You know...I REALLY hate how long it takes me to write a story, because each time I think I'm ready to update, there's always that tiny little detail that affects the whole thing and puts everything out of whack. So, let's see if I can get everything back on track. I hope this one's good. :) And I am COMPLETELY open to any advice you guys have on how to make my writing better. Okay, Enjoy!

I pulled away stray hairs from her pale face watching her intently. I have tried over and over to be there for her. I loved her. And I still do. Why couldn't she just see that?

_______

Ulrich.

The back of my neck was tingling and sending chills down my back. Someone was stroking my hair and had woken me up from the sleep I was barely able to get. I most likely looked like a slob who hadn't taken a shower in a while, but hey, I was tired. My shoulders ached but I stretched, letting out a yawn. I heard a chuckle.

That little laugh jumped started my heart and woke me up. Yumi was up and smiling. I mean actually smiling... at me. Her lips curled upwards and her cheeks pink. It left me completely lost for words. I haven't seen that bright smile in such a long time I thought I was looking at a stranger. But, it was Yumi all right. It was definitely the Yumi Ishiyama from my childhood years.

"You're awake!" I announced in relief.

She laughed again, my eyes glued to her sweet face, "That's the understatement of the day."

"How do you feel?" I took her hand and held it in mine. "Do you want me to get the nurse?"

She shook her head. Then searched the room. "Where's Hiroki?"

I checked the room for myself, confused. Hiroki was in here the whole time. I didn't know where he'd gone. "Um, I'm not sure. He probably went to the bathroom or to get you some food."

She nodded, "Yeah, probably." But, she didn't look reassured.

There was so much I wanted to ask her, but I also didn't want a repeat of what happened at the hotel. She'd just woken up all cheery and sun shine. I needed to give her time before I hit her with the questions I so desperately needed to know the answers to.

A few moments later, Hiroki comes into the room followed by Aelita, Amber, and the guys. Hiroki glared at me while the others stared, obviously not expecting me to be here. The atmosphere became heavy and dark, everyone holding their breathe as if afraid of what would happen next.

I stood up instinctively. I wasn't wanted here; didn't need to read their minds to understand that depressing fact.

"I'd better go. Feel better, Yumi." I grabbed my jacket off the chair I was sitting on and left the room.

_______

Yumi.

He left just like that. I wanted to call him back and tell him to stay, but I didn't. I couldn't. The emotion he held in his eyes for me just minutes ago disappeared and turned into a cold, stone-hard emptiness. I watched him go in silence.

I didn't acknowledge the others standing in the room till Aelita came crying an ocean and hugged me.

"Oh, Yumi, you don't know how scared I was after Hiroki called us," She sobbed into my shoulder as I soothed her, rubbing circles on her back.

"You should have seen her, Yumi, " Odd's eyes are bulged as he told me the story. "She freaked us all out with her screaming and that crazy look in her eyes that I think we are all scarred for life. I don't think I can look at her the same way again. "

The way Odd always exaggerated his little tales always made my day. I only laughed at the image of Aelita going after them like there was no tomorrow.

Aelita shot up and screamed at Odd, "Shut up, Odd! You don't know what you're talking about!"

I thought Odd was ready to shrink to the size of a pebble by the horrified look on his face. Theo laughed while Jeremie only shook his head with a smirk.

"Looks like Odd's in trouble now. Aelita isn't all sunshine and daises anymore. "Theo was holding onto his sides for support. Odd only looked more miserable.

I watched this little episode as if I was the only audience and was made for my entertainment. But, I was still had unfinished business with one person in the room who still hadn't said anything or even laughed. I looked at her, hoping she'd at least take the first step I was unwilling to take.

"Amber?" Amber turned her head towards me, looking at me with sad eyes that mirrored my own.

Moments passed by and the clock ticked by, I couldn't take it anymore. I pushed my legs over the bed and Amber did the rest. We embraced each other with huge smiles. I finally had my best friend back after almost 4 weeks of pain and hurt and no trust. Things would finally go back to normal.

