Razz: *Looks at last update*...Uhhhh...college? Yeah, that's it. College. Not me accidentally deleted this chapter back in October...yeah...
Happy Reading!
Tea cautiously entered her father's hospital room. After saying goodbye to Jaden, Tea's frustration returned as quickly as Atem's silence treatment began. She couldn't understand why Atem was suddenly not talking to her. She didn't do anything wrong or so she believed.
All thoughts of Atem vanished as she notices her father sleeping peacefully on his bed. Luckily the heart monitor was sounding out his very much active heart, so it calmed Tea down a bit.
Tea's stomach, and maybe her heart, was slowly turning into a knot as she continues to stare at her father. His head that was once covered with black hair is now turning grey in some spots. His face, always so young and filled with cheerfulness, is now somewhat old and tired looking. Seeing her father made Tea remember how she could never be mad at him; even if he ate something that almost killed him.
"Oh, Tea? You're here!"
Tea turned around to notice a young blond woman appear behind her. The taller blonds' face automatically lit up at he sight of Tea, "Thank goodness, you made it today. I almost thought you wouldn't make it. How are you?"
Tea was about to answer when a loud groan took their attention away from each other. Tea was about to approach her father, when the blond Amanda quickly went to his side.
"Ethan? Ethan?" Amanda frantically called out.
"Ugh…huh…Amanda?.." questioned Ethan Gardener. "Why are you screaming? Is something wrong?"
Amanda wipe a loose tear from her cheek and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "I was just worried about you. I kept imagining the worse…but seeing you here and awake…I'm just happy." She quickly gave Ethan a hug and started kissing him. Tea softly groaned at the sight. It was bad enough seeing her father resting in the hospital, but witnessing some lovey-dovey action made her re-think about coming here…
"Oh!" Amanda abruptly said, "Guess what? You have a special visitor!"
Ethan, still recovering form the kisses, gave her a puzzling look, "Who would see me? I don't know anyone would even want to…"
Tea grind her teeth. 'Oh, how I love your oblivious nature dad…'she thought.
Amanda gave out a nervous laugh as she made Ethan notice his only daughter.
"Hey dad, it's been a while…" Tea said, as she gave her dad a small wave.
Ethan couldn't believe it. He quickly motioned Tea to move toward him as he lightly pushed Amanda over to his side of the bed. Once Tea was before him, Ethan quickly grasped both of Tea's hands. "My little apricot! How long has it been since the last time? Too long! I've told you to come and visit us sometime." After he said that, he remembered something important. "Is your mother staying with you again?"
Tea slowly nodded, much to her dismay. Another reason her mother stayed at Tea's is to monitor her daughter in hopes that she doesn't visit her father. Luckily for Tea, when it comes to her mother, Ethan can pick up those situations father than a dog catching on to a scent.
"And don't tell me, she did something to anger you recently. I'm betting it was on Valentine's Day."
Tea was on the verge of tears. Her father might as well be a dog.
"Don't let that bother you-and please don't cry….I'm already in the hospital as it is…It makes me fell more depressed…"
"Sorry dad…" Tea quietly apologized, as she was wiping a loose tear, "but this time…she went too far…."
"I know…Asking for Jeff wasn't such a great plan after all. But it was all in the past. It's just your mother after all. She'll be too busy finding little Hannah Montana's to even remember what happened on Valentine's Day."
Amanda cleared her throat. "I'm going to the café to get some coffee." She pointed her finger to the door then at the father and daughter, "You two need anything?"
Tea shook her head. Ethan did the same, "It's okay sweetie, you go ahead." Amanda quietly left them alone.
Soon after, Tea looked over her father. His smile on his almost wrinkling face showed happiness.
Although Tea wasn't used to her father having a girlfriend around her own age, at least he's smiling. In fact, his smile seems more genuine than when he was with Tea's mom.
Ethan gently pulled his only daughter onto his bed. "You mother's "plan"…don't let it bother you too much. In the end, it's all about you deciding what you want to do with you life. Especially when it comes to finding that special someone."
Tea nodded. Her dad may be naive but he knows what to say when it comes to her mother. Which reminds her, how did he know about Lyra's plan?
"But…" he continued, "…having a little help wouldn't hurt either…"
Tea blinked confusingly.
"I know what your mother did was wrong but we are just worried about your future Lil' apricot…your mother had the right idea about bringing Jeff over-"
Tea couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"-but I believed it was too soon. It has been quite sometime since the last we've heard of him. But you gotta hand it to him, he was a good kid. Hehe, you know Tea, I've always thought that you two would end up together. I even expected Jeff to propose to-"
Without a word, even a goodbye, Tea, as fast as she could, left her father's room. Leaving behind a rather confused Ethan
"We're almost there! We're almost there! Hurry Atem, hurry!" Jaden, as excited as ever, motioned Atem to walk faster, towards Domino City Park.
"Jaden! Slow down! You just got out of the hospital." Atem calmly said. And he was right.
Right in the morning of the Snow Contest, Jaden, with a few warnings from the doctors, was allowed to be released from the hospital. Since he was worried about not making it to the event, Jaden walked from the hospital to the park as fast as he could. Luckily for him and Atem, the park was just a few blocks away.
"But we gotta hurry! I bet Tea is waiting for us, so we got-"
"Wait, Tea!" Atem's voice was filled with surprised as he exclaimed.
Jaden immediately stopped walking. In all of the excitement, he forgot about Tea. He remembered telling her to meet them at the entrance but it was kept secret from Atem. And it was a good thing they did.
It may seem harsh to invite Tea to an event where it's only supposed to be just the two of them. But Atem needed this. Ever since that day in the hospital, that "no" Atem used in the game, Jaden knew that Atem needed more help and fast. So he doesn't mind telling Atem he invited Tea.
"I invited Tea. I thought it would be more fun if we had more people to help, because, you know, I still have my crutch." He still has to keep the reason a secret but in a way this wasn't a total lie. With his leg in a cast, for one more week, he really isn't much help. And with his idea on the sculptures in jeopardy, they really need the extra help.
While Atem remained silent, his face says it all. It was the look that Jaden knew quite well: That mix of anger, disappointment and something else…
"Jaden! Atem!" The Brothers quickly turned towards the voice, Atem quickly regretted it.
Tea was waving at them from the park's entrance. She must have good eye sight to notice them from afar; they still have a good amount of walking to do.
