Chapter Three

A Decision For the Girl in Green

Was that a compliment from Ichigo's ex? Lettuce wondered as she watched the two retreating boys. Well, isn't that interesting she thought. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind and continued to look through the books in front of her. No matter how hard she tried though, Masaya's voice kept interrupting her train of thoughts. That's it she decided, I gotta get out of this place. Another distraction should put him out of my mind for good. She poked her head out of the aisle and look up and down the main corridor. There was absolutely no one else in the store; not even the clerk was behind the counter. Lettuce figured he was in the back restocking. As she realized this, a most-unLettuce like thought began to creep up from the depths of her brain. If she just took the book she was holding, no one would really notice. There were no cameras or security or anything to catch her. I would be so simple. No she thought firmly. I'm better than that. If I start this now, it'll only be a matter of time before it gets worse. She put the book back and grinned. She had won the battle between right and wrong for now. She'd never so much as shoplifted a hair ribbon, she wasn't about to start now. Instead, she walked calmly out of the store and into the cold night air. The night was aglow with neon lights and the city seemed to pulse with movement. People were brushing past her on the left and right and she was soon swept up in the commotion. She thought she'd go downtown to a nice coffeehouse and listen to some open mic poetry. As she was brsuhed along by the crowd though, she figured she'd just walk around and think for a while.

Without really having any specific destination in mind, she began walking east and kept her head down against the breeze that had picked up. When she lifted her gaze, she noticed that she was in a part of the city she had never seen before. She thought this was strange, as she had lived in Tokyo her whole life, but when she tried to distinguish where she was, nothing seemed familiar. Everything seemed more upscale than what she was used to and she was fascinated, but still, a slight edge of fear began to lace itself around her consciousness. Realizing this, she quickly doused the fear and doubt, trying to appear strong. Turning around, she began to retrace her steps when a hand reached out and grabbed her from behind. Her cry of surprise was muffled as she was brought into a dark alleyway. Images of her being mugged ran quickly through her stream of consciousness and she began to panic and struggle. She didn't need this. Not tonight. Not after everything she'd just been through.

"For goodness sakes! Calm down Lettuce." A familiar voice spoke out behind her.

She turned around and to her surprise she found Mint staring back at her.

"Jeez Mint, you almost gave me a heart attack." She scolded the blue-haired girl.

"Yeah well, I had to get your attention. I saw you a few blocks back and called out to you, but you didn't listen. You looked like you were deep in thought. What's going on?" She asked, looking her friend up and down. "You don't usually dress like this. Oh, and I need some answers." She finished in an offhanded kind of way.

"Mint, what are really you doing? Why are we in a dark alleyway? And what do you mean by answers? Do you mean, like help with homework?" Lettuce asked, confused.

Mint sighed heavily and walked out of the alley, motioning for Lettuce to follow her. "Maybe we should go somewhere more appropriate." She said, beginning to walk down the street.

Now Lettuce was completely confused. What was she doing? Why was Mint so concerned? She usually only talked to Lettuce to scold her for breaking plates. This was a whole new side that she had never even seen before. Deciding that she could just leave if Mint got too prying, the girl in green decided to follow her friend, and together they took a stroll through the late night air.

I know this isn't how Lettuce usually acts-don't get mad at me! Remember the pain and confusion she's feeling right now. Don't worry folks, it's all part of the story and is sure to build up to something.