"Mamoru?!" Usagi shouted angrily when Mamoru answered the phone.
"What ever happened to Mamo-chan?" He replied.
"Can it! I'm not in the mood. How come you lied to me about going to school today?"
He was taken aback. Confusion took hold of him, "I didn't. I told you I skipped last class."
"Nah-uh. Try the whole day."
"What? No. I was there most of the day." Oh boy, he was in deep.
"Mamoru. I ran into one of your professors, she said you weren't there."
"Maybe she just didn't see me." Fuck!
"Some how I doubt that very much. Did you go to school or not? Tell me the truth!"
"Alright, fine. I didn't go. I needed a break, okay? I told you that. Why are you so mad? It was only one day?" He began to wonder if they need the phone. He was sure he could hear her all the way from her house they way she was shouting.
"I'm not mad 'cause you didn't go to school, I don't care about that. I'm mad 'cause you lied to me." Usagi waited for a response, when she received nothing she went on, "Why did you lie to me?" She was expecting a long explanation but all she got was a timid, "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Is that the best you can come up with?
"I guess I just didn't want to hear you yell at me anymore for not going. I told you I'm sick of all this. I didn't want you to get mad."
"Trust me, I wouldn't have been as angry as I am now. You lied to me. How do expect me to believe you about certain things now?"
Again she got another quiet; "I don't know," Followed by, "I'm sorry, Usako. Forgive me?"
Usagi sighed, "I don't know if I can." She sat on the phone for a while in silence, before gently hanging up the phone. She began to consider what just went on. Did she overreact? She could she his point about worrying that she'd get mad. She knew she would. Then she began to think if there had ever been time where she had lied to cover something minor up. She couldn't remember. She probably had, maybe never lied to Mamoru, but she was sure she had done it to her parents. Maybe she did overreact. It was just a small lie, nothing big. She began to wonder why she was so concerned about his schooling. She knew he would never take a day off unless he felt it was necessary or if he knew he couldn't make up the work. Wow! She had overreacted.
"I'm such a stupid little bitch," She whispered to herself before reaching for her phone. Before she could pick it up it rang, "Moshi moshi," She sounded displeased with herself.
"Usako?" Mamoru's voice came from the other end, "Listen I-"
"Iie. Don't. It's my turn to apologize."
"Apologize?" He asked confused. What just happened? "Why?"
Usagi heaved a sigh, "I overreacted and I apologize."
"It's okay. You had a right to be upset. I shouldn't have lied. I'm just so sick of everyone getting on m case."
"I know. I'm sorry. Listen, can we do something tomorrow?"
"Sure," She could hear it in his voice that he was smiling; "two o'clock sound good?"
"It sure does. Your place?" She smiled.
"It's a date."
She giggled, "Okay, I'll see you then."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
She walked up to the door of Mamoru's apartment, excited that she would spend the day with him. She knocked on his door and waited. Nothing. Maybe he's still getting ready, she thought. Maybe his in the washroom and can't hear me. She knocked again. Yet again nothing. Come on, Mamo-chan. She knocked again. And just like the first two times, nothing. Mamo-chan! Where are you!? She knocked a little louder. Still nothing. She huffed a breath out and gave up. She turned and left. That stupid little--- he sure as hell was going to hear from her.
She found a pay phone on her way home and called Makoto. They made arrangements to meet at the arcade. She could use a few games of Sailor V to take her anger out on. She turned the corner and sure enough there was Makoto waiting outside for her. Well, at she's reliable, Usagi thought.
"So," Makoto started after they sat down and were comfortable, "What's up?"
Usagi glared. Not at her friend, but at the situation, "He lied to me," Usagi thought it best to start at the beginning.
Makoto cocked an eyebrow, "Who?"
"Mamoru. He didn't go to school at all yesterday. He lied and told me he went all day except to his last class."
"Maybe he just didn't want you to yell at him?" Makoto suggested.
