initial surprise and started to feel excitement and happiness wash over her. She hasn't seen her mother for almost four years. The last time she came home was during Erika's elementary school graduation.
She is currently on her fourth year of high school, and her mother promised Erika that she would attend her graduation. But that event isn't for another few months. It is only January—graduation is in March.
Way too early.
And for that reason, Erika couldn't help but feel a little bit nervous—but she instantly forgot about it when her mother told her about the chocolates she brought home.
By the time dinner was all done and Erika feels like she is drowning in chocolate, her mother told her that she needed to tell Erika something important.
Erika—mind clogged with the treats and thoughts of her home works and essays, nodded uncaringly and lets her mother pull her into the couch.
She was putting a piece of milk-chocolate shell in her mouth when her mother casually dropped the bomb.
Erika thought her mom to be joking—her mother is the world's biggest (and lamest) joker, see? So she thought...she thought that what she heard was just one of those lame, impossible jokes.
But then her mother just sat there and stared at her, waiting for her reaction.
And react she did. Erika blurted out a loud 'No!' along with the candy she has just popped into her mouth. She coughed afterwards, but then repeated her earlier words. This time, she was standing and trembling, as the realization that her mother is wasn't joking started to sink in.
And now here they are—facing each other in a silent battle of stubborn wills, mentally willing the other to budge and admit defeat. Erika knew her mother is dead serious, but she is too!
And besides, how can she ask Erika to just up and pack up her things, board the plane and fly away to the Land of the Rising Sun like that?!
"You are coming with me to Japan."
Just like that! So casually, as if she's asking Erika to spend some time with her in another country. But no—Erika has to leave her school, her friends, her home and live in Japan with her mother and her father and his family forever.
Erika shook her head, causing her pony-tailed hair to brush across her nape and neck in angry splashes, her lips trembling, brown eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
Her mother wasn't moved.
"You will come with me, Erika—whether you like it or not." The words were final, Erika knew that, but that doesn't mean she cannot make one last stand.
"I don't want to."
"You will."
"No."
"Yes, you will."
"No." She said with finality, voice flat, soft-brown eyes blazing. "And that is final, mother."
...
Twenty minutes later, Erika was in her room glumly packing her clothes and other trinkets, quietly wailing about the injustice of life.
...
A short chuckle was heard just as soon as Erika slumps on her chair at the cafeteria. She proceeded on banging her head at the table, trying to knock herself on it.
"At least you will be with your mother's family."
"My father's family you mean." She grouches from beneath the table.
Her friends ignored her. "And Japan is cool! Who knows, you might meet Naruto and Luffy and Ichigo and..."
"She's right—except from the meeting-the-anime-characters-part. You'll do well there."
"But I don't want to!" she almost sobbed, biting her lips to keep herself from crying—she hit her head at the edge of the table after she came up with her pen that fell. "I don't know anybody there! What if I get lost, or if they think I'm weird or..."
A forlorn sigh. "You'll do fine, Erika. Now get some food in that stomach of yours. You have some tests to take."
Her sobs automatically died down at the sight of the chocolate fudge her friend had so kindly pushed right in front of her face
Chew. Swallow. Gulp. "...isn't there any juice?"
A glass of mango juice was placed almost immediately in front of her.
She sniffed—her friends rolling their eyes at her as one.
She has the best set of friends in the whole wide world.
And she is going to miss them so much.
She tried not to choke herself with the cake and her tears.
"Passport?"
She held it up to show her mother.
"Visa?"
Another hand held it up.
"School transcripts?"
"They're in my bag, remember?"
A nod. "Tickets?"
"They're in your bag, mother."
Blink. Some rustling sounds. "Oh. Right. Well then, let's go."
And her mother walked towards the door, mumbling about not wanting to miss their flight.
Her own eyes scanned the whole room, taking note of the furniture, the curtains, and the glimmer of the floor in the afternoon sun, the sight of the flowers just outside the window...
A gust of fresh air made its way towards her, and she inhaled it shakily. She can hear the jubilant shouts of the kids playing outside their house, the grumble of a passing motorcycle and the familiar honk of the old man riding his bicycle selling snacks...
She's going to miss all of these...the sights and sounds of her home.
The impatient honk of the taxi that was parked in front of their house awakened Erika from her early reminiscent mood. Her mother's voice followed it immediately.
"Erika! Come down already!" The sound of the car trunk being closed was loud on her ears. "We'll be late for our flight!"
She wanted to shout back that she doesn't care. That the plane can leave them both right now and Erika will be more than happy. Ecstatic, even.
But of course she didn't. She couldn't.
And so she took a step. And then another. And another...
Until she reaches the door, closes it behind her. She took shaky steps to the gate, pass her dog, pass her grandmother who is smiling so painfully sad Erika felt her chest constrict, pass the gate and into the soft seat of the taxi's back seat. She didn't turn her head around when the door was closed on her side, her mother taking the one next to the driver.
She heard her neighbors' shouts of good-bye, along with her relatives—her youngest cousin crying along her grandma...
She felt her cell phone vibrate, signaling an incoming message.
"We can't see you off. We have practice. I will miss you. - Kate."
And then another one...
"Teacher is a monster. Whaaahh! I miss you already! :( - Anna."
"I'll wait for your first message. And don't worry; I'll keep an eye on these two. Take care of yourself. Never forget us. - Maria."
"The whole team sends their love. Sara is crying.- Maria."
Her fingers clenching the fabric of her shirt, Erika willed herself not to let her own tears fall.
Rikkai University- High School Department
Probably one of the most prestigious schools in Tokyo, Japan—Rikkai Dai (as it is simply called) houses some of the best (if not the best) academic and sports clubs in all of the city and country.
This is where the best of the best students go to attain higher education.
There is a saying that when you go to Rikkai, you will go there with the will to win. The will to be the best. Because Rikkai is the best, and being second-rate is close to unacceptable.
But of course, this is only a revered rumor—something to probably scare your wits and pants off.
But really—Rikkai is the best (maybe give and take a few parcels—no, a few nanobits.)
And yes, this is where the rest of the story will take place.
Haruka Tajima is what you call a typical, fifteen-going-sixteen-year-old Japanese girl.
She's in her freshman year of high school, in one of Tokyo's best schools. She placed fifth during the entrance tests, and was immediately chosen as her class' representative on their first day.
She's consistently been at the top five in her year; second in her class. Her academics are more than acceptable, and she shines in both sports and arts.
With her lithe built and average height, shiny and curly dark-brown hair and equally stunning brown eyes, fair skin and quiet disposition—she is one of the most popular kids in her school (well, aside from the tennis regulars anyway).
It doesn't help that her step-mother (whom she has learned to love dearly) is one of the most loved teachers in their school. And that she is a member (although not yet part of the first stringers) of the best females' volleyball team in Kanagawa region.
Needless to say, she enjoys and loves her quiet, simple life.
And she wanted it to simply stay that way.
...
But of course, like our other heroine, life will not let dear Haruka off that easily.
...
"Tajima-kun...what do you say having extra credits by tutoring some of your schoolmates in English?"
Haruka blinked at the strange request. "Eh? But—it's only the break...Oh." Realization dawned in her eyes. "During the spring break, Takenori-sensei?"
If it is, Haruka supposes it's alright. She doesn't have any plans for the break anyway. Although, since her Kaa-chan's daughter will be coming soon, maybe she may be asked to tour her around or help her familiarize herself of the city...
A chuckle brought her wandering mind back to the present time and place.
"Ah...So, what do you say Tajima-kun?" the school's principal's voice prompted her once more, a hint of urgency and maybe of impatience covered nicely by his slow words.
But Haruka sensed it, and she knows she has to give him her agreeable answer sooner than later, or else...
"Hai. I will Takenori-sensei." Haruka answered primly, her fingers laced in her lap, a timid smile in her lips. "It will be an honor to help my peers."
A pleased smile graced the elder's face, and Haruka wondered about the glint in those dead, gray eyes...
"I will contact you once the new term starts then, Tajima-kun. Don't worry," he reaches out and patted her head, as if petting her—"You will mostly be tutoring second years like yourself."
'Huh?'
"Have an enjoyable spring break, Tajima-kun. See you next month then."
And that was that. The next second, a thoroughly confused Haruka Tajima was out of the door, standing at the empty hallway, eyes blinking and lips parted as she tries to recall just what exactly she has agreed to.
Sadly, she cannot remember.
So. Good. Bad. Worse? Let me know please!
And yes, this will probably turn out to be some kind of a Self-Insert/OC Fic...though I've never really tried that stuff before.
Read and (hopefully) Review guys!
XXD YUNA