Near the Lake
By Hidden Pen (Original by Allquall)
Chapter Four: Flight 378, Now Boarding to London
May 13th had drawn close quickly, before I knew it, I was preparing my cap and gown for the day I would leave Astraea for a long time and throw myself into the real world.
I had been getting phone calls all day on the 12th. My parents congratulating me, my friends calling asking about my plans, which of course I didn't reveal, and of course people thanking me for things, I did that year. Also AALL called at least twice to set up my new arrangements. I would be living off campus in an apartment my parents got me.
My blood was pumping from all the excitement; I must have eaten at least 3 times as I did normally. It was a miracle I didn't get fat from all my eating. I must have had 4 Danishes the morning before the ceremony, and pocketed a few extra to munch on while we were preparing.
It was a long morning getting ready, but at long last the ceremony was happening. Butterflies were flittering in my stomach.
The bell rang and commanded the ceremony to begin. We all stood side to side waiting for them to call our names.
To my right side was the now more than ever elegant Shizuma. She was as majestic as ever, and her hair was extra tidy today, and I noticed it was sporting 2 small blue ribbons that hung down to her chest. Her face was soft, and she seemed to be smiling. I thought nothing of it.
They began to read off names to call down to receive their diploma. I waited anxiously.
I peered into the crowd and saw my parents there, and they waved to me. I gestured my arm back to signify I saw them.
During my waving I felt a small touch to my other hand. I looked down to see Shizuma holding my hand. A small tingle went up my spine as the surprise. What could the meaning of this be?
"Thank you Chikaru..." She whispered.
Neither of us turned to make eye contact, but I listened intently.
"I know it was you who set up the thing with Miyuki and Tamao to help me and Nagisa. I have a gut feeling. I don't know how you did it, but you could very much have saved our relationship." She said without turning still.
"I just know you would do the same for me." I said almost inaudibly.
"You give so much Chikaru, I don't know how you can, and you take so little in return. You deserve more than you're getting Chikaru..." Shizuma's words were soft and seemed to be slipped out and off her tongue.
"I'm happy with everything I have Shizuma. I have no reason to want more, I don't need it. I try and keep things simple." I responded with a smile. Through the corner of her eye I know she could see that smile.
"You are so mysterious Chikaru. Just when I think I've figured you out, you change everything I know, the mystery that is you, will always elude me." Shizuma said with admiration.
"I'm really nothing special." I replied.
"That's not true, you really are unique, and I hope when you leave this place today you learn this, and find someone who will take care of you, or at the very least, in your case, you take care of them. I know Lilium was made for making girls into good housewives, but you go beyond that, you don't accept what tradition says, but at the same time you don't defy it, you find a way to go through without having to change anything and still have different outcomes." Shizuma seemed to have a serious expression as she whispered to me.
"I guess some people are looking for their way, and others found it. I'm one of those people who aren't searching, I'm carving my own path, but I try to play by the rules along the way," I said.
"When you step foot in your new school, I hope you remember my words. A caged bird is always protected by its cage, but a free bird can be shot down much easier. You're that free bird, you can soar as high as you desire, but there are people out there who live just to bring free birds to the ground." With that more serious note I seemed to be more interested in what she was saying, although I couldn't understand all of it. However my questions would have to be held, as I heard a name announced that removed her from my side, and her hand from mine.
"Hanazono Shizuma," bellowed the speakers.
She walked up proudly and picked up her diploma and walked off the stage. She seemed to grin at a familiar face in the crowd. The redhead seemed to acknowledge this as well. I don't think she saw Shizuma hold my hand, which made me feel a little guilty, but then again there was no romantic interest in either of us.
"Miss Chikaru." Said a voice.
I had realized they had called my name, and now wanted me to give my speech. I prepared myself and walked up to the microphone and bowed as I took the device.
"Students, parents, and teachers." I began.
"Astraea Hill is a part of us all.
Parents for their patronage and effort to get their children enrolled here at this institution.
Students for their hard work, for the past few years, more or less for some of us.
Of course the teachers, for assisting us in making it to this day, they have worked hard on getting us here." I said sternly.
The crowd was silent waiting on my words. I looked and saw the face of Kagome. All thoughts left my mind then, I just felt like I needed to let my feelings of Astraea Hill out.
"I just wanted to say... That Astraea Hill is like a home to me. It greeted me every day with opportunity and helped me prepare myself for the world outside. It provided me with a future, hope, dreams, and of course the family I've made in my time here." The words left my heart rather than my mouth.
"It pains me to leave this place, because I love it here, and I can't imagine what it's going to be like waking up every morning, and not being in my dorm room, and not having to put on the uniform I've grown so attached to.
All three schools: Lilium, Spica, Miator, all of them are great places, and as council president, I've had the great opportunity to experience what each school is like, even though I hold my loyalty to Lilium." The crowd waited for more words.
"I also wanted to thank a special someone for reminding me that even after I'm gone, it'll be as if I never left. There will be people who will talk of what we've done for this school for generations. Those are memories, and memories never die. They live forever." I could see Kagome smile at me ever so softly.
I looked over at Shizuma, and saw her eyes were fixated on me.
"I also wanted to thank a student, who gave me some kind words today." Almost whispering I said.
"I'll always have a place in my heart for Astraea Hill, and Lilium. It's been a pleasure to attend this school. If I had the chance I'd do it all over again." I finished the speech with those words and set the microphone down and walked off the stage. On my way down I could hear uproar from the crowd, they cheered and clapped, a few whistles.
"Way to go Chikaru," spoke the sweet voice of Nagisa.
"Thank you Nagisa, I wish you the best of luck with your relationship with Shizuma, and finishing high school." I smiled.
"What about you though, what are your plans?" Asked Shizuma as I was about to walk away.
I froze.
"That is a secret." With a giggle and a wink I vanished from sight.
My parents held their party as planned. I was the guest of honor of course. I didn't like being the center of attention, but for their sake I put up with it. Half the people there were family friends and relatives I didn't know or probably only had only met once in my infancy.
One man congratulated me without even telling me his name, but then again I was probably expected to know this much.
"So I hear you're going to London soon Chikaru?" Said this man.
"Oh, yes, I'll be going to AALL for English and Physics." Said I.
"It's a good school, don't dilly dally, you've got a good future ahead of you, we're all proud of you." The man spoke.
"Oh, it wasn't really anything special, really." My face had flushed red.
I was sitting at the table when my mother had announced for everyone to pay attention to her. She accomplished this by tapping a glass with a spoon.
"Everyone, I'd like to make a toast." She boldly said.
I sank in my seat lightly from the embarrassment.
"To my daughter, Chikaru. For her graduation and also full scholarship to AALL where she'll be boarding the flight to tomorrow afternoon." She said.
"It pains me so much to see her now all grown up and going out into the real world, but that's just me as a mother. I couldn't be more proud. It seems like just yesterday when she was first getting fitted for her uniform at Lilium. I just got her back, and now I have to let go again, but I have confidence in her. She's stronger then what she was. She's not the little girl we all remember. She's ready for this." The words rang across the entire room.
Some of that made me ache. I wasn't strong, if anything I was afraid of anything that was unknown to me. I just ignored the bad, and embraced the good. I was the furthest from strong as one could get. I was a coward, a weakling.
"So here's to her." Said the voice of the hand that rose her glass.
"To Chikaru!" Said everyone taking a sip.
"Let's do my girl a favor, and get her one last good night in town before she leaves if you know what I mean!" Yelled the voice of my obvious father.
"YEAH!" Screamed a lot of voices and whistles.
"Father..." I said softly.
"Who want to take this lovely young lady home with them?" Slyly announced my dad.
My mom was just giggling; she didn't even attempt to stop him. He was embarrassing, but the life of the party that's for sure. Another one of his attempts to get me to hook up with someone.
A bunch of females crowded around me at his command. I blushed furiously. I glared at him slightly, but didn't have time to maintain that glare, as the crowd around me was all giggles and trying to talk to me at once.
They offered phone numbers and hugs, and I took them trying to appease the crowd. After the dance music came on and they all rushed to the dance floor I was relieved.
"See any you like?" Winked my dad.
"Not really..." I said with a light blush.
"Awww, you're so picky Chikaru, what is it you're after. I just wanna help, you know that." He said with a hearty smile.
