When I awoke to Ryuu's loud voice, the first thing I felt was irritation from being woken up. I hadn't slept, truly slept in a long time. But, the good news was I hadn't gotten any weird dreams, which was nice. Maybe that meant things were going to die down a little.
“So what are you doing today?” Ryuu asked me as I ran my fingers through my tangled hair. It was so unruly, and I was sure people were laughing at me in their minds.
“I don’t know maybe look over the footage that we got or just go home and go to bed,” I stated rubbing her eyes. While the bed sounded nice, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. There was too much going on, and our job wasn't done yet. We had to help this school; it was our job, my top priority.
“Nope.” Ryuu smiled innocently at me. He had surprised me. What did he mean no? He couldn't stop me.
“What do you mean nope?” I asked suspiciously.
“It’s my birthday today remember so your going to spend the day with me. That is if you want to.” he replied, the smile still on his face.
Finally, a smile formed ever so slightly at the corners of my mouth. "Of course I want to spend your birthday with you. I have never missed a day since I met you," I told him as I stood up. "How are you feeling?" I asked as he attempted to get up. His movements were stiff.
He shrugged, "Seen better days. But, let's not talk about the job on my birthday, ok?"
I stared at him and conceded. "Ya, sure. Ok," I nodded. "What kind of food is Kara going to be serving because I don't know about you, but I am so hungry! I haven't eaten a homecooked meal in... well, I don't even know how long."
Ryuu chuckled. "That's a little sad, Em. And when aren't you hungry?"
"Shut up," I punched him playfully in the arm. "Anyway, happy birthday."
-Elle-
I was being shook away by a young woman I had never met before. I scrambled away from her when she startled me half to death.
"Whoa! Whoa! Sorry; I didn't mean to scare you, but everyone's getting up. I didn't want you sleeping all day," the woman said. "Oh, I'm Ryuu's sister Takara."
Elle nodded, now fully awake. "I'm Elle."
"Since you are Ryuu's friend, why don't you come on over later today? It's his birthday, and all of his friends will be there," Takara was telling me.
I nodded, "Sure, ok." Takara moved on to the next person to make sure they were awake.
I glanced over at Ryuu, who was talking to Emiko. Why was I feeling jealous of my cousin? Maybe because Ryuu was an awesome guy who really looked out for her. Emiko had everything, everything I ever wanted. She made a life for herself, free from her parents. Here I am totally at her mercy. I don't want to go back home; I want to stay here.
I sighed as I took a seat at the windowsill. I knew I was being a burden to her because she didn't like me very well and the fact that I didn't believe in any of this nonsense. But, I wanted to stay. I didn't have many friends back home. True friends anyway. I didn't have anyone that would stick a neck out for me. They were all too high class for that.
I looked around the room at the groups of friends. I wondered if I would ever be excepted as a friend. I know I didn't make a very good first impression, but I was hard to handle, even I knew that. I couldn't always control my temper. But, all I really want is a friend. And maybe in time, Emiko could be that friend.
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