Chapter 10: His Sister, My Sister

I changed my red shirt into a green one. When I got out of the cubicle to check what I look like, Natalie was waiting and was grinning at me. She wanted a talk that’s why she came along.

I woke up by myself around 6:00 am which was new because I always want to get more sleep. There was something inside of me boiling, itching and for whatever reason, is excited. But there is something I am very positive, it is not definitely because of playboy Drew Smith. Just thinking of him gives me the chills. For these three days that has passed, he was always popping, appearing anywhere beside me in any way. Maybe if I had a voodoo doll, I've gave him irremovable pimples on the nose so that he’d never show his ugly face again to me.

School wasn’t that hard because our lessons back in Japan are way more advanced than here in Algona. Maybe I’ll just have a thorny time complying because I am too messy. Too untidy that you could compare me to a snake leaving its old skin anywhere it wishes to. And the person who’s giving me a very difficult time is Nathan Hale. He doesn’t talk back again to me nor jokes around with me since I returned his polo. And he doesn’t even tease me. He just talks to me when it’s needed or it’s related with club activities. Screw him. I’m just being friendly. Audrey and Courtney don’t know what to feel for me but it looks like there’s someone who’s very happy about it. No other less than Miranda Vane. But still, I can’t wait to arrive in school.


“I just don’t understand him. Is it that bad to be friendly to everyone when I’m just new here? Come on, can’t I?” I asked in a higher pitch. Then I drank my treat from Audrey, my cappuccino with a loud sipping sound on purpose.

“Well you’re not friendly to everyone. You’re ignoring the very obvious presence of Drew Smith.” Courtney argued in a soft way. She wasn’t looking to me or to Audrey but to her two fingers touching each other’s tip.

“Do I? Well he’s excluded from the word ‘everyone.’ Really, can you consider him as someone like us? Is he even human?” I softened my voice when the cheerleaders passed or should we say Smith’s fans club.

“I agree with you Sanyu but don’t you think you’re trying very hard to get close with Nathan? You don’t look like you want to be friends. It seems like you’re longing for more.” Audrey said looking puzzled to what she said too.

“O my! You like him, don’t you?” Courtney interrogated her voice getting higher and eager.

“I, I.. uhm, I don’t.. I don’t,” was all I muttered.

“Don’t know? Don’t think so? Come on Sanyu, you could have easily answered if you were sure that you’re not feeling anything special for Nathan. We’re you very first and best friends here. You can’t deny to us.” Audrey flashed a grin I can’t refuse to.

“Fine. Maybe I like him. Maybe but maybe not, you know.” I was making myself believe that I don’t have any bit of infatuation for him. But I am failing; I was just assuring myself that I do like him.

“Whatever Sanyu. You just have to prepare yourself for a battle.” Courtney advised.

“Yeah, get ready for water coming up from heaven, eggs coming from the east to west, sauces poured on your shirts, messed up locker. That’s what’s like the battle is. You may call it bullying.” Audrey added.

“Battle? When was it a war to like Nathan Hale? And what do you know about sauces poured on shirts?” I asked chuckling.

“It was always a miserable war to like Nathan Hale since Miranda Vane studied here. And do you actually think Charles just accidentally poured his sauce on your shirt?” Courtney put on a serious voice.

“The dog did that on purpose because Miranda ordered him to. You know, we were very curious between you and Nathan so we didn’t put our eyes off between the two of you. When suddenly the dog came with his sauce and turned it upside-down with a satisfactory smile. So tell me, you think it was just a coincidence or a little act?” Audrey summarized emphasizing the word ‘dog.’

“So that’s what’s Miranda’s whispering to that Charles. Damn that Montez! Can’t he see nor feel that he’s just being used? Does he even have a brain?” I angrily asked. But actually I’m kind of thankful because if he hadn’t done that, I won’t be able to wear Nate’s polo.

“Well fortunately and unfortunately, he’s got a dog brain so the level is much, much lower.” Audrey joked.

“I can see that what’s you’re saying is true. He must really have a dog brain.” I stood up when suddenly I felt hotness on my right shoulder, literally. A newly made coffee was poured –again on me. If this person was either Miranda or her slaves, Leigh and Charles, I’d kill them. I would hunt them down –if I could.

