Chapter Twenty-Four: Memories
It had been half an hour since Van finally convinced Hitomi to going into the pool. Since then, he taught her the basics rules of swimming. She had learned everything pretty fast and wondered why she never tried before.
"Are you sure you never learned how to swim before?" Van asked, amazed with her progress. She shook her head and smiled at his compliment. "Wow," he ran his hand through his wet hair, "either you're a fast leaner or I'm a really good teacher." He watched her swim slowly around the shallow end of the pool. She concentrated on every movement, trying to perfect every kick. Hitomi enjoyed the feeling of floating in the water. She felt light as a feather. She was still afraid of drowning, but having Van beside her washed away all the fears.
"With a few more practices, you'll be just as good as some of the guys on our team."
"Are you offering to teach me?" Hitomi smiled, swimming towards him.
"It will be my pleasure," he said in a fake English accent, making her giggle.
"Oh my," she played along, "how will I ever repay you?"
Van smiled devilishly and answered, "I'm sure we can come up with something."
Hitomi's face dropped and she stood up to get a clearer look at him. There was something in his voice that made her nervous. Not scared nervous, more like excited nervous. 'What did he mean by that?' she wondered. A wave of silence suddenly washed over them, as they stood motionless in the pool. Hitomi's gaze meet Van's and she was once again stuck by how good he looked in the dark. His eyes danced as the water reflected a dim light upon them. His wild hair, fattened by the water, fell onto his eyes, making them seen even larger than they were already.
At the same time, Van was fight his own emotions, 'Why did I have to say that and make her all feel uncomfortable? He cursed at himself. 'Damn she looks good…' He watched her closely, and noticed that her lower lip was trembling. He didn't know if it was because she was cold or because she was scared. Her expression was unreadable but there was a kind of hopeful look in her eyes. Van didn't know what he liked better, her eyes or her lips. Her eyes are big, green and mysterious looking. The more you stared into them, the harder it was to pull away. And her lips weren't any less attractive. Her perfectly shaped lips were full and rosy. They look so smooth; it made Van wonder what they tasted like.
'You can find out…' a voice in his mind chanted, 'just reach over, pull her towards you and-' 'NO!' Van shook his head, breaking the eye contact he had with her. He couldn't let himself think like that. Not at a time like this, not when she just when through what she did, not when she was looking so damn good. If he gave in, he wouldn't trust himself to stop. 'Don't think of that, don't think of that,' he kept on repeating in is mind, 'don't think of …Hitomi-No! Don't think of that…'
"Er…I'm going to go do a few laps," he said to her quickly, not daring to look at her reaction, "I'll be right back." 'Some swimming and cold water will cool me down,' he thought, 'God it'd better…'
***
Merle zipped up her jacket as she entered the park. The wind had suddenly picked up, making everything a lot colder. It was times like these that she wished she had a hot cup of coffee to warm her up. 'Maybe I should have listened to mom and stayed home tonight,' she thought, pulling her jean jacked closer to her body.
Her mom wasn't too happy when Merle informed her that she was going out for another walk. "A pretty girl of such a young age shouldn't be wandering alone in an unfamiliar park at night," were her exact words. Despite the older women's advice, Merle felt the need to be alone. She had come to realize that walking in that park, under the stars had a special effect on her. The stroll helped her clear her mind and settle all the ragging hormones inside.
Merle took a left turn on a dirt road and headed towards her usual resting spot. During her last exploration of the park. Merle had come to find a small wooden bench, isolated form everything else that stood on top of a small hill, looking over the town. You had to go through a little trouble getting there (like cutting through trees, jumping over dead bushes and over other weird looking plants) but it was worth the effort. The spot provided privacy, peace, and not to mention a great view. It had become Merle's secret hiding place where she went to escape from the outside world.
She immediately noticed something different as she arrived at her special spot. Something about the surrounding changed. At first she thought something was missing but she soon realized that it was the complete opposite, something had been added on, and that something was sitting on her bench!
***
'I just think it's about time that you moved on…I know Sora would have wanted that…' Folken shook his head and rubbed his face with his hands. Why is it that he couldn't get Tory's voice out of his head? He didn't want to move on, he didn't want to forget Sora; he didn't want to be with someone else. At least that's what he thought a week ago. The frustrated senior closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. What is it about this girl that keep on making him think about her. It wasn't like she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, and she was far off from being gentle or nice but he was unbelievably attracted to her. He hadn't felt like this ever since he first saw Sora. And she was anything but like Sora.
Sora was the sweetest most caring person he ever knew. She was smart, fun and beautiful. Folken smiled to himself as he recalled their first meeting.
