My Tourniquet

|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|CHAPTER 10|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|~*~|

Capital City, Orb, Spring CE 73

"Did you hear the news?" Shiho and Mir ran up behind their friends. Cagalli and Lacus turned to face them, both holding their locker doors open.

"What news?" Lacus asked.

"Mr. LaFlaga and Ms. Ramius are getting married this summer," Mir announced.

"About time," Cagalli muttered. "Everyone's been waiting for that."

"It's just so cool," Mir happily said. "They look good together."

Cagalli nodded in agreement and pulled out two books. "Do we need our history text today?"

"Nope," Mir replied. "Test today. He said it would take us most of the class period to complete it."

The blonde groaned and placed the red and tan book back on the shelf before packing her math text into her pack. Cagalli turned to Lacus. Her best friend had an unreadable look on her sweet face. "Yoo-hoo, Lacus. What's up?"

Lacus didn't respond for a second then turned to Cagalli. "Oh, sorry."

"Is something wrong?" Cagalli asked. The three girls gazed at Lacus with concern. Lacus quickly shook her head.

"No, it's nothing. I just spaced out for a moment, that's all," Lacus replied before turning back to her locker.

A lovely red rose appeared before her eyes suddenly, breaking Lacus's silent train of thought. She looked up and saw DeAnderick standing there casually. He was one of the dozens of overly rich students at the school who often made a bold effort for Lacus's affections, him even more so since the last dance when he broke up with Flay. Most of the girls loved him, as they did with Athrun. His honey gold locks and rich baritone voice combined with dark eyes made half the female population in the school swoon.

"Good morning," he said, flashing a charming smile. The two girls pulled Cagalli away, leaving Lacus alone, much to her growing discomfort.

"Oh…good morning," Lacus politely replied.

"I know class is about to start," DeAnderick said quickly, "but I was wondering if I could have the honor of escorting you to the upcoming Academy ball?"

Lacus snapped her eyes to his, lips parted in surprise. "The ball?"

"Yes," DeAnderick said. "Dinner and the ball, to be exact."

"Well, I-" Lacus trailed off for a moment. "I don't know. I haven't thought about the ball really."

"I see," DeAnderick slowly nodded. "Well, then be sure to let me know soon. I'm sure it will be plenty of fun."

He handed her the rose and brushed past her towards his first class. Lacus stood holding the delicate flower, fingers caressing the smooth stem. It was a thoughtful token, Lacus thought. The deep red petals were perfectly shaped without a wilting corner or nicked edge and felt like the smoothest velvet. The rich green of the stem brought out the red even more. But when she lifted the red petals to her face, the fragrance a rose should be radiating was merely a faint trace. A rose stripped of its thorns from seed and made to last longer than an amaranth.

Everlasting love. It was every silly girl's dream. A romantic escapade free of worry and frustrating drama, deprived of its true nature.

A droplet of water fell onto the rose petals. Lacus slowly touched her hand to her cheek, feeling the small moist trail from her tear. When she glanced around her, the hallway was about empty. The bell rang suddenly, startling the young woman. She placed the rose on top of her books and shut it away in darkness.

Lacus stared into the mirror, a blank countenance upon her lovely face. She gave up and settled for pulling back some of her hair and pinning it with a barrette. Prom night and she could hardly smile. She tore her eyes from the mirror image and let them fall on a small drawer in vanity dresser. After opening the drawer, she pulled out a framed picture from years ago. A treasured moment.

"Lacus!" a soft knock came at her door. The drawer was pushed back in, safely hiding the picture away.

"Yes?"

Her mother entered…or rather, stepmother. Lorene was the only mother Lacus had ever known since her own died after she was born. She had proven herself to be a loving woman and every girl's dream friend.

"Are you not ready yet?" Lorene asked gently. "Your gentleman will be here at any moment."

Lacus moved to her bed, sitting on the edge. "I know."

Lorene's glowing smile faded to a concerned look. She sat down by her daughter and draped a loving arm around her shoulders. "What's wrong? Lacus?"

