Hey there! I know that it's been awhile but it really couldn't be helped. But I did have the time to think about what to write about next. But unfortunately.it took me awhile to get it down on paper. I guess it's hard to put some thoughts into appropriate words.I know you can relate one way or the other. So without further a due, here's chapter 8
Chapter 8 Surprise
It was early that evening when the phone rang at the Fanel residence.
Folken picked it up.
"Hello? Fanel residence. Folken speaking."
"Folken, it's me Yukari."
"Yukari, hi! What's up?"
"Well, I know that you know Hitomi's birthday is fast approaching."
"Yeah..."
"Well, I was kinda planning to throw her a surprise party."
"A surprise party? That's sounds fun but isn't it a little too early to plan for it? I mean, it's two months away."
"I know but you know how Hitomi is. If we don't take extra precautions, she might suspect something and everything will be ruined."
"I see what you mean. So, what do you want me to do?"
"Folken, we need to talk in person. I need to tell you some things better told in person."
"Ok. Tomorrow then. I'll pick you up at 10."
"Sure. Ok…thanks. See you tomorrow."
"See you."
"Bye."
"Bye Yukari."
The next day…
"Thanks for coming Folken." Yukari said as she and Folken were walking.
"Don't worry about it. So, what did you want to tell me that you couldn't tell on the phone?"
Yukari stopped walking.
Folken also stopped.
"You see I talked to Hitomi about some things and well."
"Well…"
"She's my best friend and all…so…I guess it is better if we stopped you know."
"What?"
"Folken I know you know what I'm talking about."
Folken just closed his eyes and gave a nod.
They started to walk again.
"From the start, Van already knew what we were up to and he naturally didn't like it. He didn't have to tell me because I know him and we could read each other like a book. I guess we could leave it here and see what happens next."
Yukari just nodded.
"What did you tell Hitomi?" He asked.
Yukari looked at him.
"Nothing much. But I could tell she knows more than she's leading on. But you know her, she doesn't like to talk about things especially things like that. She just asked me to drop 'whatever' it was." She said.
"But you came so far as to ask her what she felt about my brother, did you?"
"You got me there."
"And what did she say?"
"I don't know."
"Yukari."
"Seriously, I don't know. And those were her exact words."
"I should've expected that."
"Yeah. But anyway, enough about that. What can we do for Hitomi's surprise party?"
"First of all, we have to make sure that Hitomi doesn't suspects a thing. And how are we supposed to do that if it were just the two of us?"
"I didn't say that it was only going to be the two of us."
"Did you call somebody then?"
"Yeah. I called Allen last night."
"Is he going to meet up with us right now?"
"No. He's watching over Hitomi at the moment. I told him that we're going to be here planning Hitomi's party so he told me that he going to ask her if she'd like to accompany him outside of town for a few hours...you know to fish and stuff."
"And?"
"I'm still waiting for a message from him. It should come at any moment now."
That was when Yukari's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey, cuz! It's me."
"Allen?"
"We'll be there in half an hour. Tell Oba-san that I'm bringing a friend with me. My other friends wished they could come but something came up." Allen said.
(Translation 'Hitomi agreed to come. You have a few hours. Contact me when everything's clear.')
"Got it. Thanks Allen!"
"See you in a couple of minutes."
Allen then hung up the phone.
"Hitomi's with him right now. They're heading out of town." Yukari told Folken.
"I never thought that you're such a mastermind."
"You'll be surprised. Come on. Let's get going. We only have a few hours." Yukari said.
"Who else did you call?" Folken asked as he followed her.
"A few of our close friends. I've also talked to Hitomi's family. They're willing to help but they said that they'll leave the preparations to us."
"Didn't you tell Van?"
"You're the one who should've done that. He's your brother after all."
"Fine. I think he's home at the moment. Let's call him then." Folken said as he took out his phone.
After awhile he had gotten hold of Van.
"Van, it's me Folken. Do you have plans for today?"
"No. Why?"
"Meet me and Yukari at the park in twenty minutes. We need your help in something."
"Fine. I'll see you in twenty."
As Folken placed his phone back into his pocket, Yukari asked him what Van said.
Folken just grabbed Yukari's hand and they headed for the park.
"Come on. We have to meet Van at the park in twenty minutes." He said.
At the park…
"So what did you want to say that you couldn't say on the phone?" Van said as he joined them.
"Well we were planning a little surprise for Hitomi." Yukari started.
"Let me guess…Folken said that I should help." Van said.
"Why don't you want to help?" Yukari asked.
"It's not that. I just don't know anything about that." Van replied.
"Is that all you're worried about?" Yukari asked, half laughing.