***
It was the week before their big football game against the Brandywine Lions and coach had threatened to pull him off the team if he didn't score a C or higher on the upcoming chemistry test. He was forced to spend his free lunch period at the library with his head plunged into books and notes. He had been sitting in the far end of the room, at a small table, hidden by many bookshelves. He was stuck on one particular problem, and though trying very hard, he could not solve it. 'Why do I need to know all these stuff anyways? It's not like I'm going to become a chemist or whatever those lab people are called.' Frustrated, he slammed hand onto the table, creating a loud 'Boom', and that's when he heard her angelic voice. "The answer is B"
He turned his head towards the voice and saw her smiling sweetly at him. "Huh?" he asked, forgetting the chemistry problem. Sora wore her hair down that day, and he could remember seeing it's light blond color and wondering 'Do they even make hair dyes that color?' Only later did he find out that that was her nature color and that she didn't wear any baby blue colored contacts.
She blushed a little and answered, "The question you're trying to answer? It's B: [(CH3)2CH]2CHOH."
"Oh yeah," he ran his hands through his hair, "Sorry, all theses chemical symbols are really killing my brain." He flashed her one of his 'to-die-for smiles' and got up from his seat. "Thanks for your help, I'm-"
"Folken," she finished for him.
"Oh I'm sorry, do I know you?" he apologized. "I have a little memory problem." He joked, pointing to his head.
"I doubt that you know me."
"Than how do you know me?" he questioned.
She let out a small laugh, "How can I not? You're the famous, Folken Lacour. The great football player." (A/N: remember guys, Folken and Van aren't brothers here, so I couldn't use Fanel. Lacour is his middle name in case anyone of you didn't know.)
Folken laughed at her answer. "And you are?"
"Sora, Sora Iizuka." She smiled. (A/N: Erg…Sora doesn't have a last name in the movie so I used the last name of the girl who did her voice. ^_^') "So you look like your having problems there," she pointed to his book which was filled with pencils marks."
"Yeah, Chemistry isn't my strong point." He admitted. "Then again…anything that has to do with school isn't."
"Football is," she pointed out.
"Yeah…that's why I'm working my ass off for this thing. Gotta pass the test or I'm off the team."
She looked around for a second and bit her bottom lip. "Well, if it's that important…I can help you."
"You take chemistry too?"
"Yeah, kinda. Honors chemistry."
"Wow, well if you will to waste your time on me…"
"Oh, I wouldn't call it wasting my time." She said, pulling a chair up to sit beside him.
It turned out that she was not only smart but funny too. They had a surprisingly good time and with her help, Folken was able to score a B- on the test. From that day on, he couldn't get her out of his mind. It felt really weird because she wasn't the kind of girl he usually dated. She had her group of friends and he had his. They were from two different worlds but were able to bond in the short time they spent together.
Soon, Folken began to make up excuses to go to the library during lunch periods, hoping to see her. When he finally did and asked her out, she seemed completely bewildered. They went out on a casual date, a movie and a quick bite and had a great time. To him, it felt good to spend time with a girl who talked about other things than just makeup or fashion. Their bond grew stronger as they spend more time together. Of course, it wasn't always life in paradise. They had their ups and downs like any relationship. His friends thought he was crazy dating a girl like her, his coach complained about him missing practices but it didn't seem to matter all that much anymore. Every second with her felt like scoring a touch down or winning a big game. Sora had managed to bring out a whole knew side of him. A side no one has ever seen before, a side that was forever lost the day he was late for their date, and she was forced to cross Silverside road to take the bus home.
***
Folken buried his face into his palms as flashbacks of blood, and ambulances came flying back into his mind. The questions revolving the scene came rushing back as well. Would she still be alive if he wasn't at practice? Would she still have been hit if he was right by her side? Would it have been his life that was taken away instead of the one of a bright, young, beautiful girl who had a promising future ahead?
His thoughts were broken as the sound of footsteps reached his ears. At first, he though it was just some people walking by but the noise of louder and louder until if finally stopped. 'Who the hell would come here at a time like this?' he thought. Folken turned his head around to see if there was really someone there and indeed there was. He didn't know if he was happy or mad with what he saw.
It couldn't possibly be her. It is supposed to be his and Sora's special place. It is where they shared their first kiss; it is where he went to cry over her death. There was no way SHE could know about it. And yet she did because she was standing right behind him, looking as good as hell, with the same surprised look on her face.
