I'm What?
By theladyknight
Disclaimer: Digimon and the chapter title (Song by Green Day) are not mine!
Mrs. Ishida-to-you: Your request is being considered…
Anonymous: Thank you!
My Name is R.C.: Me? Planning something? You're muy loca! Lol! Actually, I am planning something and this time, I actually know what's going to happen! That's a first! lol!
Liljay07: You'll see what Jacob's got planned in here…
Ballet Kitty: He's kind of based off Josh and the guy in the books (I can't think of his name). But he's partially just someone I made up, throwing a bunch of different types of guys together.
Calare: I don't know for sure if she is or not. She's not in here anywhere…
Inconnu: "Aim low!"Best possible advice in that situation. You're idea is being considered…you'll see if I used it in here anywhere.
And thanks to: Syl Sylver, sorato-takari, Kay, KoumiLoccness, Dark Magician and Holy Mage, and Sapphire Dragons.
Chapter 18: Of the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Friday December 13—Officially 8 days till I leave for PPI…
Spanish 2
Things seem to happen to me for a reason. The events in my life appear to be dominoes. One trial or gain triggers the next, launching either a series of mishaps or by some chance of luck, something good.
I know I sound pessimistic and downtrodden, but to put it simply, it's just the way things click. Koushiro—should he and I still talk—would say something along the lines of: "Through my thorough analysis, I've come to the conclusion it's fate."
Looking at my life, it's easy to see how that is true. My life this year, at least since my dad revealed the little secret he had been hiding, has been a roller coaster. The ups: my friendships with Taichi, Kari, and Takeru; meeting Antonio; and my relationship with Yamato. The downs: Grams; loosing my friendships with Mimi, Miyako, and Christine; having the entire world find out I'm a princess; and finding out Mom's pregnant.
So why am I writing all this down?
It seems my luck that Friday the 13th chose to fall sometime this month, sometime along the bumps on the roller coaster, sometime in my domino effect.
Yesterday's meeting with Jacob Richards proved that way…
I had told no one about it. Antonio, being that he saw the note, was the only one who knew. I probably should have told someone, but reactions lingered in my mind.
Hikari would freak out and warn me not to go. I knew she doubted his sincerity and attitude as she'd heard stories about him from Mimi and me. Takeru would probably do the same, throwing in some harsh words for Jacob in the process. It was easy to figure out how Taichi could act. Do I even need to say it?
And Yamato…he and his presence alone have the power to scare Jacob away with one look. The blonde's not a violent person, but Takeru told me he's been involved in a few choice fights. But more than anything, his rank, seniority, and friends could make Jacob scamper away in the opposite direction.
However, for those reasons, I decided not to tell anyone. Though I'll be the first to admit I need others help quite frequently, this was something I needed to do by myself. I am a strong person and can watch my own back just fine, particularly in the field of high school boys—especially in a school with a tough bodyguard next to me. I know how to pick my fights.
Lunchtime came rather quickly, but I took my time, slowly gathering my books and heading into the corridor Jacob said he'd be at. He stood there patiently waiting for me. His appearance was as it normally was. His hair rested spiked up in that punk-rebel way I used to think was so cute. But compared to Yama's…well, Yamato's got the better hair. Dark green eyes shone like beacons of light as I made my presence known.
"Sora, hey! I was wondering if you got my note."
I nodded to Antonio to hold back, letting me take charge. "Yeah, what did you want to talk to me about?" My response came as Antonio backed up.
"I bet you heard about my break up with Jennifer."
What does that have to do with anything? Though if he's planning on asking what I think he is…well, it's no wonder he and Jennifer were such a good match. Time to play dumb.
"I saw it this morning. I'm sorry about it."
He snickered. "Well, I'm not. She was a conniving bitch."
Harsh words, but he's a good actor. I can see right through this.
"So, listen…"
What did he think I'd been doing for the past few minutes?
"…Jennifer and I were going to the dance together this weekend. But, yeah, considering what happened between us and all…I'm free."
Am I supposed to care? Did he just hear what he said? "Excuse me?"
"So what time am I picking you up?"
I laughed. I really couldn't help it. "Are you implying that I'm going with you? Don't I get some say?"
Jacob was wearing a clueless expression. "Come on, babe. You and I are the popular, loved ones. You'll have a great time with me. We'll cut out of the dance early, head back to my place, get some alcohol, and then have some fun. My parents'll be out of town too."
What a disgusting, perverted jack ass!
