MysticalDreamer: ohmigod I am so sorry! This chapter took foever to post!
But I've been so busy these days! School, homework, planning a party, I'm
going to go INSANE!!!! Thanks to all of you who reviewed the last chapter.
Once again, you people are the only reason that I continue posting! And
once again ~
I DON'T OWN DIGIMON!! IF I DID I'D BE FILTHY STINKING RICH AND WOULDN'T BE WRITING FANFICTION!!!
now, on with the story!
chapter four: getting to know you
Rika promised her mother that she would stop at the bakery and get something to eat along the way to school. Besides, the thing she had yesterday was really good.
She skated down the street, once even catching a glimpse of the inviso-guard. She slept later today, til eight. So now it was eight fifteen.
She rolled past the bakery and skidded to a stop. Picking up her board, Rika went inside and looked for what she had gotton the previous day.
"Welcome back." said the bakery lady said. Rika assumed she was Takato's mother.
"Hey." replied Rika. She walked around and found the food she wanted. She practically jogged to the counter to pay for it. She did not want to run into Takato.
"Same as always." said the lady. "By the way, my name is Joyce Matsuki."
"Nice to meet you." said Rika, taking her change.
"Takato is leaving for school in five minutes, if you want to wait." said Mrs. Matsuki.
"No thanks." said Rika. "I gotta go."
"Come again!" called Mrs. Matsuki as Rika went out the door.
She hopped on her board and put the bread in her mouth. She shoved the change in the pocket of her black jeans and adjusted the black tie over her greenish/bluish shirt. Her black wristbands pulled her punky look together.
Rika skated down the street and reached the school in five minutes, ten tops. A lot of students were at the school already, and as Rika came by, a path cleared in front of her.
"Why thank you." said Rika. She reached her locker and opened it. She put her board inside along with her bag. She grabbed a pencil and notebook and headed for History.
She dropped off her things and went back out of the class. She wandered around the school for a while. That was when she saw Jeri Katou.
She was walking alone, carrying many books. She looked as if she was running. She passed Rika quickly and kept going.
"Jeri Katou!" called somone.
Rika looked down the hall to see Danielle Spencer walking very fast towards Jeri.
Jeri didn't stop so Danielle picked up speed. Jenny joined her moments later. They stopped Jeri in her tracks.
"Jeri." said Danielle. "I was calling you. Didn't you hear me?"
"No." whispered Jeri.
"Well maybe you should listen more carefully." said Danielle. "Did you finish my assignment?" she asked.
"No I'm sorry." said Jeri quietly. "I didn't have anytime."
Danielle narrowed her eyes. "Make time." she said. "Now give me yours."
"The teacher will know the difference in our handwriting." said Jeri.
"Like I care." said Danielle.
"Besides, I don't have mine either." said Jeri, looking down.
"Jeri!" said Danielle. She pushed her, causing all of her books to tumble down. Jeri bent down to pick them up. "Make sure you have it done tomarrow or else." she stated. Jenny grinned and they began to walk away.
This was just too much for Rika. She stuck out her foot as Danielle walked by and tripped her. Danielle fell flat on her face.
"Oh sorry!" said Rika. "I didn't see you there."
The whole hallway grew silent, some even laughed. Jeri looked up at the person who dared to trip Danielle.
"Watch it Nonaka!" shouted Danielle, getting to her feet.
"Its Nonaka-Makino." said Rika, turning and walking towards Jeri. Jeri instantly looked down and picked up her things. "Jeri?" she asked.
"Don't hurt me!" she squeaked and grabbed her pencil and the last book off the ground and ran off to her class.
Rika watched her run.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
During lunch, Jeri sat at a different table from Rika, who was sitting on her own again. "Maybe I should've asked Faye to switch. We could be the bad girls of the school together." she said, finishing her lunch and leaving the cafeteria.
She walked towards the gymnasium and sat on the top row of the risers waiting for class to begin.
The bell rang and all the kids piled in. She spotted Jeri who sat at the opposite end of the risers, on the bottom. Takato, Henry, and Kazu walked in and sat in the middle of the risers. Takato glanced up at Rika and grinned. He got up and walked over to her.
"Aren't you afraid of me?" asked Rika.
"Why?" asked Takato. "I know what you're really like. Not the stupid repution you gave yourself." he said and walked back down to his friends.
Rika stared at him, slightly red, as the class went on.
The teacher said to get on the harnesses and get into groups of four or five and climb something. Rika sighed.
"Hey Rika!" called Takato. Everyone stared at him as he waved at her. "Join us!" he shouted. Rika stared. Henry grabbed Takato's arm and whispered something in his ear. Rika saw Takato shrug and grin. Rika walked down the stairs.
"Why?" asked Rika. "Why are you asking me to join your group?"
"Because no one else is going to." said Takato. "Besides, we need someone else to join us or we can't climb." he said.
"Why don't you get a groupie." said Rika sarcastically.
Takato laughed. "That was good." he said.
"Just come climb with us." said Kazu. "No one else is gonna offer to ya so just come."
Rika sighed. "Fine." she said. Takato grinned. Rika followed them towards the harnesses and looked at Jeri as she passed her. She was sitting alone and reading a book.
