All the characters belongs to Jun'ichi Sato and Gonzo.
Later in the night, Layla was reading the scenario of her new play out of boredom. She was sitting on the left side of the bed next to the windows whereas Sora was laying on her back on the right next to the door. The American woman lovingly stroked the lilac-haired girl's face with the tips of her fingers. A delighted smile on her face expressed tenderness for the Japanese girl who stayed asleep after crying both from sadness and happiness and who was now clinging onto a pillow.
Soon after, she heard her father returning from his party. So, she left the bed and the room unwillingly and went downstairs to the kitchen. As she thought her father was here waiting with a stern face.
He was sitting on the bar kitchen facing the upstairs, drinking a coffee. She reckoned for a second that escaping may not be a bad idea, looking at the door on her right heading to the living room. Or the one a few meter on her left heading to the garden and the swimming pool. He wouldn't follow her there. He hate swimming. But she chose to face him and his interior anger. Not so much interior when he put his cup of coffee with a little roughness. It seemed that idiot of Archibald couldn't make up for a good excuse. You are never better served than by yourself. She sat on a stool in front of him but she stayed at a good distance anticipating the worse.
"Has the dinner ended well, father?" She served herself some tea – she didn't dislike coffee but the less she drank it the better she was – waiting for the sentence.
M. Hamilton sighed heavily, his elbows put on the bar with his joined hands holding his chin showed that he was thinking carefully in his words. "Do I really have to ask for an explanation? It's the second time you're leaving in a middle of dinner!"
She considered correcting him about the second dinner that didn't even started when she quit the hotel but changed her mind. "Didn't Archie tell you something?"
He hit the table bar with his right arm more because of tiresome than anger. The night was long and the investors were still unconvinced on his retreat. He couldn't quit his job as long as they refused any successor trustworthy for the Hamilton Group. If only his daughter was inclined to marry the Spencer's son... "He said you were meeting your secret lover. Fortunately, everyone laughed at his lame excuse. Everyone except me. So now tell me the truth!"
Layla almost spat her tea. What was he thinking? How did he find out the truth? Stop! When she left, Sora and her were still friends and they are not yet lovers. They just slept in the same bed. At least, her father didn't take Archie seriously. "The truth is simple but I don't think you'll like it either."
"Try!" He simply ordered.
She preferred playing with her cup of tea, making it turn on the on the plate, instead of looking at her father's eyes. For the first time in her life she was about to lie to him and it won't be the last time. "Sarah called to say that Sora disappeared since hours. It was raining, remember? So I decided to look for her."
"Oh. And did you find her?" Layla's father seemed genuinely concerned which was a good sign.
"Yes. Yes. She's still sleeping upstairs." She assumed it was better to say the less and letting her father making his own assumptions. But this time she was looking at him. Running away from his sight would make her suspicious.
So that how it went. He didn't need any other explanation. "I'm not a believer but if you found her, then that how things were supposed to happen." He took another sip of coffee, more relaxed than before. "Anyway, I would have liked to be warned of your departure. You're not a little girl anymore. You have to assume your decisions."
"But-"
"Of course, I would have tried to stop you but it's up to you to impose yourself. If you want me to treat you as an adult, you have to behave like an adult."
"You're right. I'm sorry. It just...I dunno...I panicked. She was outside on the rain. Every second counted. I didn't want to waste time in quarreling with you." She tried to explained her feelings at that moment without telling too much but she wasn't trying to excuse her behavior. If it wasn't for Sora, she would have thought the same as her dad. However, every time Sora was involved she wasn't acting normally. She couldn't be sensible.
Richard stared silently at his daughter. Lately she was more and more like her mother. He loved that she was more honest with her feelings and more attentive with her surroundings. And he knew Sora was mostly the reason of these changes. Did friendship really have that effects on people? He couldn't answer it. Like his daughter, socializing wasn't his specialty. It was his wife's one. He, on the other hand, only knew people through their work. No need to know more. But that didn't mean he wanted the same for Layla. If she could have such precious friends, then he was a happy father. But he wouldn't say it out loud.
