Hi

Hi! I guess you have forgotten about this story… I'm sorry but I have planned to stop this story. The story itself is actually done months ago but I'm always to lazy to expand the outline…yeah, that is not a good excuse.

Disclaimer: Same thing goes…

Chapter 3--

New Beginnings--

Mikan was wary as she followed her new principal. She seemed nice but distant. As they walked, both made no effort to know the other, there was silence, and silence was their everything. Once they reached the car, for the first time, Mikan saw what it was like outside the academy. The tall buildings filled her with awe; she was like a child who wondered at his first toy. The ride was long and quiet; once in a while the principal spoke to tell her about her new school and family. She was to stay with Garnet's family and will keep everything about alices to herself. Without effort, she stayed blank to her words, Mikan was not planning to remember the academy; she will start anew.

۞۞۞

She was irritated. This new teacher of hers was talking, non-stop. If only she could put duck tape on his wide mouth. She appreciated the effort to make her feel welcome but wonders when her companion will notice that she prefers silence. What does she care about the help who fixed the garden anyway? Or the birthday of some unknown guy. Garnet's new companion, Mr. Narumi, was making her crazy as she tried her best to ignore the hyper sensei. The academy was definitely high-class. Fine detail was contained into the marble floors they walk on up to the elegant curtains of the windows. This school was more luxurious that her previous school. They passed the bare hallways and headed to some unknown area. With effort, she asked:

"Excuse me, where exactly are we headed?"

"Oh, pardon?" Her companion unfortunately did not hear her.

With a heavy sigh, she repeated her statement: "I said, where are we going?" This guy was definitely getting in her nerves; it would be bad to make her angry.

"Ahh, we are headed to your room. In the meantime, you will stay in a two-star room."

"Two-star? Is this a hotel or something?" She inquired, but it turned out to be a big mistake as her companion saw an opportunity to again talk, non-stop.

۞۞۞

A simple two-storey house was in front of Mikan. Garnet's house was as simple as it sounded. She rung the doorbell, nervous of what may happen. The principal was beside her, a smile visible on her face. "Plastic" She thought, this was the first time she saw the principal smile, not as if they have been together for a long time, but it was enough to tell her that the principal's smile was for show. A middle-aged mad opened the gate. He seemed nice, but Mikan knew better that to trust one's appearances. He opened the gate and let them in, leading them inside.

The interior of the house was simple, modern but with a homey feel. There was a TV in the living room where 3 boys, younger than she was, played, completely unaware of her presence. In the kitchen, something smelled good but it was unfamiliar. A middle-aged woman was cooking; she smiled once she saw them.

"Welcome! Oh Ms. Principal, thank you for bringing her here." The woman greeted them; her approach was warm and motherly. Something she never felt before.

"Mikan, this is Garnet's family. I hope you enjoy your stay, I have much to do in Wuthering Heights." Her new principal motioned to leave but was stopped by Garnet's mother.

"Are you sure you don't want to join us for dinner? Or at least enjoy a refreshment?"

"I'm sorry but I really have to go." Hastily, she left. Leaving her alone with her new home, unsure on how to react

For a moment, she felt different. Until a little boy came to her, more like stared at her, she assumed the boy to be about five years old, with big dark brown eyes. "Gabe, it's bad to stare at people." The woman said before continuing: "You must be Mikan, I'm Garnet's mother, that guy who opened the gate is Garnet's father and the rest are her brothers. That boy staring at you is our youngest, Gabriel, but we call him Gabe." By now, everyone was looking at her, but not in an in securing way.

"Uhh, hi, I'm Mikan. Please take care of me." She bowed her head in respect.

"Why are you bowing?" Another boy asked.

"Jonas! Where are your manners?!" Garnet's father said before tuning to her. "Sorry about that, but well, as you can see this family is not the strict type so no need to be formal." He sounded powerful, yet gentle.

"Dinner will be ready in a moment, Cyril, take Mikan to your sister's room." Garnet's mother interrupted before turning to the eldest of the boys. Cyril motioned to her bag and helped her with it. She was brought to a room not larger than that of hers; it was well kept and blue. She remembered Garnet by just looking at it.

"This is Garnet's room; I know she's an obsessive organization freak." Cyril said, leaving her bag near the bed. The comment was harsh but something was with his tone, longing perhaps. She offered the young boy a smile before he left her alone.

Mikan went to the desk; pictures were on top of it, pictures full of smiles. The desk was indeed too organized unlike hers. There was a definite place for everything but something caught her attention. It was a small paper hidden among the drawer, a note from the owner.

