Life's Lessons
Chapter 4: Don't rush your life
About: Matron shows Squall that a rushed life is a lost childhood, and a lost childhood is means for failure.
Unsurprisingly, Rinoa's unplanned secret 'leaked' out, by way of Selphie. Soon, all of Balamb Garden knew, and they were all actually very happy.
I hated it all, the attention Rinoa and I attracted when we walked together, the giggles of naïve girls as we passed, and the gossip. Everyone was asking Rinoa how she tamed me, how I even agreed to keep the baby, and even if the baby was mine! That rumor was immediately abolished by way of Headmaster Cid and myself.
Soon after the gossip began to die down, Matron came to Garden to talk specifically to Rinoa and I, separately.
I was waiting outside Quistis' classroom for Rinoa when Zell and Matron walked up.
"See? I told you he was up here!" Zell smiled proudly, hands on his hips.
"Squall, would you mind if I talked to you alone?" Matron asked.
"…Sure, I guess…" I had no idea why she was here, but she was like my mother, now, so I would do whatever she asked.
"Is there a quiet place where we can be alone?"
I nodded.
"I'll take care of Rinoa for ya!" Zell called. These days he seemed to have more energy than Selphie and Irvine combined.
I waved a thank-you to him and headed to the cafeteria, Matron close behind me.
"Squall," She started after we had taken a seat. "Are you sure you are ready for this? A child is a big responsibility, and…"
I put a hand up to stop her.
"Matron, I appreciate your concern, but Rinoa and I will do fine."
"Cid doesn't allow children, newborn children that is, in the Garden. There are too many dangerous weapons around, and if the child gets a hold of one…"
(I didn't think about that. I've got too much of an important job to leave, and Rinoa's a SeeD now…)
"We'll figure something out. I promised Rinoa that everything would be fine."
"…You shouldn't promise something like that, Squall." Matron frowned.
(Yeah, I know. But what am I supposed to do, tell her I think the baby will die and that she was stupid for getting pregnant in the first place? I could never do that. Sometimes, it's better to lie…)
"Squall?" Matron lifted her head, black hair falling over her forehead. She laid her hands over mine.
"Children are a big responsibility, Squall." She repeated. "You have a career. Rinoa has a career, now. You shouldn't throw your childhood away like this. You're rushing your life. And a rushed life is means for failure. You don't want to fail, do you?"
"…" I had nothing to say.
(Why does she despise of this baby so much? What is so bad about a child?)
"I just don't want to see you quit what you've accomplished. Everything you've done for Garden, Rinoa's newly acquired status of SeeD…she's going to have to take a medical leave after seven months or so, but who's going to take care of the baby once it's born?" Matron shook her head.
(I hate to admit it…but she's right. How are we going to care for it?)
"…" I frowned.
(We'll find a way.)
"Matr0on, I love Rinoa, and I promised her everything would be fine. Everything will be fine. I'll figure something out."
"As long as you're happy, Squall. As long as you're happy." Matron smiled.
(I am.)
"Goodbye, Matron." I got up and left, a grin on my face.
(Everything is gonna be fine.)
Author's notes: That was short too! Okay, I didn't think Matron would refuse Squall a child that forcefully, and I don't think Squall would have agreed that quickly to it; there would have definitely been some internal battle going on or something, but whatever! Hope you enjoyed the chappie! The next one has been written, but it won't be up for a little while.