UP—Wow! You guys haven't heard from me in awhile!!! Do I still have your attention? It's been what, two months now? Almost? Sorry about that! My life has been, as one of my friends puts it, crazy! Last time I updated I had a double ear infection, sinus infection, a bad cold/flu thing, a fever, and I think that's it. But now I'm perfectly healthy…well aside from the eye drops from the eye doctor…
Anyway, this chapter is BIG!!!! It's MUCH longer than my others and more climatic, I think…well…I won't delay you any longer—HERE'S…CHAPTER TEN!!!
CHAPTER TEN
1000 MEMORIES
Lenne awoke to a bright, sunny morning. Thanks to climate control it was usually sunny with occasional rain or such weather, but when that happened it was always just light and refreshing. Absent-mindedly, Lenne compared the rain to her hospital experience, though that had been anything but light. Just like rain, the hospital had supplied her, a plant, with a strong healthy body again, which she would never take for granted again.
As was routine, the songstress brushed her hair and teeth, then washed her face, and then got dressed. She was wearing a new lavender box dress for a casual day; for some reason, Lenne just loved dresses. Despite being a songstress with some pretty sexy outfits, she was a modest dresser most of the time, but occasionally allowed herself to flaunt her stuff at the concerts. Today, though, she had put on a bit of jewelry, which was unusual for her on the average day. Perhaps she was hoping to 'accidentally' run in to Shuyin.
As Lenne finished her breakfast with Mirelle, a smile crept on her face as the more assertive part of her mind took over. Screw accidents, she thought, I'm going to call him. After taking her plate to the sink and a bit of light conversation with her sister, Lenne was in her room, flopped down on the bed. Her hand reached out to clutch the cell phone on the bedside table. With a new thrill, she dialed Shuyin's number and waited for him to answer, heart quickening a bit.
"Hullo?" He sounded like he didn't know the number from his caller ID.
"Shuyin! Don't you know my number by now?" asked Lenne with a playful giggle.
"Oh…uh…I'm not Shuyin, this is the wrong number. I'm sure if you called this 'Shuyin' another time he would recognize your number," he said, disguising his voice.
"Very funny! No matter how hard you change it, I know your voice anywhere! I'll give you the phone number test when you least expect it."
"Alright, alright, you got me," he said with a small chuckle.
"Shuyin, you wanna meet me at the usual place again?"
He mock-sighed. "Lenne, you always assume I have a free schedule…"
Even though she knew he was joking, he was right. Perhaps the blitzball schedule was much tighter than hers. "Well…am I right?" she asked hopefully.
There was the slightest hesitation that Lenne didn't even catch. "Yep! Always are!"
"So…the usual place?"
"Meet'cha there."
They exchanged good-byes and then hung up. What Lenne didn't know was that Shuyin was canceling blitzball practice to see the girl he was crazy about.
Along the way to the beach, her cell phone vibrated and cut through her humming. Lenne checked the number, still humming, and her song immediately ceased. The number calling was…Zalina? As it rung a second time, she hurriedly opened the phone to answer. "Uh, hello, Zalina."
"Hello, Lenne. I need you to stop by and see me now."
"Are you sure…now?"
"That's what I said. There are things we need to discuss and review. Please come immediately."
Lenne hung up and groaned. Though she had to admit, this was unusual for Zalina to do. And Lenne had a feeling it wasn't to form a better relationship with an aeon (as Ixion had given her quite a bit of trouble before). Still, she was a little peeved when she called Shuyin to tell him the slight change in plans. Being the nice person he was, he said he didn't mind, but Lenne was especially irritated for this as she hung up from her call to Shuyin.
For the first time in a while, Lenne couldn't wait for the hover car to arrive; the sooner she got there the sooner she'd get back, right? Still…she couldn't help but be infuriated at Zalina while she repeatedly pressed a car-call button by the roadside. The one day she didn't want to go to the temple. Her one special day. Why was it making her this mad, though? With a fake smile plastered on her face, mostly an attempt to make herself feel better, Lenne stepped into the hover car and lounged on one of the cushy seats. As was usual, Lenne self-analyzed to try and understand why she was so angry…her irritation had already consumed her…
Perhaps it was because she hated being told what to do. Yes, that was definitely part of it, but also…Shuyin…
Do I really like him that much? I mean, we did kiss…that was nice…goood thing he had practice. Oh no, I was in that hospital I was probably sweaty or smelled bad or--! No, Lenne, you're getting off topic here…!
Just thinking about these things made her blush and giggle slightly, as if she was still twelve or something. Needless to say she stopped thinking about it, storing the memories for later. But still…that one memory of the kiss did not disperse for the whole ride.
"Ah, Lenne, you're here. Good, good. I apologize for the short notice, but this is urgent and I'm on a tight schedule and there are things we need to do," this was Zalina's gracious greeting and just the start of her ramble.
She seemed nervous for some reason. Lenne squirmed uncomfortably, wishing she would just stop talking. Each second here was a second she wasn't with Shuyin…
"Are you listening, Lenne?"
"Yes, of course," she lied, feeling her cheeks grow warmer. She always blushed when she lied.
