Alright…it's official….I'm a HUGE loser for leaving you all hanging for so long! Good news though, if you're reading this you realize I'm obviously updating!! It's been so long…however, I think this lil' summer edition will hit the spot for all you loyal readers. You'll probably want to briefly skim-read the previous chapters (SO SORRY) just so you know what's going on. However, if you choose not to, here's the EXTREME mini version:

Hitomi and Van are pen pals since elementary school (sixth grade); they are now sophomores in high school.

Hitomi has experienced her first period, first kiss, first date, first break up, and is now hyped on her first crush

Hitomi also has a new baby sister named Treena, supports her friends Kari (Yukari) and Gaddes during their love mishaps, is possibly moving to a big city in the near future, and has no clue that Van may be interested in her.

Hitomi believes Van to be a true, trusted friend that she can always look to for support.

Van deals with different issues like best friend rivalry between Chid and Dilandau, a semi-dysfunctional family that is on its way to recovery, his father almost died, his girlfriend breaking up with him (Naria), and several minor things that have gradually changed his way of looking at life.

Van really values Hitomi's friendship…he's never been so open with a female before, not even with his own mother.

Van is beginning to have feelings for Hitomi, as hinted in his last letter.

TA-DAH! There ya go, my mini synopsis. There are WAY more subtleties that you'll want to read about if this story is new to you, however I hope that it helped my previous readers. Now…ON WITH THE SHOW!…(finally!)

Esca-lover


December 14, 1994

Dear Van,

Hello!! How've ya been?? I'm so proud of you, passing your drivers test! You're now a threat to humanity, congrats, haha. Seriously though, if I would have had that Officer Genasha (or Balgus guy whoever he was), I probably would have been frozen stiff. I don't know, the whole driving thing just doesn't excite me. I'll probably wait until I'm 18 to take the test, then I don't have to pay for Drivers Ed. Besides, Gaddes always liked to cart me and Yukari around anyways.

Speaking of those two star-crossed lovers, they are still on the fritz. Kari has been trying to date other guys, while Gaddes remains content with hanging out with me and his other guy friends. No, he's not gay, haha. You understand, male bonding time. It turns out Allen, that knight at the costume party, actually lives down the street from him. Gaddes says he's a nice guy, and even offered to relay my phone number. I told him not to, but of course he did it anyway. Well, a week went by, and no call. I guess I felt some dissapointment, but then again, I didn't even really know the guy. In the end I decided that a mere boy wasn't worth the stress, and gave up on the idea all together. The end? Not quite.

The other day, Kari and I were strolling the mall when she spotted a cutie chatting with a sales clerk. When he turned around and faced us, I was shocked. There he was!! Right in front of me! The knight from before…with brown hair? I told Yukari I knew the guy and before I grasped what was happening, she pulled me up to him and waved.

'Hi! Remember her?' she beamed, and pointed at me. I was so embarrassed…If I had been outside I would have bolted. The tall hunk gave us a confused look and scratched his head.

'Are you sure we've met before?' His voice was so familiar, but I wasn't quite sure of how that could be possible.

'Hey wait a minute…aren't you looking for a blonde, 'Tomi?' my friend questioned. Kari laughed and winked at the brown-haired boy. 'Sorry! Wrong hair color,' she remarked, but as we turned to walk away the guy yelled,

'Wait! You're looking for a blonde who looks just like me, am I right?' We turned to face him, both nodding slowly.

'Ya, we met at a costume party…he dressed as a knight,' I affirmed.

'Sounds like him,' the man smiled. 'You're looking for Allen, my twin brother!' Talk about a strange situation…my rescuer had a double. I glanced at Kari to catch her reaction. Oh ya…she was hooked.

'Soooo…' she began, 'You have a name?' She batted her eyelashes and twirled a strand of hair in her fingers. Really Van…if I ever pull this kind of behavior, slap me, alright? Geez. When it comes to flirting, Yukari is the master, haha. If I tried any of her "moves" I'd look like a freak with an eye twitch and a nervous habit.

'Amano,' the tall hottie grinned. 'And you are….?'

'Yukari,' she giggled, 'but call me Kari.' My smitten friend stuck out her hand.

'Nice to meet you, Kari,' he winked and accepted her handshake. 'You're not interested in my brother too, are you?' he smirked.

'No way. Blondes aren't my type.' Gag…all the shmoozing was killing me! I decided to cause trouble, mwaha!

'No..' I agreed, 'she likes 'em tall, dark and handsome. Know anyone? She's available.' SUCCESS! Kari must have turned five shades of red! It was great! One point for me. Amano laughed.

