Ahh...Sunday. Her favorite time of the week. No school, no homework to stress TOO much over, plenty of time off to relax...and sleep in.
With the pillow over her head to keep the excess light out in the already dusky room, she rolled onto her stomach and took up the entire bed...noticing that Willow much be up and eating already. Not her! Oh, it was well past dawn and the sun was in the sky, but she was not budging. Not anything in the WORLD was going to make her move from the comfy mattress, a goose-down pillow over her head, her favorite pair of cotton pajamas, and a thick comforter over the rest of her body.
She nearly startled awake and jumped up - and would've if not for being half asleep - when a muted WHUMP landed right on her back. Right on cue. Maan...couldn't Willow understand the IMPORTANCE of sleeping in??
Another hit, this time to her backside, gave her the answer. With a low, pillow-muted growl, it ended in a whiny groan as she tried to shimmy to the end of the bed.
"UP sister!" Willow slurred, raising the pillow over her head to strike again.
A batch of giggles erupted when the blanket, once resting solely up to her shoulders moved all the way to the top of her pillow. The pillow landed in its second landing position again with another WHUMP.
UP hermana!" She crowed, off in another batch of giggles.
She clutched the pillow over her head. She was going to rip that damn pillow of Willow's to SHREDS. With a mental yell...cursing Kevin and her parents for not keeping a better lookout on Willow and letting her in, she rolled away after the pillow landed a fourth time, and off the bed.
With a startled cry, she landed on her butt, the comforter wrapped around her body. Willow broke out in full out hysterics as she looked up and sleepily glared at her sister, a smile threatening to show. Instead, she gave a hearty yawn and slowly moved to stand. "Willow...why'd you have to wake me up?" She sleepily asked, laying back down on the bed. "You KNOW how mom and dad tell you to leave me alone on Sundays." She plopped down on her stomach and dragged the comforter back over her head.
"Mommy and daddy TOLD me to get you up hermana!" Willow announced, jumping on the side of the bed. She squirmed around and laid over her frame, effectively pinning the elder to the bed. "Mommy said you slept in long enough."
"But mother doesn't know anything when it comes to Sunday morning REST." She bantered, trying to get her sister off her. It wasn't a very good struggle, considering her muscles still needed a lot more use than this to put up any kind of fight. She was too weak to be any match for an exuberant ten year old.
"It's ten a.m." Willow happily continued, grinning as she finally allowed her sister to move. "Time to get up!"
TEN a.m.?? Sheesh...normally she slept till nine!
An arm arched in the air with a good hold on the comforter, her gaze settling on the clock. Correction...it was ten fifteen! With a quiet groan, a hand rubbed her face as she twisted onto her back and stared at the ceiling. Oh lord, she did SO not want to get up! It felt too good to lay back in the quiet and let the world pass her by for a little while. So opposite of what she normally did, moving around everywhere and seeing everything of each culture. Taking everything in. It was nice to just lay back and relax. She gave a loud grunt when Willow flopped down on the bed, that skinny upper body landing on her stomach.
"UP sister! Mother wants you to have breakfast!"
She winced at the weight over her stomach and dropped a hand on Willow's head. "Willow...me baja de." Get off me. The pressure of those arms was digging into her ribcage. The exuberant child nearly jumped up with a short giggle and sat on the side.
She slowly sat up and rubbed her stomach, still grimacing. "Go tell mother I'll be up shortly." Even if she wasn't going to get dressed! If her mother wanted her up, then the elder would have to deal with her in her pajamas!
Willow quickly jumped up and nearly rocketed it out of the door. What she wouldn't give to have THAT kind of energy in the morning!
Now alone again, she plopped back on the bed with widespread arms and stared at the ceiling. Ugh...getting up. It sounded like the worse chore. It almost sounded like her father telling her to be packed within a week to leave again. She blinked and blankly stared, thankful her mind was nearly blank. For once, she was alone...and it was kind of weird.
Since sunrise to sunset, she was with either of her parents before she and Kevin left for school. She was with Kevin all day and those five at lunch, along with the rest of the student population. Then she came home and was with Willow until her parents got home. At night, she slept in the same room with her sister and cousin, and in the same bed with her sister. There was never a moment's peace in her life it seemed. "Epiphany Sundance Marzellos, you get out of bed this INSTANT!"
Yup, no peace.
