Magnetism
Chapter 3
-The Question: How? -
Why did I do it? Actually, let me rephrase that: Why am I doing this? I'm risking myself in a situation where I don't tell Big brother, and Seto Kaiba. One of the two biggest rivalries ever, and I have get stuck in between. Tomorrow, Joey and his friends will leave for Hawaii, leaving me here to work for the problematic debts. That was true . . . half-way true . . . until Mokuba pulled me in to help.
Serenity Wheeler stared at the dark shadows dancing in her bedroom, thoughts leaving her awake as time elapsed, and a conscience tremendously unbalanced. It was a beautiful, dark midnight, where the only sound was her heavy, stressful breathing. Coming home and lying to her brother made her feel like a downright, guilty, criminal, who hid heinous crimes. Flowing, moving, and treacherous shadows displayed what she has put herself into. How can I last a week with Seto Kaiba, pretending to ask him questions for a school report, when in reality, I was to help him change into a better person. The question remains is: How? How will I do this unlawful task without Kaiba knowing? How do I persuade his ears and heart to listen to me? How can I change him in a matter of one week? How? How? How?
Her heart quickened, more doubtful than the hope she had before. Seto Kaiba is a difficult and complicated man who makes life harder for him and for others. Working probably all day and night— no time for rest or fun, but all the more time to succeed; yet, how far does he need to succeed? Hasn't he reached a point where you have achieved enough? Why does he have to this to himself? Does he realize how much difficult his life is without having a "balance" in it? I have heard of celebrities who at least pamper themselves, and spend a long, long vacation, but still come back as prosperous as before! What is it to Seto Kaiba that he refuses to do this? It really doesn't make sense. Actually to think about it, NOTHING makes sense anymore.
Oh, stupid questions Serenity. You're indulging yourself in things you shouldn't worry about! When Joey comes back, your mouth will be zipped and no harm done! He wouldn't know, and you wouldn't have to worry. Just play out this week with Kaiba, put all your effort in helping Mr. Stone Cold, and come back home in your normal, everyday things! What matters is that Joey shouldn't know anything, and that Kaiba will be a changed man by this Friday. You will work this Serenity! No harm done! Go with the flow . . .
Trailing off thinking of Mokuba's promise, she drifted to sleep, hope in her heart and determination in her will. There was a saying, a saying that every kid should have heard: "I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die." Serenity Wheeler never fails on promises – no matter how hard, sad, disturbing, or difficult –; promises were made with commitment, and so, nothing will stand in her way. Absolutely nothing . . .
- - - - - - - - -
The next morning, bright and early, Serenity woke up to the light burning her eyes. Birds chirped in glory, an assortment of tunes to a melody of song. As a kid, and to this day, she has always adored nature and the sounds of it. Maybe it was because when she was nearly blind, her "nature" was left to answer her.
If she had the choice, she would travel all around the world – meeting all sorts of animals, people, museums, and most importantly, nature. Sure, buildings and monuments is a pleasure but nature; oh, nature to her was far beautiful than gold, silver, and paintings. Nature was brought up, living through generations, providing the world crops and food, and remained as the source of life. In her case, due to money issues, that will not happen for a while. It was true that Duke pitched in and invited Joey's friends to a vacation in Hawaii, but as for my own purpose, I would rather stay here.
"I wonder if he will call," she whispered quietly. Joey was still asleep and probably would not wake until mid-afternoon or so. As she was boiling water for her coffee, her answers was answered by the ringing of the phone.
"Wheeler residence," she began cheerily.
"Wheeler," spoke a male's voice, so brisk but frightening the same time.
She walked out to the porch in case Joey might hear. "Mr. Kaiba . . ."
"I have made my decision Wheeler . . ." He trailed off, a sign that he would rather hang up.
She waited. ". . . and?"
"I comply with this ridiculous report. My limo will pick you up tonight, precisely at eight—"
"Wait!"
"What?"
"They don't leave until midnight," she whispered nervously.
He grunted, "Fine. Which time do you prefer?"
"Uh . . ." It was then, an idea struck. "Mr. Kaiba I won't be staying over there, right?"
A small pause, until she heard a sigh.
"Don't act so pleasant with me Wheeler. Just give me your desired time when I'll pick you up."