'Actually I do. Plus, he's got a blonde twin brother who likes short-haired brunettes…are you available?' he added smoothly. You guessed it, it was my turn to change colors. Kari laughed and pointed at me.

'What'a matter, 'Tomi?' she teased. 'Answer the man!' I mumbled 'yes' and pinched Kari. She deserved it! We all exchanged phone numbers and decided to try and make a double date that weekend. As Amano left, Kari and I turned and walked quickly to the nearest bathroom. We raced inside and let out all the laughter we had been holding in…ya, we got some funny looks from the old lady drying her hands, but we didn't care. The irony of the situation was just too funny.

'Oh…my…gosh, 'Tomi! That guy was so hot!! And he's got a twin to boot!' she gushed as she grabbed my arms and started jumping up and down. 'Not only that, but we're going on a double date with them!!! How sweet is that!' I laughed so hard that I felt tears running down my cheek.

'We are such nerds, ya know that, Kari?' I teased her. Suddenly a realization hit me and I once again exploded with giggles. 'You know…if we marry them, we'll end up with the same last name!' Yukari screamed happily and added,

'You're right! We'll be sisters-in-law! The craziness, I can't take it!' Ya…It took us quite some time to recover. Now that I think about it, it really shouldn't have been that hilarious…musta been the stop we made at Starbucks. The extra caffine always messes with my system, haha.

That Saterday I got a phone call from Allen saying that he and his brother would meet Kari and I at the local bowling alley, and then we'd go out for dinner afterwards. I spent the whole afternoon trying to pick out an outfit that was cute and casual…not an easy task with my wardrobe. So, I went to Kari's for the necessary accessories (She had the most adorable corderoy flares! It's a good thing we are relatively the same size). Sorry Van…I'm babbling. Anyway, when we arrived at Charlies (the bowling place), there they were! Allen and Amano were chatting with each other, both looking fabulous. I had to pinch myself…yes this was really happening! I squeezed Kari's hand and whispered 'good luck'. She just winked and mouthed 'no problem'. That's so like her…she's so confident with guys. I was really nervous, my hands were sweating. The guys saw us and waved, and when Allen smiled at me and offered his arm I nearly froze.

'Relax,' he grinned, squeezing my hand. 'You look great.' I blushed and managed to say thank you. Fortunately, my worries seemed to melt away, and the four of us had a great time bowling. First, Allen and I played against Amano and Kari. The twins bowled pretty well, however Kari proved to be the best at the game. So, whatever team Kari played on won! Even when we tried switching things up and played guys vs. girls, Kari was still the winning element. Amano couldn't have been prouder and kept rubbing it in Allens face that his date was the better bowler. Allen would just smile and remind his brother that they were both being beaten by a girl.

After Charlies, we went to a little restaurant just a few blocks away from the bowling alley. Do you like Mexican food? If so, and you're ever in the area, I have to take you to La Charreada! That's where the four of us went, and the food was soooooo good! Unfortunately, I managed to spill salsa on my white shirt…ya, you can laugh, it's pretty funny in retrospect. Kari offered to retrieve a spare shirt she kept in the trunk, to which I gratefully said yes.

"Hey Amano, wanna come along? I don't want to get mugged in the parking lot," she teased. Her date laughed and followed her to the car. Suddenly, I realized the situation…Allen and I were alone! My heart was beating so fast. 'Calm down, 'Tomi', I kept telling myself.

"Hitomi," Allen spoke softly, interupting my inner chanting. "I've really had a great time tonight. Would you mind if I asked you out again? We could double date with Amano and Kari, or it could be just us…what do you say?" I blinked. Was this really happening? I couldn't hold back a huge, dopey smile.

"Sure!" Oh wow. I felt like such an idiot! The guy of my dreams is asking me out and all I can say is "Sure!"? Sometimes I think I need mental help, seriously. I blushed like mad, but Allen simply laughed and squeezed my hand.

"Great, I'll be looking forward to it. No salsa next time, I promise," he teased. I poked him in the ribs and pouted for effect just as Kari and Amano returned from the parking lot.

"Where have you two been?" I asked innocently and added, "Amano, are you wearing lipstick?" Yukari feigned shock while Amano reached for a napkin, his face changing shades. Allen joined the fun and chided,

"Pink isn't really your color, bro. I'd go with some warmer tones." I changed my shirt and returned to the table, only to find the other couple had left.

"They got tired of waiting," Allen grinned. "Care for a ride home?" Of course I said yes, and we chatted casually the whole ride home. In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder…will he kiss me tonight? Would that be too soon? Then again, Kari and Amano had kissed. Would Allen kiss me simply out of pity or the fear of being outdone by his twin? What if-

"Hitomi?" Allen was standing with the passengerside door open; we were already home.

