A/N: I really appreciate all those reviews I got for the first chapter. They were all fantastic. Well, welcome to the next chapter of LITS!
Chapter 2- A Change
I walked to school the next morning dreading the fact I'd have to see Sora after that whole incident at Silverstone. I was wondering if he'd say anything about it. My pony-tail swayed side to side as I slowly made my way to BCHS (Blue Cove High School).
When I got to school, I did my thing and went to my locker where I met up with Riku. He was talking to some other students I didn't know. Riku had his arms crossed and leaned on the locker next to mine as he talked casually with the other guys. The three of them saw me as I started to open up my locker.
"Kairi, I want you to meet some people." Riku said standing up right and looking at me. I nodded and put my binders away and keeping one out before closing it. I turned to look at the two. They were both tall. One of them had spiky blond hair and light blue eyes, he seemed really serious, along with the other guy too. The other had semi-long dark brown hair and gray-blue eyes. "Kai, this is Cloud and Squall."
"You can call me Leon." The brunette replied. Cloud gave me a small nod when Riku said his name.
"Nice to meet you." I said quietly.
"These two are on the football team, I'm going to join soon." Riku smiled.
"You're going to join the Blue Cove Dolphin's football team?" I asked. He nodded. I shrugged. Whatever, it was his choice, not mine. I really don't like football too much, but I'd watch it if someone I knew was in the game. The three continued to talk. I was getting bored, but I stayed where I was. Finally after listening to their long boring conversation, the bell rang to relieve me. We all headed to class.
The morning classes went by at a normal speed, not too fast, not to slow. We actually started working in some of the classes. It was okay though since the beginning of the year always starts out super easy. After the first classes were over, it was lunch time. I was thankful for it to be here since I was so hungry. Riku and I got our lunches and headed to what we deemed our table in the back of the cafeteria. Selphie, Wakka, and Tidus joined us not too long after.
"Hey, can we sit with you guys?" a voice from behind said. We all looked behind me to see who it was. Sora and Namine were standing hand in hand looking back at us. I looked back to the middle of the table.
"Yeah sure." Riku said moving closer to me so Sora could sit next to him and Namine next to Sora. I sighed in defeat. Selphie looked my way but not too obvious while she ate her lunch. She gave me a sympathetic look since I told her what happened just last night in choir class. I shrugged it off.
"So how long have you all been friends?" Namine asked as she straightened out her blouse before starting to eat.
"For what seems like forever." Selphie answered the blonde haired beauty. Nam returned it with a smile.
"Sora, Kairi and I were the closest and hung out the most." Riku said.
"Yeah, Wakka, Selphie and I hung out but we would combined all of us together often." Tidus informed the newbie.
"We're all very close, obviously if we've all been friends since elementary." Wakka told her. Sora seemed to glance my way, but only for a split second.
"I can see that." She smiled. I kept my head low but stealthily watched the conversation in front of me.
"Hey I have a question for you." Selphie stated. "Where are you from?"
"I'm from very far away from here, I moved to the Destiny Islands in middle school, back in eighth grade." She looked at Sora with a warming smile as she grasped his hand in hers. "That's when I met Sora. He showed me around the island and we got closer. Before I knew it, he said how much he cared for me, and that there was no one else in the world like me... then he asked me to be his girlfriend."
"Aw!" Selphie cried happily. Yep that was Selphie, despite how things were between me and Sora, she couldn't help but become a sap at the sound of romantic stuff. I felt down when I heard Namine say all that because, well... I thought I was Sora's only one. I thought no one in the world was like me in his eyes. I sighed again. I guess I'm just jealous or something, that's what I kept telling myself.
"It's great to be back and see all you guys again." Sora smiled.
"Same here." Riku replied.
"You've changed so much." Selphie told Sora.
"In a good way or a bad way?" He asked.
"Good." Tidus replied. "Well even though you completely ignored us all through middle school."
