Disclaimer: Who am I kidding. You guys know I don't own FF8.
Author's Notes: This chapter has been months in the making, but its finally complete. Over the course of the past few months I've rewritten the ending three times, and I think I've finally got it right. I sincerely hope it doesn't let anyone down. I put so much time and effort into making this seem believable and I think I've just about driven my personal editor, Ameli Stoncius, crazy.
Rubymuto- I tried to update as quickly as I could. I am sorry for how long it took.
JadeAlmasy- Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Aratcorien- I knew someone would compare the last chapter to one of my more innocent works. lol Yeah I reread some of my old stuff...my chapters have um...come a long way. Thanks as always for the thoughtful review.
Lady Deathstryke- Sorry I couldn't produce an update in two days...or err...two months...but the outcome of this story has shifted three times and it took extra time to write out.
rune- Thanks for the good wishes, and as far as his deployment goes, I just have to try and take it one day at a time. Sometimes it gets hard, but oh well its almost over...sorta.
Verdanii- Thanks, as always.
Faint
Quistis sighed softly as she snuggled into her pillow. Slightly awake and yet still somewhat asleep, she was vaguely aware of the crickets singing a soft lullaby outside the open window. The cool night air held a bit of a chill and she shivered because of it. She reached for her sheet and paused when her hand came across that of another. After a few moments, she remembered the previous night's happenings and then reached past his hand to the sheet. He groaned from behind her as he shifted a little behind her and then bumped his head into hers.
"Sorry," He whispered as he grabbed the sheet she'd been reaching for and pulled it higher. "I'm not used to sharing a bed."
"Doesn't matter," She said as she turned over to face him. "A bed this small wasn't really meant for sharing. I'm glad you are though."
Even in the darkness proceeding dawn she could still see the smile on his face. "It was my pleasure," He whispered as he pulled the sheet up over her shoulders. She smiled in response and watched as his dark eyes slowly drifted shut and he slipped back into a light sleep. Quistis watched him for a moment and then lightly kissed his forehead. She watched him stir and then settle back into his sleep. Outside the window, the crickets continued their serenade. She let her eyes close, and after a few minutes of listening to their performance, she fell asleep herself.
The tranquility of the morning was shattered by the shrill buzzing of an alarm clock. Groaning, Quistis rolled over and swatted for the snooze button. "Shut up," She mumbled as she reached out for the offensive time piece. After what seemed like a deafening eternity, her hand found the clock and then just as quickly knocked it off the nightstand. She grumbled some more and then shrieked when she realized she was sliding off the edge of the bed. A strong arm caught her around the waist, thus preventing her fall. She jumped in surprise and looked over her shoulder at her rescuer.
"Morning Sunshine," He grinned. She smiled faintly and then buried her head under his pillow. "Not a morning person are we?" A playful tone crept into Nida's voice.
"Not exactly," Her voice was muffled by the over-stuffed pillow.
"What'd you say?" He teased as he pulled at the pillow.
"Make it stop!" She laughed as she held onto the sack of feathers for dear life. Nida sighed loudly and then got out of bed. He scooped up the small clock and shut it off. She watched him from under the edge of the pillow as he placed the clock back on the night stand and began fumbling through the drawers of his dresser. "Where are you going?" She asked as she set the pillow aside.
"I have to be in Dollet in two hours," He explained as he pulled on a pair of pants over his boxers.
"Oh."
His shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry I have to go," He said as he knelt down beside the bed.
"Don't be sorry," Quistis assured him. "You need to be there."
"Yeah," He said more to himself than her. "...I feel like I'm runnin' out on you."
Quistis laughed and then lay back down.
"What?"
"People say I'm complex."
"Yeah well...I was thinking that you'd at least want me to stick around a little bit after we..." He stopped when she placed her fingers over his mouth.
"You're not running out on me. You're taking care of your younger sister. Dollet's where you need to be this morning."
Nida nodded with a tinge of renewed confidence. "You're right," He agreed. Quistis got out of bed and watched as he finished dressing and fixed his hair. He picked up a key card off of his dresser and paused to look at her. "You can go back to sleep if you want." She nodded in appreciation and then reached out and pulled him into a hug. He held onto her for a few minutes before he let her pull away. "I love you," He whispered. "And I'll see you this afternoon."
"I love you too," She whispered as she watched him walk over to the door. He paused and played with the card in his hand.
"Quistis?" He asked. She looked at him expectantly. "You don't regret last night do you?"
