MysticalDreamer: ......... writer's block... a really bad case of it too
::coughs:: and before i go on, I must curse in rage at my stupid computer,
who decided to freeze. JUST as i finished up the chapter, so I had to
RETYPE much of it at the end. so if its not as good as usual, its because i
was pissed off at my stupid computer. ::glares:: oh yeah.. don't own it
and... i have someone to edit my story!! give thanks to Ruki! ::claps::
chapter sixteen: at the matsuki's
After Rika, her mother and grandmother got everything organized and settled, they gave Takato's mom a call and ran everything by her. It was aggreed. Rika would remain at the Matsuki household, Rumiko would stay in her office all day and spend the nights at a friend's, while Mrs. Makino would stay with her sister downtown. Then when Faye came back, they would decide everything then.
Meanwhile, the police had been notified and were on the lookout for him. The Makinos had been advised to stay away from their house for a little while.
When it was all settled, Takato and Rika headed back for his house. It was silent, neither sure of what to say.
"So what are you gonna wear to school on monday?" asked Takato. "That is, if you're going, I mean."
"Course I'm going." said Rika. "I shouldn't just stop my life for some stupid bastard."
Takato blinked. "You're talking about your father right?"
"If you want to call him my father." shrugged Rika. "I prefer to call him a bastard."
"Oh." said Takato.
"If my poor, foul language offends you," said Rika. "Too bad because I'm not stopping now just because I'm going to be living with you for a while."
Takato laughed. "Its no problem." he grinned. "Miss Bad Ass."
"Oh great," grinned Rika. "I've gotton you started now too. I seriously, seriously think I'm a bad influence on you. You're turning to the dark side, Takato."
"But the dark side is so much fun!" he grinned. Then he thought. "This doesn't have anything to do with Star Wars, does it?"
"Nope." replied Rika. "Its just.. er.. a phrase..?" she said, scratching her head.
"Ok.." said Takato.
"Nevermind." said Rika. "I'm just talking nonsense because I can't think of anything to say." she shrugged. "And if you think this is confusing, Faye is even worse."
"No need to prove it." grinned Takato. "Speaking of Faye.. perhaps we should go forth with out plans?"
"Of course!" laughed Rika. "The world is ours!" she said, laughing insanely. A few of the people walking past looked at her funny.
"And that was completely random." said Takato.
"And so is this." said Rika, jumping in the air and spinning. "Now that was done for no apparent reason."
"Okay!" grinned Takato.
They walked on quietly for a bit, not sure of what to say next.
"So what about our plans for taking over the world?" asked Rika. "Any ideas?"
"Well, we know that the two are complete opposites for the most part." said Takato. "Henry's never been much of a talker, while Faye is a chatter box. Henry is more of an indoor person, more comfortable staring at his computer screen than staring at the sky. Faye on the other hand, is seems more of an outdoor person, who would prefer flipping on a skateboard to flipping through the channels."
"Nice choice of words." grinned Rika.
"But its true, isn't it?" asked Takato.
Rika nodded. "Down to every detail." she said.
"Well... they say opposites attract, so there's why they both like each other." said Takato. "I suggest we find something they both like doing."
"Either that, or we could get Faye to give Henry skateboarding lessons, in return for Henry teaching her how to use a computer." suggested Rika.
"Ah ha!" said Takato. "We're on a roll planning this, aren't we?"
"Yes indeed." grinned Rika. "So, we should suggest to them about the skateboard and computer thing. If they refuse, we enforce it upon them."
"We're talking like we're some old geezer preparing to laung a new weapon on the world." said Takato.
"Well we are trying to take over the world, are we not?" grinned Rika.
"Oh yes." said Takato. "How could I have forgotton."
The two laughed a bit, then moved on.
"So what about the thing they both like doing?" asked Takato.
"Thats simple, Takato my friend." said Rika. "They just like hanging out with each other, soooo.. .on our next little outing to the mall or where ever, we ditch them. Who knows what'll happen when they're ... *alone*." she grinned evilly.
"Dude, I had no idea you were so perverted, Rika." grinned Takato.
"Then you have yet to see my darker side."
"I don't think I want to."
Rika grinned. "Maybe you don't." she said.
It was silent again, before the two stopped walking and burst out in random laughter. For no reason whatsoever.
"Hey Takato!"
Both Takato and Rika turned around. Rika didn't even bother to hide her disgust.
"I thought you said you were busy?" asked Jenny, bouncing over to them.
"Yeah I am." replied Takato.
Jenny's little group of friends came bouncing over as well. Thankfully, Danielle wasn't there. Yet.
"So what are you so busy with that you couldn't join us?" asked Felecia. "Did it have anything to do with Nonaka-Makino?"
"And if it did, whats it to you?" snapped Rika. "I'm going. Whether you're staying or not, Takato, thats fine with me."
"Going." replied Takato. "I'll see you at school." he said, dashing to catch up with Rika.
"Takato!!" called one of Jenny's friends.
Takato made no reply except waving his hand behind him, not even turning around.
"You're getting good at this." said Rika, after they got some distance from them.
"I have a good teacher." he grinned in reply.
Rika didn't do anything, except crack a grin.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey mom, we're home!" called Takato as he and Rika went inside. They took off their shoes and coats and went into the kitchen.
"Nice of you yo come back." grinned Mrs. Matsuki. "I still think you should have told us you went to look for Rika's mom." she said.
"We weren't sure if you were gonna stop us or not." said Takato.
"I probably would have." said Mrs. Matsuki. "But at least all is well now."
"Yeah." said Takato. "When's dinner?"
"About an hour." replied his mom.
"Okay." said Takato. "I'll be in my room." he said.
"All right."
Takato headed for the stairs. He stopped and turned. "Come on, Rika." he said, disappearing to the upper floor.
Rika sighed and followed him.
She walked into his room and saw him setting up what appeared to be a video game system. He turned, hearing her enter.
"Gamecube." he said. "You play videogames, right?"
"Of course." said Rika. "Video games rock." (a/n: hell yeah! ^^ )
In a bit, everything was set up and the two were sitting on the floor, each holding a controller. The game loaded.
"Smash Bros Meelee." said Takato. "I've mastered this game."
"I wouldn't doubt it." said Rika.
The game started and pretty soon, the two were shouting at the screen, furiously slamming on the controllers and once in a while, laughing insanely.
"Take that!!" shouted Rika. She randomly pressed a few buttons and her character, Link, flung DK off the stage. "Ha!!" she shouted.
"Nice one. How did ya do that?" asked Takato, whacking Samus with a slash from his Kirby. Then he sucked her up.
"Not a clue." replied Rika. "I've never played this before."
"And your that good. I'm impressed."
"I am a videogame master." said Rika. "PS2, XBox, Gamecube. You name it, I've played it. Although I do prefer PS2..."
"You got one?"
