One Last Breath
~By: Lauren~
S C A R S
Meimi wore her usual pair of boots but it wasn't like she had much of a selection for they were the only shoes she owned. She slipped on long jean skirt with a pink tank top for a change. Her lengthy red hair was pulled back and braided while she pinned the braid to the top of her head. She slipped on a gray baseball cap over the hair incase she spotted someone she knew while her convenient sunglasses were over her eyes. Meimi decided to lead the group around the town a bit and then tonight they were planning to have some fun. Tammy was the first to pop out of a nearby car clad in a pair of jean pants and a red short sleeved shirt. Behind her followed Marie who wore white pants and a blue tank top. From another car Tony emerged in baggy jean pants and a white undershirt with a green button up shirt over. Aaron came out wearing khaki shorts and an orange shirt. He too wore a baseball cap.
"Now we look just like a bunch of normal kids." Marie frowned. "Not that I want to or anything."
"Oh be quiet! It looks good on you!" Aaron interrupted her. Marie's cheeks filled with a mild blush but it quickly faded away.
~*~
Asuka Jr. stepped through the streets, his eyesight still a bit blurry from his sleepless night. He grumbled as he looked over the list of groceries his father had ordered him to purchase. He glanced to his left and noticed a group of people that he had never seen before. It was a small group made up of three females and two males. A girl with chocolate colored hair was caring a bag of food, while the two males were looking around the place. A girl with black hair appeared to be arguing with a woman wearing sunglasses. His heart beat faster. She had a bit of red hair poking out of her hat. Except it...seemed different than Meimi's. It was lighter from obvious days in the sun, and, from the appearance of having a hat on, he assumed it had been cut extremely short. And if it was Meimi he had seen yesterday, well, she had longer hair. He couldn't see much else of her for she had on a hat and sunglasses. She was on the taller side with her boots but Asuka Jr. didn't notice her shoes. He snorted. This girl was much too feminine and womanly looking to be Meimi. The woman with the shades looked like she was showing them around now. She walked around with smooth motions and grace. Then she turned around and faced them and told them something he couldn't hear. He saw everyone nod and walk off. The girl with brown hair went off with the other girl while the two boys ran off in the opposite direction. The other woman however stayed where she was. She looked around almost like if she was in memory lane or something. She then walked over and looked at a stand that was selling some fruit. Asuka Jr. started to study her; oblivious to the fact he was frozen in place and staring. Her face had beautiful and delicate features but some of them were covered up along with her eyes under the black shades. She had a beautiful figure and was standing, leaning over the table, examining some of the food.
~*~
Meimi had told the group to do what ever they wanted as long as it's nothing bad. She had seen old familiar faces of people that had now become strangers to her. The town itself hadn't changed bit but for some reason it felt so different to her. It might have been because she was different now. Then she felt a pair of eyes burning though her. She immediately turned around to find a man of her age looking at her. He seemed a bit taller than she did but from her boots, she towered about an inch over him. He had black unruly hair, which went nicely with his tanned skin and green eyes. He was wearing dark blue jeans, tennis shoes and a white shirt with a light blue jacket over. She hadn't seen him here before. "Why is he staring at me...Hmmm...I wonder." She started to walk towards him. When she was right in front of him he smiled at her. That smile, she hadn't seen anything like that in her entire life. He really was handsome, she could tell he had muscles even though his clothes didn't show much. However, even with that in her mind she still had that expressionless look on her face. She listened to him as he spoke to her. His voice was rich, smooth, and gentle but it had a hint of roughness to it. He seemed so...familiar and yet when she stared at him she knew he could only be one person. Even if he looked so different, acted so different, it was the same person she had once knew.
~*~
Suddenly, the woman looked at Asuka Jr. His heart skipped a beat. She started to walk up to him with a look on her face, of what he could see, that he could have sworn looked like curiosity. He stayed frozen where he was. She was standing right in front of him. She just stood looking at him.
Asuka Jr. smiled at her. Then he spoke "So who are you? I've never seen you before."
"I could ask you the same thing." Meimi quickly replied. She had to bite on her lip to prevent breaking out into laughter. She couldn't believe she was staring Asuka Jr. down and he didn't even realize it was her, especially after what had happened the day before. But apparently her disguise was either very well done or he was just too tired to notice.
"Well I'm Asuka Jr. So who are you?" He said as he offered her his hand so she could shake it.
Meimi then saw him offer her his hand. She made it look like she never looked at his hand as she spoke. "I'm no one that has to do with you, that's for sure." Meimi replied bitterly before she walked away.
