~ * Obsessions * ~

Chick-a-tee-in-ur-face

Disclaimer: SM does not belong to me.

Chapter Seven: Hope

"Hmmm....ugh! Chad. Don't you ever scare me like that." Rei snapped at the grinning boy who was standing right behind her, wiping the haze from her sleepy eyes.

Chad smiled at her sheepishly and took the empty seat next to her. His face was stern. "So how is he?" He asked looking at the unconscious body lying on the bed.

Rei sighed, she was still holding onto her granddads hand in hers. "It's the third day Chad. I'm afraid...I'm afraid he's not going to make it." She whispered tears welling in her eyes. She forced herself not to cry, blinking back the tears.

Chad grimaced at her pain. "He still has a chance Rei. Don't give up." he answered. "I know your grandad...his strong. Amazingly strong. And he'll come through, if not for himself then for you."

Rei dropped her gaze to her granddads pale ones her cheeks burning. 'He looks so peaceful.' The wrinkles around his closed eyes were softened, his breathing was low and laboured. "And what will I do if he doesn't wake up?" She asked softly not daring to breathe, waiting for an answer.

Chad concentrated his hazel eyes on her sad face. She looked tired, her raven hair was limp, her usually flaming violet eyes were sad...blank. Almost without emotion. "You have me." He told her quietly.

She stared at him, her lips slightly parted, just gaping. Her violet eyes clashed with his hazel ones. His hand found her tearstained cheeks, caressing it with all the gentleness he could.

Rei closed her eyes feeling his soft tender touch. It sent shivers down her spine and her stomach was fluttering. How he could make her feel that way was beyond her. She opened her eyes to find that he was still looking at her...his face merely inches away from hers. She held in a gasp as her heart beat accelerated. Soon his lips were softly brushing against her own, not demanding just sensual. He pulled back after a few minutes and Rei saw the blush heat his cheeks.

"You want a cup of coffee or something?" He asked not looking at her.

Rei smiled, her own cheeks were burning. "I'd like one thanks...tea."

"Okay, I'll be right back." He got up squeezing Rei on the shoulder before leaving.

Alone in the dark room Rei sighed, biting her bottom lip. 'What am I doing?' She shook her head trying to unjumble her confused mind. 'Do I feel anything for him?' She remembered when she felt alone in the lobby and she needed someone to comfort her. Her first thoughts were of Chad. And then he came, held her, soothed her, he made her feel safe wrapped in his arms. He made her feel...special. Just as she was sorting her feelings for Chad she heard the door opening. Smiling she turned around but her smiled faltered. "Who are you?" She glared standing slowly between the man and her grandad. "And what do you want?"

"Rei, is that a way you talk to an old friend?" He stepped closer towards her, his blue eyes glinting.

"I don't know who you are..." She glared, fear piercing her chest.

"Rei..." He stepped closer reaching out an arm which she dodged. "We need to talk..."

"We have nothing to talk about. Now leave before I call security." She snapped moving away.

"I need to ask you some questions." He said exasperatedly, running a hand over his neatly tied up long brown hair.

Rei felt her heart wrench. 'Oh my god...what if he's the one? What if he's the one sending me letters and those stupid calls?' An even more horrid thought passed her mind which made her gasp. 'What if he's the one that hurt grandpa?' Suddenly all of Rei's pent up anger surged through her veins as these thoughts entered her mind. 'What if he's here to finish the job? Well I won't let him...he'll have to kill me first.'

The man in front of her stared at her, amused. He saw her cowering from his touch, avoiding him. Not like the Rei he knew in high school. Then his smirk turned into a frown. Her eyes which were etched with fear only moments ago flickered as her violet orbs flamed with...anger? 'What? Why is she looking at me like that? I only came to ask her...'

Rei had managed to control her mind letting out a smooth swift kick which landed on the side of his head knocking him over. She heard him groan as he staggered back up. "Why did you do that for?" He yelled at her wiping the blood from his mouth with his sleeve.

"Get away from me you psycho." Rei yelled back getting ready in another stance. This time he was ready for her. He blocked her right hook and dodged her left punch only to feel her knee sinking into his lower abdomen knocking the air out of him. Rei got ready again for another confrontation as she watched him getting up slowly this time, his breathing ragged.

