Chapter 17
A Forgotten Promise
Point of View: Kairi
"Ohmigosh, he wanted you to be his girlfriend?!" Candace asked, quite taken aback.
"Yes, and shh!" I whispered madly, a deep blush rising on my cheeks.
It was a lovely Sunday morning. Selphie, Tidus, and I had spent all day yesterday sight seeing, just letting loose, and having fun. It was quite enjoyable, though I just couldn't get my mind off things... I had finally gotten through to Candace over the phone, and well, I just had to cry to her for help on a topic that's been clouding my mind since Friday evening. Brent. Of course, I had whined to Selphie, but she couldn't seem to be able to find a solution for me, so I asked Candace to meet me at the parlor, since it was our day off, and chat about it; I didn't want to discuss this issue over the phone.
"Wow, I knew he liked you, but not like this!" Candace continued on, flabbergasted.
"I know, I know!" I cried out in a rather whiny voice.
"So what'd you do?" she probed on, her eyes showing complete interest, hungry for information.
"Well, I turned him down! I couldn't be his girlfriend! It just...it just wouldn't be right!" I clarified, stuttering a bit as the desire of ripping out my hair and screaming passed my mind, for perhaps the millionth time.
"Really...?" a snug smile on resided on her lips, as her eyebrow rose.
"Yes really!" I declared, not at all amused.
"Maybe you've already got someone in mind...?" her little game continued on.
Images of Sora passed through my mind. I quickly shook them off, "W-What? No! Of course not!"
"Of course not," she repeated after me, her tone revealing she didn't believe a word, but she didn't pester on, nonetheless, "Goodness, you must have broke the poor boy's heart!"
"I didn't break Sora's heart!" I cried out...then realizing she meant Brent, "Oh, I mean, well, yes, he did seem quite down, but he took it rather well."
She took a few moments to sip her cappuccino before speaking again, and I took this spare moment to unscramble my thoughts. "Well, how do you think this'll affect your friendship?" she continued, between sips, "I mean, things probably will be a little awkward between you guys, don't you think?"
"Well, he said nothing would change...but I guess you're right..." I trailed off
"Hey," Candace started as she finished the last of her liquid, and tossed the empty paper cup into the trash without a second thought, "Why didn't he fall in love with me?!"
I grinned. "Because I'm much prettier and smarter than you!" I teased her.
"What?!" she cried out, between laughs.
Well, after that, we split up, and headed our own ways. Candace had some errands to run, and I just headed home, for I had nothing better to do, really. It was a relatively cloudy day. The clouds were dark, and threatened to pour rain any second. I hurried home.
"I'm back," I called out to no one in particular as I walked through the front door. No voice replied back. "Selphie? Tidus?"
I allowed my backpack to slide down my arm to the ground, as I looked around for the two. I wandered into the kitchen, clean as always. On the fridge was a yellow post-it note, Selphie's neat writing in red pen on it.
Kairi-
Tidus and I went out to buy some groceries, (which, by the way, is YOUR duty!) since we're totally out, since Tidus totally pigged out with his pals. So, we'll be back in an hour or so. Take care of the house, and don't do anything stupid! (Gosh, I sound like a mom...)
-Selphie
I reached for the pitcher of water as I finished the note. Well, that certainly explained why I was all alone in this house. Remembering my pack that I had left at the front door, which I had left completely ajar, I hurried back, to snatch it, and close the door. I stuck my head a bit out the door as I grabbed the straps. The sky seemed to darken. Looks like rain...
Carelessly, I tossed my backpack on a chair, as I plopped onto my bed. I instantly reached for the phone; I felt in dire need to speak to someone, anyone! At one point, I even considered calling Brent, but I decided not to. My head fell effortlessly into the clean white pillow. No one was home... Feeling like I had nothing better to do, I reached for Constrictions of a Woman. We have been reading this book for two months now; it really is starting to affect the way I think...which isn't good, I suppose...
