Highway Blues
From a Nightmare to a Dream
"Roxas."
"Mom?" I look into her loving green eyes unable to believe it.
"Of course its me." she says playfully. "Who did you think it was?" I run up to her and hold her tight not wanting to let go. I'm overwhelmed! My mom is here, right in front of me! Holding me tight. It's like a dream.
"I thought you were gone." I say in her arms never letting go, "I thought you had died."
"Of course not." She says kissing me on my forehead and looking down at me. "I would never leave you Roxas." I push the bad memories away dismissing them off as a dream. I just want to stay here forever...
(crash)
My eyes shoot open. The sound of glass breaking fills my ears and I can here commotion downstairs. I can tell Mrs. Tifa is yelling and I think I can hear Seifer too. I hear them all crowding around the door so I walk over the staircase to see what's going on. The clock on the wall says 7:33 and a broken vase is lying on the ground. Luxord is standing over the vase mourning over it. I look past him and see Seifer, Mrs. Tifa, and Dad all crowding out of the door and out onto the porch. Dad looks furious but I can tell he is trying to let Mrs. Tifa handle it. They all head outside and Luxord just manages to squeeze through before they slam the door. In the corner of my eye I see Namine jolt a little but when I walk over to sit on my mattress I can see she is still asleep. My mind tries to process what's just happened. I take a deep breath and silent tears begin to fall down my cheek. Nothing in my life seems to be going right. I dream about mom being alive even though she's gone, Mrs. Tifa and Seifer are fighting outside (And from what dad tells me this isn't the first time), my step-siblings don't like me, or at least Seifer doesn't. What's good about ANY of this? Yeah, dad gets to marry someone he loves, but did he stop to think about what would happen to the rest of us? Dad said this would all work out for the better, but everything has just gone from bad to worse. I feel miserable. I hitch a breath and more tears fall down. Tears of sadness, anger, and frustration stream down my face. Then the dream comes back. It seemed so real. I could feel her, smell her, touch her. But it was all a dream, no a nightmare. It's like my mind is playing tricks to push me deeper into my depression. Torturing me in my sleep. It worked. I sit on the mattress, lightly sobbing, and place my hands over my face to hide myself from the world.
"Roxas?" I look up to meet Namine's worried gaze. I quickly turn away and burry my face in my pillow to soak up the sobs. "It's OK to cry Roxas. What's wrong?" I hate when people see me cry. It's embarrassing. She walks over to me and sits on the head my bed.
"Nothing you can help with." I tell her truthfully lifting up my head to look at her. Really, there is nothing she can do. My mom is dead and my dad is married. There is nothing she can do about it. I must have looked pretty pathetic considering she gasped when she saw me. I flip over onto my back so I can see her better. She looks really worried.
"Well um, do you wanna talk about it?" she asks shyly
I think about it for a sec. I don't know her very well, but it would be nice to vent all these emotions out. I take a deep breath and think about it. Well, I'm probably never going to see her again so why not?
"Well, nothing seems to be going right. Waking up to arguments, Seifer is making my life miserable, I keep dreaming o-" I choke on the words and more tears well up in my eyes. I pull myself together just long enough to let our a "never mind." Then I flip onto my stomach, bury my face in my pillow, pull the covers over my head, and bawl my eyes out. I don't really care who sees right now. I don't care that Namine is sitting right next to me probably worried, or that she probably thinks I'm the softest guy she has ever seen. After a I calm down a bit, I peek out from under the covers to look at Namine. She had curled up in her bed under her covers and is facing me she catches my eye and gives me a soft smile. I come out from under the covers and sit up straight.
"Feeling a little better?" she asks sitting up as well.
My eyes hurt and the air is thick. I need to get out of the house. "No. Not at all." I say truthfully. Her smile fades and she looks down at her hands. "It's not your fault Namine." I assure her. "There really isn't anything you can do. After all, you know absolutely nothing about me and I only just met you." I state plainly
"Y-yeah, right." She looks down at her hands and a faint blush paints her cheeks. I just shrug and walk over to the bathroom. While I'm washing up I can hear the door slam but there is no yelling. I guess the argument is over. As I turn off the shower, I can here Mrs. Tifa telling Seifer off. I brush my teeth, throw on a pair of khaki pants and a black T-shirt, then head out the door. Namine is gone. I look over the railing and the only ones I can see are dad and Mrs. Tifa sitting on the couch looking exhausted.