"Coming madre!" She loudly announced, huffing. Sitting up as if it were required, she threw the covers off her body and stood. After a large stretch, she went to the connecting, very luxurious bathroom and grabbed a terry-cloth robe off a hook against the wall. She shuffled to the door and donned it, pulling the door open. An enticing smell hit her nose and she breathed in with a smile. Ah, her mother decided to treat her to breakfast.
She walked out and gazed across the room, seeing Willow sitting down with Kevin and her father. She eyed her empty chair and the short stack of pancakes, covered in maple syrup and sugar. Her eyes widened in glee and she nearly tripped down the stairs in her haste to get to them before Kevin or Willow put their fork through the delightful treat and claimed them.
"¡Gracias madre!" She loudly announced, feeling her stomach rumble. Thanks mom. There was nothing more precious and generous than a mother who wanted to do something for her child.
"Buenos días hija." Mr. Marzellos quietly announced, looking down from the paper.
She looked at him and smiled around the pancake previously shoveled into her mouth. "Morning father." She echoed.
After filling her stomach with two helpings, even after her mother's insistence that a growing girl needed her food, she stepped away from the table with a grin and retorted that Kevin needed it more than she did. Kevin was tall and lanky, for being only two months older than she was.
It just wasn't fair! She was short and a little pudgy, even if she was starting to develop feminine attributes. There wasn't anything to her except wide hips, muscular arms from having to deal with Willow when she was a baby, along with the legs from dance, and a tummy she was not able to get rid of! The one thing she had in favor was her face and a small curve to her waist.
Trying not to scowl, feeling she overate again, she picked up the empty dishes and doused everything with soap and water, a habit her mother drilled into her, since her mother did the dishes.
A nice morning breeze wafted in from the open patio doors and she inhaled. One major bonus of being so high up, the smells of the city breezed in through the living room. Not to mention she could remain in her pajamas and robe without caring who saw.
She walked to the balcony and sat on a lawn chair, sitting back and relaxing. This was the life...she had to admit. It was these serene, quiet times that she appreciated being one of the higher ups. It was times like these when she allowed her mind to wander and figure stuff out.
It was time to figure out those five, and how things started to change. She meekly smiled, almost grimaced. Well...maybe change was too strong a term. More like chipping off the first inch of an iceberg was a better way of putting it. She reclined the chair as far as it would go and stared at the sky, pillowing her head with both arms.
The first one to actually get to her was, unbelievably, Rowen. The guy who said such nasty remarks to her in the first place got her to talk period. He wasn't nice at first, and whenever they talked - well, maybe TALK was another loosely put term. More like baiting the other. Talking was too nice for the squabbles they kept having. One would make some sly comment, usually Rowen, and off they went! Ever since that day - which seemed longer than a mere week ago - he kept making remarks about if she was able to get through math class. It wasn't often, since the only time they shared together was lunch. She usually glared at him, not wanting to reply with the others mere feet away. She knew Rowen was just making comments and poking fun, but she was still too embarrassed to make such public displays.
Kento was usually the one to break things up when the two ended up glaring each other into another uncomfortable moment. He was the only one who knew what was going on since that day, but whether or not he said anything to the others was beyond her. She figured the five to be extremely close friends, but they must not've been told by the constant clueless looks. Ah, Kento Rei Faun. The first one to introduce himself, to mildly put up with her - as if he understood - and not one of the last to snap at her. He in fact was the second to do so, and she knew it was an excuse to be able to yell at her. The two shared English and gym, which he offered one day if she wanted to walk to together. It was still a little crass, but she just said if he wanted to he could...it was a free country.
She grimaced. Maybe going about that WASN'T the best idea...since Kento just scowled and silently, but stiffly, walked next to them...as if telling her he wasn't going to be intimidated by her cool manner and biting remarks. She sighed and closed her eyes against the morning sun. Snapping sarcastic comebacks, if any, and ignoring people were almost second nature by now. Most of the time, she lashed out without even knowing she was doing it, or didn't care. It all came back to keeping people at a distance. Something she was so good at, she could make a book out of.
The only other one she knew anything else about was Ryo. She didn't even have a last name considering he was also in her gym class. He passed by her every so often, on his way to get something. She wondered if the other two did say something, because he would give her a small smile before walking away. If anyone said anything, she knew Kento must've. A small, almost thoughtful, smile appeared. Kento cared more than he let on if he said something to make Ryo change his mind. Or, at the very least, stop looking at her with scornful eyes. Those EYES of his...such a beautiful, natural blue. And the shape was almost exotic! She quickly shook her head to get out of that train of thought. Since when did she ever become attracted to boys? The only one was years ago...
