Here is Chapter 11! I'm sorry this wasn't up last week but I was having trouble putting the chapter together. In fact, I just finished it not too long ago so I have not been able to read it over for mistakes. Like the last time this happened, I am sorry and I will repost the chapter after reading over it but I do not think there should be many. Anyways, while I am blabbering, I will take this time to announce that Chapter 12 will be told pretty much exclusively from Kaorin's point of view (will still be third person but will center around Kaorin). So, hopefully you will all be able to enjoy this chapter and I will let you know when it gets reposted. Thanks again for all the continued support and enjoy this chapter. So read, review, and enjoy.
Chapter 11
Arriving home from the dinner on Wednesday, Risako walked to her room, grabbed the letter to Chiyo, and sat on her bed. After the dinner with Ayumu, her jealousy of Chiyo had evaporated. Why did I do this? I could end up hurting Ayumu by doing this? Taking out the letter, Risako skimmed over the words that Ayumu had written to Chiyo. She really does mean it, doesn't she? Soft drips of tears escaped Risako's eyes and kissed her hands. She's never written anything like this to me before. And I've tried so hard to make her happy. Holding the tears back, Risako threw her head back onto her pillows and laid there with the letter held above her head. Thinking back to the dinner, Risako recalled exactly what Ayumu had said.
"Here we are," Risako exclaimed, as she lead Ayumu to a rather fancy looking building. She had spent over three hours searching the phone book to find a place like this. But she had found it, the perfect place for a romantic dinner. With a little luck, I can confess tonight and avoid messing up Ayumu's birthday altogether. Risako thought, and then grabbed Ayumu's hand and led her into the building.
As they walked into the restaurant, Risako heard Ayumu say, "Risako, what kind of place is this?" Glancing around, it was obvious that she had never taken Ayumu to a place like this before. All the tables in the restaurant were lit up with candle centerpieces, which rested on lacey white table clothes. The building was dimly lit and all the employees were dressed up. The place looked really expensive and Ayumu wondered if Risako could even afford all of this.
"This is . . ." Risako fumbled with her words because she knew she could easily give away the real reason she had taken Ayumu to this place. ". . . just a place where people come to eat. It's just really fancy is all." Ayumu began to argue but Risako interrupted, "Besides, as long as they've got good grub, why should it matter where we eat?" Ayumu fell into silence and Risako hoped there wouldn't be any more questions on it. Please Ayumu, just enjoy yourself here.
A waiter soon came and asked, "Table for two?" Risako nodded while Ayumu only looked down. The waiter nodded and said, "This way." Leading them to a small, round table, the waiter handed Risako and Ayumu menus and said, "I'll be back to take your order." He bowed at them and left.
"So Ayumu, what will you have," Risako asked, attempting to break the ice as she opened up her menu.
Ayumu only looked at the menu and back up to Risako. "Risako."
"I think I'm gonna have the . . ."
"Risako."
Ayumu wanted to be heard and Risako knew she wasn't going to like it. Placing her menu down, she looked up at Ayumu who appeared confused and a little scared. "W-what is it Ayumu?"
"I know we're here to have fun . . . but . . . I don't know that we should be eating at a place like this." Ayumu wasn't quite sure what had gotten into Risako. She had never seen Risako act like this before. "This looks like a place where couples go. I'm not sure that we should be here."
Sighing, Risako mumbled to herself, "Why can't we be a couple?" Glancing up, she saw Ayumu's confused look and wasn't sure if Ayumu had heard that or not. Why can't you understand Ayumu? Why must you make things hard for me? If it wasn't for Chiyo, we'd be together. Trying to laugh it off, Risako said, "Can't friends come to places like this? I just wanted to try something different."
Before Ayumu could reply, the waiter had returned for their orders. Risako and Ayumu had to quickly find something that sounded halfway decent to give to the waiter and it had to be somewhat cheap because even though Risako brought a lot of money with her, much of the food still out priced what she had. Leaving with the menus and the two girls' orders, nothing separated Risako and Ayumu except for the candle in the middle of the table.
