AN: Dude, look, the next chapter! x_X Man, inspiration comes really slowly for this fic. -_- Any suggestions are still welcome.
Yeah, this fic skips, but who cares?
Chapter Two: Schwarzung
Maron anxiously fiddled with her gymnastics ribbon, waiting for the instuctor to appear. She was trying out for the rhythmic
gymnastics team of her new high school and really hoped she got in. Gymnastics were the highlight of her teenage life, and
provided a distraction to the emptiness she faced every time she went home.
Just when Maron thought the butterflies in her stomach were about to explode from their confinement, the sensei appeared.
She was a woman that seemed to be in her mid-twenties, with long flowing violet hair and eyes to match. She was pretty;
like a flower in full bloom.
But flowers were always destined to wilt and die, and so one day her beauty would fade and die as well. Maron yanked herself
from her depressing thoughts and turned her full attention to the woman.
"Good afternoon, young ladies. Today you will be tested in your prowness in rhythmic gymnastics. Those who do best will be
accepted onto the school team and will compete and hold up our school's name. I am Packkelemo-sensei, and you will address
me as such. Any questions?"
The assembled girls murmured a general negative, and waited for Packkelemo-sensei to continue.
"Well, since I have no questions, we'll start. I'll call you out alphabetically, then you will preform the preset routine. Got it? Good.
First up, Aisha Tokiko!"
As a shy girl with sable hair stepped forward, Maron let her mind wander over the routine one last time. it was fairly simple for her;
she had been doing gymnastics for five years now. She snuck a glance towards Miyako, her best friend since primary school. The
violet-haired girl (a different shade then the sensei's) was wearing a look of intense concentration that was normally reserved for her
detective work. She smiled briefly at her firend's discomfort, then started as her own name was called.
"Kusakabe Maron!"
She stepped forward, smiling at Packkelemo-sensei. The woman acknowledged her with a nod and she began.
She flowed through the movements naturally, earning a few jealous whispers from the other girls. Sensei raised her eyebrows,
impressed by her skill. She finished it smoothly and in record time, and Packkelemo-sensei applauded.
"Well done, Kusakabe, you have talent."
Maron blushed and thanked the teacher with a smile, and returned to her spot in the group. A few girls later, it was Miyako's turn.
She had been with Maron for all the years they had done gymnastics, so she was nearly as good, but she lacked Maron's natural
grace. She, too, finished the routine perfectly, and was applauded by the sensei. Soon the last two girls were finished and the
teacher stepped foward, holding her clipboard in hand.
"Okay, judged on your preformance, I have written down those who have the most talent and are the most likely to succeed.
I will call your names now."
Clearing her throat, she began to read names.
"Aisha Tokiko."
The first girl squealed and bounced with her friends.
"Hoshisora Chikara"
Another girl, a burnette like Maron, squealed as well, and the girls skipped between those two names groaned.
"Kusakabe Maron."
Maron felt a silly grin appear on her face, and she turned to Miyako, who gave her the victory sign.
"Namedaka Momiji"
Another squeal, a few more groans.
"Toudaiji Miyako."
Miyako let out an exuberant "Yatta!!" and sweatdropped as Packkelemo-sensei glared at her. Clearing he rthroat again, the sensei
continued.
"And finally Shijitaka Hikaru. I thank the rest of you for trying again, please note that you may try again next semester. The six that
were chosen, please follow me." With those words, Packkelemo-sensei lead the six successful candidates towards a small room at the
back of the dojo-turned-dance-studio. It turned out to be the dressing room. She turned and faced the girls, professionalism written across
her face.
"First of all, let's go over the rules. You will be here everyday before and after school, unless I say otherwise. Any frsshman, you have to
arrange the equipment before practice."
At that Maron, Miyako, and another girl groaned.
"No complaining! It's a rule! Next, every Wednesday, you are to report to the gardens to plant flowers. You must be as beautiful as flowers,
and to do that you must learn to care for them."
Maron found it almost scary that sensei was exactly how she had thought her.
"You must provide your own workout clothes, which must be a leotard and a shirt to provide some modesty. Don't be late, or there will
be consequences."