"Aren't you going to climb?" asked Rika, stopping.
Jeri looked up. She nearly screamed as she slammed her book shut. "Don't!" she said.
"I'm not gonna-" started Rika.
"Rika come on!" shouted Henry.
"To answer your que-question," said Jeri, making Rika look at her. "I don't climb because I have no one to cli-climb with." she said. "The teacher understands."
Rika looked at her. Then it hit her. Jeri was exactly like Rika. No friends and she didn't seem to care what people thought of her. She was the Rika on the inside.
Kazu came over to Rika. "Rika. Geez." he said. "Lets go!"
Jeri instantly grabbed her book and shoved her face inside. Either Kazu was too dense to notice or he didn't care, but the book was upside down.
"Hey aren't you that Jeri Katou?" asked Kazu. "Super smart, straight A?"
Jeri nodded from behind her book.
"Well, come join us!" said Kazu. "With five people we can get done faster!" he said.
"Oh no." said Jeri softly. "I don't climb."
But Kazu wouldn't take no for an answer. He grabbed Jeri's arm and pulled her too her feet, causing her to drop the book on the floor. "Just come on!" he said.
"Kazu!" shrieked Jeri as she was pulled along.
Rika shoved her hands in her pockets and grinned. She followed along.
Getting into harnesses, they went over to the rope ladder. Henry hooked up the belay belt and Takato was the balast. Rika grabbed the rope. She didn't want to climb.
"Why don't you climb Jeri?" asked Henry.
"Oh no!" said Jeri, sinking into the corner.
"Go for it!" said Kazu. He pushed her foward.
"NO!" shouted Jeri. "I'm afraid to ok!" she said, looking down. "I don't want to fall."
"Thats what the belayer is for." said Rika.
"Look what else ya got." said Kazu. He pushed her to the rope. "These things hook to the harness so you won't fall." he said, hooking it all up, causing her to turn slightly pink. "Now climb!" he said. Jeri pulled on a helmet. Her hands gripped the rope ladder and she began to climb. She climbed about halfway up when she looked back down to the ground. She let out a little scream. "I wanna come down!" she shouted.
Henry explained what to do and Jeri did as she was told. Rika, however, spaced out and wasn't gripping the rope. So when Henry lost his grip on the rope, Jeri came flying down.
"AHH!" she screamed.
Henry grabbed the rope but it gave him a rope burn as it slipped through his fingers. "I can't get a good grip!" he shouted. Rika tried to grip hers but the same thing happened.
Kazu lept foward and stood under Jeri as she crashed into him and they both fell to the ground, Jeri sitting in his lap. She was stunned by it all and clearly oblivious to her position. By now a crowd had gathered around the merry little group. Rika, Takato and Henry rushed over.
"Hey Jeri." said Kazu, tapping her shoulder. "You ok?" he asked.
Jeri's eyes came back into focus and she looked around. Then everything hit her. She started to cry. Still not realizing she was sitting on Kazu.
"Jeri!" called Rika.
"Hey Jeri...sinse you ain't hurt...I think.." said Kazu. "Could you get off a me?"
Jeri looked at him. Just inches from her face. She crawled off instantly and sat on the ground. Still in tears. Kazu stood up. He held his hand out.
"Get up." said Kazu. Jeri looked at him. "Class is almost over so ya gotta get up off the floor sometime." he said.
Jeri smiled weakly and grabbed his hand and he pulled her to her feet.
Then the bell rang.
Rika shoved her hands in her pockets and walked away. Too much excitement for one day. She thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Last period was Study Hall and pretty boring. So the instant the bell rang, she jumped out of her seat and dashed to her locker. She grabbed her skateboard, the stuff she needed from her locker, slammed it and headed out the door.
She was going to visit Faye.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rika's visit with Faye was fun. She was there for an hour, but then her mother called and she had to go home.
The next few days were basically the same. Everyone avoided Rika, she avoided everyone. Except Takato. He always seemed to talk to her when ever he saw her. And she was constantly trying to get Jeri to talk to her, but she(Jeri) was scared.
But once again, Danielle and her friends came face to face with Jeri.
"Jeri Katou." said Danielle. "I hope you did that assignment."
Jeri looked down at her white sneakers.
"Jeri, Jeri, Jeri." said Danielle, shaking her head. She pulled out the book underneath all of Jeri's and all her things scattered everywhere.
Jeri's eyes shone with tears as she bent down to pick them up. But Danielle wasn't finished. She grabbed Jeri's chin and forced her to look at her.
"Jeri." she said, in a low and almost evil voice. "The next assignment better be done or-"
But she didn't get to finish her sentance. It had become too much for Rika too take. She ran over and grabbed Danielle's hair.
Danielle screamed and let go of Jeri. "What the hell is you problem!?" she screamed at Rika. Not knowing who it was yet.
"You." replied Rika. She let go of her hair and she dropped to the ground. "Why the hell are you ordering Jeri to do your homework!" she said in a loud voice, causing everyone in the hall to stop and look in their direction.
Danielle glared.