Asuka Jr. watched her leave.
And Meimi could feel his eyes on her as she left. Why had she gotten so angry? She wasn't sure but just knowing his eyes were staring her down, trying to see past her mask, past her sunglasses, into her soul, scared her. She couldn't let him find her. Just like when she was Saint Tail. She couldn't let him catch her. And he wanted to see into her eyes. He wanted to find her. She couldn't let him break through all she had built up over two years. She couldn't let herself be sucked into the town again. If she did, she would surely be stuck their forever. Meimi couldn't let herself find the pain again. She couldn't let Asuka Jr. know the truth anymore than what he already knew. It had taken so long, the walls, the masks, and the sunglasses. They weren't just two things of plastic covering her eyes from the sun. They were so symbolic to the red head and held so much meaning she was sure no one would be able to understand. Meimi hated her eyes. When she looked into the mirror she could still see all the pain she had suffered inside, she could see that she was innocent and kind, but she didn't want to see that. She wanted to see the monster she had created inside of her. She wanted to see her anger and hate for the world, but she knew that when that thought would pass her mind she would know how lonely and sad she was.
~*~
Seira and Sawatari were sitting on one of the benches at the local park. It was sunny and warm. They were watching the usual kids playing on the playground. Seira blissfully remembered when she and Meimi used to run over and play together on those same swings. Back then everything had been perfect with nothing wrong, that's how they all thought everything in life would be. Perfect. But none of them had ever thought it would change until that day. Seira tried to stop thinking about that topic. It would always bring tears to her eyes and she didn't want to cry again in front of Sawatari. Oh how much help he had been after Meimi disappeared. He would always be by her side, holding her when she cried, keeping her mind off Meimi by distracting her with things to do and so much more. She really did love him. And she was pretty sure he loved her...at least he acted like he did. They had never officially spoken their feelings but anyone could sense it in the air around them. Seira was so deep in thought that she didn't hear Sawatari speak.
"When do you think Meimi will ever come back?" He whispered quietly, leaning back into the wooden seat.
"I don't know. I'm not even sure if she wants to come back." She answered. Seira lowered her head, frowning. It had been two years and yet she still had a tiny bit of hope left. She lifted her head up, scanning the whole park and to the street. People littered the streets doing their usual things of shopping, talking and going places. Everyone was so busy with someplace to be. "People need to stop and smell the roses." The nun thought to herself. Suddenly, she saw someone. Someone who wasn't there a moment ago. Someone...a bit...familiar. Seira's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe it. Just across the street was a sixteen-year-old woman with a hat on and sunglasses. She could faintly see some red hair protruding from the hat. She was leaning against a building wall with her hands behind her head. She was looking directly at them.
"It's Meimi!!" She heard Sawatari shout next to her. Seira turned, staring at Sawatari. He saw her too? Seira was already standing, looking at her lost friend. The blonde boy stood up next to her. He knew what she was going to do next; she was going to race to her friend. But the question was what would Meimi do? If it truly was Meimi? Just at that moment Seira did what Sawatari knew she was going to do. She raced towards Meimi. But before she could take her third step a truck passed by and Meimi was...gone. Was it an illusion? She wasn't quite sure. It seemed like it looked like Meimi but then again...she also looked very different and had a very different style also. But then again, it didn't surprise Seira one bit; after all, Meimi wasn't the same anymore. Maybe it was an illusion...maybe it wasn't. Seira and Sawatari both weren't very sure but with what Asuka Jr. had claimed, it seemed like their long lost friend had arrived home. Or at least back to the town where she was born.
~*~
After Meimi's 'run in' with Asuka Jr., well she couldn't call it much of a run in because he didn't recognize her, but she had left and was wandering the streets. She was walking towards the park. She needed to see if they had done to anything to it during her leave of absent besides what she had seen the day she had returned. And for some reason she felt at peace when she stood with that lone cherry tree because she felt so much like that tree. Trying to reach out and grow in a place it didn't belong. Growing all alone with no one else by its side except for a lake to feed off of. No one noticing it except to carve scars into its bark, scars that would always be printed there even after new bark covered the markings. Meimi was just like that tree. Alone except for a few little lakes to live off of. Trying to fit in where she didn't belonged. Trying to find herself while thousands of scars were marked inside on her heart. Trying uselessly to heal them, to make them go away although it is hopeless. They are always there. After years and years they would always be there. Maybe not seen, but there.
