Ok I know it's been a while but here it is finally.
School the next day played out just like yesterday, walked to school with my new friends said hello to the security guards at school and started class, but once lunch rolled around things got interesting.
During lunch after everyone got their food and sat down I popped a question that's been bugging me ever since I laid eyes on Seira and Regis, "Hey Regis is your hair naturally that color?" I asked.
Seeing the boy scoff at me he said matter of factually, "Of course it is, why wouldn't it be."
"Well its just I've never seen someone with hair like that that's natural, when I first saw you and Seira I thought your hair was dyed."
Scoffing again he said, "I would never do such a thing to my hair."
Laughing at him I just shrugged, then getting an idea I got up from my seat walked over to Regis's side and started ruffling through his hair.
"What are you doing!" He yelled out in panic.
"Oh calm yourself I'm just checking to make sure, besides you have these two black stripes on the sides I wanted to see if you were telling the truth." I said laughing.
Running my fingers through his hair I took a close look, or as best as I could with all of his struggling and found that his hair didn't feel like someone's whose been dyed.
"Wow you hair is naturally like that." I said amazed.
Feeling a pair of hands swatting at me I quickly moved away from the struggling boy, seeing his face flushed he glared at me. "Why would you do such a thing?"
His face was just too funny, laughing at the boy I told him, "Why not?"
Sitting back down I heard Shinwoo and Ik-han laughing, "Wow I don't think I've ever seen someone do that to Regis." Shinwoo bellowed out.
"I couldn't help it I was curious." I said still laughing.
"I told you the truth I don't know why you would insist on thinking I was lying to you." Regis said still with the scowl.
Smiling I shrugged, "Like I said it's just I've never seen someone with your hair color, actually I could ask the same thing of your hair Shinwoo." I said turning my attention to the red head.
With that Shinwoo's laughing abruptly stopped, seeing as how he was sitting next to me the boy got up and ran to the other side of the table. "Hey now my hair is naturally red so there is no reason for you to be doing what you just did to Regis."
"What's wrong Shinwoo embarrassed." Suyi gently teased.
"N-n-no! It's just, just…" It seemed he couldn't get his words out and also his face flushed to the color of his hair. With his antics the girls and I laughed that much harder which in turn made Shinwoo hang his head in shame.
"Awe Shinwoo I'm sorry." I said brokenly with laugher.
After we all settled down from making fun of Shinwoo we all settled into a nice chit chat until I brought up the topic of everyone coming over to my apartment, "So guys I was wondering if ya'll aren't doing anything after school today why don't you come over to my apartment."
Seeing everyone's eyes light up at the suggestion Yuna and Suyi were the first to answer, "That would be amazing Ari, we're in."
"Awesome, how about you guys?" I asked looking to Shinwoo and Ik-han.
"Seeing as how I live in the same building as you heck yeah." Shinwoo said with excitement, Ik-han also put his two cents in by saying he'd also go.
Now all that was left were the last three, "So Rai, Regis, Seira how about it?"
"Of course I'll go." Said Seira.
"If you insist, I will go as well." Regis said scowling still.
Last but certainly not least there was Rai, "Rai?"
Looking at me he just gave a small nod, smiling I made a sound of excitement tonight would be the first night I wouldn't be alone.
"Awesome I can't wait!"
:...:::...
Later in the day it was time for P.E which meant that I got stuck helping the teacher and that consisted of me running paper errands. Running from one side of the school to the other dropping off papers to various teachers was beginning to tire me out so in one random hallway I decided to take a break. Seeing as how no one was in the hallway I decided to go wandering around the school, besides I'm sure my teacher wouldn't mind all that much.
Hall after hall I wandered I still couldn't get over how nice this school was or how big after a few minutes of wandering I came across an empty gym. Looking in I saw something that was absolutely amazing to me…a balance beam. Quickly looking up and down the empty hallway I made my way into the gym.
Taking in the gym I saw that there were two balance beams with padding underneath them, smiling I made my way to the one closest to me. Placing my hands on the beam I lifted myself to where I was straddling it taking in a few breaths I stood walking to one end of the beam I reached out my arms to either side of me.
Biting my lip I mumbled, "Aw man this is such a bad idea, but god how I've missed doing gymnastics."
Taking a few deep breaths I crouched low and did a backflip, landing I let out the breath I was holding and with that came a sharp pain to my side. Crouching I let one leg straddle the beam while my other supported me, lifting my shirt I inspected my side. Seeing that the cut wasn't bleeding or opened in any way I decided to do a few more tricks since I knew my class period was almost over.