Rika raised her hand and twisted it into a fist. "Look." she said, glaring at her. "Jeri is one of the nicest people I've ever known. You, on the other hand are the bitchiest person I've ever known. If you don't want my fist in your face, I suggest you leave Jeri alone and get the f*** out of my face." she said.
Danielle stood up and faced Rika. Then thought the better of it as Rika was at least two inches, even more, taller than her. She turned on her heels, literally, and stormed off with Jenny and Felicia not to far behind.
Rika sighed and looked down at Jeri. "Are you ok?" she asked sweetly.
Jeri nodded. "You're not going to beat me up, are-are you?" she asked.
Rika shook her head. "No. Of course not." she said. She bent down and began to pick up some of Jeri's things. She grinned.
The hall then started babbling again and continuing on their way.
"Thank you." said Jeri softly, as all the things were picked up and they were both standing. "No one, has ever ever stuck up for me before." she said. "And, I've been bottled down with so much with ... work..."
"Danielle wasn't the only one forcing you to do homework was she?" asked Rika.
Jeri shook her head. "No." she said. "She wasn't. There were others."
Rika grinned. "I don't think anyone will be forcing you to do their homework anymore." she said. Jeri smiled.
"We should get to class." she said.
"Right." Rika nodded.
And the two set off towards class. Total opposites, appearence wise. Rika in baggy blue jeans, a red tank top, black wristbands, a blueish tie, black sneakers and her hair in a spikey ponytail. Jeri in a knee length green skirt, a short sleaved purple sweater, white sneakers, and her hair tied back with two tiny hair clips. Well, they so say opposites attract...and not just of the same sex....
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Over the next few days, Rika and Jeri became friends. They talked a alot, and sat together at lunch. On a Friday, Rika arrived at school and went into first period. (MD:ah yes. 1st period. a lot of intesting things will happen in 1st period history....)
She sat behind Jeri, her assigned seat, and poked her back. Jeri whirled around. "So." said Rika. "Did anyone make you do your homework?" she asked.
Jeri nodded. "Nope." then she grinned. "Thanks to you."
Rika grinned. "No problem." she said.
"Hey Rika..I was wondering...today is Friday..and we have no school tomarrow..." said Jeri, lowly. "Do you wanna go do something, after school?" she asked. Jeri looked extremely hopeful. It looked as if this was the first time she ever did something with someone not related to her. She stared at Rika.
Rika bit her lip. "I dunno." she said. Jeri looked crushed. "Oh no!" said Rika. "Not because I don't like you! I do like you, as a friend." she said.
"Then..why not?" asked Jeri.
"You see, I always go and see my best friend after school...Faye Kamiyo.." said Rika. "She was ...injured and can't leave her bed so I go visit her everyday after school." she said.
"Oh." said Jeri softly.
Rika saw the hurt in her eyes. Jeri must have really wanted to be a normal teenager and go out on a Friday. Then an idea popped in her head. "But if you want to, you can come and meet my friend." said Rika.
Jeri looked up. "Really?"
Rika grinned. "Yeah!" she said.
"Can I come too?" said the all to familiar voice of Takato, slamming his hands on Rika's desk and making the two girls jump.
"Do you even know where we're going?" asked Rika.
"Not a clue!" grinned Takato.
Rika rolled her eyes. "We're going to visit a friend of mine after school. Not like it matters to you anyway..." she said.
"Why?" asked Takato. By now, his friend Henry had come up and was standing behind him. Rika glanced at him.
"Because she's...sick shall we say?" said Rika.
"We'll come!" said Takato, slapping Henry on the shoulder, causing Henry to jump.
"We'll?" asked Henry.
"Yeah!" said Takato. "I want to meet Rika's friend."
"Wait a minute." said Rika. "Who even said you could come?"
"I want to see the people Rika hangs out with." said Takato, completly ignoring Rika.
"Come to think of it, I'd like to see them too." said Henry.
Rika sighed. "HEY!" she shouted.
But the two guys kept talking.
Jeri poked Rika. "Let them come." she whispered. "If it will shut them up!" she grinned.
Rika shook her head and grinned. "Quiet!" she called. They shut up. "You can come. But, don't talk about why she's in there, unless she starts it." she said.
"Deal!" grinned Takato, holding out his hand.
Rika grinned and shook it. "Meet Jeri and I by the entrance way to the school." she said. "My friend's name is Faye and she lives about ten- fifteen minutes from here."
"Ok." said Takato.
Then the bell rang. Dozens of last minute students ran in and sat down in there seats.
"Hello." said Mz Asaji.
A few hellos came but everyone else was silent.
"Today we'll be studying the social classes of ancient China." said Mz Asaji. She pulled down the projecter paper thing and pulled out the projector. "Copy these notes down." she said and everyone mindlessly pulled out pens and pencils and notebooks.
After about five minutes everyone was done and Mz Asaji began to talk. "First and most important was royalty."
"Obviously." said Rika.
Mz Asaji glanced at her. "Followed by scholars, nobles and other important people." she said, explaining the notes. She finished up about ten minutes later. "Any questions?" she asked. A hand shot up.
"Why did they even have social classes?" asked a girl.
"Isn't it obvious?" said Danielle. "Because some people are more important than others."
"What makes you say that?" said Rika.
