Mind Games (Ouran High School Host Club) Ch.23

During that same day, after school (3:00 p.m.)

"I'm home."

"Welcome back, My Lady." Ann said casually."How was school?"

I shrug my shoulders in reply while taking off my jacket and handing it to Ann. I casually walk to the kitchen and grab a bottle of orange juice out from the fridge. Ann stood by the door, watching me intently while I went to a cabinet and grab myself a glass, and fill it with my drink. All the while, we didn't say anything, and it was dangerously awkward because she might suspect me of something.

"My Lord." Ann said suddenly.

And I was right.

"What is it?" I ask after taking a sip of orange juice, and putting the bottle back in the fridge. Ann was quiet for a moment while waiting for me to finish my drink. I stir the juice around the glass, and watching it intently. With the last sip, I set my empty glass near the sink and turn my full attention to her, and waited.

"I sense that there is something bothering you."

I flinch in reaction, and turn myself around to walk out of the room, and up the stairs. Ann obediently follows behind me. She then presses again, "Am I wrong?"

"It's nothing." I mumble.

"But Alex-"

I stop her mid sentence when I turn myself around, facing her. We both stood on the staircase looking at each other, and staring each other down to see who will forfeit. With a small smile, I said, "I'm fine, really. Call me over when dinner is ready."

Before Ann could say anymore, I dash up the stairs two steps at a time, and disappear. I thought I would loose sight of unseeing eyes when my mother's door suddenly flew open and Emily step out through the door. I skid to a stop in front of her, and before I almost run into her.

"Welcome home." My mother said, while smiling her usual content smile."Did anything interesting happen at school today?"

I shake my head, but then stopped as I thought about the phone call from Anne-Sophie, and the event that had happen at the Host Club. I stood there in front of her, content in my own thought of how to answer her question.

It shouldn't be this complicated to answer a simple question. I thought in frustration while I chew on my bottom lip. Emily titled her head to the side as she watched my change in expression."Is something wrong?"

"No." I said quickly, while taking a step back."And ugh, school was fine. Some old, same old things and what not."

"I see." She said thoughtfully. An awkward silence develops between me and her. It seems like it's getting harder to make small talks with my own mother as I fidget and lean my weight from one foot to the other while I look at the floor trying to think of something else to say.

"I'll see if the chef needs any help in the kitchen." My mother said suddenly, while she blushes in embarrassment, and stepping away from me to walk around me."I'll see you at dinner."

I look back and watch her hastily walk down the stairs and out of my sight. I let out a helpless smile and chuckle."Yeah, see you at dinner."

Without anymore interruptions, I walk to my room, and close the door behind me with a sigh of relief. I step away from the close door and walk towards the balcony. I lean all my weight against it with my elbows cross in front of me. I reach toward my shirt collar as I untie the knot of my tie while my eyes drifted outward. I was lost in my own thoughts while trying to prepare my greetings to my Mistress. To be honest, I'm a nervous wreck at the moment, because I haven't spoken to Anne-Sophie in four months, and suddenly she calls. And realizing it now that it's been that long since I last communicate with her left me feeling guilty for not contacting her all this time.

I bit down my bottom lip."I should have called first."

It was unfitting of me to do such a thing. What is happening to me? I thought in frustration. "Have all that training been a waste of time, and now I'm suddenly throwing everything away? This isn't like me."

I shook my head, and try to clear all my frustration out. No matter, I will still be the same person I was four months ago, and I will act like Alexander should do, and what he is. Because this is what I have created from the first moment I met Anne-Sophie. No matter what happens to me, I've given my everything to her, and I vow to not break her promise. That's it, my conclusion has been solved. I will not be shaken by who I'm with. Nothing, no one, and no more will anything influences me to be different.

"I choose this path, and I will stick with it." I said, while I reach inside my pants pocket for my cell phone. "You can do this."

Without hesitation, I flip the phone open and dial the number I am so familiar with. My fingers glided from one key to another, till my thumb stops, and my phone is place next to my ear. I heavily breathe out, while looking up at the cloudy sky while the other line of the phone still rings into my ear. The third ring was cut off and was replaced with her familiar symphonic voice.

"Alex?"

"Yes, my Lady." I said politely, my voice clear and soft. "I've call you back as promise."

I herd a soft giggle on the other line, as she said. "Oh my dear, you don't have to be so formal around me, just relax. And I told you to call me mother from now on."