"Of course." said Rika. ".hack//INFECTION. No one beats me at that game."
Takato blinked. "Think I've heard of it.." he said.
"Never heard of .hack//INFECTION?" asked Rika. She faked a gasp.
"Name sounds familiar, but don't know much about it." said Takato.
"Ask Faye." said Rika. "She hates me for getting it, because she is in love with the anime that goes with it. I tease her about it constantly."
"Oh.. okay."
"Takato! Rika! Dinner!!"
"Coming!" shouted Takato. "Guess we better stop." he said, pressing buttons and stopping the game.
Rika stood up and headed out of his room while Takato turned off the game.
"So, does Henry have a video game system?" asked Rika.
"He's saving up to get a PS2. He already has an Xbox." replied Henry. "Although he's more into the computer kind of things."
"I never knew that popular guys actually even played video games." said Rika.
"You'd be surprised." said Takato.
"I already am."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Dinner was awsome, Mrs. Matsuki." said Rika, standing and bringing her dish to the sink. She rinsed it a bit and then set in down in the water.
"Thank you Rika." said Takato's mom. "Wish I got these compliments all the time." she said, looking with narrowed eyes at her son and husband. They laughed nervously.
"Way to go Rika, saying that to my mom." whispered Takato as she passed him heading for the living room. She grinned at him and just kept walking.
She sat on the sofa in silence. Her eyes darted around a bit, unsure of what to do. Then without warning, Takato jumped over the couch and landed on it, sitting next to Rika.
She stared at him. "Do you always have random outbursts like that?" she asked.
"Once in a while." said Takato. "More so often lately."
"I wonder why."
"Was that sarcasm?"
"And if it was?"
"No reason."
"Riiight." said Rika.
"Hey Takato!" called Mrs. Matsuki.
"Yeah?"
"If its all right with you, your father and I wanted to go out and see a movie!" shouted Mrs. Matsuki. "We've been planning it sinse Monday, so I really don't wanna cancel.."
"Don't worry about it mom!"
"You sure?"
"Yeah." replied Takato. "How long are you gonna be gone?"
"Well, we were gonna do a little window shopping first.. then catch a later movie.." said Mrs. Matsuki. "So it'll be around three to four hours."
"All right!"
"What are you gonna do?" asked Mrs. Matsuki.
"Eh, whatever."
"So you're okay with it?"
"Geez, ma I'm fine! I think I'm old enough to take care of myself, like I've done ever so often." he said, rolling his eyes.
"Fine. We'll be leaving in a few minutes. Do you think you can do the dishes for us?"
"Sure."
"Thanks a bunch."
Takato shook his head.
"Interesting conversations you have. Shouting matchs back and forth, from kitchen to living room." said Rika.
"Not really a shouting match." said Takato. "Just shouting in conversation."
"Close enough." said Rika.
Takato and Rika watched his parents walking around, getting ready.
"Geez, mom you're going to see a movie. Why is it taking so long to get ready?"
There was no reply.
"As always.." said Takato.
Finally, Takato's parents had said their goodbyes and told them to call them if anything happened. They also made Takato lock the doors and close the blinds.
"Mom, just go!" said Takato.
"All right, see you." she said as her husband pushed her out the door.
"You're mom doesn't like to leave you by yourself, huh?" asked Rika.
"What makes you say that?" asked Takato, voice full of sarcasm. "She does though, so its not so bad. Just her nagging and stuff."
Rika shrugged and leaned back into the couch. "Don't you have dishes to do?" she asked. "You might as well get them done now so you don't have to worry about it later."
"Good idea." said Takato, getting up and heading for the kitchen.
Rika picked up the remote and turned on the TV. She started to channel surf, as boredom had caught a hold of her faster than usual.
A minute or so later, "Hey Rika! Come here for a sec."
Rika sighed and stood up. "What, goggle head?" she asked.
Turning the corner into the kitchen, she walked in a bit then got blasted with water. She wiped her eyes and glared at Takato, who was holding the faucet rinser thing. He grinned.
"Takato..." she said.
She dashed over and tried to grab the thing that had squirted her, getting even more wet in the process.
"You're getting wet to, ya know." said Rika, trying to pull it out of his hands.
"I kinda figured that would happen after I got you wet." he said, squeazing it and getting her pants wet too.
"Oh ho ho, but you will regret it." said Rika, finally managing to get it out of his grasp. She took aim and hit his face.
In response to that, he splashed some of the water in the sink at her, getting her shirt soaked. Rika did the same, getting him soaked as well.
At the same time, she continued squirting him with the thingamajig from the sink. This went on for about five/ten minutes, until Takato shut the water off.
"Whats the matter, tired of the water?" asked Rika.
"No, but my kitchen is soaked." said Takato. "We gotta clean it up."
"Ehehehe.. guess you're right." she said. "Should we change first? Oh wait.. nevermind that.."
"Why?" asked Takato, taking the squirter thing from Rika and putting it back.
"I have no other clothes. My shirt is in the wash, and the one I have on now is yours. And my pants are the ones I had yesterday." she explained.
"Oh yeah.." said Takato.
"I'll just let my clothes dry and throw on something else till then." she said.
"You can use my mom's pajamas that you wore last night." said Takato.
"Maybe." said Rika.
"I'm gonna go change in my room, and let my clothes dry out. You can change in the bathroom." he said.
"Thats what I was planning on doing.." said Rika, heading up the stairs.
As Takato went into his room, Rika went in the bathroom and stripped down. She used a towel and dried off a bit. She reached for the clothes to change into when she realized-
"Dammit.. I forgot them..." she whispered. And she really didn't feel like putting the wet ones back on. "I'll just go grab the ones I had on yesterday." she said, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around herself.
Completely forgetting about where she was and who she was with for some unknown reason, (a/n: ahh. the power of an authoress) she opened the door and headed down stairs to grab the pajamas.
"Its a good thing we closed the blinds and curtains.." Rika said to herself, tightly clutching the towel.
"Damn.. where are they?" she asked.
Then it clicked. "Oh crap.." she said. "They're in Takato's room.. Oh god..."
She turned and headed back upstairs, realizing she would have to put back on her wet clothes anyway.
Walking up the stairs, Takato came pounding down them and nearly crashed into Rika, who instantly went red, knowing she was in a towel.
"Waah.." said Takato, whirling around. "Sorry bout that..." he said nervously, not moving a bit.
"No, its my fault." said Rika. "I was looking for clothes to put on...Um.. yeah... " she said, feeling the heat on her face. Without waiting, she dashed up the rest of the stairs and and quickly ran into Takato's room, grabbed the pajamas and ran into the bathroom again, in less than ten seconds flat.
She sat on the toilet seat and took a deep breath. "I never ever want that to happen again..." she said. "That was one of THE most embarassing moments of my life..."
After a bit, she pulled the pajamas on and hung her clothes over the shower. Bracing herself for the worst, she opened the door and headed out.
