Chapter 9 Meet The Brother And Sister
Author's Note: I love you all!!!! Please read, and tell me what you think. Thanx!!!
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Mrs. Almasy looked up when the front door opened and Quistis entered. The latter smiled happily and hugged her mother. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I could have fetched you at the airport or something,"
"Your father and I decided to surprise you, besides, we've had enough of traveling. Your brother sends his love," Mrs. Almasy smiled adoringly at Quistis. "He should be back in a few days. But... how are you? Have you prepared for the entrance exam?"
Quistis bit her lip and smiled. "Don't worry mother."
"Of course I'm not worried - you can do it, I'm sure, but you know, the neighbors are talking," Mrs. Almasy was busy arranging the flowers set on the table vase. Quistis gulped. She hoped none had witnessed Squall's coming and going, or she'd have a lot more to worry about... "Don't worry, mother."
"I know, but it would be wonderful to have two children in Garden," Mrs. Almasy laughed, her eyes shining. "We would be the sensation of the neighborhood!"
Every step up the stairs seem to weigh heavily on her heart as she made her way to her room. She had almost forgotten about the pressure when she was with Squall. Now, it seems like things were doubly heavy. She carefully closed her door and stared at the desk. A few weeks ago, those files and books were all she had, but now...
"You've changed him," Ellone had said as the plane soared above the clouds. Quistis nearly choked on her orange juice. "Uh- Who?"
"Him." Ellone gazed at her brother, who had excused himself to answer his cell phone. "My family aren't the close-knit type, and Squall doesn't really bond with Laguna. You can say he tried to run away from himself."
Quistis set down her cup and frowned slightly. "Ran away? But why?"
Ellone laughed. "He was very popular back home," Ellone explained. "But he was always overshadowed by Laguna... and me." She sobered a bit. "I tried to be a good sister, but Squall was... difficult. And sensitive. So he came to Balamb under my mother's maiden name to build a new life. But I can't say I think very much of it," She sniffed.
Quistis nodded vaguely. "But I still don't understand... what have I changed in him? I mean,' She stumbled for words, not really sure what she wanted to ask.
"Squall was bitter about Raine's death," Ellone said softly. "I suppose he hated Laguna for not caring... but Laguna cared. He cared very much. Only, he couldn't show it. You can say my father isn't too good at expressing his feelings. But I can see he must have taken you to where Raine met her death," She paused, waiting for an answer. And Quistis nodded. A brief smile played across Ellone's lips. "He must think you understand... he flirts with women, but he never let anyone come close to him. Not in a clingy sense anyway," She remembered the airhead earlier and scowled.
A slight laugh escaped her lips. It's a privilege given to few, she remembered Squall saying a few weeks back. And now that she had become closer to him, those words seem to have a deeper meaning than what she believed them to.
"What am I thinking?" She whispered hoarsely as she flopped back on her bed, clutching her head. If anyone changed, it was her. She didn't change Squall - it was the other way around! She realized she smiled, laughed and felt happier than she had ever felt before, but where was it leading her? What happened to her dreams, her goals? Somehow everything seems to fade in the background now.
She opened her drawers and stared at the array of pills blinking back at her. She hadn't touched those pills ever since Squall entered her life - but for mother, she needs then more than ever. She would score in that exam, and prove she's still just as capable as before.
But can I? a thought sparked in her mind. Can I return to who I was... the Ice Queen?
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Ellone happily munched on a muffin as she flipped through 70 channels of nonsense. Her brother; surprises of surprises - was studying in his room, poring over a volume she was sure could break an arm if not handled properly.
She was pleased that he finally had come to grips with the present and start thinking of the future. Garden was a wonderful place to further his studies. After all, she was a Garden graduate. She was sure Squall would love it there.
A vision of a golden-haired angel swam in her mind's eye and she smiled secretly. Quistis Trepe was a fascinating girl, even more fascinating when Squall had decided to choose her. There was no doubt about it, she decided. Even if her brother was three inches thick in the skull, it would sooner or later penetrate his brain that he loved her. But the same couldn't be said for the girl. Quistis came from a rigid background, Ellone mused. In their meeting, she had treated Squall with a mixture of patience, amusement and sometimes even a trite impatient with his flippant attitude. But she could see Squall adored her.
