Hey guys! Thanks so much to all of you who read and reviewed the last chapter! I really appreciate it!
Thank You List:
My-life-is-rate-M: I'm so glad you like it! I was so worried I'd do a terrible job or that it would turn out boring! Thanks so much for your review!
DaisukiMomijiKakeruHaru: Thanks so much! I'm so glad it turned out ok! Thankies so much for the review!
Just to let you all know I've never read the manga (which I should do one of these days) so this story is based off, well really is after, the anime! I hope you all enjoy!
APOV
I staggered up the garden path, my legs feeling like absolute jelly. I giggled at one of the garden gnomes that was lying on its side. Taking one more final draught from my cigarette I dropped it to the ground and mushed it with my black boot. Continuing towards the door I fished around in my pocket for my keys. I swore loudly when I dropped them on the ground. Grumbling to myself I picked them up, almost falling over in the process.
Staring at the keyhole I jabbed the key forward trying to fit it into the slot. For some reason my hands wouldn't do what I wanted and I swore loudly again using the language I had picked up from Hibiki. With more giggling and curses I finally managed to get the door open.
As my gaze focused I recognised my aunt standing in the hallway clad in a dressing gown. I grinned at her, shutting the door behind me.
"Do you know what time it is?" she demanded, folding her arms across her chest.
I shrugged, taking off my leather jacket displaying my not so conservative top. Her eyes widened at my appearance but I ignored her and tried to stop myself form giggling at nothing in particular. I failed miserably.
"Are you drunk?" she all but screamed. This caused me to giggle even more. "Aimi Fujioka get your butt up to your room this instance! We'll discuss this tomorrow when you're sober!"
Nodding I attempted to walk towards the stairs but needed to use the wall as a guide. I could hear my aunt muttering about me being a disappointment as she disappeared into the kitchen. When I finally reached my room I dropped my jacket onto the floor and threw myself onto the bed not even bothering to undress.
I woke several times during the night. The cause was my stomach wanting to empty its contents. I was used to it at this stage but this was the first time my aunt has ever caught me. I was normally much better at hiding it, that and the fact that Hibiki had convinced me to do shots with him.
The smell of coffee wafting up the stairs was pure and utter heaven when I woke up. This time the sun was streaming through the curtains. I rolled out of bed, the bed springs causing my head to explode. You'd think at this stage I would be used to hangovers. But like the old saying goes; no rest for the wicked.
I knew I was in trouble the moment I entered the kitchen. My first clue was that my aunt still wasn't dressed yet. My second clue was the bags underneath her puffy eyes. I bit back any smart comment as I retrieved my own mug of coffee.
Sitting in front of her at the table I kept my gaze on the fantastic black liquid that was coffee. I could feel my mouth water at the thought of getting caffeine into my system but I used what little self-preservation I had left to ignore the mug while I waited for my aunt to begin her rant.
"Aimi, I've had it. This is your last chance. I can't take it anymore. When you first got here I thought you would be exactly like your mother. She was so sweet and full of life. I guess I was wrong." Well that's new. She's never tried that one on me before. "I got a call from your school. You were expelled for drinking on school grounds! Aimi what is wrong with you? I thought you were just going through a rebellious stage like most teenagers but this is getting out of hand. You need to grow up. Thankfully I managed to secure you a spot in Kaibara High School. If you mess this up there is no other options just one; a one way ticket to Ireland. I'm sorry but I just don't know what to do anymore."
I folded my arms across my chest and glared at her. This was so unfair. I was just having a bit of fun, getting the most out of life. Who cared about high school? As far as I was concerned you didn't learn anything important. What I really needed was my mug of coffee, my phone and a cigarette.
"Fine." I muttered, picking up my mug and refusing to look at my aunt.
"All I want is the best for you. You should want the same for yourself. You start on Monday. Your uniform should be here tomorrow. Luckily they had your size left at the store." I glanced up at her from under my eyelashes and she offered me a smile. I simply rolled my eyes before leaving the kitchen, taking my mug with me.
Fifteen minutes later I was spread out on the couch, my thumbs tapping against the keys of my phone as I text a very hung over Hibiki. My mug was almost drained but no way was I leaving my perch to fill it. I had already filled him in on the situation.
Babe dis is so unfair. How am I meant 2 get 2 c u if ur at a diff skul? xxx
I dunno know bbe, we'll tink of sumtin. How'd u manage 2 get away wit it wen I cudn't? xxx
My dad has a bit of pull down at de skul. Sorri I cudn't get u out of it either. xxx
No sweat bbe. I'm just glad you didn't hav ur shit hit de fan xx
Listen bbe I g2g. Relatives. Tlk later. Miss u xxx
U 2 bbe. Luv u xxx
I dropped my phone onto the coffee table knowing that I was in for a very boring day. Draining my mug I decided that a walk might help me. Five minutes later I was dressed in my favourite skinny jeans, black silk t-shirt and ever faithful converse. Stuffing my phone, cigarettes and neon pink lighter into my pocket I went to try and convince my aunt to let me out.
