Seyruun High Jinx –NEXT!
Chapter 12
'CD' Problem?
Without missing a beat, Subaru said in a low voice, "I'd like to kill him."Filia looked past Subaru at Xelloss and laughed, "Wouldn't we all!"
"But I feel kind of bad about this," Amelia persisted. "I mean, that haircut—it's so unique! He's had it his whole life—there's that picture of him and—and poor Miss Hokuto on his desk when they were little!"
"That's just it," Lina pointed out. "It's not unique. One other person had the exact same haircut as he—and that person was his twin sister."
Amelia blanched. "Oh…oh, I'm so sorry I said anything! Understand now. Oh, how awful!"
"He looks into a mirror…and sees his twin," Xelloss mumbled. "Having your face be a constant reminder of tragedy…" To himself he added, "…and of the ever-present threat which comes from having the entire Chaotic Blue organization sniffing at your heels…"
"—Is no fun," Zel finished for him, curtly. If anyone knew, it was him. They were all visiting Subaru again. Maybe this time they could get the poor guy to talk, or even to smile—though the likelihood of that was pretty slim, he had to admit, being the realist. Subaru wasn't a normal person. Most people, even after such trauma, might be able to smile, to think of the future. But Subaru had been too pure, too trusting… He shook it off in a shudder. Zel didn't want to think about that any more than he had to, else Subaru's now grim visage haunt him…
They followed Xelloss to the correct room, getting strange looks (and one tentative 'hi' to Sylphiel by one young priest) from the few other resident priests who passed them in the halls, and knocked on the door.
When no one answered, they were at a loss. Where could he be?
Zel feared the worst. He was all for preemptively calling 911 and breaking down the door, when a lady with a vacuum cleaner noticed the third or fourth loud knock and call of 'Subaru! SUBARUUU!'
"Are you friends of that poor boy?" she asked them. She was a woman in her thirties or forties, with slightly, inadvertently pinkish perm-ed hair that looked like a wig and very big, clunky gold earrings that matched a bracelet that would've been good armor for sword-battle…
"Is he all right! What happened to him!" Lina grilled.
"Oh, he's fine…well, he's just as usual, if you know what I mean," she said.
"Yes," Zel nodded. "We know. We're here to see him. Can you tell us what happened?"
"Yes, yes, I was coming to that. He told me—I'm the shrine's housekeeper—that if his friends came for him, to tell you to wait for a little bit inside. He's out on a job, you see, but he thinks he'll be back very soon," she smiled, weakly.
"He's still working after all that's happened to him! What a dedicated and righteous young man!" Amelia cried.
"A workaholic, more like it," Val breathed, talking for the first time in a long while. He didn't know him very well—same with Filia—but he wanted to help, and they thought it would be good for him to see people.
"Sublimation," Lina differed with him quietly. Louder, she said, "Well, okay, then. Inside his room, did he mean?"
"Yes. I have the key—I'll let you in…but first you have to tell me your names, so I know you're not—well, for security, you know," the woman explained. "Here…I have them all written down..." she fished a list out of her pocket, never letting go of the vacuum that she had presumably been using to clean the carpeted floor of the hallways.
"Um…I'm Sylphiel…and my father's the head priest here."
"Of course, deary. I know you and your young man there," the housekeeper said with a nod to Xelloss. But rules are rules…"
"Naturally," agreed Amelia wholeheartedly. "Rules and laws are the basis of our justice system. It's the finest in all the land!"
"Just tell her yer name," Lina growled.
They told her, one at a time, and she was satisfied, "Yes, I'm sure that no one else in Seyruun has names like yours," she looked at Zel and Xel. She smiled. "Here, I'll let you all in. He said there's tea waiting for you, but I'm sure it's cold by now. I think it's so fine, what you kids are doing for him. It was such an awful, unfortunate thing to have happen to them—and they were so young, too! You're wonderful friends to try to help him through it. Now, he should be back soon. Have a nice day, kids," she left them.
Xelloss didn't even stick his nose into the room, nor did Zelgadiss.
"We can't all fit in that space standing up. Where do you suggest we wait?" Zel posed the question to either Sylphiel or Xelloss.
"I know, my place!" Sylphiel woke up.
Xelloss took the note Zel hastily scribbled and placed it on Subaru's bed. "There, shall we wait elsewhere then?"