Jaden was happy to see her but became a little scared of Atem. His face went back to that anger/disappointed mix. In fact, Jaden thinks that it got worse…
Atem didn't know whether to run away, like right away somewhere, or to run straight into the park. Maybe listening to Joey's shenanigans could help his…his what? All Atem knew was to get as far away from Tea, as soon as he possibly can.
Instead of waiting for the boys, and after observing that Jaden still had a cast and crutch, Tea willingly went up to them. Although the conversation with her father still lingered in her mind, quite distastefully if you ask her, she shoved it all in the back of her mind and tried to forget about it. Knowing Jaden, and his go-lucky, friendly attitude, she would get her fun. But as soon as Tea stood in front of the boys, Atem rapidly walked past her and entered the park.
'There goes my fun…'thought Tea.
"Atem!" yelled Jaden, and for the first time since they've met, Tea heard some anger within his voice.
Jaden was indeed getting mad but he knew getting mad won't solve the main problem. He knows that Atem needs help and he needs it now. "Tea, you ready to make snowmen!"
Tea blinked in confusion. Jaden seemed to be back to his cheery self, but it seemed forced…
Not wanting to upset the boy, since he did insist for her help, Tea forcefully nodded with a forced smile of her own.
Luckily for them, it was a quite sunny Saturday, but, it meant that Jaden's idea has to be realized, and fast. Good think there were small winter winds blowing about. At least that could help the remaining bits of snow that still layered on the ground, thought Jaden.
While walking into the park, Tea noticed a big group of adults and children all cluttered in front of the playground. Looking around, Tea recognized children from the Community Center. 'My little stars!' she happily thought.
"Miss. Tea!"
Tea and Jaden turned around and saw three girls running toward them. Tea smiled as she came to recognize her students.
"Miss Tea, are you in the contest?" questioned one of them, "if you are, will you join me and my big Sister?"
"I thought you didn't have any siblings Momoe?" questioned Tea.
"I mean my big Sister from the program! We're going to make a bunny!" exclaimed the black haired girl.
"It's not going to be as cool as my fairy!" countered the small brunette, next to Momoe that Tea recognized as Junko. "It's going to be big and covered in flowers!"
Tea chuckled as the two girls were arguing. She then noticed Jaden having a conversation with the other companion. It took a while for Tea to figure that the pink hooded girl was Alexis.
"Again? Are you sure you're okay with him…" asked Alexis, looking worried, which got Tea's attention.
Jaden nodded, "It's worse this time…I'm getting scared just thinking about what's going to happen next-"
"Don't worry about it!" exclaimed Alexis, "Miss Tea is the best teacher and helper. She's the best there is!"
"Right!" agreed the other girls.
Jaden turned and looked at Tea, and suddenly grew a smile. He may have known Tea for such a small amount of time, but he knew she was special. Special enough to help Atem.
"You guys are right!" Jaden cheerfully punched the air, and the other girls followed suit.
Leaving a rather confused Tea standing about…until she understood.
'So Jaden isn't the only one that thinks Atem needs help…' thought Tea, 'I wonder if more people know.'
Atem was leaning against a tree not too far from the large crown as he noticed three girls waving their good byes to Jaden and Tea.
He took a deep breath while figuring out what to do for the rest of the day. He could just find a spot in the park with a decent amount of snow and work on a small sculpture…on his own. The very idea made a knot in his heart, this would devastate Jaden. Jaden has been looking forward to the contest since last year, after last year's contest. Atem didn't want to upset Jaden anymore…
"Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! How are ya!"
The crowd cheered and hollered as a dirty blond, energetic young man stood on the top of a garbage can, with a megaphone in hand.
Atem chuckled as he shook his head. 'Leave it to Joey to ruin someone's train of thought…'
Jaden was cheering with the crowd as Tea took a minute to soak in the atmosphere. She had heard stories of what the Big Stars Program do once in a while from her students. The energy that they put in as they recall their day with their Big Brother or Sister. It really warms her heart at the generosity the adults and older teens put in to ensure the happiness of these kids.
With all her might, with a little help from those around her, she joined in the cheering.
"Hope you all enjoyed these past few weeks. Nothing but snow here in Domino City. But, now that spring is on its way, changes are happening." The head of the Big Stars Program, Joey Wheeler, took a deep breath while motioning to get everyone to tone down their excitement.
"Hey, c'mon guys, simmer down. I have a speech and everything!" complained Joey.
"Yeah, well I'm sure you don't' have EVERYTHING…"
The crown laughed as Joey looked down and say his little Sister. "C'mon! Really Yuna? Really?"
"I'm just stating an opinion!"
"Could've fooled me!"
"Knock it off you two!" yelled someone, who was not too far from the quarreling duo.
"Alright, alright. As I was-no lunch for you-saying-"
"Tristan!"
"What did I just say Joseph Wheeler!"
The crowd continued to laugh as Tea, once again, was uncertain of the situation.
"Those two always fight." Tea looked down at Jaden as he continued to explain, "That guy who was talking first, his name is Joey-well-we call him Joey. And the girl he was talking to, her name is Yuna. This is her last year in the Program, as a little Sister, since she starts high school later. And because of that, she promised herself to be more annoying to Joey, especially when he's speaking. And that other guy, his name is Tristan. He and Joey are best friends. Tristan is Big Brother to Yuna's twin brother, Yuhi."
Tea has heard countless stories of Joey and Tristan from the girls. She would sometimes tell herself to introduce herself to Joey, but she never got around doing it. Damn her mother…and her father while she's at it.
"Okay! Enough of this! Let me continue…" Joey cleared his throat as he continued, "Changes are coming. Not for the bad but for the good. In a few days, March is coming. That means green everywhere. And where there's green, there are flowers. To ensure that our park's beloved flowers grow strong and pretty-yes, I said pretty Yuna, stop grinning-we have to make sure the ice isn't harming our precious flowers bud!
Which makes me think-stop that Yuna!-how could our Big Stars' Program do to help these precious nature rainbows? It's fairly simple-Snow Sculpture contest!"
The crowd cheered. After a moment, Joey motioned the crowd to quiet down. "Not only are we helping our fellow green people but we are all having fun!
