Disclaimer(s): I don't own the song "The Power Of Love", which actually
belongs to the people who made the "LUNAROCK" CD...oh, yeah...I don't own
that Digimon thing, either.
--------------------------------------------
From Courage To Love - Chapter 9
--------------------------------------------
"...well, I hope you all enjoy this song," Mieko said back at the dance. "And I hope you all truly believe in the power of love."
Mieko signaled to Matt's band and they began to play.
Mieko's voice boomed through the speakers at the school dance and at the dance club. Her singing surprisingly sounded...professional. And for a few brief minutes, the liveliness of the two dances seemed to merge.
*********************
"There comes a time...when you face the toughest of fights...searching for a sign...lost in the darkest of nights..."
"The wind blows so cold, standing alone...before the battle's begun...but deep in your soul, the future unfolds...as bright as the rays of the sun..."
"You've got to believe - in the power of love..you've got to believe - in the power of love...the power of love..."
Tai and Jane laughed as they tried to dance to the fast paced tune and the sound of Mieko's voice. Tai could swear that she was in the dance club, actually singing live. And she was...sort of.
*********************
Sora was amazed at Mieko's singing abilities. It looked like Mieko was pretty good at singing if she wasn't forced so hard to do so.
"Blazing emotion...there's a light that flows from your heart...it's a chain reaction...and nothing will keep us apart."
"Stand by my side, there's nothing to hide, together we'll fight to the end...take hold of my hand, and you'll understand...what it truly means to be friends..."
"You've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love..."
"It gives meaning to each moment, it what our hearts are all made of...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love... (the power of love)"
"The power of love..."
Listening to the band's solo (instrumental) bit, Matt was pleased at how things were going, except for Sora. It's was about time for her to realize the truth very soon...
Mieko focused her eyes at Matt and Sora. Matt winked at her, and she winked back. Matt danced in a way so that Sora faced her friend. As the song continued, Mieko pointed at Sora as she repeated the chorus.
"You've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love..."
*********************
"Jane, remind me to complement Mieko on Monday. This is a really good song!"
"Then I take it you're a having a good time?"
"You bet! I can't remember the last time I had this much fun!"
Tai decided to save his breath for the rest of the song, and focused back on dancing, with Jane, who couldn't stop smiling.
*********************
"...it gives meaning to each moment, it's what our hearts are all made of (just look inside)...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love..."
Sora saw Mieko looking exactly at her, and wondered why. Unbeknownst to Sora, Mieko could really get into someone's head, especially through singing. Sora wasn't sure why or how, but at that moment a giant tsunami of memories poured back into her head like a gigantic dump truck unloading a massive pile of garbage into a waste site...
...uhh, let me try that again...
Memories believed to be nearly forgotten poured into Sora's brain like a river. And these memories were equipped with very familiar old voices...
*********************
"Hey, I'm Tai!"
"Umm...I'm Sora."
"So-rah, huh? But, you're a gurl! I GUESS zat's s'okay...as long as you like so'ker."
--------------------------------------------
Sora eyes began to widen as a realization slowly made its way through the load of memories...
--------------------------------------------
"Tai! Pass it to me! I'm open!"
"Now's my chance to shoot, here I go!"
--------------------------------------------
A load of memories worth remembering forever...
--------------------------------------------
"...I thought you were gonna take the shot yourself!"
"Remember, there's no 'I' in 'team'! Ha, ha, ha, ha!"
--------------------------------------------
The best of the best of the BEST of best friends...
--------------------------------------------
"Here, Sora. It's a new soccer ball, since your mom threw your old one out."
"Oh, Tai...this is the best birthday present ever! Thank you so much!"
--------------------------------------------
No two people could ever know each other as well as these two...
--------------------------------------------
"But why???"
"Because...I've got plenty of soccer trophies, but you...well, you made the winning shot. So you can have this one. This'll be you're very first championship soccer trophy!"
"Tai...I...oh, gimme a hug, you big jerk!"
--------------------------------------------
Warm feelings and thoughts transmitted all the way from Courage to Love...
--------------------------------------------
"Don't worry, Sora! We'll find a way home!"
"Yeah, you're right! How do you get by like this, Tai?"
