Disclaimer: I don´t own "Escaflowne" or "Save the Last Dance"
A/N: Thanks for the reviews and sorry for the long wait. In this section we get to know Yukari a bit more, and the main couple get closer... :) Hope you´ll enjoy, happy readings!
Chapter 5: Truths Revealed
Hitomi took her post on the square and lifted the baseball bat on her shoulder. She studied the pitcher through screwed eyes and fixed her position, waiting for the blow. Finally the ball flew towards her and she flung her bat powerfully, successfully hitting the ball and making it fly far to the other end of the field.
It was another fine day in Gaea. Sun shone from the cloudless sky, and the girls' gymlesson was held on the field. It was not unusual that there was a group of guys sitting on the end of the stand, "following the teaching".
Yukari and Millerna shrieked from the bench as Hitomi passed the first base and ran directly to the second. The two were not the only ones to joy about this. Up on the end of the stairs three boys seemed to have taken the same attraction towards the sandy-hared girl that darted through the field.
"See that new girl? Damn she´s hot!"
"Yeah, that ass and those thighs...Not bad..."
"You know, I heard that she was dancing with that Fanel-guy in Steps at Friday."
"Fanel! How come he always gets the cute ones! What´s in him that chicks so adore??"
"Dunno, but I bet that he wants more than just kisses from that lady!"
The three guffawed, but failed to notice the person upper in the shadows, leaning casually to one of the large poles.
Van had listened to the conversation with half ear, but decided to concentrate his attention to the heavenly piece of art on the field. He watched as she stretched her arms high above her head and then untied her hair from the ponytail before shaking her head a bit and then fixing her locks up again. The sun shone to her delicate form as she settled herself ready to run.
Though all the girls wore the same school's outfit, a white shirt and short, black shorts, she outshone everybody else. Her gymnastic and harmonious body possessed beautiful curves, with perfectly shaped hips and firm but slim legs. She was truly pleasing to the eye.
The girl certainly was something. Van had spent his weekend thinking about her. It was funny, because no girl ever evoked such feelings inside of him. Van felt the urge to be close to her. He had decided he needed to talk with her, something he usually did not do.
So here he was now, drinking in the image of the luscious form that swiftly and easily made her way to the home base. Gods, he needed her. Already the memory of how well she had fit in his arms made him long to hold her.
Hitomi stretched over the line and her team cheered. They had won. Her classmates tapped her to the shoulder and then happily chatting headed to the locker rooms. Hitomi smiled and turned to face the sky. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and bathed herself in the warmth of the sun. Gathering her stuff, she then followed the rest.
* *
"See you tomorrow Hitomi!"
"Sure thing, bye!"
Hitomi waved to her friends and proceeded on changing the shorts to her jeans. Quietly humming to herself she combed her hair and then fixed it to a ponytail. Making sure all her clothes were gathered to her green duffel bag, she left to the door, but when opening it a small squeak escaped from her throat.
Van had made sure everybody else was gone before making his way to the girls' locker room door. He had been just about to knock, when the one he had been looking for had opened the door and now stared at him as he towered over her.
He looked down at the largest and most beautiful emerald eyes in the world. Her delicate form made him speechless and her smooth lips were irresistibly apart, making him yearn to taste them. He woke up from the trance she had put over him and took a step closer, forcing her back to the room and shutting the door behind him.
Hitomi backed with him and took still a few extra steps after he had stopped. When enough space was between them she weakly stated: "Look, I...I had really fun last Friday, but...But you can't continue doing this. I- I don´t even know you!
Van smiled at her uneasiness, and approached her, though her body language strongly objected. When close enough he snaked a hand around her waist pulling her close to himself. Hitomi was stiff like a block of wood, but it did not seem to bother him, as he leaned close to her ear and whispered softly: "Then we just have to get to know eachother."
Hitomi felt a lump in her throat and pressed her palms against his well- proportioned chest, pleading for him to let go of her: "You make me feel uncomfortable."
Van smiled again and asked innocently: "Why´s that?"
Hitomi dropped her gaze from the handsome features.
"Well I-I've heard some stuff...about you..."
Her gaze shot back up when she felt his chest squirm under her hands as he let out a laugh. She noted that he had a really nice laugh, but the thought was quickly pushed aside. He smiled at her and an amused twinkle blinked in his soft chocolate eyes: "You rather listen to gossips than see for yourself?"
Hitomi was taken back and instead of answering, tried to wriggle out of his hold. He did not let her, so she turned to face him with a begging expression: "I must go."
