I'm What?
By theladyknight
Disclaimer: Digimon is not mine!
A/N: I need more spare time! Lol! Hopefully, I'll have "Artistic Differences" up by next weekend. I've got two soccer games this week, prom decorating stuff, pit orchestra for our musical, solo-ensemble contest for band, and my favorite…the ACT tests on Saturday. Could be worse, I guess. Please review!
Yamatoishida27: After the first chapter…
Cherryblossom Sky: Turkey loaf is something my grandma makes…
Crazyamzy: It's kinda like Sora's in "To the Highest Bidder", but I so didn't plan it that way! It's black with beads on the top, then goes to silky black, then at the bottom turns to this grayish silver. It's got spaghetti straps too, and wasn't very expensive, thankfully! Lol!
Twilight: They won't be like that forever…
Inconnu: You'll find out…eventually…
Sapphire Dragons: Maybe…were you reviewing by your name or just anonymous or something?
And thanks to: sorato-takari, Kuroi Black Nightingale Mrs. Ishida-to-you, Ballet Kitty, KoumiLoccness, and Dark Magician and Holy Mage.
Dedication: My Name is R.C.: Thanks for the translations back in Chapter 13, chica! I never properly thanked you!
Chapter 16: Of Compromises and Dancing
Sunday November 30
Kitchen—Officially 21 more days till I leave for PPI…
I can't believe it. It seems as if my final days here in Chicago are coming to an end. The countdown is on; I'm still in shock I have to move there.
Dad called last night to check up on the "Grams situation". He's still not very happy we haven't resolved it and is absolutely livid with Mom for the whole throwing potatoes thing.
"Sora, you must make amends with her."
"Papá she won't even listen to me. Grams is so stubborn. She doesn't believe anyone is right if they have a different opinion than she does."
He sighed, and an image of him raking a hand through his hair in frustration embedded itself in my mind. "Just try, honey, just try. I would hate for the two of you to argue all the time when you get here."
"Um…actually, I wanted to talk to you about that."
"Sora…"
I've got to make this worthwhile. "You guys are asking me to pack up and move to Prince Phillipe's Isle when everything I know is here. Can't I just stay here and finish up school in the US? I'll be learning a lot, getting a very high education. Besides, there are so many people here that I don't want to leave this early, particularly Mom and my friends who have stuck by me through this whole thing. It's going to be so hard to adapt."
"But the only way you'll learn about the land and government properly is to be here. Sora, I will step down from the throne, passing the crown onto you when I turn fifty."
"That's a long time from now…"
"It's only twelve years. Time goes by quickly."
Only twelve years? That means I inherit the title of Queen at the age of twenty-eight! Will I have to be married by then? I had to ask.
"It is my hope, yes, you will be married."
"Papà, please don't say it'll be an arranged marriage."
"Sora, you have my word—I will never force you to marry for any reason other than love. I cannot dictate who you fall in love with. You should be able to decide. Your grandmother tried to get me to and…"
I rolled my eyes. "So you also believe Grams is stubborn?"
"That's beside the point. Look, apologize to your abuelita. Make amends. I will consider what you asked me."
There's a definite no.
"Please don't just consider. Think about how you would feel if you were in my position."
"Goodbye, hija, I must get to a meeting."
"Yeah, bye." I answered half-heartedly.
What a great way to end my day. I really wish I didn't have to do any of this. Now I'm feeling depressed…
Tuesday December 2
My Room—Officially 19 more days till I leave for PPI…
Today was the single weirdest day I've ever had since finding out I was a princess. Things were normal at school for the first half of the day.
Classes were dull, as usual, and I was really looking forward to being in the Resource Room so I could see Yamato. We hadn't told anyone about our relationship status. Taichi has such a huge mouth that soon the school would know and then the media and then my dad…yeah, it'll be better to NOT tell anyone.
I walked into the room, settling myself in the chair next to the blond. "Hey,"
"Hey yourself. What's up?"
"Nothing much; I've got an English quiz this afternoon."