The young woman shook her head. "I'm not sure."

"This wasn't the young man you hoped would ask you to the dance, right?" Lorene guessed. Lacus didn't look up from her hands.

"Not really," Lacus replied, surprising herself with the confession.

"Well," Lorene sighed, "just go and have fun. Your other friends will be there, too. So you'll have someone to talk to. As for this man, who knows? Give him a chance. A friend of mine said dating is like shopping for shoes. You simply have to keep trying them on until you find a fit. Now, let's get this dress on." Lacus smiled. The older woman had a cynical sense of humor that was oftentimes refreshing.

When the red car pulled up in front of the Clyne home, Lacus was just walking down the stairs with her mother. Of course, her father was already greeting DeAnderick. Then the pictures Lorene couldn't resist taking. One of him kissing her hand, another of him slipping the pink rose corsage onto her wrist and a couple more of them simply standing together. It was probably at least fifteen minutes before the couple was allowed to walk out the doors. DeAnderick, ever the gentleman, opened her door before getting in on the other side. The driver began driving as soon as the doors were shut.

The small conversation consisted of him talking and her giving a small smile or comment in return. She found it wasn't hard to keep him occupied. The restaurant was beautiful, one of the most expensive ones around. Normally their food was excellent but the taste just didn't seem to appeal to her tonight.

The entrance to the hall where everyone would be dancing the evening away was exquisitely decorated. Ribbons of gold and purple, the academy's colors, draped from the ceiling. Red carpet lined with candles led the students to the dancing hall. Rose petals mixed with glitter swept across the floor as couples strolled down the corridor.

The main hall itself was divine. The orchestra presented itself on a raised stage at the back of the room. The gentle notes swept through the room. Chandeliers of sparkling crystal hung over the dancing crowd. At the side, a long table of beverages and refreshments were elegantly laid out. All around were beautiful flower arrangements of white baby's breath and red roses.

Lacus immediately craned her neck, searching for Cagalli and Miriallia. She started to notice all sorts of resentful looks from some girls. Sadly, the first one she noted belonged to Flay. Just as Lacus caught a glimpse of a stunning Cagalli in a spring green dress, DeAnderick took her by the hand and led her to the dance floor.

He wasn't too bad a dancer, Lacus thought. They danced maybe two or three songs before he would let her off the dance floor. He accompanied her to the refreshments table and around the room. He gently pulled her along to where his friends were mingling. Lacus just smiled and stood by as DeAnderick spoke with his friends. It was probably an hour into the dance when he finally let her to go find Cagalli.

"Cagalli," Lacus called softly. Her blonde friend turned and grinned. "Hey, Lacus. That looks great on you. Pink is definitely your color."

"As green is yours," Lacus said with a giggle. She didn't even want to hear the great misadventure of finding that dress, much less getting the tomboy to wear it. "Where is Mir?"

"Last I saw, she was trying to get Tolle on the dance floor for a round," Cagalli replied. "Tolle's being a bit of a party spoiler."

"Poor Mir," Lacus whispered. "I thought they were both excited about coming to the ball together. It wouldn't be any fun if they didn't dance."

"He's enjoying talking with his buddies," Cagalli added, narrowing her golden eyes at Tolle across the room. Miriallia was no longer to be seen; however, Tolle didn't seem to take any notice of that fact.

Meanwhile, curled up against a wall away from the music and laughter, Mir hugged her knees, trying to not outright sob. Tolle had a lot nerve asking her out then ditching her. He just left her in the great hall, all dolled up for his eyes only, and he left.

"Hey," a comforting voice came. She looked up and saw Dearka standing over her.

She wiped the back of her hand across her cheeks. "What do you want?"

Dearka's eyes were soft, sincere, as he knelt down. "I was going to ask if I may accompany you for the evening. At least for a dance or two."

Mir gazed up at him with parted lips and widened eyes. "Dearka…" Gradually the sad frown changed into a small smile. Carefully placing her hand in his outstretched hand, Miriallia let him pull her up from the cold floor. Once she had smoothed out her peach colored dress, Dearka led her to the dance floor like a gentleman. Her smile grew, eyes sparkling as the two began swaying and twirling to the vibrant music.

