Chapter 5 The Kindling Effect

That night, Aya tossed and turned on her bed. When she checked the time, she saw that it was only ten in the evening. That day had been very exhausting for her but the day's events kept on repeating itself on her mind.

After some point, she just sat there and opened the lamp next to her bed. She then took out the letter from the bedside drawer. She opened it and re-read it. She just couldn't figure what it all meant. She wanted to help Toya so badly but she was also afraid of what might happen. The incident in the not-so-distant past kept on haunting her. She knew that eventually she had to face it to be able to overcome it. But something inside her told her not to do that just yet.

Aya didn't know exactly what to do. She wanted to help him. She saw great potential in Toya and she didn't want that to be wasted. He was already great but she knew that he could be greater. After tossing the dilemma around her head a couple more minutes, she decided that she would need another's opinion about it. Aya knew that she couldn't talk to Aki about it so she knew she would have to go to someone else. Yuhi and Chiharu wouldn't be the right people to talk to too. So she could only think of another person, Ceres...a friend she had met years ago who had moved away just the past year.

Ceres was much older than she was but still, they were close. But since she had to move away, they could only communicate on the internet or on the phone. Ceres had visited just a few weeks before but her visits were seldom because of her job and her other responsibilities.

Their conversation went like this:

Stardust (Aya's cyber name): Hey there!
Heaven (Ceres' cyber name): Hi Star How are you? What are you
doing up this late?
Stardust: Well, first of all, it's a good thing that I caught you. I
thought that you had already gone to work.
Heaven: I can't today. I'm sick.
Stardust: Then you should be resting.
Heaven: I know but I can't sleep so I'm amusing myself surfing the
net. So what's up?
Stardust: Well, I met this guy...
Heaven: Oh you met a guy? So, is he cute?
Stardust: Yes but that's not the issue.
Heaven: If that's not the issue, what is it then?
Stardust: Heaven, I want to help him but I just don't know how.
Heaven: What problem is he in? Why don't you tell me all about it?
Stardust: Well, you see I went to his school and met up with him.
I...well...I was asked to see their artwork...you know, for our school. When
I came to his, I saw this magnificent painting. He's such a great
painter. But I don't know if it was right for me to say that...it had no
heart because it doesn't. It may be so nicely made but I just can't
see or feel any emotion...it's heart is missing. Do you think I did the
right thing?
Heaven: Yes, without a doubt.
Heaven: Art is all about passion. How can one have passion if one does
not possess a heart?
Stardust: I know but...
Stardust: Why do I feel so guilty?
Stardust: I just don't understand why?
Heaven: I think you feel that way because you don't want his talent to
be wasted. Am I right?
Stardust: Yeah...
Stardust: How did you know?
Heaven: With what you are telling me, it doesn't take a rocket
scientist to figure that one out. Besides, you're that kind of person.
Why would you have told him if you didn't care for him to improve?
Stardust:...
Heaven: So what do you want to do now?
Stardust: I don't know. That's why I turned to you. You know more on
this subject than I do.
Heaven: Star, to tell you the truth...I only know as much as you...
Stardust: But you always know what to do
Heaven: No, you're wrong. I just follow my heart.
Heaven: Look, in this situation I don't think there are wrong or right
things to do.
Stardust: I don't get it.
Heaven: The only thing you can do is be there for him...with him. It is
he who has to walk the journey. You can't do that for him.
Stardust: So you're saying to get to know him?
Heaven: Yes.
Stardust: But how will I know if I'm doing the right thing or stepping
over the line?
Heaven: Learn from your mistakes when you have them.
Stardust: So you're saying to play it by ear...ok.
Heaven: Just follow your heart and I don't think you'll go wrong.
Stardust: Thanks!
Heaven: Oh and if you two end up together, I want to know about it,
ok?
Stardust: Heaven!
Heaven: I'm just saying...
Heaven: No one knows what will happen...
Heaven: I'm just saying when it happens
Heaven: If he's cute as you say, then who knows?
Stardust: Well whatever happens, I'll be sure to let you know.
Heaven: Ok over and out. Bye.
Stardust: Bye and get well soon.

Aya then let herself fall back to her bed. She let out a sigh. "That was big help..." Aya said quite disappointedly. "What am I to do? I should have told her about him leaving his number to me." She then told herself. "Well...I can't do anything about that tonight...so I guess...tomorrow...I may have thought about something by then..." She added before turning off the lights and once again attempted to sleep. Soon deep slumber folded around her.

It was Sunday the next day and everyone had plans except Aya. She just opted to stay at home because after all the hard work she had done, she just wanted to rest. Aki and the others had plans. They wanted her to come but she kindly declined. So the house was all hers that day.

But by 8:30 am, she was lying in the living room when she remembered about Toya. She wondered what she would do, whether to call him and actually talk to him or just forget all about it and just sleep all day. She took out the letter from her pocket and placed in the coffee table in front of her. By its side, she placed her phone.

