Shay: I am so sorry!! I was busy with all the school work. You understand right?? Anyways, I'll start early...

Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice, but I do own Mike, Ayaka, Keiko, Haruka and Arnel. You know that right?? Oh well…enjoy!!

Chapter 28: It's just the Beginning

MIKAN'S POV

I despised her so much, I really did.

"So, that was the reason my mother left mysteriously," I heard Natsume whisper beside me.

I glanced at him then bowed down, feeling guilty that he has to feel pain because my mother killed his very own mother. Nothing in his face changed, he was still emotionless and cold but I was sure somewhere in his eyes I saw sadness in them.

"I'm sorry, Natsume. I should've not shown this book to you, if only I knew what I was doing." I said closing the book that was left hanging open in my hands.

"Hn…whatever," He said as he walked away leaving me alone.

I watched him disappear in the darkness. His body quickly fading as he picked up his pace.

I turned around and walked at the opposite direction not bothering to use my teleportation alice. The book was still in my hands. I regretted the fact that I read this book. I really did.

It took me almost 20 minutes to reach my room because of the slow pace. As I opened the door, I turned on the lights, placed the book on a random shelf not bothering to return it to the library then lied down on my bed. I clutched the covers of my bed as I whispered one name…

"Natsume…" Then I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up, my cheeks were sore and damp from crying last night. I tried not to remember but I just couldn't. It seems that it won't let itself vanish…that memory…

I glanced at the clock seeing something that made me panic. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, I was late.

I stood up as fast as I can, taking all the sheets of my bed off my body. I went into the bathroom to change and fix myself up and tadda! I was ready in no longer than 15 minutes. I sighed in relief then teleported my self in the classroom.

The class was noisy as usual. I looked around for no reason apparently. Just when I almost glanced at Natsume, I bowed my head down then said softly but everyone can hear:

"Ohayo, minna-san…" I said, not in my usual cheery-cold attitude. Suddenly, Ayaka, Haruka, Arnel, Mike and the others all came up to me.

"Is there something wrong Mi-chan?" Ayaka asked in a concerning voice. Everyone, well almost… raised their eyebrows waiting for me to answer.

"It's nothing!" I smiled at them. They seem to accept my answer then went back to their seats except for Haruka, Ayaka, Keiko, Anna and Nonoko. But I wonder where Narra is??

She was no where in sight. Not in her usual place behind me and Natsume. Well, it's not really my business right?? So moving on…

"Hey, Mi-chan… you want to come with us to central town??" Keiko asked me smiling…

"Good idea Kei-chan! I want to go shopping as well for the ball!" Anna smiled at me reassuringly. This is weird…

"Ano… Okay??" I unsurely agreed. Well, honestly I wanted to go too. I have nothing to wear to the ball. I don't want to get ugly right??

"Well, before I go, I just have to ask permission to someone. Can I??" I asked them with hopeful eyes.

"Well, it's Natsume isn't it??" Haruka whispered to me giggling. I blushed a deep shade of pink after hearing that. I ran away… really I can't take this sorta stuff.

"Ahhh, she's in love all right," I heard Nonoko whisper before I dashed out of the room and went looking for Natsume.

"Geezzz, where is he??" I looked left and rights, up and down and still no him. I guess I have to skip what I'm doing and head for the classroom again." I teleported my self to you know where.

"I can't find him anywhere so let's just go…" I said and then we headed to central town for some shopping. Well of course I had to use my Change Alice to change our clothes right??

I bought my gold credit card which enables me to buy anything. It was Narumi who gave me this I was so happy back then.

"Oh! Howalons!" I pointed at the stand. The others sweat dropped to my addictness to it. But even though I left for almost 2 years, I just can't forget the feeling when you put it into your mouth!

I was walking by when I spotted Narumi running around. He seems to be looking for someone.

"Otou-san!!" I shouted at him then waved my hand. He spotted me then heaved a relief.