He stood up from his stool, adjusted his gray suit and turned around the bar. Now he was in front of the door heading to the living room. "Well, when the sleeping beauty upstairs decides to wake up, send her my farewell."
"You're leaving again? But it's the middle of the night!" She opened up her eyes showing her surprise.
"I have a business trip in Florida. It's an emergency. But don't worry, I'll be there for your return in New-York." He kiss her on the forehead. "Goodnight Layla."
"Goodnight, father."
She looked at him passing the dinning room and the white wood sliding door heading to the living room, then she heard the opening and the closing of the entrance door, indicating he left for good.
While she came back to her room, the twenty-years old woman started to reflect on the recent events since her arrival in the town, her head resting on her right hand with her elbow put the bar. Everything happened so fast with Sora. Maybe she should have taken more time to think about the two of them. The Japanese girl wasn't the one who loved to lie to her friends and relatives, not even strangers. Yet, for now, in no way they could had a public relationship. Being with someone is already hard for commoners, even if you both share the same feelings. How will it work for them? Their close friends may be support them but what about their families. She didn't know how exactly her father would react but she was sure he would not be pleased. He never say it loud but she could guess he wished she will marry Archibald so he could be the new president of the Hamilton Group. But he will never dare to ask for it, not after the last fiasco.
She let herself fell in the bed while sighing loudly. Perhaps both Cathy and Sora are right, perhaps everything will be fine.
Layla turned to the girl who was sleeping peacefully. The day was hard for her. And the next days will be harder with the Ken's issue if they don't make up for it the sooner. But right now, she seemed to be in a pleasant dream. From time to time Sora could even laugh in her sleep.
Actually in the Kaleido Star's dream, Layla and her were happily swimming together in a deep sea with no lands nor sand in sight. But she wasn't afraid as long as she was with the Broadway actress. They were playing in the water, trying to catch the other and laughing with all their hearts. Then the dream became more intimate with light kisses and caresses at first. And then it was more passionate until she-
"Haha! Not there, Layla-san. It's too soon."
Layla's eyes opened widely and she stared at the girl who spoke in her dream. Her sole smile explained what kind of dream she was having. She hesitated for a while and then decided to wake her up before she left out more embarrassing words. But when she approached the Japanese girl, she found herself caught in her arms instead of the pillow. They were in an awkward position as she tried to escaped from the girl's grip. The American woman was lying on the side while Sora grasped her right arm and hid her head on the blond's chest looking for something soft. Having the girl in her arms, she changed her mind. They were fine just like that. Just the two of them. They didn't have to face the world so soon. And then she also fall asleep.
This Friday morning Sora woke up the first, even if it was almost lunch time. She was pleasantly surprised to see the woman next to her. She took her time to examine each one of her features. Her perfect oval face, her long eyelashes, her lovely lips, her silky blond hair she always wanted to brush. And what she loved the most was her blue-eyes. As blue as the sky she wanted to fly in forever. She wouldn't mind being lost in them. However, what she longed for the most at the moment was hearing her voice, being reassured that yesterday night wasn't a dream. That they shared the same feelings and were an official couple.
And as if she had heard her plea, the twenty-years old woman slowly open her eyes, sensing she was under someone's observation. She gazed at the Japanese girl who had an uncertain smile on her face and stroked her head. Sora firmly grabbed Layla's hand and gently caressed it. She had an urge to feel more of the woman warm. They didn't said anything for a while until Layla broke the silent.
"Did you have a nice dream last night?" She asked with an amused smile.
Crap. How did she know it? Did she talk in her dream? "I'm sorry. I couldn't control it. I'll never have..."
"Oh, I don't mind you dreaming that way about me. Because I might dream of you in the same way." She said to the girl's right ear in a flirtatious way.
Sora shivered when Layla's breathe tickled her ear. "So, you're not mad?"
The blond woman created a little distance between the lilac-haired girl. She was now laying on her side with her right arm holding her head to better observe her expressions. Despite the last night, the eighteen-years old girl still seemed insecure about their relationship. Was it because of her inexperience or her nature? The American woman wasn't used to it. Things will be hard if she always has to reassure her. What will happen when she'll be in New-York? She wanted to sighed but she was afraid of it being misinterpreted by the girl. "Of course, I'm not. That's absolutely normal when you're attracted to someone." She let her fingers lingered on Sora's body, from her shoulder to her waist, then from her hips to her her thigh where her caresses became more persistent. "And you don't have to be shy about it. Nor ashamed."
