Disclaimer: It's been 25 chapters; I think you guys get the point.
If you have the time, REIVEW!
Chapter #25: First Day Back.
*~*~*Elaya's POV*~*~*
At home......alone.......on a Tuesday morning. I've recently become discharged from the hospital. I finally spent a night back in my old bed. So comfy. I'm supposed to go back to school during third period--that's math with Mr. Hogan, I believe--so I can rest until then. To the contrary, I've been up and atom since 9:00. And it is 11:00 now.
Seto sure told me a mouthful yesterday. About Gozaburo Kaiba and his evil ways, and all the stuff that he went through as a kid. The poor guy barely got an hour sleep every night! He told me that it was to help him become as good as the real Kaiba and take over KaibaCorp. He told me about the whole 'birthday test' and that how he had to shift the blame over to Mokuba so he wouldn't get in trouble. He even told me about Battle City, and the whole escapade into the Virtual Realm to be held prisoner by Gozaburo's real-- well, virtual--and only son......Noa. Yeah, that was it. He was corrupted by power and a house of no love. Poor, poor Seto. If I don't get at least 8 hours of sleep, I'll pass out! Nothing much happened after that......Seriously, nothing. Don't get any ideas. My mom came around 5:00 and we went home. And that's it!
Ha ha....I'm not even in proper uniform and I have to leave in like 5 minutes! I'm wearing a black T-shirt that says 'Rock on' in neon yellow colours. I'm also wearing a pair of grey jogging pants. Better get changed before Greggy boy gives me another uniform infraction slip again! Ah, yes......Good old math class.
That satisfying click tells me that no robbers can get in the house. That's when I make a dash towards the school on my skateboard. I'm already late.
I dash through the halls finally coming to a stop at my room. I knock the door with rhythm, and wait until Mr. Hogan appears. He does, and he looks at me with the same expression as he did the first day of school. That's when I remembered that I didn't change into my uniform.
"Hello, Mr. Hogan? How are you today?" I asked cheerfully, still in my jogging pants and black T-shirt.
"Ms. White....may I ask why you are here not wearing any uniform at all?" That's when I heard some students run up towards the door.
"AH! Téa! Yug! Joey! Tristan!" I ran up to them and gave them a group hug. They couldn't come to the hospital on Monday because visiting hours were closed. That's when a ticked off Hogan tapped his foot impatiently.
"Ms. White....you didn't answer my question."
"I'd thought that I'd pick up any homework that I missed."
"I see. And where exactly were you yesterday?"
"Sir, you're not gonna believe this but--"
"Like I would believe anything you say anyways."
"Look. I went to the hospital on Monday for my annual check up for some personal matters, and apparently, they thought that I had a lack of iron in my blood. So, I had to stay in the hospital for the day. Then, they finally realized that my blood sample got switched, and it was too late to come here because the doors close at 4:00. Okay?" I lied. It came so easy to me.
He returned to his desk and wrote on a little pad of paper what homework I missed. "You can stay here for this period, but I'd advise that you go home at lunch and change, alright?"
"Sure thing!" I went back to my seat behind Joey. Everyone was staring at me. "What?" I said. "Never seen a girl wear jogging pants before?" I sat down and crossed my legs. Lunch was coming in about 30 minutes, so I had to make a run for it in order to get to art class......art class.....
"Ms. White?"
"Huh?" I said. How dare he break my thoughts?!
"The answer....please."
Unfortunately, I didn't know what they were learning at the time. "Uh......negative 4.5!"
The teacher stared and some kids giggled. "You're incorrect."
I shrugged. "Actually, the correct answer is X= 34/5" Melissa stood up to show that she knew more than I did.
"You are also incorrect." Melissa sat down, flushed. I laughed. It was then that I realized that they were reviewing substitution.
I did some quick calculations. "Sir? Does X= -7/8?"
"Yes. Welcome back to planet Earth, Ms. White."
"I never left."
I sat down again and tried to pay attention. But my mind kept wandering to art class......and a certain Mr. K that was there.
*~*~*Elaya's POV--Art Class*~*~*
Ever know how it feels when you've just run a marathon? It ain't that great. I just rushed home, got changed and rushed back to school with only ten minutes to spare. I return to Mrs. Polaris' class and see Seto reading that same book, with the black cover.
