I'm back with chapter 2! Wow, I can't believe how many fabulous reviews I
got for chapter one! I'm so glad you all like it! I'm happy to announce
that I actually have the plot mapped out on a piece of paper, so chapters
will come out rather quickly! (Thanks to a night where I couldn't sleep and
was extremely bored). Now, unfortunately, I'm going away to camp this
Sunday (7/28/02) for 2 weeks. It's an overnight camp, so I won't be
posting any chapters *frowns*. On the plus side, I will be taking along a
notebook, and when I have time will probably be working on the chapters
(I'm really enjoying this story!) Sorry this chapter is a little short, I
promise the next few will be longer for your reading pleasure. But you
know, I'm just trying to get things moving. Oh, and yeah, there's more
swearing in this chapter.
Thanks to: Rave-Luki, Koontz (Personally I feel the same way as you do, but hey, I'm glad you made an exception for my fic!), Fate's Child, Nanashi (Hm, you're right, but I can work this into the story *grins*!), Maxwell's Demoness (*blush* thank you for the compliment. I actually do all the editing in spelling/grammar myself!), Aishiteru Tenshi, ShideDaion Chrysal (Mm, neither am I! I've got some surprises planned for her *evil smirk*), Maria, and last but not least, Nif81 (I'm gonna have a lot of fun introducing Duo)! Thank you all for the glowing reviews! You've inspired me to work my hardest!
Disclaimer: Yes, it's true, I don't own it!!! If I did you'd see Trowa and Quatre sneaking to broom closets a lot more often, Heero and Duo enjoying the full extent of a pool, and Sally "nursing" Wufie's "wounds" every night *winks*. I only own Darren (the cutie!) and any other OCs.
~* (Part 2 of ? - It's dinnertime, can you survive?)
"To discover that there was any semblance of art in a concentration camp must be surprise enough for an outsider, but he may be even more astounded to hear that one could find a sense of humor there as well; of course, only a faint trace of one, and then only for a few seconds or minutes. Humor is another of the soul's weapons in the fight for self-preservation. It is- "[1]
"DARREN! DINNER'S READY, COME DOWN!"
My head jerks up as my dad's voice floats over the sound of my music. It's 6:30 already? I look over to my digital clock located on the nightstand by my bed, which confirms that it is in fact 6:30. Damn, I was just getting into this book. I pick up my bookmark, pausing to look at it. It has a mobile suit on it. A Gundam.
In school we spend a fair amount of time on the Eve Wars. I know all about Trieze Khushrenda, he's in every textbook. So is Zechs Merquise. They mention a woman whose name is Lady Une. When I mentioned what we were studying to my parents, my mom stiffened. Hm...I wonder why. I know all about the soldiers that died, but one part of it all confuses me. The textbook mentioned 5 men. They were anonymous, but apparently were the main reason the wars ended the way they did. I asked my teacher, Mrs. Brookes about it, and she said that the identities of the 5 people were never discovered. It was said that these men rode Gundams, the best kind of mobile suit you could ever imagine.
A flame was lit. I wanted to know more. So, I started to go online and look up information. I looked at battle tactics, advantages and disadvantages, and the strategies used. I even understand why OZ lost. Underestimation. No matter how many times they fought the Gundams, they always underestimated the enemy. OZ had the mobile suits, the training, but not enough strategic geniuses. Not like the guys that pilot the Gundams. Now, those are some smart guys.
"DARREN! YOUR FOOD IS GETTING COLD!"
Sheesh, he doesn't need to be so loud. I quickly bookmark my page and turn off my music. Hoping off my bed, I make my way downstairs. A wonderful smell hits my senses, and my mouth is instantly watering. Tonight is going to be really good.
The dinning room is possibly one of the most beautiful rooms in the house. A dark pine cabinet was placed on the far wall, which contained all of mom's good china. On them were exquisite paintings of baby angels, clouds and starry nights. On the wall next to the door that leads to the kitchen (which is to my left), there's an expensive painting of pond with lilies and rose petals floating in the water while a bunny sits leisurely on the grass next to the pond. The artist is not named, but I absolutely love his work. On the wall to my right is a subtle painting of a wicker basket sitting on top of a green cabinet. In the basket are several sticks, stripped of their leaves so only the plump, red berries remain[2]. However, the best object in the room would have to be the table. It was made out of cherry wood, which these days was very rare. It was always polished and well kept. I spent a lot of time under that table growing up. I always brought action figures down from my room and hide under the table, playing there until one of my parents found me and sent me off to do something.
