Hey guys, I am back and still writing! I am back with chapter 25… writing seems to get my mind off things. :) First, I'd like to thank my classmate Mark Sanchez for sending me those text messages with the cheesy love quotes… I edited it a bit so it would be fitting. Next, A very belated happy birthday to Little Miss Clueless! And I also realized, on Nov. 4, 2007, I started High School Life! So it's HSL's second birthday! :)) lol
So I would like to thank: Athena's Heart, RosieShiba, AnimeFreakDass, little miss clueless, byuchuu, rinxxav, and Dragonridingattorney43. I now bring you Chapter 25 of High School Life: Because I Love You.
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CHAPTER 25: Because I Love You
The days went by fast and soon they were nearing the day when they were going to return to their homes. On Friday, they were all excused from class and they were taken around the landmarks near the school. They saw beautiful springs and rivers, with their clear waters and refreshing coolness. They sat there on the rocks, just dipping their feet in the water.
"This is relaxing…" Nika said, very relieved.
"Agreed… we should go here more often!" Ryan said with a laugh.
"The water's so cool…" Hughes commented. "What do you think Roy?"
"It's beautiful here. Have you been here before Riza?" Roy answered before asking Riza his question. She looked at him and smiled.
"Yeah many times when I was a child… my parents used to take me here just for fun. When I grew up, usually I went here with my friends." She answered, looking at particularly nothing, seemingly lost in her fond memories.
"Hey Roy…" Hughes whispered, calling his friend's attention.
"What?"
"Did you tell her?"
"No." He simply replied.
"I'm telling you Roy… you go tell her how you feel before something else happens. Once something that you don't like happens, you can't change it anymore." Hughes told him, wiping dry his glasses.
"You know what Hughes… I think she knows…" he said silently.
"She knows that you like her?" Hughes clarified.
"Yeah… I mean, there's nothing wrong with that. She's a great friend… and she needs all the support she can get."
"Hmm, she gets you on your soft side…" Hughes said with a laugh. "I've never seen you so happy with a girl."
They both fell silent and all of them sat there on the rocks listening to the sounds of nature. When they were about to leave, Hughes told Roy something that made him think.
"You know what… I'm happy for you. I know that you're happy because she completes you."
--
When Saturday came, they were allowed to explore on their own. Some of them went to the mall (with some directions from Riza), while some of them, which included Roy, Riza, Hughes and Ed opted to go to the small park not far from the mall.
"Don't worry, we'll be there… we'll meet you guys later." Roy assured the others as they went their separate ways. As they walked to the park, they discussed what they were going to do.
"What's there in the park?" Ed asked, his hands in his pockets.
"Well there's a street surrounded by trees that make some sort of arch and people love to walk and ride bikes through there. We can rent bikes." Riza suggested.
"Maybe you and Mustang can share." Ed said, suggesting his own idea with a chortle, earning him a smile from Riza, a laugh from Hughes and a glare from Roy.
"Easy on the comments, Edward…" Hughes cautioned. "Alright, we can do that. We can go biking then?"
"There's a place where you can play catch or whatever."
"Can you rent balls too?" Ed asked.
"Yeah you can. There's a shack there that rents out a lot of things you can do."
"Ooh… cool!" Ed said running ahead. "Hurry up, I can't wait!"
"Hey shrimp, stop acting like a kid!" Roy called out. This got an instant reaction from Ed.
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING SHRIMPY?!"Ed shouted reacting instantly.
"Yo, calm down…" Hughes said putting his hands on Ed's shoulders and steering him away. "Let the lovebirds have a moment to their own." Hughes said his voice dropping to a whisper, with a smile on his face.
The two walked side by side to the park, their hands brushing against each other once in a while.
"You look good in those clothes… and your hair, you should wear it down more often." Roy commented. She looked at him and smiled. She was wearing a simple light blue blouse, a free flowing white skirt with simple flower designs, and a pair of brown sandals. Her hair was made neat by a brown, cloth headband with small flowers on the sides.
"Thanks… Aurelia lent me the headband." She replied.
