chapter six: E-mail

I blushed. He's really a nice guy. Smiling like a kid when talking about the girl he likes for some years now. Somehow, I feel envious of this very lucky girl. If I were her, I will e-mail him every minute of the day.

Courtney and Audrey went to Biology Class while I was scheduled to be in History Class. There is a small table for every two students. I wonder who I'll be sharing with. Who's gonna be my seatmate? I just hope Miranda Vane won't be there. That would be very bad. O, that's her. She doesn't look like she's about to attend the same class with me. But who is that brunette girl she's whispering with? Ate they planning some kind of secret mission. I gotta hear some of it.

".......... keep an eye ............... seat ................... him ....................... girl........................" Miranda whispered, almost breathing except that there were some words.


Keep an eye? To whom? seat? who's seat? him? That would be Nathan. O, he's in my class again. Girl? God, don't tell me that's me. Don't; just don't let me be the one to sit next to him again.

"Mr. Braid, I'm new here. Where should I sit?" I pointed both of the two remaining seats. The other chair has a bag already so it must be occupied.

"That one belongs to Ms. Waltz. Please sit there nearest to the window." There again? I wonder why I always get to sit there. Never mind, I'll just get my things ready, I wonder to whom does this bag belongs. This gray backpack is somehow familiar. Maybe I saw it already during homeroom class.

"Sorry Mr. Braid, I helped Mr. Crow with the net. I hope I didn't miss anything." O, so there was Nathan Hale.

"No problem Mr. Hale. We were just about to start, now move along."

Where will he sit? I can't see any seat that was not been occupied yet except Waltz's and the seat beside... No! This isn't his...

"Do you really like seating beside me? I'm honored." Nathan teased.

"You should be." I quickly replied. I was agitated. I'm annoyed with myself 'cause I feel excited that we're seatmates again. But why? Yes, I'm just excited to tease him. Right!

"Hey Nathan, how was your vacation without your girlfriend?" I teasingly asked.

"I don't have any girlfriend, I'm not interested." He replied, kind of mad. But it felt like he was willing to answer my questions.

"Isn't Miranda Vane your girlfriend? O you're not interested, does that mean, your not straight?"

"She's not and I'm not interested to her. I'm straight. I like somebody, a girl."

"O, poor Miranda. Who's the unlucky girl?"

"You mean lucky. You don't need to know, she doesn't study here. We were classmates when we were in grade school but not anymore. She migrated and might never come back."

"O, I'm sorry. Well if you still like her, than you must have communication still. How? Through E-mail?"

"No we don't have. Don't be sorry, she's not dead. Or maybe she is."

"Hey, why do you think she's dead? 'Cause she's not replying to our e-mails anymore? Is that it?"

"No it's not. I told you, we never had any communication. I don't care; maybe she didn't really like me at all she didn't e-mail me. I gave her my address, you see."

"No, I did not see. I was in Japan how could I see?" I teased.

"Well yeah, but maybe you did."

"Impossible. Hey, you're quite a martyr. You got no contact with her but yet you still like her? How do you do that?"

"Easy, it's just that no one has appeared yet who can compare to her. She's unique above anyone else. She's just the girl I've seen with the most exotic qualities. She's my medicine."

I blushed. He's really a nice guy. Smiling like a kid when talking about the girl he likes for some years now. Somehow, I feel envious of this very lucky girl. If I were her, I will e-mail him every minute of the day. What's with that girl?

"Didn't know you were that cheesy but you really sounded... sweet." I grinned.

"O thanks." He muttered. He blushed when he heard sweet. He's really like a kid, just handsome, not cute.

"Hey does that girl have a big crush on you too?" I asked still looking at the brunette.

"Too? I didn't know you got a big crush on me. I'm flattered but you don't stand..."

"Shut up, I'm not referring to myself but to Miranda. Look" I glimpsed at him, his face saddened.

"O, where? Her? Crap. She's Leigh Woods, one of Miranda's friends."

"O yeah, I saw Miranda whispering something at her before I got in."

"Good chance. Will you just cooperate with me?" He pleaded.

"What?" I was confused.

"Smile." He ordered. And I smiled at him too.

"I can't wait for history to finish and lunch time to begin. You're dead, moron!"

"Right, I can't wait to be with you at lunch time Sanyu." He said louder so that Leigh Woods would hear it and hopefully report it to her master.

"Hey, yes she won't bother you but she will to me."

"O that would be for sure. You want me to talk to her?"

"Would she listen?"

"She will but I don't know if she'll act upon it. That might be impossible." He chuckled. I got mad and stepped on his foot.

"Aw!" He said, Mr. Braid almost looked at our way. "You're such a sweetie Sanyu."

"Yes I am"

bell.. bell.. bell..

"Now you're dead Nathan Hale!"

"Can't Wait Hyuuga, really I can't" He laughed, I began to laugh to because he was so captivating. Seeing him laughing, giggling, chuckling, smiling just makes me laugh, giggle, chuckle and smile too. Never was a moment of chagrin with him. Cool guy, cool friend. I hope he'll meet his girl soon. Maybe the two of them look cute. Someone interrupted our laughing moment. I and Nate looked at the one who disturbed us.

"Leigh! There you are. I'm excited, and I have many things to tell you! I think you owe me a lot of things too, right?"

