D.N.A. Phoenix
Chapter 7:The Week Before
By Kiyoko
July 30th, 2002
To:Lav_is_the_best@sanckingdom.com
From:Royals_Rule@L4.com
Sub: Hi, its Orion
Dear Lavender,
I'm e-mailing you like you requested. I still think that this isn't a very good idea. She is going to be so mad at me, not to mention I don't even know what to get her. I mean, what do you get a girl who's father is a billionaire? Anyway, I called that place like you wanted me too and my tux will arrive two days before the party like you said. I really hope you know what you are doing.
Sincerely,
Orion
To:Royals_Rule@L4.com
From:Lav_is_the_best@sanckingdom.com
Re: Hi, its Orion
Orion,
Of course it's a great idea! Trust me, in the end both of you will be happy. Anyway the party starts at six so I'll come pick you up at five thirty. Oh and don't worry about the present, I'm sure she will like anything that you get her. Contact me if you need anything else.
Lots of Love,
Lavender Rose Peacecraft
Orion groaned when he received Lavender's e-mail. He really didn't want to go to this party, he wanted to come home intact. He didn't even want to think of what Glory was going to do to him. A few moments later he called up his best friend Toshiro and after a few minutes of convincing, Toshiro agreed that he would go to the mall with him to pick up a gift for Glory. Ten minutes later Toshiro showed up at Orion's door and the two of them headed toward the mall. When they arrived, they had no idea were to start.
"What am I supposed to get her?" Orion said as they walked through the large mall. A couple was currently making out by the fountain, completely oblivious to everyone else.
"I don't know, what does she like?" Toshiro asked.
"How am I supposed to know, I've only talked to her on two occasions." Orion explained. This was going to be harder than he previously though.
"Get her something girlie, they love stuff like that."
"Nothing too girlie, she won't go for something like that." the emerald eyed boy said looking over all the shops as they walked past them.
"Hey what about that store?" Toshiro said pointing at the sign as they came up to it. Before them was a wooden sign that said "Winchester Music Box Company." Inside they could see all sorts of wooden boxes. A soft melody floated out of the store and drew the boys in. When they entered the store a light vanilla scent filled their noses. Now they could clearly see all the boxes scattered around the small shop. The music boxes were made out of all sorts of different woods and different finishes. Orion moved along one side of the store looking at all the boxes until one caught his eye.
The box itself was made out of redwood and had a nice shiny finish. On top of the box there was a picture of a boy and girl holding hands in a field of flowers. Orion opened up the box and wound up the key. A few seconds later the beautiful sound of "Wind Beneath My Wings" flowed from out of the box. Checking the box to make sure there were no blemishes he took it up to the cashier. A smiling old man smiled back at him from behind the counter. He was wearing an old dusty coat made out of wool, the jacket itself many years out of fashion. The man was balding and had a stark white mustache.
"Good afternoon young man, is this all for you today?" the old man asked. He had a comforting voice, one that reminds you of an old grandparent.
"Yeah that's all."
"Is this gift for someone special?" the old man asked still smiling.
"How could you tell?" Orion asked. He looked over the man again, a surprisingly comforting look on his face.
"The design and the style. Its very feminine and the pictures suggests something of a bond. It's a very good choice, I don't know if I could have done better." He smiled then began to wrap the box in a heap of tissue paper before placing it in a bag along with a gift box.
"Alright, your total comes to forty five and twenty six credits." Orion nearly cringed. That was at least three months worth of allowance. He pulled out the said money and placed it on the counter in front of him. Oh well, it was well worth it. The old man smiled as he handed the boy the bag.
"I'm sure she will love it." he said before he turned to help another customer. Orion walked over to Toshiro who was looking at a group of small figurines in the shape of dragons and wizards.
"I found the perfect gift, ready to go?" Toshiro turned around and looked surprised.
"Done already? I thought it would take much longer."
