Chapter 19
Going For It
Point of View: Kairi
--
I found myself staring blankly at my textbook.
I raised my head warily to observe the rest of the class. They all seemed so deep into their work, pencils scribbling rapidly. Here I was, in the middle of my philosophy class, in the middle of an assignment, and I realize I haven't been paying attention to a single word my professor has been saying.
My right hand crept over to the pencil which lay peacefully in the thick book. Resting on page 465 of the text was my spiral notebook, flipped to a fresh page, awaiting a masterpiece to be written upon it.
Yeah right.
I looked over to Candice on my right. I couldn't make out any of her small, neat writing, and I didn't want to throw the assumption of cheating upon myself. But I had no idea what we were doing!
"Psst!" I whispered to her; but unfortunately, deeply engaged to her work, Candice hadn't heard me. "Psst! Candice!" I hissed louder.
"Miss Hikari!"
I jumped slightly at Professor Kiyle's booming voice. "I'd like to have a word with you after class."
I shriveled back meekly, embarrassment apparent on my face.
Clutching my pencil with a sweaty palm, I looked down to my notebook, wondering what I'd write. Lifting my hand, I shakily began to write November 12th on the right hand corner. I left the sheet title-less, for I had no clue what it should to be about.
RIIIING
I gathered up my papers, and stuffed them into my backpack, quickly making my way down the rows with the rest of the class. I took notice that the others turned in their papers on Professor Kiyle's desk as they exited the room. I straggled behind them, my face still hot.
"Alright, Miss Hikari," Professor Kiyle started, "Would you mind telling me what's going on?"
My mouth opened to speak but nothing came out. What kind of answer was she looking for?
"Your grades have dropped dramatically and you've been spacing out during my lectures during the past month," she continued on. "Is there something that's going on with your personal life?"
"Well..." I started, looking down at my feet.
"I'll take that as a yes," she resolved. "Look Kairi, I know you'll have increasing private issues to sort out when you're in college, but that shouldn't affect your work. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am," I managed to whisper, my face burning up, tears close to the edge. I hurried out of the room, where I found Candice and Brent waiting for me, listening, or perhaps a better word, eavesdropping.
"So what was that all about?" Candice asked me as we made out way down the corridors.
"Nothing really," I half lied; I mean after all, it was nothing that concerned them.
I guess they understood I really didn't want to talk about it. Silence swept over us, none bothering to start up another conversation. Brent was especially quiet. I sighed. I suppose you could say things are still a bit awkward between us. I hate not being able to talk to him like I could before!
--
We emerged out of the building, relieved to find our few hours break at the tip of our fingertips. I was not looking forward to returning to the UArt in the afternoon. I just felt so worn out. I haven't been getting enough sleep for the last few weeks, and yes, just as Kiyle had mentioned, my work habits have not been active, leaving me daydreaming, or just plain spaced out during classes.
I shaded my eyes as the sun hit me. I was so accustomed to the shady atmosphere of the classroom; the outdoors just seemed so bright.
"Let's head over to the inn for drinks," Candice suggested at an attempt to break the silence.
"You girls go ahead," Brent started, "I have to head back to the house."
"Okay, see you in Japanese then," I said to him as he headed down the road.
"Yeah, see ya!" Candice called after him, showing she obviously had more energy than I did.
So Candice and I started over to the inn, a pleasant root beer float in mind. She'd start up conversations, and I'd just nod along, not exactly paying attention... After a while, I guess Candice figured out I wasn't listening... The never-ending questions of 'why' continued to consume me. Yes, I was still a bit wound up about Sora and Janice.
We passed the beach on the way over. The scenery never failed to catch my attention. The waves lapping soothingly at the shore, the saltwater breeze whisking around us, the palm trees swaying gently in the breeze...
But this time, there was something different... This time, someone was there, waiting for me.
I gasped.
"Hey Kai." He smiled warmly, "Remember me?"
How could I forget him? His welcoming aqua eyes, his silvery long hair...
"Riku!" I cried, running over to him, jumping into his arms. I could feel tears slipping down my cold cheeks.
I heard him chuckle, "Miss me much?"
I looked up at him, and nodded. "God Riku... It's been at least 3 months since I've last seen you!"
I rashly wiped away the tears with my sleeve; I could feel the liquid bubbling up again. No, I'm not crying again! But I couldn't help it. A small tear revealed itself. Riku gently wiped it away with his thumb. And I couldn't help but beam.
Suddenly remembering Candice, I turned from Riku to face her.
"Candice, this is Riku; Riku, Candace!" I introduced them to each other. So hellos were exchanged, and etcetera etcetera etcetera...
As they became acquainted, I took this opportunity to take a good look at Riku.
He appeared essentially the same, except for some minor changes. His skin was considerably tanner than the last time I had seen him, his hair trimmed so it laid nonchalantly on his shoulders. Riku seemed to have grown another couple of inches, and I do believe his voice had developed a bit, for it did seem deeper than to my recollection.
His attire consisted of the run of the mill sweater, scarf, cargo pants, and gloves; quite similar to my own selection of autumn colored garments.
"So, what are you doing here?" I asked him, turning his attention back to me.
"Well, I've been talking to Sora lately," he started, easily noticing my smile fading rapidly. His face revealed compassion for me. "How you holding up?"
