:::RECOVERING::

Chapter 8

Oh hey guys! Another update for you! Hope you enjoy the chapter! :D
Thanks for all the loving support you gave me even though I'm so cruel and left for 2 years…. Geez! I feel terrible still^^; haha. Anyway, Enjoy!

"I'm going to school."

Amu was putting her chopsticks down when both her parents' heads shot up. The shock on their face was actually irritating her. They act like I'm two. She knew her parents were going to fight. They think it's too soon.

" Amu, you know how your father and I feel about this… it's too soon.. You need time… to-"

"Too what?! Dwell on what happened to me? Throw a pity party? Sorry, but I'm going to school. I can't change what happened to me. So I might as well move on." Amu regretted sounding so aggressive, but it was the truth and she was tired of hearing the same thing. If she doesn't say anything her parents will keep keeping her in a closed bubble. And that's not what she needs right now..
Her mother was silent, she knew Amu was right. But the bloody message was troubling her more than anything else.. She didn't want her daughter to be in more danger. "Fine…." She said barely audible. "Keep your phone on and call me when you get to school…"

Amu quickly stood up while thanking her mother. She then bolted up the stairs in a hurry to get ready for school. She only had 20 minutes before she had to leave.

She didn't know why, but Amu was starting to feel extremely nervous. She had a bad feeling in her stomach… What if no one wants to talk to me? Shaking her head back and forth she pushed the thoughts away. There's no way I'm backing out!

Amu barely made it to class. When she sat in her chair the bell rang and everyone took their seats. Amu could feel the stares like daggers in her back. When she looked around everyone was looking at her with disgust. Why are they looking at me like that… I didn't do anything wrong..? She then made eye contact with a certain blonde haired girl across the room. She had her brows furrowed and a small frown on her face. Su! Amu waved at the girl and she replied with a shy wave back. Su then quickly glanced at the teacher before turning around to mouth something to Amu. Shit, I can't tell what she's saying! Amu then leaned forward in her chair and mouthed "what?"

"Su, thank you for volunteering, can you please answer this question for me?" twisting her head around to stare at the teacher a very visible blush appeared across her face.

"Sure…" Su replied with her head slightly down.

Feeling bad for getting her friend in trouble Amu sat back in her chair and returned to the lesson she was supposed be learning. Why does this atmosphere feel so uncomfortable!? For the next few hours Amu sat in painful silence and pretended to pay attention to what the teacher was saying

It wasn't until the end of 3rd period that Amu was finally able to talk to Su. But she didn't like what she was being told.

"…And see, everyone thinks you're lying about the whole thing. They believe you're just trying to get more attention on yourself… I'm sorry…"

Amu couldn't believe what she was hearing… they think I'm lying!? Why…. Why would I lie about this.. She could feel her chest tighten. But she quickly released a shaky breath of air to calm herself. I'm not going to lose it here…. I need to be strong!

She looked Su in the eyes and gave her a huge grin. "Don't worry! It's okay; it's just a silly rumor!" Su took a step back.

How can she be so calm…? How is she smiling..!? Su felt like crying for her. She knew Amu had to be hurting deep inside her heart. Giving a weak smile back she replied "Yeah, it should blow over soon!"

Amu and Su sat and ate bento together during lunch. With a mouthful of omelet Amu asked something that was bothering her, "Where is Miki and Ran?"

Bringing chopsticks down Su replied, "Oh, they had this club thing with Dia. They should be back tomorrow."
"Ok, I was just wondering!"

They ate in silence for the next 10 minutes until Amu spoke up.
"Ne, Su…."

"Yeah?" The blonde replied.

"Will you do me a favor…? Can you act like… Nothing happened to me… I just want to be treated normally. I feel uncomfortable. I don't want anyone's pity." Amu was staring at her food trying to avoid eye contact.

"Sure.. But-!" Su was cut off before she could finish what she was saying because the other girls in their class were making a ruckus.

"Oh! He's so dreamy! I wonder if he's looking for a girl!" A girl exclaimed.
"No way! He's never shown an interest in another girl!" Another student gasped.

Amu followed their gaze until her eyes suddenly met with a dark blue pair of eyes. Ikuto! What is he doing here!? She could hear her heart beating in her ears. They both stared at each other, not one saying a single word. Amu could feel her heart beating faster. She suddenly felt a small blush cross her cheeks. Why is he here? Ikuto walked toward where Amu and Su were sitting. He then stopped 10 feet in front of them. He had yet broken eye contact. They both just stayed there staring into each other's eyes. Searching to see what the other was thinking. Ikuto then spoke.

"…Can we talk?" Amu jumped slightly in her chair at his voice.

"Y-yeah" she nodded and stood up following him out of the classroom.

She felt dizzy… What does he want to talk about.? Her eyes were on his feet as she followed him up the stairs and to the roof. When they reached the top he turned around and looked at her.
God, she's beautiful He thought.

Amu's pink locks rustled in the wind and she gave Ikuto a confused look. "What did you want to talk about?" She asked.
Clearing his throat Ikuto replied, "I wanted to know if you're ok… Being at school, I mean. I heard what everyone was saying. They're pretty cruel if you ask me." Amu turned a dark shade of red. Is he worried about me…..? ! She stayed quiet and stood there staring blankly at the ground. "Amu… What the hell happened…That night.." Amu jerked her head up and stared at Ikuto, his midnight blue hair was being blown by the breeze. She wanted to suddenly cry. Taking a fast intake of air she bit her lip to keep the tears from falling. She didn't dare blink. I need to keep strong! Her body betraying her she closed her eyes tightly and she could feel her tears falling. Before she could open her eyes she was shocked to feel Ikuto's arms around her delicate frame. He held her in his arms tightly and leaned his face down to her ear. "I'm sorry. You don't have to answer…" Amu bit her bottom lip harder. She was trying not to cry, and Ikuto knew it. "Don't hold back…" He whispered. The second those words left his mouth Amu could feel herself break. She couldn't support herself and she fell to her knees still in Ikuto's arms. Her small cries quickly became loud and she wasn't able to control herself, no matter how hard she tried. She just stayed there crying into Ikuto's embrace. All the hurt and pain rushing back. Ikuto stayed quiet, he didn't know what to say. He just held her, stroking her hair. If he couldn't help by saying anything, he could at least hold her while she cried.

Thanks so much for reading you guys! Sorry this chapter was a little rough! I'm still very rusty. All reviews are okay(: I love hearing from you guys! Thanks for all the support!

~Love Ally