"I know it's you, the one all the officials are after," the mysterious figure proclaimed as she stepped out of the shadows. The woman approached her, arms crossed. She was tall and slender, eyes crimson, her long, silky raven hair was kept in a ponytail. A sly smirk resided on her lips. Rayne glared at this new foe; she was not worried in the least. There had been many whom had discovered her, but none had lived long enough to turn her in. This woman would be no different.
"What makes you so certain?" Rayne questioned her, her voice kept calm. Her sapphire eyes glared at the woman, malice in her raven heart.
"Don't try to confound me, Raynelle, I know all about you and your ways."
"Confound you? I do no such thing," Rayne's tone matched the woman's. "Me and my ways? I deem you mistaken."
"Perhaps..." She ambled back into the shadows. "But I'll put an end to you..."
"Try me." Empty threats. They meant naught. Rayne headed her own path down the alleyway. The woman released a bloodthirsty chuckle.
"Pity. You won't live to regret those words. Just remember my name. Lithé."
I slipped my bookmark into the novel. Goodness, this book was starting to get quite intense... I allowed the volume to slip from my palm onto my drawer. A yawn escaped my lips. I curled up into a ball; my eyes slid close, and my mind drifted off into sleep. Such a cozy atmosphere really drained my energy, and now all I wanted was a nice rest...
I found myself pacing the pier, not exactly knowing why. Islanders came and went, passing me, but none stopped to here my pleas. Where was I? What was I doing here? I found no one I knew, no one among these strangers.
"Excuse me, sir—"
I shrieked as he walked right through me. What was going on? A loud horn interrupted my thoughts.
A white ship docked right before me. The 'Destiny Waters'... I could see its passengers pouring out, eager to have reached their destinations. A young woman with auburn locks and matching amber eyes among them. I recognized her.
"Candice!"
But no reply came from her. She just hurried right by me, ignoring my cries.
A young man emerged, seconds after her, his jet black hair, and azure eyes making him stand out.
"Brent!"
He walked right past me, as if I weren't even there. What was wrong with all these people?!
Then, two figures out of the sea of people caught my eyes. He was tall, his eyes an alluring bright blue. His chestnut hair was spiked, defying any and all laws of gravity. Sora. She was teary, her eyes sapphire, with a hint of violet. Her hair was mahogany, long, all the way down to her waist. ...me? More silhouettes came into view. Riku, and Selphie, Tidus, Wakka, and Janice!
"Bye Kai, I'll miss you," this Sora spoke.
"I'll miss you too," she, or rather, I replied, her eyes filled with sorrow and passion.
She turned to leave, her grip on her luggage firm, but then she just dropped them, and threw her arms around him. They held each other tight, not daring to let go. Wait...this all seemed too familiar... Then, their embrace ended, and she hurried away, not daring to look back.
"Kairi!"
My heart leapt when he called out my name. She turned, her expression revealed she were about to burst into tears.
"I-I..." his words were caught in his throat.
"I-I..." he tried again, but the words just wouldn't come!
"I need to tell you something." He finally spit out. "But not here, not now. We'll talk...soon..."
I gasped; it was that day!
Bam.
My eyes snapped open, and I sat up, gasping. How vivid that was! How could I have forgotten? Just before we had split up, he had told me he wanted to tell me something! But, oh gosh, I've been so very busy, and caught up with my own life, and oh...I never got a chance to talk to him since then! I was immediately on my feet, rummaging through my belongings for his number, all the while muttering, "Ohmigosh..." But honestly, how could I have forgotten this? Sora is so dear to me, and I know it was something important... It's been over a month that I've delayed his message; no it's been over a month since I've even talked to him! Please don't let him be mad...
Finally, in Selphie's phonebook, in which she kept a clear count of everyone's digits, I obtained Sora's boarding house number. I sped to the cordless phone, and instantly began dialing the digits.
Pick up Sora! Pick up, Sora!
Riiiiiing...Riiiiiing...
I bit my lip nervously as the rings went on. Here I was waiting, hoping he'd pick up.