"When I got home yesterday, I called him and bitched him out. And that's what he told me, he didn't want me yelling. Anyway, I had time to think and I realized that I overreacted. big time. So I called him back and apologized."
"So? What's the problem?" Makoto cut in, puzzled. Was there something she was missing?
"I'm getting there. So, we made up and whatever. Then we made plans to do something today at two. I went over to his apartment and he didn't answer his door. I knocked at least three times."
"Maybe he was still asleep," Makoto tried to justify what was going on. It wasn't like Mamoru to be doing this. Skipping schooling, lying and standing Usagi up without calling her to let her know that something came up. Mamoru loved this girl to death and would spend any possible time he had with her. He was too serious about school to skip for no reason. And he certainly never lied. What was going on? She was worried for her friend.
"Maybe," Usagi said thoughtfully, "But he never sleeps in. You know the routine he has. Get up at 5, goes jogging for about two hours, comes home, has breakfast, watches the morning news, reads, finishes getting ready for the day, takes the---"
"Okay, Usagi I get it. Maybe you should try calling him. Ask Motoki if you could use the phone, I'm sure he'd let you."
"Alright. It's worth a try." She got up and walked to the counter, Makoto close behind, "Motoki-San?" Usagi said once they had reached the counter, "May I use the phone for a quick second?"
Motoki smiled, "Sure." He opened the counter door for Usagi. She walked to the back toward the phone, just behind the cash register. She dialed the number and let it ring for a couple of minutes. No answer. She hung up the phone. She walked back beside Makoto.
"No answer," She said glumly and sat down in a stool.
"Who were you trying to call?" Motoki inquired.
"Mamo-chan."
"Mamoru? He's not home. He went out with Eva."
Usagi shot a look at Motoki, "Who?" She said in a low tone.
"I don't know. Some girl in one of his classes."
Usagi looked over to Makoto, "Motoki?" Makoto asked, "You would tell Usagi if Mamoru were seeing someone else, right?"
Motoki furrowed his brow, "Mamoru? Seeing someone else? Are you nuts? He's crazy about Usagi."
"Just answer the question." Usagi said flatly.
"Well," Motoki paused a second, "Yes. If he was and I knew anything, I would. But he's not. Why do you ask?"
"No reason. Come on Mako-chan. Let's go." She stepped down off the stool and walked outside.
"Do you want to go to Rei's? The other's might be there?" Makoto turned to Usagi after speaking to see that she was in tears. Her eyes softened, "Oh, Usa. Come on here." She took Usagi into a heartfelt hug; "It's going to be okay."
"No it won't," Usagi gently pulled away, "Motoki said and I quote; 'if I knew anything.' Which means Mamo-chan could be seeing someone and he not know about it. Mamoru would most likely not tell him, because there is that chance that Motoki would tell me. And Mamoru knows it."
"Look, I got an idea. We can find out who thing Eva chick is and ask her ourselves. If he were cheating on you, he probably wouldn't tell this girl that he already has a girlfriend. So if we meet this girl we can work it into the conversation. Then you would know for sure."
Usagi tried to smile, but failed, "Okay."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After Usagi and Makoto explained to other girls what had happened, they headed back to the arcade to search for 'clues' as Minako liked to call them. Really they were just going for food and to see if this mystery girl came in at all. Rei secretly hoped that Mamoru would come in so she could give him a piece of her mind. They had been at the arcade for about an hour when a young woman walked in. She had auburn hair just below her shoulders and bright green eyes. She smiled at Motoki and started in on a friendly conversation.
"I'll go check it out," Makoto said as she walked toward the counter, "Motoki? Would it be possible to have a chocolate shake, please."
"Sure thing," He turned back to the girl, "I'll be right back." He returned a few moments later with the shake. Makoto sat down on a stool and began sipping, "Uh? Makoto? Aren't you going back to your friends?"
"Nope. They said they have to talk about something without me," She leaned in and whispered, "I think they're planning a surprise birthday party." She winked.
"But your birthday's not for a while."
Makoto shrugged, "No time, like the present."