"There's nothing to worry about. All you have to do is help by distracting Hitomi for us." She added.
Van looked at her suspiciously.
"And how do you propose I do that?" He asked.
Folken grinned.
"Do you really have to ask that my brother?" He said.
"Where are you getting at?" Van asked, looking from Folken and then to Yukari.
Both grinned at him.
"Ok. Let's just forget why we're here shall we?" Yukari said as she sat at the nearest bench.
She then looked at the brothers.
"I think that's a good idea. We have something important to talk about before we get the plans on the way. You know, just to set the records straight." Folken said, finally realizing what Yukari was leading on.
Van understood too and he didn't like the idea much.
Folken followed Yukari and sat at the opposite side of the bench.
Van stood there for a while, not really wanting to follow them.
"Come on Van. You don't have to put your defense so high. We all go through it and it's nothing to be ashamed of." Yukari said.
"Who said I was ashamed of anything? I don't recall having something to be ashamed of." Van replied finally walking towards them.
"Well then, care to start?" Folken said as Van sat in between him and Yukari.
"Van, how do you really feel about Hitomi?" Yukari finally said.
She knew that it was a little too direct but she really wanted to know.
Van hesitated.
"Of course I like her as a friend." He replied.
"Are you sure that's how you really feel?" Folken asked.
Van was about to answer but Yukari stopped him by saying, "Say something you don't really mean. You don't have to answer right away. Just answer what's really in your heart."
Van didn't say anything.
"If it makes you feel better, I will also admit my love. I think that's only fair." Folken suggested.
Van grinned.
"Finally. I think Yukari has to do it as well." Van said as he directed the statement at her.
Yukari blushed madly.
She was caught by surprise.
She was caught by her own web.
"I don't. . ." Yukari started to say.
"Come on Yukari. We're all friends here. Confidentiality is our game and you know that we could trust each other." Folken said to reassure her.
"It's not that I don't trust you guys but. . . the thing is. . . after everything that has happened. . . I don't think I feel that way anymore. . .I mean, I finally realized that I don't like him like him. I just like him. . . as a friend and nothing more." Yukari said.
Van was taken aback.
He knew from the start how she really feels for Folken.
He didn't know what triggered the sudden change in heart.
"Oh too bad. I guess it's just the two of us Van." Folken said.
Van didn't answer.
He started to feel butterflies in his stomach.
He had never felt that way before and most especially, he never found himself in that situation before.
"You go first." Van said.
"Fine but you have to tell us after." Folken said.
Van just nodded.
"Ok I like this girl in school. Her name is Hikaru." Folken admitted.
Both Yukari and Van sensed the hesitation in Folken's voice.
"Wait a minute! Hikaru? Hikaru, as in Hiraku Madoki, the school's best violinist?" Yukari asked.
Folken blushed.
"I knew it!" Yukari said in triumph.
Folken was surprised with her.
"How did you know?" He asked.
"Folken, it doesn't take a rocket scientist or even psychic powers to know that you like her a lot." Yukari replied.
"It's that obvious huh?" Folken replied.
"Do you really have to ask that? We were just waiting for you to admit it." Van replied.
"Funny I was just about to tell you the same thing." Folken said, returning the statement to Van.
"Well. . . it's your turn Van." Yukari finally said.
"Ok fine. I really like Hitomi, big deal." Van replied.
"Big deal? Van, I know you're uncomfortable admitting these things but you can't take this lightly." Folken replied.
"He's right you know." Yukari said.
"I know but. . ." Van started.
"But what?" Folken replied.
"But I don't think we're both ready for something this big. I mean, I just met her and we're still getting to know each other. I just want to make absolutely sure about what I'm feeling. At least you guys are sure with what you're feeling." Van replied.
"Is that really the case? Come on Van, I know there's something deeper than that." Yukari commented.
Van hesitated.
He then let out a breath.
"For the months that passed since I met her, I think I know her enough to say that once a person tells her he loves her, she somewhat feels obliged to return it somehow or try not to hurt the person. You guys remember what happened with Marco, don't you?" Van said.
"You're right." Yukari said.
Folken just nodded.
They remembered the incident not so long ago when they had helped Hitomi finally let Marco realize that he should move on and find someone else to love.
"But I still think that telling her how you feel is still the best way to go." Yukari said.
"I mean, she may have that kind of personality but who knows. . .it's been a while since everything that had happened between Amano and Hitomi. She had already moved on as you guys could see. You still have a chance Van." Yukari added.
"I don't want to rush things, Yukari. That's all." Van replied.