I should just tell her. Before she gets the wrong idea and leaves, I better tell her how I feel. Risako thought and looked over to Ayumu who was eyeing the table apparently lost in thought. "Ayumu listen, there's something I need to tell you." Sighing, Risako continued, knowing the failure that awaited her, "I didn't want things to turn out this way but I hope you'll understand."
Still looking down, Ayumu suddenly interrupted, "I know why you brought me here."
"W-what?"
Looking over to Risako with a concerned look in her eye, Ayumu said, "I know why you brought me here. You brought me here because you don't want me spending time with Chiyo." Risako gasped in shock. Ayumu had figured out her plan. "I may be spacey and a little stupid, but I'm not that stupid."
Shocked, all Risako could manage was, "Ayumu . . . you're not stupid."
Ignoring Risako's statement, Ayumu continued, "I know you're afraid of losing me and I think I know why." Risako sat in horror. She didn't want to hear the rest. She had a good idea of what Ayumu would say. She's going to tell me that we can't be together and that I should leave her and Chiyo alone. Bracing for the worst, Risako lost her eyes to the table as well, mainly because she could feel herself beginning to cry and she didn't want Ayumu to see.
Looking at Risako with kind eyes, Ayumu continued, "I know you don't want to lose me like you lost your mom. I even remember how I practically lived at your house after she died. What was it . . . a whole month before I could finally return home? My dad was mad."
Risako looked up at Ayumu, her face blanked from her friend's explanation. "Ayumu, that's not why I . . ."
Ayumu only continued and grabbed Risako's hand. Surprised, Risako glanced down at her hand which had drowned in both of Ayumu's hands. Risako's tears streamed from her face and though she was safe from crying, she still couldn't stop the tears. Looking into Ayumu's eyes, Risako found the same kindness that had drawn her to Ayumu so long ago. "Risako, you're my best friend in the entire world. And I don't want you to be jealous of me and Chiyo."
The need to cry returned to Risako as her hopes of confessing to Ayumu diminished for the night. Ayumu, how could you get it wrong? Why must you get it wrong?! Risako felt her chest begin to heave and she could feel herself begin to cry. This time she had no control over it and Risako quickly covered her face as she cried into her hands.
Seeing her best friend cry, Ayumu had to do something, so she got up from her chair, walked over to Risako, and embraced her friend in a hug. Softly whispering into Risako's ear, "Risako, I may be in love with Chiyo-chan, but I still love you too."
Staring at the letter in her hand, Risako silently whispered to herself, "Ayumu, why can't you understand my true feelings?" She stared at the letter and then laid it on her end table by the picture of her mom. Even though I'll get rejected Ayumu, I'll still confess to you and I'll give you your letter back. I promise. Risako thought to herself as she stared up at the ceiling. Grabbing her pillow, Risako slowly drifted into sleep.
Thursday
"It's finally Thursday! What am I going to do with Ayumu," Chiyo wondered as she walked to school. The day couldn't come any faster and now that it was here, she had to try to figure out exactly what they would do. I could always let Ayumu choose but if she doesn't know where to go then I should have a backup plan. Considering her options, Chiyo figured that it'd be a pretty stupid idea to take Ayumu out to eat. After all, Ayumu just went out to eat with Risako yesterday. Why would she want to go out like that again tonight?
As Chiyo walked, she passed through the shopping district and caught a glimpse at all the things each store was selling. I could take her shopping. Besides, when it's her birthday, I'm gonna need to know what she likes. Thinking for a moment, Chiyo realized that while she could think of a couple of things Ayumu was interested in (e.g. trivia, Excel Saga); she had no idea when Ayumu's birthday was. And to think I've already missed it twice. I'll have to remember to ask her about it tonight. Deciding that shopping would be the way to go, Chiyo excitedly hurried to school.
