-Nightmare-
By Yuki Sasaki

A/N: Story written in first person (just a warning). Contains profanity.

Here are the translations.
Okan- Mother
Ookini- Thank you
Nan de yo- What the hell
Jaa matta- Goodbye
Daisuki desu- I love you

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Another typical Monday here at Oahu High School where everyone seems to move at a sluggish pace, everybody watches the clocks, hoping the day will end soon. Bloodshot eyes stare blankly at the teachers tittering on the edge of entering a coma-like state. By third hour everyone has one thing on their minds: lunch period. People discuss amongst themselves in classes where to go out to grab something by far more appetizing than bland cafeteria food.

The bell rings and everyone who is fortunate enough to have first lunch dashes off to one of the commons. Small groups form all over the hallway close to the cafeteria discussing whether to have Wendy's or Taco Bueno today. I, on the other hand, quietly march straight to the standard table a few of my friends and I sit. Everyone gathers at the usual location, right next to the vending machines in the south commons.

When arriving at the normal table first hour lunch period, I'm greeted by the four who usually arrive first: Sakura, Tsuyu, Yuki, and Hanna. "Chiyo!" Hanna says smiling and waving. A small grin creeps up my face and I greet back, "Hanna!" Yuki looks up bidding me a soft hello; Sakura greets me with a simple hello.

"Hellos!" says Tsuyu in a mixture of a goofy and sugary voice. "How's Chi chan?"

"Fantastic!" I respond in the same tone as Tsuyu. "And how's Tsu chan?"

"Oh so wonderful, thank ya!" she replies clasping her hands together.

Sakura rolls her eyes proceeding to eating her tuna-fish sandwich. Plopping my bag on the ground I felt as though a ton of bricks just came off my back. I snatch a chair from the empty table close by and sit next to Hanna. I then grab a squished peanut butter and honey sandwich in my black ripped up Nike bag hidden beneath the heavy hardback textbooks.

Within minutes five others join with us all scotching in trying to find spare room to eat their food on the table. Sitting beside me, Kano gives me a bear hug. My face turns violet red feeling his arms wrapping amount me. "Aww, is Chiyo chan embarrassed?" he asks in an innocent tone.

"Don't...touch...me..." If one couldn't have guessed, I'm not the one for hugs. While given one is wonderful every once in a while such as comforting, excitement, or possibly a way to show one's appreciation, just don't touch me at random. Something I must adapt to unless I want my face turn into a tomato.

"You know you like it." I can see the impish grin on his face.
"Oh, yes indeed," I reply sarcastically. Everyone laughs at my oh-so enthusiastic comment. Kano takes a seat blowing kisses towards my direction. I make a gagging noise resuming to silently ingesting my tasty sandwich. My eyes, though, could not help but wonder up towards the doe-like orbs of the person I had unfortunately fallen for.

Oh, such a sick creature that will eventually pounce on every single soul… including me. Yes, even I, the one who so many called the Empress of Ice; the one that people may believe there is such a creature called Vulcans; the one where people are absolutely amazed that I had a smile on face amused by an interesting joke or a humorous story. Yes, even I had stumbled across, and even at one point fallen, this radiant poisonous creature called love.

I cannot stand the feeling, too.

Does this person know? Of course not, why would I share this secret? No, it's not the fact that I'm a coward. I'll admit it, this really frightens me and I want this sickening feeling (or butterflies as people call it) out of my stomach. It's just… well, there's no way this person has the same feelings. Besides, friendship is by far more valuable and I don't want to risk gambling a hand that's a guarantee I'll lose. I never realized how precious this is until the nightmare I had just not too long ago.

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"Oi, waiter!" shouts a short, petite blond hair adolescent. "Someone put some crap in my vanilla ice cream! I just wanted plain ol' vanilla, damn it!" A couple of people, including myself, try hiding our laughter letting out a sound easily mistaken for holding a sneeze. Kano, sitting right next to the devilish little guy, covers his nose and mouth most likely a goofy smile hidden behind his hand. The young woman, who's obviously new to the place, tries her best to handle the situation in a calm, mannerly fashion, but her eyes show panic as though she finds herself stuck in the headlights like a deer.

"I'm so sorry, sir!" Her voice quivers giving away her fear. "Let me take care of the situation."

"Well you better, damn it!" The woman snatches up the bowl of ice cream shuffling her feet quickly back to the kitchen. Once gone, Tsuyu, Hanna, Kano, and I snicker waiting for the waitress to return. In a matter of minutes she returns with an off white colored bowl filled with white substance.

"Here you go, sir, on the house

The blonde stares down at the cold white item sitting in the bowl. "...Ya know what, I really don't want ice cream."

