Chichiri: *still playing FF8* So, have you two found the girl yet?
Hotohori: We've looked everywhere! And we still haven't found her..
Chichiri: ... if you say looking in her room is everywhere, then you're both pretty silly, no da.
Hotohori: *slightly embarrassed* Well, her readers are probably patiently waiting for the next chapter... what to do?
Amiboshi: I'll finish it! *smiles triumphantly and then clears his throat to begin the story*
- - - - - - - - - -
Before Seifer could answer my question, one of his maids came back into the room. She held a cell phone and had one of her hands covering it, as if doing so wouldn't allow the person on the other line to hear.
"Sir?" She began. Seifer turned his attention to her. "Mr. Schildt is on the other line." She whispered, pointing at the phone.
"I'll take it." Seifer replied and got up from his seat. She handed him the phone. He was about to leave the room, when he suddenly turned around. "Yvonne, please lead Miss Trepe out." He turned back to the phone and began talking.
The next thing I knew, I was being pushed out of the door by that maid. She muttered a quick good-bye and was about to close the door in my face before I pushed it open once again.
"You didn't answer me!" I shouted to Seifer, who was still on the phone. He turned around slightly annoyed.
"Yes." He replied.
My heart sunk. I felt numb. I didn't want to hear him say that. Yvonne, noticing my lack of concentration, took advantage of this and closed the door shut, locking it with a 'click'. I slid down, and sat in front of the door, on the porch. I felt horrible. I didn't want him to say yes... and if he did... couldn't he explain to me why?
Suddenly, I felt someone grab me under my arm, pulling me up. I turned my head to see one of the guards at the gate earlier. He picked me and led me out the gate without saying anything. I didn't have the will to fight, so I just let him lead me out. I guess... Seifer let go of me.
* * *
I had been walking down the street aimlessly for the past three days. Only stopping to go to the hotel and sleep. Once in a while, I would see the back of a tall, blonde man, and I would always go up to him, only to find out it wasn't Seifer. I tried going back to Seifer's house, but his guards wouldn't allow me to see him. And after the millionth time, one of them finally spoke to me.
"I'm really sorry miss, you just can't go see him."
"Why not?!" I spat out angrily.
"He says he doesn't want to see you." The man said apologetic.
So Seifer had let go of me. I should do the same... but I just couldn't. I wanted this to be happy. I wanted him to tell me that he loved me and that he didn't want to let me go. I wanted him to forgive me. I guess it just didn't happen. I guess.. This couldn't be a fairy tale ending. I continued walking aimlessly down the street, choking back my tears when suddenly, I saw someone familiar.
Tauliana. Only, she wasn't alone. She was a man. And that man, wasn't Seifer. Not only that, but the man had his arm around her in a way that would suggest that they were an item. And she, she was talking to him, laughing with him, and was dangerously close. It made me angry. If she was engaged with Seifer, why is she like this? Without myself realizing, I had stormed up to her and slapped her in the face.
"Bitch!" She spat at me, as the man she was with just looked at me, shocked.
"Who the hell is this?" I asked, pointing at the man disgustedly.
"Why does it matter to you?" She tried to slap me back, but I easily stopped her.
"Why are you with another man when you're engaged to Seifer?!" I asked, slapping her again.
I expected her to retaliate, but she didn't. First she just stood there looking at me angrily, then she had an emotionless expression, when suddenly she burst out laughing. I looked at her even more angrily. What was so funny?
"What are you laughing at?!" I screamed at her, which only provoked her to laugh even more.
"Oh, I see. You're jealous." She said when she finally stopped laughing.
"I... we... er... no... I..." I was at a loss of words. She was right, but I just didn't think she'd know.
"You don't have to say anything my dear," She smiled at me wickedly. "Seifer could care less if I was laid by every single man in the whole damn planet. And I could care less if he slept with every woman." I looked at her in disbelief. How could she say such a thing? Weren't they engaged?
"If you're wondering why we're getting married," She began, as if she read my thoughts. "It's not for love you silly girl." She chuckled slightly.
"Then why?" I demanded fiercely.
"If you must know darling, it's because my rich daddy wants us to." She looked over me, as if she analyzed everything I was thinking. "And, if you're also wondering, the only reason I'm marrying him is because my daddy says he'll give me 100 grand every 6 months I'm with that fool. It's quite a pity, he's quite handsome, but he just won't do anything with or to me." She smiled once again.
