Sabado, Nobyembre 13, 2010

Chapter 1: Welcome today


Early person. That’s what I am.

Danielle Annabelle Shein was my name but heaven forbids, do not mention the second name. I study at the most eligible, prominent and prestigious school in Japan—East Royal International Academy—the place for elite, wealthy, influential family and royalties. My family was well known—my Dad was a Japanese Ambassador to United States and my Mom was a multi-millionaire heiress. I’m half—Japanese was my Dad and American was my Mom and that’s basically what qualifies me to enter in this school.

I walked around the school grounds. Only few students were there. I smiled at the thought of my freedom to capture the beauty of the school. I love photography so much that I would not live without my camera at my side.
Fountain Square was my best place.
“ Danie!” a familiar voice called me. I was hoping to see this person who called my name. I turned to see Nikko Jin. He was on his last year here in Academy. This person was my best friend since grade school. We both came to Japan to study and also for me to be able to be with my best buddy
“ Hi.” I waved at him.
“ I went to your house but your Mom says you left early.” He gave me a box.
“ What is this?”
“ I knew you didn’t ate your breakfast so I took you one.”
“ Thanks but you should’ve not bother yourself.” I lowered my eyes and hid my face. I was blushing. I knew it.
“ Nah, it’s nothing.”
“ Here.” I gave him half of the sub-sandwich.
“ Eat it. I know it’s not that much.”
“ That’s rude!”
He laughed.
I smiled. His jubilant laugh again. I couldn’t be better without those.
Ka-cha!
The camera caught me. It was his own prank again.
“ Oh stop it!” I yanked my camera.
“ You’re so cute.” And he laughed again.
“ Don’t make me mad Nikko.” I smirked at him. He stopped and handed me again the camera. I grinned and took him off-guard with a stolen picture. “ It’s even.”
We laughed.
“ Come on, I’ll get you to your class.”
“ Ah nope.” I answered. “ I’m still going to hang around.”
I wish we could walked together but there’s something in me that I don’t want that to happen.
“ Okay. I’ll see you then.” He stood up and waved goodbye.
Stupid Danie. I muttered to myself.

Walking towards our room, I spotted some students who happened to be my classmates.
“ Hey, have you heard, some transfer lass is coming to the Royal A.”
“ Really? But that’s impossible. No one can be a high ranking such as like that.”
“ I bet Shein didn’t made it.”
Me? But, how?
I pressed my temples. Headaches. I walked away.

