FOREWORD: Spirits roam freely…these invincible souls that wish to be heard and seen yet…they embrace their love ones… penetrating them all the same but feeling the warmth of life…and their true forms exist in the heart…
THE UNDELETABLE PAST
CHAPTER SIX : The white doves are free
Night came gradually yet suddenly overpowering the sunlight then conquering it.
The Sun leaves no trace of its presence as the blue sky turns black with a shinning crystal
ball… bright, the moon that is. And no one misses the tiny dots twinkling in the sky. Stars winking effortlessly in rhythm like fireflies dancing through the night…and great stars fly…shooting stars are the beautiful things that lit up the sky and by fate one shooting star appeared and the beholder was stun for a brief moment before making a wish….hoping it will come true.
"I wish to be at peace…" Aiji whispered after she sighted the shooting star. Then Rukawa's face came into her mind as if they were connected. Aiji knew that everything was about to change…Rukawa …slowly but surely she is falling for him…slowly but surely all her emotions are beginning to collaborate and the answers she is looking for are probably with him…but she will continue to deny…continue to shun herself from him. There wasn't any reason for this behaviour …this is her attitude …it is best to be alone…she could not handle these feelings not now…probably someday.
She was bound by an invincible spell…because of her past and the punishment was just too much for a few moments of fun. A curse would best describe it. It was more than dreadful to not be able to love and to be loved…It was better being dead…Aiji was a girl…as much as she wanted to she couldn't get near any humans… girls or guys…her insides will churn and hurt her so the best is not being with anyone…Rukawa…is different somehow and she doesn't understand it.
The way to stop liking someone is just to hate them. Every time when Aiji was on the brink of liking people she brushed them away with negative energy…Hate. The most powerful negative source but this was not the same…..this time she could not bring herself to hate him as much as she wanted to…she found herself liking him even more and her heart drops to a bottomless pit…sending a weird adrenaline rush when she thought about him.
"Ting…ting…ting…Tokyo station"
Aiji snapped from her thoughts. She followed a few passengers down her stop. After getting through the sliding doors of the train she walked towards the exit. Suddenly she stop dead…..her eyes almost popped out when she saw a familiar figure walking up the steps. It was Takashi. Something came over her and she ran up and hugged him.
"Takashi…you're alright…you're ok…I was so worried…I'm so sorry …gomen… gomen ne," she leaned her head to his shoulders and realized that something was not right…
His scent…his shoulders was alien to her.
"I'm sorry…but I think you got the wrong person," a deep voice said softly.
Horrified she let go of him then stared into his eyes…they were blue like Rukawa's and not black like Takashi. But…it was his hair and his height and a few of his facial features that resembled Takashi…Then he smiled.
"I guess you were looking for my cousin Soichiro Takashi,"he said and grinned.
Silence.
"We are quite often mistaken because of this hairstyle and height,"he continued.
Silence.
"By the way, my name is Sendoh…Sendoh Akira," he held up a hand.
Silence.
Aiji stopped staring at him because her neck was almost numb. She eyed his hand then slapped it away. Sendoh was quite taken aback by her reaction. He noticed that she was looking pretty sad.
"Not to poke and pry but are you his girlfriend…the one who got him…"Sendoh stopped short.
Aiji was burning…she was furious…After months of controlling it she lashed out at this stranger.
"What ???"she bellowed.
"Yes I'm the one that put him in the hospital…I'm the one who almost had him dead…BUT I'M NOT THE ONE THAT STABBED HIM!!!!" she drew a breath
"Why do you ask stupid questions? Want to make me feel guilty? I just traveled for more than two hours in a train to see Takashi and this is what I get? More accusations? Who sent you? Eshiri? She was the one that stabbed him you know? WHY CAN'T PEOPLE LIKE YOU SHUT UP?" Aiji drew a fist and punched him in the face.
"I see you're his girlfriend then,"Sendoh said getting up unsteadily after the blow.
Silence.
Aiji stared at her fist in disgust. She did it…she lost her temper and attacked a stranger and she's in lots of trouble now.
"Hey."
Aiji look up at him…he was smiling. So like Takashi…
"I'm sorry…I should not have brought that up but if you're heading towards Tokyo Medical Hospital…he isn't there…his father transferred him to a hospital in the U.S."
Silence.
"Then, I'll be going now,"Aiji said quietly and walked away.
Luckily she bought a two way ticket. She stood at the platform staring straight ahead into the darkness.
"The next train will only be arriving in about an hour that is 10.00 p.m ,"someone said from behind.