I took my seat in front of him. "Hey."
"Hey. How are you feeling? Mokuba was asking about you."
"Tell him that I feel fine."
"Ms. White? Mr. Kaiba? Do you two have notes for your absences for yesterday?"
"No." I said.
"I had a very important business meeting. I couldn't miss it." Classic lie by Seto Kaiba.
"Well, I'll give both of you the drawing assignment that you missed yesterday. The instructions are on the package. Ms. White, if you can't get a note, it'll be one skip on your record." My teacher nagged.
"Okay." I slumped in my seat. "So, Seto, what chapter are you on?" He's had that book since the beginning of time!
"36."
"How do you like the book so far?"
"It's fine." There was a long pause before he continued. "Elaya, I need to talk to you."
"About what, exactly? Whatever it is, I didn't do it!"
"Something. We'll talk after class.......alright? We'll meet in room 122." The bell rang as Seto went quiet.
"Okay" I whispered back. What in the world would he want to talk about to me? The class droned on and when there was only five minutes left in the class, I started to do a mental check list of what topic would be discussed......I felt someone kick my leg.
"Ow! Seto, what the fu-?" My eyes looked from him to the teacher.
"Well, Ms. White? When and where was Picasso born?"
"If I knew, don't you think that I would have answered you by now?"
"Get out." She demanded.
"What?"
"I don't like your attitude. I'll speak to you outside." I stood up and shut the door behind me. I slumped against the wall. My first day back, and I already have conflicts. Today was NOT my day. That's when the door opened again. Without looking up, I started the standard apology.
"Look, Mrs. Sorry if I offended--" I started.
"Do you use that on all your teachers?" a male voice said. I looked up to see Seto.
"Got sent out too?"
"No, I asked if I could go to the washroom." He sat down beside me. "Class is going to end soon.....Wanna go to room 122 now? I need to tell you something."
"But Mrs. Polaris is going to slaughter me before I can leave."
"Just come on. Since when do you live life by the rules? You always used to say, 'Rebel against authority.' Am I right?"
"Fine." I stood up and followed him to Room 122. It was a janitor's closet. "You couldn't have picked a better place!"
"Just get in." He replied, turning away from me. Whoa! Looks like somebody got off the wrong side of the bed today! Bitchy bitchy.
He shut the door behind him. "Elaya, look.....when you were down and out for the second time on Monday, I looked through your sketchbook."
Okay.......wait, HE LOOKED THROUGH MY SKETCHBOOK?!?!? Please, for all that was good, don't tell me that he looked at the ones near the end! Please don't! "And?" I asked slowly, trying not to show my obvious embarrassment. Please for the love of God; tell me that he didn't see the sketches at the back of the book.
That's when he reached inside his pocket and pulled out a small square of white paper. "Out of all of them, this, I must say, was one of the best." He smirked. He knows! Oh no! Please let this be the one by the sunset.......
I took the square from him and opened it up. I wanted to die. I wanted to bury a sallow grave for myself. This was one of the most embarrassing moments of my whole fucking life. I can't believe this. How could he have gotten this sketch if I put it in my.....he must of taken it when I was sleeping. Jesus Christ! Did he read the poem too?
"Why did you look through my stuff for? When I told you not to!" My embarrassment rose to anger.
"It's just a picture." He said, crossing his arms over his chest.
It's just a picture?!? Oh my God...... "No it isn't." I said coldly.
"What is it then?"
"Something that you'll never know the meaning of."
"And what would that be?" He mocked. I didn't answer him. "It's just a picture....It doesn't mean anything."
"It doesn't mean anything?!?" I held back every urge to strangle him. "This may not 'mean' anything to you, but it does to me. I mean everything that I put on paper, okay?!" I was practically shouting. Frankly, I didn't care if the world heard. I was so angry at him, I blurted everything out. "I write and draw what I feel about different people or things. For a clown, for example, I would draw laughter. For you, I drew love......." I said the last word silently before turning away, blushing, not believing what I just said. "It doesn't mean anything to you because you don't know anything about feelings. You choose to push them away........and the worst part of it all; you think that you don't need them. Your wrong, Kaiba, dead wrong, and you'll be sorry when that decision comes to haunt you. And by then, it may be too late." I stormed out before he could say another word. I shut the door and ran.