Soft wavy and curled long hair caught my wandering attention. Myshcka Demoure. She’s the rank three among my classmates—humble meek and dainty. I went towards her and talked about the bothersome kick off I might get.
“ Don’t be. I’m sure no student will ever come on the List. It takes a whole semester before the president decides whom he’ll put on the Royal List.” She rest assured me.
This girl probably knows how to make up my mood.
“ Right. I overheard that she’s just a plain average student from France.” I told her
“ See. There’s nothing to worry about. She’ll be just in class A.” She said and smiled.
Casual talks among my classmates. I never had the fondest relationship among them. Not that I don’t want to but they are not fascinated by me. Besides that, I am in no fun at all—working alone with my stupid messy look.
I sighed. No wonder they don’t even mind me. Even if I am one of those rich lass around, it doesn’t make me look like one.
I filled my lungs with the scent of the blooming Cherry Blossoms—sweet, calm and reserved. But among the fluttering Sakura all the school grounds was the golden thread of hairs. My heart raced for a moment. Was this the girl of whom everyone was talking? The one who could throw me out of the room? My chest suddenly felt a gist of pain, no, annoyance would be the suitable word. I walked towards her direction. She wasn’t alone. Two black-suited ladies were on her side. She was talking to them in French—fluently French. A word I understand that she’s shoving them away. The two women bowed down and slip inside the car as she watch them disappear on our sight.
I took my camera and shot her an angle. She’s of beauty like Myshcka and Katie. I smiled then I shrugged.
Why am I smiling? That girl would shove me off. My parents will disgrace me for having so.
I went to my classroom and she stood near the entrance. She haven’t went in.
“ Are you in this class?” Her voice was ringing.
I nodded.
She smiled. “ My name is Cathrine Chevogn. I am pleased to meet you.”
“Danielle Shein.” I said. She smiled warmly. And I went inside.
Afterwards, the Teacher came in. She introduced herself and the commotion brought in. My classmates had the least appreciation on her. They disliked them and what shocked me was that, she said in front of the class that she was nothing but an average type of a girl.  I glanced at Katie. Katie Han was the richest lass in the school, of course no one can compete with our genius and most loved by the girls, and son of the Prime Minister, Li Fukusawa, among the wealthiest person. Katie was infuriated at her introduction. She despised common people. Despite the overthrow annoyance from Katie, she remained to be calm and composed with herself and she wills to be transferred. My heart leapt. I can still stay if that happens.
“ I deeply apologize, but it is the request of the President that you be in this class. Please sit down beside Mr. Fukusawa’s table.”
The teacher’s voice rang into my ears.
No, it would only mean she will stay and I got to be ditched out!
I held my face. This is over for me.
The classes ended.
“ Yes, Ms. Shein, is there anything you wanted to talk about?” My feet lead me to the teacher’s table. I must need to know what trash should I be in.
“ About our transfer student, Sir.” I didn’t know how to ask. I’m embarrassed with myself. Will I plead? Enraged? Black Mail? Pay them up to retain me?
“ Ah, Ms. Chevogn? What about her?” He was tidying the table. “ Do you really want her to be out as well?”
Those words he said, speared through me. Am I an antagonist now? Or bad to ask for a favor? No, I am selfish enough to bargain my own position to overthrow her as well.
“ Why won’t everyone of you accept the fact that the President had to put her on this class. I am amused as well.” He paused. “ You are one of my favorites in the class—dignified, calm and controlled and diligent as well.”
Is he praising me now? I thought to myself.
“ The President has his own reason why she has to be in the class. Do you really doubt the President?”
I shook my head. “ But isn’t her social status a bother to everyone?”
He laughed. “ So was that your concern? I doubt her speech earlier. You’re a good reader somehow and I’m sure you’ve noticed her difference. She’s fascinating and interesting as well.”
Yes, I was right. She’s a bit odd—very different from the rest of us.
“ Sir, do I get myself still here in the class?” I asked him.
He laughed harder again. “ So that was the main reason. I believe that you being able to stand on this room suggest that the answer was clearer than having a word for an answer. Now if you’ll excuse me, I still have a class to run to and it’s almost break time.” He stood up and went out.
I lounged myself on the chair. I guess it’s worth the try.
I stood up and went towards the cafeteria.  But among the bushes on the Fountain Square, the transfer student was sitting alone.
“ Hi.” I called her upon.
She smiled wryly but she didn’t respond and looked at the waters from the fountain that flows calmly.
“ Don’t be intimidated with our classmates. They are just worse than that of socially inclined people.”
“ Is being wealthy the standard of today’s people?”
“ For some, it is.”  Then I thought about what I said. “ Look around you, wealth is people’s necessity like air. You can’t live without them.”
She let a silent laughter. “ And I believe it is also one of your ideology—your taciturn of life.”
I gazed at her. “ It wasn’t until now. People held up those wealth because they haven’t experienced being one with it—lived before or the effect of their own milieu.”
“ And you think, wealth is being uncanny?”
“ Yes. It’s been hard around to be able to have a tail of those labels around you. You felt yourself obligated when in fact you don’t want to, chained like a prisoner and even if they tried to, there isn’t liberty. You’ll have them until death knocks on your door.”
She smiled. “ You have a good sense of perspectives.”
“ You think I do?” No one has ever liked my own beliefs.
“ I do. We have the same views but none was ever to grasp the truth behind it. Perhaps, people, though wanting to be freed doesn’t have the heart to be free at all. For if they want, their choice would lit up the fire to pin down what they are fighting for.”
Teacher is right. She is really someone. I took a sigh.
“ Sorry about my classmate earlier. I believe that the President has his own reason why you came to our class. Please cheer up now.” I told her and smiled.
 “ Thank you. You are so kind to me though I am a stranger to you. You have a good heart.” She smiled dazzling.
I want to be her friend. She’s the first person that ever liked me as who I am.
C-r-u-n-ck. I held my head. Myshcka was behind us.