"You just gotta keep believing that you're strong and then you'll survive, one way or another."
--------------------------------------------
And even in times of sadness...
--------------------------------------------
"Aaaaahhhhh!!!!!"
"Sora, stop it!"
"Let go!"
"Even if what you said is true, you shouldn't believe a word from that loser Demidevimon...don't cry, Sora!"
--------------------------------------------
One would always comfort the other...well...ALMOST always...
--------------------------------------------
"So Sora, you goin' to the concert with anybody? Not that it matters to me...just wondering."
"No, I wanna be available in case Matt is free afterwards. Eh, heh."
"Oh, I see...Matt, huh?...I-it's okay..."
--------------------------------------------
But what had Sora done for him recently?
--------------------------------------------
"Please stop. If you would just listen..."
"NO, YOU LISTEN, TAI! IF YOU WEREN'T SO STUPID..!"
*********************
A small tear escaped Sora's eye, and that's when IT finally hit her. The strange anger...was it really directed at Tai? Or herself? And why? Her mother's mysterious laughter. Matt's reluctance to be with her. And the one obvious concept that had been right under her nose the whole time. At long last the answer hit Sora like a ton of bricks. Just in time for the song to finish up.
"You've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love...in the Power of Love...in the Power of Love..."
*********************
"That was an awesome song!" complemented Tai.
"See, I told you she was good!" replied Jane. "Phew, I'm beat."
"Wanna quit for tonight?"
"Yeah, I'm gettin' kinda tired."
*********************
Sora snapped back to reality with the roar, whistles, and applause to Mieko's performance. Even Matt, T.K., Kari, and Davis were clapping. Mieko bowed and pointed to Matt's band, as to indicate their contribution. Everyone clapped again for the Teenage Wolves (minus Matt). As Mieko talked and shook hands with the band, people took a break from dancing. T.K. put on a record with soft jazz music to pass the time.
Matt turned to Sora, who had a shocked and stunned look on her face, like she'd discovered the meaning of life.
"Sora? What's wrong?"
"Matt..." she began with a VERY weird smile on her face. "I...I...I can't believe it...I just realized something absolutely horrible!"
"What?!?" asked an impatient Matt.
"I..." she said, almost laughing. "I...I..."
"Yes???"
"I LOVE TAI!!!" she shouted happily.
Matt clapped his hands loudly and enthusiastically. "Boy, I was wondering when you'd figure it out!"
"Yes...you...you're right! You...you told me...to do whatever I wanted."
Matt nodded, as if Sora had just solved some gigantic Sherlock Holmes mystery.
"So that's why you...and why mom...I get it. This is absolutely terrible! I love Tai!" she sputtered. It felt so good to say it! "Oh, but...Matt...what do we..."
"Go to him, Sora. Give him the good news. And don't you worry about me...It's cool."
"But you..." Sora said, feeling a little embarrassed and sad for her friend.
"I love being with you, but I think Tai needs you just a little bit more."
"Thanks, Matt. I'm gonna tell him first thing on Monday. He'll be so happy!"
"He better be, 'cause I'm sacrificing a lot here!" he said laughing.
Sora laughed too, but suddenly stopped. "So...did we just break up?"
"I think so."
"Oh, Matt...I want you to know there will ALWAYS be a place for you in my heart."
"Thanks, Sora. That makes me feel a little better."
Then Matt opened up his arms for one, final (loving,) hug.
Sora smiled and hugged Matt warmly. As their arms connected and wrapped around each other, they closed their eyes. A single tear escaped from both of them while they hugged and sniffled somewhat sadly.
"Well..." said Matt as they let go of each other. "I guess you know what you have to do."
"Yeah, but first I have to apologize to Tai...then I'll tell him," she finished as another infectious smile crept into her face. She just couldn't help it. And she couldn't wait to tell him! "But how about we finish this date?"
"I'd like nothing more...pal!" he laughed, playfully and softly punching Sora's arm. Sora giggled too, and gave Matt one last, soft kiss.
*********************
"Well, we're here!" said Tai, a back at Jane's house.
"Yep." Jane replied.
"I had really great time...even though the movie stunk," he noted. "So, uh...what now?"
"Well, uh...this is the part in the movie where...the guy usually...kisses the girl goodnight."
