Chapter 2: Ready. Aim. Fire.
It'd been about a week since I'd heard about that rematch at school. I had expected it to come any time now, but alas it hadn't come yet. I began to wonder if it'd ever come, then I started to think it had already come and Kai just never told me. In the mean time, however, I had listened in and observed what Beyblading was all about. I never even intended on Beyblading myself but I found it an interesting hobby. Kai apparently had become known around the world as a first class Beyblader, so if it was enough to interest Kai, it must have been more exciting than crocheting.
Maggy continually insisted that I should spend my time learning to knit, sew, stitch, crochet... all that sissy girly stuff most wealthy girls learn to do. I had to continue reminding her, this was the 21st century, not the medieval era. But, when Maggy wasn't bugging me about doing such things, I usually helped her cook if I wasn't doing anything else. I wasn't a very good cook, but I was good enough to help out. Maggy became almost something of a mother to me. She was the only companion I had in the entire house, and I hadn't interested any of the girls at school either. I was satisfied with what I had though. I couldn't have asked for a better guardian than Maggy. Before long, I had even told her to stop calling me 'Miss'. It sounded so formal, and I preferred a friendly basis, so she began calling me Juri, or whatever nicknames suited her fancy at the time. Sometimes I was Cupcake, or maybe Biscuit, Cookie. I enjoyed the little nicknames she'd given to me. Somehow I always knew when she was calling me, even if she just suddenly came up with a new nickname. We shared a special bond, that was for sure.
Over the next two weeks or so, Kai and I became pretty good friends as well. He didn't talk anymore than usual, but I knew he'd warmed up to me. I knew it was only a matter of time, but when I finally noticed enough time had passed, I was glad it had gone so smoothly. As for school, though, that was like watering a forest with a paper cup. The school day seemed to drag by sluggishly, slowly, annoyingly deliberate. I was still waiting the day the girls would find interest in trying to talk to me. I would always wait for the other to make the first move, because if they did then I'd know they were interested. If I randomly jumped in, it might all come back and hit me in the face. The time hadn't come yet though, I was still the lone girl in the class.
During lunch I would take a stroll outside. The confinement of being inside all day took a considerable toll on my mind and imagination. I never realized until now how much I needed the fresh air to rekindle the blazing fire of a mind I possessed. Without it, I was rather dumbfounded. All the time.
One lunchtime in particular left a mark on the timeline of my life. It was a half-day of school, which I thanked God gratefully for over and over again. I had told the driver I would walk to Kai's school, so he wouldn't have to bother meeting me at my own. I needed the outside time, the fresh walk in the fresh air. As I approached the school building, I saw Kai leaving. I ran to catch him before he ran off, wondering where he was going.
"I agreed to meet my rival for a rematch. Tell Cliff I'll be walking back home on my own." Kai said, in a hurry to leave again.
"But Kai, you said I could come with you when you have the rematch."
"It was planned at an untimely hour." Kai replied.
"But still, can't we leave a note with the office or something?" I pleaded.
He rolled his eyes, "Fine but you better hurry up."
"Be right back in that case." I ran off to leave a note with the office. I instructed them what to do and wrote a quick note for Cliff, our limo driver, telling him we'd be back before supper and that we would be walking home. I dashed back out of the school building, hurrying back to Kai, "Was that fast enough?"
"Could've been faster." Kai teased, a slight smirk on his face.
"Could've been slower too." I defended.
"Come on, we better get going." Kai quickly reminded me and began to run.
"AH! Wait!" I tripped over myself, but was able to stay on at least one foot without actually falling as I ran to catch up.

When we arrived on the agreed spot, we approached as if we hadn't been running at all. I walked a few steps behind Kai but I was at the side so I could see who we were coming up to. Up in front stood the shortest one of the bunch, a redhead with a blue bandana. Off a bit to the side were his friends, I assumed, a blonde, a guy with green hair, and another with purple.
"Bit of an odd group..." I said to myself.
I followed Kai toward the red head, "So Johnny. We meet again." He said, challengingly.
"I see you brought a little friend with you. That your girlfriend? It's a shame you'll have to lose in front of her."
I gasped, "Excuse me! I'm his cousin! There's a big difference between a girlfriend and a cousin, pal!"
He winced, "Ugh, you're right. That would be wrong."
"Yeah, I'd say so. This isn't Kentucky you know."
He snickered, apparently amused.
"Stand back, Juri. I need my space." Kai told me.
I didn't say anything but I wandered off a bit, giving him his room. I sat on the concrete ground, almost forgetting I was in a skirt, then struggled to find a comfortable position to sit in with a skirt on. While Kai and his rival duked it out, the blonde guy from the other side somehow snuck over to my side and next thing I knew I saw him taking a seat next to me from the corner of my eye.
"So," He started, "You're Kai's cousin huh?"
I didn't bother looking at him when I replied, "Yup."
"Well you definitely got the good looks of the family, hm?"
I raised an eyebrow and slowly turned my head to look at him. The expression on his face was flirtatious but priceless. I burst into laughter at his commenting.
My laughing seemed to distract Kai and his opponent as they both looked over to see what was so funny.