Crap. Miranda Vane, the antagonist as always. God let me be lucky that she won't mess with me.

to be continued

chapter 5: Bunny Geek

There, our eyes met for some seconds. I was about to smile
when he suddenly turned his head on the board. What a strange fellow.

"Good morning sunshine," mom sung. I got my good singing voice from her which you won't notice 'cause I have a low speaking voice.

"Morning, mom. Thanks for waking me up. Wish me luck 'kay?" I yawned.

"Of course sweetie. After all its your first regular day. I will wish you luck," my mom smiled at me. I love my mom so much. "Dad went to office already."

"As always, one hour before you wake up." My mother hid her disappointment. She always wanted us to have breakfast together but dad has to go early for office even when we were in Japan.


"Mom, go on now. I'll take a bath first. Human hygiene, you know. I don't want to smell unpleasantly on my first day."

"Sure, I'll get your breakfast ready now."

I finished taking a bath. O, I forgot to place my things on my new bag. There, mission cleared. I went straight down and ate my egg sandwich as fast as I can. I want to be early on my first day; it won't be a good impression to be late on the first. I wonder who'd be my homeroom teacher. I wonder if I'll be with Audrey or Courtney's class. Good thing I have two friends.

"Mom, I'm going. ja-ne (see you later)!"

"Gambare (good luck), Sanyu!"

I ride on my bicycle and watched the houses on the way to Algona High School. Even though the place is small, the people in it are always wearing a bright and warm smile. Looking at their faces makes me feel good already. Algona is such a nice place full of good people. What a blue clear sky we have today. O, right. I have to look on the street or I might get bumped again. I wonder if Audrey escape again today or will she be in her luxurious car.

I'm finally here. Firstly, I have to get my schedule. Mrs. Beyer gave me my schedule and told me that I start my day with Class A. There are only two classes per level here, A and B. The smarter ones are placed in Class A and the rest to Class B. I guess I'll be with Audrey after all.


"Hey San!" Courtney greeted me cheerfully. Maybe chagrin was never in her vocabulary.

"Hey Court, where's Aud?" I asked. Aren't they always together?

"Well, if Aud isn't here yet, it only means that she was not able to escaped their guards."

"Poor Aud, I wanna see her face depressed." I chuckled.

"O look, she has arrived." Courtney pointed to the main gate.

"See, I told you her face would be funny." I chuckled, softer now so she won't hear me, "Hi Aud. Don't we have a good morning to start with?"

"Yeah we have but don't start teasing with me." She threatened which made me and Courtney giggle even more.

"So what class are you in?" Aud changed the topic. She was enlightening the mood now.

"I believe with you, Class A." I hypothetically said. I might be wrong but... no.

"Dang! I'm left again in Class B; you should have made 30 mistakes you know." Courtney suggested.

"O, you should have said that earlier Courtney but they'll send me to A too if they see my quizzes marked with 100s." I chuckled.

"Well, let's go now to our class, A is stricter than B you know." Aud suggested.

"Yeah, I'll go ahead too and find some friends in my own class." Courtney said full of optimism.


And Courtney parted with us. Class A's were put in the left corridor while the B's in the right. At least I'll never get lost in B. I hope. The one at the edge was for the seniors and the nearest was for the freshmen. So our class was in the second room obviously.


"I'll go inside first Sanyu, you wait here." She winked at me and went in. Well of course, I have to properly introduce myself. I'm a newbie after all. I saw Audrey whispering to the ear of a lady. She should be Ms. Georgina Conrad, our homeroom teacher. Ms. Conrad nodded her head.

"Class, we have a new student. She just came back from Japan. Be kind to her, okay?" I heard Ms. Conrad introducing me from the inside. "Come in now please."

Okay, I can do this. Audrey's there so if I get scared, I'll just look at her. One, two, three. I opened the door. I was bowing my head. Inhale, exhale Sanyu. Okay, up. Wow, they were all smiling at me. They're so hospitable.

"Hello, my name is Sanyu Hyuuga. Actually I have studied here in Algona five years ago that's why I understand English very well.. I am very pleased to meet you all. Please be good to me." I said confidently feeling their warm personality.

"Thank you for that message Ms. Hyuuga. Now please sit there at the back row nearest to the window. Beside Mr. Hale please."

O, great spot, above me is Audrey. She waved to me happily and I smiled back. The guy beside me snorted when I reached his side. What's with him? He was the only one who has an opposing feeling for me. Hale? Sounds familiar, really.


The class went on and I can't concentrate because I can see from the edge of my eye that Mr. Hale keeps on glaring at me like a mortal enemy spying 24/7. He was really a bother so I thought of a solution. I'll look at him too. There, our eyes met for some seconds. I was about to smile when he suddenly turned his head on the board. What a strange fellow. At least he will stop glaring now. I can't wait to go to another class without him.


Physical Education Class. Good, female are separated from men which means goodbye Mr. Hale. Hmm, what's his first name? I don't have any idea at all.

"Hi Nathan! It was a long boring vacation without you. I'm sure you missed me too." screamed a girl who was tortured by make-up. I giggled by the thought that this was her girlfriend.

He saw me giggling which made him even more pissed. "O, well but I had a very nice vacation without you. Miranda, will you please back off to the girls." He still looked at me even though he was referring to Miranda. She noticed that and looked at my way. I turned my head to Audrey as fast as I could.

