When the alarm clock went off for school, I threw my pillow at it, knocking it over on the hard floor. My eyes burned and felt heavy. Sapphire went home when she felt the light hit her face. She didn't wake me up this morning like she normally would. I wonder if she will even be at school today. I stretched out and stepped into my bathroom for a morning shower. I was so tired and emotionally drained from last night I didn't even bother to change out of my clothes. I stepped in and let the hot water and steam on my skin and hair. I tried to keep my mind on simple like I need to wash my hair next and that I have a test today in school and to not let Sapphire talk me into joining any clubs. My arms felt sore and my head was pounding. I stepped out the shower and wiped off the condensation on the mirror as I looked over my wet face before drying it off with a small towel. After wrapping my hair up in one towel and around my body with another, I stepped out into my freezing room. There was one of my uniforms already laid out for me along with socks and a ribbon to tie my hair up. I smiled to myself as I picked up my phone that was next to it. It was blinking a blue light as saw that it was a message from Sapphire.
"I'm going to be late for school today. Roxas said he'll walk you today so just wait up for him, he's never late. Also… I know why you didn't say anything and I forgive you. We will figure a way to fix this mess but until then, stay strong for me ok? See you later."
I flipped my phone closed as I sighed and laid at the edge of my bed. I heard a gentle knocking at my door and I motioned for them to come in without looking up.
"You know if you just stay in that bath towel, you'll catch a cold."
"Thanks for the tip Nikki, I'll try and remember that." I replied as I sat up to face her.
Nikki was the maid around the house and basically my mother ever since I can remember. Whenever mom was out drinking or attending fancy parties, Nikki was the one who stayed with me and colored or played dolls, and later video games, until the wee hours of the morning. She was about the same age as my mother, but was more simple looking; no makeup on her clear peach colored face, a light blue dress to signal her job position and her hair up in a long ponytail. She began to clean up parts of my room as I went to my dresser to pull out a bra and panties.
"I heard mother was worried about me last night; how much did she have to drink?" I asked her while I slipped them on.
"Half the liquor cabinet was empty by the time I got here. I think she had lost some money and still can't deal with the fact that you guys don't live in the city. It's just the same old same old." Nikki shook her head as she straightened up some books on my shelf.
I scoffed as I tied up my wet hair and buttoned up the silk white shirt. So far so good, I thought to myself. All I had to do was make sure to keep my mind focused on what I had to do at that moment and I should be able to make it through the day without breaking down… that much. After slipping on my skirt, I went back into the bathroom to dry my hair and finish getting ready. Every part of my body felt sore and my eyes felt like they were moving in slow motion. I pulled my now lightly curled hair into the silk blue ribbon and stared at myself in the mirror. I still looked like I was hit by a bus, but at least it wasn't as obvious. Nikki was still in my room, making my bed and putting away clothes; I smiled and gave her a small wave before leaving my room. Roxas had texted me, saying he was on his way to the house. Better make sure my mother is still sounding asleep. Once I made it to the bottom step with a small creak, I heard a loud snore from the living room. I turned my head to find her lying on the couch with an empty wine glass in hand and an empty bottle turned on its side on the wooden floor. I rolled my eyes and stepped outside while slamming the door as loud as I could. I could hear my mother screaming from inside the house. I laughed and stepped off the porch and began walking to the end of the street where a tall and old lamp post stood. Roxas was there waiting patiently, while looking through his phone. When he heard my footsteps, he immediately put it away and smiled at me.
"Well good morning sunshine. You look lovely this morning. May I escort you on this walk to our education learning center?" He bowed as he raised one of hands to his lips and kissed it.
I couldn't help but laugh. He was trying to keep me happy even if it meant him looking like a complete idiot just like… No. No no no. Don't think about it. Don't think about it. I don't want to hurt his feelings by looking sad. So I kept the smile on my face as he stood up straight and smiled back.
"I'm actually going to meet up with some of my friends this morning so we could all walk together. You don't mind do you?"
