I'm What?
By theladyknight
Disclaimer: Digimon is not mine!
Mrs. Ishida-to-you: I've never seen Day After Tomorrow, but it sounds really good! About your problem, guys are a mystery to us women, and they'll probably always be. It could just be a crush you'll get over soon or something else. Just maintain the friendship at least; something more could develop from it. I'm not the best person to come to for these types of things; I've got guy problems of my own! Lol!
Kat: Thanks! This chapter's long too…
Banana Flavored Eskimo: I'm glad you like it -smiles- Speaking of updating, I hope you update both your fics soon…I love them both!
SoraKoi the Water Goddess: It's been a while since I last updated. I've been busy and have had a lotta stuff going on.
Placid Snowflake: Thanks! Yeah, I would go crazy if my friends did something like that…
Crazyamzy: I hope they solve everything in 2 months too…and I hope I figure out the mystery of how to spell Phillipe/Philippe soon!
Sapphire Dragons: Thanks!
Dark Magician and Holy Mage: Nope, Sora's dad is the king. Her mom isn't royal, and the baby she's going to have will be Sora's stepsister/brother because they don't have the same father. That means, Sora's still the heir…
Sorato4eva: Scream, don't scream…whichever you prefer…I'm not too picky! Lol!
Chapter 13: Of Spilled Secrets Part 2
Monday November 4
My Room
My life is officially over…
Chicago Tribune 4 Nov.
Chicago's Own Little Royal
Chicago, IL. In news shocking the entire globe today, it was revealed sixteen year old Sora Takenouchi of Chicago is heir to the throne of Prince Phillipe's Isle. Prince Phillipe's Isle is a little known island off the cost of the Bahamas that is ruled by King Santo Ricardo Haruhiko Olivarez, more commonly known as King Haruhiko.
When did this all come about? King Olivarez was in town a few weeks ago and staying at one of the city's finer hotels. In that time, witnesses at the hotel say Princess Sora visited the man quite often, and it appears it was there that she found out she was a princess. The Chicago Tribune received a tip and picture from a doorman at the hotel.
"She was going to go into the hotel, and I stopped her, asking who she was going in to see." The doorman, Stephen Jennings, explained to the press. "And she told me she was going to be seeing her father, Haruhiko Olivarez. At first, I was in complete shock. We all at the hotel had been briefed about who King Olivarez was, but I didn't know he had a daughter. Well, I didn't want to let the opportunity pass so I grabbed a camera I happened to have with me, and took a picture with her. She was a bit confused, and I assumed King Olivarez had yet to tell her she was a princess."
If all of this sounds made up to you or at least a myth, there's more to the story. The manager of the hotel, Kara Beyer, also shared information with the press. "Oh yes, she comes to the hotel every day. Her father left a few weeks ago, but most people do not know that currently the Dowager Princess, Princess Sora's grandmother, Mariana Olivarez, resides up in our hotel. Princess Sora comes for long periods of time each day and leaves each night, taking different things with her. Once, she even left bearing a crown and a scepter. If that's not proof enough, I don't know what is."
So, how did a girl from Chicago, become heir to the throne of a country thousands of miles from here? Haruhiko Olivarez came to America about twenty years ago and met Toshiko Takenouchi at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. A close friendship immediately developed between the two. Haruhiko was pursuing a major in politics while Ms. Takenouchi was studying business. From what we're heard from close friends of the two who have chosen to remain anonymous, after drinking a bit too much at a party one night, the two slept together. Princess Sora was conceived, and the two decided they would rather stay friends than get married. King Haruhiko had promised to stay with them and raise Princess Sora, but duty called him back to Prince Phillipe's Isle.
However, the two decided as well, to keep Sora out of the spotlight because most likely King Haruhiko would get married and have other heirs. Unfortunately, it did not happen that way. King Olivarez married but his wife died five years later after a bout with a rare blood disease. They had failed to conceive a child. Things got worse for the King when it was pronounced he had testicular cancer and would have to remove the cancerous section. He is therefore unable to have children, leaving Sora Isabel Anamaría Takenouchi Olivarez as his lone heir. Article continued on page 3
Tuesday November 5
Spanish 2
So that's it. Just like that, everyone knows. Everyone in the freaking world knows I'm a princess. I wish I had never let that damn doorman take a picture with me. I wish my dad had never had cancer in the first place. I wish Mom and Dad had never met. I wish I had never been born…
Great, now I'm suicidal. Things are looking better and better.
