Previously…
"Everyone at school thinks you already have a boyfriend and a date."
"WHAT!"
"I didn't believe it at first, but then I really thought about what happened at Club DV8 and I realized that they may be true."
"And who do people think I'm going out with."
"Well…."
WHAT THE FREAK!
"Well…. I'm not so sure you want to know now," Peter said.
"No…believe me…I really want to know. If rumors are about me, which rarely happens, I need to know. Please Peter," Téa replied giving her famous puppy dog pout.
"Oh…ok. Everyone at this school thinks you're going out with…"
"Yes?"
"Seto Kaiba."
"WHAT! ARE THEY NUTS? EVERYONE MUST BE ON CRACK! ME? GOING OUT WITH SETO KAIBA? INSANE! WHAT THE FREAK!"
Due to Téa's tantrum, everyone that was in the surrounding hallways heard what she was saying. All the members of Kaiba's fan club were groaning now. They all wanted to ask Kaiba, but since they all heard he was going to go with Téa, they all decided to get different dates. Now, they were regretting their decisions. On the other hand…some ladies that managed to stay single were yelling and screaming in joy that they might actually have a chance to get a date with the hottest guy in school.
"Calm down Téa. It's just a rumor."
"YA…. a rumor that can completely ruin my reputation."
"It can't be that bad?"
"That bad," Téa said not realizing Seto Kaiba turn the corner into the hallway they were speaking in," getting a B on a test isn't that bad, forgetting your lunch at home isn't that bad, stepping on dog shit isn't that bad…but saying that I'm going out with Kaiba…. that's worse than bad. That's disreputable! It's not tolerable."
"Well, since you kinda screamed out your reasons…. I'm pretty sure everyone in this school now knows that you aren't going out with Kaiba. Are you happy now?"
"Very happy. WOW! That got a lot off my chest. Meanwhile, I'll have to work on restoring the rest of my corrupted status. I'll see you later Peter."
"Hold on Téa!" Peter said running after her. She turned around to come face to face with him.
"Ya?"
"Am I still going to see you at Prom?"
Kaiba, who was still standing behind the corner lifted his sullen head and begged to hear what Téa had to say.
"I really don't know Peter? To tell you the truth…. I really don't know. Then again…I'm not the kind of girl that would let the absence of a date ruin her evening. If I'm in a good mood and everything goes well, then yes…of course I'll see you there. Maybe we can even get a dance if your date doesn't get too jealous."
Kaiba scowled at Téa's last remark. He would no doubt be going to his own senior prom as well. He was the same as Téa. Going dateless isn't going to stop him. Although, he was hoping that Téa would apologize to him and he would ask her to Prom. Unfortunately, she had plans of her own.
"Perfect Téa. I'm glad you'll be there. And, of course, I'll save a dance for you. I'll even tell my date that I have a date with destiny on the dance floor. I don't think she'll mind."
"Great!"
"But maybe we shouldn't dance like we did at the club on Friday. That would arise suspicions."
"Suspicions?"
"That we're going out?"
"Oh right. That was the other thing I wanted to ask you."
"Yes?"
"You know that we're just friends right?"
"Of course! I wouldn't want it any other way. Besides, I hope you understand that what happened at my house last weekend was just a little phase thing I was going through."
"Ya. I hoped. But, just to let you know…. you are a really good kisser."
Kaiba fumed.
KAIBA'S POV
WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?
Didn't you hear her? She said that Peter was a really good kisser?
When did that slumbag kiss her?
How should I know? I'm, unfortunately, constantly around you. Why? Is someone jealous?
Me jealous?
Ya you!
Me?
For the last time yes! You!
I took a sigh. This is going to be a long day for me.
NORMAL POV
His fists clenched as Kaiba continued to argue relentlessly with his conscience. It was impossible to get rid of! Meanwhile, Peter and Téa exchanged farewells and continued on their way to their 5th period classes. The rest of the day went by pretty slowly for the both of them. Each, meaning Kaiba and Téa, having a hard time trying to figure out who was free for Prom and who wasn't.