"You are going to be sorry you did that Rei Hino." The man snarled. Rei's eyes never left him. Something in his smirk seemed familiar though...but where? She looked him up, brown hair, blue eyes, really tall...kinda cute, yet familiar. In her moment of thought she felt herself falling to the ground with a loud thump and something heavy landed on top of her. He leered from his position on top of her. "I only wanted to ask you..."

The door flew open and a smiling Chad walked in holding two containers of steaming tea. He was unaware of what had been happening. "Here you go Rei, white and two sugars just the way you...WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?"

Rei winced as she saw his face go completely red, the tea in his hands completely forgotten. "Get of her now." He yelled dropping the cups and making a beeline to where they were. Rei took the opportunity to kick upwards hitting him in the groin, pushed him off and rolled aside. She watched taking in laboured breaths as Chad grabbed him by the collar and stood him up. He looked dangerous, and she winced when she saw the guy punch him in the stomach. A couple of the patrons and nurses who heard the yelling soon notified the security guards and they managed to drag away the man screaming. "Unhand me...do you know who I am? I am Nathan Maxwell. I am going to sue you all if you don't let me go now."

"Please do not resist Mr. Maxwell or we will have to use more force."

He glared at the security guard who paid no attention then glared at Rei who was still huddled on the floor near the bed and Chad was panting for breath by the door.

"Are you all right Rei?" Chad asked concerned.

"I uh...I uh..." Rei couldn't think what to say. 'Oh god is it over? Please say it's over.' The last few months of tension swept down her body. Nathan Maxwell. Then she recognised him.

* Flashback *

"Get lost creep." She heard someone yelling getting her attention, "I'm not interested so go and pick on someone who is."

She watched the tall sixteen year old boy simpering delighting in Molly's reaction to his proposal. "Come on Molly, think about it. We could be good together." He purred.

The girl shuddered at his remark, "Over my dead body Nathan Maxwell. I'd first kiss a pig's ass before I even consider it."

Rei smirked at the girl's spunk and saw the boy's crystal blue eyes turn to an ice cold as the crowd snickered at him. She guessed he was not use to rejections. In a constrained voice she heard him ask her again, "I wouldn't ask unless I meant it Miss Molly Osaka. You know perfectly well..."

"Yes," Molly snapped interrupting him. "I know perfectly well about your unruly behaviour and..."

She frowned when she saw him grab Molly's arm pulling her closer to him, their bodies almost touching. He was gripping her arm and he sneered at her, his face inches away from hers, his eyes blazing full of anger. "I won't take no for an answer."

That was enough. She looked at the angry scowls on her friend's faces and they all unconsciously headed towards the scene.

"What's going on here?" Lita barked breaking through the crowd.

She saw Molly and Nathan snapped their heads towards them. Molly pleaded for help in her eyes and Nathan loosened his grip on her. A smile plastered across his face he asked, "Can I help you ladies?"

Lita who was standing at the front returned his smile, "You could release your hold on our friend."

She watched him looking at Lita's face to each and every other face recognising them all before his gazed landed on her. He cocked his brow at her, "I don't believe we have met?" He said not even glancing at the others.

Her eyes narrowed as he studied him, the corner of her mouth curved ever so slightly. Then she smiled at him, trying to provoke him.

* End of Flashback *

Of course. That was the last she saw of him too, hearing nasty stories about him from her friends because the very next day he didn't show up to school and rumour had it he was expelled. 'You know him Rei. How else would he know about 'how silky soft your hair is' and such and such?' Serena's voice repeated in her mind, but she had only seen him that one day and she sure as hell knew that he never was close enough to have even touched her hair. Something didn't add up.

"Rei are you okay?" She heard Chad ask breaking her thoughts.

"Oh...thank you Chad." She said smiling at him, the nagging feeling of her being watched pushed to the back of her head. She felt him pull her into a warm embrace as he stroked her hair while she buried her head in his neck. You know him Rei. How else would he know about 'how silky soft your hair is' and such and such?' Rei stiffened, she pulled back a look of horror in her eyes.