To whoever stays it my room,

Hi! Please be careful with my things, especially my books. Damage them and die! Kidding, just please take care of my personal space, it means everything to me. You are free to use anything as long as you handle it with care. The room's key is kept in the book "Pride and Prejudice" for emergency use against my brothers whenever you desire privacy. I hope you enjoy yourself.

Owner

A smile crept Mikan's lips. So like Garnet, she thought. She headed for her closet, most of the clothes were gone but what was left were enough to see Garnet's personality. Her closet was filled with jeans and shirts, a skirt was hidden together with a dress. Everything was categorized. Her books were on several boxes on the corner of her room. Upon opening the boxes, she was surprised to see it full of books, all well kept and preserved, looking new. Obviously, the owner treasured them and somehow they did look interesting for Mikan and not boring. Basically that was it. Mikan layed down the bed, thinking of her new life. Everything was different, warmer and better. She thought whether school will also be the same. Garnet was lucky with her life, it was something to kill for, peaceful and harmonious.

۞۞۞

Garnet was led to a luxurious room, without a doubt it was bigger than her previous room and full of other lavishness, unfortunately, it was pink. She despised pink, the color was to bright and to girly for her. With anger clearly visible, she turned to Narumi. "Why is the room pink?" She inquired her still smiling teacher. "All of the girl's rooms are pink, unless you would like it changed." Narumi was already on her bed, checking things out. "Could I then have it changed, now?" She sounded like a brat, but she just couldn't help it. She was tired and a room like this meets her. She was also expecting Mr. Narumi to be at least irritated with her but he still had that goofy smile as he replied: "Uh, no. It takes one month to do that…" Garnet was crestfallen, seems like she had to bear with it but Narumi was not yet done. "Though, there is a blue room available…" She smiled eyes hopeful. "In the boy's dormitory…" She was blank, would she take it? She was sure her parent's wouldn't allow it, but this room was pink! She looked at Narumi, he was grinning. She felt challenged, one of her weakness was that her pride was too high, without thinking she agreed.

She was finally led to a room she really liked, it was blue!! Everything in the room was in the way she would have arranged it herself. Narumi had already left, leaving her alone in peace. She fixed herself up, putting her clothes in the closet, checking everything in her room and taking a long bath. The dorm was silent, classes were going on and she would start tomorrow, giving her the rest of the day for her to spend with pleasure. Everything was perfect, only if she had her cellphone and only if she was not in the boys' dorm! Narumi informed her that connections outside was not allowed, so her phone was confiscated, her mom was gonna kill her if she does not write then. But that was the least of her troubles, for the fact of being in the boys' dorm really troubled her. With effort, she dismissed the fact and focused her attention on her new desk where her new school books rested.

Her new books were almost the same as the one her old school was using; she grabbed a handful and left the room with her iPod around her neck.

As she looked around, she spotted the Sakura Tree, peaceful and alone. Happy about the fact of seeing such place, she sat below it. Resting her back on its solid trunk and scattering her books around her. The area was perfect, just like Wuthering Heights. Garnet then began to read through, content with her books, music and an attractive view. She might even start to like this new Alice Academy.

۞۞۞

"Mikan, Mikan…" The voice was gently waking her up. With a groan, Mikan opened her eyes to see Garnet's mom. She glanced at the watch beside her, it was 5:30 am! She sat herself on a chair, trying her best to keep her eyes open as Garnet's mother spoke:

"Time to get ready for school. Take a bath then have some breakfast downstairs, ok?" After saying that, she left. Mikan seemed to have no choice. She headed to the bathroom beside her room. Hot water was prepared for her as she took her bath, making her day somewhat better. No one bothered to worry for her before if she was cold or not. She stayed there a little longer than needed, glad that she was aroused early enough for her to enjoy her bath. After her morning routine, she headed back to her room to dress up, her new uniform was on her bed; still warm from the ironing it received. The uniform looked complicated, how was she supposed to do the necktie, how was she supposed to get the blouse over her head…everything was different but she managed. She glanced at Garnet's mirror, looking at herself. The skirt reached below her knees and the blouse was like a shirt in length, leaving her arms bare and free. Her collar was similar to that of the Academy, only, it was not so long in front nor held any gold stars. With her attire were her white ankle socks and doll shoes. Lastly she brushed her hair to tie it to her usual pigtails and grabbed her bag, headed to the door.

۞۞۞

She woke up with the sound of heavy music from the other door. Her new neighbor was trying to wake the whole dorm! With a groan, she stood up and knocked on the wall of her room.

"What the?! Would you please lower the music?" She almost screamed, only to receive no answer from her neighbor. Admitting that she can't do anything about her problem, she got ready for school.