"Hey dad, mind if I go for a walk?" I ask walking downstairs. He looks over at me tiredly and nods.
"Just bring your cellphone in case you get lost." he drawls, his eyelids slowly drooping.
I hop up the stairs two at a time, grab my cell, spot my backpack, grab it too, and return down the same way. As I step out the door a nice breeze greets me. A nice day to walk, to think. I walk down the street and eventually reach the city. It's closer than I thought. Only a half hour walk away. I stop by a local restaurant and wait in line. It's small and made almost entirely of wood but I can tell it is well maintained. The lights are dimmed just a little to give it a sort of cave like feeling but in a good way.
"Helloooo handsome." The cashier winks at me. She looks about my age with blonde hair and an orange shirt. Her name tag says 'Rikku'. "In case you haven't noticed my name is Rikku. How's it goin?" She smiles sweetly at me. I blush not sure what to say. She just giggles.
"Uhh," I stammer awkwardly. "don't you have other customers or something. What I mean is, shouldn't you take my order so you can help the other customers?" I look down nervously. She just smiles at me.
"What customers?" she asks innocently. I turn around, and the atmosphere sinks in. It's like the five other customers just disappeared! There is only one other person here and she is eating her food while watching... US! I turn around quickly only to meet a pair of light green eyes. She grabs my wrist and leads me over to the table where the girl is eating and tells me to sit. I obey. My stomach grumbles so I decide to stand my ground. I look her straight in the eye and try to look as serious as possible.
"Rikku," I say firmly, "I did not come here to talk. I would like to order my food and get back to-"
"Relax." She says putting her hands up defensively. "I ordered for you." She says it as if it's the most natural thing in the world. "Don't worry you'll like it." she says smiling at me reassuringly. I guess she noticed the annoyed look on my face. I relax a bit and she does the same, looking satisfied. "You're Roxas right?" I give her a curious look.
"Yes," I answer with hesitation. "but how do YOU know that?"
"Well, Olette told me, that's Olette," she points at a brown haired girl in an long orange shirt and pale yellow capris. I wave and she waves back giving me a cheery smile. "she told me that Namine met a nice guy at Luxord's house. She, that is Namine, said he had blond spiky hair and deep blue eyes." She smiles at me. I just shrug and wait for her to continue. "Anyway, Olette and I wanted to meet you but Namine thought we would embarrass her. Pfft, like that would ever happen. Or, at least it wouldn't have happened if she had introduced us to you earlier." She smiles evilly at Olette who grins back. I just sit not knowing what to do. "So what do you think of Namine?" She asks turning back to me.
I sit back and look up, thinking about how to answer this question. "Well," I start. "I don't know her well enough to give a full opinion. But she seems nice I guess." I scratch the back of my head nervously.
"Do you think she's cute." she asks with a sly smile. I turn red in the face and look down, pretending to think. Unfortunately Olette notices.
"Hey! He's blushing! Rikku he likes Namine." I look up and they both stare at me wide-eyed.
"I don't have a crush on her. Yeah she's cute and all, but I don't-"
"Ha! You got that Olette?" Olette holds up a tape recorder and my jaw drops. She presses rewind and then play. I can hear my voice playing.
Roxas: "Yeah she's cute and all" rewind "she's cute and all" rewind "cute and all" rewind "cute"
"Alright!" I say frustrated reaching for the recorder. She places it in her purse and begins to walk out. She knows I can't follow her or try to snatch her purse. If someone were to see me, well you get the picture. I huff and sit down looking at Rikku who, again, looks satisfied. "What was that all about?" I say exasperated. "You aren't gonna show Namine are you?"
"Well," she looks up in mock thought and smiles. "We might reconsider showing Namine if you have the skills we're looking for. We need a cute guy who can sing. We have a couple of backups but they're kinda... well you're my first pick so can you sing." I look at her in disbelief.
"Why do you need a singer?"
"Me, Namine, Olette, Yuna, and Paine are all part of a band, called the Gullwings, and need someone to lead sing for the Festival talent show."
"The festival has a talent show?" I ask
"Of course. Every year. But can you sing?" she looks at me desperately
"I don't really know." I answer honestly. I haven't sang since 3rd when they forced everyone in our grade to do the king tut dance
(Flashback)
Dancing on stage singing:
"King Tut!
How'd you get so funky Tut?
