CHAPTER EIGHT

Yumi:"That Kiss…"

Early in the morning, I found myself staring at an all too familiar ceiling. Then, out of no where, a sudden thought passed me. The memory of what had happened last night at the Mansion. That Kiss...

'Why of all bloody things did I do that?'

I thought about it over and over again. But the more I think about it, the more I feel frustrated because of my own stupidity. Well, with my stupidity, I hope Sachiko-sama got the hint or clue or whatever she may call it of why I rejected her rosary. I just don't want any repeat of what happened last night.

Without anymore delays, I started my day with a nice warm shower. After my bath, I went to my closet to pick my undergarments and, of course, my Lillian uniform. It took me less than ten minutes to put everything in order. And now, the last of the lot, my hair; I didn't have much trouble with my hair since it was short, just around my shoulders. After all of the preparations, I took one last glance at the mirror before I took my satchel and head down to the kitchen for a small breakfast and at the same time to prepare my lunch or bento as what everyone calls it in Japan. All the while I took notice of the weather news report. Apparently, small drops of rain will pour but they never said when in particular today. I sighed at that thought.

'How troublesome…'

I just packed my trusty blue umbrella just in case it will really rain. Once I have everything I need for today, I placed my plate at the sink, turned the TV off, and lastly, head to the door then locked the gate. My walk towards the bus stop was a first to me. There would be a time that certain girls with a familiar uniform would glance at me. It was obvious since they were talking or should I say gossiping behind me. It continued on and on until the bus arrived. I promptly sat at a vacant seat near the window. I only noticed the hushed voices died completely when I felt someone sat next to me and to my surprise it was Shimako.

"Good Morning, Shimako" I said, forgetting that I spoke in English and, of course, with my English accent.

"Good Morning to you too, Yumi-san" Shimako said with her angelic smile. She looked at me once again and said, "It seems like you prefer to speak in English than in Nihongo." I looked at her acting a little hurt as I pouted, "Can you really blame me for that?" I said this time I was speaking in Nihongo. We kept on talking and talking about almost everything. We didn't even notice the other students inside the bus were watching at us. Shimako and I just stopped from talking when the bus stopped in front of the school's main gate.

"You're a funny person, Yumi-san" Shimako said; once again with a smile as we walked towards the statue of Mother Mary.

At first, I stopped from my tracks then I looked at her with a grin. "Are you complimenting me or the other way around?" I said, jokingly.

"O-of course it's a compliment, Yumi-san" Shimako stuttered with an obvious blush on her face.

I couldn't help myself from laughing. Seeing Shimako stutter and blush like that I just couldn't stop myself. "Mou… Yumi-san, you shouldn't laugh at people like that." I immediately stopped, more like, tried to stop myself from my laughing. "Alright-alright, I am terribly sorry for laughing at you." I managed to say after my laughing feast. "But you know… you really look cute awhile ago." I added.

"You're teasing me right now, Yumi-san." Shimako said as she continued to walk towards Mother Mary's statue. I, on the other hand, followed her and said, "I'm not teasing you… I'm only telling the truth that you are cute." I said as I gave her one of my sincere smiles. Then, as we were about to continue with our conversation, we both heard someone calling us from behind. And as both, Shimako and I looked behind us, we saw all the members of the Yamayurikai.

"Gokigenyo, Onee-sama" Shimako greeted her Onee-sama with a bow. "Gokigenyo, Shimako and Yumi," Sei-sama greeted. I was about to reply to her greetings when all of a sudden, Sei-sama asked. "Did you both commute to school together?"

Shimako shook her head. "No, Onee-sama. We just manage to come here together by coincidence."

Sei-sama smiled and said. "I see…" Sei-sama smiled again this time a little bigger. "That's nice… seems like both of you are that close already. Care to explain how." She said still with a smile on her face.

"Sei, enough of that… we have a meeting today. Now, let's go so we can finish at least something before class starts." Youko-sama said, taking control of the moment. The rest of the members of the Yamayurikai followed the head of red rose while I just tagged along as well.

