DISCLAIMER: I do not own Alice Academy and the characters related to it. But the rest, I do.
JUNE 23, 2009
I throw a three-inch, hardbound book at Natsume – the only thing that was within my reach. He just dodges and walks away.
I don't believe this! It's been three days and that's the only time he returns this to me! I think I'm going to go crazy! On top of that, I discover drawings of strawberries and polka dots on some pages that are not necessary! I hate his guts! And I don't recall giving him permission to touch or read this.
I try to think back on the couple of days that passed and I can't seem to remember anything that he has written. He just babbles on swimming and chocolate. Come to think of it, he has ugly handwriting.
I don't understand. I could tear off these pages, but a part of me doesn't want to. I guess it's because here, in front of me, are words that I will only get to see. These words, I will probably not hear pass his lips.
I see him tread the waters, kicking and splashing its edges. He sits all alone at the side. He wears that face, yet again. It's the face that no one can read and understand. I wonder what he thinks about. I'm sure Ruka would know!
Why do I care?
I don't care! I'm still mad. He's a pervet, who's nosy and doesn't respect people's privacy!
Ruka approaches me and tells me to forgive what Natsume has done. Ruka's too kind! He should apologize for himself!
Although…
Natsume is lucky to have Ruka by his side. It's probably the same as how I feel lucky to have Hotaru. Hotaru makes me happy, even though she's like a stone sometimes—most of the time. It's like Hotaru and I are the north and south poles. We are complete opposites, but without each other, there will always be something that is missing. Natsume could see Ruka in that way. Maybe.
Ah! I see Hotaru approaching Natsume. Two intelligent and over the top personalities, I wonder what on earth they could be talking about. Politics?
They're too far away! There's no way I could eavesdrop. Even if I try, Hotaru will notice right away. Even if I could hear, there are too many rowdy ten year olds running around. The only clear picture I see are Hotaru's and Natsume's lips moving. I wish I could listen to their conversation or be part of it.
I realize that Hotaru can have a proper and normal conversation with Natsume while I can never! Is it because they have similar personalities – cold and cruel? Or is it because…
No.
No way.
Could Nastume like Hotaru? It's possible. I wouldn't be surprised if he likes her or for any guy, that matter. I mean, Hotaru's a great person! She's pretty, intelligent, and calm! And I love her!
I observe longer to see if my theory is right. I see them laugh!
Hotaru laughs. Hotaru never laughs whenever she's with me! We've known each other almost our whole lives and there was never a time she laughed at my jokes! She always told me that I have horrible jokes!
Natsume laughs. Natsume never laughs at anything, so I'm really surprised!
Why are Natsume and Hotaru so close? Why do I notice this only now? What's this I'm feeling? Am I jealous? That's really absurd! Why would I be?
Am I?
Am I not Hotaru's best friend? Am I not Natsume's…? How would I describe our relationship anyway?
I'm probably nothing to Natsume. I'm just probably that annoying girl who has a screechy voice or the girl who's still stuck to grade school-looking underwear.
What if Hotaru likes Natsume too? No, that would be impossible. Hotaru's type is someone… Someone who is…
I actually don't know…
I should stop this. I should stop speculating over such a stupid thing!
I go back inside the house to find Ruka or Yuu or anyone. Nonoka and Anna are in the kitchen cooking teppanyaki for dinner. Sumire is at the beach shopping district on the other side. I should've gone with her when she asked me to. Yuu is with Mr. Narumi at the supermarket, buying more milk and eggs for tomorrow's breakfast. Ruka is… Here!
Ruka is sitting on the front porch swing. He eats pudding that was purchased from yesterday's shopping and I realize that he has finished around two cups already. I sit beside him and we talk for a while. I share to him my concerns about Hotaru and Natsume and he seems to find it funny! I guess his laughter comforts me that he thinks my theory is hilarious and stupid. Unless he's laughing at my stupidity! Ruka really is a good person! And he knows how to cheer me up! Not like Natsume.
I see Mr. Narumi and Yuu return from the grocery and Sumire carrying paper bags, I bet, full of clothes and accessories!
I hear Nonoka and Anna holler that dinner is ready. I'm so hungry!
I see Natsume and Hotaru walk back together. Hotaru goes inside while she pulls Ruka along with her. Natsume stops in front of me. He smirks and walks inside. I really don't like him! Not one bit!
If you ever read this again, and you better not be, that wasn't a frog with pigtails! That's me, you egghead!
Author's Note:
I anticipated the possibility that some people will be confused of how the story is written. But everything will be clearer as the chapters progress and as the story ends. Thanks for supporting "Letters to You"!
~dancedaze