Sora didn't answer, her whole body was busy to respond to Layla's touch. No one ever touched like that. How a hand on her thigh could make her feel so hot. It was better than in her dream and yet they weren't even kissing.
Layla was pleased with girl's reactions but she stop before things became out of control. Sora wasn't ready for it. They both weren't ready for it. She didn't miss the girl's frustration when she pulled out her hand but found it amusing. "You can end it the way you want in another dream."
"That's mean!" The actual kaleido star was laying on her back trying to catch her breathe after that intense moment. She looked at the woman who was smirking, proud of her effect on her.
A little time passed before Layla decided they should quit the bed. "Do you have any preference for breakfast?" She asked to Sora while they entered in the kitchen.
"Anything is fine." The Japanese girl sat on the outside of the kitchen bar and Layla sat in front her after she picked up some toasts and marmalade for breakfast.
The blue-eyes woman served them some tea, not missing the girl's happy expression. "Is there any reason for your smile?"
"I'm just happy to be there with you." She answered and then she started to make a sad face. "Even if it only for a little time."
The Broadway actress didn't want to talk about it now but it has to be done. "Sora, if- if you think a long-distanced relationship is too much for you, we can stop things where they are and remained friends."
The lilac-haired girl jumped out of her stool. "No! I mean, no! Just being friends is not enough anymore. Even if it's hard, I want to be with you. Only you. Don't you feel the same?" She wanted to cry but she try to stop her tears.
Layla didn't reply immediately. Instead of that, she went to the girl's side and took her in an embrace. "I'm sorry. My feelings for you are stronger than any feelings I could have for someone else. Do not ever doubt of it." Reassured by her words, the girl tightened their embrace to express her relief. "I just want you to understand the difficulties that are waiting us. Because, I won't always be there to say the words you want to hear at the right time. Nor holding you like I am now."
Sora lifted her heels off the ground and stood on her tiptoes, her hands put on Layla's shoulders. Seeing the woman didn't do anything to stop her, she closed the little distance between them for a loving kiss. It didn't last too long but she savored every seconds of it. "I know." She simply said. But for now, she wanted to enjoy the time they had for themselves.
After eating they sat on the couch and discussed about each other past. Sora had several questions to ask her new girlfriend. She wanted catch up the time where they didn't know each other. She wanted to be the one you'll know Layla the best. And she wanted to share with her, things she will never share with anyone else. Right now, they were sitting next to each other with Sora's head on Layla's shoulder.
"My favorite color is blue. What's yours?"
"Hum. Red I guess. I never really think of it."
"The Phoenix color? It's suit you well." Sora glanced at their joined hands with their fingers interlocked and smiled. "And it's just you and your father?"
"Yeah. Kind of. My grand-parents from my father side lived in Scotland taking care of the family's domain. But we don't see them often. And the one from my mother side stopped any contact with us when she died, more than ten years ago."
Sora looked up to the woman with a sad face. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."
"It's okay. All the families have their issues. And I still have my father, so I don't mind. Actually, they're the one who suffered the most from her death. There is not parents who would want to survive their children." The blond woman never looked at the girl beside her while narrating the sad story of her family but she kept holding her hand.
The Japanese girl lovingly stroked the woman's hand before continuing. "I feel the same. Even if I lost my real parents, I'm happy with my new family. And I'm more happy to have you now."
Layla stared at her hesitantly. "You might be unhappy because of me."
Surprised, Sora rise her head all of sudden. "There is no way it's happening as long as we love each other."
The blue-eyes woman didn't answer at this statement immediately and looked up at her with an unsure expression on her face. "What about your parents?"
"My parents?"
Sora was a little confused by the question so the blonde woman specified her thought. "What do they think about same-sex relationship?"
"Oh...hum...They...I think it..." Sora never really considered that. Actually she did not remember talking about love with them. Manami may evoke the subject a few times but it never last. She gazed at her girlfriend with an ashamed face. "I'm sorry. I don't know but I'm sure they will be happy for me whoever I'm with." She said smiling.