This s a very interesting relationship, she decided. Particularly when it is Squall who did most of the chasing. And it seems like Quistis was immune to his flirtatious suggestions - or is it so? She was getting a brain-workout just trying to fathom her brother's newest girl. If he could make her see, then they'd be a really great couple, Ellone decided as she munched on her fourth muffin. They compliment each other perfectly. It didn't miss her eye that Squall sported a new necklace, and even when he dined anyone giving it to him, she noticed Quistis had smiled secretly behind her glass of juice. A very good couple indeed, she decided. But she had never intervened in his relationships, and she wasn't about to start now. Well maybe she would give a little nudge to him... maybe later.
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"Miss Beatrix?"
A vain-looking auburn-haired girl tossed her locks over her shoulder in a way that reminded him of Rinoa and acknowledged her presence. The overseer ticked of her name and looked at the next one. "Miss Trepe?"
Quistis barely raised her hand, looking rather pale. Squall stole a worried glance at her. Ever since they parted ways at the airport, she had terminated all contact with him... and with everyone else for that matter. Mobile, school, even locking herself in her house. And when e passed by her house, her family had returned, so there was no way he could talk to her.
And now she was sitting next to him, looking as pale as the day she fainted in the corridor. He sincerely hoped she wouldn't pass out during the exam.
"My name is Instructor Nida, and I will be one of the overseers guarding your exam," The overseer intoned strictly. "The exam will comprise of three papers, and each paper is one and a half hours long, so I hope you are all up to it. Remember, Garden is waiting for you if you succeed. You will be admitted into the examination hall soon. Please sit according to your name on the table."
'What happened to you," he whispered urgently for the umpteenth time. She had merely brushed his questions aside, but he wasn't giving up. Quistis sighed tiredly. "It's nothing Squall, you're getting on my nerves,"
"You've gotten on mine," he countered sourly. "You've studied too hard, haven't you? Well I guess I can relate to that now."
"You've been studying?" She looked at him in surprise and for the first time noticed the slight puffiness around his eyes. Good God, if he was close to her before, she couldn't imagine how good he is now. Her headache seemed to triple and she groaned as she leaned forward and massaged her temples with one hand. Unexpectedly a hand rested over hers and she looked at him, who still looked troubled. She wanted to say it was alright, that she appreciated his concern but she'll make it, that he had the most adorable pair of blue-gray eyes she had ever seen - if the doors didn't suddenly open and Instructor Nida stood on the threshold. "You may enter," He announced, holding a list.
All she could do was briefly squeeze his hand before standing up.
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Seifer frowned as he entered his sister's bedroom. He had come back for a few days, and he was shocked at her sudden desire to lock herself in her room. Although his mother had insisted it was all right, he was still apprehensive, particularly when he knew what she was capable of doing to herself. When she was in fourth grade, she cried for days when she failed to get a credit mark for a project. She was a perfectionist, and it was dangerous when she failed to achieve perfection. Seifer knew that only too well. When she left early this morning he had caught a glimpse of her - and it made his heart heavy.
Seifer knew she's kill him if she knew he had entered her room without her permission, but he needed to confirm something. He stealthily rummaged thought neatly stacked papers, alphabetically arranged files and - "Bingo..." He breathed softly as the pill containers rolled into view. So she had lied to him. She was still on these pills. Grimly he tossed the containers into the air and examined their contents. Quistis had relied a lot on these, he reflected. Turning heel, he bounded down the stairs. "Mother, I - " He stopped in his tracks at the sight that greeted him in the driveway.
Mr. Almasy was beaming in satisfaction, standing next to a spanking new Mercedes. It was the identical model to his, only this one was navy blue. "What is this?"
"It's for your sister, darling," Mrs. Almasy declared proudly. "She's going to make me so proud!"
Seifer stared blankly at his parents. "Mother, she's taking the examination today. Why are you acting like she's been accepted?"
"Don't say such things, Seifer," Mrs. Almasy sniffed. "Of course she'll be accepted. This is just the beginning too. I'm going to be the best mother in Balamb!"
