Rebirth - Two: Pain

Second Chapter. Enjoy! :D

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“You’re late!” Sai greeted. She tried to make a face when I entered the clinic. I smiled at her. She’s fine.

“There was a fuss in the corridors because no one’s making sure that everything was in order. Tsk! Tsk! So I have to fight my way here.” I said jokingly.

“Oh! I really shouldn’t be here. Let’s go back. Was there a fight? Where is it? Was it Junno and Rex, again? Oh! I am neglecting my duties.” Worry filled her face.

“Calm down. The girls are just going gaga over the new transferee.” I said. “You worry so much. They should learn to stand by themselves. It’s not like you’re always there to watch over the whole school. You’re the SC President not the babysitter.” I added. “Don’t overexert yourself. Let the teachers have something to do. It’s their job anyways.” I concluded with a sigh.

“Yes boss.” She replied pouting. “By the ways, how was it?” she said winking at me. I don’t have the slightest idea what she’s talking about. I guess my look gave me away. She continued, “The new transferee. If he’s making a fuss, I bet he’s really someone.” She looked at me expectantly. But what does she expect? It took me a moment to realize what she’s thinking. I rolled my eyes. A pain in my chest formed.

“What about him?” I tried to play innocent though I know it won’t work. She knows me too well just like the way I know her.

“Nothing.” She replied sheepishly and apologetically. Oh! Did my face give away the pain? Stupid human emotions. “I’m sorry.” She said almost like a whisper. “I should have known better that…” she trailed off and bit her lower lip.

“What are you saying sorry for? No harm done.” I replied trying to put a smile on my face. More pain. Go away! I wrapped her arm around my shoulder and said, “Let’s go?” I wish she wouldn’t notice my trembling. Luckily, she knew better to let it slip so we walked back to class in silence

That was faster than I thought. School was over and the corridors were buzzing with students. I made my way pass the crowd trying to get the least possible attention. The pain was still there. I want to go home and rest as if that would make it all go away.

“CLAAAIIIRRREEE!!” I heard someone screamed at me. It was too close. My eardrums were ringing. It was like static. The speaker’s voice was so high pitched.

“Allen? What is it?” There was no mistake. I looked back and saw a petite blonde standing a couple of feet away from me. I can’t believe she’s actually a year older than me. She’s just 4’4 making her look so fragile. Her azure eyes glistened with her hair while her well-rounded lips curved into a pout. She looked at me with those puppy dog eyes. A total lolita.

“Phew! You noticed me at last. I’ve been calling you for quite some time now screaming, rather. Where are you going?” she asked in an enthusiastic tune. I want to meet with Sai and go home right this instant. When I failed to reply, she said “Don’t tell me you forgot about today’s practice?” I totally forgot about that. When I was about to reply, she cut me saying, “Oh! You really did forget. You know that we have an upcoming tournament. You can’t just skip practice even if you are the soon to be captain, Claire-chi.” She winked at me. “C’mon, let’s go.” she said then grabbed my wrist.

“Allen…” I tried to make the words come out. I never missed any practice before until that happened. The flashbacks started again. I sat on one corner of my murky room. I held my knees closer to my body to make me feel safer. Misery crept into every cell of my body, but it originated somewhere. It hurt so badly. All I know was the existence of the pain. I know my heart still exists for I am still alive, somehow. But at the same time, I could feel that it was long gone – shattered into pieces.

“Claire-chi? Are you okay?” I was dumbfounded longer than I thought. Even though that was just a flashback of what happened, the pain was here. It existed and will always exist. No! I don’t want that. He was a total jerk so no harm done and there was no loss. I told myself, over and over again.

“I’m fine. I totally forgot about that. Effects of the upcoming chemistry exams…” I said trying to bluff my way out. I believe I’m good at this. Hope it works on Allen as much as it works on almost everyone else except Sai ofcourse.

“Chemistry!! Uh! Don’t mention it. I struggled hard to skip that subject.” She replied totally convinced and side tracked. “I know how you feel right now so go home early. My head hurts even from the slightest thought of it.” She continued and clasped her tiny head with her dainty hands and making those cute gestures you see in those cartoons. At first, I can hardly believe that this little girl is the captain of the archery team. But once you see her hold a bow, she becomes an entirely different person.

“Sorry for the trouble. I’ll catch tomorrow” I said trying to break off the conversation. Luckily, she let it go that easily.