So, by using whatever snow you find on the ground, within the park, try to make the best snow sculpture, ever! Big Brothers and Sisters, make sure to watch over your little Brother or Sister! They could get carried away and start using mud, which is cheating. And, make sure they are not getting hit by snowballs…by me…well, mostly from Yuna, but it's just my opinion-"
"Joey!"
"Haha-Oh! Yeah, while I thr-I mean, check everyone's sculpture, I'll also judge the best of the best. Remember, one winner! I'll announce the winner at the end of the day in the Center! You guys got that?"
The whole crowd yelled in agreement. "Good," Joey reached down and pulled a long haired brunette from the crowd. Unfortunately, both of them couldn't balance themselves on the garbage can.
"Ready Yuna?"
"Ready!"
They both jumped as they yelled out go. And the crowd of Brothers and Sisters disperse around Domino Park.
While every Brother and Sister ran off to start their sculpture, Tea looked around for Jaden. She noticed him leaving as Joey was about to finish his speck. She walked around a bit, trying to find him, when she overheard something.
"What do you mean you're not helping me?" yelled Jaden.
Luckily for Tea, she was a couple of feet away form Jaden and Atem; plus there were people who were blocking her from the boys. Tea figured that she shouldn't be seen at the moment.
A few minutes later, Atem and Jaden walked away from each other. Atem walked deeper into the park while Jaden slowly walked up to Tea.
"Is something wrong, Jaden?" quietly asked Tea. She didn't want to ask but she felt it was necessary.
Jaden didn't respond. He was starring at the ground, until he quietly answered, "…No…" It was so quiet that Tea had to squat down to Jaden's height while looking at his emotionless face.
"Jaden…please, answer me. I can't help if I don't know what's going on," pleaded Tea, as she gently placed her hand on Jaden's cheek.
Jaden gently pushed Tea's hand as he looked at Tea, with a smile on his face. "Let's go Tea; it's time to start my army!"
Atem knelt down besides a snow covered rock. He gently took a handful of snow from the rock and threw it onto a growing pile of snow. Atem knew that the sun would be a problem if he didn't start his snow sculpture soon.
After a few more handfuls of snow were thrown onto the pile, Atem started working.
He knew what he did was wrong. How could he have told Jaden that he didn't want to help him? Their idea can only be realized if Atem was the one building the ring of snow soldiers, while Jaden fixed their faces with grass and rocks.
Atem remembered the look on Jaden's face last year. After someone was able to build mini snow people sculptures, Jaden knew that they could make something better. And now, they've split up for the day.
But they had to, Tea was there. If she wasn't than of course Atem would join. Unfortunately, she was….He still has his plan to follow through and he doesn't want distractions, especially from her.
While Atem was working on one end of the park, Tea and Jaden found a nice spot with lots of snow on the other end.
"Alright! There's lots of snow! This means more soldiers!" Jaden said with a happy grin.
While Jaden seems to be back to his usual self, Tea wasn't buying it. His emotionless face when he and Atem separated was still lingering in her mind; it was hard not to think about it.
"Okay," started Jaden, "my awesome plan is a big army of snow soldiers!"
"Snow….soldiers?" asked a puzzled Tea.
Jaden nodded happily, "Last year, there were these Brothers that made a bunch of small snowmen. That's when me and Atem thought of our snow army…" His smile disappeared as soon as he mentions his big Brother. But he quickly shook his disappointment away; he didn't want to worry Tea anymore. "But, I wanted to make these snowmen special than any other snowmen. I learned about animation form Atem. So, by making the soldiers look like they are moving, we have to make a circle of snowmen. That way, when people walk around them, they look like they're moving or something…like that…Atem made it sound easy…."
"As long as you have a picture in your head on what you want, than we can easily make it happen. It's your sculpture, so I'll help make it the way you want it." Tea got right to work. Bending down to the ground, she got a fist full of tepid snow and started making it look spherical.
While forming the snowball into an almost, perfect sphere, Tea glanced at Jaden, who looked like he was drawing x's on the ground. Probably where the snowmen will be.
Now he may looked like he's back to his happy-go-lucky self, but Tea knew that wasn't the case.
"Jaden, is it okay if I asked you a couple of questions?" asked Tea. They are alone. Without Atem, Tea can gather more information on him. It was a good start for her, if she is trying to help Atem. And what better time to get it than being alone with Atem's little Brother. They are close…right?
Jaden just nodded, he seemed too busy deciding where the last snow soldier would be built.
"Well…Has Atem needed "this" for a while?" By the way Alexis and Jaden talked about Atem, it sounded like an ongoing problem. Hopefully, Jaden would understand what she meant…
After a few jabs in the snow by his crutch, Jaden turned to Tea. His signature happy smile was gone and replaced by an emotionless line that was about to open.
"I think…" Jaden looked around, trying to find somewhere to sit. He noticed a small bench and hurriedly walked towards it. "Well, everybody thinks…" he paused as he inspected the bench. A few seconds later, he sat on it. "I think that everybody thinks he needed help for a long time…
Every since I met him, the adults thought he needed help. Especially Joey and Tristan. They always go to him when they get the chance.
I didn't get it. So I didn't care…"
"Jaden, if you don't mind me asking-when and how did you two meet?"
Jaden looked up at the sky and blew at the somewhat chilly wind that slowly brushed off his face. He smiled as he noticed some white, puffy clouds passed overhead. He remembered Atem once telling him about the little men living in the clouds. How each one of them hated each other and themselves. Whenever one of them snaps, they all start banging into each other, which then results in lighting.
At first, Jaden wanted to be one of those little men. How awesome it would be to make lighting just by getting mad was the coolest things ever. It wasn't until recently that Jaden hated that very thing. He wondered why they were always angry from the start and why they couldn't be feeling anything else? He was dying to ask Atem that but decided not to.
No point in asking his big, angry Brother.
It may have been twenty, or at the very least, thirty minutes since Joey shouted out the start of the contest, and Atem was just about to finish his sculpture.
Luckily for him, a miniature size version of an ancient Japanese castle was no problem to build. Since there were small twigs everywhere, Atem was able to find the right twig to use for the details of his castle.
The castle stood a good two feet high and maybe a foot or more across. The remarkable detail on the walls and roofs were definitely a sight to behold on the four story high castle. Add the small ounce of sunlight from the cluttered, blooming trees, and you get a radiant, white beauty of ancient Japan in a small, adorable size.