Motoki chuckled, "Okay. Whatever you say," He then turned back to the girl, "So? What did you guys do?"
"We just went for a walk in the park and had a little picnic," The girl replied with a smile, "You wouldn't think it just by looking at him, but Mamoru can be very sweet."
Bingo! Makoto thought, this must be her. Just then the phone rang and Motoki went to answer it.
"So?" Makoto began, "You know Mamoru?" She made it sound like she was starting a friendly conversation.
The girl smiled, "Yes. I'm in one of his classes."
"Cool. I'm. Well, I suppose you could call me a friend of his," She never thought about the relationship that she held with Mamoru until now. Would he consider her a friend or just someone he knows through Usagi? She shrugged off the thought; "I'm Makoto."
The girl smiled, "I'm Eva."
"Eva. That's an interesting name."
She smiled, "Thanks. I'm from Canada. I'm here on a student visa."
Makoto was impressed, "Interesting. Why did you choose to come to Japan for school?"
Eva shrugged, "I don't know. I've always wanted to come, so I thought why not go to school here."
Makoto chuckled, "It works. So I guess you don't know a lot of people here then?"
"Not really."
"You wanna come meet some of my friends, then?"
"Sure," Eva smiled, "I'd love to."
"So?" Makoto said as she lead Eva back to the booth, "Where did you start learning to speak Japanese?"
"My father's Japanese, he spoke Japanese and English to me when I was growing up. So I learned it from him."
"Cool," Makoto sat down and moved over for Eva, "Guys, this is Eva. She knows Mamoru."
"Really?" Rei said sounding interested, "I'm Rei, by the way. So? How do you know him?"
Eva smiled, "School. We have the same classes."
"Are you dating him?" Minako got right up in her face.
"Minako!" Ami scolded.
Eva chuckled, thinking Minako was just being protective of her friend, "It's okay. No I'm not. He says he has a girl friend who he thinks the world of."
"Damn straight!" Usagi stood up and looked Eva straight in the eye, "And don't you forget it!" She then walked away.
"Ummm?" Eva was confused.
"That's Usagi," Makoto explained, "Mamoru's girlfriend. You have to excuse her. She's just a little worried because Mamoru's not acting like his usual self."
"Oh?" Eva seemed concerned.
"Yeah, she can't figure out why and it's bothering her." Ami explained.
"Well, If I can be of any help." Eva offered. She hated to see people upset, if she had it her way everyone would be happy.
"We'll have to see," Rei began, "It's not that we don't like you or anything. We just don't know you that well. We'll have to get to know you better."
"I understand completely. But is there I can do in the mean time?"
"Just let us know if he misses anymore school and/or classes," Minako informed. Eva nodded.
"You know the temple up on Cherry Hill?" Rei asked.
"Yes," Eva replied.
"Well, I'm a priestess there. If he does, come by and let me know."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi went straight to Mamoru's apartment, almost positive that he'd be home. The elevator ride seemed like eternity. Just wait until I get up there, mister. What the hell is going on? First he skips school then lies about it and now he stands me up? Thoughts raced through Usagi's mind. Why is he acting like this? It couldn't possibly only be the pressure of exams. What was going on? When Usagi stepped off the elevator and headed toward Mamoru's apartment, she noticed that the door had not been fully shut, it just rested on the door jam. She slowly opened the door and called out Mamoru's name. She didn't receive an answer. Oh god! Was he dead? Had someone came in to rob him, saw that he was home and killed him out of fear? All her anger melted away and turned into fear. She loved him with all her heart; she couldn't bear to lose him. She started searching his apartment and finally made her way to his bedroom. The door was shut. She slowly turned the knob and opened the door. Her eyes went wide at what she saw. Mamoru was passed out on his bed; he held a rolled up dollar bill in his right hand. Beside him was a large piece of glass and a ziplock bag. The bag was full of a white powdery substance.
Usagi ran for the phone and called an ambulance.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
^_^ Hope you enjoyed! On to part four! Don't forget to review!!
