Chapter 2

To Grasp Childhood

Point of View: Kairi

The alarm clock rang. I slapped it. Ugh…8:15am… I was feeling strangely frustrated this particular morning. Maybe because of the day before, or most likely, just lack of sleep. Mumbling, I dragged myself out from under the warm covers, and made my way to the bathroom, not quite ready to start this day.

Was it really worth it to drag yourself out of bed, and to expect nothing for your troubles?

I splashed the water in my face. I backed away gasping. It was so cold! At least now I was awake… I snatched my toothbrush, and immediately began cleaning my teeth. I glared at my reflection. I just hated that face constantly staring back at me. But, there was nothing I could do about that girl.

Spit. I rinsed out my mouth and dried my face with my snowy washcloth. Covering up a yawn, I strolled back into my bedroom. I flung open the wooden closet doors. I selected my garments without much care, a white T-shirt, which I cuffed the sleeves, and black khaki pants.

I seated myself before my vanity mirror, and then felt for the glass handle of my brush.

I didn't fail to notice the unmistakably long length of my hair. Reaching for my scissors, I brought them to my hair…

Don't cut your hair; it makes you look beautiful…

Sora's voice ran through my thoughts. A smile formed on my pink tinted lips. Suddenly, I felt unusually radiant. Putting the silver blades back into the drawer, I twisted my hair into a messy bun.

Standing up, I sighed in satisfaction.

Now I was ready to start my day.

Slipping on my sandals, I swung open the door and left the comforts of my…well…rather messy home.

You see, I live by myself. My parents are long dead, back in the graves of Hollow Bastion. I really have no memories of them, neither does Riku, although he says he does sometimes, but then again, easily says he doesn't.

I remember asking him if he missed them often.

"You can't miss someone you never knew," was his dull reply.

Sora on the other hand, lives with his mother, Andrea. She is truly quite a beauty, with her sapphire blue eyes and ravishing long blonde hair outlining her slim tan figure. He really doesn't know much about his father, or rather even cares to know.

Stepping outside, my hand quickly shaded my eyes. My toes burned on the hot sand. I glanced at the thermometer pasted on the inside of my house.

110 degrees.

Yes, this island was intensely burning up, but you must remember, this was a tropical island, which almost always had hot days. Although, in the winter, it can be unbearably cold, and although it does not snow, unless the weather takes a strange twist, the winds are icy cold.

A yawn escaped my lips. I stretched myself, still containing a hint of sleep. A group of younger children were hard at work constructing sandcastles, only to have them washed away by the tides. Then, they'd cry.

I remember I'd start bawling every time my 'masterpiece' was swept away, but as I aged, I learned to build them away from the seawater's path. It's been so long since I've actually sat down and really wanted to play with the angelic white sand.

Shuffling my feet, I chose a spot under a palm tree and began making my castle. Of course the curious children gave me an odd look, and I returned it with a sheepish grin.

I loved the sand. To me, it was the essence of childhood. I'd often sift my fingers through the soft particles. Finishing my 'work of art,' I stepped back to admire it.

"So you play with the lil' kids."

Turning abruptly, I saw Sora and Riku grinning.

"Well, I…uh…"

My cheeks burned up with utter embarrassment.

"It's okay, Kai!" Riku laughed, "Just kidding!"

I laughed a bit nervously.

"You know…I caught Sora doing the same thing yesterday, then crying, 'No, no, no!' when the waves washed it away!"

I giggled as Sora turned beet red.

He gave us a lopsided smile showing all his teeth.

"Heh…so you saw…"

I couldn't help as my small smile grew to a large grin.

"So, Kai, you like paopu trees?" Sora asked, folding his arms.

"Wha…?"

I glanced up to the tree that lent me it's shade, just to realize it wasn't a palm tree, but a paopu tree.

"I-I didn't notice!" I said feeling surprised.

"Come on, you guys! I hear there's a new girl on the island, and according to Tidus, she's hot!" Riku stated, changing the subject.

"Selphie must've had it for him!" I laughed, brushing the sand off my attire as I stood up, "Come on, lets go see her!"

I laughed, making my way to the once vacant house.

Riku plucked a paopu fruit from the tree and tossed it to Sora.

"You love her."

"Course not…"

Author's Notes: Yeah, yeah, I know, I haven't updated in a week. Truth is, I've been gone all week! I have to give a big thanks to aliasfan and Lvkishugs, since you two were my only reviewers! I'll update again when I get 5 reviews, and if I don't, well, I'll update anyways!!! Now this is where I say, "HELP!" I need a new girl! It can be anyone, real character, your own OC, or even you! Just give me a description. Her personality has to be the kind that could be a close friend to Kairi, and-whoa! Better not ruin it! Please respond!