***Short chapter…I know. But it was either this or no updating at all. Lol. Well I hope u guys liked it. More V+H, M+F, and revelations about Sora's death in the next chapter. R&R!!! Bishouji88***
It had been half an hour since Van finally convinced Hitomi to going into the pool. Since then, he taught her the basics rules of swimming. She had learned everything pretty fast and wondered why she never tried before.
"Are you sure you never learned how to swim before?" Van asked, amazed with her progress. She shook her head and smiled at his compliment. "Wow," he ran his hand through his wet hair, "either you're a fast leaner or I'm a really good teacher." He watched her swim slowly around the shallow end of the pool. She concentrated on every movement, trying to perfect every kick. Hitomi enjoyed the feeling of floating in the water. She felt light as a feather. She was still afraid of drowning, but having Van beside her washed away all the fears.
"With a few more practices, you'll be just as good as some of the guys on our team."
"Are you offering to teach me?" Hitomi smiled, swimming towards him.
"It will be my pleasure," he said in a fake English accent, making her giggle.
"Oh my," she played along, "how will I ever repay you?"
Van smiled devilishly and answered, "I'm sure we can come up with something."
Hitomi's face dropped and she stood up to get a clearer look at him. There was something in his voice that made her nervous. Not scared nervous, more like excited nervous. 'What did he mean by that?' she wondered. A wave of silence suddenly washed over them, as they stood motionless in the pool. Hitomi's gaze meet Van's and she was once again stuck by how good he looked in the dark. His eyes danced as the water reflected a dim light upon them. His wild hair, fattened by the water, fell onto his eyes, making them seen even larger than they were already.
At the same time, Van was fight his own emotions, 'Why did I have to say that and make her all feel uncomfortable? He cursed at himself. 'Damn she looks good…' He watched her closely, and noticed that her lower lip was trembling. He didn't know if it was because she was cold or because she was scared. Her expression was unreadable but there was a kind of hopeful look in her eyes. Van didn't know what he liked better, her eyes or her lips. Her eyes are big, green and mysterious looking. The more you stared into them, the harder it was to pull away. And her lips weren't any less attractive. Her perfectly shaped lips were full and rosy. They look so smooth; it made Van wonder what they tasted like.
'You can find out…' a voice in his mind chanted, 'just reach over, pull her towards you and-' 'NO!' Van shook his head, breaking the eye contact he had with her. He couldn't let himself think like that. Not at a time like this, not when she just when through what she did, not when she was looking so damn good. If he gave in, he wouldn't trust himself to stop. 'Don't think of that, don't think of that,' he kept on repeating in is mind, 'don't think of …Hitomi-No! Don't think of that…'
"Er…I'm going to go do a few laps," he said to her quickly, not daring to look at her reaction, "I'll be right back." 'Some swimming and cold water will cool me down,' he thought, 'God it'd better…'
***
Merle zipped up her jacket as she entered the park. The wind had suddenly picked up, making everything a lot colder. It was times like these that she wished she had a hot cup of coffee to warm her up. 'Maybe I should have listened to mom and stayed home tonight,' she thought, pulling her jean jacked closer to her body.
Her mom wasn't too happy when Merle informed her that she was going out for another walk. "A pretty girl of such a young age shouldn't be wandering alone in an unfamiliar park at night," were her exact words. Despite the older women's advice, Merle felt the need to be alone. She had come to realize that walking in that park, under the stars had a special effect on her. The stroll helped her clear her mind and settle all the ragging hormones inside.
Merle took a left turn on a dirt road and headed towards her usual resting spot. During her last exploration of the park. Merle had come to find a small wooden bench, isolated form everything else that stood on top of a small hill, looking over the town. You had to go through a little trouble getting there (like cutting through trees, jumping over dead bushes and over other weird looking plants) but it was worth the effort. The spot provided privacy, peace, and not to mention a great view. It had become Merle's secret hiding place where she went to escape from the outside world.
She immediately noticed something different as she arrived at her special spot. Something about the surrounding changed. At first she thought something was missing but she soon realized that it was the complete opposite, something had been added on, and that something was sitting on her bench!
***
'I just think it's about time that you moved on…I know Sora would have wanted that…' Folken shook his head and rubbed his face with his hands. Why is it that he couldn't get Tory's voice out of his head? He didn't want to move on, he didn't want to forget Sora; he didn't want to be with someone else. At least that's what he thought a week ago. The frustrated senior closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. What is it about this girl that keep on making him think about her. It wasn't like she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, and she was far off from being gentle or nice but he was unbelievably attracted to her. He hadn't felt like this ever since he first saw Sora. And she was anything but like Sora.
Sora was the sweetest most caring person he ever knew. She was smart, fun and beautiful. Folken smiled to himself as he recalled their first meeting.