Layla sighed. She expected that kind of reply and the teenager's optimism about the whole situation. "I can't say the same. Even if parents want happiness for their children, the way for this happiness might not the one they had hoped. And this can cause some troubles. Are you sure you wanna go through it?"
The Kaleido star wanted to protest at first but she preferred to think of the future. "Well, my parents are visiting me next month. If they could know you like I do, I'm sure they'll just encourage us."
"What makes you think I'll also be there?" Layla asked with a smirk. She found a way to tease the younger girl and she will enjoy it.
"But...But I thought since we're together now that...that we'll see each other more often. Am I wrong?" She made an apologetic face and the woman lost any will to play with her mind.
"Well, I guess I'll be there." She admitted glancing at the opposite side.
"Layla-san!" Sora tighten their embrace for a moment to show her cheerfulness. "I can't wait to be there. I'm sure they're gonna like you as much as me. When they arrive-" She stopped her sentence without warning as well as her previous cheer behavior and stared at Layla with a sad face.
"What is it? You were in such high spirit a few seconds ago." The American woman was bewildered by the sudden change.
"My parents...they were supposed to stay at Ken's house."
Layla meditated on Sora's words and the consequences of that situation. "Your parents or Ken's parents never suggested anything between the two of you?"
"What?" Sora was astonished. "No! No! Never!"
"Then I think you should let your parents deal with it. I don't know them nor the Robbins but I believe adults are above those issues."
"I wish you're right. They were happy to come at Cape Mery. If their trip is troubled because of me I-"
Layla interrupted her and stoked her head gently. "It's not your fault. So stop thinking that."
"Thank you." Then she put her head on her shoulder enjoying the woman perfume for a while.
On the other hand, Layla took that time to reflect on their situation. Meeting Sora's family while hiding their relationship may be a problem in the future. Layla hated this when she wasn't on control anymore. The old her wouldn't even consider to seek her girlfriend's parents approval. But now she couldn't avoid it since Sora wanted it. The blue-eyes woman felt a heaviness on her left shoulder when the teenage girl felt asleep. She put her in a more comfortable position putting her head on her laps. The blonde gazed at her lovingly and stroked her head. How just seeing her could make her so happy? She never felt like that in her life for anyone and it started to worry her.
"I didn't know you were such a heavy sleeper." Layla was mocking to the Japanese girl who just woke from her nap.
Sora just smiled. Resting her head on Layla's laps was comfy. Why would she want to quit that position, too soon? "There's nothing wrong with it. We're still in vacation. I might also be a little tired from yesterday, I guess."
Layla was as glad as her but she didn't want to stay any longer on the sofa. The weather was nice, they should go out. "Aren't you hungry? It's already lunch time."
"Yes! I could eat an entire pizza by myself. Hahah-." Then her stomach started to rumble.
"Not just one, apparently." She laughed with the girl. They hadn't much days left together. She aimed to enjoy each moment they could have. "Is there any place you want to go? But first, don't you want to return to your dorm and reassure your friends? They really were worried."
Sora change her position and was now laying on her back so she could see the woman's face who looked down at her. She was now making a sad face. She almost had forgotten why she ran away. Could she face Ken again without it being too awkward for them? They were still friends, right? "Not now. Maybe later." She looked outside through the French windows on her left. "Marine Park."
"What?"
"I want to visit the Marine Park. It's been a long time. And I never took the time to enjoy all the attractions."
Her face was clearly showing a happy expression, but the woman was a little astonished. "You're not kidding, right?"
"Why?"
"Didn't you visit them enough when you were a kid?" That wasn't the kind of place she was planning for a first date. Yeah, she liked creating shows who made smiled the audience. She enjoyed herself the Kaleido performances as a spectator. But that didn't mean she wanted to play some bumper car in an amusement park. That's was a kid thing!
"It's not the same when you've grown up."
"Exactly! Grown up is the word. We're adults. Find something else!"
"No!"
"No?"
"No." She repeated more firmly.
