A/N: Okay it's been a while, but I'm going to try to finally tackle chapter
three. It's kind of late so let us see how I do. Thanks to those who have
reviewed by the way! Without any further interruption, Chapter Three
Light slowly faded back, as night and day were once more distinguished. Quistis looked around foolishly, wandering where she was, and what she was still doing alive. The only thoughts that could go through her head was about the odd universe were the young version of her had lived. Where was she now?
Slowly her brain tumbled into recollection. She was in the infirmary, the very place she had been sent to. But how had she arrived there?
As she looked around she saw no sign of the doctor. Slowly she remembered Cid's papers. Perhaps the doctor had already taken them, for there was no sign of them anywhere. She also remembered the run in with Squall, and the silent tears that masked her face. She sighed in embarrassment. Hopefully no one, especially Squall, had seen her like that.
Quistis slowly moved to a sitting position, feeling a small ache in her back. She suddenly wondered how long she had been lying in the bed, and how long Zell had been waiting for her.
Looking for answers she raised herself up, and began to walk towards the door. Just as she reached it, Dr. Kadowaki entered with a grave smile on her face.
Quistis began, "Doctor, what happened? Why am I in here? How long was I...?"
"Slow down child," the doctor replied soothingly, "you had a slight nervous reaction to what I'd say is stress, but you will be fine. You've only been asleep for about an hour. Luckily the boy found you in the hallway."
Quistis looked at the doctor with a gaze of puzzlement. "Boy? What boy? Who brought me here?"
"That boy not too much younger than you that's in your class. What's his name? Brown hair, dark eyes," the doctor slowly accounted.
"Squall?" Quistis was not sure if this was who had brought her, but it was the first name that came to her head. Indeed, she had hopped it was him that had helped her.
"Ah yes, Squall. That's his name. Brought you in a little while ago, found you lying in the hallway, he did."
Quistis smiled victoriously. "I think I should be going doctor, I have some business to take care of. By the way," she began again, "did you receive the papers Cid had sent to you?"
The doctor nodded slowly and told Quistis she would send Cid her answer on her own. Quistis nodded and headed out the door towards the cafeteria to see if Zell was still there waiting for her.
Once she reached the quad she saw Squall and Rinoa in the distance, sitting at a table talking. This was a ritual of theirs, for everyday at about the same time they would go and talk about who knew what. Quistis knew of the rumors this brought. Many people believed that Squall liked Rinoa because he was around her so much. But Quistis knew Squall was much more complex then that. Some people even thought that Rinoa had feelings for Squall, although she already had a boyfriend. Whatever the case was, Quistis didn't care at the moment, for Squall was there and it was a chance for her to approach him to thank him.
As she got closer to them, they noticed her and waved slowly. It seemed like Rinoa was about to say something when Quistis cut her short, "Sorry Rinoa, I can't talk long. I just wanted to thank Squall for taking me to the infirmary. I'm just under too much stress these days." Of course she lied about the cause of her breakdown. And of course she wouldn't tell either of them the dream, or so she thought it was a dream now, that she had had.
Squall looked at her with a high level of embarrassment. "Uh...no problem." He slowly jumbled through the words, staring halfway at the ground and halfway at Quistis.
Quistis could tell he was embarrassed so she just nodded slightly and bid both of them farewell. Hastily she headed towards the cafeteria once more. Once she reached it, she stood in the doorway and vigorously tried to find Zell.
She searched for about 2 minutes when she saw him near the back, sitting with his back towards her. Without hesitation she headed to his table.
Once she had reached it she smiled graciously at him. "Starting to think I wouldn't show up, huh?"
With those words Zell turned around and saw his beautiful love behind him. He smiled ecstatically and motioned her to sit next to him.
"Sorry I took so long; my errands were longer than I thought they would be." She didn't wish to get into the whole fainting and dream with him right now, she just wanted to forget it for the present.
