Author's Note:
Hello again and look who's baaack! :D
I'm so sorry for the long wait, school kept me really busy. But don't worry! After two months, the semester will end and hopefully, I'll update more often. The chapter title sucks, but it's better than it sounds. BTW, thanks for the reviews, views, follows and favs~ I appreciate all of your support! I hope you can all stick with me until very end! ^_^
Disclaimer: D. Gray-Man does not belong to me.
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THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
Chapter 2: A New Life
It's so quiet. So so quiet. I couldn't hear a sound, not even a small squeak. It feels as if I was deaf. I feel so light, I can't move my body. Or do I even have a body in this endless darkness? I don't know why..why do I even feel so lost and afraid. After years of spending time alone before I was adopted, those feelings never left me..ever again..no matter how hard I tried to push them out of my thoughts.
The feeling of living in a life of solitude.
To me, it was the worst feeling in the world.
Being left alone in the streets, moving into different squatter areas like a nomad, got abused by big city men. I've been through worse.
It was so cold. The coldness of this place suddenly reminds me of those times I shivered under a pile of snow. Curling up in the corners of the alley. The darkness made me recall the moments when I have no where to go. What is this place? Where exactly am I?
Why..why is everything here..reminding me of my memories as a child, dead in loneliness and depression?
"Hello? Is anyone..is anyone here?" I called out to the empty space before me. Only silence greeted me. "Why..am I here?"
"You're going to die here, Allen Walker.."
"W-wha.." Were the only words that escaped my ajar mouth. "What do you.."
"You will perish in the darkness! You only make the world filthy!"
"No..wait..I don't..!"
Then, there were screams of people ringing in my ears. They sounded furious and disgusted. My lungs were suddenly getting heavier in each second that passed, making it harder for me to breathe. In every spat, there is pain blooming inside me.
"Ah..I can't breathe!" I clutched my chest. My heart was stinging in pain. The noises got louder and my vision clouded. "Stop..!"
"YOU FREAK! YOU SHOULDN'T BE HERE!"
"DIE! YOU SHOULD DIE!"
My head hurts so much. The thoughts of these people streaming through my mind are like a thousands of hammers pounding through my skull. "Ugh..! Stop!"
"You look awfully disgusting! Get away!"
"Yeah, that's right! Better kill you before you scare more people away."
My vision is turning red and black, back and forth. "Shut up!" I bellowed, then I fell to my knees, allowing my tears to drop. I choked out a painful and weak sob. Everything just hurts! I feel like I'am dying...stiffling under the voices of these people. Words like these are only meant to be ignored, but why does it feel like poison? Am I...that terrible? Do I really deserve to die?
Is this what the world wants to happen to me?
That can't be. There's still hope. I'm just dreaming..I must be dreaming..but still..!
"I..I don't..understand..why?"
I caught a glimpse of a mop of dark green locks. My eyes widened in recognition. "Lenalee..!"
When I looked at her, her purple irises were wide of shock and fear. She was looking at me as if I was some kind of..monster."This..this is you?" She whisphered with a shaky voice while her figure trembled in fright. "No..you can't."
"Lenalee..I.." I tried to reach out for her, but my body was numb. I fell instead.
"No..get away! Don't come closer!" Lenalee yelled, with tears streaming down her eyes. "You're a monster! Stay away from me!" She turned around and ran, leaving me alone in the dark. My body was turning cold. The pain felt like magma burning my entire system. There's seems to be nothing left in me anymore..
No. This is not be happening. This is only a nightmare. I'm still alive.
I have to wake up. Now. The voices are returning.
"Die..Die..Die!''
"Leave me alone...please..."
"DIE...DIE...DIE.."
"Someone..."
"DIE! DIE! DIE!"
"..wake me up.."
I tried to get up and run away, even if I have no where to go, I have to escape them. But to no avail.
"DIE!"
"No.."
"JUST DIE!"
"Please...let me..."
And my eyes closed.
-Linebreak-
"...-kun...Allen-kun!"
"Hah!" My eyes flew open. I immedietly sat upright on my chair, gasping heavily for dear oxygen. I found myself still in the plane. I notice some other people stealing glances at me, but I didn't mind them at the moment. I can feel beads of sweat on my forehead, they were trailing down my face slowly. My entire body was trembling. The beat of my heart raced in shock.
It was a nightmare. No, it's more than just that.
A few tears stained my eyes. I have never felt this afraid in my life, not even after Mana's death. Sure, I was also scared back then, but it's is beyond that.
