Chapter one: A Fateful Friendship
Usagi quickly ran into her first hour class, and sat down breathing heavily as the bell rang. "I made it! I thought for sure I was going to be late again." Ami shook her head and sighed: "We're in the twelfth grade and you still don't get here on time on most occasions. But I'll admit you're getting better!" Ms. Haruna grinned: "Congrats Usagi, you actually made it on time for once! But lets get settled down now everyone, for I'd like to introduce a new student to the class."
Ami's eyes went from Haruna, to a boy who looked to be about nineteen. He didn't dress in the usual uniforms as most of the rest of the boys did in her school. He wore gray-blue jeans and a black t-shirt with the Name "Blind Guardian" on the front, and a design that looked something like you'd find in those fantasy movies. On the back it said: "Nightfall. Quietly it crept in and changed us all."
"Would you please introduce yourself to everyone?" the teacher asked. His face turned slightly red: "Yes ma'am. My name is Parker, I've come from the United States, Washington state to be more precise." "Alright, do we have any questions you'd like to ask Parker before we get started?" Nauru raised her hand: "What kind of music do you like?" The boy smiled: "Ah, music is definitely my life. I mainly listen to Heavy Metal, all though I do like classic rock and some Celtic music."
Ami was next to raise her hand: "What do you like to study?" Usagi and Mako-chan's mouth dropped: "This is about his interests, not school stuff!" Usage complained. Ami felt a little embarrassed afterwards. Parker grinned: "Its alright miss, I don't mind such a question. Actually, I do love to study a few things on the side. I've always liked history, especially the American Civil War. I also like to study Ancient Civilizations such as the Romans and the Greeks, and the different legends of Heaven and Hell."
"Do we have any more questions? If not, lets start class now. Parker, there is an open seat to the left of Ami, why don't you take that one?" He nodded, grabbed his bag, and settled into the desk assigned to him.
His and Ami's eyes met almost immediately after he sat down, they smiled at each other, but both too shy to say anything. The first day went by very fast for Parker, as it always did when he came to a new place. He noticed on his way out the school gates several police cars sped by him, sirens going full blast. He pondered on it a bit, but then continued to walk home to his apartment. As he began walking, he heard footsteps and a voice fast approaching him.
"Hey, wait a minute, please!" A girl said as she stopped, breathing heavily. Parker studied her: She was slender, looked very athletic, strong, and healthy. But most importantly, she was very beautiful, with blue hair cut just below her forehead in the front, and in the back down just at the edge of her neck.
"Yes, my hair is natural." she said as she noticed he was staring. He thought for a moment: "Your name... its Ami isn't it?" she nodded. "Parker I think it is, I have a favor I'd like to ask you." He looked at her confused, face slightly red: "Uh, sure. What would you like me to do?" Ami's face also turned slightly red: "Um, could you walk me home tonight? I don't feel safe anymore alone at night, gang violence has exploded the past few weeks. In particular, the Yakuza have become uncontrollable, they shot and killed a police officer in broad daylight a few days ago."
"I see, that would definitely make things unsettling. Alright Ami, I'll gladly walk you home." She smiled and sighed with relief: "Oh, thank you so much! I'll make it up to you, I promise!" The two began walking towards her home. "So, tell me Parker. How does someone who likes heavy metal come to like studying so much?" she asked, in attempt to ease her nervousness.
He grinned: "Well, a lot of the Metal bands that I listen to write about historical and mythological events as lyrics in their songs. She looked at him curiously: "Oh, like what kind of events? And can you tell me a few of their names?" Parker thought for a moment:
"Well, lets see. Iced Earth, my favorite band, has written a sixteen minute song called "Dante's Inferno", based on the "Inferno Trilogy" by Dante Allegehri. I.E. has also written a thirty two minute song all about the three days of fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg."