For a moment both of them stared into each others eyes in a dazzling trance. Without notice, Quistis felt something warm touch her hand. Presently Zell had grasped her hand in his own, still staring into her burning eyes. She pulled back startled.
"What's going on?" Quistis asked curiously. She knew what was going on, after all this time, Zell was making a move, and unless she wanted to be with him, she had to do something.
He broke the gaze and looked down slowly. "I'm sorry for this to be so sudden, but you are the best thing I have. I may seem cocky and stubborn sometimes, but I don't want to be like that around you anymore, because it's just not me." This startled Quistis. She had never seen a side of Zell as soft as this. She knew what was coming, and she dreaded it terribly.
"I know you have probably known this for a long time, but I just feel I must say it allowed. I love you Quistis." Zell's face turned a dark red color. "I want to be with you forever Quistis. I have you feeling you are in love with me also."
These words almost made Quistis laugh, but she held back. She knew she had been bringing around the wrong impression for too long, and that it would eventually lead to something like this. She couldn't tall him the truth. She couldn't do that to him.
But then she that of Squall. Maybe there was a chance for them. Maybe she could finally get what she had desired for so long. She was now faced with an extremely hard choice. If she told Zell how she really felt she would probably lose him as a friend. But also, she might have a chance with Squall. But if she decided to keep the charade going with Zell, then she'd never get this chance. She knew what she had to do. Suddenly, some sort of flame burned inside her that had never before, as she poured out the truth to Zell.
"I'm sorry Zell, but I have no feelings at all for you. I didn't want to say anything before because I was afraid to hurt your feelings, but now is the time I must say something. You are a great friend, more then I could ever wish for, but that's all you are, a friend. Please understand this; please don't let this hurt our friendship."
Zell just stared at her stunned. This wasn't what he had expected at all. Without notice his tough bubbly exterior shattered away, like glass that was subject to too much force. Slowly the shards of Zell fell right into Quistis' dieing waters, causing rippled to erupt everywhere.
Zell continued to stare, as Quistis tried to find something comforting to say. Nothing came. Tears slowly rolled down Zell's face. Quistis was in a state of immense terror. She had no idea what she was supposed to do. Nothing like this had ever surfaced before.
Zell's crying began to worsen as he hastily rose. Not wasting a minute, Zell was running towards the cafeteria door, crying softly into his hands. Everyone just sat, staring at him repulsively. Once he had exited, the cafeteria erupted into voices once more. This time however, they were not about the pervious gossip everyone had been talking about. Now everyone was focused on Zell. And for many days this would be the talk of Balamb Garden.
Quistis looked around, scared and forlorn. Confused and battered. Feeling the utter need to scream she also rose, and headed towards the door. No one had ever seen her cry before, except the child in her dream, and she didn't want someone to see her now. Her pace hastened as she left the cafeteria and entered the quad, towards her dorm. She looked up to see the table that Rinoa and Squall had earlier occupied was now empty. She wanted to see his face once more. She wanted something good to come out of this pool of rotten deed.
Once she had reached her dorm room, she slammed the door closed, jumped on her bed, and slowly cried into her pillow. She felt like a foolish little girl, but it was the only thing she knew to do.
Her thoughts began to strangle her. "I thought you were smarter than this Trepe. How could you be such a fool? Now you and Zell are both laughing stocks, and it's all your fault."
Slowly, while wishing her life would suddenly end that night, Quistis drifted into a slow, unclaiming sleep.
This same pattern continued for nearly a week. Every night she wept herself to sleep, thinking about how foolish she was. For that whole time she never left her room, and the whole garden became increasingly worried. She had missed 4 days of teaching, and Cid began to get angered.
After the week had gone by and Quistis had not been in her classroom to teach, Cid decided to go see her. It was early morning, and the sun solemnly draped the garden in its own world. Quistis awoke to a slight knock on the door. At the present she wished to speak to no one, but when the voice of Cid reached her ears she knew it was important.
