It was early in the morning, just like one of that busy morning for the family. In the city there is a three-story house built with a small bakery beside it, there is a brunette girl getting up early to help her mother in their family business. The brunette girl was Hilary and was busy arranging the pastries in the bakery counter then she saw her father entering the shop.
"Morning Dad!" Hilary chirped blissfully to her father while putting an apron around her waist.
When her father is about to greet her they are starting to hear noises from the door then it suddenly open, it revealed a girl in about the age of 9 with maroon hair and wore a big rectangular glasses in her eyes. "...Good morning...big sis...dad...." she groggily greeted to her sister and father as she walked towards Hilary.
"Morning to you too Tanya", his father lively replied. "Aren't you supposed to be asleep?"
"Yes, but Hilary's banshee voice wake me up." Quipped Tanya while Hilary giving her a death glare.
Looking back at his elder daughter. "Hilary, haven't you stayed late last night"? the patriarch asked while raising a brow.
She nodded, "Yeah, around 3 am I guess". Hilary answer smiling. "I have to study for the entrance exam you know."
"So you haven't had enough sleep" her father interrogated in a worried tone. "Then, you don't have to help with the bakery let your mother do the work here."
"No, she has to!" A voice shouted near the door. The unexpected shout make the man jump a bit and realizes where the voice come from.
"But Flora, today is her entrance exam!" father shouted back.
"Then, will she pass if she rest?" Flora insisted while opening the door revealing her irritated face and her hands on her waist.
"Do you always have to be that hard?" the father whined in a defeat tone. The shouting and arguing made Tanya irritated because they always do that almost every day.
"Hey sis, can't they just stop nagging at each other?" Tanya whispered to her sister disappointedly. Their father is close enough to them that he can hear what Tanya has said.
"What! You little kid?!" their father exploded. "How can you say that to your parents?!"
"Huh? What? I didn't say anything.", Tanya answered fast. "I think I'm going back to bed before Hilary starts screeching again, bye! " Then she ran as fast as lightning leaving her father and sister pissed.
"Hey come back here!" Hilary shouted, but Tanya was long disappeared into the house.
"Oh, If she shows his bratty little face to me I'm going to reap him to pieces!" Hilary spat in a devilish voice.
"Like I said, it's okay for today." The father then resisted Hilary from any further work.
"Since I am already here, let's not fuss and just do what we can do." Hilary reasoned and continued putting the pasties in the bakery counter,
"That's what I meant!" Flora yelled then she look at Hilary. "Hilary, can you bring that basket of pastry over there." Flora crooned while pointing at the basket at near Hilary.
"Sure!" Hilary frolicked towards the basket and lifted it. However, in her sudden excitement, the basket slipped out of her hand, and spilled the pastries on the floor, ruining the whole sweet.
"Sorry!" Hilary sniffed. She was surprised that the basket fell down, she was sure she was holding it tightly but her hand suddenly weakened.
"It's wasted!" the father hurried to clean up the mess.
"It's okay dear." Flora pacified then she looks at Hilary worriedly.
XXX
Half an hour later, after helping her mother in cleaning and arranging the bakery and also finishing their breakfast, Tanya and Hilary were rushing to go to school and their father was getting ready for his work.
"Hey wait for me Tanya.", Hilary shouted as she exited the house.
"Last one is a rotten egg!" Tanya teased as she ran to her school, leaving Hilary to angrily chase behind.
"TAAANYYYAAA! " Hilary yelled. "YOUR GONNA PAY!".
"Hilary, wait! You forgot something!" Her mother shouted at Hilary as she catches Tanya. Then she shows a green small paper with a picture of Hilary. "Your examination card!"
"Ooops!" Hilary playfully hits her own head, and hops to retrieve her card from her mother.
"You careless girl..." Flora scolded as she handed the card. "That's just like someone!" Flora teased as her husband's car pass by.
"Okay then. I'll get going. Thanks Mom!" Hilary laughed, skipping towards the gate of their house.
"Do your best dear!"
XXX
While riding the bus, Hilary suddenly felt fatigued. She was constantly yawning and her body ached for some reason. Her eyelids were feeling drooping and wet from all the yawning. Perhaps it was the late night studying and all the work she had done this morning.
"(Yawn)... Maybe Dad was right.. (Yawn)..." Hilary thought as she fell asleep. Unknown to Hilary the bus pass the bus stop where the school where she is going to take exam is located.
At school, a certain orange haired friend of Hilary was starting to get antsy about Hilary because the entrance test is about to start.
"Where is she?" Emily grimaced worriedly.
"The examinees, please hurry!" announced the examiner.
Emily gave the school gate one last look solemnly before making her way towards the hall.
