Hiro continued to walk, not slowing down until they were more than halfway there. Stupid girl, making me late. I've got things to do! Doesn't that mean anything? He sighed, pulling Kisa harder from frustration. I don't see her for all this time, well, more than in passing at school, and she doesn't say a word! Nothing! I thought she got over the whole silence thing. She started talking again years ago. Why not now?! Hiro refused to admit to himself that this had nothing to do with school. No, this was about missing an old friend and her company.
Kisa was being pulled along, like a little child whose parent is in a rush. What did I do? Why is Hiro suddenly seem so mad at me? I never asked to stay at his house. I never asked for any of this. What did I do?
He was completely oblivious to her thoughts and continued along his way until they arrived at school. Finally! Now I don't have to deal with her anymore. Hiro smiled at this thought. But frowned at the thought he had after that. But she's coming to my home later…I'll see her then. He paused. Wait, do I actually want to see her? No…no.
Since Hiro had finally let go of her hand, Kisa pulled away, bowed slightly and went inside. I made Hiro mad…just like everyone else. She held back a tear and headed to choir like usual, just hoping the day would get better.
Hiro stared as Kisa just walked off. Why did she do that? I hadn't even said goodbye. Isn't that rude? I WAS going to talk to her, but not now. He stormed off to his classroom in a huff, uncertain why he was truly upset.
Choir… was choir. They sang but there were always those odd moments where the kids had free time. And in one of them, the director left the room.
Several girls looked over at Kisa. They began whispering among themselves. This made Kisa think…and worry. Akari had once said 'If those blonde bimbos…no offense Kisa.' She had just blinked not taking any and Akari had continued. 'As I was saying, if those bimbos ever, ever hurt you, then I will hurt them. K? I'd tell them to shove it.' This worked normally because Akari was the piano player which meant she occasionally came in to Choir. Those were good days…unfortunately today was not a good day.
Those girls giggled and broke apart. One of them went over to her. "Good morning Sohma-san." She smiled brightly. "We were just wondering if you would like to eat with us today. You know, since we've been so mean to you we wanted to make things better. 12 o clock sound good?"
Kisa was shocked…speechless. They want me to eat with them? Is this real? Or is this another trick? My mind is setting off warning bells but hoping it's true at the same time. What should I do? She opened her mouth in an attempt to respond but the girl answered for her before Kisa could even get a sound out.
"It works? Great. See you in the cafeteria!" She scurried back over to the other girls and told them something which led them all to smile towards Kisa. She got a few waves, but still. They were being so friendly…
Mr. Nakimura came in and got everyone's attention and then continued with class. It seemed like forever until choir ended…
When the bell finally rang, most of the girls just walked out, including Kisa, but a few stayed behind to chat. It was safe once their teacher left.
"Hey Julie, Ai, come here." Ana whispered.
The girls walked over, curious to hear what their leader had to say.
"Today will be fun. You heard me invite Sohma to the cafeteria, right?"
Both of them nodded.
"Well I've got a big surprise planned for her. Just you wait and see. It'll be good." She smiled evilly.
Ai and Julie both smiled at Ana. They knew if she promised things would be interesting…they would be.
Kisa walked to her homeroom and waited. After a few minutes of looking around she didn't see Akari. Then it clicked. She's not going to be here today. She had remembered Akari telling her this in advance.
Flashback -
"My mom wants to spend the day with me."
"Really?" Kisa was surprised. Akari's mother was usually busy.
She nodded. "Yea. I was surprised too. But hey, it'll get me out of here for a day so why not? That and my mom isn't horrible." Akari was always careful on the subject of parents when around Kisa. She knew how sensitive a topic it was.
"Ah. Well that's good though isn't it?" Kisa smiled a little. Seeing Akari happy was always nice…and entertaining.
"Yea. But I hate leaving you for the day. So how about this: Tell me if anyone bugs you and I'll take care of it the day I come back. Ok?"
Kisa laughed and nodded. "Sure. Ok. Deal."
Akari nodded. "Good. Well, gotta run. Classes and such." She did a dismissive wave. "But I'll see ya later.
Kisa waved bye and went to class herself.
- End Flashback
No Akari meant asocial Kisa. Well…she didn't try to be always, sometimes yes but not always. Usually the other kids just didn't bother with her unless they were making fun of her. The only people besides Akari that she really spent time with were a few of her relatives. But the problem was the ones she was close to were older. In turn, they had already gotten out of this nightmare. Most of the boys in her class were, well, teenage boys – immature and ignorant. A majority of the girls were arrogant, conceited, rude or inconsiderate…and some didn't fit into just one category.
But today, today could be different. Some of the girls from choir, who just happened to be the three most popular girls in her year - had invited her to eat lunch with them. Would it really hurt? I mean, I have to try sometimes. Everyone needs to socialize with new people occasionally…right?
The day went by slower than usual, probably due to the lack of companionship. But even still, lunch arrived in no time at all. Kisa walked in a little after most of the children since her locker was further away, but she still arrived with plenty of time to spare. She brought her lunch which meant no line but also meant that she would have to wait for the girls. So, she looked around and found an empty table to sit at. She stayed, patiently awaiting the arrival of the girls who promised her company.
Meanwhile, Ana, Julie and Ai were standing in the lunch lines waiting to get the things they called food. Their lovely leader took this opportunity to discuss her plans with her two tagalong friends.
"Ok guys. I've got a plan. We'll show Sohma exactly what it means to go to this school."
Julie and Ai looked at each other, relieved. Julie was the first to speak. "We were wondering what you were up to."
Ai nodded. "Yea. No offense but it kinda freaked us when you just randomly invited her to sit with us."
"But we knew you had a plan" Julie quickly added, not wanting to upset Ana.
She let that go and nodded. "Of course I did. Now, as I was saying. We're going to teach her a valuable lesson. She'll thank us later."
The other girls nodded and leaned in, waiting for her to tell them what was next.
"Well…" Ana whispered the entire plan to the girls. She smiled as she went into exact details.
By the end the girls stood wide eyed, with grins on their faces. "That's awesome!"
"You're a genius!"
Ana smiled and flipped her hair. "I know. Now let's get lunch and begin the lesson."
Each girl politely thanked the lunch lady before walking off.
Ana looked around the cafeteria and finally spotted Kisa, who was sitting alone at a table near the back of the room. Perfect. She motioned for the girls to follow her as she walked over to the lone tiger.
A/N: What will Ana and the girls do? Does Kisa suspect anything? Wait and read more to find out. I know how that sounds like some sort of TV show ending, but hey. I felt like writing it. Lol.
A/N 2 (Apology): I am eternally grateful to still have readers!! (I hope!) I am also deeply sorry for not updating sooner. Things have been crazy. I haven't had internet at home since before I last updated. So that's why I couldn't update before. And Spring semester…was just horrible. For everyone. It was crazy. But now it's summer. And I will be working like nuts because I'm full of ideas. Expect more updates in shorter times. I promise to do my best! Thank you all for being here!
Stay true.
Different Child
