A/N: Hi guys! Sorry for the wait, I was moving and then in the middle of it all, went away on vacation, so things got pretty hectic. Finally all settled in, so I plan on grinding out the next few chapters fairly quick. Here is the long awaited chapter 4! Enjoy and don't forget to fave/review, it means A LOT 3
"I told you not to let go," Sora's voice whispered in my ear.
And then everything went black.
I shot up in the bed, my skin damp and chest heaving.
Just a dream… It felt so real...
Rubbing my forehead, I looked over at the clock on my nightstand.
4:27 a.m.
Great.
Attempting to shake off the eerie dream, I rolled out of bed. There's no way I'll be able to fall back asleep now.
I walked up to the window, feeling a cool drift brush against my skin. Gazing out the screen, I noticed there was an area of roofing that rest over the first story of the house, right under my window.. I use to crawl out onto the roof of my old house back in Radiant Garden all of the time. I liked being out under the open sky where nobody would think to find me. It was a little escape.
I lifted the screen and carefully stepped out, one foot at a time, and sat down. Wrapping my arms around my legs, I bent my knees and pulled them in towards my body. The sun wasn't even up yet, but you could see that the sky was beginning to gradually lighten.
There was a gentle breeze that swayed the leaves of the palm trees back and forth and you could actually hear the violent crashing of waves in the distance. It was like the whole entire island was asleep and it was just me. The island was mine.
Funny how I still have strange dreams all the time. Ever since I was a little girl I would frequently wake up in the middle of the night from how vivid and real they were; it frightened me. Suddenly something caught my eye.
There it was.
That same exact thing I saw last night before I fell asleep - I saw it again just now. It looked like something moving around at the dock on the small island across the water. It still wasn't light enough to really make out anything, especially with how far off the island is… The only thing I could do was stare at that spot for a few minutes, blinking as little as possible in hopes that I would see it again and not feel crazy.
And so I stared…and stared...
Come on...
Nothing.
Ugh, you have to be kidding me. I must just be seeing things. The dark is playing tricks on my mind.
Sighing, I turned my head away and rested my chin on top of my knees. I sat there for another fifteen minutes before deciding to crawl back into bed and at least attempt to fall back asleep.
Getting up, I climbed back into my room through the window and pulled the screen down. Even though I had convinced myself that I was just seeing things, something kept me from leaving that spot, almost like a magnet. Pausing for a moment, I took one last glance outside. It felt like something out there was calling for me.
Wait…
I squinted, not sure if I was imagining this too. There was a little row boat, the ones all of us islanders would use when we wanted to travel short distances or go fishing. My grandparents use to have one because my grandfather loved to fish, and for my eighth birthday, he gave it to me because he knew how much I loved going across to the small island. I had no idea what my mom ended up doing with it when we moved, but I'm sure Cloud and Tifa had one of their own.
It appeared that somebody was beginning to row back to the mainland, trying really hard to get across as fast as possible. Eventually they disappeared.
Whoever it is, it's strange. What would they be doing over there until almost five in the morning, anyways? That island...I wonder what it's like over there now. Part of me always wondered if the children now would play there like I use to.
Finally giving up, I slid back into bed and turned on my side with my back to the window to avoid any more distractions.
What it would be like to go back there…
"Hello?"
"Hey Tifa...Quick question. By any chance, do you guys have a rowboat? Something small like grandpa use to have."
"A boat? What do you need that for?"
I twirled my hair, avoiding eye contact with the people sitting across from me, "I don't know, I was just wondering."
"Hmmm...we should have one in the back shed. We haven't used it in a while."
I smiled, "Okay, thanks."
A voice on the intercom announced that we had arrived into town and the train I was on began to slow down to a halt.
"Wait, what are you-"
"Meeting up with Namine, but everyone's getting off the train so I have to go. Talk to you later!" I frantically ended the call, shoving the phone back into my pocket.
Quickly getting up, I scuffled through the crowd exiting the sliding doors. When I stepped out, I looked around and was immediately overwhelmed.
Throughout the island, there were a few train stations that would take you to the center of the island. That's where the town square was; full of countless shops and markets, a variety of restaurants, a movie theatre, you name it.
Of course I had been to the town center before, but after a while the images become harder and harder to remember. In fact, it was even greater than any version I could recall.
A vibrating emitted from my pocket and I walked over to the front of a shoe store so that I would be out of people's way. Pulling my phone out, I realized it was Namine calling.