"People are treated differently if they're better and those not-so- special don't get equal treatment. Its the right way." said Danielle.
"Thats so stupid." said Rika. "No person is better than another."
"And what makes you say that?" asked Danielle.
"Its the truth." said Rika. "Just because people think they're special doesn't mean they are." she said. "You see these rich people getting protection from psychopathic killers...well what about other people? Do they just die?" she said.
"The rich people are more important than others." said Danielle. "The richer you are, the more important you are."
"What a bunch of crap!" said Rika, standing. "That is the most stupidest thing I've ever heard!" she said.
Danielle stood. "Its not stupid! The rich and mighty deserve better treatment because they worked harder than others! Not to mention, they have a lot more money." she said. "And like I said before, the more rich you are, the more important."
"Does that mean I'm more important than you then, Danielle?" asked Rika. "In case you didn't know, my mother is a model, she gets money, and a lot of it. Does that mean I'm better than you and a few other people in this class?" she said calmly. Everyone turned and stared at Danielle, who was going red. She was silenced. She couldn't think of anything to say. So she sat down. Takato started laughing, so did Henry, Kazu and Ryo. Jeri even let a little giggle go. After all, no one ever silenced Danielle Spencer.
Then the bell rang.
A bunch of people ran up to Rika and were like, 'That was cool!' and 'No one has ever silenced Danielle before!'. Rika just grinned. Takato, Henry and Kazu pushed their way through the crowd.
"Rika!" said Kazu. "I couldn't have said anything better myself!"
"That was a really heated arguement!" said Henry.
Takato grinned. "That was cool." he said.
Rika grinned. Not only at Takato's comment, but at seeing Danielle go green with envy. She was two up with Danielle and thats the way she liked it.
"Everyone out!" shouted Mz. Asaji. "The bell rang a minute ago! Get to your next class!" she shouted and shooed everyone out.
"Takato!" called Danielle, rushing up to them.
"What?" he asked.
"Do you want to do something after school?" asked Danielle.
"Sorry." said Takato, walking next to Rika. "Got plans."
"Yeah." said Henry. "We're going to see this friend of Rika's."
Danielle stopped moving. "What?" she demanded.
"Just what it sounds like." said Takato.
"Well, if you get to go, I get to go!" stated Danielle.
"Sorry Danielle." said Rika. "But I might get in trouble for bringing three people to her house. Besides, we don't get along, so what makes you think you and her will get along?" she said and walked away with Jeri. Leaving Danielle pissed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
During lunch, Rika and Jeri sat at the same table. They talked for a while, about anything. From that stupid Danielle to going to Rika's friend's after school.
"Whats she look like?" asked Jeri. "Faye?"
Rika laughed. "She's got bright green eyes and blackish blueish hair." she said. "We've been friends sinse we were eight or nine and met each other through skateboarding."
Jeri grinned. "You're so lucky to have a friend like that." she said. "My entire life I've been teased and tortured. Either because of my clothes, or my hair. But I just didn't care and that made people hate me more." she said.
"Jeri." said Rika softly.
A pair of hands slammed on the table. Rika and Jeri looked up.
Rika moaned. "Takato! Do you always always always make an entrance by beating the crap out of a table?" she said with a slight grin.
"All the time!" laughed Takato. "So, me and Henry are meeting you at the entrance by the gate or the entrance to the school?" he asked.
"Gate." said Rika. "And you better be there within five minutes after the bell rings." she said. "Cuz me and Jeri aren't going to wait any longer than that."
"Ok!" said Takato. "Mind if I sit down?" he said.
Rika looked at him. For some reason, her heart started to beat faster and faster. "Go ahead." she said.
Takato sat down next to Rika. Rika could just see Danielle's face in her mind. All angry and envious. She laughed a little.
"And what is so funny?" asked Takato, grinning.
"Oh nothing." said Rika, laughing harder.
Takato glared at her. "Don't leave me hanging!" he laughed.
Jeri smiled. Rika noticed and gave her a look that said, what are you smiling for? Jeri just grinned.
"So what was so funny?" asked Takato.
"Just a thought I had." replied Rika.
"And you can't tell me?"
"Maybe I don't want to."
"Maybe I want to know."
"Why is that?" grinned Rika. "Trying to get inside my head?"
"Maybe I am." said Takato, staring at Rika.
Once again, Rika's heart started pounding faster and faster. Takato just kept staring at her and no matter what she tried, she couldn't turn away. She stared right back. Jeri was sat there quietly and smiled.
They probably would have kept staring except the bell rang and they snapped out of it. Jeri giggled. They both looked at her.
"What?" they demanded.
"Oh nothing..." said Jeri, picking up her things and walking away, leaving Rika and Takato alone. At the table. (MD:mwahahahahahahahahahahahaha...)
They both stood up at the same time and clonked heads.
"Ow." they said. "Sorry."
"Its ok." said Rika.
"It was my fault." said Takato.
Now, they were standing and staring. Rika's heart started beating faster again. And they just stared.
"Maybe we should go to gym?" asked Takato.
"Huh? Gym? Oh yeah! Right!" said Rika. "Lets go." she said and grabbed his arm without thinking and ran out of the cafeteria.