She shook her head.
"Good," He smiled. She smiled back and then rolled her eyes.
"You're gonna be late."
"Right," He nodded. "I'm leaving now."
She waved playfully and watched as he closed the door behind him. Now alone, she wrapped her arms around herself and then paused to notice just how big his shirt was on her. She moaned and then fell back onto the bed. Pulling his sheets back over her body, she drifted off to sleep once again.
One hundred and fifty miles and two hours later, a black sedan pulled up to the first stoplight on the outskirts of Dollet. After the light changed, it slowly came around the corner and idly drove down the narrow cobblestone street. Of the few people awake and on the streets so early, only the elderly man sitting outside his grocery shop even paid the car any notice. He squinted as he tried to make out the seal on the car's door to no avail and then returned to his newspaper once the car had passed.
A few blocks away, Amira sat on her knees as she looked at the clutter that was her closet. The morning was still cool but very humid. It was an odd combination that seemed to contribute to the stuffiness inside her bedroom walls. Standing up, she took a photo album off one of the top shelves. Falling back to her knees, she laid the book on the floor in front of her. She traced the book's edges with her fingertips and took a ragged breath.
"Amira! Have you finished packing?" Sarah called from downstairs.
"I'm almost done," She called back.
"Hurry up, your brother will be here anytime."
Amira didn't respond. She just slowly opened her album to a page in the middle. Gazing fondly at an old family photo, she blinked back a few tears. Outside the window, the light purr of a well maintenanced automobile grew louder. She unconsciously held her breath and listened until she heard tires roll over the loose gravel and grit on the edge of the road. When the engine's purring was cut off, she flew to her feet and nearly stumbled into the open window.
She stared down at the black sedan apprehensively. Stepping back away from the window, she looked around at her room and then the empty suitcase on her bed. Quickly opening her dresser she grabbed an armful of clothes and stuffed them in her suitcase. She paused and looked down at the book on the floor. She chewed on her lip nervously as she gave the open window another glance.
"Amira! I believe that's his car outside," Sarah called from the base of the staircase.
"It is," Amira answered as she found her feet and walked over to her bedroom doorway. Casting yet another woeful glance at the window, she then looked down at the floor.
"Ami Darling," Her mother's words caught her off guard. "You don't have to leave if you don't want to." Amira stared at her motionless as her face grew hot and the tears threatened to fall. A car door outside reminded her of where she was, and she abruptly turned and went back into her room. Now, out of Sarah's line of sight, she closed her eyes.
Leaning up against the black sedan, Nida stared up at the old house silently. Around it, the trees and shrubs grew rampant. Some of the landscaping even managed to spill over onto the front walkway. Whether it was growing wild or purposely planted there he wasn't sure. Whichever it was, it looked good.
A soft smile crossed his face as he remembered the years when he used to pretend he was braving the Centran jungle in this yard. He'd had Amira hide, and then he and their old hound would play search and rescue to find her.
Feeling a bit more comfortable, he slowly walked up the sidewalk and stopped at the front porch. This would be it. He was at the front door and had only one of two choices now; knock or stand there like a fool. He raised his hand, but before he could act, Sarah pushed the door open and looked at him expectantly.
He nodded awkwardly and followed her inside. The entire house was deathly silent, almost as if it were a sentient being, holding its breath and waiting for the inevitable to happen. The thought alone sent chills up Nida's spine as he watched Sarah walk into the kitchen.
He swallowed nervously as he took a step to follow after her. He paused for a moment and studied the room around him. It would more than likely be the last time he'd ever get to see it again. That thought was more than saddening. He had grown up here. The plastered walls, stone floors and the hand carved fireplace mantel seemed to engulf him. He was sure there was some sort of irony at work, because it was these very same familiar surroundings that seemed almost foreign to him.
This was the house he'd been born in. This was the house he'd learned never to try to knock a nail through century old plaster, and that cold stone floors were more than a match for even the warmest of winter socks. Forgetting why he was there, he walked over to the fireplace and placed his hand on the oak mantle. He closed his eyes as he remembered the night he'd learned the dangers of old fireplaces. His mind was just beginning to recall the rampant flames that had engulfed the chimney when he was interrupted by a cold voice.
"I would appreciate it if you would hurry up. You're already 45 minutes late as it is."