"Hey Aud! O, Courtney your there." I said mumbled so fast.

"Hey, hey, relax! You stole something didn't you?" Audrey teased me. Courtney laughed.

"No! I was just scared of that Miranda. That's why I went here already."

"Why? What did you do to Miranda Vane? Are you flirting with Nathan Hale on your first day?" Audrey asked, Nathan would be the only reason for Miranda to get mad.

"I didn't! They were talking, Miranda was lovey-dovey and I giggled. Then he barked on Miranda but he was looking at me when he was talking. Miranda noticed that and before she could see me, I went to you guys."

"Ooh, I smell something Aud." Courtney stated.

"Yeah, I smell a fight from this girl with Miranda from now on. Don't you think?" Audrey said.

"But I don't like that Hale! He keeps on glowering at me! He hates me, 'kay?" I defended myself.

"That's not what Miranda thinks. Be careful from now on Sanyu, got that?" Audrey stared at me.

"Yes ma'am. I got that Ms. Blew." I answered.


O, volleyball is our game today. Great, I'll forget my irritation for now. Wow, I am playing really good today. Baam, a spike again! We won three sets straight. Thanks to me, haha. Just kidding but it's kind of true you know. O, here comes Mr. harry Crow, our P.E. teacher. I wonder what he wants from me.

"Hey kid. I have seen your good game. Wanna check the volleyball team later? Every 5 pm. We would be delighted to have someone playing like you do." He offered me.

"I have no problem with that Mr. Crow. I'd love to play for Algona." I replied.

"O yeah, you could refer to Ms. Conrad, she's my assistant coach. Your in the same class with Mr. Hale right? He's the captain for the men's. You could ask him."

"Uhm, can't I ask the girls' captain instead sir?"

"Well of course you can. But she's a senior now, her name is Jane Stellar. She's in Class B."

"Thank you Mr. Crow. I guess I'll just have to deal with Mr. Hale after all." I replied bitterly.

Maybe it wasn't really a bad idea. I could make him open up and maybe he'll no longer get mad at me. And even tell him make his girlfriend get away from my nerves and maybe, maybe...

"Hey Nate! Come here for a while." Mr. Crow shouted. Those words made me come back to reality.

"Yes Coach?" Then he met my eyes. He was confused when he noticed my presence. He looked at me like I was stinking.

"I'd like you to personally help Ms. Hyuuga about club activities of the volleyball team since your classmates. You should chat during lunch time about it. Clear?"

"What?" I and Nathan both said. "Excuse me coach, but why not Jane do it? She's the..."

"I said are we clear Mr. Hale?" Mr. Crow cut off Nathan's explanation. "I'll be watching."

"Yes we are Mr. Crow." He half-heartedly agreed. Mr. Crow went away now.

I was sticking my tongue ready to tease him. Hey is that a smile? But he made a stone face again when he looked at me.

"Looks like you got to get along with me Nathan Hale." I teased.

"What a bother, isn't it bunny geek." He teased back.

"You just called me what?" I asked surprised by the familiar nickname.

"Well if you have problems with your ear, yes, I called you bunny geek." He barked. He seemed like he used the wrong words like he regretted using the nick name.

"Whatever. I'll just talk to you at lunch time." I went to Audrey who's about to change clothes. When we were done, I went to Courtney to bid goodbye. I searched for Nathan with my eyes before I go up. I saw him for the first time smiling wholeheartedly. It made me smile too. I knew I was blushing but who cares? I've got rosy cheeks so it won't be noticed. I just blushed 'cause he was handsome smiling like a kid there. Hmm, Bunny Geek. What's so familiar about it?

to be continued

chapter four: Mean Girls

I don't know why, but when I heard his name, I can feel inside my adrenaline rushing through my veins. I can feel my head burning, my cheeks blushing harder. His name was like air I couldn't help but breathe it.

"Question time!" Courtney grinned. She was the most excited person instead of me in this sharing that's about to happen. I set my alarm on my phone thirty minutes before seven o'clock so I can go home before seven. I might not notice the time with our conversation.

"Right." I muttered. "Audrey, I'm quite confused."

"About what?" She asked, confused too.

"You see, we bumped each other on the street, meaning you walked to school." I stated.

"Correct, so?" She questioned me, still confused on where this will go.

"I'm just wondering why you were able to walk to school but weren't able to the mall. Is there any difference?" I asked, too curious.

"O, that? I just escaped last morning so Gran doesn't know I walked. Keep quiet about it 'kay?"

"O sure, but why did you escaped? If I were you, I'd be glad to have a ride everyday."

"If you were me? You don't really want to take that as your answer." It wasn't a question.

"Why not?" I asked, I don't understand all of it.

"Because you want to experience being a normal kid, not all the rich stuffs can make you happy."

"Like what?" I was curious. What rich stuffs can't make her happy?

"Well you know San, Audrey can only see her parents during holidays. They work very hard on their office in Canada. They can't always get home here." Courtney answered for Audrey.

"Well, right. And you know San, when I walk, I feel like I'm free of doing anything. I feel like a real human being and I'm feeling it now too." She smiled an angel's. It looks true with her eyes.

"I see. Hey Aud, I've got one question left for you. " I said, very eager to know the answer.

"What is it?"

"What happened during your grade school days that you're very annoyed with it?"

"O, I'll tell you that later. I'm sure we'll get there." She said. I saw Courtney giggling. I'm sure she was waiting for that conversation.

