Chapter 8: Preparation

After Luke walked me home I hadn't seen or heard from him. I spent most of my time trying to decide what to bring, packing then being unhappy and unpacking then repeating, pack, unpack, pack. Akari gave me some insight on what she thought I should wear, as I modeled some of my outfits. "I don't get why you're making such a big deal about this. You have a guy here that's crazy about you." She told me as I stood in her room admiring my outfit in her full length mirror.

"Owen is nice I just don't feel the same for him."

She sighed, "I was talking about Luke."

I lost my balance, "Wh… what?"

"He's in love with you. Admit it."

"No we're just friends, he…" I paused, "He still loves you."

"That ship has sailed."

"And so will mine if I don't go to this wedding!" I stormed out. Trent wasn't just any guy, he was the guy, and I wanted to take any chance I had to prove to him that I was the one for him.


Owen came by, "Hey since you won't be around for your birthday, can I take you out tonight?" We went out late to the Brass Bar. Luke was there talking to Kathy and Akari, and Selena was clinging to his arm. She gave me a smug look as I walked in the door. Owen put his arm around me, "Let's go sit over there." We sat and Chase came over to take our order, "Chase I'm taking Hikari out for her birthday since she's leaving tomorrow. So whatever the lady wants."

I ordered and glanced over at Luke, he glared back at me, and it felt like ice stabbing me right in the heart.

"Ignore him. He said it was okay, and now he's all grumpy about it. It makes no sense to me."

Chase brought us our drinks, "Um Chase this isn't what I ordered." I pointed to the martini drink.

"I know, but since you're celebrating your birthday." He winked at me.

"It's on the house, Happy early birthday Hikari."

At dinner Owen kept ordering himself drinks, "At this rate, you won't be walking me home I'll be sending you on the trolley passed out."

"Nah I can *Hic* hold my liquor."

I glanced over at Luke, he was probably just as equally drunk judging by the glasses on the table. I would be too if I had Selena hanging all over me. She was sitting in his lap nuzzling her head into his neck calling him "Lukie-bear" Kathy and my sister had moved to another table with Yuuki.

"*Hic* I omost furrgot," Owen said slurring his words, "I got ye a present."

He pulled the small box out of his pocket, "Bappy hirtday *hic* kari."

"Thanks" I said taking the small gift. My heart jumped into my throat as I untied the ribbon. I took off the lid and gasped, there inside the box was a rather large sapphire necklace. "Oh Owen Thank…" I stopped. Owen had passed out on the table. Chase looked at me nervously with the bill in his hand, "Here Chase." I offered him money.

"No this is supposed to be your birthday dinner from Owen." I stood up and shoved the money into his hand.

"Suppose to be."

I stared at a passed out Owen for a second. Kathy's dad came over to me, "Just leave him, and let him sleep it off. You go home and enjoy your trip."

"Thanks Hayden."

I looked at Chase, "I'll talk to you when I return."

"I'd walk you home Hikari but I still have to…"

I interrupted him when I gave him a quick hug. "Thanks"

As I reached the door out of the corner of my eye I saw Luke stand up with Selena still on his lap. I grinned to myself as she fell to the floor.

"Luke you big dummy!" Selena screamed.


Luna was standing outside Sonata Tailoring, "Oh Hikari!"

I ran over to her, "I completely forgot!"

She giggled, "I'll let you get it just this one time."

I paid a little extra to Luna, thanked her and left. Luke was standing not too far from the tailor waiting for me. "Just ignore him." I mumbled to myself.

"Yer gonna look dead sexy in that." He said to me as I walked passed him, "Saw it. Yer gonna look gorggous."

I turned and glared at him, "I think you mean 'gorgeous' yes I am, but it's not for you."

I started to walk away.

"Ye can't go, Ima love with you." I kept walking, he was drunk. "Akari wait. Stop walking away."

Ouch, I knew he was drunk but calling me Akari hurt. He tried to stumble his way to me, "She means nothing to me, I love you the whole time."

He really thought he was talking to Akari, my eyes filled with tears and I took off for home. I was leaving tomorrow morning and I was hoping I'd never have to come back alone.


"Wake up Hikari." My dad gently pushed me. I jumped up, I was so excited. "Want me to walk you to the dock."

"Thanks dad, but you don't have to."

He hugged me, "Well at least let one of your brother's."

"Really dad…"

"…Or your boyfriend who's sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for you."

I frowned, "Well then let me get ready." Was it Owen or Luke, both made me so angry last night? I looked in the mirror; my eyes were a little puffy, from crying last night. I splashed some water on my face, grabbed my stuff and headed for the kitchen.

I was surprised to see who was there. Not Owen or Luke, but Chase instead. I smiled again with a little sigh of relief. Chase grabbed my bag and we left.

"Thought you might need some moral support after last night."

"Thanks."

"I haven't been much of a friend to you lately. After you left I saw Luke get up in a hurry, figured he was chasing after you."

I nodded.

"He was trying to make you feel bad by hanging on Selena all night, and that's not fair to you." I stayed silent listening to what he had to tell me. "When you come back, I promise to make it up to you. Let me. Don't let Luke and Owen hurt you any more. Let me be your one." He grabbed my hand, "Let's make it official finally"

Finally, did he really just ask me that? Dr Jin was in sight, and I didn't want to get angry before leaving, "Let me think about it." I looked Chase in the eyes and hugged him. "Thanks." I grabbed my bag and walked quickly to meet with Dr. Jin on the dock.

"I don't need to ask you twice if you're ready." Jin smiled at me and ushered me onto the boat. I waved to Chase standing near Brass Bar as the boat pulled away.

"Hikari wait!" I heard as Luke was running as fast as he could towards the dock. I turned away, I wanted nothing to do with Luke, sober or not.

Luke bent over at the edge of the dock trying to catch his breath. "Let her go." Chase said as he walked up behind him, "Don't you think you've caused enough problems for her?" Luke stood up, he towered over Chase.

"She's my best friend, and I'm never going to let her go, especially not to be with you." He poked Chase.

Chase grinned, "Don't be so sure, I wouldn't be surprised after last night she never talks to you again."

Luke went pale, "Wh… whaa.. what I say?"

Chase sneered, "If I tell you, will you leave her alone?"

Luke nodded in defeat.

A/N: This was one of my favorite chapters to write, so I hope you enjoyed reading it. If you like my story and want me to continue I'd love to know, R&R!