Atem was about to add some more detail on the outer walls that surround the castle when he heard some crunching sound. He dropped his twig and stood up, while keeping his eye on the castle.
"Are you going to keep spying on me or are you going to attack me with muddy snowballs?" questioned Atem. He was hoping for some quiet time for a couple more hours but realizing that Joey's little Sister is standing behind a tree a few feet behind him, he knew such thoughts were meant to be simple, desired thoughts.
"I was just checking something…" admitted Yuna, while having her arms raised, like some criminal surrendering.
Atem wanted to bang his head on a tree or rock. Leave it to Joey to send a spy, especially when Jaden wasn't with him.
The fifteen-year-old slowly walked towards Atem. Her white, long winter coat wasn't long enough to cover her knee high black boots. Her long, brunette hair was tied up in a long, French braid, while her long bangs showered over her bright, amber eyes that were protected by glasses. Anyone could be easily fooled by that sweet, innocent look of hers, but Atem knew better. Those glasses weren't protecting her sweet looking eyes; they were protecting mischievous ideas and unorthodox pranks. Hanging around with Joey for five years could do that to a person.
"Yeah…you came to check on me." At this point, Atem had already turned around to face his little trespasser, hopefully to scare her off with his cold amethyst eyes that were well sharpened at the moment.
"Yeah…the usual." Unfortunately for Atem, Yuna was unfazed by his sharpened eyes. She had grown accustom to them. "Besides, it's: 'you rather hear it from me' or 'you rather hear it from snowballs and Joey.' If it was up to me, I think the first option sounds better. More…rational…"
Atem rubbed his forehead with his right hand. She had a good point. Very logical…Yuna walked around the snow castle, "Jaden isn't with you. You are here by yourself. And…Jaden hasn't recovered from his accident. I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound right…Not to someone who is suppose to be a big Brother-"
"I know damn well I'm not being there for Jaden!" snapped Atem and he hated himself for being ignorant of Jaden's feeling, especially on a day like today. He remembered the boy's face when they both promised to win the contest this year, unlike last year. He didn't need someone to remind him what he did. Jaden being with Tea was all the punishment he needed.
Plus, he didn't want snow in his face at the moment; maybe being with Tea wouldn't be so bad.
Yuna remained silent and continued to walk around the snow castle.
"I think it was a year ago…maybe a bit more…" answered Jaden, "It was my first time at the Program, so I was nervous. Since the big Brothers and Sisters were the ones that choose their little Siblings, I thought I might not get picked."
Tea frowned. Jaden was nervous?
"We were all in an art room when they started to choose. Everyone was excited, that when all the big Brothers and Sisters entered the room, all the other kids ran straight at them. Except me. I was sitting in the back. I was lucky to be near a table with some crayons and paper. 'Cause I felt like drawing for a bit."
"Did any Brother or Sister ever come up to you?" asked Tea, fearing for the worst.
Jaden stood up and walked toward the big snowball that Tea was working on. He lightly patted the big ball as he continued, "Most of the kids were all over the big Brothers and Sisters. It kinda blocked me from the rest." He looked at Tea with a bright smile, "But it was okay. I like to draw, so it was fun.
There were sooo many crayons; I knew I could draw lots of my heroes!"
Tea motioned Jaden to move from the giant snowball as she pushed the somewhat smaller snowball onto the bigger one. She glanced at the almost finished snowmen, and then glanced around her.
There were a few more x's on the ground, it made Tea worry if she wasn't going to finish the rest of the soldiers on time.
"I remember finishing two of my heroes-Bubbleman and The Earth…when he came…"
Tea's worry vanished as quickly as Jaden remembered his first encounter with Atem. She paid very close attention to him.
"He sat near me but not too close. He was weird-well, I thought he was weird. All he did was look at my pictures. Then he starts drawing some things too. I didn't pay attention to him after that.
It was after I finished my third hero-Neo Man-that he asked me something. I didn't want to talk to him…or to anyone else…"
"Why didn't you want to talk to anyone if you are in a program where you kinda have to?" asked Tea. From what she heard from others the Big Stars Program is the best organization a kid could be in.
"My da-I mean-m-mmy mom forced me…she said that I needed to make new friends…especially since we moved."
"Moved?"
"A year ago, my family moved here from Tokyo. I was forced to join so I can make friends easier…It was awesome that h-h-she made me go, 'cause then I wouldn't have known Atem…
Even though I ignored him in the beginning, he still tried to talk to me. He then asked about my pictures and the names of my heroes. I didn't know why he asked about them but I told him anyway.
He said they were cool names! And my heroes looked like real heroes!" Jaden's whole being lit up as he recalled his most precious memory of Atem. Atem was the only person who complimented his heroes, besides his parents. But this wasn't the best part of his favorite memory.
"Atem, at that moment, was the coolest person ever! He showed me what he was drawing…"Jaden couldn't finish his sentence.
And Tea didn't blame him: Jaden was looking so happy that he was practically jumping up and down. "He drew my heroes! MY HEROES! They looked soo cooool! Way cooler than I ever imagined! That was what he was asking me, if he could draw my heroes! But since I didn't say anything, he thought it was a yes. I'm sooo happy he did! And-that wasn't the best part!"
Wow, thought Tea, Atem knows how to make a young boy happy…then why is he ignoring this poor boy now?
Jaden made sure Tea was looking at him for this part. "After the meeting of the Brothers and Sisters were over, Atem asked me if I could keep his pictures of the heroes he drew! Then, he asked if he could be my big Brother!" He shouted like a boy receiving toy that he always wanted for Christmas.
And the more happy Jaden seemed be, the more confused Tea seemed to be.
"I mean how cool is it that an artist drew my heroes exactly how I created them! I wouldn't stop talking to him ever since that day. He's been there for me, like a real big Brother would. My parents did the same but I need a big Brother more than them. My daddi was right. Good thing he sent me to the program."
Tea agreed. Some people, or even kids, need a sibling to talk to. Jaden's daddi did the right thing to sen-wait. She frowned, "Daddi?"
Jaden's face froze. In fact, his whole body froze when Tea mentioned 'Daddi.'
"Oh, hey! We need too keep working! We still have three more soldiers to build! Let's go!" Jaden cheerfully punched the air as he showed Tea that cheerful grin of his.
