Thread of Fate
Chapter 7
(Lilianne)
Opening my desk drawer on a fair morning at school, I saw an unfamiliar notebook. I took it out and opened it. At the bottom right of the first page, a name was written in neat handwriting.
Chrollo Lucifer Morningstar
Sideglancing at the other students, especially the girls, I can hear whispers and murmurs like 'So she's the one who stole it.' 'Chrollo has been looking for it since the other day.'. I sighed and stood up.
Passing by Shizuku who is seated near the backdoor, she looked up at me and asked, "Is anything wrong?"
"Nothing. I'll be right back." I flashed her a small smile and left for the 3-A classroom, walking briskly as there is only little time left before classes officially start.
My footsteps echoed in the nearly empty corridor. Standing in front of the 3-A class's backdoor, I can see through the window that they haven't started classes yet either so I knocked, the notebook in my other hand. I then opened the door.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for Chrollo Lucifer Morningstar." I announced.
The utter silence, then the whispers, the glares, the admiration. All on different faces. I only looked blankly at the class and the next thing I know is that Jonah is in front of me.
"Oujo-sama" Jonah smiled. "Chrollo seems to be absent. Would you like me to take care of your business with him?"
"It's not some sort of assassination business, Jonah, so I don't think you'll enjoy it." I said in joking sarcasm.
"Aha..." Jonah grinned and scratched the back of his head. "Still, what is it?"
I was about to speak when the bell for first period rang. "I'll tell you at lunch."
Taking at quick scan of the room again, I spotted Scarlet Vermeil glaring at me. I turned away and left briskly for my classroom. I arrived almost the same time the teacher did, but I was a tad bit early. Our homeroom teacher, Mr. Reynolds Schumacher, is a tall man with squinted blue eyes and blonde hair which is combed back neatly; an aquiline nose, thin lips and a somewhat milky-white complexion. He is, apparently, one of the heartthrobs in the school. But one shouldn't be fooled by his looks because even if he looks like a pretty boy, sir Reynolds is quite intellectual. One of the main reasons why I came to his liking is because I'm one of the few girls in the school who doesn't swoon over him, and I just look at him as my teacher and nothing more. This story he proudly told to his colleagues so it wasn't long before I became the talk of the faculty. Such that I greet the teachers when we meet in the corridors, they also greet me back or start a small chat. Stories of all sorts spread like wildfire in this school.
While sir was discussing, I flipped through Chrollo's notes, checking the neat handwriting. It was on Literature and the outstanding organization of information made me want to photocopy it for future use. But of course I can't do that. It would seem quite stalker-ish. Then my thoughts shifted to Chrollo's absence.
He was quite fine yesterday. What happened?
I closed my new locker after putting my books in.
"Shall we go now, oujo-sama?" Jonah asked, the usual gentle smile on his face.
I nodded. And just as we're about to leave, a harsh downpour of rain started.
"Oh well... Do you have an umbrella, oujo-sama?" Jonah gazed at the heavy drops as they land on the pavement with a loud splashes.
"Unfortunately, no. And isn't that your job as my servant?"
Jonah was taken aback. "Eeeehhh? So you accept me as your servant now?!"
"No, of course not. You're my childhood friend, Jonah. Much as you act like my servant, that doesn't mean I want you to be it."
"Heavy rain, huh?" The familiar voice made us look behind us and we found Chrollo.
"Chrollo." I said nonchalantly.
"How cold." Chrollo teased. "Here" He threw a long umbrella at Jonah which he caught but looked at Chrollo puzzled. "Both of you don't have umbrellas, right? I can just call at home to send a car for me. It's no big deal."
Then it hit me. But just as I had my moment of illumination, the teacher called on me.
"Ms. Rosette, kindly read this poem on page 42: Silver Thread."
I stood up with my book in hand. I cleared my throat and began.
Silver Thread
He lies in ignorant bliss
The darkness, abyss
Long lost and broken
Forever a wreck, pitifully shaken
Seeing this potential pawn
I gave him a chance, a new dawn
To extend my hand, to extend this thread
Allow me to lift you up from dread
Take this silver thread I offer
And obey me until your time is over
Make a pact with this demon, a goddess in your eyes
Accept ugly truths, even sweet lies
"Silver Thread by Lilianne Vin Roze" I concluded and the moment I looked up from my book, sir Reynolds was close to tears.
"I... Such beautiful... I've never heard that poem read so beautifully and elegantly! The emotions were so..." He wiped a tear with his handkerchief.
