Chapter 3: Life Got In The Way
AN: This chapter takes place two years after the last chapter.
Blake Bradley took one last look at the hotel room that he called home for the past few months, as he got ready to leave for the airport. He was on tour in Canada for the last six months. He signed yet another two year contract, but under the agreement that he could take a six-month break. He missed his friends, the academies, his brother and most of all...Tori. Blake had been so busy in the last three years that he was barely able to keep in touch with anyone. Blake decided to not tell anyone that he was going home for a short vacation. Factory Blue rented out an apartment at the complex that Shane, Dustin and Tori lived at. Blake thought that it would be perfect so that he could be closer to Tori. Blake grabbed his things and headed to the lobby to see if the limo that was going to take him to the airport had arrived. Hours later Blake arrived in Blue Bay Harbor. "Gosh, does it feel good to be home!" He said aloud as he grabbed his stuff off of the conveyor belt in the baggage claim area. Blake hailed a cab and headed off to the Wind Ninja Academy. Once he arrived at the academy he noticed the time and realized that classes were done for the day. He continued to walk around the academy until he noticed Sensei Watanbe sitting in meditation. He quietly approached his former teacher and waited for him to complete his usual afternoon routine. Sensei Watanbe felt a presence and finished what he was doing. "How can I help you, young man?"
Blake removed the sunglasses he had been wearing and noticed the recognition in his Sensei's eyes. "Hello Sensei," Blake said as he bowed.
"Hello Blake, it has been a long time, but it is good to see you."
"Thank you Sensei. It has been a long time. I see that I missed the others. Do you know where I can find them?"
"Ah yes, they are at Storm Chargers as always. Come, put your things in the office and you can come by and get them later."
"Thank you, I think I will do that."
"Well, then follow me."
Sensei Watanbe lead Blake through the academy grounds and inside the academy. Blake looked at the pictures that adorned the walls of the corridor. There were pictures of Hunter, Cam, Dustin, Shane, Tori, and him. Then as they neared the office Blake noticed the latest pictures of the teachers of the academy. There was Cam's picture first. He was now the Head Teacher. Then there was a picture of Shane, Dustin, Tori, and Hunter. 'What! Hunter?' Blake thought. "Um, excuse me Sensei, but is Hunter an instructor here as well?"
"Yes Blake, he his and has been for the past two years. I take it that you have not kept in touch with your brother?"
"No, not really. I haven't had time to talk to anyone as of late."
"Ah, I see. Well, much has changed in the passing years, but I will leave it up to the others to update you on the current events."
"Um...okay. Thanks again Sensei. I will return later for my things." Blake then bowed before his sensei and left for Storm Chargers.
Blake arrived at Storm Chargers a few minutes later. The store had not changed much in the last few years. 'It's nice to see that some things have not changed.' Blake thought as he walked around the store. Blake could hear chatter and laughter in the back of the store in the TV room, where they all use to hang out. Blake was on his way towards the back of the store when Kelly came out of the backroom and noticed him.
"Blake is that you?" She asked surprised.
"Yeah, hey Kel! Long time no see huh?"
The two hugged and then Kelly replied, "Yes, it's been awhile. So, how's the motocross world treating you?"
"It's been great. I just signed for another two years."
"Blake, that's awesome! I am so happy for you. Well, we can catch up later. I have a lot to do, but if you are looking for Hunter and the others they are in the back over there as always."
"Thanks Kel, I will talk to you later."
Blake quickened his pace and found everyone right where Kelly said they would be. Shane, Cam and Hunter were on the couches, while Dustin was seated on the floor with Tori next to him in front of Hunter. Hunter had his hands on Tori's shoulders. Blake thought that looked odd, but brushed it off. "Hey guys, anything good on TV?"
"Nah dude...wait! Blake? Oh man, where did you come from?" Dustin asked.
"Blake!" Hunter, Shane and Cam said in unison.
"Yeah, in the flesh."