Standing back up I quickly did a handstand but my concentration was quickly lost due to my uniform jacket falling over me. Coming out of the stand I threw off my jacket and my t-shirt which left me in my tank top.
Now feeling like I could move more freely I did a few more flips and handstands, but with those moves the pain in my side increased. Rolling my shoulders I tried to shrug off the pain, obviously that didn't work but thankfully I was going to do one last trick.
Once again walking to one side of the beam I took a few deep, deep breaths readying myself I did three backflips, by the time I was starting the third flip I was close the other side of the beam. On the final flip I landed with one foot on the beam following with the downward motion I kneeled with my other leg dropping to the side.
Holding the position I had on arm in front of me and the other behind so I could balance myself out, with that position I had to contract all my core muscles which began to aggravate my injury. Not caring for the pain I concentrated on holding that exact position for as long as I could.
Suddenly I heard someone call out to me, which in turn made me lose my concentration and fall to the padded floor. Groaning I looked to the side to see who had interrupted me, standing by the gym door stood Takeo.
"You know it's never a good thing to yell at someone who's doing something like that." I mumbled out just enough for him to hear me. Lifting myself into a sitting position I tried to catch my breath, feeling a gentle hand pull me up I saw Takeo giving me a concerned look.
"I'm sorry Ari I didn't mean to frighten you." Now fully standing I saw that Takeo was still giving me a concerned look and pointedly staring at my side.
Brushing off the look I asked him, "What are you doing here anyways."
Giving me a raised brow he countered with, "What are you doing here exactly? Your teacher was getting concerned since you haven't been back in a while he said you'd be in this area of the school so I came out looking for you and here I find you."
Giving him a sheepish smile I shrugged, "Yeah sorry 'bout that."
Rolling my shoulders I tried to get out the stiffness I could feel beginning to form due to my fall and I also ran a hand down my side to be sure I wasn't bleeding thankfully I wasn't, "I'll head on back out alright." I said looking back at Takeo but there was a look on his face that showed he was still concerned.
But he wasn't exactly looking at me, he was looking right at my injured side with the way he was looking I just knew.
"He told you." I said accusingly.
Realizing that I knew Takeo opened his mouth as if to say something but I didn't give him the time of day, quickly grabbing my jacket and throwing my shirt on I stormed off to the principal's office with Takeo hot on my heels.
A few short minutes later I came upon the office door, slamming open the door I went straight up to my startled principle and slammed my hands on his desk. Glaring at the man I told him plainly, "You told them."
With somewhat wide eyes Mr. Lee looked to me then at Takeo whom was behind me, seeing realization come across his face he sighed deeply, "Yes I did, but I only told them the nature of your injury not on how you got it."
Looking over my shoulder at Takeo he gave me nod, "It's true that's all he told us."
Running a hand through my hair I took a seat on one of the couches in the middle of the office, rubbing my hands over my face I sighed deeply. Hearing the door close I saw that Takeo left the office, looking back in front of me I saw that Mr. Lee had taken I seat on the other side of the table.
"Why did you tell them Mr. Lee." I said with a bite too my voice.
"It was in your best interest that I told them Ari." Making a very un-lady like sound I scoffed at the man.
"Please explain that one to me Mr. Lee. Because I would really like to know why other people I don't know are knowing my business."
"They needed to know Ari, just to make sure that you are being careful."
Frowning at the man I sighed, "Look I know you're just trying to look out for me but I don't need anyone here trying to babysit me."
Calming a little I rubbed the bridge of my nose, I knew Mr. Lee was just looking out for me but I am a big girl I don't need no babysitters. "I'm sorry I snapped at you like that it's just I'm still sensitive on that subject."
Giving a slight nod Mr. Lee gave me a look of understanding, "It's completely understandable Ari, but I need to make sure you are doing fine I know the experience you went through has been traumatic."
Letting out a bitter laugh I mumbled, "Aint that the understatement of the year."
"Look Ari let's just put this behind us and get on with the day go on ahead and get back to class." Mr. Lee said.
Nodding I rose from my seat and shrugged on my jacket seeing as how I still had it off, making my way to the door I was stopped by the sound of Mr. Lee's voice, "Also Ari, please don't be wandering off from class."
Busted. Letting out a lite laugh I nodded and left.
…...::::::::...
Finally school was out for the day and the best thing about it was that today was a Friday also everyone was coming over tonight. Meeting up with everyone at the front of the school I couldn't wait for everyone to come by the apartment, "So you guys ready."