"Oh, yeah...I kinda forgot about that part ," he said nervously.
"Look, this was our first date. But if you don't want to..."
"No, no," Tai stated firmly. "You asked me if you were wasting your time, and I've been trying to think up a good answer. And you deserve one."
"And what's the conclusion you came to?"
"Umm...uh...well...I thought maybe, uh."
"Yes?"
Without warning Tai gently grabbed Jane by the shoulders, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and kissed the beautiful, elegant, young girl on her soft lips. Jane was stunned, yet pleasantly surprised. At first she went wide-eyed, but she quickly realized that THIS was actually happening! Jane immediately went with the flow, closed her eyes as well, and let her lips kiss back. It felt SO good. She moaned slightly as her lips wrapped around Tai's, and a pink blush sneaked into her cheeks.
Tai and Jane finally caught their breath as their lips let go of each other. They slowly opened their eyes simultaneously. Jane touched and licked her lips. All she could say was.
"WOW."
"Y-yeah," Tai replied. He exhaled heavily. "So...didja...FEEL anything?"
Jane's face has a curious expression, as if she were trying desperately to locate the answer hidden deep inside her brain. "I...I...I can't believe it..." Jane's voice sounded like it was about to break.
Tai and Jane both frowned. "Neither can I," Tai almost whispered.
*********************
Monday finally came.
During school classes, Sora was so happy. She could barely sit still in class. Her mind was a million miles (maybe more) away, too unfocused on life. She couldn't think about anything but Tai. Her heart fluttered when she saw him in passing down the school halls. Sora kept thinking about how happy (and relieved) Tai would feel after she gave him the good news. Matt noticed the change in her behavior and tried not to laugh. Tai noticed how cheerful Sora was, too. Their date last night must've gone well, he thought.
The hours seemed to go by at an agonizingly slow rate, and Sora couldn't stand it. But she knew she had to be patient. Sometimes love takes time. She thought of how she had called him "stupid" a few days before. Stupid? Tai? That was a laugh. If anyone was stupid, it was her, she thought. Stupid for not fully realizing her true feelings for him.
It was 3:30 p.m., and classes were over at last. Sora quickly gathered her belongings out her locker, and raced through the halls to find Tai. He wasn't in the classrooms or outside on the soccer field. She looked out the windows, desperate to locate him. And she did. He was outside at the curb, and it looked like he was waiting to cross the street or waiting for someone. Nevertheless, Sora zoomed out the doors like a light all the way to the curb where Tai was standing. She was nearly out of breath when she arrived, but she HAD to tell him as soon as possible.
Tai noticed her all too well running towards him and braced for whatever she had to say this time.
"Sora? What's up?" he tried to ask in a casual voice.
"Hah...hah...I...hold on." she said in a very out of breath voice. Tai gave her about a minute or so, and soon she could talk normally again.
"Tai...we need to talk...I need to tell you something."
"Yeah, so do I. Let me talk first."
"No, Tai let me. This REALLY can't wait, and I have to get this off my chest no-"
"Hi, Tai! Hi, Sora!" shouted a female's voice.
"Oh, hey Jane!" he replied with a smile.
Something about this situation seriously bothered Sora, but she remembered what she was here for.
"Hey yourself, handsome," Jane said giving Tai a warm hug.
"Huh? What's going on?" Sora asked.
"Oh, yeah, uhh...Jane and I started dating."
"WHAT...I meant...what do you mean?"
"He means just that. He and I went on a date last night."
"Oh...really? H-how did it go?"
"Aww, it went great Sora. We both had a lot of fun, didn't we?" Tai asked Jane.
"You bet we did, cutie. So...we still on for the movie tonight?"
"Of course. Pick you up at seven?"
"I'll be waiting," she said with a wink. "Well, I gotta get home. I'll see you later. Bye, Sora."
Jane gave Tai a sweet little kiss on the cheek and went on her way.
"Umm...what's going on here?" Sora asked, with a alarming sound in her voice.
"That's what I was going to tell you, Sora," Tai began. "I reluctantly, but finally realized that..."
"That what?"
"That you were right. As much as I hate to admit it, I WAS being stupid."