Then there was the auburn-haired kid - or was it brown? - in her second period class whose name she didn't even know. That was sad. She sat with him at lunch and second hour every day for a whole month now...and she didn't even know his name. But, as with Ryo, Kento must've talked to the boy because his eyes looked less harsh when directed her way. Her cheeks slightly burned.
And last - oh lord have mercy - the blond. Whose name she also didn't know. But did it MATTER? She forgot almost everything that day when she looked into those eyes of his! She fought a sigh and wide smile. Her lips pressed together as tightly as they would go. Those eyes of his...well, THAT eye of his...so beautiful... And the natural color, thickness, and texture of his hair... What she wouldn't give just to run her hands through it just to see if it looked as soft as she thought... She blinked and looked at the sky with unnaturally wide eyes. What was she DOING?! Gushing over a guy who said basically two words to her? And only when she bumped into him??
Abruptly standing, she stopped at the edge and leaned over the decorative, waist-high granite wall, eyes staring at nothing. Where did all these sudden girlish thoughts come from? Sure, the guy was cute, there was no denying that. Why did she suddenly act all gaga over someone she was ignoring like the plague just a single month ago? Her brow furrowed...why WAS she thinking this way?
Her chin propped up on her fists as she rested both elbows on the dark gray granite. She knew it was possible that she was feeling anything due to her talking to people. She was latching onto them already. A brow shot up, kind of sad and sarcastic. Geez...only a month, barely that of actually opening up - for her - and already she was being so clingy!
Didn't she know she WASN'T STAYING HERE?!
The mental shriek almost physically dropped her head onto the granite, if not for the sad thought that she was so pathetic! She was going to do it to herself AGAIN if she wasn't careful.
Her head propped back up, dark brown utterly thoughtful as it stared at the morning down below. Talking to them wasn't as hideous as she thought it would be... Couldn't there be a fine line between that? Her brows knit together. But, would it really be worth it? By the time she opened up, she'd most likely have to LEAVE. The normal time she spent at any hotel was three or four months for sure. If she was lucky, she'd be able to stay an extra month or so, since Japan was so highly technical. Many companies here would want to hire her father.
There was so much to consider, so many sides to weigh, speculate, and sort out.
"EPI! Read to me. It's book time!"
Too bad Willow demanded to be read to around noon on Sunday...on her precious day off...
~*~*~
Going back to school on Monday was one of the things she dreaded. Sunday her head was filled with all kinds of those speculations she was beginning to wonder about. So much rested on her shoulders, brought on by her emotions and heart. This was a big step, to try and be able do something she swore she'd never do. Talk to anybody.
It was so easy in some of the schools in Russia, France, and the beginning states of America. Those were the beginning times when her father's career just started getting off the ground and they sold everything for his dream. It wasn't easy going to school with languages she didn't know and was assigned a translator...Kevin. But, it was easy to pretend she didn't exist in those schools, to be invisible. She was just so nervous and scared to NOT blend in and stand out. Later, when she learned English and took some classes in America that were more than tempting, she gained a few friends and even grew to get a few crushes on a few American-Hispanic youths there.
Then she was forced to leave. It was the greatest heartbreak and harshest lesson, to leave those few sacred friends and go almost literally halfway across the world. All for her father's wishes. There was a large time when she hated him for making her leave the nearly two-dozen friends. And a potential boyfriend...one she really, REALLY liked.
She cried for days afterward, until she got over it...and holed up her heart. She promised herself as soon as she left America, that there would be no more of that. There would be no more heartache and broken friendships. She would never see those people again, or even write to them. How COULD she? How could they even respond? She was in a constant mobile position and there was no way their letters would make it to her in time.
She was left alone in her heart, and let it grow empty and cold. That was the only way to save it. She was very prone to getting her hopes up in the beginning, and always fell hard after getting them broken. It was the worst lesson in life and she vowed never again. If that mean acting like a cold bitch to people that thought she was, so be it. She didn't owe people anything in life. She didn't even stay long enough to learn French, Russian, or the ability to discern which words were Italian and Spanish. Italy was one of the countries she was able to be mildly comfortable in, since the languages were close enough that some words were the same.