"Well then Courtney, I'm just curious. Where do you get that cheerful side?" I asked.

"I'm just positive about life." She was obviously giving a short answer.

"O right, when we were at school, you were gonna ask me something, right? What is it?"

"O yeah, I almost forgot about that. Well, since you're Japanese, I was just wondering if you could lend me your mangas. I'm an otaku, you see." She begged.

"I totally see. And I will" I said, "so what's school like?"

"Well, it's the same like any other schools, some boring subjects. You studied here for seven years, you should know it still." Audrey said, she was like asking me.

"Well yeah, I mean the people in it. Are they friendly or not? Will they hate me?" I asked.

"Well they won't hate you..."

"Unless you're dealing with Miranda Vane." Courtney finished Audrey's sentence. Her eyes got bigger when she said Miranda Vane.

"Miranda Vane?" I asked, very curious.

"You know, mean girls in school. Miranda wants to be the number one beauty in school. She's pretty dull." Audrey said.

"You said girls, it's not only her?"

"You're such a good observant Sanyu. Right there are two, I mean one more. Leigh Woods."

"Leigh Woods was kind and so sweet before she met Miranda. Miranda has helped her find her real parents. She was too grateful she acts like her bodyguard." Courtney added.

"And the other is Karen Waltz." Audrey smiled.

"I thought there is only one left?" I asked, she changed two into one.

"Well, Karen's not mean so I didn't count her." Audrey said. I kind of believe her.

"But why is she with Miranda and Leigh?" I wondered.

"Well, it's just our hypothesis. We think Miranda is blackmailing Karen." Courtney said.

"That makes sense." I finished the question. "When is the volleyball tryout? I'd like to join."

"They don't hold a tryout. Coach Harry will just ask you if you want to be a member when he sees you've got the skills during P.E." Audrey quickly answered.

"Okay, let's talk about the boys in school." Courtney giggled eyeing Audrey who was annoyed.

"O shut up, Court." Audrey barked.

"I'm not interested at all Court, so you might as well just stop." I smiled to Audrey.

"You know Charles Montez? He's Miranda's slave. He's been courting her for a year now but he looks like he'll be dumped. He's just being used, you know." Courtney continued like nobody tried to stop her.

"Good for that dog." Audrey's tone shifted.

"Audrey and Charles were chess mates. Once they made a bet, whoever loses will become a slave, well, more likely a dog to the winner for two days."

"And Audrey lost." I stated.

"Yes she did. She followed every order Charles gave. She even made him a home made lunch, which was an order too. When Charles received it, he purposely dropped it." Courtney said.

"And he ordered me to lick the food that fell on his shoe because of his own fault, that moron!" Audrey continued, "but it was too much so I didn't. Then he showed posters to everyone about me showing I was a dog, that I licked his shoe because I wanted too."

"Is he even a man?" I questioned. So that was the grade school scene.

"Well he's courting Miranda, right? So I guess the dog is." Audrey finished the topic.

"Did you know that when you get to fail any subject, you'll be tutored by the opposite sex? I'm wondering who would tutor me if I failed."

"You're not going to fail purposely your subjects, right? But I think Riley Braid would be a good tutor for you 'cause he's shy. He won't get intimidated." Audrey advised.

"Well, doesn't matter. I think Courtney only likes to talk about boys but doesn't want to be involved with them yet." I said.

"Well you're right!" Courtney replied. "Ah, I almost forgot about Nathan Hale."

"Nathan Hale." I don't know why, but when I heard his name, I can feel inside my adrenaline rushing through my veins. I can feel my head burning, my cheeks blushing harder. His name was like air I couldn't help but breathe it. Right, breathe, breathe. I can sense now I'm becoming pale again.

"You know Miranda is very in love with Nathan even though he clearly tells her that she doesn't stand a chance. Like 'us' is impossible. But Miranda doesn't care, she will keep on targeting Nathan. If you don't want any fight, back off from Nathan. But if you'll like him, we'll just have to deal with Miranda." Audrey stated.

"No worries, I'm not yet ready for another relationship." I replied, kind of hurt.

"Another, what do you mean?" Courtney asked, it was new to her and to Audrey.

"Well back in Ja..."

beep, beep... beep, beep... beep, beep...

I almosted off my seat, I was surprised by my alarm, "I forgot, I alarmed my phone, I'll tell you next time. But right now, can we go home now?"

"Sure" they replied.

Audrey gave me and Courtney a ride home. I was off first so I don't know what they will talk about inside the car. But I'm pretty grateful that I had escaped. I might cry in the coffee shop, good thing my phone alarmed. But I know time will come I'll have to tell them. And I'll ready myself. Right now, I just want to have a good night sleep. Good night.

to be continued

chapter three: Mocha Vanilla Strawberry Loca

I don't really have a curfew, i can go home whenever I want.
It's just that I just prefer to be at home.

You know, I'm not that fun. I want a peaceful world than an extravagant castle.

The feeling is just so cool, I so love it.

Why didn't I thought of it, hitting two birds in one stone. Yeah, I sort of disliked that quote before. But now, I love it. Of course, shopping after orientation, that was possible, very I should say. And I am doing it now with my new friends, Audrey and Courtney. Actually, if you would let me choose who's better as a friend it would be Audrey. I don't know, maybe because I want a sensible person better than the cheerful one. I have some kind of a phobia, I don't like it when too much people grin, I feel like they're all grinning at me because I did something. And that was just scary to me. I hated the feeling, so I hate my mother's grin 'cause I consider her grin as evil. Kidding. But, I totally don't like it.