W-what a nightmare..the whole world was trying to kill me. My appearance..is it really really that bad? Of course it is..! To think how many people...cursed me because of it... After what seemed like two minutes, I regained my composure. My hearbeat slowed a bit, but I was still a little shaken. Okay, maybe not little but a lot. I sighed. I just found out that I was a weak; pathetic person.
Then, I feel a warm hand touch my shoulder gently. My usual bothered expression softened.
"Are you alright, Allen-kun?" a soft, worried voice asked me. I looked, only to see the worry-striken face of Lenalee Lee.
"Uh,I.." I looked away from her gaze, absolutely not wanting her to see my face. After what I have seen in my recent nightmare, there's no way I'll ever show her my features. Not a chance. "I'm..fine." I lied with my plastic smile. My mind is messed up. My stomach felt sick. I put a hand on my forehead, then took a deep breath to calm my insides. I want to throw my guts out, but..
Not when I'm beside the first girl I've ever talked to. I'll cause her trouble.
"Are you sure?" she asked. "You don't look good."
"You can see me?"
She gave a soft chuckle. "Your hood is off.."
D-damn it! I cursed at myself internally. How the hell did it wore off? I quickly put it back. Great. However, deep down, I was breaking so much. But it usually has no impact to me, whenever I get rejected. But why is it..to this girl..it affected me so badly? What is happening to me?
"Allen-kun..?" Lenalee called out to me, worry was still transparent in her voice.
"F-forget about it."
"Forget about what?" She innocently asked.
I was surprised that she didn't realized it at first. Didn't she saw my hair, my scar just a minute ago? It's an eye sore, especially to a girl's eyes. "Just..transfer to another seat. It's fine to me."
"And why would you say that I want to transfer?" Lenalee asked again, her tone starting to sound serious. Then, I heard her sigh. "Tell me..what's wrong?"
"Nothing...just..."
"Just tell me, please. There has to be a reason why you suddenly reacted like that."
"You shouldn't-"
"I won't tell or do anything. I promise."
"I-I'm sorry..but I.." I hate to do it, I never wanted to. However, if I continue keep this from her, it'll be a problem later on. But should I really risk it now?Especially when I seemingly found someone who is a lot more different than every person I run into? Lenalee doesn't seem bothered or uncomfortable with me the whole time.
If I show her my true form, will she hate me? These questions are giving me a headache.
Heck, fine!
Groaning inwardly, I slowly took my hood off, revealing my appearance to her.
Lenalee gasped and I knew that it had just begun. I smiled sadly "Disgusting right? I know, I'm a freak. A monster. Many people hates me for it..even strangers do." my voice was wavering, but I must not look too weak in front of her.
"Don't look at me." I whisphered and looked down at the ground, waiting for her reaction. I don't need to ask myself how would she react. She'll just skiddle away to a different seat and that's that.
I sat there, with my eyes firmly glued to the floor. Until a blissful warmth wrapped itself around my hand. My eyes snapped up, then immedietly trailed my gaze down to where my hand is currently resting on.
I blushed when I caught the sight of Lenalee holding it. I felt the softness of her porcelain skin and it's warmth, brushing against my cold ones.
Somewhere within me, I feel an enormous sense of comfort.
"Don't feel that way, Allen-kun. I'm not disgusted." she smiled gently. "Look, not every single person you encounter is the same. And besides, why would I feel disgusted? I think it's..pretty rare. Which is fine to me."
I remembered Uncle Neah's words when she mentioned it. Looks like he was sort of right about that.
"Really?"
"To tell you the truth, yes."
I completely calmed down. The nausea was gone and my heart was at ease. "Thank you..Lenalee." those words were simple, probably because I have no other ideas on how to express my thanks to her. I was really glad to hear that she accepted me for who I'am. But I guess that's enough.
"It's no problem." she smiled. "If you don't mind me asking..what's your nightmare about?"
"Oh, about that.."
"It's okay if you won't tell. In fact, I think I'm bringing up bad memories. Sorry.."
"No, it's fine..really." I sent her a reassuring smile. This time, I can face her with no problem. Yet, I can still hear my heart pounding against my chest. It's been happening a lot to me lately, but I chose to ignore it.
"But..the look on your face when you woke up.."
"Don't worry about it...the dream I had was just about..well, about those people.." I struggled to form my words. I don't feel like telling her the full details. "I...I can't fully describe it...it's too-"
"That's enough. You're beggining to look weird. But I know its just that bad. I shouldn't have asked.."
I shook my head. "I-It's not your fault...I'm fine, thank you."
