Disclaimer :

Gakuen Alice is NOT mine.

Chapter 2: Unfortunate

I turned off the shower slowly and grabbed my colourful polka dot printed towel which was hanged near the door of my bathroom.

I dried myself diligently.

There was no need to rush; I had all the time in the world to examine myself delicately for the first time in eleven months.

I buttoned my school uniform nicely and analysed myself in the mirror.

My hair, I noticed, was longer than I thought. It had reached my hips before I knew it, and my thick brunette fringe was covering most of my face. Only my right eye could be seen under this mysterious mask I've created.

And yes, as I mentioned earlier, my hair was no longer tied in pigtails. I solemnly promised myself never to tie it again that way, not after what happened to Jii-chan.

Slowly, I began creating a whole new identity, which was far more different from the old Mikan everyone used to know.

I wanted the world to fear me.

For with fear, I could gain power.

And with power, I could obtain anything of my desire.

I didn't want things to be this way.

I never did.

But it just happened.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Flashback #2

Location: Class B, Middle Branch

Mikan's age: 15 years old

The class stood in complete silence.

Everyone became neurotic as Jinno-sensei started shooting questions of his deathly history quiz.

Jinno-sensei shot the whole class his evil glare.

Who would be his next victim?

"Sakura-san," Jinno-sensei called me in a commanding tone.

Of all the people, I thought.

I knew Jin-Jin had an asinine affection of torturing me in public. He seemed to be enjoying it every time, having the whole class laughing at me as if I was a complete moron.

Hence, to avoid further embarrassment, I spent my whole weekend studying boring History books while all of my friends gleefully had a fling in Central Town.

"Hai, sensei!" I answered him energetically. My pigtails swung swiftly as I stood up to face Jin-Jin, my eyes sparkled in excitement, my hands rested confidently beside me and my legs were surprisingly calm.

I flashed a cheeky smile at Jinno-sensei.

Nah, you wouldn't get me this time Jin-Jin, nothing could ruin this brilliant, wonderful day of mine. I was in my best mood!

Or so I thought.

"Explain to me Sakura, what happened exactly during World War One?"

World War... What????

I thought we were supposed to read about World War Two.

I was definitely positive, he informed us to skim through the History book regarding World War Two, not One.

Behind Jinno-sensei, Koko glanced at me and shook his head nervously.

Damn Koko, he read my mind again!

I could read his lips.

"World War One!!"

Oh shit.

I was so dead meat.

I was sure Jin-Jin would kill me for this.

I turned to my last resort.

Hotaru, help!!
She...

Ignored me...as simple as that.

I panicked.

My eyes began to flutter ridiculously, my hands and legs were slightly shaking, my heart was beating extremely fast and I began muttering words that are foreign to the human world.

And that was when it happened.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see someone...

Smirking at me.

That jerk, Natsume!

I shot him a murderous glare.

I would definitely assassinate him by drowning him to death. Then I would...

"Sakura, your answer?" Jin-Jin continued watching me, patiently waiting for my answers.

Oh dear.

Come on Mikan, think!
One minute...

Two minutes...

Three minutes...

Suddenly, the door burst open.

Narumi-sensei stood in the hallway, panting and gasping for air.

"Mikan-chan," he said, "I need to see you for a while,"

He looked at Jinno-sensei, giving him a sweet pleading look.

Jin-Jin nodded, and I hurried to the door.

All eyes trailed on me.

Hotaru looked at me; I could tell that she was worried.

Ruka-pyon was stroking his cute little white rabbit, he looked confused.

And Natsume, I couldn't help but notice that he straightened his back. For the first time in five years, he was paying attention in class.

Inchou stood up to follow me. Even after five years, he was still the class monitor. Thus, he ought to know what was going on with his fellow classmates. Surprisingly, he was stopped halfway by Narumi-sensei.

"I apologise Yuu, but I need to talk to Mikan, alone," Narumi-sensei said disappointedly.

What happened actually?

Why was Narumi-sensei acting so strange?

"Don't worry everyone, I'll be fine!" I turned around to face my classmates.

With that, I smiled.

If only I knew better.

That, was my last smile.

Narumi-sensei brought me away from the classroom.

Soon, when we reached the Northern Forest, he told me.

"Mikan-chan," he said.

"Your grandfather has passed away,"

I kept myself silent while Narumi-sensei cautiously eyed me, expecting I would fall down to my knees and burst into tears.

But instead, I felt a pang of anger rushed through my veins. I didn't know where I procured the courage, all I said was...

"I don't believe you,"

End of flashback

VVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Ouch!!!

Startled, I shortened the distance between myself and the mirror. I caressed my eyes soothingly, shocked to see the frightening beast standing before me.

My eyes ironically reflect the grief within me; it was surrounded by darkness, for I have been secretly crying these past few months, blaming myself over Jii-chan's death.

Now, I must indeed suffer the consequences of my actions.

My eyes hurt badly, but I was in no condition to give up and concede myself to the Academy's hospital, nor any of the authorities.

I need no mercy.

I need no one.

I grabbed my bag pack, switched off the lights and walked towards the door of my room. I glanced at my alarm clock slightly before leaving and thus, closed the door shut behind me.

6 a.m.

I took a glimpse at the hallway, which was still...dark.

Surrounded by darkness, I saw almost nothing.

But nevertheless...I liked it that way.

I was only a few steps from the door when suddenly...

Someone called my name.

"Sakura-san,"

I knew this voice.

I turned around quickly, could it be...?

A handsome young lad, with blonde hair.

Nogi Ruka.

"May I walk with you?" he asked.

Oh, another baka. I thought so.

Avoiding eye contact, I shook my head in response. I hurried my pace then, attempting to move away from the awkward scene.

"Sakura,"

I came to a halt as a strong hand grabbed my right arm in surprise.

"Please," he said.

I couldn't help but notice that his voice was faint and dim, yet it was sensationally soothing in a way. His fringe moved slightly as he talked, and his beautiful blue eyes shimmered in the darkness.

How long has he waited for me on my doorstep?

Cautiously, he trailed my hand with his fingers, searching for my skeletal palm. He slipped his fingers through mine, tightened his grip, and waited for my answer patiently.

I sighed.

Albeit my crestfallen condition, there was still a part of me that couldn't hurt him by saying no.

However still, I refused to answer verbally.

I nodded instead, a sign of acceptance.

Hence, we walked together, hand in hand.

And he never let go.

RxR!!You don't know how much your comment means to me!