I never once looked back.
*~*~*Elaya's Apartment--Elaya's POV*~*~*
I slammed the door behind me and ran into my room. I threw myself on the bed and lied on my back. Tears brimmed my eyes. I didn't know why I was crying. Maybe it was the fact that I actually thought that Seto would feel the same way. Maybe it was the fact that I actually thought that I could change him. Maybe it was the fact that he--out of all the people in the world--would be the one I liked. It didn't matter anymore. I shut my eyes and felt the tears fall over my cheeks.
\\ Elaya? What is wrong? \\
// Nothing. // I didn't want to talk about it.
\\ Tell me. I know something is wrong. You're sad because Seto doesn't like you back......right? \\
// If you already knew, why did you ask?! // I responded angrily. // I was a fool to believe in anything, Justi. Nothing more than a stupid fool. I hate me for being so stupid! //
\\ And yet everyone loves you for being so smart. Seto may not believe in feelings, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't have them. \\
// Yeah, well, it's a shame that he doesn't share them once and a while. // I knew that Justi was right. I didn't know what I was talking about. I didn't know anything anymore. I sat up. // Justi? //
\\ Yes? \\
// Do you mind if I have some alone time? I need to think. I'm going to take you off my neck.......Is it okay with you if I left you alone for a while? //
She was silent for a bit. \\ Okay. Elaya? \\
// Yes? //
\\ Just because he doesn't like you, doesn't mean that no one else will. \\
She went silent after that. I took the Scales off my neck and placed them in my cabinet. I switched into a pair of blue jeans and a yellow tank top. I wrote my mom a note saying that I went for a walk. I checked my watch. It read 4:53. I ate something and left some dinner on the stove for my mom and left. I was going to take the longest walk and hopefully be back by sunset.
I finally found a place to think. It was beautiful. A bridge that was over a large body of water that was sparkling in the sun. It was quiet, except for that odd breeze here and there. I stared into the near setting sun. It was 5:30 already, and I still haven't figured anything out yet. I didn't know if I should give up on Seto altogether.......or stick to him and keep trying. He doesn't like me.....or does he? If he does, they why does he blow me off at school? If he doesn't, then why did he pour his guts out to me? I had answers to both of those questions, so I was left with nothing to build upon. Where's a daisy when you need one? I let out a big sigh. I was so confused. I don't know why I didn't go to Téa for help........she would probably say, 'Follow your heart' or something like that. Well, I'm trying to follow it, and I'm being led to a fucking fork in the road.
I brush my hand through my hair and I shiver. It was then that I remembered that I didn't bring a jacket and that it was probably no more than 10 degrees outside. I wrapped my arms around myself and tried to shut out the cold. I envisioned a warm beach with hot sand and my parents resting on those beach chairs. They wave to me. I wave back. Then I see a group of people playing in lake. I walk up closer to see that it is Seto and Mokuba with their parents, along with Yugi and the gang playing in the water. They beckon me to come and I do. When I put my foot in the water, an icy shiver runs through me. I get jolted back to the real world, where everything is cold and mean.
I shiver again. I want to go home, but I haven't done anything yet, I haven't figured anything out. It sickens me that I can't think straight anymore. I stare at the sun again....thinking of how something so far away can have such an impact on us. Same with me and Seto. Even though he was still here in Domino, and I was in America or Africa or Europe I would still think of him once and a while. I wonder if I did the same do him. Probably not. But, maybe.........
"Girls shouldn't be out this late." I heard a voice say to the left of me. I turn around, half expecting it to be some escaped convict, to find it was someone equally worse.......Seto Kaiba.
"Well, I'm not like other girls." I said plainly, bringing my gaze back to the sun. I shivered again, this time it was one of full body shakes. Who knew that it would be that cold on a March night?!
"Here." He said. I turned to him and noticed that he was holding out his coat. He was wearing all black with that purple trench coat in his extended arm. "You're shaking."
"What would you care anyways?" I put harshly. He stared right at me and didn't flinch.
