| Mizu-iwa cho | home |
| Late for work |
“Good morning L2!” The cheery newscaster bellowed. Her smile was ear to ear- almost big enough to see her back teeth. I groaned at her gesture and tried to roll out of my sheets.
“It is a year today, that the war between the colonies and Earth ended-“ I automatically shut it off. I did not want to think of the war, what happened at Mizu-iwa- or Duo. My job was done, I didn’t have any thing to do, It was time for me to live the life of a normal girl. There were times where I wished I was still a soldier- then I would think of the consequences of war. Never again. I shook my head and stumbled to my bathroom. After I flipped on the light, and looked up- gazing into the mirror.
I had changed so much in a year. My hair was longer- now down past my thighs. I ran my fingers through the mass, newly-blonded strands falling down over my face. After I took my half hour long shower, I padded into my computer room. Tea in hand, I sat to my desk and turned the computer on. Maybe I should check up on Doris, poor thing....School’s out. She’s going to be so lost. I chuckled to my self. Sean was good for more than a hearty laugh, I managed to learn how to hack my way into almost every complicated system (including e-mail) on the Internet.
I was on for a hour, checking up on my friend. I already dressed in my work clothes- I had a hour to get downtown, nothing to worry about.
“Doris- Doris- Doris...” I mumbled as I gulped down my tea. It just so happened she was on line as well. I resisted the urge to send her an Instant message- To eliminate any suspicion on her part, I disconnected. Little did I know, the hour I thought I had to waste drastically fallen to 5 minutes.
“5 MINUTES?!” I shouted
“GONNA BE LATE FOR WORK!!” I jammed the rest of my muffin in my mouth and stormed out the door like a chicken with it’s head cut off.
The wind went through my hair as I bolted down the hall, dodging neighbors as I dove for the elevator.
“Come on...” I growled. I pushed the button about 5 time before I just ran to the stairwell. Stairs...stairs are good- JUST MOVE IT! YOU’RE GOING TO BE LATE!! I opened the large door and hesitated. Should I? I was trying to ignore the thought in my head that stated I should slide down the banister. I was running out of time. Screw it! Just go!! I grabbed my bag and jumped in the air. I wasn’t hard for me to keep my balance, This reminded me of when Duo and I slid down the banisters in that swanky hotel up at Mizu-iwa. Now that I think of it, I miss those jerks- even Heero. When I made it down, I adjusted myself and ran out the door.
The car port was swarming with the other inhabitants of my run-down apartment building, all in a huff to get to their cars. They look like ants. All hurrying to get to a place where no matter what they do, they’ll always her the short end of the stick. I put my helmet on and hopped on my motorbike. THAT’S why I’m in the flower business. I grow flowers for all those people who need some appreciation in their lives. I smiled to myself and sped off.
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“Good morning Minikui...” My boss, Tia grumbled at me as I waltzed in the door. She was always grouchy in the morning. The tall girl blinked at me and pointed at the clock.
“2 Minutes late, that’s the second time...” I cheerfully ran behind the counter and dropped my bag and helmet.
“Yeah- yeah, you can leave now...” I smiled and gave her a light shove.
“Whatever...sometimes I wonder about you, kiddo.You are the happiest little girl I’ve ever seen- I think I’m going to be sick...” She left, slamming the well decorated door behind her. Well, the day went by pretty fast after that.
After Tia left, I let out a sigh of relief. It’s about time she split, I can run this whole place my self! I leaned back in my chair and pulled out a book. Right when I began to read, someone came in- the tiny bells over the door jingled loudly.
“Good morning!” I said, without looking up. I was intent on finishing the book by the end of the day. I read a couple more verses when my book was ripped from my hands.
“Hey!!” I stood up, face red- slamming my fists down on the counter, and yelled directly in my friend- Beau’s face.
“Calm down, Kiddo!” Beau smiled, waving my book just out of my reach. I shoulda known it was him, he comes in just about every single day...what was I thinking? His grin was mischievous- it almost reminded me of Duo, and all those times he interrupted my reading underneath the cherry blossom trees.
“I noticed the mess you left in the apartment. You were late, ne?” He raised an eyebrow and shook his finger at me.
Now, ever since I came back to L2, Beau has been taking care of me- kind of like how one would take care of a little sister. We started living together after the bus ride- It was days after the explosion. There was no more room for another passenger- Beau’s seat was the only one left. So, I sat with him. And we’ve been great friends ever since.
I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, Beau reached out and flicked my forehead.
“Don’t try it. Excuses aren’t really your style.” He winked at me and continued fiddling with my book.
“Shakespeare?”
“Yeah, lay off it! I have to return it to the library before I leave.” I sat back and ran my fingers through my bangs.
“You’re leaving?” Beau cast me a glance of confusion, whenever I say I’m going anywhere- he gets worried.
“Where to?”
“I’m going back to Earth to check up on things. You wouldn’t have Tatalia’s number on you, ne?” Beau smiled weakly and nodded.
“It’s in my wallet- here.”
I took it and dialed her number. I never really liked to talk on the phone, what can I say- I’m a girl of few words. It rang a few times before a tired Tatalia answered.
“H-hello?”
“Tatalia! It’s me!” I watched Beau look around, and began my question to Tatalia.
“I have to ask you a favor.”