Audrey, our Principal's granddaughter is truly a savior. God, I don't want to walk nor to pay for a taxi ride to get to the mall. Luckily, Mrs. Potts won't allow her to walk there, so their family driver drove us there. That disappointed Audrey. But a while ago, Audrey was walking coming to this school. Is there any difference or danger on the way to the mall to not to walk? O, never mind, at least we get a drive for free, yay! I didn't get Courtney, she looked like she was happy but at the same time, she felt sorry. Well, maybe she knows Audrey that well that she feels sorry for whatever reason Audrey has. At the coffee time, I'll definitely bring them up to share.

We arrived at the mall in no time, thanks to Mrs. Potts. It was again, half of ours back in Japan. But the stores are better, not to mention that they are all high class. But the price for today are going down, a lot. I had to call my mom to inform her I am shopping with my friends so there's no need for a weekend without sale. I dialled her number as fast as I can so that we could go shopping already. You know, some nerds are a fan of fashion too just like me. When it started to ring, mom picked it up already. She was panting, something wrong in the house?

"Hey mom, you're panting. Something happened?" I was curious. Maybe it was that bad I have to go home now.

"Nothing sweetie, I was just following the exercise on the television. You know, so when we go to the beach, I'd be confident with my body. I might be a mother but I'm still a woman."

"O, I see." I muttered. I thought of bad things and this was just the reason for panting so much? But then, thank God for that.

"Hey sweetie, I will go to your school. Since you're calling, the orientation is now finished. Let's go to the mall. I want to buy some swimsuit."

"O, speaking of mall. I am already here, with my friends. So mom, I'm sorry. Weekends?"

"Sure sweetie, that's good, you have friends already? That's new." She teased.

"I know, aren't I a genius or what? Haha, alright, alright. Time to go; I can't waste all my time to this phone call. I want to go home before seven if you please." Mom was just a best friend.

"You can waste it all here sweetie! But then, I don't want your friends to think I'm strict and that I would like you to go home now. God bless you there sweetie, I love you."

"Daisuki, ja-ne." (I love you, see you later) And it was the end of our conversation. I looked at Audrey and Courtney; they weren't bored of my conversation.

"We totally understand" Courtney winked at me with a smile.

Courtney said her curfew is eight o'clock since she's still fifteen. Audrey said it doesn't matter 'cause she's got a ride on the way home. Actually, I don't really have a curfew; I can go home whenever I want. It's just that I just prefer to be at home. You know, I'm not that fun. I want a peaceful world than an extravagant castle. The feeling is just so cool, I so love it. Courtney looked very eager in shopping and Audrey's disappointment is starting to fade away. And I, Sanyu Hyuuga, even if I don't show it, am the most excited person.

I bought a sleeved dress; the shoulder up to chest level was a red see-through while the lower part was in black with floral design of bright colors. So it was so pretty, I admire it too much because I don't get to wear dresses that much in Japan because of the cold temperature there. I saw Courtney pouting when I paid; maybe she wanted my dress too. Audrey was torn between two. She can't choose between a frills and a hoodie striped shirt. Both looked fantastic on her so I said that if she can, why not buy the two clothes. In that way, you won't get disappointed from not buying the other. So she considered my advice, buying both. Courtney bought cropped shorts of white and a mustard lacy blouse. She said she won't be wearing black that much because she was too skinny now, she has to gain some pounds which was right. I thought she still wanted to be skinny but I guess Audrey gave her an advice. I ended up buying a lime green shoulder bag for school purposes so it will cool my mind whenever I see it. I also bought strappy heels in black and T-strapped platforms in blue.

"San, I know I don't have any right, but do you really need to splurge like that? You know, there are still some things you can buy some other time. Your savings might, you know," know what? I really don't know what's with their sad faces. They're too kind to be concerned about my savings. Are people in Algona really like this? I didn't have such idea.

"No worries. Good thing it was a 70% off discount, I still have a lot of money left."

"O, good, good. Right." She happily said when she knew I've got some money left. She's like a mom. My mom doesn't even care on how much I spent because I'm the one who's saving up and they don't spend even a cent on me during normal days like this.

It was coffee time; I wonder why they kind of get sad when I pay for what I bought. O, yeah, the coffee was my treat. Crap, that was it. So if I don't have any left, they'll have no choice but be the ones to treat me. Too concerned? I erase all that. They're not angels but the opposite. How could day treat me like this on our first friendship day?

"Good afternoon, what can I do for you," said the waitress who was staring at me and was unbelievably stunning. She is likely to be a supermodel than a worker here. She looks like she's 5'9. Her hair was blond with some strikes of black, and the shocking thing about it is that it looked natural, not a single highlight I bet. God gave her such beauty, I kind of envy her.


"As usual Noreen, as for my new friend, give her your specialty." Audrey said blinking at me once. And Noreen, the waitress turned away from us with a beautiful smile. Is she an angel?

"Aud, how much is everything we ordered? This isn't on sale, right? Uhm, especially mine" I asked.

"O, all in all..." then she whispered to my ear. My eyes got bigger as she said the price for the specialty.