“Roger, chief!” she said then imitated a salute – a loli kind of salute. She grinned and turned her back on me. “See you tomorrow.” She paused and said; “I suggest pain killers.” A sweet chuckle came out of her lips as she walked away. I wasn’t sure if she saw through my disguise or if she’s referring to the headache for the Chemistry exams. If it was just the exams, I believe I’ll be able to handle the pain but if it was the throbbing pain in the chest I think pain killers won’t even have effect on it. I know.

I walked quietly along the busy corridors. Sai was standing near the gate with a really worried expression – worrying about me I guess. It was not her fault that there’s this pain. Like me, she did not know. It was his fault or so I told myself. But deep inside, I believe it was my fault. No’ it wasn’t! Was it my fault to fall helplessly in love with a jerk? I don’t know. But I had a gut feeling back then. You saw it Claire, the e-mail. You just let your stupid emotions cloud your brain.
While having this debate with myself, I did not notice that Sai was already in front of me.

“Hey, Claire!” She automatically changed her expression to a smile. “I was right to wait for you. I guessed you would skip the practice.”

“Oh!” Trying to compose myself, I uttered, “Yeah, have to review for the exams.” Lie. I know it did not fool her even just a bit but at least I’m trying hard to look well, right? That’s what’s important.

She did not say anything but just looked at me with her fake smile and worried eyes. I instantly looked away and started to walk home while she followed limping. I just noticed that she was holding the broken bike. “Going home already? I thought you have a council meeting today?” I took the bike from her.

“Uhm. I don’t feel like attending. It’s not that important anyways.” Translation: I am worried about you. But she doesn’t have to say it out loud for me to understand.

Just like before, we walked in silence. She was looking down while I played with the little trinket she gave me on my phone. When I wasn’t able to take it, I muttered, “Sai… don’t…”

“No. Please don’t say it. I know it was my fault. I shouldn’t have…” she interrupted. I stopped at once and turned to face her. It was a good thing that this street was almost deserted.

“It wasn’t! Like me, you did not know that he was a total jerk!” I cried. I don’t want to add more guilt in my conscience. “Remember, you warned me when I told you about that message but I did not listen.” It was never her fault.

“But… I could have stopped you. I shouldn’t have introduced you to him. So, it is my fault. I caused you that…” she cried. She was almost in tears.

“Please Sai. We’ve talked about this before. It wasn’t your fault.” I held her dainty face between my hands, hoping to comfort her. “I’ll be fine… Promise.” I hoped.

Her immensely black eyes were filled with tears. “C’mon. Stop this. I should be the one consoling you not the other way around.” And there it was – a soft chuckle. I brushed the tears running down her cherry pink cheeks. She raised her hands the same gesture as mine. I hadn’t notice. I was also crying. There we were looking like fools in the middle of the street. But as she hugged me, I felt the truth to what I had said. I would heal. I don’t know when but I know I will. That’s what matters.

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Comments/criticism would be welcomed with open arms. >:D<

Rebirth - One: Otherworld (Part 2)

Took so long to update. But since I'm bored and got nothing to do. Here it is.. :)

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“Claire-san, how many times do I have to tell you, set your alarm clock at 6 o’clock so you won’t miss breakfast?!” he said in a very adult like manner as he entered my room.

“And how many times do I have to tell you to knock before entering?” I retorted raising an eyebrow. He rolled his eyes and started to pout. I never get tired of this reaction. It’s so childish, so like his age. He is still my little Kou.

I remembered the time when he came here together with his mother. It was about 5 years ago. He clung to his mother’s skirt sheepishly and looked at me with those sparkling blue eyes, so vivid and pure. I grinned at him and he gave back the most heartwarming smile I’ve ever seen. It was much different than that of the angel – yes, I am stupid to think that he really is an angel – but I like it just the same. He was just three back then but look at him now – the innocence and timidity almost gone. After that tragic incident, he started to act all grown-up and independent but I know he's still a child inside.

Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly blinded by the sunlight. "Kou-chi!" I exclaimed while shading my eyes from the light. He was tying the curtains to the sides and my dim lit room was almost dazzling.

"Kou-ka-i..." he said while rolling his eyes. "I'm a grown-up now, Claire-san. If other people would hear that, it would be very embarrassing. So if you don't mind, please call me Koukai." he lectured.

