Chapter 2: Everything that She Wanted
"Kanzaki!"
Hitomi stopped in the act of zipping her duffel bag and quickly looked up. She felt a sharp stab of nervousness and at the same time delight in meeting those pair of hazel brown eyes. The same feeling she had whenever he was around.
"Amano senpai," she said, noticing the slight quiver in her voice. She stood up and silently wondered what was taking him so long to reach her. He was still a few feet away, walking towards her.
"Great. Glad I saw you before you left the field," he said with a charming smile upon reaching her.
"Is there something wrong, Amano senpai?" Hitomi asked concernedly.
"No, no, nothing is wrong, Hitomi. It's just that....."He stopped to gaze down at her face and then hesitantly went on, "There's a party at our house this evening and I want to invite you. That is, if you have nothing important to do," he ended with an expectant look in his eyes.
Hitomi thought for a moment. Actually, she had planned to finish reading the remaining chapters of her Modern Biology book in preparation for her midterm exams next week, and then start off reviewing her notes in Humanities.
But.....that could wait, couldn't it? She couldn't believe it but Amano Schezar, the captain of the track and field team, was inviting her to a party. Not some silly guy asking her out just to make a move on her. This was unexpected. Way unexpected.
"I....I-ah...." Hitomi seemed to have forgotten any logical word to say. She could feel her cheeks slightly burning under his gaze. Why, of all times, should this be the time for her to seem like an idiot?
Hitomi's interest in Amano had begun last year, when she had passed the try-outs in the team and had seen him for the first time. He wasn't the type of guy who you would call drop-dead gorgeous. He was good-looking, yes, in certain standards, of course; with those startling brown eyes and thin lips. But something in him triggered a kind of feeling inside Hitomi that made her want to know him better. Maybe it was the aura of gentleness and kindness about him that made Hitomi seem willingly or unwillingly drawn to him.
Since then, Hitomi's feelings toward him had grown from simple curiosity into full-blown admiration and yearning. But unlike other girls, who had the guts and daring to ask a guy out and use all possible methods to get the guy to notice them, Hitomi just simply watched Amano from afar. And she would feel greatly lucky whenever he noticed her without really meaning to and they would engage in fleeting conversations, in which she would then be thankful for.
And now, the boy she was yearning for all this time was asking her out. How in her sane mind would she have the nerve to refuse him?
Heaving a deep breath, she finally gathered all the courage and said simply, "Sure."
And she thought she saw something sparkle in his eyes when she met them with her own.
The Schezar household was one anyone would say belonged to one of the richest families in the neighborhood. It stood out completely compared to the other houses around it. Painted with an off-white color, the two–story mansion sparkled in the night, its long driveway aligned with trees that had twinkling lights on their branches, illuminating the air of elegance the house evoked to anybody standing outside it. When Amano's red jaguar pulled to a stop in front of the house and he escorted her out, Hitomi couldn't help the gasp that slipped from her mouth.
Staring outside the house was one thing, but having the chance to even peek inside it was definitely another. Hitomi warily smoothed the front of her dress in an attempt to let out some of the nervousness that had suddenly found its way inside her chest, causing her heart to beat uncontrollably fast.
Hitomi could hardly believe it. There were at least fifty people inside who were all dressed up in sophistication and luxury. Men in elegant tuxedos, women wearing expensive gowns and adorned with jewelry; only in magazines for the elite had Hitomi ever had the chance to look at. The luxury of the house added more to the feeling of awed silence and unexplainable fear sinking through Hitomi's mind.
She hadn't imagined Amano to be this rich.
Amano offered his arm and Hitomi gladly accepted it, mainly for the reason that she didn't think she could support herself upright anymore. "Are you alright?" Hitomi heard him ask near her ear. They were walking inside now and it took all her will to lift her feet.
"Fine, I guess," she muttered abashedly, wondering if her simple off-shouldered white satin dress was fit for the occasion. Amano had told her that the occasion was something formal, but he hadn't elaborated as to how grand it had actually turned out. For the life of her, it was as if she'd suddenly found herself attending the Grammy Awards with the red carpet in front of her.
"Don't worry, Hitomi. You're the most beautiful girl around," he said with a comforting smile. But Hitomi very much doubted it.
"Hey! Amano, over here!"
Hitomi heard someone call after them. She and Amano pivoted around and saw a man with blonde hair waving in one corner.
They walked slowly toward him and Hitomi, for the nth time that night, found herself letting out another gasp of surprise when they finally reached the man. He wasn't alone. Standing beside him were four other men dressed in elegant three-piece suits that only made them even more recognizable albeit being immersed in the crowd of fine people.