She smiled again. I'll tell you one thing, I still don't understand it when everytime she smiles at me, it brings in a new reaction. I never really quite reacted to her smiles on the outside, all I could do was do the same. Beneath that, I feel like a school girl who just got noticed by her crush. And that reminds me, how does it feel to fall for someone? No clue. In fact, I don't even wanna know. Totally not interested into those things.
However, when she put on that gentle smile, my heart felt as if it was about to leap out of my body. My hands feel cold, I sweat and my face was hot.
A racing heart..cold and numb arms and legs..nervousness and blushing. If I always feel them whenever she's around...could it be that Lenalee's my..?
Idiot! NO! She's not my crush! I just met her, for goodness sake! Why would I suddenly...?
Me..having a crush? That doesn't sound good, I need to push these feelings away. I can't deal with love. I just couldn't.
Ugh, this is getting kinda annoying...but yet, it felt kinda..good. I dunno..
-Linebreak-
After 10 more hours in the plane, we have arrived in England. Finally..I'm home, Mana.. I thought as a small smile formed my lips. By just one look outside, my memories with my foster father came rushing back to me. It saddened me a bit, but I'm not supposed be thinking about those for now. I'm back at my homeland, where the good ol' times are and that's all that matters. As the plane stopped, I stretched out my tired arms. "At last, I'm back..." I grinned. Lenalee chuckled beside me.
"Do you really miss being here?" she asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, like I said I was raised here. Actually..there are so many memorable places I know, so yeah..that's one of the reasons why I missed this country."
"That's good to hear, Allen-kun." Lenalee said as she stood up to grab her bag. "Well, you better get your suitcase and see the place you've been yearning to see for five years." she laughed and handed me my suitcase. I took it from her and smiled.
"Thanks.."
I stood up with a slight wobble and followed her to the exit. When we arrived at the airport, I have to admit that I was surprised. I haven't seen this place for five years. England's airport seemed a little different from the last time I checked, but on top of that, the changes weren't really that big. Ah, this scent.. I inhaled deeply. I even missed the odor of this land. Every so often, it smelled like moist. Mostly because of the cool climate. It seldom rains, but only at certain times when the weather's too cold nor too hot.
I headed to the spot where we're suppose to claim our luggages. Lenalee stood and waited patiently at one side. I joined her momentarily.
"...Is your brother going to pick you up?" I asked, striking a conversation. I attacked myself, since that was a really lame topic to talk about.
But she chose to answer anyways. "Yup. Do you have anyone to pick you up?"
"Uh..I'm not sure if I'll ride a taxi or one of my uncle's friends will get me. I don't know, I should call him." I replied with my usual smile.
"Well, if you don't have any available services, I can ask my brother can take you home." Lenalee offered.
She's...giving me a ride? I think my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't catch any air for a second. I'm starting to jump onto conclusions again.
"I-is that okay..with you?"
"Hmm." She hummed in agreement.
"Ah, well.." I smiled sheepishly at her. I noticed my luggage had arrived, thank goodness for that. It was kinda getting awkward back there. When it was wheeled to my direction, I exerted all my strength to lift it up. It was ten times heavier than I thought it would be. It weighed my arms down and my legs lost balance, because of it's huge mass. Then the next thing I knew, I landed down on my knees. Hard.
"Ow." I grimaced slightly.
Lenalee blinked. "You okay?" She asked while she grabbed her white luggage.
"Y-yes.." I mumbled as I stood up. My face flushed with embarrassment. "We should get going.."
"Yeah. Let's go."
-Linebreak-
After a few more inquiries, going here and there, I'am officialy exhausted and seriously wanted to sleep in a real bed. I didn't went back to sleep again, fearing that my nightmares will return. In additional to my hindrance from sleeping, my neck was really stiff and I find it hard to fall asleep with a stiff neck. So I changed my mind and just decided to stay awake for the whole flight, instead of tossing around in my seat and earn a kick from an annoyed passenger behind.
Lenalee and I rested ourselves at the nearby mini cafe. She began to text. Meanwhile, I find myself dozing off on my chair, both of my eyes were drooping. My head barely made in contact with the wall, but that was enough to remind me that I have to lift my head up before I could get a bump.
"You seem so tired, Allen-kun." Lenalee remarked as she noticed my worn-out face.
I blushed slightly. "Uh. Yeah." was my simple reply. I suddenly remembered something that I should do. "Lenalee, I have to make an important call. I'll be back in a few minutes." I told her as I took out my phone out from my pocket and stood up from my chair.
She nodded. "Sure."
I exited the mini-cafe to find a good place to make a call. Stopping behind a pillar, I dialed my uncle's number. Hm..it should be still early there. Is he busy? I pressed the call button and waited for him to pick up. A few rings, a last couple of rings-
"Hello? Allen?"
