CHAPTER 8
BACK AT GARDEN
SQUALL
"That's the eight bottle already, how long are you gonna be like that?"
I wasn't paying any attention to what Nida was saying. Nothing matters for me anymore. The meaning in my life completely dissappeared.. just like that.... It has already been 10 days since...
"Do you love me?? Answer! If you don't love me, then I promise.. I'll get the hell out of here and I won't bother you ever again... Just answer it..."
"I don't......."
My eyes are beginning to water again. But Nida is just beside me. I can't let him see me cry. I tried to push back and all the pain and hurt I've been going through right now. But remembering those very same words makes it hurt even more. It kept replaying on my mind. Now, I looked like a misunderstood loser. My hair are a bit longer, I haven't shaved in days and so my goatie are practically showing. I'm always drunk and sometimes missed taking a bath. But I don't care what othes think of me. It doesn't matter anymore. The headmaster is dissappointed in me. He said I need a break for being the highest commanding officer and let Zell took over for awhile. But for me, it seemed more like firing me for the job. But its not my biggest loss...
It is officially over for me and Rinoa. And there's nothing more I could do plus the fact that she loves Seifer. I have nothing. And I can't bother her anymore. She wants me to leave her alone. What am I to do? I have no more direction.
"Hey, Squall, are you okay?, you just completely ignored my the past 15 minutes."
"Just leave me alone, Nida!, I want to be alone."
"But Squall, you can't stay here forever! Let's go home! You're so drunk already. That's enough." he said grabbing the beer in my hands.
"What the hell is your problem Nida?! Why don't you mind your own business and leave me alone?!", I was so pissed with him already that I pushed him in the chest.
"Well, sorry for being a FRIEND Squall!" he said obviously running out of patience then walked out of the bar.
I must have gone nuts. My friends are the one falling victim of my temper. I refuse to listen to them and instead turn them away. But I can't do anything. I am so mad with the world....
RINOA
*Knock-Knock*
Oh sheesh.. who could that be? so early in the morning.. I picked up my robe and covered my body. Seifer is still asleep. So I just head for the door and not bother him.
"Excuse me, I need to speak to Mr. Seifer Almasy." A middle-aged woman said looking concern and serious.
"He is still sleeping. Would you like me to wake him up?"
"Is that so.. well.. just let him sleep. Can you just give him this letter. I really want to talk to him but I don't want to bother him. And please tell him to see me to give me his response. I'm Mrs. Hellweger. He should already know me. I can't stay long so I have to get going."
And with that she left. I wonder what she wants with Seifer. It sounds important.
"(Yaawwnnnnn), Who is that?"
I turned around to see Seifer, already awake.
"Oh, so your up already. You just missed Mrs. Hellweger. She wants something from you but I thought your still asleep. Anyway, she asked me to give this to you."
I hand him the envelope. Then he read it. I was getting concerned coz he's face is so serious.
"Is there problem?"
"N-no....", He obviously is hiding something. This time, I grabbed the paper in his hand and read what the letter says..
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#4 BLK-A
Hellweger's apartment
Balamb Town
11-03-01
Dear Mr. Seifer Almasy,
We would like to inform you that you currently have an unpaid overdue balance
for two months (September-October) which have a total cost of 4,765 Gil.
September (monthly) ------------ 700 gil
Electrict Billing ---------------- 943 gil
October (monthly)--------------- 700 gil
Electrict Billing ---------------- 1536 gil
Additional Expenses ------------- 556 gil
__________
4765 gil
We do not tolerate long overdues so if you are unable to pay the said amount by
Nov. 9 we have no choice but to sent you out of the apartment.
We hope for you understanding.
Mrs. Josie Hellweger
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I looked back at Seifer. He seems troubled.
"I have 800 gil here, maybe it can help."
"No... Rinoa, thanks, but I can't accept it. This is my problem." He said then turned away.
I know he doesn't have that money. But funny it seems he never run out of money when buying me gifts. He's really thoughtful but he should have think of himself first. This is the only way I can repay him.
He is still thinking of his steps.
"Please, accept, it doesn't matter to me. This is my problem,too. And I get to live here also. So please...."
"Even if I accept it, it still won't change.... Rinoa, we'll be sent out of here. The best you can do is to move back to Balamb Garden for a while until I get the enough money to pay for our accounts."