***
It was the week before their big football game against the Brandywine Lions and coach had threatened to pull him off the team if he didn't score a C or higher on the upcoming chemistry test. He was forced to spend his free lunch period at the library with his head plunged into books and notes. He had been sitting in the far end of the room, at a small table, hidden by many bookshelves. He was stuck on one particular problem, and though trying very hard, he could not solve it. 'Why do I need to know all these stuff anyways? It's not like I'm going to become a chemist or whatever those lab people are called.' Frustrated, he slammed hand onto the table, creating a loud 'Boom', and that's when he heard her angelic voice. "The answer is B"
He turned his head towards the voice and saw her smiling sweetly at him. "Huh?" he asked, forgetting the chemistry problem. Sora wore her hair down that day, and he could remember seeing it's light blond color and wondering 'Do they even make hair dyes that color?' Only later did he find out that that was her nature color and that she didn't wear any baby blue colored contacts.
She blushed a little and answered, "The question you're trying to answer? It's B: [(CH3)2CH]2CHOH."
"Oh yeah," he ran his hands through his hair, "Sorry, all theses chemical symbols are really killing my brain." He flashed her one of his 'to-die-for smiles' and got up from his seat. "Thanks for your help, I'm-"
"Folken," she finished for him.
"Oh I'm sorry, do I know you?" he apologized. "I have a little memory problem." He joked, pointing to his head.
"I doubt that you know me."
"Than how do you know me?" he questioned.
She let out a small laugh, "How can I not? You're the famous, Folken Lacour. The great football player." (A/N: remember guys, Folken and Van aren't brothers here, so I couldn't use Fanel. Lacour is his middle name in case anyone of you didn't know.)
Folken laughed at her answer. "And you are?"
"Sora, Sora Iizuka." She smiled. (A/N: Erg…Sora doesn't have a last name in the movie so I used the last name of the girl who did her voice. ^_^') "So you look like your having problems there," she pointed to his book which was filled with pencils marks."
"Yeah, Chemistry isn't my strong point." He admitted. "Then again…anything that has to do with school isn't."
"Football is," she pointed out.
"Yeah…that's why I'm working my ass off for this thing. Gotta pass the test or I'm off the team."
She looked around for a second and bit her bottom lip. "Well, if it's that important…I can help you."
"You take chemistry too?"
"Yeah, kinda. Honors chemistry."
"Wow, well if you will to waste your time on me…"
"Oh, I wouldn't call it wasting my time." She said, pulling a chair up to sit beside him.
It turned out that she was not only smart but funny too. They had a surprisingly good time and with her help, Folken was able to score a B- on the test. From that day on, he couldn't get her out of his mind. It felt really weird because she wasn't the kind of girl he usually dated. She had her group of friends and he had his. They were from two different worlds but were able to bond in the short time they spent together.
Soon, Folken began to make up excuses to go to the library during lunch periods, hoping to see her. When he finally did and asked her out, she seemed completely bewildered. They went out on a casual date, a movie and a quick bite and had a great time. To him, it felt good to spend time with a girl who talked about other things than just makeup or fashion. Their bond grew stronger as they spend more time together. Of course, it wasn't always life in paradise. They had their ups and downs like any relationship. His friends thought he was crazy dating a girl like her, his coach complained about him missing practices but it didn't seem to matter all that much anymore. Every second with her felt like scoring a touch down or winning a big game. Sora had managed to bring out a whole knew side of him. A side no one has ever seen before, a side that was forever lost the day he was late for their date, and she was forced to cross Silverside road to take the bus home.
***
Folken buried his face into his palms as flashbacks of blood, and ambulances came flying back into his mind. The questions revolving the scene came rushing back as well. Would she still be alive if he wasn't at practice? Would she still have been hit if he was right by her side? Would it have been his life that was taken away instead of the one of a bright, young, beautiful girl who had a promising future ahead?
His thoughts were broken as the sound of footsteps reached his ears. At first, he though it was just some people walking by but the noise of louder and louder until if finally stopped. 'Who the hell would come here at a time like this?' he thought. Folken turned his head around to see if there was really someone there and indeed there was. He didn't know if he was happy or mad with what he saw.
It couldn't possibly be her. It is supposed to be his and Sora's special place. It is where they shared their first kiss; it is where he went to cry over her death. There was no way SHE could know about it. And yet she did because she was standing right behind him, looking as good as hell, with the same surprised look on her face.
***Short chapter…I know. But it was either this or no updating at all. Lol. Well I hope u guys liked it. More V+H, M+F, and revelations about Sora's death in the next chapter. R&R!!! Bishouji88***