"You're going to get pneumonia if you don't go home or take my jacket. And you live a long way from here." I stared at him and finally took the jacket from his arms. I put it on and wrapped myself in it. The sleeves were a bit too long for me--just the tips of my fingers showed--and it reached my feet. I pulled it closer to myself when another strong wind blew.
"Thanks." I muttered, still shivering.
"Look, sorry that I went through your stuff, okay?" He said quickly.
"It doesn't matter, but you're forgiven." I said. I finally turned my body to face him. He was leaning against one of the pillars that stood out from the platform, with his arms across his chest and one leg bent to support his weight.
"Seto?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you know why I wrote that poem?" I was looking right at him. This was make or break. If he didn't know, then I knew that I had a slim to nothing chance with him. If he did, well, there was still hope.
"Because it came to you?" He said. "Because you wanted to know why I changed? Because you didn't want to face the fact that I did change for the worse? Because you knew that it was impossible to change me back? Because you like me?" He said the last part quickly, noticing after what he said.
"Bingo." I said, turning away again and looking back at the sun. "Seto, how come you never show you're feelings?"
He was silent for a long time. "Because I can't. They're a sign of weakness......and in my work, you can't have that, or else, they begin to take you down. That has already happened. Twice." My guess was that he was referring to one of the first visits to the Virtual World, where his love for technology drew him to the infected Pod and made him get stuck in there- -to be later rescued by Yugi, Joey and Mokuba.
"But you're human. And no matter how hard you try to keep them away, they'll come."
"Feelings are nothing more than an escape from reality. Faith and hope just draw you further and further from the truth. Love just covers up what really isn't there. They just complicate problems further." He protested.
"They may draw you away from reality, but that's what draws you back." I said slowly. "They may bring you to a far away land where nothing is real and everything is perfect.....but so what? Everyone needs that break. Reality is harsh and long, and sometimes, it's better to take a breather every couple of steps than run the whole course. Sometimes, when I think that the world is purposely out to get me, I stop and think. I think of a place, a nice place, where everyone is there to support me. I think of a place where no one is left out. I just think of that stuff and it somehow brings me through my troubles."
"That's a load of bull."
"Have you ever tried it?" I asked, facing him.
"No"
"Then don't criticize before you've done it yourself. Try it. Pick one problem that you're trying to face. And not one about your company. One that has to do with your real feelings for other people, okay? Then envision a world--your perfect world--and see what happens." As I said this, I realized how crazy it sounded. But, I tried it anyways. I pictured that nice sunset scene again. It was so soothing and relaxing. It made my mind breathe; made it free of all the stress of everyday life....and made it think--and I mean, really think. My mind felt so open......and it was then when I found my answer. I should keep trying......because Seto can't live his life forever hiding his feelings. One day, he'll realize it, and I'll be there. I'll continue to wait......maybe, just as a friend and nothing more.....and maybe something a lot more. Whatever the case, I'll be there for him, like a friend should.
"Wow." He muttered. I guess that it worked.
"What problem did you face? Where or what was your happy place--or your perfect world?" I asked, turning towards him.
He looked at me, and he had changed again. His eyes became nice and rounded and all sparkly in the orange glow of the sun.
"Well?" I asked again.
He stood up and walked over to me. "What problem did I face?" He smirked at the thought. "Whether or not I should do this at all." And with that he put his hand underneath my chin, lifted it and brought down his lips to mine. I shut my eyes and just hoped that I wasn't dreaming at all. I just wished that this wouldn't end.
Suddenly, it did. Seto broke away from me, and stared......unsure of what he did. His eyes became filled with different emotions that were being held back since the beginning and the ones that were suppressing them again. He changed back, but didn't say a word. He backed up and ran away. He continued to run, without looking back.
"You can't run away, or push them away forever Seto." I heard myself say. "You just can't."
Awww......what a cute chappie! That whole envisioning thing actually works. It gets you really relaxed and then you can actually think straight. Well, works for me whenever I can't get my homework questions right. He he........Anyways, tell me what you think! AND TO ALL MY LOYAL READERS, I LOVE YOUALL!! {Of course you do. You just want to soften them up for more reviews.} [Quiet, that's not true and you know it!!]