(What?! He wants me to move there?)
"I don't want to! What about you? You know they won't let you there! I can't just live you alone. And besides.. Squall is...."
"Don't worry about him. He is not the commander anymore so you'll rarely see him. And I trust you, okay. And don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. This is the only way, Rinoa. Please....."
His eyes is full of pleading. He already knows that this time will come. He has been having trouble paying his accounts lately. I know he'll hate to see Squall with me, but he knows that this is the only way.
"Okay... but I'm not leaving without you. I'll tell the headmaster to let you there. Your'e a student. And i'll explain that you are not what they think you are."
"Rin... I really appreciate it, but not everybody is understanding like you... They may still not believe me. But promise me, Rin... that even if I'm not accepted, your'e still gonna go."
Tears fell from his eyes. It so obvious that he put me into his top priority. "Alright." I agreed but still hoping that he'll be accepted.
----------
We step inside the Balamb Garden early Monday morning. I can't believe I'm back here again. Of course, I have to continue my course if I have to stay here again. I left the Garden days ago without telling anybody. I know the headmaster will be surprise to see me again. Maybe he'll be furious for abandoning my studies. But I don't care. Seifer and I have to survive.
We waited the elevator to take us to the 3rd floor. A chime told us we are finally there. We waited until the student signalled us to come inside the headmaster's office. Seifer just waited under the small elevator just below the bridge..
I step inside the headmaster's office and saw Cid talking to someone over the phone. He turned to see who's his guest and greeted me with a surprise.
"Martine, I'll call you back, I have some business here."
He said ending his telephone conversation.
"Ms. Rinoa Heartilly, its a surprise to see you. Where have you been?"
I was about to tell him the truth when I hesitated.
"Well, I had some problems, and decided to take a vacation some where. I'm really sorry, I wasn't able to tell you."
"I see... but you could atleast ask permission. Nobody knew where you went. You had us all worried. But Zell said, you'll be fine. He seems to be the only one knowing your situation."
Hearing Zell's name reminded me how much I miss him.
"I'm sorry.. But now I'm back, and I want to resume my term."
Eventhough I don't really have any plans of being a SeeD, I don't know what push me to study here in the first place right after we defeated Ultimecia. But now, I'm back here again asking to resume my studies.
"I'm not sure Ms. Heartilly, you have already miss a lot from your batch. And knowing that you left made us cancel you term temporarily."
"What?" My heat began to race. There's no more place we can stay. And eventhough this is not the best place, this is our only option. We have no money, no permanent home, no supplies, no anything. We can't afford to be turned away.
"But please, Headmaster, I can repeat my term if you want, Just let me stay here again."
My voice is full of desperation. I didn't realized I was almost crying. But I guess, the heamaster notice that. His face is full of pity.
"Alright, I supposed we can bend the rules a little bit. Your'e no stranger to us Ms. Heartilly, we still you our credit for being one of the heroes who defeated Ultimecia. Bring your stuff to room 547 and I'll tell them its your new dorm assignment."
I was so delighted afte hearing those words that I went to Cid and gave him a big hug. But I realized that my prolems is not yet over.
"Uhmmm.... Headmaster, I know I'm asking too much but I would like to ask another favor." His expression changed to confusion. I don't if he's gonna like it.
"What is it?"
"You see, Seifer, has a problem paying his apartment bills coz he's salary isn't not enough to pay for his needs. So we.. rather he... was sent out for not being able to pay. I pity him so much and I was wondering if you could also give him a dorm. I know you still have doubts on him, but I promised that he's a changed man. After all, he's also a student here. But unlike the other students here, he has to pay for everything he needs. So it's a bit hard for him. Just please give him a chance. I know you'll not regret it."
He didn't speak for a moment. I gave him a few seconds to think.
"I'm surprised, you and Seifer had get along during your 'leave' in garden. But to actually think that Seifer can stay here, is a mistake. He's a problem child, causing mischief. He may be using you to get back here and do his his revenge on us. I once agreed to let him come back but, Squall, told me a lot of times, that Seifer will never change. And we should not risk anything for him. You know I have great faith for Squall."
I'm surprised that Squall was behind all this. I don't really wanna here his name anymore.