The guys all got up to go greet their brother and friend. Hunter helped Tori up from her seat on the floor. The two smiled at each other then Hunter walked up to his brother and they did their secret handshake. The two exchanged a one-arm hug as well. "It's been a while bro..."
"Yeah, tell me about it dude. I didn't even know you were back here until I saw your picture on the wall at the academy."
"Um...yeah, we have a lot of catching up to do."
"How long are you in town for?" Asked Shane.
"Six months," replied Blake.
"Wow, that's sweet dude! For six months we're all going to be together. What perfect timing we have lots to celebrate!" Dustin said excitedly.
"Yeah, I guess so huh?" Blake replied as he exchanged one arm hugs with the rest of the guys. He was now standing in front of Tori who was still in shock to see him. So much time had passed and so much had changed, but he had no idea how much. "Hey Tor, still beautiful as always." Blake greeted the girl that he had secretly loved for the longest time.
"Hey Blake. It's good to see you." Tori replied as the two hugged and Blake planted a kiss on her cheek.
Hunter who was behind Blake exchanged a glance with Tori, as the two knew they had to find a way to tell Blake about their relationship. "Um...bro, why don't we all go out to eat and catch up on things huh?"
"Yeah, that sounds great."
An hour later...
The whole gang was sitting around a table at a pizza joint that they use to eat at all the time. They had ordered one large sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, and onion pizza and a ham pizza with pineapples. Hunter and Tori shared the ham and pineapple pizza while the remaining four ate the other pizza. They were all engrossed in conversation about what Blake had missed out on in the past three years. Cam and Leann had been dating for the past year. Dustin and Marah were engaged. Shane and Kapri just started dating three months ago, but they had yet to discuss that Hunter and Tori were engaged, living together and scheduled to get married in five months. The conversation went well into the evening. The group finally got tired of sitting and talking and decided to head home. "Well guys, I see that I missed out on a lot, but I promise to try and be around as much as possible and keep in touch after I leave again this time."
"You better, little bro!" Hunter replied. "Why don't we let these guys go home and we can hang for a bit, just us two brothers?"
"Uh yeah, sure. That sounds cool. I guess I will see you guys tomorrow. Factory Blue rented out an apartment at your complex. So, I could be closer to all of you."
"Sweet dude! We're going to be one big happy family again!" Dustin cheered.
Shane, Dustin and Cam said their byes and left. Tori was talking to Hunter as the others were talking to Blake. "You better just tell him tonight because he will figure it out when he sees you come into my apartment and when he finally notices my ring. I can't hide it forever."
"Yeah, I know. I've got it covered. Now you better go."
Tori walked up to Blake and hugged him goodnight. "It was good to see you, Blake. Welcome home."
"Thanks Tor. I've missed you the most. Well...and Hunter of course."
"Yeah, we've missed you too. Well, I need to get going, but I'll see you guys later."
"Sure thing, maybe we can talk and catch up later huh?"
"Um...we'll see. Take care, Blake. Good night."
"Night Tor."
We knew it all from a little thing
It was everything in our first minute
And it took us to another place
Yeah another place and we fell in it
How dare you not remember
How dare you walk away
We adored every little thing
Every little thing would leave us breathless
Every dawn split another day
And in another day we weren't so restless
How dare you not remember
How dare you walk away
And I wanted you so much
Just like I do right now
I wanted us to be the one
the poets write their books about
I wanted it to last
I wanted to grow old
But life got in the way
"Well bro, what do you say we go for a walk. You and I need to have a talk."
"Alright bro, whatever you say."
Hunter drove up to the track where him and Blake shared many days and nights racing with each other. The two were always in competition of each other, but they never let that get in the way of their brotherly bond. This time it was different. It wasn't motocross that was going to come between them, this time it was their love for a girl...their love for Tori.
"Man, bro. I really wish my bike was here already. I want to go out there and see what you've got."
"Ha ha, probably nothing compared to you. I don't ride all that much anymore, just here and there with Dustin and Tori."
"What? Tori rides?"
"Well yeah, we did all have Tsunami cycles at one point remember?"
