Imprisoned II: Sacrifice

Chapter 2

Ulrich's mind was made up. He was going to talk to Yumi. As he made his way towards the courtyard, he ran into Sissi. Oh, great he thought, just what I needed.

"Hello, Ulrich dear," said Sissi. "I've got something for you." Ulrich rolled his eyes, hoping that Sissi wouldn't notice.

"I saw that!" snapped Sissi. She smiled and put a small package into his hand.

"What's this?"

"You'll see. Just open it!" Ulrich began to slowly tear the paper off, but Yumi walked by.

"Thanks, Sissi. I'll have to open it later." Ulrich gave the package back to Sissi and headed off after Yumi, leaving a bewildered Sissi just standing there.

"Oh, hey, Ulrich," said Yumi with a smile.

"Yumi, we need to talk."

Yumi stopped dead in her tracks. "Is this about what happened this morning between me and William? Because I assure you, nothing is going on!"

"That's just it. You say nothing is going on, but I don't think you mean it." Ulrich took a deep breath and opened his mouth to say something, when William interrupted.

"Hey Yumi! So, what do you say?"

"About what?" replied Yumi.

"Oh, you know, doing something together after school, remember?" William noticed Ulrich. "Oh, hello, Ulrich. I didn't see you there. Is it okay if I talk to Yumi alone for a little bit?"

Ulrich didn't answer and lowered his head.

"I'm assuming that means yes?" asked William.

Still no answer, Ulrich just stared at the ground.

"Fine, be that way. Let's go, Yumi."

"Later, Ulrich," said Yumi. Ulrich just stared as Yumi and William walked off to the other side of the courtyard. He turned around and found that Sissi was still standing there. He sighed and walked towards her.

"William, I've thought it through," said Yumi. "I don't want to go out with you tonight."

"Why? You said you didn't have any plans." replied William.

"Yeah, I know. I just don't feel like going out tonight. Besides, I don't think my parents will approve." Yumi glanced back over her shoulder. Ulrich was gone.

"Why, not? Don't you like me?" William asked this with a hurt look in his eyes.

"Sure I like you! But-" Yumi couldn't bring her self to say it.

"So, do you just want to be friends?"

"At least for now." Yumi looked down and closed her eyes.

William put a hand under her chin, raised her head and looked deep into her eyes as he put his other hand on her cheek. "Yumi, listen to me," he said.

Yumi gazed into William's sad, dark eyes for a second before backing out of his reach. "Please don't do that," she said. It makes me uncomfortable."

"Sorry. It's just that-" he took hold of Yumi's hand.

"I know. I'm really sorry." Her hand slid from William's grip as she turned and walked away. William just stared, and when Yumi rounded a corner, a tear ran down the left side of his face. William turned and ran off into the distance.