Hey!!!! See? I have kept to my promise and said I was gonna post before one
year of anniversary!! *cough* although I didn't do everything I said I
would *cough* I tried to post this on Friday, but I had no internet....so I
had to wait until today...I've been so busy! You people wouldn't believe
*crys* but anyway, this is a fairly short chapter, compared to my most
recent ones. But I *had* to up-date before the anniversary and next week
I'm leaving for France for 9 days, so I had to post this now before I went
to not cross the one year thingy....and I'm gonna try to write on the trip
and all, so that I can post the other chapter as quickly as I can. Well,
the story is finally getting heated, and a lot of stuff will happen!! I
hope you enjoy this chapter and that I wasn't so evil since I'm planning on
up-dating sometime in early April...before my birthday! I'm gonna be 15! So
that's exciting^____^ anyway, happy reading!! =)
***Big Thanks to the following peeps who reviewed last chapter:
jossi-thanks!! this will definitely keep you thinking what I'm gonna do next! (I hope)
Avelyn Lauren-hehe, good thing Van agreed to stay off limits from the bathroom, ne? a girl gotta have her privacy! Lol, here's the new chapter!
sqeekers-*blush* thanks so much!! I hope you enjoy this chapter too!! SabineballZ-ahh! I'm *really* glad that you liked the last chapter! *cheers* and sorry that this doesn't have her first day of school....i just *had* to up-date before one year...and since with the French trip...well, at least I've up-dated, ne? but I hope you like this chapter as well^____^ enjoy!! JoJo-hehe, thanks!!! Onigiri Momoko-haha, it's kinda creepy if you think about...but come on! It's Van we're talking about, ne? Since when is a hot stud like him creepy/bad to watch? (even though you are sleeping) anyway, thanks for the review! This is the new, and shorter chapter!
Kanberry-haha, the mystery person will soon come to you if you haven't figured....and something else will keep at the edge of your seat...here's the new chapter!!! Hope ya like it^___~
NightAngel2-hey!!!!!!! It's been ages!!! So sorryU_U;; I still have to send you the darn e-mail...*grumbles* but guess what? The teachers don't seem to want us to have a social life! I've been very busy, and it will get worse with science fair and the computer movie...*shudders* but I'm determined to e- mail you soon!! Well, I'm glad you're liking my story, hope you like this chapter too!
Veela-Paula-hey! Wow, you're my second Portuguese reviewer! So cool!! *sweatdrops* um...this is very embarrassing...but I feel very awkward writing in Portuguese...(since I left Brazil when I was about seven and I haven't continued practicing my reading/writing skills but I can speak perfectly) so...1 hope you don't mind if I *ahem* try to communicate with you in English...? I'll try to say some stuff in Portuguese too...anyway, I was really beaming when I read your review, and I even showed it to my mom! Honestly! Thanks a lot, you have no idea how much it meant to me when I read it (especially from someone who speaks my native language!) hehe, next month I'm gonna turn 15...so just a little bit older^__~ muito obrigada, amiga!! Eu adorei muito suas palavras e sinseridade...agradeco do fundo do meu coracao!!
Liviania-LOL! Yeah, Hitomi is always being embarrassed^^;; thanks for the review and enjoy the new chapter!!
Rhapsody's Song-you know, I had first started as third pov automatically, and than I had to change almost the whole thing to first pov *grumbles* but it seems that some stuff I didn't change? Umm...I kinda skimmed through and didn't find where I left out...I'll check again when I have the time and stuff...thanks for pointing that out! LOL! As hard and crazy as it may be, this is definitely a H/V!! I'm a hard shipper for those two, and I can't read anything that isn't them together. I have the new chapter, enjoy!
Van Fanel's Soulmate-hey, sorry for the late up-date...but I have this goal that it's 1-2 month up-date...and I really try not to cross the limit. But hey, I have a life and school to worry about...but I try my best to continue with not-so-late updates! You just gotta bare with me, okay? And Van and Hitomi are my favourite couple too, that's why all fo my stories are H/V, who could say otherwise? Umm...whenever I have the time I'll look at your stuff, okay? I've been very busy...and I have hardly anytime to e-mail! *sheepish grin* blame the teachers! Lol, anyway, thanks for the review, and I hope you continue to enjoy my story and hopefully there will come some H/V fluff if the two cooperate! ^^;;
***** Big thanks to everyone who have reviewed and everyone who has continued to faithfully review throughout the beginning of the story! It's been almost one year, and I can hardly believe it! It's all thanks to you and your kind words that have given me the strength to continue writing with enthusiasm and creativity! THANK YOU! ~
*~*Mediator Hitomi*~*
***Chapter seven-Encountering A New Client***
I groaned as I followed my mother around the store. Shopping. How I hate it. I stuffed my hands inside my baggy pockets as my eyes scanned the faces of the smiling salesladies. Yeah, smiling because people are stupid enough to pay for the junk they sell, I'm sure. I looked down at my dirty shoes, remembering how mother scolded me for still having such a thing. (Haven't I told you a million times to throw that away?)
