Hey there! Long time no see, am I right? Sorry. I had a lot of things to worry about so I wasn't able to think about what to right after a certain page.
Special thanks to: Sabineballz, Cyber1 and helen for the reviews that you sent it. I really appreciate it.
Chapter 7 A New Beginning
"Amano! When did you get back?" Yukari asked.
Amano was a little unrecognizable because he had cut his hair to a very short length.
"Today." He answered.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were coming? We could have met you at the airport." Folken said.
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told any of you would it? Anyway, I came by your house but you guys were gone. I figured that you might come here so I followed. As I walked, I met up with Hitomi. She told me that she was running a little late and that you guys were here so she asked me to come along." Amano answered.
By then, the count down was over and the New Year had started.
Fireworks began to shoot up in a fantastic display.
"Amano, we would like you to meet Allen Schezar. He came after you left." Hitomi said.
"Nice to meet you Allen. I'm Amano." He said as he offered his hand.
They shook hands.
"How long do you plan to stay?" Folken asked.
"Just for a three days. I have classes in five days." Amano replied.
"That quick! That's exhausting." Hitomi commented.
"I know. I just came from Rome because of my dad and now we're here for the New Year." Amano said.
Hitomi then handed over the phone to Amano and thanked him.
"Well the program is over. Want to get something to eat?" Folken asked.
Everyone nodded.
"I'll catch up with you guys. I want to pass by the temple to pray for a while." Hitomi said.
"I think I'll go with you. My mom asked me to drop this off there as an offering to our ancestors since she couldn't come herself." Amano said.
"Ok then. We'll just be around here. We won't be hard to find." Allen said.
As Hitomi and Amano headed off to the temple, Amano said, "Hitomi could we talk?"
"Sure Amano-sempai. What's on your mind?"
"I see you still haven't changed. You still call me sempai."
Hitomi giggled.
She then said, "I just got used to it that's all. I'll try not to call you sempai if you like."
"Just call me Amano. We're friends so it really wouldn't matter." He replied.
Then there was an awkward silence.
"Um, so Hitomi..." He started to say.
Hitomi turned to him.
"Have you…um…"
"Have I what?"
"Have you found someone else?"
Hitomi smiled and replied, "No but you know...I'm really not in a hurry to. I already told you that before. How about you?"
"Not exactly. I find some girls nice but I'm not sure."
"How come?"
"Well, I'm a new guy there and like you said, it's better not to rush into things." Amano said.
Then there was silence once more.
Hitomi then thought about what had been happening the past few months.
She knew she just had to get it out.
She also knew that Amano would be the best person to tell it to because she knew that he would understand her.
"Amano, can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Well, you and Folken had been best friends for a long time right?"
"Yeah. Why? Did he do something to you?"
"No. It's just…he's been acting weird. Well actually not only him but also my best friend Yukari. It seems that they had also pulled Allen into it."
"Go on. I'm listening."
"I couldn't help but feel that they are pushing me into something. Like take yesterday for example, Folken and Yukari went out of their way just to scare me for some reason. Not only that, they make small things into a big issue." Hitomi explained.
Amano then smiled and said, "Folken wrote me all about that. I know exactly what you are talking about."
"Well?"
"Hitomi, their intentions are good. I can assure you. I know that it is also the reason why you couldn't just talk about it with them. I won't tell them about this though. I promise."
"I know but you know…I just couldn't stop thinking why? Why did they have to do this? The last thing I wanted was to be forced into something that I wasn't ready for."
"Have you tried telling them that?"
"Yeah but I don't think they got the picture though."
"I'm sure they have. And I know that deep inside you believe that too. Just give them a chance."
Hitomi then smiled.
"I'll do that. Thanks Amano. I may not know now what they are up to but I'm sure it's not so bad in the long run."
"You have no idea how I missed your smile."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"I remember how home sick I was when I first left. I missed you guys so much. But then, I got your first letters. It made me feel better. I know I hadn't included that in my letters."
Hitomi just smiled.
They then caught sight of the temple.
They then started to pray.