"ENRIQUE!! What're you doing hitting on the enemy's cousin, you moron!!"
"Hey, you get away from her you creep!"
"Hey, don't get me involved in your little rivalry, I had nothing to do with your loss, Kai." The blonde guy next to me who I assumed was Enrique, shrugged.
"Doesn't matter, you get away from her now." Kai ordered.
"Being a little over-protective aren't we?" Enrique crossed his arms.
I chuckled and stood-up, "Why're we fighting over me now? Wasn't this supposed to be a rematch between you and um.. him." I pointed at the redhead, not sure what his name was.
"I have a name you know." He snorted.
I scratched the back of my head, "Sorry, you wanna run it by me again?"
"I can't believe that! You must be the only person in the world who doesn't know!"
"Well if you'd tell me what it is then I wouldn't be." I frowned, knowing Kai was getting irritated with having to wait.
"I am Johnny MacGregor, Gladiator of Glasgow from the famous MacGregor Clan." He announced proudly.
"Ooh, I see. How nice. Well, I'm Juri Kat--er.. Hiwatari. Nothing special or anything but, you can continue your rematch now." I was trying to hurry him along before Kai got anymore aggravated.
"Alright then, are you ready to lose again Kai?"
"You're forgetting who won last time, Johnny." Kai sneered, ready to win.
"We'll just see who's gonna be the two-time loser, pal."
I watched as they prepared themselves. I enjoyed listening to them throw insults back and forth, being sarcastic to each other and what not. I was focused on the battle, it seemed like nothing else existed. Next thing I realized was one of the Beyblades had fallen out of the dish and fallen behind Kai.
"Looks like I have an early lead." Kai taunted.
"I'm just getting warmed up." Johnny growled and walked over to get his blade. When he looked at me, he suddenly turned really mad. At first I thought it was me, then I found out how way out there I could be sometimes, "ENRIQUE!!"
I looked at my shoulder and saw Enrique quickly pull away, "What?!"
I looked at my other shoulder and saw his hand still on it. I took his index finger, lifted his hand off my shoulder and dropped it at a distance so it wouldn't land on my shoulder again.
"This is why you should never take an Italian with you anywhere." Johnny sighed with frustration as he grabbed his Beyblade from the concrete.
"Hey come on now, she didn't seem to mind." Enrique defended his case.
"She didn't seem to notice either." Johnny glared at him.
Kai looked at Enrique, shooting a death stare at him.
"Fine, I'll back off." Enrique sighed.
"You're so pathetic, you know that?" Johnny commented as he went back to his spot on the opposite side of Kai.
"I don't see you getting any girls." Enrique crossed his arms, going on the defensive again.
"I don't see me begging for any either." Johnny replied as he prepared for the second round.
I heard Kai mumble something, but I couldn't make out what it was. Apparently it got under Johnny's skin though, judging by the look on his face. Next thing I knew they were at it again. Sparks were flying and the mysterious glow that I had seen earlier from the blades lit up the dish again. It was pretty cool coming from such dinky little things; I had no idea of what they were really about. Even now I wasn't completely informed, but I was certainly impressed by what I'd seen.
I continued to focus on the match, but I wasn't close enough to see what was going on inside of the dish. Kai's back was turned to me, but Johnny's face was stern and what some would call 'in the zone'. I heard more clashing within the dish and in the blink of an eye another blade was out, except this time it was Kai's.
"You thought you'd win this easy, didn't you?" Johnny snickered, releasing some of the tension he had portrayed during the battle.
"This isn't over yet." Kai snarled as he grabbed his blade. He stood still a moment though and I began to think something was wrong.
"Oh no, is Kai's blade broken? Hah! What a loser. That's even sadder than Enrique's begging for attention from girls." Johnny taunted, mercilessly.
"I said ... this isn't over yet." Kai had a tone of confidence, like he had something up his sleeve despite his damaged weapon.
"Don't cry when I completely destroy your blade then." Johnny warned.
They prepared again and the blades were launched. I could feel myself becoming increasingly stiff as I watched. This was a very involving game, even for the spectator, and even more for the spectator who couldn't see what was happening. I felt my stress level rising, everything in my body tightened just yearning to see who would win. My confidence was in neither blader, seeing as they were equally matched even to the current score. It was nerve-racking sitting back and waiting for results. The battle seemed to last hours to me, though in reality it was only a few minutes before a victor emerged. To my amazement, even though I hadn't any more confidence in one than the other, the victor was not my cousin.
Johnny snickered, "So, now you can tell me how it feels to be a two time loser, Kai. Well?"
I didn't hear anything from Kai. He was stiff as a stone. This must've really been a blow to his pride, not that I knew much about it but it was an assumption I'd made.
Kai suddenly spoke up, "It's not over yet."
"Yeah it is! Your Beyblade is completely totaled! And don't tell me you wanna hurry back home so you can glue it back together. You're a waste of my time." Johnny finished with a cocky attitude as he walked to the rest of his friends, "Lets get out of here and find some worth while competition." He told them.
Enrique who was still beside me got up and walked over to his friends, "We heading back home soon?" He asked.
"If all goes well, yes." Said the guy with the purple hair, whose name I never caught.