Arriving at school, Chiyo realized that she wouldn't have time to talk to Ayumu before class so she quickly hurried to Kimura's room to talk to Risako for a few minutes. Walking in, she noticed that Risako appeared tired. It took the girl a few seconds to even notice Chiyo. When Risako did finally notice, Chiyo could see bags under the girl's eyes. "Good morning Chiyo. How's it going," she said in a calmer tone than normal.
Eyeing Risako the whole time, Chiyo took her seat and stared at Risako. "Are you alright? You don't look too good."
Trying to wave it off as no big deal, Risako said, "I'm fine. I . . . uh . . . remembered that I had homework to finish after taking Ayumu out so I . . . was up late doing it."
A little confused by Risako's behavior, she could tell something was wrong. Chiyo wanted to help, but wasn't sure how. This is just like with Sakaki. How can I be so useless all the time? I don't know how to help Sakaki with her parents and something is bothering Risako and I don't know what to do about that. "Did something happen with Ayumu," Chiyo quietly asked, hoping that she could be of some help.
Sighing, Risako looked up at Chiyo. She just stared at Chiyo for a few seconds before asking, "Do you love Ayumu?"
The personal question startled Chiyo and it took her a while to even think about the question because of the surprise. Where did this come from? I mean, of course I love Ayumu but shouldn't Risako know that? Her cheeks reddened at just thinking about the question. It wasn't that Chiyo didn't know the answer but more that she didn't know how to put it into words. And the fact that Risako had asked this question out of nowhere, and in class, didn't help her any.
She really does love Ayumu doesn't she. How else could that look be explained? Risako thought and wondered to herself if she should even confess. Why should I even ask Ayumu a question that I already know the answer to? What good would it do me now? Taking her eyes off Chiyo, Risako said, "Never mind."
"Risako . . ." The girl appeared depressed and Chiyo wanted to know why. Before she could say anything, Risako continued.
"Am I spending too much time with Ayumu . . . because I think she wants to be with you."
Ah, that's what it is. Chiyo sighed with relief at the simple problem. She could help Risako with this one. She's worried that she might be taking Ayumu away from me. Chiyo reached over and patted Risako on the shoulder. "Don't worry about that," she said with a kind smile, "You two haven't seen each other for a long time. I can't imagine what life would be like without Ayumu. And even though I wish I would have spent more time with Ayumu this week, I guess it's alright for now. After all, she's not going anywhere."
Risako sighed and said, "Well you don't have to worry. I'm going out with Ayumu on Saturday and then I'll leave you two alone. I won't get in your way."
Why is she so upset about this? Chiyo thought she had things solved and before she could say anything to Risako, Kimura-sensei walked in to begin class.
Sitting in Yukari's class, Ayumu awaited lunch as the morning slowly progressed. Ayumu was so distracted with what had happened at the restaurant with Risako, that she hadn't even given Chiyo's date a thought. I hope Risako is okay. She was really upset last night. But she needs to understand that me dating Chiyo isn't going to change anything between us. Ayumu remembered that even after she had gotten Risako to calm down, the girl still seemed rather upset, though she said nothing for the rest of the night. I hope she's not mad at me again. I just wanted to help.
When lunch approached, Ayumu again found Kaorin turned around in her seat, looking at her. "Are you ready for lunch?" It had taken her a good portion of the night to write the letter that she was about to have Osaka read. I hope its okay. Even though I'm not the best at expressing myself, I want this letter to tell Sakaki everything. Kaorin found the walk up the stairs to be quite long. She could feel sweat dripping from her forehead. I have to calm down otherwise how will I ever be able to confess to Sakaki. Kaorin thought as they finally reached the rooftop.
The two walked over to the bench that they had occupied the previous day. Taking a seat, Kaorin fidgeted as she tried to figure out where to begin. Even though Osaka is just reading it to help me, I'm still a little scared. I hope it'll be okay for Sakaki-san. Reaching into her pocket, Kaorin pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. Holding it in her hands, she quietly said to Osaka, "I want to thank you for helping me confess to Sakaki-san. It . . . it really means a lot to me." Glancing at Osaka, Kaorin could see that the girl was blushing and trying to hide it. "If . . . if there is anything I could do for you, just let me know. Whether or not Sakaki says yes, thank you for helping me."
