* Good news! I've finished another chapter for you folks to read! I've suddenly come up with this chapter due to my frustrations while I was waiting for my friends at the Cathedral Square. I didn't think my experience would drive me to write this chapter. I would also like you readers to please share some of your experiences. I'm planning to include it to the next chapters of this story. And also... Could anyone help me get Natsume and Mikan together?
I should probably state this again: "I do NOT own Alice Academy."
Thank you very much, dears. I'm always looking forward to your touching reviews.
"My Angel Love Song"
by: Nikoli-chan
Chapter 14
"Suddenly, I Become a Little Girl's Ma-chan"
I seriously thought having to spend a date at the zoo would drive Ruka to the pits of boredom. But seeing him now made me think otherwise. He never stopped talking about animals and such, being a veterinarian and that. Furthermore, he surprises me with his sudden laughs and smiles whenever I do something real stupid like squealing at the sight of wobbling penguins and jumping energetically at the sight of sleeping koalas.
The best part yet is that, he never - I say NEVER - let my hand slip from his clasp. He always keeps me close to his side... which was actually a good thing since the zoo was jam-packed with people and I'm that type of person who easily gets caught in the crowd. And also, I finally got the opportunity to stay very close to him. I had enough proximity to feel his warmth and smell his scent. Oh my gosh! That was so dirty of me. Erase that foul thought! Erase that thought of Ruka.
Anyhow, we've been strolling around the zoo for quite some time now so my feet were beginning to feel pain and sweat. I've been squealing a lot too which may explain the vexing dryness of my throat.
Ruka took notice of my pain and asked me if I wanted to rest for a bit. But I think I gave him a childish response that sounds like, "Eh? But we haven't yet seen all the animals in the zoo."
I thought he would laugh at me - which he eventually did just after staring at me.
"Alright. Let's see more animals but you really need to rest a bit. Your pretty little feet might get scarred." he said to me.
"O-Okay." I nodded as I cast my gaze down.
"That's a good girl. Now how about going to the 'Petting Zoo'? You could spend your time resting your feet there while playing with some of the zoo animals."
"Hai!" I responded with greater enthusiasm than before. I've been meaning to go there since the very start. And finally, the time has come.
"Let's go now, Ruka-pyon!" I insisted by pulling his arm.
"Ok! Ok! Let's get you there, little girl."
Little girl. If someone else had called me by that nickname, I would have been slightly offended. But since it was Ruka, I'll let it pass.
- - - - - - - - - - Somewhere Near the Petting Zoo, At a Bench just Under a Tree - - - - - - - - - - -
By the time we reached the main entrance, we noticed that the petting zoo was overly crowded by children and their parents so we decided it's best to wait a little longer before we enter the said vicinity. The sun was at its zenith and I was starting to feel exhausted. Fortunately, Ruka spotted an empty bench near us. It was situated under an old oak tree, a perfect place to rest.
We sat together - like a couple - until Ruka offered to buy us some drinks.
"Wait here. I'll be back in a few." he told me before vanishing amidst the crowd.
I did wait, patiently. I just waited, waited, waited, yawned and simply waited for his return.
I was currently sitting alone on this bench, stretching my legs to lax it, as I stared down at my toes which had already turned pink due to pressure. I smiled and then looked at the clear sky.
Honestly speaking, I was really grateful I got us here. This is actually my first time coming here. My parents had wanted to take me here when I was a few years younger but due to their unmistakable fame, they decided it's best not to.
I don't mean to brag but my parents are a pair of widely known public icons. People often surround and chase them if they were seen in public. They once took me to the beach when I was five. Sure it was fun if it weren't for the fan crowd that flocked around my parents and sabotaged our supposed to be happy family outing. I got separated from my parents and got lost amidst the crowd. I remember crying my heart out until some nice lady life guard found me and returned me safely to my parents. Ever since that traumatic experience, my parents haven't taken me to a public family outing again.
Sigh! The consequences of having famous parents. Sometimes I do wish they could have been a typical couple. It would be easier to take them places - like the zoo. It's fun here. And I'm saying this out of my personal experience. I'd be more than happy to take them here someday.
