FOREWORD: Sleep…somewhere in between unfeeling and innocence...Emotionless inside a temporary eternal rest and being one true self…unconscious settlement of the mind and ones' deepest desires…
THE UNDELETABLE PAST
CHAPTER SEVEN: Burning glow
Every one neglects listening to the inner soul. Each word it whispers, each wound it feels, each thought it keeps is ignored. Only in times of trouble we remember to pray and only in desperate times we halt and listen…we finally stop and follow our heart. Eyes wide open…unable to sleep, Aiji fingered with the white rose and was debating with her mini angel on the right shoulder and mini devil on the left.
Mini angel: You like him so take the wrist band and tell him how you feel. smiles
Mini devil: How do you know he likes you? Just give it to your brother. snickers
Aiji : Ok, why must I give it to someone…can't I use it on my own???
Aiji sat up straight and put the white rose back into a crystal glass beside her bed.
Mini angel: Don't avoid your feelings…
Mini devil: What about the Sendoh guy? He plays basketball too right???
Aiji: Who cares??? Why not I just throw it away…..
Mini angel: Now look what you've done???
Mini devil: What?? I am suppose to spread the evil...
Mini angel: Don't you have any good down there??? [Refers to hell]
Mini devil: Don't you have too much good up there??? [Refers to heaven]
Mini angel: Aiji, listen to me you should view the consequences and be…
Mini devil: Don't listen to him…listen to me…
Aiji: *yawns* I'll leave it till tomorrow…..ZZZZZ
Mini angel: Awww!!!! Look at her innocent face.
Mini devil: snort
POOF!!!
Both the mini angel and mini devil disappears. Out of her window, the crescent moon shone brightly and an owl soared by. Its' shadow ran past a few houses and it flapped its' wings way above the Rukawa mansion where young master Rukawa was unable to fall into a slumber. His blue eyes trailed the patterns on white plaster ceiling. This was weird because sleep comes naturally for Rukawa Kaede. Tonight his mind that was always empty and unbothered was jumbled up. One name kept creeping to his head.
Aiji Shisano.
His heart skipped a beat. He consoled himself with negative thoughts. He concluded that he doesn't need her and certainly she doesn't benefit him in any way. Basketball has and will be his only goal. He can't afford to stray now because too much time and energy has been put to savor success. Nonetheless he has no time for relationships and did not ever care about them.
What made this different? What made her different???
The questions he asked remained unanswered. He is always unfeeling, always cold, always frozen, always uncaring and that shall not change. Aiji is history. His childhood girl, well if he may say so. They were so young at that time; it was infatuation, mindless admiration nothing more. Rukawa's hand went to his head and he held his fringe up for a moment before lying on it.
Time passed and he never did forget her. Feeling insecure…..he always felt she did forget him. Eventually his eyelids drooped and he fell into a deep sleep.
A ribbon that was flowing with the wind. Long and unending. A white ribbon…wavers in the dark of night. A hand reached out trying to grasp it but the silk ribbon was very slippery….and something was pulling him back and a huge wave came crashing down on him…he sunk to the very depths of the ocean…unconscious…bubbles…someone was calling out his name…some one was singing…
"The voice…the voice…the voice…" he mumbled.
"Kaede get up…" Mrs. Daichi shook him gently.
"I know that voice…"he whispered.
"Kaede…it is time for school…"
"I know that voice!" he shouted and his eyes flash open.
His heart thumped fast and furiously. He scanned his surroundings and gave a death - like stare to Mrs. Daichi who in returned stared back with motherly features.
"It was only a dream Kaede," She smiled.
"Don't disturb my sleep," he got out of bed and walked past Mrs. Daichi to the bathroom without a second glance.
This was not the first time for Mrs. Daichi. She was all too familiar with Rukawa Kaede's behavior. She decided to let him be. She left him alone. Rukawa clenched his fist tight and shut his eyes tightly in the toilet. He could not remember the dream or nightmare or whatever. Not one detail re-entered his brain. He brushed his teeth vigorously signing his frustration. He got ready in a jiffy… he then took out his bike and went off.
He relaxed a bit feeling the fresh morning air rushing swiftly on his face as he cycled towards school. He cursed the dream...for making him wake up late… he was supposed to get up earlier for morning practice.
Damn…training will be full swing after school. Rukawa Kaede just needs basketball nothing else.
He caught sight of a white curtain gently waving from some one's window and it nagged him…it was all too familiar but his brain doesn't want to remember. The tension built up in his head and he shut his eyes to comfort the pain. Before long he got too comfortable and drifted to sleep while zig zagging on the road. Naturally he ran into a lamp post and ruined his front tire. Still Rukawa managed to cycle crookedly to school.
[:::::::::::::::::::::::::::]
Aiji fidgeted in front of the school entrance. On her left shoulder she slung her backpack filled with her textbooks. Her hands toyed with a small bag containing her previous days' purchase; the black wristband. She took a deep breath and kept her face straight and cool. She walked in confidently and was surrounded by lots of students greeting friends and getting together. Somehow she knew she would never be like that.