Layla sighed. There was no point in arguing on that with Sora. She will not give up until she surrendered. "Fine. Let's get up."
Sora smiled at her victory. She didn't take any pleasure on imposing her ideas at the woman but she really wanted to have some fun with her after yesterday's events. And if she remembered well, all her friends in Japan were having dates in an amusement park. That's must be a couple thing. She wanted to try them all with Layla and they didn't have much time left.
They both left the Layla's big corner sofa to head towards the stairs on the right and changes clothes. Sora's attire from yesterday were above the chest of drawers in the bathroom. Clean and dry. A pink Bermuda shorts and her turquoise tank top were waiting for their owner on the little commode on right of the room in front the sink and next the shower.
In her room, Layla put a red top and a summer light skirt waiting for Sora in her bed. When the girl came back, she smiled at her and got up almost enthusiastically. "Shall we go then?"
They stopped at a fast-food place with restaurant booth sofa where variety of food were served, like pizzas, hamburger, salad, etc. They hesitated to decide whether they would sat face to face or next each other and choose the former. After what they intended to call a waiter to order something when the Japanese heard her name. It was Jerry and Kate who just entered in the restaurant, hand in hand.
"Police-san!" Judging by his outfit, a large Hawaiian shirt and gray baggy shorts, he wasn't on service duty. "Are you also eating here? Want to join us?"
"We don't want to impose."
"What are you saying Kate! It's Sora! The more the merrier, right!"
A little too late, Sora turned to her girlfriend to ask her opinion but she didn't seem to mind company at all. "Sure." She moved to the end of the sofa to let him some place to sit. So did Layla for Kate after greeting her politely.
"So what are we ordering? I could eat an entire buffalo by myself!"
"Jerry!" Kate loved her fiancé but sometime he could say some embarrassing things.
"It's okay. Sora's stomach is rumbling out lout since a moment already. I guess we'll take the big menu." Layla chuckled as she made a sign to a waiter near them. They chose a big pizza for everyone and a salad for the two woman.
Kate wanted to ask Sora how she felt since yesterday when Sarah called them in panic but thought it'll be better to avoid the subject. After all the girl seemed happy. Even Jerry didn't try to bring the subject, just enjoying the girl's presence. Apparently, he could be smart about feelings from time to time. If Sora ran away to Layla's house, that's probably because it was the only place she could find some comfort. She didn't know who was the most to be pitied. Ken who was rejected or Sora who had to rejected him even if it's one her friend.
"So, did you already plan a wedding date?" Sora asked. If being an item with Layla was a bliss in her opinion, she didn't forget the world surround her. And she was looking forward for Kate and Jerry's coming wedding.
"Yeah. It will be in April but the invitations are still not ready. There is so much to do. Not only for the wedding but also the reception. And it won't be something big. I won't even try to imagine how the Hamilton family organize a wedding. Must be a taste of hell?" Kate stared at the woman next to her waiting for an answer but was disconcerted by Layla unhappy look, even if it only last a second. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Not at all. But all the weddings in my family are taken care by professionals. So I guess it less stressful for the bride." Layla explained not hiding her annoyance for the topic.
Sora on the other hand enjoyed the discussion. "I believed I'd rather plan everything myself. I mean when you find the right person, you want to enjoy every moment of your life together."
"When you find the right person? Sarah told me, it was already the case."
"Who? I'm gonna show him what will happen if he hurt you!" Jerry get up and mimicked a fight with an invisible opponent.
"No, you can't fight a wo-...I mean there's no need to protect me. I...I..." Sora was lost. She had to lie to her friends but couldn't come up with something.
Layla on the other hand just wanted to do a face-palm gesture to show her dismay. What else did she say to Sarah and the others. Couldn't she just reject the boy without telling she was in love with someone else?
"Sorry." Was all Sora could say. She knew she said too much to her friends but didn't realize it before.
"Huh! Why are you apologizing Sora?" Jerry was lost by the strange exchange between the two girls.
But when she was about to reply, the waiter finally returned with their order. He put two normal plates of salad in front of Layla and Kate, then two big one in the middle of the table for everyone – mostly Sora and Jerry. Forgetting their earlier conversation, the black man and the Japanese girl jumped on the food to satisfy their stomach before hungriness killed them.