"Running away? Afraid to face me again?" Kai said, still standing in the same place he'd been for the entire battle.
"Are you crazy?! I just beat you fair and square!" Johnny shouted at him.
"This isn't the last you'll be seeing of me." Kai assured them.
Johnny snorted, "We'll just see about that." He growled.
Kai looked at me as a signal to follow, so I stood up and brushed the backside of my skirt off. He picked up his blade in no particular hurry and began walking back the way we'd come. I ran to catch up, not looking back at the others as I went.
We didn't speak on the way home. I knew Kai wouldn't want to talk anyway. The stern look on his face leaned a bit towards an angry side, but I didn't want to find out if he was really mad or if he just looked it.
When we got home, it seemed everyone was having a fit.
"Oh goodness gracious!! Where have you been?!" Maggy shouted with worry as we came in.
"Kai! You know I've told you not to run off like that. And with your cousin! If something had happened to her, you would be the one to take responsibility." His father scolded.
"It was my choice to go. Don't blame it all on him." I pointed out.
"He shouldn't have let you gone." He quickly shot back, still frustrated and angry.
"Hey, come on, I'm not a little girl, I got some freedom too you know." I argued.
"Well for not being a little girl you sure aren't very responsible. I'm stripping you of all your freedoms at this moment."
"What?! That's bull crap!"
"Don't question me, young lady. Up to your room. Now." He ordered.
I wrinkled my nose and snarled as if I would attack and bite him, but I didn't. Instead I began stomping my way upstairs, already planning a rebellion against his order in my head.
When I reached my room I slammed the door noticeably loud, hoping he would hear. I locked it to assure I at least got my privacy as I schemed out my escape. It was very simple to me. I'd seen it in movies all the time. I went over to the armoire where bed sheets were piled high and shoved them all out. I began unfolding them and twisting them as I tied the ends of the sheets together to make an escape rope. I'd need a very long rope to make it down out of my window, but I was certain I had enough sheets. It took me a good half hour to tie all the knots tightly. I then tied one end to the leg of my bed, knowing a small person such as myself would never be able to move it by themself. I opened the window and walked back to where I'd dropped the rest of my sheet rope. The pile was so big; I couldn't hardly see where I was going as I transported the rope to the window. I threw it all out the window and watched as they flew down. It looked long enough. I climbed on the windowsill and began my rather long trip down. Luck had it in store for me that the windows beneath my own belonged to that of an unused room. I slowly descended, keeping a tight grip on the rope. I was near the bottom, but still a few feet up when I ran out of rope. I took a deep breath and let myself fall, landing in bushes that pricked my skin and poked me everywhere else. I stumbled out of the brush and quickly swept myself of the leaves and twigs I'd assembled from the bush, then darted off in an unknown direction, hoping for the best.
I found myself near the driveway and snuck off as stealthily as I could. I didn't know where I would go, so I decided to head for the only place I knew of other than school. The place where Kai had battled with that other team. That was where a town was, or something that showed sign of human life. It didn't take long for me to return there when I was running. It was deserted, so I continued my journey down one of two paths. It was a tile-paved path, so I thought it would lead to some place of inhabitants.
Sure enough, as I walked out of the foresty atmosphere, another grand mansion sat before me. It appeared to be younger than that of the Hiwatari's, and I wondered who lived there. I looked over my shoulder to assure myself no one was following me, I then proceeded casually toward the estate. It seemed I was approaching the back way, and up ahead there was a tennis court with a player on either side and a spectator on the sidelines.
"I can't decide whether you sucked more last time I played you or if you suck more now!" I heard a familiar voice call from one side of the court. It was a freshly familiar voice like I'd heard it just today. Then I realized who it belonged to.
"Shut up, Johnny! I'll show you suck when I kick your sorry a--"
"Please, if I can interrupt to make a slight suggestion." The spectator stood up and walked over to the boy he'd just interrupted. "Maybe you should--" He suddenly stopped and it appeared he was looking right at me.
I wasn't sure whether I should run and hide, but found that was pointless. I hesitated for a moment then carried on toward the court.
"Well, well, if it isn't Kai's cousin. Has he sent you to surrender for him? I always knew he was a chicken-wuss." Johnny grinned, mischievously.
"He might be a chicken-wuss but even he doesn't beat you at being the biggest chicken-wuss known to man." Enrique glared at him, saying this not in Kai's defense but only to get under Johnny's skin.
Johnny was about to bark something back when I purposely interrupted to keep this from happening, "Actually I was just going for a walk." I simply said.
"So how'd you end up here then?" Enrique arched an eyebrow, curiously.
"I was just walking over back there where you guys had your battle cause I didn't know anywhere else to go around here and I saw there was a path in the back and I wanted to see where it went, so here I am." I explained, as thoroughly as the words would come to me.
"Well, you know, I know all the best places around here." Enrique grinned, seeming flirtatious again.
"Forget it, Romeo! I still have to beat you anyway." Johnny said from the other side of the court.
Enrique looked at him, "A lady is far more worth my time than the likes of you."
I couldn't help but chuckle, I never thought I'd seen such a verbally abusive friendship as this one before.
"You wanna say that to my face, you stupid blonde?" Johnny trotted toward the net, apparently ready for a fight.