"Me too, lets go." the boys walked out of the store together and headed toward the food court at the end of the mall. Orion's converse squeaked on the white tiles below as they made their was over to the food court. They walked up to the small Hot Dog on a Stick section complete with the blue, red, and yellow tiles. The girl at the cash register was wearing that awful tall hat and cheesy tank top while her partner was squeezing the lemons in the huge bucket. They both got a lime lemonade, then walked out of the mall and toward the bus stop. Toshiro took his first sip of the lemonade and seconds later his cheeks puckered.
"Oh man, I got all the syrup at the bottom!" he said as he stirred the white and red striped straw around in the cup. Orion laughed at his friend as they kept walking. They arrived at the pathetic excuse for a bus stop a few moments later. Already sitting on the cheap plastic bench was a rather scraggly looking man with a moldy old coat. His hair was matted accompanied by clumps of dirt and leaves and his fingernails had loads of dirt under them. The man eyed the boys as they came closer. They looked decent, perhaps they could spare a credit. He hadn't eaten all day.
"Hey boys," he said once they had gotten closer," do you think you could spare a credit, I'm awfully hungry." Immediately he saw the boy with a shopping bag dip his hand into his pocket and pull out a credit then hand it over to him.
"Thanks buddy."
"No problem." Orion replied," Anything to help a guy out." After that the boys waited in silence until the city bus pulled up in front of them. They got in and put their credits in the box sitting by the drive's seat. The bus driver looked a little bit scruffy, like he hadn't shaved in a few days. After that they made their was down the center of the bus then took a seat on the right side. The upholstery on the seats had been torn in many places and there was black graffiti on the window. There was an odd odor coming from the back of the bus that smelled somewhat like rotten eggs. The boys sat down holding tight to their possessions. They had been on the bus plenty of times and knew had dangerous it could be at times. Toshiro broke the silence by saying," So what type of party is it going to be?"
"Well I have to wear a tux so it sounds like a ball. Honestly though, I have no idea what to expect."
"Sounds like fun. You even have a beautiful date to accompany you, I'm so jealous." Orion smiled at his friends comment. He had had a crush on Lavender Peacecraft ever since he saw her on T.V. at the E.S.U.N. Movie Awards. She had been wearing a Lavender gown to match her hair, with little diamonds adorning the top portion. She was every inch the princess. She had grace, poise and class. He was so jealous that Orion had actually met her and was going with her to a party.
"You know," Orion said to Toshiro," I'm sure I can get you and invitation." Toshiro nearly fell over in the seat into the dirty, sticky aisle.
"You're…you're kidding right?" he asked not believing what he heard.
"I'm serious, I'll talk to Lavender about it." Orion watched as his friend's eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head then smiled.
"This can't be happening, I mean you never actually meet the out of reach, definitely out-of-your-class, super gorgeous Princess you're crushing on! It doesn't happen." The rest of the ride Orion could barely get Toshiro to stay in his seat. He had never seen his best friend so excited before.
When Orion got home he signed onto the internet and immediately wrote an e-mail to Lavender. He prayed that she would get Toshiro an invitation. He did not want to let his friend down.
To:Lav_is_the_best@sanckingdom.com
From:Royals_Rule@L4.com
Sub: I have a large favor to ask
Dear Lavender,
I have a big favor to ask you. I know this isn't your party but I was wondering if my best friend Toshiro could come. I already told him that I might be able to get him an invitation so please don't make me tell him he can't go. Besides he has this out of control crush on you and wants to meet you with all his heart. If you could do this for me I would be forever grateful. Please get back to me as soon as you can.
Sincerely,
Orion
The next day at school Orion stepped through the ordinate front doors only to be immediately flanked by Justin and Arctic.
"What happened to you at the dance Orion, you basically ran out of there after you danced with Glory." Justin said giving his friend an angry look.
"Yeah Orion, you said you were going to save me a dance and who was that weird girl you were dancing with. I've never seen her before." Arctic said. She was supposed to be one of his best friends and he left without uttering one word to her.
"I was feeling ill and decided it would be best if I headed home for the evening." he said not really paying attention to his friends. Arctic and Justin both gave the other a look that said they didn't believe him. Something was going on with him.
"I know that's not your real reason Orion. I know that you were very excited about the dance." Arctic said. Orion looked over at her shaking his head.