Cid entered to find the dorm a mess. Things were strewn all about in an un- orderly manner. Quistis looked at the headmaster in frustration, slight tears welling up in her already puffy eyes. The headmaster motioned to her, telling her she was able to sit once more. With a sigh, she plopped back onto her bed. Cid looked at her in a strictly business manner.
"I don't know exactly what has happened to you in the last few days, and that is not my problem. I can guess, for rumors are spreading all over the garden. Whatever happened is no excuse however, for not fulfilling your responsibility. You are to teach your students, and for the last 4 days, you have no fulfilled this."
Quistis slowly tried to speak. Her voice started out weak, but slowly rose to its normal tone. "I'm extremely sorry, headmaster. Things have just been rough."
"I know, but you cannot let your social life get in the way of your work. I'm sorry to say, but if you miss just one more day of work, or one more incident like this happens, I will have to demote you."
Quistis looked at him in a remorseful manner. He began once more. "Tomorrow is the final day before the SeeD exam. I expect you to be in your classroom, on time, to finish those student' education. I want them in tip top shape for the exam. Do you understand me?"
Quistis nodded hesitantly. Cid looked at her and smile. Just as suddenly as he had come, he once more got up, and headed out the door.
Quistis locked the door again and headed over to the mirror. She looked at herself. Swollen, disused, forgotten. She felt ashamed of herself. She had let herself go. No great SeeD, let alone an instructor, would do this. The exam was in two days, and her students had to be prepared. She nodded quietly and knew she would have to get herself ready for the next day's lesson. She hastily began.
Later that night another knock came at the door. Quistis walked over to open it. It was Squall.
She looked at him in amazement. The reason for his appearance at her dorm could not find itself into her mind.
"Hey, I just came to see how you were doing. Can I come in?" Quistis looked at him hesitantly and nodded. She slowly closed the door behind him.
Indeed her or her dorm were in no shape for visitors, but Squall was an exception.
Squall looked around the room for a moment, than sat himself on a small chair in a dark corner of her room. Quistis also sat herself. Slowly she lowered her body to her bed.
Squall stared into her eyes for a long period of time, than came to his sense once more. "I was just hoping you were doing better. I heard Cid came to motivate you back to work. We were all worrying about you since you hadn't came to class in a few days."
"I'm fine now, I just needed a few days to reflect on myself. I'll be back in the class tomorrow for your final day before the SeeD field exam. I'm glad you came by, it makes me feel good that someone care about me beyond the scope of needing me to work." With this they booth smiled, staring still into the other's eyes.
Squall began to slowly move in his chair, as if he was getting impatient. "Well...uh...I better get going, I have a few things to do to prepare for the exam before than." Squall said this in a manner that suggested he had more to say, but was unwilling to actually say it. Slowly he rose and walked towards the door. Quistis hastily got up to open the door for him on his way out. She had hoped that Squall had come for more than just a check up, but apparently her wish would not be granter. As Squall left the room he turned back to her. For a moment they gazed at each other, eyes in deep thought.
Squall moved hesitantly, as if confused of what exactly to do, and without notice reached over and put his hand to Quistis' check while he slowly locked his lips to hers. Stunned, Quistis continued the kiss, confused of where it had come from. Apparently she had gotten more than she wanted.
The embrace ended. Squall looked at Quistis, his cheeks bright red. For a moment longer he just stared, then turned and ran down the hall in the direction of his dorm. Quistis slowly closed the door, locking it behind her. Confused thoughts jumbled all around her mind. What had just happened? Why had it happened? And so on.
For a moment she reflected, pining for their lips to embrace once more. She knew this would not happen at the current time however, and realized it was getting late. Tomorrow she was to return to work. She needed as much rest as she could get. Without another moments hesitation, she found her way to bed, and had a long, sleepless night.
A/N:There you go. Yeah a bit sappy, but oh well. And its real late now, so if I messed up on spelling or grammar or a sentence seems awkward I apologize ahead of time. I just really wanted to get this chapter done before I forgot, and I should edit it in the morning, but I'll be way to bust tomorrow, she I'll just post It now. Hope you are enjoying!