I guess I may as well describe how yesterday was a day from hell…
At first I would have never guessed it would happen this way. It was like any other Monday. Monday's just suck in general. I had gotten dressed and eaten a quick breakfast. I waved to mom before walking out the door, towards the Yagamis. For the past few weeks, Hikari and I have been walking to school together.
"Good morning, Sora." Her mother gave me a warm smile.
"Good morning, Mrs. Yagami. How are you?"
She smiled again. "I'm pretty good. What about you?"
"I've seen better days." I answered truthfully.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Oh, here comes Hikari. And…Taichi?"
Hikari turned around. "Big brother, you're actually up?"
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know. Surprise, surprise, I'm up. Let's all make fun of Taichi. Ha ha."
"He must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed." Hikari whispered in my ear. I had to agree with her. Well, then again, I don't think Taichi's ever been a morning person. Every time I get to their apartment each morning, he's never up.
"Be happy I'm up cause I'm driving you two to school."
I laughed. "Wow, what's the occasion?"
"Bye Mom," he called, ushering Hikari and me out the door. "I didn't get a chance to continue the story I was telling you at the party."
My eyes lit up as the three of us got in the brunette's car. "Well in that case, thank you very much for waking up. So where were we?"
"Like I was saying before, Yama…damn it!" Taichi cursed. "Where the hell did all this traffic come from? Even when I'm up this early, I've never seen this many cars."
Hikari gasped. "Look! That van is from one of the television stations. And that one's from another station. And it looks like they're all heading for…the school."
I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. They couldn't be here because they know about me, right?
"Whatever the reason, it seems we're gonna find out when we get to school." Tai responded. "It's probably a good thing we left early so I'll actually be able to get a parking spot!"
"So what were you trying to tell me about Yamato, Taichi?" I asked, really wanting to hear what he had to say.
He grinned at me. "Don't be surprised if he has something to tell you in the next few days."
"About what?"
"Yamato'd kill me if he knew I told you this much. But I think you'll really like what he has to say." We, ten minutes after we left the Yagamis, arrived at school. Considering it usually takes Hikari and me ten minutes to walk there, it was a long drive.
Tai parked the car and we got out, a good block away from school. The front entrance was lined with cameramen and reporters. We approached and I thought I would lose my lunch when I saw a familiar face.
The doorman of the hotel.
"There she is!" he cried out, pointing at me.
Hikari and Taichi both looked at me. "Princess Sora! Princess Sora! Would you comment on this? How does it feel to let the world know you are a princess?"
"Princess Sora?"
I looked at my two friends with sad eyes. "Unfortunately…"
"But…how?" a dumbfounded Taichi asked as reporters began swarming us.
"My father is king of Prince Phillipe's Isle." I managed to whisper, fighting back the tears. No one was supposed to know! The crowd grew larger and I was separated from the siblings.
I saw the principal of the school walk over to us. At least he'll help me. "Excuse me! I'm Mr. Brown, principal of Abraham Lincoln High School."
"How does it feel to have royalty attending your school?"
He gave a large grin. "Wonderful! Princess Sora is such a model student." Where the hell is he getting this? He sent a letter home to my mother at the beginning of the year saying I was disruptive! "It's an honor to have her here!"
"Would you comment on that, Princess?"
"Please, let me through!" another voice yelled. "Sora, come with me. Your mother and grandmother are coming. They'll be here shortly."
I looked gratefully at Mr. Reynolds and followed closely behind him. As we made our way up to school, I saw many students being interviewed. "Yeah, Princess Sora's in my art class!" "She and I play tennis!" "We were partners on a project last year!"
Great, it seems like everybody, even the principal, is enjoying this so they can be put on TV! "Here," Mr. R. handed me a copy of the Chicago Tribune. (Not mine!) "You can read it in my classroom. I called your mom and grandmother to let them know. Needless to say, your grandmother wasn't very happy."
People in the halls were pointing and muttering as I walked by. We reached the Music Appreciation room, and Mr. R. let me sit there, collecting my thoughts while he stood watch outside.
I was still in shock when I finished reading the article. I should've known something like this was going to happen. It doesn't surprise me that the stupid doorman and idiot manager told the press. But I wonder who these friends were.
The door slammed open, and I nearly jumped at Grams's voice.