Kaiba could care less, but still, the hottest bachelor in Domino should be going to his senior Prom don't you think? All he was doing was looking for the perfect woman. The perfect woman huh? I'm obviously not going to find that in this dump of a school. So while Kaiba thought, it was settled. He wouldn't go with anyone from this school. Instead he would shock everyone with a grand entrance and a beautiful model attached to his arm.
Téa on the other hand, was freaking out. All her classes went by slowly, but not slow enough. She managed to think of every guy in her class and scribble them down on a piece of notebook paper. She crossed out all the ones that she knew already had dates. That pretty much covered the whole list. A few guys were left that she hoped were still available. No doubt they had already found dates at lunchtime.
By the time the day was over, everyone was crossed off the list except the hottest CEO in Domino. Chances are he already found some exotic date too! JEEZ! I'm going to be the only senior at that party who doesn't have a date with me. I have to find someone. I'm desperate.
Téa was at her locker when her friends approached her from behind. They scared her considering she was deep in thought, and unconsciously putting things back into her locker that weren't supposed to go back, and placing things in her backpack that were meant to stay in her locker. Her life was ruined. Prom was a big deal and the last chance you would get to see all your friends and family before you left for college. Sure there was summer vacation, but during that time most students looked around their college campus's and some were still deciding which college they should go to! It was mayhem!
"Téa! Earth to Téa! Are you ok?" Yugi asked while patting his best friend on the back.
"Yo! Téa! You's dere?"
"JEEZ! Don't do that you guys! I was thinking."
"About what?"
"About Prom what else. I managed to find out that there is only one person in this school that doesn't have a date. And that person is the person that I would be caught dead with before going to the best dance of my life with."
"Lemme guess…. it's mister moneybags right?"
"Was I that obvious?"
"I'm sorry Téa. I already told you…I wish I could do something, but I can't."
"It's times like these that I wish Yami had his own body," Téa mentioned.
"Ya…then at least all of us could go as a group," Yugi said.
"I'm sorry Téa. I really am."
"It's ok Joey. I'll live. Besides, nothing else can bring me down today."
"Why is that Téa?"
"Because my parents are coming home!"
"That's great. When?"
"In like an hour. OMG! In an hour! I need to go guys. The house is a mess and I told them I would make lunch for them when they get home. I'm sorry…I'll talk to you later. Bye!"
"OH OK Téa! Bye!" both teens said in unison.
Téa was overflowing with joy as she ran back home to welcome her parents from their long trip. They no doubt, must be tired from all the partying and late nights at work. At that moment, she forgot all the times they had ignored her life and forgotten about her necessities. Truth was, that without them around, she learned to be a more independent woman.
A woman who was not scared about going to college. A woman who was not afraid of the challenges that would overwhelm her in college. A woman who could handle herself in times of great difficulty.
A traffic light turned red as she approached it on her way home. She stopped and waited for the signal to show its beauty once again. A woman! I'm a woman now. Téa admired all her accomplishments this past week. She had truly developed into a beautiful flower. She took care of Kaiba and Jazz.
Flashback"Shut up Jazz. I'm not as dirty minded as you, and I don't want to take lead, I'm just leading both of us to the couch to sit down and talk professionally."
"Right. This is a good start. Now, I came here to tell you things from my point of view. You really hurt me Jazz. You really did. I thought I could trust you. Even my parents trusted you. And you broke it a couple of nights ago. You broke that trust, that faith, and that honesty between us."
"Jazz, I wish you luck in whatever you do. I hope you do get your act together, because you do have a lot of potential too. Maybe even go back to school, or try for a college. That's the least you can do," Téa rejoined back.
Both got up from the couch and hugged each other for what seemed like eternity. Each continued to hug the other tighter. Téa hugged her hardest and poured out of her feelings out in that hug. Jazz could tell too. In return, her hugged twice as hard.
End FlashbackTéa loved how she handled herself that night. She made sure she wasn't overpowered and that she had everything under control. Then she thought of Kaiba. Two nights ago when she showed him who was boss. However, all of that was ruined when she saw the tears in his eyes. That was a first, and no doubt the last time she would ever see him with tears streaking down his perfectly sculpted features.