'A new year had begun. Another year of challenges waits not only for me but also for my family and friends. Please give me the strength to cope and to not lose the will to go on. Thanks you for the year that had gone by. It had been fruitful. I also ask for your help in calm my raging heart. I don't know what I'm supposed to feel anymore.' Hitomi prayed.
As Amano finished his offering, he noticed that Hitomi was still deep in prayer.
After a while, he then asked her how come she prayed that long.
Hitomi smiled at him and said, "It's a new beginning and I just wanted more guidance that's all."
"You know that we will always be around so you don't really have to worry." Amano said.
"I know but there are things that only I could atone for." Hitomi explained.
She then grabbed Amano's arm and added, "Come on. Let's go before they start to think that something happened to us."
After a while…
"What took you guys so long?" Yukari said as she sighted Amano and Hitomi.
"Well, that would be my fault. I prayed longer than I expected." Hitomi explained.
"Anyway, come with me Hitomi. I want to show you something." Yukari said as she pulled Hitomi into the crowd.
Soon, they were out of sight.
"So, what's the plan?" Amano asked.
"Nothing much. It's already 1:20 and people are starting to head home. We were planning to go somewhere tomorrow. How does that sound?" Allen answered.
"Sounds good enough to me." Amano said.
"We'll just keep you posted then." Van said.
"What's you contact number?" Folken asked.
"1618-9483512. That's my mobile phone number. Even if I'm out of the country, you can contact me in that number. It would be cheaper for all of us. Did you get it?" Amano said.
"Yeah I got it. I've committed it into memory. I'm sure I'll remember it until I can get it down on paper." Folken replied.
The next day…
The phone rang at the Kanzaki residence.
"Hello? Kanzaki residence." Hitomi answered.
"Hitomi? It's me Folken."
"Folken, hi! What's up?"
"We've decided to go out want to come?"
"Um, I don't know Folken. Yukari came over and had also asked me out."
"Oh. Well, that's ok. We could meet somewhere."
Hitomi then turned to Yukari and said, "Yukari, Folken asked us to meet them somewhere."
"Cool but I think we should have an all-girls-day-out for once. You need to tell me everything in full length. Tell him maybe some other time." Yukari answered.
"Folken, we're sorry but we've got other things planned."
"That's ok. Then it's just us guys then."
"Yeah. Have fun you guys. Bye."
"Bye Hitomi. See you guys later."
"What did Hitomi say?" Allen asked.
"She said that she and Yukari had other plans in mind so they couldn't come with us." Folken answered.
"That's good 'coz I was planning to talk to just you guys." Amano said.
"What's up Amano?" Folken asked.
"So, what did happen when I wasn't around? Hitomi and I had a little talk last night and well, let's just say she asked an advice from me." Amano said.
They looked at each other.
"Well, Amano, what did she tell you? A lot of things happened so what do you want to know?" Folken said.
"Well, I want to know what you guys are planning so that I may help. I know you Folken and I know that you are planning something." Amano replied.
"Let's not talk about that now." Allen commented.
"You're right. Let's get going then." Amano suggested.
"Well, start talking." Yukari said as Hitomi placed the receiver down again.
Hitomi looked at her and simply nodded.
"Please Yukari, whatever we talk about today should only remain between the two of us. Please promise me that you won't tell another soul until the time is right." Hitomi said as she sat beside her.
"Of course, Hitomi. Even though I can be really talkative, you know I never break my promises. It's a secret between us best friends only." Yukari replied.
"Ok. Yukari...so much has happened during the past year right?"
"Yeah and..."
"Well, do you remember what happened between Amano and I?"
"Of course, Hitomi. What is this all about? You're starting to make me a little…I don't know...worried?"
"Yukari, I don't understand myself. That's the point. I mean...everything just seems to me to be happening so fast. I wish I knew how I felt now."
"That's why I'm here Hitomi. We're best friends and we could talk about anything. I know that I've been teasing you together with Folken and Allen but that doesn't change that you're my best friend as I am yours. Let's talk." Yukari said.
