Someone To Lean On
Chapter 2


It was Monday... already. That meant waking up at five every morning to go over lecture notes before school, which started at seven. What can I say? I'm a bit paranoid about my grades and doing well in everything. My friends say I'm a perfectionist. I guess I can't argue with them about that one.

I got to school fairly early, well, early according to an average teen's standards. I still had about 20 minutes before I needed to go to class. Heading to my locker, I groaned inwardly as I saw who was waiting for me, Issaru Davidson.

I went directly to my locker and opened it, pulling out a few books that I would need for my classes. I knew exactly what Issaru wanted, so I tried to ignore him. Unfortunately, as usual it didn't work.

"Yuna, when will you face the fact that I love you?" He paused slightly, moving closer towards me. "You know we could be together right at this moment if you weren't so stubborn."

Sighing, I turned to face him. "I'm not being stubborn. I already told you why I can't go out with you, but I guess you need to be reminded. #1, I don't love you. #2, I don't even believe in love. And finally, #3, I know your type." With that said, I shut my locker and began to walk away from him.

Of course, Issaru followed me. He always does. "What do you mean, 'I know your type'? All I'm trying to do is prove my love to you." He had that pouting expression on his face that he seemed to think was cute. I had a different opinion, however.

"Like you do with every girl who you're interested in. I might mention that you dump them after one week of going out with them. Why is this situation any different?" Entering my English class before he could answer, I hoped he'd leave so I could finally have some peace. Fortunately I got my wish, and he left to go to his own class.

I was so irritated that I wasn't paying much attention to what I was doing because the next thing I knew I was on the floor, having been knocked over by something... or someone.

"Yuna? Are you all right?"

Looking up, all I saw were two ocean blue eyes staring at me in concern. I blushed furiously at my own clumsiness before realizing something. "Tidus, you're in my English?" I would've thought that I was more observant than that, but I guess I wasn't.

He smiled easily, "I guess I am since I'm here. Holding his hand out towards me, he asked, "Need some help?"

I gratefully took his hand and nearly slipped again as I felt something spark between our touch. Blushing again, I bent down and started to pick up my books. "I'm really sorry about this. I'm usually not this 'graceful', but I came in a little irritated." Of course, being the nice guy that Tidus is, he had already picked up most of my textbooks.

"That's all right, Yuna. Just be a little bit more observant next time." Chuckling at my sarcasm, he handed my books back to me and walked towards the back of the room, sitting in an empty seat.

That day, English was dull. Usually I adored the class, having a very fun and interesting teacher, but there was a substitute today. The sub was incredibly boring and strict. I was so glad when the hour was over; I didn't think I could stand another minute with him.

"Yuna! Wait!" I turned around to see Tidus hurrying towards me with a textbook in his hand. When he caught up, he handed it to me, "You forgot this back there."

I smacked myself in the forehead, "Ugh, I'm so absentminded today. I'm really, really sorry for all the trouble I've caused you."

Tidus smiled, "Hey, don't worry about it. We always have our off days."

That smile stayed with me for the rest of the day. No, I'm not saying I was in love with his smile or anything. That would be ridiculous. It turned out that him and I had the same exact classes and the same exact schedule. It was really odd that I hadn't noticed that before. I guess I should pay better attention to my surroundings.


We met again in the parking lot since there were some places I had to stop by before we went to the hospital. I eyed his little black sports car enviously knowing I would never be able to afford a car like that.

"Ready to go?" Tidus' question brushed all thoughts of his car aside.

"Yeah! I'm sure the kids expect us there soon." I smiled softly, thinking about the great kids that I got the chance to see when I did the volunteer work. I enjoyed working with them; they were bright, intelligent, and always fun to talk with.

As we drove to the hospital, we talked a bit, slowly getting to know each other better. I told him why I had joined the program, which was mostly because I cared a lot for little kids, and I thought it was sad that some of them didn't have any company because of their illness. "What made you join the program?" I asked him; Tidus was so intriguing, I wanted to know everything about him.

