~Thank you soooo much for all of the great reviews!!~
Chapter 3-Letters From My Lover
For several weeks after that night, I didn't see Zell. The morning after, he left with Squall and Selphie to Timber on a mission. I thought I'd die. For 5 days he didn't return and I really began to worry. I worked in the library everyday, as usual. No one of interest came in to visit me but, a SeeD was always in the library flirting with me. Everday, since Zell left, he was there, "studying". He carried his cute little book bag to the same desk at the back of the libray and sat down. He was constantly asking me for assistance, which always interfered with my work. He was such a loser, but he acted all high and mighty so, I just began calling him, "Conceited SeeD".
I remember, one day, Fujin came in asking for a book about monsters and beasts.
"BOOK. NOW." She said to me, from across the room, in her booming voice. For such a petit lady, she sure did have a large set of lungs! She stood at the entrance, directly beneath a light. It shone on her silver hair, making it stand out, even more so. Her bright, grey eyes stared around the library. Well, only the one I could see did. She wore an eye patch all of the time. Maybe she got hurt in that eye or had surgery or something? Her face was a pale yellow and very small. She was short but well proportioned. She wasn't too fat or thin. She would even be pretty if she didn't scare the wits out of everyone she knew.
I walked towards her, "What book would you like?"
"MONSTER"
"A monster book?"
"YES. BIG"
"A big book?"
"YES"
I decided that since I was so bored, I would play with her mind a little and have some fun, "What is this big book about?"
"MONSTERS!" By her facial expression, I could tell she was becoming irritated.
"A big book about monsters. Hm…" I pretended to ponder, "Monsters, you say?"
"YES!" Her voice grew annoyed.
"Really?"
"YES!"
"But, are you sure? There are lovely books about flowers!"
"NO. MONSTERS" Her tone grew even more annoyed.
"So, no monsters anymore? You want the flower book?"
"NO FLOWERS!"
"That's what I said! I didn't say monsters! I said flowers!"
"BOOK. BIG. MONSTER!" Her face turned red with anger and she was ready to use her limit break on me so, I walked over to a pile of books by the counter and fished through them. I held up a plain, large, hardcover book which read, "Beastiary" in silver letters and handed it to Fujin.
"GOOD!" She walked out of library.
I watched her walk away. I shook my head and laughed out loud.
Halfway down that hall, she stopped and turned around. She walked back to me and gave me a letter. "LETTER" She said.
"From who?" I asked.
She shrugged, "NOT MINE"
"Alright" I took it from her hand.
She then walked off, still clutching her "Beastiary".
I sat down at the front counter and opened the letter. The envelope was addressed to me but since Fujin's room is right beside mine, no wonder it got mixed up. I unfolded the off-white letter and read the first few words, "Dear Bette," they said, "I'm here in Timber".
"Could it be?" I thought to myself. I continued to read.
"Squall, Selphie and Me all fell asleep on the train to Timber and had the exact same dream! It was real freaky. Anyways, we got to Timber and met some real weirdo's named the Timber Owls. And, the weird thing is, their leader is Squall's dancin' partner from the ball! We had to hi jack a train and kidnap the President! But, he turned out to be a Zombie! That was messed up bad.
I know y'all miss Seifer since he's been gone. I bet y'all are wonderin' where he is. He is (or should I say, 'was') here. He went crazy and attacked the President at the TV Station. Then, this witch came and stole him away. This all unbelievable but, I swear it's all true!
I guess you're wondering why I'm writing you…
I don't know how long I'll be away from the Garden so, I wanted to keep in touch with you while I'm travellin'. You're a great gal and I was wondering if you wanted to get together with me when I get back. Maybe to the café on the dock in Balamb or somethin'.
Well, the train just arrived at East Academy Station so, I'll write ya later.
Bye,
Zell"
A tear of happiness rolled down my cheek as I stared blankly at the letter. Julie walked over to the desk. From the opposite side, she said, "Are you alright?".
I buried my head in my lap and stretched my hand that held the letter up to Julie's face. She took it from my hand and began to read, silently.
She gasped for air and began to scream. "Bette!!!!!"
I looked up and smiled, "I know, I know!" I stood up, "Now, don't get it all dirty." I took it from her hand and held it to my chest. She began to jump up and down, "Oh my!! You know what this means, right?"
I nodded.
"I'm so going to be your maid of honor!"
