Chapter Eleven: Scheming The doctor was dressed in a long, white lab coat, much like the typical image of a medical doctor. He held a clipboard in the crook of his arm and a stethoscope curled around his neck. Glasses perched on the end of his nose, and he looked forty or so, with graying brown hair and a hearty beard. Therise stood before him, chest clutched in worry. “Is he all right?” she said quietly, amazingly controlled. “Your husband is in stable condition. This is the first stroke he’s suffered and so the effects will seem larger than they actually are. He hasn’t been conscious, however, since the night you brought him in. It may be a few days before he comes to.” The doctor, Matthews was his name, tilted his head at the old woman. “He should be fine, but we’ll have to start being watchdogs from here on out.” Therise nodded, understanding. “Thank you.” She watched as he nodded politely and strode gracefully down the hall toward her husband’s room once again. Sighing, Therise took her seat and stared at her folded hands. She needed a light at the end of her tunnel, and she knew exactly where that teenager was. “Come on, Selphie…” ****************************************** “Garden has landed outside Esthar,” Cid said rather unnecessarily as Irvine was jolted awake by the convergence of the ground and floating building. The rest of his headmaster’s good-natured announcement was drowned out as the cowboy pressed his spare pillow against his exposed ear, grumbling his annoyance. If it was one thing that put teenagers in a foul mood, it was being wakened earlier than according (amen) and the situation proved no different now. A few more minutes of half consciousness passed before Irvine realized his dilemma. Sometimes, one couldn’t return to that lovely dream world once the morning shone down on him. But at least he would get something done out of an early morning’s wake. Within ten minutes, he was in the office, staring Cid in the face. “Morning, Headmaster,” he tipped his hat. “Morning,” Cid responded accordingly, “What brings you here?” “I was just wondering if students had the liberty of exploring Esthar while Garden is grounded, sir.” “I knew someone would ask. My original intent was for classes to carry on as usual, but seeing as it is a Saturday, I should have expected students to want free reign of Esthar.” Cid removed his glasses, wiped them on a white cloth for a moment and eyed Irvine cautiously. “I wouldn’t allow it usually, but… tell me why I should make an exception for you.” Had he any control over the words coming from his mouth as his answer, he wouldn’t have said anything. Seeing as he didn’t, the only reason he could supply for Cid was, “Is being in love good enough?” A flash of the previous night’s conversation with Quistis passed in Cid’s mind as the puzzle pieces began fitting. So they really were caught up in a tangle of relationships… Sighing, Cid took his coffee cup from his desk and rose, walking toward the large window that looked out over the first floor lobby. He stared at the little dots of people walking, most of them toward the cafeteria for breakfast, and took a sip from his mug. “Take a Balamb car,” he said finally, not turning from the window. Irvine grinned. “Thank you, sir,” he nodded and bee-lined his way toward the door. Cid shook his head. “Kids.” ~*~ “How did you manage to get this car?” Selphie couldn’t help asking. Rinoa shrugged. “Squall said he would need it for his political purposes in Esthar this morning. Of course he was lying and so that’s how we got to go shopping.” The brunette paused, pondering. “One of the other Balamb cars was taken though. I don’t know who else took one this morning.” “Hmm,” was all Selphie said, looking out her window as Rinoa drove. The city could been seen in the distance, though morning fog hung low on the tall buildings, obscuring them from view. Rinoa glanced at her friend from the corner of her eye and turned off the radio. “… So… how are you and Irvine?” Selphie looked at her briefly, then back out her window again, shrugging. “Oh, the same, I guess.” “So you like him?” Rinoa mused, biting her smile. “Oh, don’t even start that again,” Selphie flapped a hand. “I don’t like yes or no questions.” Rinoa nodded, backing off, if only for the moment. “… Seriously,” she said, lower this time. Selphie contemplated telling about the conversation she had with Quistis the other day. It seemed she wasn’t the only one who wasn’t blind and could see opposing sides of the war—war? Could it really have been called that? They weren’t pining for the love of one man… “I like him,” Selphie concluded finally, considering it a safe