"Yes…"I said, while smiling."…As you wish, mother."

"Now, tell me all about your adventure there. How is Tamaki? Did you find your mother? Did you make any friends, and are they being nice to you? Oh and I was so worried about you. You should call more often because I miss you everyday."

I laugh in amusement."Tamaki is doing fine. He's being his usual self and always putting a smile on his face. I did find Emily, even though I had to go through a lot of trouble to get to her, and now she's living with me at the estate. I made many friends here, and I seem to attract too much attention in my favor. Everyone treats me with respect as I to them, and also…."

I pause to catch my breath before smiling."I also miss you everyday. I'm sorry that I haven't called you, truly I am. I will call more often and as much as possible. "

"Thank you." She said, as she sighs out gratefully."It is good to hear such good news, but my dear. It seems that there can't be all good news."

"What do you mean, mother?" I ask, confused.

"You know what I mean, Alex." Anne-Sophie said softly."We may be talking across the country, but I can still tell that something is wrong. I don't have to read your expression to know this. So tell me, Alex, what had happen over there in Japan that had made you cry."

My body felt stiff as cold shiver ran down my spine. My eyes shot wide open in shock, as my phone had frozen against my ear. I was paralyzed in that spot, and couldn't speak a word to her.

How did she know? Am I that readable? I thought.

"Alex." Anne-Sophie said.

"I….I…" I try to say, but I didn't know how to respond. "How…how did you know?"

"I'm your mother, how could I not?"

"But…"

"Did Sebastian have to do anything about this?"

Her words hit the bull's eye head on, and I stumble back and away from the balcony. I couldn't believe what I am hearing. How did she know, and how was that obvious to her? I've never even mention his name, and yet, she knew it from the start. What is going on here?

"Alex, are you still there?" She asks me.

"Y-yes."

"If it is about your butler, then you don't have to worry about it."

"What do you mean?" I ask. I was confused now, more than I was before. "What do you mean not to worry?"

"If you want to talk more about this, then hurry and come back to me." She said earnestly."I really need to see you, and I miss you so."

"Please don't change the subject, and finish what you had to say." I said.

"Now it's not the time. We will worry about Sebastian later. "Anne-Sophie said. "I might have guess on what he has said or done, so let's let it lie for now, my dear. I don't want you to feel anymore sadness than you already have."

"How did you know that?" I gasp.

"I've known about this for a while." She said."But we will not talk about this now, but in private when you are here. I don't want rumors to spread."

"Fine." I said sternly. "I will be there in five days. I promise."

"Good." She said, her voice coming back to its gentle sound. "I will see you in five days, my dear. Please don't think too much of this, and try to forget what happen. It will be the best for you."

"Yes, mother." I whisper quietly."I've got to go, goodnight, Anne-Sophie."

"Sweet dreams, Alexandria."

My hand fell down to my side when I drop the phone when Anne-Sophie hung up. My knees buckle and I fell helpless down on the balcony floor. My weight pressed heavily against my hands in front of me as I look down at the concrete in agony.

This feeling that my body is reacting to, what could it be? I thought, while I lifted one hand upwards as I stare at it, as if trying to read invisible words on my palm. Then I felt the cold water dripped down on my hand.

"Is it raining?" I whisper, while looking up at the cloudy sky. The atmosphere is so dark and dull, and it makes me want to cry.

Drip.

There is was again, I felt the cold water drip down the side of my face. I reach up and touch the side of my cheek, and pressing my hands against my warm skin. The water drips down the third time.

"This water…" I choked out, while wiping it away from my eyes. My body has betrayed me again as the water still continues to drip down the side of my face.

"It isn't from the sky after all."

No matter what happens to me, everything is for you, Anne-Sophie.

(*)(*)(*)(*)

"My lady, dinner is ready." Ann said as she pokes her head into my room. "My Lady?"

"I'm in here." I called out from the bathroom."I'll be out in a moment."

"Alright." She said, while closing the door shut behind her.

I open the bathroom door and peek out of the door frame, seeing that no one of was here, I step out. My pajama snuggling me while I walk toward my dresser and look myself in the mirror, grabbing the hair brush, and comb through my short hair. I look deeply into my emerald eyes, and the whole feature.

"I am Alexander, and nothing more."

