Chapter Seven: Half Lit
Na-Na: Wow, lately I've been developing the story and trying to plan out things and, it sounds great. I had no idea I could put something together like this. Anyway, to anyone who thought it was cruel what I did to Tenni, believe me, that was necessary. Things will get better. Then worse…Then better…Well, you get the idea.
Whap.
What was that?
I didn't really care at the moment.
I rolled over in my sleep. Well, I don't think I was very asleep if I was aware of the fact I had just rolled over in my sleep. Which pretty much means that I wasn't asleep anyway. But I was at least half-asleep maybe. My eyes were closed and my face was still buried in my pillow. I was too lazy to check what time it was currently. But I was pretty sure it was late since when I had last been up, it had been light out and now it was dark. I could barley see anything around my room. The dark had an overpowering presence in room. The only light that I had was coming from my window.
Curling up on my bed, I pulled my large pillow to my chest and examined it. There were small almost invisible tearstains on it. It was then I remembered why I had been so upset earlier. We had just gotten out of detention, and I had been relieved and so had Will. I had been walking down the hall alone with Warren and tried to apologize. Then he threw my apology back in my face and yelled at me. Like some pathetic little girl, I ran away. I shouldn't have run away when he had said those things to me. I could've at least stood up for myself. But no, I turned tail and went crying to Will. Wasn't I supposed to be the one supporting him? It was so stupid of me not being able to defend myself. I had been so emotional. It must've made Warren only think worse of me.
Whap.
What had that been? I had heard the sound earlier, but I hadn't really given much thought to it. This time, it actually sounded louder. I don't know where it seemed to have come from, but I was curious as to what had caused it. Never mind…Too lazy…Too tired…Didn't want to get up. I need my sleep more than I needed the satisfaction of solving the mystery of the mysterious tapping sound. Letting my thoughts of the noise slip away, I shoved my face even further into my pillow, taking in the scent of whatever detergent we used to clean the laundry. But my close to sleep mood was ruined by another loud:
WHAP!
That was it! I had to know what ever the hell was making the noise. This time it wasn't because I was curious, more because I was getting annoyed that it was keeping me from getting to sleep. My head shot up and looked in the direction I had heard the sound coming from. I was a bit confused as to where it came from because well, the first thing that came to sight was…my window. It was a bit weird that the sound came from there. Getting up, I walked over and sleepily peered out into the night.
My eyes caught sight of a tall figure outside the house on the front lawn. It was too hard for me to see what or who it was clearly so I opened the window and squinted a bit to try and get a better look. I still didn't get much luck. All I was able figure out was the fact it was a person and not just some inanimate object. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to recognize whoever it was, so I was a little at loss. Putting on my illusion, I leaned out to address them.
"Hey down there!" I called to get their attention. I had to suppress a little yawn I felt coming on, "Who are you?" I kind of felt stupid asking that question, but it was to late to take it back.
"How about coming down here to find out?" the person said jokingly in a deep bass voice.
I seemed to recognize the voice, but I couldn't quite figure out to whom it belonged to. But I was very sure that whoever it was, was male…It was a quite nice voice too. I think some strange force suddenly possessed me or I was way too tired because what happened next, I had no control over. I decided I'd take my mystery visitor up on his suggestion.
"Why not? " I called down to them cheerily, before climbing out the window and leaping down from where I stood. I wasn't worried about getting myself hurt, since Will and I did this all the time. The grass below was soft enough cushion off a person's fall from the second story. Cool, huh? While I was falling, I think I was laughing. I hadn't done this in a while. For a second I realized I had just jumped while wearing a skirt, but it was too late to think about it. The person below, whoever it was, seemed to panic and rushed forward. Just before I hit the ground, they caught me and their arms wrapped securely around my waist.
"Why the hell did you do that! You could've gotten yourself hurt!" He exclaimed exasperatedly at me. I couldn't help but laugh.
"You didn't actually have to catch me you know. I could've landed fine enough without getting hurt."
Opening my eyes that I had unintentionally closed, I finally looked upon the person I had been talking to. I have to tell you, I thought my eyes would fall out of my head because of how wide they went when I looked at him. You want to know why? The reason was that I was staring back into the eyes of the one and only…Warren Peace.
My prayers to God that he would smite me right then and there went unanswered as I continued to stare back blushing. His hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, so I could see every bit of his perfect face, half-lit by the moonlight.