“O my gosh! I’m so sorry sempai! I didn’t know you were going to stand already so I passed unconsciously,” said a girl with the same blond hair as Nathan’s. It was no other less than Natalie Hale, his sister.

“O it’s okay kohai. I learned my lesson from the damned Charles so I have my extra shirt.” I comforted.

“I should go with you in the comfort room until you’re finished changing.” Natalie suggested.
“If you insist to,” was all I could say. Inside my mind I am happy for the fact that I can have a talk with Nate’s sister.


I changed my red shirt into a green one. When I got out of the cubicle to check what I look like, Natalie was waiting and was grinning at me. She wanted a talk that’s why she came along.

“You know sempai. I really am fond of you, can we be sisters? You know, it’s very boring to have a strict brother like my onii-san.” She explained.

“Well I don’t have siblings so that might just be fun! You seem to know some Japanese words Natalie.” I stated.

“Please, you can call me Nattie. My onii-san is very fond of Japanese even he wasn’t in high school yet. I think it was to impress the girl he likes. I got curious so I made him tutor me some easy words. You know what onee-san, he’s even more eager to learn Japanese words lately.” She informed.

“Really? And why is that so, onee-chan?” I asked hoping that it would be because of the Japanese girl who just started studying here in Algona, in short, me.

“He won’t tell me why but I’ve got a very good hunch. And even though you’re my sister, I won’t tell you. It’s keeping the secret unknown to others that make it thrilling and magical.” Nattie defended.

“I understand, making a secret a secret to everyone else is what it’s all about. Do you know of the girl that your onii-san admires until now? Can you describe her for me?” I asked.

“I don’t really know of that girl but I have this feeling that I’ll get really close with that lucky girl.”

“But I thought anyone of you didn’t have any communication with her?” I was confused.

“News fled and has said that she’s back here in Algona. I just don’t know for how long but one thing I’m certain is that my brother is sometimes laughing by himself by just thinking of that girl.” She assured.

“O. He must be crying for joyful tears now that his long awaited love has returned. How romantic it would be for their reunion.” I said feeling jealous at all.

“I’m sure you’ll like her because onii-san did. I’m quite positive about that.” Nattie smiled an angel’s.

“Maybe but I think I won’t. After all, I don’t think your brother has got the great taste.” I bitterly replied.

“I am thinking the very opposite side of yours onee-san. I am sure that my brother’s got a great taste and that my side is with the right angle.” She grinned.

“We’ll see onee-chan. I think we both better go now.” I offered.

“Yeah, see you around sis!” Natalie waved goodbye and turned away from me.

to be continued

chapter nine: Cheese Versus Hot Sauce

When I opened the door, a ball was flying so fast towards me. I know I should evade it but my feet were glued on the ground and I can't move it. Maybe too shock was in me.

Biology class is quiet and boring not to mention that my seatmate is Riley Braid, Mr. Ryan Braid's only child. Well, we're both geek but he's too shy and I'm more modernized. I can't even have a talk with him. Hmm, I wish he was Nathan; at least I could chat with somebody even though he's obnoxious.

bell, bell, bell.


Thank heaven biology class is finished! I just have to do club activities! I wish I could go home already. Phew! Just thinking about freshly baked blueberry muffins made by mom, who wouldn't like to go home? These people. Once they're done with school works, they'll discuss where they'll head. Am I the only one who prefers to be at home than malls? Young people today. Surely, Audrey and Courtney will invite me for coffee when they see me.


"Sanyu, Lets have some coffee." I cringed by the word coffee. "No worries, my treat." Courtney added.


"Wow, never thought you'd treat us but sorry, I can't. I'll start having club practices since today. You two go on. I'll be fine." I smiled an honest one.


"If you insist, we should go on without you. But do we have you tomorrow at lunch time or will you be still sitting with Nathan Hale?" Audrey teasingly asked.


"I'd love to be in your company tomorrow. Thank God for that, you know. Well, see you tomorrow." I waved my hand goodbye. I turned away from them and went to the gym.


When I opened the door, a ball was flying so fast towards me. I know I should evade it but my feet were glued on the ground and I can't move it. Maybe too shock was in me. It would hit me now. In 1, 2, 3.


"Lucky save." I saw a hand in front of my face saving it from the ball. When the hand went down, I searched to whom it belongs. There I found an average looking face of a male student grinning at me.


