Look at my story information page, please.
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Selphie went to school with Rinoa. Julia was surprised to see Selphie when they came downstairs. They got to school ten minutes early so the two hung out by the ledge above the lockers. Selphie bombarded Rinoa with more questions about Squall. Rinoa took the subject in a new direction to a dream she had last night. "It wasn't much really," she told her friend. "Basically I just kissed him. That's about it."
"Fantasies can become reality if you want them to," Selphie said with a smile.
"That was just a dream, not a fantasy."
"Oh whatever." They both giggled. Quistis joined them five minutes later and Selphie filled her in on Rinoa's dream.
"Hey," Quistis said, "it could happen."
"Yeah right," Rinoa said.
"Why not? You're pretty, you're nice, and you've got a great personality. Why couldn't it happen?"
Rinoa was surprised by this remark. "You really think that?"
"Of course I do. There's nothing wrong with either of you."
"Well... thanks."
"No need to thank me. I'm just pointing out the obvious. I'm going to class early, I have to ask the teacher something, see you girls later."
"Bye," they both answered.
"That was unexpected," Selphie said.
Rinoa agreed, "Yeah. I wish I would've said something nicer to her but I didn't know what to say." When the bell rang and they headed for class, the two noticed a cheap, construction paper posters being put up about the dance. It was coming up in a few days. "Friday night from six to nine," Rinoa read. "Shouldn't they have put them up earlier?"
Selphie gave a shrug and said, "Probably but you know our school... You going to go?"
"No, I don't think so. Squall asked me if I was going and I said no. I'd rather not sit around and watch a bunch of popular people make-out."
"Me either. Maybe I'll go to that girl Edea's house. I certainly don't plan on staying home."
During class Rinoa wondered if Squall was going go to the dance. He was probably going with Quistis. It would hurt too much to sit there and watch that. She decided she'd go with Selphie to Edea's house. It'd be fun and not-so depressing. If she went to the dance and saw Quistis with Squall, there's a good chance Rinoa would cry. She might get teased or something then, that'd be even worse. Her whole weekend would probably be ruined after that. It was all too much for her to handle so when Quistis asked Rinoa if she was going, she had her answer. "What do you mean 'no'?" Quistis asked.
"I told Selphie I'd go with her to Edea's," she said. Selphie just backed Rinoa up by nodding in agreement.
"Oh I think you'll change your mind."
"I think I wont. My mind's made up."
Quistis shrugged as she said, "Where are we sitting at lunch? Are we sitting at Squall's table again?"
Rinoa looked at Selphie and Selphie said, "I don't care. That's fine with me." Quistis sat by Squall when lunch came time came around. Zell was pretty mad that she had taken his usual spot. He argued with her a long time about it but she ended up winning. Selphie gave Quistis 'the evil eye' though it did no good because Quistis wasn't paying attention. All Rinoa could do was stare at the table. The chattering noise of other students was nothing compared to the taunting loudness of Quistis trying to hold a conversation with Squall. A sick feeling came over Rinoa while her stomach churned. She felt dizzy because everything seemed to be spinning. It was impossible for her to handle sitting there any longer.
"Excuse me," she mumbled before scurrying off. After the plastic tray was out of her hands, she escaped into the bathroom. She found it very difficult to suppress her tears. Too many emotions were running through her at once. But what was she so upset about? Hadn't she been expecting this? She thought she had but apparently she hadn't prepared herself for it. This is what happens when she has any hope for something good to come. It seemed she would forever be tortured to watch Quistis flirt with Squall. Rinoa would kill herself before she let herself go through that pain. There was a knock on the stall and a voice rang out, "Are you okay, Rinoa?"
"Yeah," she mumbled. "I'm fine. Why does she always do that to me, Selphie?"
"I don't know. She needs to be slapped or something... Want me to hit her?"
"No. I just want her to stop. I guess it doesn't really matter though. Want to go to class early with me?"
"Sure. Come on. I have to go to my locker first."
"Me too." Rinoa came out of the confinement of the stall and followed Selphie to her locker, keeping her head down the whole time. If she looked up, there was a chance she would see Quistis and Squall together. It made her nervous to think about that. After visiting Selphie's locker, they made a stop at Rinoa's before going off to class. Quistis came in happier than ever when the bell rang. It angered Rinoa to see that too but what did she expect? Quistis sat in the desk in front of Rinoa and turned around to face her.
