CHAPTER 4

Balamb

Zell: Don't forget to bring in your gloves next time.

Student: Okay Master Dincht, see you tomorrow.

Jessica: Zell?

Zell: That's my name—oh, Jess! Hey, how have you been! (nervous smile)

Jessica: Don't act cute with me. Why haven't you been returning any of my calls the past couple of days?

Zell: Well, uh you see…I've been very busy.

Jessica: Doing what?

Zell: Oh, uh—with the make up classes.

Jessica: I don't understand you Zell, why can't you just tell me the truth. I know why.

Zell: You do? Look—I can explain.

Jessica: It's because I said that I loved you and I wanted you to tell me you feel the same way for me. Or, is it because I wouldn't sleep with you, until you tell me you love me and mean it?

Zell: Jess, I told you it's not easy for guys to express themselves. I need time to—

Jessica: Time to what? We've been together for two and a half years, don't you think you've had enough time?

Zell: I don't know.

Jessica: Look, I didn't come here to argue. I came here to remind you about the ceremony.

Zell: What ceremony?

Jessica: I knew you would forget. The one in two days at the Garden! Is it starting to become clear?

Zell: I'm sorry, I remember now. What time?

Jessica: I'll see you in front of the gates around 6:30.

Zell: Okay. Jess—I am sorry.

Jessica: Save it Zell. I have to go, I'll see you tonight?

Zell: Tonight?

Jessica: We're having dinner at your mom's?!

Zell: Uh—yeah, I remember.

Jessica: Good, see you then.

Jessica kisses Zell and leaves.

Zell: Girls are very tricky. I wonder if I'll ever understand them.

Deling City

Caraway: So—have you thought about it?

Rinoa: Yes.

Caraway: And?

Rinoa: Well, I've decided to return to the Garden but, that's a big but, I don't plan to stay too long.

Caraway looked at Rinoa with a sideways glance.

Caraway: (smirk) How about making an appearance two days from now? Say at a ceremony?

Rinoa: What on earth are you talking about father?

Caraway: Well, I was going to mention this at the beginning of the week, but I thought to leave it 'til today.

Rinoa: Spit it out.

Caraway: The Garden is having a ceremony for the new students and to recognize some of the old.

Rinoa: A ceremony for the students of the Garden? What does that have to do with me?

Caraway: It seems that you made quite an impression three years ago, I guess they want to recognize it now.

Rinoa: Is this your doing father? Because if it is I—

Caraway: (chuckle) I wish I came up with this idea but, I didn't. See for your self.

Caraway hands Rinoa the invitation.

Rinoa: But I thought—

Caraway: So, are you going?

Rinoa: I—I don't know what I want to do. Besides, I don't have anything to wear. Oh well, maybe next time.

Caraway: Not so fast, we can go shopping.

Rinoa: Father you hate shopping.

Caraway: I know but, this is something special. So, what do you say?

Rinoa: Arrg, alright. But I get to choose the outfit with out any complaints from you.

Caraway: You drive a hard bargain but, it's a deal. You know, you remind me so much of your mother.

Rinoa: I miss her. I wish I could have gotten to know her better.

Caraway: I miss her too.