"Of course, we're so excited." Yuna said, behind her there was a collective nod of heads mostly from Shinwoo and Ik-han.
"Alright then let's go." After saying goodbye to Tao, Adjussi and Takeo and me apologizing to Takeo we all headed to my home.
This time around the walk home was highly entertaining, with all of us joking around and having playful shoves here and there. Most questions that came today were directed towards everyone but me which was a relief, today it was me having questions about everyone. With the questions I learned that Suyi was a popular celebrity and that Shinwoo was highly wanted by other schools due to his athletic abilities especially in the martial arts area. Which made me realize how he was able to beat those guys with such skill yesterday also that he and Yuna have been friends for years. Also I found out that Ik-han was a little computer wiz which was good because maybe he could help me with my few computer issues.
As for Seira and Regis I found out that their hair was naturally that color that one was fun to figure out, and finally there was Rai. Well Rai was sort of just there since the boy didn't talk much I couldn't get a lot out of him besides the occasional nod, but I guess that was due to him also being overseas. For as much as I wanted to ask him about where he was from I got the feeling he wouldn't exactly say.
Finally after a good fifteen minutes we made it to my apartment, walking up the few flights of stairs we came upon my apartment. Unlocking and opening the door I was greeted with a heavy body colliding with me, "Jeez boy relax. Come on in guys."
Grabbing Titan by his collar I dragged him away from the door which enabled everyone entry to the apartment. But with the attendance of all the new people Titan was able to quickly get out of my grasp, pulling away from me Titan suddenly body slammed Shinwoo to the floor licking his face.
"Ah, get off!" Shinwoo yelled, but you could faintly hear a laugh to his voice smiling I tried to drag my dog off of him.
"I'm sorry he just gets a little excited around new people, but since he wants to say 'hi' let me introduce ya'll to my dog, Titan." I said proudly.
Making him sit Titan finally calmed a little but that didn't last long, for in the next second he was back up and greeting everyone. Going up to Rai Titan sat before him tail wagging, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth Titan patiently waited to be petted, or he may have been waiting to jump on the poor boy. Thankfully he didn't, Rai raised his hand to rest it on Titan's head, hearing a satisfied grunt come from the dog he slowly leaned into Rai.
Satisfied with the attention he got from Rai Titan quickly moved onto the next person, sadly though I couldn't say that Regis got away from Titan's jumping greeting. The second Titan laid eyes on the boy he launched himself at Regis, with the collision of boy and dog someone was once again laying on my floor with Titan above them.
"Oh for heaven's sakes boy stop jumping on my friends." I laughed aloud, letting out a quick whistle Titan perked up and got off of Regis.
"Have some control of that animal Ari." Regis said once he stood back up, rolling my eyes I pointed to Regis with a wicked smile, "Sick-em boy."
With a yelp Regis was back on the floor with Titan once again licking at his face, laughing aloud everyone just stood around and watched the licking torment Regis went through.
"How's that for control Regis?" Shinwoo laughed out.
Seeing as how everyone was just standing around I called off Titan's little lick attack and motioned everyone to have a seat in the living room. Now my living space was a decently spaced area, after you walked in the living area was to the right which had natural light coming in due to the large patio windows.
Finally having everyone seated I ran to the kitchen to bring out a few snacks and drinks, by the time I got back I saw that Titan was lying across the laps of Yuna, Suyi and Seira. With his head at Seira's lap it looked as if his ears were getting the best rubdown due to his tail wagging viciously. Laughing at the site I sat myself down next to Ik-han, "So what do ya'll think of my apartment?"
"It's big, who else lives here with you?" Ik-han asked.
"Well right now I live alone, my dad is still in America finishing up some important business so its just Titan and I for now." I explained.
"Wow, how long will your dad be gone?"
"Depending on how things go maybe another two months or so." Shrugging my shoulders I took a sip of my drink, "But its fine really, I'm used to him being gone for weeks to months on end, we normally keep in touch so I at least I know he's fine. So getting off that subject what do ya'll want to do?"
For the rest of the night the lot of us played computer games and fooled around, by nine o'clock everyone left and when they left they left a mess in the kitchen and the living room table. Laughing I finally knew what Mr. Lee was talking about, "Well guess I should start cleaning."
And clean I did after that I relaxed for the rest of the night, smiling to myself I looked to Titan who was happily sleeping by my feet. "Guess you enjoyed the company huh boy. Yeah I think life here is gonna be good."
:…::…..
6 months later
"Guys come on Seira is cooking tonight!" Shinwoo yelled with excitement.
"Alright, alright just chill Shinwoo." I said trying to calm the overly excited boy, so far today has been good I've spent most of the morning with Shinwoo, Ik-han, Suyi and Yuna. Looking back at the past few months the lot of us have become close friends starting from simple sleep overs to mass dinners over at Mr. Lee's.
Thankfully my injury on my side has healed up nicely so now I could move more freely and without much pain, but due to how I enjoyed my running and gymnastics I would constantly irritate my wound. When it finally healed up it of course scarred over but if someone were to put the slightest of pressure or touch it, it would hurt.
Now however my only true and irritating problem throughout the past six months was that my dad has yet to move over here, I know how important his job is but even still I wish he was here. My dad and I still keep in contact via cell but over the past few phone calls him and I have gotten into a few arguments so now we're sort of not talking.
I haven't heard from my old man in a good few weeks but what did I care, as of now the five of us were on our way to Mr. Lee's for dinner the moment we knew Seira was making food we finished up our walking around and headed to Mr. Lee's.
"Hey guys after dinner do you want to come over to my place and watch movies for the rest of the night?" Ik-han asked.
"Yeah that sounds like fun I'm in." Shinwoo said.
With a look between Yuna, Suyi and myself we smiled and nodded our heads, "Sure we're in to."
Finally coming up to Mr. Lee's place I reached the door first so I laid a few quick knocks waiting a couple of seconds the door opened to reveal Takeo. "Takeo! We have come to invade the principles home once again." I said with a bright smile.
"I can see that, come on in kid's dinner is almost done."
Stepping inside we said our 'hellos' to everyone, while Shinwoo and the others made themselves comfortable in the living room I headed straight to the kitchen. Peaking in I saw Seira cooking away, "Evening Seira would you like any help?" I said giving the girl a smile.
"There is no need Ari, everything is almost done." She said politely.
Seeing as how the table wasn't set yet I took it upon myself to set it reaching up to one of the cabinets I carefully began taking out plates.
"Good evening Ari, and if I may ask what are you doing you're a guest here please we will set everything." Mr. Lee greeted while he tried to reach for the plates in my hands.
"Evening to you to Mr. Lee and it's fine I don't mind helping out." I said moving the plates away from his grabbing hands.
Not long after I set the table dinner was soon finished, after everyone gathered at the table we all started eating and talking about our day. About an hour into dinner I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket excusing myself I went out to the living room.
Pulling out my phone I saw a number I didn't recognize shrugging I answered it anyways, "Hello."
"Ari?" Asked a strangely familiar male voice.
"Yes, may I ask whose calling?"
Where have I heard that voice it so damn familiar.
Hearing the voice chuckle the man answered, "It's only been half a year and you have already forgotten about me, how sad my sweet little one."
Then it hit me knew it was, this was the man that basically forced me to move from my home, my school, my friends, the man that beat me stabbed me and nearly raped me.
"Speechless my little one, you honestly expected for me to be kept in jail? I was only there for a few hours after all I do work for the Union someone of my stature could never be held by public authorities. Now don't be afraid I know our last meeting wasn't exactly all that good but I know that our next one will be perfect. I'll see you soon my sweet Ari."
I couldn't breathe, couldn't think I was numb this couldn't be happening the man I thought that was put in jail for what he did is apparently out and now coming back for me. Dropping my phone I fell heavily on the couch, shaking myself out of m stupor I got my phone and tried to think of something.
My dad I needed to call my dad, so quickly dialing his cell I waited for what felt like forever for him to pick up but sadly he didn't answer, I tried this a few times with the same results. Now I could feel a few tears falling due to my growing frustration, "Ari?"
Wiping my eyes I looked over my shoulder to see Adjussi, if my dad couldn't help me then I knew for a fact that Mr. Lee and the security guards could. Over these past six months the security guards and Mr. Lee have practically become my family, so I would turn to them if I ever needed any kind of help.
And right now help is something I am going to need.
Licking my now dry lips I could tell that Adjussi knew something was wrong due to the growing concerned look on his face, "Ari are you alright?"
"No." I nearly whispered, turning back around I sniffled and wiped furiously at my eyes, hearing shuffling I saw Adjussi come into my line of sight sitting on the opposite couch.
"What's wrong?"
"I need your help."
Again I know it's been a while and I'm hoping the next one will be out sooner than this one