And she wouldn't mistake them for anyone. Only two days ago, she had been one of the hundreds of people who'd attended the sensational concert of this group of men. Their good-looking faces, topped with unarguable talent in music, were more than enough to make any woman faint in admiration and beg on their knees for an opportunity to meet them in person.
With only one woman in exception, of course. Hitomi just wasn't the type to go hysterical and crazy over some nonsense fanatic realization. She wasn't even a fan of theirs in the first place.
Thus, with complete composure and poise, she met the wondering and curious stares coming from those five pairs of eyes. And without meaning to, her glance lingered for a minute or so on those heavily lidded mahogany eyes, noticing the spark of recognition in them.....
"Uh, guys, nice to see you here," she heard Amano say in warm greeting, and with a furtive glance at her, he continued, "This is Hitomi Kanzaki, a friend and co-athlete of mine."
"Hitomi, this is Allen, my brother, and his friends," he gestured his hand toward the group. The man named Allen, whose shining blonde hair was draping loosely against his back and shoulders, took her hand for a handshake and smiled at her.
"Hello, Hitomi. I hope my brother here is not giving you a hard time," he said mildly. She noticed the striking resemblance he had with his brother, Amano, and she had to restrain herself from asking if they happened to be twins at all.
"I assure you he isn't," she answered with a small smile.
"Hi, Hitomi. I'm Dryden," the man standing to the right of Allen had long brown hair and was wearing a friendly smile on his face. He took her hand after Allen had bowed to her like she was some kind of princess.
"Folken," a deep baritone voice introduced a tall man, who Hitomi had to lean upwards to look in the eye, with spiky bluish hair and a lone teardrop tattoo just below his right eye, which added to the oddity of his personality. Unlike Dryden, Folken's face was full of seriousness, but nonetheless he offered his hand for a brief handshake.
"Aye there, Dilandau here," said a voice cheerfully. Beside Folken stood a boy Hitomi's height, wearing a jaunty grin on the side of his mouth, his silver hair almost covering his reddish eyes. Like the others, he extended his hand and gripped hers tightly, although it seemed to take quite long before he finally released it. She wondered what Yukari would say if she told her that the man she was dying to meet had shook her hand, and almost tried to melt her with his penetrating stare. He only tore his eyes away from her when the man standing beside him tapped his shoulder in a threatening way.
"Oh yeah, 'tis is Van," he said pleasantly but with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Her gaze narrowed on the man standing before her. He too seemed to slice her whole with those pools of deep mahogany that she felt were trying to drown her. What she wouldn't give just so she wouldn't have to stand and be subjected under the scrutiny of this man.
"Hello, Iris," he said in a deep resonant voice.
Her brows twitched in a tight knot, "I'm sorry," she said, taken completely off guard.
"We've met before," he answered dryly, his eyes piercing her face, "That is, if my memory serves me right."
Their eyes engaged in a long assessing gaze, neither faltering nor cringing, unconcerned of the five people who took interest in their unusual 'eye contact'. Finally Hitomi breathed, "Yes, I think so."
"We meet again. And I wouldn't say I wasn't glad to see you once more," he said quietly.
Hitomi just nodded and unconsciously tightened her grip on Amano's arm.
"I think we'd better get to the garden. In a few minutes, Dad will have us perform our wits out in front of these 'elite people'," Allen said jokingly to break the silence that had suddenly dawned upon them.
When they reached the garden, almost everyone was gathered at the makeshift stage just beside the enormous Olympic–sized swimming pool, which was decorated with floating lilies and candles that added to the glimmering effect of the water. Round tables were scattered around the place while a large rectangular table was situated at one side, filled with a number of assorted delicious-looking dishes. Waiters and waitresses were walking around, carrying trays offering wines and hors d'oeuvres.
"We should get to the stage and get our instruments ready before Allen's dad gets mad," Dryden said when they stopped short just a few meters away.
"I'm sure my brother here," Allen swung an arm upon Amano's shoulder and glanced at him, "will take care of you, Hitomi," he finished with a grin.
Dilandau, on the other hand, snatched her hand much to Hitomi's surprise. "I'll see you around Hitomi," he said seriously, but he gave her a playful wink afterward.
Folken just nodded and didn't say a word. Van on the other hand was wearing a somber face and didn't give as much as a glance at her. The five men walked away and disappeared from Hitomi's sight.
"Any moment now, Dad will give his speech. We might as well find a seat near the stage," Amano whispered near her ear.
"Alright," Hitomi said feebly.
Amano and Hitomi wound their way toward the stage and found Amano's mother sitting at one of the tables in front. She was a beautiful lady in her early fifties wearing a purple dress that matched her silky skin with her blonde hair in an elegant bun. She gave Hitomi a kind and friendly smile when Amano introduced them.