"Sorry Sarah," He responded in a daze. She waved her hand in dismissal and then led him into the kitchen. She took a seat at the table and waited for him to join her. Instead of sitting, Nida fidgeted uneasily as he looked around the dimly lit room. It was still very early, and the sun's rays wouldn't even begin to start creeping through the kitchen windows for at least another hour.
"Have you brought all the necessary forms?" Sarah asked, growing tired of his hesitation.
"I have all the papers right here," He answered as he fumbled with the folder in his hands. She watched him over her coffee cup. "I um, got these from Headmaster Cid. He and his wife used to run an orphanage in..."
"In Centra," Sarah finished for him.
He stared at her quizzically. "How could you know that?" Sarah didn't speak. Instead she resolved to study him over her coffee mug. "Sarah?"
"I'd contacted Mr. Kramer about his orphanage once, but by that time he'd already abandoned it," She answered.
"What?" Nida asked in a hushed tone. "You were actually going to give me away?"
"Don't give me that," Sarah said as she sat down her mug. "You didn't want to be a part of this family."
"You didn't want me in your family," His voice took on an uncharacteristically sharp tone.
"That is nothing more than the delusions of a troubled youth," She commented. "And you will not speak to me with an edge to your voice."
Nida started to look away but stopped. "Troubled youth?" He asked. "Do you even remember what I was going through?" He half laughed.
"Do you honestly think I could forget?"
"Sometimes I wonder."
Sarah placed her hands on her hips. "For you to be as intelligent and well grounded as you are, you sure are spoiled and self deceptive!"
"Right, I'm spoiled," He absent-mindedly played with the folder in his hands. "I don't know how the hell I managed it, but I came out spoiled. Look Sarah, I didn't come here to talk, fight or even mend fences. I'm here for Ami. Once I've got her I'm gone."
"To be such a gentlemen with the ladies you can be such and in grateful asshole!" Sarah shouted as she tore the folder from his hands. He cringed as the papers slit open his fingers. She paused and watched him for a moment as he examined his hands.
"I'm not trying to be," He grimaced as he studied his fingers. "You're just so frustrating and difficult."
"I don't recall you thinking that when I defended you against your first and second grade teachers. I don't recall you thinking that when I interfered between you and your father and got you out of many punishments you more than likely deserved. And I'll have you know that I never had the intentions of leaving you at an orphanage. I had planned on taking you out to one in hopes of making you realize how good you had it."
Nida didn't speak.
"You've allowed yourself to believe some silly childhood delusion for so long that its corrupted any memory you may have had of us being a family."
"Right, Sarah. I'm just some misguided product of a delusioned childhood. Newsflash Sarah, you sent me away to military school!"
"Because I couldn't control you!" She shouted.
"Because you didn't try!" He shouted back.
His insolence was swiftly rewarded when she dropped the folder on the table and slapped the side of his face. He jumped and stepped back in shock. For a few very tense seconds neither one of them spoke. "I told you not to take that tone with me," She warned him. He looked down to avoid catching her gaze and settled for examining his hands. He grimaced once again as he noticed the small traces of blood that ran between the lines on his palms. "You were an uncontrollable, spoiled delinquent Nida. Once your father was gone there was no controlling you. If you can't see that, or are too ashamed to, I can't help that."
Nida didn't speak, but the expression on his face said that her comment had struck a nerve. Carefully sitting back in her chair, she slowly opened the folder.
"Part of me didn't really believe you'd show up here today."
"You were wrong."
"Indeed," She spoke as she picked up a pen. "Go call your sister. I'll be done by the time you get back."
"Good."
Sarah watched silently as he walked out of the room and into the hallway.
The burn from Sarah's hand seemed to linger on his cheek like the sting of the jellyfish he'd received when he was eight. He looked up the staircase he was to climb and then back towards the kitchen where he could hear Sarah flipping through papers. Slowly climbing the steps, the traditionalist in him wanted her to send him away without his sister. He wanted her to want to keep her child.
As his luck would have it, he reached the top of the stairwell and still hadn't heard another word from her. Looking around, he found the door to the bathroom wide open. Stepping inside, he turned on the lights and examined his cheek in the mirror.
There was barely a red mark to be seen. He winced as he touched the area with his fingertips and paused when he saw Amira's reflection in the mirror. Letting his hand fall from his face, he turned to face his sister who stood silently in her bedroom doorway.