"You're going to come over Friday after school for a while," she said.
"I'll be busy," Rinoa told her. "I'm going somewhere with Selphie."
"Well you can cancel it and come to my house. You'll thank me later." She turned back to the front of the class as the teacher began to speak. Cancel her plans with Selphie? How dare she try to run Rinoa's life! Who did she think she was? All Rinoa could do was clench a fist under her desk and bite her tongue. Quistis was going to get an earful at the end of the day. There was no way Rinoa could concentrate on anything because she was overtaken by anger. The last hour of the day was long because she was anxious to get to Quistis. However, the "perfect opportunity" for Rinoa to vent her feelings on Quistis didn't come. The troublemaker was nowhere to be found. Anger followed Rinoa out of school and back to her house. It was a difficult task not to take the bothersome emotion out on anyone else. The job of verbal punching bag was reserved for Quistis.
"Are you okay, Rinoa?" Julia asked during dinner.
"I'm just fine," Rinoa answered without even trying to force a smile. There would be no use in it because it would be too easy to see past. She wasn't in the mood for fake smiles anyway. It'd be different if she were sad though. Anytime she was sad she could easily hide it from her mom because her concealing smile was award winning. She'd be the richest movie star if that were all you had to do. But it was impossible for her to plaster a smile on her face when she was this angry.
"Don't lie to your mother," Caraway grumbled.
"I'm not lying dad! I just had a bad day and I don't feel like talking about it."
Julia said, "That's fine dear. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Since you're in a bad mood, I'll leave alone."
"Sorry mom, sorry dad."
"You don't have to apologize. Everyone has a bad day once in a while. When you're done eating go take a little walk, maybe you'll feel better."
Rinoa picked at her dinner for a little while longer before dumping it in the garbage. Taking her mom's advice, she went out the door for a walk. It was a little chilly outside but she didn't feel like going back to get her jacket. She tried to keep her mind blank as she walked but that proved to be an extremely difficult task. The only thing she could think about was Squall Leonhart. She'd even dreamed about him now and then. It was almost as though she was obsessed which worried her. if he ever found out there's no doubt in her mind that he would hate her, be extremely disgusted, and never talk to her again. Most people obsessed with another person stalked them, built a shrine, and stole some of the person's things- like a comb they used. She didn't do anything of that nature but maybe that was just because she didn't know where he lived. Soon she was too preoccupied worrying about whether or not she was obsessed with Squall that she forgot she was angry at Quistis. By time she came home, she was no longer mad but concerned instead. She was so bothered by this it made her upset and she fled to her room before bursting into tears. There was obviously no chance for her to be with Squall. If she could kiss him- just once- she'd be happy with that. Even if he spit on the ground in disgust, she would be happy. Her "wishful" thinking plagued her dreams.
Rinoa was nearly late for school because she was still upset. Julia drove her there in time and gave her some money to get a little something for breakfast. Money in hand with her backpack slung over her shoulder, Rinoa stood in line for the ala Carte. Four people were ahead of her and the first person was taking forever to get their stuff. She would be late for class if they didn't hurry up. Suddenly her body became tense because there was a presence behind her. She could always tell when someone was trying to sneak up on her. "Hey Rinoa," Squall's voice rang out. She'd recognize his voice anywhere. "I've got a question for you."
"Okay, what?" she said as she turned to look at him.
"Do you, uh... Do you want to go to the dance tomorrow night with me? I can just meet you there or I can pick you up somehow. Whatever you want to do is fine."
She was stunned. This was not what she'd expected at all. "You want me to go to the dance with you?"
"Yeah but if you don't want to, that's okay too."
"No, no. I'll go I'm just surprised you asked me. That's something I never thought you'd do."
"Why?" She just shook her head at this question. She ended up being late for class but it didn't matter anymore. Squall Leonhart had asked her to go to the dance with him. There was nothing that could bring her down. Immediately when she saw Selphie in the hallway, she informed her on the good news. Selphie squealed with happiness for her friend. This was a big deal- this was a once in a lifetime thing almost. It felt that way to Rinoa anyway.