MD: soooo how was that chapter? did u like it? did u hate it? let me know! should i continue? should i stop? its all up to you!!!!!!!! r&r cya~
I DON'T OWN DIGIMON!! IF I DID I'D BE FILTHY STINKING RICH AND WOULDN'T BE WRITING FANFICTION!!!
now, on with the story!
chapter four: getting to know you
Rika promised her mother that she would stop at the bakery and get something to eat along the way to school. Besides, the thing she had yesterday was really good.
She skated down the street, once even catching a glimpse of the inviso-guard. She slept later today, til eight. So now it was eight fifteen.
She rolled past the bakery and skidded to a stop. Picking up her board, Rika went inside and looked for what she had gotton the previous day.
"Welcome back." said the bakery lady said. Rika assumed she was Takato's mother.
"Hey." replied Rika. She walked around and found the food she wanted. She practically jogged to the counter to pay for it. She did not want to run into Takato.
"Same as always." said the lady. "By the way, my name is Joyce Matsuki."
"Nice to meet you." said Rika, taking her change.
"Takato is leaving for school in five minutes, if you want to wait." said Mrs. Matsuki.
"No thanks." said Rika. "I gotta go."
"Come again!" called Mrs. Matsuki as Rika went out the door.
She hopped on her board and put the bread in her mouth. She shoved the change in the pocket of her black jeans and adjusted the black tie over her greenish/bluish shirt. Her black wristbands pulled her punky look together.
Rika skated down the street and reached the school in five minutes, ten tops. A lot of students were at the school already, and as Rika came by, a path cleared in front of her.
"Why thank you." said Rika. She reached her locker and opened it. She put her board inside along with her bag. She grabbed a pencil and notebook and headed for History.
She dropped off her things and went back out of the class. She wandered around the school for a while. That was when she saw Jeri Katou.
She was walking alone, carrying many books. She looked as if she was running. She passed Rika quickly and kept going.
"Jeri Katou!" called somone.
Rika looked down the hall to see Danielle Spencer walking very fast towards Jeri.
Jeri didn't stop so Danielle picked up speed. Jenny joined her moments later. They stopped Jeri in her tracks.
"Jeri." said Danielle. "I was calling you. Didn't you hear me?"
"No." whispered Jeri.
"Well maybe you should listen more carefully." said Danielle. "Did you finish my assignment?" she asked.
"No I'm sorry." said Jeri quietly. "I didn't have anytime."
Danielle narrowed her eyes. "Make time." she said. "Now give me yours."
"The teacher will know the difference in our handwriting." said Jeri.
"Like I care." said Danielle.
"Besides, I don't have mine either." said Jeri, looking down.
"Jeri!" said Danielle. She pushed her, causing all of her books to tumble down. Jeri bent down to pick them up. "Make sure you have it done tomarrow or else." she stated. Jenny grinned and they began to walk away.
This was just too much for Rika. She stuck out her foot as Danielle walked by and tripped her. Danielle fell flat on her face.
"Oh sorry!" said Rika. "I didn't see you there."
The whole hallway grew silent, some even laughed. Jeri looked up at the person who dared to trip Danielle.
"Watch it Nonaka!" shouted Danielle, getting to her feet.
"Its Nonaka-Makino." said Rika, turning and walking towards Jeri. Jeri instantly looked down and picked up her things. "Jeri?" she asked.
"Don't hurt me!" she squeaked and grabbed her pencil and the last book off the ground and ran off to her class.
Rika watched her run.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
During lunch, Jeri sat at a different table from Rika, who was sitting on her own again. "Maybe I should've asked Faye to switch. We could be the bad girls of the school together." she said, finishing her lunch and leaving the cafeteria.
She walked towards the gymnasium and sat on the top row of the risers waiting for class to begin.
The bell rang and all the kids piled in. She spotted Jeri who sat at the opposite end of the risers, on the bottom. Takato, Henry, and Kazu walked in and sat in the middle of the risers. Takato glanced up at Rika and grinned. He got up and walked over to her.
"Aren't you afraid of me?" asked Rika.
"Why?" asked Takato. "I know what you're really like. Not the stupid repution you gave yourself." he said and walked back down to his friends.
Rika stared at him, slightly red, as the class went on.
The teacher said to get on the harnesses and get into groups of four or five and climb something. Rika sighed.
"Hey Rika!" called Takato. Everyone stared at him as he waved at her. "Join us!" he shouted. Rika stared. Henry grabbed Takato's arm and whispered something in his ear. Rika saw Takato shrug and grin. Rika walked down the stairs.
"Why?" asked Rika. "Why are you asking me to join your group?"
"Because no one else is going to." said Takato. "Besides, we need someone else to join us or we can't climb." he said.
"Why don't you get a groupie." said Rika sarcastically.
Takato laughed. "That was good." he said.
"Just come climb with us." said Kazu. "No one else is gonna offer to ya so just come."
Rika sighed. "Fine." she said. Takato grinned. Rika followed them towards the harnesses and looked at Jeri as she passed her. She was sitting alone and reading a book.
"Aren't you going to climb?" asked Rika, stopping.
Jeri looked up. She nearly screamed as she slammed her book shut. "Don't!" she said.
