Gato: Okay, so a huge amount of apologies for Irie last chapter. No idea what she was thinking, but she is being punished. Severely. And, the play is over (which is actually very sad, because now I am suffering from post-play depression) so I have more time to write. Sort of. I only have one more week of school left, and it's just exams. Okay, I'm rambling. I own only the plot and Andrea.
Friday, Friday, Friday. This means Prom day. This means, possibly the most stressful day ever. Ever.
I eat a very small bowl of cereal, grab my bag and open the door as Mimi is about to knock.
"I'm ready," I say, interrupting her question.
She smiles. "I had a feeling you would be. Excited for Prom?"
"Not yet. There's still an entire school day to get through. Then we have to get ready. Talk to me in about ten hours. I'll be excited then."
Mimi laughs lightly. "God, Sora, you need to calm down. What's up with you today? Prom is supposed to be fun, remember?"
I exhale slowly. She's right, as happens very often. And it isn't even Prom that's bother me. "I got into Santher," I say quickly.
"Are you serious, Sora?" Mimi cries happily. "That' brilliant! I always told you that you were a genius."
"It just adds to the stress of picking universities." I sigh, confused by Mimi's joy at the news.
She frowns. "Not really. I mean, Santher is a great school and it's here. What's the big decision?"
"It's just that…"
"I see my beautiful Sora!" Tai calls from a few feet away.
"And the ever so ravishing Mimi," Joe adds.
Mimi throws her arms around her boyfriend and giggles. "Ha…"
"No, I'll go first," Joe interrupts. "Happy Anniversary, Mimi."
"Joe, you remembered!" Mimi squeals happily and presses her lips into his.
I watch the scene and jump when Tai wraps his arm around my waist.
"Happy Anniversary, Tai," I say softly. He merely grins and kisses me. I will never understand this boy.
…
Class is going agonizingly slowly. This hour of English feels like it has lasted for half a day. At least our last two classes got cancelled so that we have more time to get ready. Beside me, Mimi dozes on her open binder. Andrea's back, and I can hear her gabbing about her 'absolutely fab prom dress'. As lovely as this topic is, I'd much rather listen to a mule sing.
"Settle down, please, class," Mrs. Johnson calls over the loud whispers. "Andrew, can you please analyze the second paragraph on page three hundred and seventeen."
"Tess slept with some guy again?" Andrew calls over the din. Several people snicker at the witty response. Now, most other teachers would have given up by now. Mrs. Johnson is not a normal teacher, or even a normal human being.
"Very funny, Andrew. I will give you a second chance to answer the question correctly, or you will serve detention this afternoon.
Wow, that shut the class up pretty quickly. Even Andrea has stopped listing off mundane details about her dress. Mimi murmurs something in her sleep. I quickly poke her and turn my attention back to the front. She sits up quickly, her eyes wide and faced flushed.
"Thanks," she whispers.
"Anytime," I reply. "You have pen on your face."
"Great."
"I'm waiting, Andrew," Mrs. Johnson reminds.
He sighs. "The passage is talking about fertility and nature, again."
"Very good. Now, I want a short paper about love in this novel by next Tuesday."
Everyone groans but she quells is with a glare. See, I told you she wasn't human.
…
"An essay due next Tuesday?" Mimi cries, echoing my thoughts.
"I know," I mutter. "This is the worst thing ever."
"Does she not realize that Prom is tonight? This entire weekend is going to be dedicated to partying and such. Just because she doesn't have a social life doesn't mean she gets to ruin everyone's weekend! And it's the anniversary weekend too! I don't know about you, but I wasn't planning on being home that much this weekend. I was planning to go out with Joe. I hate that woman!"
Mimi's rant progressively got louder until she shrieked the last bit. People in the hallway turn in alarm at her outburst. I can't help but laugh.
"Yelling about it isn't going to help, Meems," I say soothingly.
"Maybe not, but it makes me feel better anyhow."
I laugh again. "Okay, I have Calc now."
"And I have World Issues," Mimi says exhaustedly.
"See you at lunch, then?"
"As usual."
As I walk into my Calculus class, I think of the little traditions Mimi and I have devised through our years of school together. I'm going to miss her if I go to Santher. Have I mentioned that I hate university?
…
I slide into my usual spot beside Tai.
"Good afternoon, beautiful," He greets. I smile.
"Nice to see you too, Tai."
Mimi and Joe arrive. Mimi is talking about something as Joe nods understandingly.