"What!" I shrieked. Some of the customers even looked at our table so I was so embarrassed. Silly me. But its double of the money left in me! Shall I wash the dishes after this?

"Silly!" I didn't get if Audrey was mad or was just shocked of my expression. But I bet she's mad 'cause I told her I've still got a lot of money in me. Next time, I'll tell exactly the amount.

"You are really just a newbie here in Algona. If you're new in this coffee shop, you get their specialty, Mocha Vanilla Strawberry Loca for free!"

"O, you should have said that from the first place you know." I said, kind of offended.

"Well, I'm sorry Ms. Hyuuga but my apology isn't sincere," and she showed her tongue for a second and put it again back on her mouth. "Don't worry, once you get a taste of it, you'll forget your problem."

"I do hope so Ms. Potts." I copied her.

"Wrong. Actually it's Ms. Blew. My whole name is Audrey Potts Blew, okay?" Audrey corrected.

"Yeah, whatever." I said, keeping my shame from my mistake. Potts, didn't know she was Blew.

"O, here it is." Courtney is a lifesaver. If it wasn't for her disturbance, I might not want to talk to Audrey anymore for the shame.
"Really Courtney, you're like a kid. But that's what's likable about you." Audrey winked at her. Noreen came to us with a strawberry cappuccino and a parfait with caffeine. And the specialty for me, the newbie.

"I know! Thanks Aud. And thanks Sanyu for the treat." She said cheerfully.

"O yeah, Thanks San!" Audrey added like we didn't have a little argument.

"Welcomes; don't worry that might be the first and last." I grinned successfully because I saw those making faces.

"O, don't be like that. We'll do anything, right Aud?" Courtney asked Audrey waiting for a yes.

"Of course Court, we'll do anything for San today." She added wistfully.

"Alright, alright. You got me. What I want is..."
"What?" Courtney interrupted.

"I want the two of you to share me stories about people here in Algona especially about yourselves. I want to relate and become a real family member here, you know." I continued.

"Silly, we'd tell you that even if you don't ask us!" Audrey said. Why didn't I thought of that? I should have trusted them more.

"Well, you can't change the condition anymore, San!" She informed.

"Right, whatever." I said, pissed.

to be continued.

chapter two: Hello Audrey, Hello Courtney

I turned my face down before she would notice my existence.
I pulled my bangs down to cover my face. But thanks to Mrs. Potts, it was useless.

"Ore wa daisuki. Demo..." (I love you. But...) Taro said. I almost wanted to slap him 'cause I know what the next words are. And I can't handle that so I interrupted his words.

"Yosh! Sayonara Taro-kun. Bye-bye!" (Alright! Farewell Taro. Bye-bye) I said almost in a whisper.

I was teary-eyed when I said those words. it was just hard for me when I thought everything was alright. He walked away from me towards to his friends who were laughing so much I wanted to burn their car and their lungs in hell. But I won't, 'cause I am an angel in disguise. Kidding. I forced my tears back, but when I turned away, I couldn't help but burst out. I went straight home getting my luggage and packing up so that...

"Sanyu, if you don't wake up to take a bath, you're in big trouble for the orientation"

"O, right. Thanks mom." I muttered. I should thank mom for always interrupting me, first my thoughts, now my dream. Well, not really a dream, a nightmare.

O yeah, today is the orientation for the new students just like me in Algona High School. Today is also the day of the 70% off discount in the coolest shops. And I have no choice but to go with option one. This is the very first time in my entire life that I hated school; it was just too much for me. I have to hurry to school now that I'm going there with my bicycle only. And I have to choose what clothes to wear because we are not yet obliged to wear our school uniform till tomorrow, the regular school day. I have no time to waste so I just placed the sandwich on my mouth and started paddling. My hunger was striking now, I had to stop and chew my sandwich properly. I got my bottle of water from my backpack and almost drank it all. I put it back in my backpack and started paddling again without turning my face upward. Bump. The next thing I know, I fell on the ground.

"Excuse me miss, I don't mean to be rude. But please always look on the way so that you won't bump to other people again," said a blond girl in full bangs and curls at the end of her hair. She was sweating. Maybe she was running too fast.

"Nani? Wakaranai,” (What? I don't understand) but I did. I was just afraid she will let me pay for any scratch. I was saving up for, well supposedly for today. More the reason to save ‘cause there won’t be any discount.

"Sorry miss, but I don't understand Japanese. Well, may God bless you 'cause I have to go" I didn't reply, scared I'd reply in English. Never mind, it isn't like we'll meet again. What does she need to go to hurry up and run like that? O, hurry up. I got to hurry up too! Five minutes and I'm late for the first time in my life! Paddle, Paddle, Paddle!

O my, just in time. wouh! Never thought I'd make it still.

"Are you new here young lady," asked by an old lady. Maybe she's the principal of this school.

"Yes I am, ma'am. Could you tell me please where the gymnasium where the orientation is," I asked politely. You never know, she might really be the principal.

"Then come along with me. I am also headed there. By the way, I am Mrs. Potts, the principal."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Potts. I am Sanyu Hyuuga, I just came back from Japan."

"Pleasure to meet you too. I believe you are the daughter of Mrs. Kaoru. I shall keep my eyes on you," it wasn't a question. she was sure I am my mother's daughter.

