Last time on Second Chance: Some men broke into my apartment. I called the police and luckily they got there on time. I really want ice cream.
I was lead to an ambulance where a paramedic checked on me. I had a shock blanket on and everything! I was still shaken by the prior events but I wasn't that bad.
After he checked me he handed me over to the police officers with a reassuring smile and encouraging words.
They brought me to the station to take my statement. They then informed me off what little they uncovered in the last hour.
"The two men went to your neighbor's house and robbed her. They then got cocky and decided they had enough time to rob another house before leaving. You were lucky. They had tools and weapons. The reason they were caught was because they are dumb pieces of shit." This was said by a rough looking cop. He was elbowed by his colleague who then apologized
"Its fine." I replied looking at them with a faint smile. "I appreciate the distraction." And I did. I was eager to finish this and get some sleep.
After my statement was taken they led me to an office. In the corner was a futon.
"It's very rare that someone lives alone at your age. A social worker is coming tomorrow to assess your mental state and to make sure you have the proper support you need to continue your daily life. You are currently not allowed in your home. Your stuff is safe and a locksmith is going to your house to repair your door tomorrow."
He then told me "The phone operator said she would buy you ice cream tomorrow, don't know why though."
I laughed softly and went to bed.
This is going to be a crappy week.
...
It is now April and the start of my third year. All the freshmen are in the gymnasium and as the student representative of the school I have to participate in the welcoming speech. I didn't really have to do anything except welcome the new students and name the freshmen representative whose name was provided to me.
"I welcome all of you to this new school year. ... Let's have a great year!" That basically sums it up.
Most of my speech was improvised and it was kind of short for an opening speech but it got its point across. My year mates were cheering and the others were clapping politely.
It's kind of sad that my school years are coming to an end again, but all those regrets about it in my past life were gone. I was the best student I could be and excelled under the dedication of my teachers. In a few months I'm taking my exams for Todo and hoping for the best.
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In the three years I was here a ghost story club was created. Surprisingly I was not the one to actually do that, it was some of my classmates who liked how we did things and decided to let everyone in the school join in. Of course not everyone was interested and it took a lot of time to convince the principal that, no, they were not in fact creating a cult.
Some first years joined. Surprisingly I met my counterpart's would-be friends and Kuroda at the club meet and greet. She had a scowl on her face that became even more pronounced as I walked in. I wonder why?
A few weeks later she confronted me.
"Taniyama-san, I'm very psychic. Telling all these ghost stories is attracting small spirits who attract even bigger spirits! It's giving me a headache!" she said as we started the bi-weekly meeting.
"How dare you talk to Mai-senpai like that!" some other first year gasped. I sensed that this was going nowhere fast and reacted.
"It doesn't work like that." I blurted out.
Kuroda looked at me in anger.
"What, you don't believe me? This is why I hate dealing with non-psychic people, they-"
"It's not that," I interrupted before she could insult her classmates indirectly "It's just that if this place was haunted by a strong spirit, it would listen to us but this place was never haunted in the first place. There's no pull on which a strong spirit could latch upon."
They stared at me a little.
"Kuroda-san, would you care to walk with me for a moment?" I then grabbed her hand and dragged her away before she recovered her wits.
I lead her down to an empty classroom and led her to a seat.
I looked at her in the eyes and began softly.
"Before you get all worked up again, you should know that I fully believe in psychic phenomena. It's kind of hard not to when I myself am a latent psychic." She looked at me in doubt. "I can prove it to you later, but for now we need to talk about the consequences of your words earlier."
She looked at me in worry.
"Consequences?"
I gave her a placating smile.
"Nothing as serious as what you're thinking. It's more on its impact on other people and the psychic research field. The lie you spoke earlier, and don't deny that it was a lie, can seriously affect a person's perspective on these matters. You are damaging your reputation and you are getting angry for all the wrong reasons."
I sensed her energy stirring and quickly tried to shut it down.
"You are a psychic." And just like that her energy froze.
"Why would you believe me?" she asked with skepticism
"I can feel it. When you said it I could feel the truth in your words. You can have friends here. This school is so accepting; the students will be fine with it. But once you lie, they won't believe you. It's an unending circle. You can't just push people into believing whatever. Just be yourself, and I know that's not what you want to hear but it's up to you how you live and breathe. You can't stagnate like this. Become more than a victim of isolation."
She looked at me shocked at how direct I am being.
I then came to a realization.
"Oh god, that sound so cheezy!"
Kuroda was now looking tentatively amused.
"Thanks, Taniyama-senpai."
I guess she understood me at least.
"Anytime Kouhai. Though you don't have to call me senpai; were the same age.
That brought another slew of explanations but the end of club time I was sure we would be good friends.
I got caught up in my impression of her in the anime, I wasn't quite sure how to feel about her. Personally, she was an irritating character in the show. Now? She's very kind if a bit petty at times. I just think she's lonely. No one should be as isolated as her, it leads to so much damage and confidence issues.
I am glad I could help, and I am glad we can study and talk about the supernatural together.
...
Break time and lunch time at the beginning of the year sucked. Everyone knew what happened to me and the fact that I was an orphan got me a lot of attention, both positive and negative.
Good thing my friends started circling me like sharks. It was a bit disconcerting at the start but they eased off when the rumors and gossip died down.
I moved to another apartment a little closer to a busier neighborhood that was close to many restaurants and stores nearby because I couldn't stay in my apartment anymore without being reminded of the incident.
My social worker hesitantly allowed me to continue living alone on the condition I visit a therapist for a month or less depending on the therapist's analysis, and that I consent to a few more visits from her every few weeks. She got some funds so that I could install a few more locks on my door, under the pretenses of safety and psychological need after a traumatic experience.
Which, considering what happened might be marginally true. (Maybe)
...
The sakura trees are now blossoming as the season continues.
It is almost April but I feel like saying winter, is coming. Get it? 'Cause the ... Nevermind. Cough.
What was I saying?
Oh, yes.
This is the month where I will know if my efforts were in vain or not.
The wait is the hardest part.
Time to see if my prayers were answered.
But thats for next time.
Cut!
Heyyyy! Its been a while howve you been. Youll be getting another chapter in a month max.
Next time, the moment you've been waiting for...
Enters, Naru and a mysterious identical figure.
Guess which club theyre gonna visit first?
Bye.
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This hasn't been edited so point out any discrepancies you see. PLEASE
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