"Yeah, but that's different. This is a motocross track, not a big field." Blake said as he remembered the times he saw Tori ride. It wasn't always a pretty site to see. He also remembered the time they spent together talking and hanging out. He really missed her throughout all this time. "If she can ride now, I need to see this. A girl who can motocross is a girl after my own heart."
Hunter now felt even worse about what he had to tell Blake, but it had to be done. "Um yeah, I have to agree on that one. She is good though. Blake, I need to tell you something and you may not like it."
"Oh it can't be that bad bro. What is it?"
"Well," Hunter hesitated, but then continued. "Something happened while you were away...actually it happened before that, but..."
"Hunter you are starting freak me out here dude, just tell me."
"I love Tori and we have been together for two years now. We are engaged, living together and getting married in five months."
Blake felt like he was sucker punched. "What? You're kidding me right?"
"I wish I was Blake, but no, I am not."
"Oh...wow. I wasn't expecting that one. Well, I don't know what to say."
"Blake, I am truly sorry. Tori is sorry too. I know she was waiting for you."
"She was waiting for me? So, then what, you come in and replace me?"
"It's not like that bro..."
"Then tell me, what is it like then?"
"You can't blame her for moving on. You barely kept in touch with her or with me or with any of us. We only knew what you were up to from reading the newspaper. I am sorry Blake, but I love her...we love each other."
"Well...I can't accept that right now. I need to go, I will talk to you later." Blake then ran off in the direction of the apartment complex. 'I need to talk to Tori.' He thought to himself as he sprinted to her place.
We walked around in a heavy haze
We were stuck in days of so much warring
We got lost in a tricky maze
Yeah a tricky maze that was so scarring
How come you can't remember
How dare you walk away
Then you start to add the little things
Add the little things and trip the mighty
Now we got a little bitter thing
A little bitter thing that grew like ivy
And how dare you not remember
How dare you walk away
Tori was watching TV when she heard a knock on the door. She opened the door hoping to find Hunter on the other side. "Blake?"
"Hey Tor, can we talk? Please?"
"Uh sure, come in."
"No, let's go for a walk on the beach."
"Um, okay."
Blake then took her by the hand and the two walked down the stairs and onto the beach. "Tori is it true what Hunter told me?"
"Yes. I am sorry Blake. I didn't mean for it to happen, but it just did."
Blake couldn't take it and grabbed Tori into his arms and kissed her on the lips. The two kissed for moment, but Tori pushed him away. "So, tell me Tori that you didn't feel anything or did you?"
"I am sorry Blake, but no I didn't. I love Hunter not you. I was once in love with you, but too much has happened since then. I waited for you, but you never called and you barely wrote. What was I suppose to do? I didn't mean to hurt you, but it hurt me to know how quickly you forgot about me, about us."
"I'm sorry Tor. I just got busy with the tour, racing and all. I guess it's too little too late for us now huh?"
"Yeah, I guess life just got in the way.
And I wanted you so much
Just like I do right now
I wanted us to be the one
the poets write their books about
I wanted it to last
I wanted to grow old
But life got in the way
Yeah and apathy grows quietly
where rapture used to fly
Oh and promises and certainty
have left love here to die
Won't you stay
and don't let this one fall away
"Yeah, I guess so Tor. I am sorry about kissing you right now. I just had to know that there was nothing that could have been between us. I hope you can forgive me."
"Yes Blake, I forgive you. Please don't be mad. I still want us to be friends if that is okay with you."
"Tor, I still want you in my life and if being friends with you is the way to do it then so be it. I can't promise you that this doesn't hurt me because it does."
"I am sorry Blake."
"It's okay, it just wasn't meant to be."
And I wanted you so much
Just like I do right now
I wanted us to be the one
the poets write their books about
I wanted it to last
I wanted to grow old
But life got in the way
Yeah well life got in the way
AN: There it is chapter 3! If you guys want to see how this story ends, you guys need to leave a review! If I get enough reviews, I will post the last chapter up sometime next week. The final chapter is already written. So, it's up to all of you if I post it or not.