He realized in that instant how easy it was for him to forget how young she really was. She was taller and more developed than her 13 year old peers. She was intelligent too. Sometimes when he talked to her it was like talking to someone his own age if not older. A pang of guilt washed over him as he stared at her in the doorway. She'd been crying, her red, puffy face betrayed her normally headstrong and determined demeanor. She looked pitiful and because of it, he felt guilty as sin.
She wordlessly motioned for him to follow her back into her room. He silently obeyed and watched as she climbed up onto her bed and pulled a stuffed animal into her lap.
"Ami, what's wrong?" He asked as he sat down beside her. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but then closed it again. Nida looked down at the floor. "This is almost over with," He whispered. At his words, the tears began to run down her cheeks once more. "What's wrong?" He begged as he took hold of her chin and made a futile attempt to catch all her tears.
"I don't want to go," Her voice was barely over a whisper. Nida's hands fell away from her face in surprise.
"But I thought..."
"I'm sorry," She whimpered. "I can't leave her."
"But she's so mean..."
"She's been trying to look out for me. That's what mother's do." Nida held his head in his hands and remained silent. Amira pushed the toy away and pulled her knees up to her chest.
"You're really not coming with me are you," He stated. "I don't understand. Last time we talked, you were ready to leave."
"I know," She whispered. "But Nida, last time we talked I was mad at her, and talking of moving out was kinda my way of getting back at her." Nida stared up at the ceiling while he listened.
"But Ami, she's downstairs signing your custody over to me," He told her. "This is very real to her and to me."
Amira hung her head.
"What?"
"She's signing those papers because she thinks I hate her and that I don't want to be here." Nida looked at her quizzically. "I've told her so," She whispered.
"If you didn't feel it, why would you say something like that?" Nida asked.
"Because," She cried. "After you were sent off that was the only way I could think of to see you."
"What?" He narrowed his eyes.
"She sent you away because she couldn't control you. She sent you to Garden that way if anyone ever asked her where you were she could say you were training for your dream of being a SeeD."
"I wasn't out of control."
"Yes you were," Amira argued.
"Ami, Sarah's only been saying that so you wouldn't be mad at her for sending me off."
"No she hasn't!" Amira shouted. "I remember when she told you you were going to Garden." Nida narrowed his eyes. "We were eating dinner and you jumped up and ran from the kitchen table. She caught you before you got to the back door. You were screaming and yelling and knocked the dish drain off the counter and broke all the dishes it held. Mom started hollering at you to calm down but it only upset you more. I remember how you kept struggling against her and screaming about how she never wanted you and hated you. And she was crying as she dragged you upstairs to your room. You were kicking and screaming the whole way up."
He closed his eyes and for the first time in years recalled what had happened that night. "I hurt her wrist trying to get free," He spoke to himself. "And she locked me in my bedroom. I spent what must've been hours sulking on my bed before I started getting scared about leaving home."
"So you broke your window to get out?" Amira asked.
Nida concentrated for a moment. "I didn't break it on purpose. The frame was jammed or something and when I hit it to shake it loose, my hands just kinda shattered it." Amira was quiet. "I must've scared her to make her force Cid to send a SeeD out that night to pick me up."
"She was. The SeeD really scared me too. I'd never seen one before, I'd only heard stories. But when he showed up at the door and then had to wrestle you out of your room, I was scared. We both were."
Nida fell silent. "I can't believe how much the years and training have made me forget. I'm sorry for anything I might've done."
"Are you really?" Sarah's voice startled both teens from their conversation.
Back at Balamb Garden, Quistis opened her eyes to the sound of continuous ringing. She rolled over, causing the sheets to get tangled around her legs, and reached clumsily for the phone. "Hello?" She answered and sat up. "Xu?" She asked as she fought to untangle the sheets and stood up. "What do you mean what am I doing here?" She stole a glance at the alarm clock and then grimaced. "I know its barely after seven. I just fell asleep here." Quistis grinned as she brushed her hair with her fingers. "I'll tell you what. I'll take a shower and meet you in the cafeteria for breakfast. Okay, bye." She hung up the phone and then pulled her hair up. "Little snoop," She grinned again.
By the time she'd reached the Cafeteria, Xu and Raijin were already waiting for her. She paused at the sight of Raijin, but then shrugged it off and joined them at their table.
"Good morning," She said as she sat her purse down and leaned on the table top.
"Morning," Xu responded as she stole another glance back at the breakfast line.
"I take it they're not going to open up early are they," Quistis scowled.