Desperately she looks around at each and every one of us hoping someone will at least take the bowl or defend her. Sighing she grabs the cool bowl and wordlessly disappears back into the kitchen. Once knowing she is gone, we burst out laughing. Tsuyu's face turns as red as a tomato her arm wrapped around me burying her face into my shoulder. Kano throws his body back unleashing the almighty hyena laugh. Heck, even Yu-Yu and Ryuu snigger lightly amused by the woman's reaction.

"The woman looks like she's about to cry," states Kano after managing to maintain himself. Still a wide smile exposing his perfectly straight white teeth plasters his face. "Great one, Kiyoshi."

"Very immature you guys," says Sakura in a rather motherly tone. Everyone stares into her eyes mimicking her expression (which, I must note, Kano and Kiyoshi did such a wonderful job it frightens me). A smirk betrays her cracking her stern facade and she says, "Okay, humorous, but still immature." To which everyone returns back to his or her normal composure.

"Brings back memories..." I mutter quietly under my breath. Unfortunately Tsuyu heard me.

"Oh? Such as what, Chi chan?" she questions.

My right eye twitches as everyone's attention lies on me. Sadly, even with a group of close friends I'm not fond of speaking in front of groups. At least I'm not nearly as bad as with a group of complete strangers. "Back in Texas I use to be involved with a local community theater. Hanna knows where I'm talking about."

"The one that use to be a church?" she asks.

"Yup, that's the one. I started back in fifth grade and learned technical work the following year. Well, shortly before moving out here in Hawaii, I was in charge with sound for a Shakespeare play. After the night of the second show, we had a cast party. And where do we have it?"

"At a diner..."

"Yes, at a bloody diner. Whose brilliant idea it was to have a cast party at a diner I have no clue. I was one of the first to arrive and the hostess leads me to a closed off area for the cast, crew, and their parents. Pretty much the entire crowd showed up around the same time. The manager..." I shake my head. "The manager was so frustrated that he finally snapped. He started yelling at people where to sit." I start pointing at random locations saying in a deep voice, "You sit here! You, sit here! Now!!"

"Oh shit," comments Kano.

"The guy operating the light board, one of the cast members, and a friend of theirs sat with me. The light techie ordered some ice cream and finished about half way. He does the same thing as Kiyoshi, adding maple syrup and telling the waitress that there's some stuff in it that he's not sure what it is. Only he said he wants chocolate ice cream this time instead of vanilla. So she grabs the bowl and goes back into the kitchen whipping up some ice cream. They get up and leave to another table leaving me alone at the table. She comes back and notices they're gone now completely upset and confused. She takes the bowl of ice cream, spikes it on the ground splattering chocolate ice cream all over the place, and storms out of the building screaming, 'I quit!' on top of her lungs."

"Kudos to them," says Kiyoshi with a devilish smirk. Tsuyu and Kano snort and I could see gears turning inside both of their minds.

"No!" states Sakura sternly. "Leave the poor woman alone."

Tsu sighs and shrugs her shoulders. "Still would've been funny."

While Kano displays pouting façade his lower lip curving down exposing pinkish flesh. "Yes, okan..."

"Hello everyone," says a soft feminine voice. All heads turn to see a blonde haired, blue eyed young woman. Standing behind her is a golden blonde haired young man with a gentle expression on his face.

"Hiya Fleur, Josh," greets Kano politely.

"Whatcha up to?" Tsuyu asks the two teens.

"Oh, we just bought tickets to zee winter ball," answers Fleur, carrying a light French accent, beaming brightly as her eyes look back to the young man standing behind her. A genuine grin crawls up his face, his eyes filled with compassion. I glance over at Sakura, hoping she does not show signs of pain seeing the one she unfortunately developed deep feelings for, but to my surprise, she seems perfectly fine.

"I asked Fleur out and she agreed," announces Josh in a sweet, love filled voice.

"Well congrats, Josh and Fleur," says Sakura sincerely.

"About time..." Kano mutters under his breath, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"What do you mean?" asks Fleur, naïve to knowing how painfully obvious how the two showed hints for their true feelings.

"Are you blind?" I ask in a teasing manner. "Both of you gave the signs. You blush every time you made eye contact for long periods of time; you wear that special smile that only those who love each other wear." A faint pinkish red hue taints their cheeks, most likely due to embarrassment by my statement, which I find rather understandable. "Ahh, but that is the part of love, being somewhat blind for each others feelings. It's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"And how would Chi-chan know this?" asks Tsuyu. Oh crap, here we go... "Does Chi chan like someone?" she says playfully in Japanese.