She heard water running, as if Takato had begun to wash the dishes again. She walked down the steps slowly, heading for the living room.
"Is that you, Rika?" asked Takato from the kitchen.
"No. Its the boogie man." said Rika sarcastically.
"Oh no! Not the boogie man!" came his reply, equally as sarcastic.
"Yes." said Rika, "Now all pathetic mortals run away and fear me."
"I'm almost done with the dishes, so do you think you can start to clean up the water. That is everywhere?" he asked.
Rika shrugged. "Whatever." she said. "I need a towl or something though."
"In that cabinet." said Takato, motioning with his head towards the one to his left. Rika went over, opened it and took out a green towel. She then dropped to her knees and began to dry off some parts of the floor with it.
"And don't even think about squirting me." said Rika, looking at Takato out of the corner of her eye. "I don't need to get wet again, and your floor is starting to get dry."
"Eh heh heh.." said Takato. "I won't, I won't. I just got dry too, ya know?"
Rika chose not to comment, but she did proceed to whip the towel across the floor. In a few minutes, Takato had gotten two larger towels and began to help with the floor.
It became somewhat dry, when the two moved on to drying off some of the cabinets and counters. In about ten minutes or so, everything was relatively dry. Takato took the towels to the dirty clothes basket and tossed them in.
"Can't let my mom know, now can we?" said Takato, grinning. "I'll tell her we showered and used them." he said.
"Works for me." said Rika. "Now what?"
Takato looked at his watch. "Well, we still have about two and a half hours. To do what, I have no idea." he said.
"I know." said Rika. "Use this time to call Henry and tell him that Faye mentioned something about computer lessons and how she wanted some." she said. "Its perfect! Then, when Faye comes back, I can convince her to take them from Henry."
"A ha!" said Takato. "Brilliant, Rika my friend!"
"Always am." grinned Rika. She followed Takato into the living room and sat on the couch while he dashed off to get the phone.
He came back with two cordless ones, tossing one to Rika. "Listen in to what he's saying." he said. "But do not say anything. Anything."
"I won't, I won't." said Rika. "I'll put something over the mouth piece part thing..."
In a minute or so, Rika had taken a tissue, taped it to the phone, then covered it with a dish towel. Then she found some ducktape and went to put it on her mouth.
"Don't do that." said Takato. "If I need to ask you something, you won't be able to answer." he said.
Rika dropped the tape. "Good point." she said. "Now shut up and dial the number."
"What ever you say, master.." he replied sarcastically.
"What was that?"
"Nothing.."
"Then dial already!"
"Dialing.." said Takato, turning on the phone. Rika did too as he dialed the seven digit number belonging to Henry Wong.
"Hello?" answered what sounded like a young girl on the other end.
"Hi Susie. Is Henry there?" asked Takato.
"Yup! Hang on!" said the girl named Susie in a somewhay hyperactive way. The phone went quiet for a minute, then- "HENRY!! TELEPHONE!!!"
Rika cringed. She didn't think anyone could yell that loud.
Another voice was soon heard. "Geez, Susie.. you don't have to be so loud.." he said. "Hello? This is Henry." he said.
"Hi Henry. Takato. Whats up?"
"Nothing." replied Henry. "Sorry about Susie.."
"Nah, happens all the time." said Takato.
"So what are you up to?" asked Henry, as he tried to ignore the sounds of Susie.
"My parents went to go see a movie." said Takato shrugging. "So I'm here for a few hours by myself."
"Lucky you." said Henry. "Even if my parents did go out to see a movie, I'd be stuck with Susie."
"Ha ha." said Takato.
Rika was getting bored with this conversation. She waved her hands frantically to get his attention. When she caught his eye, she gave him a look that said, 'Hello! The plan?'
Takato nodded. He mouthed, "I know but I have to get it into conversation somehow." Then Rika shot him a look that said 'Hurry up then..'
"You know, I was talking to Rika today and she mentioned something about how Faye wanted to learn how to use her computer better." said Takato.
Rika nodded. "Nice." she mouthed.
"Really?" asked Henry.
"Yup." grinned Takato. "She said that it might make things easier for her. Plus she said it would help to keep in contact with her brother in Hong Kong."
"Hmm..." said Henry.
"So, I told Rika to tell Faye that you could do it." said Takato, grinning slyly again. "That is, if you want to..."
"Sure!" said Henry eagerly. This caused Rika to let out a small laugh.
"Okay then." said Takato.
"Tell Rika to tell Faye when she gets back from Hong Kong that I can do it." said Henry. "I'll have her understanding the computer in no time. Maybe I'll even teach her-"
"Start with the basics, my friend." laughed Takato. "Then when she gets that down, you can move on to the harder stuff."
Rika began to laugh, really loud, for some unknown reason. It was uncontrolled and echoed through the living room.
"What.. was that?" asked Henry.
"Oh.. that was .." started Takato, looking over at Rika. She bit her lip and shrugged.
"Well?" asked Henry.
"Sorry. Spaced out." said Takato. "That was Rika."
Rika shot him the death glare.
"Huh?" asked Henry.
"She's staying at my house over the weekend." said Takato. "Her mom and grandma had do stuff." he said.
Rika stared. She never knew he could lie like that. And come up with them so fast too. 'Impressive.' she thought to herself.
"Oh." said Henry.
"So, when Faye gets back, I can tell her you said you'd do the lessons?" asked Takato.
"Yeah. Sure." said Henry, going from confused to excited. Rika made a sound like 'Pfft' in laughter.
"And she said she wanted to pay you back somehow," said Takato. "Only she's running low in cash at the moment."
"She doesn't have to." said Henry. "Besides, I have a job so I don't need money."
"Yeah, but she said she wanted to." said Takato.
"Sinse when does Faye not take things for free?" asked Henry.
"Who knows." said Takato. "Faye is a hard one to comprehend."
"Got that right." laughed Henry.
"All right, so when she gets back from Hong Kong, I'll tell her that you said you'd help her understand how the computer works." explained Takato.
"Works for me." said Henry. "By the way, I finally got the PS2.."
Rika could tell the conversation was drifting away from Faye so she stopped listening. She went over, tapped Takato on the shoulder and mouthed, 'Let me know if the subject of Faye comes up again.' He nodded.
She went into the kitchen and washed her hands. For no reason; she just wanted something to do.
In a few minutes, she heard what sounded like a "See you later" then a click, which meant Takato had hung up the phone.
"Done?" called Rika.
"Yeah." replied Takato. "Henry had to help his mom with something."
"Ah." said Rika. "Can I have a glass of water?"
"Sure." said Takato. "The glasses are in the cabinet by the fridge."
"Thanks." said Rika, going over to the cabinet. She opened it and took out a clear like, blue glass. She walked over to the sink and turned the water on cold.
