Selphie Kinneas
"Journey To The Past"
Chapter Fifteen- False Trust
Squall's eyes widened to the max. "R-Rinoa?" He gasped. Rin looked at Squall. She slowly walked to him shamefully.
"All that time. You talked about her. The answer was right under both our noses… and I didn't say anything!" She cried.
"No Rin, I mean Rinoa… I should've realized. When you came here you recognized it immediately, and the song." He smiled as he hugged her.
Seifer quickly wiped the tears only Rinoa saw. He turned around and faced the two. "How do you know her?" He snapped.
Squall faced him headstrong, "While you were snacking on caviar, I found Rin." He replied with acridness.
"Shut up Loire! You think I had it so easy in life! You try being snatched away from every person who meant something to you!"
Rinoa walked halfway to him, "I'm here now Seifer." She paused to wipe away a tear. "We have so much to catch up on."
"Yeah let's begin on how you met Loire, here." Seifer eyed Squall.
"Well, he's my fiancé." Rinoa replied joyfully.
WHAT? Seifer stood stunned then forced a smile. "Surprising… but since you guys are in Deling come back to the mansion with me. Catch up on the years and I promise you Galbadia wouldn't be happier when they hear their Deling Sweetheart is alive." He said in a cool manner.
Rinoa's eyes widened with pleasure, "Oh Squall, can we? I mean our troubles are all over. Let's enjoy a little before we go back."
Squall crossed his arms and looked away, he hated being with that snobbish brat. Once awhile back his father forced him to befriend him when Seifer came as the honored guest in Esther. It was the worst day in his life. Seeing Rin… Rinoa's happy expression melted him though, for her sake. "I guess." He muttered.
"Oh thank you!" Rinoa threw her arms around Squall's neck and planted a small kiss. She linked arms with him as she hurriedly followed Seifer out of the park.
The chauffer glanced at the party oddly thought Seifer produced no explanation and simply ordered him to drive back to the mansion.
Rinoa was awed, her eyes filled with wonder. She gazed at the mansion property that was maintained and fully of life. She gasped as they grew ever nearer to the mansion doors. Rinoa was unable to keep steady herself and needed Squall's support to walk.
Anticipated with eagerness the large oak doors opened for Seifer. Rinoa's pupils grew twice their size as she fell weak on her knees. Almost carrying her Squall helped her inside. With observing eyes she watched every detail of the area. The staircase at its overly large banister, the marble always slippery against cloth, the tearoom with satin drape on his entranceway, the garden doors with glass windows and crystal mural imprinted on them, it was completely breathtaking.
"Nothing's changed. Most everything are priceless artifacts anyways, so Rinoa happy to be home?" Seifer asked as he walked across the corridor to the study.
The Almasy sat himself at the desk as Squall sat with Rinoa on the elegant yet uncomfortable sofas. "So, where should we start Rinoa?" He asked.
"…" Rinoa looked unsure as she met eyes with Seifer, "You start. Tell me what happened after the accident." Squall rolled his eyes as Seifer smirked to begin his tale. He rest his hands on the back of his head and spoke aloud.
"Well Rin, they never mentioned even one survivor other than me was alive. But remembering the accident, I remember pulling someone out. Whether it was you of that weird kid who came with our logs. I was sure it was you, but when I was alone, I got pretty upset."
Rinoa peered downward, she was sure the words "pretty upset" didn't cover the pain Seifer must've felt after losing his parents and best friend in the same day.
"Coming back to Galbadia was scary, I wasn't sure what to expect." Seifer paused for a moment, "Your parents were in the worst state ever. They welcomed me openly but were so solemn and quiet I didn't even know if they were alive themselves."
Tears filled Rinoa's eyes as Seifer took notion to halt his story. She coughed trying to hide her sniffing, without any avail she burst into tears to Squall's comforting arms.
"All that time we talked about them! All I could do was wonder where my family was! Now I know who they were but that they're gone!"
Squall said nothing for there was no words would ease the pain. He stroked her soft locks softly then looked to Seifer. He was already standing adjacent to the desk.
"Rinoa, maybe you should lay down." He suggested in a monotone downhearted voice. Rinoa used her palms to rub her face off of tears then turned to Seifer gratefully.
"T-that'd be great Seifer." She sniffled.