"But Tai, you-"
"I WAS jealous, Sora. And I was acting immature about it! Imagine that, moaning and groaning over you and Matt! I should've been happy for you guys!"
"Matt and me-"
"You two are good people and deserve each other! You made me see that I can't be a part of that."
"But that's just it, I-"
"No, please, Sora...let me get this out. I was being selfish about the whole thing when I should have been happy for you and Matt! And I am now! You made me see that I had to go and find someone else. And Jane could be that person. So we dated just to see if anything was possible between us. And there just might."
Sora was absolutely speechless. But she had to say something. ANYTHING.
"O-oh...I... I see. Well, I...um...I hope you can forgive me for everything."
"Aww, Sora, there's nothing to forgive," Tai replied in a happier tone that Sora hadn't noticed during the entire conversation. "But if it puts your mind at ease, then I do. You're my best friend and nothing you do would ever make me hate you. And I'd like nothing better than for us to be friends again."
"O-of course. Fr-friends right?" Sora managed to get out.
"Always, Sora. Always," Tai said warmly, shaking her hand. "Oh...what did you wanna tell me?"
"Oh...it can wait. It's not that important."
"Uh, okay...you sure?"
"Positive."
"Well, I gotta get movin' too, so I'll see you tomorrow!"
Tai waved to her as he crossed the street. Sora faintly did the same.
"It's nothing..." she whispered.
A tear fell from her eye, followed by another, and soon more and more. This wasn't how it was supposed to end. Sora dropped to her knees and began to cry.
"...I just love you, that's all."
*********************
(NOT) THE END...
NEXT TIME...now that Sora has finally realized her true feelings for her best friend, Tai, she has to figure out a way to tell him! And what will she do about Jane, her school buddy? And will Mieko get a record deal instead of Matt and his Teenage Wolves? All this and more in the next chapter of "From Courage To Love"!
Author's Note: Does this chapter seem short to you at all? That's because this and the last chapter were actually one huge chapter put together, but it just got too long. So I separated it into two chapters. Anyhoo, that's more than enough for now, but knowing me, I'll soon be back at this computer cutting my teeth into the next chapter. Keep reading and reviewing, my loyal fans. (Ha, ha.)
--------------------------------------------
From Courage To Love - Chapter 9
--------------------------------------------
"...well, I hope you all enjoy this song," Mieko said back at the dance. "And I hope you all truly believe in the power of love."
Mieko signaled to Matt's band and they began to play.
Mieko's voice boomed through the speakers at the school dance and at the dance club. Her singing surprisingly sounded...professional. And for a few brief minutes, the liveliness of the two dances seemed to merge.
*********************
"There comes a time...when you face the toughest of fights...searching for a sign...lost in the darkest of nights..."
"The wind blows so cold, standing alone...before the battle's begun...but deep in your soul, the future unfolds...as bright as the rays of the sun..."
"You've got to believe - in the power of love..you've got to believe - in the power of love...the power of love..."
Tai and Jane laughed as they tried to dance to the fast paced tune and the sound of Mieko's voice. Tai could swear that she was in the dance club, actually singing live. And she was...sort of.
*********************
Sora was amazed at Mieko's singing abilities. It looked like Mieko was pretty good at singing if she wasn't forced so hard to do so.
"Blazing emotion...there's a light that flows from your heart...it's a chain reaction...and nothing will keep us apart."
"Stand by my side, there's nothing to hide, together we'll fight to the end...take hold of my hand, and you'll understand...what it truly means to be friends..."
"You've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love..."
"It gives meaning to each moment, it what our hearts are all made of...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love... (the power of love)"
"The power of love..."
Listening to the band's solo (instrumental) bit, Matt was pleased at how things were going, except for Sora. It's was about time for her to realize the truth very soon...
Mieko focused her eyes at Matt and Sora. Matt winked at her, and she winked back. Matt danced in a way so that Sora faced her friend. As the song continued, Mieko pointed at Sora as she repeated the chorus.
"You've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love..."
*********************
"Jane, remind me to complement Mieko on Monday. This is a really good song!"
"Then I take it you're a having a good time?"
"You bet! I can't remember the last time I had this much fun!"
Tai decided to save his breath for the rest of the song, and focused back on dancing, with Jane, who couldn't stop smiling.