"Intriguing that Tsu-chan would think that," I reply back in the same tongue.

"Who is it? No one will tell."

"I have no time for such petty emotions." I shrug saying in English, "Besides, this is based off of observational information and some other pointless crap. I honestly cannot say what that form of love, or something like that, feels like."

"So is anyone else going to zee ball?" Fleur asks.

"Yup, sure am. I made my dress not too long ago," responds Tsuyu, smiling rather strangely, a mixture of kindness and mischievous. I have a terrible feeling that the night will be more than social hour with dancing and music involved.

"I can't come," states Yuki. "I have a piano recital that night."

"Aww, why didn't you tell us?" Kano asks, holding a tone indicating that he is slightly upset she never told him.

"You never asked," she simply replies. A small smirk crawls up my face, amused by her introverted nature. What is her policy? If no one asks, she won't tell.

"Where is it?" Hanna asks.

"Oahu Amphitheater," I answer. Yes, I am well aware that she has a recital on that night.

"Ahh, you told Chiyo yet never told anyone else," says Kano. "What the crap?"

She shrugs, answering, "Well, you never asked." As I said previously, don't ask, don't tell.

"So does that mean you're going?" asks Fleur.

"Of course, much rather go there than a silly ol' dance," I reply, looking at her in a why-the-hell-would-I-go-to-a dance fashion.

"Of course Chi-chan is not going to the dance," says Tsuyu. "Why on earth would she take the time to go?" she states in a mocking tone.

"Party pooper," Kano mutters under his breath.

"Well forgive me for not finding standing around feeling as though a burning arrow has shot through my ankles and about to go all emo 'cause I'm wearing a dress oh-so entertaining," I reply sarcastically. "So who's going with whom this time?"

"Obviously Fleur and Josh," states Sakura. "I'm going with Tsuyu." To which the pink hair Japanese teen smiles impishly.

"Kano is going with me this time," states Ryuu.

"As a guy or a girl?" I ask Kano, poking fun at him.

"I'm wearing a suit, thank you very much!" he replies as-a-matter-of-factly. It seems that he is not going to toy with the meat head jocks by fooling them to believe he's a girl, but who said that he will not mess with people? My bet is that Tsuyu and Kano will slip out of the supervision of Kano and Sakura to "have some fun." While they are infamous for being pranksters amongst several of us, they miraculously manage to get away with their actions every single time. Perhaps it's because they are studious students, turning in assignments on time nearly every single time (key word being nearly), or maybe because they are that sly to not leave proof behind. Either way, they had successfully dodged several detentions and suspensions.

"What about you, Hanna-chan?" I ask. "After all, Yu-Yu is not going this time."

"Actually, I had someone ask me out," she answers with a smile on her face.

"Oooh, so someone finally asked you out," says Tsuyu not really mocking her but pleased to hear the news.

I smile, happy for her that a gentleman wishes to escort her to the ball. "So, who's the unlucky bastard?" I ask teasingly.

"Josh Dye," she responds, her cheeks tinted a light red hue.

I take back the previous statement. "Of course you said no," I chuckle out loud. When she does not respond, her face growing serious, concern dwells inside me. "Right?"

No form of humor resides on her face. "Why would I? He's a great guy."

My dark orbs widen, not believing what my ears hear. "Are you kidding me? This is the same guy who almost received an ass kicking from me for saying cruel things to you."

"Don't judge him like that!" she snaps. "He's really a sweet guy."

"Come to your senses, Hanna. The guy is creepy. He acts strangely around you. Heck, you said it yourself!"
"Well, people could be wrong change. He has changed!"

"Oh no-no-no-no, he has not changed," I retort. "He gives off a certain vibe but certainly not a warm loving feeling."
Coldly she looks into my eyes. "You don't feel love; you don't know what love is. You said it yourself, Carrie."

A cold façade masks my face, my anger-filled eyes staring deeply into hers. Yet deep within, what no one sees, lies the agony, my stomach feeling queasy as though someone has tied a knot. Arguing drains my energy, making me feel though I'm about to vomit. What hurts me the most is the last statement Hanna said. You don't feel love; you don't know what love is. You said it yourself, Carrie.

How much I want to tell her my true feelings... but our friendship may cease to exist. Yet at the same time, is our bond about to break?

"You're being blind, Hanna," I say calmly. "You had let go of your feelings to realize his intentions are not what they seem."

She stays silent, looking down her steaming hot tea. I pray that she is thinking things through, realizing the truth and not being a fool. She looks back into my eyes after what seemed like eternity, her face now covered with a rather calm mask. Has it occurred to her what I speak of? Does she see what a horrible decision she is making? After staring at each other wordlessly for an interminable amount of time, she replies, "Perhaps you're the one being blind, Carrie." My heart skips a beat, watching Hanna tossing a couple of dollar bills on the table, leaving everyone not uttering a word.