"... no... Seifer wouldn't..." I began, but she cut me off once again.
"Don't you understand girl? It's money. That's the only reason Seifer's in this with me. My dad is giving him 10 grand every month he's with me."
"No..." I was in disbelief. Seifer wouldn't... marry her for money... or would he.
"Yes darling, it's true. And if you're asking me... I think Seifer's not only just in this for the money. I think he's trying to get someone back." She smirked evilly at me.
"No. Seifer wouldn't do that. No. He wouldn't." I was in disbelief. "Why would your dad want you to marry SEIFER?" I suddenly asked. Maybe this was all just a hoax. Maybe, they were all playing along a game Seifer came up with so he would know how much I loved him. Yes it had to be that.
"Honey," she began. "It's publicity. 'Multi-millionaire Schildt's daughter engaged to world's most hated man'." She said as if she were reading it off a headline in the newspaper. "That's bound to attract attention. And who knows, maybe when that fad is gone, the headlines may read, 'Schildt couple divorced'. Whatever my dad wants us to do, I'll do it... for a price."
I slapped her again. She was a bitch. And I didn't want to hear it anymore. She glared at me, but once again, I slapped her and ran off. I needed to talk to Seifer. And I needed to talk to him now.
* * *
"Please, I really need to see Seifer!" I begged the guard. He looked at me with sympathy, but refused. I couldn't blame him. He was just doing his job. So instead of begging him some more, I ran for the communicator and buzzed him myself. The guard tried to stop me, but I held my whip out threateningly.
"What is it now?" Seifer asked through the communicator, quite annoyed.
"Seifer, it's me." I replied.
"Quistis... Stan, where the hell are you?"
"Seifer...answer me... why are you getting married with that bitch?"
"Look Quistis... it's none of your business. So just leave."
"I won't... not until you explain to me." I demanded.
"Alright, alright. Meet me in the centre of the Botanic Garden in 10 minutes." Without saying anything else, he closed the communication.
I sighed. Was he actually going to go? Or was he just trying to get rid of me? I decided that I would go. It would be worth the try. Maybe he was going to explain what was going on... just maybe.
* * *
"Seifer!" I exclaimed happily as I saw him walk towards me. He was 10 minutes late, but I didn't care. He came.
"Quistis." He replied, emotionless. I tried to give him a hug, but he moved away and sat on a bench. I took a seat beside him. "What is it that you want?"
"Seifer... can you tell me why you're getting married to her?"
"If I tell you, will you leave me alone?"
"Possibly..." I didn't want to leave him alone. But I guess, if he were happier without me... then I guess, that's exactly what I would do. Just for him.
"I'm in it for the money." He replied, still emotionless.
"Seifer... You're lying. I know you are."
"Okay. It's because no other girl wants me in this wretched world. Everyone hates me Quistis, I have nowhere else to go. And if you don't mind, I'm quite happy here." He replied coldly. He looked at me with complete hatred, I just wanted to cry right then and there, but I stood strong, I wasn't going to give up. Not yet...
"Seifer... I want you... and you could always go back to the garden..."
"Quistis. You never wanted me. I happen to recall a time when I was off on my SeeD exam, only to come back to see you with Squall. Does that ring a bell?" He spat out angrily.
"I'm sorry!" I began, but was cut off by Seifer.
"Just saying that you're sorry does not erase your wrongdoings. Quistis, please, I'm happy here. I don't need anything else, or anyone else. I am better off here." Seifer got up, about to walk away.
"Wait." I shouted to him. He stopped, but didn't turn around. "I'm really sorry... but I guess, if you're happier here, then I should just let you be happy. I don't want to see you miserable. So if you're miserable with me... then I guess this is better the way it is. I just wanted to say that... I really, truly, did love you Seifer." Tears began falling from my eyes like raindrops, but Seifer did not see them.
"Thanks." Was all he said before I saw him walk away from me... again. I cried my poor little heart out, once again.
* * *
The next day, I found myself walking aimlessly through the streets of Deling again. As I passed by a newspaper stand, something caught my eye. The headlines for today's newspapers. 'Seifer Almasy and Tualiana Schildt forever united'. I picked one up, paid the man and began reading it.