Garnet took her bath, making an effort to relax herself. After, she opened her room door to see her new uniform hanged on her doorknob. It seemed fine, until she saw her supposed to be skirt. "Are they really planning to make me angry? If they are, they are succeeding." She thought as she threw her uniform on her bed and wore her old uniform. She refuses to wear it, end of discussion.

The music could still be heard when she left, her bag on her back and supposed uniform in hand. Outside her room, the corridors were empty, seems like she was the only one disturbed by the music. Looking at the room beside her own she saw a gold nameplate and written o it was the name: Natsume. Garnet smiled, so her room was beside his. The person Mikan referred to as someone she despises and the one who was supposed to be dangerous.

"Wait," she paused, "Why aren't there any names on the rest of the rooms besides mine and Natsume's?" A frown was visible on her face; as she stood there the other room opened.

"Fangirl," he muttered.

"Excuse me?" Was her sarcastic remark to the guy in front of her. Seemed like Mikan was right, she thought.

"Get lost, this is my floor." Natsume was now in front of her when he spoke.

"Correction, this is also my floor. Look at my nameplate if you like." Embarrassed, yes, she knew they were at the boy's dorm but she was irritated when referred to as 'fangirl' by this arrogant boy.

Natsume glanced at the room beside his, she was right, her name was there but his question was why was it there? Without warning, she grabbed her arm and headed to one room: Narumi's.

"Open up my gay of a teacher!" Natsume was knocking on Narumi's room, Garnet beside her. Garnet was left with no choice but to follow this guy, his grip was too tight, she was also headed to Narumi anyway.

"Oh, hello my cute Natsume!" Narumi opened his door to find his adorable student.

Natsume once again grabbed Garnet, making her presence felt by their teacher who spoke:

"You met Garnet…why aren't you in your uniform?"

Then Natsume noticed, this girl was not in the academy's uniform she was also unfamiliar.

"Mr. Narumi, I think you made a mistake with my uniform, it's too short." Garnet tried her best to stay composed and not yell at the teacher in front of her.

"But it isn't, Garnet. It's just right for you."

"Well I refuse to wear it then."

"Sorry Garnet but its part of being a student of this academy." Narumi was still smiling, Garnet had her head held low and Natsume was forgotten. As they stood there, Natsume remembered his intention, he wanted answers.

"Naru, why is she in my floor?"

"Because there are no more other rooms available." This was a lie, but what does he know, Narumi thought.

۞۞۞

"Okay…where am I supposed to go?" Mikan was brought to her new school and left, not knowing where her building was. Not many students were there and the air was cold. Deciding on what to do, she shyly approached a random girl.

"Excuse me, could you tell me where the High school building is?" She asked the girl with long hair.

"Actually, I'm headed to the high school building myself. Want to come along?" This girl was kind, not like the other girls from the academy.

"If you don't mind, why not?" Mikan answered with a smile.

Together, they walked. Mikan was observing her surroundings at the same time trying to remember the way for future preferences. They were silent until the girl beside her started a conversation.

"Are you new here? What's your name?"

"Yes, I'll be staying for one month. My name is Mikan."

"So your Garnet's exchange partner!"

"I am," she replied.

"Hi! Julienne, Garnet's friend and classmate." Julienne offered her hand and smiled. The rest of their walk was entertaining, spent getting to know one another.

Classroom

All eyes were on her when Mikan entered. Not used with the attention, she just smiled. Classes have not yet started; she sat down on Garnet's seat. Glad her seat was away from the teacher. But this did not stop the other students to make fuzz out of her. Not long then, the bell rung, signaling the start of classes. A woman entered, silencing the class. She gave Mikan a soft glance and introduced herself.

"For the new student's benefit, I am Ms. Leila, your Algebra teacher."

Mikan was speechless, she already had the impression all math teachers were scary like Jinno so it was quite a surprise to see her as a teacher. "I'm Mikan, Garnet's exchange partner." She introduced herself, aware of everyone's attention.

Classes ended and for the first time, Mikan loved Math! Everything was clear to her. Ms. Leila was patient, not proceeding to the next topic until everyone was confident about the lesson, her seatmate was kind enough to assist her and her new 'angel' as they call it, was Julienne. Overall, she was enjoying school.

۞۞۞

Her new class was raucous; she can hear it from where she was, on the corner of the room standing like an idiot. She has been standing there and yet none bothered to assist her or at least offer her a seat. Being one of the first students in the room was her habit but she forgot to ask Narumi where Mikan sat. At last, the bell rung and Narumi entered.