"And that's how we escaped!" For the past couple of minutes, Yuna was telling Atem some weird story.
Atem figured that Yuna was just stalling for time as soon as the story got weirder, something about some rabid fangirl possessing Yuna and her twin brother Yuhi.
"Atem! Were you even listening?" questioned Yuna, crossing her arms, mostly to show Atem who's boss.
"Not really, I was just starring at my castle…" His pouting and bored stare were facing down to the miniature snow castle. Already fearing for its small life, he now wished for Yuna to throw snowballs just to let go of that rock of worry that was hanging on his shoulders for most of the day.
Atem was about to suggest it when he noticed Yuna waving her arms, as if she was guiding an airplane.
Or guiding a Joey.
"Over here Joey! Run faster! Like a man!"
"Why I outta-!" Sure enough, resting a hand on a near by tree, the dirty blond man, who was responsible for aiding children in their path of fun and excitement with older "siblings," was trying to catch his breath as he was holding a dirty snowball in his other hand.
Knowing Joey, it was probably meant for Atem. Or Yuna.
"Okay! I think I'm good!" announced Joey, raising his arms with pride, which made Yuna roll her eyes.
"You're late! I had to resort to telling him my dream!" claimed Yuna, "That's how late you are!"
Joey dropped his hands as he let out an aggravated groan, "For the last time, stop using that as distraction material!"
While the 'Brother' and 'Sister' quarreled like there's no tomorrow, Atem decided to betray his castle and leave.
Unfortunately for him, Joey took notice, "And where do you think you're goin'? Don't get me started on your problem!"
"Then by all means, don't start," retorted Atem. He didn't want to talk about his problems with Joey, even if they are good friends since high school.
Joey had enough. He dropped his dirty snowball, which made him cry inside, dusted off his blue jacket and walked towards Atem. "Stop right where you are Atem!"
Ignoring Joey, Atem started to pick up the pace. Why couldn't anyone see that he just wanted to be alone?
"Then just answer me this Atem, why did you leave Jaden alone?"
Atem's body betrayed his mind as it stopped moving. Jaden's name just brought regret and worry that he knew he had to stop. Even if his mind was screaming with the commands to move.
"Atem…What you did was wrong. It's even more wrong when he's not the only that's alone"
Atem cringed and lightly pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew what was coming next.
"Atem, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. Tristan's here. Heck, even Mai's here. We're all willing to help if you let us help you. We don't want to los-"
Atem couldn't, no, he wouldn't let Joey continue. "Stop!" he commanded as he swiftly approached Joey with frozen amethysts staring coldly at the blond's face. "What I do with my life is not of your concern! I'm already old enough to know what is right and what is wrong! I'm an adult now!"
Tea's tear stricken face appeared in Atem's mind. He remembered how she was kicking and screaming and shouting to the world her hatred towards her own mother. The advice she received from him and how thankful she looked with that smile.
Not wanting them to start a fight, Yuna forced herself, between them looking at Atem, whose face seems rather confused.
Joey appreciated Yuna's actions, but that didn't stop him from speaking his mind. Nothing ever did, "Look, I'm just trying to understand why you're here on your own. Away from everyone else, specifically Jaden. Man, he was looking forward to this than any other kid and you left him with someone else."
"She's not a bad person," clarified Yuna, "I've heard that some of the girls really like her. In fact, she's their dance teacher back at the Center."
"I know she's a good person, I work at the Center too. But Jaden was looking forward working with Atem, his big Brother, not Miss Gardner. How would you like it if I stopped paying attention to you?"
Yuna shutter at the mere thought of her Brother leaving her. Proving that Jaden really did needed his big Brother. Why else would he have joined the Big Stars Program? Besides the whole getting in trouble in the streets…
Atem wanted to bang his head on a tree, hard. Very hard. Several times. What was he doing? What was he thinking? Jaden needed him to finish their first place masterpiece and win whatever Joey had plan for the prize. After all, Jaden can't build a good snowman with that cast. Atem has to watch over Jaden and build their army, like he promised he would. Like an adult would. Even if Tea was there, he has to suck it up and deal with it.
"Atem…" Breaking his train of thought, Atem realized that both Joey and Yuna had laid a hand on each of his shoulders. Both of them pleading with their eyes: they want to help Atem.
Maybe Atem could postpone his plans for a while.
Or, he could run away from the Siblings as their faces turned form helpful to mischievous just as quickly as their free hands revealed freshly made snowballs.
"Son of a…" muttered Atem.
"All right! We need one more snow soldier!" exclaimed Jaden to the entire world. Tea had to admit, with the sun still peeking behind some trees behind her and how the tall street lights were beginning to illuminate the park, spending the entire day building snowmen with Jaden was the most fun she had in, well, a long time.
"We still have some time left before everyone starts fighting," said Jaden as he was fixing a solders' face.
Tea stopped rolling her almost done snow body as she looked at Jaden with instant worry. "What fighting?"
Jaden let out a grin that doubled Tea's worry, "Most kids get bored and start throwing snowballs at each other."
Tea let out a big surprised squeal as Jaden was preparing his arms for the fight ahead of him. "Are you sure it's a good idea for you to-"
"It's okay. They know they can't attack me. If they do, they'll get yelled at by all the adults!" Feeling good about the solders face, Jaden had already started walking back to the bench and watching with wonder at Tea, who decided to finish the snowmen as quickly as possible. Although the day didn't go as he had planned, he still had a lot of fun.
He was right, Tea was special. She was fun! Like a big sister. Hopefully this big sister would end up helping Jaden with Atem. He doesn't want his Brother to get hurt. Again.
"Get him!"
"We'll run faster!"
Jaden and Tea looked around, staying alert. It seems that the snowball fights were starting. And by the sounds of the thumping of the snow against jackets and maybe flesh, the fights were coming their way.
Tea ran over to Jaden, "Okay, here's the plan: You stay right here and I'll protect the snowmen." Jaden may be protected but she wasn't sure about the soldiers. And knowing kids, they'll attack anything with snowballs.
"How?" asked Jaden.
Tea wasn't sure how. Remembering the number of children there were in the beginning, she wasn't sure if she could go against them. Plus, they were kids, they are just trying to have fun.
But the thought of their snowmen being attacked by didn't go well with Tea and Jaden. Especially Jaden.
And the more time she spent wondering, the louder the snowballs fights were getting.