And now she was here. Even farther away from motherland Spain than even Russian. Eyes darkened as she looked out at the morning scenery from behind glass windows. It took a long time to get over her hatred of her father's dream; for making her leave America and Spain in the first place; for making her forget all about HER dreams. She was forced to deal with that as well when she locked a good portion of her emotions away. There was a small amount of forgiveness when she stepped back and looked at things from his angle, what she TRIED to perceive as his angle. That dulled the hurt and fury a little, reminding him she was his daughter and she loved him.
Her jaw clenched as she bitterly looked to the seat in front. That didn't mean she didn't resent part of him for doing this to her though. Willow thought it was exciting, seeing and living in new places all the time, but the girl didn't know any better. Didn't know exactly what it did to her life...
"Han-a-High. Everybody out."
Her head jerked up and she grabbed the backpack in between her legs, grabbing part of Kevin's so they wouldn't get separated. She followed him off the bus and looked up at the bold letters, just as she did when she first arrived. Everything was going to change, but she didn't know just how much of her mind, and heart, was ready to accept that.
Adrenaline ran in nervousness at what she envisioned doing later on, and the cold part of her mind said to just forget it. Scrap the plan and say screw everybody. She didn't need them, she didn't need ANYONE but who was next to her and waiting for her to come home again.
Wordlessly, she walked with Kevin up the steps and down the hall. People buzzed about her, speaking in Japanese. Their happy, careless voices made her decision seem all the more wistful and longing. She SO wanted a normal life, like THEY all had... Though none of them were relatively normal, they were better off than she would ever be. Her eyes nearly misted at seeing groups of people crowding lockers, hanging against walls...speaking and playing around. Some were looking over schoolbooks, apparently going over assignments they either didn't do, or were just comparing notes over.
What she wouldn't give to switch places with ANY one of these people! Exchange the money, the fancy clothes, the elaborate and expensive hotels...all she wanted were friends to call her own and someone to love!
Her family didn't cut it sometimes, and later it seemed her silent treatment was getting easier to bear and dish out. Like she was losing herself, losing her humanity. It was a sad thought, but it was true. She just found it better to be alone and think she didn't need anybody. Then she left the hotel and looked around at the world, and was always proven wrong. But it only strengthened the resolve at seeing such happy times to close herself up to not get hurt. She wasn't staying. Getting close to these people, to ANYBODY, would only hurt her in the long run. The horrible, ironic catch-22 of her life.
By the time the two walked across the Algebra threshold, she was nearly an emotional wreck. It was hard to concentrate on math as it was, then also trying to figure out the equations Kevin was helping her with, and sort out what she was going to do. She was so unsure about it all! Every part of her heart was screaming to open up and stop being so terribly lonely. She almost felt like she was dying inside...
But her mind logically pointed out that she COULDN'T get involved, or risk repeating what happened in America. The hurt would only increase and block out the good times, and good people. Friends were a small aspect when she was never going to see them again. She was only yearning for something she couldn't HAVE. At least, not for years down the road...
The two left first hour when the bell rang, but she was nearly close to running to a phone and calling a cab. She didn't want to deal with this. With ANY of this! This wasn't the right thing to do! What was she thinking?! She knew she was panicking over the whole situation, but couldn't help it. This was wrong! She just let everything get way out of hand. She had to contain the situation, and her emotions, before she met either of them and ended up getting some odd and-or concerned looks. Which she was currently ignoring from Kevin at the moment.
Second and third hour passed, but she still didn't say anything to anyone. The longer time frame helped her calm down and realize, since nothing was happening, that MAYBE this wouldn't be so bad after all. They were all nice to her in a way. And they all looked mildly to openly friendly. Why NOT give it a go? What exactly was she going to lose? Their friendship and respect? Hell...she wouldn't even be around long enough for that to happen! So...if she screwed up, it's not like she had to DEAL with it.
She wanted to say something in fourth hour, when almost all of the group was around, but still clammed up. If she was going to say anything, she reasoned, it should be to ALL of them. And right now, she was so nervous, she HAD to do something to work this off!
The whole group was playing dodge-ball and it took a quick explanation from her cousin to get everything down. After he went through it again, she nodded that she understood. It sound easy enough...and she was in just the right mood to give it her all and not care what the others thought...mostly since she was still too preoccupied to say anything. There was enough anxiety and adrenaline still in her veins for her to dodge ANYTHING.
Which proved true. She didn't care about those around her, just concentrated on those on the opposite side of the lines, as taped out by the floor. She found Kento on her team, with Ryo and his friend on the opposing. She stayed by Kevin, as a small gang-up team, and stayed near the back. That was a rule, she quickly discovered, that staying in the back with such a long area to run around in kept you from getting out the quickest.