When Meimi got to the park, she saw two people she knew very well. Seira and Sawatari. They were just sitting on a bench, staring at the clouds, talking and watching the passing people. Meimi leaned against the wall of the building and placed her hands above her head, protecting her skull from the rough bricks. She smiled. It was more of a regretful, sorrowful smile but to her it was still a smile. "They sure have grown up. Well...duh, what was suppose to happen to them over the last two years I've been away?" She thought to herself. "They really are such a cute couple. Amazing I never saw it before not until...now. You've really changed into a woman...and a wonderful person Seira." Meimi could now feel tears stinging her eyes by just looking at her dear friend. That was some person she truly regretted leaving behind.
Then she saw them look at her. Meimi froze, unsure of whether to stay there or not. But for one thing, she made sure her face was as expressionless as possible. She wanted to run to them but she held back. She couldn't run to her friends. They had changed. They had pushed her away in her time of need back then. They didn't understand. They never understood. They only felt pity to her afterwards. At least, that was what Meimi told herself. She couldn't come to face them. She was too ashamed of herself. Of everything, the car accident, the deaths, and her leaving.
She saw Seira run towards her. "No! Seira...please don't!!" But even with the cries in her mind, Meimi still remained the same. Just then, a red truck was passing by her. Meimi quickly ran and grasped onto the corner of the side. She made sure that the driver of the truck didn't see her, for if he did, she was in for some major trouble. When Meimi finally passed two blocks she jumped off, landing painfully on her feet. She knew she had grown some attention to herself so she didn't bother to stick around.
Soon she found herself back in the junkyard, lying alone on one of the old beaten couches she had claimed as her own.
"Back so early?" Meimi heard someone ask. She leaned upward to see Tammy.
"Yeah. Had some close calls. Jeez, it seems like I can't go anywhere without seeing someone I know." Meimi chuckled, moving over to make room for Tammy. "And why are you back so early? Where's Marie?"
"We ran into Tony and Aaron so Marie stayed with them. I didn't really feel like walking around anymore or shopping so I came back here." Tammy sat down next to Meimi, stretching out her sore limbs.
"Hey...Tammy. Can I...ask you something?" Meimi hesitated, thinking about how to phrase her question.
"Sure." Tammy winked, pulling out a chocolate bar. She promptly offered Meimi one but the girl refused.
"Do you ever feel...regret about leaving your home? Do you feel resentment towards the people you use to know?" Meimi attempted to put what she felt into a question.
A look like grief passed through the chocolate haired girl's eye before she leaned her elbows onto her knees. She seemed to stare off into another world before answering. "Well..." She began. "I don't know if I'm the best person to ask but..." Tammy paused. "I don't have any regrets of leaving home. I know you already are aware of my past. Of my father. After mother was...murdered...he came after me. I tried to tell the police but who would believe a hysterical little girl who had just lost her mother? They thought since I couldn't find a person to blame for the murder that I only blamed my dad. Little did they know the truth... After the police left the threats began, along with abuse except I was use to that. But it only got worse. I had no one to turn to. My friends didn't believe me and things had changed between us. I had changed. Suddenly they seemed so immature and they did stupid things, laughed and make rude comments about other people. I couldn't believe I use to be like these people, that I use to enjoy doing the things they did. Somehow...I had grown over that little time and molded into a different person. Every little action or event that happens to us changes us somehow and when big things happen, big changes happen also. I couldn't stand to be around them. The one shelter I had, the one refugee I had left to hide in from my home had now changed. It was far from a refugee now. I ignored my friends and they ignored me so I pretty much became a loner at school. When I got home I had to do chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and if I did one single tiny thing wrong...then let's just say I'd have some kind of mark or bruise to prove it. It got worse. I hated that man with every once in my body and so...I tried to leave. It was just like mommy. She tried to take me and leave but he wouldn't let her. She only wanted to be free but he wouldn't let her..." The tears were now beginning to trail down Tammy's cheeks. She forced herself to go on. After all these years the pain still felt so fresh to her. "I knew that if I tried to leave like she did...that the same thing he did to her would happen to me. But I didn't care. At least then, in death, I could be free and with mommy. I left straight after school. But he caught me a few miles away from our home. He dragged me into his car and h-he...tried... to...to... kill me." The last two words came out as a broken whisper. "He thought I was dead and even if I wasn't, he knew I couldn't hold on much longer out on a cold rainy night in the forest near a