"Then let's get to it," Zalina replied and clapped her hands. She had a somewhat wolfish smile as if she knew Lenne's head actually was in the clouds the whole time.
Get to what again?
The old priestess started performing the sending dance before Lenne could say another word. The young summoner would nod in reminisce of her training. It was also interesting to watch; she had never noticed how young and serene Zalina looked as she danced. Lenne began to feel a little bad about her previous stewing over the session.
"And now you, Lenne."
The girl nodded solemnly and strode forward in a light and graceful gait. As she spun and twirled with her scepter, Lenne's love for the art of summoning came back to her in a flash. A timeless feeling of serenity enveloped her spirit. At last, Lenne finished the sending dance with a flourish of her scepter.
The old priestess smiled softly and nodded her head once. "Beautifully done, Lenne."
"Thank you, Zalina."
"I see you've already perfected it, now I'll only keep you for but a moment more I promise. The date of the sending is to be announced, of course. It's...I'm sorry, Lenne, it's on the day of the Zanarkand ball."
"What? No! Can't it be any other time?"
"I am sorry, Lenne, but I have my reasons." With that, Zalina dismissed her with sadness in her eyes.
"There you are, Shuyin! I am so sorry!" Lenne called as she ran down the beach to meet the flaxen haired blitzball player.
He just smiled back as if nothing mattered as long as she came. "I'm just glad that you're here."
Lenne felt her throat close and her eyes sting once more. She wanted to go with him so badly… She just hoped he wouldn't notice anything different in her expression.
"Is something wrong, Lenne?" Well that failed.
She just shook her head, not trusting her voice to remain steady. Why was she starting to cry? It wasn't as if he was dying or anything, she just couldn't go to the ball with him.
"Hey, S-Shuyin, I need to tell you something."
He leaned in as if he was preparing to listen closely. Which he probably was since her voice wouldn't be the most intelligible thing at the moment.
"I-I just found out that I can't go to the ball with you." There, she said it.
Lenne felt a tear roll down her cheek; she had been thinking about it, obsessing over it ever since Shuyin said he had received an invitation. Yes, but things could be so much worse. Lenne started to feel embarrassed and selfish. Besides, she rarely cried.
"Don't cry, Lenne, please; I'm not good at that stuff."
She laughed weakly and smiled as he wiped away the tear. "I feel stupid. And selfish," she mumbled, reflecting her thoughts.
"Oh, please, my old man always told me what a crybaby I am," he said while rolling his eyes. Lenne was wondering if they were talking about the same thing. "Anyways," he continued, "why can't you go?"
"The sending. Zalina is stubborn and inflexible and 'has her reasons.' I bet she's jealous that I'm going to the ball and she's not or something. And I can't go afterward because this type of sending is done all night!"
"I'm sorry, Lenne."
"Guess you'll have to find another date," said Lenne with a bitter laugh.
"Are you nuts? I'm not stepping foot into that ball unless you're right beside me."
"Oh Shuyin--" she protested for his sake because she wanted him to be happy and go to the ball, but his comment did make her heart skip a beat.
"Don't 'Oh Shuyin' me. You should know that I can't like any other girl now that I've met you."
In spite of herself, Lenne blushed and smiled. Asserting herself like her younger sister had taught her, Lenne clasped his hand in hers. With a smile, he gazed at her tenderly. Shuyin looked so nice and peaceful just then, especially the way the sea air tousled his blond locks. Out of all the girls he could have chosen in Zanarkand…flirtier ones, prettier ones, friendlier, smarter ones, there were so many possibilities, why her? No boy has asked her out more than once. There were guys who asked her out and got to know her….but Lenne knew it was just because she was a songstress. After one date, she never saw the guy again. And if she did, he would politely distance himself. Sometimes on dates she wouldn't talk…she just couldn't speak. Or she struck them as boring or…something. But from the moment she met him, Lenne felt comfortable around Shuyin. There was just something about him…
"Hey, Lenne…I have something for you. Meet back here at twilight, alright? And wear that really nice other lavender dress Mirelle was talking about. I really wana see it!"
"I…alright. What do you have for me?" she asked, her eyebrows knit in confusion.
"That, my puzzled Lenne, is a surprise."
So Lenne parted from Shuyin and walked back home. She always left Shuyin with a light, fluttery feeling in her heart. She wondered if he felt the same way. Eventually she arrived home to be greeted by Mirelle.
"Have fun?" she asked with a mischievous smile. She wondered how much that girl knew.
"Yes," was all Lenne replied, though her goofy grin told the whole story. "I would say so. But…when did you tell Shuyin about the dress I bought…and why?"
"Well, what can I say? It just…came up."
Lenne narrowed her eyes in mock suspicion, but her sister merely smiled back innocently.
"Fine, fine. Well, if you need me, I'll be in my room. Piano and singing, you know."
"Have fun," Mirelle sang as Lenne walked to her room. "Seeing as you practice for hours."
"Byeee!"
Mirelle laughed at her sister's sing-songy tone. Lenne never really sounded like that before. Lenne could just tell her sister was wondering where the sudden joy came from all of the sudden. The two knew each other better than anyone. To Lenne, Mirelle was an open book, and likewise.