"Thank you for the lucky save." I smiled back halfheartedly.


"Don't mention it. It would be a pity if the ball laded on such a pretty face." He added.


"O thanks still." Words of a playboy, he's too cheesy.


"Drew Smith, your name?" He playfully asked.


"Sanyu Hyuuga." I shortly replied. I don't want to have a chat with him.


"It's quite a unique name but lovely, Sanyu." He said. Looks like he doesn't know the hottest news was me.


"Well you see, it isn't. It's normal since I'm Japanese." I curtly replied.


"O, I see," was all he could say. I rather got my face hit then talk with him.


"Smith, practice time! Hyuuga, time for discussion." Nathan ordered. Now that's what I call a lucky save! Drew moved away now and Nathan got nearer. When he reached my side, we walked while talking.


"Thank you! I owe you big one for making him move away." I said.


"Why? What did the infamous heartthrob of Algona do to you?" He teasingly asked.


"He was too... ew! Wait, I thought you were the heartthrob?" I asked.


"Well, I'm more of a prince. So I'm higher than him, more honorable." He chuckled.


"Well if we were food, I'd be the pizza, Drew would be the cheese and you'll be the hot sauce." I smiled by the idea.


"Then would you choose the cheese or the hot sauce? You don't like hot sauce so would you have the cheese rather than hot sauce?"

"Well if the kind of cheese was rotten like that, I'd rather have my tongue suffer from the spiciness of the hot sauce. You know, that might be tasty." I laughed emphasizing the word tasty.


"No doubt." There was a long pause before he replied again.


"So what else do I have to know?" I asked to break the silence.


"Here at practice, Coach Harry Crow is the king and Ms. Georgina Conrad is the queen. Their word is law here. If you don't follow them you might get suspended." He warned.


"That's pretty harsh. So as captains you are the prince and Jane Stellar is the princess?"


"Yep, you have to follow us too. If you don't, you might get suspended too. But you have the right to defend yourself."


"That's why you didn't argue with Mr. Crow when he told you to teach me."

"Correct again. Well here, there's no special treatment. When you're late or absent, you got a punishment."


"What kind of punishment?" I swallowed when I heard punishment. It's not that I'm unpunctual nor frequently absent. It's just that I might for some unexpected reasons.

"Every minute you're late is a push-up. Well if you're absent, you'll have 50 push-ups." He grinned."

"Wow, that's tough. Well, what if the explanation's a reasonable one? Will it be considered?"

"Get a letter from the teacher who excused you or let your parents talk to Ms. Conrad on your phone. They might let you go with that." He suggested.

"I'll try that if I'll need too but hopefully I won't." I answered.

"But maybe it would be nice to see you making some push-ups" He said.

"Well if I do, I'll make sure you'll get some too. I'll put you in." I laughed. I was kind of surprised with what I saw when I looked at my left side. I reached out my hand near to Nathan's cheek almost touching his face.

"What do you think you're doing?" He was obviously awkward by my hand's position.

Bam!

"Just saving your face. Is it really like this here? There are too many flying balls." I said.

"You didn't have to." He said in a straight tone.

"It's alright, I just owed you one from the save awhile ago." I winked.

"Hey Captain, I'm sorry. I didn't have control the direction of the ball." Drew interrupted.

"No harm done, she saved me." Nate replied to him very captain-like.

"Well you got a good reflex Sanyu." Drew patted my head gently. Nathan rolled his eyes.

"Thanks, we still have to discuss some things and I think you still got some practice so excuse us." I nearly shoved him away. He went back to court unsatisfied.

"Wow, you got to remember his human too." Nate laughed.

"And I have the human right to say what I want to." I defended.

"Well actually, I don't have anything left to say. I'll give you now to the princess." He pointed out her hand to a very tall girl of black hair. She was indeed beautiful. "Hey Jane, here's your new teammate, Sanyu." Nathan then joined the game.

"Hi captain Jane. Hi everyone, I am Sanyu Hyuuga, pleasure to meet you all." I introduced. I wonder, how many times have I introduced myself just for today?