"I don't think you'll be rushing things even if you still decide to tell her. Besides, it would make your job easier." Folken said to assure his younger brother.
"How can it make it any easier? It would make me feel more awkward than I already am." Van replied.
"That wasn't the case when you guys were on the wax museum." Yukari commented with a grin.
"Oh yeah. I forgot about that. You two didn't seem awkward with one another during that time." Folken added.
"She was scared out of her wits you guys. I don't think we had the time to feel awkward." Van replied.
"Well, if that's the case then you have nothing to worry about. You guys have always gotten along from the start so there's really no problem at all." Folken replied.
"Fine. I'll do it. So what are we going to do now?" Van said.
Both Folken and Yukari grinned.
At last things were going the way they were really supposed to.
"First of all, all you have to do is be with Hitomi and distract her while we're making the plans. We'll switch every once in a while so that she won't suspect a thing. Allen's with her now and we only have a few hours. That should give us the time to start thinking about the venue and stuff." Yukari explained.
"Why don't we start walking to find the perfect place?" Folken suggested.
Both nodded in agreement.
Folken was ahead and soon he met a friend and started to talk.
This gave Yukari and Van to talk.
"Why the sudden change in heart?" Van suddenly asked.
Yukari turned to him in confusion.
"Pardon." She said.
"Come on Yukari. I know how much you liked my brother. Why the sudden change in heart?" Van replied, looking to see that Folken wouldn't overhear them.
"To tell you frankly, I don't know myself. I admit I still blush when I get near him but you know. . .the feeling is no longer there. I just like him as a friend now." Yukari replied.
"Are you sure? It doesn't seem like it." Van replied.
"Really now? Well, that's the truth Van."
"This has nothing to do with Hikaru has it?"
Yukari hesitated but finally answered, "Well, a little actually. I know how much he likes her because I'm not blind as to not see it. I don't want to stand in his way."
"So you chose to be a hero huh? Then where did the 'telling the person you love is the best way to go' come from then?" He asked.
"Well you guys are different."
"Are we? Come on Yukari. Even if it doesn't work out between the two of you, at least you told him."
Yukari couldn't answer.
"I'm not forcing you or anything but think about it. I'm sure you'll do the right thing." Van said.
"You're right. Who knows, what the future holds, right?" Yukari commented.
"Do you really have to say that?" Van said flatly.
"Oh yeah. . ." Yukari replied in realization.
That was when Folken joined them again.
"Let's get going. We're burning day light." Folken said.
The three friends then started to look for the suitable place where they could stage the surprise party.
As they met people along the way, they told them all about the plan.
But they knew that the more people who knew about it gave more chances for Hitomi to know about it.
They then sought the help of Hitomi's family.
They were obliged to cover it all up.
They couldn't hasten the process of planning and covering it up because it would make Hitomi more suspicious.
Before they knew it, months had passed by and it was only a day before the party.
As Folken, Yukari and Allen made the last minute preparations, Van was with Hitomi.
He had invited Hitomi to go out and have fun and talk about stuff.
They went to the mall and watched a movie together.
They got something to eat after.
Van knew that the group a little more time so he invited Hitomi to head to the park to just talk.
Once there, they sat at a bench over seeing the river.
Hitomi took in a deep breath and smiled.
"I've always liked the sunset and watch as the stars start to show on the river. I always thought that the river contains the universe." She commented.
"The river contains the universe? I never thought about it that way." Van said, quite amused.
Hitomi smiled and looked at him.
"When I was little, our parents would usually take us here. Ryan and I would go there by the bank and play. Once, we played until it was dark. I saw the first star come out but not on the sky but on the river. I was so amazed that I watched until the whole river reflected the stars and the moon. As I looked at the distance, I somewhat saw that the river and the sky overlapped so that's how I thought that the river contained the universe." She explained.
Van just smiled.
He really liked Hitomi's pureness and gentleness.
He admired how her imagination could generate positive auras around her.
He thought that was how she coped with all the visions she would see no matter how disturbing they were.
"You do have a lot of memories at this place." Van commented.
Hitomi just nodded.
"That's why I always come here when things seemed so unbearable." She said.
"Hitomi, if you had one wish, what would it be?" Van asked.
Hitomi looked at him again, quite confused.
He returned her gaze.
"A wish huh? Well, let me think about it for a while." Hitomi said.
Van just gave her a nod.
After a while, Hitomi then stood and looked down at Van.
She smiled.
"Come. I'll show you." She said.
Van stood and followed her.
They stood by the riverbank.
"Here's my wish." Hitomi said as she pointed at the river.
Van followed her gaze.