"Yesssssss!" I squealed. We jumped up and down in the library, screaming until one of the Garden attendants walked in. We calmed down and pretended as if we were doing work. He looked at us, from across the room, suspiciously. They were always suspicious of everyone. You could be standing by the fountain, minding your own business and they'd come up to you and say, "Do that again, and I'm reporting to Headmaster Cid".
After he left, Julie and I squealed like kids on Christmas morning just for a little while. Then, Mr. "Conceited SeeD" came over.
"What do you have there? Should I be squealing too?"
Julie narrowed her eyes at him and whispered to me, "I don't like him!"
"Well…" I was too excited to think.
"It's from Zell! Her soon-to-be lover, Zell!" Julie said as she snatched the letter that I held to my bosom and held it the Conceited SeeD's face.
"Soon-to be lover?" He asked as he examined the letter, "Well, that just gives me some time, doesn't it" He smiled and took my hand. He bent down and kissed it with him slimy, wet lips.
I snatched my hand away from him and held it close to me.
"Zell better watch out", He said in a sly tone. He then smiled and walked off.
"Zell better watch out!" Julie said, mocking him, "I can't believe he kissed your hand! Get the damn iodine! Quickly!"
I giggled and looked at the hand he had kissed, "E-e-e-ewwwwww!" I yelled.
Julie and I laughed and got back to work. For the rest of the day, I was all smiles. Heh…I had two guys after me. Even though I couldn't stand one of them, I was still flattered. That's every girl's dream! …Isn't it?
* * *
I began to grow impatient. A week passed and I received no letters. I began to worry, but I reassured myself. Zell was very strong and brave and he didn't need to be worried about.
One day, when I had no classes and no library duty, I walked to Balamb and sat by the docks. I wore my street clothes: Black pants, a silver top and a black pair of platforms. I brought a book and began to read. It was about a man who went off to war. He left his entire life behind: his family, his friends and his fiancée. I began to read the last chapter, when Raijin ran up to me, huffing and puffing.
"There was this…shady…character in the lobby…at the…Garden, y'know!" he said in between breaths.
"Who was it?" I felt my heart beginning to race. Who could possibly be looking for me? Why would a strange person be looking for me.
"Heh…after heavy question, I found out that he was the mailman, y'know" He began chuckle. "I wanted to give this to ya since it was address to you from Deling City…from Zell, y'know!"
"Well, thank you!" I said as he handed me the letter. I opened it.
"Dear, Bette,
You'll never guess where I am! C'mon…guess! Ah, you're takin' to long. I'll just tell ya. I'm in General Caraway's house, with Quistis, Selphie and Rinoa (Rinoa is Squall's little friend from the ball and she's also General Caraway's daughter!) We have to assassinate Sorceress Edea but, the four of us are locked in General Caraway's office…all because Quistis had to apologize for blowin' up at Rinoa! I gotta make this letter short 'cause I should be looking for a way outta here.
Anyways, we met this new guy, named Irvine. I don't like him one bit. He's a ladies' man and a pretty boy but, I guess he's a good sniper. I haven't seen him in action though.
Squall and them had that dream again while on the way to Galbadia Garden! I didn't fall asleep this time. I missed out a bit but, Selphie updated me on what happened. It's cool. Kinda like a Soap.
Aw, shit. I gotta go before I look like I ain't contributin'.
Love Ya,
Zell Dincht
P.S. We're still on for the Café at Balamb, right?"
The entire time I read the letter, Raijin stood over my shoulder, reading it also. "So, you're gonna date him when he gets back? I'm glad for you, y'know."
"Thanks", I smiled.
"Well, I'll be off, y'know. Got work to do!" he started to leave.
"Bye and thank you for the letter." I called to him. He looked back and nodded then, continued walking.
I just sat and stared at the ocean for the rest of the day. I was so relieved that Zell was alright. I was even more relieved that Zell hadn't forgotten about me! I closed my eyes and imagined Zell was sitting on the bench beside me, holding me in his strong arms. I prayed that nothing would ruin this daydream.
…and, nothing did.
* * *
I got back to the Garden late that night in complete and total bliss and glided through the halls, all the way to my room where I then, dreamed for the entire night.