"I swear I'll only go to the park. I just need some air." I argued, my heavily make-up covered eyes staring at her, trying to persuade her.
"I must be mad." She muttered before nodding and turning her attention back to the ironing.
Without another word I left the house knowing that she could change her mind at any second. I all but ran down the road to get to the park. I watched as idiotic jogger passed me on the path that led through the park. Why waste their time exercising when there was so much fun to be had?
Taking a seat on one of the benches I lit a cigarette and blew the smoke out of my pierced nose. I laughed at the memories of how my aunt had freaked when she saw the little pink diamond that was pierced through the cartilage of my nose. It was the only piercing I had but I adored it. My cigarette ended all too quickly and I was horrified to find that my packet was empty. I grumbled, wondering how much more punishment I could receive in one day. Apparently a little bit more.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I withdrew it and held the little black device to my ear.
"Hello?" I asked, flicking off some of my black nail polish.
"Oh my gosh have you not heard?" Chiyo, one of my 'friends', screamed at me from the other end of the line.
"Not heard what?" I asked, her pitch doing wonders for my headache.
"Hibiki kissed another girl last night! Apparently you were totally wasted on the couch in the back of the club and he was all over her!" she gasped at the end of her sentence.
Before she could continue I smashed the end call button. Feeling a vein throb on my temple I quickly dialled Hibiki's number. We had been dating for a year and a half. He was a year older than me and was always pressuring me to do certain things. I knew he loved me but I just wasn't ready yet. He answered on the second ring.
"Please tell me that that bitch Chiyo was lying when she told me she saw you sucking some skanks face last night?" I asked sweetly.
"Babe I can only talk for a minute. My mom is expecting me in that sitting room." He murmured. "I don't know where Chiyo got this crazy shit from. You know I only love you babe."
"Yeah I know." I answered, feeling shame wash over me. How could I have so easily believed the word of that two faced gossiping pain in my ass? "I'm sorry I doubted you. I'll talk to you later."
"I love you."
"You too." I all but whispered, pressing the end call button a little less violently this time.
Heaving a sigh I titled my head back so the sun hit my face. I closed my eyes, the sun shining behind the red-black colour of my closed lids. I tried to contemplate what I would do. I could either go to Kaibara High School and act like the good girl or just continue having my fun and get sent back to Ireland. The latter didn't seem like such a bad idea. I hadn't been there in three years. A secret part of me wanted to go back there but I always smothered her before her voice could reach the surface.
I stayed on the bench for hours, knowing that when I got home my aunt would blow her lid. But, I didn't care. I needed my freedom. It was the most important thing to me. Hibiki texted me as I was walking home.
Hey bbe. U up 4 a party 2nite? xxx
I don't c dat happenin. My aunt has me on lock down. Sorri, maybe another time. xxx
I waited for him to reply but I got none. Shoving my phone back into my pocket I slammed the front door behind me. Running a hand down my face I entered the kitchen, the smell of ramen noodles making my stomach grumble.
"Someone's hungry." My aunt commented not looking up from the pot she was stirring the noodles in.
"Considering I haven't eaten a thing all day." I answered, taking my seat at the table.
"Well you haven't been here all day so what do you expect?" she retorted. Apparently she still hadn't gotten over last night.
I stayed silent, waiting for her to finish cooking. My stomach continued to protest and I could feel myself getting agitated. Mentally swearing the cooker to hell my patience began to grow thin.
"Is it ready yet?" I asked, drumming my fingers against the table.
"In a minute." My aunt snapped.
Glancing up I noticed how tense her shoulders were. She was standing like someone had a gun pointed at her. I blew a piece of hair out of my face as I scrutinised her. What was her problem? She knew I would mess up.
I had never been very good at anything except at getting in trouble. I wasn't very smart and I wasn't very popular. My personality definitely needed some adjustment and my manners needed some improvement. I was your typical bad girl but I liked it that way. People were intimidated by me and it felt good to have a bit of control in my life.
Sighing I sat back in my chair knowing that tomorrow I would have a chance to start all over again. Did I want to be the same person I was now? This would be the opportune moment to start over again. Did I want to go back to Ireland or begin a new life here?
The question was a simple one. The answer, however, was more difficult to obtain then I realised.
There's chapter 2 you guys! Hope you enjoy it! Sorry it's so short! I'll try to make it longer the next time. The story will pick up soon and our favourite Fruits Basket characters will be arriving shortly!
Thankies and enjoy!
Spread A Little Happiness
xooxoox