"I'm not gonna-" started Rika.
"Rika come on!" shouted Henry.
"To answer your que-question," said Jeri, making Rika look at her. "I don't climb because I have no one to cli-climb with." she said. "The teacher understands."
Rika looked at her. Then it hit her. Jeri was exactly like Rika. No friends and she didn't seem to care what people thought of her. She was the Rika on the inside.
Kazu came over to Rika. "Rika. Geez." he said. "Lets go!"
Jeri instantly grabbed her book and shoved her face inside. Either Kazu was too dense to notice or he didn't care, but the book was upside down.
"Hey aren't you that Jeri Katou?" asked Kazu. "Super smart, straight A?"
Jeri nodded from behind her book.
"Well, come join us!" said Kazu. "With five people we can get done faster!" he said.
"Oh no." said Jeri softly. "I don't climb."
But Kazu wouldn't take no for an answer. He grabbed Jeri's arm and pulled her too her feet, causing her to drop the book on the floor. "Just come on!" he said.
"Kazu!" shrieked Jeri as she was pulled along.
Rika shoved her hands in her pockets and grinned. She followed along.
Getting into harnesses, they went over to the rope ladder. Henry hooked up the belay belt and Takato was the balast. Rika grabbed the rope. She didn't want to climb.
"Why don't you climb Jeri?" asked Henry.
"Oh no!" said Jeri, sinking into the corner.
"Go for it!" said Kazu. He pushed her foward.
"NO!" shouted Jeri. "I'm afraid to ok!" she said, looking down. "I don't want to fall."
"Thats what the belayer is for." said Rika.
"Look what else ya got." said Kazu. He pushed her to the rope. "These things hook to the harness so you won't fall." he said, hooking it all up, causing her to turn slightly pink. "Now climb!" he said. Jeri pulled on a helmet. Her hands gripped the rope ladder and she began to climb. She climbed about halfway up when she looked back down to the ground. She let out a little scream. "I wanna come down!" she shouted.
Henry explained what to do and Jeri did as she was told. Rika, however, spaced out and wasn't gripping the rope. So when Henry lost his grip on the rope, Jeri came flying down.
"AHH!" she screamed.
Henry grabbed the rope but it gave him a rope burn as it slipped through his fingers. "I can't get a good grip!" he shouted. Rika tried to grip hers but the same thing happened.
Kazu lept foward and stood under Jeri as she crashed into him and they both fell to the ground, Jeri sitting in his lap. She was stunned by it all and clearly oblivious to her position. By now a crowd had gathered around the merry little group. Rika, Takato and Henry rushed over.
"Hey Jeri." said Kazu, tapping her shoulder. "You ok?" he asked.
Jeri's eyes came back into focus and she looked around. Then everything hit her. She started to cry. Still not realizing she was sitting on Kazu.
"Jeri!" called Rika.
"Hey Jeri...sinse you ain't hurt...I think.." said Kazu. "Could you get off a me?"
Jeri looked at him. Just inches from her face. She crawled off instantly and sat on the ground. Still in tears. Kazu stood up. He held his hand out.
"Get up." said Kazu. Jeri looked at him. "Class is almost over so ya gotta get up off the floor sometime." he said.
Jeri smiled weakly and grabbed his hand and he pulled her to her feet.
Then the bell rang.
Rika shoved her hands in her pockets and walked away. Too much excitement for one day. She thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Last period was Study Hall and pretty boring. So the instant the bell rang, she jumped out of her seat and dashed to her locker. She grabbed her skateboard, the stuff she needed from her locker, slammed it and headed out the door.
She was going to visit Faye.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rika's visit with Faye was fun. She was there for an hour, but then her mother called and she had to go home.
The next few days were basically the same. Everyone avoided Rika, she avoided everyone. Except Takato. He always seemed to talk to her when ever he saw her. And she was constantly trying to get Jeri to talk to her, but she(Jeri) was scared.
But once again, Danielle and her friends came face to face with Jeri.
"Jeri Katou." said Danielle. "I hope you did that assignment."
Jeri looked down at her white sneakers.
"Jeri, Jeri, Jeri." said Danielle, shaking her head. She pulled out the book underneath all of Jeri's and all her things scattered everywhere.
Jeri's eyes shone with tears as she bent down to pick them up. But Danielle wasn't finished. She grabbed Jeri's chin and forced her to look at her.
"Jeri." she said, in a low and almost evil voice. "The next assignment better be done or-"
But she didn't get to finish her sentance. It had become too much for Rika too take. She ran over and grabbed Danielle's hair.
Danielle screamed and let go of Jeri. "What the hell is you problem!?" she screamed at Rika. Not knowing who it was yet.
"You." replied Rika. She let go of her hair and she dropped to the ground. "Why the hell are you ordering Jeri to do your homework!" she said in a loud voice, causing everyone in the hall to stop and look in their direction.
Danielle glared.
Rika raised her hand and twisted it into a fist. "Look." she said, glaring at her. "Jeri is one of the nicest people I've ever known. You, on the other hand are the bitchiest person I've ever known. If you don't want my fist in your face, I suggest you leave Jeri alone and get the f*** out of my face." she said.