"Hey, Uncle Neah. I just arrived in England."
"Oh, that's good. I'm glad that you made it there safely. How was the flight?"
I'm not telling him that I had a nightmare, he might book me back there again. And so as my encounter with Lenalee. Especially that. "It went...fine."
"Are you sure? You sound like you're doutbing something."
"Eh? What are you talking about uncle? I'm not doubting anything. Not at all."
"Really? Did anyone see your deformities?"
"No..I hid my face with my hood..so, no one seemed to notice." I feel bad, lying to him. But the truth isn't pretty either.
"So it really went fine then?"
"Yeah.."
"Then why is your voice like that?"
I sighed. "I'm just tired, uncle. I'm stressed from roaming around airports and I didn't sleep well at the plane."
"I see. By the way...you're going to be moving into an apartment now..I'm sorry, I didn't tell you earlier.."
"An apartment? Why? Our home is still there right?"
"Yes, it is. But as you can see, Black Order Academy is way too far away from the street where you and Mana usually live in. I'm sorry, Allen. It's the easiest way possible to get to your school. Commuting is not an option. It will be hard for you to adjust. And you're only fifteen. If you're unconvinced by the idea, Mana agreed to it as well, in case you don't know."
My eyes widen. "He knows that I'm going to attend that school?"
"We were just having a little chit-chat that time. That was a long time ago, but I never forget it. We decided to not tell you, like it's some sort of surprise. It is a prestigious school, right?"
"Yeah.."
"Sorry to trouble you, nephew. I know how exhausted you are from your trip, but I just have to tell you that for you to understand."
''It's okay, Uncle Neah. As long I can continue walking, I'm fine with anything." I grinned.
"Ah, I wish you luck then. The address of your apartment is already listed on your papers. Don't worry about checking in. I've already made preparations, a month prior to the said date of your flight. Your name is in the reservation list. The receptionist will just give you your room key."
"Yes, I understand. But wait, how did you..manage to check me in one of the apartments here?"
I heard him chuckle on the other line. "I have my ways. Okay so, I have to go now, Allen. Be careful alright? Get some rest as well. Good night, nephew."
"Yeah, I will. Night, uncle." I hung up, then inserted my phone into my pocket. "An apartment huh..." I mumbled as I walked out from behind the pillar and re-enter the cafe. When I arrived at our place, I saw Lenalee talking on the phone. I sat down on the soft chair and leaned on the table.
"Brother, stop it. You're overreacting." Lenalee sighed. I hear muffled shouts and cries resounding from her phone, despite it being in handset mode. Pretty strange. "Alright, alright I get it. Calm down already. It's not like that I'm in real danger. Just get over here okay, brother? I'm tired."
Then, she put down her phone. She noticed me staring at her and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about that. D-did you happen hear something?"
I nodded lightly in response.
"You see, my brother has a huge sister-complex. He's too overprotective of me, especially when I'am out alone."
"Oh really? Um, was it..hard for you?"
Lenalee gave me a short nod. "Yeah..but I feel so safe being with him. He's just doing his job as an older brother in a different kind of way. He started to act like that after my parents passed away."
I was caught off guard by the last part of her statement. Her parents are gone too? And to mention that I asked her such a question? I peered over her features, and she looked less cheerful, but still have that small smile on her lips. What have I done?
"Sorry, Lenalee. I shouldn't have asked you that. I didn't know..." I apologized.
"Ah, no no..it's okay. I'm glad that I'm not alone, I have my brother to help me move on in life. I still miss my parents, though."
This topic isn't really something I wanted to talk about. I never knew my own birth parents, since forever. I chose not to say anything else, and just give a small chuckle. As time passed, Lenalee and I conversed about random things happening in our lives these days. I didn't speak a word about my past or something like that, nor did she. I think we're both even, but I slowly sweep that thought away. Lenalee told me that Black Order Academy has high hopes for the students to do well, mostly in Math subjects.
Guess my fear for this school increased even more.
Then, she asked for my number. My number. Can you believe it? I gave it to her and she did the same. Oh gosh, I just got a girl's number..We talked a little bit more, until Lenalee's phone rang again. She said that she needs to go, her brother's waiting for her outside the airport.
"Allen-kun?"
"Yes, Lenalee?"
"Um, I...enjoyed my time with you."
Huh? She..what? It took me seconds to process her words. I soon snapped out of it and smiled slyly. "Yeah..I-I enjoyed my company with y-you too." I stammered. Darn, I sound so lame.