"Hello?"
My breath halted. Was that...was that really him?
"H-Hello?" I spoke into the phone, my voice shaky.
"Who is this?"
I burst into smiles. Yes, it was him. "It's me, Sora. It's Kairi."
"Oh God..." I heard him mutter, "Kairi? Is that really you? Gosh, it's been a long time!"
"Yeah, it has!" I agreed, "I am so sorry I never called before!"
"It's no problem!" he assured me, "So what's up?"
"Well, I know it's been quite a while, but remember the boat ride over? You said you wanted to tell me something, so what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Oh...that..." he paused for a while, not quite knowing what to say.
I waited eagerly for his answer.
"It's nothing...really."
"Oh..." I guess I was a bit disappointed. Here I was, believing he was about to tell me of some sort of huge secret that would blow my mind...but I guess I really was just dreaming...
"So...what's happening?"
Well, this topic triggered a series of events on my part. I told him of how Selphie and Tidus were doing, my new friends, my part-time job, the Winter Carnival ("I'll be there! Count on it!" "Okay!") basically everything, save the incident with Brent. We had some laughs; Sora added in some comical remarks...everything was alright. He was still the same guy I knew, and well, I felt as if we've never been apart!
"So what's going on with you?"
"Oh...well...er..." he stuttered quite a bit.
I waited patiently; he'd get it out sooner or later!
"I'm...I'm dating Janice now."
"Oh!" I didn't notice the smile rapidly vanishing from my face. "Well...that's...that's..." I swallowed hard.
"Is something wrong?"
"Oh, um...no, I'm just...I'm just surprised..." I almost whispered.
"Okay, well I gotta go now..."
"Um...okay..."
"Later."
"Yeah, bye..."
He hung up, leaving me silenced. He...he was dating Janice now...? My breath was shaky, and I felt rather gloomy for no reason in particular. Why did I feel this way? Wasn't I happy to have finally spoken to Sora? And besides, now two of my best friends are dating! He would like her, Janice is great, she's girly, and fun... I should be happy for them! ...right...?
"Hey Kairi! We're home!"
Selphie's energetic voice. They were back. Why wasn't I running down the stairs to meet them? I felt my will wilt away, my strength drained, my spirit...damaged. What is this strange emotion I'm feeling? I started up...but I just couldn't seem to lift myself. I plopped back into my same position on the bed.
"Kairi?"
I could hear Selphie's quick steps scurrying up the flight of stairs. She emerged before me. "Hey Selph." I didn't spend much effort talking to her. In fact, I felt quite lifeless.
She looked at me hard, her expression worried. What? Was something wrong? "What's wrong, Kairi?" she asked; she looked scared almost.
What was wrong? Nothing at all. I had just spoken to my best friend, and found out great news. 'Nothing's wrong!' I wanted to say...but somehow, I just knew something was. Tears slid down my cheeks, and I ran to Selphie, embracing her, my heart hurting horribly. "I don't know! I don't know what's wrong with me!" I burst out crying.
"What happened?" she demanded.
"Nothing! I called up Sora, and we had a great conversation! He gave me wonderful news, and it shocked me a bit at first, but I'm happy for him, really!"
"What did he say to you?" she probed.
"Just that he started to date Janice," I replied, and instantly, my heart ached.
"Oh..." she mumbled, instantly realizing the problem. "You really like him, don't you?"
"What?!" I cried out, "Of course not! We're friends! That's it!"
Selphie looked quite unconvinced. What? That was the truth wasn't it?
"After all," I continued on, "It'd be awkward; we're best friends, and I really don't have a reason to like him. I'm looking for someone who's mature, and nice, and still has a sense of humor—"
"Someone like Brent, right?" she asked, and I nodded, realizing he fitted my description. "But you turned him down, didn't you?"
"I-I..." I found I had lost the words. She was right, actually, I had turned him down...and apparently, he's everything I'm looking for.