"You guys are so nice, I tell you what. Talk about an abusive relationship." I commented, unable to help myself.
"Damn straight." Johnny agreed, stopping at the net, "So you ready to get your share of ass-whoop, blondie?"
"Hey now, guys, there's no need to fight. A team that bickers among itself isn't really a team at all!" The kid with the green hair said as he walked in between the two.
"I don't need to be on a team to get what I want." Johnny replied, hastily.
"You may not need the team to get you money, but you need the team to keep your name. Not to mention, without this team, you wouldn't get any girls either." Enrique slyly grinned, pleased with his insult.
"Heh, well even with the team, you definitely can't get any girls."
"No need to fight, ladies." I interjected, getting annoyed of hearing them go back and forth tirelessly.
Enrique snickered at Johnny, "She called you a lady."
"Yeah and I called you a bitch." Johnny said without hesitation.
"Good grief, you two act like three-year olds." I sighed.
"You're lucky, you don't have to live with them." The kid with the green hair said.
"Or more accurately, you're lucky you don't have to live with him." Johnny corrected, obviously directing this at Enrique.
"Hey, you wanna bring it?" Enrique inquired, challengingly as he dropped his racket with a bit of a temper.
"Oh I'll bring it alright, and bring you down while I'm at it." Johnny did the same, dropping his racket and lifting the tennis net out of the way as he walked under it.
"What's with these two?? Are they always like this?" I looked at the kid with the green hair for an answer.
"Worse." He simply replied, then suddenly stood up, "Hey I have an idea." He walked between the two, "How about you two strike a compromise. Whoever wins in tennis gets to take Kai's lovely cousin out."
"What?? Why're you dragging me into this?" I gasped, somewhat outraged.
"Someone once said 'there is nothing better than the love of a woman'." He dramatically quoted.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Besides, a competition isn't worth it without a prize." He pointed out.
"But why me??" I pleaded, ready to run off.
"You're the only girl here."
I hit myself on the forehead with the heel of my hand.
Enrique and Johnny exchanged expressions portraying they were ready for a good challenge.
"So, what do you say guys?" The boy asked.
"I vote no." I muttered just loud enough to be heard.
"Sounds fair to me. Unless blondie is afraid to embarrass himself." Johnny sneered. It seemed he was only agreeing to this because he knew Enrique's nature, as did I even though I'd only known him for a short while. I began to consider maybe Johnny only agreed to play against Enrique because he knew if he won and got to take a girl out, that would make Enrique really mad. Or maybe I was giving Johnny too much credit.
"I have a better idea. Lets play chess or something." Enrique grinned, "It's much more sophisticated."
"You just don't wanna do tennis cause you know you'll lose!" Johnny accused him.
"No I won't!" Enrique hollered back.
As much as I knew about Enrique after the tennis match, I knew that his pride would be his down fall. Enrique wouldn't back down on Johnny's challenge, but Enrique definitely wasn't a very good tennis player.
"That's game!" Johnny shouted, his hands raised in victory.
"No it's not!" Enrique growled.
"Yeah it is!! You hit it out of bounds! That's ten points!" Johnny replied, angry that his word wasn't trusted.
"How was my shot going out of bounds a point for you?!" Enrique argued some more.
"Were you not paying attention to the way we were scoring?!" Johnny yelled, his patience visibly thin, though gone would have been more accurate of a description. He looked at me and Oliver, which was the name of the kid with the green hair whose name I learned while Enrique and Johnny duked it out on the tennis court, for support, "Were we not scoring it that way the entire game?"
"Sorry Enrique, but he's right." Oliver said apologetically to Enrique.
"That's bull crap!" Enrique growled as he walked over to us.
Johnny proudly approached us as well, boastfully taking confident steps just to irritate Enrique, "I am still the tennis master." He grinned, his ego swelling with his head.
"Oh my." I sighed to myself.
Johnny set aside his racket and came over to me, "So, shall we go now then?"
I could tell by the way he was acting toward me he was doing all this to irk Enrique, and it was hard not to. He was very irkable.
"This'll be the last time she sees you, that's for sure." Enrique scuffed as he brushed himself off. "Next time, she'll be coming for some time with a real lover."
"That's a scary thought ..." I said to myself, as I did most things.
Johnny snickered, apparently having heard me.
I stood up out of the seat under the shade of the umbrella next to Oliver's, "Actually, what time is it?"
All three turned to their watches, Enrique and Johnny racing to get the time first.
"4:28--34!!" They both said at the same time.
"Your watch is off 4 minutes pal!" Johnny indicted.
"No I think it's your watch that's 4 minutes off!" Enrique shot right back.
"It's 4:30 already? You've got to be kidding me!" I was surprised at how long I'd been out. It had been about 45 minutes now and I wasn't sure if I should head back home or not.
"Something wrong with that?" Oliver asked.
I rolled my eyes, thinking I shouldn't tell them that I'd run off, "No, not really. I'm... just surprised cause it sure doesn't feel like its been that long."
"Time flies when you're kicking blonde butt." Johnny grinned as he glimpsed at Enrique, who gave him a death glare in return for his comment. He then looked directly at me and gave a slight bow, "So then, shall we be going, my lady?"
