-----Chapter Seven-----

Her first day at work, Videl felt like jumping off a bridge or swallowing one of the poisonous chemicals in the lab. There really wasn't a problem.

Gohan was being very nice and polite and Bulma had been nothing but welcoming. In fact, her first day was perfect. They only reason she felt the way she did was because Gohan was being too polite.

With the way things were going, she'd never remember him and all of the things they'd shared. Heck, she and him would never be friends if this carried on.

Sitting on a chair, munching away at her sandwich, Gohan joined her. She froze up for a moment before going back to munching on her sandwich.

"So how do you like Capsule Corp?" Gohan asked.

"I love it. Never a boring moment," Videl replied sounding somewhat sarcastic.

"That's good…"

Videl sighed. "There is one problem."

Gohan tilted his head to the side. "Oh? What's that?"

Videl drummed her fingers on the table. How could she word it?

"I don't think you really want me here," she couldn't help it if she sounded sad.

"I… I…"

"You've been weird. I may not remember you, but I know you can't be normally like this."

Gohan blinked at her. Had he really been acting like a complete idiot? Did his actions sent out messages that he didn't like her? He hung his head.

"I'm terribly sorry. I do want you working here. It's not exactly, easy," Gohan explained.

Videl shook her head. "Do you think that it's easy for me? I know it must be hard for you to work with your girlfriend—ex—girlfriend—who doesn't remember you but it's harder for me because I know it hurts you to look at me!"

Fuming with anger, Videl stood and stormed off. Gohan stared at her. He just saw the old Videl… Okay, she never changed. He let out a heavy sigh. If only he could just stop being afraid…

-----

"But Gohan, it's pouring! I can't drive in that condition," Videl had told her begging boyfriend.

He continued to plead with her, refusing to accept no for an answer. He began to whine and negotiate. She thought it was cute of course and not wanting to upset him, she'd agreed to meet him at the restaurant.

If she continued to refuse, she never would have got in her car. She never would have driven if he hadn't begged.

"It's all your fault!" Hercule yelled at him as soon as he arrived at the hospital.

He'd hit him, humiliating the young man in front of several people. Gohan never fought back. He was too full of guilt to give a damn.

He kept blaming himself, he still did, but it got to the point where he just let himself go. It took him months to get back on his feet. The thought of Videl regaining her memory helped too, until Hercule sent her away.

It's all your fault!

He even attempted to end his life but because of all the love and support of his family and friends, he forgot about the stupid idea. He knew had to let it go, but it was too hard.

All your fault!

He never could know if Videl blamed him too…

Your fault!

Gasping for air, Gohan sat up only to find that he was in his room. He shook his head before lying back down. If only things were so easily forgotten.

-----

It'd been a while since he'd gone up to the mountains to meditate. The flowing of the rivers, the swaying of the grass and trees… Oh how he'd missed it all.

"What're you doing here," said the familiar gruff voice of his master.

"Piccolo," Gohan smiled.

"I sense you're having problems," Piccolo replied.

"Somewhat. I'd really rather not—"

"Videl. Every time you get like this, she's the reason. I hear she's back."

Gohan chuckled. News sure traveled fast. He nodded.

"You're still blaming yourself, aren't you? I sense a lot of guilt."

"Oh come on Piccolo… Okay, fine. I still do," Gohan sighed. It was pointless to lie.

"No wonder you're so miserable. I worry about you Gohan."

"Don't. Look, I'm fine. Okay?"

"Everyone says you've been weird around her. Is it because you can't let go? Gohan, it wasn't your fault."

"I just can't believe that. I asked her, I pleaded with her. You can't just say—"

"You had a part in it, yes but you're keeping yourself from so many good things." Piccolo reasoned. He hated seeing his former student and friend, hurt.

""What am I supposed to do? Just forget it?" Gohan shook his head. He felt Piccolo's comforting hand on his shoulder.

"You don't forget. You accept it and you move on," Piccolo replied.

Gohan remained silent. He hated how wise those around him were.

"For Videl's sake, accept it and move on."