Flashback"Don't you dare touch me with your filthy, obnoxious, arrogant, egotistical, bastardized fingers of your Kaiba. Don't you dare," she said raising her voice causing the whole mansion to shake in terror.
"When I first saw you, I saw you as an narcissistic, arrogant little prick of a child who was constantly crying, backstabbing, and getting other people to do your dirty work for you, bastard. My opinion didn't change until this project."
"Before this project I thought I was going to die even spending a second of my good air on you. You didn't even deserve my time, my money, or, for a day or more, my love Kaiba."
"Now that I realize how much the chip on your shoulder the size of Texas has grown in the last few days, I'm shocked even Mokuba is gracing you with his presence by staying in this hell hole."
End FlashbackShe may have been a little tough that night but he deserved. All she wised for was a camera to video tape that moment and show the entire school that Kaiba wasn't cut out to be the cold hearted, strong smart ass, everyone thought he was. It was funny really how everyone thought that no one could match THE GREAT SETO KAIBA when it came to wits. He had met his match when he started to mess with her and her friends.
The light turned green and she walked across the crosswalk. She made it home safely and saw that the house was a little messy. Truthfully, she hadn't been home that much lately. Most of the time Téa was out shopping, or hanging out with friends.
All it took was a little determination to rid the house of all the accumulated dust and other unwanted items. The dishes in the sink were taken care of, and the laundry was done and folded and placed precisely in her neatly kept closet. Without shampooing or conditioning, Téa took a small shower to rid her body of the dust that no doubt settled on her while she was cleaning. Looking at the clock it was already it was 4:08.
Their plane must have landed already. Finding a taxi does require a lot of work, and on top of that we aren't that close to the airport. It should take at least half-an-hour to reach home. Oh well…I can wait a little longer! Hehe.
Téa's stomach started grumbling when she realized that she hadn't cooked for her family for when they got home. Immediately she got to work preparing all of their favorite dishes. Some included were sushi and spicy tofu, and no meal could go without the sticky rice and perfectly seasoned Tai Pai noodles. (AN: I have no idea what they eat. I'm not up to date on my Japanese culinary dishes. Sorry to everyone for that!)
Just as the last dish was being seasoned and put on the table with the rest of its friends, the front door bell rang. Jumping up and down, Téa hopped down the hallway and excitedly opened the door. In front of her were her parents whom she hadn't seen in about a week's time!
"MOM! DAD! YOU'RE HOME! HOW ARE YOU? ARE YOU GUYS TIRED? ARE YOU HUNGRY? I MADE FOOD. COME IN AND REST YOU GUYS!" Téa yelled ushering them into the house dragging their heavy luggage along with them.
"Honey! We're so glad to see you again! My how much you've already grown. I fear that if we keep going on these trips we're going to miss out on our caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly," obviously her mother.
Her dad spoke next," so, how's life been treating you?"
Téa was hesitant to speak. Should she tell them everything that happened? She wasn't so sure if she would get in trouble or get a pat on the back. Her parents noticed the apprehension in her eyes but continued to wait for any sort of reply. They were her parents and had a right to know what went on in her life. Hey…they brought her into this world, they could take her out any time too!
After about 3 minutes of waiting, they got a reply. Téa decided not to tell them anything…ok so maybe bits and pieces here and there, but none of the major stuff like when Jazz came to rape her or when Kaiba did. She was able to reason with both of them…one out of two actually but whatever!
"Life has been hard," she finally said.
"What do you mean? Are you ok?" her dad asked.
"Ya dad. I'm fine…it's just that…school has been torture this past week," it wasn't a lie she told. "Just all the exams and studying and then waiting for college acceptance letters, and then graduation, and the Prom. It's been a lot to think about and go through. That's all. Otherwise I'll tell you the rest later. You must be hungry. I made it a chore to cook your favorite dishes."
"Oh really darling? Thank you so much! Ya…we're starving. The food on the plane was horrific," her dad answered.
"Sure…you go and sit down in the dining room and I'll go put you're stuff back up in your room. Make yourself at home…never mind…this is your home! Haha. Don't mind me!"