"As you wish, Kou-ka-i-sama!" I replied giving emphasis on every syllable. I stuck my tongue out at him. He rolled his eyes again.

"Don’t be so immature Claire-san. You’re already seventeen but look at yourself right now. It feels like I am older than you." He lectured. How time flies. "By the way, Migato-san has been waiting for an hour already." he added.

I grabbed my uniform from the closet and heard a giggle from him. I went to the comfort room and took a quick bath trying to avoid getting lost in my thoughts again. I hurriedly went downstairs and saw Sai with the unwavering smile on her face. There was not even a trace of annoyance or impatience on her face. I guess, she really is the sweetest and kindest girl you'll ever meet and the 'bestest' friend you'll ever have.

“Good Morning Claire-chan!” she greeted.

"Sorry Sai. You should have left without me." I apologized.

"No worries. Eat up and let's go." she replied automatically with a grin on her face.

I looked at the dining table. Ham and Bacon. "No, I'm not hungry. Let's go, we're going to be late" I said.

"B-but –" I grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the house.

When we were out of the house, she sighed knowing that she can't argue with me on that matter. I just don’t like the idea of eating — eating animals to be exact. It feels so savage. In short, I’m some sort of a vegetarian. But I don’t tell anyone except Sai. I don’t want Rei to be bothered in preparing a different meal just for me. She had done a lot of things for me already. And I mean a lot. She took care of me for as long as I can remember. Not just me but Kou and Pierre as well. She is our dear nee-chan.

I grabbed my bike and instead of grabbing hers, she positioned herself on the back of my bike. I looked at her in bewilderment.

“Eh… Are you sure with that?” I asked in total confusion.

“Yes. You know how really slow I am. On the other hand, you’re a speed machine so if we ride together we won’t be late for school.” she replied with a blush on her cheeks. Speed machine, eh? “Just be sure that we’ll get there alive, okay?” she added teasingly. I’m not a klutz or anything but I am somehow different. I pedaled the bike and started to increase speed not even feeling her weight. But we’re not too fast to catch other’s attention.

“How nostalgic.” she murmured with I think a smile on her fair face. “Remember the time when we used to do this when we were kids?” she added. I nodded in agreement. I felt her gaze move up to the trees that were in their full bloom. “Cherry blossoms are really breathtaking, don’t you think?” she added absentmindedly. I nodded again. I looked up. Breathtaking. It’s the right word to describe the scenery. I guess this is one of the few things I wouldn’t trade for that world.

I started to slow my pace as we near the crowd. The aura suddenly changed. Noise was everywhere. People were chatting or shouting. Cars of all shapes and sizes fill the road. Buildings of all color and height stood along the way. The town was full of life.

I took the third street from the left. School. The gate was closing! Uh-oh! I gave it all I’ve got. I pedaled as hard as I could. I felt my legs burn and thud. I’m losing my balance. We’re gonna fall. I closed my eyes as we approached the gate. “Hey! What the…” I heard someone say. I opened my eyes and the next thing I knew was that we were passed the gate and we’re on the ground.

“Look who we’ve got here!” said an old and stern voice. “Claire again. Tsk Tsk!” he continued. “Oh! Ms. President? What are you…” he paused and scratched his head.

“We’re very sorry, Mr. Finch. We had some trouble at home” Sai interrupted and winked at me. Phew, good thing that Sai is here. I stood up and patted my skirt to remove the dirt. No broken bones. With a crash like that, we’re lucky. I reached out a hand to Sai. She wobbles as she stands. Click!

“Ms. President, are you okay?” Mr. Finch asked with a worried look on his firm and wrinkled face. Sai’s charm is really something. It even works on Finch, the principal slash Mr. Pain-in-the-butt slash I-know-everything slash I’m-always-right.

“I think I twisted my leg but no worries. It’s not that bad I think.” she replied then winced from the pain. I placed her left arm around my shoulder and assisted her to walk.

“Where do you think you’re going, Ms. Lambert?” he asked me. It amazed me that he could instantly change from gentle to harsh.

“To the clinic, Mr. Finch.” I replied politely. Isn’t it obvious? I added on the back of my mind.

“You’re not going anywhere, Ms. Lambert. You’re late. And don’t think that I’ll let you pass for this morning’s stunt. Go and give me ten laps around the gym. I’ll take Ms. Migato to the clinic.” He said as he placed Sai’s arm around his shoulder. I looked at Sai. Will you be okay?

