Tuesday, August 14

8:37 AM

It's almost frightening to think of how different things are now. Fresh outta college, moving away, promising to call Tifa and Aeris frequently, and never forgetting the lessons I learned. And to think that I, hyperactive little Yuffie who doesn't take life seriously actually graduated college, makes me want to laugh out loud. 'Cause I made it!

Not to say that people didn't help me.

Gawd, I still remember all the nights I spent with everyone studying for some stupid test about some crap I never use, those essays that go on for what seem like millions of pages. Knowing that I actually made it through four years of that, makes me want to party for four more.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. You probably want to know who Tifa, Aeris, and all of my other buds are dontcha? Thought so.

Tifa and Aeris are two of the best friends I've ever had.

Tifa is this tall, thin girl who has legs that go on for miles. I'm kinda jealous of her hair. It's this waist-long, silky, chocolate brown gorgeous stuff. And it's stick-straight with the exception of a few waves and curls in all the right places. Tifa has such a perfect face that she really doesn't even need makeup, but she uses it anyway. It's kinda funny how much a little mascara does for her. And, oh gawd, that girl sure has a chest. Aeris and I always joke around and call her boobs, but we stopped after this one guy picked up the nickname too. I don't even remember what happened to him, but Tifa pulled him away from the crowds one time after class and he got this look on his face like "oh shit" before he ran away. To tell you the truth, I think he transferred schools.

Nevertheless, Tifa has like freaking D cups, and my little B cups are kinda jealous of her. But that's okay. I love her so much I stopped being so envious 'cause it obviously bothered her. She doesn't like it when people are jealous of her.

She had a spectacular GPA. Both her and Aeris. Mine was average, but I didn't really put as much effort in as they did. These girls practically had books glued to their faces every night, except on Fridays when we went out for pizza and parties and stuff.

Aeris. She's a goddess, no joke. Practically all she wears is these lacey skirts and pretty button up shirts with flowers and stuff. But I don't blame her; she looks good in those kinds of things. Who's gonna bother her for taking advantage of being sexy?

The one thing that is most amazing about Aeris is her eyes. They're the most amazing shade of green, and they sparkle and glow all the time. She doesn't even bother with makeup. Her hair is the funniest thing; it's this giant braid-curl-thing that she ties at the back of her head with a little pink ribbon. I like pulling it. A lot.

It's almost honey colored, a light shade of extraordinary brown that turns heads. She and Tifa made quite the duo, with the boobs and the looks. But anyways, Aeris is too shy to talk about looks and stuff. She would always scold us for pinching and pulling at our butts, complaining about nonexistent fat. I'm too skinny for fat. Fat avoids me like I'm the damn bubonic plague. Not that I'm complaining, I just wish I wasn't so scrawny. Anyways, Aeris only really likes one guy. Which is sad 'cause she could snag our whole graduating class if she wanted too.

And saying that, I guess I should tell you who Cloud is now. He and Aeris are practically SOUL MATES. They have the whole I'll-die-for-you-let's-stare-at-each-other-all-day-and-see-if-that-does-it thing going on. It's so sweet. Almost too sweet, but whatever. They have the most soulful romance ever, and when you see them together, it's like you're not even there. They will evoke envy when you're around them.

As for Cloud, he's a jock. Muscular, blonde, and popular. Everyone knows his name. Practically all the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. But I am proud to announce that his charming smile and adorable spiky hair hasn't affected me much. Cloud is another one of my best friends, one of the people in our little "group". Does our "group" even have a name? Oh whatever.

But yeah. Cloud's amazing and he's my big brother, really. That and the best damn football player I've ever seen.

Then there's Barret and Cid, they were on the soccer team. They cuss more than anybody I've ever met in my LIFE, but they wouldn't be Barret or Cid if they didn't cuss. Barret's really big. Okay, he's HUGE. He is the biggest guy I've ever seen. He's really strong and muscular too, like Cloud, only worse because he's so big. Sometimes I'm afraid that he'll fall on me and I'll die. But I know he'd never do that, 'cause he's my friend and friends don't walk around squishing you.

Cid is a real funny guy. He's always crackin' jokes and can make any bad situation go to worse then hilarious. Its amazing how this guy does it.

And Vincent. Vincent Valentine. The last one of my friends from the "group". He's just a tad too monotone for me, but that aside, he's a pretty good guy to have around. He towers a good foot above me and his strength is like Cloud and Barret all put together. I offer no explanation for this. The guy is a freakin' toothpick, but he's so strong he could crush me with one hand. Not that he has or he will. And he plays football too.