She stuck her fingers under to see how cold it was, but her eyes shot open and she jumped back. The water had turned on hot, and it burned her fingers. She gave off a little scream and clutched her fingers.
"You okay? What happened?" called Takato.
"Nothing! I'm fine." replied Rika.
She looked down at her burned fingers. She rubbed them together softly. The whole thing was so familiar... it was like deja vu... (a/n: her fingers arent really 'burned'. you know what happens when you stick yer finger under hot water.. it hurts.. . )
~*~*~*~*~ FLASHBACK ~*~*~*~*~*~
"Thanks for helping mommy with the dishes, sweetie." said a younger looking Rumiko, with her hair tied back in a knot.
"Your welcome mommy!" grinned a much younger Rika, about six years old, as she stuck her hands under the water to rinse them.
"You're such a help to me, Rika." said Rumiko cheerfully.
Rika grinned. "Whats for supper?" she askd.
Rumiko thought. "Hmm.. how about rice?" she asked. "With chicken?"
"Yay!" shouted Rika.
"You stay here and let the water run for a while, while I go to the pantry and get the rice." said Rumiko, walking down the hall.
"Okie dokie!" called Rika. She stuck her hands under the water and played with it for a bit, when the door opened. She looked up and saw Justin standing in the threshhold.
"Hello Rika." he said.
"Hi."
"Whats for dinner?"
"Rice. With chicken." she replied.
"I see." he said. He walked over and stuck his fingers under the water. "Cold water?" he asked. Rika nodded.
Rumiko came back into the kitchen. "Welcome home, Justin." she said, looking somewhat fearful.
"Hello." he said. "Cooking with cold water?"
"Yes." said Rumiko. "I always have."
"Is that why it takes so long to be ready?"
"I can't control how long food takes to cook." said Rumiko.
"Then cook with hot water to speed up the process."
"I always cook with cold when Rika's helping me. I don't want her to burn her fingers." said Rumiko.
"Rika's a child." said Justin. "She shouldn't help with the cooking. Or cleaning. Thats your job." he said. "So cook with hot water."
He turned the water to hot. He put his fingers near the water. He grabbed Rika's hand by the wrist and put in under the water.
Rika's eyes shot open and she tried to pull free.
"Is it hot Rika?" he asked.
"Justin!" shouted Rumiko, running over. She tried to shut off the water. Or stop Justin. Or do something to get Rika's hand away from the water.
Justin shoved Rumiko out of the way. "Get lost." he said, turning back to Rika. "Is it hot Rika?" he asked.
Rika nodded.
"Answer!" he shouted.
"Yes! Its hot!" shouted Rika.
"Is it burning?"
"Its burning! Its burning, daddy! Its burning!" shouted Rika.
"Is it hot enough?"
"Yes! Its hot enough daddy! Yes!" shouted Rika.
"Good." said Justin, letting her hand go.
Rika pulled her hand out of the water and cradled it with her other hand, just below her chin. Rumiko ran over and hugged her daughter. Rika started to cry silently.
"Now finish cooking." said Justin.
"I have to fix up Rika's hand." said Rumiko. "Its hurting."
"No."
"Please! I don't want her to be hurt!"
"No!" said Justin. There was a smacking sound and Rika looked over. Justin's hand was raised in the air, and her mother's cheek was red. The silent tears continued to fall.
"Finish cooking!" he said.
"I don't want to see my daughter cry." said Rumiko.
Justin grabbed his wife by the shoulder and pulled her to her feet. Rika dashed away, still clutching her hand tightly.
Justin raised his hand again and Rika ran over. "Stop it!" she shouted. She started to swing her hand, "Stop it.. stop it!" she shouted.
~*~*~*~ END of FLASHBACK ~*~*~*~*~
"Stop it!" shouted Rika, clutching her fingers tightly. "Stop it.. stop it.." she said, tears pouring out of her eyes.
"Rika!"
"Stop it!"
"Rika!" shouted Takato.
Rika's eyes shot open. She was on the floor, still holding her burned fingers. The tears were pouring out of her eyes in what seemed like an endless supply. Takato's hands were on her shoulders and he too was on the ground, trying to wake her up from the nightmare.
"He...stuck my.. fingers.. under..." started Rika, "... under ... hot... water.... hot...burning.. water..." she said.
Rika leaned foward into Takato and cried. Slightly confused, Takato put his arms around Rika in a hug.
After all, this was the first time Rika had told anyone about her flashback nightmares. The first time ever.
MD: yes.. the end.. of the chapter! ::coughs:: sorry again for the long update. ::sigh:: by the way, remember kaylee? the girl from rika's old school? well.. she will be back in the next chapter. (by the way, this was not my idea, but a friend's. full credit for it in the next chapter. she is also the one who will be editing this, so at last! a much better edited story. ^^;;;;; ) also, the return of Phil and Stevo!! they werent in this chapter because.. well, i duno..
thank you reviewers:
Ben: ha ha.. well it depends on .. if i have trains of thoughts. updates.. vary.. ^^;;;;
allison: ha ha yes, faye's messeges.. well .. . mine are similar.. i actually used faye's messege once on my own answering machine....
Serpent Treize: yes. DIE JUSTIN!! ::goes off to kill him:: wait.. its my fic.. I CAN do that...::evil grin::
kamehamaha: EVIL DUST BUNNIES!! THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!! ::hides:: thanks for reviewing too... ^^
Black: many many thanks, oh faithful reviewer! ^^ yes.. rika will stay there for longer.. she still is there, actually.. . and who knows.. i may make her stay there... LONGER than longer.. wait... that made no sense... ::twitch:: oh well, thanks for reviewing!
Cheeseking: i do not know if i mentioned this, but your penname rocks!! ^^ and yes.. justin does suck, doesnt he? all the more fun to write.. sorta.. ::twitches again:: what i mean is.. JUSTIN SUCKS AND HE WILL GET HIS JUST DESSERTS!! .
Archangemon: this was an even longer update.. and i apologize... DONT KILL ME!! ::hides:: rukatoness with computers.. heh i never thought of it that way.. lol
Silver Almasy: alas.. it was not a fast update.. gomen.. gomen.. thanks for reviewing though ^.~
silence2: yes! The return of phil and stevo!!... in the next chapter... and yes.. rika's dad is scarey... very scarey.... ::twitches for the third time::
Neverwhere1: MWAHAHAHAHA!! yes.. it happens more than occasion with me, but it happens.. sorry for the long update.. but well.. ::sigh:: and thanks for reviewing, another of my faithful reviewers ^^
ejqhorselady: behold! another faithful reviewer!! thanks for reviewing.. ^^ glad ya liked the chapter...
anyone i forgot to mention... ::bows:: forgive me. ah yes, there are more faithful reviewers than mentioned.. but.. i am a spaz so i didnt mention it in the reply.. forgive me for that... ::sigh::
about the updates: sorry they take so long. sometimes i have no idea what to write, so if any of you have any ideas they are welcomed. i've already gotton one from a friend, but the more the merrier.. . anyway, i just wanna say sorry about the updates and thanks to those who stick with the story! ^.~
and... i have someone to edit my story!! give thanks to Ruki! ::claps::
chapter sixteen: at the matsuki's
After Rika, her mother and grandmother got everything organized and settled, they gave Takato's mom a call and ran everything by her. It was aggreed. Rika would remain at the Matsuki household, Rumiko would stay in her office all day and spend the nights at a friend's, while Mrs. Makino would stay with her sister downtown. Then when Faye came back, they would decide everything then.