Téa ran off into the family room once again to gather her parent's luggage and place it back into their room. Their flight no doubt was stressful, and she wanted to make their stay here relaxing. When she was finished unpacking everything upstairs she took their dirty clothes and put them in the wash. I guess I'm doing another load tonight!
By the time she finished taking care of everything her parents had finished dinner and were now sitting beside the fire drinking the tea that her mother had probably prepared. They both looked up when they heard her come down the steps.
"Téa, come and sit with us and tell us what happened while we were gone."
"Ok mom. Let me just change into something more comfortable."
It was nearing 8 by the time she told her parents told her everything, well almost everything that had happened. All she told them was what Yugi thought happened to her and Kaiba, and how they both ended up doing their health project together. Then she told them about how she went over to Kaiba's and they worked on their project. No other details about that. She told them that her presentation went perfect and that they got an A. otherwise nothing else went on.
"Ya…that's it. Basically it."
"That's great news. How did all your other exams go?" her mom queried.
"I don't know. I gave them my all and I guess I'll find out the last day of school or the school will mail them to me. I don't know, but there was another thing I wanted to tell you."
"What is it sweetie?"
"Well dad, you know how I've been saving money for years in my piggy bank in my room?"
"Ya."
"Well, I kinda bought my Prom dress with it."
"That's great honey," her mom retorted. "How much did you save up?"
"Around 624."
"WOW! Really! That's great Téa. What did you buy?"
"Well I bought a dress and some shoes and a beautiful jewelry set to go with it. Do you want to see it?"
"Not now. I want to be surprised when my daughter goes to the Prom for the first time. Then I'll really see the beauty of it. What color is it?"
"It's the color of my eyes. And the accessories are around that same color."
"That's terrific. Well Téa, your dad and I are really tired. Work has left us without energy."
"We're going to hit the hay if that's ok with you."
"OH YA! How stupid of me."
"Don't bother. Dinner was fabulous and you kept the house in tip top condition. You're growing older everyday, and we are both very proud of you."
"Thanks dad. Thanks mom! Love ya…and see you tomorrow. I'll be leaving for school same time remember! Good night. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite!"
"Good night sweetie. Don't stay up too late!"
"OK DAD!"
Both her parents groggily went up the stairs and shut the door to their bedroom. Meanwhile Téa couldn't fall asleep in her own room. She was too busy thinking of possible ways to find a date. There was no way she could find one in time! Then she remembered something very important. Téa forgot to check the mail that day because of the rush she was in to get home. Like a roadrunner, she sped down the stairs jumping over intruding obstacles and outside to the tall red flag. The mail was here.
Rummaging through the countless number of bills, she found three letters addressed to her. Closing the mailbox she went inside to open her mail. Téa left the other letters addressed to her parents on the dining table for them to open in the morning. All the three letters had college emblems on the front and fancy stamps as well. Téa's heart was jumpy now. Could these be what she thought they were?
Don't get too excited Téa. You don't know if you got accepted yet. Just open them and find out first.
The first one came from Domino University. Téa didn't care much for that one. She was saving the one from Julliard for last. Her fingers tore open the envelope and folded it open. Trying to contain herself because her parents were probably asleep she read the letter. It said she was accepted! She stifled a scream with the pillow placed beside her. Then she opened the next one.
This one was from the dePaul University in France. It was also a prestigious performing arts school next to Julliard. This one also said that she was accepted. Once again she used her pillow to suppress her glee screams. After that one was placed aside, Téa took the last letter and looked at it closely before she did anything to it.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Treating this letter as if it was her last will, she carefully opened the letter and unfolded the contents. Once again she closed her eyes and took another deep breath. For some strange reason she prayed. All she had been looking forward to when she was little was being accepted into Julliard. Her goals and her accomplishments were all being tested on this letter.
Word by word she read the text perfectly printed on the hard specialized paper.
DEAREST TEA GARDNER,
CONGRATULATIONS! WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO JULLIARD SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS. WE KNOW WE WILL BE VERY HONORED TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE WHEN THE YEAR STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 8TH 2005. ONCE AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU FROM ALL OF US HERE.