Kento ended up getting a whole bunch of people out, but couldn't tag his friends. They seemed lightening quick, and all three were wearing competitive smiles...which she almost was struck dumb from Kento and Ryo's still unnamed friend. It was little more than a knowing smirk, but it crinkled his eyes and lit them up. She almost dropped the ball before shaking herself and launching it at the closest person in her sights.
The only problem with staying in the back was, after a while, the numerous lines were changed. Such was the thing with basketball court markings...they blurred the actual court lines and everyone moved even closer, decimating the space to hide behind. She soon relied more on quick reflexes and grabbing the red bouncy balls slapping the folded stands behind her to keep from getting out.
She knew, had she been in her original mood, she would've been out a long time ago. But this was a time when she felt like she was out of her body. No one here understood her and to them, she was a snobbish enigma who they would never crack. Mostly because she didn't talk to them. But as her exuberance and grin increased at the threat of getting 'out', the cold side of her mind melted at the exertion heating up her body. The warm temperature quickly opened her heart and locked her mind up, creating a small mix of simple pleasure and childlike fun.
It was during the high of her fun that she was brought down a notch. While throwing one of the hoarded dodge-balls by her, Kevin, Kento, and three other unnamed students, she was struck by one of the other players while throwing a ball across enemy lines to keep Kevin 'safe'. She threw the ball in the middle of the shot, bouncing the other off, and another struck her in the meantime. She quickly walked off and leaned against the side wall, propping a foot up and rubbing the offended calf. Those things STUNG.
Minutes later, Kento was called out, Kevin following at his heels. She waited with absently crossed arms and watched with a small grin as they took either side, Kevin copying her stance. Shouts and playful jeers from Ryo and his friend sounded in both English and Japanese from the enemy line. Kento just shouted back in Japanese, and Kevin snickered.
She looked to her cousin and Kento, before giving it up and continuing to watch. The thrill of the game was still in her system, and somehow, she didn't feel as bad as she did when she didn't understand what they were saying. She just felt good. Really GOOD. Better than she had in years. Like she actually BELONGED again. Even if these people probably still thought her an outcast, she didn't think so as much anymore...
"What's wrong?" Kento mused, eyes darting to her. "You aren't mad you lost, are you?" He grinned and looked back to the game, giving a quick shout to someone to tag his two friends.
She blinked to Kento, unaware her good mood wasn't showing on the surface. She gave him a quick glance, finding his on her, and gave a small grin and shake of her head. He looked back to the game, though she caught the raised brows, and she looked as well.
Her mind plucked its thoughtful strings with another contemplation. This whole blending in and acting like a NORMAL student was easier when she just let go and gave in to the urge. With a more serious nod, mentally deciding on something, she gave a new vow that next hour. She'd actually open her mouth and speak...in ENGLISH.
~*~*~
The two sat down and dropped their bags on the empty table next to them. People started filing in as was normal, but it felt like something big was going to take place under the surface. She nervously unzipped her bag and pulled the sack lunch out of the main pouch. LORD this was hard! But she WASN'T going to give up! Part of her mind was still on the high from gym, and that was the only thing saving her from chickening out and ignoring them worse than before.
She opened the folded bag and took a few things out, then reached into her bag and grabbed a few books. God...lord almighty...she didn't get anything done in Algebra or English! Those stupid book reports were due in the next few days and it was down to the wire. She had everything almost written and now she had to work with Kevin to get it translated in Japanese.
She pulled out the pages and cliff notes Kevin helped her write and started absently writing down words in Spanish. She was just stalling until they arrived. She wished they were already here. Her stomach was in one big ball of nerves! She didn't know if she could even eat. She tried to look hungry and nibbled on an apple.
It all depended on what they would do when she tried to reach out. Would they laugh at her? Shun her and call her names? Wonder why she was trying after so long? Demand an apology? Or - hope against hope - FORGET all that and go with the flow? She didn't know what to expect, and she felt like running laps in the gym just to cool down and waste energy again. One more good round of dodge-ball and she'd be set.
With her mind wondering and working herself up even further to the point where one touch and she'd snap, it all happened far too quickly. Where there were people around everywhere, the hum deaf to her ears, the five gradually approached the table and slowly set their stuff down...like the idea didn't sit quite right with them.