"Look, Jacob, I already have a date, and if I didn't, I wouldn't go with you." So much for letting him down kindly. "Seriously, there's more to life than being popular, drunk, and having sex. That's not my kind of thing."
"But you're the popular babe…"
"Please stop calling me babe! You are incredibly vain. Stop and think about what you say. I'm going to pass on your offer, Jacob."
I turned myself around, offering Antonio a victorious smile. That was almost as enjoyable as telling Grams off. "What's you date got that I haven't? And who are you going with?"
I doubt he'd want people to see this desperate side of him. Without turning around, I knew exactly how to respond. "Who my date is would be none of your business along with my life. He's a hundred times the guy you'll ever be. I'm not interested in you, Jacob, so just leave me alone."
Antonio and I began to exit, stopped by the boy's venomous voice. "Be that way, babe. But you'll regret not going to the dance with me in the end."
"I'm sure I'll live."
The Latino man grinned down at me as Jacob stomped off in the other direction. "His ego is even larger than your grandmother's."
"Somebody has a larger ego than your grandmother?" an incredulous voice asked. "That's crazy."
The smile on my face increased as the speaker joined us, looking both ways before approaching me and planting a gentle kiss on my lips. "It's hard to believe, but it's true."
Yamato grinned a bit. "So, who's the person with this ego?"
Antonio took over. "Jacob Richards."
Yama's expression darkened just a bit. "Never liked him."
"You're lucky you weren't here when he was talking to Sora minutes ago then."
"What did he want?" His tone was questioning but not too angry.
"He just wanted to know about something we did in Spanish today. You know how dumb jocks are. And he thought he could get a lot of free answers because Antonio's a genius in the Spanish language." I lied, feeling Yo's eyes look right through me.
Yamato laughed. "Very true. Well, I'm going to be in the counselor's room during the Resource Room time, working out some last minute details for my trip, so you'll have to baby-sit Taichi for me."
"You'd better pay me well then, Yamato."
The blond looked both ways again, checking to see that no teachers were in the hall. He kissed me again, this time a bit harder and more meaningful. "Don't worry; I will. I'll catch you after school, Sor."
"Of course. Bye, Yama."
"You should not have done that, Princesa." Antonio cautioned when the blond was far down the hall. "Lying with only come back to hurt you…"
Saturday December 15—Officially 6 days till I leave for PPI...
My Room
I told myself it could never happen. I would never let it happen. I'm too strong. I don't let this kind of thing affect me.
But it did.
Mom, for as long as I can remember, has always cautioned that it would happen. "Every girl will face it as some point in her life. I dealt with it with your father."
"But…why, Mom? I'm not like every girl. I'm not like that."
She gave me a sad smile. "You're one of the strongest people I know, kiddo. But trust me; even if it's only for a little bit, it will happen someday."
I ignored her warning, telling myself it would never happen to me. I wouldn't let it.
But it did…
Hikari, the art club, and I spent the entire morning decorating the school gym yesterday. The theme of our "Winter Wonderland" dance every year is always the same: snow.
It was a morning filled with gossip, girl-talk, and all the normal expectancies. Mimi and Miyako were both there but neither said a word to me. Still, after all this time, we haven't mended our torn friendships.
The dance was slated to start at 8:00. Yamato was picking me up an hour and a half early as he had to set up for his band to play. I didn't mind; he had introduced me to his bandmates, and I saw nothing wrong with them. They were a little wary of me at first, being that Yamato and I are two years apart, but in the end, they were cool with it.
"Wow, a skirt?" The blond let out a laugh, checking me out when I greeted him at the door.
Mom chuckled too, coming out to greet him. "I had the same reaction, Yamato. I think she went shopping with Hikari."
"Ha ha." My sarcastic reply shut her up. "Come on, Yama, let's go."
"Have her home by 12:30."
"Will do."
Taking my hand and bidding goodbye to my mother,—who consequently was catcalling some ridiculous thing at us—Yamato led me down the stairs to his car. "No motorcycle?"
"It's too cold. But the car is nice and warm." I climbed in, looking at the blond next to me through the corner of my eye. "What?"
He had seen me studying him, and I turned away, quite red in the face. We may be going out and everything, but it never ceases to amaze me how the littlest things he does can cause me to blush and feel ready to faint. His outfit was no exception. "I just wish all guys could dress like you."
The singer was adorned in a pair of well fitted khaki pants. A collared orange shirt—showing off his trim, toned body if I might add—completed the ensemble. Yamato grinned back at me, clearly enjoying the attention I was giving him. "Well, then, I wish all girls would look as beautiful as you."