I really don't get it. If it fits, and is comfortable, who cares if it's dirty or old? Sometimes even I won't understand females. I laughed softly to myself at the absurd thought.
"Hitomi?"
I lifted my head to spot my mother at the end of the aisle we've been going around in circles.
"Speed your pace," said my mom with a frown as she carried a basket full of God knows what.
I mumbled lowly to myself as my strides quickened.
My mother smiled at me once I caught up to her, "We still need to get your materials for school."
I controlled myself from groaning.
"I got a list from the school of what you need, so you can go and buy your own things. There's a store that sells office and school materials in the top floor, next to a bookstore in front of the eating section. I'll just be in the women's clothing, okay?"
I nodded my head as I crammed my pocket with twenty bucks my mother handed to me. I finally walked out of the stuffy store and made my way to the escalader. I plopped my head against my hand while I laid my lazy eyes focused on the crowd of people walking about. Once I felt I was near to the end of my ride, I turned my head and stepped out of the moving escalader carefully. I quickly scanned my eyes around the floor, spotting something that resembled a bookstore and walked to the direction.
After a few moments or so I slithered throw the mass of crowd, I was right on my hypothesis. I sighed when I saw that the material store was right where mother said it would be. I closed my eyes and walked inside. Opening my eyes I grabbed the crinkled list and scanned through the context. Hn, they sure feel like working a student to its death. I rolled my eyes with thoughts of how evil school could be. I felt a little out of place and confused as I watched cheerful people walk outside of the store caring numerous bags. These people have obviously been here before, I thought with a grunt.
"Can I help you?" a sweet voice called behind me. I groaned. Not those preppy cheerful salesladies! I turned around and was faced with the last person I thought to find.
"Oh!" Millerna cheerfully clapped her hands together, "I know you!"
"Uh...yeah," I said awkwardly when a few people turned to our direction.
"Um...I'm sorry, but I'm really bad with names. It's something that happens in my family," laughed Millerna nervously, "Uh...Hiroshi...?"
"Hitomi," I said, "Hiroshi is a guy's name."
Millerna blushed furiously as she tugged her glasses up, "I...I'm so sorry! I don't know many people with oriental names!"
I laughed at her expression, "It's okay, Millerna, right?"
Millerna nodded her head as light blonde hair flew around her face, "Yup."
"So...um...do you work here?" I asked when I noticed she was wearing the store's logo on her shirt.
"Uh, yeah," Millerna laughed nervously as she pulled her long hair back over her shoulder.
"Um, sorry if I sound...rude...but why?" I peered at her and noticed her squirm under my gaze.
"Well, even though my family is...rich...I still feel like I should get my own money, you know. So I work here on the weekends...and sometimes baby-sit or I work at the local library for hours," Millerna explained with the nod of her head as if that was the most logical thing in the world.
"Oh," really, that's the only thing I could think of saying. I would never, EVER in my entire life work if I got allowance, which I do, but I bet she gets more... but I'm impressed at her kind spirit and all, it's not everyday you find someone with her type of will, I guess. There was a sudden silence among us, and I felt a little uncomfortable. I started to twist my hair around my finger while I looked at my suddenly interesting shoes.
"Why are you here?" I thanked God Millerna said something before I would go insane.
"Uh...school materials," I mumbled under my breath as I thrust the list to Millerna's view.
"Oh," said Millerna cheerfully once more, "than you've come to the right place! We've got all the stuff you need! Besides," Whispered Millerna once she got closer to me, "they give me a big fat discount since I work here."
I smiled at her humour.
"Anyway," Breathed Millerna as she started to walk, "you probably have never been here, right?"
"Yeah," I said as I followed her to what looked like the paper section.
"Than I can show you around, don't worry!" squealed Millerna happily as she picked a pad of 100 sheets of paper and handed me a basket with the paper inside, "here you go."
"Thanks," I said and grabbed the basket from her perfect manicured hands.
Millerna nodded and hummed as she skipped to fetch a compos and number 2 pencils and an eraser, "Are these okay?" asked Millerna as she held the items on her hand as if she was weighing them.
"Yes," I nodded as I stepped closer to her and she shoved the materials inside the basket.
"What other stuff do you need?" Asked Millerna's muffled voice as she crutched down to search for something.
"Um..." I grabbed the list from my pocket once again and scanned my eyes through the list, "A ruler, black or blue pens...and red pens, five binders with three rings....um...calculator and scissors."
