Everything was going to be fine, I told myself once again. I just had to figure out how I was going to make up for all of those lost years… How can I? I stood gazing at the field of flowers for a while, then I looked back down at Raine's grave. "I will find a way," I said to it, as if trying to reach Raine. "Everything will be fine, Raine…" I turned back towards the path, and headed toward the town entrance. I think I will go visit Squall.
I know I told the pilot of the Ragnarok to pick me up later, so I should probably make a call to the Presidential Office to tell him I have changed my mind. I can do that when I get to Balamb though. Kiros and Ward are probably worried about me right now. The President of such a high-tech city shouldn't be running around without any body guards! Well, I don't care about that right now. I can manage by myself.
As I exited the small, quiet town of Winhill, I couldn't help but remember the day I left with Kiros and Ward. It was one of those days you could just never forget…
~*~*~*~*~
"Hey guys," I said as I slowly walked up to Kiros and Ward. The afternoon sun was high in the sky, and the warm breeze of the wind was very relaxing.
"Yeah Laguna?" Ward's deep voice replied. Him and Kiros both stopped and looked at me, as if to say, what now?
"What is it this time?" Kiros complained. He put one hand on his hip impatiently and waited for my reply.
"Well, uhhh…" I stuttered. "I sort of miss Winhill…" I scratched the back of my head and smiled.
"Laguna," Ward explained, "we just left Winhill about a minute ago. How can you miss it already?" I grinned. It was really silly, bit I really was already starting to miss the quiet little town.
"I know, I know… I just miss little Elle and Raine… Heh…That's all," I replied. Kiros and Ward both shook their heads and grinned.
"We'll be coming back soon," Kiros informed me. "Don't worry, it's not like anything is going to happen to Winhill while we're gone."
"Yeah," Ward interrupted. "It's not like the town is going to be burned down or something…" He then stopped talking. Moments later we all laughed. It was a silly little piece of sarcasm… But what if that did happen? I truly did, deep inside, worry that when I came back, they would be gone. I feared that I would never see them again. I would never forgive myself if something happened to them…
~*~*~*~*~
I finally left and headed towards the closest train station. It took several hours, and quite a bit of Gil to get to Balamb. But it is all worth it, I needed to see my son. As I exited the train in the small town of Balamb, I breathed a sigh of relief. That was one long train ride! My bottom was beginning to go numb! I looked around for a moment to figure out where I was, and where I was supposed to go. Eventually, I found my way around. I passed the gas station on my way out, and one of the mechanics seemed to be working on a car.
It was a long walk to the Garden, but I needed that time to think of what I was going to tell Squall. I still hadn't come up with anything… Even through the long hours on the train I could not think of something to talk to him about. Then I finally came to the conclusion that, I should tell him whatever is in my heart. Whatever comes out of my mouth should be from the heart. I shouldn't make anything up, or try to start a cheesy little conversation. I should just tell him whatever comes out, just go with the flow sort of thing. Yeah. I'll tell him that I am terribly sorry. I hope he can find it somewhere in him to forgive me…
The gentle breeze was warm and calming, and the distant sound of the ocean was very nice as well. I could almost hear each of the waves crashing upon the hot sandy beaches not too far from where I was. It was really nice to be walking outside on such a nice day, it was very relaxing. My worries seemed to momentarily slip my mind as I indulged in the tranquility. It was so peaceful. Soon enough I found myself closer to Balamb Garden then I thought I was.
I stood outside of the Garden for a moment then took a deep breath and entered. I found my way to the main hall… But I was terribly lost. I was never good at finding my way around places. I always bring the wrong map, or read it wrong. I'm sure I can figure out where the Dorms are in this place though, it shouldn't be that hard. I looked over towards the elevator, and saw a Directory in front of the stairs. A ha! I think I can manage reading that! It won't be too hard! I walked up to the Directory and looked for the Dorms. I found it, and it wasn't hard at all! But then I realized that I didn't even know which Dorm was Squall's. I sighed and sat down. I looked at the ground, disappointed in myself. I didn't even know my son's Dorm room number.
Moments later, I felt someone poking at my shoulder. I looked over to see that it was Selphie! She gasped. "Sir Laguna!" she exclaimed. "Wow! What brings you here?" I guess Squall didn't tell anyone yet about what I had told him. I guess he doesn't want to tell anyone because he is embarrassed that I am his father. Don't think like that Laguna! Maybe he just didn't tell Selphie… Or maybe he just didn't want to say anything. Besides, he doesn't even seem like the kind of person to go around and tell all his friends personal things about his life.
"Hey Selphie," I replied with a smile. She had a great big smile on her face. "I'm looking for Squall," I told her. She tilted her head.
"Why?" she asked. "Do you have another mission? Because that would be awesome!" She smiled and waited for my reply. She was probably hoping to fly the Ragnarok or something, I know how she love's that airship.
"No… Not exactly," I replied. "I just need to talk to him, that's all."
"Oh, okay," she said, with a hint of disappointment. "I'll show you to his Dorm. He should still be in there." She happily skipped off down the hall while I followed behind her. I hope Squall isn't as mad as he was last night. I really need to talk to him. I need to get him to listen to me. I need to explain myself.
We got to the Dorms and Selphie walked down the hall, and stopped at one of the doors. "This is his Dorm!" she explained. She smiled and knocked on the door. Seconds later, I could hear Squall's voice.
"What?" he mumbled.
"Sir Laguna is here, and he wants to talk to you," Selphie replied. She turned to me and smiled.
"Tell him to go away…" Squall mumbled again. Selphie knocked on the door again.
"C'mon! Open up the door!" Selphie yelled. "I don't want to have to blast it down!" She said jokingly. Again, she smiled. She always had a smile on her face. She was always so happy. She leaned on the door waiting for Squall to open it. Finally, Squall opened it, but just a little bit.
"What do you want?" he rolled his eyes at me.
"Well," Selphie said, "I gotta go to the Quad now! We are having a meeting and I don't want to be late! See ya later!" She trotted off down the hall humming a song. I turned to Squall who was leaning in the doorway.
"Well?" he said impatiently. "What is it you want now?" He seemed really angry at me. I could tell by his tone of voice, and the expression painted on his face.
"Please," I pleaded, "let me talk to you. You didn't let me finish last night, and I need you to listen to me."
"Well, there isn't much more you can say to me," he replied. "I don't need to listen to anymore of this." Before he could shut the door to his room, I stuck my right foot in its way to stop it from closing.
"Yow!" I cried. "That hurt!"
"Well, it's your own fault," he told me. I looked at him and he narrowed his eyes. "Fine, but you better make this short. I don't think I can stand being around you for so long…" Finally, I would be able to finish telling him…