"I'm sorry that I never hung out with you guys or kept in contact." Sora said. "I was just so busy with my life at Ocean View Middle School."
"How was it at OVMS?" Wakka asked.
"It was great, nice school." Sora said.
"It sure was." Namine agreed.
"Twilight Middle School rocked." Tidus said.
"Yeah great times." Riku smiled. I coughed lightly. They all looked at me. Riku put his arm around me while Selphie lightly patted my back. "Sorry Kairi." Riku said softly. Sora looked at me sympathetically. 'I don't need your sympathy Sora...' I replied in my head to his look.
"What happened in Twilight?" Namine asked curiously. I looked up at her. No real emotion going through my mind. Everyone's attention switched to Namine. Sora lowered his head.
"Well the only one Kairi really loved... well... never mind the main thing was Kairi's dad passed away." Selphie answered. I thought my heart was going to stop when she was talking about Sora, but she quickly changed it to my dad. Sora slowly lifted his head.
"I'm so sorry Kairi." Namine said apologetically. I gave a faint smile in return before eating again. I decided to change the subject.
"Do you want to hang out after school?" I looked next to me at Riku.
"Can't, got talk to the coach." He responded.
"Oh, ok..."
"Kai! Why don't you come and hang out with me after school!" Selphie suggested.
"Alright." I smiled. Selph grinned back. After lunch, we went to our last classes for the day. Sora, Namine and Riku talked while I just listened in every so often. After school, I went home and told my mom that I was going to hang out with Selphie. Within a couple of minutes of arriving home, Selphie came over.
"Hiya Kairi!" Selphie smiled happily. "Is it okay if we go to my parents café, I need to get some money."
"That's fine." I said walking out of the house. Selphie and I headed down the street to Rising Sun Café. Her parents had opened up the place about a year ago. It was a nice cozy hip place for people of all ages but I often see people from school there. Selphie works there along with Tidus and Wakka. After the walk there, we entered the Rising Sun.
"Hello Kairi." Selphie's mom smiled at me.
"Hi." I said quietly. 'Why am I so quiet and shy now? I never used to be like this.' I thought irritably to myself.
"Mom, can I get some money, I want to go shopping with Kairi." Selphie said. Her mom nodded and went into the back room and came back with a handful of twenties. "Thank you mom!" She hugged her before we headed outside.
"How much did your mom get you?" I asked looking at the twenties in Selphie's hands. She lifted them and counted the money.
"Uh, a hundred fourty." She pulled out a ten from her back pocket. "Now I have one hundred fifty."
"Is it really even okay that she gave you that much?" I was kind of shocked that Mrs. Tilmitt would give her daughter that much.
"Don't worry about it, I worked and earned this money." Selph informed me. I gave a small nod. "Okay, mall time!" Selphie took of a hold of my hand and raced to the local mall. I really do hate shopping but obviously I had no choice.
"So what are we going to do?" I asked looking at all the stores once we got inside.
"We're going to buy you some new clothes." Selphie said taking me into a store.
"No, Selph. I don't want you to spend your money on me. Really, I'm fine with what I have." I told her honestly.
"But Kai... you've dressed this way for a year now. We're in high school, you're supposed to be shining!" Selphie exclaimed. I sighed.
"I probably wont wear them." I said as we looked through some clothing racks.
"I bet you, one day you'll look through your closet wanting a change and you'll spot these rocking outfits and you will wear them." Selphie said.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked.
"Because I'm Selphie Tilmitt!" She smiled. I shook my head with a small smile. I'll never understand her. The two of us, well actually Selphie got me clothes that were nice and casual, along with a nice outfit to go out on a date with.
"Why are we getting this?" I asked holding up a short black spaghetti strapped dress that flowed out at the waist.
"Because you'll need to look nice when you start going out on dates." Selphie said looking at shoes to match.
"But, I don't even wear things that are this revealing... plus who'd I go out on a date with? Riku and me never go out, at least not anymore." I said. Selphie looked up at me.