"Good morning my dear students! We have a new student today!" Narumi seemed undisturbed by the noisy class who silenced themselves when heard him speak about a new student. Now aware of everyone's undivided attention, he continued: "Unfortunately, she's not yet here…"

Garnet was irritated, 'how oblivious could he get?' she thought. There she was and yet Narumi failed to see her. "I'm here!" Class all looked for the source of the voice. There she was a student they never saw before, simple yet attractive.

"Oh Garnet! You wore the uniform!"

"As if I had a choice. Where is Mikan seated?" She was impatient, uncomfortable with everyone's attention.

"Please introduce yourself." Was Narumi's answer.

She was left with no choice; she walked towards Naumi, stood beside him and began: "I'm Garnet, exchange student partner of Mikan, staying for a month." Some were surprised, they never knew Mikan left, let alone, replaced by another. Hands were immediately raised, having questions on their minds. Before Narumi could call a name, Garnet continued: "That means I stay here and Mikan stays in my old school, a non-alice all-girls' school to be exact. I am a non-alice myself and would live Mikan's life." Half of the hands raised lowered, leaving the other half for Narumi to call.

"What's her star rank?"

"Who will be her partner?"

Narumi answered the rest of the questions for her. "Garnet will be a two-star and since she will live Mikan's life, Natsume will be her partner." Girls in class were furious, but unable to do anything when Natsume placed an arm around her.

"Shut up!" Was all that came from his mouth then he directed her to Mikan's seat, in front of him. The class was once again silenced. 'What was happening?' they thought.

"Uh, that's all for introductions. Bye!" Narumi left, leaving Garnet in her new class. She did not have to wait long for almost immediately, another teacher opened the door. He seemed old and grumpy, with a frog on his shoulder. 'Eww' Garnet thought before she was called.

"Garnet! Stand Up!" The teacher ordered, Garnet saw a smirk on the faces of several girls.

"I am your Algebra teacher Mr. Jinno. I disagree that you were decided to be a two-star right away just because you are an exchange student. Therefore, I will test you. Answer the problem I will write on the board." Garnet smiled, 'So your Jinno…Mikan's nighmare. Let's see what your made of' she was still smiling when she grabbed a piece of chalk and answered the question on the board easily. Jinno did not expect this; after all, that problem was for next month.

"It pays to do advance reading. Right? But not exactly since we had that last year." Garnet was not lying, Wuthering Heights is known for having a high curriculum. She left Jinno a final smile before going back her seat opening her math book to prepare for class.

۞۞۞

Lunch finally arrived, Mikan was almost sorry they had to stop studying. Left with no choice, she opened her bag, grabbed her lunch and began eating. All was fine until she heard Julienne.

"Mikan, would you like to join us?" She offered.

"I might bother you… "

"You won't, come on!"

Julienne sat with several others somewhere among the tables, she was introduced to many of Garnet's friends and made them her friends as well. They had fun. Sharing stories while swapping food, one thing she liked about Wuthering Heights was that there was no discrimination. Of course not entirely, but generally, the school was like a big family. In no time Mikan was again laughing, enjoying the company of her new friends.

۞۞۞

"Why did you help me?" Garnet asked when she and Natsume were left in the room, the bell had rung and all went for the cafeteria. All was wrong for her; he was supposed to be hated, just as Mikan said so.

"Nothing." He placed his feet on top of the table and looked at her.

"I won't take that for and answer."

"Fine, I am trying to make it up, for Mikan."

That explains, seems like he was a good boy after all who was somehow trapped in his own shell, afraid to show his feelings. Thus, Garnet commented: "I'm not Mikan, I know how harsh you were with her and so if you want to make up for it wait for her, not me."

"I was not yet done…"

"Then the floor is all yours."

"You remind me of someone…"

"Who?...Opps, sorry, please continue."

"Myself."

Garnet was silent, how was she similar to this guy in front of her. Well for one thing they were both wary to show how they feel but that did not seem like a good reason. But unknown to her, they had a lot in common. They were both avoiding attention, sarcastic, prefers peace, smart and yet remains unconscious to the blessings they have around them, not to mention having anger management problems.

"I'm not trying to make up for my faults to Mikan by being good to you…its just that if I had a younger sister, I imagine her to be just like you." Natsume has never shared his feelings to anyone even Ruka but then again, Garnet was so much like him and cant help but feel good around her.

Her head was down low when she heard him. She is the eldest and not used to be referred to as the younger. But what many did not know about her was that she has always wanted an older sibling to be with her; someone who will be the one to protect her and not vice-versa. Garnet then looked up, staring at the crimson orbs of Natsume.

"Then let's enjoy this month, older brother."

Explainations:

I know you are gonna kill me if I did not explain Natsume's actions so relax.

I will update after I finish my summer reading.

Please do review, I do not even know if people read this fanfiction... :)

Arya21

May 3, 2008