"I have to go now," said Selphie. "I have to see you two together. I bet it'll be cute. We can go to Edea's on Saturday instead if you want."
"Okay that's fine. Do you want to spend the night at my house on Friday then?"
"I got to ask my mom but I'm sure it'll be okay. Do you think he'll ask you out after the dance?"
"I doubt it. Knowing my luck it'll all be a trick and if that happens, I'll never come to school again."
"That wont happen," Selphie tried to reassure her friend. "There's nothing to worry about."
During lunch, Rinoa knew she'd be uncomfortable and embarrassed sitting by Squall so she didn't. Instead she stayed at the table they used to sit at with Selphie. Selphie understood Rinoa's reasons for doing so and stuck by her dear friend. Because they were so hyper from the good news, they giggled about every little thing. Selphie got a kick out of the nutrition facts on her milk carton. If everyday could be that way they'd never have anything to worry about, to cry over, get angry or fight over. Rinoa raced Selphie to the bathroom once they had dumped their trays. They both laughed when Rinoa almost tripped on the stairs. By the time their fifth hour class was over, however, they had calmed down. Rinoa avoided Squall the rest of the day. She was afraid she'd act like an idiot if she were around him.
The door slammed shut behind her as she came into the entryway of her house. "Mom," she called. "I got something to tell you!"
Julia followed her daughter's voice saying, "What dear?"
"I'm going to the dance tomorrow and Quistis wants me to come over after school before the dance starts."
"That's fine. What made you change your mind?"
"Squall Leonhart asked me if I would go with him." She spoke his name with such enthusiasm that it was almost as though he was a celebrity.
"Leonhart? ... Is that the Dinchts's adopted son?"
"Well that's his foster home. I don't think they adopted him. But yeah, that's who I'm going with. Is there any dresses I can wear?"
"I don't have any but my formal ones," Julia said. "They are all too big for you anyway. I bet Quistis will have some."
"Yeah, she probably would. Thanks mom," she called before running to her room. She spent the next day trying not to act too anxious during school. Quistis had Rinoa and Selphie sit at different table from Squall with her. Quistis told them about some of the ideas that she had for Rinoa.
"The colors I'm thinking for you," she said in between chews, "is maybe a dark blue, or pink, or white. We'll see which one looks best on you when you come over. I didn't want Squall to hear my plans for you so that's why we're sitting here. Anyway, we can put make-up on according to the colors you wear. I have shoes to match too."
Selphie said, "Don't you think you're making TOO big of a deal out of this?"
"No. This is a big deal! She's got a date to the dance. It IS a big deal because it's important."
"Okay. I guess I'll quit interfering then." Selphie picked her tray up and walked off. Rinoa wanted to go after her but Quistis held her back.
"Don't worry about Selphie," she said. "She'll be fine. Let's focus on what we're going to do. Since the dance is tonight, I want you to not talk to Squall as much. Tease him a little."
"Tease him?" Rinoa asked.
"Yeah. Don't really spend any time with him until the dance." Rinoa just nodded. She never realized getting ready for a dance was so complicated. Throughout the day though, she followed the instructions given by Quistis. At the end of the school day, Quistis's father picked up Quistis and Rinoa. "We have to get started right away," Quistis said once they were in her room. "We only have three hours to do this."
"Is it really going to take THAT long?"
"It might. Let's see what I have in my closet." Rinoa took a seat on Quistis's giant pink bed while Quistis went through the closet. Numerous dresses were thrown out onto the floor. None of the dresses looked familiar so it was apparent to Rinoa that Quistis had never worn them before. "These are all new," Quistis sighed as she came out of the closet. "Let's see... I think we'll give you a low-cut dress."
"Low cut?"
"Don't worry, it's not that bad. We'll give you a nice, nonformal one too. Which color would you like to try?"
"What colors do you have?"
"You name it, I probably got it."
