Chapter 9 (Friday, Week 2)

"You realize that normal people are not up yet?" Mamoru asked sleepily.

"Well, yeah. I mean, my whole family's still asleep. I'm aware it's a little on the early side at the moment."

"I wouldn't call 4:45 a little on the early side – I think WAY too early would be far more appropriate."

"Would you like me to leave you alone? That way you can go back to sleep?" Usagi teased.

"Nah, I'm up now anyways. But why are you up?"

"Been awake for the past half an hour," she told him as she crawled from bed and made her way to the window seat. "I woke up and wasn't tired any more. So, I laid there thinking."

"About…?"

"Everything," she answered evasively. "Can we do today's question now?"

"I suppose. Any particular reason?"

"I think I want to get together with Ami and Makoto and tell them the news. Momma and Daddy have put their stamp of approval on it and Shingo's thrilled. Mi-chan, you, and Motoki already know. That leaves them, and Rei – but, she'll be an entirely different story."

"You're nervous about telling her," he guessed, shifting in bed to sit up reclined against the headboard.

"I just know this is going to affect a lot of people. I don't want this to go badly or for anyone to be hurt."

"Aw, Buns…"

"What's today's question?"

"Changing the subject doesn't mean we won't come back to this later."

"I know."

"Alright, then. Today is least favorite word and you're first since I was last night."

"Regret."

"Orphan."

"Oh, Mamoru."

"It's okay, Buns."

"You don't have to explain that one," she offered.

"But, will you still explain yours?"

"Yeah. I guess it's just been hard dealing with Mi-chan leaving those few years, my behavior in junior high, and Rei in general. It's hard not to question whether or not my life would be better if I had chosen another path. Everyone thinks about it; it's too hard not to do. But, I hate having to answer that I regret something. In the end, all paths have eventually led me to happiness and made me a better person – at least, I hope that it's made me better."

"You are better, Buns. You're pretty much the best."

At her continued silence, he chuckled and questioned, "Blushing, huh?"

"Mamoru!" she gasped. "Be serious."

"I am."

"If you say so."

"I do. Really. Now, should I ask if you will be able to stay awake all day if we continue this conversation instead of sleeping?"

"I'll catch a quick nap after school before the girls and I get together. And, even if we hang up now, I'm going out for a run in a bit and won't go back to sleep before then."

"Then, what subject would you like to discuss, Miss?"

"How about Saturday plans?"

*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*

"Hey, Makoto!" Usagi called, hurrying to her friend's locker. "Any plans this afternoon?"

"Nope. Something in mind, Usa?"

"Supper, just the four of us, at five o'clock?"

"Sounds awesome! Anywhere special?"

"Wherever you want, just let Ami know in first period and Minako and I at lunch. See you, then!" she called, headed on to class.

*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*

Usagi turned at hearing her name and waved to her approaching friends. "I'm so glad you suggested pizza, Ami. I've been craving this for a while!"

"Still thinking with your stomach, huh, Usagi?" Makoto teased as she hugged the girl. "Feels like forever since we've all gotten together like this!"

"Oh, most definitely!" Minako added. "But, I'm so glad Usa suggested it."

"Yes, it was a good plan, Usagi," Ami praised as she wrapped the blonde in a loose hug. "However, I'm afraid I can't stay for long – studying awaits."

"And, I have a movie date later tonight," Minako chimed in, winking at Usagi.

"Don't tell me you have plans too, Makoto?" Usagi questioned.

"Afraid so, darlin'. I have a hot date with the guy who looks like my old ex," she explained.

"Sheesh. I guess I'm studying tonight, too," Usagi commented. "Ah, well. I could probably use it."

"Waiter alert," Minako warned. "Who wants what?" It didn't take long for the girls to settle on a pizza and for Minako to order it.

"But, before we digress into too much girl talk, Usagi and I have something we need to share with you," Minako told the two across the table with a serious look.

"Okay," Makoto agreed as Ami nodded and settled her drink on the table to turn her full attention to the blondes.

"We took yesterday off school with our parents to tour Tomoe," Usagi explained. "Our parents suggested we head there next year. I'll probably only be there a year before college and then it won't matter, but we did agree it was a good idea."

"In fact, we signed contracts with the school yesterday. I'll start training about August and Usa will start the gymnastics program not too long after we finish finals," Minako chimed in.

"Now, before you get upset," Usagi added as Makoto opened her mouth to speak, "This decision has nothing to do with you. We will miss you both dearly, but can't pass this opportunity. We're hoping that we can still make time to get together at least once a week."

"Congrats, guys," Makoto said as they finally finished. "You both deserve it."

"Of course they do," Ami added with a glance towards Makoto. "I do anticipate our schedules will make it hard, but we will manage to get together, as you suggested, on a regular basis. You shouldn't let any fear of hurting our feelings impede such an important academic decision. We'll make things work like we did when we went to different junior highs."

"Oh, Ami," Usagi sighed, reaching across to hug the girl. "Thank you. We didn't want you guys to be upset over this and we're so glad you're not."

"Just promise to introduce us to any hot boys and I think you'll have two perfectly content friends," Makoto teased as their waiter returned with their pizza and the subject turned to lighter matters.

*M&U* *M&U* *M&U* *M&U*

"Your mom said I'd find you here," Mamoru commented as he joined Usagi on the swing that hung from the oak in the backyard. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah."

"You sure?" he asked when she didn't even glance at him.

"Definitely," she assured, finally lowering her gaze from the sky to reward him with a happy smile. "Things went so well this afternoon."

"Good."

"You didn't have to come over," she told him as he turned more to face her.

"I know I didn't, but you said you would be here this evening and I wanted to find out in person how things went."

"Thanks."

"You bet, Buns," he answered, moving the swing gently with his feet. Then, adding, "You planning to stay out here for a while?" At her nod, he continued on. "Mind if I just sit with you?"

"Sure," she whispered, sliding closer. Relaxing into his arm across the back of the swing, she held up her light blanket in an offer of sharing and sighed in contentment. All was well with the world.


Thoughts?