“ You’re here.” I called her. The girl stood up and thanked her. My instinct tells me both of them are quite familiar with each other.
It can be. Myshcka’s from Italy and she got French language. Both of them are few miles away—same continent.
“ Hey, hey, would you care to explain what this is all about?” I asked them. My eyes jumped from Mysh and her.
“ Only her can allow you.” It was Myshcka who answered. Both of them are cryptic.
“ I apologize,” the girl spoke. “ I will tell it to you someday. There are a few things I need to take care of at first. Please do not hate me for doing so. It’s just that things are complicated.”
Yes, something is off between these two. Hiding may be the description of these two. I took a sigh. I shouldn’t force them but gladly, she’ll be able to spill it out. I could see she’s a good person. I’m sure there is a heap of explanation for this.
“ You too have a good heart. I understand you. Whatever it is I will respect it.” I smiled at her. “ I’ll leave you for now.”
“ Thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay your great kindness.” She held my hand. Her hands were cold but delicate and gentle. But her words are starting to hit my nerves, I could have said, majesty or highness when she threw those words to me.
“ Just please don’t be like so noble and… speaking that way. It creeps me out.” I shrugged. It really creeps me off. I heard Myshcka laughed at her breath.“ Geez, I’m going now. See you at the class.”  I waved at them and set off.
I trailed back at the School Publication. Just before turning on the alley, I could hear the raging voices of Katie Han—the Editor of the school publications, wild and hilarious in her own liberated way.
“ I told you! I don’t like that idea.” I saw her ripping the papers. I supposed it was a work of her fellow writers.
“ Don’t be hard on them, Katie.” I went to my own desk.
“ Shut up, Danie.” And she went back barking at those pitiful students. I shook my head.
Behind her alluring and dazzling beauty lies a soft heart but the students never knew aside from her flirtatious and raging anger. Oh, known for her killing glares like she’s about to swallow them whole. Katie was my childhood friend back in America as well. She’s bubbly and cheerful but I wonder why she was acting strange like that.
The bell from the door tingles—indicating someone came in.
“ Ms. Shein. Jin-Senpai is here for you.” I heard a call for me.
Nikko? Why would he come here?
I stood up and went to greet him.  “ Hey, what brought you here?”
“ Nothing.” He lowered his voice.
“ You wouldn’t come here for no reason at all.” I glanced at him. “ Come on, let’s go for a walk.” I asked him.
We walked around the grounds but clearly no one spoke the first words. This deafening silence makes me uncomfortable.
“ Nikko, what is bothering you?” I glanced at him. We were on the rooftop. We sat down on a bench. His silvery white hair glistened at the air’s breeze. Nikko is my senpai—older than two years of me and this would be his last year in this academy. Still he wouldn’t say a thing.
“Are you sick? Troubles on your class? Or family matters?” I asked him anxiously.
“ No.” He thriftily said.
“Then what is it? I’m anxious about you.”
His face lit up, stared at the blue skies and turned to me.
His chocolate brown eyes met the same color as mines. It paints his emotion. He was happy beyond that.
He took my hands and dabbed it on his face. He was hot. And he was red—the same color my cheeks were emitting right now. I was blushing. I bit my lip to ease the redness of my cheeks.
“ I can’t believe I would feel it right now.” He said and smiled radiantly.
Noooo! I wanted to scream. I don’t like to see his beautiful smile, the smile you wanted to die right at the moment you saw them. I am totally dazzled. My heart raced frantically.
“ What feeling?” I tried to hide my jubilant heartbeat.
  Danie, are you in love?” My jaw dropped. Why is he asking that question? What does my face look like? I’ve been found out. My feelings! I wanted to deny but I couldn’t lie as well.
No. Not to him. It’s impossible to lie to him. I am transparent when he’s there.
“ Why?” A lump suddenly came on my throat. “ Why do you ask?” It’s no more than my own feelings. He’s asking for an assurance—his own feelings. I was staggered.
“ I think,” He looked at me.
Don’t jump into conclusions, Danie. I calmed myself. There are too many things on my mind.  Is he confessing to me? He likes me? He found out? What? Then the most profound and painful truth is that, he is confessing love for another person. Just when the last among the things that came to my mind sank in, he continued.
“ I think, I’m in love.” He smiled radiantly but the effect wasn’t the same as before.
My heart sank to the bottomless and darkest pit-holes.
Apart.
That’s the ending of this.
Butterflies on my stomach flutters by blocking the voice that I should threw back. I swallowed. Then I pursed a smile.
“ Great!” I smiled back. “ Great!” I repeated again.
“ You think so?” He asked again without wearing off his smile.
“ Yes. Who was she?” I asked out of curiosity or to just make sense with this tortured conversations.
“ She’s my new classmate. Oh she’s beautiful, intelligent and she’s funny like you.”
“ Like me?” I repeated his description on her.
“ Yes. When I saw her, I thought it was you except that her hair is auburn red.”
“That’s nice.” I held my braided hair. “ So did you tell her you liked her?”
“ Danie.” He protested. “ Of course not. I should take things slower.”
How gentlemanly of you. I thought. I will never feel the way she would be when you say it to her.
“ You should meet her. She’s great and you’ll like her.” He added and smiled.
“ Yeah, I should.” And what will I do? What will I say to her? That she took him from me?
“ Let’s go back, time for the next classes.” He said.
“You go ahead. It’s our Individual Interest Class.” I said to him. “ And good luck with her.”
“ I will. Let’s meet later.” He patted me and waved goodbye.
“ Good bye.” I said slowly. “ Goodbye my love.” As his shadow lures down.
My surging emotions welled up and tears started to race down on my cheeks.
My Nikko.
My one-sided love.
My friend. My only best friend.
You’ve left me all alone. You’ve left me with no one to confide with and stand with or lean on. I sobbed.
“ Don’t cry.” A feminine voice came beside me. I sobbed again. “ I’ll let you cry. Cry for bit but then you have to be composed of yourself. Cry if you want but be strong after that to face the reality.”
“It’s…it’s…unfair.” My voice was shaking.
“ It is. There is no fairness that hovers around here but you must stand tall to bear, accept and let it go. You must overcome it.” Her cold hands patted my back.
“ Every ending is a new beginning.” She said and hugged me.
I don’t know how to stand tall but I must try. I must take a bolder step.