*********************
"...it gives meaning to each moment, it's what our hearts are all made of (just look inside)...you've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love..."
Sora saw Mieko looking exactly at her, and wondered why. Unbeknownst to Sora, Mieko could really get into someone's head, especially through singing. Sora wasn't sure why or how, but at that moment a giant tsunami of memories poured back into her head like a gigantic dump truck unloading a massive pile of garbage into a waste site...
...uhh, let me try that again...
Memories believed to be nearly forgotten poured into Sora's brain like a river. And these memories were equipped with very familiar old voices...
*********************
"Hey, I'm Tai!"
"Umm...I'm Sora."
"So-rah, huh? But, you're a gurl! I GUESS zat's s'okay...as long as you like so'ker."
--------------------------------------------
Sora eyes began to widen as a realization slowly made its way through the load of memories...
--------------------------------------------
"Tai! Pass it to me! I'm open!"
"Now's my chance to shoot, here I go!"
--------------------------------------------
A load of memories worth remembering forever...
--------------------------------------------
"...I thought you were gonna take the shot yourself!"
"Remember, there's no 'I' in 'team'! Ha, ha, ha, ha!"
--------------------------------------------
The best of the best of the BEST of best friends...
--------------------------------------------
"Here, Sora. It's a new soccer ball, since your mom threw your old one out."
"Oh, Tai...this is the best birthday present ever! Thank you so much!"
--------------------------------------------
No two people could ever know each other as well as these two...
--------------------------------------------
"But why???"
"Because...I've got plenty of soccer trophies, but you...well, you made the winning shot. So you can have this one. This'll be you're very first championship soccer trophy!"
"Tai...I...oh, gimme a hug, you big jerk!"
--------------------------------------------
Warm feelings and thoughts transmitted all the way from Courage to Love...
--------------------------------------------
"Don't worry, Sora! We'll find a way home!"
"Yeah, you're right! How do you get by like this, Tai?"
"You just gotta keep believing that you're strong and then you'll survive, one way or another."
--------------------------------------------
And even in times of sadness...
--------------------------------------------
"Aaaaahhhhh!!!!!"
"Sora, stop it!"
"Let go!"
"Even if what you said is true, you shouldn't believe a word from that loser Demidevimon...don't cry, Sora!"
--------------------------------------------
One would always comfort the other...well...ALMOST always...
--------------------------------------------
"So Sora, you goin' to the concert with anybody? Not that it matters to me...just wondering."
"No, I wanna be available in case Matt is free afterwards. Eh, heh."
"Oh, I see...Matt, huh?...I-it's okay..."
--------------------------------------------
But what had Sora done for him recently?
--------------------------------------------
"Please stop. If you would just listen..."
"NO, YOU LISTEN, TAI! IF YOU WEREN'T SO STUPID..!"
*********************
A small tear escaped Sora's eye, and that's when IT finally hit her. The strange anger...was it really directed at Tai? Or herself? And why? Her mother's mysterious laughter. Matt's reluctance to be with her. And the one obvious concept that had been right under her nose the whole time. At long last the answer hit Sora like a ton of bricks. Just in time for the song to finish up.
"You've got to believe (you've got to believe) - in the power of love...in the Power of Love...in the Power of Love..."
*********************
"That was an awesome song!" complemented Tai.
"See, I told you she was good!" replied Jane. "Phew, I'm beat."
"Wanna quit for tonight?"
"Yeah, I'm gettin' kinda tired."
*********************
Sora snapped back to reality with the roar, whistles, and applause to Mieko's performance. Even Matt, T.K., Kari, and Davis were clapping. Mieko bowed and pointed to Matt's band, as to indicate their contribution. Everyone clapped again for the Teenage Wolves (minus Matt). As Mieko talked and shook hands with the band, people took a break from dancing. T.K. put on a record with soft jazz music to pass the time.
Matt turned to Sora, who had a shocked and stunned look on her face, like she'd discovered the meaning of life.
"Sora? What's wrong?"
"Matt..." she began with a VERY weird smile on her face. "I...I...I can't believe it...I just realized something absolutely horrible!"
"What?!?" asked an impatient Matt.