Van laughed again and asked easily: "What? You´ll turn into Ugly Duckling after sunset? C´mon, let me even take you home."
Hitomi bit her lip. She knew that accepting his offer was seriously out of question, but when looking up at his adorably gorgeous eyes, her feet started to shiver and heart leap. With a sigh she melted for him: "Fine then."
* *
"With that bike?!"
"Oi! It´s not just any bike, it´s a Harley Davidson!"
Hitomi stood a good deal away from the black vehicle and its owner. Van sat cosily on the saddle and motioned for her to take a seat behind him. Hitomi shook her head violently. She was NOT, in any circumstances going to join him on that gadget.
Van sighed and rose from his place. Taking the few steps to her, he tilted his head and lifted a brow. Hitomi gazed deep in his eyes, when he took her hand and stated gently: "I promise that nothing will happen to you. It´s a safe bike and I´m a good driver. C´mon now."
Hitomi felt her heart soften again when looking into his compassionate eyes, which held all the sincerity in the world. Like in a trance, she let him lead her to the motorcycle and seat her behind himself.
"Hold on tight."
She did as said and wrapped her shaky hands around his hard torso. Van smiled to her and then stepped on the gas, starting the motor and accelerating away from the parking area. Hitomi shut her eyes and squeezed him with all her might.
The two reached the main road. The breeze caressed Hitomi´s face and she dared to open her eyes. She gasped when seeing the scenery beside her. They were on a bridge, the bike racing with the sunset. Rays of yellow and red hit the sky, making the landscape an orange wet paint colouring.
* *
Hitomi rose from her place and then turned to face him. She felt awkward and did not quite know how to thank him. Before she had the chance to, he leaned forward. She startled, when noticing what he was doing, but all he did was breath into her ear and then whisper:
"See you around tiger."
Then he was gone again. Hitomi stood at the sidewalk bewildered and somewhat frustrated. Grabbing her bag, she marched inside.
"I´m home!"
She dropped her duffel-bag to the ground and headed to the kitchen. Soon her father appeared on the doorway with a coffee cup on his hand. In silence he watched as Hitomi fixed a sandwich to herself and then head to the dining table. Quietly he followed and seated himself opposite to her.
Hitomi eyed her father. He was acting strangely. Normally he would just sit in his own room writing and paying no heed on her. He looked restless; it seemed like he was always nervous in her company. So she decided to keep quiet and listen to what her father had to say.
"Hitomi I..."
Hitomi lifted her gaze from the plate and swallowed the piece of food in her mouth: "Yes?"
Her father twiddled the spoon in his mug and seemed to search a way to voice what he was about to say. Hitomi listened carefully when he stated quietly: "How are you? We haven't had a good opportunity to talk after you came. I...I was a bit too strict to you last Friday and I´m sorry because of it. I was just very worried when I didn't know where you were."
Hitomi kept quiet and her father continued: "I understood from your mothers letters that you like dancing. I know that it isn't really my business what you do on your free time, but I just wanted you to know that I think it's a really good hobby and I´m ready to invest on it if you still want to go to dance lessons."
Hitomi stared at him. Was this really the same uncommunicative and withdrawn person she called her father? He was actually talking to her and being nice to her! She kept gaping at him even when he rose and with a tiny smile added: "Think about it."
* *
"Hey princess, doing something tonight."
Hitomi startled and turned to Van who had appeared beside her and now leaned casually to the locker beside hers. She was still not used to his sudden appearances and was also a bit troubled of what had happened the day before. Mumbling, she stuttered her answer: "N-no, I don´t think so."
"Then I´ll pick you up at seven."
As soon as he was on his way again, Yukari, who had followed the situation from farther away, rushed to Hitomi.
"What was that??"
Hitomi, still a bit astonished turned to her friend: "I-I think he just asked me on a date."
Yukari beamed. She had wanted to talk to Hitomi about Van and now was the perfect situation. The two friends left outside to eat their lunch. After finding a nice and quiet corner, both sat down. Yukari studied her silent friend and then asked gently: "Hitomi, would you like to talk about something?"
Hitomi´s head shot up and found Yukari watching her in concern. She dropped her gaze back to the plate and replied quietly: "No, I don´t want to bother you with my problems."
Yukari placed a hand over her friends and smiled assuringly: "Hitomi, it´s what friends are for. You don´t have to talk to me now, but know that you can always come to me if there anything. Anything!"