"Kairi... you need to start becoming more outgoing again. You always used to be going out places and stuff. Ever since your dad died you've been held back. It all started with Sora going to a different middle school then us." She stated. Was it really that obvious that I started to become less outgoing throughout the years? I didn't think it was but must have.
"I really don't know how to become outgoing..." I said looking down at my feet. "I don't remember."
"Don't worry Kai, I'll help you! That's what friends are for, right?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Remember how we made plans for this weekend?" She asked. I nodded. "Well you're going to come over and I'll give you a full make-over. I'll have all your new clothes at my house for the time being. How does that sound?"
"A make-over?" I asked kind of surprised. She nodded. "No really, I'm okay with how I look." Selphie gave me a doubtful look and put her hands on her waists, tapping her foot. Okay, so I wasn't that comfortable with my look. It wasn't me. Wait, did I just say admit that! Woah, something's wrong in my head.
"Kairi..." Selphie said sternly. I broke away from my thoughts and looked up at my friend still tapping her foot.
"Yeah?"
"You're not comfortable with your look and you know it. It isn't you." She said.
"Are you reading my mind or something?"
"No. I just know you well enough to know the truth." She smiled. I shook my head. I looked back at the dress in my hands.
"So tell me again why we're getting this?"
"You want to look good for Sora when you two go out on dates right?"
"But Selphie! He has a girlfriend and I have Riku. It's pretty obvious that nothing will be happening any time soon." I stated.
"Do you really think Sora and Namine will last? I mean, yeah, Namine's a great person and all but those two just... aren't meant to be together. At least in my opinion."
"Well they have been together since eighth grade." I said. "They lasted that long didn't they?"
"Yeah true but still. I don't think it'll last. We're in high school now. Everything from here on out will never be the same." I wasn't sure how to respond to her saying that so I decided to keep my mouth shut instead. Maybe she did have a point. Everything will change now.
The weekend came meaning I had to get my make-over from Selphie. I kissed my mom goodbye and walked over to her house. As soon as I knocked on the door and Selphie answered, she yanked me inside and up the stairs to her room. She sat me down on a chair in front of her vanity. She turned me around.
"Ready for your new look?" Selphie asked.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked as she pulled out some make up. I bit my lip nervously. What if people thought I was doing this to fit in and become popular?
"Yes I'm sure Kai. Just let me do all the work." She said. "Okay first I'm going to give you a face mask to clean your skin up before I put make-up on, while that's happening, I'm going to do your nails."
"But-." Selphie cut me off.
"No talking." She clipped my bangs back so they weren't in my face. She wiped my face off with a cool rag before placing green goo on my face. Just like in movies or shows where someone gets a make over, Selphie put cucumbers on my eyes. The radio was on so I just listened to it while Selph gave me a manicure. After the mask dried and I rinsed it off, I looked at my nails. They were a light pink with small gold starts at the top sides of them.
"Thanks Selph, my nails look nice." I said sitting on the vanity bench while Selphie put moisturize on my face.
"Yep. Glad you like them." Selphie smiled at me. "Okay now I'm going to put your hair in curlers. That means take out your ponytail." I sighed and did what she said. Selphie put in medium sized hair curlers. "Okay now you can't look at the mirror until I'm done with everything."
"What!" I really wasn't sure if I wanted to do that. "But..."
"Kairi, do you trust me?" Selphie asked.
"Yeah."
"Then trust me." She said starting to put on a light foundation on my face. Next, she took a eyeliner pencil and started to put it on me. After that she put some mascara on, some light pink eyeshadow, very light pink blush and some power to give me the soft angelic look. She smiled at me.
"You done yet?" I asked impatiently. I had been sitting here getting my make-over for a while now and I was getting restless.
"No, and chill out will you." Selphie said getting up and taking my black dress out of the shopping bag along with black high heals that we got to match.
"Um, why are you getting those out?" I asked.