I sit in shock, not believing what events took place. I feel all sets of eyes around the table focusing on me, but at this point of time, I don't care. The stares do not rank towards the top of my list of concerns. The only thing on my mind I care at the moment is the valuable friendship I'd cherished for so many years. Had I blown it? Should I have kept my mouth shut?

Hiding my true feelings, I force a fake smile on my face. "Well, that was eventful. Garcon! Check, please." I grab a couple of dollar bills out of my black leather wallet covering my share of the bill. "If you don't mind, I'm gonna go."

"O-oh, go right ahead," says Sakura, trying to hide her shock but the quivers in her voice give betray her concealment.

"I bid you farewell." Waving my hand with two fingers up, I snatch my jacket off of the back of the chair, slinging the camouflage jacket over my shoulder, and walk into the cool night.

Once in the car, the scene of the argument replays in my head, poison-filled words stinging my heart. You don't feel love; you don't know what love is. You said it yourself, Carrie. How could we say such hurtful words? How could I allow myself to say such things? You're being blind, Hanna. We're close friends, we had known each other for six years now. Now I don't know the fate of our friendship.

Instead of driving back home, I end up at a small park not too far away from the beach and not too far away from the diner but far enough for me. Casually I stroll on the gray pavement, heading for the pond centrally located in the tiny park. I lie on the wooden bench sitting in front of the pond, watching the water shimmering from the reflecting moonlight. Worrisome thoughts flow through my mind, questioning the future of my relationship with Hanna. Will she never forgive me? Will that Josh boy do something terrible to her? Has the death of our friendship come?

No… no, I must not think that way. Don't be so silly, she will forgive you, Chiyo. Tomorrow we'll see each other, apologize to each other, and move on as though nothing happened. Perhaps Hanna is right, maybe the guy has changed. Maybe he is making a friendly gesture towards her...

I can't lie to myself, the boy has negative intentions. The boy always gave that rather strange vibe. I could sense it from the beginning and so did Hanna. What has caused her to not feel it anymore? Her defending that boy seems rather off. I must drill this in her mind. I must plant the seed in her mind. I must stop her from going with that Josh Dye to the ball. What if he hurts her? What if something dreadful happens? What if...

I... I can't take it. God, why must I feel that way? Why must I care for her so much? Why can't these feelings go away!? Make the burning sensation go away! I hate it!

"Chiyo?" I hear a voice softly calling for me. I lie still on the bench, hoping the person will not find me. Who could possibly be here for me? "I know you're here. Don't worry, it's Yuki."

I sigh in relief. "I'm over here." I kick my legs off the bench, swinging myself into a sitting position. The grass crunches beneath her feet as she makes way to the mahogany park bench. With grace she sits next to me. "How did you know to look here?"

"This is one of the places you go to when you need time to think," she replies. "I figured you would come here instead of home. Also this is just far enough away from the diner but not too far away."

I smile to her response. Both of us have this understanding between each other, our personalities nearly identical. We had quickly realized the other person's behavior and habits, knowing what the person may be thinking or feeling. "It seems that you watch carefully."

"You as well. After all, you're the only one who found out about my recital on the day of the winter ball."

Winter ball... "Because I'm the only one who figured out you're don't ask, don't tell policy." I hope nothing happens.

Concern plasters the younger girl's face. "You seemed trouble. Is it about Hanna?"

I nod melancholically, switching the conversation to Japanese. "I may have ruined our relationship."

"Don't worry, she may forgive you soon. I also agree with you about Josh."

"Josh..." My hands clench tightly into a fist. "I don't like that boy," I say icily, malice behind my voice.

"I found it rather abnormal of Hanna to defend Josh like that."

"My thoughts exactly," I respond. "Oh Yuki, what if he does something to her?"

"Don't dwell on it. If she's in need of aid, she has several people there to help her."

"Knowing Kano, Ryuu, Tsuyu, and Kiyoshi, they will do something about it."

"All of them will, but one must be the most concern about those for in that given situation." Weakly I smile to her statement, yet I cannot help but to worry. "You're worrying too much, Chiyo-chan. She's a tough young lady, she'll know how to get out of the situation if it arises."

"I know that, but I can't help it." I sigh heavily. "I love her... and the thought of her being hurt pains me."

She smiles warmly, wrapping her arms gently around me. She whispers softly in my ear, "It's okay, she'll forgive you."