"It's no problem," Osaka said, and even though she said it with a smile, Kaorin could tell that something had been bothering the girl. Her smile wasn't as spacey as it usually looked. . . It's almost like she's forcing the smile a bit. Kaorin wondered if something might be bothering Osaka but when she tried to ask, Osaka interrupted, "Is that the letter you wanted me to read?" Deciding to let it drop for the moment, Kaorin nodded and handed over the letter that she had written.
Dear Sakaki;
Seeing this letter will probably come as a surprise to you because we really don't talk that much and so you probably don't even remember me when I do talk to you. But I'm writing because I admire you and want to tell you how special you are. Everything about you is so magnificent that I can't even begin to describe how I feel about you. Your hair, your face; everything about you sends shivers down my spine.
In the past, though you may not remember, I have competed with you and have been by your side. I even remember every step of the dance where we held hands and though that was for only a few minutes, it is something that I wouldn't trade for the entire world.
The truth is I think I'm in love with you and I can't hold my feelings in any longer. I've wanted to tell you countless times but my courage has failed me up until now when I have seen Osaka and Chiyo become girlfriends. And when I was placed in the same class as you, I felt this was my big chance to tell you.
Whether or not you accept my feelings is entirely up to you. Please think about this and tell me after school. I will be waiting near the flower beds at the back of school.
Anonymous
Kaorin prayed that Osaka would like her letter and when the girl finished reading it, she looked up at Kaorin and said, "This is very good. But, why didn't you sign your name so Sakaki would know who you are?"
Twiddling her fingers, Kaorin said in almost an embarrassed tone, "That's because I didn't want her staring at me all day. I'd rather just face her after school where no one can interrupt us." And to think that Osaka told everyone without much trouble. She probably thinks I'm some sort of coward by doing it this way.
"Well, that makes sense. I guess I wouldn't want people watching me either," Osaka said, surprising Kaorin. She hadn't expected Osaka to agree with her so readily. But it calmed her down quite a bit and Kaorin was able to pull out her lunch and start eating. "How are you gonna get the letter to Sakaki," Osaka suddenly asked.
In between bites, Kaorin explained, "I'm going to put it in her locker tonight." Figuring that that would be the best way to go, Kaorin thought to herself, I just hope she doesn't throw it away.
"So Chiyo," Tomo exclaimed with a triumphant look on her face, "Why does Osaka-san keep ditching you at lunch? Did you two get into a fight or is it something more serious?"
"No, that's not it at all," Chiyo said, trying to prevent anything unnecessary from being said. "She just . . ." Come to think of it, why isn't Ayumu at lunch anymore? She hasn't said anything to me. Chiyo knew that Ayumu had been in school today because otherwise Tomo wouldn't have made such a comment, but the truth was Chiyo hadn't the slightest clue why Ayumu would be skipping lunch with them.
Yomi quickly noticed that Tomo could be starting something again and said to Chiyo, "I'm sure something just came up. Why don't you ask her next time you see her?"
"Ah, I'm taking her out tonight. I can ask her then," Chiyo said enthusiastically. Thought it is odd for Ayumu to have something going on like this during lunch, and for three days. I've hardly seen her this week. Chiyo sighed and went back to eating. Glancing over at Sakaki, Chiyo noticed the tall girl to be lost in thought. She hasn't really spoken during lunch either. Not that Sakaki is much of a talker, but I hope she's alright. Chiyo wanted to ask how things were going with Sakaki and her parents but with Tomo sitting right next to them, Chiyo knew it'd spell disaster. So all she could do was eat and make an effort to talk to Sakaki later.