"Sorry," I laughed nervously. "I guess I got distracted." Allen walked me to my door and reached for my hands. I was frozen stiff, Van, I could barely swallow. Did my breath smell? Would my chapstick taste good? What if my lips were dry? I-

"Hitomi?" Allen chuckled softly. I looked into his eyes. "May I kiss you? If it's too soon, I understand. I just…" I don't know what came over me. Before I could stop myself, I had wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him towards me! I kissed him! Fortunately, he didn't seem to mind…at all, haha. You remember the kiss with Dryden? This was TOTALLY different. Fireworks, an orchestra, and applause were ringing in my head. This was a real kiss! A REAL kiss! I didn't want it to end…but it had to…my dad had just flicked on the porch light! Talk about feeling guilty! We broke apart just in time to see my dad standing in the open doorway.

"I think it's time you went home, young man," he said sternly. I was mortified. How much had my dad seen?

"Goodnight, Hitomi…Mr. Kanzaki," Allen nodded respectfully and returned to his car. As Allen sped away, my father simply shook his head at me.

"Just promise me you'll be careful, Hitomi, please?" Relief swept through my body.

"Of course dad! It was just a kiss, I promise. You can trust me," I smiled and skipped upstairs to my bedroom.

"It's not you I'm worried about trusting!" my dad called up the steps before heading to bed. I rolled my eyes and pulled on my pajamas before jumping under my comforter. I bet all dads say that to their daughters. Just think Van, some dad will probably think that about you, haha.

Wow, sorry about this letter! It's all so…so…girly. What can I say, guys have been on my mind. Speaking of guys, thank you so much for all the encouragement in your last letter. You always say just the right thing to cheer me up! I'm so lucky to have you as a friend, SO lucky. I'll be careful with Allen, I promise. The moment something smells fishy I'll call it off, I swear. Don't worry about me, Van, please? You asked me how I escape in your last letter. Honestly, I usually climb up the oak tree in the backyard and read your letters, haha. They make me realize that other people have crazy lives too, ya know? If I'm not reading those, I'm usually daydreaming or listening to the neighborhood sounds. Dogs, kids laughing, birds, stuff like that. It's calming, kinda like my own little ocean…ok, sort of, you get the picture. I've never been to the real ocean before. If I ever go to California, I'll look you up and we can go together, ok? You can teach me how to surf and everything, haha, although I'll probably be horrible at it. You have a trip jar? Forget Colorado, come and visit me in Indiana! Ok, so it's not the most exciting place in the world…at all, but it'd be fun, wouldn't it?

Well, I gotta go, dinner is ready. Hope to hear from you soon!

Friends forever,

Hitomi


January 25, 1994

Hey Hitomi,

How's it going? I'm doing pretty well. Christmas break is over, and school is back in session unfortunately. I was really enjoying my free time… But such is life, I suppose. It sounds like you're on cloud nine over there. I must admit your last letter was VERY girly, but it's all good, I don't mind. I hope Allen is treating you well. Oh, and I promise not to worry…(crosses fingers). I'm sorry, I'm a guy, it's what we do. But hey, if your dad approves, then maybe he's alright. So do the four of you double date a lot? How is Gaddes in all of this? Poor guy, I feel for him. I felt honored that my letters helped you escape reality, haha. Really though, I'm glad they help you out. I feel the same about yours. They always make me smile, ya know? Anyways, not a lot has happened here…except an extremely eventful New Years Eve party.

We threw the party at my house, and it involved my family and a couple of friends. Folken was home from college and had invited his current girlfriend, Sora. She's pretty cool I guess. Merle had a few classmates over, and I invited Chid and Dilandau. I didn't know if Dilly would come, but I thought I'd try. There was all kinds of fried food; shrimp, mozzarella sticks, pizza rolls, etc. Chid came over early and we kicked around a soccer ball on the beach, while Folken and Sora talked with my parents and Merle played in the yard with her friends. About an hour into the party, we all headed indoors for food and crowded around the television. It's tradition to watch the ball drop in Time Square. I've always wanted to go there on New Years Eve, maybe someday I'll actually get the chance. Anyway, there were fifteen minutes remaining on the clock when suddenly there was a knock at the door. I heard my mom gasp,

"Dilandau!" so I turned to the door only to hear her yell "Someone call 911, quick!" Folken raced to the phone as my dad jumped from his seat to carry Dilly to the couch. It was horrible. His face was swollen black and blue, along with his arms and legs. An ugly cut ran down his cheek, oozing blood. All I could do was stare, horrified. I could hear Folken talking with the emergency service as Chid ran to his car for a medical kit. My mother was adjusting pillows under Dilandau's head while Merle and her friends stared silently.