Hitomi listened to her friend and sighed inwardly. How could have she been blessed with a person like Yukari. The redhead kept her hand over hers and had her head tilted, like waiting for a reply.
Yukari smiled. It was like Hitomi was the very waited friend to her. Sure Millerna was nice and kind, but she talked so much that Yukari was often left in the blond´s shadow. Luckily Yukari still had her boyfriend, but Amano was nowadays so occupied with the trackteam and running, that their brief moments together were something real special.
Yukari laughed inwardly when reminiscing how many times Amano had been ready to squeeze the breath out of Millerna, for her petty and selfish acting. Though Millerna possessed beauty with no limits, things not so beautiful sometimes slipped from her mouth. Nevertheless, Yukari respected Millerna´s friendship.
As Yukari now scrutinised her companion, she decided, that Hitomi was not a friend to let slip away. Though the two had spent very little time together till now, Yukari had concluded that Hitomi was a happy and friendly soul, who just needed a bit of trusting. She had guessed that something in Hitomi´s past was very painful for her to talk about, but if Yukari was just able to make the girl open herself, maybe the pain would go away. And if not away completely, then soothe a bit.
There was also another thing. Yukari, among with many other people had seen Hitomi and Van together in Steps last Friday. There was already a gossip spreading through the school, that Van Fanel had an eye for the new girl.
"Yukari, is something wrong?"
Yukari snapped out of her dreams and turned to Hitomi who looked at her with worry. She smiled and shook her head: "No, I was just thinking about some stuff... Anyway, I´m sorry that I drifted away just as you were about to tell me something."
Inhaling, Hitomi spoke quietly: "I´m not sure about this Yukari."
Yukari frowned: "Sure about what?"
Hitomi bit her lip. She never talked about her problems to anybody, but Yukari seemed so worried that maybe it would not be so bad if she told her.
"Yukari, are the things Millerna told about Van true?"
Yukari shifted on her chair. What was she supposed to say? She usually tried to ignore all the rumours that were spread in the school, but having someone like Millerna as friend it was hard to not miss all the gossips. Trying to find the right words she started slowly: "Well... I can´t exactly say, because we´re not acquainted that way, so I don´t really know..."
Hitomi sighed and Yukari noted how sorrowful she looked. Then suddenly Hitomi quietly started speaking: "I used to date this guy...Sean. I was crazy about him, literally. He was always so kind, adorable, and sweet in every possible way. I really loved him! Or at least I thought so..."
She paused. Recovered from Hitomi´s sudden outburst, Yukari realised some crystal tears were dwelling in the corners of her eyes. Silently she wrapped her arms around her friend's shoulders and encouraged her to continue.
"Then one day I discovered that he had been dating other girls at the same time he was going out with me. I felt horrible. Everything he had told me; all the confessions...they had all been lies. I had loved him and he had just played with my feelings. It was horrible. I thought there must be a reason for his behaviour, but when I asked about it, he just yelled at me and then dumped me like an old sock!"
The tears had started to flow down Hitomi´s cheeks and she was alternately hiccuping and sobbing. Yukari hushed her, but received only more weeping.
Hitomi sniffed and continued with a choked voice: "After that I always danced. Music and dance were my life. But now that my mom is dead, I don´t have even dancing anymore... And now that stupid, stupid Van is filling my mind with all kinds of thoughts and feelings. I´m so confused!"
Yukari could say nothing, just hold her. What awful things this poor girl had gone through. She did not know how to comfort her, or what to say. Hitomi kept sobbing in her arms, and she felt helpless.
Time passed and finally Hitomi pulled herself up. Her eyes were a bit red and her cheeks flushed, but she forced a smile on her lips. Clearing her throat a few times, she spoke gaspingly: "I´m sorry if I upset you."
Yukari shook her head and looked at Hitomi in concern: "No, not at all! I´m glad you told me, thank you for trusting me..."
Hitomi looked into the space and Yukari would have given anything to know what moved in her mind. Like reading her thoughts, Hitomi smiled to her: "May I ask for an opinion?"
Yukari nodded: "Anything!"
Hitomi sighed: "What do you think I should do? I... I´m not sure what to think about Van, but my feelings tell me to trust him, which is absurd when I think what kind of a person he is!"
Yukari smiled and confidently replied: "Well, I think you should go. I mean, that way you´ll learn to know him better. I´m sure you´re still upset of what happened with Sean, and the loss of your mother is terrible, but you can´t stay dwelling on things forever. Life continues. "
Hitomi scrutinised her friend's face. How wise she was... Hitomi decided to follow her advice and thanked her for it.