"…so now we have an essay due on Tuesday! How unfair is that?" Mimi demands.
"Very unfair," Joe agrees. "I guess you'll have to do it Sunday evening, as I have you booked for the rest of the weekend."
"I love you, Joe," Mimi squeals.
"And I you."
"Don't mind us," Tai interrupts jokingly.
"Yes, please continue," I add.
They turn in our direction, Joe blushing and Mimi glowering. I snicker and lean my head on Tai's shoulder.
"So it's okay for the two of you to show affection, but not us?" Mimi demands jokingly.
"As if Tai ever shows affection," I reply.
"I resent that," he says, kissing me softly on the cheek.
Mimi rolls her eyes and drops into her chair. "The two of you sicken me," she says.
"We try," Tai replies.
Joe lowers himself into his chair and places his bag on the table. Mimi turns and fishes something out of her backpack. I watch, grinning while Tai stares at his food, oblivious to the scene.
"Happy anniversary," Mimi and Joe cry simultaneously. Tai looks up from his food in surprise and I giggle. The two look shocked for a moment, then exchange gifts.
Joe carefully unwraps his gift under Mimi's happy gaze. His jaw dropped (literally) when he saw the book. "Mimi," he whispered, "you remembered that I wanted this book. I don't believe it."
"I'm guessing that means you like it," she bubbles. I can't help but smile at his shocked yet joyous expression.
"I love it, Meems. It's incredible." He pulls her into a kiss and I turn my attention to Tai.
"I can't believe she actually remembered that book," Tai mutters. "Joe's been saving up to buy it."
"And now he doesn't have to. It's so cute."
"Alright, now you open your gift, Meems," Joe commands softly.
"Okay!" she cries happily and tears the wrapping paper from the slim package. Her eyes express joy and amazement as she stares at the gift. It looks like a photo or a plaque, but I can't tell. She gapes inarticulately at the present for a moment longer then throws her arms around Joe.
I grab the item and feel my eyes widen.
"What is it?" Tai asks, leaning over my shoulder. I hear him gasp, "Oh my God."
I stare at a picture taken almost four years earlier. Joe and Mimi smile back at me, fingers intertwined. Back in ninth grade, the two were partnered in a dance competition (I know, Joe dancing is a foreign concept, but its true) and won. Mimi has been searching for a copy of this picture ever since, but hadn't found it anywhere. I can't believe Joe managed to get a copy.
"Where did you get it, Joe?" Mimi asks softly.
"That's my little secret," he replies happily.
"I love it Joe. This makes me so happy."
"That's all I ever want."
I pull a box from my backpack. "Well, if we're all giving out presents, I might as well do this. Happy Anniversary, Tai!"
He gingerly takes the box from me and unties the ribbon. I wait for his reaction while the other two watch in anticipation. A huge grin spreads across his face as he sees the Swiss Army Knife. He carefully removes it from the box and notices the inscription. Our initials are intertwined and followed by the letters TMD.
"TMD," he muses, "Truly, Madly, Deeply, just like our song, right?"
"Yep," I say happily.
"It's perfect, Sor. Just like you." He pulls me into a kiss, and I dully register the lunch bell ringing somewhere in the background accompanied by Mimi's catcalls. As we trek out of the lunch room to our next class, I realize that Tai didn't give me a present. Oh well, maybe I'll get it at the end of the day.
…
"Hurry up, Sora! We only have like four hours to get ready and everything. Not to mention that our hair appointments are in twenty minutes. You need to be ready now!"
If you can't tell, that's Mimi. She's currently standing by my locker, shouting orders at me as I frantically throw things into my backpack. She really needs to calm down.
"Mimi you need to…"
"I do not need to calm down. You need to hurry up!"
"Well, I'm…"
"Not fast enough."
"Do we have…"
"Yes, and it's due on Thursday."
"How do you…"
"I just do."
"You're…"
"Yes, I know."
I'm sure that conversation was very confusing, but I don't have time to elaborate. I think Mimi might drag me out by my hair if I don't finish packing.
"Okay, I'm ready," I say, slamming my locker shut.
"Finally," she says impatiently. "Now let's get to the hair salon."
I follow my raven haired friend out of the school, but can't help thinking that I still don't have my present.
…
"Okay, sweetie, how are we doing your hair?" Tatiana, my hair stylist asks.
"I was thinking something along the lines of a classy bun with a couple pieces near my face."