"I wish that whoever gazes at the universe shall always find repose just like I do. Things are getting harder by the year and I know things will be harder to bear. I just wish that I'll always have the courage to face them."
"Do you really think that the courage you possess would fade with the passage of time?" Van said.
Hitomi turned to him.
"Hitomi, you're one of the most courageous people whom I know. And for the time that I've known you, you've always faced every challenge that came your way with your head up high."
"Yeah that's because I have you and the others."
"Courage is not the absence of fear Hitomi but the knowledge of something better. The courageous may not live forever but the too cautious, those who are not willing to take the chance, may not live at all. Courage resides in your veins and no one can ever take that away from you. So you don't have to worry. Whenever you need strength, it will come to you." Van explained.
Hitomi smiled at him.
"You're wise, Van Fanel." She said.
"Look whose talking." He replied.
They just smiled at one another, not uttering a word.
"I know tomorrow is your birthday but I want to give you this now." Van said as he took out a small case from his pocket.
He then handed it over to Hitomi.
Hitomi opened it and saw a beautiful silver bracelet with beads shaped like the sun, moon and the stars.
"Oh Van. It's beautiful but I can't accept this." Hitomi replied.
Van just took it out from the case and placed it in Hitomi's wrist.
"May this always remind you that the universe is within your grasp and nothing is impossible if you believe." Van said.
"You're unbelievable you know that." Hitomi said as she smiled at him.
"Yeah I know. You've been through a lot and well, I just wanted you to always remember that you have everything you need to overcome anything that comes your way." He replied.
"Thank you, Van, for everything. . .especially for being such a great friend." Hitomi said as she gave him a hug.
Van just closed his eyes and returned the gesture.
"Anytime Hitomi. Anytime." He whispered.
The moment was pure bliss but both knew that it was short.
Neither knew that they were feeling the same way about each other.
Hitomi wasn't quite sure but she knew that something inside her heart was blooming.
They then broke from the hug.
"I guess I should be heading home." Hitomi said.
Van nodded and said, "I'll accompany you home."
"Thanks." Hitomi replied.
As they made their way, Van reached in his pocket and slowly pressed the call button.
He let the phone ring.
On the other line. . .
Folken's phone started to ring.
"That's the signal. Quick we only have a few minutes." Folken said.
Yukari, Folken and Allen, with the help of Hitomi's family quickly set aside all the preparations.
Just in time, they had finished fixing everything before Hitomi entered.
"Good evening everyone." Hitomi greeted.
She then stopped and said, "Hi guys. What are you guys doing here?"
Allen, Folken and Yukari looked at each other.
Yukari then said, "We were waiting for you."
"Waiting for me? Why?"
"Why? Um. . .it's because. . ." Yukari started.
"Because we wanted to ask you if you wanted to get some pizza with us. Allen's going home tomorrow because he has things to do that his adoptive father asked him to." Folken quickly added.
"Oh. I don't know." Hitomi replied.
"You can go Hitomi if you like." Her mother said.
"Ok then. . .I guess. . ." Hitomi replied as she allowed herself to be led by her friends outside.
Yukari was in front with Hitomi.
"So what happened?" Folken whispered to Van as they followed the girls.
"Nothing really. I got to know her more though." He replied.
"Really? Tell her yet?" Folken said.
"No. Didn't have the heart to..." Van replied.
"Did I hear it right? You didn't have the heart to? I seriously doubt it." Allen said.
"Ok fine. I was just waiting for the right time ok." Van said.
"Hey Hitomi, where did you get this bracelet?" They heard Yukari ask as she held Hitomi's wrist.
"It's from Van." Hitomi simply replied.
Folken elbowed Van.
"What?" Van said.
"Are you sure you didn't tell her?" Folken said.
"Tell me what?" Hitomi said.
"Nothing. Folken was just playing." Van replied.
Hitomi just shook her head and they continued walking.
The next day…
The surprise party was up.
Van and Yukari asked Hitomi to come with them to the mall as the others fixed the rooftop of Hitomi's place for the party.
No one had greeted her happy birthday except for Van the day before.
She didn't mind it.
The day unfolded as usual.
They had fun together.
Early that evening, they brought Hitomi home.
Hitomi opened the door and saw everything was dark.
She turned on the lights and was shocked when everybody was there.
She was really surprised.
"Happy birthday Hitomi." They greeted.
Yukari and Van greeted her too.
Hitomi gave them each a hug.
It was the most perfect birthday for her.
Her friends and family had gone through a lot and just spending her special day with them made it more special.
(To be continued. . .)
I know that it took me a while to finish but at last it's done. Please send me your reviews. I would really like to know what you think about it.
Michiko