"What ever happened to Mamo-chan?" He replied.
"Can it! I'm not in the mood. How come you lied to me about going to school today?"
He was taken aback. Confusion took hold of him, "I didn't. I told you I skipped last class."
"Nah-uh. Try the whole day."
"What? No. I was there most of the day." Oh boy, he was in deep.
"Mamoru. I ran into one of your professors, she said you weren't there."
"Maybe she just didn't see me." Fuck!
"Some how I doubt that very much. Did you go to school or not? Tell me the truth!"
"Alright, fine. I didn't go. I needed a break, okay? I told you that. Why are you so mad? It was only one day?" He began to wonder if they need the phone. He was sure he could hear her all the way from her house they way she was shouting.
"I'm not mad 'cause you didn't go to school, I don't care about that. I'm mad 'cause you lied to me." Usagi waited for a response, when she received nothing she went on, "Why did you lie to me?" She was expecting a long explanation but all she got was a timid, "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Is that the best you can come up with?
"I guess I just didn't want to hear you yell at me anymore for not going. I told you I'm sick of all this. I didn't want you to get mad."
"Trust me, I wouldn't have been as angry as I am now. You lied to me. How do expect me to believe you about certain things now?"
Again she got another quiet; "I don't know," Followed by, "I'm sorry, Usako. Forgive me?"
Usagi sighed, "I don't know if I can." She sat on the phone for a while in silence, before gently hanging up the phone. She began to consider what just went on. Did she overreact? She could she his point about worrying that she'd get mad. She knew she would. Then she began to think if there had ever been time where she had lied to cover something minor up. She couldn't remember. She probably had, maybe never lied to Mamoru, but she was sure she had done it to her parents. Maybe she did overreact. It was just a small lie, nothing big. She began to wonder why she was so concerned about his schooling. She knew he would never take a day off unless he felt it was necessary or if he knew he couldn't make up the work. Wow! She had overreacted.
"I'm such a stupid little bitch," She whispered to herself before reaching for her phone. Before she could pick it up it rang, "Moshi moshi," She sounded displeased with herself.
"Usako?" Mamoru's voice came from the other end, "Listen I-"
"Iie. Don't. It's my turn to apologize."
"Apologize?" He asked confused. What just happened? "Why?"
Usagi heaved a sigh, "I overreacted and I apologize."
"It's okay. You had a right to be upset. I shouldn't have lied. I'm just so sick of everyone getting on m case."
"I know. I'm sorry. Listen, can we do something tomorrow?"
"Sure," She could hear it in his voice that he was smiling; "two o'clock sound good?"
"It sure does. Your place?" She smiled.
"It's a date."
She giggled, "Okay, I'll see you then."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
She walked up to the door of Mamoru's apartment, excited that she would spend the day with him. She knocked on his door and waited. Nothing. Maybe he's still getting ready, she thought. Maybe his in the washroom and can't hear me. She knocked again. Yet again nothing. Come on, Mamo-chan. She knocked again. And just like the first two times, nothing. Mamo-chan! Where are you!? She knocked a little louder. Still nothing. She huffed a breath out and gave up. She turned and left. That stupid little--- he sure as hell was going to hear from her.
She found a pay phone on her way home and called Makoto. They made arrangements to meet at the arcade. She could use a few games of Sailor V to take her anger out on. She turned the corner and sure enough there was Makoto waiting outside for her. Well, at she's reliable, Usagi thought.
"So," Makoto started after they sat down and were comfortable, "What's up?"
Usagi glared. Not at her friend, but at the situation, "He lied to me," Usagi thought it best to start at the beginning.
Makoto cocked an eyebrow, "Who?"
"Mamoru. He didn't go to school at all yesterday. He lied and told me he went all day except to his last class."
"Maybe he just didn't want you to yell at him?" Makoto suggested.
"When I got home yesterday, I called him and bitched him out. And that's what he told me, he didn't want me yelling. Anyway, I had time to think and I realized that I overreacted. big time. So I called him back and apologized."