"Today, at St. Augustine Cathedral, Mr. Seifer Almasy and Miss Tauliana Schildt will be united as one." I mumbled to myself and began skimming the article. "2:00pm?!" I gasped. Looking at my watch, it revealed it was already 2. I quickly motioned for a nearby cab and jumped into the seat.
"St. Augustine Cathedral please. And hurry." I told the driver. He nodded his head and we were on our way.
Not to long after, we arrived in front of the church. I quickly thanked the man and paid him. I opened the door and quickly ran out, but stopped short right in front of the cathedral doors. Should I barge in... or leave...?
- -- - - - -- -
Amiboshi: Well there you have it! Chapter 19! And only one chapter left to this fic! Yay!!! *Amiboshi smiles happily*
Hotohori: *clap* *clap* *clap* How'd you manage to make it sound like that crazy-girl-who-seems-to-think-that-she-owns-us writing? That was fantastic!
Amiboshi: Actually... that *is* her writing!
Chichiri: *gives Ami a blank face*
Amiboshi: You see... I found her! *smiles triumphantly*
Hotohori: Oh great! Now where is she?
Amiboshi: Well, I knew Seifer would be after her, so I put her somewhere for safekeeping.
Hotohori: Which is...?
Amiboshi: Seifer's room!
*suddenly, they hear a girl's scream, followed by some cussing from a male, then followed by something being smashed, and then more cussing, and then another scream*
Chichiri: !!! He's going to kill her!!! *the three dart to Seifer's room and sees that Seifer is trying to brutally murder aznchika as she is just barely escaping*
aznchika: Help me!!! *she ducks just in time as Seifer's gunblade would have sliced off her head* Don't just stand there!! HELP me!!!
Seifer: *turns around to glare at them* You help her, you die. *begins to chase after her again*
Amiboshi: I think we should leave.
Hotohori: Agreed.
Chichiri: ... that's not nice... but I still want to live, so okay. *the three suddenly disappear.
aznchika: HELP!!! *sees that no one is coming to save her, she turns to face the audience, while trying to escape from Seifer* If someone doesn't stop him... I'll die!!!
Audience: ... so?
aznchika: Then that means I can't finish this fic!!! And there's only one chapter left!!! HELP!!!
Hotohori: We've looked everywhere! And we still haven't found her..
Chichiri: ... if you say looking in her room is everywhere, then you're both pretty silly, no da.
Hotohori: *slightly embarrassed* Well, her readers are probably patiently waiting for the next chapter... what to do?
Amiboshi: I'll finish it! *smiles triumphantly and then clears his throat to begin the story*
- - - - - - - - - -
Before Seifer could answer my question, one of his maids came back into the room. She held a cell phone and had one of her hands covering it, as if doing so wouldn't allow the person on the other line to hear.
"Sir?" She began. Seifer turned his attention to her. "Mr. Schildt is on the other line." She whispered, pointing at the phone.
"I'll take it." Seifer replied and got up from his seat. She handed him the phone. He was about to leave the room, when he suddenly turned around. "Yvonne, please lead Miss Trepe out." He turned back to the phone and began talking.
The next thing I knew, I was being pushed out of the door by that maid. She muttered a quick good-bye and was about to close the door in my face before I pushed it open once again.
"You didn't answer me!" I shouted to Seifer, who was still on the phone. He turned around slightly annoyed.
"Yes." He replied.
My heart sunk. I felt numb. I didn't want to hear him say that. Yvonne, noticing my lack of concentration, took advantage of this and closed the door shut, locking it with a 'click'. I slid down, and sat in front of the door, on the porch. I felt horrible. I didn't want him to say yes... and if he did... couldn't he explain to me why?
Suddenly, I felt someone grab me under my arm, pulling me up. I turned my head to see one of the guards at the gate earlier. He picked me and led me out the gate without saying anything. I didn't have the will to fight, so I just let him lead me out. I guess... Seifer let go of me.
* * *
I had been walking down the street aimlessly for the past three days. Only stopping to go to the hotel and sleep. Once in a while, I would see the back of a tall, blonde man, and I would always go up to him, only to find out it wasn't Seifer. I tried going back to Seifer's house, but his guards wouldn't allow me to see him. And after the millionth time, one of them finally spoke to me.
"I'm really sorry miss, you just can't go see him."
"Why not?!" I spat out angrily.