Hearing those words, hot tears form, creating small streams down my cheeks. Gladly I accept her hug, wrapping my arms around her slender body. After so many year gone since the last time I'd done this, I dissolve myself into tears, the tears of pain, the tears of anger, the tears of sadness. I curse aloud, not liking to cry, and in front of a friend on top of that. "Shh…" she says soothingly like a sweet, gentle mother. "It's okay to cry."

"So I'm not a Vulcan after all," I choke out. She chuckles lightly at my comment, rubbing her hand up and down my back.

After the tears flowed for a brief period of time, I let go of Yuki. Puffy red eyes look into her soft dark orbs. "Ookini."

"No problem." She pats my shoulder reassuringly. "Let's go home."

The following day, it seems as though the first three class periods flies by quickly. I hang around the locker area close to the English department and the south commons, scanning the throngs of people for Hanna. A little voice in my head tells me what I'm about to do may be a bad idea, by the voice of stubbornness tells me to go for it. Spotting her with Sakura, I dash over to the two girls. "Hanna san," I call out. She turns around, her smile immediately disappearing before my eyes. "What do you want?" she asks rudely.

"Nan de yo," I mutter quietly. We continue walking to the usual spot, Sakura dismissing herself as soon as Hanna's content faded away. "I...I'm sorry for saying horrible things to you last night."

"You should be," she replies back sternly.

She's still upset, I note to myself. "Listen to me, Hanna. I don't want you to go to the winter ball with Josh Dye."

"What do you have against to him?" she asks, anger shaking under her voice.

"Um, everything," I respond, talking back.

"Stop being so judgmental."

"Stop being blind."

"Stop telling me what to do!"

"Well, stop acting so ludicrous," I respond calmly, accidentally having it come out as though I'm talking to a child.

"Well, stop hanging out with me!" I look at her dumbfounded. "I hate you!" Time ceases when those three words are spoken. "I hate you, Carrie Nellis!" I find myself in shock like a statue, not able to move, the three words paralyzing me. I hate you! replays in my head like a broken record.

Silence falls in the commons, everyone staring at us as though watching an action show. Reality hits me like a strong wave coming from the ocean to shore, powerful enough to knock me down to the ground. The sickening feeling settles in the pit of my stomach, tears threatening to fall. Finally gaining mobility, I run off away from Hanna, heading towards the south exit leading to the outside world. I hear Kano shouting my name, but at this point, I don't want to go back. The last thing I see turning my head back to Hanna is that Josh boy hugging her, darkness lurking abound the two.

"Hey! Don't run!" demands a teacher. "You're not supposed to run in the building!"

"So fuckin' what!" I curse in Japanese, not caring that I just yelled, let alone spitting out profanity at a teacher.

I run out the doors, dashing straight to a willow tree a few yards away from the building. Seeing that the weather is beautiful year round, the leaves are still grown out thus able to hide a person. Once there, I collapse to the ground silently crying.

I hate you! Such powerful words to attack a person. I hate you! Such terrible words combined to utter. I hate you! Such sickening words that had never meant anything to me…

Until now...

"Chiyo-chan!" I hear Yuki's voice. I sniffle, salty warm tears rolling down my face, choking every time I try to breath. Moving the stems to the side, she walks to me, stopping before my feet. I try to keep everything inside of me and I know she can sense it. "Chiyo... it's okay to cry. Let everything out."

With that said, I let out a long-winded agonizing scream. I gasp for breath, the tears flowing heavily. I don't even see Yuki bending down to hug me in comfort. I bury my face into her shoulder, all pent up emotions release in the wrath of tears, in my mind wishing I could bottle everything back up and feel numb. Yuki whispers in a motherly voice soothing words, calming my soul down.

We lie under the tree for a half an hour, everything escaping out of me. She offers me to walk me to the nurses or counselor's office, but I decline. "If I work on something, it keep my mind off of things." She nods, not pushing to change my mind. I change the topic to her performance. "So, I'll meet you...?"

"The side entrance for the cast and crew," Yuki responds. "The show should be over by nine."

"Great, I'll see ya tomorrow then." The rest of my lunch period is spend in the music theory classroom, playing the keyboard and composing music.

The next day, around five o'clock, I prepare myself for the recital, pulling out pin stripe pants, a black button down shirt, and black dress shoes out of the closet. In a matter of seconds, I throw myself together, not particularly picky about my appearance.

Speaking of which, everyone should be getting together for the ball. Knowing the guys they're most likely skateboarding right now, not concerned about getting ready and arriving to the dance on time. I pull out my cell pone, going through the list of numbers saved on my phone book. How about giving Kano a call, he most likely has his phone on, I think to myself. The phone rings twice before someone picks up. "Aloha," Kano chirps.