Aya just kept on looking at it for quite some time. Finally, Aya slumped back in the sofa. "Why is it so hard?" She asked herself. "Just call him and get it over with. But then what am I going to say? Oh! Just call him and worry about that later." She then told herself and sat up straight again.

But just as she was about to pick up the phone, she suddenly said, "This is stupid. Aya, you don't even know the guy. Why are you being worked up?" She quickly shook her head and said, "If I don't do this now, I'll regret later. So might as well make a fool of myself than feel guilty for the rest of my life." She said and quickly got the phone and dialed the number before she had the chance to change her mind again.

It began to ring. Soon Toya had answered. "Toya, it's me, Aya Mikagi." She finally said after taking a deep breath. Little did she know that on the other line Toya had grinned. "I was expecting you to call. Thanks for calling." He said. "Yeah well...so are you ready to talk?" She replied. "Yeah." "Then start talking. Go on...I'll just listen to you."

"Are you an art critic or a psychologist?" "Right now, I'm both." Aya then could hear Toya smirk at the other end. "So, why don't you tell me something about yourself instead of smirking?" Aya finally said, trying to sound firm. "What do you want to know?" "I don't know...maybe why you paint or how you got started? I don't know...something..." "Ok. I started to paint when I was two and the reason why I paint is because my father wants me to. There...satisfied?"

"It seems you're still not ready to talk. Call me when you are. You already have my number. Bye." Aya just said. "Wait! Look nobody has ever done this for me ok so cut me some slack. I know I'm being a jerk and-""It's good that I don't have to tell you that." "Well anyway, it's just so complicated and it's hard to just open everything up that I've kept for a long time." "That's ok. We don't have to talk about it just yet. We can talk about other things so that you don't have to shock yourself with all this. Let's gradually discuss it." Aya replied, her voice mellowed down.

"Ok then. Why don't you tell me something about you? Who is Aya Mikagi?" "Well, I have a twin brother, his name is Aki. I was brought up around art because it's what we do. It's a family thing. I'm not really that talented when it comes to painting or sculpting but I've always loved it. My brother on the other hand is my complete opposite. He loves music not that I don't like it." "So your family touches the different branches of art?" "Yeah. How about you? I mean, you said your father is the reason you paint...is he a painter too?" "Yes. He's not famous though. It's just his sideline. He's a businessman."

"So what business is he into?" "Textile and is now starting a small agricultural business with my uncle." "Wow! So do you have any siblings?" "No. I'm an only child." "It must be cool to be an only child." "Are you kidding? I think it sucks and I really would have liked to have a sibling. I don't care if it's a sister or a brother but I just want to have a sibling." "I don't know why but having a brother is such a drag. He's so annoying and I sometimes would wish that I was an only child especially after we have a fight."

"But I'm sure that he cares about you a lot." "I guess so. So, you have no choice but to take over the family business huh?" "Yeah. Since I'm the only child, I get all the attention of my father." "How about your mother?" "She died years ago." "Oh...I'm sorry." "Don't worry about it. It's nothing to be sorry about because it happens."

"I must be hard on you." "During the first year, it was hard. But I learned how to cope and that's what matters because when I think about it, she's not really gone. She's just there with me because I'm her flesh and blood." "That's a good way to think take it. Good for you." "You know, I never really told anyone that." "Then I'm honored that you told me. I'll keep it a secret if you like." "No it's ok."

"So I'm guessing that you have a lot of friends." Aya then said. "Um, you'll be surprised that I don't." "How come?" "Um because..." "Oh I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that. I'm sorry that I asked. Sorry." "No it's ok. Since we're already in that topic, I should tell you so you know...to let it go." "Well if you're sure...but don't say I didn't warn you."

"I have friends yes but I have a problem trusting people." "Then how come you trust me? A total stranger?" "Because you already saw right past me and I think the things I'm telling you now are just trivial." "Really?" "Yeah really."

"You? You seem to be really popular?" "Oh it only seems that way because almost every girl in our school has a big crush on my brother." "So you're saying you're popular because of your brother? Wait won't you give yourself some credit too? You're his twin right?" "Yeah..." "So people must see in you what they see in him." "And this comes from a guy who's popular because of his looks and because of his talents right? Or am I hearing it all wrong?"

"No you're hearing right. And you find me attractive?" "Whoa hold on! I didn't say that and besides, when you came to my school and people saw me with you, gossip started to spread. I wonder why?" "But you do find me attractive?" "As a friend, I think you're cute but romantically, not a chance." "Good. Now that's cleared up." "Um, what's cleared up?" "How we think about each other...at least we're clear that we're not attracted to each other more than just friends and that would help a lot." "Yeah at least no more pretend or worrying that the other is falling right? Right!"