It was the same as usual during dinner. I smile when it was the right time, I laugh when I need to laugh. In my mind, everything was all scripted into a perfect puzzle of a life as a wealthy boy who lives with his servant along with his mother. No one, not even my own mother suspected a thing. They didn't notice the bags under my eyes, or the way I laugh so weakly, or how I force a smile upon my lips. Because they all do not know me, know Alexander, because I, Alexandria, do not exist. I am just a modeled boy who I had created for this new life. Nothing will ever change that fact.

The next morning came fast with my morning routine prepared with a hot shower, and freshly washed school uniform. I grab my school bag while heading out of my room, and towards the kitchen to get breakfast. School always starts early so I usually get myself something on the run to school. But I've woken up early than usual, and I have spare time to cook myself up a decent breakfast.

Without thinking what I want to eat, my hands roam around the kitchen on its own and grab what it wanted. This morning, my mind was like a blank, and I think about nothing and thought of anything about nothing. It might not have made any sense, but it did in my head at that moment.

My hand reach down the lower cabinet for a small frying pan, while my other hand reach for the stuff it collected and set it aside on the kitchen counter. While setting the heat on the stove to medium, I unwrap the sliced bread and put it in the toaster and setting it for three minutes. Then I reach out towards the one egg I had got out from the fridge and crack it open onto the frying pan, while drizzling it with olive oil. I then pepper the yolk with black pepper, and sprinkle salt also. When I reach to the drawers beside me to find myself a spatula, my hand froze.

"Rosemary bread, olive oil, egg, salt, pepper….." I said all the ingredients of my breakfast, when I realize why these ingredients were so familiar to my ear."Then a spatula….and then…and then, Sebastian-"

"My Lord?"

I yelp out in shock, and quickly turning myself around to face the person behind me. My confuse eyes relax when I saw who I thought would be there isn't actually there. "Oh, it's just you, Ann."

"Yes. I'm sorry if I had startled you." She said while walking up to me, and bow in apology. My heart flinched back at the familiar words.

"No, it's fine." I said, while turning myself around and took the spatula out of the drawer, and flipped my egg over till it was done. And quickly enough, I took the bread out of the toaster, and onto the plate, and place the egg on top of the bread, while drizzle a little oil on top.

"You're making breakfast?" Ann asks.

"Yes." I said as calmly as possible while I gritted my teeth in frustration for remember all those words I use to hear."But it seems that I've lost my appetite."

I turn myself around while facing Ann with the plate in my hand."Here, have it."

"Oh no, I couldn't." She said, while waving her hand in protest.

I shook my head."Please."

Finally, Ann meekly nodded and took the plate from my hand."Thank you."

"Not a problem." I said, while walking out of the kitchen and grab my things."I'll be going now. See you later."

"Have a good day, Alex."

Yeah, have a good day. I said sullenly, while walking out of the house, and onto the street. I didn't bother to take a taxi to school, so I was twenty minutes late.

My teacher asks for an explanation on my tardy, but I had none, and the conversation ended at that. The day went by slowly. I pay no attention to the class subjects, because I've already learn them, so I had no motivation left in me but to stare out at the window.

Finally, after school activity has arrive, and I stroll through the hallway towards the third music room. My footing stops when I saw Kyouya and Tamaki down the hallway and they were standing in front of the music room entrance. I shouldn't have cared and just pass them to get to the Magic Club, but when they said my name in their conversation, I step to the side, and hide myself against the wall to listen more.

"So is it all set?" Tamaki ask.

"Yes." I hear Kyouya reply."Plan "Alex's DTBH" is on its way."

Alex's DTBH? What's DTBH? I thought in confusion.

"Alright, let's go." Tamaki said, feeling accomplish.

I poke my head out to the side, and saw that they went inside the Host Club. My eyes still stare out at the saw hallway and thought about what those two were talking about.

"What are you doing Alex?"

"Holy Jesus!" I yell out, and jump out into the hallway. I quickly turn myself around and face the person behind me. "Did you have to sneak up on me like that?"

Neckozawa grins. "I wasn't sneaking up on you. You just didn't hear me."

I sigh out in frustration.

"Shall we get going to the club?" Neckozawa asks, and I nodded. I let him lead the way towards the third music room while I follow behind him. I felt agitated when he reaches for the door, but my nervous expression change to confusion when we enter the room, no one was there.

"Where are the Host members?" I ask.

"They said something about going shopping at a commoner's market or something, but it doesn't matter to us. Let's get going." Neckozawa said, while walking across the room towards the dark door to the magic club. Without a word, I follow him, and with a last look of the empty music room, I shut the door behind me.