"Delicious!" They both said the mouth full.
Kate and Layla also started to eat but more gracefully. The medical doctor used this silent moment – outside Jerry and Sora's sounds who enjoyed their meal as if it was their last – to examine the blond woman at her left. Like her fiancé she was intrigued by the meaning behind the girls' exchange. She was missing something but couldn't say what. She reckoned that Layla must knew more about Sora's love one as her closest friend. But why such a mystery about him? She didn't see Sora as someone who will hide her feelings about the person she loved. Actually, Kate could swear that the lilac-haired girl will be happier to share it with her friends and relatives. And yet, it wasn't the case. Is it because of Ken's confession? After all, Sora wasn't the kind of person who will do unnecessary harm to people even the one who don't like her.
"Did you have any plan for the afternoon?" Sora asked between two slice of pizza.
"Not really. We were just wandering in our free day."
"Good. We were heading to the Marine Park. Want to join us?"
"Sure! That's sound fun. Don't you think Kate?"
"Why not. But no roller coaster for me." She warned.
"Yeah!"The Kaleido Star and the policeman clapped their hands to show their excitement.
Layla didn't make any comment. Sora was happier with more people around her, and she liked seeing the girl's smile above all. Plus, they can be alone at night.
The same day, in the Kaleido dorms hall, Sora's friends were gathered around a table, speaking of the girl's runaway. Sarah was at the end of the table, while Marion and Rosetta where at her left and Jy Sung and Vince at her right. Ken was standing against the wall, arms crossed, behind the girls looking at the sliding patio door in front the table. Yesterday he wanted to punch himself for causing such pain to Sora but he was thankful to Layla for founding her. He knew the Broadway actress was actually the best person to comfort Sora. He will give everything he had to change the past and stop himself from confessing to the girl. They were good just as friends. He shouldn't listening his jealousy about Leon. If Sora loved him, he should just accepted it. From now, he promise himself to be the best friend for the girl -whatever his feelings for her- if only he could speak to her. He had hoped she'll returned at her room since it already was the afternoon. But it seemed it wasn't in her agenda yet. All he could do now was waiting, like the others.
All the girls were worried but Rosetta was also angry at Ken. She liked him and knew his feelings but she couldn't forget the fact he made her beloved Sora cried, even if it's not his fault. Meanwhile, Sarah was just sad of Sora's absence. The Kaleido Stage wasn't living without her. Happily, there was only one day left before the return of everyone. The Japanese girl couldn't avoid them eternally. Marrion and Vince were just looking forward to see Sora again whereas Jy Sung didn't care at all of the situation. They had another show to present in less than an hour. Why bothered with something they couldn't control? Sora will come back when she wants to. He crossed his hands behind his head yawn loudly to express his annoyance, until he received a death glare from the Belgian girl. If he didn't want to be in Ken's situation, he must be careful in his actions about the Kaleido Star.
"Oh my! Kate text me about Sora!" Sarah suddenly shouted while she showed her cellphone to the troupe.
"Show me! Show me!" Rosetta was almost jumping out of her chair when she stood up to see the message text from the auburn woman. Their only news about the Japanese girl since yesterday.
"Me too! Me too! I wanna see!" Marion got on the table, ready to snatch Sarah's phone.
Sarah avoided her and laughed at their attempts. "No! I'll read it to you." Everyone was waiting like she had their fates in her hand. "Oh, apparently Kate and Jerry met Layla and Sora in a fast-food during lunch time and now they're having fun together at Marine Park." She put her phone on the table and smiled to the others. "It seems we were worrying for nothing. Sora's just having some fun with Layla before her return in New-York. I'm sure she'll be back tonight."
The two teens girls smiled and hugged each other at the good news. The black boy and the Asian one were also relieved. But none of them was more glad about it than the honey-haired boy.
"Ok. Now we're all reassured, let's make a big show for the public today. Give it your best!" She encouraged them as she make a sign of victory in the air.
"Yeah! For Sora we'll make a great show!"