He chuckled. "That sounds like a blast."
We talked casually between ourselves, but I stopped as Mimi and Koushiro walked in. She didn't say anything scathing to me like she quite often did. Instead, my pink-haired former friend said nothing at all. Maybe the song I played before break had some effect. Who knows?
Yamato and I continued our conversation, and I invited him over to watch a movie Friday night. We do a lot of movie watching at one of our apartments. It's just easier than going out in public. But I guess I will someday—most likely soon—be forced to make an appearance in the open. I can wait for that day; it doesn't have to come anytime soon.
Suddenly, the phone ringing interrupted my thoughts and our conversation. "Sora, you're supposed to leave for your doctor's appointment."
"Doctor's appointment?" Antonio and I asked at the same time.
"Yes, your mom's waiting for you."
The Latino man and I exchanged a look. Since when did I have a doctor's appointment and Mom have free time during the day?
"Okay," I stood up, gathering my books and telling my friends goodbye.
"Something is up, Princesa."
"You're telling me," I replied as we first went to my locker, dumping off my collection of books before heading to the main office to sign out. Walking out the door, our mouths both dropped. "What are you doing here?"
"I do not appreciate that tone of voice, young lady." Grams was still as snooty as ever. I guess cleaning the mashed potatoes out of her hair didn't make a difference. "Antonio, get the limo!"
He nodded, bowing down, and jetting off as fast as he could. I didn't blame him for not wanting to be around her.
I stared her down. "Why did you pull me out of school? I thought you weren't talking to me? And how'd you get here?"
She said nothing so I continued to stare at her, my hope being that she'd get so annoyed and talk to me in frustration. It didn't work the way I hoped it would. The limo pulled up, "Get in."
"Grams, I have a test soon."
"You can make it up. Get in the car."
I glared at her, but, sadly, my resolve failed. I drug my body into the car, and in one fluid motion, Grams followed, shutting the door behind her.
"Drive us around the city, Antonio."
He nodded again, driving away and wisely shut the screen that divided the two halves of the limo. I didn't blame him. He'd still hear us—most likely—screaming, but should one of us rip the other's head off, he wouldn't be able to see it.
"Why did you get me out of class? How did you get here? I thought you weren't speaking to me."
"I took a taxi here after receiving a call from your father. He insists we reconcile our differences immediately. So, I am willing to accept a simple apology on your part and forget the whole thing."
She. Wants. Me. To. Apologize?
"If anyone owes an apology, it's you Grams. You lied to me and are purposely going out of your way to make everything in my life a living hell!"
"Do not take that tone…"
"Shut up!" I yelled back at her. "Do you ever think about anything but royalty and appearance? There's more to life than that! I have to give up everything important to me in the next month, and all you can say to it is that my dress for the gala had better be a pastel color." I cited an old argument we'd had.
She was silent, apparently unable to think of a flashy comeback.
"It's good to hear you're finally listening to me. Grams, I'm willing to work through these differences of ours civilly and forget this crap ever happened, but it's going to take both of us. Are you wanting to compromise for the good of the Isle, Papà and our relationship as grandmother and granddaughter?"
Where the hell am I getting this? It's like…out of nowhere I got the courage and inspiration to preach my mind and take control of things. Maybe I do have the oratory skills to help me be a good queen.
She looked a bit shocked to hear me so brash and bold. Grams was sitting there still, and I could tell my words got through. Loud and clear.
"I'm open to hear what you have to say," she murmured, finally regaining the ability to speak.
"Number one; don't make decisions about my life for me. You aren't me; you don't always know what I need. I'll hear your opinions regarding the subject, but I want to make my own decisions."
Her lips pursed up, reminding me way too much of someone who'd just eaten a lemon. She sighed. "Granted,"
Well, one down. "I want you and Papá to consider letting me stay here through at least high school."
The woman glared at me. "I don't believe that is a good idea at all, Sora."
"Just think about it, that's all I'm asking."