AN: This chapter takes place two years after the last chapter.
Blake Bradley took one last look at the hotel room that he called home for the past few months, as he got ready to leave for the airport. He was on tour in Canada for the last six months. He signed yet another two year contract, but under the agreement that he could take a six-month break. He missed his friends, the academies, his brother and most of all...Tori. Blake had been so busy in the last three years that he was barely able to keep in touch with anyone. Blake decided to not tell anyone that he was going home for a short vacation. Factory Blue rented out an apartment at the complex that Shane, Dustin and Tori lived at. Blake thought that it would be perfect so that he could be closer to Tori. Blake grabbed his things and headed to the lobby to see if the limo that was going to take him to the airport had arrived. Hours later Blake arrived in Blue Bay Harbor. "Gosh, does it feel good to be home!" He said aloud as he grabbed his stuff off of the conveyor belt in the baggage claim area. Blake hailed a cab and headed off to the Wind Ninja Academy. Once he arrived at the academy he noticed the time and realized that classes were done for the day. He continued to walk around the academy until he noticed Sensei Watanbe sitting in meditation. He quietly approached his former teacher and waited for him to complete his usual afternoon routine. Sensei Watanbe felt a presence and finished what he was doing. "How can I help you, young man?"
Blake removed the sunglasses he had been wearing and noticed the recognition in his Sensei's eyes. "Hello Sensei," Blake said as he bowed.
"Hello Blake, it has been a long time, but it is good to see you."
"Thank you Sensei. It has been a long time. I see that I missed the others. Do you know where I can find them?"
"Ah yes, they are at Storm Chargers as always. Come, put your things in the office and you can come by and get them later."
"Thank you, I think I will do that."
"Well, then follow me."
Sensei Watanbe lead Blake through the academy grounds and inside the academy. Blake looked at the pictures that adorned the walls of the corridor. There were pictures of Hunter, Cam, Dustin, Shane, Tori, and him. Then as they neared the office Blake noticed the latest pictures of the teachers of the academy. There was Cam's picture first. He was now the Head Teacher. Then there was a picture of Shane, Dustin, Tori, and Hunter. 'What! Hunter?' Blake thought. "Um, excuse me Sensei, but is Hunter an instructor here as well?"
"Yes Blake, he his and has been for the past two years. I take it that you have not kept in touch with your brother?"
"No, not really. I haven't had time to talk to anyone as of late."
"Ah, I see. Well, much has changed in the passing years, but I will leave it up to the others to update you on the current events."
"Um...okay. Thanks again Sensei. I will return later for my things." Blake then bowed before his sensei and left for Storm Chargers.
Blake arrived at Storm Chargers a few minutes later. The store had not changed much in the last few years. 'It's nice to see that some things have not changed.' Blake thought as he walked around the store. Blake could hear chatter and laughter in the back of the store in the TV room, where they all use to hang out. Blake was on his way towards the back of the store when Kelly came out of the backroom and noticed him.
"Blake is that you?" She asked surprised.
"Yeah, hey Kel! Long time no see huh?"
The two hugged and then Kelly replied, "Yes, it's been awhile. So, how's the motocross world treating you?"
"It's been great. I just signed for another two years."
"Blake, that's awesome! I am so happy for you. Well, we can catch up later. I have a lot to do, but if you are looking for Hunter and the others they are in the back over there as always."
"Thanks Kel, I will talk to you later."
Blake quickened his pace and found everyone right where Kelly said they would be. Shane, Cam and Hunter were on the couches, while Dustin was seated on the floor with Tori next to him in front of Hunter. Hunter had his hands on Tori's shoulders. Blake thought that looked odd, but brushed it off. "Hey guys, anything good on TV?"
"Nah dude...wait! Blake? Oh man, where did you come from?" Dustin asked.
"Blake!" Hunter, Shane and Cam said in unison.
"Yeah, in the flesh."