In Cape Mery amusement park, Sora and the policeman were enjoying the day in the bumper car attraction. They were laughing at loud anytime they bumped into each other. And nothing can seem to stop them in their fun. A little far away, Kate and Layla were observing them, sitting in a bench, a little amused by the two children who accompanied them. But they also were a little tired. They didn't stop since they arrived. The end of an attraction just meant the start of another one. Carousel, Water ride and haunted house were still fined -each time the girl was frightened, she would cling on her- but Layla gave up with the bumper car. Yet she found it amusing to look at them playing at it. Moreover, Sora seemed more happier than ever.
"They're more childish than the children themselves. And they're not embarrassed at all." Now that Sora and Jerry couldn't hear them, the medical doctor took the occasion to speak frankly with the blond woman. "So, I was wondering how things went when Sora ran at your house. Was she really upset because of Ken's confession?"
Layla stared at the woman who took care of her shoulder when she needed it. She didn't want to be rude with her so she'll kept it cool as long as she's not asking for details. "Yeah but mostly she was just afraid of loosing a friend."
"Yeah, that's kind of situation is not easy for both of them. But I doubt Sora managed by herself to feel better, don't you?"
"Sora is strong."
Kate laughed at the Layla's attempt to minimize her role in Sora well-being. "Of course she is. But even her needs her friends sometimes. Someone to rely on for the hardest days. And of all the people around her, you're the one she leans on the most. And I think it's kind of a reciprocated feeling, isn't it?"
Layla opened her mouth searching for words to deny Jerry's fiancee but she couldn't lie to it. Not after she promised herself to be more opened about her true feelings. "I guess." She simply said while smiling to the girl who was waving at her in her bumper car. It was a bad idea because the black man didn't waste any time to benefit from it and bumped into her from her right side. This time Layla face-palmed herself.
"AhAhAh! Well played Jerry!"
"Hun. She'll get back at him."
"We'll see!"
And they laughed together at their childish exchange. Dring. Dring. Kate looked at her cellphone and sighed after reading the message. "That's an emergency. End of free day." She got up from the bench and called her fiancé. "Well we had a good time, don't we? Let's do it again!"
"Sure. It was a pleasure." And she strangely meant it.
Then Jerry arrived, followed by Sora. He immediately understood the situation since he was used at it. "Well, end of party Sora. Another time?"
"Anytime. And this time I'll win!" They clapped their hands together before leaving.
After that, Sora let herself fell on the bench with Layla. Tiresome started to show its effects. The sunset was almost there creating a beautiful view of the place. It gave her idea. "Layla-san!"
"What?" The sudden move of her girlfriend surprised her.
"The Ferris wheel!" She just answer as she grinned.
"What? You want to go in there?"
The Japanese girl just shook her head, still smiling.
The blue-eyes woman didn't mind the attraction at the time of the day. The Ferris wheel was so slow after all. She stood up silently and offered a hand to the girl. "Shall we go then?"
Expressing her happiness, Sora grabbed the woman's arm and leaned on her while they headed to the big wheel. Inside it, they had a better view of the western side of the town, where the Kaleido Stage stood. "Layla-san look, it's the Kaleido Stage!" She made little jumps on her the bench, unable to control her excitement.
The American woman just laughed at her behavior. But she had to admit that the setting was exceptional with the sky color behind the Stage. It really was the better time to observe the beauty of the town on a big wheel. Then, she felt the girl's head on her right shoulder.
"Layla-san..." She looked up at the woman with such intensity. "I...Can I...Can I have a kiss?"
"That's it? You didn't need to ask. What's with the suden shyness?" She didn't let her respond as she put her hand on her chin and got their heads closer for a steady kiss.
Sora closed her eyes and tightly caught the woman's top on her waist. It was an echo from their last night kiss, warm and smooth. She wanted it to last forever but they had to separate. However, she still had Layla's taste on her lips when she licked them. That simple act provoked a hotness inside the woman body. She was like a little girl whose parents forbade to eat some cotton candy whereas she's surrounded by them. She wanted to sneak in there and take it by herself. And she wanted to try again with Sora. She wanted to taste more of her skin. Unfortunately, this time fate was against them as the wheel reached it destination. She sighed, annoyed and relived at the same time. "Let's go."