Partway up the hall, past the other priest dormitory-style rooms, the Slayers marched. Zel stopped midway, causing Val to nearly run him down. "Whoa, dude! Warn me next time!"
"I heard …" he turned around and sure enough, Subaru had turned the key in his door lock. "He's back. Xelloss, why don't just you meet him and bring him along."
"O-kay, do-kay!"
Lina leaned toward Gourry "That cleaning woman looks familiar somehow."
Gourry, "She sure does get around."
"Eh? How do mean?"
"Last year when we got those shrines blown up…she was the housekeeper there too." He smiled and nodded his head. He remembered faces just fine. Just don't ask him the names!
Lina's face lit up, "Damn! You're right, Gourry" She pounded him on the back with a shout. "Auntie…Aqua… Funny she didn't remember us…"
Zel shook his head. "No, that…that wasn't her, I don't think. Not unless she de-aged about twenty years and dyed her hair some…"
"Come on!" Lina had no patience for this deliberating. "Let's go!"
Xelloss surprised Subaru with a tap to the shoulder. The frail-appearing boy jumped at the simple touch. "Ah!"
"Hello, Subaru. You didn't forget we were coming, did you?" Before Subaru was forced to make any admissions, Xelloss continued, "You probably just got hung up on your job, hmmm? Well, we have gathered over at Sylphiel's, so unless you need to go to your room…"
Subaru, gathering his wits finally, only shook his head and allowed Xelloss to lead the way.
"Hello, everybody…" Subaru sized up the large crowd of visitors he suddenly noticed had accumulated. He hadn't seen the full group as Xelloss had spirited him away to Sylphiel's place. Now, in her dining room, he looked very small, thin, and haggard, standing like a prisoner about to be executed in front of an expectant and blood-thirsty crowd. Zel was perceptive, and tried to remedy that situation.
"Here, I'm tired of standing. Let's all sit down…" he sent a freezing gaze around the group, and they followed his example with no argument.
"So…" Lina couldn't stay quiet for long, "how are you, Subaru? You had a job today, so you're still working?"
He nodded mechanically. "Yes. I have a responsibility to fulfill."
That was a conversation killer. But Subaru pretty much had that covered, these days. They did not let that impede their attempts at friendliness.
"What kind of job was it?" Amelia asked, innocently.
"A real estate company hired me," he answered. "I had to sanctify a house they could not put on the market." He did not elaborate.
"Well, I brought Filia to cut your hair!" Xelloss perked up. "She's the only person I trust with mine, and she's very gentle. I know you aren't very well acquainted, but…"
"Thank you," Subaru gave Filia a slight bow, which flattered her as much as it pained the others. He was still so horribly formal! Not that they thought this would change that, exactly…
"Oh, it's no trouble!" she smiled. "Actually, I like cutting hair, especially boys'—and especially such nice-looking ones'!" she tried her flirt out on him. He simply bore it as stoically as he would any other insult, with a polite nod and lack of expression.
They set up a chair with some newspapers underneath, and Sylphiel helpfully procured a towel to wrap around Subaru's shoulders. "Now," Filia asked, "is there anything in particular you want done with it?"
She needn't have asked. Subaru did not care in the slightest so long as it was "Anything…different."
"Okay…" Filia surveyed her challenge like a general planning the best mode of attack for the current landscape. It was too bushy, though not exactly long, but the back was strange, and there were those really eighties-looking forelocks over his ears! Those had to go. And his bangs could be thinned a little, too… She removed the silver scissors from her bag, as well as a little spray-bottle of water, and set to work.
…
Filia asked conversationally, "Anyway after we're all done here we thought we'd all go out to dinner someplace then…and not everyone is okay with this part, but then I thought we might check out the mall. Xelloss, of course, says he's not up to it, which of course he is. He's just trying to make my life more difficult. He can be so contrary, you know? So what would you like to do?"
Without missing a beat, Subaru said in a low voice, "I'd like to kill him."
Filia looked past Subaru at Xelloss and laughed, "Wouldn't we all!"
Zelgadiss caught that and wondered. He knew Subaru was not referring to Xelloss.
The next day they did a spotty run through of their set for the upcoming gig. It was their last practice date until Saturday. Everything was fine. While the guys were packing up and doing a final equipment check, Lina decided to discuss the near future.