"He says he doesn't want to see you." The man said apologetic.
So Seifer had let go of me. I should do the same... but I just couldn't. I wanted this to be happy. I wanted him to tell me that he loved me and that he didn't want to let me go. I wanted him to forgive me. I guess it just didn't happen. I guess.. This couldn't be a fairy tale ending. I continued walking aimlessly down the street, choking back my tears when suddenly, I saw someone familiar.
Tauliana. Only, she wasn't alone. She was a man. And that man, wasn't Seifer. Not only that, but the man had his arm around her in a way that would suggest that they were an item. And she, she was talking to him, laughing with him, and was dangerously close. It made me angry. If she was engaged with Seifer, why is she like this? Without myself realizing, I had stormed up to her and slapped her in the face.
"Bitch!" She spat at me, as the man she was with just looked at me, shocked.
"Who the hell is this?" I asked, pointing at the man disgustedly.
"Why does it matter to you?" She tried to slap me back, but I easily stopped her.
"Why are you with another man when you're engaged to Seifer?!" I asked, slapping her again.
I expected her to retaliate, but she didn't. First she just stood there looking at me angrily, then she had an emotionless expression, when suddenly she burst out laughing. I looked at her even more angrily. What was so funny?
"What are you laughing at?!" I screamed at her, which only provoked her to laugh even more.
"Oh, I see. You're jealous." She said when she finally stopped laughing.
"I... we... er... no... I..." I was at a loss of words. She was right, but I just didn't think she'd know.
"You don't have to say anything my dear," She smiled at me wickedly. "Seifer could care less if I was laid by every single man in the whole damn planet. And I could care less if he slept with every woman." I looked at her in disbelief. How could she say such a thing? Weren't they engaged?
"If you're wondering why we're getting married," She began, as if she read my thoughts. "It's not for love you silly girl." She chuckled slightly.
"Then why?" I demanded fiercely.
"If you must know darling, it's because my rich daddy wants us to." She looked over me, as if she analyzed everything I was thinking. "And, if you're also wondering, the only reason I'm marrying him is because my daddy says he'll give me 100 grand every 6 months I'm with that fool. It's quite a pity, he's quite handsome, but he just won't do anything with or to me." She smiled once again.
"... no... Seifer wouldn't..." I began, but she cut me off once again.
"Don't you understand girl? It's money. That's the only reason Seifer's in this with me. My dad is giving him 10 grand every month he's with me."
"No..." I was in disbelief. Seifer wouldn't... marry her for money... or would he.
"Yes darling, it's true. And if you're asking me... I think Seifer's not only just in this for the money. I think he's trying to get someone back." She smirked evilly at me.
"No. Seifer wouldn't do that. No. He wouldn't." I was in disbelief. "Why would your dad want you to marry SEIFER?" I suddenly asked. Maybe this was all just a hoax. Maybe, they were all playing along a game Seifer came up with so he would know how much I loved him. Yes it had to be that.
"Honey," she began. "It's publicity. 'Multi-millionaire Schildt's daughter engaged to world's most hated man'." She said as if she were reading it off a headline in the newspaper. "That's bound to attract attention. And who knows, maybe when that fad is gone, the headlines may read, 'Schildt couple divorced'. Whatever my dad wants us to do, I'll do it... for a price."
I slapped her again. She was a bitch. And I didn't want to hear it anymore. She glared at me, but once again, I slapped her and ran off. I needed to talk to Seifer. And I needed to talk to him now.
* * *
"Please, I really need to see Seifer!" I begged the guard. He looked at me with sympathy, but refused. I couldn't blame him. He was just doing his job. So instead of begging him some more, I ran for the communicator and buzzed him myself. The guard tried to stop me, but I held my whip out threateningly.
"What is it now?" Seifer asked through the communicator, quite annoyed.
"Seifer, it's me." I replied.
"Quistis... Stan, where the hell are you?"
"Seifer...answer me... why are you getting married with that bitch?"
"Look Quistis... it's none of your business. So just leave."
"I won't... not until you explain to me." I demanded.
"Alright, alright. Meet me in the centre of the Botanic Garden in 10 minutes." Without saying anything else, he closed the communication.
I sighed. Was he actually going to go? Or was he just trying to get rid of me? I decided that I would go. It would be worth the try. Maybe he was going to explain what was going on... just maybe.