"You assumed that I sought to attend. I never actually said I was eager about it." Orion shot back. Couldn't his friends just back off for one minute? The three of them continued down the crowded corridor filled with rushing students shoving things in and out their lockers. Abruptly Arctic and Justin stopped in their tracks then quickly moved to one side of the hall. Orion, deep in thought, didn't notice his friends stop so he kept walking down the corridor. Two seconds later he knocked right into Glory causing all the books she was holding to drop to the tile floor with a thump. Every student in the hall halted what they were doing to see what would transpire between the two.
"Oh I'm very sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Please forgive me." Orion said bending down to pick up her scattered books. Once he had picked up her books he stood back only to see the corners of her mouth turned downward in a frown that blemished her beautiful features.
"I'm really sorry." he said sincerely.
"Maybe you need to watch where you are going." she replied harshly.
"Well I'll make amends by carrying your books for you to class." Glory looked at him like he had sprouted a second head.
"You're not serious are you? I don't need a servant." she said trying to grab the books from out of his hands.
"I'm not giving your books back until you agree. I've got all day." he said smiling at her. It didn't help her situation that he was much taller than she was. Not to mention he was currently holding her books over his head.
"Fine, you can carry my books. Just stop making a scene." she said to him quietly. Orion smiled and brought her books down to hold them in the crook of his arm.
"Which way Princess." Glory shot him an evil glare then continued in the original direction she was heading.
"You are so embarrassing. I don't know how your friends put up with you." she said as she led him around the corner and up a flight of worn stairs that led to the science wing.
"I'm cute." he replied curtly.
"And arrogant." she added
"Hey, that isn't very kind. I've been nothing but nice to you and this is the thanks I get!" Orion said dramatically.
"You have plenty of girls that are nice to you. The last thing you need is another." Glory said before yanking the books out of his arms and walking into a noisy classroom full of rambunctious kids.
"Wait a minute!" he said following her into the classroom. A few moments later the students quieted down and focused on the two teens near the door.
"What? I have class you know." Obviously annoyed she put her hand on her hip for emphasis.
"It would be a great honor if you would join me for lunch this afternoon." he said sweetly smiling shyly at her. She had to admit he had the most gorgeous smile she had ever had the pleasure of gazing at.
"Fine just go away," she whispered shoving him out of the classroom into the awaiting hallway on the other side," bye". She gave him a final push, then went to her fake wooden desk and took a seat on the hard, cold, plastic chair.
Later that day Orion waited for Glory at the cafeteria entrance. Five minutes later he saw her walking down the hall with a harsh scowl on her face. The students in front of her quickly moved out of her path noticing she was not in a good mood.
"You're late." Orion said to Glory.
"I'm right on time." They both got into the relatively long lunch line. The cafeteria's aroma had began to snare Orion's senses causing his stomach to rumble. Thankfully the line was moving quickly. Five or six minutes later they had bought their lunches and sat at an empty round table near the door. When they sat down many of the students turned to see the odd couple sitting together. Those who had seen the incident in the hall earlier that morning gawked again.
"I'm sorry about the dance Glory. I wanted you to stay and enjoy it with me."
"Well some things just don't work out the way you want them too." Glory replied draping her napkin across her lap then started on her salad. She stuffed a huge bite into her mouth doing her best to ignore the boy sitting across from her. Orion looked down at his own plate and decided that he wasn't that hungry. On his plate sat a very greasy, very disgusting looking meat loaf. He suppressed the urge to gage, then pushed the plate away from him. Guess he wasn't as hungry as he thought he was.
"I guess that goes both ways." Orion mumbled
"Why do you keep following me around?" She asked then taking another bite of her salad.
"Because I've like you since the first day I met you. I know I was only eleven then but still."
"Then what do you want from me?"
"Your friendship."
"I don't need any friends."
"Yes you do, I can tell." Glory took a breath. Man was he one persistent bugger.
"You don't have to be afraid." Orion said quietly. Glory looked up at him, anger written all over her beautiful features.
"Are you calling me a coward?" She replied, heat rising in her face giving her a flushed color in her cheeks," No one calls me a coward."