Maron blanched at that and she saw Miyako give her a warning glare. Heh, she'd better start waking up to that alarm clock...
"Those are the rules, I hope you all understood them well. I want you to show up at 7:30 tomorrow with your workout clothing, and
practice will begin then. For now, I dismiss you girls. Have a nice afternoon."
The assembled group murmured a general "Hai, sensei" and got up to leave, three of the girls turning to chat excitedly. Maron ambled
over to Miyako, who was still glaring at her. Maron sweatdropped as she turned without a word and began to walk outside. She rushed
to catch up. Soon they were on their way home. At length, Miyako turned to Maron.
"You heard what she said. You'd better start being on time for once or I'll be getting in trouble!"
Maron sweatdropped some more.
"Demo Miyako, I never said you have to walk to school with me!"
"We live across from each other! We have to walk to school together!"
Maron sighed. Miyako was really stubborn about some things. /Not that you aren't either!/ She chastised herself. Now was not a time to
start dwelling on shortcomings. She still had a load of homework to do, as it was only the second week into classes. Mostly review and
other easy things, but apparently the senseis wanted to compensate that by simply giving them more of it. She sighed. Sometimes teacher's
logic defied her understanding.
They arrived at the apartment complex, and Maron felt her spirits drop as she headed for her daily ritual towards the inevitably empty mailbox.
Miyako watched her sadly, she couldn't help her best friend during this and she cursed herself for being weak.
Maron opened the box and the impossible had happened. A letter was in her mailbox.
She stared at it, unable to comprehend the fact that something was actually waiting for her. Slowly a hopeful smile and tears grew across her face
as she delicately picked up the small white envelope. Miyako watched, amazement and hope written across her features as well as she watched
her best friend open her letter.
As she watched, Maron withdrew two sheets of paper. She red one, frowned confusedly, and read the other. Slow understanding dawned on her face
and the smile returned full-force and she hugged the letter to her chest, before pulling it back and re-reading it, the frown returning.
Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Miyako dashed over to her best friend's side.
"What is it? Who's it form? What does it say?"
Maron looked at her, puzzlement written all over her features, and handed her the papers.
One had an address on it, an American address. She then realized that the postage on the envelope itself was American as well. She then looked at the
other paper, which had script flowing across it in neatly written kanji. She read it out loud.
"Dear Kusakabe Maron,
This letter was sent to inform you that your parents wished for you to be as happy as you could possible be. They regret to inform you that while they
love you very much, they cannot yet return to your side as their troubles have not yet been worked out. Therefore you are invited to stay for one summer at
the White Cross Oaks Foster Home for Children of Disrupted Families. When the summer visit is over, you may choose to either return to living as you had
in Japan or stay here until you can move out. You may also bring two friends along with you for the summer stay.
Should you wish to return to live in Japan after the visit, you and your friends will be not be bothered again by us.
Should you wish to stay, you will be sent back to Japan for two weeks to gather your belongings and withdraw from the educational facility that you are enrolled
in. You will be sent a one-way ticket to the U.S.A. during this time. Please leave or sell any furniture you may possess, and only bring clothing and
other such personal effects, as furniture will be provided for you.
Please consider our offer when you come this summer. We sincerely wish you stay, as White Cross Oaks has excellent facilties and an upstanding private
Catholic school nearby. We house over 200 children with situations similar to yours, and many friends may be made.
The tickets for you and the two frinds you may invite are being sent, and should arrive within a day or so of receiving this letter.
We sincerely hope you will enjoy your stay at White Cross Oaks, and can only pray we will be able to house a wonderful young woman such as yourself.
Sincerely,
Sister Mary Johnsen
Director and head Sister of White Cross Oaks"
Miyako looked at Maron, her face as confused as her friend's. Only one thought ran through both their minds. It was Maron who finally voiced it.
"My parents want me to live in a foster home in America??"
~TBC~
AN: hah! Cliffhanger! ;P I know, Chiaki isn't in this chapter, but next chapter will be all about him! ^o^
Pleeeeaaaase review this people? ;_; People seem to boycott reviewing my stories lately. ;_; Review, for the love of all good and bishounen!
