Forgotten Memories

By: xxxLOVE

-------------------------------------------

Chapter 2

Who Is He?

-------------------------------------------

But it was as though the unfamiliar but familiar guy read Chihiro's mind, and tuned to look at her wide brown eyes. Soon then everybody's eyes stared at her shocked ones. Chihiro gulped down her courage muster and turned the doorknob.

XXX

Chihiro was at the entrance of the classroom staring at the new student that was standing next to the teacher.

"Haku?" Chihiro murmured under her breath, inaudible to the people in the tiny class room. Her mind washed by long forgotten memories. The teacher acknowledged Chihiro with a scowl.

"Chihiro, you're late again." The teacher replied, shaking his head disapprovingly. Chihiro put on a sheepish grin.

"Sorry, sensei." She said taking her seat by the wide window. The morning sun illuminated the room with a soft yellow glow. The birds called out noisily to each other as the teacher continued his welcome to the new guy. Just a few of the many signs that it was a new day.

"And I hope you find Ganahawa High school, appeasing to you." The teacher said. "You're desk will be behind Chihiro. Chihiro, please raise your hand."

Chihiro's small delicate hand rose in the air. The guy smiled warmly at her and took his seat. Chihiro smiled back then leaned over and poked her best friend's shoulder in front of her with the eraser of her pencil.

"Ow!" Kisa whispered hoarsely, rubbing the spot where the pencil hit then glanced at Chihiro with a deep frown. "What!"

"What's the new guy's name?" Chihiro whispered as the teacher began talking about different styles of writing for essays. Kisa glanced at Chihiro with eyebrows furrowed.

"Why don't you ask him?" Kisa answered annoyed. "He's sitting right behind you."

"Oh yeah, right. Sorry." Chihiro said, slumping back in her chair. Maybe I should ask his name at lunch. Chihiro thought. She silently crossed her fingers in her pocket, wishing this new guy was the one she had been waiting for all these years.

XXX

Chihiro wasn't the only one surprised at the new guy. Many girls whispered and giggled saying 'Have you seen him?' or 'He's so hot.' But who could blame them? He had the looks and most probably the smarts.

"Sorry about jabbing you with a pencil." Chihiro replied softly to Kisa in between classes. Kisa was her only friend; she couldn't afford to lose her over some pencil-poking.

"You still remember that?" Kisa laughed throwing her head back. "Chihiro, come on! It's almost 3rd period. Forget about that. And I seriously couldn't blame you for asking what was name. He's so gorgeous ne?"

Chihiro smiled. "Yeah, I guess he is."

"It's about time someone who's good-looking and looks 'good' to be here." Kisa replied, taking a book from her locker.

"Yeah," Chihiro agreed.

"Yup." Kisa continued. "Maybe he might even have a fan club!"

Chihiro grinned. "Probably." It seemed the new guy was gaining popularity quickly.

"Well, I'd love to chat some more," Chihiro said watching the other students file in through the class doors. "But class is calling."

"Yeah, you're right." Kisa replied. "I'll see you at lunch."

"Alright" Chihiro replied as she walked towards her next class.

"And oh, I almost forgot. Chihiro!" Kisa called.

"Hmm?"

"The new guy's name is Haku." Kisa said grinning wide.

XXX

Haku, Chihiro whispered in her head. It's been years since she had said that name and it was such a glorious sensation to say it once again. Chihiro was in science class, tuning out the teacher as always. Chihiro tapped her pencil on the desk while she pretended to listen.

There's so much to talk about. Chihiro thought. How did he know where I go to school? Where does he live? What made Yubaba release him from the Spirit World?

Chihiro noted in her brain every question she came up with to ask Haku later.

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

"Well there goes the bell." The teacher replied erasing the chalk board. "Please remember your homework tonight!"

Chihiro gathered all her things and went to the cafeteria.

XXX

Haku wasn't at all hard to find. There was a lot of students-boy and girls alike- who surrounded him.

"HAKU!" Chihiro called loudly as she waved her hand furiously. But Haku didn't hear. How could he? He was in the middle of a bunch of laughing maniacs- I mean students.

Chihiro's heart dropped. Would Haku forget me because I'm not popular? Chihiro asked herself the harsh question.

But little did she know, Haku had already forgotten her.

XXX

Chihiro walked slowly towards her usual eating place with Kisa which was outside in the big school's garden.

Chihiro walked through the short hallway to the garden, shuffling her tennis shoes along the glossy tiles. Did Haku change since we met? Chihiro thought sadly to herself, her eyes being coated with tears.

When Chihiro reached the entrance of the school's garden, she wiped her eyes impatiently with the sleeve of her jacket.

"Chihiro!" Kisa called, waving gleefully from her table. "Over here!"

Chihiro quickly put on a mask of happiness and tried to forget the annoying questions of Haku.

"You will never believe what happened at the mall." Kisa replied while she took a bit of her sandwich.

"Spill."

"We just passed this store, right?" Kisa explained. "Which had a poster of this male model, and my mom said that he looked like her boyfriend. Not husband, boyfriend."

"That must've been embarrassing." Chihiro replied softly, suddenly remembering her mother as well.

"It was! I mean who says that when they're married?" Kisa took a sip of her diet Pepsi and sighed." I wonder if that's illegal."

Chihiro laughed, trying to push away the thought of her lost parent.

XXX

After school

Chihiro walked peacefully down the sidewalk, taking in the fresh scent of spring. The sun was high up in the air now, basking the earth with it warm presence.

Then, a small yellow flower swayed in front of Chihiro from a nearby tree. Chihiro caught it midair in her small hands and put it behind her right ear.

"Chihiro!" a male voice called, interrupting Chihiro's thoughts. Chihiro turned around to see Haku running up to her. "Mind if I walk with you? My apartment's a few blocks from here."

"Sure." Chihiro smiled. "Long time no see." Instead of a knowing smile, Haku looked at Chihiro in bewilderment.

"It wasn't that long." Haku replied. "You just saw me at 1st period."

"Well, long time since I've seen you at the Spirit World." Chihiro said.

"Spirit World?" Haku laughed. Now it was Chihiro's turn to be bewildered.

"You don't remember?" Chihiro pressed on, "Yubaba, river spirits, the bath house? "

Haku shook his head and looked at Chihiro weirdly, as if she grew two heads. Chihiro however had a sudden pang in her heart. Haku's denial to the things that were the most real in her life made her feel weak and sick. Chihiro glanced at Haku's eyes, to see if he was just kidding around but all she could see was confusion.

"You know what?" Chihiro mumbled angrily feeling tears come up her eyes. "Never mind. Forget everything I said."

"Is this a joke?" Haku continued asking, "You know for people who are new to the school?"

"No." Chihiro mumbled, staring at her feet. After a few minutes Haku could tell something was wrong..

"What's wrong?" he asked lifting Chihiro's chin with his finger, concern in his eyes.

Chihiro pulled away. "Nothing."

Haku didn't press on and so the walk became quieter except the shuffle of feet and the soft sniffles Chihiro made.

When Chihiro walked towards the entrance of her house Haku called. "See you tomorrow?"

Chihiro nodded without looking back and that was the last time he saw her that day.

-

-

-

Review!

This chappie's quite sadder than the first and longer.

Anyway heres the 2nd chapter you've been waiting for!

No flames please.