I call him Vinnie a lot, but I don't think he likes it too much. Every time I call him that, he gives me this weird look, like 'what the hell is wrong with you' with some glare added in. No one really asks many questions, but he used to be this really violent guy. And now he's so polite it makes me want to scream and slap him into doing something naughty. Or maybe donate some of his personality to Cid and Barret, 'cause god knows they could use some manners.

But hey, don't get me wrong, Vinnie's really a great guy and I like him a lot, because he tolerates my pesky personality and annoying attitude. I just realized I used two alliterations in a row. Aeris must be rubbing off on me.

Anyways, Vincent used to have a girlfriend but something obviously happened and she transferred to the same school that the weird guy who called Tifa 'boobs' went to. I still can't remember his name.

But her name I do remember. Lucrecia. And boy was Vince crazy about her. He doesn't smile much, but whenever he was around her, he would smile all the time, I mean it was nonstop. She even got some good laughs out of him sometimes.

I wish I could make him laugh like she did, but I don't know if Vincent really laughs much anymore. It's all deadpan and death glares for him.

But that's alright.

So that makes up my little circle of friends. Theres more people I know, though.

Tifa is always hanging out with Reno, he's this heartbreaker who drinks all the time, but he just about matches Cid in the funny department, if he doesn't beat him. Reno is a pervert. I'll just say that right off the bat. He is sex-crazed and probably lost his virginity in junior high. I think Tifa is trying to get him to stop drinking all the time and breaking hearts, but you can never be too sure with that guy. He has this bald friend named Rude and some blonde girl named Elena. She really obviously has a thing for Rude, and anybody who sees them together just knows she's crazy for him. Except Rude. I wonder if he's blind.

Or maybe just stupid.

5:30 PM

I actually finished unpacking my new living space. It's in New York. My dad somehow got me this HUGE penthouse with an absolutely breathtaking view of the whole city. I have no idea how he afforded it. Stupid Godo, been hiding away this gigantic fortune my whole life. And to think that I could have bribed all of my professors to pass me. But then I would be useless for the rest of my life. So maybe he had reasons. Does my father just not trust me?

6:46 PM

When it gets dark outside, all the lights on the buildings light up and it's like a giant, electric rainbow. Kind of stupid sounding but it's really pretty. I should take a picture or something.

6:59 PM

Okay, I took like 70 pictures, but whatever.

Wednesday, August 15

1:25 AM

I think I'm getting sick. I just puked all of my dinner up, and I still feel awful. And I could barely make it back to my stupid bed, I'm so weak. Okay, it's not stupid. It's another expensive gift from Godo for "housewarming". Try "really-expensive-amazing-penthouse-warming"!

12:34 PM

Three-way with Aeris and Tifa! (After puking again. Must remember to call doctor for an appointment.)

"I miss you guys so much!

"Oh Tifa, we miss you too." I just sat there and listened to Tifa drawl on about Reno something or other and how she locked his liquor cabinet so he wouldn't die from alcohol poisoning. Then Aeris started saying something about Cloud and I really started to listen.

"He says he wants to go pro, but I'm not sure…I'd never get to see him, you know?"

"Hey Aeris, how is Cloud nowadays? I haven't talked to him much since graduation."

"He's doing really great, actually. He keeps bugging me about the whole pro football thing, but we're still in…discussion, about that. I want him to be happy more than anything else, but I'll miss him too much."

"What if you became a cheerleader? You could do it; didn't you used to take dance and gymnastics when you were little?" That was the first bright thing I had said all day.

"You know, Aeris, that's actually a really good idea. Plus it would keep you from getting FLABBY, like the rest of us!" Tifa fake gagged and we all broke into laughter.

"You are so vain, Tifa! Plus, do you know how hard it is to get onto a professional cheer squad?"

"Oh please, it can't be that hard." I had to snort at that one. But then I started feeling nauseous again.

"Hey guys, I don't really feel too good…I'm gonna go, take a nap or something, then call and make an appointment at the doctors. Talk to you later, I love you!"

So I hung up and puked what was left of my stomach into the toilet bowl, called the doctor and made an appointment. And now it's time for sleep.

Thursday, August 16

NOON

I was at the doctors today. It was really weird.

So I'm in the waiting room waiting to get called, right? And then they call me and I go back and explain my symptoms.

"I'm vomiting a lot. And I feel really weak." The doctor nodded his head and scribbled some things down.

"Is there blood in the vomit?" Much to my embarrassment I nodded my head, making the doctor frown.

"We'll need to take a blood test."

So they sat me down in this weird room with some old lady whose hands shook so bad I thought they might fall off. I looked at her skeptically but the doctor just nodded and smiled faintly.