Meanwhile, the police had been notified and were on the lookout for him. The Makinos had been advised to stay away from their house for a little while.
When it was all settled, Takato and Rika headed back for his house. It was silent, neither sure of what to say.
"So what are you gonna wear to school on monday?" asked Takato. "That is, if you're going, I mean."
"Course I'm going." said Rika. "I shouldn't just stop my life for some stupid bastard."
Takato blinked. "You're talking about your father right?"
"If you want to call him my father." shrugged Rika. "I prefer to call him a bastard."
"Oh." said Takato.
"If my poor, foul language offends you," said Rika. "Too bad because I'm not stopping now just because I'm going to be living with you for a while."
Takato laughed. "Its no problem." he grinned. "Miss Bad Ass."
"Oh great," grinned Rika. "I've gotton you started now too. I seriously, seriously think I'm a bad influence on you. You're turning to the dark side, Takato."
"But the dark side is so much fun!" he grinned. Then he thought. "This doesn't have anything to do with Star Wars, does it?"
"Nope." replied Rika. "Its just.. er.. a phrase..?" she said, scratching her head.
"Ok.." said Takato.
"Nevermind." said Rika. "I'm just talking nonsense because I can't think of anything to say." she shrugged. "And if you think this is confusing, Faye is even worse."
"No need to prove it." grinned Takato. "Speaking of Faye.. perhaps we should go forth with out plans?"
"Of course!" laughed Rika. "The world is ours!" she said, laughing insanely. A few of the people walking past looked at her funny.
"And that was completely random." said Takato.
"And so is this." said Rika, jumping in the air and spinning. "Now that was done for no apparent reason."
"Okay!" grinned Takato.
They walked on quietly for a bit, not sure of what to say next.
"So what about our plans for taking over the world?" asked Rika. "Any ideas?"
"Well, we know that the two are complete opposites for the most part." said Takato. "Henry's never been much of a talker, while Faye is a chatter box. Henry is more of an indoor person, more comfortable staring at his computer screen than staring at the sky. Faye on the other hand, is seems more of an outdoor person, who would prefer flipping on a skateboard to flipping through the channels."
"Nice choice of words." grinned Rika.
"But its true, isn't it?" asked Takato.
Rika nodded. "Down to every detail." she said.
"Well... they say opposites attract, so there's why they both like each other." said Takato. "I suggest we find something they both like doing."
"Either that, or we could get Faye to give Henry skateboarding lessons, in return for Henry teaching her how to use a computer." suggested Rika.
"Ah ha!" said Takato. "We're on a roll planning this, aren't we?"
"Yes indeed." grinned Rika. "So, we should suggest to them about the skateboard and computer thing. If they refuse, we enforce it upon them."
"We're talking like we're some old geezer preparing to laung a new weapon on the world." said Takato.
"Well we are trying to take over the world, are we not?" grinned Rika.
"Oh yes." said Takato. "How could I have forgotton."
The two laughed a bit, then moved on.
"So what about the thing they both like doing?" asked Takato.
"Thats simple, Takato my friend." said Rika. "They just like hanging out with each other, soooo.. .on our next little outing to the mall or where ever, we ditch them. Who knows what'll happen when they're ... *alone*." she grinned evilly.
"Dude, I had no idea you were so perverted, Rika." grinned Takato.
"Then you have yet to see my darker side."
"I don't think I want to."
Rika grinned. "Maybe you don't." she said.
It was silent again, before the two stopped walking and burst out in random laughter. For no reason whatsoever.
"Hey Takato!"
Both Takato and Rika turned around. Rika didn't even bother to hide her disgust.
"I thought you said you were busy?" asked Jenny, bouncing over to them.
"Yeah I am." replied Takato.
Jenny's little group of friends came bouncing over as well. Thankfully, Danielle wasn't there. Yet.
"So what are you so busy with that you couldn't join us?" asked Felecia. "Did it have anything to do with Nonaka-Makino?"
"And if it did, whats it to you?" snapped Rika. "I'm going. Whether you're staying or not, Takato, thats fine with me."
"Going." replied Takato. "I'll see you at school." he said, dashing to catch up with Rika.
"Takato!!" called one of Jenny's friends.
Takato made no reply except waving his hand behind him, not even turning around.
"You're getting good at this." said Rika, after they got some distance from them.
"I have a good teacher." he grinned in reply.
Rika didn't do anything, except crack a grin.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey mom, we're home!" called Takato as he and Rika went inside. They took off their shoes and coats and went into the kitchen.
"Nice of you yo come back." grinned Mrs. Matsuki. "I still think you should have told us you went to look for Rika's mom." she said.
"We weren't sure if you were gonna stop us or not." said Takato.
"I probably would have." said Mrs. Matsuki. "But at least all is well now."
"Yeah." said Takato. "When's dinner?"
"About an hour." replied his mom.
"Okay." said Takato. "I'll be in my room." he said.
"All right."
Takato headed for the stairs. He stopped and turned. "Come on, Rika." he said, disappearing to the upper floor.
Rika sighed and followed him.
She walked into his room and saw him setting up what appeared to be a video game system. He turned, hearing her enter.
"Gamecube." he said. "You play videogames, right?"
"Of course." said Rika. "Video games rock." (a/n: hell yeah! ^^ )
In a bit, everything was set up and the two were sitting on the floor, each holding a controller. The game loaded.
"Smash Bros Meelee." said Takato. "I've mastered this game."
"I wouldn't doubt it." said Rika.
The game started and pretty soon, the two were shouting at the screen, furiously slamming on the controllers and once in a while, laughing insanely.
"Take that!!" shouted Rika. She randomly pressed a few buttons and her character, Link, flung DK off the stage. "Ha!!" she shouted.
"Nice one. How did ya do that?" asked Takato, whacking Samus with a slash from his Kirby. Then he sucked her up.
"Not a clue." replied Rika. "I've never played this before."
"And your that good. I'm impressed."
"I am a videogame master." said Rika. "PS2, XBox, Gamecube. You name it, I've played it. Although I do prefer PS2..."
"You got one?"
"Of course." said Rika. ".hack//INFECTION. No one beats me at that game."
Takato blinked. "Think I've heard of it.." he said.
"Never heard of .hack//INFECTION?" asked Rika. She faked a gasp.