The next morning, I slept in, seeing as it was a weekend and my library shift started around lunch. I laid in bed and thought. I wondered why I loved Zell so much. Sure, he was hot, handsome and strong but, why else did I feel so strongly for him? I pictured him, his face, his body, his clothes and then, I looked deeper. I saw his mind and his soul. I looked through his eyes and saw things the way he was did. In his soul, I saw his hyper and friendly personality. I saw his passion for martial arts and his striving to be like his Grandfather. In his heart, I saw friends and family but, no lover, no other half. I saw his yearning for someone to call his love. I remember how when he first came here, he was only focused on school and his future, like me. But, as he grew older, he saw people in relationships and began to grow lonely and almost jealous. I saw that he started to find it hard to find a lover. I saw that he wanted a lasting relationship, where real love was involved! And, I swore to myself that I would be the one that he would find that love with!
I then went to work, as usual. Nothing happened. In fact, nothing happened until about 2 weeks later…
I was rearranging the books and a finger tapped me on the back. I jumped in surprise and turned around. It was a man wearing a black cloak that overshadowed his face.
"Who are you?" I asked, full of distrust.
"I have a letter for you" He said. He voice shook the room, even though he barely whispered. His voice was booming.
"Thank you". I said as I looked him up and down.
He nodded and walked off.
"This must be that 'shady character' Raijin spoke of" I though to myself, "They really shouldn't let him in, scaring people like that!". I shuddered and opened the letter.
"Dear Bette,
"I'm in prison. The sorceress assassination didn't go exactly as planned and we wound up in jail. As I write, I'm sitting in a big ol' cell with my back turned to the girls. They think I'm in deep thought. Don't mind if my writing's messing, okay? Bette, I'm scared here. I don't know how I'll get out. If I don't get out, I want you to know that I…" The rest of the writing was totally incomprehensible. I held the letter over my heart and sobbed.
"Oh my god, Zell. Where are you? Please come back." I fell to my knees, on the plushy, green carpet. I heard footsteps walking towards me and I buried my head in my hand as I cried.
"Hey." The voice said, calmly.
I looked down at the person's shoes. They were red and black sneakers that looked very familiar. I looked up even furthur. As tears streamed down my face, I saw a vision of beauty. "Zell!", I cried. "I thought…I didn't…I was scared…!"
"Don't cry, Sweetie" The figure bent down and hugged me, "I'm here"
"I know, Zell. I know."
~Chapter 4's coming up!~
Chapter 3-Letters From My Lover
For several weeks after that night, I didn't see Zell. The morning after, he left with Squall and Selphie to Timber on a mission. I thought I'd die. For 5 days he didn't return and I really began to worry. I worked in the library everyday, as usual. No one of interest came in to visit me but, a SeeD was always in the library flirting with me. Everday, since Zell left, he was there, "studying". He carried his cute little book bag to the same desk at the back of the libray and sat down. He was constantly asking me for assistance, which always interfered with my work. He was such a loser, but he acted all high and mighty so, I just began calling him, "Conceited SeeD".
I remember, one day, Fujin came in asking for a book about monsters and beasts.
"BOOK. NOW." She said to me, from across the room, in her booming voice. For such a petit lady, she sure did have a large set of lungs! She stood at the entrance, directly beneath a light. It shone on her silver hair, making it stand out, even more so. Her bright, grey eyes stared around the library. Well, only the one I could see did. She wore an eye patch all of the time. Maybe she got hurt in that eye or had surgery or something? Her face was a pale yellow and very small. She was short but well proportioned. She wasn't too fat or thin. She would even be pretty if she didn't scare the wits out of everyone she knew.
I walked towards her, "What book would you like?"
"MONSTER"
"A monster book?"
"YES. BIG"
"A big book?"
"YES"
I decided that since I was so bored, I would play with her mind a little and have some fun, "What is this big book about?"
"MONSTERS!" By her facial expression, I could tell she was becoming irritated.
"A big book about monsters. Hm…" I pretended to ponder, "Monsters, you say?"
"YES!" Her voice grew annoyed.
"Really?"
"YES!"
"But, are you sure? There are lovely books about flowers!"
"NO. MONSTERS" Her tone grew even more annoyed.
"So, no monsters anymore? You want the flower book?"
"NO FLOWERS!"
"That's what I said! I didn't say monsters! I said flowers!"
"BOOK. BIG. MONSTER!" Her face turned red with anger and she was ready to use her limit break on me so, I walked over to a pile of books by the counter and fished through them. I held up a plain, large, hardcover book which read, "Beastiary" in silver letters and handed it to Fujin.