* *
A/N: Thanks for the reviews and sorry for the long wait. In this section we get to know Yukari a bit more, and the main couple get closer... :) Hope you´ll enjoy, happy readings!
Chapter 5: Truths Revealed
Hitomi took her post on the square and lifted the baseball bat on her shoulder. She studied the pitcher through screwed eyes and fixed her position, waiting for the blow. Finally the ball flew towards her and she flung her bat powerfully, successfully hitting the ball and making it fly far to the other end of the field.
It was another fine day in Gaea. Sun shone from the cloudless sky, and the girls' gymlesson was held on the field. It was not unusual that there was a group of guys sitting on the end of the stand, "following the teaching".
Yukari and Millerna shrieked from the bench as Hitomi passed the first base and ran directly to the second. The two were not the only ones to joy about this. Up on the end of the stairs three boys seemed to have taken the same attraction towards the sandy-hared girl that darted through the field.
"See that new girl? Damn she´s hot!"
"Yeah, that ass and those thighs...Not bad..."
"You know, I heard that she was dancing with that Fanel-guy in Steps at Friday."
"Fanel! How come he always gets the cute ones! What´s in him that chicks so adore??"
"Dunno, but I bet that he wants more than just kisses from that lady!"
The three guffawed, but failed to notice the person upper in the shadows, leaning casually to one of the large poles.
Van had listened to the conversation with half ear, but decided to concentrate his attention to the heavenly piece of art on the field. He watched as she stretched her arms high above her head and then untied her hair from the ponytail before shaking her head a bit and then fixing her locks up again. The sun shone to her delicate form as she settled herself ready to run.
Though all the girls wore the same school's outfit, a white shirt and short, black shorts, she outshone everybody else. Her gymnastic and harmonious body possessed beautiful curves, with perfectly shaped hips and firm but slim legs. She was truly pleasing to the eye.
The girl certainly was something. Van had spent his weekend thinking about her. It was funny, because no girl ever evoked such feelings inside of him. Van felt the urge to be close to her. He had decided he needed to talk with her, something he usually did not do.
So here he was now, drinking in the image of the luscious form that swiftly and easily made her way to the home base. Gods, he needed her. Already the memory of how well she had fit in his arms made him long to hold her.
Hitomi stretched over the line and her team cheered. They had won. Her classmates tapped her to the shoulder and then happily chatting headed to the locker rooms. Hitomi smiled and turned to face the sky. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and bathed herself in the warmth of the sun. Gathering her stuff, she then followed the rest.
* *
"See you tomorrow Hitomi!"
"Sure thing, bye!"
Hitomi waved to her friends and proceeded on changing the shorts to her jeans. Quietly humming to herself she combed her hair and then fixed it to a ponytail. Making sure all her clothes were gathered to her green duffel bag, she left to the door, but when opening it a small squeak escaped from her throat.
Van had made sure everybody else was gone before making his way to the girls' locker room door. He had been just about to knock, when the one he had been looking for had opened the door and now stared at him as he towered over her.
He looked down at the largest and most beautiful emerald eyes in the world. Her delicate form made him speechless and her smooth lips were irresistibly apart, making him yearn to taste them. He woke up from the trance she had put over him and took a step closer, forcing her back to the room and shutting the door behind him.
Hitomi backed with him and took still a few extra steps after he had stopped. When enough space was between them she weakly stated: "Look, I...I had really fun last Friday, but...But you can't continue doing this. I- I don´t even know you!
Van smiled at her uneasiness, and approached her, though her body language strongly objected. When close enough he snaked a hand around her waist pulling her close to himself. Hitomi was stiff like a block of wood, but it did not seem to bother him, as he leaned close to her ear and whispered softly: "Then we just have to get to know eachother."
Hitomi felt a lump in her throat and pressed her palms against his well- proportioned chest, pleading for him to let go of her: "You make me feel uncomfortable."
Van smiled again and asked innocently: "Why´s that?"
Hitomi dropped her gaze from the handsome features.
"Well I-I've heard some stuff...about you..."
Her gaze shot back up when she felt his chest squirm under her hands as he let out a laugh. She noted that he had a really nice laugh, but the thought was quickly pushed aside. He smiled at her and an amused twinkle blinked in his soft chocolate eyes: "You rather listen to gossips than see for yourself?"
Hitomi was taken back and instead of answering, tried to wriggle out of his hold. He did not let her, so she turned to face him with a begging expression: "I must go."