"Just call me Jane. We're pleased to have you." Are the captains being chosen by their looks? I analyzed the faces of my teammates. I got two familiar faces, one friend and one unknown. April Evans was here and so lucky me. She waved at me and I smiled back. The other one was Natalie Hale, Nate's sister. She smiled and waved at me so I waved back and smiled unwillingly. The team had a conversation about getting-to-know-each-other.

"Well, we'll start having our real practice on Wednesday since we don't practice during Tuesdays." She shifted her eyes on me with a bright smile. "Sanyu, don't forget to bring extra clothes, snacks, water."

"I won't. See you tomorrow Jane." I then turned to April, "April, I heard from Audrey that are houses were very near, can I ride with you?"

"Hey Sanyu, can I drive you home? It's dangerous at night walking with no man by your side." Drew offered.

"Thanks, but no thanks. I just got a ride invitation from April since we are neighbors." I declined.

"Well then next time." He suggested.

"Maybe but I'd like to get home with April's company and it's much safer." I refused still.

"Hey Sanyu, the car's here now. We got to get in now." April saved me.

"Coming!" I was to run after her. But I heard Nathan saying something to Drew so I slowed down.

"Looks like you're getting rejected so quickly. Don't try her, she won't fall for you." Nate said.

"It's the first time a girl treated me like this. I won't give up easily. I'll make her mine." Drew answered.

"That would be just a dream." Nate replied. I started pacing up now with April.

I got home almost eight o'clock. It was such a long day. I can't wait to sleep.

to be continued

chapter eight: Rooftop

I wonder why Miranda fell in love with this monster even though she gets pushed away always. Is she insane? Nate would never fall in love with him. But how sure am I?

I and Nate went to his locker to get his extra clothes for me to borrow since I got my white blouse sauced thanks to the dog (according to Audrey), Charles Montez. He was behind me holding my shoulders to cover the mess.

"Choose." He made me picked between his white long-sleeved polo and his sky blue shirt. I reached out my hand for the polo 'cause for sure, it would work better on me. When I got the polo, he shoved me away. I gave him a confused face.

"What? You wanna change right in front of me?" He teased.

"You wish!" I barked and walked briskly to the comfort room. I felt someone pacing up with me so I turned to look who it was. It was Nathan.

"Would you stop following me, you pervert!" I shrieked.

"Relax; I'll just guard you outside so that Miranda won't bother you." He said.

"O thanks," was all I could say. Finally, I reached the doorknob of the washroom.

"Hey, this is just for today as thanks for acting with me in history class." He reminded.

"Yeah, I know; nothing more, nothing less." But I wanted for everyday to be like this. Tomorrow, he'll turn into an obnoxious person again. Should I act with him always?

I wonder why Miranda fell in love with this monster even though she always gets pushed away. Is she insane? Nate would never fall in love with him. But how sure am I? Well whatever, I just have to get changed and talk about club activities. I looked at the mirror only to see that his polo fitted on me like a dress. Yes he's muscular, not that big and tall and I'm thin. So no wonder it would fit with my body like this.

"Hi Nate! Will you wait for me? I'll just go inside." A familiar voice said.

"Miranda, I don't think that's a good idea. I have no extra time for you." Nathan was distracting Miranda. I should better go out now.

"Hey, there you are. Let's go now." Nathan said when he saw me grabbing my hand and walked fast. "What took you so long? You know I hate talking with her."

"Some girl stuffs." I said so that I don't have to explain anything. "Where are we going?" I asked looking at our hands still holding.

"To the rooftop so there won't be distractions." He noticed where my eyes are looking and he then freed my hand.

"Can I look back? I just want to see Miranda's face. It would be funny."

"Hah! You want this little act be discovered? Can you wait until tomorrow?" He suggested.

"Then tomorrow, surely her face would have still had that very same expression." I sarcastically answered.

He didn't answer anymore. He was defeated in our little debate. We went up and when he opened the door, his face looked really shocked. I saw a girl and her boyfriend, I think.

"Na-" I covered his mouth before he could scandalize here. We hid behind a wall. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Saving you from embarrassment? They're not even touching each other's hands. Hey, you said you didn't like anyone here, why the reaction now?" I asked.

"Stupid! She's my little sister. She's with his boyfriend Dan Tuck." He said.

"You know they're an item so what are you worrying about?"

"Natalie's just fourteen; I won't allow her yet to have her first kiss stolen away from her."