local highway. He was wrong. Tony and Marie found me and rushed me to the nearest hospital, which was in a nearby town. They stayed with me every day, asking no questions. They told me I could join them. I didn't have a home left. I didn't have any more family. I had nothing left except for a torn apart and broken heart. So I went with them but I still have the reminders. The reminders not to become too foolish and take life for granted." Tammy pulled up her shirt, exposing a large scar across her stomach, side and back. They were obviously from some kind of sharp knife. Meimi winced, unable to even speak. It angered her that such horrible things existed in this world. Tammy dropped her shirt and pulled up her pants, showing more scars. She also lifted up her hair, exposing one single white, deep scar on the top back of her neck. She kept talking. "So regret? No, I have no regrets of leaving home. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I stayed. I probably would still be there, ignored and beaten or dead but this life...this sure is better than the old one. Do I feel resentment towards the people I left behind? Hell yeah. I hate my father for taking away the one sweet woman I knew. My mother. The woman who would rock me to sleep every night, cuddle with me in my bed when I was scared and protect me. She died for me. She wanted to give me a better life and she lost her own for me. If I had given up hope and let myself die that day then her sacrifice would have been in vain. I can't hate my dad completely though because I know if I do I'll only be lost in anger. He was a broken man, I don't know why but he chose to take it out on the wrong thing. He'll pay for it one day, if not in jail than with God. I feel resentment towards my friends there also. I don't blame them for not understanding how I feel but I blame them for not trying. I blame them for holding my changes against me. They didn't have to 'understand' how I felt or how I changed, true friends would have accepted it and tried to get what was going on with me. But they didn't care. They didn't even listen. At least with Tony, Marie, Aaron and you...I know...you'd understand. I know you'd try to at least. So to answer your question Meimi...you have a right to be angry with the people you use to know. But only if they never tried to understand. If they tried to be there for you, to help you, to try to get what you were going through and if it wasn't out of pity then...then you don't have the right to be mad." Tammy finished with a sigh, biting her lips as the stream of hot tears continued down her cheeks. "I hope that helped you somehow..."
But Tammy didn't have to keep speaking for she was quickly and tightly embraced by Meimi. Quietly the red head whispered. "You have no idea how much that helped. And Tammy...I understand..." Tears also filled Meimi's eyes as she held on tighter to the trembling girl.
Tammy nodded her head, burying her face into her friend's shoulder. It felt good to finally cry again. For so long she had fought the tears, sick of always crying but now, now it was ok to cry. It was ok to let go. The scars would always be there whether they where on the outside or on the inside. They would not let her forget. Just like the scars inside Meimi. Just like the scars inside all of them. They would not let them forget the pain but, in a way, they all needed to remember it. They couldn't forget. They couldn't allow themselves to forget. If they got too carefree and caught up in life, they would forget what meant the most to them. They would forget where they belonged. They would forget there past, leaving them unable to remember their old mistakes so then they would commit them again. They would forget the trials life gave them. But most importantly, they would forget the good things that could happen after the bad things were over. That's why they all bared scars, whether they are visible or not. That's why everyone bares some kind of scar eventually. So they will not forget. So they cannot forget.
~*~
What can I buy to make
The sky turn blue again
Where can I go to feel
Like I'm alive again
~*~
Lauren: HOLY CRAP! I WROTE A LOT FOR THIS CHAPTER! Two pages over the normal stuff! Well, I didn't want to stop it right when Tammy started to speak so it just went on and on and on! It didn't feel right to stop. Don't worry though, there still is a certain dance coming up that same night in the next chapter. I didn't forget about it! I wasn't sure how the different people views in this chapter came out. How I switched for the same scene between Asuka Jr. and Meimi, then Meimi and Seira. What do you think? Thanks again for all the WONDERFUL support!!!! *HUGS* I love you ALL!!
Meimi: WHY MUST YOU TOURCHER EVERYONE IN THIS STORY?!?! *rises in flames* LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE AT LEAST!! And WHY must you support this mean author in her ruining of my life?! OOOHHH being a fictional character SUCKS!
Lauren: Eeeeppp!!! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I have to though...!!! It's for the plot!!! Heeeeelllpppp!! *runs in circles, trips and falls*
Meimi: You have school tomorrow. Get in bed. Now.
Lauren: Don't remind me...T_T Quizzes...homework...IT COULD DRIVE SOMEONE INSAAAAANEEEEE! Did you know water is really orange Jello in disguise?
Meimi: Oooookkkkkk, too much sugar for you! You're scaring away all the readers!! Bye-bye now!!