Aiji was startled. She turned and faced Sendoh.
"Leave me alone," she said with a finality in her voice.
He left taking the hint or so Aiji thought. Aiji sat at the steps of the staircase leading to the platforms. A few people passed her looking curiously at her. After a few minutes she could not take their curious looks anymore. She checked her watch only 9.13p.m. She decided to phone her brother. Aiji went towards a payphone. She dialed her brother's cellular phone number.
" Sorry, the number that you've dial cannot be reach at the moment, please try again later."
"Hi, this is Aiji Saeji, I'm busy…leave a message after the beep."
Beep.
She put down the receiver feeling more down. She wouldn't be seeing her brother for a long time. Although he was the total opposite of her…studious and great in sports…swimming and ice hockey. Anyway it was a Sunday night, he would probably be out with his girlfriend.
Aiji walked aimlessly around then settled on a bench. A guy approached her and held up a can of coke. It was Sendoh.
"Hey, I'm going back to Kanagawa…I'm supposed to take the 9 o'clock train but you…um…well, I missed it after you came so can we keep each other company?" Sendoh prodded gently… blushing a little thinking of the hug.
"Kanagawa?"Aiji mouthed shocked.
"Yeah, I study there,"he said pushing the can of coke to her.
"I don't take coke,"Aiji said.
"Why?"
"Ruins the stamina."
"Oh, you are a sportsperson then…what sports are you into?"
"Swimming."
"I'm into basketball, I play for Ryonan High, oh yes where are you heading?" Sendoh asked.
"Then you shouldn't drink coke,"she said and snatched the two cokes from him and threw it in to the bin beside the bench.
She took out her wallet and handed a few coins to him.
"You sound like Coach,"he said and laughed.
She did not reply but stared straight ahead at the train tracks. Rukawa plays basketball too.Wonder if Sendoh knows him? Although, I doubt so. No!!! Stop thinking about him!!!
Sendoh…sounds familiar…
"Sendoh Akira…number 7, a highly skilled player, ace of Ryonan High,"Aiji spoke softly suddenly realizing it.
"How did you know?"
"Sportimes."
"Oh,that magazine."
Aiji was aching to ask about Rukawa but refrained herself from doing so. Her thoughts returned to Takashi.
"Sendoh Akira, why is Takashi in US they couldn't save him here could they?"Aiji said not looking at him.
"No…it is because both his parents are there and his mother wants to be with him. It's for the best, "he replied
"Um…what about Tanaka?"
"Still around I guess…he's probably in charge of the office right now."
"Eshiri?" Aiji asked uncertainly.
"He dumped her, "Sendoh said coolly.
"What?" Aiji was stun.
"Eshiri went too far. Takashi knew that she would lie thus he pretended to lose his memory…he took the opportunity to tell Tanaka the truth that Eshiri stabbed him. They both watched Eshiri for a while before Tanaka finally saw the real her. When he discovered the truth, he disposed her. She was after his money anyway,"Sendoh explained.
"You must be Aiji Shisano," Sendoh suddenly said.
"How did you know?" Aiji asked puzzled.
"Takashi talked about you a lot…he doesn't blame you…Tanaka is really sorry and wants to apologize but they couldn't locate you not even with…um…you know the underground network."
"You mean the gang…you aren't one of the gang are you?"
"Nope, but I'm their cousin I know what is going on. So you're Takashi's girlfriend then?" he asked again.
"Iie, Takashi is my pet brother. That's all. I don't have that kind of feelings for him."
"He says you're in love with someone else,"Sendoh grinned.
"I never told him anything," Aiji said calmly.
"Takashi is good in reading between lines," Sendoh informed her.
Aiji kept silent. I have never mouthed a word about Rukawa Kaede…Takashi knows??? That can't be!!! Wait a second, Who said I like that do'aho anyway???
"When he was about to leave, Takashi said something about… when the bow is pulled and the arrow is shot…nothing stops it and it shall go on till it reaches the target, then he said that Sano hesitates a lot…everything happens for a reason," Sendoh said kindly.
"It does…doesn't it?" Aiji replied.
"Huh?"
"Everything happens for a reason…..Takashi's favorite words," Aiji said dreamily.
"Sometimes the archer is distracted and there are strong winds that can blow the arrow off course…"she continued
"You speak like Takashi, no wonder he likes you…..wise words, not understandable by normal beings like me, but nonetheless…..I still get some of it," Sendoh said after hearing her speak.