"They don't look like they'll kiss."

Then the Dan pointed out something to Natalie. When Natalie looked backed to Dan, well he... He kissed her.

"Why you-" I covered his mouth again to save him again. And then slap!

"Who gave you permission to?" Natalie interrogated.

"Do I need?" Dan asked very clueless of the situation.

"No, 'cause were done." She aid and walked out. Dan chased her but she was just too fast for him.

"Looks like your sister knows how to handle herself," I said to Nathan.

"Yeah, just like her brother." He smirked.

"O, so if I kiss you right now, you'd probably slap me too?" I teased no intentions at all. He flushed by the idea. To stop it I added, "Kidding! That would never happen right?"

"You wish." His face was red still. Maybe I shouldn't have said that.

"Now, you know the schedule of the practice." He started with the real discussion.

"Yep, just one more question about it. Is it every after school?"

"Oh, we don't practice every Tuesday and Thursday. So it's an M-W-F schedule we've got."

"Alright, go on." I said.

"We don't really have that much rules. Just sign in the attendance, bring extra clothes and food. Junk foods and chocolates are not allowed during practice. That's what you just have to understand. Later in the gym, you'll learn more."

"O I see, thank you Mr. Hale. Shouldn't we get going before we get late?" I offered.

"You go, I have some time left, and we're not in the same class you know."

"How did you know?" I asked very curious.

There was a long pause before he answered, "Just guessed."

Irritated of his safe answer, I went out for Biology Class now.

to be continued

chapter seven: Spicy Sauce

I saw her small mouth opened in shock; my fist would have fit there. I’m
Japanese after all. It’s just natural to have a slim body.

“Hey, you know what to do? ‘Cause I’ve got no idea how to deal with her.” I whispered to Nathan.

“Don’t worry. She won’t scandalize when I’m here. Even Miranda Vane knows that that would be a great turn-off for us boys. ” He chuckled.

“Well not all boys. When I was still at grade school, my friend just laughs at me when I do silly pranks.”

“Friend,” I heard him mumbling.

“Well, not really. We had affection for each other. You could say that he’s my first love.”

“Really?” He suddenly became excited. Maybe the idea that I got my first love during grade school days never crossed his mind.

“Yeah I got my first love during grade school days and so what? But I didn’t think about it so much when I returned to Japan.”

“Why?” He was very prying.

“Because we were just kids and I never thought I’d come back here in Algona. And even so, maybe he has a girlfriend now. So it doesn’t really matter to me.”

“You don’t know. He might still be waiting for you. Maybe he can’t forget about his first love too that he can’t move on even though it was for 5 years now. It’s not really that long you know.” He appealed.

“Well that’s ridiculous. You’ll never forget your first love but doesn’t mean you can’t have your second or your third love.”

“Whatever.” He is now angry.

“Hey chill. Did I say anything wrong? If I did, then I’m sorry. Really, don’t you want to have lunch now?” I offered almost begging. I was getting hungry, very to say. “Remember, Mr. Crow will be watching.”

“Yeah. Talk nothing but volleyball only. Got that Japanese?” He instructed.

“Yes Captain America.” I answered. “But shouldn’t we go out now towards the cafeteria and finish our little act?” I asked, not sure if he still wants to.

“Well a man finishes everything he started so yes we will.” He got up and surprisingly, he grabbed my right hand and whispered, “Smile before Miranda.”

And because I’m foolish, I smiled. When we passed Miranda, I saw her small mouth opened in shock; my fist would have fit there. I’m Japanese after all. It’s just natural to have a slim body. Leigh just looked at me, one eyebrow up but not scary at all. When we got out, he jerked his hand away from mine.

“Hey Japanese, we’re not even near at being friends. That was just an act ago. Everything is for Miranda to back off and for the team, got that? By the way thanks for the cooperation.” He reminded me.

“Don’t worry Nate; I’m not interested at all being your friend. Everything is for the team.” I lied. Truth is I really liked to be his friend. Everything is not for the team but to my hoping friendship with him too. How can there be such a guy? I just don’t understand him.

“I’ll just go and place some stuffs inside my locker. You go ahead.” And we parted. I went straight ahead to the cafeteria. There I saw Audrey and Courtney with other people; God is truly brilliant.