Next one, coming up soon!!
If you have the time, REIVEW!
Chapter #25: First Day Back.
*~*~*Elaya's POV*~*~*
At home......alone.......on a Tuesday morning. I've recently become discharged from the hospital. I finally spent a night back in my old bed. So comfy. I'm supposed to go back to school during third period--that's math with Mr. Hogan, I believe--so I can rest until then. To the contrary, I've been up and atom since 9:00. And it is 11:00 now.
Seto sure told me a mouthful yesterday. About Gozaburo Kaiba and his evil ways, and all the stuff that he went through as a kid. The poor guy barely got an hour sleep every night! He told me that it was to help him become as good as the real Kaiba and take over KaibaCorp. He told me about the whole 'birthday test' and that how he had to shift the blame over to Mokuba so he wouldn't get in trouble. He even told me about Battle City, and the whole escapade into the Virtual Realm to be held prisoner by Gozaburo's real-- well, virtual--and only son......Noa. Yeah, that was it. He was corrupted by power and a house of no love. Poor, poor Seto. If I don't get at least 8 hours of sleep, I'll pass out! Nothing much happened after that......Seriously, nothing. Don't get any ideas. My mom came around 5:00 and we went home. And that's it!
Ha ha....I'm not even in proper uniform and I have to leave in like 5 minutes! I'm wearing a black T-shirt that says 'Rock on' in neon yellow colours. I'm also wearing a pair of grey jogging pants. Better get changed before Greggy boy gives me another uniform infraction slip again! Ah, yes......Good old math class.
That satisfying click tells me that no robbers can get in the house. That's when I make a dash towards the school on my skateboard. I'm already late.
I dash through the halls finally coming to a stop at my room. I knock the door with rhythm, and wait until Mr. Hogan appears. He does, and he looks at me with the same expression as he did the first day of school. That's when I remembered that I didn't change into my uniform.
"Hello, Mr. Hogan? How are you today?" I asked cheerfully, still in my jogging pants and black T-shirt.
"Ms. White....may I ask why you are here not wearing any uniform at all?" That's when I heard some students run up towards the door.
"AH! Téa! Yug! Joey! Tristan!" I ran up to them and gave them a group hug. They couldn't come to the hospital on Monday because visiting hours were closed. That's when a ticked off Hogan tapped his foot impatiently.
"Ms. White....you didn't answer my question."
"I'd thought that I'd pick up any homework that I missed."
"I see. And where exactly were you yesterday?"
"Sir, you're not gonna believe this but--"
"Like I would believe anything you say anyways."
"Look. I went to the hospital on Monday for my annual check up for some personal matters, and apparently, they thought that I had a lack of iron in my blood. So, I had to stay in the hospital for the day. Then, they finally realized that my blood sample got switched, and it was too late to come here because the doors close at 4:00. Okay?" I lied. It came so easy to me.
He returned to his desk and wrote on a little pad of paper what homework I missed. "You can stay here for this period, but I'd advise that you go home at lunch and change, alright?"
"Sure thing!" I went back to my seat behind Joey. Everyone was staring at me. "What?" I said. "Never seen a girl wear jogging pants before?" I sat down and crossed my legs. Lunch was coming in about 30 minutes, so I had to make a run for it in order to get to art class......art class.....
"Ms. White?"
"Huh?" I said. How dare he break my thoughts?!
"The answer....please."
Unfortunately, I didn't know what they were learning at the time. "Uh......negative 4.5!"
The teacher stared and some kids giggled. "You're incorrect."
I shrugged. "Actually, the correct answer is X= 34/5" Melissa stood up to show that she knew more than I did.
"You are also incorrect." Melissa sat down, flushed. I laughed. It was then that I realized that they were reviewing substitution.
I did some quick calculations. "Sir? Does X= -7/8?"
"Yes. Welcome back to planet Earth, Ms. White."
"I never left."
I sat down again and tried to pay attention. But my mind kept wandering to art class......and a certain Mr. K that was there.
*~*~*Elaya's POV--Art Class*~*~*
Ever know how it feels when you've just run a marathon? It ain't that great. I just rushed home, got changed and rushed back to school with only ten minutes to spare. I return to Mrs. Polaris' class and see Seto reading that same book, with the black cover.