Yeah, this fic skips, but who cares?
Chapter Two: Schwarzung
Maron anxiously fiddled with her gymnastics ribbon, waiting for the instuctor to appear. She was trying out for the rhythmic
gymnastics team of her new high school and really hoped she got in. Gymnastics were the highlight of her teenage life, and
provided a distraction to the emptiness she faced every time she went home.
Just when Maron thought the butterflies in her stomach were about to explode from their confinement, the sensei appeared.
She was a woman that seemed to be in her mid-twenties, with long flowing violet hair and eyes to match. She was pretty;
like a flower in full bloom.
But flowers were always destined to wilt and die, and so one day her beauty would fade and die as well. Maron yanked herself
from her depressing thoughts and turned her full attention to the woman.
"Good afternoon, young ladies. Today you will be tested in your prowness in rhythmic gymnastics. Those who do best will be
accepted onto the school team and will compete and hold up our school's name. I am Packkelemo-sensei, and you will address
me as such. Any questions?"
The assembled girls murmured a general negative, and waited for Packkelemo-sensei to continue.
"Well, since I have no questions, we'll start. I'll call you out alphabetically, then you will preform the preset routine. Got it? Good.
First up, Aisha Tokiko!"
As a shy girl with sable hair stepped forward, Maron let her mind wander over the routine one last time. it was fairly simple for her;
she had been doing gymnastics for five years now. She snuck a glance towards Miyako, her best friend since primary school. The
violet-haired girl (a different shade then the sensei's) was wearing a look of intense concentration that was normally reserved for her
detective work. She smiled briefly at her firend's discomfort, then started as her own name was called.
"Kusakabe Maron!"
She stepped forward, smiling at Packkelemo-sensei. The woman acknowledged her with a nod and she began.
She flowed through the movements naturally, earning a few jealous whispers from the other girls. Sensei raised her eyebrows,
impressed by her skill. She finished it smoothly and in record time, and Packkelemo-sensei applauded.
"Well done, Kusakabe, you have talent."
Maron blushed and thanked the teacher with a smile, and returned to her spot in the group. A few girls later, it was Miyako's turn.
She had been with Maron for all the years they had done gymnastics, so she was nearly as good, but she lacked Maron's natural
grace. She, too, finished the routine perfectly, and was applauded by the sensei. Soon the last two girls were finished and the
teacher stepped foward, holding her clipboard in hand.
"Okay, judged on your preformance, I have written down those who have the most talent and are the most likely to succeed.
I will call your names now."
Clearing her throat, she began to read names.
"Aisha Tokiko."
The first girl squealed and bounced with her friends.
"Hoshisora Chikara"
Another girl, a burnette like Maron, squealed as well, and the girls skipped between those two names groaned.
"Kusakabe Maron."
Maron felt a silly grin appear on her face, and she turned to Miyako, who gave her the victory sign.
"Namedaka Momiji"
Another squeal, a few more groans.
"Toudaiji Miyako."
Miyako let out an exuberant "Yatta!!" and sweatdropped as Packkelemo-sensei glared at her. Clearing he rthroat again, the sensei
continued.
"And finally Shijitaka Hikaru. I thank the rest of you for trying again, please note that you may try again next semester. The six that
were chosen, please follow me." With those words, Packkelemo-sensei lead the six successful candidates towards a small room at the
back of the dojo-turned-dance-studio. It turned out to be the dressing room. She turned and faced the girls, professionalism written across
her face.
"First of all, let's go over the rules. You will be here everyday before and after school, unless I say otherwise. Any frsshman, you have to
arrange the equipment before practice."
At that Maron, Miyako, and another girl groaned.
"No complaining! It's a rule! Next, every Wednesday, you are to report to the gardens to plant flowers. You must be as beautiful as flowers,
and to do that you must learn to care for them."
Maron found it almost scary that sensei was exactly how she had thought her.
"You must provide your own workout clothes, which must be a leotard and a shirt to provide some modesty. Don't be late, or there will
be consequences."