Eyes on her book, they widened to ungodly proportions. Oh NO! Oh god...make them go away! She wasn't ready for this! What was she THINKING? Did she HONESTLY think they would accept her after she so rudely and openly ignored their friendship? Rowen was RIGHT about her! She WAS just a stuck-up snob! Oh no...oh lord, please send her the strength to get through lunch.
All her plans were spiraling out of her like her courage was doing. Just like her failing voice. She couldn't speak now! She was too nervous! What if her voice cracked?? What if she spoke too loudly and scared them all? What if they thought she was crazy?
"Hey shorty, get through Algebra again today?"
"Not a damn bit." She immediately tossed back, body stilling. Did she just say that?? Was that...did that sound like a playful retort?? From HER?!
Rowen blinked at the good-natured tone in her voice. That didn't sound like Epiphany...in fact, it came all too quickly! He didn't expect her to answer. He sat back and stared at her, knowing something had to've been going on inside her head. She looked at the far wall with wide, almost wondering eyes, blinking as if she couldn't believe she just said that.
The comment wasn't lost though, and their playful bantering almost brought a grin to his face as he dug around his bag for his lunch. "What's wrong? Have to use your calculator?" He taunted, grinning that cocky grin. He looked down the table from the far end where he usually sat, getting a few eyes. One of them was a warning shot from Kento, and a few curious from the others.
Kevin's mouth opened to defend her, but she cleared her throat and stopped him. He looked to her with an odd look, but she just shook her head and slowly looked down to the table. What was it about the calm before the storm? After the initial reaction faded, it was like another out of body experience...
"Yea... Us NON-geniuses have problems calculating things like numbers and fractions. Sue me for having to use a mechanical device to multiply an exponent." She tossed back. A few around Rowen snickered behind their hands, Kevin included. She gave Rowen a tentative grin, finding that baiting him with sarcastic comments was easier than she thought. It was better than being friendly...it was talking AND harassing people. Fun, fun.
If his jaw was hanging open, Rowen certainly didn't notice. A snappy comeback? From her? Was he DREAMING or something? Fingers snapped in front of his face when all he did was stare, words not readily coming to defend his IQ.
"Well, WHATEVER you did, you certainly got Rowen to shut up." Ryo joked, sending a small grin down the table.
She smiled back a little sheepishly and looked to her food. A hand reached to pick up the sandwich, but she put it down seconds before taking a bite. The thought of something solid in her stomach just made her want to toss it right back up. She wouldn't be able to eat now!
Kento was one to notice. "Not hungry?"
She looked at him, finding him eyeing her sandwich, and shook her head with a tiny grin. "It's not that." She let go of the sandwich and toyed with her fingers a little above it, eyes gravitated on them. "I just...well...I just wanted-" She took a deep breath and held it, praying as many prayers she knew in English and Spanish. This was it. "I was thinking about something." She slowly edged. Her lips momentarily pressed together as eyes stayed locked on her fingers. If the five looked at her, she wouldn't know. She almost refused to look into their eyes to see what emotions were there. She didn't know if she could take being rebuffed after going through the weekend and half the day stressing herself out and building up courage for this moment. "I've gone to school with you five a whole month now...and I don't even know all your full names." She mumbled, wishing her hair would cover her face. God this was nerve wracking!
Previously looking to his homework, Kevin's gaze shot up upon hearing her statement. He was wondering what went through her mind all day, since she looked so much more emotional than normal. He wondered if she was dreading to going to lunch with the possibility of Rowen opening his mouth and enticing her to say something back.
He stared with wide eyes, blinking like she said something so outrageous. Which, in a way, she DID. What was she saying? What was she doing?! Whatever happened to her vow of keeping everyone - save him and family - at a distance??
The five stopped what they were doing, even those whose names she already knew. Had they HEARD right? Kento and Rowen gave each other odd looks. From what they expected from her ramblings, which they were paying some attention to, it certainly wasn't THAT. The others eyed each other, rather skeptical and unsure, at her statement. Just what was she implying? Feeling watched, they turned down the table, almost as one, and looked at her. She was utterly embarrassed and as soon as they looked to her, her eyes diverted to the table with a self-conscious smile and blush.
Oh man...was this REALLY a good idea? Well, too late to go back now. If she made this attempt and succeeded, there'd be no going back over the threshold. A finger drew a nonsense pattern on the linoleum.