With that, he walked passed her and exited the study. Rinoa slowly followed with Squall. The halls were shuffling slightly with maids and other servants scurrying off from one place to another. The three traveled the long stairwell and through the mazes of hallways. They stopped at a brightly colored end of a hall with sky blues flowers in lime green vases with cream wallpaper and shiny polished knobs on every door.
Rinoa, already half asleep in sobs on Squall arm was taken to a large room that held a queen canopy bed of royal blue satin, a window that led to a balcony with veils in its entranceway, and pictures and trinkets of ocean waters and beaches. Squall lifted Rinoa into his arms and placed her on the bed. He kneeled by her and spoke softly.
"Don't worry about anything, remember our problems are over." He started optimistically, he sighed then spoke again. "Rin…oa I know we started this out so to make you happy, but had I known I'd caused you this much pain I'd rather let you live your life in Trabia instead of dragging you into this … position. There's nothing I can say, just rest." He patted her skull then slowly exited the room.
Rinoa too deep in her thoughts didn't comprehend what Squall had implied till several minutes after he left. How she wished she could have replied sooner to assure his doubts were wrong. Their problems were over, or had they just begun?
ooooo
Seifer closed the door with a small click then faced Squall, "Maybe it was a bad time to bring up old stories." He said. Squall Leaned against the wall and turned his head a different direction.
"Whatever." He mumbled as reply. In his mind he could only shout, DAMN RIGHT! Now look what you done you good for nothing son-of-a…
"You can head back to your hotel, Loire." Seifer said stressing his coldness.
"And what about Rin?" He interrogated with bitterness.
"She can stay here for the night, of how ever long you guys are going to be here." Seifer met eyes directly with Squall.
"Fat chance Almasy, Rin stays with me, and I stay with Rin." He quickly under his breath mutter, "…oa."
"Fine," Seifer shrugged with signs of tension, "When Rinoa wakes up ask her what she wants. She'll probably be in there for a few hours," He started to strut away in a proud manner.
"And you?" Squall asked with his back turned to Seifer.
"I have other things to look to." He countered without hesitation.
"Those would be…?" Squall with a harsh tone continued.
"Nothing that concerns you. I have a press conference. It's a perfect chance to tell Galbadia the President's son no one cared about here is engaged to the long lost princess." Seifer spun on his heels to face Squall's cold shoulder. "But maybe, we should wait on details about that later. For now I'll just tell Galbadia she's alive."
Seifer said not another word and left the corridor. Squall knew for fact he most likely wasn't welcomed in the household and would be better off at the hotel calling home to tell the entire update. That would be the best, then he'd come back to see if Rin… Rinoa had wakened.
oooo
Several Hours later
Rinoa opened her eyes widely. On her cheeks were remains of dried tears, she brushed them away and sat straight. The room had dimmed to an orange light that arrived from the window. The day was already ending? She stood and paced the room. Where was Squall? Where was Seifer?
Without any hesitation Rinoa opened her room door and peered down the halls. She took step after step down the slender halls observing each door. She came to a stop at a hall that hadn't been dusted or cleaned very well for some time.
She observed knowing at one time this was the most adorned area of the mansion. She placed her hand on the dusty knob and shook it. With some struggling the knob opened and Rinoa stepped inside.
The smell of dust in the musty room. There were many pieces of decoration and furniture concealed under white sheets. Rinoa unveiled each one still all the sheets were in a pile in the center. Rinoa observed everything and rushed to the bed.
It was large with fluffy pillows of many with the softest blanket ever. Rinoa clung to pillow remembering rushing into this bed when it thundered outside. How her parents would allow her to sleep between them. She sobbed there. Memories rushed through her mind and swept away with each tear. After a few moments she regained calmness and got up tot leave the room.
In the hall she saw the door directly in front of it, her room. She attempted to open it with no avail. It was locked tight. She sighed das she dragged her feet down the hall.
ooooo
As Seifer's fancy car entered through the gates, reporters cashed him with cameras and recorders screaming questions and demanding answers. Seifer massaged his temples inside the car glad that the mobs were halted at the gate. He exited the car and allowed the driver to park it.
He strolled into the mansion scouting the marble paths for Rinoa. Rinoa was in the tearoom sitting straight faced. She turned to Seifer upon his entrance. "How are you feeling?" He asked with a smile.
"Fine, thanks. Where's Squall?" She asked immediately. Seifer stopped and pondered.