"Thank you, I guess, Mrs. Potts." How did she know I am my mother's daughter? Why does she seem to know a lot of things about my mother? Who the hell is she? My thoughts were interrupted again by the opening of two enormous doors. Wow, this gymnasium is just half of ours back in Japan. But what do you expect? In this little population, this is just big enough.

"Well then Ms. Hyuuga, please seat on the first row. They are specially reserved for new students like you. Usherette, please help her." said Mrs. Potts in a gentle way.

"I will ma'am." said the usherette who was a brunette. She was skinny and her cheekbones are brilliant. She's beautiful, really. Actually, I wanted to be a brunette, but I don't like to change my hair color, let it be in hue of coffee. Mrs. Potts walked away toward the stage. She'll have a speech, of course.

"Hi! I am Courtney Taylor. I am a sophomore starting tomorrow. And you are?" she asked cheerfully. Maybe she has everything she wants she doesn't need a discount that's why she's that happy. I don't really understand where her happiness is coming.

"Hello Courtney, I am a sophomore here starting today and my name is Sanyu Hyuuga" "Come with me, and I'll lead you to your seat." We walked a bit to my chair and she was grinning to me like she wants to ask an all-or-nothing, no, maybe even a life-and-death-mattering question. I was going to answer whatever she's going to bring up anyway. I don't know what's too interesting on me that she has to grin like that.

"Well, thank you Courtney for escorting me. It was a pleasure to meet you."

"My pleasure too, Sanyu. Hey, let's meet later after the orientation near the entrance, okay?"

"Sure, anything Courtney," I am now positive that after the orientation, she'll ask me definitely her question. The orientation was shorter than what I expected. It lasted for two hours only. My valedictorian speech when I was still in grade school was even longer than the Principal's speech. But thank God for that, I can still shop! O, right. I have to deal with Courtney first. I walked briskly towards Courtney so I could shop early, I might even invite her. Wow, orientation Day, I got my first friend already. I'm a genius! There, there's Courtney waving to me like we've been friends for years. Well, we're not, but we will be.

"Hi Courtney, thanks for waiting. So, what's up," I asked, waiting for her question.

"Well Sanyu, I know you're Japanese. So I would like to know if you are fa..."

"Well, hello ladies. Excuse me Ms. Taylor but can I borrow your friend, Ms. Hyuuga for a minute. It won't take that long, I promise you." Mrs. Potts interrupted.

Damn, when Courtney was jut about to ask her life-and-death question. What now? Is it about my mother again?

"Hello Sanyu. I would like you to meet my granddaughter. She was very pleased when she knew that a Japanese girl was going to study here. She was very happy when she knew about you. You know, she's kind of a fan of the live actions, that's what she calls it," Mrs. Potts said cheerfully. She look liked she loves her granddaughter a lot.

"Wow that was kind of... touching (and embarrassing). I will be delighted to see her Mrs. Potts," I said, picking up the right words so I can reply correctly.

"Well then, Audrey! Audrey! Come here." This time, Mrs. Potts was like ordering a private in a gentle way still. It would be bad for her reputation to act like a soldier.

"Sorry Gran, I mean Mrs. Potts. I was assisting the new students on their way exit. What is it?"

I can feel the blood running down my cheeks. I'm blushing! Of course I am. It's the same shiny blond hair, full bangs with curls at the end of her hair. It was the same girl I bumped on the street, on the way to this school! But there was something new I noticed about her. She has a healthy body unlike Courtney who looked like she was suffering from an unhealthy diet. O, she's sweating right now too. I turned my face down before she would notice my existence. I pulled my bangs down to cover my face. But thanks to Mrs. Potts, it was useless.

"Ms. Hyuuga, please show your face to my granddaughter, Audrey. She'd be pleased to see a full-blooded Japanese girl for the first time. And you can even speak English fluently." Mrs. Potts said emphasizing the word please. What can I do? She's the principal for Pete's sake.

"Actually Gran, I've seen a full-blooded Japanese girl on my way here and she can't even understand English, so it is not the first time." Audrey said to her Gran, "but I would be delighted to meet a Japanese girl for the second time."

"Hello, I am Audrey. I am a so... wait a minute! You're the Japanese girl on the street!" She exclaimed when she saw my face.

"Well, well. Looks like you've known each other before I introduced you to each other," said Mrs. Potts who gave me a confused face but managed to grin still. "I should take care of the other students. You go and get along." She finished and walked away with her grin.

"Then I thought you couldn't understand English..." "Sanyu" I helped, she doesn't know my name yet. "Thanks, Sanyu. I think you owe me an explanation. How about we go to the mall with the 70% off discount? It would be great with a lot of good clothing on sale." She offered.

"Fantastic! I have that plan on my mind too. But there's a problem. I owe my new friend, Courtney a coffee time too." I apologized sincerely 'cause I wanted to do the shopping too.

"Courtney Taylor? Silly! She loves shopping more than coffee you know. You should just drag her along. It won't be a bad idea; I and Courtney have been friends since grade school." She said, rolling her eyes when she said grade school. Maybe she had a embarrassing scene during those days. Well, all has, even I.

"Really? Wow, cool. I, I mean we should go to her. She might be worried 'cause she wants to ask something like she'd die if she won't ask me her question."

"What? I know what's she's thinking. Don't worry; it's an easy question for you. I'm sure." she said, confidently. Who said blonds are dull and mean? I guess he or she is dying right now.