The afternoon passed quite smoothly for Chiyo and she soon found herself counting down the last seconds of the day. She had been so excited about seeing Ayumu, that during her afternoon classes, she had difficulty paying attention and she hardly noticed Risako's depressed demeanor. When Chiyo did notice Risako, she scolded herself for being so ignorant. How could I have ignored Risako like this? She's my friend. I'll have to make it up to her. Hopefully I can talk to her soon. Sorry Risako-san.
When the bell did finally ring, Chiyo walked over to Risako and said, "I'm sorry for not talking to you much today. I've just been excited about going out with Ayumu tonight." She worriedly watched Risako and hoped that the girl wouldn't be angry.
Risako only stared at her stuff as she put everything away and when she did stand up, she just looked at Chiyo and said, "Its okay. I understand. Ayumu's really special to you. Don't make her wait because of me." Risako then walked away, leaving Chiyo standing next to an empty desk, confused.
Risako, what ever is the matter? I thought for sure I had you figured out. Maybe Ayumu will know. Chiyo hoped that her girlfriend could shed some light on the case and hurried over to Yukari's class so they could head straight to the shopping district. Arriving, she found Ayumu just getting ready to leave and sighed her relief that she hadn't missed the girl. "Ayumu, are you ready to go," Chiyo asked, as she walked into the classroom.
"Yes. Say Chiyo, where are we going," Ayumu asked as she walked over to Chiyo with her things.
"I was thinking we could go over to the shopping district and maybe look at what they all have. I could even buy you something if you want," Chiyo said and found herself turning a bit crimson by saying this.
As the two walked out of the classroom, Ayumu replied, "You don't have to buy me anything, but that sounds like a lot of fun."
What do I do? Sakaki wondered as she walked home from school. As much as she didn't want to go home, she knew there was no other place for her to go. Why did that have to happen? If it wasn't for that stupid coworker of his, then mom wouldn't be in this mess. Sakaki thought and eyed the cement as she walked.
And Sakaki had tried getting to another friend's house for the week. But Chiyo was gonna be busy. Tomo was spending the weekend at Yomi's house and for some reason; Yomi didn't want anyone else there. Tomo is probably more than enough for her to handle anyways. So she was forced to go home and see him again.
Arriving home, Sakaki heard her mom and she quickly replied, "Hi. I've got homework so I'll be in my room." She knew he was in there and she frankly didn't want anything to do with the man. Closing the door behind her, Sakaki locked it as she had done the previous night, pulled out her cat book, and read.
Glancing around the store, Chiyo and Ayumu had discovered many interesting things. After just walking out of the clothing store, Ayumu had wanted to take a break. And while they didn't buy anything, Chiyo had already learned a great deal about what Ayumu likes. I'll have to take some notes when I get home so I don't forget all this. And Ayumu seems to be having lots of fun here so we should look around some more. Glancing at Ayumu, Chiyo noticed she had occupied herself with a large water fountain that was behind the bench they sat at. "Thanks for bringing me shopping Chiyo. This is a lot of fun."
Slightly blushing, Chiyo replied, "No problem. After not being able to spend any time with you this week, I thought we should go out for a while." Staring at Ayumu who continued to let her eyes explore the fountain, Chiyo said, "It's just that Risako has been spending so much time with you that I feel kinda left out."
The occurrences of the previous night back in Ayumu's head; she lost interest in the fountain and turned to face Chiyo. "I think Risako just needs a little more time." I don't think Risako would want me to tell Chiyo about what happened last night. Ayumu thought and tried to think of a good way to explain things. "She wants to take me out Saturday and after that . . . we should be able to hang out a lot more."
Still concerned, Chiyo said, "She told me that too. But why Saturday?"
"Because . . . Saturday is my birthday," Ayumu replied, much to Chiyo's astonishment. Attempting a smile, Ayumu continued, "I almost forgot about it with everything that's been going on." Losing her smile as she could see the shock on Chiyo's face, "I hadn't even thought about it."