answer. “I might as well admit it now.” Rinoa tilted her head, eyes fixed on the small road. “Falling for the player—I thought you knew better, Selphie.” “I did!” the petite brunette protested weakly, slouching farther in her seat. “I did…” The sorceress beside her shook her head, glancing briefly in her side and rear-view mirrors. Her voice dropped its sarcasm as she took her foot slightly off the gas pedal. “Selphie… I don’t mean to interfere,” she began, choosing her words carefully. “But we are talking about Irvine Kinneas here …” Selphie waited, observing her friend through piercing green eyes. “Of course.” “What?” The Trabian lass leaned back in her seat, looking away. “Not everyone finds true love in a gunblade-wielding prince who tears down his walls for you. Some of us have to look a little deeper in the one we love for something to brag about. Love doesn’t need to be obvious, Princess.” Selphie shifted, glancing down at her hands. She continued after a breath, gathering her dignity. “There’s a music box on my desk in my dorm,” she said, tilting her head. “There’s no jewelry in it. A guy gave it to me for sweet sixteen—can’t even remember his name. It plays Iris’s lullaby. The first time I had it playing in front of Irvine… he started humming along.” Rinoa listened, silent as ever. “I see him when I look at it, and I think of how he sounded that day. I fall asleep thinking about it.” Selphie sighed quietly. “He leaves his car magazines all over my floor, and I step on them more every day. I open my closet to choose my clothes and everything reminds me of him. I wore this jacket when we ate out the other day; I wore that shirt when he spilled ice cream on it…” The brunette shook her head. “Everything that’s supposed to define me is leading me back to him. That’s not something I can pass off as friendship anymore.” Rinoa slowed the car to a stop just before the west gates of Esthar and waited as the bar lifted for them. The only sound she could respond with was, “… oh…” “Everyone thinks they know him,” Selphie went on, heart running with her. “Everyone couldn’t be more wrong.” Throwing caution into the wind, Rinoa laughed suddenly, flooring the gas pedal and sending them into the traffic of Esthar. Her hands turned the steering wheel accordingly, though she was a little more than reckless. “Girl, if you don’t call that love, I don’t know what you call it.” Beside her, Selphie smiled. ******************************************************** “Hi, Laguna?” Putting down his coffee, the President sat up in his chair and squinted at the voice on the other line. “Yes, and why do you sound familiar?” “Maybe because I’m the best sharpshooter ever to grace the Earth…” Laguna smirked momentarily. “Garden did land today, didn’t it?” he said, as much to himself as he did to his younger friend. “What can I do for you?” After hearing the other man’s story, though not exactly the entire reasoning behind it, Laguna flipped through his phone book before landing on the page with City Council. “Well,” he began, “I have this friend named Pam who might be able to help you…” ~*~ “Wanna go in here?” Rinoa asked, nodding into the arcade with a grin. Selphie looked in briefly, standing on tip toe to see over the passersby. “Too many people,” she said, returning to her normal height. “And when you get a concentration of guys in a room, it starts to smell.” “Ain’t that the truth,” her friend agreed, walking on. They had managed to find parking in the mass mall of Esthar, most likely the largest shopping complex in the entire world, and had worn holes in their shoes since lunch. Their hands were completely empty however; they shopped to look, not to purchase. The mall seemed to last forever as they walked and walked in one direction, still not coming to a loop. “So how big is this place exactly?” Selphie said, settling down on a bench in a lounging area complete with fountains, planters, and plush carpet. “Huge,” Rinoa said off handedly, glancing at the people crowding the mall walkways. “I’m willing to bet this is where celebrities shop.” “Including us,” Selphie threw in, smiling ear to ear. Rinoa, who was still standing, placed both hands on her hips, looking out over the mall. At first, the Trabian saw only the clear counters a fair distance behind her, but as her gaze lifted, she saw the sign in loopy gold cursive; Gregory Jewelers. “How ‘bout there?” she suggested. Rinoa turned, her eyes lifting in much the same fashion as her companion moments before. “Sure. Just keep dreaming,” she finished, nudging Selphie in the ribs. Inside the clear (and locked) counters were countless necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, but