Chad was confused, worried. "Rei what's wrong? Rei tell me." He moved closer but she staggered backwards.


"Stay away from me." She whispered, grabbing a chair using it as a shield. "Go away."

Chad was hurt. 'What had made her do this?' He moved closer, "Rei what's wrong? Why are you doing this? Let me help you."

"NO." She screamed holding the chair firmly, her knuckles turning white. "Go away and leave me alone."

Chad was stunned. Too stunned for words. He pulled back his hand and looked at her carefully. She was afraid...of him. "I'll see you later then." He said sadly, walking backwards slowly reaching the door. "I hope he gets better soon." He added nodding to the body still hooked up to machines. Then he left, closing the door behind him quietly.

Rei heaved in a deep breath. She couldn't hold her tears back anymore so she let it run, shaking her whole body. She put the chair down and cried, a feeling in her stomach turning into knots.

* * *

Serena was looking at the raven haired girl with violet eyes sadly. She couldn't imagine the pain he must have gone through when she died. And the pain he must have been going through seeing Rei everyday.

"How did she die Darien?" She asked him softly. Of course she knew but she needs the whole story.

Darien was standing behind her and she felt him stiffen when she asked him her question. There was a long pause and she thought he wasn't going to answer her when he picked up the picture, looking at it lovingly. "It was the night of her prom...she was getting ready for her date. This photo was taken that night."

"She looks beautiful."

"She was beautiful. Everything about her was beautiful. Her smile would light up the room she walks in. Her presence would release any tension in the air. She had a lively soul. I could see why Jason fell in love with her."

"Jason?" Serena eyes widened. That was news. "What's Jason got to do with this?"

"Jason was her date to the prom. He took her to the rose gardens that night...he was going to surprise her with something. He left and when he got back he found her lying on the ground...her rib..her ribbon around neck. Someone had strangled her." His voice trailed off as the memory came flooding back. "I was so angry with Jason I...I...that's why when I see Rei, I feel so protective of her. She reminds me so much of my sister, it hurts."

"I'm so sorry Darien. I shouldn't have brought it up." Serena said sympathetically. She found out a lot more than she thought she ever would. "I'm really sorry."

* * *

Rei picked herself up and felt a warm tingling sensation wash over her. She smiled. 'Someone's thinking about me.' She walked to sit by her grandad taking in his hand. 'Please get better.'

As if he had heard her plea his heart monitor began to quicken and she felt him squeeze her hand softly. Her heart began to race when she felt his fingers tightening around hers and he murmured something, she couldn't make it out though. Then just like it had started he fell back to unconsciousness, and Rei felt a flicker of hope in her heart grow, burning. 'You can do this grandpa. I'm waiting for you to come back to me.'

* * *

Mina and Lita walked into the Crown Arcade keeping a lookout for Jason. They spotted him sitting on one of the high chairs and took the empty ones next to him.

"Hi Jason." Lita said smiling, batting her long lashes at him. Mina sat back watching her friend work, a smirk on her face.

"Hi." Jason said absently.

"I noticed you and your friend come in the other day." She continued. "He's awfully cute...who was he?"

Jason put down his drink and turned to stare at Lita's innocent jade green eyes. "You're kidding right?"

"Why would I be kidding?" Lita said pouting.

"Maybe because you use to want to beat the hell out of him in high school."

"You lost me...I don't even know him."

"Nathan Maxwell ring a bell?" Jason snorted, picking his drink.

Loud gasps escaped both Lita and Mina. "No way...What's he doing here?" Mina asked getting curious.

"He's investigating the murder case of Molly Osaka. Apparently there has been similar cases and he wants to know if they are all linked."

"So he came to question you the other day? Why?" Lita asked frowning at the prospect that the oh so cute guy was the jerk Nathan himself.

Jason's jaw clenched and he almost dropped his drink at the question. "Because I was involved with a similar case. If you'll excuse me ladies I have to get to work."

The girls just stared at his retreating back taking in what he had said. "What did he mean he was involved in a similar case?" Mina asked.