"Warren…?" I asked hoping that he wouldn't answer back and this would all go away and just be a dream. I mean, I was in his arms. How could this not be a dream?
"Yes," he answered, "Can I put you down or something? As much as you may or may not enjoy being held, you're kind of heavy."
Oh God, this wasn't a dream. As screwy as my dreams can get, the sinking feeling in my stomach proved that I really wasn't asleep. I was too weirded out to yell at him for talking about my weight. (My dreams with him in them would usually be romantic, not screwy. And that's not counting the one when I was in the…)
"Uh, yeah…" I answered, and he gently set me down onto my feet in front of him, and we stood there staring at each other for a while. Finally, the part of me that still wanted to save what dignity I had left spoke up.
"Um, Warren, why are you here?" I asked softly, still blushing. For a second, he seemed to be trying to say something to me in response.
"I'm here to…" he started, still struggling to tell me whatever it was. Finally, he had to look away. "It's kind of hard for me to say," he admitted.
"Take your time," I said, even though I was kind of anxious and curious as to what he wanted to say. Feeling a bit more courageous, I put a smile on my face.
"You want to take a walk with me?" I asked him, pointing out to the sidewalk. He looked hesitant for a second, "It will give you something else to think about for a while." I added.
That won him over. We left the house and walked side-by-side down the street; the only light shining down upon us was the soft glow of the moon. He was so close; I could feel my hand unintentionally twitching and my sleepy mind clamoring for me to just, take his hand! I resisted. The silence between us as we walked down the street was a tad bit awkward, but comforting in a way. He didn't seem to be mad at me like he had been before, which made me feel surer of myself as I walked beside him. But that did not mean that I wasn't nervous, even though I tried to hide it. I decided I'd try to say something to break the ice.
"So…" I started, trying to make conversation with my companion, "How do you know where my house is? I really want to know. Not many people know where I live." That was the solid truth. Mom and Dad would always go to lengths to make sure where we lived would be kept as confidential as possible so that super villains wouldn't start showing up on our doorstep to challenge them. They had even thought about getting a specialist to erase Zach's, Magenta's, and Ethan's memories of being at our house. Well, at least Dad did, but you get the point.
"Um…" Warren mumbled something out that I couldn't understand.
"What? I can't hear you," I said trying to lean in to catch whatever it was.
"I…asked the principal…" The smallest blush ever began to form on his face.
I had to fight the urge to let my jaw drop open. But I wasn't able to suppress the giggles I had at how cute he looked blushing. My initial shock of him even being here melted away as my giggles became full-fledged laughing. When I was finished, I looked back at him. It sent me into a whole set of new giggles, my eyes closing in the process. When my giggle-fit was finished, I opened my eyes to look at him.
He was looking back at me seriously, his gaze focused on my face only. I started to blush deeply. Was there something wrong with me? Something on my face? I didn't think so. The look he was giving me was making me feel really self-conscious all of a sudden. What could he possibly be thinking? We continued walking, and he continued to watch me quietly. I tried to ignore it just like I'd usually ignore his stares in school, but this was different. He was actually standing right next to me, and I was sure he was staring without even having to check. After a long time, I couldn't take it anymore. I had to know what was up with him.
"Why are you staring at me?" I asked timidly.
"Your illusion, or whatever it is. Can you stop using it?" he asked. I was taken aback.
"Why?" I asked incredulously.
"Because, I'd much rather be talking to you and not some illusion you're hiding behind. It's not like I haven't seen what you look like already," Warren said, moving his gaze forward.
That was true. He had seen me in the detention room. But that didn't mean I was totally okay with them fact he had even seen me in the first place. The only reason I used it was so people wouldn't look at me weird for being a blonde. But then on the other hand, it was pretty pointless since I wasn't in school. In the end, my reasoning gave in and I did what he said. My illusion faded away leaving me without freckles or glasses or brunette hair.
"There. Happy?" I asked looking. He looked back at me.
"Yes." He answered simply.
I blushed…again. I started to wonder if I was ever going to stop blushing tonight.
Looking up ahead, I noticed we had gone a far way from the house. But I didn't mind too much. It was okay. I recognized the way we were going. I remembered there was a park up here somewhere. We walked a little longer, quietly, before we did come upon the park. I ran ahead and took a seat at the swings, gently moving back and forth lightly. When Warren caught up with me, he sat at the swing next to mine, but stayed still.