She began by clearing her voice loudly, then announcing, "We have to get a CD made. We need it to sell at concerts and we need one for the musical background. Agreed? Right, then the only time to do this is over breaks: Thanksgiving and winter break. Don't groan! We have no other time blocks! Anyway, I called Maaaa-cross Studios and it's tight but doable so I scheduled us in. Vaguely. We need to call and confirm the times, though. So...don't anyone go and plan vacation. Amelia!" Lina shouted.
"I've got the calendar!' Amelia cried.
Hoisting the large-format scheduler up for everyone to see took enough time for Xelloss to pull out his cell phone. As important events were being noted on the calendar, for instance: Winter Solstice Shrine and Clan activities, university and high school tests, club meetings, and other 'must do's,' Xelloss contacted the recording studios. By the end of a half hour, everything had been wedged in between a couple extended recording dates.
"Zel, call Zangalus. See if he and Martina are available as well. Might as well try and get their stuff on and they can double as roadies like they said they would for the upcoming gigs." Cutting off the groans from nearly everyone listening she added, "Hey, if he can't then we'll have to pay some studio clown to play sax. Besides, Martina has family in Atlas City we can crash with."
Ah...cost-cutting measures... Lina's specialty.
"Fine," Zel concurred. Although the sore throat bothering him after the pumpkin carving party was cleared up, he was feeling a bit under the weather. So, in an effort to conserve his vital energy, he capitulated and agreed to make the call without argument.
Xelloss tossed him his phone, "Be my guest!" Then to Lina he said, "I gave them the names of possible songs written by someone other than a Slayer..."
"The covers..." Val muttered.
"The studio will look into copyright agreements ahead of time if we want to record any of those," Xelloss finished.
"Sure, okay. What else?" Lina looked around for other input. "Next topic: new songs. I have a few ideas for the musical..."
"New songs?" Gourry repeated. "I don't know if we got time to learn new stuff, what with the weekend gigs and makin' CDs...and all." He wasn't crazy about the musical anyway.
"For the MUSICAL! Focus! We can do it!" Lina insisted.
Okay fearless leader, if you say so…
Gourry focused, and then remembered that he had something important to tell Lina and Zel. But what?
"Any you guys meet the new principal yet?" Lina asked while Zel checked his tuning again.
"Next week, toward the end…Friday, I think…I'd have to check to be sure now," Zel answered back. "I got a note chastising me for missing my last appointment. Idiots. They scheduled me in the morning when I'm at the university."
"I got one," Val grumbled. "Next week, early."
Ah…ha! Gourry's face brightened. "I had mine! There was something, I don't know…kinda weird about that guy. Oh yeah, he was friendly and all, but…what was it…?"
"What are you asking about!" Lina snapped. Sometimes her patience was worn too thin.
"Ah…um…Zel?" Gourry looked around for something to write on and to write with. "Do ya have any paper?"
Val pulled his little notebook out of his pocket and offered it to Gourry. "You can use any empty page at the end…"
"Uh, thanks…" Gourry took Zel's mechanical pencil and started to draw. "I don't remember it real good, but it looked like this." He scribbled some more, then stopped as Lina jostled his elbow.
"What's that?"
Xelloss leaned in over Lina's head and let out an audible gasp, then asked breathlessly, "Where did you…find that?"
"That Gross-guy…the principal, pulled out a handkerchief and I saw it sewn on the corner."
"Grauscherra had that on…?" Xelloss repeated.
"Looks like a syndicate symbol, doesn't it?" Zel interrupted excitedly.
While Xelloss nodded mutely, lips pressed together in a tight line, Gourry bobbed his head saying, "Made me think of those rubbings I'd done of our sword handles and all."
"I knew that guy gave me the creeps," Lina muttered. "Good job Gourry!" She smacked him on the back for good measure.
Gourry accepted it as a 'love pat'…of sorts.
Filia squinted. "Let me see that…Could be clan. Well, it could! Gourry's drawing isn't so far from looking like this." She held out her pendant for all to see. The Cephied Believers might also embroider scarves, napkins, handkerchiefs with the symbols. I'll ask mom and dad about him tonight."
Zel caught Xelloss' eyes briefly. Obviously, he was of another opinion. "Any other observations?"
But Xelloss shook his head and retreated back to his drum set. He had not wanted to delve into Grauscherra's identity. He hadn't wanted to be beholden to any syndicate members for the information, but now he was considering a bit of internet snooping.
"Since I got the next appointment," Val said. "I'll just ask the dude if he's clan."