"I'm sorry Hilary…"
Back in the bus, the vehicle jolted on a speedbreaker, waking up Hilary in the process. She groggily looked at her surroundings only to yelp the second she realize the bus was now driving beyond her stop. She hastily glanced at her watch, further frightened to realize there was barely ten minutes left before the exam commenced. She alighted the bus at the next stop, and dashed as fast as she could. On her way, she slipped and hurt her knee. The bleeding didn't upset her as much as her thought of missing the exam. She had been working on it for a year, and now could see it getting drained. Tears began to rolled down her cheek as she held her knee close to her chest.
Like a miracle, a bike stopped in front of her. She slowly gazed to look at the rider. He was wearing the same uniform as her which was enough to know he was a student at the same school as she was. He took down his helmet, revealing to be one of her classmates. It was Tyson, the class jester. Hilary inwardly sighed. Of all the people…
"Hey," Tyson tilted his head, "What are you doing here? Aren't you late?"
"Yeah, thanks for reminding me that!" Hilary hissed.
"Hey, you are hurt!" Tyson gasped, pointing a finger at her knee.
"No shit, Sherlock!" Hilary bit, but the pain was agonizing.
"Well, there's still 5 minutes for the test to start," Tyson mused looking at his watch, "I can get you there in time."
Hilary's face clearly read that she was hesitating. Tyson was a specialist when it came to pranks.
"Alright, suit yourself," Tyson shrugged his shoulders coolly, and took a seat at his bike.
Suddenly he felt an additional weight on his bike, and he grinned, before putting on his helmet.
"Don't get any ideas. I'm just outta options." Hilary chided.
"Hey, this exam is as important for me as it's for you, okay." Tyson combatted. "I could have driven past but I am aware of the efforts you have put in, alright! So if you can't appreciate it, at least don't get snippy."
"Thank you." Hilary mumbled before looking the other way, scoffings.
Tyson resumed the ride, while Hilary behind him held him tighter as Tyson accelerated towards their destination faster. Her face began to heat up as they headed for school together. Reaching a minute before the exam was commencing, Tyson instead guided Hilary to the school clinic.
"What? Hey, the exam centre isn't this way!"
"I know, we are going to see the nurse to get your wound checked."
"Tyson!" Hilary roared, "Are you outta your mind! We are out of time!"
"Hilary!" Tyson gritted his teeth, "You are bleeding. Even you white socks are red! Do you think they'll let you take the exam in this state?"
"I…I…" Hilary grinded her teeth. She hated to admit it but Tyson was right. The pain wasn't making it any easier. "Bu…But what about your exam?"
"Don't worry about me, Hilary." Tyson exhaled, before turning away from her and going to call the nurse.
"Well excuse me then.", Tyson bowed as the nurse began to clean Hilary's wound. He turned to Hilary once last time and his eyes met her surprised red orbs. "Well, looks like this was it then. Good luck on your exam." He winked before heading for the door.
Suddenly, Miss Kincaid barged in, yelping. "Oh Hilary! I was wondering where you were! And you too Tyson!"
"I'm sorry for the delay, Miss Kincaid," Hilary bowed her head, "As you see, I was hurt and Tyson brought me here."
"You are lucky he was there, or else you would have missed the exam. But since there is a medical reason involved, I can make an exception for you two. You both can take the test here!" Miss Kincaid beamed, handing them their test papers.
While Hilary's eyes lit looking at the questions, the same couldn't be said for Tyson who gawked leaning up against the wall seemingly in shock. The reaction of Tyson made Hilary giggle loud.
"However, in order to keep the fairness with the other students, the first test will end at the scheduled time, is it okay with you?", The teacher said.
"Of course, thank you very much!" Hilary said.
"No, no. I'm just..." Tyson is about to finish his sentence when his teacher spoke up.
"It's a noble thing that you chose to help someone, even when it causes you to be late." The teacher said as she put her hand on Tyson's shoulder.
"Not really..." Tyson blushed.
"Can I see your examination cards?" Miss Kincaid asked.
Both of them flashed their exam cards to the teacher.
"Junior High, exam number 2054, Hilary Tachibana, and Junior High, exam number 1093, Tyson Granger. Alright then. All the very best!" the teacher chirped.
Hilary and her friend Emily, walked side by side away from their school. Their entrance test, which will determine whether they will pass the standard of their chosen school, had just taken place. Students filled the school ground, most of their faces showed relief; others were nervously asking what the other had answered and there were even few (They even have traces of perspiration on their faces) who looked as though they had just fought a trial court.
Emily turned to Hilary, "I can't believe you slept in the bus before the exam", her voice was full of disbelief, "Should I say that you have high confidence or is it audacious?"
"Yeah", Hilary gave a small nod, "I couldn't believe it myself."
Ray looked at Tyson questioningly. "I thought you weren't gonna take the test from the first subject."
They both picked their bikes among the other's. Tyson shifted his bike to upright position then without looking at his friend, he responded, "I intended to do so."
Ray looked surprised, "You serious?" His eyebrows were raised.