Once we were inside the Rose Mansion, everybody sat on their respective places while the First years busied themselves by preparing tea and snacks for everyone. Although everybody's doing their usual stuff, I can't help but feel something's amiss like there's a running conspiracy that I don't know. If you ask me why was I feeling that way, well, one was because everybody seemed to be quiet even Sei-sama was quiet. As if the Head of the White Rose sisters was thinking of something. Eriko-sama and Youko-sama, well, I don't know what was going on inside their heads which includes Rei-sama while Yoshino was somewhat cautious about something. Aside from them being quiet and all, Shimako was just her usual self… calm and quiet so she's out of the question. And so the last of the lot, Sachiko-sama; she was quiet, too quiet if you ask me. I wouldn't blame her after what had happened last night.

'That was someway to say that you're gay, Yumi. Nicely done!'

With that thought in my mind, I absentmindedly brushed my forehead with my hand. I didn't even know that I let out a heavy sigh. It was enough for the person next to me to realize that there was something was bothering me.

"Is something bothering you, Yumi-san?"

It was Shimako who spoke; she gave me one of those looks that could say how much worried the girl was. I didn't know why but I do feel comfortable, reassured, and safe at the same time but I know I shouldn't be feeling this way. It's as if I'm taking advantage of Shimako's kindness…

"Yumi-san?"

"Huh? Oh, ah, Shimako, sorry about that… what were you trying to say?"

"I was asking if there was something bothering you?"

"Nothing… it's nothing, but, thank you for asking."

I smiled to the girl next to me; this time we continued to prepare the tea and snacks for everyone inside the room. And during the preparations, I couldn't help but feel that someone was watching me from behind. It felt strangely familiar; it felt intense, seriously intense. And by the time I turned to see who it was, I fell silent…

'Sachiko-sama'

'What is she thinking? Please don't tell me she hadn't learned from last night.'

I stared at her as well. It was not like I wanted to challenge her or anything I just wanted to know what she was thinking. Though her facial expression seems to improve a little… her temper seems to be the opposite.

"Yumi," Sachiko-sama called me with a determined face. At first, I just stared at her then I just gave a nod. "Follow me," she said, though, I can't help but notice that there was something behind that voice of hers.

'Was it fear or was it nervousness?'

We walked out of the Rose Mansion with Sachiko-sama leading the way. And not so long after, I found myself facing an old greenhouse. I didn't even know the school had one until now. I noticed Sachiko-sama walked in but still her back was still on me. Slowly, she faced me but once again she hasn't said a single thing. I only sighed at her and said, "Is this about last night?" Once again I sighed at her not even bothering looking at Sachiko-sama's flushed expression. "I already told you… I don't want to become anyone's soeur." I told her calmly as possible, not wanting for the both of us to go on a verbal war again. "Why?" she asked me, this time, she was looking at me with demanding eyes. "You're still asking that after last night? Or, could it be you want another experience of it?" I meant for it as a joke. I didn't mean any harm at all. I was just surprised to see her reaction shocked with every shades of red. "Wait a sec… did you actually think that I was going to kiss you right here right now?" I had a hard time concealing my smile at that.

"Y-you" she started with a little stutter.

"I-I what" I asked as if I was mimicking Sachiko-sama's tone.

"Are you… you know…-" But before Sachiko-sama could finish, I interrupted to make things easier for her at least that's what I think.

"Gay? Lesbian? A woman who prefers women rather than men?" she looked at me as I said those words. It just took her a few seconds to comprehend to what I had said as she slowly nods her head.

"Yes," I simply answered.

Then out of no where, I said, "Was the kiss last night enjoyable?" I asked with a smirk.

"Wha-" Once again Sachiko-sama had that look on her beautiful face. Oh did I say beautiful? I guess I did, anyway… "What do you think you're suddenly asking? What if someone heard you?" Sachiko-sama, whom I know to be a well-bred lady, suddenly lounge herself at me to cover my mouth. I could only stare at her while she was on top of me. I guess I never thought she had it in her.