Lauren: OoOOh I'm posting it the next day! Which is today right now! Then I must do my homework *huffs* P
~By: Lauren~
S C A R S
Meimi wore her usual pair of boots but it wasn't like she had much of a selection for they were the only shoes she owned. She slipped on long jean skirt with a pink tank top for a change. Her lengthy red hair was pulled back and braided while she pinned the braid to the top of her head. She slipped on a gray baseball cap over the hair incase she spotted someone she knew while her convenient sunglasses were over her eyes. Meimi decided to lead the group around the town a bit and then tonight they were planning to have some fun. Tammy was the first to pop out of a nearby car clad in a pair of jean pants and a red short sleeved shirt. Behind her followed Marie who wore white pants and a blue tank top. From another car Tony emerged in baggy jean pants and a white undershirt with a green button up shirt over. Aaron came out wearing khaki shorts and an orange shirt. He too wore a baseball cap.
"Now we look just like a bunch of normal kids." Marie frowned. "Not that I want to or anything."
"Oh be quiet! It looks good on you!" Aaron interrupted her. Marie's cheeks filled with a mild blush but it quickly faded away.
~*~
Asuka Jr. stepped through the streets, his eyesight still a bit blurry from his sleepless night. He grumbled as he looked over the list of groceries his father had ordered him to purchase. He glanced to his left and noticed a group of people that he had never seen before. It was a small group made up of three females and two males. A girl with chocolate colored hair was caring a bag of food, while the two males were looking around the place. A girl with black hair appeared to be arguing with a woman wearing sunglasses. His heart beat faster. She had a bit of red hair poking out of her hat. Except it...seemed different than Meimi's. It was lighter from obvious days in the sun, and, from the appearance of having a hat on, he assumed it had been cut extremely short. And if it was Meimi he had seen yesterday, well, she had longer hair. He couldn't see much else of her for she had on a hat and sunglasses. She was on the taller side with her boots but Asuka Jr. didn't notice her shoes. He snorted. This girl was much too feminine and womanly looking to be Meimi. The woman with the shades looked like she was showing them around now. She walked around with smooth motions and grace. Then she turned around and faced them and told them something he couldn't hear. He saw everyone nod and walk off. The girl with brown hair went off with the other girl while the two boys ran off in the opposite direction. The other woman however stayed where she was. She looked around almost like if she was in memory lane or something. She then walked over and looked at a stand that was selling some fruit. Asuka Jr. started to study her; oblivious to the fact he was frozen in place and staring. Her face had beautiful and delicate features but some of them were covered up along with her eyes under the black shades. She had a beautiful figure and was standing, leaning over the table, examining some of the food.
~*~
Meimi had told the group to do what ever they wanted as long as it's nothing bad. She had seen old familiar faces of people that had now become strangers to her. The town itself hadn't changed bit but for some reason it felt so different to her. It might have been because she was different now. Then she felt a pair of eyes burning though her. She immediately turned around to find a man of her age looking at her. He seemed a bit taller than she did but from her boots, she towered about an inch over him. He had black unruly hair, which went nicely with his tanned skin and green eyes. He was wearing dark blue jeans, tennis shoes and a white shirt with a light blue jacket over. She hadn't seen him here before. "Why is he staring at me...Hmmm...I wonder." She started to walk towards him. When she was right in front of him he smiled at her. That smile, she hadn't seen anything like that in her entire life. He really was handsome, she could tell he had muscles even though his clothes didn't show much. However, even with that in her mind she still had that expressionless look on her face. She listened to him as he spoke to her. His voice was rich, smooth, and gentle but it had a hint of roughness to it. He seemed so...familiar and yet when she stared at him she knew he could only be one person. Even if he looked so different, acted so different, it was the same person she had once knew.
~*~
Suddenly, the woman looked at Asuka Jr. His heart skipped a beat. She started to walk up to him with a look on her face, of what he could see, that he could have sworn looked like curiosity. He stayed frozen where he was. She was standing right in front of him. She just stood looking at him.
Asuka Jr. smiled at her. Then he spoke "So who are you? I've never seen you before."
"I could ask you the same thing." Meimi quickly replied. She had to bite on her lip to prevent breaking out into laughter. She couldn't believe she was staring Asuka Jr. down and he didn't even realize it was her, especially after what had happened the day before. But apparently her disguise was either very well done or he was just too tired to notice.
"Well I'm Asuka Jr. So who are you?" He said as he offered her his hand so she could shake it.
Meimi then saw him offer her his hand. She made it look like she never looked at his hand as she spoke. "I'm no one that has to do with you, that's for sure." Meimi replied bitterly before she walked away.