"I'm sorry, Yumi," Amber sniffled. "I'm such an ignorant, pinheaded jerk."

I let go of her to show her that I was okay, "Don't worry. I'm a complete imbecile, just like you."She laughed then sniffled a little.

Obviously, it was an important, intense moment and, of course, Odd was the one to ruin it.

"AWW! Group hug!" he came charging towards us and squeezed himself in the middle of the hug with everyone else laughing and joining in on the hug.

"You're still not off the hook, Odd," Aelita warned. Laughs filled the whole room.

________

The nurse had come in much later to check up on me and had to ask everyone to leave because too many were in the room. I was able to sign myself out at met back up with the guys in the waiting room. Theo had borrowed the van from his mom and packed us all in. I watched the hospital disappear as Theo drove down the street.

I hadn't noticed we were outside my house until my stomach began to churn. Theo pulled up by the rusting gates that were left slightly ajar. I hadn't told them about how Hiroki and I 'ran away' yet and I wasn't sure I was ready too. Amber and Aelita knew our situation, but our fight left them utterly clueless about the stuff that happened.

Hiroki turned around and looked at me for guidance. The van was quiet and everyone was looking at us now, waiting for us.

"Are you going in?" Jeremie asked, concerned.

I had to think of something quick, unless I planned to tell them about my mom and her affair with someone who could be my older brother.

"I'm actually-"

"She's staying with me, actually. I forgot to mention that," Aelita said, quickly. Thank you! "Sorry, I guess I forgot to mention that to you guys."

"Yeah, our parents are out of town so I thought it'd be better if we stayed with Aelita."

Amber, Theo, and Jeremie gave us suspicious looks but didn't mention anything. Theo started up the car again and headed off to Aelita's, leaving my old home behind.

I knew I had unfinished business with my parents. I didn't expect my mom to call the police, but I was hoping my dad call for our sake. I should at least call for a lawyer and get legally emancipated. But, I didn't have a clue on how to do all that. I didn't know the first thing about court either. I had a long ways ahead of me.

_______

I knew I lost the bet. That was an obvious thing with only 2 days left for the bet. Amber had been keeping track of Sissi and I was sure Sissi was keeping track of me. But, whenever I asked Amber about the bet, she never mention a word to me, always lost in thought. Aelita was the same. I figured Sissi had down all the 'hot' guys from school and may have hit other high schools and even college students! I wasn't willing to go that far for a bet. Even if it meant I'd have to be Sissi's servant for the rest of the year.

But, with more important matters, things were going back to normal (besides that fact that I'd have to emancipate myself from my parents and take full custody of Hiroki). I told Aelita and Amber my depressing story as they listened word for word. They had my back, just like I knew they would. Amber had also gotten her license and drove me to the hotel to pick up my stuff and check out.

I even quit my job at the bar and the pen si lat classes. I felt so much more....uplifted. Things were finally getting better for me and for Hiroki. I guess I should have taken that first step.

_______

Not the greatest ending, but I think I answered some confusing parts (I hope).

Songs:

Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz

Baby - Justin Bieber

Halo - Beyonce

So, if you guys wanted to know about how things are going (about my life :P) keep reading below:

This week was my spring break and it was pretty fun :) I went to Hawaii, got an awesome tan, lost a few pounds, got a ukulele, and went snorkeling with Manterays! They are kind like sting rays but they are much larger and don't sting. They are pretty much harmless.

I'm trying to learn how to play I'm Your's on the ukulele but its kinda hard for me since I'm left handed :(

Btw, don't go to the Big Island if you want to shop. It's hella expensive and it's mostly nature filled. Go to Honolulu. It's like the city San Fransisco but, hey, shopping is great there. I met asians straight from Japan and I'll tell you, some of their styles are really out there but totally fun :)