I gave him a small courteous smile, the usual one I give to all my teachers who compliment me. It gives off an aura of humility which they like. "Thank you, sir."
"Take your seat. From now on, you will read all the poems written by Lilianne Vin Roze. Now that I think about it, you have the same name." He said as I took my seat and I smiled humbly. Well, when it comes to teachers, innocence and humility are your best ammo, though I won't deny there are some who prefer confident ones and I can so easily shift from the two.
Upon taking my seat, I resumed looking over Chrollo's notes.
Lilianne Vin Roze has an exquisite taste for poetry. Her tone and the poem's aura is quite dark yet tranquil. He wrote.
I spent the whole time reading Chrollo's notes. I was also listening to sir Reynolds of course but my attention was divided. Maybe I was enjoying it too much since the next thing I know, the bell has rung for Lunch Break.
(Chrollo)
"Danchou, are you sure about this?" Pakunoda approached after Kortopi has left. I was sitting on my bed. It was unfortunate that I got sick because of yesterday. What's even more unfortunate is that I lost my notebook and it's the one with all my literary criticisms and analyses.
"Of course I am. Who else could have done it? The Vermeils are hell bent on getting me, especially their starry-eyed daughter." I said a little annoyed.
"It doesn't bother you this much before though. Is something wrong, danchou?" Pakunoda is as perceptive as ever.
"Well..."
"Does it have something to do with yesterday?" I feel like I've been hit.
"..." I really don't know how she can get everything in one glance. I clenched the bed sheets tighter. "Not exactly." I looked away as my heart started pounding for unknown reasons. Speaking of yesterday, I wonder if I should have just walked Lilianne home rather than lend the umbrella. It would have been a perfect opportunity to know her more but it's not Jonathan will allow it and somehow, the thought of Lilianne rejecting my offer seems to produce a certain ache somewhere. But I suppose what hurt more was seeing the two of them walk under the rain. Jonathan even had the nerve to put his arm around Lilianne, not that she minded. They're that close and it didn't take long for me to realize that I envy their closeness.
"Honestly, danchou, but to go so far as to take it out on the Vermeils."
"It's not much, Pakunoda. I'm just showing them what I can do when I'm getting pissed off. That's all." I reached for my book.
"What do you plan on doing, danchou?" Yes, she's very suspicious of me.
"I'm arranging for a student transfer." I turned to the page where I left off.
Sideglancing, I saw Pakunoda's eyes widen. "Danchou... You don't mean..."
I shrugged my shoulders, not caring at all.
Kortopi is a student at our school but barely noticed in 2-B. He's one of my underground subordinates and he can so easily copy and forge documents for me, especially if it involves school funds (Jonathan is suspicious on where I get such large amounts of cash for the school projects).
Pakunoda let out a sigh. "As you say, danchou..."
(Lilianne)
"Ah, so you're the famous Lilianne Rosette." The voice sent a chill down my spine. It wasn't normal and it felt threatening and mad.
"Hisoka!" Jonah immediately glared when he realized who it was. Apparently, there's someone he believes to be worse than Chrollo.
Jonah and I were simply having lunch on the staircase going up to the rooftop and I was telling him about Chrollo's notebook when all of a sudden, an older student with slightly messy red hair, sharp yellow eyes. By how his uniform clings to his body, I can tell he's well-built. He emits this provocative aura which tells me that he loves to fight. I need to stop that from happening, especially with Jonah being the President of the Student Council.
I stood up, full of confidence and composure, and dusted my skirt. "Jonah, kindly introduce me to your... acquaintance."
Jonah seemed reluctant but he calmed himself and decided to trust me. "Lilianne oujo-sama, this is Hisoka Vecordia. He's in the same class as me and Chrollo."
"I see... It's nice to meet you." I extended my hand for a handshake.
"Yeah... It's nice to finally meet you, Lilianne Rosette." He smiled what seemed like a friendly smile but with the intention to creep one out and took my hand firmly and shook it.
I feel a sense of provocation. This senior before me is different from Chrollo. At first glance, you can tell he's insane yet a genius. With such a strong build and that threatening aura, Hisoka is a dangerous person. He let go of my hand and then pointed the notebook lying on the staircase.
"That's Chrollo's, isn't it? If you wish, I can take it to him." He's keeping up a friendly act.
"That's fine, Hisoka, but I can do that for oujo-sama. Chrollo is my classmate as well." Jonah stepped up.