Ami's eyes when slightly wide: "Thirty two minutes?! That is long for one song, I think it would seem boring to me." He nodded: "So do a lot of the band's fans. I personally love the song though." The more she talked to him, the more Ami's tension eased. "So Parker, tell me more about yourself, like where are you from?" Parker could easily tell that talking to her was comforting her, so he continued to reply to her.
"Well, I'm from a small town called Sequim in Washington State. I decided to come here because things were just getting too much for me to handle. I'm into Writing, anime, and as you already know, music. But, I'd like to know a little about you as well."
Ami was surprised by the question, but she regained her composure: "Well, I've been living here in Tokyo all my life. My mother and father divorced when I was young, and I live with my mom in a condominium. Due to my mom's job, we've always had money. But, I've never bragged about it, I've never felt that money was really important in life."
Parker nodded: "Yeah, that's the way I feel. I've personally never had a lot of money, so I've never known what that's like. What does your mother do?" Ami smiled: "She's a doctor at Tokyo city hospital. I'm very proud to have a parent who helps people as much as she does. I want to be like her when I become an adult. That's why I do so much schooling, with the cram school and regular high school, I hope that'll be enough to be accepted into a medical college."
He shrugged and sighed: "Oi, that'd be too much school for me. I'd be brain dead in about a second if I tried to do as much schooling as you." Ami laughed out loud, something which she hadn't done in awhile: "You know Parker, you certainly know how to cheer someone u-..." her voice was drowned out by several sudden loud bursts of gunfire.
Ami panicked: "W-what's going on?!" Parker grabbed her hand and ran toward the direction of the blasts. What the two saw stunned both of them beyond belief. A gunfight had broken out between Tokyo swat teams and the Yakuza gang. Bodies from both sides laid everywhere on the pavement, their blood slowly oozing down into the sewer drains.
Ami had a weak heart, and grew pale as she collapsed to her knees from the shock.
"Ami! Hey, hang in there!" Parker yelled over the shots as he held her up. Without warning, a Yakuza's car exploded. Parker jumped on Ami and forced her to the ground to avoid being hit by the debris, however not before a piece of the car door slammed into his chest as he was shielding her. "Parker!" she cried concerned. "Ami, I-..I'm alright. I'm just stunned from.. from the blow right now, just stay underneath me and you'll be fine. I won't let you get hurt."
she shook her head: "But, you're bleeding! I have to take care of your wounds before they get worse!" A police officer ran over to them: "Hey are you two alright?" Ami began to panic more: "No, I'm fine. But my friend, Parker, he was hit by a car door while shielding me." The officer grabbed is radio: "Should I call for an ambulance?" Parker struggled to get up, and his voice was weak: "No, that won't be necessary, I can handle this much." finally he was able to get up on two feet.
The office nodded: "Alright, he looks okay for now. The two of you need to get out of here! We've killed off the bulk of the Yakuza, but the remnants will surely come here to strike." Parker nodded has he helped Ami up, however, Ami's eyes quickly fell upon a body laying amongst the dead on the road. Her voice trembled with a sorrowful tone: "No, it can't be…Mother??"
Parker suddenly became very worried about his friend, and then noticed the body she was staring at. "Ami...I-we need to get out of here." She shook her head and kneeled beside the corspe: "MOTHER!" she cried, tears flowing constantly now. Both he and the officer closed their eyes:
"The girl's mother was caught up in the crossfire, it happened all so suddenly, there was nothing we could do. Damn Yakuza! Listen, you and the girl get out of here! I don't want to see any more innocent blood shed!" the officer spoke angrily.
Parker nodded: "Ami, c'mon, we need to go!" She shoved him away: "No! I'm not leaving her!" "Ami! Listen, do you want your mother's death to be in vain?! What will come out of this if we just stay here and die?! I've only just met you, but I'm not going to lose you so early in our friendship! I won't let your life be a tragedy!"