And I sat down and they took my blood. It's really weird when people take your blood. It's like a draining sensation, and you get really light-headed and you feel like you might get sick but you really don't, so it's all okay. Then they tell me that they have to go do a bunch of tests and to please go home, they'll call me in 36-48 hours.

And then I drove home in my bright blue Saturn and went into the kitchen and ate a sandwich. And now I'm just sitting here.

What the hell is wrong with me? I haven't drunk any milk at all, so that can't be it. I'm lactose-intolerant. I avoid milk like it's going to kill me (which it very well could if I drank enough, but I'm smarter than that!) And now my cell phones ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hey Yuffs! Listen, I was calling everybody up to see if you wanted to come down to my place for the week or something."

"Like a reunion sort of thing?"

"Yeah! I guess so. I just miss all of you guys so much. Plus, I got Aeris and Cloud to come so that might get their minds off of the whole 'Pro-Football' thing. So whatcha think? You gonna come?"

I thought for a minute. Did I have anything better to do? Sitting around and barfing all day does not count.

"Alright Tifa, I'll come. When should I be there?"

"This Friday actually. Friday night so we can be ready on Saturday to just party and do stuff all day long."

"Sounds good to me. Just gimme your new address and I'll call you when I'm almost there, okay?"

"Kay. It's 2200 Lovers Lane, Riverton Utah. And before you flip out, yes, I live on Lovers Lane."

"You live so far away from me now!" Tifa laughed at this.

"It's okay Yuffie. I'll see you then, okay?"

"Alright Teefs. Byeas!"

And we hung up. Tifa lives on Lover's Lane. That is hilarious.

9:40 PM

I went shopping so I would have new stuff to wear at the reunion. Does this count as a reunion?

Anyways, I hear its cold in Utah right now so I got a couple of sweaters, one green and one blue. Then these really cute jeans that make my butt look good. And a long sleeved shirt with a ninja on the front. Don't ask about the ninja, she's just so cute with her little shuriken and whatnot.

Boots completed my shopping. This cost me a lot, by the way. One of the sweaters was like, 150 bucks. But I charged it all onto a credit card using my TOTALLY GIGANTIC HIDDEN FORTUNE!

Friday, August 17

7:30 AM

Ugh. I hate waking up this early. But if it's for the sake of Tifa, then I guess it's forgivable. I packed everything last night, all my new clothes I got, sneakers, flip flops, t-shirts, and shorts. And a green cocktail party dress thing that was my mothers, and a really pretty blouse. I think the blouse is Aeris' but I don't think she's missing it; she has about 5 of the same one.

I'm getting ready to grab an old mixed CD and get going, so I'll just write tonight or something about how everything went.

11:45 PM

Today was hectic.

When I first got to Tifa's (Lover's Lane is so pretty. But if it was trashy or ugly or something then I would sue because Lover's Lane just can't be ugly) Cloud and Aeris were already there. Apparently they moved in together in some apartment in California, which is just about as expensive as New York but when you're as rich as Aeris it doesn't really matter.

So anyways, I pulled up into the driveway and Tifa practically jumped on the hood of my car, no joke. I just smile and wave, then open the door.

"Oh my gosh, Yuffie! Look at you!" More jumping, only on me instead of the car. Then Aeris walks over and starts playing with my now shoulder-length hair.

"Yuffie, your hair is getting so long! It's really pretty." I smile at her and then yank on the little twist at the back of her head. Then me and Aeris lock eyes and turn to Tifa, shouting boobs together.

She just blushes really madly, but then the weirdest thing: Reno sticks his head out of the front door on her house and starts talking to us.

"Boobs? WHERE!" Aeris and me just cracked up, as Cloud chuckled quietly so he wouldn't get kicked in the side by Tifa, which she was attempting to do to me. After about a minute of this, we slow to a stop because we're out of breath.

"So Teefs, when's the rest of the gang coming?"

"Barret and Cid just called, Cid is giving them a ride. Their going to be here in a half hour at least. Vincent is coming any minute now."

I had almost forgotten gothic boy was coming. Ah well, I guess I miss him too.

"Hey, look, Vinnie's here now!" I shout. Surprisingly, he's riding this huge Harley Davidson. It's kind of sexy actually. Wait, what the hell am I saying?

Tifa jogs over and gave him a big hug before he even gets off the bike, so he's caught in this awkward hold where one of his arms is reaching up trying to take off his helmet, and his other hand is gripping a handlebar. He moves his arm down from his head a little to pat Tifa's head. She takes this as an indicator to let go and she does with a big smile.

He takes of the helmet then shakes out his hair, which is VERY sexy. He has really long black hair. But it looks good on him. And his eyes are red, which I think is freaky, but he doesn't wear colored contacts or anything so we're all curious but nobody asks. Because then he might kill us or something.

