Hehe... This is embarassing

Takuya: Thanks. In the time you have gone, I have grown up, matured, gotten Zoe pregnant, has mutiple children, then got married, then divorced, then married again, got a drinking problem, died, came back to life, died again, got married, had more children, divorce, came alive again-

Me: Dont lie, you'll never mature.

Takuya: You believe the rest of the things I've do-

Any whoozle, Im so sorry, I am incredibly slow at this -_- Please dont kill me! So as you've probably learned, updates are going to be slow :L

But Hopefully I will master up the strength to -

Takuya: Yeah yeah, fuck off and tell the story

The Chapter Where Everything Happens, and you can't afford to miss this chapter, Where I wonder whether my story is going to be a short one and Where my eye wouldn't stop twitching.

Zoë's POV:

He wasn't there the next morning. I wandered the apartment, my hands clutching a mug of coffee, knowing that time was ticking away and I was going to be late for work. I sniffed and unwrapped my dressing gown. I sat on the bed, my head buried in my hands. Maybe I shouldn't go to work, I reasoned, Sure I couldn't face the twins today. I should look for Takuya, he's hurt and needs rest, and that's the right thing to do. But since when had I started doing the right thing.

I arrived into work, my head held high, my uniform crumpled, my hair long and straight and shiny. I sat behind the desk, my eyes completely focused ahead, though there was no one in the store. Mr Junko passed by, while commenting on my breasts, and I felt my eye twitch but I didn't even look at him. Disconcerted, Mr Junko continued to his office which he shut with a bang.

I was alone in the store with the twins, for the day. I felt Koichi's gaze and knowing fully well Koji was in the staff room, I logged on the computer and continued the work I hadn't finished the previous day. By midday, I had finished all the work I had for the next week. I didn't realise how much time I spent wasting it away talking. Now I had nothing to do for the next week. But I promised I'd be gone by the end of the week.

But knew my promises meant as much as paper to money.

My hand hovered over the phone, deciding whether I should call Takuya. I decided against it, not wanting my voice to fill the empty store. I wasn't sure what Takuya actually did during the day. I knew he had a job, and he brought home the pay check every fortnight, exactly the same money. Whenever I asked he said it was something like I did and he would change the subject. Usually I left it at that but then one day I badgered him until he admitted he worked across town from me, in a hardware shop, repairing broken equipment. I had nodded triumphantly.

But now, I wasn't sure where he was, because I was certain he hadn't gone to work. Unless he had set out an extra 2 and a half hours to get away from me, while he was recovering from concussion. The thought sent shivers down my spine.

'Zoë?' I was startled out of my reverie

'What?' I answered irritated, breaking my promise not to talk to either of them. I mentally kicked myself.

'I-I need to talk to you'

'Whatever' I said, turning away. I stood up from my stool to walk outside for some fresh air but a hand clasped my wrist.

'Stop, please. I need to apologise.'

'So you take back your claims about Takuya not being real?'

'No I know he…was real.'

I felt a horrible cloud of terror fall on me. I was still not facing him, my wrist clenched in his hand. We were linked, but I refused to acknowledge him. Now, I turned around, trying to keep my cool, but feeling like I was going to break down. Was I figured out? I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came back so I snapped it shut.

'In here.' Koichi pushed me into a closet and he closed the door. We were completely on top of each other, squished together and I saw him blush in the dim light. I watched as the redness from the blush started at his nose and spread out until his ears and half his neck were covered in a blush. I stared at him coldly.

'Look…' He said slowly and kindly, 'I really am sorry about… what I said before with Koji. I had no right. I was just upset you didn't like me I guess-'

'But I did like you,' I insisted, 'I liked you as a best friend. Besides my boyfriend, I haven't had a… friend since 4 years ago' I saw Koichi gulp. His eyes regarded me before saying something that shattered my confidence and rocked my world.

'Look. Remember how I… I said you looked familiar. Well I looked up your name and… Takuya's, and up popped this' He hesitated before pulling out a printed out photo with a web address blazoned across the top. It had a picture of me and Takuya, one of me on his back. The same one used for Takuya's contact on my phone. I knew the picture well.

But so did the rest of the world unfortunately.

Takuya's back was slightly bent but he was grinning up at the camera. His hair was dark chestnut and unruly, sticking out in tufts. His eyes were always complimented, because they were really big with a beautiful shade of amber/dark brown. He had really tanned skin and broad shoulders, though he was short in stature. I was perched on his back, bent with him, my face also looking up into the camera. My pale white skin in contrast to my long flowing blonde hair streaming out behind me, was what some people thought pretty. My big emerald eyes were smiling, with my grinning mouth. I remembered that day so well.

Flashback:

'Hurry up Zoë!' Takuya laughed as he twirled around, his arms outstretched as if to catch the wind flowing through his thick hair. The grass was waving around his ankles, where his jeans hung. He was wearing a loose black t-shirt that fit him well with jeans that didn't show his underwear like most boys his age. His Converse were just normal black, the same as mine. I struggled up the hill, the black short sundress blowing up. I huffily held it down. My green eyes searched the park.