Grams had nothing to say for a few minutes. I nervously tapped my foot, anticipating her answer, really praying it was what I wanted to hear. She took a few deep breaths. I bit my lip, hungry for her reply. Finally: "I will think about it, but do not expect the answer you are awaiting. Do you have any other demands?"
The comment was meant to mock me, and I just plain ignored it. I wasn't going to stoop to her level. "I want a few of my close friends to be allowed to come to Prince Phillipe's Isle with me for the celebration. If I must stay there, I want a proper farewell with those closest to me."
"I suppose that wish could be acceptable as long as you do not overdo the number of people you choose to invite."
"Thank you, Grams. Do you have anything you want of me?"
She nodded, which, of course, I knew was coming. "You must continue on with your lessons, starting immediately, after school. Sora, there is so much left for you to learn and missing all those days impeded your knowledge greatly. I will not have you make a fool of the family name when you are introduced because you do not display proper etiquette. Also, you must schedule a few more interviews, opening your persona to the world…"
"I'm willing to try as long as you don't put words in my mouth again…"
I could tell Grams was having a hard time accepting what I'd said. "I suppose so. Antonio, take her back to school…"
I managed to get back with just enough time to cram for the test. After school was my first lessons with Grams in quite some time. She and I were formally civil, and thankfully, no arguments broke out.
At least one problem is resolved…
Friday December 5
My Room—Officially 16 more days till I leave for PPI…
"Wow, you could fit like twenty of our school into here!"
Hikari chuckled at her brother's comment. "I never thought I'd ever enter a ballroom. It seems like something out of a fairy tale."
"If you believe this is large, you will be amazed at the one inside the castle." Antonio answered.
"As long as the kitchen and dining rooms are that large, I will be very happy."
Guess who said that.
Taichi, Yama, Takeru, Hikari, Antonio, and I all entered the large dancing room, walking to my lesson with Grams. Actually, it was our lesson with her.
Yesterday, she told me that I'd be learning the proper way to dance, as it'd be an important part of the celebration. "Your friends attending the ball must all come as well. I will not have them being the laughing stock…"
Same old arrogant witch.
So there we were. Antonio had driven us all there after school. It was this huge ancient place, the same one Mom and Mr. R. had gone dancing at the night of the blizzard. But I've got a strong feeling the type of dancing they did is a bit different than what we must learn.
"There you are! You are five minutes late!"
Antonio took over, keeping me from biting back with a sarcastic comment. "There was horrible traffic." He turned to me. "Princesa Sora, presentarle a tu amigos." (Introduce your friends.)
"Oh yes…Grams, these are my four closest friends: Taichi and Hikari Yagami and Yamato and Takeru Ishida."
Grams nodded to each. "It's a pleasure to meet you," Hikari kindly greeted.
"Lesson number one, when greeting a royal, a curtsy is expected."
Hikari looked at her in shock. "I…I'm sorry," the girl answered, this time bending down to curtsy.
Grams appeared ready to indignantly protest against something or other, but I took the chance to stop her. "Are we ready to begin?"
"Of course," Apparently I distracted her, "Everyone get with your partner."
We stood there, looking from face to face. Antonio took the chance to escape, obviously knowing what was going on.
"Partners!" Grams cried. "Get with your dance partner."
"Dance partner?" A very confused Taichi questioned.
She gave him a menacing glare that would've made any grown man cry. "Lesson two; do not question the things one of royalty tells you! Follow proper etiquette."
I moved towards Yamato and saw him smiling at me, very relieved he hadn't been the one to question her. "Be my partner?"
"Did you have to ask?"
Taichi looked around as Takeru and Hikari stood together. "What about me?"
"You will be my partner?"
The brunette couldn't hide the fear in his eyes. "Yo…your partner?"
"Did you not just hear what I said to you?"
He gulped. "Yes, ma'am." Taichi bowed for effect, not knowing he was saving his sorry ass from further chastising by doing so.