"I got it!" exclaimed Jaden, "Why don't we get back-up? I'm pretty sure I saw Alexis and the rest building their sculpture near by, by that almost dead tree over there! We can ask them to join us! Plus, she owes me!"
He begged Tea with his shinning amber colored puppy eyes that she couldn't say no, even if her mind is telling her to reject his plea for help.
"I'll go get the girls. I'll be back as soon as I can." She began to leave before looking at Jaden one more time. "Promise me that you'll call out to me if our soldiers are in danger."
Jaden saluted her, "Don't worry, I'll be ok."
His courageous little heart warmed Tea's as she began her search for her dance students.
It was a good thing the park wasn't that big, she thought while running on the muddy feeling, almost melted snow. For being the end of February, it felt like a nice spring day in March. But as mush as Tea wanted to enjoy the nice late, winter evening, she reminded herself of her mission.
Unfortunately, she spent too much time admiring the weather that she didn't notice a person walking ahead of her. By the time she did, she was already on the watery snow covered ground looking at the clear sky.
"Ow…" Tea slowly sat up and was ready to apologize when she took a good look at the person she bumped in to. She remained emotionless as Atem was trying to sit up, rubbing his nose.
His nose wasn't at all in pain. Atem just wanted to find an excuse to close his eyes after noticing Tea was the one that bumped into him. That's what he gets for walking blindly after escaping the crazy Siblings.
"Are you okay?"
Atem opened his eyes and saw a hand reached out at him. He looked up and saw Tea's face: Her sapphire eyes looking dark but with worry. Sweat trickling down parts of her face, as if she was running about. It explained the loud yet soft breathing that was coming for her delicate mouth.
"Uh…yeah…" His mind wanted to reject her offer but his hand did not. Atem seemed quite surprised at how easily she was able to pull him up. "Thanks…"
Tea gave him a small smile, "No problem…" She was glad that Atem at least said something to her. Maybe he wasn't mad at her after all.
"FOUND HIM!"
Tea was about to turn around when Atem grabbed her by the arm and started to run.
"Let's go!" commanded Atem, while trying not to hurt Tea's arm.
"W-why am I running with you?" Tea had no choice but to run aimlessly with Atem.
"Damn it, Atem!"
"We're not letting you escape….again!"
Tea recognizes the voices: It was Joey and Yuna. But why are they after Atem? And by the sounds of snowballs being thrown around them, she was guessing that Atem is involved in a very violent snowball fight.
"Where's Jaden?" frantically asked Atem, who was trying not to slip on the ground.
"Back…back there," Tea pointed out the area with her free hand, "he's waiting for me…"
"Son of a-" With a sudden stop, and another bump accident from Tea, Atem sought out a new running direction. He had to lose Joey and Yuna and get them away from Jaden. Knowing those two, they'll probably use Jaden as hostage to lure Atem towards them, giving them a perfect chance to attack. "This way!"
Tea was getting tired from all the running, but she didn't mind. She was beginning to see an all new side of Atem. Although they have known each other for a short time, she had never seen him so stressed out. The frantic moving of his head and irregular breathing from all the running made Tea realize that he too runs away from his problems.
Like her.
Jaden was right: Atem does need help, like she does.
"Stop running away, Atem!" Atem mentally swore as he hears Joey's voice getting closer. He just couldn't' lose them.
What's worse is the hidden tree trunk that sent Atem and Tea tumbling onto a couple of think bushes down a small hill.
"Where'd they go?" Joey signaled Yuna to stop as well, confused. He could've swore Atem, and someone else, were right in front of him…now they seemed to have disappeared.
"You've been running around too much. The lack of decent oxygen has made your mind see things." Argued Yuna, as she started to walk away. "Besides, I noticed Atem around that way a few minutes ago. C'mon!"
Joey wasn't buying it but he joined Yuna anyway. But this time, he just walked.
If there was ever a moment when Tea's face turned bright red, like a sunset in a clear summer afternoon, this would be the first. And for a good reason too.
The fall made Tea land on Atem…and that wasn't the worst part. As she was trying to stand up, her face moved close, if not closer, to Atem's face. Time seemed slower as their eyes were locked into each others. It was locked tightly as neither of them could look away.
Atem was lost beyond comprehension. The sapphire eyes that were once yelling and filled with tears were now looking into him with nervousness and vulnerability. It made him wonder if he could see them shine, like when she joined him and Jaden back at the hospital. The way she talked about her job, the passion she showed talking about her students. He wants to see it again.
Tea was the first to blink away. As much as she wants to stare at Atem's priceless jewels, she reminded herself of Jaden. For all they know, the snow soldiers could be in danger. Reluctantly, she finally gained the courage to stand up and get out of the thickly covered bush. She reached out her hand toward Atem again to help him up, which without hesitation, he accepted almost immediately.
"We have to find Jaden. The snow soldiers could be in danger."
Atem stared at her before letting gout a rather loud chuckle. Tea didn't know whether to call him a monster or a jerk.
"Don't worry about those two. Or anyone else at that matter. They know if they throw even a snowflake on him, or the snow soldiers, not only will they be hearing it from me, but from Mai and Yuhi as well. The best thing they can do is just keep them hostages…which will irritate me. I really don't want to talk to anyone. At least not today," explained Atem, leaving Tea feeling more confused than ever before. "Like I said, don't worry about it. Now," he took out his cell phone from his pocket and looked at the time. "It's about time that Joey decides the winner. Let's head back to Jaden. I owe him a couple of soldiers."
A robot.
Tea was pretty sure Atem was some form of robot. How else would that explain the sudden change in everything? She squeezed the winged heart in her pocket as she and Atem made their way back to Jaden. Luckily Tea knew the park quite well and already knew where she and Jaden were building their snow soldiers.
Every so often, she would take a small glance at Atem. He looked the same. Same dark skin tone, same wild colored hair and definitely same colored yes. Yet he seems very different from the moment they bumped into each other earlier.
What happened?
Atem learned many things today:
Never leave Jaden alone. Although this was a special case since Tea was with him. But Atem has made a promise to Jaden from the day they met: never leave Jaden's side.
Joey and Yuna are evil. Truly evil. Attacking him with secretly hidden ice balls just because….
And lastly: his plans can wait. Luckily for him, Jaden will always be there to distract him from his plans. Especially now that Atem has broken their promise about the snow contest that Jaden won't stop nagging about it for a while.