"GOOD!" She walked out of library.
I watched her walk away. I shook my head and laughed out loud.
Halfway down that hall, she stopped and turned around. She walked back to me and gave me a letter. "LETTER" She said.
"From who?" I asked.
She shrugged, "NOT MINE"
"Alright" I took it from her hand.
She then walked off, still clutching her "Beastiary".
I sat down at the front counter and opened the letter. The envelope was addressed to me but since Fujin's room is right beside mine, no wonder it got mixed up. I unfolded the off-white letter and read the first few words, "Dear Bette," they said, "I'm here in Timber".
"Could it be?" I thought to myself. I continued to read.
"Squall, Selphie and Me all fell asleep on the train to Timber and had the exact same dream! It was real freaky. Anyways, we got to Timber and met some real weirdo's named the Timber Owls. And, the weird thing is, their leader is Squall's dancin' partner from the ball! We had to hi jack a train and kidnap the President! But, he turned out to be a Zombie! That was messed up bad.
I know y'all miss Seifer since he's been gone. I bet y'all are wonderin' where he is. He is (or should I say, 'was') here. He went crazy and attacked the President at the TV Station. Then, this witch came and stole him away. This all unbelievable but, I swear it's all true!
I guess you're wondering why I'm writing you…
I don't know how long I'll be away from the Garden so, I wanted to keep in touch with you while I'm travellin'. You're a great gal and I was wondering if you wanted to get together with me when I get back. Maybe to the café on the dock in Balamb or somethin'.
Well, the train just arrived at East Academy Station so, I'll write ya later.
Bye,
Zell"
A tear of happiness rolled down my cheek as I stared blankly at the letter. Julie walked over to the desk. From the opposite side, she said, "Are you alright?".
I buried my head in my lap and stretched my hand that held the letter up to Julie's face. She took it from my hand and began to read, silently.
She gasped for air and began to scream. "Bette!!!!!"
I looked up and smiled, "I know, I know!" I stood up, "Now, don't get it all dirty." I took it from her hand and held it to my chest. She began to jump up and down, "Oh my!! You know what this means, right?"
I nodded.
"I'm so going to be your maid of honor!"
"Yesssssss!" I squealed. We jumped up and down in the library, screaming until one of the Garden attendants walked in. We calmed down and pretended as if we were doing work. He looked at us, from across the room, suspiciously. They were always suspicious of everyone. You could be standing by the fountain, minding your own business and they'd come up to you and say, "Do that again, and I'm reporting to Headmaster Cid".
After he left, Julie and I squealed like kids on Christmas morning just for a little while. Then, Mr. "Conceited SeeD" came over.
"What do you have there? Should I be squealing too?"
Julie narrowed her eyes at him and whispered to me, "I don't like him!"
"Well…" I was too excited to think.
"It's from Zell! Her soon-to-be lover, Zell!" Julie said as she snatched the letter that I held to my bosom and held it the Conceited SeeD's face.
"Soon-to be lover?" He asked as he examined the letter, "Well, that just gives me some time, doesn't it" He smiled and took my hand. He bent down and kissed it with him slimy, wet lips.
I snatched my hand away from him and held it close to me.
"Zell better watch out", He said in a sly tone. He then smiled and walked off.
"Zell better watch out!" Julie said, mocking him, "I can't believe he kissed your hand! Get the damn iodine! Quickly!"
I giggled and looked at the hand he had kissed, "E-e-e-ewwwwww!" I yelled.
Julie and I laughed and got back to work. For the rest of the day, I was all smiles. Heh…I had two guys after me. Even though I couldn't stand one of them, I was still flattered. That's every girl's dream! …Isn't it?
* * *
I began to grow impatient. A week passed and I received no letters. I began to worry, but I reassured myself. Zell was very strong and brave and he didn't need to be worried about.
One day, when I had no classes and no library duty, I walked to Balamb and sat by the docks. I wore my street clothes: Black pants, a silver top and a black pair of platforms. I brought a book and began to read. It was about a man who went off to war. He left his entire life behind: his family, his friends and his fiancée. I began to read the last chapter, when Raijin ran up to me, huffing and puffing.
"There was this…shady…character in the lobby…at the…Garden, y'know!" he said in between breaths.
"Who was it?" I felt my heart beginning to race. Who could possibly be looking for me? Why would a strange person be looking for me.