Asuka Jr. watched her leave.
And Meimi could feel his eyes on her as she left. Why had she gotten so angry? She wasn't sure but just knowing his eyes were staring her down, trying to see past her mask, past her sunglasses, into her soul, scared her. She couldn't let him find her. Just like when she was Saint Tail. She couldn't let him catch her. And he wanted to see into her eyes. He wanted to find her. She couldn't let him break through all she had built up over two years. She couldn't let herself be sucked into the town again. If she did, she would surely be stuck their forever. Meimi couldn't let herself find the pain again. She couldn't let Asuka Jr. know the truth anymore than what he already knew. It had taken so long, the walls, the masks, and the sunglasses. They weren't just two things of plastic covering her eyes from the sun. They were so symbolic to the red head and held so much meaning she was sure no one would be able to understand. Meimi hated her eyes. When she looked into the mirror she could still see all the pain she had suffered inside, she could see that she was innocent and kind, but she didn't want to see that. She wanted to see the monster she had created inside of her. She wanted to see her anger and hate for the world, but she knew that when that thought would pass her mind she would know how lonely and sad she was.
~*~
Seira and Sawatari were sitting on one of the benches at the local park. It was sunny and warm. They were watching the usual kids playing on the playground. Seira blissfully remembered when she and Meimi used to run over and play together on those same swings. Back then everything had been perfect with nothing wrong, that's how they all thought everything in life would be. Perfect. But none of them had ever thought it would change until that day. Seira tried to stop thinking about that topic. It would always bring tears to her eyes and she didn't want to cry again in front of Sawatari. Oh how much help he had been after Meimi disappeared. He would always be by her side, holding her when she cried, keeping her mind off Meimi by distracting her with things to do and so much more. She really did love him. And she was pretty sure he loved her...at least he acted like he did. They had never officially spoken their feelings but anyone could sense it in the air around them. Seira was so deep in thought that she didn't hear Sawatari speak.
"When do you think Meimi will ever come back?" He whispered quietly, leaning back into the wooden seat.
"I don't know. I'm not even sure if she wants to come back." She answered. Seira lowered her head, frowning. It had been two years and yet she still had a tiny bit of hope left. She lifted her head up, scanning the whole park and to the street. People littered the streets doing their usual things of shopping, talking and going places. Everyone was so busy with someplace to be. "People need to stop and smell the roses." The nun thought to herself. Suddenly, she saw someone. Someone who wasn't there a moment ago. Someone...a bit...familiar. Seira's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe it. Just across the street was a sixteen-year-old woman with a hat on and sunglasses. She could faintly see some red hair protruding from the hat. She was leaning against a building wall with her hands behind her head. She was looking directly at them.
"It's Meimi!!" She heard Sawatari shout next to her. Seira turned, staring at Sawatari. He saw her too? Seira was already standing, looking at her lost friend. The blonde boy stood up next to her. He knew what she was going to do next; she was going to race to her friend. But the question was what would Meimi do? If it truly was Meimi? Just at that moment Seira did what Sawatari knew she was going to do. She raced towards Meimi. But before she could take her third step a truck passed by and Meimi was...gone. Was it an illusion? She wasn't quite sure. It seemed like it looked like Meimi but then again...she also looked very different and had a very different style also. But then again, it didn't surprise Seira one bit; after all, Meimi wasn't the same anymore. Maybe it was an illusion...maybe it wasn't. Seira and Sawatari both weren't very sure but with what Asuka Jr. had claimed, it seemed like their long lost friend had arrived home. Or at least back to the town where she was born.
~*~
After Meimi's 'run in' with Asuka Jr., well she couldn't call it much of a run in because he didn't recognize her, but she had left and was wandering the streets. She was walking towards the park. She needed to see if they had done to anything to it during her leave of absent besides what she had seen the day she had returned. And for some reason she felt at peace when she stood with that lone cherry tree because she felt so much like that tree. Trying to reach out and grow in a place it didn't belong. Growing all alone with no one else by its side except for a lake to feed off of. No one noticing it except to carve scars into its bark, scars that would always be printed there even after new bark covered the markings. Meimi was just like that tree. Alone except for a few little lakes to live off of. Trying to fit in where she didn't belonged. Trying to find herself while thousands of scars were marked inside on her heart. Trying uselessly to heal them, to make them go away although it is hopeless. They are always there. After years and years they would always be there. Maybe not seen, but there.