"So I will be staying over . . . "
"Ugh," he said, "This is exactly why I refuse to invite you."
"Pardon?" she asked. What did I say?
"Whatever. Here's my number. Tell my secretary your desired time."
Serenity scribbled the number as fast as she can since he didn't slow down dictating them. I wouldn't be too surprised if that was on purpose. Hmph!
- - - - - - - - - - -
"Hey Seren'!" called Joey. He came outside in his pajamas with a pancake stuffed in his mouth. "Wha' wa' thewin' routeside?"
"Huh?"
Starved far beyond belief, the boy swallowed, leaving a huge smile on his face.
"What are you doin' outside, Seren'? I thought you don't have work today."
"Oh," she said. "I'm just getting some fresh air."
He chuckled. "Is there anythin' else otha' than nature ya love?"
"You mean a guy?"
A question like that immediately made him stop.
With a curious, but wary eye, he asked. "So is there?" His temples were pulsating sternly, while his teeth gritted savagely.
"O-of course not!" she replied, "Why would you even think about that Joey!"
"Err . . ." he scratched his head. "Tristen and Duke . . ."
Oh I see. "Oh, no Joey! I don't have feelings for them! They're really sweet and nice friends but anything more than that is out of the question." Actually out of this world! Tristen tries to hard with his dozen flowers, but Duke tries even harder when he invited me and all of the gang to Hawaii. Like always, Joey did not consent (for me, of course). But between you and me, I honestly would rather have some peace and quiet.
"Whew," he blew out, "anyone than those two goofballs! You serious Seren', there isn't any special person?"
I wish. Like any 'perfect' guy out there would go for me!
"No Joey," she replied, clear and crisp. "I'm sure."
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Hey hon'," greeted the girl. "You here to help Tea, right?"
"Yep!" Tonight, midnight to be exact, Tea, Duke, Tristen, Yugi and Joey leaves from Domino City . . . the first time I'd ever have the home to myself! Couldn't I be anymore excited?!? When the clock strikes midnight, I'll be in Kaiba's place. For that part, I . . . well; do I have to say something?
"Serenity!" called Tea. "Hello, earth to Serenity!" A hand waved across her face.
"Oh!" She blushed humbly. Gee, I should stop talking to myself!
In return, they smiled back. Packing the necessary essentials, womanly essentials as well, they hardly spoke a word. If there's anyone who's the worst procrastinator, it had to be Tea Gardner. Wow. I never do things late! I got to be right in time and not be in any trouble! Procrastinating will definitely ruin my record . . . not to mention, reputation. Serenity giggled silently, tucking in Tea's best bathing suits. Hmm . . . what many bikini's! Is Tea thinking of showing this off to Yugi? She looked over to find Tea hum the latest J-pop song in a very happy tune. Yep, she's in love alright. How sweet! Who could ever think Yugi and Tea together? I mean, Joey always makes fun of his height if they ever dance. Think about it, Yugi holding Tea's legs instead of her waist! Poor Yugi! Doesn't he drink milk? Unable to contain herself any longer, she covered her mouth with a towel, hoping to muffle out her hearty laugh. The image of them couldn't be any more hilarious! It's so funny, you can't help but feel so bad . . . almost to the point of pity. Oh! Serenity! Don't mock your friends like that! This is so unlike you! Stop laughing and go back to packing!
"Hon', you all right?" asked Mai, walking closer to her. The bag Mai packed was done and with her sharp ears, she could have sworn she heard Serenity laughing. "You're red all over."
"Nothing Mai," she replied coolly. "It's summer! Why wouldn't I be red?"
The tall, blonde, and confident looking girl shrugged her shoulders. "Oh I don't know. I mean, I'd turn all red like you too . . . cuz' it's not everyday when we're gonna live together while the group's gone, huh?"
"WHAT?!?" No. No. No. No. NO! I don't remember anyone telling me she'd LIVE with me! As a matter of fact, nobody even mentioned it! D-did I miss something in their plan . . . no, I'm sure. . . .
-A month ago-
"You not comin' Mai?" asked a gloomy Joey. His eyes sort of sparkled, you know, the I'm-about-to-cry-if-you-don't-say-yes look.
Smirking confidently, she glazed over the blonde boy. "Sorry Joey. I have things to do."
