Part Two

Subaru, Hokuto and Lady Sumeragi's point of view

Chapter Eight

Subaru

I immediately rushed after my sister with my grandmother at my heels.

"Hokuto-chan!" I shouted as I felt her room door bang into my nose. I knew I was crying when I felt the coolness on my cheeks but all I could think about was my mirror image that was reflecting the same hurt. I reached for the knob of Hokuto's door but to no avail as I felt my grandmother catch my hand soothingly but firmly. Something so good for me had caused my sister so much pain and the mere meters of wood that prevented me from comforting her appeared to me as a continent. I'd never felt so isolated from the one person I loved the most. It was during this fit of emotion I realised that I couldn't stand to be in a place where Hokuto wasn't and rushed to my own room leaving my grandmother distraught.

And so this is where I stand now. I hope this will set things right though the more sensible part of me is screaming that my idea is ludicrous. Still I reach for the phone by my bedside cabinet, my letters by my side and Hokuto's rejections scrunched up in my hand. I know that this is what I have to do and I just pray that it will work. Hurriedly I read over her letters again to assure myself that my deductions are correct. I know I couldn't bear to be where she is not but I want to see her happy above all else.

To the parents and careers of Hokuto Sumeragi,

Unfortunately we cannot offer your child a place at Meryton Lievesworthy... reapplication is impossible for entrance to the high school however she may apply for our sixth form when the time comes...we understand that this is a huge disappointment and...

Hokuto Sumeragi,

We are afraid we are unable to offer you a place at Wilcrests Hedge High School. As you know the completion this year was incredibly stiff and we had to reject many bright applicants such as you. Very few places open up between years eight and eleven as our main admission is directed at eleven year olds entering year seven and sixth formers. However due to your high performance in all areas we have placed you as number one on our waiting list... in case one of our students is unable to take up our place we will be happy to accept you this September...

Before I lose the nerve to follow out my plan I hurriedly dial the numbers to Wilcrests.

After three rings precisely I hear the stiff voice of a receptionist, "You have reached Wilcrests Hedge High School. How may I help you?"

My heart is beating, the vibrations seem to be moving faster than the speed of light and I hope this is not another well meant but badly thought out scheme.

"Hello?" I begin unsure. I know I can't turn back now and the thing is I don't think I really want to.

Hokuto

I have no reason to be angry that Subaru got in to both schools and yet... I don't hate him, I never could hate him but all I can think about now is me, myself and I. I think and I hate myself for thinking that it should have been me and not him. I always did better in school too. What did I do wrong? I'm sure I did everything correctly. That is the worst thing about it. I can't dwell on what I would have done differently or replay the scenes in my head. Right now I can't even remember a single word I said in both interviews.

I pull myself deeper under my covers trying desperately to stop the tears that lead me tumbling down another emotional rollercoaster. I know it's not the end of the word. I know I'm making grandmother worry about me. I know I'm making Subaru-kun worry about me. I know that I'm being selfish. But...

A knock on the door forces me to remove my head from the covers so I can speak.

"Not now..." I say and I'm surprised because my voice sounds very weak and muffled. I don't want to sound like that at all so I try again, "Not now. I'll be alright soon." I'm soon cheery sounding enough to convince myself I'm alright.

"Are you sure Hokuto?" Grandmother replies. She doesn't sound as if she believes me at all.

"Yes," I lie. I feel bad but not as bad as I'd feel if I had to face up to her now. She must be so disappointed with me. Well, more than she was.

"Hokuto I'll need to talk to you about this later and I want you to know... that... I...I'm sorry Hokuto. Just don't stay inside all day. Your brother is very worried about you," she says and then very quietly "So am I."

One hour, sixteen minutes and 37 minutes later and I've just about had enough of being stuck under my duvet. I sure don't feel any better. I can't imagine what grandmother or Subaru are thinking or feeling... Subaru.... Oh I can't take it anymore. I throw the duvet on the floor and quietly open my door. To my left is my brother's room. I open it carefully to see him sitting on his bed, his phone in his hand.

As I expected he's all teary eyed and it makes me feel terrible.

"Subaru-kun! You shouldn't be crying when you've had such great news! You should celebrate," I collapse onto his bed and pull him into a big bear hug.

"Hokuto-chan...I'm really sorr-" he begins and he has the muffled voice I had back under my covers. I stop him before he can continue.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be okay... We should grow up anyway. So what we won't be going to the same schools. I'll still manage to take care of you. You can count on it!"

He manages a weak smile and I notice the paper in his hands.

"What's that?" I say trying to grab at it. He moves it away quickly so it scratches my fingertips.

"Ah..uh nothing," I notice from his blush that he's lying. He won't keep it away from me for long.

I can't help it, even though I'm trying to cheer up I still feel so incredibly down.

"You don't need to hide that you're upset," Subaru says softly and I try to sink further into his bed. I know he was not fooled for one second that I was alright. And after all the effort it took for me to fake it too! Well, he brought this on himself after all. I open my mouth content on relieving my frustrations through a long monologue. Sometimes I feel sorry for my brother.