"I didn't know you like to be on top too, Sachiko-sama. But that's alright; I can give that position today." I said, once again, teasing the upperclassman in front, more like, on top of me. She quickly backed away from me and still her cheeks were pricelessly flushed. No wonder Lady Sayako and Sei-sama never got bored from teasing Sachiko-sama.

"Yumi, please tell me, seriously, why won't you accept anyone to be your soeur?" Sachiko-sama asked but before I could answer, she interfered, "Was it because of your… you know… your sexual preference?" she said, unable to hide her flushed cheeks.

I could only nod at her question.

"I see…"

After I heard her say those two words, there seemed to be an awkward silence between us until Sachiko-sama decided to break it. "Are you afraid that you might cause problems to your Onee-sama if ever you have one?" Once again I nodded but this time I was the one who was looking at the ground. "What if I told you I don't care about those things… and if ever there will be a problem you and I will face it together like real sisters." I looked at her incredulously as if saying - Are you out of your bloody mind? - But before I snapped at her, I tried hard to calm myself. This was really starting to become like a déjà vu of last night.

"Try all you want, you're not going to become my Grande Soeur," I said to her with a lopsided grin.

"Then, I guess we'll just have to see about that," Sachiko-sama went first to the door with me following behind.

We were walking back to the Rose Mansion when all of a sudden we notice a few things. One was all of the members of the Yamayurikai were waiting at us outside of the Rose Mansion. And two, they have this indescribable look on their faces, probably, worried since we were gone for quite some time.

The first who came over was Youko-sama, she had a mixture of concern and worry written on her usual stern face. She didn't say anything she just gave an all knowing glance at Sachiko and gave her satchel. "Come on, we still have time before class starts." She said as she walked off along with the members of the Yamayurikai.

Time went by all too smoothly as I found myself staring at my lunch or shall I call it bento. It wasn't too fancy just a couple of boiled veggies and my patented omelet that's all.

"Yumi-san, are you alright?"

It was Shimako who asked. I looked at her with a slight nod; I just didn't feel like talking after what had happened to me so far. 'Why did this happen to me again?' I asked myself as I sighed once again after having that dreadful thought. If I knew this would happen I… I would… that's right, what can I possibly do? I mean, the Star of Lillian offered her rosary to the likes of me. And now, the Lillian Kawaraban is after me for an interview. I was just lucky I managed to escape some of their persistent writers thanks to a few of my friends.

"Yumi-san, you haven't touched your lunch. Are you sure you're alright?" Shimako asked, obviously worried.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking about something."

"Is it about what happened awhile ago?" Shimako said. Obviously, at this point, she was referring to the incident at the classroom where Tsukiyama Minako, Chief-Editor of the Lillian Kawaraban, showed up. Thankfully, Tsutako came to my aid and said to the Upperclassman that I was out eating lunch with a friend which I am right now.

"Yea… that too but I just can't help but think, how did they found out about me rejecting that woman's rosary?" Instead of agreeing to my previous comment, I heard a different reply from the beautiful girl next to me. She started to laugh at me as if I said something funny. -What's her problem? - I nearly said those words, but instead, I asked. "What?" She did stop, probably; she assumed that I was offended. "I'm terribly sorry… I couldn't help but laugh at what you said earlier. It's as if you and Sachiko-sama are a couple, only, a discreet one." Shimako said and once again she offered me one of her angelic smiles while I, on the other hand, looked at her as I process everything that she had said.

After several minutes, we were able to finish our lunch and were already heading our way towards the Main Building. The walk was fine, except, it was quiet. It was like neither of us want to talk at that moment. I can't blame Shimako. She's a shy and modest girl after all. And with a thought, I stopped walking and, of course, this caught the other girl's attention. "Yumi-san?" she asked.

"Tell me, Shimako, what was your first impression of me?" I asked the girl beside me but I didn't expect to see her reaction after that.

'Whoa there… why is she blushing? Did I do something embarrassing, or maybe… did I humiliate myself?'