I took my seat in front of him. "Hey."
"Hey. How are you feeling? Mokuba was asking about you."
"Tell him that I feel fine."
"Ms. White? Mr. Kaiba? Do you two have notes for your absences for yesterday?"
"No." I said.
"I had a very important business meeting. I couldn't miss it." Classic lie by Seto Kaiba.
"Well, I'll give both of you the drawing assignment that you missed yesterday. The instructions are on the package. Ms. White, if you can't get a note, it'll be one skip on your record." My teacher nagged.
"Okay." I slumped in my seat. "So, Seto, what chapter are you on?" He's had that book since the beginning of time!
"36."
"How do you like the book so far?"
"It's fine." There was a long pause before he continued. "Elaya, I need to talk to you."
"About what, exactly? Whatever it is, I didn't do it!"
"Something. We'll talk after class.......alright? We'll meet in room 122." The bell rang as Seto went quiet.
"Okay" I whispered back. What in the world would he want to talk about to me? The class droned on and when there was only five minutes left in the class, I started to do a mental check list of what topic would be discussed......I felt someone kick my leg.
"Ow! Seto, what the fu-?" My eyes looked from him to the teacher.
"Well, Ms. White? When and where was Picasso born?"
"If I knew, don't you think that I would have answered you by now?"
"Get out." She demanded.
"What?"
"I don't like your attitude. I'll speak to you outside." I stood up and shut the door behind me. I slumped against the wall. My first day back, and I already have conflicts. Today was NOT my day. That's when the door opened again. Without looking up, I started the standard apology.
"Look, Mrs. Sorry if I offended--" I started.
"Do you use that on all your teachers?" a male voice said. I looked up to see Seto.
"Got sent out too?"
"No, I asked if I could go to the washroom." He sat down beside me. "Class is going to end soon.....Wanna go to room 122 now? I need to tell you something."
"But Mrs. Polaris is going to slaughter me before I can leave."
"Just come on. Since when do you live life by the rules? You always used to say, 'Rebel against authority.' Am I right?"
"Fine." I stood up and followed him to Room 122. It was a janitor's closet. "You couldn't have picked a better place!"
"Just get in." He replied, turning away from me. Whoa! Looks like somebody got off the wrong side of the bed today! Bitchy bitchy.
He shut the door behind him. "Elaya, look.....when you were down and out for the second time on Monday, I looked through your sketchbook."
Okay.......wait, HE LOOKED THROUGH MY SKETCHBOOK?!?!? Please, for all that was good, don't tell me that he looked at the ones near the end! Please don't! "And?" I asked slowly, trying not to show my obvious embarrassment. Please for the love of God; tell me that he didn't see the sketches at the back of the book.
That's when he reached inside his pocket and pulled out a small square of white paper. "Out of all of them, this, I must say, was one of the best." He smirked. He knows! Oh no! Please let this be the one by the sunset.......
I took the square from him and opened it up. I wanted to die. I wanted to bury a sallow grave for myself. This was one of the most embarrassing moments of my whole fucking life. I can't believe this. How could he have gotten this sketch if I put it in my.....he must of taken it when I was sleeping. Jesus Christ! Did he read the poem too?
"Why did you look through my stuff for? When I told you not to!" My embarrassment rose to anger.
"It's just a picture." He said, crossing his arms over his chest.
It's just a picture?!? Oh my God...... "No it isn't." I said coldly.
"What is it then?"
"Something that you'll never know the meaning of."
"And what would that be?" He mocked. I didn't answer him. "It's just a picture....It doesn't mean anything."
"It doesn't mean anything?!?" I held back every urge to strangle him. "This may not 'mean' anything to you, but it does to me. I mean everything that I put on paper, okay?!" I was practically shouting. Frankly, I didn't care if the world heard. I was so angry at him, I blurted everything out. "I write and draw what I feel about different people or things. For a clown, for example, I would draw laughter. For you, I drew love......." I said the last word silently before turning away, blushing, not believing what I just said. "It doesn't mean anything to you because you don't know anything about feelings. You choose to push them away........and the worst part of it all; you think that you don't need them. Your wrong, Kaiba, dead wrong, and you'll be sorry when that decision comes to haunt you. And by then, it may be too late." I stormed out before he could say another word. I shut the door and ran.