'Why are we here Takuya! I don't want to go to the park for my birthday! I want to go to a movie and maybe then back to my place' I raised an eyebrow and Takuya stopped spinning and stood still rooted to the spot. I winked and suddenly he blushed hard, looking so cute. He glanced around embarrassed but I didn't see anybody watching. In fact everyone was an least an acre away. We were near the gate, black in paint but chipping away from age, standing on a hill with waving grass, strange to find in the middle of Tokyo. I reached the top of the hill where Takuya was standing. I flung myself into his arms.

'You know' I whispered in his ear, reaching up on my tip-toes, 'I am still 3 months older than you. I am now officially 16 baby. And your still a measly 15 for another 3 months' I leaned back and smiled slightly at him and he smiled and pushed me gently.

'You still hold that against me after 16 years'

'15' I corrected, 'Not 16 until your 16 idiot.' I pecked him on the forehead and he held me close. 'So uh, why are we here? I don't see any picnic or anything'

'That's because…' He paused, 'I've got a surprise for you' He said this really loud and I leaned back, covering my ears. 'OK!' I shouted back at him. He leaned on his hip grinning and then his smile disappeared. He half turned his body, 'I have a SURPRISE for you' He said again, almost shouting. I turned to where he was shouting, the gates. He glanced at me and chuckled sheepishly. He then turned his whole body towards the gates and screamed a the top of his lungs.

'I HAVE A FUCKING SURPRISE FOR YOU!'

Suddenly a flood of people appeared through the gates, holding balloons and food and drinks. I gasped as Takuya picked me up and whirled me around.

'Happy birthday babe.' He said before kissing me full on. I heard cat calling and cheers from out group of friends.

'There must be over a hundred people here!' I said, wrapping my arms around his waist. He rubbed the back of his head, modestly.

'Takuya organised the whole thing. He called everyone, by hacking into your email account and your Face book.' Offered my best friend Amy, helpfully. I turned to Takuya, letting go of his waist. He held up his hands as if to protect himself.

'You did WHAT!' I bellowed, reaching for his neck but he just grinned and pecked the top of my struggling head. Somebody brought out huge blankets and we all sat on them talking and celebrating. Somebody offered me a beer but I declined, I didn't want to get pissed and forget everything.

'Happy birthday Zoë!' Was called out by guests passing by. Boys came along and patted Takuya on the back.

'Get in there you lady's man. Zoë's a fine specimen' Said one passing by. Suddenly Takuya was up, and the boy was hanging from his collar clenched in a fist of Takuya's.

'Never ever say anything like that about Zoë again, or else you'll find yourself spitting gun out through your forehead.' He let the guy drop and he scattered away, fear in his face. There was a loud silence and then Takuya bumped down on the ground beside me. I was flushing with silent pride. Suddenly there was someone clapping, then another, then another, from slow to fast until almost everyone was clapping.

Takuya blushed and hid himself under his hair, and huddling nearer to me. I laughed and pressed against him, feeling strong feelings of tenderness and love. Suddenly a cake appeared in the hands of JP, our good friend for many years, closely followed by Tommy, a younger member of our group at school but just as loved. Everyone started singing happy birthday and I felt happiness rise as if a lump in my throat. I let one tear slip, my grin never faltering as I blew out the candles.

'Zoë?' Takuya said worriedly, wiping the falling tear before anyone else could see, 'Did you not like the surprise? Would you have liked something smaller? Shit I'm sorry.' I looked from Taki's anxious face and slowly around the people I most care about chattering and laughing.

'No it's all I could ever ask for. Your all I could ever ask for.' Takuya grinned and hugged me and I hugged him back. He then picked me up and swirled me around and I hopped on his back. He leaned forward, still roaring with laughter.

'Ugh, you look so light!'

I laughed back and looked up just in time to see a flash. Amy stood with a camera. 'Sorry' She said, 'I couldn't resist snap a picture.' Taki looked up a my face and I looked down, a feeling of warmth brushing through me.

'Picture perfect' Amy said gently as Takuya and I kissed each other happily.

'Love you' He said softly, his dark brown eyes searching mine.

'Love you too'

I didn't say anything. Words constricted in my throat as tears welled in my eyes.

'It said on the website that you were missing. And then I remembered. Your Zoë, Zoë Orimoto, the 16 year old girl who went missing 4 years ago when a drunken gang threatened to rape you. Your…' He broke off before furrowing his eyebrows, convincing himself of something before going on, 'Your boyfriend, Takuya Kanbara was mutilated and murdered by the drunken gang. Someone called the Emergency Services, but they still don't know who did.