"I don't know. But since he isn't here, let's talk for a little." Seifer drew a seat near to Rinoa's and winked.
"So how much do you like Loire?" He grimaced as though he were urging something. Rinoa looked at him frankly and opened her mouth to reply.
"What is that mean? I… I love Squall." She said with pride.
"Really…?" Seifer looked for the right words to say until bluntly something fell out, "why?"
Rinoa gave a small laugh and began to explain, "Seifer, listen. I was in Trabia and Squall hit me. Instead of hit and run, he took care of me. He first sent me to the hospital then when he found out my leg had broken he took me home with him. I guess… it just started there. One day after my leg healed and I was going back to live in Trabia he proposed and I said yes."
"What a romantic story…" Seifer groaned. "Rinoa, how well do you seriously know this guy? People from Esther are bad news."
"Are you being racist Seifer?" Rinoa asked sharply.
"Not at all, I'm just saying… maybe you should think twice."
"I will, and the same remains. Why do you hate him?"
"He hates me!" Seifer snapped.
Seifer stood, "There's no use to argue." As he halfway disappeared through the doorway he turn and said, "Just be careful."
Rinoa raised an eyebrow, be careful? About what? To interrupt her thoughts she heard someone enter through the entrance hall. In curiosity she rushed to see who it was. Squall confronting Seifer in the corridor.
"Squall!" She cheered as she ran to him. "Where were you?"
"I to the hotel get the stuff, then took me an hour to escape Seifer's fan club outside the gate." He replied.
Seifer gave a low growl, "They're reporters! They want to see Rinoa!"
Squall turned back to Rinoa, "I called Esther, they couldn't be happier to hear the news." Rinoa smiled.
"That's wonderful!"
The door sounded again and a manservant opened it. A young lady with tight golden blonde hair tightly placed in a bun that went around her head like a gold crown entered. She had keen blue eyes and a professional appearance.
"Seifer," She began in formally. Seifer rushed to her then looked to the two in front of him.
"Rinoa, Squall, this is Quistis Trepe… she's one of my er, consultants." He introduced. Quistis eyed him oddly than smiled.
"I can't believe I'm receiving the pleasure of meeting you Ms. Caraway. I simply couldn't believe the radios and emergencies broadcasts. It is all so dramatic. You must be so happy to be home again, I still can't believe I'm meeting you in person. I remember watching you stand by your father at the podium when I'd watch the news with my father as a child."
Rinoa laughed, "I'm honored to meet you too Ms. Trepe. Please call me Rinoa. This," Rinoa turned to Squall, "Is my fiancé Squall Loire."
Quistis pulled a hand out to shake with him, "Pleasure." She smiled. She turned her direction to Seifer, "Mr. Almasy we have certain businesses to attend to. Perhaps we should go to the study to discuss them?"
Seifer nodded as he led Quistis passed Rinoa and Squall down the corridor to the study. They shut the door behind them.
ooooo
"You know baby, I love you being here and all… but WHY are you here?" Seifer asked as he bolted the study door. Quistis gave a grave look then went to a corner of the room where sat a small television. She pressed the power button.
Already turned to the channel of news broadcast, Quistis pointed to the TV. "Look, this isn't good news on your behalf. On the screen was a bald man with a shiny scalp facing the camera monotony.
"News of Rinoa Caraway's survival is in an uproar of excitement today. But there remains a question. The Caraway fortune, who will keep now that the first heir is alive?"
The man continued to talk as Seifer looked in awe. "The… fortune! I never thought about it!" Quistis went to his side,
"How much do you have left in the Almasy fortune? That's 20 million gil for eight years, surely you have something left!" Seifer nodded as he turned to the computer on the desk.
He flipped a few keys and clicked the mouse several times before he came with a reply, "SHIT!" He gasped looking at his money manager.
"What's wrong?" Quistis asked worriedly.
"I never worried about it… since I had the hundred million gil still locked away till I needed it…" Quistis sat by Seifer.
"500,000. Well you have enough. Enough to be a roommate at a Garden dorm! Seifer how could you spend it all!"
"Damnit Quistis I didn't think of it! I knew a couple of millions would be enough for my life so I spurt. Where do you think I got all those gifts you got from?"
Quistis sat and took a sigh on the sofa. "It's okay Seifer, I lost my job as your consultant. But darling I'm still here for you. We shall make it through."