"Maybe he's not so bad after all," Lacus wondered as they watched Miriallia dance with the blonde man. "I always thought they looked good together."

"Apparently so does everyone else," Cagalli added, nodding to the students watching from the sidelines.

"Why not? Dearka finally has a nice girl," Athrun interjected as he came up behind the two girls. "Shall we, Cagalli?"

Lacus didn't miss the light dusting of pink on her friend's cheeks as she was swept into the crowd by Athrun. It was funny that after dating for over a year, they were still so shy. Content to simply watch her friends enjoy themselves, Lacus moved back only to be stopped by her date.

"Let's dance," he said to her. Lacus shook her head.

"I really don't feel like it right now," Lacus began to protest but he wouldn't hear of it. Soon enough, he had his arms around her petite waist waltzing her around the room. For the rest of the night all she saw of her friends was them dancing with their dates on the floor or resting at the side. Much to her dismay, when the danced ended for the night, Lacus was eager to be back at home.

The halls were dimmed for the evening but her parents wouldn't sleep until she was home. She knew they expected to hear all about how enjoyable the ball was.

As DeAnderick accompanied Lacus to the large double doors, Lacus remained silent. He finally let her arm go. "I really enjoyed our evening together, Lacus. Hopefully, it won't be the last."

Lacus shifted, averting her gaze. "Yes…maybe. Thank you, DeAnderick."

Before she could open the door to sanctuary, he leaned down to kiss her. Quickly she turned and his lips only met her cheek.

His face didn't portray the frustration in his voice. "I'll see you on Monday then. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she replied, still refusing to meet his steely gaze. He retreated back down the path for his car while Lacus hurried into the mansion.

"I was beginning to wonder how much longer you were going to be," Lorene said with some relief in her voice. "How was it?"

"It was all right," Lacus said softly. "I think I'll retire for the night."

"All right," the older woman said. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Lacus embraced her stepmother and withdrew to the comfort of her room. She unclasped her necklace and laid it on her vanity table with the earrings and hair clip. Sullenly she stared at herself and began to feel the familiar sting of tears in her eyes. Baby lilac eyes dropped from the reflection to the little drawer as she pulled it out. As Lacus gazed at the picture tears fell down her cheeks.

Suddenly she was up off the plush vanity stool and face down on her bed, quiet sobs racking her body. Soon after, she cried herself to sleep, clutching the picture to her chest.

The next couples of weeks following the ball were buzzing with the excitement and stress of final exams then summer break. That included the devoted class time, quieter lunches, and long hours of study into the night at home. Most of the students at Orb Prep gave their all for this time of year and had their fair share of exhaustion. In the past for Lacus, it was just as anxious and tiresome as anything else. This year, something else weighed heavy on her heart and mind, distracting her from her studies, adding to the vicious cycle.

"Lacus!" Cagalli shouted for the third time. Lacus looked over at her worried friend.

"Huh? What is it?" Lacus asked.

Her friend narrowed her amber eyes, lips in a firm line. "Is there something the matter, Lacus? You have been completely out of it lately. Almost…depressed really. And on the last days of junior year, too."

Lacus gave her a small smile, which Cagalli added to her list of unusual Lacus behavior. The bright, heartwarming smiles seemed to have been slowly but surely withering away like a flower would. Even that sparkle in her eyes was beginning to dull.

"It's just these exams," Lacus explained. "It seems like more work than last year."

Cagalli kept frowning, not believing her. "I don't buy that, Lacus. I'm serious. Is it about DeAnderick?"

The name brought back memories of the rather assertive male over the last part of the year. The luscious red roses were getting old as were the advances. "Not quite. He doesn't get the hint I'm not interested going out with him."

"I see," Cagalli nodded. "So what is bothering you?"