"Mi-chan!! Finally I found you!" He glanced at me and the others then gave a smile.

"Found me?? Why?" I asked as I felt the Howalon in my mouth melted.

"There's an emergency…" Narumi said scratching his head.

"What emergency?" Keiko asked before I could.

"You know the ball right?" Narumi said once again.

"Yes?" I answered.

"Well… you see we injured the singer,"

"Yes?"

"From one of the missions exactly…"

"Yes?"

"Oh just spit it out!" Haruka demanded.

"Okay! We need someone to sing for the entertainment part and it is you who could only do that!" Narumi panted out heavily as he said the words. "And you can choose any song you want!" Narumi continued.

"Okay" I patted his head… weird.

"Thanks, Mi-chan! I knew I could count on you!" He said as he hugged me quickly then ran off back to the academy.

"Well, that was good. Now I have this song ready just in case that happens," I said while glancing at the beautiful dress that was inside.

"You have a song prepared?" Anna asked.

"I knew this would happen anyways…" I yawned then went inside the shop.

TIME SKIP

It was time for us to go back. And it's already 6 pm. I also need to practice the song.

"I'm tired, guys…" I exclaimed looking at them with hopeful eyes. Did I tell you the bag I am holding is heavy??

"Me too… I guess we should go home," Nonoko said,

"Come on," I walked as they were walking behind me.

We reached the academy in no longer than 10 minutes. We bid good bye then went back from our rooms, ready to sleep.

NORMAL POV

Today was the day. It was time for the ball that all the girls are waiting for. Tonight it is going to be held.

The sun beamed through Mikan's windows, highlighting her face with its rays.

"MI-CHAN!! MI-CHAN!!" Somebody banged in her door,

Mikan irritably got up then opened the door to see who was the person banging on it.

"We need your help, Mi-chan! It's urgent!" Anna begged for Mikan's agreement as she plastered a familiar face.

"What's urgent?" Mikan asked her, still irritably for waking her up in 9:00 AM in the morning.

"Our make-up artist didn't come! He said he has urgent business to do!" Anna exclaimed as she panicked.

"Okay! Okay! Calm down! I'll do your hair and make-up. Just please let me get some sleep!" Mikan begged also for Anna's agreement. Anna smiled at her as she quickly calmed down.

"Thanks, Mi-chan! Come to my room at 2:00 PM and don't be late," Anna smiled once again as she walked happily in the hallway.

As Anna left, Mikan took a glance at her dress lying on her desk.

"I guess I have to bring that to…" Mikan sighed as she went back to sleep.

4 ½ hours later…

Mikan quickly grabbed her bought gown, some make up and her other accessories needed. She rushed to the door to lock it then teleported to Anna's rom.

"Mi-chan! You're early!" Anna exclaimed as she hugged Mikan tightly then let go.

"It's no big deal, I don't often attend balls or parties so I have little experience with make-up." Mikan grinned as she laid her dress on the couch.

"I thought you were an expert with those things? Never mind, I like the way you style hairs anyways, So do you mind if I do your make-up then you do my hair??" Anna asked with hopeful eyes. Mikan glared at her then simply nodded at her cheery reaction.

"Oh by the way, the others aren't coming because someone forgot to buy accessories." Anna mumbled as she grabbed her make-up kit then her dress.

"Oh well, I'll do your hair first then you can change into your dress then you can do my make up and I'll change into my dress." Mikan explained as she pushed Anna into a chair then started doing fixing up Anna's pink hair.

3 hours later…

"Sugoi!!" The two girls both said at the same time while glancing from head to toe at each other.

After so many arguments, complaints and errors about their looks, Mikan and Anna both look dashing and elegant.

"Wow, I never though this would look god in here," Mikan happily pointed at the necklace at her neck, comparing it to her outfit.

"You look great!" Anna ave her a thumbs up.

"Thanks, oh and by the way, did I mention you look cute?? I bet Koko would love to see his date looking dashing right now, I bet he would faint!" Mikan smirked at her as she said those words making Anna blush light pink.

