Chapter 2: Timber
Like so long ago. There they were on the train to timber to insure its independence. The whole team had a clear mind. Mostly with thoughts of success and joy. It had been so long since they were able to go back and right the wrong. Rinoa on the other hand had other thoughts. She was sitting alone in the corner. Squall had gone out of the carriage to speak with the driver, no one knew why. Being alone like she was always made her think. She hated it, but it was brought on by her faults.
Timber. My home. How long has been? I was supposed to go back and help so long ago…but I didn't. I was too self absorbed. But now that I am… I don't know. I can't help but feel worried. Something is going to happen
" Rinoa?" She snapped her head back up and looked over Selphie. " Are you ok?" Rinoa merely nodded slightly in reply and leaned down further.
Oh great now they're all starting to suspect something is wrong…
" So like, when we get there we have to face media?" There was a hint of amusement in Zell's voice. Selphie nodded in a quick excited fashion. " Yeah but Squall said we're not to answer any questions or say anything…not even smile at the camera" Selphie couldn't hide the pouting look on her face as she mentioned the last bit.
" Are you all ready? We'll be there in about 5 minutes" They all turned to see their leader standing in the doorway. With a quick nod from everyone he resumed his place next to Rinoa. " Hey Rin…" She looked up to acknowledge him. " Do you have any preparations to say for your speech?"
Speech? No one said anything about a speech! " Yeah I'm all ready"
The train shuddered slightly as it hit a bump. Rinoa grabbed her seat. It was just a minor bump, but something made her feel a little insecure. She taped Squall lightly on the shoulder. " Squall could we go outside for just a minute…I need to talk to you about something. Just quickly"
Squall felt uneasy about her tone. She seemed over worried and anxious, like she was in a hurry to get out. He nodded quickly and took her hand, leading her out of the room.
Once outside Rinoa took a deep breath.
" Squall something is wrong with me" She waited for his reply, but when none came she continued. " I…I've been having these…thoughts lately and I'm not quite sure what to make of it all. Its like I'm in…this whole new world all of the sudden and the only way for me to escape is to go to my mind" She paused and shook her head, clearly frustrated. " I know I must sound so stupid right now but I…" Squall lowered his head. He knew this was coming. " Rin…I understand. It's not stupid. Its ok for you feel like you do"
She shook her head at him again, turning around, looking out the window. " No it's not ok. I shouldn't feel so…so" She searched for the right word…but upon finding none she lowered her volume. " I just want go somewhere alone. Somewhere other then my head. When I look at people I can see what their thinking. ' There goes the sorceress. The one who's gonna swear to never follow in her ancestors foots' or, ' There goes that crazy girl, just like the rest'. It's all the same Squall. It's never going to stop!"
Listening to me…he must think I've become so self absorbed. I'm just thinking about me. But who else can I think about right now? I need to talk about 'me'. Because, 'me' has a problem and I'm admitting that
" Squall, please don't think of me as crazy…just give me some time to figure myself out. I need your help…I need everyone's help" She took a deep breath. She hadn't realized how easy this had been.
" I understand Rin" That was the words she needed to hear. She leaned forward into him breathing a sigh of relief, her words becoming muffled in his SeeD jacket. " Thankyou".
For the second time, the train shuddered and came to a halt. The SeeD's assembled in the main carriage before their departure.
" There will be a limo outside ready to pick us up and take us to the hotel. When we get there, we're to unpack and assemble out front. From there we can go straight to the city hall and begin the meeting. Understood?" Nods all round.
They stepped out into the crowded train station. Media A camera flashed in Rinoa's eyes, making her turn away in an attempt to try and shake out the dizziness in her head and eyes. I hate the media someone shoved a microphone under Selphie's nose.
" Miss Tilmitt! Can you tell us about your expectations for the meeting this afternoon?"
With a quick look from Squall she kept her mouth shut. The things some people will do just to get a good story to paste on the front page She blocked the camera's, the yelling and the microphones that came out from no where. She closed her mind off. So tired…I just want to get out She threw a worried glance to her comrades. Get away from me…I have no interest in the media. Go away When she opened her thoughts again, she was closer to the limo then ever. Just a few steps. When finally she made it, she slumped into her seat, facing Zell, and slouched down low. Thankfully, the windows were tinted.
" That went well!" Zell's comment was ignored for the moment. Mainly because no one was sure whether or not it was sarcasm.
Selphie tugged at Squall's arm. " Squall when can we get in contact with Irvine or Quistis?" He shrugged back, not sure of what to say. Cid had informed him that no contact needed to be made unless it was business related…which wouldn't be necessary because nor Irvine or Quistis weren't apart of the mission.
Still sitting slouched down, Rinoa questioned herself. What is a meeting going to do? We need to take drastic action to sort this whole thing out…a meeting? Why?
"Rinoa…hey Rinoa. Come back" She jolted her head toward Squall. " Yes?"
" You were off again. You know, in your world" She meekly nodded back and sat lower in her seat.
A/N: Hey! Sorry this took so long to you update, I hope this is going to turn out all right. Tell ur buddies about it and get them to read it! I promise it will be good! By the way this will be changed from The Way it has to be to, :
Her Own World
Ok? So remember, I'm changing the name to that. Ok well, see ya'll!
Oh yeah, PRETTY PLEASE REVIEW! Eheh