Van laughed again and asked easily: "What? You´ll turn into Ugly Duckling after sunset? C´mon, let me even take you home."
Hitomi bit her lip. She knew that accepting his offer was seriously out of question, but when looking up at his adorably gorgeous eyes, her feet started to shiver and heart leap. With a sigh she melted for him: "Fine then."
* *
"With that bike?!"
"Oi! It´s not just any bike, it´s a Harley Davidson!"
Hitomi stood a good deal away from the black vehicle and its owner. Van sat cosily on the saddle and motioned for her to take a seat behind him. Hitomi shook her head violently. She was NOT, in any circumstances going to join him on that gadget.
Van sighed and rose from his place. Taking the few steps to her, he tilted his head and lifted a brow. Hitomi gazed deep in his eyes, when he took her hand and stated gently: "I promise that nothing will happen to you. It´s a safe bike and I´m a good driver. C´mon now."
Hitomi felt her heart soften again when looking into his compassionate eyes, which held all the sincerity in the world. Like in a trance, she let him lead her to the motorcycle and seat her behind himself.
"Hold on tight."
She did as said and wrapped her shaky hands around his hard torso. Van smiled to her and then stepped on the gas, starting the motor and accelerating away from the parking area. Hitomi shut her eyes and squeezed him with all her might.
The two reached the main road. The breeze caressed Hitomi´s face and she dared to open her eyes. She gasped when seeing the scenery beside her. They were on a bridge, the bike racing with the sunset. Rays of yellow and red hit the sky, making the landscape an orange wet paint colouring.
* *
Hitomi rose from her place and then turned to face him. She felt awkward and did not quite know how to thank him. Before she had the chance to, he leaned forward. She startled, when noticing what he was doing, but all he did was breath into her ear and then whisper:
"See you around tiger."
Then he was gone again. Hitomi stood at the sidewalk bewildered and somewhat frustrated. Grabbing her bag, she marched inside.
"I´m home!"
She dropped her duffel-bag to the ground and headed to the kitchen. Soon her father appeared on the doorway with a coffee cup on his hand. In silence he watched as Hitomi fixed a sandwich to herself and then head to the dining table. Quietly he followed and seated himself opposite to her.
Hitomi eyed her father. He was acting strangely. Normally he would just sit in his own room writing and paying no heed on her. He looked restless; it seemed like he was always nervous in her company. So she decided to keep quiet and listen to what her father had to say.
"Hitomi I..."
Hitomi lifted her gaze from the plate and swallowed the piece of food in her mouth: "Yes?"
Her father twiddled the spoon in his mug and seemed to search a way to voice what he was about to say. Hitomi listened carefully when he stated quietly: "How are you? We haven't had a good opportunity to talk after you came. I...I was a bit too strict to you last Friday and I´m sorry because of it. I was just very worried when I didn't know where you were."
Hitomi kept quiet and her father continued: "I understood from your mothers letters that you like dancing. I know that it isn't really my business what you do on your free time, but I just wanted you to know that I think it's a really good hobby and I´m ready to invest on it if you still want to go to dance lessons."
Hitomi stared at him. Was this really the same uncommunicative and withdrawn person she called her father? He was actually talking to her and being nice to her! She kept gaping at him even when he rose and with a tiny smile added: "Think about it."
* *
"Hey princess, doing something tonight."
Hitomi startled and turned to Van who had appeared beside her and now leaned casually to the locker beside hers. She was still not used to his sudden appearances and was also a bit troubled of what had happened the day before. Mumbling, she stuttered her answer: "N-no, I don´t think so."
"Then I´ll pick you up at seven."
As soon as he was on his way again, Yukari, who had followed the situation from farther away, rushed to Hitomi.
"What was that??"
Hitomi, still a bit astonished turned to her friend: "I-I think he just asked me on a date."
Yukari beamed. She had wanted to talk to Hitomi about Van and now was the perfect situation. The two friends left outside to eat their lunch. After finding a nice and quiet corner, both sat down. Yukari studied her silent friend and then asked gently: "Hitomi, would you like to talk about something?"
Hitomi´s head shot up and found Yukari watching her in concern. She dropped her gaze back to the plate and replied quietly: "No, I don´t want to bother you with my problems."
Yukari placed a hand over her friends and smiled assuringly: "Hitomi, it´s what friends are for. You don´t have to talk to me now, but know that you can always come to me if there anything. Anything!"
Hitomi listened to her friend and sighed inwardly. How could have she been blessed with a person like Yukari. The redhead kept her hand over hers and had her head tilted, like waiting for a reply.