Millerna seemed to think about it for a minute until she quickly stood up and smiled at me, "Is that all? What about dividers and glue sticks?"
I reopened the list again and scanned the materials carefully and blushed, "I forgot those..."
Millerna laughed at my blushing face and patted my back, "It's okay, you must be nervous about going to school."
I nodded, "Very."
"Don't worry," said Millerna once she started walking around grabbing materials, "We're good kids and you're gonna like the school."
I looked uncertain at her but said nothing.
"Here," Said Millerna as she dropped the rest of the items inside.
"Thanks a lot," I smiled at her.
"No problem," she smiled back.
After I had paid her, we bid good-bye until Millerna turned to me behind the counter, "Hitomi?"
I pivoted on my heel, "Yeah?"
"Have a great day and thanks for shopping at Billy's Store!" Said Millerna in a singing voice and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Bye!" I called over my shoulder as I left the store.
"C ya at school!" said Millerna with a wave of her hand and I was gone.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I closed the door to my room with a sigh. My feet are killing me! I grumbled as I massaged my feet. I think my mother was trying to kill me; we would never stop doing things! Thank Goodness that I was part of the track team. I closed my eyes at the pleasing sensation of relaxing my hurting feet and sighed at the idea of a bath and a warm bed to sleep. I opened my eyes as I thought what happened throughout the day.
First, my mother came trotting inside my room at seven in the morning, when I had slept late and was torturous to leave my bed. Than, we went shopping, buying millions of clothing and things that will be shoved inside boxes for presents. Later I went to buy my stuff for school and found Millerna working there. But that's not where the activity stopped, noooo.
Later my mom discovered there wasn't any food left in the fridge, because apparently some hungry males caved in the rest of the food inside, and my mom had gone shopping for food on the day we arrived! So, my mom dragged me to the supermarket and we spend almost two hours stuffing the cart with food and everything possible that we could get our hands on.
After that, I helped my mom store the food at their rightful places and helped serving lunch. Jeff had the brilliant idea to take us to the famous park nearby, Fanelia Park. But he didn't mention it was a natural park, with the trees all over the place and wild bushes lying around. And so, after being bitten by blood sucking insects and being stung by wild bushes with the help of my shorts, I've survived the whole day and I should well deserve to sleep.
I sighed as I stretched my back and massaged my stiff neck. Walking around in the wild doesn't do wonders to a girl's appearance, you know. I had a grimacing thought that my hair was well beyond unmanageable. I could still clearly remember that time when I was a young girl and was a complete tomboy and I had long hair, but I wouldn't take care of it. One time, when my mom was trying to brush through my hair, and the airbrush snapped! That was the day when she decided she would cut my hair, and that was that. Ever since I've kept my hair short, and I don't mind it so much. I have no idea how I would manage with long hair. The thought makes me shudder wondering the painfulness of taking care of it.
I sighed as I padded over the bathroom, and took a quick shower with warm water blasting over my sore muscles. After a relaxing bath, I draped myself with two fuzzy towels, one for the hair and the other for the body. Smiling to myself, I left the steaming bathroom and shuddered at the cold air weaving through the towel when I opened the door.
I looked over the window, and noticed the sun was almost cast down. Hum, must have spent more time on the shower than I had expected. I rubbed the towel over my head, trying to take as much water as possible. I dressed quickly and soon was sitting down on my usual seat at dinner. My mother chatted happily about her boring day and how she planted flowers at the garden and how much she loved the house. Jeff was engrossed at describing his new lanner and how well it cut the grass and such.
The boys soon got into the conversation and I snorted quietly and Barbie Boy started describing the waves and the hot 'dudettes'. Bookworm, as always, talked about his latest book. I thanked the heavens when it wasn't a gruesome one; otherwise I doubt I would have the stomach to finish my dinner. Brain babbled about astronomy and how the powers of the planet Venus gave power to the Zodiac Aries for the month and as expected, everyone kept staring at him as if he grew another head. I kept quiet, and ate my food silently with disturbing thoughts.
It seemed I was not forgotten, since my mother caste a look at me and spoke, "Hitomi? Are you all right? You've been too quiet throughout dinner."
I looked at my mother and stopped eating for a moment, "I'm fine," My traitorous voice betrayed me, and I cursed under my breath.
My mother gave me that look 'you won't fool me', but said nothing and only gave me a small smile. I was thankful she didn't pursue any longer, because I wasn't about to spill my heart open in front of everyone, especially the boys.
The truth is, I've been having.... strange dreams lately. Sure, I've had peculiar dreams here and there, no biggie. But this was different. This dream I've been having, it's been the same dream for many nights, since I've arrived. Always the same one, and I've always woken up with the same clench in my heart and the lack of air. I shuddered despite myself and remembered vividly how cold hands clasped around my neck and...I shut my eyes. I certainly didn't want to think about that now. My mother would notice my look and question me about it, more suspicious than before.
