Chapter 17

Rinoa: I do.

Quistis: Same here.

Zell: Might as well take you up on the offer.

Selphie: Okay, well I guess I'll be in touch with you all soon.

Irvine: Take care.

They boarded the Ragnorak and Squall dropped off Quistis, Zell, and Jessica off at Balamb.

Quistis: Goodnight!

The three waved up at Squall and Rinoa as they took off to Deling City.

Jessica: Goodnight, Quistis.

Zell: C-ya.

Zell and Jessica headed to Zell's house. Quistis headed to the Garden.

Ragnorak

Squall: So, Rinoa what did you want to talk to me about?

Rinoa: Oh, I don't think I should distract you while you're flying the Ragnorak.

Squall: Okay, then I'll just land the ship.

That's exactly what he did. They were just a couple of miles away from Deling City.

Squall: Now you have my undivided attention.

Rinoa gives Squall a nervous smile and clears her throat.

Rinoa: Okay, uh (cough), do you think that people can be forgiven for anything?

Squall: I guess. I mean it would depend on the whole situation.

Rinoa: Well, I was depressed and hurt when I left you. It must have been seven months when I id something that made sense at the time. I needed someone to comfort me.

Squall: Rinoa, it's okay. You can tell me.

Rinoa: I have a daughter.

Rinoa pulls out a picture of Elizabeth to show Squall. Squall didn't know what to say or think. He was shocked and confused.

Squall: H-how did this happen? I mean I know how, but…

Rinoa: It was a one night stand. I needed to feel loved and well one thing led to another.

Squall: Rinoa—

Rinoa: I'm sorry.

Squall felt tears building up in his eyes. He quickly regained his composure.

Squall: Who—whose the father? Do you know his name?

Rinoa: Yes, of course.

Squall: So, who is he?

Rinoa looked away and began to cry.

Rinao: You know him too.

Squall: W—what? Who?

Rinoa: Her father is…Seifer.

Squall was completely stunned. He felt his heart being crushed. Images began to flash through his mind.

Rinoa: I never thought that I would see him again.

Squall: Does he…know?

Rinoa: What?

Squall: Does he know he has a fucking daughter?!

Rinoa shook her head.

Rinoa: No.

Squall felt the anger rising in him.

Squall: Why the hell not?

Rinoa: I plan to. I just wanted to tell you first, hoping—

Squall: I hope you weren't looking for me to forgive you and let this slide by.