"Oi, Kano chan," I greet.

"Hey! What's happening?"

"Oh, ya know, the usual. About to leave for the recital."

"Pfft, and now going to the dance."

"You should've figured that out by now. At least you decided to go as your gender this time," I tease.

"Not my fault that I look better in skirts than those preppy bitches."

"That's true," I respond, smiling in amusement. "So the girls are together?"

"Yup, they mentioned about taking care of a couple of things before the dance. At least Ryuu and I don't have to worry about picking up our dates!" he says loudly most likely directing to Kiyoshi and Malcolm.

"Screw you!" I hear Kiyoshi shouting in Japanese in the background.

"Kano," I say seriously.

"Huh?" he replies intelligently.

I shake my head. "I have one request."

"Shoot."

I scratch my head saying, "Please keep an eye out on Hanna. If that boy does anything funny, make sure she's not in danger."

"You got it," he answers genuinely. "I'll make sure he doesn't harm her."

"Thanks, Kano-chan."

"Hey, what are friends for? To humiliate the hell out of!"

I snicker at his comment. "That's right." I look at the clock, reading 5:43. "Oi, you should seriously think about stop skateboarding and getting ready."

"How did you know?"

"You're guys for one thing, and if you're not surfing, you're usually skateboarding. But seriously, I better get going."

"Later, Chiyo chan."

"Jaa matta." I flip my phone close and run out the door.

I have the deepest respect for classical music. In fact, composers such as Mozart are a major source of inspiration. I catch myself in the mood for some Schubert or Chopin and throw in a CD with some of their pieces to relax me. However, if I sit down for long extended periods of time listening to the genre, I'll become a little too relaxed. I'll admit it, I had caught myself nearly falling asleep on a couple of occasions during the show. Each performer did a wonderful job, but I am actually feeling a little drowsy.

Yuki came out as one of the last artists performing on the piano. She plays five songs, predominately Mozart, takes a bow, and leaves the stage. I must say, she holds great potential to become a successful musician. If she keeps this up, her dreams to become a musician will most likely come true.

Yuki emerges from the side entrance, no longer wearing the black dress but jeans, chucks, and a band t-shirt. "Great job, Yu-Yu chan!" I compliment.

"Thank you," she responds softly.

"And you look so beautiful in that dress!" I say imitating Sakura, teasing Yuki but being honest at the same time.

She shakes her head, a small smile briefly appearing. "Rather nice outside," the taller Japanese girl comments.

"I agree." I gaze up at the silver crescent moon, the shape that of a fingernail. The gentle cool breeze flows by, making the air seem rather refreshing. "Your grandparents came?"

"Yeah, but I told them that I'm going to hang out with you for a few minutes."

"Oh, well then..." My phone vibrates abruptly startling me. I silently curse under my breath. "Typical..." I flip my phone open to answer. "Hello?"

"Hey, how was the recital?" Kano's voice on the other side asks.

"Oi, Kano-chan! Ohh, the performance was awesome. Yu-Yu did such I wonderful job!" I say in a sugary motherly tone. A faint red tinges the younger girl's cheeks.

"I'm not that good..." she says humbly.

"Lemme guess, she doesn't think so," says Kano.

"Hmm... yeah, pretty much."

Kano laughs. "She's too modest."

A brief silence, my thoughts drifting to Hanna. "Kano, is Hanna ok?"

Silence on the other side stands oh-too much long. No...

"As suspected, his intentions were not good."

Rage quickly boils within me. "He didn't do anything, right?" I ask, trying my best to hide my anger.

"Kiyoshi was the closest to them when it happened and managed to stop him before he did anything. If it wasn't for his girlfriend, Josh would be a stain on the floor as we speak."

"So he pretty much owes his life to Aiko?"

"Yup, that's what it comes down to."

"How is she right now?" I ask before my anger clearly shows.

"She's outside with Sakura, Fleur, and Aiko."

"As for that boy...?"

"Don't worry, Tsuyu and I have plans for him," he says devilishly, a mental picture of him smirking impishly painted in my mind.

A twisted smile plasters my face. "Get him good."

"Oh, don't worry about that. Later."

"Bye-bye." I flip my phone close and shove the blue device down my pocket. "Well, looks like Josh is gonna have a bad night."

"So that means..." she starts.

"Yup, he certainly did," I say angrily. "But revenge will come." My phone vibrates once again, causing me to jump once again. "Gahhh..." Despite having this phone for a year, I have yet adjusted to this vibrate. Groaning, I pull out the celluar device and I look at the name on the bar to see it's...

Hanna.

"Hello," I answer softly, not sure about her state.