I hesitated. I'd never really gone out with a guy and I hardly even knew Johnny. Not to mention what big trouble I could get in if one of my family members found me while I was out.
Enrique interrupted my thought when he snickered, "She doesn't look like she wants to go there, Johnny. Maybe you should give it a rest."
I felt I should quickly respond, wanting no hard feelings toward anyone, "No no, I'm....." I put my hand on my forehead, trying to get my words straight before saying them, "Yeah Ok, lets go."
Johnny seemed increasingly pleased with this, "We'll see you guys later." He grinned, still aiming to taunt Enrique more than anything.
I didn't see the look on Enrique's face but it must've flushed red with anger when Johnny slipped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me close as I followed him to where ever it was we were going. I felt a bit awkward but I was trying to balance by pleasing everyone. Enrique couldn't accuse me of favoring Johnny because I went with him after he won and Johnny couldn't say I favored Enrique for any reason at all. If I'd done something like move his arm, I knew that would send him into a rampage. I might've not known the kid long but I knew him long enough to see he wasn't one to take insults of any kind lightly.
It wasn't long before we were strolling on the sidewalks of a busy street. I began to wonder what exactly Johnny had up his sleeve, whether we were just gonna walk around or actually do something. I decided not to ask though, thinking it would be kind of rude.
"So hey, tell me honestly." Johnny suddenly started, then looked down at me, "Do you think what Enrique does for attention from girls actually works or not?"
My eye contact with him sort've drifted, like it usually did when I was talking to someone. I thought it over a moment then looked ahead as I answered, "I think it depends on the girl. Some girls like all that attention from a guy, others don't. So I suppose it does work partially but.. not always." I answered.
"I guess you'd know better than I would, but I think it's pretty degrading if you ask me." Johnny said, appearing though he would voice his opinion to its fullest no matter what.
I blinked, I knew why one might think that but I decided I wanted to hear what he was gonna say, "Why's that?"
"In context, it's like a begger begging for food. He's begging because he can't get food himself. Enrique's begging for attention from girls, cause otherwise he wouldn't get any! I say that's pretty sad."
I nodded my head, "I see... So then, tell me, what's your approach on these matters?" I asked, curiously, not thinking until I had already spoken that it might've come across differently than intended.
Johnny looked down at me, a devious smirk spread across his face, "I can't reveal my secrets, you know. Especially not to you."
"What? Why me?" I asked, even though I should've caught on.
"Because, you might go tell everyone else and I wouldn't have any tricks up my sleeve to surprise an unsuspecting young lady with." He almost bragged.
I smiled, amused, "Ooh really."
"You heard it here first."
I laughed, "You sound like a reporter from a news program."
Something suddenly caught Johnny's eye, I didn't know what but it seemed to keep him from responding.
I shifted my eyes toward the direction he was looking in, wondering what it was he was gawking at. I couldn't pinpoint what it was, all the buildings were so close together it could've been just about anyone of them.
It seemed Johnny had an idea, he looked down at me, "What would you think about going out for some ice cream?"
"Ice cream?" I looked at him again.
"Yeah, ice cream on me."
I looked back ahead, seeing if I could find an ice cream store that might've encouraged the idea, "That would be nice." I admitted, still not seeing any nearby influence.
"I know a nice place down by the beach that has the best ice cream in Asia." He almost bragged.
"Best ice cream in Asia, huh? But not best ice cream in the world though, right?"
"Everybody knows the world's best ice cream comes from Europe. As does everything else."
"Oh really." I mused.
"Only a dumb ass doesn't know that."
I rolled my eyes, "Oh, excuse me."
He looked down at me.
"I thought rich guys were always gentlemen."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Johnny asked, sounding offended.
"You just called me a dumb ass..." I said, doing my best to look him in the eye.
"What? Pfft, there's a difference between a gentleman and a lady's man. I'm not gonna lie to you."
I gasped, "Ah! That was mean!" I took a step away from him with my hands on my hips.
"Yeah well I'm not known for being a particularly nice guy."
"Apparently! Sheesh. You got some freakin' nerve." I shook my head, disappointed-like.
"Not nerve. Just brave." Johnny nodded, proudly.
"That's hardly brave of anyone. Brave is when you stand up to your fears, nerve is just ... impudence."
Johnny looked at me, the impish grin on his face spelled trouble, "Impudence? You think that's impudence, this--" He spanked me without any obvious hesitation, making me jump up in front to avoid another possible attack, "--is impudence."
"Oh my gosh! You pervert!" I yelled at him as I walked backwards in front, my hands covering where I didn't want to be hit again.
He snickered, amused with my reaction, "You wanted impudence, I gave you impudence." Was his simple statement.
"Remind me why I agreed to go with you?" I looked at him skeptically.
"Because no one can resist me." Johnny said, apparently thinking it was true.
"I can't remember ever thinking that." I replied.
Johnny scowled, "Oh really. A hundred bucks says before the day is over, you'll have thought it more than once."
"And two hundred bucks says that's not even possible." I said, tauntingly.
He glared at me and I smirked back at him, knowing I'd irked him. I turned around and continued walking in front of him, when I heard him say, "I do love a good challenge."