"It suits you." He added. "Maybe I'll get you some of your own… the blue really brings out the color of your eyes."
"Thanks… that's sweet of you." Riza replied, smiling, her face turning slightly pink.
"It's a great day today… we'll be going home soon."
"You seem excited… then next week we'll be back at Fountain doing work and studying. We did miss a lot." Riza said with a small laugh.
"True… but we can catch up, we help each other. After all we are classmates, and we can get help from others too."
"Of course…" Riza said as they entered the park gates. It was bustling with people, but still very beautiful. There was a small path leading up to different places around in the park. One thing they all noted was it was so green. There were plants everywhere. Many kinds of trees and beautiful flowers were on both sides of the path. There were benches to sit on, children were playing in the open areas, and some were having a picnic not far away. There was so much happening all at the same time, but one can note the happiness in the air. Riza showed them were the bike stand was and they rented four bikes. Hughes, Ed, and Roy chose bikes colored blue, red and black respectively, while Riza chose a bicycle that was light purple in color.
"You sure you can bike in a skirt?" Roy asked her.
"Do not underestimate me, Roy Mustang… I can do things you would never do." Riza said playfully, a grin on her face as she got on her bike and rode off. After standing there dumbly for a few moments (and after Hughes and Ed laughed at him), they all rode off and followed her. She was right, the trees in the area formed some sort of arch. The leaves of some of the trees were falling to the ground, and some made a crunching sound as they rolled past it.
"Hey Riza wait up!" Roy called out, before speeding up to catch up to her. Soon they were biking side by side. Hughes and Ed decided to maintain their distance and just looked at the two having so much fun together.
"Why you finally caught up!" Riza said happily.
"Oh come on, what's with the sarcasm?" Roy asked.
"Nothing, I just wanted to play around… I can be a kid sometimes can't I?" Riza asked.
"I told you… you looked much better and prettier with a smile on your face." Roy told her, changing the subject. A tinge of pink appeared on Riza's cheeks.
"You flatterer. I've never had to much fun in my life!" She exclaimed happily. Roy just smiled. It was great to see her smiling and enjoying herself. These moments were precious, and he knew that it would help her a lot.
"There's a hill not far from here… maybe we can go there later, after we play a little catch or tag or something." Riza told him.
"Sure, we have to tell Hughes first." Roy said and the two of them turned around and called out to Hughes and Ed. The two went to the sides and waited for Hughes and Ed to get there.
"What's up my dear couple?" Hughes asked. Ed snickered, earning him yet another glare from Roy.
"Come on Mustang, don't deny it." Ed grumbled.
"I'll deny what I want to deny." Roy answered. "Do you want to go biking another round then go over to the field to play some tag or something? Riza also says that there's a small hill there… we can go there and take pictures or something."
"Sure thing, great idea! Then we can meet up with the rest, have some snacks then perhaps get back to the school before the sun sets." Hughes answered flashing a thumbs up sign.
"Hey Mustang! You up for a little race? I bet that you can't beat me over to that signpost over there." Ed challenged before pointing to a signpost.
"You're on." Roy answered. "Maybe your short legs can't take the speed."
"Oh shut up! I'm going to make you eat your words." Ed challenged.
"Then show me." Roy retorted.
"You're on Mustang!" Ed said as he biked over to a starting point. "We'll start here.." Ed said as he biked over to his desired spot. Roy shrugged and just followed him there. Hughes and Riza just stayed there looking, very amused, at the two.
"Are they always like this?" Riza asked, one foot on the ground, and one on the bike pedal to steady herself.
"Yup, ever since those two became friends."
"I see…"
"Hey Hughes!" Ed called out. "We need a marker. Go bike over there, will ya? I'm gonna show Mustang that I can beat him at something." Hughes shrugged and biked over to where wanted him to be.
"We now need someone to give the signal." Roy calmly said, turning to face Riza. She got the message, smiled and went in between the two.
"Okay… let's see. Rules are simple, go to where Hughes is, turn around and bike back here I suppose? And let's be fair, gentlemen." Riza said, not noticing the glares the two were giving each other. They just nodded when she turned to face them. Riza raised her hand.