"Chiyo?" her sweet voice replies.

"Hanna..." She just called me Chiyo...

"Chiyo chan." Does that mean... "I'm really sorry. You were right, Josh's intentions were not what they seemed."

"He didn't hurt you? If he does, so help me..."

"No, no!" she interrupts, sensing my anger. "Kiyoshi came before Josh did anything horrible."

"Good…" I sigh in relief. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Don't worry, it's Josh that we should be more concern about."

"Ahh, screw that boy," I spat bitterly.

Laughter on the other side of the conversation, I hear. "Yeah, I agree."

"Chiyo, don't even think about it!" I tease the girl.

"AHHHH!!" she screams horridly. "Not that way! Gross, dude!"

Both of us laugh out loud like we usually do. "Chiyo chan..." she says seriously.

"Hmm?"

"I didn't mean what I'd said to you. I'm really sorry for saying such hurtful things."

She…she doesn't hate me. She doesn't hate me after all! "Hey, I'm sorry, too." That means our friendship is still alive?

"Friends?"

"Friends," I respond, wearing a joyful smile on my face.

"I better go. See ya later."

"Ja matta!" I hang up, continuing to grin like an idiot.

"So she forgave you," says Yuki.

I look at her, my eyes fill with joy. "Looks that way."

"See, everything worked out after all."

Everything worked out after all...

I wake up the next day to the sound of crows cawing. I stretch out in bed, glancing at the clock to read 9:30. Oh my, that's relatively late for me. I toss the covers aside, lowering my feet to the cold wooden floor. Lazily I grab my glasses, making way to the living room. I sling myself to the couch still feeling a bit tired.

My eyes wonder to the back door, seeing the sun shining brilliantly. Everything seems so lively and beautiful today. Perhaps this will turn out a wonderful day.

The telephone rings alarming me, triggering me to jump off the couch and answer so it will not awaken dad. "Hello?" I answer groggily.

"Chiyo?" I hear Kano on the other side.

"Hey!" I chirp brightly. "How are you?"

"Are you sitting down?" he asks, the rather depressing tone in his voice disturbing me. I plop myself on the couch, continuing to listen.

"Yeah... what's wrong?"

"Chi..." I hear him choking. Is he crying?

"Aww Kano, what's wrong?"

Silence on the other end of the conversation for all too long, giving me a gut wrenching feeling. "Kano...?"

"Hanna's dead…" he says straining his voice.

Dead…? No, he's joking, she couldn't be dead! "Kano, that's not funny," I say sternly, immediately diving into denial.

"I'm not..." he chokes out, starting to sob uncontrollably.

My heart stops, the phone slipping through my fingers. How could this be? How could this happen? We just made up last night, too. How could this happen!? I let out a mournful scream, the news settling in. A door slams open, my father running to the living room. "What's wrong?" he asks, alarmed and concern.

"Hanna is dead!"

As soon as such ill-fated news is shared, I find myself in a completely worthless state. I lock myself in my bedroom, only coming out to use the bathroom and to acquire water. I never came out until Thursday morning when I decide to go back to school. Hanna would not want us to feel depress.

That day only Sakura, Yuki, Ryuu, Kano, and I arrive out of the group of friends. Most of the others stayed home feeling ill from the negative emotions. I find out that Tsuyu ran away from home Sunday morning after finding out about Hanna's death and has never been seen since then. Kano and Sakura through the next two days would randomly have crying fits, something triggering a memory of Hanna. Ryuu tries to keep his cool but a lonely tear rolls down his cheek. Yuki, while appearing to be fine, rarely utters a word, acting too quiet even for her nature.

I find out from Sakura what happened to Hanna. After she talked to me Saturday night, she decides to go back home. Along the way, she encounters a drunk driver in a truck. The driver collides with the car, hitting the driver's side of the car. According to doctors, Hanna most likely died instantly, not feeling pain, the last memory being the headlights of doom.

Kano, Sakura, Ryuu and I agree to go to Kiyoshi's house after school Friday, none of us hearing a word from him since Sunday. Kano apparently visited Kiyoshi that afternoon to talk and the blond seemed perfectly fine, as though handling the scenario well. Yet none of us heard from him or seen him.

When we arrive, Kiyoshi's mother greets us at the door. "Hello, come on in," she greets us politely, motioning us to come in the house.

"Good afternoon, Nishimura san," I greet, speaking for the five of us. "We wanted to check on Kiyoshi san."

"Oh..." she says holding grief undertone. "Rinji is in his room right now. Come with me."

We follow her up the stairs to his bedroom, pondering what is going through his mind. "He's been in his room since Sunday night." She lightly knocks on his door. "Rinji."