I sit down quickly, savoring the smell that rolls off the food on the plate in front of me. I murmur a quick thank you before digging in. Mm...it tastes even better than it smells.
Dinner, as usual, passes in silence. Mom looks bored out of her mind, dad seems to be deep in thought, and I'm just praying we can get through one meal without having a big argument. God, I hate it when they fight.
"Wow dad, this is absolutely delicious!" I say, trying not to think about the fighting and focusing on the fact that my family is in the same room together.
"Really?" his eyes light up. Dad always loves it when someone compliments his cooking.
"Totally! Don't you agree mom?" I turn to her, who has barely touched her food and is sitting with her head down.
"I've had better," she remarks.
Shit. Why the hell did she say that?!
Dad threw his napkin, which was in midair to his face, onto the table roughly, muttering, "No respect."
The table returns to silence. Great going Darren! Now you've got dad pissed off! Okay, switch to another topic!
"Um, I'm making good progress on that book for school! I've almost gotten far enough to start answering some of the questions. Although, some of the things aren't exactly clear. But I'm sure I'll figure it out! I just need to set my mind to it!" I say happily.
Dad immediately perks up, smiling, and says, "That's great son! I can help you if you need! What about you honey?" he turns his attention to her.
"What book?" she asks cluelessly.
Dad sighs hard and I groan inwardly. Honestly, this night could NOT get any worse. There is silence, then dad speaks.
"Relena, I was thinking it was time we go visit some of our old friends. They've all been dying to know more about Darren, and I need to give Trowa some papers," my father remarked casually.
Fuck.
"We are NOT going to visit them Heero," Mom says curtly, "You know how I feel about the subject and had hoped that you would respect my wishes! We aren't part of their lives anymore. It's in the past. Besides, you can just send the papers to Barton through mail."
"His name is Trowa, Relena. TROWA. And he was one of my best friends. How can you call all that 'in the past'? It was the most major part of our lives!" Dad fumes.
"Heero! I want nothing to do with them! They're just a bunch of troublemakers who only make a mess of things! And I can call it 'in the past' because that's exactly what it was! It happened over 15 years ago, Heero. It's time to let go!"
"Time to let go?" his voice held disbelief, "Relena, you can't just go and FORGET about something like that! You have no idea what that did to me!"
What the hell is going on? What are they talking about? I want to slip away, but my curiosity rules over all other emotions. Damn my mother's curious genes.
"There you go again with that stupid speech! You've told it to me over a million times! I practically know it by heart!"
"Then actually LISTEN to the words, Relena! Kami-sama, I should have accepted Duo's offer and traveled with him to L2 with Hilde after it was all over!"
Duo? Hilde?
"Don't you start that! It would have done you no good to go with that homosexual filthy street rat and his little hussy of a friend!" Mom screeched.
Okay, cue the widening of the eyes here. I have never heard my mother use such language like that. Whoever this person is, she must really not like him. I look over at my father and I feel my eyes widen even more. His face is practically purple. Shit, he's so going to blow.
"NEVER TALK ABOUT DUO LIKE THAT! HE HAD A HARD LIFE GROWING UP WHERE HE DID, AND THEN HE SAVED ALL OF OUR ASSES JUST AS MANY TIMES AS I HAVE! YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL!" he bellowed, surprising both my mother and me.
"ME?!" Mom's voice nearly shattered my eardrums, "ME BE GRATEFUL TO THAT SON OF A BITCH?! NEVER! HE IS THE WORST POSSIBLE HUMAN BEING IN ALL THE UNIVERSE!"
I hear dad suck in an angry breath, but all my attention is focused on my mother. The energy around her was practically crackling, and if it was possible, she might have even gone super-saiyajin right then and there![3] I look over at my dad too see things are much worse with him. Shit shit shit shit shit!!!!
"Never talk about Duo like that," he growled softly, and I could feel myself slide in my chair, hoping under the table was safer, "You were the one who was being a bitch. Do you honestly think it was YOU who saved me from being the lifeless drone I once was? HA! You barely even scratched the surface on me! It was all Duo!"
Okay, NOW I should really try and slip away. But wait, mom looks like she has something to say.
"You honestly expect me to believe that? That that scumy piece of pond slime that crawled out of Hell made you into what you are today? I think not."