When Meimi got to the park, she saw two people she knew very well. Seira and Sawatari. They were just sitting on a bench, staring at the clouds, talking and watching the passing people. Meimi leaned against the wall of the building and placed her hands above her head, protecting her skull from the rough bricks. She smiled. It was more of a regretful, sorrowful smile but to her it was still a smile. "They sure have grown up. Well...duh, what was suppose to happen to them over the last two years I've been away?" She thought to herself. "They really are such a cute couple. Amazing I never saw it before not until...now. You've really changed into a woman...and a wonderful person Seira." Meimi could now feel tears stinging her eyes by just looking at her dear friend. That was some person she truly regretted leaving behind.
Then she saw them look at her. Meimi froze, unsure of whether to stay there or not. But for one thing, she made sure her face was as expressionless as possible. She wanted to run to them but she held back. She couldn't run to her friends. They had changed. They had pushed her away in her time of need back then. They didn't understand. They never understood. They only felt pity to her afterwards. At least, that was what Meimi told herself. She couldn't come to face them. She was too ashamed of herself. Of everything, the car accident, the deaths, and her leaving.
She saw Seira run towards her. "No! Seira...please don't!!" But even with the cries in her mind, Meimi still remained the same. Just then, a red truck was passing by her. Meimi quickly ran and grasped onto the corner of the side. She made sure that the driver of the truck didn't see her, for if he did, she was in for some major trouble. When Meimi finally passed two blocks she jumped off, landing painfully on her feet. She knew she had grown some attention to herself so she didn't bother to stick around.
Soon she found herself back in the junkyard, lying alone on one of the old beaten couches she had claimed as her own.
"Back so early?" Meimi heard someone ask. She leaned upward to see Tammy.
"Yeah. Had some close calls. Jeez, it seems like I can't go anywhere without seeing someone I know." Meimi chuckled, moving over to make room for Tammy. "And why are you back so early? Where's Marie?"
"We ran into Tony and Aaron so Marie stayed with them. I didn't really feel like walking around anymore or shopping so I came back here." Tammy sat down next to Meimi, stretching out her sore limbs.
"Hey...Tammy. Can I...ask you something?" Meimi hesitated, thinking about how to phrase her question.
"Sure." Tammy winked, pulling out a chocolate bar. She promptly offered Meimi one but the girl refused.
"Do you ever feel...regret about leaving your home? Do you feel resentment towards the people you use to know?" Meimi attempted to put what she felt into a question.
A look like grief passed through the chocolate haired girl's eye before she leaned her elbows onto her knees. She seemed to stare off into another world before answering. "Well..." She began. "I don't know if I'm the best person to ask but..." Tammy paused. "I don't have any regrets of leaving home. I know you already are aware of my past. Of my father. After mother was...murdered...he came after me. I tried to tell the police but who would believe a hysterical little girl who had just lost her mother? They thought since I couldn't find a person to blame for the murder that I only blamed my dad. Little did they know the truth... After the police left the threats began, along with abuse except I was use to that. But it only got worse. I had no one to turn to. My friends didn't believe me and things had changed between us. I had changed. Suddenly they seemed so immature and they did stupid things, laughed and make rude comments about other people. I couldn't believe I use to be like these people, that I use to enjoy doing the things they did. Somehow...I had grown over that little time and molded into a different person. Every little action or event that happens to us changes us somehow and when big things happen, big changes happen also. I couldn't stand to be around them. The one shelter I had, the one refugee I had left to hide in from my home had now changed. It was far from a refugee now. I ignored my friends and they ignored me so I pretty much became a loner at school. When I got home I had to do chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and if I did one single tiny thing wrong...then let's just say I'd have some kind of mark or bruise to prove it. It got worse. I hated that man with every once in my body and so...I tried to leave. It was just like mommy. She tried to take me and leave but he wouldn't let her. She only wanted to be free but he wouldn't let her..." The tears were now beginning to trail down Tammy's cheeks. She forced herself to go on. After all these years the pain still felt so fresh to her. "I knew that if I tried to leave like she did...that the same thing he did to her would happen to me. But I didn't care. At least then, in death, I could be free and with mommy. I left straight after school. But he caught me a few miles away from our home. He dragged me into his car and h-he...tried... to...to... kill me." The last two words came out as a broken whisper. "He thought I was dead and even if I wasn't, he knew I couldn't hold on much longer out on a cold rainy night in the forest near a local highway. He was wrong. Tony and Marie found me