However all her eyes read were the letters c-o-n-g-r-a-t-u-l-a-t-i-o-n-s. This time she wasn't able to contain herself. Words couldn't express the commotion that went on that night in the Gardner residence. Neighbor's lights went on along with her parents rushing down thinking something had happened to her. They were shown the letter and joined Téa in the Julliard Jubilee dance! (A.N. I don't really know what it feels like to get an acceptance letter so I can't and won't describe it. I feel that I won't do it the glory it should have. Just know Téa was really happy!)
The next morning Téa woke up with a smile on her face. She got ready with a smile, took a shower with a smile, brushed her teeth with a smile, ate breakfast with a smile, and walked to school with a smile. Cocky was one word to describe how she looked. By the time first period started the knowledge of her getting accepted into Julliard was spreading like an epidemic. She was getting congratulations from all her classmates. There was no way this day could get any worse. Really. There wasn't.
On top of that, there weren't any real classes today. All the seniors were doing was getting their annual graduation talk and partners to walk with around the track. Nothing else. What a way to spend the day! Conversely, the previous seniors that no matter how much they thought it was an easy way to escape the last four days of school, they said it wasn't. The sun was normally hot so many of the ladies got bad tans and that ruined how they looked in their Prom dresses. Also, the teachers worked very hard to make the ceremony a perfect one.
In their health class, Mrs. Smith told her students how the day would work and that they had to get fitted for their graduation gowns. Her class was always the first one to go. Gathering all her students in the front of the classroom, she arranged them from shortest to tallest in height. Yugi was the first and Kaiba was last. When it came to place her, her luck ran short. She was placed next to Kaiba. Ya…there was no one else in the class that was taller than her towering height of 5'9" for a girl. Great! Just Great!
Seto Kaiba scoffed when the teacher made them both brush shoulders with each other. He was still a grand 5 inches taller than her making him more intimidating at the moment. As soon as the teacher turned away, she gave the iciest glare towards him.
"Why the long face Gardner?"
"None of your business Kaiba," she snapped back at him.
"Why the sudden change of heart?"
"What do you mean?"
"I was really thinking…"
"That's a first."
"You might want to shut your trap before you decide to interrupt me again. Anyways I was thinking I wanted to ask you something."
Is he going to ask me to Prom? "What Kaiba, you're wasting my time as it is."
"Well, I know this is kind of sudden and all, but I heard that you didn't have a date to the Prom yet."
TEA'S POV
What should I do if he asks me?
I'm wondering the same thing.
Must you always pester me?
No, I just like to see you squirm.
Very nice. Anyway…what if he asks me?
Just say the first thing that pops up in your head. Or say what your heart tells you. Don't get too ahead of yourself. You know Kaiba.
True. Best be on my guard.
NORMAL POV
"No I don't have a date yet. Why do you ask?"
"Um…well…"
I'm sorry if I confused people with thinking this was going to be the last chapter. However it is not. There will be like 3 more chapters left though. Sadly! I am so proud of myself though. This story is going to hit more than 200 pages on Microsoft Word! That's a lot considering I used to hate writing. Well…I hope you liked this chapter. It was a very interesting one to write. However, things are finally turning around for Téa. I'm so proud of her after all that she's been through.
OMG! WHAT IS KAIBA GOING TO SAY? I wonder? Remember how he's changed. That could mean something! I love this cliffy the most! I think it's the best because it goes either way. He can act like the changed Kaiba hint hint or he can stay Kaiba wink . Either one is going to be interesting to write.
However I have some bad news. I'm not going to be here for the next couple of weeks! My cousin is having his wedding! I'm so happy. Lot's of partying and lots of fun. FOOOODDDD! Yummy food too! YAY. Thanks for reading this chapter.
PLEASE REVIEW! I DIDN'T GET AS MANY REVIEWS AS I WANTED SO THIS TIME I'LL REQUEST AGAIN. I WISH TO GET AT LEAST 313 REVIEWS…DON'T WORRY…I'M GOING TO WORK ON THIS STORY WHILE I'M TRAVELING! THE CHOICE IS YOURS!