"So? What's the problem?" Makoto cut in, puzzled. Was there something she was missing?
"I'm getting there. So, we made up and whatever. Then we made plans to do something today at two. I went over to his apartment and he didn't answer his door. I knocked at least three times."
"Maybe he was still asleep," Makoto tried to justify what was going on. It wasn't like Mamoru to be doing this. Skipping schooling, lying and standing Usagi up without calling her to let her know that something came up. Mamoru loved this girl to death and would spend any possible time he had with her. He was too serious about school to skip for no reason. And he certainly never lied. What was going on? She was worried for her friend.
"Maybe," Usagi said thoughtfully, "But he never sleeps in. You know the routine he has. Get up at 5, goes jogging for about two hours, comes home, has breakfast, watches the morning news, reads, finishes getting ready for the day, takes the---"
"Okay, Usagi I get it. Maybe you should try calling him. Ask Motoki if you could use the phone, I'm sure he'd let you."
"Alright. It's worth a try." She got up and walked to the counter, Makoto close behind, "Motoki-San?" Usagi said once they had reached the counter, "May I use the phone for a quick second?"
Motoki smiled, "Sure." He opened the counter door for Usagi. She walked to the back toward the phone, just behind the cash register. She dialed the number and let it ring for a couple of minutes. No answer. She hung up the phone. She walked back beside Makoto.
"No answer," She said glumly and sat down in a stool.
"Who were you trying to call?" Motoki inquired.
"Mamo-chan."
"Mamoru? He's not home. He went out with Eva."
Usagi shot a look at Motoki, "Who?" She said in a low tone.
"I don't know. Some girl in one of his classes."
Usagi looked over to Makoto, "Motoki?" Makoto asked, "You would tell Usagi if Mamoru were seeing someone else, right?"
Motoki furrowed his brow, "Mamoru? Seeing someone else? Are you nuts? He's crazy about Usagi."
"Just answer the question." Usagi said flatly.
"Well," Motoki paused a second, "Yes. If he was and I knew anything, I would. But he's not. Why do you ask?"
"No reason. Come on Mako-chan. Let's go." She stepped down off the stool and walked outside.
"Do you want to go to Rei's? The other's might be there?" Makoto turned to Usagi after speaking to see that she was in tears. Her eyes softened, "Oh, Usa. Come on here." She took Usagi into a heartfelt hug; "It's going to be okay."
"No it won't," Usagi gently pulled away, "Motoki said and I quote; 'if I knew anything.' Which means Mamo-chan could be seeing someone and he not know about it. Mamoru would most likely not tell him, because there is that chance that Motoki would tell me. And Mamoru knows it."
"Look, I got an idea. We can find out who thing Eva chick is and ask her ourselves. If he were cheating on you, he probably wouldn't tell this girl that he already has a girlfriend. So if we meet this girl we can work it into the conversation. Then you would know for sure."
Usagi tried to smile, but failed, "Okay."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After Usagi and Makoto explained to other girls what had happened, they headed back to the arcade to search for 'clues' as Minako liked to call them. Really they were just going for food and to see if this mystery girl came in at all. Rei secretly hoped that Mamoru would come in so she could give him a piece of her mind. They had been at the arcade for about an hour when a young woman walked in. She had auburn hair just below her shoulders and bright green eyes. She smiled at Motoki and started in on a friendly conversation.
"I'll go check it out," Makoto said as she walked toward the counter, "Motoki? Would it be possible to have a chocolate shake, please."
"Sure thing," He turned back to the girl, "I'll be right back." He returned a few moments later with the shake. Makoto sat down on a stool and began sipping, "Uh? Makoto? Aren't you going back to your friends?"
"Nope. They said they have to talk about something without me," She leaned in and whispered, "I think they're planning a surprise birthday party." She winked.
"But your birthday's not for a while."
Makoto shrugged, "No time, like the present."
