Chapter Three — neighbors?
"Hey, do you want to join the dance committee?" Kairi suddenly asked me in our next class. She had been staring off into space for the longest time, and I guess she just couldn't bring herself to ask me this quickly.
"What do you do?" I asked. She smiled brightly, bringing her hands together in delight.
"We just help the ASB kids plan dances, set them up, and have clean up duty afterwards. It's like a 'get out of class for free' ticket," she explained in a whisper. The teacher was patrolling the rows, making sure we were doing something productive.
"Sounds interesting. But don't you need like…experience? Or maybe a vote?" I whispered back, flipping through my literature book like I was interested.
"Naw, I'm class president. I can say who comes and goes," Kairi finished, just as we we're silenced by the teacher of doom. She gave me a thumbs-up behind her back, and I smiled.
"So this is the dance committee? It's kind of… small."
It was. With Kairi, Xion, a girl named Olette, Yuna, Rikku, Paine, and that preppy cheerleader Selphie, the dance committee was officially completed with me. A total of eight people to plan dances, set them up, (and none of us looked very strong) and take them down. I wonder how this is going to work out.
"What is she doing here?" Selphie exclaimed as soon as I walked in with Kairi. Xion stuck her tongue out, skipping over to the center of the ASB room.
"She's a member," Kairi said defensively.
"Why is she a member?" Yuna asked, throwing a fake smile my way. I returned one, rolling my eyes behind her back.
"Because I said so. Be nice," Kairi chided with a pout. The others scowled to show their disgust but made room for my small frame.
"Ok, well, since this is the first day of school, we should think of plans for dances throughout the year. I'm a now person. So…first dance, Sadie Hawkins?" Olette proposed. She had dark brown pigtails and bright emerald eyes.
"Sadie Hawkins? Ew. Save that for the middle of the semester, when we get used to the boys." Selphie giggled. Olette looked a little deflated, her eyes cast down to a small calendar opened on her lap. She bounded up again, with just as much enthusiasm as before.
"All right then, how about a Friday the Thirteenth dance? It's in September, so it gives a month of getting used to 'the boys'," she spat the last words, using her fingers as air quotes for dramatic effect. Xion giggled silently as Selphie glared.
"That actually sounds amazing, 'Lette." Kairi said in an obnoxious tone, grinning maliciously. Selphie shot her glare in my direction, threatening me with eyes of the devil. I swore she looked to me for backup, but I was in no mood to argue with one of my haters.
"Well, Namine? You're the newbie, what do you think?" Yuna hissed, glaring daggers at Kairi. For a split second, the table seemed split in two, Kairi, Xion, Olette and I on one side, and Selphie, Yuna, Rikku, and Paine on the other. I didn't like picking favorites, but in truth I actually did like the idea of a Friday the Thirteenth dance. It was a very creative idea, and it sparked my inner inspiration.
"I like Olette's idea too," I mumbled quietly. Kairi's grin grew as she sneered at Selphie.
"Well then, it's settled. A Friday the Thirteenth dance on September thirteenth, and a Sadie Hawkins some time after." she exclaimed cheerfully.
"How about on Halloween? Maybe we can have a masquerade ball." Xion quipped, and for once the entire table lit up with slightly interested nods. A masquerade… another sight for beautiful inspiration.
"All right, three dances down. Maybe we should talk budget," Rikku, the more eccentric and happy-go-lucky character from the trio across from me, proposed. She slid her thumb and index finger together, back and forth, to symbol money.
"Well, we can't go over five hundred, unless we pay ourselves," Yuna added in. Kairi looked thoughtful, so Olette spoke up.
"We can recycle the decorations we buy for the Friday the Thirteenth dance."
At this, I was thoroughly impressed. Olette was a really smart, creative person, and she seemed to be the key to the many masterpieces I was sure to draw. I smiled fondly at her, and she smiled back.
"Well then! That settles it. We're all done for today then?" Kairi asked, now perked up. Everyone nodded enthusiastically, grabbing their things. "We'll meet here every Wednesday and Friday, starting next week!"