"That's it!" Dad yells, completely losing his temper, "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! RELENA, I WANT A DIVORCE!!!"
Hold it, rewind. A DIVORCE?!
"A divorce?" Mom managed to squeak out.
Holy fuck. I did hear correctly. My dad wants a divorce. I'm frozen in my chair. For the first time, both my parents seem to realize that I'm there. They look over at me nervously. Tears rim my eyes. I bolt out of my chair and up the stairs to my room. Grabbing the dufflebag out of my closet, I pull out the drawers and start throwing clothes in the bag. I grab my cordless phone and dial, the tears clouding my vision.
"Hello?" a calm, teenage male voice answers.
"J-Jason?" I choke out, trying hard not to cry.
"Darren?! What's the matter?!" he sounds so worried.
"Can...can I stay over at your house tonight?" I rush out.
"Yeah, you know you always can. But tell me what happened. What's going on?" he questions.
"I'll tell you when I get there," I say before hanging up. Tears are now running down my cheeks. Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!!!
I jump down the stairs three at a time and head for the front door. I have my hand on the doorknob when a voice behind me makes me stop.
"Darren? Darren! Where are you going at such a late hour?!" my mother asks. There are tears in her eyes too.
"I'm going to stay at Jason's!" I yell, loud enough for dad to hear also.
I turn and throw open the door. My mother tries to stop me, but is forced back by my father. I run down the street. Jason only lives about two blocks from here. Even from half the distance away, I can hear them fighting. No, no this can't be happening! They can't be getting a divorce! It's not right! They've been together forever!
I knock weakly on the cream colored door of Jason's house. The door swings open and suddenly I find myself in the thin arms of my best friend. His stringy blonde hair is a mess and his brown eyes are sparkling with worry.
"What happened?! What the HELL happened?!" he demands.
I pry his arms off of me and walk wearily into the house. In the living room are his mother, father, and year older sister, all looking at me expectantly. Damn it, I don't want to admit it! But, I have to.
"My...my parents are getting a divorce," is all I manage before collapsing on the couch in exhaustion.
~*
[1] - This is an actual quote for the book I have to read this summer. The book is called "Man's Search For Meaning" and it's about a psychologist and his experience in a Nazi concentration camp. I rather like the book personally. It has a good mix of story and psychological elements to it.
[2] - I have a painting like this in my kitchen. It really is gorgeous.
[3] - Gomen nasai!! I couldn't help myself! I like DBZ!!!
There's chapter two for you! Did you people like? Then click that button and drop me a review! I love em so much! Now remember, chappie 3 won't be out for a while, but I guarantee it will be good. Ja ne!
Thanks to: Rave-Luki, Koontz (Personally I feel the same way as you do, but hey, I'm glad you made an exception for my fic!), Fate's Child, Nanashi (Hm, you're right, but I can work this into the story *grins*!), Maxwell's Demoness (*blush* thank you for the compliment. I actually do all the editing in spelling/grammar myself!), Aishiteru Tenshi, ShideDaion Chrysal (Mm, neither am I! I've got some surprises planned for her *evil smirk*), Maria, and last but not least, Nif81 (I'm gonna have a lot of fun introducing Duo)! Thank you all for the glowing reviews! You've inspired me to work my hardest!
Disclaimer: Yes, it's true, I don't own it!!! If I did you'd see Trowa and Quatre sneaking to broom closets a lot more often, Heero and Duo enjoying the full extent of a pool, and Sally "nursing" Wufie's "wounds" every night *winks*. I only own Darren (the cutie!) and any other OCs.
~* (Part 2 of ? - It's dinnertime, can you survive?)
"To discover that there was any semblance of art in a concentration camp must be surprise enough for an outsider, but he may be even more astounded to hear that one could find a sense of humor there as well; of course, only a faint trace of one, and then only for a few seconds or minutes. Humor is another of the soul's weapons in the fight for self-preservation. It is- "[1]
"DARREN! DINNER'S READY, COME DOWN!"
My head jerks up as my dad's voice floats over the sound of my music. It's 6:30 already? I look over to my digital clock located on the nightstand by my bed, which confirms that it is in fact 6:30. Damn, I was just getting into this book. I pick up my bookmark, pausing to look at it. It has a mobile suit on it. A Gundam.
