Chapter 8 : Phone calls
5 Months ago
Ness slowly opened his eyes to see the sun was heating his face. He sat up, mumbling, as he let out a yawn. He stretched his arms out and looked around. At first, he was startled, this wasn't his room! Then his common sense came, 'oh, I'm in my dorm..'.
His best friend Lucas was still sleeping, and the clock beside him announced it was 7. Really early for him to wake up...
Nonetheless, Ness hopped off his bed with enthusiasm, and changed his attire to casual. Before he left, he put on his treasured red baseball hat and picked up his bat. He put on his yellow book-bag, and headed out slowly closing the door. Out in the halls he saw Fox and Falco discussing, they speaking in terms of their universe. Ness didn't eavesdrop too much since there was almost nothing he would understand.
Pit and Kirby noticed Ness, as they were walking around waiting for the breakfast to be served. "Hey Ness, what's up?" Pit asked, Ness shrugged. "Nothing much, how about you Kirby?" Kirby did a small dance, showing his enthusiasm. "Great to see you still have your excitement!" Pit noticed Lucas was not next to Ness, and questioned where he was, "Oh, he's still sleeping." Ness answered. Kirby ran somewhere, and as Ness turned he smiled. Kirby ran to greet Meta Knight as usual.
Pit and Ness didn't wander the halls for to long, and headed towards the living room. The living room wasn't filled surprising. It was only Marth reading, and that's all. They didn't bother Marth this time, they were too hungry to bother. Instead, Marth was the one to notice them and wave good morning to them. They gave timid waves back and continued on their idle talk.
"Breakfast is served. May all the Smashers come and enjoy your meals."
"Finally!" Pit proclaimed, as he threw his arms up with happiness. Without hesitation, they raced towards the cafeteria, resulting in Pit's victory.
"No fair! I'm surrounded by others, you got no one in your way up there!" Ness complained, Pit smirked, "Fine, well race again tomorrow. Let's eat!" They were quick to grab the first pair of Pancakes they can get their hands on and sat on a small table. It was enough to fit 4 people, of Ness' and Pit's height, so it was usually used by the group; Pit, Ness, Lucas, and Toon Link. Sometimes when someone can't make it they invite someone to join.
"Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes!" Pit and Ness exclaimed as they poured maple syrup on each of their pancakes. They sliced a piece, and looked at the beauty of their breakfast. They slightly band their forks together, releasing a small 'ching' sound, and ate. Their hunger was so strong they managed to complete 5 pancakes in less then 5 minutes.
It wasn't surprising they gained a group practically chanting their names in amazement.
Eventually the casual talk of breakfast was fading as smashers left to do better things, yet Pit and Ness stayed waiting for Lucas to eventually wake up. It was strange usually he would one of the first one to eat. As they waited, Toon Link passed by with Lucas. They all sat together, and it was then discovered that Toon Link and Lucas weren't too hungry, so they didn't go to breakfast as usual.
"Ness, you are requested." Master Hand announced. Ness looked at the group gathered, and hopped off his seat. He followed the floating hand, and thought, 'Where can I learn to float like that?' His thoughts flowed through the idea of flying. It'll be easier to come back after being knocked out of the platform...
he shown to a phone booth, and their Master Hand leaves Ness. Ness swallowed loudly, not knowing who exactly summoned to talk to him. It was mostly Marth and Peach that were summoned.
Ness grabbed the phone and put it against his ear, he managed to say a weak, 'Hello?'.
"I wonder where Ness is?" Lucas asked, seeing how the other boy haven't returned yet.
"He was summoned, so it must mean that someone called him from his home." Pit said, looking at Toon Link who was once summoned. It wasn't really surprising to be summoned, it just means that someone wanted to say hello. As though on cue, Ness entered the lunch room and sat down beside them. He didn't look too pleased, in fact, he looked pale and his expression was of those of shock and pure sadness.
"what happened?" Lucas asked, Ness didn't respond at first. Pit and Toon Link never seen Ness like this before, so they didn't know how to go about this.
"Ness, you can tell us! We're your friends." Pit and Toon Link said, trying to assure Ness that they can be trusted. Ness sighed, and looked at Lucas then at Pit, and at Toon Link. He turned to see no one was at the lunch room.
"I think I need to be alone for a bit. I'll be at my room." He spoke, as he sat up and speed walk out of the lunch room. The group looked at each other really worried about Ness' sudden change of attitude. Lucas decided to go after Ness, and comfort him.
"Ness? Are you in here?" Lucas asked, as he slowly entered the room. Ness sat in the corner, his body was slightly shaking. Lucas slowly walked towards Ness, closing the door. He heard small hiccups, and heavy breathing. It was obvious, that Ness was crying.
"Ness..?" Lucas whispered, as he saw Ness turn towards him. His eyes were slightly red, and his cheeks were soaked with tears. He ran towards Lucas and embraced him tightly.
"It's alright. You can cry, but, whats wrong Ness?" Lucas spoke softly, as Ness began to cry loudly. He managed to say a small sentence without being to interrupted by hiccups.
"The Docters..*hic* Called say-*Hic*ing, that my Mom *Hic* was dying."
Lucas remembered the day, he had gone to his mother's funeral, and he knew very well what Ness was going through.
"Is she ill?" Lucas questioned, Ness replied, "No, it's of old age. But I don't understand! When I left to join, she wasn't old at all! And when I was about to talk to my mother, the line got cut off!" Lucas patted Ness back. He released Ness from the hug, and went to grab some tissues.
"Thank you..." Ness muttered as he blew his nose. "It's alright, I understand how you must be feeling." Lucas said, smiling seeing that Ness has calmed down, but still visually upset. "How? Did your mom...?" Ness asked, Lucas was a little bit reluctant to answer but he nodded. They both stood in silence, and neither knew what to say.
"Lucas, can you...stay here for a bit? I need someone to comfort me for a bit...I'm just..really upset." Ness asked, Lucas nodded, "Of course! You're my best friend after all. I won't tell anyone about any of this," Lucas assured. Ness gave a very weak smile, and hugged Lucas again, this time, they sat on the bed. Ness let out a bit more tears, but Lucas was still there to pat Ness' back telling him everything would be alright. Everything was going to be fine.
About 3 months later, Ness received the phone call again...
To this day, Lucas still stays up all night when Ness remembers his mother, and comforts him when he bursts into tears. 'His mother must have been a nice person,' Lucas thought, 'Rest in peace.'