The guys all got up to go greet their brother and friend. Hunter helped Tori up from her seat on the floor. The two smiled at each other then Hunter walked up to his brother and they did their secret handshake. The two exchanged a one-arm hug as well. "It's been a while bro..."
"Yeah, tell me about it dude. I didn't even know you were back here until I saw your picture on the wall at the academy."
"Um...yeah, we have a lot of catching up to do."
"How long are you in town for?" Asked Shane.
"Six months," replied Blake.
"Wow, that's sweet dude! For six months we're all going to be together. What perfect timing we have lots to celebrate!" Dustin said excitedly.
"Yeah, I guess so huh?" Blake replied as he exchanged one arm hugs with the rest of the guys. He was now standing in front of Tori who was still in shock to see him. So much time had passed and so much had changed, but he had no idea how much. "Hey Tor, still beautiful as always." Blake greeted the girl that he had secretly loved for the longest time.
"Hey Blake. It's good to see you." Tori replied as the two hugged and Blake planted a kiss on her cheek.
Hunter who was behind Blake exchanged a glance with Tori, as the two knew they had to find a way to tell Blake about their relationship. "Um...bro, why don't we all go out to eat and catch up on things huh?"
"Yeah, that sounds great."
An hour later...
The whole gang was sitting around a table at a pizza joint that they use to eat at all the time. They had ordered one large sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, and onion pizza and a ham pizza with pineapples. Hunter and Tori shared the ham and pineapple pizza while the remaining four ate the other pizza. They were all engrossed in conversation about what Blake had missed out on in the past three years. Cam and Leann had been dating for the past year. Dustin and Marah were engaged. Shane and Kapri just started dating three months ago, but they had yet to discuss that Hunter and Tori were engaged, living together and scheduled to get married in five months. The conversation went well into the evening. The group finally got tired of sitting and talking and decided to head home. "Well guys, I see that I missed out on a lot, but I promise to try and be around as much as possible and keep in touch after I leave again this time."
"You better, little bro!" Hunter replied. "Why don't we let these guys go home and we can hang for a bit, just us two brothers?"
"Uh yeah, sure. That sounds cool. I guess I will see you guys tomorrow. Factory Blue rented out an apartment at your complex. So, I could be closer to all of you."
"Sweet dude! We're going to be one big happy family again!" Dustin cheered.
Shane, Dustin and Cam said their byes and left. Tori was talking to Hunter as the others were talking to Blake. "You better just tell him tonight because he will figure it out when he sees you come into my apartment and when he finally notices my ring. I can't hide it forever."
"Yeah, I know. I've got it covered. Now you better go."
Tori walked up to Blake and hugged him goodnight. "It was good to see you, Blake. Welcome home."
"Thanks Tor. I've missed you the most. Well...and Hunter of course."
"Yeah, we've missed you too. Well, I need to get going, but I'll see you guys later."
"Sure thing, maybe we can talk and catch up later huh?"
"Um...we'll see. Take care, Blake. Good night."
"Night Tor."
We knew it all from a little thing
It was everything in our first minute
And it took us to another place
Yeah another place and we fell in it
How dare you not remember
How dare you walk away
We adored every little thing
Every little thing would leave us breathless
Every dawn split another day
And in another day we weren't so restless
How dare you not remember
How dare you walk away
And I wanted you so much
Just like I do right now
I wanted us to be the one
the poets write their books about
I wanted it to last
I wanted to grow old
But life got in the way
"Well bro, what do you say we go for a walk. You and I need to have a talk."
"Alright bro, whatever you say."
Hunter drove up to the track where him and Blake shared many days and nights racing with each other. The two were always in competition of each other, but they never let that get in the way of their brotherly bond. This time it was different. It wasn't motocross that was going to come between them, this time it was their love for a girl...their love for Tori.
"Man, bro. I really wish my bike was here already. I want to go out there and see what you've got."
"Ha ha, probably nothing compared to you. I don't ride all that much anymore, just here and there with Dustin and Tori."
"What? Tori rides?"
"Well yeah, we did all have Tsunami cycles at one point remember?"