"Ha ha ha," Anna fakely laughed "How about you huh? I bet Natsume would love to see his date!" Anna said back at her also smirking.

Mikan's smirk grew wider then she grinned, "Nice one, but apparently I don't have a date!" Mikan pointed back at her.

Anna's eyes softened and her smirk was lost now, "Why not? I thought he asked you out?"

"Well you know about me singing so I don't rally care if I have a date or not," Mikan said then yawned.

Mikan glanced at the wall clock then returned her glance at Anna who was smirking widely,

"Oh and did I mention that I wasn't planning to become the Queen this year??" Mikan said as she sat down properly on Anna's long couch then switched on the television.

"Darn! I was hoping for that! Anyways, what are we supposed to do now?" Anna said as she joined Mikan watch the television.

"I don't know, what do you have in mind?" Anna thought about it then her head snapped up.

"Oh my gosh! I forgot I was supposed to meet up with Nonoko-chan! I'm almost late!" Anna dashed off the room completely forgetting about Mikan. Mikan sweat dropped at her reaction then went outside also and went roaming around the capus.

"I guess being fashionably late later isn't a bad idea at all," Mikan mumbled to herself while she walked off to sit in the Sakura tree completely forgetting about that she was wearing a gown and make-up. Well, at least she sat like a proper lady.

SOMEONE'S POV

"Hey are the things set up now? We should be ready to launch it at the middle of the ball." An unknown person said…

"Yes, I've got all the things we need,"

"Well I hope you're all dressed up underneath your gown" The other line started laughing…

"Yeah right!"

MIKAN'S POV

"It's 6:32 already… I guess being fashionably late wasn't the plan at all, I was really late!" I was running towards the schools big lobby. That is the place where the ball is going to be held…

I slowly panted as I pushed the huge double doors of the main lobby open grabbing each of my friends attention.

"Mi-chan where have you been??" Nonoko, Anna, Ayaka, Haruka and Keiko asked.

"Sorry being fashionably late was the plan but I think I fell on a short sleep in the Sakura Tree," I said while rubbing the back of my neck with my hand. I sighed at the view and the look of the lobby.

Almost everything was pink and red. The chandeliers were showing off their pink glowing lights, the curtains were tinted royal red and tied at the lower part with golden ropes on it. But what caught my attention the most was the buffet table. I was about to approach it when suddenly…

"Mikan Sakura, please proceed to the stage. I repeat, Mikan Sakura please proceed to the stage," The DJ announced.

Everyone turned their glares on me. Well I wasn't surprised when I saw there was a black grand piano on the stage. Well… I just felt nervous.

I went up then sat at the chair located just by the keys. I whispered silently the chords that the guitarists were going to play and then we played…

Catch Me- Demi Lovato

Before I fall too fast

Kiss me quick

But make it last

So I can see how badly this will hurt me

When you say good bye

I glanced at the crowd before me. They seem to look satisfied and happy but still I scanned the whole place. I don't know why but I know I'm doing it unconsciously. There in the vast crowd stood my friends. Just as suspected they were all smiling at me. As a favor, I gave one too.

Keep it sweet

Keep it slow

Let the future pass

And don't let go

But tonight I could fall to soon under this beautiful moonlight

At the second verse, I was really into it. Since this song was a special one that I picked. As I played the keys of the piano something urged me to look at the crowd again. And so I did. Once again I scanned the place. Looking for someone I didn't know.

But you're so hypnotizing

You got me laughing while I sing

You got me smiling in my sleep

And I can see this unraveling

And your love is where I'm falling

But please don't catch me

Finally I did. There somewhere in the corners of the dark, Natsume Hyuuga stood. I can see because my eyes were sharp. I was mesmerized by his beauty, just as the song I was singing said, he was indeed hypnotizing. He makes me laugh even now while I sing but I just urged to hold it in.