After the strange meeting with the dance committee, I started my long, tiresome walk home. Okay, I'm lying. It was about twenty minutes away, but for someone like me who couldn't walk on a flat, stable surface without finding something to trip on, it was like a walk to my grave.
The streets of Twilight Town were always peaceful and safe, and trees would sprout over walls and fences to add some lush green colors to the orange and yellow sunset. The streets were never crowded, and for as long as I've been here, there has never been any type of car accident. Of course, unlike Market Street, Sunset Hill was always more of a picnic area, so it had to be serene.
I hopped up the steps and landed skillfully on the tram station, my book bag dangling lightly on my shoulder as I dug through it for my pass. I showed the lady behind the counter, and boarded the train.
Twilight Town was always using a system of trams as a source of transportation for the residents. The trams led to everywhere in town, up to the city limit. My stop would be Tram Common, or better known as Market Street.
The sliding doors opened with a whooshing sound, and I was greeted with the hustle and bustle of voices and trampling footsteps that was Market Street. This part of town was forever crowded, lined with two-story apartment complexes and department stores everywhere you looked. I was dragged into the ocean of panicking shoppers, letting them guide my way to the large hole in the wall.
I know. Random. But one day, some random kid decided to play with some fireworks near the tall border that protected the town. He blew a giant gaping hole in the wall, and behind it there was a beautiful forest, filled with all sorts of trees from around the world. My father led the first hiking adventure trip through the maze of timber, and it was there that he discovered a large, monumental clearing, so perfect for houses that they immediately began building. Here, a short distance away, is the higher, classier version of Destiny Hills mansions, without the paparazzi. (A/N: Beverly Hills, Kingdom Hearts style)
Every mansion was regal, lavish, and towered over you like a monstrous demon. Unfortunately, because of the expensive furnishings and pulchritudinous architecture, it was a common spot for burglaries and break-ins. My own home was close to the original forest trail, the tallest mansion above all.
I slowly wandered up the unpaved man-made trails, still growing wildflowers and shrubs, and passed the old, deserted mansion that stood demolished and broken next to mine. It hadn't been occupied for years, since old man Carls died. To my intense surprise, there were many people dressed in sweaty T-shirts and baseball caps carrying large pieces of furniture through the open doorway. Some people were restoring the paint on the worn out exterior, while others were hacking weeds down in the front lawn, which could only mean one thing: neighbors.
Narrowing my eyes at the hard working strangers, I sulked up the grassy front lawn of my own home and entered.
"Mom! I'm home!" I called, my voice ricocheting off of the walls and returning to my ears. A woman with slightly long indigo hair popped her head out from around the corner, smiling.
This is my mother, Rinoa Heartily Leonheart. You could say she's the reason for my abnormal memory manipulation power; she's a world renowned sorceress, who had been banished from her home land. Her hair is long and silky smooth, always left down till it skimmed the base of her neck, and her eyes were the same shade of crystal sapphire as mine. She was currently wearing her work clothes, which consisted of black slacks and a black and white formal button-up T-shirt. She came towards me, brandishing a spatula.
I removed my shoes and stacked them neatly by the door. "Before you ask, school was fine," I mumbled.
Mom gave a sheepish grin. "Well, it's my baby's first day of high school! I need to ask. Did you make any friends?" she asked hopefully. My mother knew of my abilities, and she constantly worried over me.
"Actually, I did. Three girls, Kairi, Xion, and Olette, and those four famous kids." You know, the Blitzball stars?" I stated casually. Mother gasped in surprise, her grin spreading, and she looked like she was about to start crying.
"You made some friends? Oh God, thank you!" she cried enthusiastically, catching me in a hug and refusing to let go. I struggled momentarily before hugging her back.
"There, there, mother," I cooed gently. Sometimes, she gets really overwhelmed, in case you haven't already noticed.
"Oh, I'm just so happy, Nami! You haven't had friends since your father and Zexion went off to the war!"
Zexion is my older brother by two years. I love him like no other, but unfortunately, he signed up for the war in Hollow Bastion three years ago, and I haven't seen him since. He's introverted, creepy, and a bit of a know-it-all, but to me, those are all of the factors that made him special. He used to protect me from the stares and whispers, and I even had a couple 'friends'. I didn't know they pitied me back then, but as soon as Zexion stopped coming to school, all of them left, and joined the big circle of haters that I have accumulated. A month after my brother was gone, I shut myself out from the rest of the world.
"Mom, stop smothering me!" I complained, pushing the older woman off. She grinned, twirling around in a circle like a lovesick fool.
"Oh, by the way. We have some new neighbors, honey!" she chirped. "Why don't you go say hello? They've got some nice sons, twins, and you could really use a boyfriend!"
"Mom!" I protested, blushing. She clapped her hands together, walking back to where I was standing.
"It's settled, then. Go on over there and take this with you, as a welcome gift!" She handed me a small cookie jar with Cookie Monster pictures all over it and pushed me back out the door.
I have a feeling this was all a set up.
Sighing in defeat, I literally dragged my feet across the grass, passing all of the sweaty workers who were flickering in and out of my line of vision, and knocked on the door.
"Why are you knocking? Come on in!" a voice called. I gulped, pulled my head up, and went in.
Inside, right by the door, was a beautiful brunette with sparkling ruby eyes. She looked harmless enough, wearing a black uniform and holding a clip board, but as I watched, her temper seemed to start getting off hand. She started yelling at the butler she was speaking to, and then punched the wall, with every ounce of power I could see in her body. The house shook from the blow, and a picture fell somewhere far away. I gulped again as she turned her menacing glare on me.
Instantly, the bloodlust in her eyes flip-flopped in to cheerful, welcoming orbs of sunshine.
"Oh, well hello there! And who are you?" she asked sweetly. I stiffened, bowing to hide my terror.
"N-Naminé Leonheart, Miss. I-I live next door," I stuttered nervously. The lady nodded, grinning.
"So you're the daughter Rinoa told me about! Well you certainly are adorable. I'll bet my boys would love you," she cooed.
Definitely a set up.
Blushing, I held the cookie jar out for her. "It's nice to m-meet you, Miss."
"Please, none of this 'Miss' business! Call me Tifa," she said, waving her hands around. "Boys! There's someone I want you to meet! Get down here!"
"U-uh…Miss Tifa, That's really unnecessary—"
"Naminé?"
I looked to my right, and standing in the doorway holding a rather large portrait was none other than Roxas and Sora. My eyes widened in dismay, wanting nothing more than to just turn around and sprint down the street.
Definitely a set up!
"So you've met?" Tifa asked suspiciously. Sora nodded, and the twins set the picture down.
"We met at school," Sora replied, grinning. Roxas gave me that suspicious but curious look.
"Well, what a coincidence! Roxas, Sora, Naminé, I guess I'll leave you all alone." Tifa grinned slyly, addressing each of us with a nod, before grabbing the cookie jar from my hands and stalking off to scream at another worker.
"What are you doing here?" Sora asked curiously.
"I live next door!" I hissed in a low voice. Roxas groaned, running a hand through his hair in frustration. My eyes narrowed.
"What's wrong with that?" I snapped at him. He jumped, looking at me in bewilderment.
"Nothing," he mumbled, turning away and running his hand through his hair again. I huffed.
"If you have a problem with me, spit it out," I prodded. For some reason, seeing his frustration set my temper on edge; normally, I would brush it off and get on with life. But right now? Ugh…
"I said nothing!" he shouted, defending himself. I scowled, crossing my arms.
"G-guys…hey, no need to fight…" Sora suggested lightly, but of course, he was ignored.
"Whatever. I'm leaving," I announced, sticking my tongue out at the other blonde. He returned the gesture, pouting.
"Way to be mature, guys." Sora mumbled. He was already sulking back to the oversized portrait. I stomped my way back to the door, fuming like an angry cat.
"Hey," a chilling voice called, and my spine prickled as I slowly turned around.
Lurking in the shadows of a small tree, a tall blonde with a full disarray of spiky hair stood ominous and sneakily, as if waiting to ambush me. I let out a little squeak, then bowed to show respect.
"U-um…I-I'm Naminé from next door…" I stuttered nervously, gulping down a huge lump that had formed in my throat.
"Relax. I'm not a psychotic serial killer. I was just wanted to know what you did to make my son so angry," the form said. I gulped again, stiffening.