Light slowly faded back, as night and day were once more distinguished. Quistis looked around foolishly, wandering where she was, and what she was still doing alive. The only thoughts that could go through her head was about the odd universe were the young version of her had lived. Where was she now?
Slowly her brain tumbled into recollection. She was in the infirmary, the very place she had been sent to. But how had she arrived there?
As she looked around she saw no sign of the doctor. Slowly she remembered Cid's papers. Perhaps the doctor had already taken them, for there was no sign of them anywhere. She also remembered the run in with Squall, and the silent tears that masked her face. She sighed in embarrassment. Hopefully no one, especially Squall, had seen her like that.
Quistis slowly moved to a sitting position, feeling a small ache in her back. She suddenly wondered how long she had been lying in the bed, and how long Zell had been waiting for her.
Looking for answers she raised herself up, and began to walk towards the door. Just as she reached it, Dr. Kadowaki entered with a grave smile on her face.
Quistis began, "Doctor, what happened? Why am I in here? How long was I...?"
"Slow down child," the doctor replied soothingly, "you had a slight nervous reaction to what I'd say is stress, but you will be fine. You've only been asleep for about an hour. Luckily the boy found you in the hallway."
Quistis looked at the doctor with a gaze of puzzlement. "Boy? What boy? Who brought me here?"
"That boy not too much younger than you that's in your class. What's his name? Brown hair, dark eyes," the doctor slowly accounted.
"Squall?" Quistis was not sure if this was who had brought her, but it was the first name that came to her head. Indeed, she had hopped it was him that had helped her.
"Ah yes, Squall. That's his name. Brought you in a little while ago, found you lying in the hallway, he did."
Quistis smiled victoriously. "I think I should be going doctor, I have some business to take care of. By the way," she began again, "did you receive the papers Cid had sent to you?"
The doctor nodded slowly and told Quistis she would send Cid her answer on her own. Quistis nodded and headed out the door towards the cafeteria to see if Zell was still there waiting for her.
Once she reached the quad she saw Squall and Rinoa in the distance, sitting at a table talking. This was a ritual of theirs, for everyday at about the same time they would go and talk about who knew what. Quistis knew of the rumors this brought. Many people believed that Squall liked Rinoa because he was around her so much. But Quistis knew Squall was much more complex then that. Some people even thought that Rinoa had feelings for Squall, although she already had a boyfriend. Whatever the case was, Quistis didn't care at the moment, for Squall was there and it was a chance for her to approach him to thank him.
As she got closer to them, they noticed her and waved slowly. It seemed like Rinoa was about to say something when Quistis cut her short, "Sorry Rinoa, I can't talk long. I just wanted to thank Squall for taking me to the infirmary. I'm just under too much stress these days." Of course she lied about the cause of her breakdown. And of course she wouldn't tell either of them the dream, or so she thought it was a dream now, that she had had.
Squall looked at her with a high level of embarrassment. "Uh...no problem." He slowly jumbled through the words, staring halfway at the ground and halfway at Quistis.
Quistis could tell he was embarrassed so she just nodded slightly and bid both of them farewell. Hastily she headed towards the cafeteria once more. Once she reached it, she stood in the doorway and vigorously tried to find Zell.
She searched for about 2 minutes when she saw him near the back, sitting with his back towards her. Without hesitation she headed to his table.
Once she had reached it she smiled graciously at him. "Starting to think I wouldn't show up, huh?"
With those words Zell turned around and saw his beautiful love behind him. He smiled ecstatically and motioned her to sit next to him.
"Sorry I took so long; my errands were longer than I thought they would be." She didn't wish to get into the whole fainting and dream with him right now, she just wanted to forget it for the present.
For a moment both of them stared into each others eyes in a dazzling trance. Without notice, Quistis felt something warm touch her hand. Presently Zell had grasped her hand in his own, still staring into her burning eyes. She pulled back startled.