I had been trying not to think of the things that Warren had said to me earlier today after detention. But it was hard not to. His presence was a sharp reminder that I had really felt hurt when he had said those things. And he had been so angry too. I had never wanted to upset him. I just wanted to apologize. I looked at him from my swing.
"Warren?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you hate me?" His head snapped up and turned in my direction, a look of shock upon his face.
"What?" he asked confused.
"Earlier, when we were at school. You yelled at me in the hall, you were so angry and well…" I paused, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't even be talking about this. I think I should go home," I said standing up, "It was nice walking with you though."
I took a step before I felt his hand grab mine. I turned to face him, confused as to why he was stopping me. His eyes bore fiercely into my eyes. My gaze dropped straight to our hands. His was clasped tightly around mine. It was warmer and larger compared to my hand. Surprisingly, he wasn't wearing his finger-less gloves, so for the first time, I noticed the flame tattoo on his wrist. I let my eyes move back up to meet with his again.
"Stay. I haven't told you what I needed to say yet," Warren said, giving my hand a tug. Sighing, I went back to my swing.
"I don't hate you," Warren said to me. I was too surprised to even look at him.
"R-Really?" I asked. I really had my hopes up that he would say the answer I wanted hear.
"Yeah." I must have died and gone to heaven at that moment, because I couldn't feel anything for a moment except for the immense joy I had that he said that. I had thought for so long that he hated me and now he actually told me himself that he didn't.
"Thank you," I said not looking at him.
"For what?"
"Not hating me. I'm glad," I replied. We sat in silence for a while longer, just occasionally swinging on the swings we were on.
"I'm…" Warren started. I looked up and gave him my attention. "I'm sorry…" My eyes widened. He was apologizing? "For everything I did or said to you today. I was angry and I shouldn't have let it out on you. You didn't deserve it. I was such an asshole back there. You don't have to forgive me if you don't want to…"
"I already have, though," I said, "What you said may have hurt me, but I don't feel angry at you. You did just apologize, after all. How could I stay mad at you?"
"You're so strange…" Warren said to me.
"How so?" I asked smiling at him.
"You're not afraid of me like every other person in the school is," he said, "And you don't seem to care who I am."
"Because I don't, Warren," I told him, "I don't believe in judging people before getting to know them. I really don't know you yet. I don't have to hate you, nor do I have to pity you, and I don't. So, am I really that weird for believing that there's more to you than the rumors I hear in school?" He looked at me seriously, thinking through his response.
"I don't know," he said unsure, "I mean, there are just so many things about you I don't get. I'm the son of Baron Battle, and you're the daughter of…the Commander," as Warren had said Dad's hero name, the expression he wore made it seem as if it had left a bitter taste on his tongue, "How is it that we don't dislike each other? I don't like your brother, but I don't feel much dislike for you at all."
"Well, I don't know. All I know is that I don't hate you, and you don't hate me. How about we just leave it at that for now?"
"Fine by me."
"Hey, Warren."
"Hmm?"
"Will things go back to normal tomorrow?" He gave me a questioning look. "Are we just going to pretend everything that happened today never took place? This doesn't mean we're friends, does it?"
"We probably should. I have a reputation to keep at school. I don't want to make people think I'm approachable. Friends aren't something I can have," Warren replied, "You understand, right?"
"I guess," I answered trying to hide my disappointment. I guess being friends with him wasn't an option for me, "So normal it is?"
"Yeah," he answered, "Normal."
Normal…I don't think I could believe that things could go back to normal after this. It's a word that could best describe how things had been before today. But it will be hard for me to pretend what happened, didn't. Especially what was happening now. Would it be worth it for things to go back to normal if I'd have to believe that being with Warren tonight had never happened? I guess if he wanted it that way, I could live with that.
My gaze drifted back to our hands that were still together. Neither of us had bothered to let go yet, and it was nice, having his wrapped around mine. It was so weird though. We really knew nothing about each other. There was so much I was hiding from everyone. He wasn't even aware of the fact I didn't even have blood relation to Dad. Or that I have experienced pain like his. He himself must have secrets that he would never share with other people. But I don't want to tell him my secrets, and he probably wouldn't tell me his. Not now. Like him, I don't want pity from other. I just want to know more about him. In time, I might feel the need to tell him more about myself, but that would be for another day.