She inspects me for a moment then nods. "That will work out very nicely. Let's get started, shall we?"
I can hear Mimi explaining her elaborate hair style to a very patient Lexia. All I can understand is that she wants it straightened then she wants a half-bun, half-ponytail. Clearly, Mimi has given this quite a lot of thought.
I watch my reflection as Tatiana pulls my hair back from my face. My mind drifts to the frustrating topic of university choices. Look into my heart, huh? Very easy advice to give; not quite so simple to follow.
…
I smirk at the mirror. My hair is exactly what I wanted it to look like. Tatiana is a hair styling master.
"It's perfect, Tatiana. Thank-you so much."
"You look lovely, Sora. I want pictures from this thing, you understand?"
"Of course, Tatiana."
"Lexia, you are a genius!" Mimi cries happily.
I walk over to my friend and see the end result of Lexia's labour. Mimi's hair hangs straight in a loose and stylish half-bun, half-ponytail. There really is no other way to describe the hair style. Her layered hair allows some pieces to frame her face. It looks amazing.
"Your hair looks incredible, Meems!"
"So does yours, Sora. Now, we should get going. We still have to get into our dresses and do our makeup. The limo will be at your house in about two hours."
"Yes ma'am."
We pay and tip our respective hair stylists, then walk quickly to my house. Mimi dropped her dress, make-up and accessories off last night. My mother greets us happily.
"You two look lovely," she gushes. "Once you're dressed and such, I'm going to take pictures. Oh, and Mimi, your mother called. She wants to see you all dressed up, so she is coming over later."
"Oh, okay," Mimi says in surprise. "I thought she had to work today."
"She took the evening off so that she could see you."
"Wow, that's insane," Mimi says quietly. "Now, let's get ready Sora. Quickly!"
…
"Don't fidget, Sora," Mimi commands. Wow, this is rather reminiscent of getting ready for the dance back in September.
"Sorry Meems," I reply, flinching unconsciously as she approaches with the eyeliner.
"I'm surprised you're letting me put eyeliner on you. I thought you hated it."
"I do, but I have to get over the fear eventually."
"Mmmm," Mimi muses, inspecting my face. "Perfect, now go and get your dress on while I finish my make-up. Then put on your accessories."
Mimi really can be like a drill sergeant at times. I merely nod and walk into my bathroom. I pull the dress up from the floor, so as not to ruin my hair or make-up. Mimi managed to do my make-up to match the dark blue of my dress. I slowly put on the silver earrings and bracelet, then exit the bathroom. Mimi stands in the centre of my room, completely dressed and accessorized. We study each others outfits and grin.
"Sora, you look incredible. Tai is going to faint when he sees you."
"Same to you, Mimi. I think Joe may have a heart attack."
Mimi smiles idly and smoothes down her dress. I catch my reflection in the mirror and grin. I guess all the work and time was necessary.
"Look at the two of you!" Mrs. Takawatchi cries. "I can't believe how grown up you are!"
"Mom," Mimi says in surprise. "When did you get here?"
"She arrived a few minutes ago," my mom replies.
"I can't believe you got time off work, Mom."
"It's not every day my little girl goes to the prom," she replies. "Now, move closer to Sora so I can take some pictures of the two of you before the boys arrive."
A few minutes later, small dots hover around my eyes thanks to the lovely flash bulbs. The doorbell rings.
"That's the boys!" Mimi cries.
I smile instinctively and attempt to clear my vision. My mother opens the front door, and the two boys enter, sophisticated and adorable. Tai even managed to get his wild hair under control. They enter the living room and stare in shock. Once again, the time was worth it.
"Mimi you look…"
"Sora, you're…"
"…amazing."
"…gorgeous."
"You don't look too bad yourself, Tai," I say lightly.
"You clean up good, Joe," Mimi jokes.
"Okay," my mother calls, "your limo will be here soon, and I want some more pictures. Get into a group."
More pictures? I don't think my eyeballs can handle this.
…
I step out of the limo at the hotel that is hosting out Prom. I have a rose from Tai in my hair and a gorgeous corsage around my wrist. He follows me out of the limo and takes my hand.
"Ready for the Prom?" he asks.
"That I am."