"Well...you know how I feel about Amano right?"
"Yeah but what about that?"
"When I saw him again last night, I admit I was happy. But…as we spent time together especially when we were praying…I didn't seem to feel the same love I felt for him before...it was scary. It didn't understand what was going on." Hitomi explained.
"Is that what's bothering you?" Yukari asked.
Hitomi just nodded.
Yukari smiled and hugged Hitomi.
"Oh Hitomi. There's nothing to worry about. Don't get so absorbed in this so much. It's obvious that your feelings for him has changed. Don't be afraid. I may not be an expert but I do know that there's something more special that's in store for you. You've moved on. Like you said, so much has happened and you were the one who told me that you and Amano decided just to remain friends so what's the problem?" Yukari said.
Hitomi just took a deep breath.
She then smiled.
"I guess you're right. Why don't we just go out and have fun? An all- girls day, what do you say?" Hitomi said.
"Best friend, that's the best idea you have so far. It's a new year. Let's start it right. Come on. Let's get going. We're wasting day light." Yukari said as they grabbed their coats and went out the door.
"So, where do we head first?" Hitomi asked.
"Oh, let's check out that new shop at the mall. I hear that all their merchandises are priced below 100. Let's check it out. We may find something nice there." Yukari said.
"Oh I've heard about that. Let's get going. I'm sure a lot of people would want to check it out too." Hitomi replied.
"You're right. We better hurry." Yukari said as she almost dragged Hitomi after her.
When they finally arrived at the mall, they were panting from exhaustion.
"We're finally here." Hitomi said, panting in between.
Yukari just smiled.
"Why don't we grab something to eat first before we head up?" She offered.
"That seems like a good idea. Besides, by the time we finish, probably less people would be there." Hitomi added.
"It's no wonder we're best friends. We think alike." Yukari commented.
Hitomi couldn't help but laugh.
After a while, with a cone of ice cream in their hands, they started to window shop.
"That dress is nice." Hitomi said as she pointed to one of the dress inside the shop window.
"Oh! You're right. Let's just finish this off and let's go inside." Yukari suggested.
They then walked over to the railing and overlooked the levels below them, finishing their ice cream.
"Hitomi, may I ask you a question?" Yukari said.
"Sure."
"Do you promise to answer it with whole honesty?"
"Yeah. I guess."
"Come on Hitomi. Be serious."
"I am serious Yukari."
"Ok. What do you think of Van?" Yukari asked.
"Van? Why?"
"Nothing. I know that Folken, Allen and I had been forcing you two to become closer and I just want to apologize for that."
"It's fine. Really. I don't hate you guys or anything but I do admit that it really felt awkward being in that situation. I even talked to Amano about it and it was quite embarrassing."
"You actually talked to Amano about it?"
"Yeah. Well...since I felt that I couldn't talk to you about it...I decided to talk to him. I thought that if I talked to him, maybe I'd understand Folken's manner of thinking. They've known each other longer than we do and I know that it was Folken's idea so..."
Since they've finished their ice creams, they entered the shop.
They started to look around and check out the dresses.
Yukari couldn't help but giggle.
"What?" Hitomi asked as she took out a dress from a rack.
"I still can't believe you actually talked to Amano about it. I remember that before he left, you had trouble conversing with him and now this. What a big turn around!" Yukari said.
"A lot has happened and you know that. Besides, desperate times call for desperate measures." Hitomi said as she went over to the check the dress in front of her by the mirror.
"What do you think?" She then asked.
Yukari approached and said, "Nice! Try it on and we'll see if it really does seem nice as it seem."
Hitomi then headed to the dressing room.
"Well, anyway, desperate times huh?"
"Well, maybe I've over exaggerated it. So what do you think?" Hitomi said as she opened the curtain and went outside.
Yukari then put her knowing eyes at work.
"It looks great on your Hitomi. I really like its peach color."
"I like it too. Do you think I should buy it?"
"Of course! That would be perfect for summer. It's only months away if you've forgotten. It's also perfect for spring. Now it's my turn. I want to try this dress on." Yukari said.