"No I didn't mean it like that. Just because you are scared of something doesn't make you a coward." he said quickly trying to douse the already rising flames. Glory's eyes came together in small slits as she stood up. Before he knew what was going on, Orion was soaking wet, an empty glass in Glory's hand. He didn't know what was colder, the water or her. Before she turned on her heel to leave she said, "I'm not afraid of anything. Try your best, I can handle anything."
To:Lav_is_the_best@sanckingdom.com
From:Royals_Rule@L4.com
Sub: things are not looking good
Dear Lavender,
Now I know going to her party is going to be a bad idea. She hates me. There isn't anyway around it. Do you know what happened to me today? She poured and entire glass of water on my head and I thought I was doing so well! I mean I was doing well, I carried her books to class then I got her to agree to have lunch with me. Honestly, I don't know what happened. Anyway, the only way I can go to the party is if you pick me up at my friends house because I know my mom won't let me go. Oh and were you able to get an invitation for Toshiro. He really, really wants to go. Well anyway, write me back when you get a chance.
Sincerely,
Orion
Orion checked his e-mail many times that night but Lavender never wrote back. The next day at school was hell. Every attempt he made to talk to Glory ended in ultimate failure. The first time he tried to talk to her she 'accidentally' smacked him in the head with a very heavy math book. The second time he got a door slammed in his face. The third time she actually called him a 'poor lost puppy and to go find his master'. So when he got home late that night after soccer practice, Orion really didn't want to know what Lavender had to say but opened the e-mail anyway.
To:Royals_Rule@L4.com
From:Lav_is_the_best@sanckingdom.com
Sub: no worries
Orion,
Don't worry about it, she will warm up to you in no time and don't even think of standing me up for the party! Oh and I obtained an extra invitation so your friend can attend too. Is he going to follow me around all night because that would be very creepy. Anyway I can pick you up at his house so just send me his address and I'll be there. By the way, you might want to get her some flowers, white ones. Have a good day I'll see you Saturday night.
Lots of Love,
Lavender Rose Peacecraft
That was the point of no return. There was no way he could skip the party since Lavender got Toshiro an invitation. The rest of the week passed a lot faster than Orion would have liked it too. He had told Toshiro he was invited and the boy nearly had a heart attack. Saturday morning he sucked it up and went into the bathroom to take a shower. Once he got dressed he took his duffel bag and the box his tux was in then slipped out the front door yelling good bye to his mother before he shut the door. The night before he had told her that he was staying at Toshiro's house so she wouldn't suspect anything. His mom was very protective and rarely let him do anything. A party at the Winner's would definitely be a no.
Fifteen minutes later he was walking up the stone path up to Toshiro's door. Orion took in a large breath before knocking on the white door in front of him. A few seconds later he heard some muffled yelling from the other side of the door before it opened.
"Hey Toshiro, thanks for letting me stay over."
"I'm the one who should be thanking you! I can't believe I'm going to meet her." Orion stepped into the house and the boys headed down the hall to Toshiro's room to get ready for the evening. Both of the boys began to style their hair. Orion did his hair up in the usual spikes while Toshiro brushed his hair trying to make his long bangs stay out of his face. Next Orion went into the bathroom to change into his tux. The tux was all black along with a black vest that went over his snow white dress shirt. His black jacket fit perfectly and stopped at the end of his waist. When he came out of the bathroom Toshiro was already dressed.
"That is such a nice tux. I can't believe she bought it for you." Toshiro said.
"Tell me about it. What am I going to tell my mom when she asks about it?" Orion replied. He had to admit though that the tux was very nice. He looked like a model off the run way except for the fact he was fourteen.
'KNOCK,KNOCK'
"Its open." Toshiro said. A short brown haired woman walked in with a smile on her face.
"Your ride is here." Toshiro had the urge to jump for joy while Orion took a breath before walking out the door into the gates of doom.
A/N: I'm sooooo sorry I haven't updated this story in over a year. If anyone still reads this I'm sorry this has taken so long. Well I hope that this chapter was worth the wait and the next chapter will be even better. Happy reading!
I don't own Gundam Wing