Knowing that Tea is besides him, he remembered that he learned another thing too.
He wants to be Tea's friend. Or at least hang out with her more. It's just that without her, he wouldn't remember his own advice…
If Tea can confront her problems, then so can he.
"You jerk!"
Of course, this was going to take some getting used to.
As soon as Tea and Atem made it back to Jaden, without any snowball fighting, Jaden immediately began hitting Atem with twigs and snow. Alexis and her friends were yelling and trying to make him stop.
Atem stood there, getting hit by the little boy with whom he broke a very special promise. He couldn't blame the boy. So he stood there, receiving what little pain Jaden wanted Atem to feel.
Tea wouldn't stand for this. She lightly pulled the girls away from Jaden and held onto the angry boy's arms. She knew Jaden wasn't 'all right.' Even if Jaden smiled and showed her his shinning eyes of happiness, he was still mad and sad that the man he knew as a big Brother would suddenly leave him. Jaden was just feeling disappointment.
Like how Tea felt when she talked to her father that day in the hospital. She knew exactly how Jaden felt.
Atem kneel down to Jaden, his eyes meeting Jaden's teary ones. "I screwed up today-"
"Big time!" spat Jaden, as he dropped the twigs and wiped his tears with his sleeve from his light red jacket.
"But…I've never meant for it to be like this Jaden. I've never wanted to leave you. Especially in a day like today-"
"I thought you really wanted to go this time!"
'This time?' wondered Tea. This wasn't the first time Atem has left Jaden. No wonder Jaden was hitting Atem hard.
Atem slowly placed his hands onto Jaden's shoulder and then onto his face. "I promise you Jaden, I won't do it again. I've learned this time-"
"That's what you said last time!" Jaden pointed out, angrier than before.
'Last time?' Tea looked at Atem's sadden face. What ever Jaden had just said seemed to really hurt Atem. So much that Atem let go of Jaden. One of the girls, handed Jaden his crutch.
Tea held onto Jaden for a few more seconds, she just wanted to make sure that he wouldn't start fighting again. Knowing that he had calmed down, Tea let go of Jaden's arms.
"I just wanted to make soldiers with you," Jaden quietly admitted, "then, after you said that you wanted to be alone, I got more scarred. It was like last time all over again."
"But this time, I won't go to the hospital," assured Atem, "I've learned my lesson, Jaden, I swear I did."
Jaden looked into his big Brother's eyes. Jaden has known Atem for over a year and he knew what a lie was and what isn't. The seriousness in Atem's eyes tells the truth: He won't stick with his plan. Not this time at least. Which was good enough for Jaden. They had their share of arguments and in the end, they'll just forget the fight. These two can't stay mad at each other for long.
Jaden extended his hand, which Atem gladly, and happily, accepted it; and with that handshake, ended a day-ling silent treatment between the two.
Which somewhat irritated Tea. She was happy that the two made up but something wasn't right. What was all that about a hospital?
"We have to hurry and make the soldiers! It's almost time for Joey to pick the winner!" yelled Jaden. He hurried as fast as he could to his almost finish army, along with the girls who agreed to help him finish. Apparently Joey "accidently" tripped over the girls' sculptures.
Atem and Tea looked over the children, watching how they add some finishing details onto the snow soldiers. Tea was still confused at the whole incident with the boys' but decided to drop it, for now. She then hurried on to the children and helped them finish.
Atem watched Tea closely, he wondered if Tea has heard about the hospital. What was he thinking, of course she did, she was right there when it was metioned. He wasn't worried about the girls, knowing Joey and Tristan, the whole Program knows about Atem's 'incident.'
But that was a year ago. He's changed, well, now he did. After all, he's found something that he's eager to wait for.
Atem hurried on to help Tea with the last giant snowball.
"That was fun!" exclaimed Jaden as he finished gulping his cup of hot chocolate.
It was the end of a beautiful late winter day, and all the Brothers and Sisters from the Program were gathered in the gymnasium of the Domino City Community Center. Luckily for the little ones, hot chocolate was being offered. Jaden remarked it was sort of a prize for them, so they won't feel sad if they weren't chosen at the winners.
Atem added that it was also a form of apology since Joey probably "tripped" on their sculptures.
"Still, it's nice that everyone is together and having fun. That's the important part, right?" Tea remarked, as she watched everyone in the gym laughing and having a great time.
"That's true! See Yuna, she gets it!"
"This whole thing was my idea in the first place!"
Walking past a few chairs that were set up for everyone to sit in, Joey, Yuna, a boy that looked identical to Yuna, except he's a boy with has short hair and a young man with pointy hair were headed towards Tea and the Brothers.
"You must be Miss. Tea. I've heard a lot about you from almost all the girls here!" said Joey; he reached out his hand towards Tea. "'The best teacher ever!' As soon as I've heard that, I just had to meet you!"
"He's just jealous, since he's a teacher too. He just wants to see how a 'real teacher' teaches," remarked the pointy haired one.
"Why you-" Joey was about to confront the pointy haired man when Yuna and her look-a-like got in his way.
"The day is over Joey, let's not start anything irrational." Yuna said, "Besides, Yuhi and I have to wake up early in the morning to study for exams."
"You mean-you have to wake up early," pointed out the boy named Yuhi, giving Yuna a look, "I'm good with math, I can't say the same for you."
"Then let me cheat by using our twin telepathy-"
"One: That doesn't exist, Yuna. And two, Tristan here is a math teacher, he'll help you in one, two three. Right, big Bro?" pointed out Yuhi.
"You got it!" The man known as Tristan agreed and fist bumped his younger Brother.
"Anyway, I'm Joey Wheeler," continued Joey, ignoring the other three behind him, "and, true, I'm a teacher myself. Teach at the local Jr. High as a PE teach'. Nice to finally meet ya!"
"Nice to meet you too! I've also heard stories about you from the girls as well." Replied Tea, felt kind of honored that the man who decided to make a program for kids was right in front of her, also wishing to have met her earlier.
"And I'm Tristan Taylor," the pointy haired man also walked up to her and shook her hand as well. "As you've heard, I'm a math teacher, same place as Joey. Very nice to meet someone else who also inspires these young kids today."
Tea felt herself blush all over. It's like the parents' all over again.
