Background info: Rachel Kazuki is a real character used in the manga. She's a reporter. Same for Linda Wise, who really was Faye's first friend. Lyrics credited to Fiona Apple – Never is a Promise
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Chapter 7 : Things She'll Remember
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On Saturday he picked me up at nine and actually brought me to his house to meet his "parents" or more of guardians, Mao and Annie. He seemed very attached the both of them.
I felt lost as I shook their hands. I never had anyone to take care of me. I was always forced to be independent. In the end, I only had my sister whom I was never really close with.
A year ago I also met Linda Wise, an expert card dealer who taught me everything she knew...about the cards, the gambling, and the rules of life.
We were sitting in a table for two outside a small café, relaxing underneath a sunshade that cooled us from the heat. I shook my drink lightly and the ice clinked loudly against the glass.
"Faye."
I took a sip and set it down on the table. "What?"
"I've shown you everything I know on gambling."
"I know."
"...but there are three things I want you to remember."
I looked at her, paying more attention. She looked out onto the water, the brim of her wide hat turning to cast more shadows on the table.
"One: Win and move on."
"Win and move on." I repeated.
"Two: Keep your money hidden."
"Keep your money hidden."
"Three: Don't get involved with a man."
"Don't get involved with a man..." I trailed off.
"Always remember those rules, Faye."
"Alright.."
I'm sorry, Linda. I broke the last one.
"What's wrong?" Spike asked me.
"Nothing. Really."
He looked at me, unsure. "I'll drive you home now."
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I yawned in my communications class, glancing at the clock at the side of the room. Only five minutes left. Why was time always so slow? I just want to go eat. Is that so much to ask? My stomach grumbled in agreement.
"Yes, Miss Kazuki?" My instructor called out as she lowered her glasses to the tip of her nose.
I looked across from me at that annoying brunette with the short haircut and always positive attitude. Why was she raising her hand?
"Sensei, when will we be able to start working on that journalism project?? The year's almost over!!"
Oh great. What a freak.
"Well, Miss Kazuki..."
Just then, the bell rang and I let out a sigh of relief. I got out of my seat and was the first one to the door. I was about to reach out, but it slid open before I could blink.
"Hey there, shrew." He said seductively as he leaned against the wall.
I cocked an eyebrow. "What are you doing here? You were supposed to meet me outside."
He shrugged. "I couldn't wait that long." Before I could ask him if he thought I was fat, he took my right hand in his and began to walk down the hall for the exit.
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We were outside when Spike decided to stop beside the water fountain. He looked like he was going to say something important but just then, we heard a familiar voice. Andy's.
"Miss Valentine..." He said, smiling. "Spiegel..." He added scornfully. "It's nice to see you both here." Andy walked up to us and winked at me. Spike looked at him and growled but did nothing.
Andy suddenly grabbed my right hand and bent down to kiss it.
"Uh.. thanks.." I mumbled, confused.
Spike proceeded to lunge at Andy, shoving him but then grabbing him by the collar and forcing him up the brick wall.
"Get your fucking mouth off any part of Faye. I guess you don't know, being the fucking brainless asshole you are, she's my girlfriend. Now get the fuck out of my sight, you bastard."
After his little "fucking speech" he let go of Andy and started walking to the exit without me. I took a moment to tell Andy he was a nice guy but I wasn't interested, and then I ran to catch up with Spike.
I grasped his shoulder to stop him, since he didn't look like he'd be doing so anytime soon.
"What's wrong with you? You're walking too fast!" I panted.
He stopped abruptly and I almost crashed into him. Then he turned around and glared at me. "I'm mad at you, too. I can't believe you let him do that. I'm your boyfriend, not anyone else."
He looked extremely mad. I rolled my eyes at his immaturity. Mr. Spiegel was quite possessive. It was cute.
I stepped up until there was no space between us and I tip-toed so I could whisper slowly into his ear, "Hmm... maybe you should remind me since I forget so easily." I stepped back down in time to see him smirk.
"You don't have any more classes today right?"
I nodded silently.
"Come on, you're going to spend the rest of the day with me."
I smiled and we got into his car, taking me somewhere I knew I'd never forget.
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He brought me to a large, sophisticated bar. He said it was the first time he brought anyone here...
We got there at about one, and spent most of the time talking about meaningless things and drinking. I wasn't too drunk and neither was he, but we had enough for our words to slur and our eyes to glaze slightly.
Before I knew it, the sun had already set as the windows darkened and the music being performed switched to a soft, low tune.
"..Isn't it pretty?" I asked him.
"What?" He loosened his tie.
"The music..."
We were both quiet to hear the rest of it.
You'll never see the courage I know
Its colors' richness won't appear within your view
I'll never glow the way that you glow
Your presence dominates the judgments made on you
But as the scenery grows, I see in different lights
The shades and shadows undulate in my perception
My feelings swell and stretch, I see from greater heights
I understand what I am still too proud to mention to you
You'll say you understand, but you don't understand
You'll say you'd never give up seeing eye to eye
But never is a promise, and you can't afford to lie
I heard his wooden chair scrape on the floor and I watched him as he lazily stood up. He pulled me up by both my arms until we reached the dance floor. He let me rest on him, our arms an entangled mess and we didn't care. I burrowed into the wrinkles of his shirt and breathed in deeply.
I'd want to remember how he'd smell like.
You'll never touch these things that I hold
The skin of my emotions lies beneath my own
You'll never feel the heat of this soul
My fever burns me deeper than I've ever shown to you
You'll say, 'Don't fear your dreams, its easier than it seems
You'll say you'd never let me fall from hopes so high
But never is a promise and you can't afford to lie
You'll never live the life that I live
I'll never live the life that wakes me in the night
You'll never hear the message I give
You'll say it looks as though I might give up this fight
But as the scenery grows, I see in different lights
The shades and shadows undulate in my perception
My feelings swell and stretch, I see from greater heights
I realize what I am now too smart to mention to you
You'll say you understand, you'll never understand
I'll say I'll never wake up knowing how or why
I don't know what to believe in, you don't know who I am
You'll say I need appeasing when I start to cry
But never is a promise and I'll never need a lie
After the song ended we lingered there until I eventually broke free of him and we found ourselves seated back at our table.
"Did you like that song?" I asked him.
"...Yeah. But seemed sort of cynical to me."
I laughed. "Everything's cynical to you."
He downed his martini. "I know." He paused to look at me for a while. "You like it a lot, don't you?"
I ran a hand through my hair and struggled when I met the knots that were accumulating. "It's nice..."
"Well since you like it so much, it'll be our song."
I laughed again and I raised my glass for a toast, repeating his words. "To our song..."
Yes, I was right. I'd remember this night for a long time.