“I’m all ears sugar…”
“Well, I want to check on things Earthwise…ya know? And…” I had trouble finishing the sentence- Beau was fooling with some of the plants. I don’t understand what part of Don’t touch Beau didn’t understand. I covered the mouthpiece of the phone and growled.
“Beau! Get your hands off those- My boss is going to skin me alive!”
He froze, a small sweatdrop falling from the side of his head. Yeah, he knew he was in trouble.
“Fine...sorry.”
“And what, Sugar? Mina? You want me to get you a ticket?” Tatalia’s happy giggles rang through my ears. I hope she doesn’t think I’m going down to see her...She seems just TOO happy to see me ever since-
I noticed Tatalia’s chatter and pointed to the phone.
“Thank you- Uh...I’ll make sure to see you.” I hung up in mid sentence- I had to live with this all because a foolish night with Tatalia in a tavern she owned. Bad move. Here you’re almost 17 and you got drunk and-
“Uh...Mina?” After a loud crash- I calmly put the phone down and walked over to what was left of a 300 dollar pot- and a stuttering Beau.
The last couple of hours went by fast, Beau bought me lunch and I told him all of the stories of the fun I had at Mizu-iwa. I told him just about all of my stories about the games of tag, the day at the boxing club, my arch-nemesis, and even about my best Friend- Doris.
“So, she’s Canadian?” Beau asked.
As though it was a normal question, I nodded.
“Yeah, It’s not her fault...”
We both laughed at the joke, but little did he know I wasn’t kidding. Maybe it’s best I let him think it’s a joke...yeah.
I closed the shop around 1:00, watered my plants, cleaned up my mess and packed clothes for my trip. When I went to leave, Beau was standing next to the door.
“You going to be okay, kiddo?” He handed me a little bag- I didn’t bother opening it, I already knew what was inside. Candy. And probably a joke or two. That’s what’s so great about him- He always has candy and a joke for every occasion.
“Yeah, I’m going to be fine...” I took it and left.
“Don’t let your arms get tired!” I heard him jokingly yell down the hall.
I was glad to get out of there for a while. On my way to the docking bay I had to think of things to keep my mind straight. I knew that since Tatalia bought my ticket- she’ll surly be snooping around. She could be behind me this very minute- but if I try to find her, knowing my luck I couldn’t. I got on the shuttle and sat next to the window. I sure wish Beau were here...Or maybe even Duo. I never was too hot on flying- and if I didn’t find something to occupy myself, I’d go insane. So I pulled out my book and continued reading. I wonder if Duo is going to be there... For the first time, I let my mind wander.
You already know what’s going to happen. You’re going to be walking down the street and you JUST so happen to walk right by him, your eyes meet and BAM! It’s going to happen all over again! I smiled and rolled my eyes. Sad but true- that’s what I WANT to happen. But I’m not going to let him go until I tell him the truth. No more running away. I ended up staring lazily out the window- eyes dazed as I thought about what I should do when I see him.
“Excuse me, miss?”
I received a light tap on my shoulder, and shot up. The shuttle ride didn’t last that long. I looked around. I was the only one left on the craft- with a tiny sweatdrop, I grabbed my bag and got off. I ventured the area for a while and soon decided to catch the bus to Mizu-iwa.
I had to pay my respects to the others. The town didn’t look the same, it looked so dead- so empty. Clouds hung over the whole area, blocking the beautiful sun. I walked past the stores we used to hang out in and smile. The closer I get to the graveyard, the more tears form in my eyes. I enter the gates and wander down the rows of headstones. This is all my fault. I did this. All these kids lost their lives because of my mission. But I didn’t push the button.... Fear and dread came over me as I looked down at a grave- MY grave. I stood there, studying the letters on the cold, grey headstone. I wasn’t dead, and I wished I was- my friends have probably forgotten me, there’s no reason for me to live. So much blood on my hands- the blood of the kids that attended this school. All dead. I couldn’t take it anymore, I began to run down the columns, letting out tiny yelps. I didn’t want to cry, I closed my eyes and fell to my knees. My chest heaved and I clutched the locket. Thunder and lightning was part of the reason for my yelling. I was scared and alone, again.
My eyes opened and I came face to face with Hayley’s headstone. It’s all your fault! The children of this school aren’t here anymore because of your foolishness! Why? You didn’t quit until you took everyone I cared for from me. You took my Guardians, my friends and my soul. I lived to destroy you and now it’s done. Like you said, I can’t bring everybody back by killing you. But, I thought that seeing you suffer would ease my mind. It didn’t. I rather see you burn in hell myself. I will not be pleased until I get to watch you writhe in the fiery pits of hell. In fact I want to join you. “Are you happy now?!” I scream. “I have nothing to live for- NOTHING!” My voice strains and I cough. I was soaking wet from head to toe, the cold was taking it’s toll on me. I wanted to let go- just give up. I have nothing left to fight for, I want to die here and now. With a quick movement, I tear the delicate silver chain from my neck and throw it across the way. Solo. I don’t have to right to wear that. Memories are only painful to me. Brother...I will join you soon. I look down at my hands, they were bloody from hitting her stone. A wave of illness and pain swept over me and I curled up into a ball, shivering next to her grave. I was soon sleeping, allowing the cold to take over me. I lost all sense of control, and began drifting into nothingness.