I quickly turned around with surprise, "What??"
Johnny suddenly had a leer across his face.
I gave him a skeptical eye before turning around again. As I walked, his statement kept running through my mind. What did he mean by that? Did this mean trouble? Even worse, did this mean big trouble?
Once we finally reached the edge of the buildings, we went down some concrete stairs and into the sand. The sun was setting, I hadn't realized how late it had gotten. There was a sea breeze coming in from the water. It smelt good, like the ocean. I loved the beach and stood mesmerized by the view at the foot of the stairs.
Johnny came up behind me, "Likin' the sunset, huh?"
"Who couldn't like such a view? It looks just like a painting." I replied, forgetting whom it was I was conversing with.
Johnny rolled his eyes, "Don't be gettin' all mushy on me now."
I narrowed my eyebrows and then slowly turned to him, annoyed.
He apparently noticed and looked down at me, "What?!"
"You sure know how to spoil a perfect moment." I glared.
Johnny crossed his arms, "Yeah well ..." He paused, not knowing what to say now.
I sighed, letting the anger on my face quickly fade away as I began walking past Johnny in another direction. "You obviously don't have much experience in the ways of treating a girl."
He began to follow me, "How ya figure?"
"If you knew anything, you'd be able to figure it out." I replied, still walking ahead of him.
"Why do girls have to be so touchy and complicated?"
"We're not unless you make us be touchy and complicated."
Johnny didn't say anything after that. I must've made him really mad and I was ready to be given the silent treatment or something of the like.
I walked over to a bench and sat down, sighing with relief that I could finally take a rest.
Johnny didn't sit down. He stood at a bit of a distance, his expression grudging as he refused to even glimpse at me.
I looked at him for a long time, seeing if he'd change his mind but he didn't. He just stared out toward the ocean as if he were a statue. I let out a laugh, thinking this was somewhat childish of him, but he didn't let up even with my light-heartedness, "Boy you rich folk, you sure got a lot goin' for you what with all your stubbornness."
He didn't say anything.
"Don't you find this a bit childish?" I asked.
Johnny still remained silent.
I laughed again and got up, walking over and standing in front of him. I waved my hand back and forth in front of his eyes, seeing they suddenly shifted down at me, "Come on Johnny, be a little bit better humored, would you? I'm not holding you lock and chains you know."
Johnny only glared down at me, still apparently mad.
I chuckled, still finding this humorous, "Quit pouting you big baby! What is it you want from me?"
He still didn't say anything.
I looked up at him expectantly with a smirk on my face, "What's with you? You're all fired up one second and icy as a polar bear the next." I paused, knowing he wouldn't respond. "Alright fine, since you won't apologize for being mean then I'll be the bigger man and say I'm sorry first, so can we get along now?"
Still nothing.
"You're harder to move than a tree, fine then." I took a step forward and embraced him with a big bear hug.
"AHH! What're you doing?!" He took a step back, apparently startled.
I let him go and took a step back, "HAH! Look at that! I got you to move!" I laughed triumphantly.
He growled at me.
"Oh come on now, you can't tell me you don't like hugs. You're an Aries."
Johnny paused a moment, "How would you know?"
"It's clear as day, Johnny. Don't tell me it's not obvious."
He rolled his eyes away from me.
"You need some ice cream to cheer you up." I walked over to him and took his hand, pulling him behind me even though he hesitated.
The ice cream stand was obvious. It was more like an out-door parlor type place. It had a roof, but no walls. I walked up to the counter and hopped on one of the seats, then looked to Johnny to do the same.
I blinked at him, "Aren't you gonna sit?"
He turned away.
"Don't be a party pooper!" I accused.
The guy behind the counter came over, "Relationship problems?"
I looked at him, "The only problem is him." I gestured toward Johnny.
"Big fight?"
"No, I just think I insulted him." I chuckled.
"Tsk tsk, you should be glad she's apologizing. My wife never does." The clerk said to Johnny as he cleaned out a glass.
Johnny didn't say anything.
The clerk looked back at me, "So what'll it be?"
"Give me a sec. to decide." I requested.
"Take your time." He offered and walked off to attend to another customer.
I looked at Johnny again, "Come on Johnny-boi, don't you want some ice cream?"
"No." He simply replied.
I thought hard a moment. If only I had known what he liked. I waved the clerk over and whispered to him, "Have you had Johnny ... um ... the rich kid come around here often?"
"You mean the famous Johnny MacGregor--as in the one standing right there?" The clerk pointed.
I nodded anxiously.
"Yeah, every clerk here knows him. He comes at least once a day whenever he visits Japan."
"Great. What does he usually get?" I asked.
He eyed me, "Giving away a man's secrets is one mistake I won't make."
I dug in my pocket for some cash I had gotten in the morning for lunch, which I didn't use. It wasn't an amount I was familiar with, it was Japanese money. I showed it all to the clerk, "If I give you this will you tell me I asked?"
The clerk's eyes grew wide, it must've been a lot of money, "I suppose since it's for a good cause, I'll let it go this time." He agreed and took the money. "I'll be right back with some."