I nodded my head and smiled at him. What was I supposed to say? No? He linked arms with me as we started walking in the direction of a different neighborhood. He made some small talk with me as we walked, like asking how I slept the night before, and how the weather seems like it's just getting hotter and hotter with each passing hour. But all that seemed so distant to me as I tried to focus on each step that hit the dirt trail. From the far end of my conscious, I heard a beat being played. I snapped out of my focus and looked over to see Roxas with a pair of black sunglasses and playing a song from his phone. He began to lip sync with the song and putting his hands in the air like he was being cool. I tried to hold in my laughter as he pretended to throw money into the air. He then turned up the song and as if on cue, a group of students come from around the corner, all with identical matching sunglasses to Roxas. They all had the song playing in sync with their phones and doing the same movements as him. When we walked closer, I noticed that it was Hayner, Pence, Riku, and Olette. I couldn't hold in my laughter this time as held onto my side as they joined us in our group. They all waved hello to me and high fived Roxas. Olette then handed me an extra pair of sunglasses.
"Roxas told us that you were feeling down, so we are here to help turn that frown upside down… at least until we get on campus." Olette smiled at me as I took the glasses from her.
I couldn't believe Roxas went to all this trouble. I forgot how much he and Sora were alike. Normally it's Sapphire who gets Roxas' charm but… I shook my head and slipped my glasses on and let myself smile for the first time in what felt like weeks. They all restarted the song and I joined them in their dancing all the way to the campus. I let myself laugh and act like a dork with the rest of them. They were all doing this for me. I didn't feel as alone as I did before. When we reached the campus, they all turned off their phones and burst out laughing.
"I hope you know that you owe us big time for that. I say a week's worth of ice cream would be just enough." Pence folded his arms and nodded his head to me as if it was an official agreement.
"Come on Pence I don't think you need a week's worth of ice cream or even a day's worth at that." Hayner laughed as he patted Pence's slightly round stomach.
It made all of us laugh once again and I couldn't believe how happy I felt. How relaxed I was. It was like nothing was ever wrong to begin with. Maybe today will be a good day. Just don't think about it. After Hayner, Pence, and Olette said their goodbyes to have some of their own personal time with Roxas, I sat there on one of the benches in the courtyard by myself. Roxas kept saying how he didn't want to leave me alone but insisted. I didn't want to keep from his friends anymore than I already had. I let out a deep sigh and dug through my bag for my music. I could already feel the happiness wearing off and I needed to find something to occupy the last few minutes before school started.
"Hey, you don't mind if I sit here with you, do you?"
I looked up to find Riku still standing there with a smirk on his face. I had forgotten he was even there. He was a very quiet person ever since we were kids, yet somehow he ended up being Sora's best friend… damn it. Don't think about it, don't think about it. I motioned for him to sit and he did while looking up at the morning sky.
"Normally, this would be the time where I go and find that dork but Kairi has him attached to her hip. She must've done something messed up again and doesn't him finding out; namely from me."
"How can you be so certain she did something?" I asked. This gave me a small interest, enough to make me raise my head up at him. Just take deep breaths Rose… everything's alright…
"Because she's never this attached to him; the last time that this happened she had cheated on him for a whole month. When the guy broke things off, he threatened to tell Sora about the whole thing. For the next three months, she never let him out of her sight. She always made him join clubs and go on dates with her. By the end he looked so exhausted from her that when her ex-lover moved away, she went back to ignoring him and only calling him every once in a while… I wonder what she did this time…" he thought to himself.
I didn't know how to respond. A part of me always knew that Kairi was a cheater and never cared for him as much as I did but… I never thought of it as her actually trying to hide something from him.
"Sorry, I heard you guys don't talk that much these days. Roxas said it was some big fight or something. I didn't mean to bring him up."
So that's what Roxas has been telling people so that they don't think of anything really weird going on. I'll have to remember to bake him a cake or something for everything he's doing for me. I nodded my head quickly to Riku so that way we change the subject. Before he could open his mouth, the door to the courtyard opened, I saw a glimpse of red hair and a beautiful smile before Riku shoved a paper in my face.
"So the sign up for clubs is going up today. What are thinking of joining?" He asked quickly.
I moved the paper back a bit to better read it better. Thank you Riku, I thought as I felt my heart slow back down to a normal speed. I looked over the list for as long as I could, studying every name as slow and carefully as I could until Riku lowered the paper for me and there was no one but other students from our class.