See this heart

Won't settle down

Like a child running scared from a clown

I'm terrified of what you'll do

my stomach screams just when I look at you

As I looked at him he returned it. He was staring at me indeed with his arms crossed against his chest. I felt my heart beat quickening.

Run far away

So I can breathe

Even though you're far from suffocating me

I can't set my hopes to high

Cuz every hello ends with a goodbye

As my heart beet quickened, I almost lost concentration on what I was singing. I broke my gaze away from him then concentrated more on the song.

But you're so hypnotizing

You've got me laughing while I sing

You've got me smiling in my sleep

And I can see this unraveling

Your love is where I'm falling

But please don't catch me

But I can't stand you're beauty. You make me laugh when I'm sad, you make me smile when I'm bad. You were there for me when I was in trouble. I was about to finish the song but something popped out on my head. A question waiting to be answered…

So now you see

Why I'm scared

I cant open up my heart without a care

But here I go

Its what I feel

and for the first time in my life I know its real

Really but how do I know if this is just another unconscious feeling of mine? Is it true?

But you're so hypnotizing

You've got me laughing while I sing

You've get me smiling in my sleep

And I can see this unraveling

And your love is where I'm falling

So please don't catch me

But somehow I managed to figure it out. The only question that keeps bothering me when you are around…

And if this is love

Please don't break me

I'm giving up

So just catch me

Am I in love again with Natsume??

Natsume gave me a small smile and a small light blush crept out of my cheeks. I guess I know the answer…

Yes, I am. I am in love with Natsume Hyuuga all over again…

As I finished my song, I bowed then went down the stage only to be greeted by my friends.

"Mi-chan! You were so amazing!!" All the girls except Hotaru said who just gave a small smile.

"Thanks! Where's Mike by the way?" I glanced around looking for him.

"Oh he and his date went out." Ayaka said,

"I'm happy for him…" I mumbled low enough for them not to hear.

"So have you seen Ruka??" Hotaru asked while our eyes widened.

"Why are you looking for him?" I asked curiously…

"He's my date," Hotaru said as she walked off looking for for Ruka.

"Well, I guess everyone has their dates except for me." I smiled then laughed.

"You know, you could ask Natsume," They all suggested,

Again with this feeling, my face was colored pink and my heart was beating quite fast.

"Why him?"

"Because he doesn't have a date like you," My head snapped up then formed a fake smile.

"Maybe later," I said as I walked off.

I heard them say something but I didn't bother to listen.

I walked to the balcony but I spotted Natsume there. At first I kind of hesitated then finally I made up my mind.

I walked towards him then stood next to him.

"Hey," I mumbled…

He turned to stare at me and he just nodded.

"So why aren't you enjoying yourself with everyone?" I asked him then he stared at me then began to speak.

"I don't usually go to parties, I don't like wearing this monkey suit," He pointed at his black tuxedo.

"You know for the very first time, I'm actually agreeing with you. But that suit actually looks good on you." I chuckled at this. But what the heck did I just say??

I saw his eyes widen. He seemed surprised but he shrugged it off. After a few minutes of silence, being the courageous person I am, I invited him to dance. But really, am I courageous??

"You want to dance?" I asked then looked at him with hopeful eyes…

He stood their shocked. What did I just do?

"I'll take that as a yes," I grinned at him. I grabbed his hand then started pulling him towards the dance floor.

As we danced, the other couples joined too. I stared at his eyes, then subconsciously I leaned into his chest.

'!!!' I screamed in my mind.

"Natsume, do you like someone?" I asked looking down at the floor, unable to look at him deep in the eyes.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Shay: I am really sorry! I'm making it up to you! The last chapter(maybe) is going to be updated somewhere in the next four days. That is a promise! Anyways sorry again if I left you with a cliffhanger! Sorry for all the Mike x Mikan fans!!

Disclaimer: I do not own "Catch Me" who is currently and will be owned by Demi Lovato. Gakuen Alice is also not my property but belongs to Higuchi Tachibana.

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