We walked together to Courtney where she waved more cheerfully when she saw Audrey.

"Hey guys! I guess we're off to mall now, aren't we?" Courtney asked cheerfully.

"Well, you guessed it right Courtney! She's inviting us. She would treat us for coffee after shopping," Audrey said.

"What? I didn't," and Audrey pouted her thin lips and looked at me like I stole her favorite toy that she looked like she was going to cry. How did she know I can't refuse that face?

"Alright, alright. We're off to the mall. Yay." I sarcastically said. And that's how I got my first two friends, in one day. Aren’t I a genius?

to be continued

chapter one: Memories in Algona

I just had to sleep, trying hard not to think and cry over that bastard who said those three words meaninglessly.

Well, how to put it? I'm busted. Watashi wa baka. O, right. Not everybody knows nihonggo, it means: I am a moron. Why? My boyfriend dumped me 3 days ago because I'm too nerd for him, oops, for his friends who can't even answer a first grader's mathematical problem. Shame them. Shame him. Shame me who fell for that guy. And so I came up with a common girl's solution after a breakup. I won't plead him to come back nor will I make him jealous. What's the point if won't be able to see him for a long period of time? I just have to move on. And I know for sure, in no time I will be able...
"Sanyu! Hayaku! We have to get to the airport in an hour and a half," my mother shouted interrupting my thoughts. At least her words disturbed me making me stop thinking about that jerk.


"hai."


Well, you heard my name when my mother shouted it if you noticed. Yeah, my whole name is Sanyu Hyuuga. Cool, huh. I'm a 15 year old, full-blooded Japanese girl. I guess you are now wondering why I can speak English very well. That is for the reason that I've spent seven years of my life in Algona, Washington, USA. We are about to move in there again because my father was promoted and has to work in the main branch which is located in Algona. I can still remember some few things when I was still there. I lived there when I was a 3 years old. I studied my first years there so the medium was English. In the start of third grade, my crush back then whom I don't remember the name and face, well everybody has a crush on one of their schoolmates too, right? He asked me if we can be friends. Well that sort of tear me apart, when he just asked me to be friends. Only. But it was different from what I thought. We were happy as friends. But we were attached to each other like married couple. He'd fight every guy who teases me and yell on every girl who slaps me on my back, literally and not. And he will just let me have peace; he treated me like a royal princess which made me feel superb. When I finished being a fourth grader, it was the time we had to go back to our country, to Japan. It was lonely because a day before we fly back, he confessed to me saying that the moment we stepped in first grade, he can't help but gaze upon my eyes which shocked me. Then I confessed too, well, not really. I was a coward thinking we're just children. So my confession was saying to him how much I enjoyed being around him. That has disappointed him from the look on his face. But when he looked at me who was about to cry, he gave me the smile i fell a crush with. And so we departed with embraces, he even gave me an album of our pictures as a farewell gift. Shoot, I remember now where I had misplaced it. I didn't have a chance to look at the pictures on it. I left it in our house in Algona! I placed it on the third row of my shelf in my bedroom. God, why is it only now that I remembered it? O my, may I still find it there.



We arrived in the airport five minutes before we miss the flight. So, yeah, we got in. I just had to sleep, trying hard not to think and cry over that bastard who said those three words meaninglessly. How I wish we'll arrive to Algona in no time. And also, how i wish the album is still in place. It would break my heart if its lost, sort of.


"Dearie, wake up. We have to get things in order because I have to go to my office tomorrow..."

"I know dad, I'm wide awake now. I'm too excited moving here that why I know already I'm about to be a sophomore in just two days, right?"

"As always, now hurry up and let things get started. We'll meet each other in the living room in three hours..."

"And we'll have a snack." I finished his sentence, again.

"Right." answered my father who walked hurriedly away from me.

We had some pepperoni pizza, which I haven't eaten for about eight months already because I promised myself that I won't eat pepperoni pizza while I'm with Taro-kun, my ex-boyfriend for four days straight. You know, he has an allergy for that kind of pizza. How? I don't know too, to me, that is a mystery. All I know is when he gets near to it, he's whole body, from head to toe becomes red. Well, except the hair, of course. It's kind of creepy, he looks like a man who has ketchup all over his body. Yup, like a ketchup maniac. But now, I am promising to myself that I won't forbid myself to do anything I like no matter the situation is. And I won't let myself get involved to boys for now, that is not a promise because I don't know if I an pull that promise off easily. We'll for now, I'm kind of excited of what school's like.


"O, Sanyu. I forgot to tell you that you are going to be a sophomore tomorrow," my mother said almost apologizing.

"No worries, mom. I already, what? Tomorrow? Already?" I asked, shocked.

"Yes, you have an orientation tomorrow since you are a new student there. I suppose it was not written on their pamphlet."

"It wasn't! So..."

"Yes, we won't be able to. Maybe this weekend we can reschedule our shopping" my mother flashed me a grin. The grin I can't help but get pissed off.





NO! Tomorrow is the only day where the superficial clothing stores give a 70% off discount. I didn't just think I am excited for school, did I? Now, it's not. Wow, then I thought Algona would be great. Maybe I'm better in Japan. Bring me back. But no, I won't give up just like that. I'll give the orientation one of a hell. Algona High School, huh. See you in just a few hours.

to be continued