"I dunno," Gourry said. "He tried to…I think he was tryin' ta get information about us…ya know the Slayers. He thought I was Japanese, but I said I was just takin' the class 'cause Lina wanted ta go to Japan. Then he got real interested in who was goin'. And when I said something 'bout 'Zel' and 'Val', he asked if I meant Val Gaav and …he knew yer whole name, Zel. He got Lina's kinda messed up with Xelloss', but… I got kinda suspicious so I changed the story some sayin' it probably's too expensive for us all ta go and…I said it wasn't Gaav, but I didn't know yer name. I don't think he'll figure you ta be the guy I meant."
"For not sayin' much, you told him a lot," Lina remarked, eyes narrowed. "But, nothin' he couldn't get from anyone who knows us probably. That means, Val, don't say anything that'll draw attention to you. 'Course I'm sure the records have yer old name on them as well as…What Xelloss?"
"I said…I cleaned them up. The Gaav name is completely gone, past and present. It's as if he enrolled as Val Agares…"
"A-gaaareees, yeah…that's the name," Gourry chuckled.
Xelloss frowned slightly at the interruption. "From the start of high school on."
"Why did you…" began Zelgadiss.
"What made you do that?" Lina shouted, overriding Zel's question with her own.
"I asked him to," Val interceded on Xelloss' behalf. "I had so much trouble gettin' them ta even make the change for the class rosters that…I asked Xelloss ta fix the rest fer me. He and I have…IS-SUES with the record keepin' bein' done. They got stuff on us they have no business havin' so…we got rid of it. There now, that's that. I don't wanna hear nothin' more about it."
"Oh, Mr. Xelloss! You broke into the school records and changed…If you get caught, you will be in…" Amelia started to chastise him.
"Deep shit," Val said. "So don't none of ya say nothin'. We were keepin' it a secret until…this other thing. Now just fergit it, 'kay?"
"But you could both be jailed! You're both over eighteen!" Amelia continued. "You broke the law!"
"I'll break yer jaw…" Val threatened.
"That's E-NUFF!" Lina bellowed. "Nobody's breakin' nothin' but me, got that! We didn't hear anything except that Xelloss helped out Val…which is a good thing. And…that this new principal may be more than just another pretty face…"
"He is rather good looking," Filia yawned.
"You think so too?" Sylphiel exclaimed. "I think his eyes are dreamy. And he wears such nice suits."
"Oh dear gods…" Lina muttered as she sank to the floor.
Gourry handed Lina her open, unfinished soda. "Here, maybe this'll help."
"Huh? Oh, yeah…Thanks Gourry." Lina took a swig and looked around. Zelgadiss was smoothing out Amelia's ruffled feathers and Filia was assuring Val that Grauscherra wasn't that good looking. Xelloss appeared a bit wan and quiet, but he had been that way all day. Yeah focus. They needed to focus on their music and not let this other stuff force them onto other tangents. "Okay, guys…we all set for the gig Saturday? When do we meet here?" Lina waited for their correct replies. "Right, now I got lots of work to do. Time to go."
However, it was the focusing that was getting more and more difficult for some members of the band to do! In some cases, humor was drying up, and like kindling, a spark of wit could set off a fire of explosive intensity. It was no wonder that Xelloss' continued interactions with Lina distracted Gourry. Like the next day…
"So, would you like to stop for ice cream on the way?" Xelloss asked Lina.
They had had lunch at school with their friends and now were heading to Lina's house to work on their musical.
"Nah. It's too nice to be inside. Let's go to the park and work."
"Okay," Xelloss smiled and deftly relieved her of the bulk of her books. "Lead on."
It was unseasonably warm in the valley. Trees still hung onto their partially green leaves and it was well into fall. Warm and dry. Lina was quiet, introspective. She and Gourry had had a nice visit the other day. He was really knowledgeable about building, she learned, as he showed her around Kiki's house. He was overseeing finishing work on the interior. The workmen respected him, despite his youth. She felt admiration for her friend, for accomplishing so much. He worked hard to get what he had, and everything he did meant more to him because of that. She nearly melted under his warm gaze when he dropped her off at her house that day. What the hell was up with that? Of course, he was so steady…so sure…so mature.