"Heh…after heavy question, I found out that he was the mailman, y'know" He began chuckle. "I wanted to give this to ya since it was address to you from Deling City…from Zell, y'know!"
"Well, thank you!" I said as he handed me the letter. I opened it.
"Dear, Bette,
You'll never guess where I am! C'mon…guess! Ah, you're takin' to long. I'll just tell ya. I'm in General Caraway's house, with Quistis, Selphie and Rinoa (Rinoa is Squall's little friend from the ball and she's also General Caraway's daughter!) We have to assassinate Sorceress Edea but, the four of us are locked in General Caraway's office…all because Quistis had to apologize for blowin' up at Rinoa! I gotta make this letter short 'cause I should be looking for a way outta here.
Anyways, we met this new guy, named Irvine. I don't like him one bit. He's a ladies' man and a pretty boy but, I guess he's a good sniper. I haven't seen him in action though.
Squall and them had that dream again while on the way to Galbadia Garden! I didn't fall asleep this time. I missed out a bit but, Selphie updated me on what happened. It's cool. Kinda like a Soap.
Aw, shit. I gotta go before I look like I ain't contributin'.
Love Ya,
Zell Dincht
P.S. We're still on for the Café at Balamb, right?"
The entire time I read the letter, Raijin stood over my shoulder, reading it also. "So, you're gonna date him when he gets back? I'm glad for you, y'know."
"Thanks", I smiled.
"Well, I'll be off, y'know. Got work to do!" he started to leave.
"Bye and thank you for the letter." I called to him. He looked back and nodded then, continued walking.
I just sat and stared at the ocean for the rest of the day. I was so relieved that Zell was alright. I was even more relieved that Zell hadn't forgotten about me! I closed my eyes and imagined Zell was sitting on the bench beside me, holding me in his strong arms. I prayed that nothing would ruin this daydream.
…and, nothing did.
* * *
I got back to the Garden late that night in complete and total bliss and glided through the halls, all the way to my room where I then, dreamed for the entire night.
The next morning, I slept in, seeing as it was a weekend and my library shift started around lunch. I laid in bed and thought. I wondered why I loved Zell so much. Sure, he was hot, handsome and strong but, why else did I feel so strongly for him? I pictured him, his face, his body, his clothes and then, I looked deeper. I saw his mind and his soul. I looked through his eyes and saw things the way he was did. In his soul, I saw his hyper and friendly personality. I saw his passion for martial arts and his striving to be like his Grandfather. In his heart, I saw friends and family but, no lover, no other half. I saw his yearning for someone to call his love. I remember how when he first came here, he was only focused on school and his future, like me. But, as he grew older, he saw people in relationships and began to grow lonely and almost jealous. I saw that he started to find it hard to find a lover. I saw that he wanted a lasting relationship, where real love was involved! And, I swore to myself that I would be the one that he would find that love with!
I then went to work, as usual. Nothing happened. In fact, nothing happened until about 2 weeks later…
I was rearranging the books and a finger tapped me on the back. I jumped in surprise and turned around. It was a man wearing a black cloak that overshadowed his face.
"Who are you?" I asked, full of distrust.
"I have a letter for you" He said. He voice shook the room, even though he barely whispered. His voice was booming.
"Thank you". I said as I looked him up and down.
He nodded and walked off.
"This must be that 'shady character' Raijin spoke of" I though to myself, "They really shouldn't let him in, scaring people like that!". I shuddered and opened the letter.
"Dear Bette,
"I'm in prison. The sorceress assassination didn't go exactly as planned and we wound up in jail. As I write, I'm sitting in a big ol' cell with my back turned to the girls. They think I'm in deep thought. Don't mind if my writing's messing, okay? Bette, I'm scared here. I don't know how I'll get out. If I don't get out, I want you to know that I…" The rest of the writing was totally incomprehensible. I held the letter over my heart and sobbed.
"Oh my god, Zell. Where are you? Please come back." I fell to my knees, on the plushy, green carpet. I heard footsteps walking towards me and I buried my head in my hand as I cried.
"Hey." The voice said, calmly.
I looked down at the person's shoes. They were red and black sneakers that looked very familiar. I looked up even furthur. As tears streamed down my face, I saw a vision of beauty. "Zell!", I cried. "I thought…I didn't…I was scared…!"
"Don't cry, Sweetie" The figure bent down and hugged me, "I'm here"
"I know, Zell. I know."
~Chapter 4's coming up!~