"Quien demonios haya sido el que le dijo a la prensa va a ser enterrado vivo una vez nuestros abogados lo averigüen. ¿Sora, como te sientes?" Grams was fuming. (Whoever the hell told the press is going to be buried alive once our lawyer gets wind of this. Sora, how are you feeling?)
"Todavía estoy impactada." I admitted. (I'm still in shock.)
"Well you have every right to be. That damn paparazzi." Now that's a rarity, hearing mom curse.
Mom and Grams got into a large conversation about all this and, for once, it seemed like they were actually getting along. "Lo siento Princesa." (I'm sorry, Princess.)
I looked up at Antonio's face. "Gracias Yo. Desearía que esto nunca hubiese sucedido. (Thanks, Yo. I wish this had never happened.)
"I think we all do." Mr. R. answered softly.
"Grams, what are we going to do now?" I looked at the clock. First period was midway through.
"We are going to hold our heads up high and get through this with honor and grace. You are a princess, Sora, and you're going to show them you can stand tall through things like this."
"So am I going to stay in school?"
"¡Claro que sí!" (Of course!)
"Is that a good idea?" Mom asked, voice full of concern. "No one will no how to act around her, and I'm afraid of how some of the kids will react."
Grams shook her head. "She will stay here and Antonio, I want you to accompany her. You will now carry the role of bodyguard."
"Sí." He answered, bowing.
Mr. R. put an arm around mom. "It may be hard, but Sora will get through it. Her friends will help her."
Yeah, if I have any friends left.
"Okay then, but only if you want to Sora." I slowly nodded. Everyone would think I'm weak if I refused to go to classes. "I'll call Haruhiko then and Sora; I guess you should probably get to class." Mom bent down and gave me a kiss on the forehead. "I love you, honey. We're going to get through this. Don't let what others say get to you."
"Take the back exit, Toshiko. You'll have to battle the press otherwise." Mr. R. advised.
She smiled. "Okay, goodbye, and good luck to everyone." The door shut and Mom left.
Grams stood up too. "I will take my leave as well." She paused. "Sora, our relationship hasn't always been the best, but I want you to know I'm here whenever you need me. Siempre e admirado tu fortaleza y determinación. Ahora maestra a todos porque serás la mejor reina que la isla vera. Buena suerte, nieta." (I've always admired your strength and determination. Now show everyone why you'll be the greatest Queen the island will ever see.)
Grams gave me a strong smile and left. Mr. R. looked confused, obviously not understanding Spanish. "You two will want to head to the office to get a pass. Good luck today, Sora. I know the others have all told you that, but I have a feeling it will be quite the ordeal. If you need anything or a quiet place, feel free to come in here."
"Thanks, Mr. R." I answered. "Let's go Antonio." He and I walked out the door. "I have a feeling this is going to be a big adventure."
"I agree, but we all know you can do it. What your grandmother told you back there, that's the highest form of a compliment I've ever heard from her…"
"Look, it's Princess Sora!"
"Wow that must be her bodyguard or something. She's so lucky."
Antonio and I walked through the halls to my locker after first period was over. Every single person would stop to stare at me and it was driving me crazy! When I would pass, they'd immediately start gossiping.
"I heard she's worth millions!"
"Well I heard she's engaged to Prince William! It's an arranged marriage."
Now that rumor cracked me up. Where the hell are they coming up with these things?
"Yo diría que eso es la cosa mas extraña que hayamos escuchado." I murmured to Antonio.(I'd say that's the oddest one we've heard yet.)
"Estoy de acuerdo. Pero tengo la sensación de que escucharemos mas cosas extrañas." Antonio answered. (I agree. But I have a feeling we'll have some more strange ones.) Antonio answered.
We reached my locker and I unlocked it, very thankful at this time hardly anyone knows where my locker is. However, I have a feeling once people find out; things are going to be even crazier.
I grabbed my books and headed off to second period, Antonio following close behind. Hopefully it's not like first period…
It was. All my classes were bad. Basically all of my morning classes and lunch were spent answering people's questions and signing autographs. I couldn't understand the latter. I'm not famous, I'm not a celebrity. Had none of this happened, half these people would have no idea who I am or that I attend their school.
Lunch was horrible too. I was invited to sit everywhere. I went to sit over with Mimi, Miyako, and Christine but they all moved away. I guess they're still pissed at me.