"Aww!" he cried. "Come wit' us! You're just making that up! Re-arranging your makeup can wait, ya know!"
"Mai's not all about make-up Joey," I replied. I wonder why she wants to stay. It doesn't make sense. Mai's rich. Don't rich people like vacations? Most considerably . . . Hawaii?
"Your sister's right." Casual as a motto, she winked back at me. "Well let's just say, I have certain plans while you guys are gone."
- - - - - - - - - - -
Joey got all mad after that. Well to put it right, jealous. First thing that might go to his mind is that she had "plans" with a certain someone. But like always, he brushed the subject away . . . saying 'if it makes her happy, then I'm happy too!' Come to think of it, I thought she was only kidding when she said that. Mai always takes the chance to annoy Joey whenever she can. And somehow, someway, he'll turn himself so gullible to be affected by it. Whatever he did – grunt, scream, explode, and even fart (sometimes, all the same time), the drama will cease to be more enlightening to see. It's quite cute . . . you know; both of them negatively working their way to love . . . but hey, what's wrong with that?
Many of the books I've read, depicts how love can join two opposite people. 'Opposites attract' is one saying that, for ages, stuck into my mind. Tea and Mai tirelessly but effortlessly talks me into finding the "fish in the sea". Although, one question remains is: How? How exactly do I do that? Will fate work its magic for me? Or is there really some cupid out there who can bind two people together in a zip!
Man. I don't know. There's no reason why I gotta exaggerate 'love' when I don't know how.
Maybe I'm not ready for this type of commitment. Who knows? The future is so unexpected! For instance, last night, I just made a pretty risky ordeal with Mokuba, to pretend to be some inside-reporter, jot down important notes, and also, at the same time "connect" Mr. Kaiba to her "innermost" feelings. Please tell me there couldn't be any job that could be this complicated! Now look at me. Here I am, nearly finished with Tea's bag, my mouth so wide I can gulp (little) Yugi in it, and about to pull my hair. God, did I just mock Yugi again?
"Joey didn't tell you?" asked Mai, rather shocked (well, not as much as me!). "He insisted I'd 'baby-sit' you over the vacation. I have no idea what's gone into his empty head. I told him I'd stay here in Domino City . . . not to baby-sit a 15 year old! I had my reasons, and you know; he even pushed as far as to bribing me, that little monkey!" She paused to laugh. "It wasn't a week ago he changed the 'baby-sitting' into 'spending quality time with a not-so-close friend'. He did have a point there, Serenity. So I postponed my plans to spend it with you, hon! Aren't you excited? I'll teach you some natural make-up tricks, all season fashion, all shoes fashion, all manicuring—"
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Authors Note: (PLEASE SEE BOTTOM)
Yes! I thank those who find Joey really funny in Chapter 2 (meheeners
Sorceress Vanessa: Thanks for the luck! I hope this luck was enough to satisfy you readers . . .
Black-Lightning: I appreciate your thoughts on Kaiba (' ...woe is me')! How funny! Honestly, I don't intentionally want to make it the same-old-same-old. I try my best to keep it original and me! lol I hope you enjoyed this one. More of Kaiba later of course...
Darkfarie14: lol I'm glad I've made it funny in the previous chapter! Hopefully with SetoXSerenity, I can start a lil' humor . . . but hey, I'm just starting! Thanks for the wonderful comment :)
Bundles o' joy AND Vankala-86: Thanks a million for reading! The wonderful lovey-dovey stuff is sOOn to come! Keep ur eyes open O.o
Swt-honey-angel: I'll try my best to update this. Hey, my schedule is FULL! Lucky I managed to slip this pretty short chapter in between! Just keep ur eyes open . . . and your wish shall be received . . . lol
Skitzofrenzia.5: I LOVE this name Tati! lol I appreciate that u took the chance of reading this. Thanks for the comment! I hope you enjoyed this ;)
From: InnoscenTorn.
P.S: Alright. As you know, I'm in school and I'll try my HARDEST to slip a chapter or two but it isn't easy. I have not abandoned my fic and wish to improve it (yes, Kikoken) to the best of my ability. I appreciate those who have read and replied and HOPE for more reviews out there! Thanks again! And can't wait to read all your stories (if they know WhO I'm talking about ;)