"Hey Namine, where are you?"
"Kairi! You're going to kill me…," my heart sank, preparing for her to cancel on me after I just got here. "I'm running a little late," a moment of relief swept over me. "I got stuck helping my dad with some stupid project at his shop, but I'm rushing home right now. I'll change and hop on the next train. I'm so sorry," her voice was remorseful.
"No worries, just call me when you get here so we can meet up."
"Will do! See you soon."
"See ya." Now what am I going to do...
I won't deny that it felt a little awkward and lonely walking the streets by myself, but that's what I had become used to ever since I lived in Radiant Garden. I remember silently peeking into shops and looking at the clothes and jewelry, almost as if I was invisible. I didn't mind it half the time, my mom would often tell me that there is peace in solitude, but I don't think she ever understood just how much solitude I experienced.
I sometimes find myself feeling like a ghost, convinced I'm not actually living.
I continued walking around, going into shops, staring at the beautiful intricate designs through the windows, and watching local entertainers perform at the plaza. I came to the heart of the plaza, where a grand, giant fountain rest, surrounded by benches full of people. I walked up, admiring the beauty of the antique and glancing at my reflection in the water. People sat around on the stone of the fountain rim, others tossing munny into it for good luck. Taking a seat in an open spot, I began people watching. I was more or less, taking everything in. It was more confirmation that this was my home now - for real - and these are the people I will be living amongst once again.
My phone buzzed again and I pulled it out once more, receiving a text from Namine.
Just got on the train, be there soon!
I was in the middle of sending her a reply when I noticed a pair of guys around my age walking past me, and I suddenly felt self conscious, like they were looking at me or something. I looked up as they went and said hi to another group of people sitting at one of the benches, standing there talking and breaking into laughter. One of the guys caught me watching them, awkwardly making eye contact with me and sending me into a panic. Not wanting to look like a complete loser sitting here alone, I ducked my head and pretended to keep texting even though my message was already over with.
I couldn't help but feel like they were looking at me, and I swear I saw one of them glancing over his shoulder at me from the corner of my eye.
Maybe I should just try to walk away, they probably think I'm weird.
I sensed a body approaching me…
Too late.
"How are you going to come back after all these years and not even say hi?" a masculine voice spoke from in front of me. My heart must have jumped into my throat as my eyes widened and I looked up.
Wait a second…
Long silver hair...aqua colored eyes…
The boy smirked and cocked an eyebrow.
"Riku!" I exclaimed, my face looking dumb as I nervously jumped up, causing him to grin.
"I can't believe it really is you," he admitted.
"How'd you figure?"
"Sora told me you were back. Plus, I don't know any other girl with red hair like yours."
So Sora told you…
"Yeah…," I anxiously giggled, "It's sort of a long story. But I'm back," I gave him a fake enthusiastic grin, glancing over as his group of friends disbanded, one of them lingering behind and watching us.
Riku looked over his shoulder at him then back to me. "Do you want to hang out with us for a little bit?"
My face got red, suddenly embarrassed, "Well, I'm actually just waiting on my friend to get here."
He nodded his head, "At least come and get some food with us while you wait. It would be nice to catch up. And I would feel bad leaving you sitting here all alone. Besides, it has been a while since we've seen each other," he gave me an inviting look and I guess he was right.
I was actually surprised at how welcoming he was toward me. I almost expected him to be cold and act as if I were just another stranger, if we ever did eventually meet again.
His friend, a guy at least a year or two older than me, with fire red hair, walked over to us, eyes instantly scanning my physique. "Helloooooo," his voice sang.
Riku rubbed his temple, "Cut it out Axel. This is Kairi.."
His jaw dropped, instantly understanding whatever Riku meant by that, "Ohhhhh! Nice to finally meetchya. Name's Axel," he flashed me a smile.
"So you've heard of me?" I squinted my eyes at him, "Nice to meet you too," I smiled.
"You gonna come get some food with us?" he asked me.
"If you stop being weird," Riku jokingly shoved his shoulder. "Sorry, Kairi," Riku looked at me, "He's a friend of Sora and I. He hasn't quite grasped the concept of how to act around women."
Axel's face twisted into one of pain, "Wow, your words cut deep, Riku. I am a total ladies man!"
I started giggling, realizing how entertaining they were. Hey, what harm could a little lunch together do? It would be nice to catch up with Riku, and the two of them together were hilarious.