"What's going on?" Quistis asked curiously. She knew what was going on, after all this time, Zell was making a move, and unless she wanted to be with him, she had to do something.
He broke the gaze and looked down slowly. "I'm sorry for this to be so sudden, but you are the best thing I have. I may seem cocky and stubborn sometimes, but I don't want to be like that around you anymore, because it's just not me." This startled Quistis. She had never seen a side of Zell as soft as this. She knew what was coming, and she dreaded it terribly.
"I know you have probably known this for a long time, but I just feel I must say it allowed. I love you Quistis." Zell's face turned a dark red color. "I want to be with you forever Quistis. I have you feeling you are in love with me also."
These words almost made Quistis laugh, but she held back. She knew she had been bringing around the wrong impression for too long, and that it would eventually lead to something like this. She couldn't tall him the truth. She couldn't do that to him.
But then she that of Squall. Maybe there was a chance for them. Maybe she could finally get what she had desired for so long. She was now faced with an extremely hard choice. If she told Zell how she really felt she would probably lose him as a friend. But also, she might have a chance with Squall. But if she decided to keep the charade going with Zell, then she'd never get this chance. She knew what she had to do. Suddenly, some sort of flame burned inside her that had never before, as she poured out the truth to Zell.
"I'm sorry Zell, but I have no feelings at all for you. I didn't want to say anything before because I was afraid to hurt your feelings, but now is the time I must say something. You are a great friend, more then I could ever wish for, but that's all you are, a friend. Please understand this; please don't let this hurt our friendship."
Zell just stared at her stunned. This wasn't what he had expected at all. Without notice his tough bubbly exterior shattered away, like glass that was subject to too much force. Slowly the shards of Zell fell right into Quistis' dieing waters, causing rippled to erupt everywhere.
Zell continued to stare, as Quistis tried to find something comforting to say. Nothing came. Tears slowly rolled down Zell's face. Quistis was in a state of immense terror. She had no idea what she was supposed to do. Nothing like this had ever surfaced before.
Zell's crying began to worsen as he hastily rose. Not wasting a minute, Zell was running towards the cafeteria door, crying softly into his hands. Everyone just sat, staring at him repulsively. Once he had exited, the cafeteria erupted into voices once more. This time however, they were not about the pervious gossip everyone had been talking about. Now everyone was focused on Zell. And for many days this would be the talk of Balamb Garden.
Quistis looked around, scared and forlorn. Confused and battered. Feeling the utter need to scream she also rose, and headed towards the door. No one had ever seen her cry before, except the child in her dream, and she didn't want someone to see her now. Her pace hastened as she left the cafeteria and entered the quad, towards her dorm. She looked up to see the table that Rinoa and Squall had earlier occupied was now empty. She wanted to see his face once more. She wanted something good to come out of this pool of rotten deed.
Once she had reached her dorm room, she slammed the door closed, jumped on her bed, and slowly cried into her pillow. She felt like a foolish little girl, but it was the only thing she knew to do.
Her thoughts began to strangle her. "I thought you were smarter than this Trepe. How could you be such a fool? Now you and Zell are both laughing stocks, and it's all your fault."
Slowly, while wishing her life would suddenly end that night, Quistis drifted into a slow, unclaiming sleep.
This same pattern continued for nearly a week. Every night she wept herself to sleep, thinking about how foolish she was. For that whole time she never left her room, and the whole garden became increasingly worried. She had missed 4 days of teaching, and Cid began to get angered.
After the week had gone by and Quistis had not been in her classroom to teach, Cid decided to go see her. It was early morning, and the sun solemnly draped the garden in its own world. Quistis awoke to a slight knock on the door. At the present she wished to speak to no one, but when the voice of Cid reached her ears she knew it was important.
Cid entered to find the dorm a mess. Things were strewn all about in an un- orderly manner. Quistis looked at the headmaster in frustration, slight tears welling up in her already puffy eyes. The headmaster motioned to her, telling her she was able to sit once more. With a sigh, she plopped back onto her bed. Cid looked at her in a strictly business manner.