"True but it would save you a lot of trouble if I'm the one who does it, right?" The creepy smile plastered on Hisoka's face.
"We appreciate your offer, Hisoka, but we also humbly decline." I said politely yet coldly with a small smile. A dangerous person like him should be dealt with by letting him know that there is someone who can be more dangerous than him. I am not one to back down nor am I someone to play in someone else's game as a pawn.
"Is that so? Well, then I'll be taking my leave. Just call me if you need anything." Hisoka waved and left.
When I felt sure that he's far from us, I took my seat on the staircase and flipped through the notebook again.
"That was troublesome. It looks like he's had his eye on me for a while." I said, scanning Chrollo's notes on a poem made by Lilianne Vin Roze.
"It seems so but why move now?"
I closed my eyes to think then shrugged. "Who knows?"
"Oujo-sama, please don't take Hisoka so lightly. He has a reputation in fighting. He almost killed someone before!" Jonah's getting perplexed again.
"I see." It's not that I don't care. I know how much trouble I'm getting myself into as the weeks pass. In fact, it's been almost a month and a half since I started studying here. I was already being hunted down and bullied on my first day. It's not the first time either. At my old school, some girls tried to bully me but I can always confront them when I get full and the teachers, knowing my clean and outstanding reputation, back me up. And the girls' parents, finding out who my father is (gossip is something to take advantage of after all), back down and have their children apologize and sometimes more. "Jonah, you don't need to be so perplexed. If I couldn't handle such things, do you think I would have survived my previous school?"
"And transferring was my idea... but I can't believe how worse the situation is compared to your old school. I'm a failure." Jonah went on emo corner mode.
I giggled. "Honestly... Let's go. Classes will resume soon."
I was lucky that Jonah has a Student Council meeting so I was fine leaving before him. With that, I walked all the way to Chrollo's big mansion and I arrived by sunset. Standing in front of the gates, I pushed the door bell.
"Who's there?" Came a rough voice from the receiver and the camera on the post turned to me and I glanced at it.
"Lilianne Rosette. I came to return something to Chrollo." And the gates opened with Pakunoda leaving the mansion to fetch me.
"Welcome back, Ms. Rosette. Come inside." Pakunoda gestured for me to follow and I did. She led me to the living room. "I'm afraid danchou is resting but if you wish, you can go see him."
"Oh, there's no need. I'm only here to drop this off." I gave her a courteous smile and placed the notebook on the glass table.
"Danchou's notebook?" Pakunoda recognized it and seemed surprised that I have it.
I nodded. "It was in my deskdrawer this morning. I don't know how it got there though."
Pakunoda thought for a moment. "Perhaps it would be better for you to return it to him personally."
"Eh?" I tilted my head to the side.
"Please follow me. I'm sure danchou would like to have your acquaintance." Her tone was quite professional as always but there is a hint saying that she wants to find something out. As I said earlier, I don't like being a pawn.
"I see" I stood up, taking the notebook with me. I followed Pakunoda silently until we came in front of a big French door guarded by two big men, Nobunaga and Franklin if I recall correctly.
"We're just going to return something to danchou." Pakunoda stated and the two men stepped aside and opened the doors for us. I followed Pakunoda inside, the two men eyeing me suspiciously.
"Danchou, you have a visitor." Pakunoda announced, her voice a betraying a hint of glee. I stepped aside from behind her and saw Chrollo looking up at me from his book. He was very surprised upon realizing it was me.
He was at a loss for words and the atmosphere is quite awkward. He was in blue pajamas, his hair a mess, almost like he just woke up.
"I will be leaving you two now." Pakunoda bowed and left. The moment the door closed, an awkward silence descended upon us.
"Um... Here, have a seat." Chrollo patted the chair beside his bed. I silently went to the luxurious chair and sat down.
"I found this. It's yours." I handed him the notebook, acting all professional.
"Oh, thanks! I've been wondering where this went." He took it, looking a little happy.
Looking at him closer, I realized how pale he is. I stood up and leaned on the bed, pressing the back of my hand on his forehead which surprised him so much he went stiff.
"O-Oi!" Chrollo reacted.
"Don't move." I felt how hot his forehead is. "That's quite the fever." I compared his temperature to mine, pressing my other hand on my own forehead. I sat down again. "You're such an idiot." I sighed.
"Oh, did I worry you that much?" Chrollo teased.