I finished my dinner in a daze and unconsciously bid my mother goodbye and walked up the stairs. I entered my room and didn't even bother to see if I had visitors or not, I changed into whatever I felt first, and quickly tucked my sleeping gown. And without a second thought, I tucked myself to once again the disturbing dream.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I was back again; at the same place I would always find myself. I don't quiet know where I am, but it's definitely some place I haven't been before. I'm walking to an unknown direction to me, but it seems that my dream version knows where to go, and walks to a clear area among the soaring trees. I think it's a forest, but than again, it's so dark and the only reason I hadn't smashed my face against the trees was because of the full moon, glowing strangely in the sky.
A sound came to my sense and I saw a figure come close. Somehow, I knew the person, and approached the figure. The person walked carefully towards me, as if examining its surroundings and my heart thumped... excitedly? Before I could see the face of the person or speak I felt hands from behind me clasp around my neck and press hard.
I didn't know anymore, were there two people now? The person was so close to me that it looked like it was one... I screamed and tried to hit with fisted hands and it only seemed to anger the person and tighten the hold. The person in front of me started shouting and I couldn't think anymore.... I pleaded for help and it went unheard. Voices rang inside my head and I couldn't understand what they were saying...I was so weak...my heart felt heavy and I couldn't lift my arms anymore...I was so tired...I...
That's how I would always wake up, just as now, with my heart racing and my breath laboured. It was so real, it always felt like that. I neck stung and I could almost feel the pressure of the hands around my neck, killing me...I breathed deeply and closed my eyes. I don't understand any of it, but I felt the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach when I thought of the cold hands around my throat...
I shuddered despite myself, and it was not because of the cold. My eyes snapped large. It was that presence. I turned my head to the source of where it came from, and noticed a lean figure leaning against my bed with unruly mane and his back facing me. I gaped at him for a moment, uncertain of what to do, but than I recovered from my shock and hissed angrily at him, "What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like? Can't a man admire the moon?" Van said in a thick tone as he turned around and leaned against the bed, having his arms crossed over his chest. How typical.
"No, especially in my room," I snorted and would have laughed at his sick joke if my heart wasn't so worried with the dream. I looked at Van again, and he didn't seem like he was joking anymore, and had this...strange look on his face, I tapped my foot on the ground, "Well?"
Van ignored my glaring stare and casually walked towards me with a serious look.
I was really annoyed by the way these ghosts just came into my room as they pleased! It was driving me insane!! My stare hardened when he stopped a few feet away from me, and still had that strange look on his face, different than his sarcastic look and arrogant sneer. It somehow looked...worried? Bah! As if! I cleared my throat and asked in a calm voice, or as calm as I could get in the circumstances of being stressed over a weird dream and having to deal with a hot—er—dead guy bothering you in the middle of the night, "What is it?"
Van's face twisted to an unreadable look, with his eyes pierced to mine that made me feel as if I had no gown at all, and shuddered under his stare. I lowered my head and bit my lip, why now? Of all times, why now??? It seemed like the guy had a system of detecting the worst possible times of barging in my room.
"Be careful."
I snapped my face to his voice, and found he was gone, as always. I kicked my foot angrily against the soft mattress. Really! What was that for? He only came here to tell me to be careful?? I snorted, as if what I do is safe. And he dares to console me what to do? Ha, that's a laugh! But somehow, his voice made me think. Why would he say something like that? He isn't the type to get out of his way to...care. There must be a reason, but for what? My heartbeat increased with thoughts running through my head, what could it be? I continued to stare at the place where he had been standing, thinking why he would say such a thing, when it disturbed me to think he might have known what was troubling me for the past few nights...
Somehow, I knew what he was trying to say, but it only took me the next night to understand. And that's when I woke up in the middle of the night, feeling that same feeling I have whenever something...peculiar is near. And I shuddered, despite the warm room, and knowing that I was not alone. I was definitely not alone.
Turning my head to the source of the whimpering noise, the hairs on my neck stood, and a girl, no older than I, stood beside my bed, with a sombre look on her face. Her large sad eyes looked at me, and her haunting voice whispered almost silently, "Help me."
And that's when my mission began that changed my life forever, and I had no idea that I had bargained more than I expected.
.
.
.