and rushed me to the nearest hospital, which was in a nearby town. They stayed with me every day, asking no questions. They told me I could join them. I didn't have a home left. I didn't have any more family. I had nothing left except for a torn apart and broken heart. So I went with them but I still have the reminders. The reminders not to become too foolish and take life for granted." Tammy pulled up her shirt, exposing a large scar across her stomach, side and back. They were obviously from some kind of sharp knife. Meimi winced, unable to even speak. It angered her that such horrible things existed in this world. Tammy dropped her shirt and pulled up her pants, showing more scars. She also lifted up her hair, exposing one single white, deep scar on the top back of her neck. She kept talking. "So regret? No, I have no regrets of leaving home. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I stayed. I probably would still be there, ignored and beaten or dead but this life...this sure is better than the old one. Do I feel resentment towards the people I left behind? Hell yeah. I hate my father for taking away the one sweet woman I knew. My mother. The woman who would rock me to sleep every night, cuddle with me in my bed when I was scared and protect me. She died for me. She wanted to give me a better life and she lost her own for me. If I had given up hope and let myself die that day then her sacrifice would have been in vain. I can't hate my dad completely though because I know if I do I'll only be lost in anger. He was a broken man, I don't know why but he chose to take it out on the wrong thing. He'll pay for it one day, if not in jail than with God. I feel resentment towards my friends there also. I don't blame them for not understanding how I feel but I blame them for not trying. I blame them for holding my changes against me. They didn't have to 'understand' how I felt or how I changed, true friends would have accepted it and tried to get what was going on with me. But they didn't care. They didn't even listen. At least with Tony, Marie, Aaron and you...I know...you'd understand. I know you'd try to at least. So to answer your question Meimi...you have a right to be angry with the people you use to know. But only if they never tried to understand. If they tried to be there for you, to help you, to try to get what you were going through and if it wasn't out of pity then...then you don't have the right to be mad." Tammy finished with a sigh, biting her lips as the stream of hot tears continued down her cheeks. "I hope that helped you somehow..."
But Tammy didn't have to keep speaking for she was quickly and tightly embraced by Meimi. Quietly the red head whispered. "You have no idea how much that helped. And Tammy...I understand..." Tears also filled Meimi's eyes as she held on tighter to the trembling girl.
Tammy nodded her head, burying her face into her friend's shoulder. It felt good to finally cry again. For so long she had fought the tears, sick of always crying but now, now it was ok to cry. It was ok to let go. The scars would always be there whether they where on the outside or on the inside. They would not let her forget. Just like the scars inside Meimi. Just like the scars inside all of them. They would not let them forget the pain but, in a way, they all needed to remember it. They couldn't forget. They couldn't allow themselves to forget. If they got too carefree and caught up in life, they would forget what meant the most to them. They would forget where they belonged. They would forget there past, leaving them unable to remember their old mistakes so then they would commit them again. They would forget the trials life gave them. But most importantly, they would forget the good things that could happen after the bad things were over. That's why they all bared scars, whether they are visible or not. That's why everyone bares some kind of scar eventually. So they will not forget. So they cannot forget.
~*~
What can I buy to make
The sky turn blue again
Where can I go to feel
Like I'm alive again
~*~
Lauren: HOLY CRAP! I WROTE A LOT FOR THIS CHAPTER! Two pages over the normal stuff! Well, I didn't want to stop it right when Tammy started to speak so it just went on and on and on! It didn't feel right to stop. Don't worry though, there still is a certain dance coming up that same night in the next chapter. I didn't forget about it! I wasn't sure how the different people views in this chapter came out. How I switched for the same scene between Asuka Jr. and Meimi, then Meimi and Seira. What do you think? Thanks again for all the WONDERFUL support!!!! *HUGS* I love you ALL!!
Meimi: WHY MUST YOU TOURCHER EVERYONE IN THIS STORY?!?! *rises in flames* LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE AT LEAST!! And WHY must you support this mean author in her ruining of my life?! OOOHHH being a fictional character SUCKS!
Lauren: Eeeeppp!!! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I have to though...!!! It's for the plot!!! Heeeeelllpppp!! *runs in circles, trips and falls*
Meimi: You have school tomorrow. Get in bed. Now.
Lauren: Don't remind me...T_T Quizzes...homework...IT COULD DRIVE SOMEONE INSAAAAANEEEEE! Did you know water is really orange Jello in disguise?
Meimi: Oooookkkkkk, too much sugar for you! You're scaring away all the readers!! Bye-bye now!!
Lauren: OoOOh I'm posting it the next day! Which is today right now! Then I must do my homework *huffs* P