"Name sounds familiar, but don't know much about it." said Takato.
"Ask Faye." said Rika. "She hates me for getting it, because she is in love with the anime that goes with it. I tease her about it constantly."
"Oh.. okay."
"Takato! Rika! Dinner!!"
"Coming!" shouted Takato. "Guess we better stop." he said, pressing buttons and stopping the game.
Rika stood up and headed out of his room while Takato turned off the game.
"So, does Henry have a video game system?" asked Rika.
"He's saving up to get a PS2. He already has an Xbox." replied Henry. "Although he's more into the computer kind of things."
"I never knew that popular guys actually even played video games." said Rika.
"You'd be surprised." said Takato.
"I already am."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Dinner was awsome, Mrs. Matsuki." said Rika, standing and bringing her dish to the sink. She rinsed it a bit and then set in down in the water.
"Thank you Rika." said Takato's mom. "Wish I got these compliments all the time." she said, looking with narrowed eyes at her son and husband. They laughed nervously.
"Way to go Rika, saying that to my mom." whispered Takato as she passed him heading for the living room. She grinned at him and just kept walking.
She sat on the sofa in silence. Her eyes darted around a bit, unsure of what to do. Then without warning, Takato jumped over the couch and landed on it, sitting next to Rika.
She stared at him. "Do you always have random outbursts like that?" she asked.
"Once in a while." said Takato. "More so often lately."
"I wonder why."
"Was that sarcasm?"
"And if it was?"
"No reason."
"Riiight." said Rika.
"Hey Takato!" called Mrs. Matsuki.
"Yeah?"
"If its all right with you, your father and I wanted to go out and see a movie!" shouted Mrs. Matsuki. "We've been planning it sinse Monday, so I really don't wanna cancel.."
"Don't worry about it mom!"
"You sure?"
"Yeah." replied Takato. "How long are you gonna be gone?"
"Well, we were gonna do a little window shopping first.. then catch a later movie.." said Mrs. Matsuki. "So it'll be around three to four hours."
"All right!"
"What are you gonna do?" asked Mrs. Matsuki.
"Eh, whatever."
"So you're okay with it?"
"Geez, ma I'm fine! I think I'm old enough to take care of myself, like I've done ever so often." he said, rolling his eyes.
"Fine. We'll be leaving in a few minutes. Do you think you can do the dishes for us?"
"Sure."
"Thanks a bunch."
Takato shook his head.
"Interesting conversations you have. Shouting matchs back and forth, from kitchen to living room." said Rika.
"Not really a shouting match." said Takato. "Just shouting in conversation."
"Close enough." said Rika.
Takato and Rika watched his parents walking around, getting ready.
"Geez, mom you're going to see a movie. Why is it taking so long to get ready?"
There was no reply.
"As always.." said Takato.
Finally, Takato's parents had said their goodbyes and told them to call them if anything happened. They also made Takato lock the doors and close the blinds.
"Mom, just go!" said Takato.
"All right, see you." she said as her husband pushed her out the door.
"You're mom doesn't like to leave you by yourself, huh?" asked Rika.
"What makes you say that?" asked Takato, voice full of sarcasm. "She does though, so its not so bad. Just her nagging and stuff."
Rika shrugged and leaned back into the couch. "Don't you have dishes to do?" she asked. "You might as well get them done now so you don't have to worry about it later."
"Good idea." said Takato, getting up and heading for the kitchen.
Rika picked up the remote and turned on the TV. She started to channel surf, as boredom had caught a hold of her faster than usual.
A minute or so later, "Hey Rika! Come here for a sec."
Rika sighed and stood up. "What, goggle head?" she asked.
Turning the corner into the kitchen, she walked in a bit then got blasted with water. She wiped her eyes and glared at Takato, who was holding the faucet rinser thing. He grinned.
"Takato..." she said.
She dashed over and tried to grab the thing that had squirted her, getting even more wet in the process.
"You're getting wet to, ya know." said Rika, trying to pull it out of his hands.
"I kinda figured that would happen after I got you wet." he said, squeazing it and getting her pants wet too.
"Oh ho ho, but you will regret it." said Rika, finally managing to get it out of his grasp. She took aim and hit his face.
In response to that, he splashed some of the water in the sink at her, getting her shirt soaked. Rika did the same, getting him soaked as well.
At the same time, she continued squirting him with the thingamajig from the sink. This went on for about five/ten minutes, until Takato shut the water off.
"Whats the matter, tired of the water?" asked Rika.
"No, but my kitchen is soaked." said Takato. "We gotta clean it up."
"Ehehehe.. guess you're right." she said. "Should we change first? Oh wait.. nevermind that.."
"Why?" asked Takato, taking the squirter thing from Rika and putting it back.
"I have no other clothes. My shirt is in the wash, and the one I have on now is yours. And my pants are the ones I had yesterday." she explained.
"Oh yeah.." said Takato.
"I'll just let my clothes dry and throw on something else till then." she said.
"You can use my mom's pajamas that you wore last night." said Takato.
"Maybe." said Rika.
"I'm gonna go change in my room, and let my clothes dry out. You can change in the bathroom." he said.
"Thats what I was planning on doing.." said Rika, heading up the stairs.
As Takato went into his room, Rika went in the bathroom and stripped down. She used a towel and dried off a bit. She reached for the clothes to change into when she realized-
"Dammit.. I forgot them..." she whispered. And she really didn't feel like putting the wet ones back on. "I'll just go grab the ones I had on yesterday." she said, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around herself.
Completely forgetting about where she was and who she was with for some unknown reason, (a/n: ahh. the power of an authoress) she opened the door and headed down stairs to grab the pajamas.
"Its a good thing we closed the blinds and curtains.." Rika said to herself, tightly clutching the towel.
"Damn.. where are they?" she asked.
Then it clicked. "Oh crap.." she said. "They're in Takato's room.. Oh god..."
She turned and headed back upstairs, realizing she would have to put back on her wet clothes anyway.
Walking up the stairs, Takato came pounding down them and nearly crashed into Rika, who instantly went red, knowing she was in a towel.
"Waah.." said Takato, whirling around. "Sorry bout that..." he said nervously, not moving a bit.
"No, its my fault." said Rika. "I was looking for clothes to put on...Um.. yeah... " she said, feeling the heat on her face. Without waiting, she dashed up the rest of the stairs and and quickly ran into Takato's room, grabbed the pajamas and ran into the bathroom again, in less than ten seconds flat.
She sat on the toilet seat and took a deep breath. "I never ever want that to happen again..." she said. "That was one of THE most embarassing moments of my life..."
After a bit, she pulled the pajamas on and hung her clothes over the shower. Bracing herself for the worst, she opened the door and headed out.
She heard water running, as if Takato had begun to wash the dishes again. She walked down the steps slowly, heading for the living room.
"Is that you, Rika?" asked Takato from the kitchen.