Although I do think it's quite impossible for me to plan a happy family outing with my parents' current situation. Aside from being known and all that, they're presently divorced. It would be difficult for me to get them together again. They've been avoiding one another ever since their legal separation six years ago. Evidence? Well, one, they chose to work overseas in separate countries so they wouldn't have to see each other's faces. Two, during holidays and special occasions, they prefer sending gifts via long distance delivery. They fear they might meet each other if they came home at the same special day and delivered the presents personally. Third, family reunions are a definite no-no for both of them. Fourth, they occasionally send me separate plane tickets if they wanted to see me and just spend time with me at their home places abroad without letting the other know about it. Fifth but definitely not the last, they try to make up excuses not to attend when they're both invited to the same party or event. You might think I'm exaggerating it but it's the pure truth!
So as a result, I was left here. And I am presently living alone in Tokyo as they try to avoid each other.
Oh what's with these sad thoughts? I should get rid of these stupid thoughts! I'm here dating the nicest person in the world. What more could I ever ask for? I inwardly screamed as I slapped myself from going over the negative things in my life.
The zoo seemed crowded with people today yet it was so strange why I was the only one sitting on this bench. I wonder why no one wants to sit next to me.
A few minutes passed and I suddenly felt an increasing tingling sensation from my toes. It was a mixture of slight pain and exhaustion so I tried slipping out both feet from my doll shoes as to expose them out for a while. And mind you, it actually felt nice!
I sighed, contented as I placed my footwares beside me. I'll place them down later on the floor when someone asks for a place to sit on the bench. As of now, nobody seems to want to sit next to me so I just left my foot wares settled next to me. After then did I curl my legs up. I felt much comfortable sitting as I was hugging my legs. It felt rather homey and relaxing to some extent.
Anyhow, I sat that way as I was waiting for Ruka to come back. I wasn't sure how long has time passed since he left but it felt as if it was an eternity.
What was keeping him? He said he'll only be gone for a few minutes but I have been waiting here for more than a few minutes! Had he gone lost? It's a probability. This zoo is likened to a labyrinth with people having fun and animals in cages. He might have gotten lost... but then again, he might have not. I do remember lending him the map before he left. I doubt he'd even get lost with it. And besides, I've also given him my new phone number so he could contact me if anything goes wrong.
So why on earth hasn't he returned yet? Had he decided to ditch me? Was he so bored that he decided to go home and end this date already? Well I hope not. He was laughing and smiling ever since we got here. He looked like he was enjoying rather than being bored. I also doubt that ditching a girl in the middle of a date would even be in his character. No, I'm sure Ruka would return soon. I really, really hope he would.
I was waiting patiently for Ruka's return but every minute that passed made me feel more anxious and doubtful.
Oh my gosh! He's never coming back! I buried my face upon my knees as that thought dominated my sanity. I couldn't help thinking that this sort of thing is happening to me right now. This sort of thing - this thing that is often seen in movies - can actually happen in the world of reality. And to think this even happened on my first date! My first date! I got stood up on my very first date! Can you believe how tragic my love life is right now?
I really felt like crying. Yes, it's childish but I really felt like I wanted to cry.
"Ne, what are you doing?"
I think I heard a gentle voice but I simply ignored it at first. I didn't want to be disturbed while I'm having my emotional moment.
"Ne, is it comfortable sitting that way?"
Ignore.
"Uwah! Nee-chan, that panda bear is so cute!"
Alrighty, I think someone's definitely talking to me. And so I raise my head up to see who was pestering me.
A little girl. A little girl with short black hair and the ruddiest of eyes was standing in front of me. Oddly, she reminds me of someone I know.
"Nee-chan, you have an adorable panda bear." she said to me as she smiled brightly.
"Panda bear?" I furrowed my brows. I didn't know what she was talking about so I shifted my head from left to right in search of a panda bear. When I failed, I gave the girl an apologetic look and said, "Little girl, are you not feeling well? I think you're seeing things. I don't have a panda bear nor do I see one neither."
"Oh yes you do!" she insisted eagerly.
"No I don't. Why don't you come over here and rest for a while? You must be tired from walking under the sun." I told her as I gestured for her to have a sit next to me.
The child stared accusingly at me like I was some kind of lunatic. "You're being silly nee-chan. How can you not know you have a cute panda bear?"
I had already opened my mouth to tell her she was wrong but before I could even make my thoughts audible, the girl started pointing and saying, "It's right there nee-chan! The panda bear is just under your skirt."
"M-My skirt?" it took me seconds to realize what she was referring to. I completely forgot I was wearing a skirt! And I was even sitting indecently on this bench not even aware I was already exposing my panda bear printed underwear.
Quickly, as soon as I was aware of this panda bear situation, I sat upright, legs stuck together and feet placed down on the ground. I also adjusted the pleats of my skirt to hide my underwear and probably cover some parts of my exposed legs.