Danielle stood up and faced Rika. Then thought the better of it as Rika was at least two inches, even more, taller than her. She turned on her heels, literally, and stormed off with Jenny and Felicia not to far behind.
Rika sighed and looked down at Jeri. "Are you ok?" she asked sweetly.
Jeri nodded. "You're not going to beat me up, are-are you?" she asked.
Rika shook her head. "No. Of course not." she said. She bent down and began to pick up some of Jeri's things. She grinned.
The hall then started babbling again and continuing on their way.
"Thank you." said Jeri softly, as all the things were picked up and they were both standing. "No one, has ever ever stuck up for me before." she said. "And, I've been bottled down with so much with ... work..."
"Danielle wasn't the only one forcing you to do homework was she?" asked Rika.
Jeri shook her head. "No." she said. "She wasn't. There were others."
Rika grinned. "I don't think anyone will be forcing you to do their homework anymore." she said. Jeri smiled.
"We should get to class." she said.
"Right." Rika nodded.
And the two set off towards class. Total opposites, appearence wise. Rika in baggy blue jeans, a red tank top, black wristbands, a blueish tie, black sneakers and her hair in a spikey ponytail. Jeri in a knee length green skirt, a short sleaved purple sweater, white sneakers, and her hair tied back with two tiny hair clips. Well, they so say opposites attract...and not just of the same sex....
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Over the next few days, Rika and Jeri became friends. They talked a alot, and sat together at lunch. On a Friday, Rika arrived at school and went into first period. (MD:ah yes. 1st period. a lot of intesting things will happen in 1st period history....)
She sat behind Jeri, her assigned seat, and poked her back. Jeri whirled around. "So." said Rika. "Did anyone make you do your homework?" she asked.
Jeri nodded. "Nope." then she grinned. "Thanks to you."
Rika grinned. "No problem." she said.
"Hey Rika..I was wondering...today is Friday..and we have no school tomarrow..." said Jeri, lowly. "Do you wanna go do something, after school?" she asked. Jeri looked extremely hopeful. It looked as if this was the first time she ever did something with someone not related to her. She stared at Rika.
Rika bit her lip. "I dunno." she said. Jeri looked crushed. "Oh no!" said Rika. "Not because I don't like you! I do like you, as a friend." she said.
"Then..why not?" asked Jeri.
"You see, I always go and see my best friend after school...Faye Kamiyo.." said Rika. "She was ...injured and can't leave her bed so I go visit her everyday after school." she said.
"Oh." said Jeri softly.
Rika saw the hurt in her eyes. Jeri must have really wanted to be a normal teenager and go out on a Friday. Then an idea popped in her head. "But if you want to, you can come and meet my friend." said Rika.
Jeri looked up. "Really?"
Rika grinned. "Yeah!" she said.
"Can I come too?" said the all to familiar voice of Takato, slamming his hands on Rika's desk and making the two girls jump.
"Do you even know where we're going?" asked Rika.
"Not a clue!" grinned Takato.
Rika rolled her eyes. "We're going to visit a friend of mine after school. Not like it matters to you anyway..." she said.
"Why?" asked Takato. By now, his friend Henry had come up and was standing behind him. Rika glanced at him.
"Because she's...sick shall we say?" said Rika.
"We'll come!" said Takato, slapping Henry on the shoulder, causing Henry to jump.
"We'll?" asked Henry.
"Yeah!" said Takato. "I want to meet Rika's friend."
"Wait a minute." said Rika. "Who even said you could come?"
"I want to see the people Rika hangs out with." said Takato, completly ignoring Rika.
"Come to think of it, I'd like to see them too." said Henry.
Rika sighed. "HEY!" she shouted.
But the two guys kept talking.
Jeri poked Rika. "Let them come." she whispered. "If it will shut them up!" she grinned.
Rika shook her head and grinned. "Quiet!" she called. They shut up. "You can come. But, don't talk about why she's in there, unless she starts it." she said.
"Deal!" grinned Takato, holding out his hand.
Rika grinned and shook it. "Meet Jeri and I by the entrance way to the school." she said. "My friend's name is Faye and she lives about ten- fifteen minutes from here."
"Ok." said Takato.
Then the bell rang. Dozens of last minute students ran in and sat down in there seats.
"Hello." said Mz Asaji.
A few hellos came but everyone else was silent.
"Today we'll be studying the social classes of ancient China." said Mz Asaji. She pulled down the projecter paper thing and pulled out the projector. "Copy these notes down." she said and everyone mindlessly pulled out pens and pencils and notebooks.
After about five minutes everyone was done and Mz Asaji began to talk. "First and most important was royalty."
"Obviously." said Rika.
Mz Asaji glanced at her. "Followed by scholars, nobles and other important people." she said, explaining the notes. She finished up about ten minutes later. "Any questions?" she asked. A hand shot up.
"Why did they even have social classes?" asked a girl.
"Isn't it obvious?" said Danielle. "Because some people are more important than others."
"What makes you say that?" said Rika.
"People are treated differently if they're better and those not-so- special don't get equal treatment. Its the right way." said Danielle.
"Thats so stupid." said Rika. "No person is better than another."