Maron blanched at that and she saw Miyako give her a warning glare. Heh, she'd better start waking up to that alarm clock...
"Those are the rules, I hope you all understood them well. I want you to show up at 7:30 tomorrow with your workout clothing, and
practice will begin then. For now, I dismiss you girls. Have a nice afternoon."
The assembled group murmured a general "Hai, sensei" and got up to leave, three of the girls turning to chat excitedly. Maron ambled
over to Miyako, who was still glaring at her. Maron sweatdropped as she turned without a word and began to walk outside. She rushed
to catch up. Soon they were on their way home. At length, Miyako turned to Maron.
"You heard what she said. You'd better start being on time for once or I'll be getting in trouble!"
Maron sweatdropped some more.
"Demo Miyako, I never said you have to walk to school with me!"
"We live across from each other! We have to walk to school together!"
Maron sighed. Miyako was really stubborn about some things. /Not that you aren't either!/ She chastised herself. Now was not a time to
start dwelling on shortcomings. She still had a load of homework to do, as it was only the second week into classes. Mostly review and
other easy things, but apparently the senseis wanted to compensate that by simply giving them more of it. She sighed. Sometimes teacher's
logic defied her understanding.
They arrived at the apartment complex, and Maron felt her spirits drop as she headed for her daily ritual towards the inevitably empty mailbox.
Miyako watched her sadly, she couldn't help her best friend during this and she cursed herself for being weak.
Maron opened the box and the impossible had happened. A letter was in her mailbox.
She stared at it, unable to comprehend the fact that something was actually waiting for her. Slowly a hopeful smile and tears grew across her face
as she delicately picked up the small white envelope. Miyako watched, amazement and hope written across her features as well as she watched
her best friend open her letter.
As she watched, Maron withdrew two sheets of paper. She red one, frowned confusedly, and read the other. Slow understanding dawned on her face
and the smile returned full-force and she hugged the letter to her chest, before pulling it back and re-reading it, the frown returning.
Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Miyako dashed over to her best friend's side.
"What is it? Who's it form? What does it say?"
Maron looked at her, puzzlement written all over her features, and handed her the papers.
One had an address on it, an American address. She then realized that the postage on the envelope itself was American as well. She then looked at the
other paper, which had script flowing across it in neatly written kanji. She read it out loud.
"Dear Kusakabe Maron,
This letter was sent to inform you that your parents wished for you to be as happy as you could possible be. They regret to inform you that while they
love you very much, they cannot yet return to your side as their troubles have not yet been worked out. Therefore you are invited to stay for one summer at
the White Cross Oaks Foster Home for Children of Disrupted Families. When the summer visit is over, you may choose to either return to living as you had
in Japan or stay here until you can move out. You may also bring two friends along with you for the summer stay.
Should you wish to return to live in Japan after the visit, you and your friends will be not be bothered again by us.
Should you wish to stay, you will be sent back to Japan for two weeks to gather your belongings and withdraw from the educational facility that you are enrolled
in. You will be sent a one-way ticket to the U.S.A. during this time. Please leave or sell any furniture you may possess, and only bring clothing and
other such personal effects, as furniture will be provided for you.
Please consider our offer when you come this summer. We sincerely wish you stay, as White Cross Oaks has excellent facilties and an upstanding private
Catholic school nearby. We house over 200 children with situations similar to yours, and many friends may be made.
The tickets for you and the two frinds you may invite are being sent, and should arrive within a day or so of receiving this letter.
We sincerely hope you will enjoy your stay at White Cross Oaks, and can only pray we will be able to house a wonderful young woman such as yourself.
Sincerely,
Sister Mary Johnsen
Director and head Sister of White Cross Oaks"
Miyako looked at Maron, her face as confused as her friend's. Only one thought ran through both their minds. It was Maron who finally voiced it.
"My parents want me to live in a foster home in America??"
~TBC~
AN: hah! Cliffhanger! ;P I know, Chiaki isn't in this chapter, but next chapter will be all about him! ^o^
Pleeeeaaaase review this people? ;_; People seem to boycott reviewing my stories lately. ;_; Review, for the love of all good and bishounen!