Xelloss smiled and hummed a tune he had stuck in his head. He had been spending a lot of time searching for additional music for the musical. Particular ones like 'Black Magic Woman' and 'Do You Believe In Magic?' Now he had them running endlessly over and over... Both were so lost in their own private worlds that they didn't notice the cooling breeze bringing clouds and damp air. So preoccupied was he, that Xelloss had to skip adroitly around Lina to avoid running her down when she stopped abruptly.
She had planted herself in front of the entrance to the park, hand on her hips. "I want you to show me exactly where Hokuto died."
"Okay...this way." He knew better than to ask 'are you sure?' Lina hated condescending people as much as people second-guessing her.
There was nothing special about the short stretch of turf beneath the trees where duplicitous Seishirou murdered the vivacious Hokuto. Lina wrapped her arms around herself whether because she felt a chill or for protection it wasn't clear. "...so unfair..." she muttered.
Xelloss stepped closer to listen to Lina's whispered words. He shivered slightly.
"She was so...full of hopes and dreams and he...was..."
"Full of nothing," Xelloss supplied. "No feelings at all."
"What do you know about him?" Lina clamped onto his arm so hard it hurt.
"Nothing much!" Xelloss squeaked and gently loosened her grip. "Well, a little...some..." He felt a headache coming on. Too bad.
"Tell me."
"Well, I know why he was a veterinarian." He paused and Lina dug in her nails. "He used the animals as test subjects...for syndicate poisons and...all. He really must not have had any feelings at all to do something like that to poor innocent animals. Especially when Subaru obviously loved them."
Lina nodded. "Poor Hokuto. I wonder how much she figured out about the guy before agreeing to meet him...here...in the middle of the night. You know why she kept pushing her brother into...acknowledging feelings for Seishirou?"
"I was wondering about that. Most girls wouldn't wish a gay relationship on their worst enemy, much less their own brother. Or...so it seems to me..."
"Yeah, well I don't know about that, but we were talking about Subaru once, and she told me about how...reserved, no that's not strong enough..."
Xelloss suggested, "Totally inhibited? Emotionally suppressed to the extreme, perhaps?"
"Yeah, his job, or calling, whatever…is the only contact he had outside of Hokuto. She was at her wit's end trying to come up with ways to get him out and meet new people. She had hoped S...Seishirou, who seemed to have a sincere attachment to her brother, could help. Ha! Some help!" She scoffed. Lina wasn't laughing.
"He's more repressed than ever now..."Xelloss said quietly.
"A-and now she's...she's...gone," Lina's voice cracked. "It's...not...f-fair..."
She turned and fell into Xelloss' arms, crying painfully. Now that was unexpected! Lina in his arms was...wonderful, but with her crying, it was miserable. With more effort than was anticipated, he moved her to the swings and pulled her onto his lap, letting her divest herself of all that pent up grief.
Gourry left the school parking lot after Japanese, mind on his task list. He picked up several rolls of flooring from the hardware store and headed onto Kiki's house. Doing this would save money and time on delivery costs. Looks like it might rain, he noted glancing at the sky, breathing the damp air. He took pleasure in the thought that the house was nearly done, before the rains would mess up the work. Some landscapers would be rolling out new turf in another few days, and now that the heavy machinery was gone, it would be safe from damage. Let it rain, then.
He drove past Lina's. He wondered if Xelloss was there too. His hands molded into the steering wheel and he clutched it harder. The first few drops fell.
Another turn and he was nearing the park. Kids playing... What was that? Far off at the swing? It was then that he realized what he just witnessed. He saw the unmistakable hair, brilliant red and deep purple. She was snuggling in his arms on the swing. Lina. H-his...dear Lina. Gourry stepped on the gas and sped on. Away from the scene, the worst sort he could imagine, being played out in plain view. Tears stung at his lids. He pressed the rough ball of a fist across one, wiping it dry. Why him?
Then the sky opened up and it began to pour.
With the first pat of moisture on his head, Xelloss knew he'd have to find them shelter fast. The bandstand. It wasn't far. They'd have to make a run for it. And his headache was starting to throb in time with his heartbeat. Damn, he didn't feel much like moving, much less running. "Lina, it's starting to rain."
Her face buried in his shoulder muffled her voice, "I don't care."
He smiled, "Naturally, you're dry now. We're not dressed for a rain storm, you know."
"Don't care."
Xelloss sighed. He didn't want to get sopping wet! "I'll carry you then," he muttered. He exerted himself, kicking the swing forward and back a little. He used the momentum to give him the boost needed to help lift himself and Lina off the swing. Up, he stood heavily, balancing first, and then strode as quickly as possible over to the bandstand. His head was pounding now.