The beginning?! He grit his teeth. "Mother, look," He shoved the pills into her hands. "Tranquillizers. Sleeping pills. And this - this I can't even identify. She's at the edge of a nervous breakdown and you expect her to go further?!"
Mrs. Almasy examined the pills, looking unruffled. "Really, Seifer, if she has a problem she would have told us, wouldn't she? If she takes pills than she must have a perfectly valid reason to, there's really nothing to worry about."
Seifer clenched his fists. No wonder Quistis pushed herself so hard. His mother has been the driving factor - driving her to the edge.
A rumbling noise attracted his attention and he walked to the front gate, just in time to see a bike pull up in front. The rider was a striking auburn-haired youth who sported a scar, and he had a passenger -
"Quistis?!" Seifer cried in alarm and rushed to help a pale looking Quistis alight. 'What happened?! What - "
"She's a little tired," The youth explained calmly. "She nearly passed out after the exam, but I think she'll be fine."
Quistis raised her head wearily as Seifer supported her. She smiled faintly at Squall. "Thanks... I - "
Squall shrugged, but it was evident that he was very worried. "Get some rest, Quisty. Don't bother coming to school for a week, okay?" he flashed her a wink, and she smiled.
Seifer nodded to Squall. "Thanks man."
Squall nodded and rode away.
'What happened?" Mrs. Almasy came tottering up in alarm. 'Quistis?! Wat's going on? Who was that dreadful looking - "
"She's tired mother," Seifer interjected quietly as he helped Quistis into the house. Mrs. Almasy breathed in relief. "But you could concentrate in the examination, couldn't you? You finished the papers?"
"Yes, mother..."
Seifer shot an exasperated glance at his mother, which she completely missed. He helped Quistis into her room and got her a glass of water. 'Guess you need those sleeping pills now, hmm?"
Quistis was too tired to argue. Right after the exam, she had tried to stand, but was overcome by a wave of dizziness. She would've hit the floor of Squall wasn't there to catch her... perhaps for the third time in her life.
She swallowed a few pills and stared at the floor. Seifer crossed his arms across his chest and grinned widely. "Okay squirt, spill. Who's the shining knight?"
Quistis groaned. 'Come on, Seifer. He's a friend, get it through your head."
"I can if it's true, but I'd be a blind to miss the look he gave you just now," He replied amiably. Quistis gave him a weary look. "You're blind then."
Seifer chuckled. His sister could be a shut trap when she wanted to. "Suits you, squirt. Take his advice though. You need a good rest."
Quistis watched him leave and she fell back on the covers, willing sleep to come. But it was a long time before she drifted off, and even then, Seifer's words rang in her mind.
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"How was the exam?!" Ellone yelled over the loud rock music blaring from Squall's room. Squall poked his head out and frowned. "It was okay."
Ellone popped a grape into her mouth and plodded to his room. 'That's good. I can bring good news to Laguna."
"Are you going back already?"
"Don't tell me you're not glad to see me go."
Squall grinned. "You know the drill, sister."
"Yeah," Ellone sighed as she sat on the bed. It's the same every time she came to visit him. The message for Laguna is always the same. "Love you, but I'm not coming back anytime soon," She recited dully. "Honestly Squall, you should take a vacation back to Esthar. You haven't come home in years."
"Add a few more to that. If I get to Garden, I'm really not coming back anytime soon." Squall said firmly as he examined a black leather jacket.
Ellone rolled her eyes and walked back to the living room. "You know the girl I met in Winhill?"
"Quisty."
"Right. Quistis. She's nice."
Squall guffawed. "This is a first. You've never had a good word for any of my girl friends."
"She's different, plus, she's not your girlfriend, right?"
"..."
Ellone chuckled. She was getting on to something here, and he knew it. Perhaps he even realizes it...
She slung her bag over her shoulder and reached for the doorknob. "Squall?"
He appeared behind her, looking wary. 'What is it?"
"...Who is Quistis Trepe?"
Squall hesitated. Ellone waited, a hand on the knob.
"A friend."
Ellone smiled secretly. Really? "Goodbye, bro," She reached up and hugged him before disappearing.
Squall watched her cross the apartment grounds from his window.
A friend...
Author's Note: Reviews?? Pretty Please???