Then he walks over and nods before crossing his arms and looking down. He's so detached.

I bound over and squeeze him around the middle, and unlike his hug with Tifa he actually puts his arms around me too. Without hesitation, might I add. While Vincent may be a really weird and kind of emo outcast, he is still really hot.

Since he's so much taller than me, I'm up on my tippy-toes and he still has to bend down a little. It's funny, he's so big and I'm the opposite so his whole hand covers my lower back.

After I pull away Tifa tells us to go in the house, and we all take a seat at her table, which Reno is already at.

"Hey Tifa, why does your house smell so good?" She pointed at a lit vanilla candle.

"Reno got it for me. He said I smelled like vanilla." Everyone turned to stare at Reno, kind of shocked at the prospect of him buying someone a candle. He just shrugs and leans back in his chair.

"What can I say? I know the ladies so well. You all should be jealous." I laugh at this before turning back to Tifa, who is now sitting down next to Reno.

Reno, Tifa, Cloud, Aeris, me, and then Vincent. Plus the two empty chairs for Cid and Barret.

"So, Yuffie, please tell us about this new penthouse of yours." Aeris asks.

So I go on to tell them about Godo keeping our fortune a secret, and then buying me a penthouse for a graduation present.

"But it's so cool, especially when it gets dark outside. All of the buildings are lit up, and it's all hustle bustle and noisy. One night I had my window open and someone in a building over was having a party, so got free music all night long. It's pretty awesome." Tifa is smiling by now.

"We should have a party." I jump out of the chair and knock it over.

"OH MY GAWD, WE SHOULD! WE SHOULD INVITE BALDY AND 'LENA AND WE SHOULD MAKE RENO GET DRUNK AND DO CRAZY STUFF ALL NIGHT LONG, AND-"

"Yuffie, calm down." Cloud was laughing really hard at me. Apparently I'm funnier than I thought. He acts so calm all the time. Not as much as Vincent, who just sits around and stares at people.

"What do you think about a party, Vinnie? Huh?" I stare at him with a smile so big I think my face might fall off.

"…"

See what I mean? I wave him off and pick up my chair so I can sit down.

Aeris snorts and cracks into laughter, hiding her head in her hands. I'm shocked. Aeris has not snorted, ever. Ah well, there's a first time for everything. Cloud looks at her with this distant smile on his face, and you can tell he's thinking about her laugh.

I can feel someone's eyes on me, so I look around and find Vincent staring at me with a blank look on his face. I raise my eyebrows but he just keeps on looking, so I shake my head and glare at the floor. Then my phone rings!

"I got to get this, might be the doctor. I'll be right back!"

I take my phone and go into the other room.

"Hello?"

"Yes, hello, Miss…Kisaragi, Yuffie?"

"The one and only!"

"We have your blood test results, and I'm sorry to be the one to inform you but you are very sick."

"I…what? With what?"

"Well, it's a very rare disease called Hemosiderosis. Your symptoms are consistent with that of previous patients that suffered this. And this disease is…usually…terminal. Hemosiderosis is when red blood cells break down and a brownish-yellow pigment called Hemosiderin is deposited into bodily tissues, such as the lungs."

My insides cracked and fell to the bottom of my stomach at this. I was going to die? What bullshit was that? I had barely started living, I refuse to die. But despite the hope and optimism I tried to force, a couple of tears welled up in my eyes and dripped onto my lap.

"There is treatment, and it helps for a little while, but we're not entirely sure what the odds are that it will completely cure you."

"..What treatment?"

"Phlebotomy is the simplest method for removing excess iron in patients with hemochromatosis and improves survival but does not alter the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. About 500 milliliters of blood about 250 milligrams of iron is removed until serum iron levels are normal and transferrin saturation is well below 50."

"ENGLISH please?"

"Uh...sorry, miss…it is when blood is drawn. It helps to keep transferrin saturation levels well below 50. It is done weekly, and you can continue the treatment to maintain transferrin saturation at below 10."

"What is…transferrin?"

"A beta globulin in blood serum that combines with and transports iron. Basically, your problem is you have iron leaking into your lungs."

"I…thank you for the call, but I'm kind of busy at the moment…and…I'm out of town, but when I get back, can I register for treatment?"

"It is best to start treatment as soon as you are diagnosed, but that will work just fine. Please give us a call when you are back home."

"Okay. Thank you for the call."

And I hung up. Who the hell thanks someone for telling them their dying?

I heard a door slam and Cid yelling something about bad traffic, but I was too busy holding in tears to notice.