"You're strange you know that?" "Looks who's talking? I think you're really mysterious." Aya replied. "Well join the club." "Oh you have a club now?" "You always take things as they are?" "I only take things as they are to me." "Interesting. So hypothetically if I told you I love you, how would you take it?" "I'd take it as you're crazy." "Figured you'd say that."

"You always like to make things complicated?" Toya asked. "Complicated? What do you mean?" "You know, do you always like to get to know people you don't exactly understand or meet eye to eye?" "You could say that?" "Why?" "Why not?" "Well...I just think that's weird." "You think that understanding people and how they view life is weird? Well to explain it to you, I ask because I want to know so that if there is a next time I get to encounter that person, at least I know why he or she is like that and I would know how to deal."

"I never thought of that." "Well that's because everybody is at your feet." "I resent that." "Oh come on! Show me one person who wouldn't do anything for you?" "Would you do anything for me? Anything I asked?" "No." "Case closed." Toya just replied. Aya was taken aback a little. She didn't see that one coming.

"And this all comes from an arrogant guy...shocking..." "Are you always this frank? I mean don't you keep your mouth shut?" "I only say the truth to those whom I can see some potential." "You see me as a person with potential?" "Yes. Why do you find that hard to believe that I would have faith in you? I did see your work and well I can see that you can improve it. Anybody can improve if they want to."

"I'll take your word on that." "You can quote me if you want. You might thank me someday." "If that day will come." "Whatever." "Are you always this articulate?" "Are you always this stubborn?" "Stubborn? How can you call me stubborn?" "Because you are." "What kind of answer is that?" "See what I mean?" Toya was then the one outspoken.

"You did that on purpose didn't you?" "What?" "I outspoken you and then you did it to me too." "Toya, do you really think I'm that kind of person?" Aya asked sarcastically. "Uh...yeah..." Toya just replied. "That was a rhetorical question." "Oh? Sorry it didn't seem that way." "You know, you just like my brother. Who would have thought you had the same personality as him?" "Then I think we would get along more." "You don't have to think because it would be true."

"You know what?" "What?" "I never had this kind of conversation with anyone aside from my close friends especially to girls." "There's always a first time for everything, Toya. There's hope for you yet." "What? You didn't believe that I had the power to change?" "Gee I don't know...maybe it's a no..." Aya answered sarcastically. "Now that's a rhetorical question. I didn't mean for you to answer that." "Now you're doing it." "Me? Oh how I could I dream of doing that? Then what difference would we have?"

"Anyway, since changing the subject is long over due...what other things are you into aside from painting? Do you like going out with your friends or something?" Aya finally said after a brief moment of silence. "Yeah. Sports and stuff." "Typical high school guy I presume?" "You find that hard to believe?" "No...no...I'm just surprised a little." "And why is that?" "Because I've already told you...I think you're mysterious and you already said that everything that you're telling me now is trivial. Isn't it fitting that you at least act surprised when you find out some trivia? You know the famous 'oh is that right?' attitude." Aya replied.

"I guess you're entitled to that. Well anyway, what about you? Aside from criticizing other people's work what do you do? Shopping and gossiping?" Toya then said. "Shopping, yes...gossiping, hardly...why would I like to gossip? I'm sure you already know that I'm a straightforward kind of person and would prefer the truth, thank you very much." "So what else do you like?" "I like art and everything about it. I also like to travel because I like talking to people and learning something about them."

"You dream of becoming a therapist?" "No. I want to be an art critic." "But still you try to become a psychologist?" "Hey being an art critic is not just looking at the piece of art but also looking at the artist. You know, to understand why he or she made it that way or how it was made or the emotions that they depict." "Tell me about it." "Don't worry I know what I'm talking about." "It sure looks like it. So can you show me what you mean? You know, to see what I lack..."

"Um...it's a little difficult to do that." "And why is that?" "Because I don't know you too much?" "Oh and this whole conversation was for nothing then?" "That's not what I mean...I meant, I just started to really talk to you today. How can I know you just like that? You don't even know me all to well." "Understandable." "Besides...I already told you that the answer you are looking for is not with me but within you." "That I don't get." "Alright...alright...I'll help you already..." Aya offered. They continued to talk like that until it was already twelve in the afternoon.

Soon after, they would meet outside and would just talk about things. They met each other's friends. They grew really close and even Aki had already let his guard down once he found out that they were pretty much alike and that there was no chance for Aya to get hurt.

(To be continued...)

Well what do you think? I would really like to know what you think about it. Oh and in case you're wondering...if you send in your reviews now, there's a big chance that I would put up the next chapter right away. Come on guys please...I would really, really like to know what you think. I've already finished the fic and it's just the matter to updating so I'll be waiting to hear from you. Thank you for everything...you know, for reading my story and reviewing.

Michiko