"What are you doing?" Lina lifted her head and pounded him on the back.
"Getting out of the rain." Stomp, stomp, mush, mush...
"Put me down!" she insisted, pounding harder.
He stopped. "Okay."
He set her down and she kicked him, yelling, "I didn't say you could do that!"
"No?" He raised a bemused eyebrow. "I'm heading for cover." He walked off, leaving her to fume alone, her anger unrequited.
He reached the covered bandstand first, removed his shirt and used it to damp-dry his dripping hair. He blinked a few time. "Damn," he muttered under his breath. "Migraine…" Lina slopped along at her own unhurried pace, becoming thoroughly drenched in the process.
"I hate this," she griped. She hugged her bare arms and grumbled a bit more. "It wasn't supposed to rain."
"Cold?" he smiled, barely.
"Yes."
"I'd do anything for you," Xelloss struck a comical pose, "even give you the shirt off my back." He dangled his damp shirt toward her.
"What good is that? It's all wet!" She frowned, batting it away, but then the corners of her mouth turned up. "Idiot..."
Honk, Honk!
"Huh?" Lina twisted around and squinted through the gently falling rain. "A ride! Come on!"
Xelloss followed Lina to the waiting truck. Gourry reached over and opened the door, "Like a ride home?" he asked.
Lina hopped in, "You bet! Great timing! This idiot got me stuck out in the rain!"
Xelloss hesitated. If he got in, Lina would be crushed up against Gourry, that and Gourry would feel obliged to drive him home as well, which out of his way. "No thank you. Take her home, Gourry. I...I'll pay dad a visit. Zelgadiss keeps a change of clothes there. I'm sure he won't mind."
Before Gourry could figure out who 'dad' was, Xelloss was gone.
Lina sighed, "Perfect timing. We weren't gonna get much done anyway..." She went on to give Gourry a brief rundown of her thoughts on Hokuto and her day. He came to understand that Xelloss had not been on the receiving end of a romantic gesture but of one of heartache. Well, that was better. He was glad now that he'd turned back when the rain started.
"Wanna come in and have some...pie or whatever?" she asked as they reached her house.
"Ah, sure...but I gotta load to drop off so I can't stay."
"Oh yeah? Okay, can I watch?"
"At the house? Yeah, it's safe."
"Good. Lemme change clothes. You get the pie and milk...glasses...whatever and we'll eat it there." Lina disappeared into her room.
A few minutes later they settled into a quiet corner of the empty house to snack. It was nice and quiet, except for the pounding of nails and shouts of the other workmen. It would have been nicer if Gourry'd remembered to pack forks and napkins. Lina couldn't help but note to herself that Xelloss would have packed them, and a tablecloth too.
Mrs. Shearer, the live-in housekeeper at Rezo Greyword's house opened the door to an insistent knocking. "Oh, my goodness! Xelloss, why are you all wet? Rain? Well, I guess. I wasn't at the delicatessen today. Been cleaning. Haven't been out except to take the professor to his office this morning. It was nice out then...well, hurry on in...Silly me...gabbing on while you're standing out in the rain..."
"Thank you, Mrs. Shearer." Xelloss smiled through a shiver. "Zelgadiss has a room here, right?"
"Guest room in front."
"Thanks. I'll be a few minutes." he excused himself and departed to the guest room. Yes, sweats and a t-shirt, a Zelgadiss uniform. He was shivering.
"I put fresh towels in the bath, Xelloss. Why not take a good hot bath and Ill fix you some hot tea."
That sounded good. "Okay!"
"Here," Mrs. Shearer said as she pushed a steaming mug across the table. She gave him a good look over, then remarked, "You look a little blue."
"Umm? No, I'm okay…I mean, well, some...I guess so."
"That awful girl-- and I'm sorry to speak of a young person that way but I can't help it I just don't care for her– she's not forcing you...into marriage or something. Ah! Don't look at me like that, young man! I was young once to and I was considered to be quite a catch. Boys were after me all the time. I know all the tricks. You are far too good for her sort."
Xelloss set down his cup and smiled weakly. "Oh, sure...too good. No, it's not her, exactly. There is this other one, though." He sighed significantly. "She says she's not ready for a boyfriend, then she gives me different signals and I...get hopeful, then I just don't know. I don't seem to get anything right, but then I don't get many opportunities to meet girls and..."