"I don't know exactly what has happened to you in the last few days, and that is not my problem. I can guess, for rumors are spreading all over the garden. Whatever happened is no excuse however, for not fulfilling your responsibility. You are to teach your students, and for the last 4 days, you have no fulfilled this."
Quistis slowly tried to speak. Her voice started out weak, but slowly rose to its normal tone. "I'm extremely sorry, headmaster. Things have just been rough."
"I know, but you cannot let your social life get in the way of your work. I'm sorry to say, but if you miss just one more day of work, or one more incident like this happens, I will have to demote you."
Quistis looked at him in a remorseful manner. He began once more. "Tomorrow is the final day before the SeeD exam. I expect you to be in your classroom, on time, to finish those student' education. I want them in tip top shape for the exam. Do you understand me?"
Quistis nodded hesitantly. Cid looked at her and smile. Just as suddenly as he had come, he once more got up, and headed out the door.
Quistis locked the door again and headed over to the mirror. She looked at herself. Swollen, disused, forgotten. She felt ashamed of herself. She had let herself go. No great SeeD, let alone an instructor, would do this. The exam was in two days, and her students had to be prepared. She nodded quietly and knew she would have to get herself ready for the next day's lesson. She hastily began.
Later that night another knock came at the door. Quistis walked over to open it. It was Squall.
She looked at him in amazement. The reason for his appearance at her dorm could not find itself into her mind.
"Hey, I just came to see how you were doing. Can I come in?" Quistis looked at him hesitantly and nodded. She slowly closed the door behind him.
Indeed her or her dorm were in no shape for visitors, but Squall was an exception.
Squall looked around the room for a moment, than sat himself on a small chair in a dark corner of her room. Quistis also sat herself. Slowly she lowered her body to her bed.
Squall stared into her eyes for a long period of time, than came to his sense once more. "I was just hoping you were doing better. I heard Cid came to motivate you back to work. We were all worrying about you since you hadn't came to class in a few days."
"I'm fine now, I just needed a few days to reflect on myself. I'll be back in the class tomorrow for your final day before the SeeD field exam. I'm glad you came by, it makes me feel good that someone care about me beyond the scope of needing me to work." With this they booth smiled, staring still into the other's eyes.
Squall began to slowly move in his chair, as if he was getting impatient. "Well...uh...I better get going, I have a few things to do to prepare for the exam before than." Squall said this in a manner that suggested he had more to say, but was unwilling to actually say it. Slowly he rose and walked towards the door. Quistis hastily got up to open the door for him on his way out. She had hoped that Squall had come for more than just a check up, but apparently her wish would not be granter. As Squall left the room he turned back to her. For a moment they gazed at each other, eyes in deep thought.
Squall moved hesitantly, as if confused of what exactly to do, and without notice reached over and put his hand to Quistis' check while he slowly locked his lips to hers. Stunned, Quistis continued the kiss, confused of where it had come from. Apparently she had gotten more than she wanted.
The embrace ended. Squall looked at Quistis, his cheeks bright red. For a moment longer he just stared, then turned and ran down the hall in the direction of his dorm. Quistis slowly closed the door, locking it behind her. Confused thoughts jumbled all around her mind. What had just happened? Why had it happened? And so on.
For a moment she reflected, pining for their lips to embrace once more. She knew this would not happen at the current time however, and realized it was getting late. Tomorrow she was to return to work. She needed as much rest as she could get. Without another moments hesitation, she found her way to bed, and had a long, sleepless night.
A/N:There you go. Yeah a bit sappy, but oh well. And its real late now, so if I messed up on spelling or grammar or a sentence seems awkward I apologize ahead of time. I just really wanted to get this chapter done before I forgot, and I should edit it in the morning, but I'll be way to bust tomorrow, she I'll just post It now. Hope you are enjoying!