"Well, I would prefer not to join any clubs. I'd rather sleep my days away." I stretched.
"Ok, then let me rephrase the question; what clubs is Sapphire going to force you into this year?" Riku chuckled.
"Oh well in that case, most likely that dance club. She thinks it helps me think better, and as she always says she'd rather have me sore than fat." I shrugged and giggled a little. Sapphire I hope you get here soon.
The two minute warning bell rang and everyone either stood up or leaned away from the walls and began filing into the buildings. I got up quickly, waved goodbye to Riku and began walking by myself to my first class. All I needed to do was focus on my classes and the day will go by fast. This will be a piece of cake. For the first half of the day it was. Teachers were boring and pointless and the work was too easy. It was the class I had before lunch that was scaring me. It was the class I had both Kairi and Sora in. Sora still sat in front of me, which didn't help me anymore than him simply being there. I rushed to that class and sat in my seat while quickly putting my headphones over my ears and putting something on, anything to distract me for the next thirty to forty-five minutes. I saw them walk into the class, with Kairi wrapped around his arm. Sora smiled at everyone but he just looked tired. Looks like Riku was right. After having to separate from the bell, Kairi took her seat in the front corner of the room and Sora took his seat in front of me. My heart started pounding hard against my chest. I looked down at my desk and held the strap of my bag to my nose. I turned up my music to distract me more while the teacher began speaking and drawing on the dry erase board. I kept trying to take deep breaths as I focused on the lyrics of the song. Memories of Roxas' story and that night kept flashing in my mind. I kept shaking my head but they wouldn't go away. Damn it I must look like an idiot from here. But no one was paying attention to me… except for Sora. I looked up to meet his deep blue eyes that looked confused. My heart stopped and my breath got caught in my throat. He said something but I couldn't hear because of the blasting music. He then looked to my ears and nodded as he moved his hand over to pull my headphones down. I felt his fingers brush the side of my face and I felt myself turn pink.
"No wonder you couldn't hear me; your music is really loud."
"Did you need something or…?" I managed to say calmly.
"I was asking if you had an extra pen or something but you kept shaking your head so I didn't know if you were saying no or what… Are you ok?"
"I'm fine." I said quickly while handing him the pen I was using.
"Thank you." He said but didn't turn back around.
"Do you need something else?" I asked. I was starting to feel tears.
"Yeah, do you know the answer to number seven? I mean I would ask Kairi but the teacher partnered us up and I'm yours… you didn't hear him when he was explaining the assignment?"
You have got to be kidding me. Of all the people he could've paired us up with. I couldn't let this freak me out. I couldn't let him see me freak out. But the way he looked at me like I was some sort of stranger… I just shook my head as I pulled out another pen. Just breathe…
"My music was too loud. I didn't even realize that we had an assignment."
"I bet I could hear it from where I was sitting. But it's ok. Let's just finish this ok?" He smiled.
I felt a little of me melt inside. His smile was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. But I couldn't dwell on it for long. I didn't want him to think that I'm weirder than he already thought I was. The class went extremely slow as I worked with Sora to finish this stupid packet. How many damn pages were there?! I kept my headphones on but with one of them down so I could hear Sora if he needed to ask me something. Halfway through it Sora looked up from working and leaned over to me. I looked up in shock and I felt my face turn red in a split second as I moved back.
"Can I help you?!" I whispered loudly.
Sora shook his head and sat back. He looked guilty and almost confused?
"I'm sorry. I don't know why I decided to… I was just curious as to what you were listening to but instead of asking…"
My eyes opened wide. That was something he would always do to me before they took him. Whenever he wanted to hear my music he would always either steal my headphone or lean up on me with our faces touching so he could hear it that way. I would always laugh and feel myself blush whenever he did that. But how did he remember something like that? Was it just a coincidence? Or was it one of the few memories he had left of me?
"D-don't worry about it. Hey, we just have one more page." I tried to change the subject while I tried to hide my slight happiness and sadness under my voice.