Author's Note: I love you all!!!! Please read, and tell me what you think. Thanx!!!
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Mrs. Almasy looked up when the front door opened and Quistis entered. The latter smiled happily and hugged her mother. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I could have fetched you at the airport or something,"
"Your father and I decided to surprise you, besides, we've had enough of traveling. Your brother sends his love," Mrs. Almasy smiled adoringly at Quistis. "He should be back in a few days. But... how are you? Have you prepared for the entrance exam?"
Quistis bit her lip and smiled. "Don't worry mother."
"Of course I'm not worried - you can do it, I'm sure, but you know, the neighbors are talking," Mrs. Almasy was busy arranging the flowers set on the table vase. Quistis gulped. She hoped none had witnessed Squall's coming and going, or she'd have a lot more to worry about... "Don't worry, mother."
"I know, but it would be wonderful to have two children in Garden," Mrs. Almasy laughed, her eyes shining. "We would be the sensation of the neighborhood!"
Every step up the stairs seem to weigh heavily on her heart as she made her way to her room. She had almost forgotten about the pressure when she was with Squall. Now, it seems like things were doubly heavy. She carefully closed her door and stared at the desk. A few weeks ago, those files and books were all she had, but now...
"You've changed him," Ellone had said as the plane soared above the clouds. Quistis nearly choked on her orange juice. "Uh- Who?"
"Him." Ellone gazed at her brother, who had excused himself to answer his cell phone. "My family aren't the close-knit type, and Squall doesn't really bond with Laguna. You can say he tried to run away from himself."
Quistis set down her cup and frowned slightly. "Ran away? But why?"
Ellone laughed. "He was very popular back home," Ellone explained. "But he was always overshadowed by Laguna... and me." She sobered a bit. "I tried to be a good sister, but Squall was... difficult. And sensitive. So he came to Balamb under my mother's maiden name to build a new life. But I can't say I think very much of it," She sniffed.
Quistis nodded vaguely. "But I still don't understand... what have I changed in him? I mean,' She stumbled for words, not really sure what she wanted to ask.
"Squall was bitter about Raine's death," Ellone said softly. "I suppose he hated Laguna for not caring... but Laguna cared. He cared very much. Only, he couldn't show it. You can say my father isn't too good at expressing his feelings. But I can see he must have taken you to where Raine met her death," She paused, waiting for an answer. And Quistis nodded. A brief smile played across Ellone's lips. "He must think you understand... he flirts with women, but he never let anyone come close to him. Not in a clingy sense anyway," She remembered the airhead earlier and scowled.
A slight laugh escaped her lips. It's a privilege given to few, she remembered Squall saying a few weeks back. And now that she had become closer to him, those words seem to have a deeper meaning than what she believed them to.
"What am I thinking?" She whispered hoarsely as she flopped back on her bed, clutching her head. If anyone changed, it was her. She didn't change Squall - it was the other way around! She realized she smiled, laughed and felt happier than she had ever felt before, but where was it leading her? What happened to her dreams, her goals? Somehow everything seems to fade in the background now.
She opened her drawers and stared at the array of pills blinking back at her. She hadn't touched those pills ever since Squall entered her life - but for mother, she needs then more than ever. She would score in that exam, and prove she's still just as capable as before.
But can I? a thought sparked in her mind. Can I return to who I was... the Ice Queen?
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Ellone happily munched on a muffin as she flipped through 70 channels of nonsense. Her brother; surprises of surprises - was studying in his room, poring over a volume she was sure could break an arm if not handled properly.
She was pleased that he finally had come to grips with the present and start thinking of the future. Garden was a wonderful place to further his studies. After all, she was a Garden graduate. She was sure Squall would love it there.
A vision of a golden-haired angel swam in her mind's eye and she smiled secretly. Quistis Trepe was a fascinating girl, even more fascinating when Squall had decided to choose her. There was no doubt about it, she decided. Even if her brother was three inches thick in the skull, it would sooner or later penetrate his brain that he loved her. But the same couldn't be said for the girl. Quistis came from a rigid background, Ellone mused. In their meeting, she had treated Squall with a mixture of patience, amusement and sometimes even a trite impatient with his flippant attitude. But she could see Squall adored her.