"Ok but let me change back first."
After a while…
"Hitomi, you still haven't answered my question earlier. What do you think Van?"
Hitomi sat at a chair by the mirror as Yukari checked herself in the mirror.
"To tell you frankly, sometimes I don't know."
"What do you mean?" Yukari asked as she turned to face Hitomi.
Hitomi then smiled and stood.
She then said, "The dress is so you Yukari."
"You think so?"
"Yeah I do. Come on. Let's pay together."
Yukari then changed.
They paid and went out the store.
"Well? Go on." Yukari said.
"Ok. Sometimes, I think of him as a great friend. But there are times when I don't know what to think of him. I know that we're still young and there are still so much that could happen. So I'm just waiting for the answer. I'm not in a hurry to find out because I'm afraid that if I hurry it up, it might turn out like what it did with Amano and me."
"What are you talking about? You two turned out alright."
"Yeah. But you know what I mean. I just don't want to get hurt too soon. I just lost my first crush and as well as my brother. It's been a year full of trial and hurt. Let's just start out this year with something different shall we?" Hitomi said.
"Don't worry Hitomi. I'm sure everything will turn out just fine. And you have my word that I won't force you into something anymore." Yukari said.
"Oh I wish I had a recorder just now so that I could record that promise of yours." Hitomi said.
Yukari laughed.
"It doesn't matter Hitomi because it's ok. You really have my word."
"Fine." Hitomi said.
"Now let me be the one to ask you a question." She added.
"Sure."
"How are you and Folken? I mean, have you guys hit it off?" Hitomi asked.
Yukari blushed.
"No. To tell you the truth, being around him more makes my feelings stronger but I don't want to go into that sort of thing just yet. Just like you, I want to make sure. I'm content just having a crush for now. I mean, we're just in the sixth grade and you're also right about one thing."
"What?"
"We're in the stage where we should only have crushes and not boy friends."
Hitomi just smiled as they rode the escalator up.
"But…"
'Oh no here it comes.' Hitomi said to herself.
She had the idea Yukari was going to say.
"We're about to leave the sixth grade and entering the seventh."
"And that means?" Hitomi said, almost fearing what was to follow.
"That means that we're getting older and more mature. It won't be long before we truly have found love and find ourselves in a relationship."
"I know. It even gives me the chills sometimes."
"Get real Hitomi! You're exaggerating again." Yukari said, giggling.
Hitomi then started to laugh with her.
"Boys…let's just forget about them for now and just have some fun." Hitomi said.
"Now you read my mind." Yukari said.
They started to laugh again.
"You know, we should have more all-girls outings like this." Yukari suggested.
"That's fine with me."
"Oh yeah, it's your birthday soon. What do you want?"
"Oh Yukari. It's ok."
"No I insist."
"No please."
"Hitomi! Come on. It's not everyday that a girl turns a teenager."
"Yukari, it's not a big deal. I have other birthdays to come."
"Yeah but like I said, it's not everyday that a girl turns a teenager."
"You're really making this a big deal." Hitomi said.
"Of course! You're my best friend and you're turning 13 in about two months." Yukari defended.
"Oh Yukari…what would I do without you?" Hitomi said.
"Nothing." Yukari said.
"So what do you want?" She added.
"Like I said...nothing...as long as I have you guys around, that's fine with me." Hitomi replied.
"You're so modest, you know that." Yukari commented.
Hitomi just shook her head.
"Anyway, let's just set that aside for now. I don't think we will get anywhere just now." Yukari said.
"Let's..." Hitomi replied.
(To be continued…)
Well, what do you think? I know that this is a little shorter than the previous chapters but I really had to cut it there. I can say that it's really starting to get interesting. I swear! If you care to stick around and bear with me, you'll see what I mean. Anyway, I'm not forcing you to keep reading. It's really up to you after all. I'm just here to write and express…and let you read. Please do send in your reviews. I'm really looking forward in reading them. Please pray that I'll be able to get inspired and be able to finish the next chapter quickly.
Michiko