idea of a “diamond” still rested solely in the ring. With three saleswomen looking at them intently, both brunettes leaned over the counter to gaze wondrously at the thousand-dollar diamond rings. “You call $1800 a sale?” Rinoa hissed, pointing to an emerald cut. “As opposed to $3400, yes,” Selphie answered, pointing to a princess cut. Both women whistled low, their eyes transfixed on the valuable baubles. Tilting her head, Selphie tapped the glass lightly, pointing to the ring closest to them. “I like that one.” “Which one?” “This one right here. Two karat diamond in the middle, one karat ones on each side. Gold band, not silver.” Selphie frowned a little. “That’ll be the day, won’t it?” Rinoa nodded, replacing the fallen strap of her purse back on her shoulder and walking away. “I’ll point it out to Irvine one day.” “Shut up.” ************************************************* Chapter Twelve: Love’s Anticipation Quistis awoke to the sound of her alarm, alongside the ray of sunlight falling across her eyes. Raising a hand, she blocked the light and squinted. The blue-flamed numbers on her clock read 9:30. It was Sunday, however, and classes ceased to exist. Smiling a little, she reached over with one bare arm and flipped the machine off. At heart she was an early bird anyhow; something that had probably hammered itself into her brain since she came to Garden. She was fixing her bed when she realized that today was supposed to be special… what was it again? Halloween? No, too early. Labor Day? No, too late. What was it then? Shaking her head a little, the blonde checked her calendar and frowned at the blank spot written under October 4. Why did some part in the back of her mind tell her that today was different? Maybe Irvine would know. She blinked as soon as the thought exited her head, disappearing as instantly as it had come. Was she some kind of swooney school girl now, thinking about him at her every question? “Yes,” Quistis chastised herself. There were times when she didn’t want to believe it herself, but the urban cowboy had wedged his way into her liking some way or another. A crush, a crush—who ever heard of such a thing from her? And on the least likely person in the universe, no less. She pushed her opinions aside as she dressed, brushed her hair and threw it up in a half-hearted bun. Just as the door was opening to let her out, the metal phone on her desk rang, causing her to stop mid-stride. Curious, she picked up the receiver before the second ring and held it to her ear. “Hello?” she said, looking out her open doorway. “Hey!” She would recognize that voice anywhere. “Hi Rinoa,” she said, trying to put some cheer in her much lower pitched voice. “So how’s the birthday girl?” Blue eyes blinked once, then rolled as the blonde mentally kicked herself. It was her birthday—duh. “Oh, uh… I’m great, thanks.” “You’re so enthusiastic, I see.” “Sorry, Rinoa, I just got up and it takes me awhile to wake up completely,” Quistis answered, leaning her hip against the desk. “I really am okay—I mean, I’m nineteen today.” “You sure are,” Rinoa’s voice on the other end agreed. “So what do you wanna do?” “Do?” Quistis echoed. “Yeah! Shopping? Movies? Eating? All three? We’re in a big city after all.” “Um, actually,” Quistis started, thinking once again of the brown-haired cowboy, “I want to stay here and just… relax a little. You know?” “Aw, Quistis, come on,” Rinoa said, most likely frowning. “Sel and I can take you to the mall we went to yesterday. It had a lot of stores; I’m sure you’ll find something you like.” The blonde resisted a sigh, checking the time again. “Sure, Rin. I’ll meet you in the cafeteria.” ********************************************************* Esthar City Hall was alive with people walking and talking animatedly about everything and anything. The front lobby was old and wooden, the only part of the old library building that hadn’t been renovated. A few benches were placed strategically against the walls, all of them taken up by waiting families or couples. Looking up, he saw that the sun was just beginning to shine through the skylights in the peaked roof, illuminating small patches of light on the polished wooden floor. A receptionist sat in the midst of it all, barred from him by a high mahogany desk. Irvine wove his way through the hustle of people and managed to reach the front desk just as the receptionist turned away from her monitor. “May I help you?” “Um, I was just wanting to see Pam Clark.” The redhead, who couldn’t have been more than twenty-five, looked at him with a guarded eye. Had he been his usual self, he probably would have stayed