"Kairi," Selphie continued again, "You don't need a reason to fall in love!"
Seeing realization sweep over me, Selphie left me to think over what she had said.
I guess I really do like him!
What an idiot I've been.
My heart was broken before I even knew I was in love.
Sora... Images of him passed through my mind. His words, his goofy trademark grin, his everything.
"...I don't know what was bothering you last night, but you know, every time you feel like crying, you can always come to me..."
Oh, Sora... Your words still bring me so much comfort. But Sora...
My eyes were brimming with tears. I gazed through the window. Rain was pouring down freely now, the endless splashing of water, coating the world in a layer of liquid, as if the skies were weeping along side me. Pouring down artificial pain, crying with me when no one else saw through my pain.
It hurt. It hurt to know the one I truly loved had found someone else, when I was still dwelling in the past, shedding useless tears. I just wanted to fade away.
...You're the one making me cry...
Author's Notes:
Hmm...I'll have to rewrite this chapter when I'm feeling inspired again... Either I've been having writer's block, or I've just started to suck at writing more than usual...but my writing is finally starting to get better! I started working on my one shot again yesterday, and then I started messing around with Photoshop; I wanted to see how Kairi looked in her dress, and how she'd look like with longer hair, and so I got a picture of her, and I started working on it for fun, then it started turning out nice, except her hair looks like Selphie's! It took me hours!!! But it's a pretty cute picture overall. Okay, I know Brent didn't actually say he wanted her to be his girlfriend, but just pretend people! It's hard to write his lines!
Reviews:
Astaldotholwen: Yeah, it kinda was... I don't want it to come to an end either! cries It's been there for soo long, and you've made soo many unexpected twists...and then you put it on hiatus...and then one day you just out of the blue updated... cries more
Daggerly: Whoohoo! You wrote another story, and didn't stop! Love it! Yeah! I got CHEESE!!! (that's a first)
Cmdr. Defiance Nighthawk: Yeah...I really do have a lot of OC's... But the only ones I'm really keeping in the big picture are Janice, Candice, and Brent.
Lvkishugs: Okay...well now you're gone again... CLEAR OUT YOUR MAILBOX!!! I still have to send you the 'Lvkishugs' thing! (You seriously liked that other one that much?!) Hey, I just remembered! YOU STILL OWE ME A DR. GRIP PENCIL!!!!! Oh, and when do you think I should change back to my old name? 'Cause I don't know if they've turned it in yet, or anything...
Zanisha: Lolz...tap water... Yeah...I wanna cut my hair before the end of summer... I've been planning to donate to 'Locks of Love' ever since second grade! So now...many years later...my hair is really long...
aliasfan: Ooh! You're back! Yeah, I love her CD! I'm gonna use one of her songs for my next one shot, just because the song's so sweet! So inspirational too!
Infrared Ray: Ooh...Europe... I don't like traveling much, 'cause I'm terrified of going on a plane... Ten o' clock news have made me totally scared of them...
Shinimegami Sky: Ooh! You have chapter three done? Then POST IT UP!!! Oh, you know that picture of Raina on your favorites list that what's-her-name made? Nice!
zilly: Ohmigosh, your worst fears have come true!!! So...whatcha gonna do to Sora?
classengurl: Angst good! Angst Lithe's best friend! Lolz. When you're someone like me, you LOVE screwing up your character's lives.
xApo1La: RAINING?!?! kills you Yeah, they have phones (obviously; didn't Kairi just use one to contact Sora?) But if she called him earlier, then I couldn't make Sora date Janice!!! laughs evilly
Okay, so obviously I've changed my penname TEMPORARILY. Yes, that was the same name I used in my fake mini fic. Yes, it is a REAL NAME. No, it's not pronounced 'lie-th,' it's 'lee-they.' My brother has a friend...at least I think they're kinda friends...and she has that name... Kinda cool!
Two of my stories (Rollercoaster and Caught in the Past) are on the highly recommended list!!! I feel so proud! tear tear
Ciao!