"Well, why don't YOU just pick something? I don't know what I'm doing anyway." Rinoa tried on all the different colors and designs of the dresses Quistis owned before they made a choice. Their selection was a medium pink dress with spaghetti-straps that stopped a few inches above Rinoa's knees. It wasn't anything formal looking really but it was nice. Quistis out matching make-up on Rinoa's face. She didn't want anything done with her hair so Quistis left it alone. Once Quistis fixed herself up, they were ready to go.
They were taken to the dance and before they went inside, Quistis said, "You should be happy I was able to get him to do this." Rinoa didn't know what to say about this remark. She just blankly followed her friend through the doors. Other students stood in line with their money, waiting to get in. There were a few other girls somewhat dressed up too so Rinoa felt more comfortable. After handing their money over, Rinoa and Quistis walked into the gym. It was dark inside despite the colored lights in the corners of the room. A small set of bleachers was set up near the doors. Some people had already found a place on it. The DJ had music blasting out of the giant speakers so loud it made Rinoa wonder if she would go deaf. It definitely seemed like a possibility. Quistis yelled over the noise, "There he is! Get going girl!" Squall made his way toward Rinoa as Quistis walked off. She was still trying to figure out what the comment Quistis had made earlier meant. She needed to get away from everything so she could think. Dodging Squall, she fled the room and hid out in the hallway. Had Quistis FORCED Squall into doing this? Was this some weird attempt for one of them to get closer to the other? Did Squall like Quistis? Nausea hit her stomach hard and her heart seemed to ram against her ribs. This is what happens when she gets her hopes up.
Footsteps approached and Squall knelt down by her. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"Not really," she said. "If you wanted to be with Quistis, why didn't you just go with her? I would've preferred not to have been dragged into this, thank you."
"What are you talking about?"
"She obviously forced you into this and I'm assuming you went along with it so you could get her to do some type of favor for you. It hurts when someone who's supposed to be your friend messes around with someone you like. I'm sick of putting up with it."
"Rinoa, I swear to you I have no interest in Quistis. She offered me the idea of taking you to the dance because she knows I like you."
"You do?" He nodded. She said, "Why?"
"Because you're pretty, nice, you care about people and I can talk to you without feeling uncomfortable," he told her. "Come on now. I want to have SOME fun here. We can just sit out here if that's what you want. As long as you're not mad at me, I don't care."
"I'm not mad at you. We can go sit on the bleachers if you want. I'm sure Quistis would yell at me if she saw me sitting on the floor in her dress." Squall helped her up and they walked back into the gym. They found somewhere to sit and had to yell whenever they talked to each other. When a slow song came up they were both hesitant to drag the other out on the floor. Their problem was solved, however, after Quistis told them to get out there. Squall put his arms around Rinoa as she put her head on his shoulder.
"Did I tell you that you look nice yet?" he asked.
She said, "No."
"Well you do. Just thought you should know that. You don't have a boyfriend, right?"
"No I don't."
"Good. Maybe I have a chance then."
After the slow dance was over, they sat down on the bleachers. Quistis asked her friend why she wasn't dancing. "I'm not a good dancer," Rinoa said. "Slow dancing is easy." Quistis went out there by herself but didn't seem to mind. Selphie came running in a few minutes later, asking what she'd missed. "Not a whole lot," Rinoa told her.
Selphie asked, "Did you two dance already?"
"Yeah."
"Awww. Can you do it again?"
"Maybe." Selphie sat with them until they got up for another slow dance. The flash of Selphie's camera surprised them. "You're making too big of a deal out of this," Rinoa said.
Selphie shrugged and responded, "I think you two look cute together. Is that so wrong?" For the rest of the time, the three of them hung out in the cafeteria. Quistis came by every now and then but mainly stayed in the gym with everyone else. Selphie left earlier than they did. They waited until the dance was completely over before leaving. Quistis offered Squall a ride home.
"That's okay," he said. "I don't live very far from here so I can just walk. Thanks anyway though. Bye, Rinoa."
Rinoa said, "Bye." She stared out the window as she was taken home.
Before Rinoa got out, Quistis said, "I'm sorry, Rinoa, for being so mean to you. That's why I set this up for you. I knew you two liked each other so I thought I'd help you out. I hope that makes up for it." Rinoa hugged Quistis and thanked her. Quistis really DID care about her friends. She didn't know how much Rinoa appreciated the apology.