After a little talk, Sora agreed on coming back to face her friends, to face Ken. They were now on the sidewalk leading to the Kalerido dorms hand in hand near the beach. Unexpectedly, a red sport car stopped on their left on the road. When the passenger windows was roll down, Yuri Killian, the Russian performer and Kalos assistant showed up in the driver seat. He removed his sunglasses with a charming smile.
"Hi girls. I'm glad I've found you on the way. Where are you going?"
"Hi." They were both surprised in the spur of the moment but Layla managed to reply his question. "We're joining the dorms."
He noticed their joined hands and stared at Layla. "Well, I'd like to have a talk." He then addressed to Sora. "If you don't mind? I promise it won't be long." He didn't wait an answer that he automatically unlocked the passenger door allowing the American woman to come in.
After some words whispered in her girlfriend's ear and a kiss on the forehead, the said woman entered in the car that quickly returned on the traffic road, letting the Japanese girl alone under the palm trees. She was still a little afraid when she headed inside the dorm hall but found the will to go on. No need to say that everyone was pleasantly surprised by her arrival.
"Sora!" The redhead girl was the first to react, jumping on her.
They were siting on table in the middle of the hall hoping for the Kaleido Star return. Even Ken had stayed on Sarah's orders. They believed she'll be back before the night. An awkward silence last a few seconds before Sora spoke.
"Hum. I don't know what to say on my coward behavior from yesterday." She scratched the back of her head while looking at the opposite side of where her friends were sitting, and her glance stopped at Ken who was leaning on the wall beside them. "I...I...Huh. Rosetta can you-" The red head girl immediately understood and released the lilac-haired girl from her grip. "I'm really sorry for worrying you." She bowed down in front of them and when she got up she could see their relief smiles, all happy to enjoy that moment together.
Sarah was the first to react to her apologizes. "You don't have to ask for forgiveness, Sora. You did nothing wrong. Right Ken?"
He simply nodded, still unsure of the way to speak loudly to Sora who didn't know how to speak to him either.
"OK. Nothing will come out like that." The kaleido singer stood up from her chair abruptly and looked at them successively and grinned in a devil way. "I think you two need time alone. We'll be waiting in the cafeteria. Good luck!" She didn't let them time to protest and forced Rosetta and Marion to follow her. The Korean performer and the black technician took a last glance at their friend before quitting the room.
Yet alone, Sora and Ken were still lost, undecided on what to say, how to behave. But since one of them has to go first, the honey-haired boy took his courage for second time in two days to sort his feelings out. He made some steps towards the girl and gazed at her directly. And she didn't try to escape it which was encouraging. "Sora, I wished I could go back in time and stop myself from confessing. It was stupid. A desperate move when I knew who had feelings for someone else."
"Ken, it's not you-"
"No, let me finished." He took off his glasses and looked at her trough his own eyes. "All I really want for you is to find happiness with the one you love, whoever this person is. You don't have to keep your feelings inside because of me. 'Cause my happiness is your happiness. And I certainly be miserable if I could not see your smile. On or outside a scene. So please forgive me for my selfishness and let us be friends again."
The Kaleido Star's tears started to flowed at the end of his speech. Since yesterday, Sora was struggling with two opposite feelings. She tried to escape her paradox in Layla's arms but couldn't ignore her friend's pain that long. That why she came. To apologize for not noticing his feelings sooner. And yet, he was the one who asked for forgiveness because of how he felt, how he probably still feels. "No, I'm the one at fault there. Feelings can't be control. But I am selfish and I don't want to loose you as a friend even if I know it's hurting you. I'm sorry Ken." She hid her head with her hands and kept on crying. "I'm so sorry."
The American boy almost crushed his glasses on his hand and closed his fist with his other hand expressing his helplessness. He let her sort out all of her tears for a moment until she looked up at him again with an awkward smile. But still a smile, he thought. And he did his best to returned her an encouraging smile. It certainly will take a lot of time but they both want to believe that they could be real friends again. Then he hesitantly approached her and hold her in his arms.
Sora was pleasantly surprised by the move and her tears stopped at the same moment. One day for sure, they will laugh together again.
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