As his question tumbled in my mind like clothes in a dryer, I began feeling like a complete idiot. I just snapped at two of my new friends for no apparent reason; just because Roxas ran his hands through his hair. I wouldn't call that temper snapping, but for some reason, it just happened. I was suddenly overcome with the desire to bite his head off. I wonder why?
After the long pause from my troubled thoughts, I blushed and bowed again. "I-I'm sorry, sir. That was my fault; I was mad at him first."
"And why were you mad?" he asked, emotionless.
"I…I don't know."
The man seemed to devour that answer, breaking down every syllable and measuring my tone. Another awkward silence filled the air as I watched him stare off into space with an unreadable expression.
My thoughts were setting a course for an unstoppable train wreck, so I paused, closed my eyes, and looked into my mind for the answers. I pushed my mental boundary forward, specifically looking for a certain blonde's memories, drinking them up once I found them.
She lives next door? Is this some kind of joke? Just great, now the first girl who ends up being different from all the others is stalking me…
Why is she so defensive? I didn't even say anything. What did I do?
Ok, she's seriously getting on my nerves. What the Hell did I do wrong? I never said I had a problem with her! Sheesh, I got her all riled up, and I'll bet she hates me now. When I finally believed I made a somewhat normal friend.
I wonder what was wrong?
I sighed, bringing myself back to the present. Of course he thinks I hate him now. Why was I being so stupid? What unseen force compelled me to be so cruel and short tempered? Why did this one boy—who just happened to appear in every picture I have ever drawn - have that kind of effect on me?
"Excuse me," I mumbled in a quiet tone, bowing to the man and scurrying out the door.
"Did you meet the twins? Were they nice? Good looking? Your type?" My mother asked, assaulting me with questions galore as soon as I stepped back onto the threshold. It was as if she was standing by the door the whole time, waiting for me.
"Yes mom, I met them at school. They're those two boys on that famous Blitzball team." I mumbled. My mood had already been deflated like a balloon; I wanted nothing more than to be alone in my room. My mother, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to interrogate me on the irrelevant.
"Oh! Famous boys, eh? Well, if they're cute, I'd go for them!" she pushed, winking. She was still swinging a spatula around wildly, and I couldn't help but flinch away from the weapon. I didn't get my clumsiness from my father.
"Mom, what are you making for dinner?" I found myself asking, already inching my way closer to the stairs. My mother finally stopped spinning and grinned.
"Pancakes!" she cheered. I sighed. Of course, breakfast for dinner.
"Okay. Call me when it's done!" I shouted, retreating to the inner sanctum of my room.
My room is like a holy altar of purity. No colors, all white, with a feeling of freedom. Plush carpets, clean walls, high slanted ceilings, and a window for a wall, with a balcony view. A large queen sized canopy bed in the far corner, with a white nightstand holding my white iHome and white iPod next to it. The walk-in closet directly across from it, doors painted white, and a desk off to the right, painted white by my brother. The transparent white curtains billowing slightly in front of the open balcony door, the railings white and spotless. By the window, in a shady corner, sat my unused art supplies, like a canvas, paints, pastels, and a couple new sketchbooks. The only color that brought a tiny speckle of life into the room was from the multiple drawings scattered around on the walls, all memories of people, pets, or just mindless scribbles that I happened to like. Beaches, sunsets, starry night skies, all sorts of vivid creations, displayed so crudely. I sighed, flinging my bag onto the bed, and wandered over to my balcony, relaxing as the wind whipped through my hair.
Here, in this sanctuary, thoughts would stop, and your mind would be blank. You could enjoy your surroundings, and see the beauty in life. Emotions would become dormant, and time would pass, but you would stay at a standstill, forever holding onto the moment of tranquility.
Then why, of all times when I need to stop thinking, does my sanctuary reject me?
I sighed, furiously scratching my scalp, before stomping back into the room, slamming my door shut. I never noticed the pair of bright blue eyes and the Cheshire cat grin following my every move.
Thanks a BIOLLION to Lycoris Calantha, my new Beta reader. ;) I wonder how I've been writing without one for so long. XD