"Give me a break. I only came here to return your notebook. I'm sure you're already well-cared for here anyway." I then stood up. "It's going to get dark soon. I'm going home." I slung my bag over my back and turned away but just as I did so, Chrollo grabbed my wrist.
"Stay a bit, will you?" Chrollo smiled a little. "I'll get one of my guards to drive you home so you don't need to worry. Besides, I want to know where you found this."
I looked at him and instead of the usual arrogant rich kid, I see a frail and neglected child and the sunset just adds to the solemnity. I wonder why? To be able to see something so vulnerable, I want to curse myself. Curse myself even more for being soft.
I sighed in defeat. "Fine." And took my seat.
Chrollo's smile went wider, like he's really happy and my heart skipped a beat. "Umm..." I looked away. "I found the notebook this morning in my deskdrawer. I doubt you're the one who put it there. I heard that you were looking for it so I went to your classroom but Jonah told me that you're absent."
"I see... Well, what do you think?"
"Of?"
"Let me see... Who do you think put it in your deskdrawer? And why? I want to know how well you can deduce." He was daring me and I played along. Naturally.
"At first, I would think that just about any fangirl of yours but that's not the case. This one is hell bent on getting me to yield. So it's safe to assume that it's Scarlet Vermeil indirectly."
"Indirectly?"
"She could have sent anyone of her followers to do the task. Why did she do it? Because of you. She has the wrong idea and a strong sense of jealousy because you're recklessly giving me too much of your attention."
Chrollo chuckled. "Spot on." He gave me a thumbs up.
"You seem so happy about me getting bullied by Vermeil for some reason." I said and rested my head on my hand, my elbow resting on the chair's arm.
Chrollo grinned. "Not exactly. Now, what do you think of my analyses? I don't believe you didn't even take a peek."
I smirked. "It's well done but you got something wrong on Lilianne Vin Roze's poem 'Thief'."
Chrollo raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Oh?"
I took the notebook and flipped the pages, then showing him the poem and his mistake. "See? 'This ruby engraved deep within
Cracked up in its inner core
But the exterior remains a polished jewel
Its fragility well-hidden'
This refers to the persona's heart, the ruby's qualities. The ruby is red, right? Red symbolizes love and when we say love, we talk about the heart. Her heart is that of a beautiful Ruby but its interior is all cracked up. You're wrong when you say that the thief just wishes to steal a mere jewel. The thief refers to the persona's lover."
Chrollo looked at me impressed. "That's quite the find. How did you know?"
"I just read it and I automatically knew. This is a love poem, the different gems referring to the persona's different aspects and the thief is her lover who discovers and steals everything."
"And she's left empty in the end." Chrollo concluded and I nodded. "Ok, what else did you find?"
I had to sit beside Chrollo to point things out clearly in the notebook. It felt nice nitpicking on his mistakes, made me see that he's really a human. I was having so much fun exchanging literary criticisms with Chrollo that I completely forgot about the time. The beautiful little world the two of us were in immediately dispersed when my phone rang, and ringtone was the one assigned to Jonah.
"Crap..." I said, getting off the bed and getting the phone from my bag, answering it hurriedly. "Hello?"
"Oujo-sama! Where are you? Are you ok?! I checked your house and you weren't there!"
"All right, calm down, Jonah." I moved away from Chrollo for some privacy. "I'm fine. I just lost track of time. I'm completely safe. I'm on the way home right now."
"Are you sure? Oujo-sama, did you go to Chrollo's alone?" Honestly, Jonah's sharp as long as it concerns me.
"Look, Jonah, I'm heading home so you don't need to worry anymore."
"But you can't go home alone! Tell me where you are and I'll accompany you back home."
"Geez, there's no need for trouble. Don't come after me and stop stressing out so much. That's an order." And I ended the call.
"That's quite the conversation." Chrollo mocked as I approached my bag on the chair beside his bed.
"It's just Jonah being Jonah." I said vaguely, putting the phone back in my bag and slinging the bag over my shoulders. "Well, I'm off."
"Right. Franklin will drive you home."
"Is that even a good idea? I don't really think Jonah should know I went here, let alone me knowing where you live."
"Well, I don't want to be responsible if anything happens to you on your way home." Chrollo reasoned.
"Fine. Point taken." I said and made my way out. "Get well soon." I waved with my birthmarked hand.
"Hey, don't forget, it's Friday today."
I stopped in my tracks and smirked. "Heh... I know. I'll see you tomorrow, 'master'."