We continued to sit there at the swing set under the moon. No words were passed between us for that while. We just sat there for God knows how long, hand-in-hand. It was a silence in honor of our truce maybe, but it was also because of the lack of something to say to the other. I was afraid I'd ruin the moment and all of this would end. So I contented myself in staring up into the stars just as he did, thinking over how great this was moment was. I don't think I'd ever want it to end.
Suddenly, my attention was caught by a soft ringing sound coming from Warren. He slipped his right hand into his black leather coat and pulled a cell phone out of the pocket. Answering it, a loud voice started yelling from it. It must've been pretty bad, because Warren cringed as the person on the other end of the line continued to yell at him. He was able to get in a couple of words, which, to my surprise, happened to be in another language, before finally and angrily hanging up. Chinese maybe? Or was it Korean? They had been talking to fast for me to really tell.
Turning to me, Warren shot me an apologetic look.
"Um, it's getting late and I have to go now…" he said. His hand let go of mine and immediately I felt the loss of warmth his hand had been giving it.
"Oh," I said disappointedly. I clasped my hands together in front of myself and looked up at him, "Okay. I guess I probably should be going too."
This was so hard. I didn't want to go yet. I needed to stay here, just to be with him. Earlier today, I would've given anything to take the things that happened back. Now I want to give up anything to just to stay. But the more sensible part of me knew that I couldn't do that. And I decided to fight back the sadness I felt because we would have to leave.
"Goodbye Warren," I said backing away slowly in the direction I needed to go to get home. Gave a quick wave with my hand, "I enjoyed walking here with you. I was really glad we could talk and sit here for a while. I guess I'll see you in school."
I began to walk away, but I was stopped when his hand found its way around my hand for the second time this night. I turned to him confused. What now?
"Keep smiling," he said.
"Wha…?"
"I want you to keep smiling at me," Warren said, "I never really minded before, and I don't want you to stop because of everything that happened today." I felt elated when he said that. I gave his hand a light squeeze.
"I will," I said to him.
Slipping my hand out of his, I strode off into the night back home. I turned to look at him one last time and saw a small smile on his lips. My heart melted as I walked away with my head still turned to watch him. This was the first time I had ever seen him smile. He continued to stand there watching as I walked away until he finally went on his way. I continued to stare as he began to fade away from my vision. Finally, he disappeared completely from my sight.
My gaze returned to the path ahead of me, back home. I wondered what tomorrow would be like. Would thing be different in school because of everything that had taken place? I wasn't sure, but all I knew was that I was happy that I had spent this time with Warren. When I reached my house, I slowly climbed my way up the tree that was on the lawn. I climbed until I reached the branch closest to my window. I was relieved when I saw I had left it open when I had left the house. Carefully, I leaped from the branch and onto the roof.
From there, I got my self back into my room without much noise. Closing my window behind me, I took one last peek out before yawning and walking over to my bed. This time, I fell asleep feeling far more content than I had been before.
Na-Na: I don't know about this chapter. Tell me what you think. I wrote this one because one of my best friends told me it would be cool and romantic if I did a midnight rendezvous type thingy. Anyways, hope you like it.
Thoughtless Drumming: Yay! I succeeded. A good update is a good sign. But I feel sad for you if you feel Tenni's pain. She feels a lot of pain on a daily basis.
Tenni: Nice punchy indeed. Score for her!
SmithysTrivia: Don't worry. It won't be sad the whole story. Only when it needs to be. I'd probably run out of tears too if I kept on writing chapters like that. And don't wory, there's no such thing as too many reviews! SO keep 'em coming.
MaeAnn: Good advice. You're right. I did get more reviews. Thank you for loving my story.
Fuzzy Makes Me Happy: Oh, now worries. It will get happier. And I just wanted to show that just because she likes him, doesn't mean she'll let him be a jerk.
Arisa-san: Not slapping, PUNCHING! But yeah, they will love it.
Seducing Reason: I might pick Lash. I'm a bit hesitant to pick who I'm pairing her with because even though everyone does WarrenOCs, LashOCs have suddenly become increasinly popular, and I'm tryng to have some originality.
Anonee-moose: Ooh! I like moose too! I'm glad my fic is to your taste.
Sasha: Ah, merci, Mademoiselle Sasha. Keep reading!
faith: Here is your Update! Don't forget to R&R.
Next Update: Sleepy
Tuesday, February 7th, MY BIRTHDAY! YAY!