My cheeks were completely flushed. I can't believe I did something stupid again! It's a good thing Ruka hadn't returned yet. He could have taken a peek at my embarrassingly printed underwear if he had arrived sooner. Oh my gosh! I knew I should have worn my bloomers.
"Nee-chan? Why are you hiding the panda bear? It's very cute. You should let other people see it." the girl pouted at me.
"Y-You don't know what you're saying. I... I can't do that." I blushed as I fiddled with my skirt.
"Eh? Why is it so?"
"W-Why? Uhm... it's because... it's not very nice."
"But I think it's nice. Nee-chan's panda bear is very cute. People should see it."
I felt my cheeks flare up a little more. This kid's innocence is putting me in an embarrassing situation. Although I shouldn't blame her for all of this. It's due to my lack of capability that got me in this situation. I lack most things that led me here. I suppose Ruka left me due to my lack of charm and excitement. I also unknowingly exposed my undies to the entirety of the zoo due to my lack of elegance and proper decorum.
Yup! Every humiliation was of my own doing. No one should be blamed other than myself.
"Nee-chan, you're crying." The girl told me.
Without me even realizing, tears had started trailing down my cheeks.
"Oh my!" I said, faking a smile and wiping my face. "This is so embarrassing. I'm sorry. Nee-chan shouldn't let you see her like this."
The girl stood silently as I struggled to keep my tears from falling. She was observing for a moment before she stepped closer and asked me, "Are you lonely, nee-chan?"
For a moment, I stifled a sniff and stared at her.
"W-Why'd you ask?" I then inquired.
"It's because you look like you're lonely. You see, girls cry when they're lonely. I cry when I'm lonely. So maybe nee-chan is crying because she's lonely."
Her innocent deduction of my situation took my with awe. For just small a child, she was pretty smart. But nonetheless…
"I'm not lonely."
"You're not? Are you sure?"
I nodded. "I'm with my… friend." I slightly hesitated to say the last word. I barely could describe my relationship with Ruka so I stuck with the word 'friend'.
I saw her mouth an "Oh…" before she began to look around as if looking for someone. By the time she's done, she fixated her gaze back unto me. "So where is your friend?"
Again with her sudden questions…
"I… I don't know." I answered.
"Nee-chan doesn't know?"
"Yes, nee-chan doesn't know where my friend is. He left me a while ago and still he hasn't returned."
"Oh… then you are lonely. You're all alone, nee-chan." She said matter-of-factly.
I paused in silence thinking, She does have a point there, as I also wondered who and where did this girl come from. I had the intent to ask the first mystery but before I could even point out the question, she had already introduced herself.
"I forgot to tell you my name." She then poised a respectful curtsy and said, "I'm Aoi. But most of everyone call me A-chan… except for Da-chan. I'm also two and I like the zoo. How about nee-chan?"
"Uhm… I'm Mikan. But most people call me whatever they want. I'm sixteen years of age and—"
"Wah! Really? You're old!"
Pop! I think a vein just snapped. Sixteen years of living and breathing is still considered young by many yet this kid speaks like sixteen years of age is ancient.
"Ne! Ne! You know what? Even if you are old, you're really very pretty. I like you."
Hearing those words coming out of this little girl's mouth sounds almost realistic. How sweet of her to praise me with those pleasant words. This kid isn't so bad after all— maybe except for the part when she told me I'm old. That wasn't very nice at all.
"Ano… Mikan nee-chan. You're alone now right? Is it alright if you become my Ma-chan?" the little girl asked me.
"Uh… that is…" At first, I thought twice before saying anything but seeing how adorable she looked as she was expecting for a yes, I finally conceded. "Okay. I can be your Ma-chan but uhm… could you first tell me what a Ma-chan is?"
Aoi suddenly giggled.
I was surprised at her reaction. It made me think there was something wrong with what I've said.
"You're very funny, Ma-chan." She uttered in between her laughs. "Ma-chan is Ma-chan. You don't know much things, it seems."
For just a moment, I felt dumb. For a two year old kid to tell you that you don't know things made me feel more stupid than when Hotaru called me the dumbest of dumb.
"E-Eto… A-chan. I think someone is calling for you." I said hoping to change the topic and get rid of this child.
"Really?" she said as she twirled around and faced back. "I don't hear anyone."
"That's strange. I thought I heard someone." Lie.
"Maybe you heard Da-chan." She said, returning to face me.