"I understand Headmaster, but I do believe that he deserves a second chance. I myself have witnessed his improvements. And I'm quite sure that he's not gonna let you down. If he has done anything that will break your trust again, then you can send him out as you wish. But please, just this once, let him stay."
"Where is he?"
"Just right below us."
"There is not much anything that you can't let me do. I'll give him a chance this time. And if any chaos or troubles happen, you know what I'm gonna do. You two can stay...."
I proceed to him again and gave him another hug, this time, much tighter to show him my appreciation. Headmaster Cid really has a big heart.
After I broke from my hug, he gave last instructions.
"Go to Zell at the commander's office so that he can he give you the proper papers for your term. He's the new temporary commander. And he could help you as well as the room assignment for Seifer."
I would like to ask him what happened to Squall being the commander. Seifer had mentioned that he's not the commander anymore. But didn't tell me why. But I hesitated asking Cid. I don't know why.. I feel I shouldn't care. But I do wanna know why.......
"Alrighty!!"
I smiled at him on last time before going back down to Seifer.
"Well?!" Seifer asked me nervously.
I tried to give him a little suspense but failed anyway. My mouth couldn't controlled itself out of excitement.
"He let us in!!!"
"Really?!!" Seifer hugged me then give me a quick kiss in the lips.
"We should go to the commander's room."
"Okay" he said giving his best smile.
He put his arms around me then place it on my hips. As we walk the hall, I noticed a picture of a bunch SeeD's hanging on the wall.
I saw Zell, my bestfriend... how I missed him. I'm so excited to see him again.
Selphie and Irvine... the sweet couple. How I always envy them.
Quistis, we don't get along. I wonder what she'll think when she sees me again.
And lastly... Squall...... what could possibly happen. This is not my idea. but this is our only choice.. I'm back here I garden and somewhere along the way, we may cross paths again............
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that Rinoa is back at Garden, what happens now? What is she sees Squall again??
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The update took me dayz... Sowee.. I know your not use to it..
And sorry for the lame excuse on why they have to stay at Garden... hehehe
I just need Rinoa to stay there again. So with the new plot... you know.........
Stay tuned for Chapter 9!!
and.....
MORE REVIEWS!!!! :-)
BACK AT GARDEN
SQUALL
"That's the eight bottle already, how long are you gonna be like that?"
I wasn't paying any attention to what Nida was saying. Nothing matters for me anymore. The meaning in my life completely dissappeared.. just like that.... It has already been 10 days since...
"Do you love me?? Answer! If you don't love me, then I promise.. I'll get the hell out of here and I won't bother you ever again... Just answer it..."
"I don't......."
My eyes are beginning to water again. But Nida is just beside me. I can't let him see me cry. I tried to push back and all the pain and hurt I've been going through right now. But remembering those very same words makes it hurt even more. It kept replaying on my mind. Now, I looked like a misunderstood loser. My hair are a bit longer, I haven't shaved in days and so my goatie are practically showing. I'm always drunk and sometimes missed taking a bath. But I don't care what othes think of me. It doesn't matter anymore. The headmaster is dissappointed in me. He said I need a break for being the highest commanding officer and let Zell took over for awhile. But for me, it seemed more like firing me for the job. But its not my biggest loss...
It is officially over for me and Rinoa. And there's nothing more I could do plus the fact that she loves Seifer. I have nothing. And I can't bother her anymore. She wants me to leave her alone. What am I to do? I have no more direction.
"Hey, Squall, are you okay?, you just completely ignored my the past 15 minutes."
"Just leave me alone, Nida!, I want to be alone."
"But Squall, you can't stay here forever! Let's go home! You're so drunk already. That's enough." he said grabbing the beer in my hands.
"What the hell is your problem Nida?! Why don't you mind your own business and leave me alone?!", I was so pissed with him already that I pushed him in the chest.
"Well, sorry for being a FRIEND Squall!" he said obviously running out of patience then walked out of the bar.
I must have gone nuts. My friends are the one falling victim of my temper. I refuse to listen to them and instead turn them away. But I can't do anything. I am so mad with the world....
RINOA
*Knock-Knock*
Oh sheesh.. who could that be? so early in the morning.. I picked up my robe and covered my body. Seifer is still asleep. So I just head for the door and not bother him.
"Excuse me, I need to speak to Mr. Seifer Almasy." A middle-aged woman said looking concern and serious.
"He is still sleeping. Would you like me to wake him up?"
"Is that so.. well.. just let him sleep. Can you just give him this letter. I really want to talk to him but I don't want to bother him. And please tell him to see me to give me his response. I'm Mrs. Hellweger. He should already know me. I can't stay long so I have to get going."
And with that she left. I wonder what she wants with Seifer. It sounds important.
"(Yaawwnnnnn), Who is that?"
I turned around to see Seifer, already awake.
"Oh, so your up already. You just missed Mrs. Hellweger. She wants something from you but I thought your still asleep. Anyway, she asked me to give this to you."
I hand him the envelope. Then he read it. I was getting concerned coz he's face is so serious.
"Is there problem?"
"N-no....", He obviously is hiding something. This time, I grabbed the paper in his hand and read what the letter says..
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#4 BLK-A
Hellweger's apartment
Balamb Town
11-03-01
Dear Mr. Seifer Almasy,
We would like to inform you that you currently have an unpaid overdue balance
for two months (September-October) which have a total cost of 4,765 Gil.
September (monthly) ------------ 700 gil
Electrict Billing ---------------- 943 gil
October (monthly)--------------- 700 gil
Electrict Billing ---------------- 1536 gil
Additional Expenses ------------- 556 gil
__________
4765 gil
We do not tolerate long overdues so if you are unable to pay the said amount by
Nov. 9 we have no choice but to sent you out of the apartment.
We hope for you understanding.
Mrs. Josie Hellweger
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I looked back at Seifer. He seems troubled.
"I have 800 gil here, maybe it can help."
"No... Rinoa, thanks, but I can't accept it. This is my problem." He said then turned away.
I know he doesn't have that money. But funny it seems he never run out of money when buying me gifts. He's really thoughtful but he should have think of himself first. This is the only way I can repay him.
He is still thinking of his steps.
"Please, accept, it doesn't matter to me. This is my problem,too. And I get to live here also. So please...."
"Even if I accept it, it still won't change.... Rinoa, we'll be sent out of here. The best you can do is to move back to Balamb Garden for a while until I get the enough money to pay for our accounts."
(What?! He wants me to move there?)
"I don't want to! What about you? You know they won't let you there! I can't just live you alone. And besides.. Squall is...."
"Don't worry about him. He is not the commander anymore so you'll rarely see him. And I trust you, okay. And don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. This is the only way, Rinoa. Please....."
His eyes is full of pleading. He already knows that this time will come. He has been having trouble paying his accounts lately. I know he'll hate to see Squall with me, but he knows that this is the only way.
"Okay... but I'm not leaving without you. I'll tell the headmaster to let you there. Your'e a student. And i'll explain that you are not what they think you are."
"Rin... I really appreciate it, but not everybody is understanding like you... They may still not believe me. But promise me, Rin... that even if I'm not accepted, your'e still gonna go."
Tears fell from his eyes. It so obvious that he put me into his top priority. "Alright." I agreed but still hoping that he'll be accepted.
----------
We step inside the Balamb Garden early Monday morning. I can't believe I'm back here again. Of course, I have to continue my course if I have to stay here again. I left the Garden days ago without telling anybody. I know the headmaster will be surprise to see me again. Maybe he'll be furious for abandoning my studies. But I don't care. Seifer and I have to survive.
We waited the elevator to take us to the 3rd floor. A chime told us we are finally there. We waited until the student signalled us to come inside the headmaster's office. Seifer just waited under the small elevator just below the bridge..
I step inside the headmaster's office and saw Cid talking to someone over the phone. He turned to see who's his guest and greeted me with a surprise.
"Martine, I'll call you back, I have some business here."
He said ending his telephone conversation.
"Ms. Rinoa Heartilly, its a surprise to see you. Where have you been?"
I was about to tell him the truth when I hesitated.
"Well, I had some problems, and decided to take a vacation some where. I'm really sorry, I wasn't able to tell you."
"I see... but you could atleast ask permission. Nobody knew where you went. You had us all worried. But Zell said, you'll be fine. He seems to be the only one knowing your situation."
Hearing Zell's name reminded me how much I miss him.
"I'm sorry.. But now I'm back, and I want to resume my term."
Eventhough I don't really have any plans of being a SeeD, I don't know what push me to study here in the first place right after we defeated Ultimecia. But now, I'm back here again asking to resume my studies.
"I'm not sure Ms. Heartilly, you have already miss a lot from your batch. And knowing that you left made us cancel you term temporarily."
"What?" My heat began to race. There's no more place we can stay. And eventhough this is not the best place, this is our only option. We have no money, no permanent home, no supplies, no anything. We can't afford to be turned away.
"But please, Headmaster, I can repeat my term if you want, Just let me stay here again."
My voice is full of desperation. I didn't realized I was almost crying. But I guess, the heamaster notice that. His face is full of pity.
"Alright, I supposed we can bend the rules a little bit. Your'e no stranger to us Ms. Heartilly, we still you our credit for being one of the heroes who defeated Ultimecia. Bring your stuff to room 547 and I'll tell them its your new dorm assignment."
I was so delighted afte hearing those words that I went to Cid and gave him a big hug. But I realized that my prolems is not yet over.
"Uhmmm.... Headmaster, I know I'm asking too much but I would like to ask another favor." His expression changed to confusion. I don't if he's gonna like it.
"What is it?"
"You see, Seifer, has a problem paying his apartment bills coz he's salary isn't not enough to pay for his needs. So we.. rather he... was sent out for not being able to pay. I pity him so much and I was wondering if you could also give him a dorm. I know you still have doubts on him, but I promised that he's a changed man. After all, he's also a student here. But unlike the other students here, he has to pay for everything he needs. So it's a bit hard for him. Just please give him a chance. I know you'll not regret it."
He didn't speak for a moment. I gave him a few seconds to think.
"I'm surprised, you and Seifer had get along during your 'leave' in garden. But to actually think that Seifer can stay here, is a mistake. He's a problem child, causing mischief. He may be using you to get back here and do his his revenge on us. I once agreed to let him come back but, Squall, told me a lot of times, that Seifer will never change. And we should not risk anything for him. You know I have great faith for Squall."
I'm surprised that Squall was behind all this. I don't really wanna here his name anymore.
"I understand Headmaster, but I do believe that he deserves a second chance. I myself have witnessed his improvements. And I'm quite sure that he's not gonna let you down. If he has done anything that will break your trust again, then you can send him out as you wish. But please, just this once, let him stay."
"Where is he?"
"Just right below us."
"There is not much anything that you can't let me do. I'll give him a chance this time. And if any chaos or troubles happen, you know what I'm gonna do. You two can stay...."
I proceed to him again and gave him another hug, this time, much tighter to show him my appreciation. Headmaster Cid really has a big heart.
After I broke from my hug, he gave last instructions.
"Go to Zell at the commander's office so that he can he give you the proper papers for your term. He's the new temporary commander. And he could help you as well as the room assignment for Seifer."
I would like to ask him what happened to Squall being the commander. Seifer had mentioned that he's not the commander anymore. But didn't tell me why. But I hesitated asking Cid. I don't know why.. I feel I shouldn't care. But I do wanna know why.......
"Alrighty!!"
I smiled at him on last time before going back down to Seifer.
"Well?!" Seifer asked me nervously.
I tried to give him a little suspense but failed anyway. My mouth couldn't controlled itself out of excitement.
"He let us in!!!"
"Really?!!" Seifer hugged me then give me a quick kiss in the lips.
"We should go to the commander's room."
"Okay" he said giving his best smile.
He put his arms around me then place it on my hips. As we walk the hall, I noticed a picture of a bunch SeeD's hanging on the wall.
I saw Zell, my bestfriend... how I missed him. I'm so excited to see him again.
Selphie and Irvine... the sweet couple. How I always envy them.
Quistis, we don't get along. I wonder what she'll think when she sees me again.
And lastly... Squall...... what could possibly happen. This is not my idea. but this is our only choice.. I'm back here I garden and somewhere along the way, we may cross paths again............
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that Rinoa is back at Garden, what happens now? What is she sees Squall again??
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The update took me dayz... Sowee.. I know your not use to it..
And sorry for the lame excuse on why they have to stay at Garden... hehehe
I just need Rinoa to stay there again. So with the new plot... you know.........
Stay tuned for Chapter 9!!
and.....
MORE REVIEWS!!!! :-)