Seifer strained his mind for a few moments, "NO! I'm the heir of that money now! This house, everything! She thinks she can have it? I'm not giving it up. Not on my life!"
"Seifer…" Quistis exhaled deeply, "Rinoa was your childhood friend, was she not? Do you think you'll be heartless enough to take what is rightfully hers?"
"…" Seifer pondered for a moment and exited the room without answering. As he entered the corridor he overheard Squall speaking to Rinoa. He snuck behind a pillar and eavesdropped.
"Hey Rin…oa, listen. I know you want to stay and catch up with your friend, so how about I go back to Esther and you come when you're ready. It's been nearly a month now and I have to get back to my job. You understand right?"
"Squall… you're leaving!" She cried as she embraced him soundly.
"Rin, I'll promise to come and get you whenever you think you want to come back… we still have unfinished business." Squall uttered quietly.
"Don't leave me," Rinoa whispered, she paused then hugged more tightly. "Thanks, I'll be ready real soon, by the end of this weekend, okay?" The hugged once again as Squall began to leave. "Wait Squall," She called. Squall turned and shrugged.
"Yeah?"
"There's something else wrong… it hasn't been a month, only three weeks. Why are you in such a hurry to go?" Rinoa asked as she grew closer.
"………………………………………………… It's nothing." Came the reply.
"Yes it is, I want to know."
"It's none of your business." He snapped.
Rinoa gasped, "You mean, you don't like Seifer! That's it! You just despise him!"
Seifer not even two yards from them grimaced, what'd I ever do to him? He leaned slightly to hear the rest of the conversation.
"Fine, is that what you want to hear? I hate Almasy. Ever since I met him, the year the accident happened. He came like a stuck up snob to Esther challenged everyone and anyone. The damn cheater used little sneaks to win everything too. Anything! When it came it dueling I knew I could win, but Almasy used cheap tricks to win. I've hated him, I always will. What gives him the right to claim so much property that isn't his?"
"I understand Squall… he was only 12 when the accident happened, but he always was a little sneak. But, you hate him? It's okay, I just want to catch up. We were the best of friends. You understand that right Squall?"
Squall crossed his arms and looked away, "Yeah, don't worry." With that he went up to the room and returned a few minutes later with his bags. He gave Rinoa a small kiss on the cheek as a manservant opened the door for his leave.
Rinoa sighed, as the grand entrance closed as she turned Seifer was right behind her. "Oh! Seifer, hi… what're you doing?"
"Nothing much, trying to figure something with my financial consultant. Hey Rinoa let me ask you question, how much do you really like that Loire boy?" Seifer said with a smug grin.
Not this again! Rinoa smiled, "More than anyone on this world. There's no one better than him." Seifer scowled.
"Really, you should think about how much he really cares." Seifer turned on his heels, his eyes lit up as he spun again. "Rin! Let's go to a bar tonight! It'll be great!"
Rinoa thought for a moment, she never went to bar before. "Uh, sure why not?" Seifer winked as he returned to the study. Rinoa began to follow then stopped as she listened to the voices inside.
"Quistis baby I got it!" Seifer whooped as sounds of kissing were heard.
"What is it?" Came the voice of Quistis.
"Marriage!" He cried, more sound of close embracement.
"Uh… Seifer." The sounds abruptly stopped, "What about marriage?" She asked hesitantly.
"I'll marry Rinoa!" He said with the same tone of triumph.
"What!" Quistis burst, "First off she's engaged second off how COULD YOU!"
"Calm down sweetie, it's simple. I take Rinoa to a bar tonight I get her drunk he get hitched and legally all her inheritance becomes mine! By morning I'll tell her I was drunk too and when she files for divorce and she'll be so pleased she won't care about the money and if she does I'll just say there's nothing I can do!"
"I don't like that plan." Quistis replied sternly.
"You know I love you baby, but the money."
"SLAP!"
"Seifer Almasy! Have you no shame at all? Why don't you simply reason with Rinoa! NO! You have to marry her betray her and then get the money! I just can't believe how horrible you are! I-I…!"
"Quistis, no I'm really sorry. I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry." Seifer started apologetically.
"I can't talk to you right now, sorry." Quistis stormed out the door and out of the house.
Rinoa looked after her dumbstruck. Her heart pounded adrenalin as she felt tears involuntarily stream down her pallid cheeks. Before Seifer exited the room she burst out of the corridor up the stairwell and to her room.
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