"Flirt. Let's get going…"
"So, how'd you manage to shake Antonio?" Yama called as he unloaded part of the trap set from Akira's van.
A smile grew on my face. We had reached the school gym and found ourselves unloading the band's instruments. "It's a long story. Basically, I complained to Antonio who talked to Mom who then went to Dad who demanded Grams let me go without Antonio. She wasn't too keen to follow, but Yo went off about not wanting to spend all night with a bunch of rowdy teenage brats."
Slowly, we walked inside. The blond picked up his bass guitar, beginning to tune it, and leaving the others to carry in the remaining boxes and amps. "Well, I'm glad he didn't come. And I bet he's very happy he could get out of it."
"You're telling me. It's like the highlight of his whole time in America."
I spent the next hour talking with the guys and waiting for everyone else to arrive. Most people began to show up around the same time. The hired DJ, who had set his things up around the same time as us, was letting a few songs play, waiting to shut them down when "The Wolves" were slated to perform.
"Sora!"
I turned to my right, seeing two very finely dressed individuals—locked hand in hand—approaching me. "Hey Kari, Takeru. Wow, the two of you look nice." She was wearing a pink dress with ruffles. The younger blond had obviously inherited his fashion sense from the same place his older brother had. Takeru bore a pair of black pants and a baby blue dress shirt. I knew Kari would be commenting about how gorgeous he looked when we were alone.
"You look great too, Sor!" Kari gushed, pointing to my outfit. I had gone shopping with her as Mom had correctly guessed. My attire consisted of a deep crimson velvety top with a jean jacket overtop of it. A khaki miniskirt completed the look. It wasn't my normal style by any means, but I wanted to try something different. And I think it actually looked pretty good.
The lights dimmed, giving the signal that Yamato and the band members had been waiting for. We bid farewell to him before taking off. He promised to find me immediately when they finished playing. "I don't want you to be without your date the whole night. Particularly if you're stuck with Taichi…"
"So Sora?"
"Yes, Taichi?"
The dance had been going on for quite some time, and we had to be nearing the final hour. I spent the majority of the night with Tai, dancing and talking. Takeru and Hikari stopped by to chat but were more often seen on the dance floor.
Except right now.
"We were all wondering if you and my brother have something going on." Takeru bluntly chose to put it.
The three of them were all staring inquisitively as if they would burst if they didn't know. "And why should I tell you?"
"Because the two of you should be together. You two are so cute!" Hikari squealed.
Taichi rolled his eyes, making a face in Takeru's direction. The younger boy laughed. "Because Yamato likes you. A lot."
"And you think I don't know that?" I teased.
"Sora, give us a straight answer. Please!" Tai begged.
I winked at them. "Ask Yama…"
I turned to the stage in search of the blond before remembering his band had been done playing for an hour. Yet I still hadn't seen him anywhere. He promised to seek me out immediately, but where was he?
"Where'd he go?" Tai asked. I turned back to face him, noticing Takeru and Hikari—upset about not getting the answer they wanted—headed back to the dance floor. "I know he wanted to see you."
"I have no idea where he's at. There's only an hour left until the dance is over. Let's split up and look for him."
Taichi nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
I aimlessly wandered through the mass of people. There was no sign of him anywhere. Suddenly an arm grabbed onto my shoulder, pulling me out of the gym and into the hallway.
"Yamato?"
"Not quite."
I gasped. "Jacob…what do you want?"
He moved his hand down to mine, harshly dragging me into one of the back hallways. His strong upper body pinned me up against a set of lockers. "Mmm...you look inviting."
Jacob was intoxicated; it was obvious from his talk and manner. And his breath. He ran his hand down my leg. "Leave me alone! You're drunk! You don't know what you're doing!"
"I'm well aware of what I'm doing. Baby, I told you that you'd regret not going with me." The teen slurred, moving his face down to mine.
SLAP!
He clutched his cheek in pain. "Damn it, bitch!" With that, he shoved himself against me, slamming his lips against mine. I resisted the best I could, but he had me locked against the lockers, arms and legs unable to get free.
His hands moved underneath my shirt. This has to stop! But I can't make him move. I'm in no position to push him off. He has me trapped. He's going to rape me! Someone please help…
"Get the hell away from her!"
Surprised by the voice, Jacob backed up, giving me the perfect opportunity and shot.
"OHHHHH!" He fell to the ground as his knees gave way. I had the ideal aim; hopefully I damaged something…he doesn't deserve the ability to reproduce.
Yamato was seething as he stormed over to us. I looked behind him to see who had found him. And then, I nearly fell over from shock.