Joe and Mimi exit the limo, and we walk into the ballroom. It's gorgeous. The dance committee went into debt on this one, I'm pretty sure. Silver and blue decorations adorn everything from the walls to the tables. People mill about near their tables, discussing how long it took them to get ready and such. I see Andrea, in a dress that shows more skin than fabric, clinging to Matt's arm. Those two deserve each other, I swear. Tai gently leads me to our table where Greek Salad waits. Mimi sits between me and Joe. Still no present from Tai. I figure I should just forget it and enjoy the disgusting food. I guess this is how the committee managed to avoid debt: the stopped caring about food. Well done, dance committee.
After dinner, the DJ takes over the entertainment and people begin to move onto the dance floor.
"Let's go, Meems," Joe insists.
"Okay, just let me get rid of my shoes first. If I don't take these off, I won't be able to walk after half an hour."
She eases the high stilettos off her feet and follows her boyfriend onto the dance floor.
"Let's dance, Tai," I implore.
"Well…"
"Come on, Tai," I say, giving him my best puppy dog eyes.
"How can I say no that that face?" he asks, pulling me onto the dance floor.
…
Several hours later, I carefully pull my shoes back on.
"See, dancing wasn't that bad, was it Tai?"
"No, not that bad," he jokes. I shove him lightly.
"Come on, guys," Mimi calls, "the limo is here to take us to the after party."
"Who is having this after party?" Joe asks.
Tai and I shrug, but Mimi recites, "Cat Rodriguez, 54 Breeders Crescent."
We stare and Mimi merely shrugs. Our limo pulls up and I slide into the seat while Mimi repeats the address to the driver.
"Wait a second, Cat Rodriguez? As in the Spanish girl?" Tai asks.
"No, the other Cat Rodriguez," I reply sarcastically.
"Yeah, why?" Mimi replies.
"She doesn't seem like the type to have parties."
"I think she lost a bet with her friends," Mimi says slowly.
"Let's hope it's a good party," I say.
"There will be music, snacks and alcohol. What else do you need?" Mimi asks.
"An ID saying you're of age?" I offer.
"She's not going to card people," Mimi assures us.
"Are you planning on drinking, Meems?" Joe asks.
"Yes," Mimi replies quickly.
"What about you, Sora?" Tai asks.
"I doubt it," I reply. "I'll probably have to take care of you mister-pass-out-after-a-few-beers."
"You can't say that, you weren't at that party," Tai argues lightly. I merely giggle at the stories I heard from his soccer friends.
"I guess she'll have to be sober if she's hosting it," Joe muses.
"That sucks," Mimi murmurs. "I would never host an after party, not only because of the lack of drinking, but because of the clean-up."
"Yeah, I hope she has people helping her," I say.
"And a lot of bathrooms," Tai adds.
The limo stops in front of a huge brick house. We exit quickly, staring at the house. Several people from our school are walking up the large driveway towards the door.
"Well, I think this house should have enough bathrooms," I mutter.
"No wonder she's having it," Mimi says, "her house is huge!"
"Let's go!" Tai cries, pulling me toward the house.
…
We wander into the kitchen and gape that the polished mini-bar in the centre of the room. She really went all out for this party; I can't even imagine how long it took her to get ready. Cat stands behind the minibar, her sparkly purple dress reflecting the light. She and two others give people mixed drinks or point them in the direction of the beer. Mimi disappears briefly and re-appears with two red drinks.
"What are those?" I ask as Tai vanishes in search of beer.
"Cosmopolitans," she replies, handing me a glass. "Try one."
"I'm not sure," I say, staring at the red liquid dubiously.
"It's up to you. I can't believe she's actually making drinks for people. This is going to be the best party ever!" Mimi cries, taking a large sip from her drink. Somewhere down the hall, music blasts, much to the joy of my more intoxicated classmates. Tai returns with two beers.
"I thought you said you weren't drinking, Sora?" he says before chugging a can of beer.
"It's Mimi's drink, I'm just holding it," I reply, watching him knock back his second can. "How can you drink that so quickly?"
"It's a guy thing," Tai replies, taking a shot of something from a passing tray.
"No it isn't," Joe contradicts. "I can't drink beer that quickly."
"You just need more practice, man."
Mimi grabs a couple of shots from another tray. She shoots one and pulls a face.
"God, I hate tequila. Do you want it, Tai?"
He shrugs and takes the shot glass. Mimi grins and slides in the direction of the bar once more. Joe shakes his head and follows.