"And what makes you say that?" asked Danielle.
"Its the truth." said Rika. "Just because people think they're special doesn't mean they are." she said. "You see these rich people getting protection from psychopathic killers...well what about other people? Do they just die?" she said.
"The rich people are more important than others." said Danielle. "The richer you are, the more important you are."
"What a bunch of crap!" said Rika, standing. "That is the most stupidest thing I've ever heard!" she said.
Danielle stood. "Its not stupid! The rich and mighty deserve better treatment because they worked harder than others! Not to mention, they have a lot more money." she said. "And like I said before, the more rich you are, the more important."
"Does that mean I'm more important than you then, Danielle?" asked Rika. "In case you didn't know, my mother is a model, she gets money, and a lot of it. Does that mean I'm better than you and a few other people in this class?" she said calmly. Everyone turned and stared at Danielle, who was going red. She was silenced. She couldn't think of anything to say. So she sat down. Takato started laughing, so did Henry, Kazu and Ryo. Jeri even let a little giggle go. After all, no one ever silenced Danielle Spencer.
Then the bell rang.
A bunch of people ran up to Rika and were like, 'That was cool!' and 'No one has ever silenced Danielle before!'. Rika just grinned. Takato, Henry and Kazu pushed their way through the crowd.
"Rika!" said Kazu. "I couldn't have said anything better myself!"
"That was a really heated arguement!" said Henry.
Takato grinned. "That was cool." he said.
Rika grinned. Not only at Takato's comment, but at seeing Danielle go green with envy. She was two up with Danielle and thats the way she liked it.
"Everyone out!" shouted Mz. Asaji. "The bell rang a minute ago! Get to your next class!" she shouted and shooed everyone out.
"Takato!" called Danielle, rushing up to them.
"What?" he asked.
"Do you want to do something after school?" asked Danielle.
"Sorry." said Takato, walking next to Rika. "Got plans."
"Yeah." said Henry. "We're going to see this friend of Rika's."
Danielle stopped moving. "What?" she demanded.
"Just what it sounds like." said Takato.
"Well, if you get to go, I get to go!" stated Danielle.
"Sorry Danielle." said Rika. "But I might get in trouble for bringing three people to her house. Besides, we don't get along, so what makes you think you and her will get along?" she said and walked away with Jeri. Leaving Danielle pissed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
During lunch, Rika and Jeri sat at the same table. They talked for a while, about anything. From that stupid Danielle to going to Rika's friend's after school.
"Whats she look like?" asked Jeri. "Faye?"
Rika laughed. "She's got bright green eyes and blackish blueish hair." she said. "We've been friends sinse we were eight or nine and met each other through skateboarding."
Jeri grinned. "You're so lucky to have a friend like that." she said. "My entire life I've been teased and tortured. Either because of my clothes, or my hair. But I just didn't care and that made people hate me more." she said.
"Jeri." said Rika softly.
A pair of hands slammed on the table. Rika and Jeri looked up.
Rika moaned. "Takato! Do you always always always make an entrance by beating the crap out of a table?" she said with a slight grin.
"All the time!" laughed Takato. "So, me and Henry are meeting you at the entrance by the gate or the entrance to the school?" he asked.
"Gate." said Rika. "And you better be there within five minutes after the bell rings." she said. "Cuz me and Jeri aren't going to wait any longer than that."
"Ok!" said Takato. "Mind if I sit down?" he said.
Rika looked at him. For some reason, her heart started to beat faster and faster. "Go ahead." she said.
Takato sat down next to Rika. Rika could just see Danielle's face in her mind. All angry and envious. She laughed a little.
"And what is so funny?" asked Takato, grinning.
"Oh nothing." said Rika, laughing harder.
Takato glared at her. "Don't leave me hanging!" he laughed.
Jeri smiled. Rika noticed and gave her a look that said, what are you smiling for? Jeri just grinned.
"So what was so funny?" asked Takato.
"Just a thought I had." replied Rika.
"And you can't tell me?"
"Maybe I don't want to."
"Maybe I want to know."
"Why is that?" grinned Rika. "Trying to get inside my head?"
"Maybe I am." said Takato, staring at Rika.
Once again, Rika's heart started pounding faster and faster. Takato just kept staring at her and no matter what she tried, she couldn't turn away. She stared right back. Jeri was sat there quietly and smiled.
They probably would have kept staring except the bell rang and they snapped out of it. Jeri giggled. They both looked at her.
"What?" they demanded.
"Oh nothing..." said Jeri, picking up her things and walking away, leaving Rika and Takato alone. At the table. (MD:mwahahahahahahahahahahahaha...)
They both stood up at the same time and clonked heads.
"Ow." they said. "Sorry."
"Its ok." said Rika.
"It was my fault." said Takato.
Now, they were standing and staring. Rika's heart started beating faster again. And they just stared.
"Maybe we should go to gym?" asked Takato.
"Huh? Gym? Oh yeah! Right!" said Rika. "Lets go." she said and grabbed his arm without thinking and ran out of the cafeteria.
MD: soooo how was that chapter? did u like it? did u hate it? let me know! should i continue? should i stop? its all up to you!!!!!!!! r&r cya~