This s a very interesting relationship, she decided. Particularly when it is Squall who did most of the chasing. And it seems like Quistis was immune to his flirtatious suggestions - or is it so? She was getting a brain-workout just trying to fathom her brother's newest girl. If he could make her see, then they'd be a really great couple, Ellone decided as she munched on her fourth muffin. They compliment each other perfectly. It didn't miss her eye that Squall sported a new necklace, and even when he dined anyone giving it to him, she noticed Quistis had smiled secretly behind her glass of juice. A very good couple indeed, she decided. But she had never intervened in his relationships, and she wasn't about to start now. Well maybe she would give a little nudge to him... maybe later.
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"Miss Beatrix?"
A vain-looking auburn-haired girl tossed her locks over her shoulder in a way that reminded him of Rinoa and acknowledged her presence. The overseer ticked of her name and looked at the next one. "Miss Trepe?"
Quistis barely raised her hand, looking rather pale. Squall stole a worried glance at her. Ever since they parted ways at the airport, she had terminated all contact with him... and with everyone else for that matter. Mobile, school, even locking herself in her house. And when e passed by her house, her family had returned, so there was no way he could talk to her.
And now she was sitting next to him, looking as pale as the day she fainted in the corridor. He sincerely hoped she wouldn't pass out during the exam.
"My name is Instructor Nida, and I will be one of the overseers guarding your exam," The overseer intoned strictly. "The exam will comprise of three papers, and each paper is one and a half hours long, so I hope you are all up to it. Remember, Garden is waiting for you if you succeed. You will be admitted into the examination hall soon. Please sit according to your name on the table."
'What happened to you," he whispered urgently for the umpteenth time. She had merely brushed his questions aside, but he wasn't giving up. Quistis sighed tiredly. "It's nothing Squall, you're getting on my nerves,"
"You've gotten on mine," he countered sourly. "You've studied too hard, haven't you? Well I guess I can relate to that now."
"You've been studying?" She looked at him in surprise and for the first time noticed the slight puffiness around his eyes. Good God, if he was close to her before, she couldn't imagine how good he is now. Her headache seemed to triple and she groaned as she leaned forward and massaged her temples with one hand. Unexpectedly a hand rested over hers and she looked at him, who still looked troubled. She wanted to say it was alright, that she appreciated his concern but she'll make it, that he had the most adorable pair of blue-gray eyes she had ever seen - if the doors didn't suddenly open and Instructor Nida stood on the threshold. "You may enter," He announced, holding a list.
All she could do was briefly squeeze his hand before standing up.
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Seifer frowned as he entered his sister's bedroom. He had come back for a few days, and he was shocked at her sudden desire to lock herself in her room. Although his mother had insisted it was all right, he was still apprehensive, particularly when he knew what she was capable of doing to herself. When she was in fourth grade, she cried for days when she failed to get a credit mark for a project. She was a perfectionist, and it was dangerous when she failed to achieve perfection. Seifer knew that only too well. When she left early this morning he had caught a glimpse of her - and it made his heart heavy.
Seifer knew she's kill him if she knew he had entered her room without her permission, but he needed to confirm something. He stealthily rummaged thought neatly stacked papers, alphabetically arranged files and - "Bingo..." He breathed softly as the pill containers rolled into view. So she had lied to him. She was still on these pills. Grimly he tossed the containers into the air and examined their contents. Quistis had relied a lot on these, he reflected. Turning heel, he bounded down the stairs. "Mother, I - " He stopped in his tracks at the sight that greeted him in the driveway.
Mr. Almasy was beaming in satisfaction, standing next to a spanking new Mercedes. It was the identical model to his, only this one was navy blue. "What is this?"
"It's for your sister, darling," Mrs. Almasy declared proudly. "She's going to make me so proud!"
Seifer stared blankly at his parents. "Mother, she's taking the examination today. Why are you acting like she's been accepted?"
"Don't say such things, Seifer," Mrs. Almasy sniffed. "Of course she'll be accepted. This is just the beginning too. I'm going to be the best mother in Balamb!"