I thought of several things that could possibly make her this flustered. For someone who has a photographic-memory I should be able to remember this the most. But bloody hell! It's gone on a totally different direction.

"Um, that was unexpected… I thought you were going to say something else rather than asked me of what was my first impression of you on our first meeting."

"I see…" Awkward silence filled the area once again.

"So…"

"So…?" Shimako repeated as if she didn't know what or how to follow the conversation.

"I'm waiting for your answer; tell me, what was your first impression of me on our first meeting?"

"Before I tell mine, tell me, what was your first impression of me on our first meeting?"

"Um… how do I say it?" I paused as I reminisced what had happened that time. "Well, you seem to more like the person who likes croissants, waffles, and white grand pianos as well." I paused once again this time to stop myself from talking too much.

Shimako, surprisingly, chuckled at me. "I didn't know that was your first impression of me," she said at same time smiling at me. "But I guess you'd be surprised if I say I like gingko nuts."

"You do?" I said, almost surprisingly.

"And things like Lily Bulbs and Soybeans…" "Is it strange?" she asked.

I, on the other hand, nodded unconsciously as I compare the first impression I had of Shimako to the, sudden, revealed part of Shimako. 'Never thought she's actually like that.'

"Gee… Yumi-san,"

"Hey,"

"Yes?"

"What do you mean 'Yes?'? I already answered my part, now it's your turn."

"Let see…"Shimako started, but unfortunately, the bell started to ring indicating lunch break was finally over and we only have a few minutes before class resume once again. "…looks like it'll wait another time, Yumi-san," Shimako smiled as we continued our walk. Unfortunately, I, on the other hand, gave a disapproving look at the said white rose.

Fifth period, the last of all the subjects I had to take today then finally I can go home and do what ever I want. But, unfortunately, my so-called Fifth period subject, Music, was a little… I don't know… unnerving or maybe anything along those lines.

'What was that Teacher thinking?'

I asked myself as I let myself burry in self-pity. I sighed at that though. I should have denied, but then again, everyone was kind of looking forward to it. I sighed once again and notice that none of my classmates were at sight. Even though I'm in the Music Room right now I don't want any of those girls following me because of some lame rumor about me and Sachiko-sama.

'Heh…'

I smiled as I take notice of the grand piano in front of me. At first I wondered, 'why is that Teacher always… always' my musings continued though not by words but by action. I started to play the piece that crazy of a teacher of mine wanted me to play moments ago.

"Gounod's Ave Maria," Shizuru-sensei suddenly said. Obviously everyone in class got her attention. The said woman was standing near the Teacher's desk when suddenly she shifted her position and started to walk towards my own desk. "Yumi-san will you do the honor of playing Gounod's Ave Maria for everyone." she said while I couldn't help but oblige to that crazy of a teacher of mine.

"I didn't know you play the piano."

I heard someone say from behind. By the time I turned my head around, I found Sachiko-sama standing behind me. "And, I didn't know you have the talent to sneak onto others." I said as I properly covered the keys of the grand piano with a cloth.

"Really?" Sachiko-sama asked as if feigning ignorance as she put up a small smile on her lips.

"What are you doing here exactly?" I asked since she's obviously not from my class or even in my year.

"I'm here to pick you up."

"Pick me up? What am I… a pet?" I said. It was a small joke but I guess with my lopsided grin she took it quite seriously. We just took the moment of peace as we walked our way towards the Faculty Room since I was suppose to return the Cleaning Log of our class.

"Sensei, here… the Cleaning Log." I said, not minding that there was another woman in the Faculty Room having tea and biscuits with my Music teacher, Shizuru-sensei while the other whom I was talking about was Lillian's Principal, Natsuki Kruger (7).

"Ara… so the rumors were true," Shizuru-sensei said with a mischievous smile on her lips. At this point, the other woman or shall I say the Principal stared at us. "Eh… then you already accepted Rosa Chinensis en bouton's rosary, Yumi-chan?" Principal Natsuki asked. But, of course, Sachiko cut-in just before I could even say a word or two. "We apologize for causing such a fuss. We'll leave it up to your imagination." The heiress said putting on her prim-and-proper princess mask.