Did you do the monkey?
Born in Arizona, moved to Babylonia King Tut!"
(Flashback)
Heh. That was back when they could get us to sing and dance like idiots without knowing about it. I knew better in the 4th grade. When they made us do the chicken wing, I knew I was dancing like an idiot, unlike my classmates. I did the dance, but I did it with rebellion and as much poise as I could muster up, considering I was doing the chicken wing in the 4th grade. Yep I was a rebel, they told me to put my arms in my armpits and flap my arms, I put them below my armpits. They told me to flap three times, I flapped FOUR! They told me to step out my left foot, guess what? I step out my RIGHT! Of course I couldn't be too obvious with the whole "resistance" thing considering mom and dad were sitting in the front row but I did what I could. Several different people in the audience smiled, laughed, and pointed at me. I was so proud of myself when I stepped off stage and couldn't understand why dad was snickering and mom kept saying stuff like "he tried Cloud" and "it wasn't that bad". Or why one of the teachers walked up to mom and said he wanted to "evaluate" me. That is, until I saw the tape. I was so out of sync with everyone else it was insane. Everyone else actually looked good since they moved as one unit. I looked like that one "slow" kid everyone has in their class who couldn't get it right but tried. Because I was trying to be elegant while doing it I looked stiff and uncomfortable, though I really was uncomfortable. All those soft smiles they were giving me before were sympathetic smiles. I danced on the stage like an idiot. Ironic right.
"Hey!" Rikku brought me back to reality snapping and waving in front of my face.
"Oh! Right, right. Well I really don't know."
"Do you know Leavin' by Jesse McCartney?"
"Like the first few lyrics."
"Well? Sing!"
"But, we're in public. Other people might not want to hear me sing." I REALLY don't like to sing in public. It's just not my thing. I don't like to sing.
She sweatdrops "Roxas, we are alone in a hole in the wall restaurant. I doubt anyone will hear you and if they do, I doubt they will care. SING!"
I immediately begin singing what I know. As I sing her face lights up and she holds up her hand for me to stop.
"That was incredible!" she exclaims throwing her arms up in the air. "You sing JUST like him! Like your his twin or something! You are definitely singing for us."
"Woah, slow down." I say putting up my hands "I never said I would sing for you."
"Do you really want Namine to know you think she's cute?" She says raising an eyebrow. I think about it. I don't want to sing but I really don't want Namine to get the wrong idea. I mean, I just met her.
"Fine." I say with a sigh. "But the concert is in two days. This Friday. How am I supposed to be ready to sing with you guys by then?"
"Simple. We spend all of tomorrow practicing!" she says excitedly. She stands up quickly and pulls out a pen. She grabs my hand and begins writing "This is my number and address. Come by at 10:00 am. If you're not there by 10:05 we will assume you're not coming, show Namine the recording, and take out one of our backups. Got it?" she asks with all seriousness. I need yes and she smiles at me. "You'll do fine Roxas. And there is a cash prize." My eyes instantly light up.
"Money? You never said anything about money." I say standing up with her. She is taller than me by about an inch.
"Yup. 500 munny to the winning band. That's almost 100 munny each!" I could use some money. Besides, it's not like I want to spend the entire day in the house with Seifer being all moody. This could actually be fun.
"Well then, you can count me in." I say cracking a smile. She squeals with joy and gives me a hug.
"Hey Rikku do you-" Namine walks in and looks at us. I instantly break the hug and we lock eyes. She looks upset. "Oh, sorry I didn't realize I was interrupting something..." She turns to walk out but Rikku catches her shoulder.
"No it's not like that. Namine, I got us a singer." Namine's lips form an 'O' out of understanding. Then she smiles.
"That's great Roxas! I didn't know you could sing."
"Yeah. Neither did I." I say sheepishly.
Rikku yawns and turns around to look at the clock. "Wow. 8:30 already. Well, I'm heading home you guys want a ride?" She looks to me first.
"No thanks. I think I'll walk. Besides, I still want to see more of the city."
She looks to Namine. "No thanks. I think I'll walk."
"Suit yourselves." She says walking away. I hear her murmur 'shojo addict' before she leaves and Namine's face heats up. I was about to ask her what shojo is again when my stomach roars. Then I remember I never got anything to eat.
"Hey Rikku!" I shout. "What about my food?"
"Yuna put it on the counter before she left." She shouts, hoping into the car and driving off. I look behind me and see a small styrofoam box with 'Roxas' written on it. I pick it up and sit at a table, motioning for Namine to come sit next to me. She does. Inside is a star shaped fruit, a sandwich, and a note. I pick up the note first. 'Break the fruit in half and share it with Namine after you guys share the sandwich. Be sure to watch her expression, it should be priceless. XD ~ Rikku PS: Don't tell Namine about the not'. I shrug, stuff the not in my pocket, and offer her half the sandwich.
"No thanks. It's you food."
"What are you on a diet or something?" she blushes a little. "Look, please take it. I know you probably haven't eaten." She took the sandwich and ate it with a soft smile on her face. After we finished the sandwich I pulled out the fruit. Her eyes widen. I break it in half and she gasps and blushes madly when I offer it to her. "What?" I ask confused. "Does it taste bad?" I take a bite of my piece and smile. It tastes great! Like kiwi, and strawberry, and pineapple and some other fruit I don't know about. "This is amazing!" I exclaim. "You have to try this! Come on Namine. For me?" Her face turns even redder but she takes it and eats. She calms down and actually seems to be enjoying herself. That's a first for the day. "Ready to head out?" I ask finishing up my food and throwing it into the nearby trash can.
"Sure. Where to?" she asks getting up and dusting herself off.
"I dunno. Just walk around I guess." I shrug and head towards he door with her tailing closely behind me.
We've walked around for about an hour looking at different sights, hanging by the beach, and talking about each other. Turns out she is shy and fragile (big surprise there), likes to draw, play violin and stuff. I told her I like to play soccer, struggle, and play guitar. I don't really tell her about my past. I'll save that for when or rather if I get to know her better. Everything was great. The only annoying part were those random people telling us how we make such a "cute couple". Even if I do agree it's still annoying. Note, I agreed that we would make a cute couple, not that I liked her as more than a friend. Thought I slipped up? Not a chance.
"So what happens at the festival?" I ask as we walk down the beach.
"A lot of different things. There's rides and food and games." She says counting off on her fingers. "And of course the talent show." she says smiling at me.
"Sounds like fun! I can't wait." I look at the setting sun, admiring its beauty, and then at my watch. I reads 7:30. "We better head home. It's getting late."
"OK." she says yawning.
We arrive back at the house at about 8:10. I wasn't expecting much. After all, I had often times gone on long walks back in home. And dad didn't say much, until he saw Namine come in after me. "Well, well, well," he says with a smirk. He sets his book down and turns to face us properly. His eys flick from me to Namine and back again. "what have we here? So you guys decided to go on a date? Roxas you just met her." He says frowning playfully. Namine looks embarrassed and I'm no better off.
"I think I'm going to bed." I announce.
"But it's only 8 o'clock." Dad say looking at me in disbelief. "And you haven't eaten dinner yet."
"We ate while we were out." I say turning to head upstairs.
"Out on your date?" he says with a snicker.
"If that's what it's called when two friends go out, then yes."
He scoffs. "Hm. Just don't make any noise when yo wake up in the middle of the night." He says returning to his book. I head upstairs, take a quick shower and change into a t-shirt and shorts. Namine, is sitting on her mattress getting her covers ready when I walk in. Her hair is still wet from her shower. I flop down on my air mattress and some of the air squeezes out. Namine, who had just gotten finished eating and showering downstairs, just laughed at me and lied down on her bed. I crack a smile and roll over, pulling the covers off the floor and over me.
"Felling better?" she asks turning to me.
I look deep into her eyes and sigh. "Yeah. A lot better than this morning." I say with a smile.
"Good. Remember We have to be at Rikku''s house by 10 for practice. OK?"
"Ok. Good night."
"Goodnight." she says turning over.
Her image is burned into my mind. The day started out terrible. With nothing to look forward to but maybe a good walk. Now I fall asleep, dreaming of her, in a world without her. Ha! I'm so poetic. This day started out as a nightmare but quickly turned into a dream. A sweet dream. From a dream to a nightmare. No. From a Nightmare to a Dream...
A/N: Sorry it's late (again) but you have to understand I'm under some stress right now. If you didn't notice this last chapter was rushed so please forgive any and all mistakes. Thanks :D! Since there is only ONE reviewer I will mention her in here. Thanks PhantomGirl! Ok I gotta go. Got practice soon see ya next time on Highway Blues!