"I..." she said, almost laughing. "I...I..."
"Yes???"
"I LOVE TAI!!!" she shouted happily.
Matt clapped his hands loudly and enthusiastically. "Boy, I was wondering when you'd figure it out!"
"Yes...you...you're right! You...you told me...to do whatever I wanted."
Matt nodded, as if Sora had just solved some gigantic Sherlock Holmes mystery.
"So that's why you...and why mom...I get it. This is absolutely terrible! I love Tai!" she sputtered. It felt so good to say it! "Oh, but...Matt...what do we..."
"Go to him, Sora. Give him the good news. And don't you worry about me...It's cool."
"But you..." Sora said, feeling a little embarrassed and sad for her friend.
"I love being with you, but I think Tai needs you just a little bit more."
"Thanks, Matt. I'm gonna tell him first thing on Monday. He'll be so happy!"
"He better be, 'cause I'm sacrificing a lot here!" he said laughing.
Sora laughed too, but suddenly stopped. "So...did we just break up?"
"I think so."
"Oh, Matt...I want you to know there will ALWAYS be a place for you in my heart."
"Thanks, Sora. That makes me feel a little better."
Then Matt opened up his arms for one, final (loving,) hug.
Sora smiled and hugged Matt warmly. As their arms connected and wrapped around each other, they closed their eyes. A single tear escaped from both of them while they hugged and sniffled somewhat sadly.
"Well..." said Matt as they let go of each other. "I guess you know what you have to do."
"Yeah, but first I have to apologize to Tai...then I'll tell him," she finished as another infectious smile crept into her face. She just couldn't help it. And she couldn't wait to tell him! "But how about we finish this date?"
"I'd like nothing more...pal!" he laughed, playfully and softly punching Sora's arm. Sora giggled too, and gave Matt one last, soft kiss.
*********************
"Well, we're here!" said Tai, a back at Jane's house.
"Yep." Jane replied.
"I had really great time...even though the movie stunk," he noted. "So, uh...what now?"
"Well, uh...this is the part in the movie where...the guy usually...kisses the girl goodnight."
"Oh, yeah...I kinda forgot about that part ," he said nervously.
"Look, this was our first date. But if you don't want to..."
"No, no," Tai stated firmly. "You asked me if you were wasting your time, and I've been trying to think up a good answer. And you deserve one."
"And what's the conclusion you came to?"
"Umm...uh...well...I thought maybe, uh."
"Yes?"
Without warning Tai gently grabbed Jane by the shoulders, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and kissed the beautiful, elegant, young girl on her soft lips. Jane was stunned, yet pleasantly surprised. At first she went wide-eyed, but she quickly realized that THIS was actually happening! Jane immediately went with the flow, closed her eyes as well, and let her lips kiss back. It felt SO good. She moaned slightly as her lips wrapped around Tai's, and a pink blush sneaked into her cheeks.
Tai and Jane finally caught their breath as their lips let go of each other. They slowly opened their eyes simultaneously. Jane touched and licked her lips. All she could say was.
"WOW."
"Y-yeah," Tai replied. He exhaled heavily. "So...didja...FEEL anything?"
Jane's face has a curious expression, as if she were trying desperately to locate the answer hidden deep inside her brain. "I...I...I can't believe it..." Jane's voice sounded like it was about to break.
Tai and Jane both frowned. "Neither can I," Tai almost whispered.
*********************
Monday finally came.
During school classes, Sora was so happy. She could barely sit still in class. Her mind was a million miles (maybe more) away, too unfocused on life. She couldn't think about anything but Tai. Her heart fluttered when she saw him in passing down the school halls. Sora kept thinking about how happy (and relieved) Tai would feel after she gave him the good news. Matt noticed the change in her behavior and tried not to laugh. Tai noticed how cheerful Sora was, too. Their date last night must've gone well, he thought.
The hours seemed to go by at an agonizingly slow rate, and Sora couldn't stand it. But she knew she had to be patient. Sometimes love takes time. She thought of how she had called him "stupid" a few days before. Stupid? Tai? That was a laugh. If anyone was stupid, it was her, she thought. Stupid for not fully realizing her true feelings for him.