Hilary recognized Tyson from distance. He was mounting on his bike as she sauntered up to him.
"Hey Hilary. You need a ride home or something?"
"Uhmmm... Thanks for this morning."
Tyson looked at her sharply, "Don't mention it. I ain't the jerk you guys think I am."
"Huh?", Hilary was shocked. She wasn't expecting this remark from him. Tyson snorted and rode away. Ray gave Hilary a puzzled look then went after him.
(The Tachibana residence)
The peaceful atmosphere of the Tachibana family's supper was suddenly broke by Mr. Tachibana's booming voice, "You got on a bike with a boy?" Hilary's father looked at her. Her mother cut her before she could even respond, "Were you late?"
Hilary chewed her food carefully ,then nodded.
"Who's the kid? Where's he from? Her father began firing rapid questions to her daughter.
Hilary's younger sister, Tanya noted without looking up from her meal, "It's not a big deal for you right sis". She kept her voice thoughtful but failed to hide the smug expression increasing on her face, "You could easily answer it all."
"Is it the guy you can't tell to your parents?" the father stressed.
Hilary chose to ignore her father's question. She responded to Tanya's remark however, "But I could only answer the half of it..." Her voice trailed off.
The man was becoming impatient, "Are you listening to me?" He spat the words out. Bits of food rained at the table. Tanya gazed at her food with horror, gave a disgusted groan then made a face at her father, "Dad, your spitting all over the food and it's gross!"
"How can you say dirty to your parents?" the father grumbled, knitting his brows
"What's dirty is dirty!" Tanya insisted.
Flora gave her daughter a patronizing look, "But you have to thank that boy who gave you a lift."
"Yup." Hilary smiled. She was grateful that her mother understands the situation.
Her father, however nearly choked. "What? Thank him?" he blurted. He turned to his wife, his eyes questioning , "How can you let a girl of marriageable age, ride with a guy?"
Tanya interrupted, "It's not about marriageable age, right. It's about riding a bike with a guy."
Their father looked flustered, "Well, I mean It'll be great if both of you pass.", Flora, who tend to look at the bright side, tried to make Hilary feel better. Hilary met her mother's gaze, her tone worried , "What if I fail?"
Her father's recently clouded face cleared and his voice softened, "Nah, you don't need to worry about that sweetheart." He told her reassuringly.
The following day, Hilary and Emily, were back at school. They were silent, full of tension. The huge black board in front of them was the only thing that held their attention. Written on it were numbers and each number corresponds to a student who took the entrance test and, luckily, passed.
Emily's eye widened. She pointed to a spot on the board, "There's my number!" She stated excitedly, "My number!"
Hilary gasped, "Me too!" Sure enough, not far from her friend's number was her own.
On cue, they both hugged each other. The girls were filled with joy. Emily sighed with relief then said, "It's so great that we both passed."
A voice brought them back to their senses. The broke out of their embrace as soon as they heard of it.
"Hilary, it's great that you've both passed. Congratulations." The guy smiled. Hilary could never forget that smile. Kai had taken her by surprise.
Hilary felt the heat rush to her face as she flushed with pleasure, "Thank you" , she said quite breathlessly.
Kai turned to a student next to him.
"They're my juniors in the basketball team in junior high." He faced them again and introduced his companion, "This is Ray from the basketball team."
Ray smiled warmly at them, "Nice to meet you." , he murmured. Hilary and Emily did the same.
"Hilary, you'll join the basketball team here, right?" Kai looked at Hilary in the eye.
Hilary caught her breath, "Yes."
Kai's brow creased and he added in mock seriousness, "Good, but our basketball club is tough, just be prepared." The sides of his lips as he fought a smile.
"Yes" , Hilary replied.
Kai grinned, "Well then, I look forward to that." Ray nodded in agreement at his side, "good."
Hilary and Emily was still staring at the two retreating figures. Suddenly, Emily began to giggle.
"Stop it, won't you.", Hilary scolded her friend.
Emily teased her, "Was it from first grade of junior high that you like him?" She took Hilary's sheepish smile as a yes, "Why don't you just say it?"
"No way! That's just impossible! How can you say such a thing?" She shoved at Emily playfully.
Emily's smiled wider, "Then, should I say your feelings to him for you?"
Hilary's eyes widened in horror at the thought, "NO!" she shook her head, intent on stopping Emily in whatever it was that she was thinking, "I don't like him the way you think I do. He's good looking and gets good grades, but that's where I draw the line! He's not the type of guy I would go out with."
"Oh, I thought you liked him…" , Emily was disappointed.
"You don't have to be so mad."
Emily smiled again reassuringly, "I'm not mad", but She hesitated then said, "By the way, The guy that helped you on the exam day, did he pass?"
Hilary turned to face the school and looked at it thoughtfully for a minute, "Come to think of it ..." She mused.