"Beats me." Lita said shrugging her shoulders. "Let's eat I'm hungry."

* * *

Rei had been to engross in her thoughts she didn't hear the door open or silently click as the lock was turned over. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on it's end making Rei aware she that someone was standing behind her. She held her breath in, her body was shaking with fear. She clasped her hands around her granddads tighter. When she heard the crunch of shoes stepping on glass she twirled quickly around in her seat. Her violet eyes wide with shock masking her fear.

"Oh...it's you." She said letting go of her breath. Feeling her tensed shoulders relax.

* * *

"Mrs. Osaka...I know this must be hard for you but I need to know. My friend may be in danger." Amy said calmly looking at the copper haired woman.

"I really want to help you dear...but Molly was...she was my only child and...and losing her, oh god..." Amy watched the woman cover her face behind her handkerchief, her heart going out to her. She wished she didn't have to cause the lady so much pain, but she needed answers.

"Did Molly ever receive phantom calls?" She pressed. Mrs. Osaka shook her head, still softly mourning for her lost child.

"Did she ever receive anonymous poems or letters?" Mrs. Osaka looked at Amy strangely, her eyes bloodshot, her nose pink. "No, she only got poems from her ex-boyfriend."

Amy frowned. 'Ex-boyfriend?' "Can I see them please Mrs. Osaka?" She asked quietly.

"They're all in her room...I couldn't...I couldn't touch anything in there. Everything reminds me of her." Mrs. Osaka replied on the verge of tears again. "Thank you. I knew your daughter from junior high. She was a great friend and I'm sure she'd want you to help catch who ever did this." Amy said confidently which brought a smile to the lady's face.

In Molly's room, nothing seemed to have moved. Small layers of dust covered her vanity and drawers. Her made bed didn't have a wrinkle in it. Some of her clothes were still lying on the floor. Amy walked to her dresser and opened drawers. Nothing. She opened her wardrobe. Nothing. Finally she checked under her bed and pillows. Nothing. She gave a small frown as her gaze scanned the tidy room and landed on her waste paper basket. Inside were several scrunched up papers and tissues. Picking up one of the papers she smoothed it out and began to read:

M is for magnificent, that's what you are.

O is for opals, which shine in your eyes.

L is for lovely, for you are lovelier than a rose.

L is for loyalty, I will never leave you.

Y is for you because you mean everything to me.

Molly, I love you

Yours Truly, Melvin.

Amy had to smirk. He tried so hard and his poems were almost...hmm, there was something familiar about his poems and Rei's. 'No, she only got poems from her ex-boyfriend.' But I thought those two were going out. Oh no?

"Mrs. Osaka?" Amy called out shoving the poem in her purse. "Was Molly going out with Melvin when she died?" She asked a feeling of trepidation rushed through her body.

"No dear. They had broken up several weeks before."

"Are you sure?" She asked meekly.

"Yes. Is something the matter?"

"No of course not. You have been very helpful, thank you Mrs. Osaka." Amy bowed low then quickly left the apartment. She wracked her brain trying to remember what Serena had said. 'Like Molly. She was found dead in her apartment floor. Strangled with her hair ribbon. No one saw anybody enter her room or leave. There was no trace of anything that could have left any form of identification of a suspect, except Melvin.' Melvin...Melvin... 'Was Molly going out with Melvin when she died? No dear. They had broken up several weeks before.' Amy grimaced as the pieces began to fall together.

'Amy, why don't you believe me? I'm telling you, these phone calls are getting stranger every time and the poems are freaking me out.' She heard her friend's voice in her head.

'You're letting your imagination run with you again. Just ignore it. It's probably some stupid prank someone is playing trying to rile you up anyways.'

'I swear Amy it's not like that...everywhere I go I feel like I'm being watched.'

Amy felt a tight lump in her throat. 'You were right Beryl. And I didn't believe you. I let you die. I'm so sorry...but I'm not going to make the same mistake, not again. Rei needs my help.'

AN: I hope you all like this chapter and yes…I'm almost finished. YAY! One more chapter. Read and REVIEW thank you peoples. I appreciate you taking your time to read and review my story.