The beginning?! He grit his teeth. "Mother, look," He shoved the pills into her hands. "Tranquillizers. Sleeping pills. And this - this I can't even identify. She's at the edge of a nervous breakdown and you expect her to go further?!"
Mrs. Almasy examined the pills, looking unruffled. "Really, Seifer, if she has a problem she would have told us, wouldn't she? If she takes pills than she must have a perfectly valid reason to, there's really nothing to worry about."
Seifer clenched his fists. No wonder Quistis pushed herself so hard. His mother has been the driving factor - driving her to the edge.
A rumbling noise attracted his attention and he walked to the front gate, just in time to see a bike pull up in front. The rider was a striking auburn-haired youth who sported a scar, and he had a passenger -
"Quistis?!" Seifer cried in alarm and rushed to help a pale looking Quistis alight. 'What happened?! What - "
"She's a little tired," The youth explained calmly. "She nearly passed out after the exam, but I think she'll be fine."
Quistis raised her head wearily as Seifer supported her. She smiled faintly at Squall. "Thanks... I - "
Squall shrugged, but it was evident that he was very worried. "Get some rest, Quisty. Don't bother coming to school for a week, okay?" he flashed her a wink, and she smiled.
Seifer nodded to Squall. "Thanks man."
Squall nodded and rode away.
'What happened?" Mrs. Almasy came tottering up in alarm. 'Quistis?! Wat's going on? Who was that dreadful looking - "
"She's tired mother," Seifer interjected quietly as he helped Quistis into the house. Mrs. Almasy breathed in relief. "But you could concentrate in the examination, couldn't you? You finished the papers?"
"Yes, mother..."
Seifer shot an exasperated glance at his mother, which she completely missed. He helped Quistis into her room and got her a glass of water. 'Guess you need those sleeping pills now, hmm?"
Quistis was too tired to argue. Right after the exam, she had tried to stand, but was overcome by a wave of dizziness. She would've hit the floor of Squall wasn't there to catch her... perhaps for the third time in her life.
She swallowed a few pills and stared at the floor. Seifer crossed his arms across his chest and grinned widely. "Okay squirt, spill. Who's the shining knight?"
Quistis groaned. 'Come on, Seifer. He's a friend, get it through your head."
"I can if it's true, but I'd be a blind to miss the look he gave you just now," He replied amiably. Quistis gave him a weary look. "You're blind then."
Seifer chuckled. His sister could be a shut trap when she wanted to. "Suits you, squirt. Take his advice though. You need a good rest."
Quistis watched him leave and she fell back on the covers, willing sleep to come. But it was a long time before she drifted off, and even then, Seifer's words rang in her mind.
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"How was the exam?!" Ellone yelled over the loud rock music blaring from Squall's room. Squall poked his head out and frowned. "It was okay."
Ellone popped a grape into her mouth and plodded to his room. 'That's good. I can bring good news to Laguna."
"Are you going back already?"
"Don't tell me you're not glad to see me go."
Squall grinned. "You know the drill, sister."
"Yeah," Ellone sighed as she sat on the bed. It's the same every time she came to visit him. The message for Laguna is always the same. "Love you, but I'm not coming back anytime soon," She recited dully. "Honestly Squall, you should take a vacation back to Esthar. You haven't come home in years."
"Add a few more to that. If I get to Garden, I'm really not coming back anytime soon." Squall said firmly as he examined a black leather jacket.
Ellone rolled her eyes and walked back to the living room. "You know the girl I met in Winhill?"
"Quisty."
"Right. Quistis. She's nice."
Squall guffawed. "This is a first. You've never had a good word for any of my girl friends."
"She's different, plus, she's not your girlfriend, right?"
"..."
Ellone chuckled. She was getting on to something here, and he knew it. Perhaps he even realizes it...
She slung her bag over her shoulder and reached for the doorknob. "Squall?"
He appeared behind her, looking wary. 'What is it?"
"...Who is Quistis Trepe?"
Squall hesitated. Ellone waited, a hand on the knob.
"A friend."
Ellone smiled secretly. Really? "Goodbye, bro," She reached up and hugged him before disappearing.
Squall watched her cross the apartment grounds from his window.
A friend...
Author's Note: Reviews?? Pretty Please???