“’I’m fine.” she answered the unspoken question and flashed her to-die-for-grin. I moved away and started to jog.

“I’ll visit you later, okay?” I said while jogging backwards away from them. “Don’t push yourself too hard.” I added.

I jogged the first lap. Feeling the wind on my skin, I sped up. I looked around. I’m alone. I closed my eyes and started to sprint. My legs were thudding but I wasn’t tired. There’s no burning pain. All I could feel was the cold damp wind on my face. Eighth – almost done. I listened and appreciated the serenity. It’s too quiet – just the rustling sound of the leaves outside and my faint steps almost like floating. Wait. What’s that sound? Someone’s here. I started to slow down to normal speed. I pretended to huff and look tired. Who could this be? No one’s supposed to be here at this time or unless someone’s late like me which I doubt. I looked around but no one seemed to be here but I’m sure I could feel a presence. The thought that someone might be watching gave brought shivers through every muscle of my body. I tried to ignore the feeling. Maybe, I’m just imagining things like I always do – trying to put things I want into reality.

I halted and tried to grasp for air not because of the ten laps I just made but because of this weird sensation boiling inside me. I felt claustrophobic inside this spacious gym. I’m vulnerable. Vulnerable from what? It’s ridiculous to think that way in this secure environment. You have to stop this Claire. No one’s watching you. Stop this insanity. I said trying to calm myself.

Something, someone pulled my eyes to the open doors of the gym. There was a man. He stood under a tree near the school building with those dark raven eyes fixed on me. Contrasting to his dark eyes was his long golden hair which glistened under the mild sunlight. What a beautiful man! I’m not sure if he’s a man for he’s too mesmerizing. Angel. That’s the first word I could think of. His thin lips formed into a smile while his eyes stayed expressionless. I cannot make out what that smile meant. He turned his back and started to leave. No! I’m insane. There’s no reason for me to stop him. I closed my eyes trying to fight back the words forming in my mouth. I concentrated. Everything was quiet.

“Ms. Lambert!” someone called out. I was startled so I opened my eyes and found Mr. Finch outside the door. He’s gone. “What do you think you are doing standing there? If you’re finish with your laps, go to your class immediately!” he scolded. I tried to look past him and to the tree. He really is gone. “Ms Lambert!” he called again.

“Oh. Yes, Mr. Finch.” I bowed and headed to the school building.

“Late again eh, Claire?” commented Ms. Tanya as I entered the room.

“I’m sorry. I promise this would happen again.” I said flashing a grin on her. She gave a sigh

“I’m quite sure about that. By the way, what trouble did you and Sai get into this time? Well, I’m sure it was mostly, I mean, purely you.” she tried to sound annoyed but deep inside we both knew she is laughing out loud on the back of her mind. “Mr. Finch came here all hot headed and said Sai is in the clinic. I wish you cut down on the trouble. You know how he gets when he’s liked that.” she said making a face then sighed.

“I’ll try my best.” I replied. I really would but I guess my best isn’t going to make a difference anyways.

“I’ll be counting on that, I guess.” Mr. Finch stopped outside our classroom and Ms. Tanya put on her scolding face again. “We’ll have to talk about this after class.” She tried to sound angry then winked at me when he had gone. “Anyways, take your seat.”

The bell. It should have come sooner. Two hours of Chemistry dried out my brain and the thought of Sai and the man clouded up my thoughts. I left my seat and headed for the door when I heard giggles.

“Uwaaa~! The transferee is a total hottie!” I wasn’t really interested in girl stuffs especially those about boys but something caught my attention. A transferee? Maybe, he’s the one I saw a while ago. I tried to listen and decipher the facts from delusions. They said he’s gorgeous – someone like a Greek god. Maybe, they were not delusional. If he really was the man I saw, it is possible. He looked like one hot Greek god. “That’s him, right?” someone whispered. I peered into the crowd of girls along the corridor.

Deep ebony hair, which was cut short above his shoulders, clung on his head in a messy fashion. Divergent to his hair was his bright blue eyes. No! He has blue and green eyes. The right was blue and the left was green. Who could wear contacts in that way? Weird. I thought to myself. His skin was fairly tanned – not too dark but not too raw. He wore his uniform in an off and rugged fashion. A troublemaker. But something about him suggests that he’s good looking, someone who falls under the category of a major heartthrob.

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How was it? Reviews and comments. :D