.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Awful cliffhanger!! I know, I know, so very sorry!! I knew I said this was gonna be Hitomi's first day of school...but I had kinda forgotten I had originally planned for the chapter to end like this and I don't have enough time to post her first day of school before one year anniversary...but I promise, PROMISE the next chapter is her first day! And when I go on the trip, I'll take my notebook and try to squeeze time to write the next chapter, so that when I come back (end of March) I'll hopefully post before my birthday!!! (April 17th) anyway, just hang in there, the next chapter will come!! I can finally say the story is gaining its climax, and that the real adventure for Hitomi is about to start....keep reviewing that I'll keep writing!! Love you and have an awesome Saint Patrick's Day!!! (lol, I know I'm early, but it's soon anyway^^;;)
Thank you so much once again for everything,
hitomi-chan^-^
13/03/04
***Big Thanks to the following peeps who reviewed last chapter:
jossi-thanks!! this will definitely keep you thinking what I'm gonna do next! (I hope)
Avelyn Lauren-hehe, good thing Van agreed to stay off limits from the bathroom, ne? a girl gotta have her privacy! Lol, here's the new chapter!
sqeekers-*blush* thanks so much!! I hope you enjoy this chapter too!! SabineballZ-ahh! I'm *really* glad that you liked the last chapter! *cheers* and sorry that this doesn't have her first day of school....i just *had* to up-date before one year...and since with the French trip...well, at least I've up-dated, ne? but I hope you like this chapter as well^____^ enjoy!! JoJo-hehe, thanks!!! Onigiri Momoko-haha, it's kinda creepy if you think about...but come on! It's Van we're talking about, ne? Since when is a hot stud like him creepy/bad to watch? (even though you are sleeping) anyway, thanks for the review! This is the new, and shorter chapter!
Kanberry-haha, the mystery person will soon come to you if you haven't figured....and something else will keep at the edge of your seat...here's the new chapter!!! Hope ya like it^___~
NightAngel2-hey!!!!!!! It's been ages!!! So sorryU_U;; I still have to send you the darn e-mail...*grumbles* but guess what? The teachers don't seem to want us to have a social life! I've been very busy, and it will get worse with science fair and the computer movie...*shudders* but I'm determined to e- mail you soon!! Well, I'm glad you're liking my story, hope you like this chapter too!
Veela-Paula-hey! Wow, you're my second Portuguese reviewer! So cool!! *sweatdrops* um...this is very embarrassing...but I feel very awkward writing in Portuguese...(since I left Brazil when I was about seven and I haven't continued practicing my reading/writing skills but I can speak perfectly) so...1 hope you don't mind if I *ahem* try to communicate with you in English...? I'll try to say some stuff in Portuguese too...anyway, I was really beaming when I read your review, and I even showed it to my mom! Honestly! Thanks a lot, you have no idea how much it meant to me when I read it (especially from someone who speaks my native language!) hehe, next month I'm gonna turn 15...so just a little bit older^__~ muito obrigada, amiga!! Eu adorei muito suas palavras e sinseridade...agradeco do fundo do meu coracao!!
Liviania-LOL! Yeah, Hitomi is always being embarrassed^^;; thanks for the review and enjoy the new chapter!!
Rhapsody's Song-you know, I had first started as third pov automatically, and than I had to change almost the whole thing to first pov *grumbles* but it seems that some stuff I didn't change? Umm...I kinda skimmed through and didn't find where I left out...I'll check again when I have the time and stuff...thanks for pointing that out! LOL! As hard and crazy as it may be, this is definitely a H/V!! I'm a hard shipper for those two, and I can't read anything that isn't them together. I have the new chapter, enjoy!
Van Fanel's Soulmate-hey, sorry for the late up-date...but I have this goal that it's 1-2 month up-date...and I really try not to cross the limit. But hey, I have a life and school to worry about...but I try my best to continue with not-so-late updates! You just gotta bare with me, okay? And Van and Hitomi are my favourite couple too, that's why all fo my stories are H/V, who could say otherwise? Umm...whenever I have the time I'll look at your stuff, okay? I've been very busy...and I have hardly anytime to e-mail! *sheepish grin* blame the teachers! Lol, anyway, thanks for the review, and I hope you continue to enjoy my story and hopefully there will come some H/V fluff if the two cooperate! ^^;;
***** Big thanks to everyone who have reviewed and everyone who has continued to faithfully review throughout the beginning of the story! It's been almost one year, and I can hardly believe it! It's all thanks to you and your kind words that have given me the strength to continue writing with enthusiasm and creativity! THANK YOU! ~
*~*Mediator Hitomi*~*
***Chapter seven-Encountering A New Client***
I groaned as I followed my mother around the store. Shopping. How I hate it. I stuffed my hands inside my baggy pockets as my eyes scanned the faces of the smiling salesladies. Yeah, smiling because people are stupid enough to pay for the junk they sell, I'm sure. I looked down at my dirty shoes, remembering how mother scolded me for still having such a thing. (Haven't I told you a million times to throw that away?)
I really don't get it. If it fits, and is comfortable, who cares if it's dirty or old? Sometimes even I won't understand females. I laughed softly to myself at the absurd thought.