I wonder what it's like when Riku and Sora are together too.
"Sure, let's go get some food," I nodded my head and flashed my pearly white teeth at them.
"Alright," Riku gave me the biggest smile I had seen this whole conversation and it instantly flashed a childhood image of him through my mind. His hair was of course longer now, and he was taller than I ever expected him to get. Just like Sora, he had always been active, so it came as no surprise that he was in good shape either.
The three of us decided on going to a hot dog stand for a quick snack, finding an open table and chairs to eat at.
Sitting down, I couldn't believe Riku was right in front of me, so nonchalant. It was almost like where we left off. Well...almost.
"So…," I began, taking a bite out of my hot dog.
"You really are back home then, huh?" he leaned back in the chair, resting his legs up on an empty one.
"Yeah. I've only been back for a few days now, though. It's really weird."
"How's it been so far?" he crossed his arms, his food resting on the table on top of it's foil.
I shrugged, "I was gone a long time. I never expected anyone I used to be friends with to still be my friends now. People change, I've even changed a lot since then. I'm basically starting fresh in a place that's old to me. People I use to know are strangers to me now. And I'm a stranger to them. Which makes things so awkward. I honestly didn't even expect you to be so welcoming right now," I confessed, the most I had opened up since arriving on the island.
He nodded, "I figured it would be pretty weird. I knew we would run into each other eventually though. Even though it's been a while, we all use to be best friends, and that counts for something."
I smiled, "I'm pretty relieved now," a light hearted laugh escaped my lungs. "Thanks Riku."
Axel cleared his throat.
"And thank you too, Axel," I spoke sarcastically as a smile of satisfaction spread on his lips.
"Don't mention it."
"So you and Sora stayed friends all these years, huh?"
He scratched the back of his head, "We're like brothers. Wasn't exactly the same when you left though. We didn't just forget you."
"Hey, that's what I'm here for. I'm the replacement red head," Axel joked and I laughed out loud.
I watched as families and groups of friends walked by, happily chatting or joking with one another. "You're just being nice."
He frowned, "Sora wouldn't have come over freaking out that he saw you if he didn't still care about you. And we wouldn't be sitting here right now if I didn't either." he stared me dead in the eyes.
I was taken aback. "He...what?"
Riku shook his head, trying to take back the information he had just spilled, "Look, all I'm saying is, I really am glad you're back."
I let him slide, but it wouldn't leave the back of my mind the rest of the day, Sora went over to his house freaking out about me?
The three of us finished eating our food and continued chatting, and I learned that Riku being a year older than Sora and I had already graduated high school and was attending the community college on the island. Him and Sora met Axel in high school, and he was part of their group of friends, same with Roxas. Axel also already graduated, so I wouldn't be seeing him in the halls when I start school this fall.
They were even actually shocked when I told them it was Namine who I was meeting up with and seemed happy because they said we would all be seeing a lot more of each other for sure now since Roxas and Namine were basically a couple anyways.
See, she's all worried over nothing.
The two of them made me feel right at home, Riku treating me almost like a sister the entire time. However, it did feel strange sitting there with him and Axel instead of it being Sora. I didn't want to ask his whereabouts though, especially not after the way things went the last time I saw him. I was mostly glad neither of them had brought the beach incident up.
Roxas and Axel had to get going soon because they made plans to go help a buddy move out of his house today. Luckily, they were waiting with me until Namine arrived. We never got to catch up as much as I had liked because before I knew it, my phone was ringing.
"It's Namine," I read the caller ID, looking up at them. "Hello?"
"I'm finally here! Sorry again for making you wait. Where did you want to meet up?"
"Hmmm...How about the fountain?"
"The fountain? Okay, sounds fine by me, heading over now!"
"Okay," I smiled and ended the call. All three of us stood up, and Riku turned to me.
"I know it was only like fifteen minutes and we didn't get to really catch up, but we'll get together again sometime soon."
"Hey, even better, I'm throwing a party this weekend if you're interested," Axel's eyes lit up. "You should stop by!That is, if you're into that sort of thing…," he trailed off.
"I'm there," I flashed him a mischievous smile.
"I'm inviting Namine too, so make sure she comes with. Roxas will be there," he winked.
I exchanged phone numbers with Axel, and then Riku so that he could give me all the details and we could hopefully try to stay in touch and someday make up for all the lost time.
Little did I know, I would eventually come to regret ever agreeing to go to that party.