"Approach your partner. Gentlemen, put your arm around the lady's waist. Ladies, place your hand on his shoulder daintily. Touch lightly; do not grab or squeeze, it is not lady-like. Now both of you should interlock your free hand together. Sora! Do not intertwine your fingers with his."
My hand had done just that, and rolling my eyes, I changed my hand's position. Yamato grinned at me when she turned her back, and I fought the urge to laugh. Grams moved back to Taichi, using him as the example, demonstrating this "perfect posture" Yama and I couldn't achieve. Taichi looked very uncomfortable. Fear had completely taken over him. But who could blame him? I wouldn't wish anyone get stuck with that crazy bat.
"You boy! Fix your grip."
Yamato snickered as he pulled me closer to him, following the most recent instructions Grams gave us. "I feel a bit sorry for Tai."
"Better he than you." I answered.
The blond gave me an irresistible grin. "I'm glad you think so because I would much rather dance with you any day."
Grams walked by, perfecting each group's stances. "Move closer," she hissed at the blond and me. "You are not close enough. This type of dancing requires close body movement." She moved over to Takeru and Hikari, and Yama winked at me. "I think I'm going to like this dancing thing…"
"One two three! One two three…one two three…one two three. Gentlemen! Lead your partners. The ladies are supposed to be submissive!" Okay, that really didn't sound right.
We'd been at this for two hours. It hadn't been as bad as I imagined it would be. Yama and I weren't horrible at it. We were far from being experts but definitely had more luck than the two youngest.
Takeru was supposed to lead, but Kari always wanted to. The result: both of them would probably go home and soak their sore feet.
Taichi and Grams were a completely different story. The traditional role of male leading had gone out the window from the very start. Grams was in control, dragging Tai from one spot to another.
Antonio reentered the room, pausing to stop the music Grams had started a long time back. "You have an urgent phone call from su hijo."
Thank you Dad! Grams broke her stance, and Tai gave a huge sigh of relief. "I will be back soon."
I gave a large smile as she left the room. "That was horrible!" Hikari cried out.
"How much longer are we here?" An exasperated Takeru asked.
I shrugged. "Who knows? Grams isn't good about setting exact times."
"Well, as long as we can get some decent music now that the devil's gone…" Taichi pulled out a cd he'd brought in with him, placing it in the cd player. It was a burned mix of some of the more popular songs heard on the radio.
As a slow number began, I took my hand out of Yamato's comfortable grip and draped both arms around his neck. His arms, in turn, encircled my waist. "This is more my style."
"You're telling me," I answered. We swayed together, very comfortable in each others embrace. I rested my head down on his chest. Shutting my eyes in contentment, I only opened them when the blond let out a light chuckle muffled as his lips were brushed against my hair.
I moved my head, looking up to see a hilarious sight. Taichi and Takeru were dancing together, attempting to show Hikari how much easier it was if she tried not to lead.
"So, I take it you and your grandmother are at least talking now?'
"I guess, but at times I want nothing more than to rip her head off."
He laughed. "I see why. She's an interesting figure. I much prefer my crazy Grandma to that old coot."
"That she is," I paused before smiling up at him. "I'm glad she's letting you come to the Isle. It could be the last time I see you…"
His face lowered down to mine, our foreheads now nearly touching. "I'll make it my job to visit you at least once," he whispered, "a month…"
My face turned a light shade of red as blood rushed to it from his flirting. I shut my eyes as I felt his lips descending towards mine.
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?"
Yama and I broke away before either one of us could initiate the much wanted kiss. Grams stormed over to where the music was, shutting it off. She began rattling off in Spanish. I broke away from the blond, hurrying over to her, trying to figure out a way to calm her down.
"Grams, everyone is exhausted. Can we call it a day and try again later?"
She sighed. "I suppose. Practice, all of you. You need it badly. We'll have another lesson next week." No good job, no nothing. But that was to be expected. That's Grams for you. Always a sweet nice little…
Shit! Yama's going to be here in ten minutes, and I'm not ready for our date! I'll write about that later…
A/N: Please review!