"R…right…" Shizuru-sensei said as she watched both, me and Sachiko-sama walked out of the Faculty Room. Well, more like, I was being dragged away from the Faculty Room.

As we walked our way to God's know wherever it is, I wondered why Sachiko-sama was there and where will Sachiko-sama take me? I figured it will be the Greenhouse. Probably, she wants to continue what we started this morning. 'She never learns…' But I was wrong; instead, we were heading straight to the Gym much to my surprise.

"What are we doing here?" I asked her.

Sachiko-sama didn't answer me. She just continued her way inside the Gym which I found to be occupied by several students who seemed to be busy at the moment. I only noticed a few familiar faces when some of them were waving at me as if telling me to 'come by' and so I did. "Ne, Yumi-chan, do you know how to dance?" I turned to my right; it was Sei-sama who spoke. And just what you'd expect of Sei-sama, the said girl already had her Cheshire cat grin on her lips.

"Is that your way of asking someone to dance, Sei-sama?" I asked, making her grin wider if possible. "Heh… so that's a yes, right?" Sei-sama asked, more like, said. I just shrugged and didn't bother answering at all. And that's where, I think, my fault was. Sei-sama called out for Shimako and asked her to practice dancing with me. I was about to refuse but Sei-sama cut-in saying, "Shimako's not really good with Foreign dances such as Waltz if you know what I mean… so I hope you can teach her and be her dancing partner," she whispered while Shimako on the other hand was curiously looking at us. "You know… if you keep your arm around me like that people will wonder what we were talking about… so please stop, okay." I said with the same volume as well.

"Here that, Shimako… Yumi-chan will be teaching you Waltz, isn't that great?" And once again, Sei-sama's jovial personality never seemed to amaze me. I just smiled as she said those words to Shimako but at the same time I couldn't help but sigh as well.

'Why am I always pushed towards this kind of situations?'

"Is it really alright with you?" Shimako asked. She had her head turned down so I wasn't able to see neither her face nor her eyes.

"Huh? What do you mean?" This time, it was me who asked.

"To teach me how to dance the Waltz…" Shimako said almost like a whisper which of course made me want to pretend that I didn't hear a thing at all. "Huh? I'm sorry… can you repeat what you said, I wasn't able to hear everything…" I said as I waited for a reaction of some sort.

Something did happen. Shimako started to tremble I don't know why but she really was trembling in front of me. "I-I said… I-is it a-alright f-for y-you t-t-to teach-" Before Shimako was able to finish her um… stuttering I said, "Yes, it's alright with me." I said hoping that gave Shimako a small bit of reassurance.

"Shall we start then?" I said as I bowed and offered my right hand to the said girl. She took my hand momentarily with me leading her on as we danced. "One… two… three… one… two… three… that's right… follow the beat-" But before I could even say or even continue dancing… my foot was accidentally stepped on. Although all through out the dancing process Shimako was a fast learner only, she would sometimes step on my foot and awhile ago would probably the tenth time. "Yumi-san, I'm really-really sorry. Maybe we should take a break for awhile." She told me, obviously, worried since I was probably starting to look different from before.

As we sat down, I noticed a guy wearing the Hanadera Academy uniform being escorted inside the gym. And based from the uniform itself, he must be the President of the Student Council, the one who will play as the Prince. But this time though, it seems that Cinderella doesn't like the Prince.

CAMEO/S:

(7) Natsuki Kruger – from the hit series "Mai-Otome"; She'll be playing as Lillian Academy's Principal.

TRIVIA/S:

N/A

REFERENCE/S:

N/A

FORMAT/S:

Inside Double-Quotation marks – "Talking"

Italicized words inside a single quotation marks – 'Thoughts'

Italicized words/phrases/sentences/paragraphs - Flashbacks

Underlined words – Important words with meaning

Underlined and Italicized words – Speaking in different language

(More soon…)

DISCLAIMER:

Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine.