Chapter 5 The Day My Life Turned Haywire
Author's note: Thank you so much to my faithful readers, l I love you so! Anyway, I can update frequently now that I'm in an overseas degree programme. So no complaining. But don't expect too much, maybe I'll update once or twice a week, but to make sure, this fic is going on well. So, enjoy this chapter!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
What's life to you, Trepe?
Being somebody...
Are you somebody now?
Quistis stepped out of the shower and deftly dried her hair while walking to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. Mom and Dad sent word that they won't be back for at least another fortnight - apparently Seifer's being a generous host. She briefly wondered how he was doing - and decided he would be fine. She didn't really mind; she liked having the house to herself. And because she was basically a social hermit, the house was quiet. The only sound was the gentle humming of the air conditioning and the quiet gurgle on the mini waterfall in the garden.
The last thought made her stop for a while. That's not true, a small voice in her contradicted. You have a friend... well sort of. He helped you before, hasn't he?
"He was just being polite," She said out loud as she poured herself some coffee. "But he had shown her another side of him; a sensitive and caring son, not just the irresponsible flirt he made himself to be. And he showed HER. Quistis, whom he hadn't spoken to in years - who had humiliated him before, yet he was warming to her... or was it the other way around?
"What's in your mind, Squall...?"
She noticed the calendar on the wall. She had planned on visiting her parents' grave that weekend, but it looks like that has to be put off for now. Balamb garden was waiting...
Ever been to the Galbadian Continent, Quisty?
She smiled to herself. If only he knew why...
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The heavy beat thumped rhythmically in his head, coupled by the rapidly blinking lights, throwing the whole place in a surreal mass of heaving bodies. The music lead him on, his body moving to the empty numbness. Rinoa was in the same state of obliviation; perhaps deeper into the ecstasy roll. Feeling fatigue creep in, he retreated to the small corner where Irvine and Selphie was doing the tongue dance. Flopping down on the couch, he reached for a bottle and took a long swig from it. No sooner did he put down the bottle did Irvine place another in front of him. "Bottom's up bro! Wanna try these?' his speech was strangely slurred and his eyes were unfocused as he slipped a small packet to Squall, which made Squall narrow his eyes suspiciously. As much as he frequented clubs, he was never one to take dope. 'Irvine, are you...?" He examined the packet. Inside were several pills. "Happy pills?!"
"Gets you up for any...ah," Irvine winked, glancing at Selphie. Squall snorted derisively. You don't need happy pills. Squall popped the new bottle and proceeded to drain it. By the time he had gotten through the fourth bottle, the techno beat seemed like his own erratic heartbeat, drowning out all sound. The blinking lights rendered everything in still movement each time he could make them out, and he was alone. The duo had gone to continue their business elsewhere, and he could sense and impending headache coming on. Squinting, he unsteadily got up and slowly ploughed his way through the pulsing dance floor, searching for Rinoa. Much to his annoyance, she seemed to have disappeared. Cursing doggedly, he made a beeline for the back door, intending to leave without her. Let her wait for Irvine and Selphie to finish before she can get a ride back.
But he soon found out that Rinoa had her own plans for the evening; for right at the back of the club, half hidden in the shadows was Rinoa, with a stupid S.O.B pawing her. At least that was from his point of view anyway. Rage suddenly seized him and he grabbed the back of the poor sod's collar, throwing him to the opposite wall. He could be awesome when he wanted to be. "You fuckin' bastard! You lay one hand on her - "
"Squall!!"
"Who do you think you are?!" The guy roared but was stopped short by a hard fist connecting with his nose. There was something satisfying about seeing him howl, Squall decided, blithely ignoring Rinoa's shrill screams. But he finally was forced to listen when she slapped him so hard it sent him reeling. She stood there, face livid with anger, dress all messed up. Squall couldn't even begin to describe her makeup. "You idiot!!! Don't act like I'm your property or something!!!! You think you're the only one who can mess around?!" She shrieked angrily, and then paused for effect. "We're through!!!
Squall almost didn't feel the stinging pain throbbing in his cheek, or the small trickle of blood appearing at the corner of his mouth. He glared at Broken-Nosed-Bastard, who was glaring back with equal hatred. "You'll pay for this man...you don't know who you're messing with..." he was mumbling in a muffled voice. Squall unceremoniously gave him a farewell kick in the ribs before turning away and left through the exit, not once looking back.
Walking alone, he began to be consumed with depressing thoughts, getting more bitter with each passing moment until he didn't realize where he was headed. Didn't care. As if mirroring his feelings, a steady curtain of rain began to fall, rendering everything hazy. Finally realizing he had gotten lost, he stopped.
Surrounding him, standing silently in the rain were a group of people Squall could categorize as thugs. All of them were armed. Even with his bedraggled senses, he could understand who they were. "...The sonofabitch..." He swore. The punk really did round up his honchos to go after him!
"Some stunt you pulled back there, brother," One, which was obviously the leader greeted him easily. "We've been sent round to...return the favor."
Squall absently pushed the rain-soaked fringe out of his eyes. "Your leader's got no balls, making you chase me just because I broke is - " He never managed to finish his sentence as a solid iron bar slammed into his abdomen, causing him to double over in blinding pain.
Quistis looked up from her work as the rain pattered against the window. What weather, she thought as she got up to draw the curtains. Didn't it just rain a few days ago? Balamb isn't one for constant heavy downpour, the weather pattern is disturbing - she stopped her train of thought as she made out several people gathered a little further down the lane. "Of all the crazy hooligans - " She began to mutter but stopped short when she realized they were beating up someone. Alarm seized her as she tried to see better. There were seven of them all armed with wooden and iron bars, but she couldn't see their victim. Oh well, she thought as she started to draw back. Maybe it's some sod who forgot to pay his dues. What's it to me -
A sudden lightning flash lit the gloom and in the split second, Quistis saw it - A face in pain, with floppy auburn hair - A strangled scream wrenched out from her throat as she realized who it was. Abandoning all thoughts, she hurtled down the stairs and out of the door, not caring about her state of dress. Not caring whether she was getting soaked and barefooted, she came up to them and clenched her fists in anger. "Stop!!"
They stopped alright, one by one as they forgot their groaning victim. Now she was really beginning to panic - Seven thugs against one unarmed girl; the prospect was frightening. But she wasn't about to leave Squall. "I called the police," She tried to keep her voice level, even when her heart was beating erratically. "You'd better scram."
They exchanged looks with each other, and one looked at her. 'Why should we believe you, missy?"
Quistis snorted. "Fine. Care to stay and find out?"
That did it. A short nod to the others and they dispersed, disappearing like shadows. Once she was sure they were gone, she hurried up to Squall and tried to move him, feeling scared when he did not utter a sound. "...Squall, Oh God..." She whimpered as she saw her hands covered with blood. She quickly checked his pulse and was relieved to see he was still alive. What now?! She bit her lip, fighting the chill. Right, the chill. Better get him in... With a grunt she managed to somehow help his limp body up and with a strength she didn't know existed, managed to drag him into the house. She carefully laid him on the sofa, thinking hard. The blood came from a gash on his chest and on his head, but he was alive... "What now, what now?" She paced back and forth, cursing herself for being so panicky. A light lit up in her head. She made a grab for the phone and quickly punched a string of numbers. After a few moments, the dial tone ended. "Dr. Kramer?"
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
"He has a fever, bruises and several wounds, but nothing broken, thank God," Edea Kramer came out of the room, looking tired. She had come over as soon as the girl called, and she was thankful she didn't come later. Even though the boy's wound's weren't serious, he had lost a fair amount of blood - judging from her young friend's clothes. In her alarm, Quistis had forgotten to change - or do anything else. When Dr. Kramer arrived, she was on the verge of tears, but she kept her tears at bay and helped the physician dress the boy's wounds.
"Thank you Doctor," Quistis said with tired relief. "I'm sorry for troubling you...but there was no one else I could turn to..."
"It's alright dear," Edea patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Your family and I have been friends for a long time... Don't think too much of it. Besides, you probably saved his life there,' She motioned to the sleeping Squall. Quistis started to say something, but stopped and offered the woman a drink, but she declined. "I have to go, if there's anything, call me, won't you?" She smiled at Quistis. "I don't expect anything bad, but just in case."
"Thank you, I..." Quistis looked at Squall. "He's going to be alright, isn't he?"
"You'll have to take care of him. Aren't your parents around?"
"They went to visit Seifer."
"I see..." Edea stared hard at Quistis. There was something missing in the picture. She had known Quistis all her life... this was something she never expected from the girl. "Are you worried about him?" She probed gently. "Who is he anyway?"
She bit her lip. "...I'm just returning the favor..."
Edea smiled, understanding. Sometimes, it takes life and death to open one's eyes... "Then you take good care of him. I'll be leaving now."
Quistis watched the doctor leave and she sighed, staring down at her blood- stained robe. Out of consideration for her embarrassment, Edea had undressed Squall and left Quistis out of it - and right now there was a small pile of clothes to be washed, including her own. "Why me?" She sighed a little and took a peek at Squall. He seemed to be okay, he's going to be okay, she told herself. Secretly she wondered what happened.
"You did What?!" Irvine almost yelled, a look of utter disbelief on his face. Rinoa quickly covered her ears to block the sound, her headache going at full throttle. "I was drunk, okay?! I didn't know what I was doing!"
"Damn right about that... you took it a little too far this time, Rinny," Selphie muttered as she worriedly pressed the 'call' button on her cell phone. "He switched it off."
"Where did they beat him up?" Irvine growled, but Rinoa could only shake her head. "The guys only said a blonde girl stopped them. Somewhere in around the Hasberry area."
"Hasberry...?" Irvine muttered, frowning heavily. "I'll call the hospitals and look around. And you stick with Seffie," he glared at Rinoa, who merely complied. "If Squall's angry, you'd better be prepared."
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
She carefully wrung the towel and spread it on his forehead, careful not to touch any of the bruises. The Scar Dr. Kramer mentioned was quite long; stretching from the middle of his forehead and slashing diagonally between the eyes - very pirate-like. "Looks like you're not much to ogle at right now, Squall," She said softly, smiling a little. Briefly she pushed back the fringe of sandy hair and felt his pulse, absently noting the time. It was way too late to go to school, and somehow she didn't feel like it. Not when there's a sick person in the house... she was afraid of what might happen to him if she wasn't around. Occasionally he would mumble, but they were so incoherent she couldn't make a word out.
She was about to get up when he began to stir. Her heart jumped and she removed the towel from his forehead. "...Squall?"
He was slipping in and out of consciousness, mumbling something. But she caught several phrases now and she leaned closer to hear better. "...Bitch... Rinoa...fuckin' - " He suddenly sprang awake and in a flash Quistis felt a grip like vice snap around her throat, cutting off a scream. She seized his hands but they won't let go. "S-Squall?!" She choked but he wasn't listening. Fever still addled his mind and he was still half in and out of his delirium. "Damn bitch..." his speech was slurred, but Quistis could hear it - despair?
"...Don't think I don't know you...sneakin' behind me...now you've gone too far!" he roared and throttled her harder, making her world become speckled with dazzling spots. "S-Squall!!! Let - Go!"
"We're through..." He was mumbling, and she felt his grip loosening. With great effort, she wrenched his grip free and fell on her hands, gasping for breath, trying to force air into her constricted lungs. "What..."
She slowly looked up and was surprised to see he had fallen back into slumber. So it was a dream... she rubbed her throat, trying to regain her senses. It was just a dream, but God it nearly killed her! She sincerely hoped the next time he wakes up it wouldn't be this bad.
She struggled up on shaky feet and carefully replaced the towel and pulled up the covers. So...She thought. That's what happened. Somehow he caught Rinoa messing around, and he got beaten up. By who? Rinoa has thugs?
"She must be seven kinds of fool to do this to you," She whispered as she quietly walked out of the room.
Footnote: I hope this one is long enough for you. Anyway, sorry for the Rinoa bitching, but I just couldn't resist it after being annoyed with her after playing FFVIII for the umpteenth time (she's so annoying...honestly.) Don't worry, comments, criticisms and flames accepted as usual, and you can email me if you want a personal reply!
Author's note: Thank you so much to my faithful readers, l I love you so! Anyway, I can update frequently now that I'm in an overseas degree programme. So no complaining. But don't expect too much, maybe I'll update once or twice a week, but to make sure, this fic is going on well. So, enjoy this chapter!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
What's life to you, Trepe?
Being somebody...
Are you somebody now?
Quistis stepped out of the shower and deftly dried her hair while walking to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. Mom and Dad sent word that they won't be back for at least another fortnight - apparently Seifer's being a generous host. She briefly wondered how he was doing - and decided he would be fine. She didn't really mind; she liked having the house to herself. And because she was basically a social hermit, the house was quiet. The only sound was the gentle humming of the air conditioning and the quiet gurgle on the mini waterfall in the garden.
The last thought made her stop for a while. That's not true, a small voice in her contradicted. You have a friend... well sort of. He helped you before, hasn't he?
"He was just being polite," She said out loud as she poured herself some coffee. "But he had shown her another side of him; a sensitive and caring son, not just the irresponsible flirt he made himself to be. And he showed HER. Quistis, whom he hadn't spoken to in years - who had humiliated him before, yet he was warming to her... or was it the other way around?
"What's in your mind, Squall...?"
She noticed the calendar on the wall. She had planned on visiting her parents' grave that weekend, but it looks like that has to be put off for now. Balamb garden was waiting...
Ever been to the Galbadian Continent, Quisty?
She smiled to herself. If only he knew why...
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The heavy beat thumped rhythmically in his head, coupled by the rapidly blinking lights, throwing the whole place in a surreal mass of heaving bodies. The music lead him on, his body moving to the empty numbness. Rinoa was in the same state of obliviation; perhaps deeper into the ecstasy roll. Feeling fatigue creep in, he retreated to the small corner where Irvine and Selphie was doing the tongue dance. Flopping down on the couch, he reached for a bottle and took a long swig from it. No sooner did he put down the bottle did Irvine place another in front of him. "Bottom's up bro! Wanna try these?' his speech was strangely slurred and his eyes were unfocused as he slipped a small packet to Squall, which made Squall narrow his eyes suspiciously. As much as he frequented clubs, he was never one to take dope. 'Irvine, are you...?" He examined the packet. Inside were several pills. "Happy pills?!"
"Gets you up for any...ah," Irvine winked, glancing at Selphie. Squall snorted derisively. You don't need happy pills. Squall popped the new bottle and proceeded to drain it. By the time he had gotten through the fourth bottle, the techno beat seemed like his own erratic heartbeat, drowning out all sound. The blinking lights rendered everything in still movement each time he could make them out, and he was alone. The duo had gone to continue their business elsewhere, and he could sense and impending headache coming on. Squinting, he unsteadily got up and slowly ploughed his way through the pulsing dance floor, searching for Rinoa. Much to his annoyance, she seemed to have disappeared. Cursing doggedly, he made a beeline for the back door, intending to leave without her. Let her wait for Irvine and Selphie to finish before she can get a ride back.
But he soon found out that Rinoa had her own plans for the evening; for right at the back of the club, half hidden in the shadows was Rinoa, with a stupid S.O.B pawing her. At least that was from his point of view anyway. Rage suddenly seized him and he grabbed the back of the poor sod's collar, throwing him to the opposite wall. He could be awesome when he wanted to be. "You fuckin' bastard! You lay one hand on her - "
"Squall!!"
"Who do you think you are?!" The guy roared but was stopped short by a hard fist connecting with his nose. There was something satisfying about seeing him howl, Squall decided, blithely ignoring Rinoa's shrill screams. But he finally was forced to listen when she slapped him so hard it sent him reeling. She stood there, face livid with anger, dress all messed up. Squall couldn't even begin to describe her makeup. "You idiot!!! Don't act like I'm your property or something!!!! You think you're the only one who can mess around?!" She shrieked angrily, and then paused for effect. "We're through!!!
Squall almost didn't feel the stinging pain throbbing in his cheek, or the small trickle of blood appearing at the corner of his mouth. He glared at Broken-Nosed-Bastard, who was glaring back with equal hatred. "You'll pay for this man...you don't know who you're messing with..." he was mumbling in a muffled voice. Squall unceremoniously gave him a farewell kick in the ribs before turning away and left through the exit, not once looking back.
Walking alone, he began to be consumed with depressing thoughts, getting more bitter with each passing moment until he didn't realize where he was headed. Didn't care. As if mirroring his feelings, a steady curtain of rain began to fall, rendering everything hazy. Finally realizing he had gotten lost, he stopped.
Surrounding him, standing silently in the rain were a group of people Squall could categorize as thugs. All of them were armed. Even with his bedraggled senses, he could understand who they were. "...The sonofabitch..." He swore. The punk really did round up his honchos to go after him!
"Some stunt you pulled back there, brother," One, which was obviously the leader greeted him easily. "We've been sent round to...return the favor."
Squall absently pushed the rain-soaked fringe out of his eyes. "Your leader's got no balls, making you chase me just because I broke is - " He never managed to finish his sentence as a solid iron bar slammed into his abdomen, causing him to double over in blinding pain.
Quistis looked up from her work as the rain pattered against the window. What weather, she thought as she got up to draw the curtains. Didn't it just rain a few days ago? Balamb isn't one for constant heavy downpour, the weather pattern is disturbing - she stopped her train of thought as she made out several people gathered a little further down the lane. "Of all the crazy hooligans - " She began to mutter but stopped short when she realized they were beating up someone. Alarm seized her as she tried to see better. There were seven of them all armed with wooden and iron bars, but she couldn't see their victim. Oh well, she thought as she started to draw back. Maybe it's some sod who forgot to pay his dues. What's it to me -
A sudden lightning flash lit the gloom and in the split second, Quistis saw it - A face in pain, with floppy auburn hair - A strangled scream wrenched out from her throat as she realized who it was. Abandoning all thoughts, she hurtled down the stairs and out of the door, not caring about her state of dress. Not caring whether she was getting soaked and barefooted, she came up to them and clenched her fists in anger. "Stop!!"
They stopped alright, one by one as they forgot their groaning victim. Now she was really beginning to panic - Seven thugs against one unarmed girl; the prospect was frightening. But she wasn't about to leave Squall. "I called the police," She tried to keep her voice level, even when her heart was beating erratically. "You'd better scram."
They exchanged looks with each other, and one looked at her. 'Why should we believe you, missy?"
Quistis snorted. "Fine. Care to stay and find out?"
That did it. A short nod to the others and they dispersed, disappearing like shadows. Once she was sure they were gone, she hurried up to Squall and tried to move him, feeling scared when he did not utter a sound. "...Squall, Oh God..." She whimpered as she saw her hands covered with blood. She quickly checked his pulse and was relieved to see he was still alive. What now?! She bit her lip, fighting the chill. Right, the chill. Better get him in... With a grunt she managed to somehow help his limp body up and with a strength she didn't know existed, managed to drag him into the house. She carefully laid him on the sofa, thinking hard. The blood came from a gash on his chest and on his head, but he was alive... "What now, what now?" She paced back and forth, cursing herself for being so panicky. A light lit up in her head. She made a grab for the phone and quickly punched a string of numbers. After a few moments, the dial tone ended. "Dr. Kramer?"
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
"He has a fever, bruises and several wounds, but nothing broken, thank God," Edea Kramer came out of the room, looking tired. She had come over as soon as the girl called, and she was thankful she didn't come later. Even though the boy's wound's weren't serious, he had lost a fair amount of blood - judging from her young friend's clothes. In her alarm, Quistis had forgotten to change - or do anything else. When Dr. Kramer arrived, she was on the verge of tears, but she kept her tears at bay and helped the physician dress the boy's wounds.
"Thank you Doctor," Quistis said with tired relief. "I'm sorry for troubling you...but there was no one else I could turn to..."
"It's alright dear," Edea patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Your family and I have been friends for a long time... Don't think too much of it. Besides, you probably saved his life there,' She motioned to the sleeping Squall. Quistis started to say something, but stopped and offered the woman a drink, but she declined. "I have to go, if there's anything, call me, won't you?" She smiled at Quistis. "I don't expect anything bad, but just in case."