He picked up his pen and worked fast. We didn't speak for the rest of class. When the bell rang Sora immediately got up and left my pen on my desk and turned to have Kairi give him a long hug like they hadn't seen each other in years. Her eyes wondered over to me and she gave a glare. But this one looked more menacing and cold than all the others she gave me. I rolled my eyes as I picked my stuff up and put my headphones on right while turning up the volume. When I walked out the door, I swear I could feel Sora's eyes follow me all the way out. I immediately took a deep breath and slid down on a set of lockers. I managed to be in the same room with him without crying or having a heart attack. Was it because I was growing numb? Or I just imply didn't care anymore? I pushed my headphones over my ears more as I tried to block everything out. I wish this wasn't happening. I wish Sora would remember me. I wish he would remember everything about me, about everything we went through as kids. I suddenly felt a slightly hard kick to my side. I fell over and looked up very annoyed with people who weren't looking where they were going. But there was nobody in the halls anymore; I must've missed the bell. Towering above me was none other than Kairi with Selphie right behind her. I stood up but only to be pushed back down. Selphie snickered behind her as Kairi put a piece of her red hair behind her ear.
"What did I say about talking to Sora? I told you to back off. He doesn't care about you anymore obviously, so stop making a fool of yourself." She smirked as she kicked me in the side.
That one hurt a bit. I held my stomach as I tried to stand up again but she pushed me into the lockers at full force and started kicking me along with her friend. I never wanted to fight her; I didn't want to sink to her level. But after a full kick to the face was when something snapped inside the door I was trying to hold in for so long. I pulled her leg to one side making her lose balance which gave me enough time to stand back up and shove her into the opposite lockers. The sound was loud and resonated throughout the hall. Kairi looked just as shocked as I did. She then lunged at me and I quickly moved out of the way but only to be caught by her friend who held my hands back and wrapped her leg around my ankles. Kairi then laughed and started slapping me across the face hard.
"No. One. Cares. About. You. Just. Do. Everyone. A. Favor. And— she said with every slap but until I bit her hand and broke free and punched her square in the jaw.
She screamed from pain as she held her mouth. I saw small drops of crimson liquid fall from her mouth. Students started emerging from their classrooms to see what all the noise was about. Kairi had tears coming down her face but that didn't stop her from lunging back at me, pushing me back down and kicking me so hard in the stomach that the wind was knocked out of me. The students quickly huddled around us, which gave Kairi the advantage. All I could feel was the pain from her kicks and hear screaming the yelling from the students and the teachers trying to break up the fight. There was nothing I could but put my arms over the head and curl up into a tight ball and wait for her to be done. I looked up to see Roxas and Riku trying their hardest to get to me but the crowd wouldn't budge. Sapphire was on the other side of them, too scared to do anything. I saw the bottom of Kairi's shoe and quickly tucked my head back down. I wanted her stop but I couldn't move. No one was going to help me.
"Sora… Help me please…" I whispered under all of the shouting.
"KAIRI!" A loud shout came over the crowd.
The noise quieted around me as they opened up to let someone through. Kairi immediately backed up from me as she tried to explain herself but it all sounded too muffled. I then felt a pair of hands help me up. My vision was still a little blurry but I saw Kairi still holding her jaw as well with a scared look in her eyes. The whole crowd quickly returned to their classes like rats as the administration took a hold of Kairi and rushed her to the nurse's office. I think I saw a cop with them but I couldn't tell. My breathing felt shallow and weak from all of her kicks. I could feel all of my weight leaning on one person. But who? I turned my head slowly to see who saved me. I still couldn't see very well but all I could make up was chocolate brown spiked hair and deep blue eyes… I pushed myself off him and starting limping towards the exit. The tears were falling with no stopping. He still came for me even though he didn't know who I was.
"Wait! You should go to the nurse's office. You look really hurt!" He called after me.
I clenched my fists tight as I tried to not make audible sobs. I turned back to him as I saw general concern in his eyes.
"Why do you care about me? Shouldn't you go check on your girlfriend? After all she's more important to you anyway… I'm nothing to you… So leave me alone!" I yelled as I ran out of the building.