Finally I was drug to Jennifer Jones's table with her, her friends, and Jacob Richards. They spent the whole time sucking up to me and finally shut up when Jacob asked them to. He gave me a smile that appeared to be sincere, but I really wasn't too sure. I mean, he could just be trying to butter me up before he tries anything like they are.
Thankfully, the bell rang and I walked into the resource room. My eyes searched the class for Takeru, Taichi, or Yamato. Takeru and Taichi were beckoning me to come join them but everyone else stared at me. I didn't see Yamato anywhere. There was an unnerving silence as Mimi and Koushiro stepped into the room. The pink-haired girl glared at me. "Why if it isn't the Princess. I wouldn't have thought you'd want to spend time with us common people. Oh wait, maybe you're going to ignore us like you did before just to rub it in that you're better than we are."
I snapped. That comment hit me hard. "Fine, if you don't want me here, I'll just leave." I stormed out of the classroom ignoring Ms. Lewis's pleas to stay. Antonio was trailing me wherever I went, knowing not to stop me. My feet led me to the stairs to the roof.
When I reached the top of the school, the tears stared to fall. I couldn't stop them from coming down. The pressure had built up so much and finally decided to come crashing down. I was through being brave. All I wanted to do was cry, and that's what I did.
"It'll be alright, Sora." Antonio put his arm around me in a sort of fatherly embrace. "When people begin to understand, the rude comments will leave."
"It's not the snide remarks that bother me. I've heard plenty of those today. My best friend, or at least my former best friend, hates me. I know I pushed her out of my life unintentionally, but she doesn't understand everything I was going to. All I wanted to do today was explain and hopefully mend our friendship but after that comment she made…it's like I have no friends, and I'm all alone."
"You will get through this, señorita, they will come around."
I wiped a tear off my face, but more kept sliding down. "I hope so. I just need some time to think by myself."
"I understand. I'll go stand over there." He pointed to the edge of the roof where a row of flowers and plants were planted.
"Thanks Yo."
I buried my face in my arms, sitting down on the hard ground. My life just keeps getting worse! First my friends hate me, then I find out my mom is pregnant, I have to move to Prince Phillipe's Isle, and now the whole freaking world knows I'm a princess? Why can't something good happen?
I closed my eyes and the tears kept building up. Why does this all happen to me?
"Sora?" a voice questioned, and I heard the door slam shut.
"Go away!"
"Sora, please, I just want to talk to you."
I lifted my head off my arms. "Yamato, go away. I don't want to listen to another person make rude comments and make fun of me. Leave me alone!"
"What makes you think I came up here to do that?" He responded, not backing down.
I stood up. "Everyone is freaking mad at me! Everywhere I walk people point and stare and gossip behind my back. Then I have to sit through classes listening to people call me princess and ask if they have to curtsy or bow. This sucks, Yamato. This really sucks!"
"Sora, why would I make rude comments about you?" he asked in a low growl. "Damn it, do you really think I'd do that?"
"How should I know?" I spat back. "My best friend just ripped a big hole in my heart by what she said. Why wouldn't you do the same?"
"Because I want to understand your side of the story and hear it from you, not some stupid paper. Just give me a chance, Sora."
He walked over and tried to put a hand on my shoulder, but I pushed it away. "So what, then you can laugh at me after hearing what I have to say? Leave me alone, Yamato, I want to be by myself."
"It's not healthy, being alone. Your anger and sadness will eat you up and that's the last thing I want to see!"
"Like you care so much about me."
"I do."
"Excuse me?"
He walked closer to me. "I do care about you. I care one hell of a lot about you. And believe me, I'm not the only one."
"Yeah, you and all the other people you care about me because I'm a princess and sort of a celebrity."
His blue eyes narrowed. "I would never ever use you, Sora. You know me better than that. We've known each other too long and become too close of friends for that to ever happen. There are people who care about you right here in this school."
"At least I thought there were. Then my friends all decided they hated me and didn't want to be friends."
"You still have friends. You've got me, Takeru, Taichi, and Hikari if no one else. I've talked to the three of them ,and they support you, just like I do. They don't blame you for not telling them. Those three understand you couldn't tell and only want to help. Don't push us away. I know this is going to be hard for you and probably take a lot out of you, but we will all be here for you. You're going to need friends and support, and we want to give it to you. We'll be here for you, Sora, throughout everything. I will be here for you throughout everything. You have my word." He slowly wrapped his arms around me.
And this time I didn't push him away.