I remember even today seeing Tidus' eyes sadden a little from the question, and I had wondered about that for a long time. Hesitantly, he replied, "I love seeing the courage and bravery the children have in themselves, knowing that they may not live to see the next day. I love seeing their inner strength battle the emotional torment the illness has put them through. I love it all because it gives me a certain strength within myself."

I couldn't stop staring at him with my mouth gaping. His answer shocked me; I never expected someone to give such a deep answer that came from the heart. Tidus surprised me in so many ways. I wondered what other things about him would surprise me. I guess I could only wait and find out as I got to know him.

When we got to the hospital, Ling was waiting for us already. Ling was the 8 year old girl that I had discussed about with Tidus. No one I knew was more obsessed with fairy tales than her, but that was one quality I loved about Ling.

"Yuna!" Ling exclaimed, her face brightening up as she saw Tidus and I arrive. Tidus was pulling a little cart of books for the children to read - mostly fairytales since it was Ling's request. Rushing towards me, Ling saw the cart of books and smiled, "You remembered!" Grabbing Cinderella and Snow White off the cart, she took my hand and dragged me back to her room. For a girl that's so ill, Ling has so much energy in her; she always manages to surprise me.

Okay, I admit it. I was bored. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy listening to Ling read; I loved it. But I hated that love stuff. It's so incredibly unrealistic. I mean, how many people do you know fall in love with their 'soul mate' at first sight? At that point you can't really call it love, it's called attraction. I sighed inwardly, fairy tales teach children false ideas and teach them about something that doesn't exist. I didn't like how these stories led society on, led them to believe that love was real. That belief can only hurt you.

"Yuna?" Ling began sleepily. She was rubbing one eye with her hand and yawning. "Can I finish Snow White later? I think I'm tired now."

I smiled down at her. "Of course you can Ling. Besides, it's your bedtime anyway." I took the book from her and placed it on the nightstand. Standing up, I tucked her into the blankets and kissed her forehead. Ling was the first child I met when I first joined the Raven Gates Foundation a year ago. We have a very close bond because of that, and I cared very much about her.

"You know Yuna, you look so sweet tucking her in like that."

I turned around abruptly to see Tidus leaning against the doorway and blushed. "What are you doing here? I thought you had to visit another patient." I looked back at Ling and smiled softly, she was already asleep.

"His parents came to visit so I decided to give them some time alone. Well since little Ling's asleep, do you want to go outside for a walk in the hospital's rose garden?"

Looking around, I made sure everything was cleaned up. Then I turned back to Tidus and nodded, "It'd be nice to get some fresh air and some reality. I've been in the world of fairy tales for one hour too many."


The hospital rose garden is actually a very nice place to be, especially at night because the pathway and water fountain were lighted. The two of us sat down on a bench situated near the water fountain. I always had a strange attraction to water and its hypnotic sounds. To me, running water was calming and relaxing.

We had been very quiet throughout the walk to the garden so I guess Tidus decided to initiate a conversation. "You know, my little sister is obsessed with Snow White, too. She told me once that she wished a handsome prince would come find her one day and fall in love with her. She wants to live happily ever after in a castle with him. Right now, that's her main goal in life." Tidus smiled at the thought.

"That's exactly why I hate fairy tales. They always make everything sound so perfect, but the truth of it is, life isn't perfect. There's no such thing as love. At least, not love like that." I found myself saying. Ah, there I go again. I seem to have a talent for speaking my thoughts, no matter who was the listener.

Tidus glanced at me with a surprised but almost understanding look, "You know, fairy tales don't try to manipulate a young girl's mind that love is perfect. It gives them hope that such a love exists, and even if it doesn't, there can be love that comes close to it. Nothing's perfect, you can't expect love to be, too. Love exists in so many different forms like what you have for Ling. You love her, don't you?"

I didn't like the way the conversation was heading, but I thought if I answered his question, he'd drop it sooner than later, "Yes, I do. But I wasn't talking about platonic love like that. I was talking about romantic love. That's the love I don't believe in."

Suddenly, Tidus had a serious expression on his face. "Some jerk really broke your heart, didn't he Yuna...?"


And thats it for now. So it was a bit longer, right? Good. lol. Also I want to thank everyone who reviewed for chapter 1, you guys are all so great.