It's her birthday on Saturday and she didn't tell me. Why wouldn't she tell me? Chiyo found herself lost in her own thought. The discovery of Ayumu's birthday had upset her and she wished she would have known. "Still, you could have at least told me about it. Being that it's your birthday on Saturday, I'd love to spend time with you but Risako has been taking up so much of your time . . . that I'll miss your birthday as well."
Ayumu was surprised to find that she could pick out where a couple of tears were falling from Chiyo's face. She hadn't thought it was a big deal and so she never bothered to tell anyone. No one ever asked about it before so why is she so upset about it now? Seeing how close Chiyo was to crying, Ayumu quickly place an arm around Chiyo and leaned her into a hug. "I-I'm sorry for not telling. W-Why don't you stop by on Saturday? Risako is taking me out to Karaoke and I'd love to have you there for my birthday."
Drying her eyes, Chiyo looked up to Ayumu and said, "Really?" Ayumu gave Chiyo a soft nod for confirmation and she suddenly stood up from her seat. Since I'm Ayumu's girlfriend, then that means I have to get her a birthday present. But because she's here, I can't let her know what I'm doing. Quickly looking around for an excuse to leave, Chiyo suddenly got an idea when she saw arrows on the walls for restrooms, "Uh Ayumu, I'll be right back. I . . . have to . . . go to the bathroom!"
Grabbing her book bag, Chiyo hurried off and shouted after Ayumu, "Stay right there! I'll be right back! I promise!" Running down the hall, Chiyo didn't stop until Ayumu was out of sight. When she finally did stop, she had to take a moment to catch her breath.
"I hope Chiyo's alright, that I didn't make her sick or something," Ayumu said as she quietly waited for Chiyo's return.
Find the nearest store, Chiyo hurried in because she knew if she took too long, Ayumu would get worried. Walking in, Chiyo found that she had entered a bookstore. What kind of book would Ayumu read? She's never even talked about books. It almost seemed like a disaster to walk into a bookstore. Looking around, Chiyo attempted to find something that Ayumu would at least try to read. Of all stores, why a bookstore?! I don't know what she likes to read. Walking through the aisles, Chiyo glanced at the time and realized that if she didn't get back soon, Ayumu would be wondering what was taking so long. As she passed through an aisle, Chiyo noticed a title that stood out for some reason. She walked over and picked up a thick, heavy book. The title was, Mame Chishiki. "That's right, Ayumu loves trivia." Sighing a huge breath of relief, Chiyo walked over to the counter, paid for the book, and hid it in her book bag so Ayumu wouldn't notice it.
Running back over to her girlfriend, Chiyo said, "I hope you didn't wait too long."
"Are you feeling better now," Ayumu asked. She hadn't expected a sudden bathroom break and wondered if Chiyo might be feeling sick.
"Y-Yeah, I'm much better now. Thank you," Chiyo answered and hoped that Ayumu wouldn't notice the bulge in her book bag.
As the evening progressed, Sakaki sat in her bedroom and flipped through her magazines. Her homework done, she didn't know what to do with herself and resisted the urge to go downstairs. Just as she picked up yet another magazine, the phone in her room started to ring. Picking up the receiver, Sakaki was surprised to hear Chiyo's voice on the other end. "Sakaki, how ya doing?"
"Um, okay. What about you? Aren't you with Osaka-san?"
"I just got back. Say, this Saturday is Ayumu's birthday and I was wondering if you could help me prepare a surprise birthday party for her."
It's Ayumu's birthday this Saturday? I didn't know that. Sakaki thought and quickly decided that by helping Chiyo, she could get out of the house more. "Sure, what do you want me to do?"
It took Chiyo a moment to decide just what she wanted Sakaki to do. But finally, she said to her friend, "Why don't you get a hold of the others and we'll go surprise Ayumu at the Karaoke. Risako is taking her but Ayumu knows that I'm coming. Everyone else will be a surprise, okay?"
"Sounds good." Hanging up the phone, Sakaki prepared to call the others. A party sounds nice. Sakaki thought and grabbed the phone to get the others notified.