"Doesn't look like it ya know," Raijin agreed. Quistis shrugged and stared out the window behind Xu's head. "Oh wait!" Raijin jumped up. "It looks like they are. I'll go get the food and give you girls a little time to talk...ya know." With a knowing grin he stood up and spun around towards the line. "Oh!" Raijin called out in surprise. Quistis and Xu both jumped up at the same time when they realized that Raijin had managed to plow over some poor unfortunate SeeD.
"Rage!" Xu called out and reached out as if to catch his victim.
"I'm sorry man. I didn't see ya, ya know," Raijin's voice held a bit of amusement.
"Yeah yeah, I know," His victim complained.
"Are you alright?" Quistis asked as she peered around Raijin's bulk. "Oh never mind," She dismissed her previous worry. "Its just you," She said as she sat back down.
"Your concern for my well being Dear Instructor is a far cry for commendable," Seifer grumbled as Raijin roughly hauled him up to his feet.
Xu snickered as she took her seat and then leaned forward towards Quistis. "Sooo," She grinned almost childishly. Quistis looked at her in confusion.
"Sooo," Seifer said as he spun his chair around and sat in it backwards. He leaned lazily with his elbow on the table top and waited for Quistis' reply. Both girls glared at him.
"Hey come on," Raijin pulled at the collar of Seifer's trench coat. "I'm going up for breakfast. Come with me."
"Not hungry," Seifer responded.
"Not hungry...come on. Everyone's gotta eat ya know," Raijin tried to persuade him. "I'm buyin' man."
"In that case," Seifer stood up abruptly. "I'll talk to you ladies later." Xu shook her head and Quistis rolled her eyes. Both girls watched as they started walking off.
"One of these days, one of them girls is gonna get you back ya know," Raijin mumbled.
"No they won't," Seifer stole a glance over his shoulder and grinned. "They enjoy the attention too much," He said as he turned back around. Raijin just shook his head.
With the guys out of the way, Xu leaned forward once again. "Soo," She said.
"So what?" Quistis asked.
"So what were you doing over Nida's at seven this morning?" Xu asked.
"Visiting my boyfriend," Quistis answered as she picked up her purse.
"Uh huh," Xu pried. Quistis cast her a look. "You fell asleep there."
"And your point?" Quistis asked as she pulled out her makeup bag and cast the purse aside. "Its not like you've never done that with Raijin so don't go there."
Xu sighed. "I was trying to get a hold of you all night last night but no one answered."
"It was on silent," Quistis answered methodically as she applied her blush.
"I noticed," Xu agreed. A long paused ensued and Xu took the time to look around at the treppies sitting at surrounding tables. She looked back over to Quistis, a sly grin on her face. "You know what I'm asking." All the hushed conversations around them died instantly as they listened in. Xu looked from side to side uncertainly.
Quistis crossed her arms raised an eyebrow, clearly mimicking the responses of her followers. "Enlighten me."
Xu's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Come on Quisty. The guy's are gonna be back any minute now! Just answer my question please," She begged in a hushed tone.
"Why?" Quistis asked.
"Because I'm a snoop. I have to know everything that goes on around me. If I don't I'll go crazy," She grinned.
"So long as you don't become a gossiper, I'll talk," Quistis agreed. All around them, the sound of scooting chairs and people shuffling closer erupted at once. "Guys come on!" Quistis shouted at the nosy treppies. Just as quickly as they'd congregated they all backed off.
Xu watched them in astonishment. "They're so loyal I bet you could take over the world with them...You know, like your own personal army," She commented.
Quistis smiled. "You're probably right."
Xu smiled broadly and cast a glance to make sure Seifer and Raijin weren't near. "Alright, enough chit-chat, spill it."
Quistis stared at her knowingly and then shrugged innocently. Xu's jaw dropped. "What? Coming from someone who doesn't have a problem with..." Quistis stopped talking when Xu placed her hand over her mouth. Their section of the cafeteria had grown eerily silent.
Raijin and Seifer came back to the table and sat their trays down. Raijin quickly sat next to Xu and started unwrapping his sausage and biscuit. A little leery of the situation, Seifer paused and looked around at their audience. His gaze fell to Quistis, who was shaking her head in embarrassment. Becoming more than a little annoyed, he dropped his tray on the table and took his coat off.
"There's nothing going on here but there will be if you all don't turn around and mind your own damn business," Seifer practically growled. Much to Quistis' dismay, most of the treppies got up and left in a hurry. Only a few remained and of those few, they all avoided making eye contact with Seifer. Satisfied with their reactions, Seifer fell lazily into his chair and began tearing his biscuits into small pieces.