The bell went off, warning students that class would begin soon. Typical, Cagalli thought, being saved by the bell. The two girls cut their conversation off and left for their first exam. After 7 hours of exams, the last bell rang for the school year, releasing hundreds of students to their summer activities at last.

Various posters had been posted over the last hour by a assortment of organizations, all announcing summer events. Much of the end of school rush was slowed down as students crowded at each poster. Miriallia was jumping and squealing at the photojournalist gallery ad. The rest of the group was looking at concerts, festivals, and other exciting opportunities for young adults. Lacus glanced at as many as she could but most were for sports, galleries, summer camps, sea trips, etcetera. A poster at the end of the line caught Cagalli's and her attention.

"Orb's First Battle of the Bands, presented by Nishi Public Academy," Cagalli read. "May 4th through the 5th. Christy mentioned this. Her group's competing."

"West Island, Riker's Park. Featuring local hits such as Harlequin Red, Steena, and Evanescence," Lacus read, gazing at the smaller print. "Also a music centered festival with stands by Lady Olivia's Designs, Atomic Rage, Orb Recording, etc. Want to go, Cagalli?"

The blonde nodded. "Sure. I'll see if Athrun wants to join us."

Cagalli had already informed Lacus about her date with Athrun to the park that sunny afternoon, which left Lacus to walk home alone. It was fine by Lacus. After stowing away her school pack and uniform for the summer months, she picked up her notebook and wandered to the back gardens for some peace and quiet. It was a place where she could day dream, cry, or work without nosy maids, a worrisome mother, or a protective father intruding.

Capital City, Orb, Summer CE 73

The summer holiday suddenly felt like it would be a slow, torturous one to Lacus. Since the last day of classes, her friends had been nowhere to be seen or heard from. Cagalli and Athrun were soaking up the personal time and the rest were who knew where. So the down time found Lacus gardening with Lorene or wandering around aimlessly. When the Battle of the Bands weekend came up, everyone was committed to better things. Even Nicol was busy with his piano rehearsals and recitals.

Disappointed, Lacus curled up on her bed, not sure what to do next. She had been counting on someone going with her to the island. Lorene walked in, looking ready to leave for the day. Lacus had already declined attending the tea party in hopes of going to the music festival.

"What's your plan for the day?" her stepmother asked.

"I'm not sure," Lacus sighed. "It seems like everyone is going to the tea party."

"Weren't you going to that event on West Island?"

"No one else can go," Lacus said.

Lorene looked both thoughtful and indignant on her step-daughter's behalf. "So go alone then. If you want to go have some fun, go. And then tell the rest of them how much more fun you had listening to live music instead of sipping tea like any of day. You said it's a two day event, right? Well, pack a bag and go stay at a hotel for the weekend. You're plenty capable. Who know? You may even make some new friends."

Lacus smiled. The woman had a way of seeing things. "I guess you're right."

Lorene looked at her, "Girl, I'm always right! It's my job. Now get ready and we'll drop you at the ferry dock."

Half an hour later, the Clyne family was driving to the ferry dock where Lacus boarded the ferry for her first weekend away from home without friends along. The ferry ride took a little over two hours to arrive to West Island. The Chii Bay held a huge harbor for all the ships and private boats as well as the ferry docks. Grand total less than a forth was harbor property. Another half of the bay were private sea front homes, isolated from the rest of the city. The rest was left untouched like much of the island. West Island was the 3rd largest island in Orb, west of the main capital island, Onogoro. West Island City was smaller than the Capital, but still, it was a low, spread out city with a life of its own.

After checking into a hotel, she packed a small day pack which included money, water, sun block, camera, and a local area map. With quick directions from the front desk, she ventured onto the hot sidewalks. It took some wandering on her part, but eventually she found the steady stream of people going one way.

West Island, Orb, Summer CE 73

"I gotta say," Paul whistled, "the geeks get kudos for this"

"Yeah," Amy admitted, her tone unreceptive. Deanna tossed her a paper fan. The heat was blazing today. This is one day she would've happily voted for overcast.