In school we spend a fair amount of time on the Eve Wars. I know all about Trieze Khushrenda, he's in every textbook. So is Zechs Merquise. They mention a woman whose name is Lady Une. When I mentioned what we were studying to my parents, my mom stiffened. Hm...I wonder why. I know all about the soldiers that died, but one part of it all confuses me. The textbook mentioned 5 men. They were anonymous, but apparently were the main reason the wars ended the way they did. I asked my teacher, Mrs. Brookes about it, and she said that the identities of the 5 people were never discovered. It was said that these men rode Gundams, the best kind of mobile suit you could ever imagine.
A flame was lit. I wanted to know more. So, I started to go online and look up information. I looked at battle tactics, advantages and disadvantages, and the strategies used. I even understand why OZ lost. Underestimation. No matter how many times they fought the Gundams, they always underestimated the enemy. OZ had the mobile suits, the training, but not enough strategic geniuses. Not like the guys that pilot the Gundams. Now, those are some smart guys.
"DARREN! YOUR FOOD IS GETTING COLD!"
Sheesh, he doesn't need to be so loud. I quickly bookmark my page and turn off my music. Hoping off my bed, I make my way downstairs. A wonderful smell hits my senses, and my mouth is instantly watering. Tonight is going to be really good.
The dinning room is possibly one of the most beautiful rooms in the house. A dark pine cabinet was placed on the far wall, which contained all of mom's good china. On them were exquisite paintings of baby angels, clouds and starry nights. On the wall next to the door that leads to the kitchen (which is to my left), there's an expensive painting of pond with lilies and rose petals floating in the water while a bunny sits leisurely on the grass next to the pond. The artist is not named, but I absolutely love his work. On the wall to my right is a subtle painting of a wicker basket sitting on top of a green cabinet. In the basket are several sticks, stripped of their leaves so only the plump, red berries remain[2]. However, the best object in the room would have to be the table. It was made out of cherry wood, which these days was very rare. It was always polished and well kept. I spent a lot of time under that table growing up. I always brought action figures down from my room and hide under the table, playing there until one of my parents found me and sent me off to do something.
I sit down quickly, savoring the smell that rolls off the food on the plate in front of me. I murmur a quick thank you before digging in. Mm...it tastes even better than it smells.
Dinner, as usual, passes in silence. Mom looks bored out of her mind, dad seems to be deep in thought, and I'm just praying we can get through one meal without having a big argument. God, I hate it when they fight.
"Wow dad, this is absolutely delicious!" I say, trying not to think about the fighting and focusing on the fact that my family is in the same room together.
"Really?" his eyes light up. Dad always loves it when someone compliments his cooking.
"Totally! Don't you agree mom?" I turn to her, who has barely touched her food and is sitting with her head down.
"I've had better," she remarks.
Shit. Why the hell did she say that?!
Dad threw his napkin, which was in midair to his face, onto the table roughly, muttering, "No respect."
The table returns to silence. Great going Darren! Now you've got dad pissed off! Okay, switch to another topic!
"Um, I'm making good progress on that book for school! I've almost gotten far enough to start answering some of the questions. Although, some of the things aren't exactly clear. But I'm sure I'll figure it out! I just need to set my mind to it!" I say happily.
Dad immediately perks up, smiling, and says, "That's great son! I can help you if you need! What about you honey?" he turns his attention to her.
"What book?" she asks cluelessly.
Dad sighs hard and I groan inwardly. Honestly, this night could NOT get any worse. There is silence, then dad speaks.
"Relena, I was thinking it was time we go visit some of our old friends. They've all been dying to know more about Darren, and I need to give Trowa some papers," my father remarked casually.
Fuck.
"We are NOT going to visit them Heero," Mom says curtly, "You know how I feel about the subject and had hoped that you would respect my wishes! We aren't part of their lives anymore. It's in the past. Besides, you can just send the papers to Barton through mail."
"His name is Trowa, Relena. TROWA. And he was one of my best friends. How can you call all that 'in the past'? It was the most major part of our lives!" Dad fumes.
"Heero! I want nothing to do with them! They're just a bunch of troublemakers who only make a mess of things! And I can call it 'in the past' because that's exactly what it was! It happened over 15 years ago, Heero. It's time to let go!"
"Time to let go?" his voice held disbelief, "Relena, you can't just go and FORGET about something like that! You have no idea what that did to me!"
What the hell is going on? What are they talking about? I want to slip away, but my curiosity rules over all other emotions. Damn my mother's curious genes.
"There you go again with that stupid speech! You've told it to me over a million times! I practically know it by heart!"