The call was apparently before the gang could advance on you. Takuya… died at the scene. And you disappeared off the face of the planet before the police arrived. You have been sighted for the past 4 years, your parents are desperate, setting up the huge campaign of 'Find Zoe'. Millions of US dollars have been donated to find you. Everyone thought the gang that killed Takuya killed you two and destroyed your body. So you were making it up, to get away from me. Takuya died, he can't be your boyfriend-'

'SHUT UP!' I said before slinking down the wall, tears welling in my eyes and spilling into my palms. It was true. Takuya had died 4 years ago on his 16th birthday party we threw in a friends house. We had been jumped coming out of the party and chased. They killed him in front of me. His blood stained my clothes and hands. His face was almost unrecognisable, his body mangled, every bone broken. He died in pain, and I watched unable to do anything. I escaped by ducking under one of the men's arms. And I ran.

I just ran away.

But I couldn't escape.

I felt a hand on my shoulder.

'You don't have to run anymore. I can help you. We can be together, and you can see your parents again. You can be safe' I saw his blue eyes shining with the possibility of it. I shrugged him off.

'Now I think, calling the police might be a good idea. We can notify that I…' He trailed off looking ecstatic. I knew Koichi was looking forward to telling the police that he had found me, he had found the invisible Zoe. I knew that just going as myself, with no contacts, natural hair was such a bad idea but I just wanted Takuya to see I hadn't changed. And here I was being told he had died 4 years ago as If I didn't know.

Maybe I didn't.

Something hit me like a train and I slunk further down the wall so I was almost sprawled on the floor.

Was…was Takuya just a figment of my imagination?

Maybe I was making him up to get through this tough time. And now he left, and I was alone because I could finally be reunited with my family. I bit my lip as Koichi's voice faded in and out. I wept into my hands with vengeance. I felt him shake me and I leapt up like a scared deer and jiggled the door handle to escape but Koichi had grabbed me. I started wheezing and everything started blacking out.

Koichi called my name as I sank to the floor, my vision fading, my heart thumping loud

'Zoe, Zoe!' I saw him mouth my name.

But all that was flashing in my mind, in big bright neon letters.

Takuya

Takuya

Takuya

After 6 months, he wasn't real. I felt my world crumble around me for the second time in 4 and a half years. His kisses goodnight, his sweet nothings in my ear, his love, it was all something I had dreamt up so I wouldn't be lonely, so my hopes and dreams and wishes wouldn't fall apart again. Because I needed him to have them realised. Because he was them.

I found strength and pushed Koichi away and skidded out the closet and out the shop, my car left forgotten in the car park. I just ran and ran, knowing the last time I ran, and I meant really just ran to get away, was away from Takuya 4 years ago. This time I hoped I was running towards him. I reached a tourist information office and slowed, thinking of what I was about to do. I walked in, my breath coming out in heavy gasps in the January air.

'Excuse me?' I asked.

A blonde woman looked up from her I-Pod and smiled showing a row of straight neat pearl whites. She swivelled her chair to face me.

'Yes, how may I be of assistance?'

'Hi, um excuse me, is there a mechanics store, or a hardware shop in the north of Shibuya.' I shoved my finger at the map placed conveniently beside the desk. She looked surprised, then thoughtful before saying in a calm manner.

'Um, no I'm sorry. That's a housing estate, with only a off-licence and a supermarket nearby. Sorry'

My breath caught in my throat as I nodded sombrely and staggered outside, only to take off at lightning speed.

Had I made up a place to work, to help me believe. How much of my life was fiction… or more importantly, what was real? Suddenly I was caught from behind. I was turned around by Koichi. He held me at an arms length but there was something too physical about the way he held me.

'Don't ruin it.' I found myself saying, tears dripping into my hair, 'I-I… How many have you told?'

'None.' He breathed, 'Not even Koji'

'If I ran away and hid for so long, do you think I want to be found?' I said, trying to pull away but his grip was strong. I saw he was reasoning in his head, his blue eyes brimming.

'I can save you' He whispered.

'I don't want to be saved. No one can save me now.' I said before breaking away. I considered for a moment before raking my sleeve up. On my shoulder was a scar. An intentional one.

Taki

It read shakily but clearly, done by a knife.

'I'm always with him Koichi. I love him. I always will. Goodbye Koichi, don't expect to see me again.' I said, my hair flying over one shoulder. Koichi sobbed out a reply that I couldn't hear and then leaned in and pressed his mouth to mine.

It didn't feel right. He wasn't Takuya. Takuya kissed me gently as if I was the most precious thing on earth, melding his body to mine. Koichi shoved himself on me, swallowing me whole in passion. I pulled away and ran down the street, not looking back. I ripped up dust as entered the apartment grounds and I flung myself up the stairs, around the corner, down the corridor, in the door. And it was then I was in.

The apartment was empty.

Just like I thought it would be…

I really thought I was going to end the chapter there at one stage!

Takuya: Bitch!

GO AWAY! Anywho, so yeah, Zoe's on the run from the police, Koichi knows her secret and Takuya is apparently dead, so who has she been seeing?

A demon? A ghost? Her sanity slipping away!

Find out next time on WHATAMACALLIT! Xx