"Things will look up, that I can tell you. Why don't you stay for dinner?"
"Thank you, but...no. Zelgadiss and I have a lab to go to. I'd better call him to pick me up here..."
"Eat first. I'll call him. You eat. You look pale. Have you got a temperature? Let me see...Ah! Just as I thought, your forehead's burning up. You go to bed right now. I will deal with that brother of yours. Now git!"
Xelloss suddenly felt too weak to argue. He stood and staggered to the guest room, ripping off the hot sweat shirt and pants along the way. Bed in sight, he lunged forward, and collapsed on the counterpane. With an effort, he managed to slide his legs under the covers.
"H-Hello? Mrs. Shearer?" Zelgadiss 'scratchy throat caught and his blood pressure notched up a bit. She never called him. "Is...my father all right? Oh, that's fine then... Xelloss? All right. Tell him not to worry. I'll stop by this evening after the lab. Thanks. Bye."
Lina picked up the jangling phone later that evening. "Yeah?"
"Lina? Hi, it's me!"
"Yeah, got it!" Lina shouted to her older sister in the kitchen.
"Amelia, what's up?"
"Everything… and… almost nothing."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lina asked.
"Zelgadiss…"
"Don't get me started with that guy now…" Lina groaned.
"No, it's good!" Amelia reassured her friend. "He's taking me out to dinner and see a film at the University on my birthday…and a drive…" she added dreamily.
"What?" Lina choked out. She sat up in bed put down the book she was trying to read simultaneously. "Zelgadiss asked you out…on a date?"
"Yes. See he had to wait until daddy said I could and I'll be sixteen and he trusts Zelgadiss to get me back before midnight. Ooooh! I can't wait!"
"This is Zel we're talking about?" Lina was mulling over the worrisome thought: 'Zel dating'.
"Lina! Haven't you been listening?" Amelia sounded mock-hurt over the phone. "Yes, Zelgadiss. The cute guy who plays guitar in our band. The one you've known for forever. Zelgadiss. Zel…ga…diss…"
"Yeah, yeah, Zel. I got it. Wow, I didn't think…he'd ever do something like that…" Lina's voice drifted off.
"What do you mean? You make it sound like he broke the law or something. He's eighteen soon! He's nearly done with high school! Why shouldn't he want to date someone? And why not me!" Amelia was getting a bit mad at her friend. She expected a little more support and excitement out of Lina than this!
Lina sighed, "Whoa… No, ya got me wrong here, Amelia. It's just that he…puts up this aloof façade so well I guess I believed he didn't care about anyone." She recovered a bit. "Well, I'm glad it's you he asked. You sure have put a lot of effort into getting him to notice you. A whole year, in fact!"
"Yes," Amelia sighed again. "I've been floating every day since…he asked me. But…"
"But? Don't tell me there's a catch?" Lina wondered.
"A big one, Miss Lina. I'm gonna miss it…the whole thing!" she cried into the phone.
"Huh? Why's that?"
"We'll be at that Macross Studio over Thanksgiving weekend!"
Lina relaxed, "Oh…hey, that's not so bad, is it? There's plenty of stuff going on in Atlas City all the time. You'll just do something else special. You can do the other when you get back. See! There, two dates!"
"Wow! Oh, Miss Lina, that's great! Thanks! I'm sure he'll agree!"
"Yeah, have Xelloss look into Atlas City. He owns a restaurant there Filia was raving about. Oh, no…not to him, of course. But whatever it was, she had a terrific time. Yeah, and be sure to have Xelloss do the convincing with Zel. Don't you go and plan your own birthday date, okay? Good. Well, I gotta go. Yeah, I gotta do some reading, bye. Yeah, sure…my pleasure!"
"Bye! And thanks bunches, Miss Lina!"
Lina hung up her phone and stared at it thoughtfully, before returning to her Rules of the Road guide to the driving laws of Seyruun. Zel, huh?
From the Authors:
Seyruun High Jinx now has a home! Ever wanted to see what the kids look like as envisioned by Frog? No? Well, you can anyway now that our staff photographer has been to their dimension and returned with photos! If you are interested, visit the website. Where? Please go to the author profile for Kaeru Shisho and choose the link. Hope to see you there! --KS
End Seyruun High Jinx –NEXT! Chapter Twelve.