"Because." She said simply. Selph handed me my outfit. "Put them on." I got up after some hesitation and then put on my outfit. It fit perfectly. It was kind of hard to get them over my head full of curlers but I managed.
"Wow, this actually looks good from what I can see." I said looking down, so tempted to look at a mirror.
"Duh!" Selphie laughed. I smiled slightly. "Okay, now I need to take out the rollers. Sit back down." I did as I was told and sat down. Selphie carefully removed them out of my hair and ran her fingers lightly through it as she sprayed hair spray to keep it's look. I started to cough.
"Okay Selphie! Enough hair spray! You're going to kill me with the fumes!" I said trying not to breath it in. Finally she stopped. Selphie took a step back and looked at me.
"Perfect! Kairi you look so pretty!" Selphie shrieked. I got up and looked at her full length mirror. I couldn't even believe that the person in the reflection was me. I looked older. My hair was wavy and gave off a nice shiny, healthy look. My make was done perfectly, like some super model. The outfit fit perfectly on me and fit my curves the way it should.
"Selphie..." I said breathlessly. "I... I... can't thank you enough! This... this is unbelievable." I said turning to her.
"Heh, not a problem Kai!" Selphie said hugging me. When we released from the hug, I looked back at the mirror. I didn't know whether to believe it was me or just some kind of dream. The door bell rang downstairs. "Come on!" She pulled me down the stairs.
"Selphie, what are we doing?" I said as she opened the door. Riku was standing outside dressed in a light blue long sleeve button up shirt and black dress pants. When he looked through the doorway, his eyes widened.
"Ka... Kairi?" Riku stuttered.
"Doesn't she look pretty Riku!" Selphie was full of enthusiasm.
"You look wonderfully amazing Kai." Riku said breathlessly. I smiled shyly.
"Thanks Riku." I said quietly.
"Okay, so time for your date. Have fun!" Selphie gave me a push out the door and I ran into Riku. Luckily he caught me. The door closed. I looked up at Riku before backing up.
"Sorry." I said looking down.
"No need to be." He said.
"So, um. I wasn't even really expecting all of this." I looked down the street hoping no one would see me.
"Well Selphie called me this morning and said that I had to come over later and dress nice. She said she made dinner reservations at Starry Night." Riku told me. I looked at him.
"Isn't Starry Night that expensive restaurant." I questioned. He nodded. I looked down, unsure of really what to do. I haven't been on a date in forever and they were all little movie dates. Nothing where I had to dress up to. Riku held out his hand.
"Let's go." He said calmly. I looked up and lightly placed my hand in his. We walked down the street to Starry Night. It was a cool evening and it was nice out. When we got to the restaurant, the waiter sat us at a booth looking out at the ocean. It was silent while we looked over the menu's and ordered our food. While we were waiting for our food, I decided to start a conversation.
"So did you make it?" I asked.
"Make what?"
"The football team."
"Oh, yeah I did." Riku smiled. "The coach says practice starts soon."
"Oh, that's good. Congratulations on that."
"Thanks Kai."
"Anytime." I smiled.
"You know you look really great tonight. I love the new look." Riku said examining me.
"It was all Selphie's idea. I don't know if I'll end up keeping the look. I wasn't even really expecting to be going out and be seen like this." I responded truthfully.
"Why not?" He asked.
"I don't know. I guess it's just not something I'm used to. I figure I'm just used to my old look." I sighed.
"Well I think you should keep it."
"Thanks Riku." I replied quietly.
"Here is you food." The waiter said handing Riku and me plates of spaghetti. We thanked the waiter as we started to eat. After dinner, Riku walked me home. As we were walking to my house, we saw someone we knew. Someone who I didn't know if I was either fond of or loathed.
"Namine?" Riku said as the girl came into view. She was wearing a dress similar to mine, except it was white, same with her shoes.
"Oh, hi Riku, Kairi." Namine smiled.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"I'm just heading home from a party." She answered.
