Title: Distant Smile

Author: xxShadowSpiritsxx

Summary: It's been three years and everyone has gone separate ways after their adventure. Izumi moves back to Japan (from Italy) and faces new problems. One person, in particular, seems to hate her. She gets involved but is she ready to find out the truth?

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except my life...and even that I'm not sure about!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxShadowSpiritsxx: Hey, me here again. Yet, another school assignment. But this time, it's revised and edited so it's more of a fanfic. I added chapters and a brief, well not so brief, intro. Well, enjoy!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

DISTANT SMILE

Prologue (well... sorta)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My name is Izumi Orimoto. I have blonde hair and am fourteen. I'm also very curious and love poetry and drama. I moved to Japan three years ago. After about six months, my family and I returned to Italy. Now, I'm back in the gorgeous Land of the Rising Sun.

xxx

"Ahhh. We're here at last!" I jumped out of the stuffy jam-packed van. It was relieving to finally reach your destination. Of course, not to get mixed up with one's 'Final Destination' (death).

"It looks like the movers aren't here yet. We can start unpacking without them."

That's my mom. A slender, happily married woman who's a great cook and loves redecorating the house. This move is a good experience for her. Well, I'm not sure if it actually is good. Sometimes things get... out of hand.

"Izumi! Hurry up and grab some things and head on in. We're waiting!"

My dad's a bit strict, but only at certain times. I guess the move has stressed him out a bit. I better just stay out of his way and do what he says for the rest of the day.

I looked up at our new house. It was a lot like our old one. Peach, with a white awning over the sundeck. In detail, there was a white garage, cut green grass beside it and a basketball pole between. "Yeah, right. Like I'm gonna play basketball," I said to myself.

"What's that, dear?"

Oh, crap. My dad must've heard me. "Nothing. I just said 'Alright. I'm gonna play basketball later.'-"

"That's a great idea! I know I'm not Michael Jordan, but I'd love to teach you a few tricks and stuff."

And stuff? What's that supposed to mean? Argh! How did I get myself into this? Maybe if I don't bring it up, he'll just forget.

We finished unloading the car and the moving truck arrived. The very first things we got out were our beds. Then came the lights and kitchen crap. I was forced to help. I am a slave. I have no power over my own life. I cannot complain. I cannot refuse. Oh well. When I'm sixteen, at least I'll get a car. Then again, my parents probably won't let me drive until I'm twenty and out of school. Why are they so protective? Reminds me of the Queen in Alice in Wonderland. I mean, setting a curfew and giving me a cell phone only so I can call them when I want to go somewhere is bad enough, but can you believe I have to be in bed by 10:30! I'm fourteen for Pete's sake! 10:30! I know kids who get max five hours of sleep each night, and I'm stuck with eight! They even stick their nosey heads in my room to make sure of it. Anyways, enough of that.

"Izumi, be careful with those. They're very fragile!" My mom was getting tense so I left at once.

Eventually we got everything inside and had time to set up the beds. I remembered the movie Panic Room and convinced my parents to install some phones just incase. You never know how much things can change in a few years. When we went out for dinner that night, we passed where our old house used to be and found out it had been knocked down and rebuilt.

"I know it's been a long, hard, painful day, but try to get some sleep," my mom said quietly.

"Yeah," I was getting annoyed. "Actually, it's been such a long, hard, painful day, that I might not get any sleep at all," I said sarcastically. Nevertheless, she took it seriously.

"You're going to be tired in the morning if you don't try to get some rest."

"No, really."

"It's very much true. And you have school tomorrow, too. I set your alarm already. Is seven too early? You decide." She kissed me on the forehead-why do adults always do that?

After she left, I changed it to 6:30. I need time to get ready in the morning. I, for one, do care what I look like when I go to school. I wonder what it'll be like. I hope I make some friends this time. I'll try to keep my mouth shut and my mind focused. Focused on what? I have no idea. I just thought it sounded good to say. Anyways, my plan is to (hopefully) not wake up late. Then, a quick shower and into my uniform. Next, brush my hair, maybe a bit of eye shadow and lots of breath mints. Oh, yes. Lots of breath mints. After all, I don't give a bad impression on the first day of my new school.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxShadowSpiritsxx: A little boring? Don't worry, the next chapter is better. Keep reading and please review!