"Van," my dad ordered, "Get a glass of water and an ice pack, will you?" I nodded obediently and did what I was told. It was all so sureal, Hitomi. I didn't really comprehend what was happening until I tried helping my friend sip the water I had brought.

"Dilly," I whispered. "What happened?" He groaned and touched his cheek tenetively.

"I guess this'll leave a scar, huh," he joked, attempting humor as he looked at the blood on his palm.

"Ya," I sighed, "Maybe…" I decided not to push my questions. Just then the ambulance arrived, and the paramedics loaded Dilandau into the back. As the new year began, my brother was taking Merles friends home, my mom was making phone calls, and my father, Chid and I were on our way to the hospital. Not exactly what we all had in mind for a holiday party…as I sat in the car I realized how trivial traditions like watching the ball drop seemed in comparison to taking care of your best friend.

About two hours later, Dilly was in recovery and had told the police everything. It turns out Dilandau's father had come home drunk, demanding a steak dinner (of all things) from his wife. She told him that there was no steak in the fridge, and he blew up at her. She tried calming him down, but that just made things worse. In his drunken rage, Mr. Albatou began beating his wife with his fists. Dilandau was actually on his way to our party when he witnessed his dad abusing his poor mother. Well, you know Dilly, that set him off. He grabbed a hockey stick from his room and ran at his father screaming obscenities. He'd protect his mom with his life, she was the only family he had. His father threw the woman across the room and turned all of his anger towards his son. Dilandau fought back as best as he could, but was beaten pretty badly. The cut on his cheek resulted from when his father grabbed a broken beer bottle from the floor and slashed at his face. After seeing that, Dilandau's mother gathered strength and courage enough to grab a nearby lamp and crash it onto her husbands head, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious. Dilly then ran to my house for help, unsure of what else to do. After questioning Dilandau, the police went and arrested Mr. Albatou and took Dilly's mother to the hospital for treatment.

I went into the recovery room when the doctors had finished, with Chid following at a distance. Dilandau was awake, and tried to smile as I approached.

"I'm sorry I was late for the party," he sighed. "Something came up." I sat on the bed next to him and shook my head.

"Still trying to be brave, Dilly? I'm sorry about what happened…Oh, your mom is doing fine, she's in the next room." No one spoke for several minutes. We didn't really know what to say.

"I hate him," Dilly whispered, breaking the silence. "I hate him…I wish I coulda killed him for her…" A single tear escaped his swollen eyelids as he clenched the blankets in his fist. "What are we gonna do, Van? My mom…we can't afford this. What am I gonna do…" he asked himself, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

"Dilandau?" Chid spoke tenatively, edging towards the bed. Dilly simply kept his gaze on the ceiling. "Dilandau…I'd like to help you, if you'll let me. I know that we haven't really gotten along in the past, but lets face it. You need financial help right now, and my father has the means to do it. Ya, I may be a little rich boy, but sometimes that comes in handy, ya know? Don't look at it as charity. Just think of it as a favor, from one friend to another." I really didn't know what to expect. Dilandau is pretty proud when it comes to asking for help. The room was silent for what seemed like an eternity, when finally Dilly cleared his throat and looked Chid square in the eyes.

"If you lend my mother the cash to pay for our hospital bills, you gotta swear no one will ever know…and I want to work off the debt once I'm outta here…got that richie?" While his words sounded tough, I could see the gratitude in his eyes, and so could Chid.

"You got it," he said simply, and put his hands in his pockets. I nodded at Chid, signaling our exit, when Dilandau grabbed my sleeve.

"Hey, thanks a lot for sticking with me,Van…you too rich boy." I grinned at him slightly.

"We'll visit again soon…stay out of trouble 'til then, alright?" Dilly smirked in defiance. "Ya right, Fanel. Keep dreamin'."

Fortunately, Dilandau and his mom are both doing much better now. Dilly's father is being charged with assult and battery, and they'll probably never have to deal with him again. Chid kept his promise of secrecy, and every weekend Dilandau works at the mansion in order to pay off the debt he owes. The two of them seem to be getting along ok, and who knows…maybe one day they will even be friends, haha. Only time will tell I guess.

Well, that's about it from me this time around. Write back…or else, haha.

Yours,

Van


WAHOO!!! I finished!!! I'm so happy…Everyone remember, the 215th reviewer will receive a prize!! A one shot written by yours truly with the coupling of their choice! (no hentai/yaoi) You can be as specific, or as general as you want with a plot idea. I may or may not choose to use it, haha. Thanks again for all of your patience! I will be updating my "Whispers of the Mind" story next…until then, goodbye and God Bless!

Esca-lover