"Thanks." I answered quietly, then relaxed back into the chair, seeing Johnny hadn't move a bit and probably hadn't heard us whispering either. I began to whistle a random tune just to pass the time. The clerk soon came back with a bowl piled with ice cream. I didn't know what flavor it was, but as long as it was Johnny's favorite I accepted it. I thanked the clerk with a nod and took the ice cream bowl after hopping off the seat. I took hold of the spoon so it wouldn't fall out and walked up in front of Johnny, "Hey Johnny, look." I teased him with the bowl in noticeable view. I definitely caught his attention and he seemed surprised, but he didn't say anything. I spooned some of the ice cream up and ate it, "Mmm, this is good. Too bad Johnny doesn't want any." I said, regretfully but playfully.
Johnny frowned, "Hey! Give me that!" He grabbed the bowl from my hands.
"Yikes, don't get between Johnny and his ice cream." I warned, "You want the spoon?"
Johnny yanked the spoon out of my grasp then turned around and sat down at the counter.
I was satisfied and took a seat next to him, "Did I do good?" I asked.
"How did you know?" He asked, suspiciously.
I grinned, "I can't reveal my secrets. You might tell everyone and I wouldn't have any tricks up my sleeve to surprise any unsuspecting, attractive guy with."
A slight smile was evident, "You're odd." Johnny said, trying to hold back laughter with a chuckle.
"You heard it here first." I quoted him and returned the smile.
Johnny didn't say anything else, but he was still smiling. I must've amused him, because I don't think he was mad anymore. He continued to eat his ice cream without saying anything else.
I was glad everything was all dandy again. It made me feel good inside to see he wasn't mad at me anymore. I owed a lot of the credit to the man at the counter but I wouldn't deny credit to myself as well.
Johnny suddenly looked at me, "You want that ice cream I promised?"
I looked at him, not sure how to respond. Declining might be rude, but accepting would be a bit rude too. I gave an unsure sigh, "Well, I don't wanna be any trouble or anything." I replied.
"Oh please, I've got more money than I know what to do with." Johnny waved the clirk over.
"Made up, I see?" The clerk winked at me.
I smiled, "Yeah, you know I'm good." I jokingly replied.
The clerk laughed, "So what'll ya have?"
"Cookies and cream, please." I requested.
"What size?"
"Make it extra large." Johnny answered for me.
I quickly looked at him, "Are you sure?? ...I mean, I don't think I can eat that much."
"I'll help ya finish it if you can't." Johnny winked.
"Coming right up." The clerk said and walked off again.
I smiled, "Thanks."
Johnny nodded as if saying that it was nothing and looked back at his ice cream to spoon more up. "So, cookies and cream is your favorite then, eh?"
I gasped, pretending to be surprised, "How did you know?!"
Johnny chuckled, "Call it men's intuition." He teased.
"Men's intuition, eh?" I laughed.
"You heard me." Johnny nodded, getting more ice cream onto his spoon.
The clerk slid the bowl of ice cream to me, "Here ya go."
"Thank you." I replied and began to spoon at a big Oreo piece sitting on top.
Johnny pushed his bowl away from him, having left some melted ice cream at the bottom. He sat back and stretched, appearing satisfied. "So, what do I get in return for being such a good date?"
I coughed, "Date?"
"Going out and dating is one in the same, you know." Johnny informed me.
I seemed to have not noticed when Oliver said 'go out', he meant 'go out... on a date'! I had to think on this, "Um, how about a word guarantee that you were a good date?"
"Oh come on, you can do better than that." Johnny pressed.
"No refunds?" I offered.
Johnny laughed, "Don't tell me you've never been on a date." He suddenly assumed.
I was afraid to tell him his assumption was right, but I wouldn't lie to him, "In literal terms, no."
"You haven't??" Johnny said in surprise, "Wow, now I've heard it all."
I pushed the ice cream bowl away, having left a little bit over, "You want the rest of this?"
"Nah, we'll just leave it." Johnny replied and got off the chair.
The clerk came over, "Leaving?"
"Yup." Johnny replied as I jumped off my chair.
"How're you gonna pay today then, Mr. MacGregor?"
"Put it on my tab." Johnny replied.
"You've got one hell of a tab." The clerk added.
Johnny rolled his eyes, "Fine, here." He handed him a credit card.
I swallowed hard, "You have a credit card?"
Johnny looked back at the piece of plastic the clerk was sliding through the scanner and handed back, then studied it, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's a credit card." He said, sarcastically.
I laughed and shook my head, "You're one for sarcasm."
"It's a trademark." The clerk mentioned.
"It must be." I agreed.
Johnny put his credit card away, "We'll be heading back now. I'll see you later." He waved to the clerk as he turned around.
"Have a good evening." The clerk replied.
Before leaving I mouthed the words 'thank you' one more time, then turned to follow Johnny. He had stopped to wait for me and began walking with me once I'd caught up.
"So, did you enjoy our little date?" Johnny asked.
I had anticipated his expectations were high, "You mean besides being offended on several occasions and then you pouting like a 5-year-old?"
Johnny's lighthearted expression had quickly vanished, I assumed I had insulted him--again.
