Aya arrived not long after the bozos left. She slowly opened the door and closed it gently. I looked up and noticed she looked a little down.
Oh god, I thought, What crap has been going on now?
But I said nothing and smiled brightly, "I found some ingredients in the fridge to make Miso soup. Surely you don't mind?" I tried not to make that a question, because it's too late to save the ingredients.
Aya, to my relief, shook her head, "Of course not." she replied, before walking into her room and closing the door.
Huh, I thought, stirring the pot again, I know she is not exactly the most cheerful person in the world, but I don't see why she is going all Itachi-emo-depressed at the moment.
But I decided to leave her alone, so she can let her mind swim a little by herself. Luckily it was not long until I plated up dinner and called Aya out of her room. Don't see the point in why she went in in the first place.
"Ta-daah!" I cheered in a really derpy way, presenting Aya with her bowl of, actually rather decent smelling, soup.
I hopped onto the couch next to her and watched while she ate, before slurping up a mouthful myself. The silence was doing my head in so I started to go all gossip girl.
"Did you know how amazing Kiba is?" I asked, looking up at the ceiling, trying to remember his dreamy face.
But all I got in return was a "I was here before Reika, remember?"
I felt a vein pop out of my head, before I forced out a, "Oh yeah." before grinning slightly, slurping up some noodles and chewing quite loudly, "He is funny, a rebel, never really does anything by the book." I giggled at remembering the stick men drawings on our question paper, "And he has an adorable dog named Akamaru. He's so cute. I think I might have a crush." There wasn't really any doubt about it. Kiba is gonna be mine someday.
"Another one?" Aya sighed, and when I looked at her confused she continued, "You had a crush on Sasuke when we first arrived at the academy."
I snorted and scowled at that name, "I know, but Sasuke has too many admirers. I hate competing. Beating them is too boring and easy for me." That's old news darling, my inner self added, making a dismissive gesture with her hand.
Aya did not seem entirely impressed, but when she put her spoon and bowl down she looked at me with her glittering eyes, "I wish I had feelings like you again. There was someone that I liked before I left the village."
I crossed my legs and twisted my body to look over at Aya, my head completely engaged in the conversation now, "Oh? Who? What happened?"
Aya sighed again and replied, "Neji Hyuga."
My eyes felt like they were going to burst out of their sockets, "Ooh, a Hyuga." I thought about the clan for a second with their Kekkai Genkai and awesome Byakugan, "Interesting choice, but I see where you are coming from. Carry on."
And Aya did, talking about how she and him met after the academy to do training, and how she actually was happy to be alive. But since she met up with Itachi again, she didn't want to turn him away again. After training and awakening her Sharingan, she felt hatred, so her feelings left her, an empty hollow shell. I understood everything, but I cannot say much, because I have not suffered the same way she has. My emotions are still here (yes probably immature and not the best emotions and attitudes, but they are still here).
"And you met this Hyuga and was partnered up with Sasuke?" I asked
Aya nodded, "Both were bitter and cynical. Neither of them were as happy as before I left. They were both depressed and sour."
"They both cared for you I see." I replied, trying to keep the moral ground, because this girl really needs the support, but also needs to get over this pity, "The loss of you was their hurdle and they failed to jump it. It's not your fault it happened. You just followed the path you needed to. Things will get better from here, and who knows, maybe one day you can reveal who you really are, and you will find happiness again." I smiled at her as best as I could, the fragile girl needs some support. And big time.
Aya sighed, "You're a good one Reika. I hope you are right. I really do."
I smiled again, "Come on now. We should be getting to sleep. We need to be fully energised for tomorrow."
I grabbed Aya's hand and dragged her into her room, "Get your pyjamas on while I go to the bathroom."
And in a flash I headed to the bathroom and started to wash my face. As my fingers ran past my scar, I remembered everything that happened during the fire.
"Little Reika-chan. Please don't cry. Mummy doesn't like seeing her little doll so sad." Mother stroked my cheek as the flames started to snag the apron she was wearing. She flinched as the flames bit into her leg, but she remained strong, picked me up in her warm arms and climbed the ladder into the attic of the house. She placed me in the corner and smiled again, "Don't worry, little doll. Mummy will always be with you. You may not see me, but I am there. Watching your every move."
I started to cry even more as Mother stood up, her skin on her leg going bright red and peeling off. Mother undid the clasp of the locket she wore on her neck and clasped it round my neck instead.
"Look after this for Mummy, Reika-chan. It has lots of memories and secrets inside. Do not open it, until you need it." Mother explained, before planting one more small kiss on my forehead and whispering, "Mummy will always love you Reika-chan. My little doll." and she left, back down the ladder and into the inferno.
I never saw her again.
I gasped loudly before splashing more water onto my face and gazing back into the mirror, Don't do that! I hissed to myself as I dried my face off. But then I snagged a spot on my scar again.
"Ow!" I growled out loud.
For some reason my scar has always been an open wound. It never closed up properly and I have no idea why. It never bleeds and never becomes infected. It's just so strange, but I never examine it further, just in case it gets worse.
After cleaning my teeth, I rubbed my head and climbed into bed. Aya set one up in her room before a spare room is going to be emptied out for me.
I couldn't get to sleep, but that is quite common. I always have those nights where the past comes and hits me in the face. And by golly it was one of those nights.