"First years…please assemble in the hall to be sorted," the speakers blared. It repeated itself thrice.
Hall…hall…hall…where is the damn hall.
Walking down the corridor Aiji took many wrong turns and ended up in the third year's block. After passing a few gigantic guys and matured face girls, Aiji knew she was out of place. She turned around quickly and retraced her steps. She was walking hurriedly, not looking at where she was going and she bumped into something HARD!!! She fell landing butt first.
"Kogure, are you ok?" a deep voice boomed.
"I'm alright."
Kogure was picking up his glasses. It was cracked slightly. Aiji stood up letting the pain sink in but not showing it.
Really it hurts…
She gathered her backpack and was searching for her package. The guy without the spectacles handed the bag to her. She reached for it and took it without looking up.
"Daijabou ka?" Kogure asked smiling.
Aiji just nod. It was the first time she took a peak at the guys. One was bespectacled and looked pretty smart. The other was tall, huge, dark and scary. But being Aiji she feared nothing. Probably an under statement; considering how she acted in front of Rukawa. The
Scary one was looking a little impatient. The one with spectacles, Kogure looked kinder.
"You're a first year aren't you? Are you lost?" Kogure asked.
Aiji nod again with a blank expression.
"Come on, Kogure. Ranramu sensei is never late," his companion stated.
"Never mind Akagi. You go ahead. I'll catch up later," Kogure said .
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
Akagi left the two immediately. He never misses any second of Ranramu sensei's physics class. Although Kogure was studious himself, his kind heart made him not to abandon Aiji in the third year hallway.
"You are supposed to go to the hall. There are signs leading towards it but you may have missed it. I'll take you there," he offered.
Aiji nod again. Whilst walking down the stairs, Kogure introduced himself.
"My name is Kogure Kiminobu. I am a third year," he extended his right arm.
"Aiji Shisano," She replied and slapped his hand just like what she did to Sendoh.
"Finally you spoke, I almost thought you were a mute," Kogure said and smiled kindly.
Sheeeesh………he reminds me of Sendoh…what's with all the smiley people reminds me of my cold composure…God are you giving me hints to smile?? Sorry but that just ain't me…
Shohoku High was a huge school. No… Aiji had made her way to the far end of the school whilst the hall is at the other end so it was like having a tour around the school with Kogure as the tour guide…Kogure told her about a few rooms and introduced the office, basketball gym, music room…etc…etc… as they passed.
More bad luck awaited her as she made her way into the hall with Kogure beside her, it was dispersing. The students were already heading towards their classes and Aiji missed hearing her name called.
"Don't worry, Mura sensei is still on the stage, she is our coordinator for class streaming, come on let's see her," Kogure said.
"Ohayo, Mura sensei," Kogure greeted.
" Oh, ohayo Kogure san what can I do for you?" she asked while gathering her files on the table and keeping the mike. Her eyes moved to Aiji.
"Is this your sister?" Mura sensei peered through her glasses.
"Iie, she is not. Actually she is a first year, she kind of got lost in the third year hallway so I brought her here."
"That's very thoughtful of you Kogure san."
"So you did not hear your name being called…let's see…what's your name?" Mura sensei picked up a file.
"Aiji Shisano," Aiji answered calmly
"Aiji…Aiji…Aiji…"Mura sensei muttered as she traced the names on the file with her finger.
After passing the third page she asked,
"Are you a bright student?"
Aiji didn't feel the need to answer this question and just nod slightly. Kogure looked on without saying anything…he felt that Aiji was a very intelligent girl, call it six sense if you want but Kogure knew that for a fact. Mura sensei continued checking until the last page where Aiji's name was highlighted along with a few others.
"Aiji san, did you have behaviour problems in your ex school?"
Aiji nod again.
"Can you come to the office after school?"
Aiji did not flinch. She stood firmly and slightly inclined her head meaning yes. Mura sensei shut the file.
"You are in Year 1, Class 10. Kogure san if you do not mind please show Aiji san the way. Dismissed."
Great, first day and I am to go to the office. It is so unfair for Mura sensei to judge based on the past…based on what's already done…on someone's faults…they often do that… no one believes in second chances…class 10…with my grades??? This has to be a very big joke…
"Class 10…"Aiji mumbled to herself.
Kogure heard her and softly said.
"Do well this semester and show them that they are wrong."
Aiji stopped walking.
Everything happens for a reason…
"Takashi…"she whispered.
"Pardon?"
"Iie."
"We are in the first year's hallway. Just go down this corridor…your class should be at the very end."
"Aligato gozaimas." Aiji mouthed and bowed low.
"Ja." With that Kogure left Aiji walking down the deserted hall.
Year 1 Class 1…silence. Only the swishing sound of the fan could be heard. Aiji peered in the small glass window at the door. The class was paying full attention to the sensei in front. 90 percent of them had glasses, this was the class she was supposed to be in. She was a straight A's students with distinctions not only in academic wise but also sport wise, and music wise. Even with the gang she slacked a bit in her study hours but her brains never failed her.