"Hitomi?"
I lifted my head to spot my mother at the end of the aisle we've been going around in circles.
"Speed your pace," said my mom with a frown as she carried a basket full of God knows what.
I mumbled lowly to myself as my strides quickened.
My mother smiled at me once I caught up to her, "We still need to get your materials for school."
I controlled myself from groaning.
"I got a list from the school of what you need, so you can go and buy your own things. There's a store that sells office and school materials in the top floor, next to a bookstore in front of the eating section. I'll just be in the women's clothing, okay?"
I nodded my head as I crammed my pocket with twenty bucks my mother handed to me. I finally walked out of the stuffy store and made my way to the escalader. I plopped my head against my hand while I laid my lazy eyes focused on the crowd of people walking about. Once I felt I was near to the end of my ride, I turned my head and stepped out of the moving escalader carefully. I quickly scanned my eyes around the floor, spotting something that resembled a bookstore and walked to the direction.
After a few moments or so I slithered throw the mass of crowd, I was right on my hypothesis. I sighed when I saw that the material store was right where mother said it would be. I closed my eyes and walked inside. Opening my eyes I grabbed the crinkled list and scanned through the context. Hn, they sure feel like working a student to its death. I rolled my eyes with thoughts of how evil school could be. I felt a little out of place and confused as I watched cheerful people walk outside of the store caring numerous bags. These people have obviously been here before, I thought with a grunt.
"Can I help you?" a sweet voice called behind me. I groaned. Not those preppy cheerful salesladies! I turned around and was faced with the last person I thought to find.
"Oh!" Millerna cheerfully clapped her hands together, "I know you!"
"Uh...yeah," I said awkwardly when a few people turned to our direction.
"Um...I'm sorry, but I'm really bad with names. It's something that happens in my family," laughed Millerna nervously, "Uh...Hiroshi...?"
"Hitomi," I said, "Hiroshi is a guy's name."
Millerna blushed furiously as she tugged her glasses up, "I...I'm so sorry! I don't know many people with oriental names!"
I laughed at her expression, "It's okay, Millerna, right?"
Millerna nodded her head as light blonde hair flew around her face, "Yup."
"So...um...do you work here?" I asked when I noticed she was wearing the store's logo on her shirt.
"Uh, yeah," Millerna laughed nervously as she pulled her long hair back over her shoulder.
"Um, sorry if I sound...rude...but why?" I peered at her and noticed her squirm under my gaze.
"Well, even though my family is...rich...I still feel like I should get my own money, you know. So I work here on the weekends...and sometimes baby-sit or I work at the local library for hours," Millerna explained with the nod of her head as if that was the most logical thing in the world.
"Oh," really, that's the only thing I could think of saying. I would never, EVER in my entire life work if I got allowance, which I do, but I bet she gets more... but I'm impressed at her kind spirit and all, it's not everyday you find someone with her type of will, I guess. There was a sudden silence among us, and I felt a little uncomfortable. I started to twist my hair around my finger while I looked at my suddenly interesting shoes.
"Why are you here?" I thanked God Millerna said something before I would go insane.
"Uh...school materials," I mumbled under my breath as I thrust the list to Millerna's view.
"Oh," said Millerna cheerfully once more, "than you've come to the right place! We've got all the stuff you need! Besides," Whispered Millerna once she got closer to me, "they give me a big fat discount since I work here."
I smiled at her humour.
"Anyway," Breathed Millerna as she started to walk, "you probably have never been here, right?"
"Yeah," I said as I followed her to what looked like the paper section.
"Than I can show you around, don't worry!" squealed Millerna happily as she picked a pad of 100 sheets of paper and handed me a basket with the paper inside, "here you go."
"Thanks," I said and grabbed the basket from her perfect manicured hands.
Millerna nodded and hummed as she skipped to fetch a compos and number 2 pencils and an eraser, "Are these okay?" asked Millerna as she held the items on her hand as if she was weighing them.
"Yes," I nodded as I stepped closer to her and she shoved the materials inside the basket.
"What other stuff do you need?" Asked Millerna's muffled voice as she crutched down to search for something.
"Um..." I grabbed the list from my pocket once again and scanned my eyes through the list, "A ruler, black or blue pens...and red pens, five binders with three rings....um...calculator and scissors."
Millerna seemed to think about it for a minute until she quickly stood up and smiled at me, "Is that all? What about dividers and glue sticks?"
I reopened the list again and scanned the materials carefully and blushed, "I forgot those..."
Millerna laughed at my blushing face and patted my back, "It's okay, you must be nervous about going to school."
I nodded, "Very."
"Don't worry," said Millerna once she started walking around grabbing materials, "We're good kids and you're gonna like the school."