"Where's Sora?"
"He didn't go. He didn't feel like going."
"How come you're walking home alone?"
"I don't know. I guess it didn't really occur to me." Namine said. Riku looked at me and then down the street. My house was a couple houses away. I knew what he was going to say and do.
"Kairi, is it okay if I walk Namine home. I mean your house is right there and I'm assuming Namine's home isn't for a couple blocks." Riku said. I looked at him then back at Namine.
"No, Riku. Really you don't have to. I'll be okay." Namine said shaking her head.
"No, no. I insist." Riku told her.
"But it looks like you're on a date with Kairi. I don't want to intrude."
"It's okay because it's over." I spoke up. "I'll see you two around." With that said, I walked down the street to my house. As I was walking, I remembered I had my black hair tie on my wrist, so I put my hair up. Once I got into the house, my mom greeted me.
"Oh Kairi. You're home. Aw, you look beautiful Kairi!" My mom smiled hugging me.
"Thanks mom." I replied.
"Selphie came by after you went on your date with Riku to drop off all your new clothes. She did a wonderful job." She said.
"Yeah." I agreed. "I think I'm gonna go upstairs and get into my pj's and get rid of the make up now."
"Oh, wait, before you go... I want to give you this." My mom picked up an envelope off of the coffee table. "I want you to read this before you go to bed."
"Okay." I nodded. I kissed my mom and headed upstairs. I got to my room and noticed all my new clothes on my bed. I set them down on the floor and changed. After, I went into the bathroom and got rid of the new me. My old self was staring back at me when I looked in the mirror. I frowned slightly before going back to my room. I saw the white envelope laying on my bed so I picked up and pulled out a letter. I got comfy and read it.
Dear Kairi Cat
I stopped there. I realized it was from my dad. He always used to call me Kairi cat. I took in a deep breath and started to read the letter from my father.
It's your first weekend of your high school life. You made it. This is the first letter of the many letters I'm writing you since I wont be here much longer. I really am going to miss you. Don't frown though, your smile is beautiful and it needs to be shown often. So now that you've been in school for a week, I'm sure you saw a familiar face you haven't not thought about. That's right, you know exactly whom I'm talking about. Sora Kokoro. I know you still like him. He probably had a girlfriend now, am I right? She's probably beautiful and popular, as him being handsome and popular. Everyone's different now I'm sure. Even Riku. Kairi I want you to stay strong. Don't let people get to you. It's only the beginning. I want you to talk to your mother if something's bothering you. Keep on singing, make your voice heard... make it so I can hear you up in Heaven. Stay close with the ones who say they love you. They wont hurt you, they'll only want to protect you from being hurt by others. Stay strong Kairi Cat. Remember I'm watching over you.
Love always Dad
I couldn't believe what I had read. Tears swelled up in my eyes. It was almost a year ago he wrote me this letter and he knew what was going to happen my first week. I was stunned and quite clueless on what I was doing. Before I knew it, I walked to my mom's room where she was laying in her bed with the letter clenched in my hand.
"Kairi, what is it?" She asked with a worried look on her face. I held the letter up. "Aw, Kairi, come here." I ran onto her bed and snuggled close to her. She pulled the hair tie out of my hair and ran her fingers though it.
"I miss dad." I said quietly.
"I know you do. I miss him too." My mom sniffled. I lifted my eyes to meet hers. "But remember, he's always with us."
"I know." I took in a deep breath. It was silent for the longest time. I looked back up at my mom. "Mom."
"Yes?"
"I love you." I said.
"I love you too Kairi." She kissed my forehead. "Now go to sleep. You've had a long week." I nodded slowly before closing my eyes.
A/N: yes, I am done with the second chapters. Dang me for leaving another teary ending. I promise though, the next chapters shouldn't end like this... they'll be more on the happy side. At least I think... Anyways, hope you guys liked it! Now guess what time it is... oh wow, you guys are good. Yes Reviews!