Yukari smiled. It was like Hitomi was the very waited friend to her. Sure Millerna was nice and kind, but she talked so much that Yukari was often left in the blond´s shadow. Luckily Yukari still had her boyfriend, but Amano was nowadays so occupied with the trackteam and running, that their brief moments together were something real special.
Yukari laughed inwardly when reminiscing how many times Amano had been ready to squeeze the breath out of Millerna, for her petty and selfish acting. Though Millerna possessed beauty with no limits, things not so beautiful sometimes slipped from her mouth. Nevertheless, Yukari respected Millerna´s friendship.
As Yukari now scrutinised her companion, she decided, that Hitomi was not a friend to let slip away. Though the two had spent very little time together till now, Yukari had concluded that Hitomi was a happy and friendly soul, who just needed a bit of trusting. She had guessed that something in Hitomi´s past was very painful for her to talk about, but if Yukari was just able to make the girl open herself, maybe the pain would go away. And if not away completely, then soothe a bit.
There was also another thing. Yukari, among with many other people had seen Hitomi and Van together in Steps last Friday. There was already a gossip spreading through the school, that Van Fanel had an eye for the new girl.
"Yukari, is something wrong?"
Yukari snapped out of her dreams and turned to Hitomi who looked at her with worry. She smiled and shook her head: "No, I was just thinking about some stuff... Anyway, I´m sorry that I drifted away just as you were about to tell me something."
Inhaling, Hitomi spoke quietly: "I´m not sure about this Yukari."
Yukari frowned: "Sure about what?"
Hitomi bit her lip. She never talked about her problems to anybody, but Yukari seemed so worried that maybe it would not be so bad if she told her.
"Yukari, are the things Millerna told about Van true?"
Yukari shifted on her chair. What was she supposed to say? She usually tried to ignore all the rumours that were spread in the school, but having someone like Millerna as friend it was hard to not miss all the gossips. Trying to find the right words she started slowly: "Well... I can´t exactly say, because we´re not acquainted that way, so I don´t really know..."
Hitomi sighed and Yukari noted how sorrowful she looked. Then suddenly Hitomi quietly started speaking: "I used to date this guy...Sean. I was crazy about him, literally. He was always so kind, adorable, and sweet in every possible way. I really loved him! Or at least I thought so..."
She paused. Recovered from Hitomi´s sudden outburst, Yukari realised some crystal tears were dwelling in the corners of her eyes. Silently she wrapped her arms around her friend's shoulders and encouraged her to continue.
"Then one day I discovered that he had been dating other girls at the same time he was going out with me. I felt horrible. Everything he had told me; all the confessions...they had all been lies. I had loved him and he had just played with my feelings. It was horrible. I thought there must be a reason for his behaviour, but when I asked about it, he just yelled at me and then dumped me like an old sock!"
The tears had started to flow down Hitomi´s cheeks and she was alternately hiccuping and sobbing. Yukari hushed her, but received only more weeping.
Hitomi sniffed and continued with a choked voice: "After that I always danced. Music and dance were my life. But now that my mom is dead, I don´t have even dancing anymore... And now that stupid, stupid Van is filling my mind with all kinds of thoughts and feelings. I´m so confused!"
Yukari could say nothing, just hold her. What awful things this poor girl had gone through. She did not know how to comfort her, or what to say. Hitomi kept sobbing in her arms, and she felt helpless.
Time passed and finally Hitomi pulled herself up. Her eyes were a bit red and her cheeks flushed, but she forced a smile on her lips. Clearing her throat a few times, she spoke gaspingly: "I´m sorry if I upset you."
Yukari shook her head and looked at Hitomi in concern: "No, not at all! I´m glad you told me, thank you for trusting me..."
Hitomi looked into the space and Yukari would have given anything to know what moved in her mind. Like reading her thoughts, Hitomi smiled to her: "May I ask for an opinion?"
Yukari nodded: "Anything!"
Hitomi sighed: "What do you think I should do? I... I´m not sure what to think about Van, but my feelings tell me to trust him, which is absurd when I think what kind of a person he is!"
Yukari smiled and confidently replied: "Well, I think you should go. I mean, that way you´ll learn to know him better. I´m sure you´re still upset of what happened with Sean, and the loss of your mother is terrible, but you can´t stay dwelling on things forever. Life continues. "
Hitomi scrutinised her friend's face. How wise she was... Hitomi decided to follow her advice and thanked her for it.
* *