Motoki chuckled, "Okay. Whatever you say," He then turned back to the girl, "So? What did you guys do?"
"We just went for a walk in the park and had a little picnic," The girl replied with a smile, "You wouldn't think it just by looking at him, but Mamoru can be very sweet."
Bingo! Makoto thought, this must be her. Just then the phone rang and Motoki went to answer it.
"So?" Makoto began, "You know Mamoru?" She made it sound like she was starting a friendly conversation.
The girl smiled, "Yes. I'm in one of his classes."
"Cool. I'm. Well, I suppose you could call me a friend of his," She never thought about the relationship that she held with Mamoru until now. Would he consider her a friend or just someone he knows through Usagi? She shrugged off the thought; "I'm Makoto."
The girl smiled, "I'm Eva."
"Eva. That's an interesting name."
She smiled, "Thanks. I'm from Canada. I'm here on a student visa."
Makoto was impressed, "Interesting. Why did you choose to come to Japan for school?"
Eva shrugged, "I don't know. I've always wanted to come, so I thought why not go to school here."
Makoto chuckled, "It works. So I guess you don't know a lot of people here then?"
"Not really."
"You wanna come meet some of my friends, then?"
"Sure," Eva smiled, "I'd love to."
"So?" Makoto said as she lead Eva back to the booth, "Where did you start learning to speak Japanese?"
"My father's Japanese, he spoke Japanese and English to me when I was growing up. So I learned it from him."
"Cool," Makoto sat down and moved over for Eva, "Guys, this is Eva. She knows Mamoru."
"Really?" Rei said sounding interested, "I'm Rei, by the way. So? How do you know him?"
Eva smiled, "School. We have the same classes."
"Are you dating him?" Minako got right up in her face.
"Minako!" Ami scolded.
Eva chuckled, thinking Minako was just being protective of her friend, "It's okay. No I'm not. He says he has a girl friend who he thinks the world of."
"Damn straight!" Usagi stood up and looked Eva straight in the eye, "And don't you forget it!" She then walked away.
"Ummm?" Eva was confused.
"That's Usagi," Makoto explained, "Mamoru's girlfriend. You have to excuse her. She's just a little worried because Mamoru's not acting like his usual self."
"Oh?" Eva seemed concerned.
"Yeah, she can't figure out why and it's bothering her." Ami explained.
"Well, If I can be of any help." Eva offered. She hated to see people upset, if she had it her way everyone would be happy.
"We'll have to see," Rei began, "It's not that we don't like you or anything. We just don't know you that well. We'll have to get to know you better."
"I understand completely. But is there I can do in the mean time?"
"Just let us know if he misses anymore school and/or classes," Minako informed. Eva nodded.
"You know the temple up on Cherry Hill?" Rei asked.
"Yes," Eva replied.
"Well, I'm a priestess there. If he does, come by and let me know."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Usagi went straight to Mamoru's apartment, almost positive that he'd be home. The elevator ride seemed like eternity. Just wait until I get up there, mister. What the hell is going on? First he skips school then lies about it and now he stands me up? Thoughts raced through Usagi's mind. Why is he acting like this? It couldn't possibly only be the pressure of exams. What was going on? When Usagi stepped off the elevator and headed toward Mamoru's apartment, she noticed that the door had not been fully shut, it just rested on the door jam. She slowly opened the door and called out Mamoru's name. She didn't receive an answer. Oh god! Was he dead? Had someone came in to rob him, saw that he was home and killed him out of fear? All her anger melted away and turned into fear. She loved him with all her heart; she couldn't bear to lose him. She started searching his apartment and finally made her way to his bedroom. The door was shut. She slowly turned the knob and opened the door. Her eyes went wide at what she saw. Mamoru was passed out on his bed; he held a rolled up dollar bill in his right hand. Beside him was a large piece of glass and a ziplock bag. The bag was full of a white powdery substance.
Usagi ran for the phone and called an ambulance.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
^_^ Hope you enjoyed! On to part four! Don't forget to review!!