"Did I scare you?" I heard my mom ask from behind me.

My heart, which had tried its best to claw its way out of my throat, started beating again. "No," I squeaked.

"Good," she said. "I came back because I forgot to say good-bye."

I nodded. "Ok." I turned around to give her a hug, but froze in mid-turn.

Where my mother's face should have been, there was nothing but smooth skin. No eyes, mouth, anything that would have resembled a human face.

My eyes widened. "Mom?..."

Suddenly, her face began to crumble into dust. I tried to grab her, but as soon as I touched her, her whole body collapsed into powder.

I fell to my knees in front of the pile of dirt that used to be my mother. "No," I whispered, a tear falling from my face.

"Nooooooooooooooo!"

"Mom!" I gasped as I sat up in bed. Panting, I looked around. I put my hand over my forehead and lay back down. I stared up at the ceiling.

It's been 6 years since she died in that fire. Why do I still have dreams of her like that? I can't even remember her face when I'm awake.

I sighed as I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. I guess living alone is starting to get to me.

I brushed my teeth and hair, then shuffled into to kitchen. I glanced at the clock as I passed by and continued on my way.

Small hand between the 7 and 8, big hand on the 9…Wait a minute…

I stood still for a second while I finished processing that information. Not being the brightest person around, it took me a few seconds.

"Oh crap! I'm gonna be late!"

I ran into my room, grabbed some clothes out of the closet, and slipped into them as if I'd been greased. Hopping around while I put my shoes on, I managed to get my backpack on my arm. I almost fell on the way to the kitchen, but I was able to keep from losing my balance completely. I practically threw a sandwich together, snatched a drink from the fridge, then ran out of my apartment, backpack on my shoulders, soda in hand, and sandwich in mouth.

Man, why didn't I set my alarm clock? Stupid, stupid, stupid! Iryoku could have at least called and woken me up. I frowned as I continued my trek to school. I just hope I get there on time.

"Huff…huff…guess I made it," I said to myself as I walked into the school courtyard.

"Gee, you're really on time, Ryuk," I heard a girl say behind me as slender arms gave me a hug.

I smiled. "Well, I can't get here late every day, now can I?" I turned around and returned the hug. "Nice to see you, Aiyoku."

"Hey, Ryuk! Good to see you on time!" somebody called from my left.

I turned my head in the direction of the voice and waved. "How's it goin, Iryoku?"

I gave my best friend a high-five as he walked over. "Pretty good, I guess," he replied. "So, did you wake up on time?"

My eye twitched. "I would have if you had called me."

He sweat-dropped and chuckled. "Well, I kinda got up late, too."

"Hmmmm. Ok. I'll let you live," I joked.

Suddenly, Aiyoku pulled out of my arms. Confused, I looked at where she had gone. When I saw where she was, I sighed.

She was giving her boyfriend, Gekitsuu, a hug, and then some. I looked away as their lips met.

Just as I can't get over my mom's death, why can't I get over my feelings for her? I clenched my fist. When will I ever be able to tell her how I feel?

"Yo, Ryuk, you ok?" Iryoku clapped me on the shoulder, breaking me from my trance.

"Huh?" I looked up and relaxed my hand. "Oh, umm, yea, I'm alright. Just flexing my hand. Shouldn't we be getting to class now?" I asked as the bell rang.

"I guess. Come on, let's go."

"See ya, Aiyoku," I whispered as I turned to go to my class.

Ryuk: Why do I have to suffer the heart ache?

Me: It'll be important to the story later on.

Ryuk: Ok, but it better be worth it.

Iryoku: Don't worry, Ryuk. It'll get better...I think...

Aiyoku: I hope so. By the way, Ryuk, what happened earlier? You seemed upset.

Ryuk and Me: Nothing!

Me: Anyway, here are the bios for the main characters:

Ryuk:

Age: 16

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 125

Eye Color: Black

Hair Color: Black

Iryoku:

Age: 16

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 130

Eye Color: Green

Hair Color: Brown

Aiyoku:

Age: 17

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 120

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Blue

Me: I might change them later to list their personality types, hobbies, and all of that other good stuff. If you are waiting for the action, please be patient. It will come soon.