"Go away," Kiyoshi drones in Japanese.

"You have visitors, maybe you should talk to them," she suggests in her native tongue.

"Okan..."

"Please Rinji, open the door. You can't stay in there forever."

No response comes back. She sighs sadly, concern for her son. "Please, see if you can get him to come out," she requests, switching back to English. She bows her head politely, leaving us to talk to Kiyoshi.

"Kiyoshi..." says Sakura with concern.

"What do you want?" he says in a mixture of anguish and impatience.

"Please come out," Kano yearns. "You're worrying everyone sick."

"Go away."

"Kiyoshi..." I say softly. "Please let us in. Everything will be ok." As I say those words, part of me could not believe everything will turn out fine.

"How? How can everything be ok? Someone losing a life is not ok!" he snaps.

"Kiyoshi, listen to us," says Ryuu gently yet sternly.

"Leave me alone," he demands. "Just... leave me alone."

"Kiyoshi..." I continue. "I'll be brief. All of us are saddened by Hanna's..." I choke, not able to say the dreadful word. "Her passing… but she doesn't want us to mourn over her. So please, for her soul's sake, open the door."

Silence, nothing but pure silence, nothing gives an indication to Kiyoshi responding to our pleas. We sigh, silently agreeing to leave him be. One-by-one we leave the door giving up to persuade him to leave his bedroom. Then we hear the sound of creaks, the door slowly opening. His head pokes out from behind, his hair in disarray, dark circles under his empty dark orbs. "Everyone..." he utters, weakly motioning us to come inside.

Pieces of crumpled up paper scatter all across the floor. A maroon curtain covers his window, blocking out the majority of sunlight. Next to the window sits Kiyoshi only wearing black sweatpants, exposing his muscular toned upper body, his back slumped forward. "Kiyoshi-chan..." says Sakura softly.

"When and where is her funeral?" he asks, albeit catching us off guard.

"Huh?" answers Sakura intelligently.

"When-and-where-is-here-funeral?" he repeats, spelling out each word.

"Tomorrow at two," she answers, "at the Oahu Memorial Center."

"I'll be there." He waves his hand for us to leave. Without a word, we leave the house.

Family, friends, and teachers gather the following afternoon. Kiyoshi kept his word and showed up with Aiko fairly early. Even Tsuyu showed up to pay her final respects to Hanna, her eyes completely drained of emotions as though crying for a long time. A school picture is displayed next to the casket, a pleased smile beaming brightly. White roses and lilies rest on the chestnut casket, tiny white flowers cascading off the sides like a waterfall. A table next to the portrait displays various of pictures of Hanna with family and friends, one of which taken at the beach consisting of her, Tsuyu, Sakura, Kano, Ryuu and I displaying the cheesiest smiles we could possibly do.

The funeral begins with the haunting sound of organs blaring through the chapel. Her parents enter from the side, both trying to hold back their tears. A priest follows behind them, walking to the alter with his head bowed down as the forlorn music continues to play. Goosebumps form all over my body, the music leaving an uncomfortable feeling. The same organs create nightmares and strike horror to everyone's hearts. This type of music is the kind no one wants to hear; knowing someone so dear has passed on to another world. Funny how an instrument that brings soul can also take the same spirit away.

The music dies down, sniffles echoing in the chapel. "We gather her today not to mourn over a death but to celebrate a life," the priests start. My eyes drift over to Hanna's parents, seeing the mother burying her face into her husband's shoulder, the older man hugging her in comfort but also struggle to hold back his tears, his eyes squeezed tightly. What could possibly be going through their minds? They just lost one of their children, watching their very child about to be buried. How could they manage the agony? A parent's worst nightmare becomes reality for both of them. The child is supposed to be around longer than the parents, not the other way around. Oh, what a gruesome scar to live with!

The session ends, everyone leaving the chapel. I walk up to the casket, staring down at the polished wood. My right hand rests on top of the casket where her chest most likely lies, my eyes squeezing tightly. Why must she die? Why did she leave now with a full life ahead of her? Why do the ones with beautiful souls perish first?
"Hanna-chan..." I weakly whisper. "Daisuki desu..."

--------------

"Chiyo?" says a voice. My eyes drift over to Hanna. "Are you ok?"

I smile, appreciating our friendship more. "I'm fine."

"Oh, ok. You just looked a little sad."

"Pfft..." I poke her sides causing her to squirm. "I have no reason to be."

"Ahh, why me!?" she cries melodramatically. Kano reaches over and pokes her side, receiving the same results. A goofy smile plasters his face. "I feel so neglected…"

My smile widens as I declare joyfully, "Because we love you, Hanna-chan!"