"No. Its the boogie man." said Rika sarcastically.
"Oh no! Not the boogie man!" came his reply, equally as sarcastic.
"Yes." said Rika, "Now all pathetic mortals run away and fear me."
"I'm almost done with the dishes, so do you think you can start to clean up the water. That is everywhere?" he asked.
Rika shrugged. "Whatever." she said. "I need a towl or something though."
"In that cabinet." said Takato, motioning with his head towards the one to his left. Rika went over, opened it and took out a green towel. She then dropped to her knees and began to dry off some parts of the floor with it.
"And don't even think about squirting me." said Rika, looking at Takato out of the corner of her eye. "I don't need to get wet again, and your floor is starting to get dry."
"Eh heh heh.." said Takato. "I won't, I won't. I just got dry too, ya know?"
Rika chose not to comment, but she did proceed to whip the towel across the floor. In a few minutes, Takato had gotten two larger towels and began to help with the floor.
It became somewhat dry, when the two moved on to drying off some of the cabinets and counters. In about ten minutes or so, everything was relatively dry. Takato took the towels to the dirty clothes basket and tossed them in.
"Can't let my mom know, now can we?" said Takato, grinning. "I'll tell her we showered and used them." he said.
"Works for me." said Rika. "Now what?"
Takato looked at his watch. "Well, we still have about two and a half hours. To do what, I have no idea." he said.
"I know." said Rika. "Use this time to call Henry and tell him that Faye mentioned something about computer lessons and how she wanted some." she said. "Its perfect! Then, when Faye comes back, I can convince her to take them from Henry."
"A ha!" said Takato. "Brilliant, Rika my friend!"
"Always am." grinned Rika. She followed Takato into the living room and sat on the couch while he dashed off to get the phone.
He came back with two cordless ones, tossing one to Rika. "Listen in to what he's saying." he said. "But do not say anything. Anything."
"I won't, I won't." said Rika. "I'll put something over the mouth piece part thing..."
In a minute or so, Rika had taken a tissue, taped it to the phone, then covered it with a dish towel. Then she found some ducktape and went to put it on her mouth.
"Don't do that." said Takato. "If I need to ask you something, you won't be able to answer." he said.
Rika dropped the tape. "Good point." she said. "Now shut up and dial the number."
"What ever you say, master.." he replied sarcastically.
"What was that?"
"Nothing.."
"Then dial already!"
"Dialing.." said Takato, turning on the phone. Rika did too as he dialed the seven digit number belonging to Henry Wong.
"Hello?" answered what sounded like a young girl on the other end.
"Hi Susie. Is Henry there?" asked Takato.
"Yup! Hang on!" said the girl named Susie in a somewhay hyperactive way. The phone went quiet for a minute, then- "HENRY!! TELEPHONE!!!"
Rika cringed. She didn't think anyone could yell that loud.
Another voice was soon heard. "Geez, Susie.. you don't have to be so loud.." he said. "Hello? This is Henry." he said.
"Hi Henry. Takato. Whats up?"
"Nothing." replied Henry. "Sorry about Susie.."
"Nah, happens all the time." said Takato.
"So what are you up to?" asked Henry, as he tried to ignore the sounds of Susie.
"My parents went to go see a movie." said Takato shrugging. "So I'm here for a few hours by myself."
"Lucky you." said Henry. "Even if my parents did go out to see a movie, I'd be stuck with Susie."
"Ha ha." said Takato.
Rika was getting bored with this conversation. She waved her hands frantically to get his attention. When she caught his eye, she gave him a look that said, 'Hello! The plan?'
Takato nodded. He mouthed, "I know but I have to get it into conversation somehow." Then Rika shot him a look that said 'Hurry up then..'
"You know, I was talking to Rika today and she mentioned something about how Faye wanted to learn how to use her computer better." said Takato.
Rika nodded. "Nice." she mouthed.
"Really?" asked Henry.
"Yup." grinned Takato. "She said that it might make things easier for her. Plus she said it would help to keep in contact with her brother in Hong Kong."
"Hmm..." said Henry.
"So, I told Rika to tell Faye that you could do it." said Takato, grinning slyly again. "That is, if you want to..."
"Sure!" said Henry eagerly. This caused Rika to let out a small laugh.
"Okay then." said Takato.
"Tell Rika to tell Faye when she gets back from Hong Kong that I can do it." said Henry. "I'll have her understanding the computer in no time. Maybe I'll even teach her-"
"Start with the basics, my friend." laughed Takato. "Then when she gets that down, you can move on to the harder stuff."
Rika began to laugh, really loud, for some unknown reason. It was uncontrolled and echoed through the living room.
"What.. was that?" asked Henry.
"Oh.. that was .." started Takato, looking over at Rika. She bit her lip and shrugged.
"Well?" asked Henry.
"Sorry. Spaced out." said Takato. "That was Rika."
Rika shot him the death glare.
"Huh?" asked Henry.
"She's staying at my house over the weekend." said Takato. "Her mom and grandma had do stuff." he said.
Rika stared. She never knew he could lie like that. And come up with them so fast too. 'Impressive.' she thought to herself.
"Oh." said Henry.
"So, when Faye gets back, I can tell her you said you'd do the lessons?" asked Takato.
"Yeah. Sure." said Henry, going from confused to excited. Rika made a sound like 'Pfft' in laughter.
"And she said she wanted to pay you back somehow," said Takato. "Only she's running low in cash at the moment."
"She doesn't have to." said Henry. "Besides, I have a job so I don't need money."
"Yeah, but she said she wanted to." said Takato.
"Sinse when does Faye not take things for free?" asked Henry.
"Who knows." said Takato. "Faye is a hard one to comprehend."
"Got that right." laughed Henry.
"All right, so when she gets back from Hong Kong, I'll tell her that you said you'd help her understand how the computer works." explained Takato.
"Works for me." said Henry. "By the way, I finally got the PS2.."
Rika could tell the conversation was drifting away from Faye so she stopped listening. She went over, tapped Takato on the shoulder and mouthed, 'Let me know if the subject of Faye comes up again.' He nodded.
She went into the kitchen and washed her hands. For no reason; she just wanted something to do.
In a few minutes, she heard what sounded like a "See you later" then a click, which meant Takato had hung up the phone.
"Done?" called Rika.
"Yeah." replied Takato. "Henry had to help his mom with something."
"Ah." said Rika. "Can I have a glass of water?"
"Sure." said Takato. "The glasses are in the cabinet by the fridge."
"Thanks." said Rika, going over to the cabinet. She opened it and took out a clear like, blue glass. She walked over to the sink and turned the water on cold.
She stuck her fingers under to see how cold it was, but her eyes shot open and she jumped back. The water had turned on hot, and it burned her fingers. She gave off a little scream and clutched her fingers.
"You okay? What happened?" called Takato.
"Nothing! I'm fine." replied Rika.