A few moments later, after being seated beside Amano's mother, Hitomi looked up at the stage and saw Van, Allen, Dryden, Folken and Dilandau holding their instruments; while a man in his late fifties Hitomi supposed was Amano's dad stood in front of them, a microphone in his hand. Like Allen and Amano, he was a tall, distinguished-looking, gray-haired man with striking features that she figured his sons had inherited from him. His deep voice reverberated throughout the entire place when he started his opening speech.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I hope everyone here is enjoying themselves," he began with a wide smile, "As a father of two bright young boys, I'm glad to say that we're having this party tonight to celebrate my sons' achievements. First - my eldest son, Allen, of the great success of their band's first concert," he motioned his hand and looked over his shoulder to the men standing behind him, holding their own instruments. "Watch out for this group of fine, young, and handsome lads, ladies and gentlemen. I bet they're going to make it big in the music industry. You've got my full support, boys, "he said with a wink. "And of course, my youngest son, Amano. In a few days time, he's going to go and have his master's degree in one of the finest schools in England. I'm very proud of you, son," he announced and looked toward Amano who was sitting by Hitomi's side.
Upon hearing those words, Hitomi abruptly glanced at Amano. He hadn't told her about that. He hadn't said that this party was somewhat a farewell party for him. With searching eyes, she looked at him but he merely smiled at her and held her hand.
"And now for your added enjoyment, ladies and gentlemen, Escaflowne will grace us with their talents in music. Let's give them a warm applause," his speech was heralded with polite applause. Unlike their first concert in the university theater, nobody was screaming or wailing or shouting to express their delight with the men on stage. People here, Hitomi noticed, were waiting with upturned faces and indifferent expressions for the performance to start.
At once, Van's smooth permeating voice filled the air, accompanied by the skillful harmony and rhythm coming from the instruments of his fellow band members. Hitomi found herself staring up at the man holding that black electric guitar, who also had his eyes fixed upon her.
All day
Staring at the ceiling
Making friends with shadows on my wall
All night
Hearing voices telling me
That I should get some sleep
Because tomorrow might be good for something
Hitomi seemed lost in the melody. She couldn't explain it but Van's eyes were sending her the message that the song was for her.
Hold on
I'm feeling like I'm headed for a breakdown
I don't know why
'No I won't give him the opportunity to lure me with his voice,' Hitomi thought firmly to herself but as she listened her defenses seemed to weaken, much to her dismay.
I'm not crazy
I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
Hitomi shifted her gaze toward Amano and was silently surprised when she found him gazing longingly at her. Yet again, he held her hand and muttered, "Hitomi, I know this may seem so sudden, but I want you to know how much you mean to me. I've liked you ever since the first time I saw you on the field, and now I think I'm beginning to fall for you." He lifted her hand and laid a kiss on top of it, without tearing his eyes away from her.
Hitomi seemed to feeze; her jaw dropped. What on earth was happening?
"Is this some kind of a joke?" Hitomi didn't notice that she had said that out loud.
"No, I'm not joking Hitomi," he answered.
His next words made her hands shake, whether from shock or nervousness she didn't know. "Will you be my girl?" he asked solemnly.
She couldn't think straight. She hadn't even drank a spoonful of alcohol and yet it seemed to her that confusion was clouding her mind. Though a small voice from deep within her was telling her, 'Isn't this what you've always wanted? His attention? Amano's perfect for you. He wouldn't hurt you nor take advantage of you. He isn't like that bastard who made your sister suffer and die.... With him, you wouldn't turn out like your sister, Hitomi....'
Hitomi shook her head to clear it. 'Amano's different. He won't hurt me,' she thought, trying to convince herself.
Noticing the confusion still etched on her face, Amano said thoughtfully, "You don't have to answer me now, Hitomi. I'll give you time to think. Besides, I'd like to prove my feelings for you."
Turning her face, she saw him smile. Slowly, she nodded and squeezed his hand which was still holding hers. In the background, she could still hear Van's voice singing....
I'm not crazy
I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be
Unable to restrain herself, she looked up at the stage only to find him still staring at her with a fathomless expression Hitomi wasn't able to determine.
A/n: Finally, the second installment of this story. I was really surprised to see the number of reviews I received for the first chapter. Thank you very much. You're all so very kind. And I'm very sorry for the long wait guys. I know it took me quite a long time to update what with everything keeping me busy right now. I hope you like this one though. Please don't hesitate to give me your thoughts and comments about it.
Dedication: I'm wholeheartedly dedicating this little piece to Akhela. Thank you very much for the inspiration dear.
Disclaimer: Don't own Escaflowne, never did so don't sue me please.
Song: Unwell by Matchbox 20 ( One of my favorite songs and bands! It's really good!)
Third Chapter: To Paint You