“Hey San, was history class hard for you? You were late than the others who had the same class with you.” Audrey teased.

“Well actually I learned the lesson back in Japan already. I had advanced studies you see. Something just popped up when I was about to go down but it’s not important.” The last sentence was a lie.

“Sit now San, I’d like you to meet our other friends. They’d be delighted to be your buddy!” Courtney as always was very cheerful and very excited.

“Hi there, my name is Eric Stan. I specialize in events organizing. I’m the head of the Design Club so whenever there’s an occasion, holiday, and party or ball here in school, we do the beautification. Maybe I could work with you.” Said a man wearing eyeglasses but very good-looking. He got a blond hair looking good at his wide-jawed face.

“Definitely I would work with you Eric. Nice meeting with you.” I shake his hands. His hands were pretty rough, well I can’t blame him. He must have carried big woods already.

“I’m Eric’s twin, Cedric Stan. I’m a chess master. I'm fine and you?” He really looked like Eric except that he has no glasses and he dyed his hair black. He was like the bad version of Eric but handsome still.

“Smart of you to dye your hair if that is to extinguish you from Eric. I believe now that you are a chess master.” I said by the thought that he did that not worrying if it would make him less attractive.

“Thanks. I’m actually with the same blond hair. But we wanted to be more of normal too so I dyed my hair black permanently. Good thing it didn’t affect my very handsome face.”

“Haha, yeah. Good thing!” I laughed back.

“Yo! April Evans, pleasure to meet you,” said a lady in blond hair with some streaks of pink highlights. She looked like Avril Lavigne except for the fact that she dresses better than the phenomenal singer. Maybe she’s a fan. I better not insult Avril Lavigne.

“My pleasure too Avril, I mean April.” Shoot. Kill me.

“You called me Avril? Wow, you just called me as my favourite singer. You do rock!”

“It’s not a problem. I just thought you really looked like her.” Stop speaking. The more you say something, the more you get mistakes so stop.

“Well thanks. Except that I don’t like her clothing. I prefer Mischa Barton’s taste in clothes.” April shared.

“Really? That’s cool. I like Keira Knightley the most. She looks like a pretty doll and I...” I stopped because I saw their faces a bit surprised. I even saw Miranda whispering something on a guy beside him while glaring at me. Was Keira that bad here? Then I felt someone patted my shoulder.

“Have to go now and say goodbye. I’m going to borrow her now. If you do mind, it is Mr. Crow’s order.”

Nathan Hale, the infamous sucker. When I was almost having fun with my same and old friends, such an interruption is quite unforgiving.

“I see you haven’t eaten anything yet. Let’s line up now ‘cause I wanna talk fast about the team and get away from...”

“Me? Don’t worry; I won’t talk about unnecessary things.” I snorted.

“Didn’t say anything,” he defended. I rolled my eyes as an answer.

“Hello kids, here’s your chicken.” An old lady said.

“Excuse me; did you put something in my sauce?” I asked politely.

“Nothing different dear.”

“O-okay. Thanks.”

I and Nate went to a free table. I was very hungry I started eating. I was about to dip my chicken on my sauce when...

“Stop. Let me taste first.” Nathan Ordered. I passed my sauce to him. He tasted it with his smallest finger and said, “too spicy. She must have put some wasabi here”

“Thanks, but how did you know I hate too spicy foods?” I asked very curious. I never told anyone about it yet here.

“Most girls don’t like it.” He shortly replied.

“But I was supposed to be an exception. I’m Japanese; you know that for sure.”

“I do forget too.” He defended his self.

“Okay. Let’s talk about volleyball now, captain.” I offered to stop the unnecessary talk.

“Right, You know now that we start every five in the afternoon. We end at 8 o’clock pm, sometimes later.” He was looking down busy eating.

“O my God!” I feel like getting crazy now.

“What?” He asked and looked at me. Then he shouted, “Montez! What the...”

“I’m sorry, didn’t mean to.” It was the guy with Miranda. Damn, he poured his sauce on me!

“Just go away Charles. Now!” Nate ordered him. He look frightened and backed away immediately.

“You have extra clothes?” Nate asked me, very concerned.

“If I knew this would happen, I would have but I’ve got none.”

“I’ll lend you then.”

to be continued