She looked down at her burned fingers. She rubbed them together softly. The whole thing was so familiar... it was like deja vu... (a/n: her fingers arent really 'burned'. you know what happens when you stick yer finger under hot water.. it hurts.. . )
~*~*~*~*~ FLASHBACK ~*~*~*~*~*~
"Thanks for helping mommy with the dishes, sweetie." said a younger looking Rumiko, with her hair tied back in a knot.
"Your welcome mommy!" grinned a much younger Rika, about six years old, as she stuck her hands under the water to rinse them.
"You're such a help to me, Rika." said Rumiko cheerfully.
Rika grinned. "Whats for supper?" she askd.
Rumiko thought. "Hmm.. how about rice?" she asked. "With chicken?"
"Yay!" shouted Rika.
"You stay here and let the water run for a while, while I go to the pantry and get the rice." said Rumiko, walking down the hall.
"Okie dokie!" called Rika. She stuck her hands under the water and played with it for a bit, when the door opened. She looked up and saw Justin standing in the threshhold.
"Hello Rika." he said.
"Hi."
"Whats for dinner?"
"Rice. With chicken." she replied.
"I see." he said. He walked over and stuck his fingers under the water. "Cold water?" he asked. Rika nodded.
Rumiko came back into the kitchen. "Welcome home, Justin." she said, looking somewhat fearful.
"Hello." he said. "Cooking with cold water?"
"Yes." said Rumiko. "I always have."
"Is that why it takes so long to be ready?"
"I can't control how long food takes to cook." said Rumiko.
"Then cook with hot water to speed up the process."
"I always cook with cold when Rika's helping me. I don't want her to burn her fingers." said Rumiko.
"Rika's a child." said Justin. "She shouldn't help with the cooking. Or cleaning. Thats your job." he said. "So cook with hot water."
He turned the water to hot. He put his fingers near the water. He grabbed Rika's hand by the wrist and put in under the water.
Rika's eyes shot open and she tried to pull free.
"Is it hot Rika?" he asked.
"Justin!" shouted Rumiko, running over. She tried to shut off the water. Or stop Justin. Or do something to get Rika's hand away from the water.
Justin shoved Rumiko out of the way. "Get lost." he said, turning back to Rika. "Is it hot Rika?" he asked.
Rika nodded.
"Answer!" he shouted.
"Yes! Its hot!" shouted Rika.
"Is it burning?"
"Its burning! Its burning, daddy! Its burning!" shouted Rika.
"Is it hot enough?"
"Yes! Its hot enough daddy! Yes!" shouted Rika.
"Good." said Justin, letting her hand go.
Rika pulled her hand out of the water and cradled it with her other hand, just below her chin. Rumiko ran over and hugged her daughter. Rika started to cry silently.
"Now finish cooking." said Justin.
"I have to fix up Rika's hand." said Rumiko. "Its hurting."
"No."
"Please! I don't want her to be hurt!"
"No!" said Justin. There was a smacking sound and Rika looked over. Justin's hand was raised in the air, and her mother's cheek was red. The silent tears continued to fall.
"Finish cooking!" he said.
"I don't want to see my daughter cry." said Rumiko.
Justin grabbed his wife by the shoulder and pulled her to her feet. Rika dashed away, still clutching her hand tightly.
Justin raised his hand again and Rika ran over. "Stop it!" she shouted. She started to swing her hand, "Stop it.. stop it!" she shouted.
~*~*~*~ END of FLASHBACK ~*~*~*~*~
"Stop it!" shouted Rika, clutching her fingers tightly. "Stop it.. stop it.." she said, tears pouring out of her eyes.
"Rika!"
"Stop it!"
"Rika!" shouted Takato.
Rika's eyes shot open. She was on the floor, still holding her burned fingers. The tears were pouring out of her eyes in what seemed like an endless supply. Takato's hands were on her shoulders and he too was on the ground, trying to wake her up from the nightmare.
"He...stuck my.. fingers.. under..." started Rika, "... under ... hot... water.... hot...burning.. water..." she said.
Rika leaned foward into Takato and cried. Slightly confused, Takato put his arms around Rika in a hug.
After all, this was the first time Rika had told anyone about her flashback nightmares. The first time ever.
MD: yes.. the end.. of the chapter! ::coughs:: sorry again for the long update. ::sigh:: by the way, remember kaylee? the girl from rika's old school? well.. she will be back in the next chapter. (by the way, this was not my idea, but a friend's. full credit for it in the next chapter. she is also the one who will be editing this, so at last! a much better edited story. ^^;;;;; ) also, the return of Phil and Stevo!! they werent in this chapter because.. well, i duno..
thank you reviewers:
Ben: ha ha.. well it depends on .. if i have trains of thoughts. updates.. vary.. ^^;;;;
allison: ha ha yes, faye's messeges.. well .. . mine are similar.. i actually used faye's messege once on my own answering machine....
Serpent Treize: yes. DIE JUSTIN!! ::goes off to kill him:: wait.. its my fic.. I CAN do that...::evil grin::
kamehamaha: EVIL DUST BUNNIES!! THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!! ::hides:: thanks for reviewing too... ^^
Black: many many thanks, oh faithful reviewer! ^^ yes.. rika will stay there for longer.. she still is there, actually.. . and who knows.. i may make her stay there... LONGER than longer.. wait... that made no sense... ::twitch:: oh well, thanks for reviewing!
Cheeseking: i do not know if i mentioned this, but your penname rocks!! ^^ and yes.. justin does suck, doesnt he? all the more fun to write.. sorta.. ::twitches again:: what i mean is.. JUSTIN SUCKS AND HE WILL GET HIS JUST DESSERTS!! .
Archangemon: this was an even longer update.. and i apologize... DONT KILL ME!! ::hides:: rukatoness with computers.. heh i never thought of it that way.. lol
Silver Almasy: alas.. it was not a fast update.. gomen.. gomen.. thanks for reviewing though ^.~
silence2: yes! The return of phil and stevo!!... in the next chapter... and yes.. rika's dad is scarey... very scarey.... ::twitches for the third time::
Neverwhere1: MWAHAHAHAHA!! yes.. it happens more than occasion with me, but it happens.. sorry for the long update.. but well.. ::sigh:: and thanks for reviewing, another of my faithful reviewers ^^
ejqhorselady: behold! another faithful reviewer!! thanks for reviewing.. ^^ glad ya liked the chapter...
anyone i forgot to mention... ::bows:: forgive me. ah yes, there are more faithful reviewers than mentioned.. but.. i am a spaz so i didnt mention it in the reply.. forgive me for that... ::sigh::
about the updates: sorry they take so long. sometimes i have no idea what to write, so if any of you have any ideas they are welcomed. i've already gotton one from a friend, but the more the merrier.. . anyway, i just wanna say sorry about the updates and thanks to those who stick with the story! ^.~