Mimi?
The blond kneeled down so he was at eyelevel with Jacob. "If you ever come near Sora again, so help me God what happens."
"is that a threat?" Jacob moaned, attempting to stand up.
Yamato kicked his leg hard, causing him to fall back down, hitting the ground with a loud thud. "No, it's a promise. Stay the hell away from her." His voice held a poisonous venom and from the looks of things, it'll take Jacob a long time to recover.
Taking my hand, a ferocious Yamato led me outside the building, taking Mimi along with us.
"Sor, are you okay? What all did that bastard do to you?" He finally calmed down, but only a bit.
"How did you find me?" I asked, shock finally sinking in.
"I saw him earlier and knew he was drunk. When he grabbed you, I knew I had to do something. Luckily, I found Yamato." Mimi spoke up.
The blond gave me a look, trying to motion that he wanted to speak to me alone. "Meems," she was startled by the familiarity, "thank you for everything. I don't want to know what would've happened if you hadn't found Yama."
"It's no problem, Sora." she managed to say. I walked over and gave her a hug, which she willingly returned.
"Call me tomorrow. We need to talk about some things."
A smile illuminated on her features. "Yeah, talk to you then."
When he was sure she was inside, Yama began to speak. "So, let's hear it." I let out a sigh, describing everything that happened with Jacob. "So he asked you to the dance? When did this happen?"
"Y…yesterday before lunch."
Yamato scrutinized my answer. "I though you said he was asking about Spanish homework?"
A guilty look found my face. "Yama…I'm, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have lied to you, but I thought I could handle it on my own. Jacob is a jack ass…I shouldn't have tried to deal with it…"
"Sor, I can't believe you didn't tell me! I know you're strong, and truthfully, you could kick his ass as well as me, but it's just the fact you weren't honest. To make our relationship last—and I want to be with you, make no mistake—we've got to be honest. That really hurt me, Sor. I've been burned before."
"Yama, I swear to you that I was only lying because it was the best possible option at the time. I was afraid of you doing something stupid to Jacob."
He lowered me onto one of the benches, sting next to me. "I understand what you're trying to say, but just think about it in my situation. How am I going to feel knowing that other guys are hitting on you, and you just lie to my face so I won't do anything stupid? I'm smarter than that."
"I know, Yamato. I was just afraid you might overreact this time. I know you don't like Jacob one bit…"
"Sora, if I can't trust you here, then how can I when you're in another country?"
My mouth dropped. "I think you're taking this a bit too far. I never wanted to lie to you; I was stupid for doing it too, I'll be the first to admit it. But you've gotta know that you can trust me."
"It's not the first time a girl has lied to me. The last time it happened, I found out my girlfriend was cheating on me. After tonight…I just feel…betrayed."
"Betrayed? You're one to talk." My anger got the better of me. "You told me you'd find me right away after you were done playing. I didn't see you till Mimi found you."
He blushed, biting his lip in frustration. "I ran into some people."
"But you couldn't just find someone and have them tell me where you were?"
"No! It was unavoidable."
"So, how am I supposed to feel after you stand me up, Yamato? Betrayed? Hurt? What if this isn't the last time it happens?"
He ran a hand through his hair. Frustration was very apparent in his voice. "Look, I think we just need some time to cool off. I'll take you back to your place."
"Whatever."
"Sor…"
"Yama, let's just go."
Fifteen minutes later—after sheer, uncomfortable silence—we arrived at my apartment. "I'll call you tomorrow. I promise you. And I refuse to break that promise."
He caught me off guard, placing a chaste kiss on my lips. I climbed out of the car without any words. Heading into the apartment, I went straight to bed.
But first something happened that I swore would happen. I promised myself that I would never cry over a boy.
But it happened…
Saturday December 21—D-Day (Departure Day)
Airplane
Up until last Saturday, I had never cried over a guy. But now it's happened two times within the period of a week.
This time I couldn't stop the tears as the airplane took off for PPI. The others all knew why, and I could see the sadness on their faces.
I sighed, watching America disappear below me. I was leaving here for who knows how long, leaving all sorts of things behind in the process. But one thing lingered there, haunting me more than any of the others.
My heart…
A/N: Please review! I have "Artistic Differences" done—I just have to type it. And "Game of Life" is like 500 words from being completed…then I have to type it. Two 13-hour bus trips really allow you to get some writing done! Lol! Well, I love to hear what you all think. Please review! I'll elaborate more on the last day (the 21st) next chapter. Until then…review!