"I mean...well," She harshly swallowed, fighting to get her eyes off the table, "I know I haven't been - I haven't made ATTEMPTS - I haven't acted in the proper manner like I SHOULD..." She locked eyes with Kento and Rowen, giving them a weak, apologetic smile. Then she locked eyes with Ryo and the unnamed kid next to him, unable to look to the blond. The second their eyes locked, he looked away. She exhaled a shaky breath, hoping they didn't hear that. "I was just wondering if I could start OVER..."
The look in her eyes was so longing and hoping, even if the rest of her face was trying to hide it. She looked utterly tense in the shoulders, and a finger kept toying with a nail over that uneaten sandwich.
It was a tense moment. She was asking a lot and they all knew it to some degree. She made no attempt their first meeting to be even remotely friendly...what changed her mind? The five looked to each other, as if speaking through eyes. What did they do? Did they give in and push their pride aside? For a girl who apparently did the same? But for the reason, they didn't know. It was hard to answer a question in a moment like this. What they wouldn't give for the Ancient's wisdom right now.
As if deciding for the five, a hand stuck out in her field of vision, extended to shake. "Konnichi wa. Boku no namae wa Mouri Cye desu." Cye softly voiced. Her jerked up...a weak, grateful smile on her face as a shaking hand extended and slowly shook Cye's. Finally...she had his NAME.
Cye kind of felt sorry for her. Though he was prone to the same emotions his other friends felt, it simmered to low...slowly evaporating. He couldn't help but let go of some of the resentment regarding her for the beginning treatment he received when extending a friendly hand. Being the closest next to her, a single seat separating them, he was the one who could easily read the emotions in her eyes. She looked to be holding back tears, what kind he couldn't tell. Her hand was still shaking in his, and he gave the top a small pat. He couldn't help but feel sorry for her. This had to've been hard, and he understood a little more of what Kento was talking about.
When Cye let go, she looked to Kento directly across from Cye, and gave him a small grin. With a normal Kento grin, his large hand stuck in the middle of the table, elbow balancing on the linoleum as if they were going to arm wrestle. "Konnichi wa. Boku no namae wa Rei Faun Kento desu." Though she already had his name, he gave it anyway. Why not? This felt like a rebirth, a fresh meeting. He was just amazed she was trying. What triggered in her mind to do something like this? From what he gathered, she never reached out to anybody. Though he knew he should feel honored, he felt like this was an everyday occurrence.
Her hand still trembled a little, but thankfully - already having some of Kento's personality engrained in her head - she was a little more comfortable toward him than those she hadn't talked to before. He was familiar, and she felt a little safer than shaking hands with Ryo, or even Cye. They never exchanged words yet, but...now they would.
Seeing there was a stretch across the table, she looked to the masses...wondering if all eyes would be on her...before slowly getting up and extending her hand across the table with a meek smile. Was she really DOING this? This was someone else possessing her body that made her look into those beautiful blue eyes...someone ELSE'S hand pressing against the table to keep her from falling on it as she leaned over. It was so surreal.
Ryo gave the girl a little larger smile, seeing extreme vulnerability. He, unknowing about Cye's feelings, felt a little pity. He listened to Kento's little ramblings about how the 'poor girl' just needed someone sympathetic to relate to and to give her time to adjust. He couldn't really provide that in the past, seeing as how she didn't want it. Now he felt more ready to provide a smile and better attitude. Seeing her at gym today, with a smile of her own and a more cheery attitude to match, lessened the uneasy feeling around her. "Konnichi wa. Boku no namae wa Sanada Ryo desu." He quietly answered.
She let go of his hand, feeling the warmth, but in a comforting way. She almost felt direct want to continue holding it, but that would be crass in such a touchy time like this. Finally...she had a last name to go with the first. And a formal introduction; not hearing it from someone else in gym class.
With a quick check to Cye, making sure she could reach around him and not bonk him on the head, she leaned over a little further and reached for Rowen's hand. This was another whom she knew by accidental introduction...but it wasn't the same. She wanted to hear HIS name from HIS lips. That was whether or not he'd let his pride get in the way and crack a sarcastic comment instead. She didn't know if it'd be a relief or not, but it would sure break the tense mood she felt from her nerves!
He grinned and let go of his water to shake her hand. Why not? Everybody else was doing so. Who was he to not continue what she started? She already knew his name, just as she did Kento's. But she was making amends and he had to give her credit. Especially after the first fight they had...after how she would never readily talk when he purposely baited her. This was a big step and he understood that, and had to relent. "Konnichi wa. Boku no namae wa Hashiba Rowen desu." He murmured, a smirk on his face.