"Come get some more beer with me," Tai says, pulling me in the direction of the horrid beverage. I still clutch my Cosmopolitan without any intention of drinking. Tai takes two more beers and we make our way to the dance area. He drinks these slowly and I take a tentative sip of my drink. It tastes surprisingly good and I slowly finish the glass. I'm sure one drink won't do anything to me.
"Wow, you actually finished it!" Tai says. His words are starting to slur together and I grin.
"Yeah, it was pretty good."
"Here," he grabs two shots of a blue liquid, "drink one of these, then we'll go and dance."
"Well, okay." I quickly shoot the blue drink, and cough at the burning sensation in my throat. Tai laughs and pulls me onto the dance floor.
…
An hour and several beers later, Tai's hands are starting to wander. I think it's probably a good idea to get him away from the music. I'm kind of dizzy, and I've only done one more shot since we started dancing. I guess I don't have too much of a tolerance. Things are moving slower than they should. Oh dear.
"Sora!" someone screeches. I turn in time to see Mimi through her arms around me.
"Hey there, Meems."
"I couldn't find out before, and I thought that you were lost, but Joe kept saying you weren't lost and now aren't lost, so I'm happy."
I nod, though I have no idea what she just said. Joe grins and shakes his head. Beside me, Tai is laughing hysterically at something.
"What's so funny, Tai?"
"Mimi thought you were lost," he chokes though his laughter.
"Riiiight," I reply, sending him a strange look. Oh my, drunk people are amusing.
"Let's take a picture!" Mimi cries.
"Yes!" I reply, much more enthusiastically than usual. I'm pretty buzzed. Joe sends me a look and asks Cat to take out picture. Mimi poses like a model and Tai wraps his arms around my waist, placing a kiss on my cheek. The flash does nothing to help my dizziness.
"Okay, Sora, Joe and I are going to go now, but we're not going to be lost, okay? You take care of Tai! I love you!"
"I love you too, Meems, have fun!"
"Do you love Mimi more than you love me?" Tai asks, pouting.
"Of course not," I reply, snickering at his expression. I blink and force myself to focus on Tai's face. My mind keeps telling me to do really stupid things. I finally succumb to one of my drunken mind's requests. "Tai, why didn't you give me my anniversary gift yet?"
Tai looks confused for a moment, then slurs bluntly, "I didn't buy you one."
"What?" It takes me a while to process what he just said. I can't make myself understand his words.
"I didn't buy you an anniversary present."
"Why not?" I demand, my voice shrilly. Oh god, I'm really drunk. Against my better judgment, I take another shot from a tray.
"I just didn't," he replies and attempts to kiss me. I shove him away and stalk over to the bar.
"A Cosmopolitan, please," I say to Cat, who is watching me closely. I wonder if my words are slurring together.
"I think you've had enough hard alcohol for tonight, hun," she says slowly.
"No," I whine. "I want some more."
"Okay," she replies, and hands me a glass of something clear. "I ran out of cranberry juice, so this is vodka. It'll hit you just as hard."
I gulp down the drink. "I couldn't even taste the alcohol in that."
Cat nods, "I know. Come back if you want more later."
I shove my way through the crowd, half hoping to see Tai. My wish comes true as he drags me into a dance. I take one final shot and decide to forget about Tai's betrayal for tonight. He's going to regret this tomorrow.
Okay, so I started writing this chapter weeks ago, and got four pages in. That's mainly because my creative muse (i.e. - Irie) died. I think she has resurrected since today, I wrote roughly ten pages. I'm in exams now, which surprisingly means I will be writing more. I hate studying, and procrastinate it like no other, so I will use that time to write.
I hope everyone like the chapter!
TO Steve-Racer: I am so sorry about Irie's rudeness. I swear there are times that I have no idea what goes through her mind. Or if she even has one. Sorry again. Thanks for the review.
TO Angel: Sorry, I can't make it Mimato. This is the second part of a series and it has been Mimi and Joe from the start.
TO Musashibf: Too much soda indeed. Irie is the best, is she? I'll let her know that if she ever makes an appearance again. Thanks for the review.
TO digimon-Taiora: I'm back and better, thanks. I'm glad you liked the last chapter. How was this one? Thanks for reviewing.
TO Mew Yukari: Well, there was no raving chicken, but I hope you liked the chapter anyway. Here's the update! Thanks for the review!
And, that's all for now. I have no idea when or if Irie will come back. I suppose she can't stay dead forever, can she? We'll see what happens with that.
Byes for now.