"Okay, when you're ready… GO!" Riza said as she brought her hand down, and it seemed like Roy just blasted out of there. He definitely had the advantage, but Ed wasn't too far behind.
"Dammit Mustang, I'm going to show you!" Ed shouted, pedaling even faster. Roy took no notice and just blazed ahead.
"Then you have to do a lot more, Ed!"Roy shouted back. A few moments later, Roy already turned around and was biking back towards Riza.
"Hey, no fair!" Ed shouted.
"I wasn't doing anything unfair, Edward!" Roy taunted. "You're just too slow for me, shrimp!" When he said that, it was like Ed had a sudden burst of inspiration and pedaled faster. He was almost near Roy but it was far too late. Roy had crossed the 'finish line' and raised his hands in triumph. Ed accepted defeat, but not without an argument.
"No fair… there was an unfair advantage in height." Ed complained.
"Excuse me, you're the one who called the challenge, not me. You should have taken that into consideration." Roy said smugly. "Don't be too bitter that you lost."
"I am not bitter!" Ed argued.
"You are." Roy replied. Riza and Hughes could do nothing but sigh. Those two can be so childish sometimes and they couldn't help it.
"Alright, forget about it let's go for some tag!" Ed said, changing the subject and biked off to go to the field area.
"He's just bitter." Roy said behind Ed's back before biking off to follow him. Riza and Hughes followed the two.
--
When they got to the field, they first sat on the grass, just looking around. When they were into it, they chased each other around the area, but gave up a little later on, as playing tag wasn't really fun with only four people playing. They sat back down on the grass and just did nothing.
"Whoops, I got a text." Hughes said whipping out his cell phone. He read the message in silence. "It's Aurelia… you guys up for a movie she asks… then we can all go to the field later after the movie."
"Sure, no problem, is there an arcade inside?" Ed asked.
"Yes there is." Riza said. "Why do you ask?"
"Nothing… I just need a venue to vent out my feelings." Ed replied, intending for them to laugh. Still laughing, all four of them got up, got the bikes, biked back and returned the bikes. Then they set off to the mall to be with their council mates.
When they got there, they first got a bite to eat and decided to go to the arcade first when they saw that the movie they wanted to watch was scheduled for later in the afternoon.
"We have to be back at the school before dinner… so around seven?" Nika stated.
"Yeah…" Hughes said as they entered the busy and noisy arcade. Riza, knowing the policies of the arcade, purchased cards for them.
"Aren't you going to play Riza?" Ed asked.
"No thanks.. I think it'll just burn my money if I play." Riza said with a smile.
"Alright then…" Ed said as he got his card and dashed off. She gave the other cards to Hughes, Roy, Vic, Ryan and Aurelia.
"How about you guys?" Roy asked.
"We'll just watch." Riza said.
"Riza, you can use my card too." Roy replied. "Don't worry, we can play a two player shooting game. You like that?"
"Well if it's okay with you, then fine, I'll play." Riza said smiling and Roy took her hand and led her off to the area where most of the shooting games were.
"Oh how romantic…" Aurelia swooned in a dreamy voice.
"Are you kidding me? There's nothing romantic with an arcade." Nika said with a laugh.
--
Riza and Roy had a blast playing games together. And the others definitely noticed it.
"What is he doing?" Ed asked Hughes as they passed the two.
"Don't stare, Edward, that's rude… he likes her isn't it obvious."
"Oh heck yeah… but why can't he just tell her directly?"
"Let everything take its course…" Hughes replied. "The time will come."
"What are you a fortune teller?"
"Shut up, I'm being serious." Hughes said with a laugh. "Come on, let's play another fighting game."
--
They watched the movie afterwards and went off to get a bite to eat after the movie. And as promised, Riza led them all to the hill area where people go to watch the sunset. The wind was blowing again, making it even chillier. When they got to the hill, it was quiet, not too many people were there. But the scenery was breathtaking.
"It's beautiful… it's different to see things like this." Aurelia said. They all sat on the grounds, but some of them, like Roy and Riza opted to go a little farther away from where the others are.