Prologue


“ Danielle, it’s time to sleep now.” Mom came to my room.
“ I will Mom.” I was still absorbed with the fascinating wonders of photos—Nature photos.
“ I know you love what you’re doing but please you must be responsible for your studies as well.” Mom was having her Mother-instinct again.
“ I know that but please give me a couple of minutes again.” I said and turned to my photos.
“ Okay, I’ll get you some drinks.”
“ No milks, Mom.” I said to her as she closed the door.
“ Cantaloupe.” I heard her.
Cantaloupe? Why does she always like Cantaloupes for me?
She came back with a cantaloupe Shake.
“ Mom, can I ask you a question?” I took a sip and shove the photo album near my bed.
“ Sure.”
“ Why do you love to serve me with Cantaloupes? Not that I don’t like it but you seem to overdo it.”
“ Ah, Cantaloupes are very refreshing, cool and a taste of calmness. Danie, you suit very well with the blend of Cantaloupe. You are sweet, calm and something in you that you can make others cheer up. And besides, you are refreshing to us. And also, Cantaloupes are magical.”
“ Magical?” Was this another bedtime stories?
“ Yeah. Couples eating it or drinking Cantaloupes with both of their heart makes them together.”
“ You mean end up together?” I asked.
“ Yes. Now, you go to sleep and tomorrow’s another first day.” She said and kissed my head. “ Good night, Danie.”
“ Good night, Mom.”
The door closed.

Tomorrow’s another day. New world for me and I am thrilled of what is to come.

Danielle Shein

Hello there!


Geez, This is the first time I have to get out from my comfort zones--that is, photography and violins.  


By the way, I am Danielle Shein, 18 years old and residing in Japan--temporarily, because i was raised in Texas and I miss the warm sunny days and the green fields of our estate villa. Awww, now I'm missing it again. But anyway, thanks to Myshcka, I had to write in here. Maybe, it's a fun thing to do. 


Just call me Danie, a girl of talents and beauty and a kind-heart to take my own journey in finding what 's missing--a puzzle and a mystery.