Aiji wasn't listening to him. Her head was pondering over Takashi's message. How I long to see him now…..to hear his voice...he is like an angel from heaven always comforting me and making me see things on the brighter side and now he is gone…
"Hey, I'm hungry. Would you like to go eat?" Sendoh asked after a bout of silence.
"When will Takashi be back?" Aiji inquired softly.
"I'm not sure…..you should know that his mom and dad's business usually involves import and exporting so unless he is fully recovered no I should say unless his parents gives permission for him to come back to Japan…he won't be leaving there."
"You talk a lot," Aiji noted
"Yeah, I know that…..hey this is already the third time I'm asking…..Would you like to go eat?"
"Iie, I am not hungry."
"You still have to wait another half an hour you know."
" No, thank you."
"You are so stubborn."
"With the information you gave me about Takashi…..I need to be alone to digest it."
Aiji stood up and walked away from Sendoh. Sendoh stared at her departing figure and shook his head. Although Takashi and I may look alike…he always gets the best girls.
It was five minutes to ten, the train would be arriving soon. Sendoh looked around anxiously for Aiji but she was nowhere insight. A loud drumming noise could be heard and the train arrived, Sendoh went in and took a seat. He was shaking his head in bewilderment. Something must have happened to her…
The last whistle was heard and a figure was running towards the train, she just passed the sliding doors before it slammed shut. Sendoh was in the third car…..he caught a glimpse of Aiji running to one of the cars behind. He stood up making his way to the back.
Aiji sat taking deep breaths. She barely made it. She was carrying a bag, she fingered it before opening the package, looking at the black wristband. I couldn't resist buying it…but how am I going to give it to him. She continued staring at the wristband, picturing it on Rukawa Kaede.
I was searching for a pair of new goggles when I came across this…I bought it in a hurry…now the problem is how to give it to him? Well I could always leave it in his mail box. No, I will confront him.
Aiji was so lost in her own thoughts that she did not realize a shadow over her. It was only when he spoke that she realize that he was there.
"You almost missed the train,"Sendoh said.
She eyed him coldly. Doesn't this fellow give up? It is none of his business anyway.
"What is it to you?" She retorted.
Sendoh stood speechless. She wasn't easy to manage.
"I would like you to know that I already have a boyfriend,"She fibbed.
This was the best way to get wannabe suitors packing. Who is my boyfriend?
"Nobody said anything about wanting to be your boyfriend," he returned with a grin.
"Just letting you know not to bug me anymore," She said hurriedly embarrassed.
"Then just say so." Sendoh went and sat a few seats away from her.
Aiji was flushing. She decided to go to the lavatory. Taking her package with her, she made her way to the back. There she splashed water onto her face. She never felt more embarrassed in her entire life. She made her way back to her seat, Sendoh was already making himself comfortable in the seat beside hers.
"You're back. I almost forgot. In case Takashi comes back can I have your number?"
"No."What a bad pickup line. Trying to get my number. He is really dumb.
"I could inform you or….."
"Iie, I will find out for myself thank you," Aiji said coldly.
She plopped to the seat opposite him, staring out the window…to the darkness. She thought about Takashi…Tanaka…Eshiri … Sendoh…Rukawa…her brother before she knew it her tired body fell asleep.
"Ting…ting…ting…Kanagawa station."
Sendoh got up and shook Aiji. She got up with a start.
"We're here." With that Sendoh left.
Aiji hurried out the train. She found Sendoh standing at the steps with a few guys with Ryonan Basketball Team jackets on them. They were laughing and joking at each other. No one was there to welcome her home and that lead an empty feeling lying in her stomach.
"Hey, Aiji do you need a ride home?" Sendoh spoke after noticing no one was there waiting for her.
Some ooohs and ahhhhs came from his friends probably teasing him for hitting out with a girl.
"Iie, I live near by." With that she bowed respectfully and head towards her apartment which was empty anyway. For the first time she didn't want to be alone.
Facing the world alone,
With no one catching if you fall,
No one watching,
No rings on the phone,
No greetings when you're home,
The white doves are free,
Yet nowhere to go.
A.N: A poem that doesn't rhyme what do you think bout it??? Reviews are most welcome. Thanks to psyco_kyugurl for editing this.
Eliar Swiftfire: thanks for pointing out my mistakes… this is my first fanfic so there is bout to be blunders…I'm not good with computer setting so I don't know about the html things. Talk about being behind in IT. [ ketinggalan zaman] . ^_^.
Michiko: Thanks for your support here's the next chappie