I buried my head in his chest and just stood there, letting him hold me, tears still coming. I felt safe in his arms, away from all my troubles, finally feeling like someone other than my family understood me.
Quite some time later, I pulled away, my tears finally gone. "I'm sorry, Yamato. I was being a stubborn idiot."
"It happens to the best of us. You wouldn't be human if it didn't." he replied, gently stroking my hair. The blond smiled, motioning for me to sit down and then followed as well. There was a moment of silence. "Do you wanna tell me about it?"
"You read the paper, didn't you?" He nodded. "Most of it's in there."
"That's not what I meant. I want to hear what you have to say and what's going on in here." The blond pointed to my heart.
I paused, collecting my thoughts. "It's terrible. No one was supposed to find out. They were going to announce it at the Isle's 500th birthday party on New Year's Eve but then that damn doorman…but then again, it's my fault."
"Don't say that! You didn't know you were a princess from what the paper said. You found out later. Don't blame yourself."
"But everyone's pissed off at me!" I responded. "I've heard all sorts of comments and rumors with Mimi's being the most vicious."
Yamato put a hand over mine. "She would understand if you talk to her and explain everything that's been going on in your life to her, like you told me yesterday. Well, except for the stuff you want to keep quiet. If she doesn't understand then, well, it's her loss, losing you from her life." He looked at me. "Sor, were you going to tell me your dad is king last night?"
I nodded meekly. "You've been there for me through everything, Yama. You've become one of my best friends in a period of a month! I can't believe I doubted you…"
"Hey, don't worry about it. You're under a lot of stress as it is, this whole princess thing being out in the open only adds to it. If I had been in your spot, I probably would have done the same thing."
I paused. "Maybe. But thank you Yamato. Thanks for just being here, listening to me, and putting up with me…"
"It's no problem." He smiled. "Now we should probably be heading back to class."
"How'd you know I was up here?"
"I was in the guidance counselor's office during lunch and just coming back when I saw you leave the classroom. Well, I was still signed out so Ms. Lewis assumes I am currently in counselor's office. I just followed you guys up here."
"I see. Well, Yama…thank you. You've been here every time I've needed you."
He grinned and the next thing I knew his lips were brushing mine. It was a brief, soft kiss and I looked up at him expectantly when he pulled away. "You're very welcome, Princess."
The blond stood up and offered me his hand. "One thing, Yamato…" he raised an eyebrow. "Please don't call me Princess. I'm really sick of it. Especially because he always calls me that." I motioned to Antonio with my hand.
The Latino man rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, Princesa." He turned to Yamato. "Thank you for making her realize she still has friends and is cared about."
"Why didn't you interrupt us when we started yelling?" I asked curiously.
He grinned again. "Because I could tell he was getting to you and breaking through your stubbornness."
I stuck my tongue out at him, smiling for the first time in a while. "You two haven't been introduced. Yamato, this is Antonio, my dad's driver and now he's my…bodyguard. Dude, Yo, I can't believe Grams called you that."
"You're telling me. It's not like I want to be called a bodyguard. It wasn't in the job description, following a moody young teen around all day." He joked.
"Well I have to put up with you, so it's not looking much better for me." I answered, teasing him as well. "And Antonio, or Yo as I call him, this is Yamato, one of my very close friends."
"Mucho gusto, Antonio." Yamato said, sticking out his hand. (It's a pleasure to meet you.)
"Igualmente." (Likewise.) Antonio responded, shaking Yamato's hand before facing me. "It seems he knows how to call a person by their proper name. I like this guy." He turned back to Yama. "I'm glad you pulled Princesa Sora out of her funk. I think Prince Phillipe's Isle will be getting a very wise and kind King in the near distant future…"
"Excuse me?" Yamato injected. "What did you say?"
Antonio smiled brightly and began whistling. "You two heard me. I think it's about time to head back down."
He headed over to the door leaving Yamato andme alone. "He's an…interesting guy."
"You have no idea." I replied as we began walking to the door. "I didn't know you knew Spanish, Yamato."
He grinned again. "I've been taking it since freshman year. I always thought it might come in handy. I guess this was the time…"
A/N: Please review! Sora's problems appear to be turning around…maybe…hope this didn't turn out too much like the movie version; I did my best to avoid it! Sorry it took me so long to update too. But to anyone who reads "Artistic Differences", I'm 3/4 the way done with the next chapter, so expect it soon! Have a happy 2005!