"Come, sit." He said, as he waves his hand across the chair from him. I did as I was told, and watch him while he folds his hands together, while smiling casually.

"As promise, we will not do anything dark magic related today." He said, while he took out something silver from under the table in front of us."Instead, let's start about getting to know more about each other."

"Okay, but one question."

"Hm?"

"What is that for?" I said, while pointing my finger toward the device laying on top of the table between us.

"Oh, this is just a recorder." He said. "It's an easier way to file things about our members rather than typing the information up."

"Oh, alright."

"So." The dark man said, while he presses the record button. "Tell me about yourself Alex."

"Well, what do you want to know?"

"Hm…How about your hobbies, your like and dislikes for starters?"

"Well, I don't really have much of a hobby. I like basically anything, and I dislike many thing."

Neckozawa snorted."Please, is that the best you could do?"

"What? It's the truth." I accuse.

"Try to make an effort on this."

"Fine." I grumbled, while crossing my arms over my chest. "I like watching sunsets, snow, anything that relates to the colder weather. I dislike rain, because it brings back bad memories, I hate people who think highly of themselves, and I detest those who try to get into my business."

"Good." Neckozawa said, while chuckling at in amusement. "What's your favorite color?"

"Cobalt." I said too quickly, and caught myself as I blush in embarrassment at the memory of someone.

"Why that color?"

"No, no. It was a mistake. My favorite color is ugh…" I thought quickly."It's red and white."

"Why?"

"It's because they are the colors to my favorite roses." I said, while smiling heavenly at the good memories of my father."It also reminds me of my father. Though his favorite flower is a lily."

"I see." Neckozawa smile back. Then he ask another question."Any food you prefer the most?"

I shook my head."No, I eat about anything."

"Any candies you like?"

"Doesn't that consider being in the same category as food?" I ask back, and laughing in amusement.

"Yes, it does, but it will make all the difference."

I wonder what he means by that. I thought.

"Well…"I said, while looking back into my old memories. "I did like this chocolate candy sticks. I always buy them once a week and share them with my mom."

"Which candy is that?"

"I think it's called Pocky."

"Oh yes, I've herd of that." Neckozawa nodded in agreement."I eat them all the time as a child."

"Really now?" I ask, intrigued. "Tell me more."

Our conversation switch to Neckozawa's childhood, as I just sit and listen to all the amazing things I've never once knew about him. It didn't take me long to realize what time it was when it was pass closing time for the school, and I immediately stop him mid sentence and told him to continue on with our conversation next week. I stood up, stretch, and said goodbye to Neckozawa before heading out of the Magic Club.

I didn't expect to see anyone around the hallway this late, but I did when I saw Haruhi walking through the hallway with stacks of hardcover textbooks in her arms. I immediately rush over to her.

"Here, let me help you." I said, while talking half of the stacks off of her hand before she could protest.

Haruhi sigh in relief and smile. "Thanks."

"Where are you heading to with all these books?" I ask.

"I'm taking them home to study."

"All of these?"

Haruhi nodded."Yeah, I know , aren't I crazy?"

"No." I said."But you are a workaholic."

Haruhi laughs.

"Well, if you're going to take this entire stack home, then I have no choice but to follow you." I said finally, while readjusting my holding on the books.

"Oh no, there's no need for you to do that." She said. "I don't want-"

"Haruhi." I cut her off. "If you think that I'm about to let you hurt yourself with books again, then you're crazy. Remember what happen last time at the library?"

Haruhi flinched at the thought."Sorry."

"It's fine. It's not like I was hospitalized for a month." I said while nudging her with my hip jokingly.

"Then let's go." Haruhi laughs. "I also wanted you to meet someone anyways."

"Who?"

Haruhi smile."My father."

(*)(*)(*)(*)

Kyouya and I poke our heads out at the corner of the hallway as we both watch Haruhi and Alex walk together through the hallways, and out of the school. Following their movements, we both walk across the music room towards the tall glass window to stare down at them when they both reach pass the Academy's gate and onto the sidewalk. Both were laughing, and both were smiling.

"It seems that the plan has already started." I said to Kyouya, while turning to face him and smile genuinely.

"You're right, Tamaki." Kyouya said, while looking down at the two girls. A small smile form on his lips."Haruhi's a natural."