"This is my favorite spot…" Riza told Roy as they approached a small grassy area with little purple flowers. "I don't really mind the flowers… I didn't think they'd still be here." Riza said smiling. They both sat down, making sure they wouldn't crush any of the flowers. For moments, the two said nothing and just looked at the sun setting and the clouds. The sky was a beautiful shade of red and orange. It was calming and soothing overall.
"Are you going to go back to your house before you leave?" Roy asked later on, looking at her. She turned and thought for a moment.
"I guess not… maybe if I do, I might get caught. I'll just bring the dress anyway… if I get caught, my aunts will get really mad."
"Who cares about them? They never treat you well." Roy commented.
"But Roy, they're my only family… even if they don't like me, they're family."
"And your grandfather?"
"Living with one of my aunts. Maybe he'll come visit me someday. He promised me." Riza said smiling.
"You should introduce me to your grandfather someday."
"Maybe I will." Riza replied. Then silence fell once more and was only broken when Riza spoke up once more.
"Hey Roy…"
"Mm?"
"I… I want to thank you."
"For what?" Roy asked, lying down on the grass.
"For being there. For being one of the best friends I found at Fountain. I never thought that I'd meet someone like you."
"And I thought I'd never meet someone like you. I always thought meeting the right one was left to fate or destiny… maybe it is." Roy muttered. Riza was slightly puzzled by his last statement.
"I'm probably not the best friend… you know, I'm kind of troubled by all these." Riza said, making up an excuse.
"You may be troubled, but that's why I'm here. Even if you have flaws, I don't care. Everyone has their own flaws. Even me… You may not be perfect… you know in everything, but come to think of it, there are some things… a lot of things that… won't be perfect without you." He said looking at her and smiling. She felt a different sensation inside of her. She didn't recognize what it was. It was the first time she felt like that.
"For once in your life, you aren't that much corny, Roy." She replied smiling.
"Which means I'm improving." Roy said smiling back.
"But you still have a lot to learn." Riza pointed out.
"As I said, I have flaws." Roy replied shrugging. "You know… we've only met a few months ago, but you're one of the best female friends I've had. You're someone I can depend on."
"And I can depend on you completely… I'm glad to have someone who supports me and someone to support. I know that you will never fail me, you'll be going places, I can see it." Riza replied.
"And so will you. You're one of the smartest, sweetest girls I've ever met."
"That's so sweet of you…" Riza said. She paused before continuing. Inside, she felt that she really had to tell him how she felt. "Roy…"
"Yeah?"
"When I first met you, you stood out."
"And so did you."
"You immediately made me feel like I belonged there… that it was best that I was there." She paused again and didn't look at him. She took a deep breath and looked once more into his dazzling, dark blue eyes. "I think that I really… really like you." At that, he smiled and gave her a hug. At that point, he whispered into her ear.
"Hughes has been telling me to tell you, but I was waiting for the right time… I think this is it." Roy whispered to her ear. "When I first met you, you were quiet yeah, but not like other girls in the school. You were very different…" they broke apart and he held her hand, but still spoke softly.
"I feel that I'm a different person with you around… maybe because you are different."
"Maybe I had a different outlook in life with you around." Riza softly replied.
"Maybe we both changed because we both had feelings for each other. I'll tell you this now, even if I only met you a few months ago, I feel that you're the one, among the girls, who has made the greatest impact on me."
Before he could say anything more, Hughes called out to them from the distance. They were all getting up to leave and return to the school since it was getting dark already.
"Hey yo lovebirds! Come on, we're leaving… Ms. R. wants us back on campus!"
"Yeah, alright coming!" Roy shouted back. He stood up, and helped her get up. "Riza…" he said as he held on to her hand. "Before we leave this place, let me tell you, that you've changed me a lot, and maybe I feel like this… because…. Because I love you so much."
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And I end it there once more, LOL. :)) if you guys liked it, drop me a review! I love reading it! I'll be updating soon, although the second semester at my college will be starting soon, so I'll try to find time to update.
All the best guys!