The Orphan Flower

Retarded sometimes

Young kid

Oh, and ignore him

"Oh, it's a bit too bad that it's raining today…" Juri announced after school with her friends as she glanced at the skies. "I hope it won't rain when we go to Takato's party."

"We?" Izumi repeated in surprise. She shook her head. "Juri, you forgot, Rika and I are only going for your safety…I could care less than that stupid pool party on Friday." and looked at Rika. "Isn't that right?"

The brunette girl didn't respond until Izumi began waving her hand in front of her face. "Oh, what?" she asked.

"Never mind." Izumi sighed.

………………..

P.E class

"Class! This week, our unit will be on swimming since it's almost close to summer." Their teacher loudly ordered as she blew her whistle for the students to get changed.

"W-Wait…" Rika said. "D-Did our teacher just say s-swimming? As in pool water? Deep water?" she panicked and asked her friends to make sure she heard right.

"Oh Rika!" Juri grinned. "Of course we are! Swimming is fun!"

"Besides." added Izumi. "It's not like you're scared of water right? One of our school's toughest girls afraid of water?" as she and Juri giggled at the thought.

"Uh…right." she nodded nervously. "I need to tell the teacher something, I'll see you guys later." and quickly ran out the door.

Her friends stood there confused and glanced at each other. In unison, they both asked. "Was it something we said?"

Meanwhile….

"Fine, I'll let you sit out for today." the adult sighed and pointed to the benches. "Just sit over there."

"Thank you." Rika sighed in relief as she headed over to the benches and sat down. Noticing everyone gathering around the pool and chatting, she wondered how she was going to explain herself to her friends.

"You know, the past isn't going to disappear magically." a familiar voice interrupted.

Recognizing the voice without having to look behind her, she muttered. "Thanks for the help Ryo."

He sat down beside her. "I know you weren't always afraid of water, and that past can't be erased."

She hated how he had to point the obvious and past back again. Knowing that she had to face it one day, she shrugged. "I guess I'm not over it, and it doesn't mean I forgive you."

"Your mother and grandmother always told me to look after you."

"Do you have to point "that" out?" she asked irritably. Glaring at his reaction, she couldn't help but just keep quiet. "I know they trusted you…" she muttered.

Flashback

All that Rika could remember years ago at the time of the accident was that it was raining, and she was in the car. One moment…the car was on the road…and suddenly… it was in the river! She panicked looking at the status of her mother and grandmother, looking pale. "I can't…breathe…" she thought. Noticing people coming to their rescue to save them from drowning underwater…she fell unconscious.

"Rika…Rika…" a voice called.

She woke up finding herself in the hospital and people around her. Confused with what was going on at the moment, she asked. "Where am I?"

"You were lucky enough that your friend here, was able to save you. You were almost close to dying from too much water." the nurse explained to her and pointed to Ryo beside her.

"What about…my…" she began and noticed the doctor's reaction who shook his head sadly. At first…she was quiet that she couldn't think. Instead of feeling sad…she felt angry. "Why?!" she yelled. "Why did you save me and not them?!"

End of Flashback

"Painful memory comes back?" Ryo asked noticing her trying to fully remember that accident.

She glared at him. "I hate you."

"If you want, I can teach you."

"Teach me what?" she asked still glaring at him.

"How to swim of course, you've been avoiding water since that day."

"Idiot! I know how to swim!" she pointed at him.

He smirked. "Really?" and seeing her nod, he glanced over at the pool where the rest of the others were at. "Then prove it."