and chatted her up for a few minutes more. But he had a job to do. “… Irvine Kinneas?” she said finally, blue eyes questioning. He was so surprised she knew his name he didn’t even think to answer. Before he could question her knowledge, she picked up a yellow post-it, read it, and handed it to him. “The President said you would be stopping by. He said I would recognize you by the hat.” Conscious, Irvine flipped the brim of his trademark accessory. “He was right.” “Do you know where her office is?” When the cowboy nodded, the young redhead turned away, rolled her chair back over to her computer and resumed her typing. Irvine removed his hat and balled the yellow memo in his hand before shooting it expertly into the waiting trash can next to the elevator. “Hello Irvine,” was the first sentence out of the elderly woman’s mouth as soon as he entered her office. “I got your attention, didn’t I?” “More than any woman ever has,” he answered smoothly. “I came as fast as I could.” Mrs. Clark nodded woodenly. “I believe five minutes is fast enough,” she said, pulling out a drawer from a nearby filing cabinet. A manila envelope was procured, and the sight of it almost sent Irvine reeling. “This is everything we have on Zachary and Cyrene.” She dropped the folder in front of him. “High school to the grave.” Irvine picked it up, shaking his head a little. “Have I told you how much you need a raise? I’ll tell Laguna! He can give you anything you want.” Mrs. Clark laughed, placing a hand at her hip. “What is it about records that could make you so happy?” “It’ll mean more than just knowing who they were,” he answered, not in the least secretive, and yet not giving anything away either. “Thank you. I appreciate it more than I can say.” “You’re welcome.” ********************************************************* Selphie ran down the steps two at a time, dodging every body in her way without so much as a sound. When she reached the main lobby, she took a turn down the bridge leading to the cafeteria and skirted through the sea of dining students. The set of double doors leading to the outside picnic area were flung open as she continued her hasty sprint toward the main courtyard. She was coming to the stone steps when she saw him on the other side, running just like her, anticipating the meeting. Smiling, she skipped down the last section of stairs and into the empty courtyard where the late sun shone down on the benches, plants, and fountains that decorated the scenery. They ran up to each other, stopping the other with restraining hands. Both were breathing hard, laughing at their state, just so they could see each other for… what reason again? The Trabian lass had just returned from her shopping trip with Quistis and Rinoa when her phone rang. She sighed a little and picked up the receiver, saying, “What do you want, Irvine?” “Sel! Good, you’re back. Will you meet me in the courtyard in ten minutes?” “What?” she said, throwing down her shopping bags. “There’s something I have to talk to you about. Just be quick about it okay?” Bewildered, Selphie’s eyes traveled to the clock on her wall. It was 5:30 and the sun would be setting soon. “Uh, sure,” she answered eventually. After hanging up, she sat on her bed, running over the hasty conversation. There’s something I have to talk to you about… What would he have to talk to her about that he couldn’t do over the phone? Irvine was never one for personal visits if he couldn’t establish what needed to be known in every other way possible—phone, email, page… the list went on. She wanted to see him though. He seemed so insistent. And they found themselves there in the courtyard, at sunset, desperately in need of oxygen and answers. Selphie swallowed, trying to laugh and yet not being able to draw enough breath. Eventually, she managed to breathe normally and regain her composure, but not before her best friend did. “I love you.” Stop. Selphie blinked, looking up at him with what could only be described as complete and utter shock. Every emotion in her clashed as his words, wondering, wondering… What had he just said? Was it true? Had she heard correctly? What did this mean? Irvine was smiling though, and looking at her with hopeful eyes. “I’m in love with you,” he said, slower this time. Then he broke into a silly grin, scratching the back of his head. “And Hyne, I’m not supposed fall in love so soon—I’m me, you know?” Selphie nodded woodenly, unaware of his question and yet hanging onto his every word. A fluttering rose in her as her breaths came in shorter gasps. Her best friend just told her he was in love with her… “But we’re so close now,” he went on, looking her