"Then actually LISTEN to the words, Relena! Kami-sama, I should have accepted Duo's offer and traveled with him to L2 with Hilde after it was all over!"
Duo? Hilde?
"Don't you start that! It would have done you no good to go with that homosexual filthy street rat and his little hussy of a friend!" Mom screeched.
Okay, cue the widening of the eyes here. I have never heard my mother use such language like that. Whoever this person is, she must really not like him. I look over at my father and I feel my eyes widen even more. His face is practically purple. Shit, he's so going to blow.
"NEVER TALK ABOUT DUO LIKE THAT! HE HAD A HARD LIFE GROWING UP WHERE HE DID, AND THEN HE SAVED ALL OF OUR ASSES JUST AS MANY TIMES AS I HAVE! YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL!" he bellowed, surprising both my mother and me.
"ME?!" Mom's voice nearly shattered my eardrums, "ME BE GRATEFUL TO THAT SON OF A BITCH?! NEVER! HE IS THE WORST POSSIBLE HUMAN BEING IN ALL THE UNIVERSE!"
I hear dad suck in an angry breath, but all my attention is focused on my mother. The energy around her was practically crackling, and if it was possible, she might have even gone super-saiyajin right then and there![3] I look over at my dad too see things are much worse with him. Shit shit shit shit shit!!!!
"Never talk about Duo like that," he growled softly, and I could feel myself slide in my chair, hoping under the table was safer, "You were the one who was being a bitch. Do you honestly think it was YOU who saved me from being the lifeless drone I once was? HA! You barely even scratched the surface on me! It was all Duo!"
Okay, NOW I should really try and slip away. But wait, mom looks like she has something to say.
"You honestly expect me to believe that? That that scumy piece of pond slime that crawled out of Hell made you into what you are today? I think not."
"That's it!" Dad yells, completely losing his temper, "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! RELENA, I WANT A DIVORCE!!!"
Hold it, rewind. A DIVORCE?!
"A divorce?" Mom managed to squeak out.
Holy fuck. I did hear correctly. My dad wants a divorce. I'm frozen in my chair. For the first time, both my parents seem to realize that I'm there. They look over at me nervously. Tears rim my eyes. I bolt out of my chair and up the stairs to my room. Grabbing the dufflebag out of my closet, I pull out the drawers and start throwing clothes in the bag. I grab my cordless phone and dial, the tears clouding my vision.
"Hello?" a calm, teenage male voice answers.
"J-Jason?" I choke out, trying hard not to cry.
"Darren?! What's the matter?!" he sounds so worried.
"Can...can I stay over at your house tonight?" I rush out.
"Yeah, you know you always can. But tell me what happened. What's going on?" he questions.
"I'll tell you when I get there," I say before hanging up. Tears are now running down my cheeks. Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!!!
I jump down the stairs three at a time and head for the front door. I have my hand on the doorknob when a voice behind me makes me stop.
"Darren? Darren! Where are you going at such a late hour?!" my mother asks. There are tears in her eyes too.
"I'm going to stay at Jason's!" I yell, loud enough for dad to hear also.
I turn and throw open the door. My mother tries to stop me, but is forced back by my father. I run down the street. Jason only lives about two blocks from here. Even from half the distance away, I can hear them fighting. No, no this can't be happening! They can't be getting a divorce! It's not right! They've been together forever!
I knock weakly on the cream colored door of Jason's house. The door swings open and suddenly I find myself in the thin arms of my best friend. His stringy blonde hair is a mess and his brown eyes are sparkling with worry.
"What happened?! What the HELL happened?!" he demands.
I pry his arms off of me and walk wearily into the house. In the living room are his mother, father, and year older sister, all looking at me expectantly. Damn it, I don't want to admit it! But, I have to.
"My...my parents are getting a divorce," is all I manage before collapsing on the couch in exhaustion.
~*
[1] - This is an actual quote for the book I have to read this summer. The book is called "Man's Search For Meaning" and it's about a psychologist and his experience in a Nazi concentration camp. I rather like the book personally. It has a good mix of story and psychological elements to it.
[2] - I have a painting like this in my kitchen. It really is gorgeous.
[3] - Gomen nasai!! I couldn't help myself! I like DBZ!!!
There's chapter two for you! Did you people like? Then click that button and drop me a review! I love em so much! Now remember, chappie 3 won't be out for a while, but I guarantee it will be good. Ja ne!