She smiled a little more, feeling less intimidated when she looked into his eyes. He was his playful self, and she was also a little more familiar around him, if a little less than Kento. Kento didn't try the things Rowen did to make her open up and talk. Kento didn't really push her like Rowen did. But, she still had to appreciate his method. Maybe after today...she wouldn't feel so closed off.
The last task was probably the hardest, considering the person she bumped into weeks ago. She never introduced herself directly to him or bothered to pay him any mind. He seemed like all the others to harbor bitterness and resentment. She just hoped she wouldn't stumble on her words when they locked eyes or forgot to talk.
Knowing there wouldn't be any way to lean around Cye, she quietly and slowly stood from the stool, facing the last unknown. What would HE do? Teeth bit her lip as she couldn't help but think it would be bad. So far, he was the only one who didn't make a whole lot of eye contact or encouraging facial expressions.
Sage knew she stood by watching her out of the corner of his eye. Though he knew she was apologizing for her behavior with this introduction, he wasn't going to let this go as easy as the others would. Why should he? It was blatant disrespect what she did. If she was attending this school, she should've at least known SOME Japanese customs before she attended. It wasn't right what she did, and he didn't feel very inclined to shake her hand and introduce himself.
Except the others did. When his gaze drifted to his friends from far wall in a that small break, the girl still in the air with an extended hand, he felt a harsh kick to his shin under the table. He glared, knowing from the angle it had to've been from Kento. The glare, coupled from him and Rowen, told him he'd better do something before he regretted being so cold.
He stood with casual grace, knowing that in purposely taking his time, he was making her uncomfortable. So what? It wasn't like she didn't do the same in the beginning, and for a whole month! Giving her five minutes of the same treatment was nothing compared to what she did. But he was digressing and justifying his behavior with something that was also rude.
With a small bow, not taking her hand, he kept from meeting her eyes. "Watashi no namae wa Date Sage desu." He evenly muttered, quickly sitting back down to avoid eyes of his fellow students. He would introduce himself and placate his friends and Epiphany, but he wasn't going to make a fool out of himself.
She blushed from his attitude, not missing the looks from the others. He was very blunt with the introduction. She should've known he would be one of the few to hold a grudge. There was one in every crowd, and she had no choice but to accept that. There was nothing she could say to get him to change his mind and behave otherwise. There was something she could do about running into him...
With a bowed head and sheepish, tentative smile, she shuffled over those few steps and stood behind him. The others looked at her with narrowed, wondering eyes, but she ignored them. She HAD to do this...before she lost the nerve. With one so cute - but cold and distant - there had to be a way to mend the rough edges and smooth things over. Now that introductions were over, and she knew Sage's full name, it was time to take the next step.
With an extremely light tap on the shoulder, almost afraid, he turned and looked up.
There was a big difference in her emotions, like the aftermath of a big presentation in front of the whole class, and she felt calmer standing in the lunchroom. So utterly relieved. And somehow, she felt a little less prone with responsibility, and more wanting to apologize. There was rarely a time when she apologized to anyone. But why? Because she was finally introduced to her classmates? Well, whatever she did, she couldn't go back now.
She pasted a small smile on her face and met his visible eye, finding a raised brow when she didn't immediately say anything. He wanted to know what she wanted...that look said it all. She inhaled a breath for courage, not wanting to be torn down after such progress. Now was NOT the time to cower down when she just extended her hand and - to her glee - had it embraced and not refused.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry Sage...for bumping into you that one time." She quietly muttered, trying to keep that smile from dropping. His gaze was so serious and it was hard to keep her mildly upbeat mood in tact. He certainly was a real downer.
Sage blinked, but gave a small nod. Even though it was grossly late for THAT apology, just like the other, he let the whole thing slide. Bringing it up, when forgetting it was better, just went through it again. "I already said it's okay." He evenly answered, turning his head back to the lunch in front of him.
She blinked, feeling a little dishearten. But, what did she expect? The one with the most distant attitude, was also the one who apparently didn't forgive easily. She bit back a sigh.
Quickly, she sat back down to keep from looking like an awkward fool...even if it was a little late. Knowing someone needed to say SOMETHING, she turned to the five with a different type of grin, one that said she was grateful and now knew what it felt like to blend in.
It widened a little more with an impish thought. They all introduced themselves in their native language, she would do so in HERS. "Hola. Me llamo Epiphany Marzellos." The grin, by now, was nearly ear-to-ear. "But friends call me Epi."