"I know, but I prefer someone more... Slow paced..." I spoke.
"Ahhh you're a real romantic aren't you?" He laughed.
"I suppose. I am just afraid of going too fast." I admitted.
"Don't worry about it; you've got plenty of time, especially with all those cuties in college." He nudged my shoulder as he said this.
I giggled.
"Just promise you'll find someone okay?" He said with a worried face.
I attempted to find words to respond to his request. Nothing came out.
"I just don't want you to end up alone, you're a wonderful young girl, and anyone would kill to have someone like you in their arms. You don't want to be alone for your life do you Chikaru?" He asked very seriously.
"No, of course not!" I responded rather loudly.
He smiled and pet my head softly.
"That's the spirit. Don't give up, but you'll never find someone if you don't try. I know you think you know what you're looking for, but that may turn out to not be what you want. You gotta experiment a little. You think I met your mother on my first try?" Asked the old man.
"She says it was the second try." I toyed. I couldn't contain my giggles.
"That's your mother for you..." He said lowly. "You'll always be your mother's daughter won't you?" He added.
"Guess so." Winking I gave this response.
He laughed and patted my shoulder and walked off. A small smile snuck its way onto my face. Father cared, that's all that mattered, even if he was weird about it.
Night came and I slept in the comfort of my own room back at home. I hadn't slept in this room for nearly 6 years. It felt good to lie on my bed after a long time. It reminded me of my dorm room, mostly pink, and traces of red here and there. There was a little bit of white gasping for air under it all.
I laid my head to rest and my eyes followed the example. Soon I was in a deep slumber.
The next morning arrived and I was up bright and early.
I was packing away, I didn't want to forget a thing, and soon I would be welcomed into my new school. However a long flight awaited me before hand.
I was so excited I skipped breakfast, and by the time lunch came around I devoured every bit I could reach. My mother only laughed.
At long last, the moment was here at hand. The airport.
I had all my bags ready and my clothes were nice and tidy. My hair was tamed and I was well ready. My parents sat there waving to me as I made that walk to the flight attendant and handed them my ticket. First class.
My father gave me thumbs up on the way in. I just blushed and returned the gesture.
I looked at my ticket and located my seat. I would be sitting next to a young man who looked slightly older than me. He looked about 18 or 19, he was nice and tidy, and he was dressed very formally. Apparently he had a reputation to uphold is my assumption. He had a company logo on his briefcase, I couldn't make out what it was, but he was typing away on his laptop not noticing me standing in his presence.
I sat down quietly and said nothing; we didn't even make eye contact to acknowledge the other's existence. He just tapped away.
I thought nothing of it and just sat quietly. I could see my parents blowing kisses and waving madly through the window. I smiled in their direction; this seemed to make the uproar greater outside the plane.
At long last the pilot told us over the speakers to fasten our seatbelts. This was going to be a long trip I could tell.
By the looks of it the man next to me had no interest in talking or even noticing me there. So I decided it'd be best not to bother him. Chances are he might not even speak Japanese anyway. He looked less of a social type too. He was handsome though, very charming indeed, however not enough to make me go straight mind you, it would take more than that.
I glanced at him one last time trying to get a look at my neighbor for this long ride to London. Who was he I didn't know, but something about him seemed like I had known him for a while, rather than just now, and I didn't even know him now. I haven't even spoken to him yet. Either way he seemed like a nice person. I was thankful to not be seated next to a total jackass, it happened to me on another plane ride before. The person there was rude, arrogant, and just plain stupid. He seemed to be under the impression ice sinks when winter ends, clearly not the greatest person to ask anything if he made such an assumption. That and he smelled terrible, his odor was more overbearing than my father's cologne, and that was saying something, my father always overdid it with that stuff.
I looked at my watch and saw it was about time to take off.
My assumption was correct; I listened to the announcement upon taking off.
"Flight 387: London. Now taking off"
A/N: Alright so there's chapter 4, chapter 5 is being reviewed and almost ready to be submitted as I work on 7. I hope to submit a new chapter every 3 to 5 days.
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Fun Facts: This story is scheduled to be 20 chapters or more, and a small 3 chapter side story filling in the missing details.