My whole body hurt but I wanted to get out there. I wanted to out of this building, out of the school, out of this town. I ran for miles until I reached the edge of the water and ran over to the dock where the boats were tied. I untied mine as I began to paddle toward the only place where things made sense; where everything was the same. I paddled until my arms felt like they were going to cramp up. When I reached the island I pulled up boat up on the snow white sand and fell onto it with the tears falling from the corners of my eyes. I stared up at the afternoon sun as a few clouds passed overhead. I could feel my breathing starting to return to normal. A few hours had passed before the tears dried up and I could feel my legs regain some feeling. That girl may look weak but she can sure kick. I sat up from where I was I looked over the ocean. The waves where and the breeze was nice. I breathed in the salty air before standing up and going to one of the little huts where we usually kept first aid kits. I put Band-Aids on the small cuts, applied some gel onto some of the swollen areas on my face and then pulled out a used stereo. I walked to the smaller island with the paopu tree and set the stereo on the branch that everyone would sit on. I put a song on and began to start some basics in dancing. I pointed my foot to the front and back each time for a little while before I started doing low to medium to high kicks in order to stretch me out. Once I felt like that was enough I began to dance a small routine that I had been working for a few weeks now. I let my hair whip around every time I turned or when I twirled a few times. My feet always stayed pointed as I tried to come up with better moves. My hands moved with grace and my feet mimicked the movements. When the bridge of the song came I twirled until I had enough momentum to leap into the now setting sun. When it was over I landed in a split with my arms arced into the air and my head, letting my hair cover my face. I felt free almost as I tried to catch to my breath and start again. For once what seemed like a long time, I wasn't thinking. I wasn't thinking of Kairi, Sora, anything. All that mattered was how I was going to dance and what move went perfect with the next. It wasn't until the sun was halfway into the ocean did I think it was time for me to head back. I tied wet hair into a messy ponytail as I unbuttoned some of the buttons on my shirt. I felt good. I felt like nothing could hurt me. Kairi's injuries didn't even hurt me anymore. As I turned off the stereo and pulled it off from the branch, in order to put it back, I was stopped from one person applause.
"Wow… I didn't know you could dance… I mean not that we know each other but…"
Sora looked down awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his head. I looked down. You do you know that I can dance… You used to watch me all the time before…
"What are you doing here?" was all I said.
"Well, I felt really guilty for Kairi's actions and I saw how you were and I was worried that you fell down somewhere, so I tried to follow you. But then I lost you I didn't know where you were and I don't know why… but something told me that you were going to be here… but I don't know how I know that when I don't even know your name…"
I walked over to him and put down the stereo. He looked over my face and I could see sadness and disappointment in his eyes before he looked down.
"I'm sorry that Kairi did this to you. I mean I know she has some enemies but she seems to have some real grudges against you. What happened between you two?"
Part of me wanted to walk past him. The other wanted to shake him and make him see that he knew who I was. But I just lied instead.
"We got into a stupid fight way back in the day. But girls hold elementary grudges for years so that must be why… I don't really know. But you don't need to say sorry for anything. Now if you'll excuse me." I tried to move past him but I felt his hand firmly hold onto mine. I wanted to look back but then I would start crying. I just looked down at our two shadows.
"Can I… at least know your name?" He asked as his hand softened but still held on tight.
I felt my hand move to intertwine our fingers together. I didn't want to let go. I didn't want to leave him. I wanted him to remember me… but I was only fooling myself. I pulled my hand back hard and held my arm with the stereo in hand.
"My name is Rose…" I said as I walked along to the bridge and into the small hut.
Once the door closed I placed the stereo back on its place on the dusty shelf. I walked towards the docks where my boat was and started to row myself back home. As I looked over to the island, I saw Sora looking out to me, confused and worried. And then he was gone. I couldn't tell if it was just the darkness creeping over my eyesight or if it looked like he fell. I turned away and started looking towards home. I wish I could tell you but then you'll just I'm crazy… I paddled faster until the island was a smaller one in the distance. I had to stay away from him… He needed to figure this out on his own…
(A/N: Sora's POV)
I watched her run out of the building like she was scared of me. What did I do to this girl? I couldn't think about that now, Kairi looked like she was seriously hurt and I needed to talk to her. As I took a few steps towards the nurse's office, I felt myself stop in my tracks and look over to where that girl exited from. I felt this feeling of worry wash over me. Where did she go? Was she ok? Did she fall and hurt herself more? I then took a few steps towards the door but then I stopped myself again. No, you need to go be with your girlfriend no matter how much you're upset with her. Making up my mind I began walking into the nurse's office, where Kairi laid on one of the beds with a huge ice pack on her face. That girl must've really struck a good one. I felt myself chuckle. Wait, that wasn't funny. Why am I laughing about Kairi's pain? Something is really off with me today.