Now what the heck is a Da-chan this time? I wanted to ask her about it but remembering how she laughed at me about the Ma-chan thingy made me decide not to. "Uh yeah! I think I heard your Da-chan. You should probably head back now. Your Da-chan might be worried about you."
"Kay… Da-chan might get mad too. Da-chan is very scary when angry."
She spoke like this Da-chan of hers was an actual person so I supposed that this same person is Aoi's guardian.
"Ma-chan! Ma-chan!" the little girl then tugged on my wrist to get my full attention.
"What is it?"
"You should also come with me."
"Eh?"
"You see, Da-chan is a very kind person. I think you would like to meet my Da-chan. So you should come with me, okay?"
I didn't have the chance to protest. By the time I realized what was happening, she had already tightened her hand around my wrist and pulled me out of the bench. Before I noticed, we were already heading somewhere far from where Ruka had left me.
. . .
I'm not sure where we are now but I'm pretty sure we're still inside the zoo.
"Wait! Slow down, A-chan!" I could barely believe this girl's strength. She easily dragged me into this place even though I tried protesting.
Honestly, I was still hoping for Ruka's return. I was still willing to wait in that bench thinking that something inevitable had come up and caused Ruka to come back to me later than what was expected. And also, this little girl made me walk barefooted on the rough surface of the pavement. I didn't have time to scramble for my shoes yet even take them with me because little Miss Aoi pulled me before I could do so.
So here I stand with both feet sore. I was feeling quite upset too because I left my precious shoes at the previous bench. I wanted to go back for it but Aoi's tight grip around my wrist prevented me to.
I wish it would still be there when I head back for it. I would really feel down when I lose it. My mother gave those shoes on my sixteenth birthday. It's very dear to me.
Don't worry, oh precious, precious shoes. I, Mikan Sakura, shall return to you once I've found Aoi's Da-chan… whoever that is.
"There! There!" Aoi pulled on my wrist again as she pointed towards someone amidst the crowd. "Look Ma-chan! I found Da-chan!"
It wasn't very clear to me who specifically was she pointing at so I haven't any clue who this Da-chan is. I mean hello? There are lots of people at the spot where her finger was directed at.
Then suddenly she slipped her hand from mine and started running away. I followed suit, fearing she might trip or something. I eventually stopped chasing after her when she tackled someone by the leg.
"Da-chan! I found you." The little girl squealed as she looked up at the said person.
Apparently, this Da-chan of hers appears to be a guy. And strange as it seems, even if this guy's back was turned towards me, it really felt like I've already met him before.
"Aoi! The heck? Didn't I tell you not to wander off?" he scolded.
I guess he had been looking for Aoi the whole time.
"Gomen. Gomen, Da-chan. I just went to look for a pretty Ma-chan for you."
"I told you before… I can look for a pretty Ma-chan for myself. Little girls like you shouldn't be too nosy about this sort of things."
"Eh? But I already found a pretty Ma-chan for you."
"Hai! Hai! So where is this Ma-chan you so proudly speak of?"
"There!" Aoi suddenly pointed a finger towards me.
And as if by lightning, I froze on the spot as I slowly got a glimpse at the person's face. He had turned around to simply look at me. And by doing so, his identity had been revealed.
"Oh my heavens!" I gasped. "Aoi's Da-chan is actually… the perverted Natsume?"
- - - - - - - - - - End of Chapter 14 - - - - - - - - - -
* Thank you for reading this fanfic. I hope to receive your reviews. Please inform me about typographical, grammatical, syntactical or spelling errors if you find some. Thanks a lot, my dears!
*More thank you's to those who added Nikoli-chan to their favorite authors list and My Angel Love Song to their Favorite stories and Story Alert list!
*Mwah! Hugs and plentiful of kisses to everyone!
*Special acknowledgement to the following reviewers:
Kylee-cat: I love the zoo too! I've only been there once when I was 10 years old. Oh by the way, did this chapter answer your question? I hope it did.
natsumeslover: Yup, Mikan is such a little girl. I'm glad you liked this chapter.
MangaAnimePrincess: Boohoo... I am widely aware of my really bad habit of updating this story way too late. But I can't help it! I have to keep my grades up so I had to study and everything. Although I am very grateful you loved this story even though you don't like me too much. I'll think about what you said about updating regularly.
MiSaNaHyu: Uhm... I'm not quite sure of that. I'm still thinking about how to get Mikan and Natsume together. I always end up letting them argue all the time. Do you have any suggestions?