"And I'm-" Yuna was about to begin her introduction when both Joey and Tristan cut her off. "Yuhi and Yuna and nobody cares."
"Hey!" exclaimed the twins in unison.
While the four were arguing, Jaden couldn't help but laugh. It was always the same, day after day. But he knows they all care for each other. Just like him and Atem.
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Yuna broke herself apart form the still arguing boys and walked up to Atem. "Hey, can you do me a big favor Atem?"
She didn't let Atem answer as she continued, "A friend of mine is thinking about studing abroad. Since you did, can you give him some advice? He's somewhere around here."
"Yeah, can you Atem?" Yuhi has also separated from the men and joined his twin. "It would be great if you do."
Atem looked at the twins suspiciously but decided to go anyway. He excused himself, gave a quick greeting to Tristan and Joey, and followed the twins to the other side of the gym.
"So, what happened this time?"
Tea looked at Joey, puzzled. 'Do they know something? About Atem?
Jaden looked down at his empty cup. "I was scarred….I thought he was going to do it again…"
The men looked at each other, as if they were wondering if they should talk more of this or not.
"I think it's best if you hear this form Atem himself, Miss. Tea." said Tristan, though his eyes tell another story.
"It took him years to tell us about it…but, the good news, is he will talk about it eventually," assured Joey.
"You two know him that well?" Tea asked.
Both of them nodded. "We went to the same high school as his brother, Yugi, that's how we came to know Atem," said Tristan. "Been best friends ever since."
"Don't know about now thought," added Joey, looking depressed as he looked over and spotted his best friend talking to a teen, the friend the twins were talking about. "There were times where he shuts us out of his life. Completely. It was worse back then. He just doesn't understand that he has all these friends who are able to help him" He scratched his head as he tries to understand his friend's ideology. It made him get a headache.
"But this time, it's different," pointed out Jaden. "This time, we have Tea!"
Tea blinked as the men took a good look at the dance teacher. She really isn't getting used to all of this unwanted attention.
"That's right! When I was chasing Atem, I noticed he was with you-"
"You were the one chasing him?" asked Tea but Joey ignored her.
"And after I lost you guys, I've heard he was already with Jaden. Whatever you did, keep it up!"
"But wait a minute!" demanded Tea, as she stood up for attention. Her father may not have been able to let his own daughter talk, but that doesn't mean other people would be doing the same. "Didn't this whole silent treatment happen because I was with him and Jaden in the first place?"
"Even if it did, it doesn't matter. As long as you are able to bring Atem back to his talking, sociable self, it's all good. That's what friends are for: to not let their BFFs be bored and have fun!" said Joey, while Tristan nodded his head as his friend explained to Tea.
Jaden smiled happily, knowing that Tea is able to bring Atem back to usual self, for now…
Tea couldn't help but grip the heart in her pocket very tightly. It was ironic: Atem, the one that gave her advice to confront her mother, needing way more help than her. It made her feel selfish. Tightening her grip even more, Tea made herself promise to help Atem, to bring him back to his sociable self. It's the best thing she can do. Not only for Jaden's sake, but for Atem's friends, Joey, Tristan, the girls and everyone in the Program. Tea looked at Atem, who was walking back with the twins. Yuna seemed to be hugging Atem's arm tightly as she and Yuhi were happily laughing with Atem. Tea noticed as people, kids and adults were acknowledging Atem. Saying their hi's and even high fiving him. They all must care for Atem deeply.
He must be a great person to hang around with. He must be, thought Tea, his smile says otherwise.
"Now, to announce the winner of this year's Snow Sculpture contest!" Joey was up in the highest bleacher, looking down at everyone from the Program. Now that Tea has agreed to become Atem's friend, Joey feels more relaxed knowing that his best friend won't do anything stupid. Whatever Tea did to stop Atem from hurting himself this time, he hope she would do it again. But to be safe, he hopes Atem wouldn't even think of it ever again.
But, to be in the safe side, Joey made a last minute plan to help make Atem and Tea become fast friends, and who knows, maybe best friends. "Now I know these past few weeks, there wasn't a lot of snow-"
"You destroyed at least half the sculptures." Pointed out Yuna, she was sitting on the bleachers next to him. Her soft yet loud voice was meant for the whole crowd to hear.
"Hey, it's not my fault. I don't like getting hit by snowballs! Especially one's thrown by you…"
"At least they weren't parts of someone else's hard work!"
"Hey! At least everyone had fun throwing snowballs at each other! Its fun having snowball fights! Right, guys!"
It took a few seconds for the crowd to eventually give in and agreed with Joey's logic. Even if they couldn't finish their snow sculptures, it was fun hanging around with their Brother and Sister. And having the opportunity to throw snowballs at Joey for once.
"So, with arguing aside, I have now chosen the winner. It was very hard to decide-stop it Yuna-a winner. But in the end, one has to be chosen from many. This one, or should I say, these few sculptures were an interesting idea at first. I didn't get it-Yuna!-But seeing it up close, I finally got it. And let me tell you, it was an incredible piece. I'm no expert-hush-but to think that these snowmen were made by a famous teacher here in the Center and a little boy with a bad leg. To be able to finish these six half-human size snow soldiers with long sticks that look like guns and leaf-like hats that look like they are all running around each other…You have to give them something, right?
So I'm pleased to present this year's Snow Sculpture contest winners…Miss Tea Gardner and Jaden Yuki!"
The whole gymnasium erupted into cheers as the two whose names were called stood up. Tea couldn't believe it. She was happy for Jaden. Looking at the little boy, who was grinning uncontrollably, she was glad to be of some use.
Joey had already started walking down the bleachers, with Jaden's bad leg; he felt he should be the one doing the walking. "Congrats you two! You deserve it!" He gave Tea a big white envelope that said 'Winner.' "Use it wisely." Joey winked as Tea opened the envelope.
'Everyone is counting on me. They need me to do what I normally do…' thought Tea as she pulled out the prize. 'I'm an adult now. I can do this. For Atem.
It's his turn to smile for me now.'
Razzy: FINALLY~...Sorry about that. As of right now, I've started to write the next chapter, which I promise, won't be as long as this one. I didn't expect this one to be this long...
Hopefully, with school coming up real shortly (WHY IS THIS SUMMER GOING SO FAST), I'll finish the next chapter soon.
See ya! ^^