He suddenly heard the sound of several roaring engins coming to the area fast. Realising he had no time, he forcefully picked Ami up and dragged her into an alley at least fifteen feet away. By then Ami had reached the breaking point. She embraced him tightly, crying uncontrollably on his shoulder. She pounded the wall behind them several times violently with her fist, causing her knuckles to bleed.
Parker himself was going through several emotions at one time, which made it difficult for him to find words to at least try and comfort her. He put his arms around her and spoke softly: "Ami... I'm so sorry about what happened. Its-... Its something that we all have to deal with eventually. I... Its hard, for me to comfort you, because I have no idea of the pain you are going through now. But I promise you this, I will stay by your side."
"Thank...you..." was all the strength she had to say. Parker nodded: "Do we have some place safe for you to go?" Ami couldn't say anything, she had lost the will to do so. Instead, she nodded and began walking north. He put Ami's arm over his shoulder, because it looked like to him her knees were weak, and she was about ready to collaspe. Rei was going about sweeping the steps of the shrine when she saw Ami, and someone she didn't know walking slowly toward the Hikawa Shrine.
She ran up to her friend, shocked at the horrible emotional state she was in. She turned angrily toward Parker: "You! Who are you?! And what did you do to her?!" Ami spoke softly: "Please Rei, don't be mad at him, he...saved...me..." she finally collapsed from exhaustion.
Parker caught her before she hit the ground: "Ami! Damn it. Why do people thrive on violence?" Rei became confused and extremely worried: "Listen, I don't know who you are, and I don't care right now! I'm only concerned about Ami. Follow me and take her into the guest room of the shrine. You can explain things to me then."
He nodded, picked Ami up and followed Rei. In about ten minutes they reached the guest room. Parker placed Ami softly on the bed, and put the covers over her: "Rest easy my friend." he whispered gently, as they left the room. Rei lead Parker into the living room where she had built a fire earlier.
The two sat on a couch, and gazed at the warm glow before talking. Rei sighed: "Alright, it seems you meant nor did no harm to Ami. But I'd like to know who you are, what you mean to her and what happened to her?..." she broke off her voice when she noticed his arm was bleeding. "Its nothing, just a small wound. My name is Parker, this is only the first day I've known Ami, and only my third day in this country."
Rei looked at him curiously: "So, you're new here. My name is Rei Hino, I apologize for yelling at you earlier, I was too caught up in my emotions. What exactly happened out there?" Parker sighed: "That's alright, its been an emotional day for me as well. Me and Ami had the same class together, so we got to know each other a little bit. After school though, she came to me and asked me to walk her home. She said she didn't feel safe walking alone at dusk anymore."
Rei crossed her arms: "Because of the increase in gang violence right?" Parker nodded: "Correct. However, ten minutes into our walk, we heard several gunshots about three blocks down from a shopping district. We ran over to the sight, and saw that the local swat teams were battling the Yakuza in a gunfight..." Parker closed his eyes, and hesitated. Rei got a concerned look on her face: "What happened?" she asked quietly.
He clenched his fists: "Ami noticed a body of a civilian lying on the pavement, and was instantly consumed by sorrow. It was the body of her mother. An officer told us she was tragically caught up in the crossfire, and was killed instantly by an exchange of gunfire."
Rei gasped: "Oh no! Poor thing...She thought so highly of her mother, and loved her so much. She was so fragile even before this happened, I don't know if she'll ever recover from this...But, what happened to you that caused that wound on your arm?"
He sighed: "A car exploded soon after we got there, luckily I was able to shield Ami. But we couldn't hit the ground fast enough and that car's door slammed right into me." Rei got up: "You got hurt while protecting my dear friend, I want to thank you. I feel as though I'm in debt to you now. If there is anything I can do to make this up to you, please say it." "There is one thing you can do, please stay by Ami's side, she'll need more than one person to help her cheer up."
Rei nodded: "Wasn't quite what I was expecting from you, you're a better person than I thought. How about I also clean your wounds? They'll get infected if I don't." Parker nodded: "Alright, sounds good." Rei grinned, and went to go get the first aid kit. She came back and began rubbing the deep cut on his arm gently with a cloth wetted with medical spray. He flinched a little bit from the stinging, but that was it. Rei had the whole wound cleaned within ten minutes.
"Wow, you're good at this kind of thing, although I have to admit, I don't like that smell of the spray." She shrugged: "Eh, that's what you get for being friends with someone who's studying to be a doctor." Then the phone rang loudly: "Yeah, alright, alright, I'm coming!" she said irritated as she picked up the phone. "Rei! Rei, its Usagi! I heard what happened on the news! How's Ami? Is she alright?!" "Easy Usagi, Ami is not hurt, we have Parker to thank for that. However, mentally she is suffering...It'll be a long and hard struggle for her emotionally speaking from now on, we must be by her side."
Parker could hear a sigh of relief: "Oh, thank god. I was so afraid Ami had ended up like her mother. Alright, we will make her smile again! But, Parker? Oh, you mean that new boy whose in my morning class now. What did he do?"
Rei sighed: "You're not gonna believe this, but he and Ami are friends. She had asked him to walk her home tonight, but they walked right into the middle of the gunfight. A car exploded after they got there, and luckily Parker was able to shield Ami. But, in the process, he got hurt because that car's door slammed into him while protecting her."
She gasped: "He's not hurt too bad is he?!" "No, only a few deep cuts from the glass. He also told me the breath got knocked out of him for a few minutes, but other than that he is fine. I cleaned his wounds so they wouldn't get infected." Usagi got a sarcastic tone to her voice: "Rei-chan! You're not becoming a bookworm like Ami is are you?!" she laughed: "Well, not full blown at least. But I did research information how to help heal people. I'm sorry Usagi, her will to learn is contagious."
Usagi also laughed: "I guess that's true, doesn't seem to work on me though, maybe I'm immune to it? Well Rei, I think I'll go to bed now, my mom's been yelling at me to do so for ten minutes. I'll stop by tomorrow and see how's she doing, and to thank Parker. See you then!" "Alright Usagi, good night." she sighed as she hung up the phone.
"Ugh, I don't understand how that girl can always be so cheerful. But if it weren't for her, all of us would be depressed." Parker seemed curious: "She said her name was Usagi? Oh! You mean the dumpling head girl from school earlier today." Rei couldn't help but to laugh: "I see you caught on quick." He nodded: "So it would seem. Are the two of you friends? Just from looking it wouldn't seem so, but I'm not one to judge."
She smiled: "It is true. We may not seem like it because we argue at least once everyday. But the fact is she's my closest friend, and very dear to me." she looked at the time: "Almost Ten o'clock. Its getting late, what are you going to do?" "I'm going to stay by Ami's side like I promised her, if not she'd be freaked out in the morning. I need to help her all I can." Rei sighed: "I envy her, I wish I had boyfriend like you."
His face turned red: "Uh, its not like that..." he said quickly. She giggled: "Oh, I think it is. Its about time to, she's had bad luck with boys. I believe she has one now that won't betray her. Well, good night Parker." He hesitated: "Uh, good night Rei, I guess."
So, Parker retreated to the guest room where Ami was: "Good, she's still sound asleep." he whispered to himself. He kneeled down by the bedside, and placed his head on the bed so he was looking at Ami's face. He stayed awake for several more hours, until finally exhaustion took over and he closed his eyes.
The next morning came, both Ami and Parker were still asleep. It wasn't until 11:00 am when Ami opened up her eyes. She yawned: "Where am I?" Rei peeped in just then: "Oh, well good morning sleeping buety. You're at the shrine." She yawned again: "Oh, sorry. I don't really remember anything after I collapsed. (she looked around worried) Where's Parker?!"
After hearing his name, Parker stirred and forced himself awake: "Oh, Ami. You're finally awake. I was beginning to think you'd fall asleep forever." he said tiredly. "Your boyfriend here stayed awake by your side all night." Rei teased. Ami's face turned deep red as she sat up in the bed: "My boyfriend? You mean Parker kneeled by me the whole night?"
"Ami! You're alright! Oh, thank god I was so worried!" Usagi came in crying, and hugged her friend tightly. Ami sighed: "Usagi. Rei. Parker. Thank you. Its because of your kindness and your friendships I'll be able to carry on in my sadness." Rei nodded: "Don't forget about Minako and Mako's friendship as well, the two sent you these flowers and a card because they couldn't make it this morning."
Parker got up and stretched: "Oh man, being down on your knees for eight hours can wear them out. But, it was worth it, because I could be by your side Ami." Usagi grew cautious: "Ah, it looks like somebody has a crush on our dear sweet Ami. How shall we get rid of him Ami? Tease him to death, or perhaps I should embarrass him so much he'll not want to be near you?"
Ami now had a somewhat angry look that bared down at her: "Listen Usagi, I know I've had troubles with boys in the past. But I think I can use my own judgment on whether or not he has a good heart. And right now, my mind's too upset to make a clear decision. But at the moment, he's...(she hesitated as her face grew even more redder)...he's worthy of my heart and my feelings, after all he's done to take care of me."
Usagi smiled and made the peace sign: "Well, that's good enough for me. However, if you ever make her cry...I won't forgive you. Remember that." He flinched at the thought: "Yes ma'am, you don't have to worry yourself over that. I'm not sure I want to face the wrath of you and your friends." Rei and Usagi laughed: "Good choice!" they said at the same time.
Ami got up and stretched: "Parker, I'm going to take a shower and get dressed . I won't be long, because there are a few things I have to take care of today with my mother now gone." she said solemnly.
"Don't worry Ami, I won't be going anywhere." he reassured her. Parker watched her as she grabbed her change of clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. He turned around and began pondering the changes of his own life. "I've never had a girlfriend before...My life is definitely going to get interesting from this point on. Well, at least I have people I can call friends now." he thought to himself. Just as he was about get into deep thought, a head with blonde hair popped into view suddenly.
Parker almost fell off his chair from the surprise: "Ack! I destest it when people sneak up on me like that… Oh, its you dumpling head." Usagi at the sound of that name almost looked like she was about to slap him. "Grrr. Now you're calling me by that name to?! I'm gonna sock Mammo chan a good one when I see him later." Rei grinned: "Parker caught on pretty quickly. He called you that last night when we were talking about you."
"Oh, shut up Rei! I bet you're the one who told him the stupid nickname!"
She laughed as she shook her head: "Nope, its all your hairstyle Usagi. I bet that's the first thing he thought of when he first saw you." Usagi looked like she was about to cry: "You're being mean to me again!" Yujjurio walked in just then: "You two argueing again? Eh, I guess old habits die hard." Parker smiled: "Ah, finally. Another guy to talk to. Are these two always like this?"
He nodded: "Yeah, they've been like that ever since the eighth grade. By the way, I heard about Ami, that was a very noble thing you did." "Thanks. My name's Parker, and you'd be?" "The names Yujjiro, I've been the master of this shrine ever since Rei's grandfather died from old age, a little over a year ago." Usagi sighed: "Anyway, the reason why I came over other than to check up on Ami, to was to introduce myself: My name is Usagi, thank you for taking care of her, with you her life has a meaning now."
Ami finally got the shower temperature the way she liked it. She got in slowly, as to better wake herself up. Ami closed her eyes as the warm water trickled onto her face and body. Water has always helped soothed the pain and sorrow in her soul, Its a this time of day when her deepest thoughts come out: "But, I just don't know anymore. I don't know if I can fight as a Sailor Warrior in my current mental condition. I would just be a burden on the others. Also, what about Parker? Should I hide my true identity from the one I love?"
Usagi sat down on the couch: "So, what's Ami going to do now that her mother's dead? She doesn't have a job yet, she can't support herself." Rei nodded: "I don't know. Maybe she'll go back to her father? I know one thing, she can't live on her own, not while she's this depressed. Parker, what's your take on the matter?" He sighed: "Honestly Rei, I can't tell you what's going to happen. I have a feeling that's what me and her are going to figure out today."
Ami came into the room just then: "Parker, you may wash up now. I'm done, after you've finished we'll go." he nodded, and in fifteen minutes the two walked out the door. "Uh, Ami wait! Do you want any of us to come with you?" Usagi questioned. She looked back and shook her head: "No. Please don't bother yourselves with me today. There are something's I need to handle on my own. The reason why Parker's coming along is to comfort me when the tears come back."
For what seemed like forever there was only silence as the two walked hand in hand. "So, Ami. What's on the agenda for today? I know you have a lot you want to get done." Parker said, unable to stand the silence any longer.
She had a very depressing tone of voice: "Well, first I need to go to the hospital where my mom worked. Everyone there is probably worried sick about me. Then we'll sit down somewhere and discuss what I should do..."
Her eyes began to fill with tears, as Parker put his arm over her: "It'll be alright Ami, you must have courage. I'll be here for you every step of the way." She nodded with gratitude and leaned against him as they walked. They soon reached the Hospital where Ami's mother worked. As soon as Ami walked in, she was surrounded by doctors and nurses all whom were concerned for her.
Parker stepped out of the crowd and watched. "How are you feeling?" "Ami dear, we're so sorry..." Tears began to fall: "Everyone. Thank you for your sympathy and concern." "Ami, are you alright?" one voice in particular caught her attention. She looked up: "Head Doctor Yurisma. Physically I'm fine, but emotionally I'm far from it."
The crowd parted so the two could talk. "Your mother's death is a great loss to this hospital. In many ways she made this place better, and more enjoyable. In fact, her contributions were so great I had even chose her as my successor. But not in just work ethics she was great in, she had a wonderful personality. She could make anyone smile in their darkest of moods. Don't ever give up hope Ami." She rubbed her eyes: "Thank you. There's someone I want to introduce to you."
Ami looked around: "Parker? Where'd you go?" His face grew red: "I'm right here Ami. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of crowds." She nodded: "That's okay. Head Doctor, I want you to meet my first true boyfriend. His name is Parker, he saved me during the yakuza fight. If it weren't for him, I very well could have died there. With him, my life has meaning now."
Yurisma held out his hand, and Parker shook it. "Thank you for saving her. We are all very grateful to you. Take care of her for us, I'm counting on you." Parker smiled: "Yes sir. You don't have to worry, I promised her I'd make her smile again, and I keep my promises." Satisfied, he nodded and turned his attention back to her: "Ami, all of us here have prepared a little something for you."
He disappeared into his office for a few minutes, and came back with a frame. But, inside is what made Ami's tears fall. It was a collage of pictures and articles of her mother with various patients and Hospital staff.
"We gathered everything we had on your mother, from news paper articles to the many pictures we took of her. From her first year here fifteen years ago, up to this year. Think of it as a collage of memories, each one special in its own way."
"Thank you!" she managed to say within her tears. Parker put his arms around her, she turned around and cried on his shoulder for a few minutes, but the tears dried shortly there after. The head Doctor nodded: "I think its time you two should probably leave. I know that she has other things she has to get accomplished today." Ami hugged Yurisma: "Thank you so much for everything, I really appreciate it. You're right, I need to get going." "See you later Ami, and take care of yourself." the doctor said.
The two walked out the door with Parker holding the large picture frame. "Parker, I don't need help carrying that." He sighed: "I know, but you have other things on your mind right now that you need to think about." Ami also sighed, only more depressing: "You're right. Thank you for helping me keep my head straight today. Let's go to this park that was saved from a destruction, its been my favorite place to go to when I need to think about things."
"Oh wow, no wonder you like to go to this park so much Ami. I never would've imagined something this beautiful would be in the middle of a shopping district. "said a surprised . It was indeed a nice park, with plenty of trees, hills and a lot of water features. One could walk for a good two hours in here easily and still see something new.
She grabbed his hand and led him to a hill over looking a large pond.
She laid down on the soft grass, and nodded to parker, as if she was reading his mind. He laid down next to her, carefully placing the frame on the ground behind them. "I've been going to this place ever since I was a kid. Its something very special to me, I come here when I need to think things over."
"I see Ami, it is relaxing that's for sure. So, what are you going to do? You need a funeral planned, and you need to figure out what you're going to do about your old place." she sighed: "I know. I'll call a funeral home tonight and see when I can have her buried." Ami leaned on him a little so her tears could fall on his shoulder.
He offered his hand, and she held it tightly with her own. There was a long silence as Ami placed her head gently on his shoulder "What am I going to do? I don't have a job, and I can't live on my own, not in my condition." "Well Ami, do you have a father you can go back to?"
She immediately gave him an angered look: "I could never go back to my father! Not after he left my mother and I so suddenly!" "I'm sorry Ami, if I had known it'd upset you, I wouldn't of brought it up." She sighed: "It's all right Parker. I'm sorry I yelled at you, its just I get so angered when I think about my father.
He left me and my mother when I was still a child, around six years old. Luckily, my mother by this time was a senior at a high class College. We moved to Japan and she found a job at the Hospital which paid very well, and we were able to live considerably easy lives."
He nodded: "So that's why you do so much schooling. You want to be sure that you always have the ability to find a good paying job, so that you can support yourself even when things aren't looking good. And you also want to follow in your mother's footsteps." She nodded: " You know, you're the first person to ever fully understand me. Normally I don't talk about myself like this to anyone, not even to Usage and the others."
"Well Ami, I believe that trust is something very important in a relationship." She sighed: "Your tone of voice makes it seem like you're not fond of the word "trust" very much." Parker shrugged: "Its not that I don't like it, its just girls and trust haven't necessarily been a good combo for me in the past."
She nodded: "I see. That's why you didn't come out up front and ask me to be your girlfriend like most boys would do, you were afraid of getting hurt again." He looked at her thoughtfully: "And I'd have to say that you're the first person to truly understand me. Maybe its because where're both depressing people?"
He said in an attempt to at least try and cheer her up. For a few minutes there was no reply: "Oh well, I didn't think it would help." he thought to himself. Then, to his shock and disbelief, Ami began to giggle: "You know Parker, you're always finding ways to make me laugh, even when you're the one whose in the depressing mood. I think, because were both depressing people the feelings tend to cancel each other out, and one of us is unable to tolerate it." He sighed:
"Oi, explaining things complicated again eh? I'd say you're back to you're old self, if I'd tried being complicated, I wouldn't know half of what I said."
She burst out laughing: "I'm sorry Parker, I guess I was just born to be complicated." After she calmed down, a smile had finally conquered her frown. Parker grinned: "I told you I keep my promises, it feels good to smile again doesn't it?"
She nodded "Yes it does, it feels as if the weight has been temporarily lifted of my shoulders. Thank you, thank you for everything you've done for me. Without you, I don't know where I'd be."
Parker got up and stretched, the setting sun blinding him in the process: "Mental note, don't ever stare directly at the sun..." he said sarcastically. Ami got up as well, laughing all the while. "Parker, you do know that you just burned yourself right?" "Yeah, I tend to do that every now and then. So, What are we going to do now?"
She thought for awhile: "Lets go back to my house, I believe I am stable enough emotionally now to go back home. I need to start packing the things that are important to me so I can be ready to sell the place. Its time for me to move on."