"I'd say the evening went pretty well." I finally finished, hoping Johnny wouldn't hold my beginning against me.
Johnny looked ahead, saying nothing.
"Oh come on, Johnny! I was just kidding. This has been the best evening I've ever had!" I said, very sincerely.
Johnny looked at me again, doubtfully.
"You don't believe me?"
"Why do you keep complaining?" He growled.
"I wasn't, I was just teasing. Why're you so touchy?"
Johnny crossed his arms, "I'm not touchy!"
I blinked and laughed, "You contradict yourself. Lighten up a little." I suggested.
"Are you telling me what to do?" He suddenly accused.
"...Yeah! I am! Now come on, I wanna hear you laugh again!" I jumped out in front of him.
Johnny's face remained stern and almost annoyed.
"Are you... ticklish?" I poked him, in an attempt to tickle him.
It didn't work, but suddenly his famous, impish smirk spread across his face, "No, but I bet you are."
I darted off, the very thought of being tickled was a nightmare. I hated it when people tickled me. I had hoped Johnny wasn't following me because running in the sand and successfully getting somewhere had to be a talent, a talent which I didn't have. I stumbled over myself and fell, "Oh that sucked." I moaned. The sand was soft--but not when you fell in it.
Johnny came sliding over to me on his knees, showering me in sand.
"Hey now!" I turned around and sat down, brushing the sand off my clothes, "I surrender Ok? No tickling!"
He crawled closer, "That's not fair, you would've let me had it if I was ticklish."
"Yeah but you weren't so--no! Hey!!" Pleading for mercy was useless, he already began tickling me in my most sensitive spot. I struggled to smack his hands away in between uncontrollable laughter, falling back into the sand. "You're evil!" I cried, tears rolling down my cheeks from hilarity.
"I know." He confessed, still poking me in the stomach and the side.
"Stop stop!! Quit before I seriously hurt you!" I threatened, still unable to keep from laughing. After that he finally backed off and stopped. I lay there in the sand still trying to get the last laughs out of my system, "Oh my gosh." I sighed, trying to catch my breath. "Man, I hate you." I chuckled, wiping the tears from my cheeks.
Johnny seemed amused, "Yeah yeah, I know." He grinned.
I sighed again with a last chuckle attached and directed my eyes toward the night sky. It was now completely dark. The stars were out and the moon was almost nearly full. A few, thin and wispy clouds would glide by the moon every now and then, but for the most part it was clear.
I looked back at Johnny, who was staring intensely at me. I looked away, sort've embarrassed and feeling awkward sitting there. Johnny caught my eye again when he started moving closer until he was nearly on top of me and we were face to face. I felt my eyelids become heavy, but I didn't know why. I allowed my eyes to close and felt something press against my lips. I hadn't planned for this to happen, but something about it didn't make me want to pull away. I gradually felt myself sink back down against the sand, feeling Johnny follow me until he was laying on me. We seemed to stay there for a long time, though in reality it probably wasn't hardly a minute. I felt Johnny push himself up. I forced my heavy eyes open to see him staring down at me again. I felt almost silly as I lay there with nothing to say. I directed my eyes away from Johnny for a moment, looking out at the ocean. Johnny relaxed himself and lay down over me again. I turned to face the sky so I could watch him from the corner of my eye. His face was against my neck as he gave it a gentle kiss. My anxiety increased as he continued to nuzzle my neck and put his arms around me. I nearly feared what he might have in his intentions, seeing as I didn't really know him that well. I concluded perhaps this was a compliment--maybe he was really fond of me. But, knowing Johnny, he probably didn't know any other way of showing it. I hesitantly complied, seeing as I couldn't resist, and embraced him. I suddenly found I liked this attention. It was so new and different, but warm and comforting and I didn't wanna let it go.
Johnny kissed me on the cheek and pulled away from my grip, "We should get going. It's late." He said and got to his feet.
I sat up and let Johnny help me to my feet. I brushed my pants off and shook my shirt, trying to get the rest of the sand off.
"You ready to go?" Johnny asked.
I looked up at him, "Yeah." I walked over to him, still shaking my shirt out.
He took my hand from my side and held it tightly as if refusing to ever let it go, then continued to lead me back.
The stroll was quiet, neither of us said a word. The silence made me a bit nervous but Johnny seemed content. He walked me up to the gate of my 'house', which seemed more like a hotel to me.
"This is good." I said, not wanting to be seen with Johnny, knowing it would get him in trouble with my family.
"I enjoyed your company." Johnny said.
I smiled, "Yeah, me too. I had a fun time."
Johnny leaned in closer, putting his arms around my waist and gave me another deep and intimate kiss.
Once again I submitted and put my own arms around his neck.
I wanted to stay like this for a while longer but Johnny pulled away, "I'll see you again." He promised.
I nodded and released him, "Bye..." I replied, somewhat sadly and watched him begin his way back.
Once he was out of site I turned around and ran to the back of the house, ready to see my rope still dangling from my bedroom window but to my dismay, it wasn't there. I'd been found out. I turned to look toward the forest beyond the backyard and rested against the brick wall with a sigh. I couldn't go back in there now but where would I go? I had no place to go. I'd have to face up to my family. Might as well get it over with.