"Thank you, I..." Quistis looked at Squall. "He's going to be alright, isn't he?"
"You'll have to take care of him. Aren't your parents around?"
"They went to visit Seifer."
"I see..." Edea stared hard at Quistis. There was something missing in the picture. She had known Quistis all her life... this was something she never expected from the girl. "Are you worried about him?" She probed gently. "Who is he anyway?"
She bit her lip. "...I'm just returning the favor..."
Edea smiled, understanding. Sometimes, it takes life and death to open one's eyes... "Then you take good care of him. I'll be leaving now."
Quistis watched the doctor leave and she sighed, staring down at her blood- stained robe. Out of consideration for her embarrassment, Edea had undressed Squall and left Quistis out of it - and right now there was a small pile of clothes to be washed, including her own. "Why me?" She sighed a little and took a peek at Squall. He seemed to be okay, he's going to be okay, she told herself. Secretly she wondered what happened.
"You did What?!" Irvine almost yelled, a look of utter disbelief on his face. Rinoa quickly covered her ears to block the sound, her headache going at full throttle. "I was drunk, okay?! I didn't know what I was doing!"
"Damn right about that... you took it a little too far this time, Rinny," Selphie muttered as she worriedly pressed the 'call' button on her cell phone. "He switched it off."
"Where did they beat him up?" Irvine growled, but Rinoa could only shake her head. "The guys only said a blonde girl stopped them. Somewhere in around the Hasberry area."
"Hasberry...?" Irvine muttered, frowning heavily. "I'll call the hospitals and look around. And you stick with Seffie," he glared at Rinoa, who merely complied. "If Squall's angry, you'd better be prepared."
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
She carefully wrung the towel and spread it on his forehead, careful not to touch any of the bruises. The Scar Dr. Kramer mentioned was quite long; stretching from the middle of his forehead and slashing diagonally between the eyes - very pirate-like. "Looks like you're not much to ogle at right now, Squall," She said softly, smiling a little. Briefly she pushed back the fringe of sandy hair and felt his pulse, absently noting the time. It was way too late to go to school, and somehow she didn't feel like it. Not when there's a sick person in the house... she was afraid of what might happen to him if she wasn't around. Occasionally he would mumble, but they were so incoherent she couldn't make a word out.
She was about to get up when he began to stir. Her heart jumped and she removed the towel from his forehead. "...Squall?"
He was slipping in and out of consciousness, mumbling something. But she caught several phrases now and she leaned closer to hear better. "...Bitch... Rinoa...fuckin' - " He suddenly sprang awake and in a flash Quistis felt a grip like vice snap around her throat, cutting off a scream. She seized his hands but they won't let go. "S-Squall?!" She choked but he wasn't listening. Fever still addled his mind and he was still half in and out of his delirium. "Damn bitch..." his speech was slurred, but Quistis could hear it - despair?
"...Don't think I don't know you...sneakin' behind me...now you've gone too far!" he roared and throttled her harder, making her world become speckled with dazzling spots. "S-Squall!!! Let - Go!"
"We're through..." He was mumbling, and she felt his grip loosening. With great effort, she wrenched his grip free and fell on her hands, gasping for breath, trying to force air into her constricted lungs. "What..."
She slowly looked up and was surprised to see he had fallen back into slumber. So it was a dream... she rubbed her throat, trying to regain her senses. It was just a dream, but God it nearly killed her! She sincerely hoped the next time he wakes up it wouldn't be this bad.
She struggled up on shaky feet and carefully replaced the towel and pulled up the covers. So...She thought. That's what happened. Somehow he caught Rinoa messing around, and he got beaten up. By who? Rinoa has thugs?
"She must be seven kinds of fool to do this to you," She whispered as she quietly walked out of the room.
Footnote: I hope this one is long enough for you. Anyway, sorry for the Rinoa bitching, but I just couldn't resist it after being annoyed with her after playing FFVIII for the umpteenth time (she's so annoying...honestly.) Don't worry, comments, criticisms and flames accepted as usual, and you can email me if you want a personal reply!