Aiji halted in front of the blue sliding door of her soon to be class. Year 1 Class 10. It was very noisy. She took a peak in the small window at the door, they were clowning around, putting on makeup, chatting on handphones and no sensei was in this class. Paper aeroplanes flew around, paper balls aimed to people's head, laughter and squeals were heard from flirtatious girls.
This is a nightmare, my class…Aiji thought as she opened the doors with a bang but stood at the doorway unseen by the students. They scrambled to their seats thinking that their sensei was here. Deafening silence was heard, the creaking sound of a rotten fan could be took charge of the still air. It was as if the students held their breaths, dare not even to heave a sigh.
Aiji was not surprise at their attitude, as naughty as they were, as mischievous as monkeys; these not-so-bright students knew how to treat their sensei with respect. Aiji stepped into the class, all eyes on her, she noticed that there was not a single paper plane or paper ball on the floor. They were even spick and span.
It was like the moment of truth when Aiji stepped in. Once the students set eyes on her, a 5 foot 5 inches girl, built like an athlete with an emotionless stare, they were relieved… Aiji took no more than 5 steps in the class when they all burst into laughter.
"Awww, man we thought you were the sensei," a guy at the back shouted in between his laughter.
Wow, this is really a cheerful bunch! Aiji thought walking to find an empty seat almost took in a smile…almost though. Her serious face made them stop laughing and the guy at the back ordered some girls to give Aiji a seat. He must be the leader or something. A few shuffles and screeches of chairs being pulled were heard and Aiji was ushered to a seat right under the rotten fan and in front of the guy at the back. After they all went back minding their own businesses, Aiji stood heading to the seat by the window with her bag.
I do not need this kind of treatment…I hate it…I really do…Sickening idiotic male species…
"Where are you going?" the guy at the back asked and stood up. He was certainly a dumb jock. Good looks, good body but no brains. Aiji did not answer and went past a sleeping classmate to the window seat.
The guy followed her, he stood at her table and the class hushed up again. He bent down staring intently at her eyes. Aiji stared back fearlessly.
"The name is Dawaru Dai, just call me Dai."
"Baka." Aiji said showing a fist at his face, her patience running low. The girls gasped, the guys whistled. Tension built up in Dai's eyes.
"Nani?" he growled and his right hand suddenly came grabbing Aiji by the collar of her white uniform pulling her up.
"Do you know who you're talking to?" Dai asked furiously threatening to punch. Aiji was faster she used her left hand to twist his right one almost breaking it and elbowed his Adam's apple with all her might with an irritated look on her face.
Dai fell back on to the sleeping guy beside her. He got up dazed and felt Dai lying on him. He stood and held Dai by the throat picking him up from the ground.
"Do not disturb me while I am sleeping," he said in a monotone…soft but dangerous kind of tone.
Then he choke slammed Dai.
WHAMMM!!!
Dai was on the floor coughing and gasping for air. Aiji on the other hand was staring at the "choke slam" guy.
"Rukawa…" she mouthed.
He turned at the sound of his name. His eyes that were burning ferociously softened a little.
Dai got back on his feet still coughing while rubbing his throat.
"Who are you?" Dai stuttered with fear in his voice…looking up at the two people that bashed him up.
Both Aiji and Rukawa ignored him and sat back down. The class that was witnessing this with full interest decided to mind their own business again. Dai was helped by a bunch of females seeking for his attention. Rukawa crossed his arms and set his head on the table on his table while shutting his eyes.
She is sitting next to me. His heart took a small leap.
I am sitting next to him. Aiji fingered the package looking out of the window watching two yellow butterflies dancing at some bougainvillea plants. Then she snapped to attention when the sensei came in and lessons begun…
Fighting urges and desires,
Feeling alone everytime,
Hurting our own precious hearts,
Fearing the one word called love.
A.N : The words in italic is either Aiji's or Rukawa's thoughts in case of confusion. Thanks so much for reviewing…reviews are an author's pride and joy!!!!
Pysco-kyugurl : Thanks for reviewing and Happy belated birthday!!! Ummm… Sendoh is an idle competitor for Rukawa on and off the court so I had to add him… but I don't think Aiji would fall for him…but sometimes unexpected things do come along though… and I am proud to say…RUKAWA IS DA BEST!!! Sendoh will always be rated lower than Rukawa in my heart…^_^
Michiko : Thanks for reviewing…this is my first fic and of course a triangle would add the juice but I have not planned the whole story yet so…we shall wait and see…
Rejected –pen @ Mother of all HAIWANS : Thanks so much for at last clicking on the kucik-rat punya review button…sakuragi would be coming in eventually…after all he is the main character in slam dunk…be patient ya J
Blue- obsessed : Thanks… This is the next chap.
Renei : Wow! Can't believed my advertisement actually worked… thanks for reviewing… I would just like to say something….PLOT? what plot?? These chaps are actually the turnout of my feelings day in day out…ooops the secret is out…here is the next chap…any progress??? And yeah in the end someone is going to die…dramatic scene so keep on reading and reviewing ya