"Alright I guess..." I mumbled, averting my gaze to the ground. "Is he really dating Janice...?"
I braced myself, my gaze fixed on the leaves littered path, not daring to look up into his eyes, which held the truth. I wanted him to tell me it was all a lie. I wanted him to tell me it was all just some silly joke or prank Sora decided to play on me. I wanted him to tell me everything was alright.
"Yeah he is."
Burn.
I swallowed hard. "Oh..."
Silence engulfed us for a moment.
My lower lip trembled as I tried to speak, but the words just wouldn't come. "I-I...I'm happy for him..." I managed to say.
Riku walked over to me. He embraced me, and I held him tight. I could feel the tears I've been holding inside for so long flow down my cheeks.
"Shh..." he hushed, "It's okay, Kai."
I choked upon my tears. I had completely forgotten about Candice, who was still waiting for me at a distance. And then I finally noticed her.
I wiped my tears from my eyes, pushing myself from Riku's arms.
It's wonderful to see him again...but he's made this harder for me than it's ever been before.
I turned to rejoin Candice. "It's been great seeing you again, Riku, but I have to go now."
"Wait Kairi," Riku called to me, "I didn't just come here to confirm your thoughts about Sora and Janice. I came to bring you to see him."
And then I stopped dead in my tracks. Memories of Sora swarmed my mind. Did I really want to put myself through all that pain? No...of course not... It'd just be way too hard on me. But still...I really did want to see him again...
I dropped the books that rested in my arms, and let my backpack slide from my shoulder onto the ground. My head dropped down, and my eyes closed.
Candice looked at my downcast form. "Kairi...?"
I looked up again, a sense of determination in my soul. "Let's go then."
A grin formed upon Riku's lips. "Alright, then let's hurry! The ferry leaves in five minutes!"
"Wait Kairi!" Candice cried, "What about your classes?"
"Well, you'll just have to tell Lanchey I won't be able to make it today."
And with that, I ran after Riku to the docks, where our ferry awaited. The ferry that would bring me to him.
Please wait for me Sora.
--
Author's Notes:
Yes I know, this was an incredibly short chapter! Well, it's been another three weeks since I've updated! Heh heh... Ooh, and if you haven't noticed, I've changed back to my original penname! Goodbye Lithe, helloo Lyphe! XD Well, I was kinda stuck on this chapter, after I last updated, I started on this chapter right away, but I had no clue what to write after 'I shriveled back meekly, embarrassment apparent on my face.'
Ooh, I got so many reviews for my last chapter! Thanks everyone who reviewed!
Reviews:
Astaldotholwen: -smiles- First reviewer again! Well, I've told you this hundreds of times, but I LOVED YOUR FIC! –ITDWM- Lolz...
Infrared Ray: Heya Ray Ray! I'd do one of those 'smiley eyes' things with that sign on the '6' button except ffnet doesn't let me use those anymore...
Kintora: Well, you were right! Kairi's gonna go visit Sora and Janice, and then... -dun dun dun- All hell will break loose!!! Lolz, just kidding...
aliasfan: Glad you liked it! –smiles- Well, I've started working on a new one shot called "Bite Me," and well, I was in a dark mood when I started writing it, so a lot of cuss words! -sheepish look-
Zanisha: Ooh...Calgary... O.O -has no clue where that is-
Lady Hitokiri: Ooh, you got a name change! Well, Lvkishugs and I are trying to start up our fics again, and I've actually already started on the next chapter to MiaB...but I haven't worked on it in months... -sheepish look- But I'll try to update it soon!
Me: Glad you liked it! –smiles- Oh yea, I love Michelle Branch too! Her songs work so well!
Daggerly: Daggerly...Remaerd...Daggerly...Remaerd... ... Lolz...
x3 Apolla: I know what you mean! Most of the stuff I write comes from the heart too! ...And the other stuff depends on my mood... XP
Juzlovnsora: Heya Kai! Lolz, yea...I bet they were! XD -Oh hey, everyone, if you're ever bored, come join Juzlovnsora's forum, Hearts of Destiny! Check her profile for a link!-
Zaliassa: Ooh, hi! –waves- Wow, I can't believe this fic inspired your story! -so proud- Oh yea, don't worry, I'll give you full credit if I use your poems! They're all amazing! -Hey everyone! Zaliassa just updated her story "And Who Knows?" Go read it! It's awesome!-
darkreality11: So glad you like! Well, actually no...but that would have been a great twist in the plot! XD
Xux: So glad you like! Ya know, just a couple of months ago I was just another anonymous reviewer, but then, I got off my lazy ass and decided to start writing on this site, since I had been wanting to for a while. I'm not much of a critic either! Hey, if you ever start writing, give me a heads up!
madcow863: Lolz...the new family tree is so confuzzling! Well, let's see...why I changed my penname...it's a looong story! XP
classengurl: Oh, I know exactly what you mean! I can hardly find time to write anymore! Either that or I'm just lazy...
Well, I'll be starting school tomorrow, so it'll be even harder for me to update frequently... But gosh, I'm so excited about seeing my friends again! But...I'm the ONLY one with first lunch, so...I'M STUCK WITH THE LIL' KIDS!!!!!!!!!!! cries X(
Plz review!
lataz
-lyphe