I never once looked back.
*~*~*Elaya's Apartment--Elaya's POV*~*~*
I slammed the door behind me and ran into my room. I threw myself on the bed and lied on my back. Tears brimmed my eyes. I didn't know why I was crying. Maybe it was the fact that I actually thought that Seto would feel the same way. Maybe it was the fact that I actually thought that I could change him. Maybe it was the fact that he--out of all the people in the world--would be the one I liked. It didn't matter anymore. I shut my eyes and felt the tears fall over my cheeks.
\\ Elaya? What is wrong? \\
// Nothing. // I didn't want to talk about it.
\\ Tell me. I know something is wrong. You're sad because Seto doesn't like you back......right? \\
// If you already knew, why did you ask?! // I responded angrily. // I was a fool to believe in anything, Justi. Nothing more than a stupid fool. I hate me for being so stupid! //
\\ And yet everyone loves you for being so smart. Seto may not believe in feelings, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't have them. \\
// Yeah, well, it's a shame that he doesn't share them once and a while. // I knew that Justi was right. I didn't know what I was talking about. I didn't know anything anymore. I sat up. // Justi? //
\\ Yes? \\
// Do you mind if I have some alone time? I need to think. I'm going to take you off my neck.......Is it okay with you if I left you alone for a while? //
She was silent for a bit. \\ Okay. Elaya? \\
// Yes? //
\\ Just because he doesn't like you, doesn't mean that no one else will. \\
She went silent after that. I took the Scales off my neck and placed them in my cabinet. I switched into a pair of blue jeans and a yellow tank top. I wrote my mom a note saying that I went for a walk. I checked my watch. It read 4:53. I ate something and left some dinner on the stove for my mom and left. I was going to take the longest walk and hopefully be back by sunset.
I finally found a place to think. It was beautiful. A bridge that was over a large body of water that was sparkling in the sun. It was quiet, except for that odd breeze here and there. I stared into the near setting sun. It was 5:30 already, and I still haven't figured anything out yet. I didn't know if I should give up on Seto altogether.......or stick to him and keep trying. He doesn't like me.....or does he? If he does, they why does he blow me off at school? If he doesn't, then why did he pour his guts out to me? I had answers to both of those questions, so I was left with nothing to build upon. Where's a daisy when you need one? I let out a big sigh. I was so confused. I don't know why I didn't go to Téa for help........she would probably say, 'Follow your heart' or something like that. Well, I'm trying to follow it, and I'm being led to a fucking fork in the road.
I brush my hand through my hair and I shiver. It was then that I remembered that I didn't bring a jacket and that it was probably no more than 10 degrees outside. I wrapped my arms around myself and tried to shut out the cold. I envisioned a warm beach with hot sand and my parents resting on those beach chairs. They wave to me. I wave back. Then I see a group of people playing in lake. I walk up closer to see that it is Seto and Mokuba with their parents, along with Yugi and the gang playing in the water. They beckon me to come and I do. When I put my foot in the water, an icy shiver runs through me. I get jolted back to the real world, where everything is cold and mean.
I shiver again. I want to go home, but I haven't done anything yet, I haven't figured anything out. It sickens me that I can't think straight anymore. I stare at the sun again....thinking of how something so far away can have such an impact on us. Same with me and Seto. Even though he was still here in Domino, and I was in America or Africa or Europe I would still think of him once and a while. I wonder if I did the same do him. Probably not. But, maybe.........
"Girls shouldn't be out this late." I heard a voice say to the left of me. I turn around, half expecting it to be some escaped convict, to find it was someone equally worse.......Seto Kaiba.
"Well, I'm not like other girls." I said plainly, bringing my gaze back to the sun. I shivered again, this time it was one of full body shakes. Who knew that it would be that cold on a March night?!
"Here." He said. I turned to him and noticed that he was holding out his coat. He was wearing all black with that purple trench coat in his extended arm. "You're shaking."
"What would you care anyways?" I put harshly. He stared right at me and didn't flinch.