"Sora I bet you I can kick her ass any day!"
"Please don't – You'll only make her madder at you than she already is."
"I don't care! She needs to understand that I'm not someone she can just push around."
My head suddenly began to hurt and slight ringing was resonating in my ears. What the hell? Where did that come from? Who did I have that conversation with? I didn't catch the name but it sounded like a girl… and she did not get along with Kairi. I tried to shake it off but just as quickly as it left, it came back stronger.
"One of these I'm going to get out of here and finally be free."
"Without me? Gee thanks!"
"I couldn't leave you here by yourself Sora, you'd come with me because let's face it; without me you wouldn't know which way is up!" she giggled.
My head felt like it was on fire. I fell to my knees, which ended up grabbing one of the nurse's attentions. She tried to say something to me but it sounded too muffled. All I could hear was the random conversations going on and the girl's voice that rang loud and clear. Wait… that sounded like that girl from class. My ears started ringing louder as her voice began to dance along my mind. Then fear went up my back and I felt myself stand up quickly and run out of the nurse's office and out of the building. Where was she? Where was she?! I looked frantically left and right but there no sign of her anywhere. I quickly took off from the campus and on a dirt trail that I always took… she always took this way too. We would always walk together… wait, no we didn't? Or did we? I hit myself in the head as I tried to focus on what direction I was going. I looked up towards the island. I haven't visited that place since I was kid. And here I was, untying one of the old boats and paddling myself over there. When I reached it I pulled my boat next to another. It was hers; it had to be. I could hear music being played from a smaller connected by a wooden bridge. I saw someone dancing against the setting sun… and she looked absolutely beautiful. I recognized some of the moves when she showed them to me… But I had never seen or talked to this girl in my life. What was going on? I quietly walked to where she was and watched her dance for the rest of the time until she was finished. She looked like she was going to go back in and I instinctively started clapping. Damn it why did you do that stupid? Now she looks scared and… sad? Why does she look sad? Why does she always look sad when she sees me? I tried to talk to her but she wouldn't listen to me long enough. It was like she was trying to get away from me. As she walked to the side I felt my heart drop into my stomach. I quickly grabbed her hand and held it. I didn't want her to leave me. I didn't want her to be sad. I wanted to see that smile… But why? And more to the point how would I know what she smile looks like when I had never seen it? Yet, I didn't want to let her go until I saw her smile… But she yanked her hand back and ran off. I watched her all the way to the boat and paddle off back to where we lived. I stayed and sat at the edge of the bridge, letting my feet dangle below. What was it about this girl? I shouldn't have asked. My head immediately began burning again sending off the bridge and onto the white sand. Her face kept flashing into my mind of what seemed like different situations and ages. How long did I seem to know this girl? My head started burning more and my vision was starting to look red. Then a strong memory came into view. I was running to a group of older guys who were beating on someone. I felt so worried that I jumped into action without thinking twice. When they saw me they looked in shock as to what suddenly appeared in my hand. I couldn't see it very well but I tried to use to save whoever was on the ground. The last bit was a big blur but I remember seeing that girl again, a lot younger though. She smiled at me and then it was over. My vision was now looking at the island casted over by night but with someone wearing a pure white cloak looking down at me.
"Looks like some of them resisted." A girls voice as she squatted down to me and lifted up my chin to get a better look at my face.
"Don't worry, I'll make that pain go away soon enough"." She said as she pressed to fingers to my forehead.
Then, everything went black.
To anyone who actually reads this far as of now, thanks for taking the time to read through all of it so far and I hoped you've liked it.
As of now, I am writing a bunch of ff for "Last of Us" so this story is being put on hold, but hopefully it'll be updated soon! Thanks for reading as of now! More will come in time :)