Chapter 2: Goodbye...
The next morning was a normal one. Akane woke up to...wait a minute. No sparring? No yelling? And what was that? Someone's crying? Akane hurried downstairs to see if everything was ok. Unfortunately for her, it wasn't. Mr. Saotome was crying and saying things like "Why?" and "Stupid son." So what is the problem of these people anyway?
Seeming that Nabiki was the one least affected, Akane approached her and voiced out her question. "What's wrong here? Why is Saotome-ojisama crying?"
"You don't know?" Nabiki asked Akane.
"I'm asking here."
"Ranma's gone." Nabiki answered flatly.
"Wha-what do you mean?"
"He left a note. Saotome-ojisama found it earlier. Sigh. And there he goes, crying all morning... Akane? You alright?"
"Eh? Ha-hai! Heki-heki! Onee-san, where's Ranma's note?" Akane asked, her voice softening.
Nabiki pointed to a piece of paper sitting on the table. Akane went to pick it up and slowly read all its contents.
Pop, Mr. Tendo, Kasumi, Nabiki...Akane,
I decided to go on a journey, to sort out my mind, to buy myself sometime to think about... certain things. Frankly, everything back there is...well... a mess. And I can't think straight, of course with distractions around, I can't seem to have my own time. Besides, recent events have been...quite...er...upsetting. I'll be fine. Hah, I'm Ranma Saotome. Don't go looking around for me 'coz I'm certainly out of town.
Take care back there. Especially you, tomboy, I'm not there to protect you.
By the way, tomboy, there's something at your desk.
Always,
Ranma
"Akane, do you know anything about those devastating events?"
Akane was on the verge of tears but being the brave girl that she was, she blinked them back. "Iie, onee-chan, I don't know anything about it." She said quietly. With that, Akane went upstairs to her room, hoping to see what Ranma left at her desk. She found another piece of paper, another letter. But this time, it was longer.
Akane,
Hi, tomboy! (kidding) Hope you're doing fine. Don't get me wrong when I said things are messy. YOU are most certainly NOT part of that mess. You are the only person who makes me feel like...me. Honestly, I feel no hassles when I'm with you. I think it's because you're a tomboy. Hey, don't bite my head off just yet. You are definitely one CUTE tomboy.
Anyway, I left because of the mess but partly, I left because of...you. No offense on that, I didn't mean it like it sounded. Akane, I wanted to think things over... about people, my OTHER fiancées, pops... us. You really broke off our engagement huh? I think being away from you makes things easier for the both of us...especially for me. Akane, that hurt. To tell you frankly, breaking off our engagement, especially by you, it really hurts. I mean, among all others you were different, you outstand them all. When I look at them, the only one I see is you. Why? Because you make me feel special, you understand me, you were always there for me never leaving my side even when trouble's ahead, you make me feel confused, worried, and happy all at once. Only you, only your smile has some kind of effect on me, only you touch makes me feel like 'wow', only your words comfort me when I'm down, only your presence makes me fell like all's well with the world. Damn Akane. I love you. There, I said it. That's why it hurt so much that YOU broke off our engagement. I thought things were fine.
OK, things aren't fine. And I want to apologize for all the things I've done to hurt you. I keep punishing myself for doing that to you. I've protected you plenty of times from people who want to hurt you but I couldn't protect you from myself. I'm so sorry. Please Akane, just forgive me, then things might be better for me; even if we're not engaged anymore (though I must admit it would be better if we were), just accept my apology and forgive me. Now, I'll find someplace to stay, a place that hopefully I'll belong to.
I think that's all. And Akane... PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. I swear if something happens to you, I'd die. Pray that I'll sort things faster, then maybe, just maybe, I'd...come back (that's if you still want me to). Take care. I'll be thinking of you...always. Oh, and remember, I love you, Akane.
Always,
Ranma
Tears are now falling freely on Akane's cheeks. It hurt, Akane. 'I didn't know. Ranma, come back, please. Come back...for me.' I love you. 'I love you too.' Akane cried on her pillow. She was not in the mood for school. Or even to come out of her room.
tsuzuku
Read and review please...thanks...(",)