Emotional Roller Coaster

The next day at school, Tea felt more miserable than she had felt the night before. Anyone who tried to speak to her, she would give them a blank stare or a weak hello.

"Man," Joey looked on from outside the classroom at Tea, who was sitting alone on her desk, gazing out the window. "I've never seen Tea like this before."

"Me neither." Yugi gazed at Tea, worried about his friend.

"Hey it's your fault Yugi!" Mai crossed her arms over her chest. "You're the one making up those stupid ass comments about Tea kissing up Bakura."

"But it's true," Yugi insisted. "I saw those two."

'We get your point Yugi," Joey nudged his friend on the head. "And quite frankly, I don't believe you." he then made his way in the class with Mai following him.

Fuming, Yugi banged his head on the doorframe. Never, as far as he knew, had he seen Joey acting so defensive. He just didn't seem the same ever since the party. Suddenly, he saw Serenity walking down the hallway. "Hey Serenity!" he called out.

"Huh?" Serenity stopped in her tracks, looking up to see Yugi. "Oh, hey Yugi."

He ran towards her. "Look, there's something I gotta ask you."

Serenity quirked an eyebrow, giving him a strange look. "Uh…okay. Ask away."

Yugi cleared his throat. "Well, I know you know something's wrong with Joey. You've got to tell me."

"Yugi," Serenity calmly placed her hand on his shoulder. "Joey is still not feeling himself ever since he lost to Marik in the finals. Just…just give him time please." she then turned on her heel and walked down the halls at a fast pace.

Yugi stared at Serenity blankly before nodding to himself.

~*~*~

Meanwhile, Joey slowly approached Tea, his eyes looking down at her. As soon as he was right beside her, he spoke, "Tea?"

Slowly, Tea looked up at her friend. "Hey Joey." she greeted in a solemn tone.

Pulling a chair, Joey sat down right across from her. "I've never seen you like this before. What's wrong?"

Tea gazed down at her arm at the bracelet that Bakura had given her, a single tear streaked down her face.

"What's this?" Joey took Tea's arm in his hand, looking over the strange jewelry. "This looks like that puzzle Yugi has. Where's you get it?"

"Joey," Tea snapped. "That's enough! I'm just not in the mood to talk about it, all right?!?"

"All right class," a familiar voice called out. "You're going to have a substitute today." and at then, a familiar looking man stepped in the classroom wearing a long black jacket,, black pants and unusual shoes. Glasses rimmed his eyes, his hair sticking out like a porcupine.

Yugi's eyes widened as he saw the new substitute teacher stepped in. He then stood up, pointing his finger at the teacher. "Marik you weed hacker! How the hell did you get out of the Shadow Realm?!?"

Marik fixed a glare at Yugi before taking his seat. "Young man, you are not to call any teacher by their first name. And you must be Yugi." he then took out two buckets filled with water. "Now go stand in the hallway."

Grumbling, Yugi took the two buckets and stormed out of the classroom.

Two hours later, Marik was writing a formula on the board. As the students were copying, Tea was staring out of the window. Memory flashbacks of Bakura flashed in her mind. The way Bakura's bangs fell on to his face.; she could still feel his lips, the taste of sweetness and ecstasy staining her mouth. Even to this moment, she still could feel his arms around her waist. But she knew it was just a memory. In reality, Bakura had no longer loved her.

"Miss Anzu Mazaki." Marik's voice broke into Tea's chain of thoughts.

Startled, Tea looked up at the substitute teacher. "Oh…uh…what…well…"

A barely audible chuckle escaped from Marik's lips. He was standing right next to her, his arms crossed over his chest. "I would like to see you after school Mazaki. Now, just simply answer the problem on the board like a good little girl. The rest of your classmates are doing the same thing."

~*~*~

After School…

As soon as the bell had rung, Tea watched the rest leave. Yugi lingered in class, as if to keep his friend company. Serenity was still inside, finishing an exam she had missed.

"I think you should leave Yugi." the substitute teacher glared at the blonde haired boy. "It will only be a few minutes."

"Hmph!" Yugi crossed his arms over his chest. He then picked up his bag and left the class. Marik closed the door, locking it. "He then sat on the desk beside hger, looking down at her. "Curiosity killed the cat Mazaki." a smirk curled his lips. "What made you like Bakura?"

"You knew, didn't you?" Tea didn't look up at Marik. "Did he tell you?"

Marik shook his head. "I have my ways of seeing things. Look Tea, if I were you, I wouldn't try put any moves on Bakura so soon."

"But he…well…" Tea tried to say.

Marik grabbed Tea's arm, noticing the millennium bracelet coiling around. He then looked up at the young girl. "Do you really think Bakura loves you for who you are or is he using you to get another millennium item?"

"What are you trying to say Marik?" Tea stood up. "You trying to brainwash me like the last time? Well guess what? Your little mind games won't work! Do you hear me?!?" she then slapped him as hard as she could right in the face before storming out of the class.

A sneer crossed Marik as Tea exited. He pounded his fist on the desk as hard as he could. "Damn bitch. Looks like enticing that whelp to surrender that bracelet is going to be harder than I thought." he then turned to Serenity, grinning. "Oh Serenity?"

Slowly, Serenity looked up at Marik, her lifeless gaze fell upon him. "Yes?"

"Follow Miss Mazaki but do be sure not to kill her."

"So what do you wish for me to do?" Serenity tilted her head to the side.

"You are one of her good friends. I'm sure you'll be able to entice her." he ran his fingers through her hair. "Now go."

Nodding, Serenity turned around, leaving the classroom.

~*~*~

Tea was walking down the busy streets of Ginza. Her eyes gazed at the sidewalk, a dark void swarming around her mind. She thought she could make it through the day without breaking down into tears. But thanks to Marik, a flood of memories crashed into her mind. Her hands shook slightly, her bag nearly falling from her fingers.

Suddenly, she felt a cold hand on her shoulder. Startled, she looked up only to see Yami standing right behind her. "So Joey and Yugi were right. Something is bothering you."

"Oh…" Tea forced a smile. "Yami…I…uh…well…"

Yami smiled, adjusting his sunglasses. "You should join me," he took her by the hand. ""I'll get you something to eat."

~*~*~

Ah yes, chapter 7 already has been written (currently writing chapter 8) but unfortunately, I don't know when it will be up (see profile for why). Anyway, hope you enjoy it. ^_^

~*To Be Continued*~