"Thanks," Quistis whispered to Seifer as she took a plate of pancakes from Raijin.
He nodded and pulled the top off of his bowl of gravy. "I don't know how you put up with those loonies. I'd have killed them all by now if I were you," He grumbled as he covered his biscuits with the hot gravy.
"Some days I consider it," She mumbled.
Seifer smirked.
Back in Dollet, both Nida and Amira stared at Sarah quietly. The room remained silent as Nida tried to form words. Sarah looked from him to Amira. She clenched her folder in her left hand as she waited for one of them to speak. When neither did, she crossed her arms lightly over her chest and began to talk.
"Nida," She paused. "I've filled out everything but the last page. I want to make sure Amira's sure about this." Sarah looked over to her daughter.
Caught off guard, Amira appeared to grow a few shades paler. "Umm..." She hesitated as she looked over at Nida's solemn face. There was not the slightest noise in the room. Both Nida and Sarah seemed held their breaths as the waited for her answer. "I really don't want to go Mom," Her voice came out shaky and nervous. "But I don't want Nida to have to go either." Nida's eyes fell to the floor as he tightly clasped his hands in his lap.
It was now Sarah's' turn to be at a loss for words. "Amira," She began as she absently dropped the folder on the floor. "You haven't called me Mom in over three years."
"I'm sorry," Amira cried as Sarah rushed towards her and pulled her into a hug. Nida stood up and watched them in shock.
"Don't be," Sarah tried to quiet her.
"But I should be, I was so mean. I didn't mean it, I just thought if you got tired enough of me you'd send me off to be with Nida."
Sarah pulled back until they were an arm's length apart. "What?"
"I knew why you sent him off, but I missed him so much. And since he wasn't allowed back here, I had to do something so that you'd send me where he was."
"Honey, the whole reason I didn't have him come back was I was afraid that he'd come back and think that your throwing fits meant that he could too. Cid had sent some good reports and I didn't want to chance Nida regressing back to his old habits."
"But..." Amira's arguments died on her tongue. "I'm the reason Nida didn't get to come home?"
"I realized it was wrong three years too late; whenever I realized you hated me for keeping him away and that he hated me because he thought I was being strict on you because of him."
"I never meant it when I said I hated you," Amira whispered.
"I know," Sarah smiled faintly. "Honey, I don't want you to leave." Amira smiled back. After a brief hug, they remembered they weren't alone. Watching from the doorway, Nida wasn't sure if he was relieved or crushed by what just happened. "I promise you I was really trying to do what I thought was in your best interest. You always used to run off when you were mad and I was always afraid that when you got older you'd run off and get into something you shouldn't have."
Nida seemed to consider her statement for a minute and then frowned. "Its just hard. I spent the past five or so years thinking that you hated me. Things can't just be better in an instant."
"I know," Sarah looked down at the floor. "But you and Ami are all I have in this world. I was still young when your father died. I was very young. But with the years since then I've grown and learned a lot. I wasn't mentally mature enough to properly care for you two back then. I was still a little too whimsical for my own good. I may have been married and had a family, but life was still a social event back then. I was too caught up in the every day gossip and politics to have been the parent I should have been. When I realized I was in over my head it was too late. And then, out of fear of something happening to the dearest thing my Nigel had possessed, and the only one of my children that would really grow to resemble the man I'd fallen in love with, I sent you to Balamb Garden. I knew it wasn't an extremely strict military school, but I thought the structure and stability would do you some good. That and, I knew quite a few of the students there were orphaned so I had the confidence in the faculty and staff to know ways to help you that I didn't."
Nida looked from Sarah to Amira. "I don't know," He spoke as he shook his head. "Forgive me for saying so, but this all seems a little too convenient."
"Please Nida, let's just try and get along," Amira suggested. "Just for today?"
"Its alright," Sarah told her. "I've done so much to the two of you its a wonder either of you are still talking to me. Besides, some things take time to heal Ami." Turning her attention to Nida, she gave him a hesitant and awkward hug. "I am sorry Dear," She whispered in his ear and then pulled away. "I'll be downstairs when you two decide to come down." With her final words, she quietly left the two teens to themselves. After an unbearable silence, Ami finally spoke.
"You're not mad at me are you?"
He shook his head and smiled weakly. "No," He sighed. "I guess in a roundabout way this is what I wanted."