"Yeah, but that's different. This is a motocross track, not a big field." Blake said as he remembered the times he saw Tori ride. It wasn't always a pretty site to see. He also remembered the time they spent together talking and hanging out. He really missed her throughout all this time. "If she can ride now, I need to see this. A girl who can motocross is a girl after my own heart."
Hunter now felt even worse about what he had to tell Blake, but it had to be done. "Um yeah, I have to agree on that one. She is good though. Blake, I need to tell you something and you may not like it."
"Oh it can't be that bad bro. What is it?"
"Well," Hunter hesitated, but then continued. "Something happened while you were away...actually it happened before that, but..."
"Hunter you are starting freak me out here dude, just tell me."
"I love Tori and we have been together for two years now. We are engaged, living together and getting married in five months."
Blake felt like he was sucker punched. "What? You're kidding me right?"
"I wish I was Blake, but no, I am not."
"Oh...wow. I wasn't expecting that one. Well, I don't know what to say."
"Blake, I am truly sorry. Tori is sorry too. I know she was waiting for you."
"She was waiting for me? So, then what, you come in and replace me?"
"It's not like that bro..."
"Then tell me, what is it like then?"
"You can't blame her for moving on. You barely kept in touch with her or with me or with any of us. We only knew what you were up to from reading the newspaper. I am sorry Blake, but I love her...we love each other."
"Well...I can't accept that right now. I need to go, I will talk to you later." Blake then ran off in the direction of the apartment complex. 'I need to talk to Tori.' He thought to himself as he sprinted to her place.
We walked around in a heavy haze
We were stuck in days of so much warring
We got lost in a tricky maze
Yeah a tricky maze that was so scarring
How come you can't remember
How dare you walk away
Then you start to add the little things
Add the little things and trip the mighty
Now we got a little bitter thing
A little bitter thing that grew like ivy
And how dare you not remember
How dare you walk away
Tori was watching TV when she heard a knock on the door. She opened the door hoping to find Hunter on the other side. "Blake?"
"Hey Tor, can we talk? Please?"
"Uh sure, come in."
"No, let's go for a walk on the beach."
"Um, okay."
Blake then took her by the hand and the two walked down the stairs and onto the beach. "Tori is it true what Hunter told me?"
"Yes. I am sorry Blake. I didn't mean for it to happen, but it just did."
Blake couldn't take it and grabbed Tori into his arms and kissed her on the lips. The two kissed for moment, but Tori pushed him away. "So, tell me Tori that you didn't feel anything or did you?"
"I am sorry Blake, but no I didn't. I love Hunter not you. I was once in love with you, but too much has happened since then. I waited for you, but you never called and you barely wrote. What was I suppose to do? I didn't mean to hurt you, but it hurt me to know how quickly you forgot about me, about us."
"I'm sorry Tor. I just got busy with the tour, racing and all. I guess it's too little too late for us now huh?"
"Yeah, I guess life just got in the way.
And I wanted you so much
Just like I do right now
I wanted us to be the one
the poets write their books about
I wanted it to last
I wanted to grow old
But life got in the way
Yeah and apathy grows quietly
where rapture used to fly
Oh and promises and certainty
have left love here to die
Won't you stay
and don't let this one fall away
"Yeah, I guess so Tor. I am sorry about kissing you right now. I just had to know that there was nothing that could have been between us. I hope you can forgive me."
"Yes Blake, I forgive you. Please don't be mad. I still want us to be friends if that is okay with you."
"Tor, I still want you in my life and if being friends with you is the way to do it then so be it. I can't promise you that this doesn't hurt me because it does."
"I am sorry Blake."
"It's okay, it just wasn't meant to be."
And I wanted you so much
Just like I do right now
I wanted us to be the one
the poets write their books about
I wanted it to last
I wanted to grow old
But life got in the way
Yeah well life got in the way
AN: There it is chapter 3! If you guys want to see how this story ends, you guys need to leave a review! If I get enough reviews, I will post the last chapter up sometime next week. The final chapter is already written. So, it's up to all of you if I post it or not.