I looked uncertain at her but said nothing.
"Here," Said Millerna as she dropped the rest of the items inside.
"Thanks a lot," I smiled at her.
"No problem," she smiled back.
After I had paid her, we bid good-bye until Millerna turned to me behind the counter, "Hitomi?"
I pivoted on my heel, "Yeah?"
"Have a great day and thanks for shopping at Billy's Store!" Said Millerna in a singing voice and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Bye!" I called over my shoulder as I left the store.
"C ya at school!" said Millerna with a wave of her hand and I was gone.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I closed the door to my room with a sigh. My feet are killing me! I grumbled as I massaged my feet. I think my mother was trying to kill me; we would never stop doing things! Thank Goodness that I was part of the track team. I closed my eyes at the pleasing sensation of relaxing my hurting feet and sighed at the idea of a bath and a warm bed to sleep. I opened my eyes as I thought what happened throughout the day.
First, my mother came trotting inside my room at seven in the morning, when I had slept late and was torturous to leave my bed. Than, we went shopping, buying millions of clothing and things that will be shoved inside boxes for presents. Later I went to buy my stuff for school and found Millerna working there. But that's not where the activity stopped, noooo.
Later my mom discovered there wasn't any food left in the fridge, because apparently some hungry males caved in the rest of the food inside, and my mom had gone shopping for food on the day we arrived! So, my mom dragged me to the supermarket and we spend almost two hours stuffing the cart with food and everything possible that we could get our hands on.
After that, I helped my mom store the food at their rightful places and helped serving lunch. Jeff had the brilliant idea to take us to the famous park nearby, Fanelia Park. But he didn't mention it was a natural park, with the trees all over the place and wild bushes lying around. And so, after being bitten by blood sucking insects and being stung by wild bushes with the help of my shorts, I've survived the whole day and I should well deserve to sleep.
I sighed as I stretched my back and massaged my stiff neck. Walking around in the wild doesn't do wonders to a girl's appearance, you know. I had a grimacing thought that my hair was well beyond unmanageable. I could still clearly remember that time when I was a young girl and was a complete tomboy and I had long hair, but I wouldn't take care of it. One time, when my mom was trying to brush through my hair, and the airbrush snapped! That was the day when she decided she would cut my hair, and that was that. Ever since I've kept my hair short, and I don't mind it so much. I have no idea how I would manage with long hair. The thought makes me shudder wondering the painfulness of taking care of it.
I sighed as I padded over the bathroom, and took a quick shower with warm water blasting over my sore muscles. After a relaxing bath, I draped myself with two fuzzy towels, one for the hair and the other for the body. Smiling to myself, I left the steaming bathroom and shuddered at the cold air weaving through the towel when I opened the door.
I looked over the window, and noticed the sun was almost cast down. Hum, must have spent more time on the shower than I had expected. I rubbed the towel over my head, trying to take as much water as possible. I dressed quickly and soon was sitting down on my usual seat at dinner. My mother chatted happily about her boring day and how she planted flowers at the garden and how much she loved the house. Jeff was engrossed at describing his new lanner and how well it cut the grass and such.
The boys soon got into the conversation and I snorted quietly and Barbie Boy started describing the waves and the hot 'dudettes'. Bookworm, as always, talked about his latest book. I thanked the heavens when it wasn't a gruesome one; otherwise I doubt I would have the stomach to finish my dinner. Brain babbled about astronomy and how the powers of the planet Venus gave power to the Zodiac Aries for the month and as expected, everyone kept staring at him as if he grew another head. I kept quiet, and ate my food silently with disturbing thoughts.
It seemed I was not forgotten, since my mother caste a look at me and spoke, "Hitomi? Are you all right? You've been too quiet throughout dinner."
I looked at my mother and stopped eating for a moment, "I'm fine," My traitorous voice betrayed me, and I cursed under my breath.
My mother gave me that look 'you won't fool me', but said nothing and only gave me a small smile. I was thankful she didn't pursue any longer, because I wasn't about to spill my heart open in front of everyone, especially the boys.
The truth is, I've been having.... strange dreams lately. Sure, I've had peculiar dreams here and there, no biggie. But this was different. This dream I've been having, it's been the same dream for many nights, since I've arrived. Always the same one, and I've always woken up with the same clench in my heart and the lack of air. I shuddered despite myself and remembered vividly how cold hands clasped around my neck and...I shut my eyes. I certainly didn't want to think about that now. My mother would notice my look and question me about it, more suspicious than before.