The Battle of the Bands had, as Kira predicted, turned into quite the spectacle. The nerd squad, newly named the BOB Committee, had rented out all of Riker's Park for not one, but two days, and laid out the parks with food vendors, band booths, shops vendors as well as BOB merchandise. According to Cyrus, there were over a dozen food vendors, nearly three dozen shop vendors and craft booths, a handful of organizations looking for mass attention, and even some kiddy rides and shows. They had also successfully dragged in 11 local, unsigned bands to compete. Most of them were nobodies in her book, brought in just to lengthen the show. The only one she cared about was Steena and her display booth was attracting as much attention as theirs.

The guys left the girls to the designing of said display. It was just an introduction to the band, the members and their music, plus some flyers announcing their usual play dates. Dave managed to get their homemade EP of five songs run and running and those were going around one by one. Until the first round of bands this afternoon, the group would rotate people managing the booth. At that moment, Amy and Deanna were stuck with Paul minding the stand. The others were off wandering the festival.

"You still mad?" Paul asked, voice rather smug rather than meek. Amy glared daggers.

"Rot, worm chow."

"That's a yes," Deanna translated flatly.

Paul tried again, "When do I get to explain myself?"

"You can try, Day."

"Well, you see…" Really, it was just a prank gone wrong. He started the war, granted, but it was against Kei. For a nice kid, Kei had a mean streak in him. That and Celeste had a few tricks up her sleeves. After stuffing a half of Cookies's cricket supply in his backpack, Kei retaliated with a wicked vengeance. A quiet evening home resulted in mass mayhem from a single text. 'Hope Cookie likes water.' After hearing Amy announce she was getting her nightly shower and just noticing the scorpion missing from his tank, he freaked. Between Kira and Paul, Amy tended to believe the former rather than the latter. "…it wasn't completely my fault?"

"Uh huh." She didn't quite believe that. When he barged into her bathroom in the midst of her shower, she really didn't care whose fault it was.

Defeated, Paul wisely kept him mouth shut. It didn't help that Kira bluffed, just hiding Cookie under Paul's bed.

"Icy treats anyone?" Celeste popped out from the side with Kira close behind with a tray of them. Deanna was the first one up and snatched a paper cone of icy cherry delight.

"You rock," Amy exclaimed.

Kira set the tray down. "Thought you needed a reprieve."

"I like how you think," she grinned. After savoring a cold bite and letting the coolness wash over her, she asked if any of the other bands looked interesting.

Celeste scrunched up her nose. "Iffy. You got it made I think. Steena's the main challenger."

"Makes sense," Deanna cut in. "This whole schbang started because of you two fighting. The rest is moss on the tombstone."

"Nice," Amy high fived her.

"Did Jeorge give us the run down yet?" Kira asked.

The raven haired girl tried to swallow her spoonful without the brain freeze before answering. "Dave's job. All I know is the show starts at one for the weeding out. We're closing this thing done at twelve to get ready."

He nodded. "Sounds good. You good for the rest of the morning?"

She jerked a thumb at Paul. "Only if you take him with you."

"Hey!"

"Nyah," the couple shook their heads and left the booth.

The festival was crowded and Lacus was constantly being pushing to and fro along the walkways. Music was playing overhead as the day wore on. Some of the shops she had managed to explore were interesting. Her program said the bands were up at one o'clock. Until then, she just browsed around. A few of the popular shops were locally owned. One she liked was a clothing vendor, Olivia's. A guy was there with two little girls, acting as the owner's voice. He was animated and easy to talk with. He was also a big fan of his friends' band and assured her that the music was actually pretty good. Before she knew it, it was starting time for the Battle.

"By the way," he said, helping to tie close the pavilion shop, "I'm Em. That's Lyra and my daughter, Emmaleigh."

"Lacus," she replied. "Daughter?"

He shrugged and waited up for Olivia. "So I got into some…trouble back then. It's worth it, strange as it may sound."

"She's adorable."

The red-headed seamstress walked out. Em grabbed her hand. "Let's go. Stick around, Lacus. You'll love it."