It was 3:30 p.m., and classes were over at last. Sora quickly gathered her belongings out her locker, and raced through the halls to find Tai. He wasn't in the classrooms or outside on the soccer field. She looked out the windows, desperate to locate him. And she did. He was outside at the curb, and it looked like he was waiting to cross the street or waiting for someone. Nevertheless, Sora zoomed out the doors like a light all the way to the curb where Tai was standing. She was nearly out of breath when she arrived, but she HAD to tell him as soon as possible.
Tai noticed her all too well running towards him and braced for whatever she had to say this time.
"Sora? What's up?" he tried to ask in a casual voice.
"Hah...hah...I...hold on." she said in a very out of breath voice. Tai gave her about a minute or so, and soon she could talk normally again.
"Tai...we need to talk...I need to tell you something."
"Yeah, so do I. Let me talk first."
"No, Tai let me. This REALLY can't wait, and I have to get this off my chest no-"
"Hi, Tai! Hi, Sora!" shouted a female's voice.
"Oh, hey Jane!" he replied with a smile.
Something about this situation seriously bothered Sora, but she remembered what she was here for.
"Hey yourself, handsome," Jane said giving Tai a warm hug.
"Huh? What's going on?" Sora asked.
"Oh, yeah, uhh...Jane and I started dating."
"WHAT...I meant...what do you mean?"
"He means just that. He and I went on a date last night."
"Oh...really? H-how did it go?"
"Aww, it went great Sora. We both had a lot of fun, didn't we?" Tai asked Jane.
"You bet we did, cutie. So...we still on for the movie tonight?"
"Of course. Pick you up at seven?"
"I'll be waiting," she said with a wink. "Well, I gotta get home. I'll see you later. Bye, Sora."
Jane gave Tai a sweet little kiss on the cheek and went on her way.
"Umm...what's going on here?" Sora asked, with a alarming sound in her voice.
"That's what I was going to tell you, Sora," Tai began. "I reluctantly, but finally realized that..."
"That what?"
"That you were right. As much as I hate to admit it, I WAS being stupid."
"But Tai, you-"
"I WAS jealous, Sora. And I was acting immature about it! Imagine that, moaning and groaning over you and Matt! I should've been happy for you guys!"
"Matt and me-"
"You two are good people and deserve each other! You made me see that I can't be a part of that."
"But that's just it, I-"
"No, please, Sora...let me get this out. I was being selfish about the whole thing when I should have been happy for you and Matt! And I am now! You made me see that I had to go and find someone else. And Jane could be that person. So we dated just to see if anything was possible between us. And there just might."
Sora was absolutely speechless. But she had to say something. ANYTHING.
"O-oh...I... I see. Well, I...um...I hope you can forgive me for everything."
"Aww, Sora, there's nothing to forgive," Tai replied in a happier tone that Sora hadn't noticed during the entire conversation. "But if it puts your mind at ease, then I do. You're my best friend and nothing you do would ever make me hate you. And I'd like nothing better than for us to be friends again."
"O-of course. Fr-friends right?" Sora managed to get out.
"Always, Sora. Always," Tai said warmly, shaking her hand. "Oh...what did you wanna tell me?"
"Oh...it can wait. It's not that important."
"Uh, okay...you sure?"
"Positive."
"Well, I gotta get movin' too, so I'll see you tomorrow!"
Tai waved to her as he crossed the street. Sora faintly did the same.
"It's nothing..." she whispered.
A tear fell from her eye, followed by another, and soon more and more. This wasn't how it was supposed to end. Sora dropped to her knees and began to cry.
"...I just love you, that's all."
*********************
(NOT) THE END...
NEXT TIME...now that Sora has finally realized her true feelings for her best friend, Tai, she has to figure out a way to tell him! And what will she do about Jane, her school buddy? And will Mieko get a record deal instead of Matt and his Teenage Wolves? All this and more in the next chapter of "From Courage To Love"!
Author's Note: Does this chapter seem short to you at all? That's because this and the last chapter were actually one huge chapter put together, but it just got too long. So I separated it into two chapters. Anyhoo, that's more than enough for now, but knowing me, I'll soon be back at this computer cutting my teeth into the next chapter. Keep reading and reviewing, my loyal fans. (Ha, ha.)