* * *
"Seifer!" I exclaimed happily as I saw him walk towards me. He was 10 minutes late, but I didn't care. He came.
"Quistis." He replied, emotionless. I tried to give him a hug, but he moved away and sat on a bench. I took a seat beside him. "What is it that you want?"
"Seifer... can you tell me why you're getting married to her?"
"If I tell you, will you leave me alone?"
"Possibly..." I didn't want to leave him alone. But I guess, if he were happier without me... then I guess, that's exactly what I would do. Just for him.
"I'm in it for the money." He replied, still emotionless.
"Seifer... You're lying. I know you are."
"Okay. It's because no other girl wants me in this wretched world. Everyone hates me Quistis, I have nowhere else to go. And if you don't mind, I'm quite happy here." He replied coldly. He looked at me with complete hatred, I just wanted to cry right then and there, but I stood strong, I wasn't going to give up. Not yet...
"Seifer... I want you... and you could always go back to the garden..."
"Quistis. You never wanted me. I happen to recall a time when I was off on my SeeD exam, only to come back to see you with Squall. Does that ring a bell?" He spat out angrily.
"I'm sorry!" I began, but was cut off by Seifer.
"Just saying that you're sorry does not erase your wrongdoings. Quistis, please, I'm happy here. I don't need anything else, or anyone else. I am better off here." Seifer got up, about to walk away.
"Wait." I shouted to him. He stopped, but didn't turn around. "I'm really sorry... but I guess, if you're happier here, then I should just let you be happy. I don't want to see you miserable. So if you're miserable with me... then I guess this is better the way it is. I just wanted to say that... I really, truly, did love you Seifer." Tears began falling from my eyes like raindrops, but Seifer did not see them.
"Thanks." Was all he said before I saw him walk away from me... again. I cried my poor little heart out, once again.
* * *
The next day, I found myself walking aimlessly through the streets of Deling again. As I passed by a newspaper stand, something caught my eye. The headlines for today's newspapers. 'Seifer Almasy and Tualiana Schildt forever united'. I picked one up, paid the man and began reading it.
"Today, at St. Augustine Cathedral, Mr. Seifer Almasy and Miss Tauliana Schildt will be united as one." I mumbled to myself and began skimming the article. "2:00pm?!" I gasped. Looking at my watch, it revealed it was already 2. I quickly motioned for a nearby cab and jumped into the seat.
"St. Augustine Cathedral please. And hurry." I told the driver. He nodded his head and we were on our way.
Not to long after, we arrived in front of the church. I quickly thanked the man and paid him. I opened the door and quickly ran out, but stopped short right in front of the cathedral doors. Should I barge in... or leave...?
- -- - - - -- -
Amiboshi: Well there you have it! Chapter 19! And only one chapter left to this fic! Yay!!! *Amiboshi smiles happily*
Hotohori: *clap* *clap* *clap* How'd you manage to make it sound like that crazy-girl-who-seems-to-think-that-she-owns-us writing? That was fantastic!
Amiboshi: Actually... that *is* her writing!
Chichiri: *gives Ami a blank face*
Amiboshi: You see... I found her! *smiles triumphantly*
Hotohori: Oh great! Now where is she?
Amiboshi: Well, I knew Seifer would be after her, so I put her somewhere for safekeeping.
Hotohori: Which is...?
Amiboshi: Seifer's room!
*suddenly, they hear a girl's scream, followed by some cussing from a male, then followed by something being smashed, and then more cussing, and then another scream*
Chichiri: !!! He's going to kill her!!! *the three dart to Seifer's room and sees that Seifer is trying to brutally murder aznchika as she is just barely escaping*
aznchika: Help me!!! *she ducks just in time as Seifer's gunblade would have sliced off her head* Don't just stand there!! HELP me!!!
Seifer: *turns around to glare at them* You help her, you die. *begins to chase after her again*
Amiboshi: I think we should leave.
Hotohori: Agreed.
Chichiri: ... that's not nice... but I still want to live, so okay. *the three suddenly disappear.
aznchika: HELP!!! *sees that no one is coming to save her, she turns to face the audience, while trying to escape from Seifer* If someone doesn't stop him... I'll die!!!
Audience: ... so?
aznchika: Then that means I can't finish this fic!!! And there's only one chapter left!!! HELP!!!