"Ah..right. Thanks." Lenalee placed a hand on the handle of her luggage. "Well then..I hope to see you again. Call me if you need anything."
"Yeah. Have a safe trip home."
"Thank you, Allen-kun. Bye!" She waved at me with a grin plastered on her face. I watched her retreating figure, until she reached the exit. Through the glass door, she was welcomed by a man with open arms. It must be her brother.
This time, I let myself grin. For the very first time of my life, I've never felt so...joyed. But, the thought of this happiness only lasting for a certain moment, made my grin to falter. But I couldn't care less. Lenalee's face was still marked in my imaginations.
I think...no, I don't want to forget her. Yes, she made my body all tense and all, but I'll have a good time with her...yet. All I need to do was to wait for the first day of school.
With a contented sigh, I stood up from my chair and took my belongings. As Uncle Neah had told me, I'm going to take the taxi to the bus station and go for the 9:00 bus. And in 30 minutes, I'm already at my apartment street.
Just a little bit more.
-Linebreak-
"Ugh." I groaned as I got off the bus, which took off after I heard its door closed. "So tired...I'm going straight to bed right after this." I muttered. Then I stared up at my new apartment building. It was quite a tall and stunning tower. It was painted with a pure silver color and there were numerous windows lodged in every direction around it. Seeing how lofty it is, I silently wish that my room is not too high from here.
So this is my new home now. How fascinating.
I felt a tug on my sleeve. I looked, to see my pet golem perched on my arm. "Tim! Where have you been hiding?" I asked my little friend as it perched itself on my head. "Oh..right. You were in my jacket. I didn't see you come out..sorry." I chuckled.
I returned my gaze to my apartment. "Now, it's time to go home.."
When stepped a foot in the lounge, I couldn't help but marvel at how well-designed this place is. Everything look so elegant, so organized. It must be really expensive here. How did Uncle Neah get to save up that much money? He must have worked so hard for it then. I approached the receptionist, who smiled at me.
"Hello, sir. Welcome to Innocence Apartment. How may I help you?" he asked politely.
"Um..yes. I actually have a reserved room here. My uncle happened to contact you right?"
"Oh, yes! I remember. The client's name was Neah Walker, correct? You must be his nephew." he grinned.
I nodded and smiled gently. "That's right."
He proceeded to rummage through the drawers, then pulled out a clipboard. "So your name is Allen Walker?"
"Yes."
"Then, you're right. You are reserved to room 215." The receptionist stated as he pulled out a key from another drawer. He placed them on the counter, and I took it. "We hope we can be of good service to you during your stay here. If you have some problems going on in your room, don't hesitate to tell us about it."
"Thank you very much, sir." I gave him one last smile, before I set off for the elevator.
-Linebreak-
I stepped out of the elevator. I was at the second floor. I spotted a sign attached to the wall that says: 209-218 with an arrow pointing straight down the hallway at my right side. I followed to where it was pointing. 210...212...213...214...there! 215! I grinned, upon seeing my room door.
I used the key given to me and unlocked it. I grabbed the doorknob and twisted. The door let out a creaking noise as I opened it. I went inside and closed the door before me.
It's not too big nor too small, it's just the way I prefer it. Normal sized. A living room with a small kitchen attached to it, a mini-fridge..it's enough. Despite how exhausted I'am, I'm still eager to explore this room. I opened the door, leading to the bedroom. It's just a simple room and a small bathroom attached to it.
I took a glance at the time. It was already 11:00 P.M. and I'am dead tired.
Tim flew from my head and rested itself next to the pillow. I placed my suitcase on the desk. Then laid my luggage down gently. I zipped it open, to pick out some loose clothes to sleep on. I entered the bathroom to change and brush my teeth. I came out a couple of minutes later, after I had placed my clothes on the waste basket.
"Finally..." I mumbled as I walked to my bed. I got into the covers and pulled the comforter up to my shoulders. "I'll just sort out my luggage tomorrow morning..."
I felt Tim move beside me. "Goodnight, Tim.." I yawned. I blinked my eyes sleepily. I wonder how Lenalee's doing...
And that was my last thought, before my eyes closed. I fell asleep immedietly.
~To be continued~
Author's Note:
That took a while. Well, hope you like it, Minna! I hope that I won't be gone for too long..it depends on my time though. It's a beautiful weekend today and I thought it's a perfect day for an update! Yeah, maybe I'll update mostly on weekends. I'll try to get it ready soon, please give me some time. :)
As always, reviews are highly appreciated! Stay awesome and see you all next time!
~ZeroMystoganWalker 1718