in the eye. “I feel like you know me better than anyone else. And for the first time, I want to be with someone… because I love her. Not because she’s just pretty or has a really cute laugh. I want to be with you.” The brunette in front of him blinked, eyes glassing over as she tried to form a smile. An immense joy washed over her as she realized what he was saying, had been trying to say for some minutes now. She loved him more than anyone in the whole world; he was her best friend, he was her soul mate… Irvine laughed shortly, chastising himself at his sloppy performance. “Damn, I hope I can scrape up the courage to say this to her. I’ve just wanted to say it for so long, you know? Every time we were eating together or volunteering at that church…” Irvine shook his head. “But I just couldn’t. I was too scared she’d turn me down…” he trailed off, sighing into the fast approaching night. Selphie imitated him, shaking her head slightly in confusion. “… Who?” she said, barely a breath behind the word. Irvine turned his brown eyes on her and shrugged like a school boy. “Quistis. Who else?” Thunder rumbled in the distance. Selphie blinked once, twice as the truth dawned on her features. The looks in the hall when Quistis passed them… the little talks at lunch… the afternoons Irvine went to volunteer… the dance in the restaurant… As fast as her joy had surfaced for that one eternal moment, it was gone, replaced with only the cold shudder of truth. Irvine wasn’t saying he loved her… he loved Quistis. He loved Quistis?! “Here, let’s do this again,” Irvine said suddenly, patting her shoulder. “I’ll be me, and you be Quistis, okay?” Selphie blinked away the tears in her eyes, composing herself as best she knew how. It had been too good to be true, and that was why it hadn’t been… Irvine took a deep breath and closed his eyes momentarily before opening them again, on her. He gazed at his best friend with sincerity. “I love you.” Selphie swallowed thickly, staring into the depths of his eyes. Those were the eyes she had seen in her dreams, in her thoughts—all day long as she thought about him, about being with him. Even if they were best friends, it wasn’t enough for her. She was in love with him… just as he was in love with Quistis. She was only playing the part of herself when she met his gaze, tears threatening to fall. “… I love you too.” Irvine smiled a little at her. “She’ll say the same thing, won’t she?” he asked. The hope in his voice tore at her heart, ripping it to shreds, and trampling the life out of it. At that moment, she was just his best friend. She would always be his best friend. Selphie forced a smile and nodded at him. “Yeah,” she answered, “Of course she will.” “Really?” Irvine’s eyes radiated innocence. He was asking her for her promise on Quistis’s love. Oh, the irony… “… Really,” she whispered in kind, the last of her tears blinking away with her words. Irvine grinned, reassured by the one person he could tell anything to, and had. A new wave of encouragement washed over him as he looked at his best friend. She always made him a little stronger. “Come here,” he said, pulling her into a crushing embrace. Selphie complied, closing her eyes and resting her cheek against the rough material of his jacket. She felt water trickle down her face and into his shoulder. She could only hold back for so long. But as soon as she thought she was giving herself away, she felt water everywhere, heard it as it pelted the stone courtyard in which they stood. It was raining. She could have stayed in his hold for an eternity, but his question led to an answer. “Should I go tell her now?” Selphie squeezed her eyes shut against him, holding onto the one she loved for dear life. The only answer she gave was a slight nod, just enough pressure to tell him she had said yes. He pulled away after that, unphased by the rain coming down on them. His smile beamed at her as she stared up at him, expression unreadable. “You’re the best, Selphie. What would I do without you?” Every movement, every word, every essence of him she watched as he turned and walked away from her, mounting the stone steps that lead to his true love… Quistis. Her memory failed her as to when she turned in the desolate courtyard and began walking back inside. She passed the fountain, the plants, the benches, and even mounted the first few steps of the court with so much as a blink of an eye. A second roll of thunder rumbled in the distance before she finally broke down, cries echoing in the empty space as she stumbled into a full-fledged run. The rain only came down harder. ********************************************************* NExT...