I finished my dinner in a daze and unconsciously bid my mother goodbye and walked up the stairs. I entered my room and didn't even bother to see if I had visitors or not, I changed into whatever I felt first, and quickly tucked my sleeping gown. And without a second thought, I tucked myself to once again the disturbing dream.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I was back again; at the same place I would always find myself. I don't quiet know where I am, but it's definitely some place I haven't been before. I'm walking to an unknown direction to me, but it seems that my dream version knows where to go, and walks to a clear area among the soaring trees. I think it's a forest, but than again, it's so dark and the only reason I hadn't smashed my face against the trees was because of the full moon, glowing strangely in the sky.
A sound came to my sense and I saw a figure come close. Somehow, I knew the person, and approached the figure. The person walked carefully towards me, as if examining its surroundings and my heart thumped... excitedly? Before I could see the face of the person or speak I felt hands from behind me clasp around my neck and press hard.
I didn't know anymore, were there two people now? The person was so close to me that it looked like it was one... I screamed and tried to hit with fisted hands and it only seemed to anger the person and tighten the hold. The person in front of me started shouting and I couldn't think anymore.... I pleaded for help and it went unheard. Voices rang inside my head and I couldn't understand what they were saying...I was so weak...my heart felt heavy and I couldn't lift my arms anymore...I was so tired...I...
That's how I would always wake up, just as now, with my heart racing and my breath laboured. It was so real, it always felt like that. I neck stung and I could almost feel the pressure of the hands around my neck, killing me...I breathed deeply and closed my eyes. I don't understand any of it, but I felt the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach when I thought of the cold hands around my throat...
I shuddered despite myself, and it was not because of the cold. My eyes snapped large. It was that presence. I turned my head to the source of where it came from, and noticed a lean figure leaning against my bed with unruly mane and his back facing me. I gaped at him for a moment, uncertain of what to do, but than I recovered from my shock and hissed angrily at him, "What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like? Can't a man admire the moon?" Van said in a thick tone as he turned around and leaned against the bed, having his arms crossed over his chest. How typical.
"No, especially in my room," I snorted and would have laughed at his sick joke if my heart wasn't so worried with the dream. I looked at Van again, and he didn't seem like he was joking anymore, and had this...strange look on his face, I tapped my foot on the ground, "Well?"
Van ignored my glaring stare and casually walked towards me with a serious look.
I was really annoyed by the way these ghosts just came into my room as they pleased! It was driving me insane!! My stare hardened when he stopped a few feet away from me, and still had that strange look on his face, different than his sarcastic look and arrogant sneer. It somehow looked...worried? Bah! As if! I cleared my throat and asked in a calm voice, or as calm as I could get in the circumstances of being stressed over a weird dream and having to deal with a hot—er—dead guy bothering you in the middle of the night, "What is it?"
Van's face twisted to an unreadable look, with his eyes pierced to mine that made me feel as if I had no gown at all, and shuddered under his stare. I lowered my head and bit my lip, why now? Of all times, why now??? It seemed like the guy had a system of detecting the worst possible times of barging in my room.
"Be careful."
I snapped my face to his voice, and found he was gone, as always. I kicked my foot angrily against the soft mattress. Really! What was that for? He only came here to tell me to be careful?? I snorted, as if what I do is safe. And he dares to console me what to do? Ha, that's a laugh! But somehow, his voice made me think. Why would he say something like that? He isn't the type to get out of his way to...care. There must be a reason, but for what? My heartbeat increased with thoughts running through my head, what could it be? I continued to stare at the place where he had been standing, thinking why he would say such a thing, when it disturbed me to think he might have known what was troubling me for the past few nights...
Somehow, I knew what he was trying to say, but it only took me the next night to understand. And that's when I woke up in the middle of the night, feeling that same feeling I have whenever something...peculiar is near. And I shuddered, despite the warm room, and knowing that I was not alone. I was definitely not alone.
Turning my head to the source of the whimpering noise, the hairs on my neck stood, and a girl, no older than I, stood beside my bed, with a sombre look on her face. Her large sad eyes looked at me, and her haunting voice whispered almost silently, "Help me."
And that's when my mission began that changed my life forever, and I had no idea that I had bargained more than I expected.
.
.
.
.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Awful cliffhanger!! I know, I know, so very sorry!! I knew I said this was gonna be Hitomi's first day of school...but I had kinda forgotten I had originally planned for the chapter to end like this and I don't have enough time to post her first day of school before one year anniversary...but I promise, PROMISE the next chapter is her first day! And when I go on the trip, I'll take my notebook and try to squeeze time to write the next chapter, so that when I come back (end of March) I'll hopefully post before my birthday!!! (April 17th) anyway, just hang in there, the next chapter will come!! I can finally say the story is gaining its climax, and that the real adventure for Hitomi is about to start....keep reviewing that I'll keep writing!! Love you and have an awesome Saint Patrick's Day!!! (lol, I know I'm early, but it's soon anyway^^;;)
Thank you so much once again for everything,
hitomi-chan^-^
13/03/04