"You're going to get pneumonia if you don't go home or take my jacket. And you live a long way from here." I stared at him and finally took the jacket from his arms. I put it on and wrapped myself in it. The sleeves were a bit too long for me--just the tips of my fingers showed--and it reached my feet. I pulled it closer to myself when another strong wind blew.
"Thanks." I muttered, still shivering.
"Look, sorry that I went through your stuff, okay?" He said quickly.
"It doesn't matter, but you're forgiven." I said. I finally turned my body to face him. He was leaning against one of the pillars that stood out from the platform, with his arms across his chest and one leg bent to support his weight.
"Seto?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you know why I wrote that poem?" I was looking right at him. This was make or break. If he didn't know, then I knew that I had a slim to nothing chance with him. If he did, well, there was still hope.
"Because it came to you?" He said. "Because you wanted to know why I changed? Because you didn't want to face the fact that I did change for the worse? Because you knew that it was impossible to change me back? Because you like me?" He said the last part quickly, noticing after what he said.
"Bingo." I said, turning away again and looking back at the sun. "Seto, how come you never show you're feelings?"
He was silent for a long time. "Because I can't. They're a sign of weakness......and in my work, you can't have that, or else, they begin to take you down. That has already happened. Twice." My guess was that he was referring to one of the first visits to the Virtual World, where his love for technology drew him to the infected Pod and made him get stuck in there- -to be later rescued by Yugi, Joey and Mokuba.
"But you're human. And no matter how hard you try to keep them away, they'll come."
"Feelings are nothing more than an escape from reality. Faith and hope just draw you further and further from the truth. Love just covers up what really isn't there. They just complicate problems further." He protested.
"They may draw you away from reality, but that's what draws you back." I said slowly. "They may bring you to a far away land where nothing is real and everything is perfect.....but so what? Everyone needs that break. Reality is harsh and long, and sometimes, it's better to take a breather every couple of steps than run the whole course. Sometimes, when I think that the world is purposely out to get me, I stop and think. I think of a place, a nice place, where everyone is there to support me. I think of a place where no one is left out. I just think of that stuff and it somehow brings me through my troubles."
"That's a load of bull."
"Have you ever tried it?" I asked, facing him.
"No"
"Then don't criticize before you've done it yourself. Try it. Pick one problem that you're trying to face. And not one about your company. One that has to do with your real feelings for other people, okay? Then envision a world--your perfect world--and see what happens." As I said this, I realized how crazy it sounded. But, I tried it anyways. I pictured that nice sunset scene again. It was so soothing and relaxing. It made my mind breathe; made it free of all the stress of everyday life....and made it think--and I mean, really think. My mind felt so open......and it was then when I found my answer. I should keep trying......because Seto can't live his life forever hiding his feelings. One day, he'll realize it, and I'll be there. I'll continue to wait......maybe, just as a friend and nothing more.....and maybe something a lot more. Whatever the case, I'll be there for him, like a friend should.
"Wow." He muttered. I guess that it worked.
"What problem did you face? Where or what was your happy place--or your perfect world?" I asked, turning towards him.
He looked at me, and he had changed again. His eyes became nice and rounded and all sparkly in the orange glow of the sun.
"Well?" I asked again.
He stood up and walked over to me. "What problem did I face?" He smirked at the thought. "Whether or not I should do this at all." And with that he put his hand underneath my chin, lifted it and brought down his lips to mine. I shut my eyes and just hoped that I wasn't dreaming at all. I just wished that this wouldn't end.
Suddenly, it did. Seto broke away from me, and stared......unsure of what he did. His eyes became filled with different emotions that were being held back since the beginning and the ones that were suppressing them again. He changed back, but didn't say a word. He backed up and ran away. He continued to run, without looking back.
"You can't run away, or push them away forever Seto." I heard myself say. "You just can't."
Awww......what a cute chappie! That whole envisioning thing actually works. It gets you really relaxed and then you can actually think straight. Well, works for me whenever I can't get my homework questions right. He he........Anyways, tell me what you think! AND TO ALL MY LOYAL READERS, I LOVE YOUALL!! {Of course you do. You just want to soften them up for more reviews.} [Quiet, that's not true and you know it!!]
Next one, coming up soon!!