Lenne, in her room now, sat down at the piano bench. Her fingers were itching to play and her voice just waiting to fill the air with sweet music. Yes, as Mirelle had said, she could and did sing to the piano for hours. Today, though, she had a specific song in mind that she was working on.. Just a nice little song forming slowly in her head. Hesitantly, but clearly, she started to sing the song.
Satisfied, Lenne started to write the music to fit. It was totally different than her other songs, but she only had two stanzas. Already, she knew this was one she would keep to only herself. It was nice, but it bore something special just for Lenne.
As she continued to practice other songs, she noticed that twilight was starting to settle.
I'd better go.
Lenne quickly changed, brushed through her hair a few times, and checked to make sure she looked good. Within five minutes, she was out the door and heading to the beach for the second time that day.
Along the way, of course, she smoothed her hair. The cool wind blew several strands into her face, but Lenne didn't mind too much; it felt so nice. Lenne noticed how the sky was growing a bit darker; the sun was starting to set. With that thought, Lenne hastened her stride. She wanted to share this beautiful sight with Shuyin. Just a little bit further. As she saw the shoreline come into view, she heard a faint noise. Lenne halted and strained her ears. It came again, a bit louder this time. Was that someone…whistling? Shuyin stepped into view with two fingers in his mouth to whistle again. Lenne laughed and ran to him.
"Well you look nice!" Lenne greeted while grinning. He was in a tux, though the jacket was open. Of course it was; Shuyin couldn't be confined by those tight-fitting blazers.
"I would say the same to you!" as he said that, Lenne blushed.
Wow…I don't care whether it's his normal street clothes or a tux, whatever he wears looks pretty damn good on him!
"Hey. Do that whistling thing again."
Shuyin put his thumb and index finger in his mouth and blew, producing the loud, clear whistle she'd earlier heard. Lenne followed what he was doing and failed miserably.
"Hey, it takes practice," he said, laughing a little.
"I'll get it someday. So why are you wearing such fancy clothes?"
"You'll see soon. Now, think of the beach as your own personal ball room and I…" Shuyin bowed with a flourish, "as your partner."
Lenne giggled like a little girl with a crush and curtsied. She'd play along. "So now what?"
Shuyin pulled something from behind the tree and revealed…a stereo? With the press of a button, a waltz sounded through the speakers in a clear, flowing melody.
"Dance with me?" requested Shuyin, arms outstretched towards her.
Lenne gazed into his deep blue eyes with a wistful smile on her face.
"It would be my pleasure," she said softly. Another faint blush crept to her cheeks as Shuyin drew her in closer with his hands on her waist.
"Close your eyes," he whispered. "Imagine the grand halls of the ballroom and all eyes on the cutest couple. Us, of course."
At that, Lenne laughed softly. She was enjoying this.
"And now…a spin." He did just that and Lenne's eyes flew open as she was flung out, the world whirling before her, and then was reeled back into the warmth of his chest.
The music changed to a slow dance. They held each other close, stepping time with the soft song.
For a few minutes, they danced in warm silence filled with words that didn't need to be spoken to be heard. Before she knew it, there was a new song. It was quite familiar.
"I know that you're hiding things, using gentle words to shelter me."
"My song," she whispered. She had almost forgotten the dream that inspired that song. It was so mysterious…
"It's my favorite."
"Really? Thank you."
Without a word, Shuyin brushed his lips against hers. They were warm and soft, just like last time. This time she was prepared and actually looking good when she kissed him back. Thankfully there were no nose collisions this time. To Lenne, this kiss was pure romance. Just the sound of "1000 Words" in the background accompanied by the sound of waves and the setting sun made the whole night romantic.
"The sun…" she whispered, peering at the fiery star.
"Shuyin nodded and went down to the water, followed by Lenne. She smoothed out her dress before lying on the sand.
"You know…I don't care anymore," she said in the softest of voices.
"About what?"
"The ball. If I couldn't spend it with you…I wouldn't enjoy it. This, right here, is twice…or three times that."
"I guess I did pretty well."
"I would say so," said Lenne with a peaceful smile.
There was another warm silence with which they were perfectly contented. Finally, Lenne spoke again.
"How interesting; a famous songstress of Zanarkand with a top blitzball player."
"We're just…just people, Lenne, y'know?"
Lenne paused before responding, feeling somewhat chastised. "Look! Shuyin, the sun!"
"Wow…it's really…pretty," he said.
In a fiery explosion of color, the sun descended, leaving the sky in a darkish twilight. Shuyin wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes.
"I'm glad to share this memory with you, Shuyin."
"Me too, but it's just…one of a thousand."
Lenne smiled and stared at the ocean, humming in agreement.
Yes, she thought, the first of 1000 memories.
U.P—how's that? Did I do well? Tell me if I did or didn't, I love all your opinions!!!! Sorry it's been such a long time, my life has been a bit…confusing. Amongst everything that's happened one little surprising event has spurred on a new Fruits Basket story that I'll soon write down!
Read and Review! Thanks! Bye now!!!