Disclaimer: I don't own G.A. or any of its characters.

Okay, last chapter's up! Hope you enjoy this one. Thank you so much for reading lovelies xx

22

I stared blankly at my laptop that night, wondering what Misaki meant that I should "read my graduation essay". I couldn't find the hard copy, so it was a good thing I saved it on my computer. Still, even as I read it like fifteen times, I had no idea what my sister was implying. Plus, I was already sick of my own writing. I closed my laptop and groaned. Now I felt more conflicted than before. But I was doing this for my own sake and my mom's so I shouldn't give up.

I opened my laptop again, and this time browsed through My documents. There I saw most of my essays since freshman year—history papers, book reports and term papers. I scrolled down, then I saw something that caught my eye. It was a word document titled, "My Dad". I clicked on it, then scanned it quick. I remembered this. It was still in the seventh grade when I made this. Our teacher told us to write an essay about our inspiration. I wonder why it was here. I read it again this time, my seventh grade words being thrown back at me.

My dad is my inspiration. Not only that, but he is also my best friend. Most girls my age would consider their moms as their best friend, but for me it was the opposite. My dad and I did everything together. We tell each other secrets, we go to the movies together and we even shop together! But I'm not a tomboy, my dad and I are just really close. He was always there during my best and worst times. He was there when I got an A+ on my midterms that I spent weeks studying for, he was there when I first fell off my bike. He was actually everywhere now that you thought about it. I couldn't imagine life without him. Basically, the person who I am now is mostly because of him. My dad means everything to me. And I love him very much.

A lump now rose in my throat as I tried to choke back tears. Who knew my own words could make me cry? I couldn't remember what grade I got in this, but I do remember my teacher saying, "It was very touching and sweet. Although it was a little short. But good job." I also remember giving this to my dad on Father's day and he nearly cried. I remembered Tsubasa's words: "Isn't it weird when someone's gone you remember all these things about them that you thought were only minor things when they were still here?" It wasn't weird, but overwhelming that you suddenly remember all these memories.

I scrolled down the document, then I saw a note on the bottom of the page. My breath caught in my throat as I read it.

Hey Princess (that's you Mikan!),

I searched for the soft copy of this so you could also have one for yourself. If you're reading this right now, you have to know how proud I am of you. Someday you might want to take a writing course in college because this is brilliant! I'm perfectly sure that the following pieces that you'll right will absolutely be perfect. I'm saying this to you now even though it's a bit early because maybe I wouldn't be there anymore when the time comes when you decide on your future. But I'm sure whatever you choose, it would be the right thing. And I know that you will make me proud wherever I am right now as you're reading this.

I love you so much, sweetheart. Remember that. Forever and Always.

01/24/09
Dad

Suddenly, I couldn't control them anymore. Tears started streaming down my face and my heart ached with so much longing for my dad. I wished he was here by my side right now. I wished he never had cancer. No, scratch that, I wished cancer never existed. All this time I thought it was my mother who needed me, when the truth was, I was even more fragile myself. It only took one letter from my dad to figure that out. My dad always wrote dates on his letters, and I calculated in my head that he wrote this three years ago. Which meant, he already had cancer then.

"I miss you Daddy," I sobbed. "So, so, much."

I didn't know what time it was that I woke up, but when I did, I felt my mother's arms around mine. She was humming something to me, while stroking my hair. I didn't want to wake up yet, because I knew my mom was who I needed right now. But the feeling didn't last long though, I wanted to tell her about Dad and the letter. Then I saw my laptop was still open, Dad's letter still on the screen. I knew my mother read it, so that meant I didn't have to explain anymore, which was good because if I do, I was going to end up crying again.

"What time is it?" I said, hoarsely.

My mother wasn't surprised to see that I was awake, maybe because she already knew. Mother's intuition and all. "Two in the morning," she answered.

I moaned. "Sorry, Mom. You should be sleeping right now. You have work tomorrow."

"Tomorrow's Sunday."

"Still." I sat up slowly, then I felt my head spinning. "God, my head hurts."

I looked at my mother. Her eyes were red like mine. So she had been crying too. I cleared my throat. "Did you read it?"

My mom smiled at me and nodded. "Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have. But when I got home and went to your room, you were all curled up on your bed and crying with your laptop in front of you. I swear, it was one of the scariest things that's ever happened to me. I didn't know what to do. So I took you in my arms and read it, and well, I guess I ended up crying too."

Now that I thought about it, I do remember vaguely someone embracing me and saying, "Shh, it's okay, honey. I'm here. Mom's here now."

"That's okay, Mom," I said, and took a deep breath. "I just, I didn't know what to make of it you know? Seeing Dad's letter I just... broke down."

"I understand," my mother told me softly. "Tell you what. Maybe we could talk about this in the morning, okay? We both need some sleep."

I nodded and my mom kissed my forehead. "Good night, Mikan."

"Good night, Mom. And thank you. For being here."

"Of course, honey. I'm always here." Then she turned off the lights and closed the door softly.

Suddenly, I didn't feel so tired anymore. I felt like I discovered something huge. Although I couldn't remember what it was due to all that crying. I grabbed my laptop again, and reread Dad's letter. I still felt a pang in my chest, but now that I let it all out, I didn't feel like crying anymore. Instead as I read it again, I suddenly remembered what brought me here. And I understood what Misaki said, by reading my graduation essay again. The answer might not be there, but it was right here on my dad's letter to me. Misaki might not have known about this letter, but still she helped my get here.

That's when I finally figured it out. I knew what course I would take.

"Hotaru!" I exclaimed as I went in for a hug.

We (namely, Ruka, Natsume and I) were at the airport that day sometime in late August for Hotaru's arrival. Ruka and I just dragged Natsume along of course, since Natsume and Hotaru didn't really have a friendly history. But he was here for me, and wearing a not so conspicuous disguise: glasses and contacts.

Hotaru hugged me back, and I gave both of her parents a peck on the cheek. "How was the trip?" I asked.

"Tiring," Hotaru answered.

"But Paris was wonderful!" her mother gushed. "Oh Hotaru enjoyed herself very much. Didn't you, dear?"

"Almost all our pictures are composed of her in front of landmarks," Mr. Imai added.

"Really?" I said, looking at Hotaru. As far as I knew, I thought she said that Paris wasn't all that.

"Mom, Dad," she groaned. "I said I needed those for my website. You know, if I get famous."

Hotaru's parent's and I laughed. While Hotaru glared at me. So much for a warm welcome.

"Okay so listen," Hotaru said to her parents after we were through laughing. "I'm going to have lunch out with Ruka and Mikan, so you can head home first and get some rest."

"Okay dear," Mrs. Imai replied. "Just be home by ten."

"Mom, it's just lunch out."

"Still." She kissed her head. "See you later."

"Here let me get your luggage," her dad offered. "And thanks for coming here, Mikan."

I grinned. "No problem, Mr. Imai. Get some rest, okay?"

"We will, thanks." He kissed Hotaru's forehead, and both of them chatted with Ruka for a while, then they left.

"What's Hyuuga doing here?" Hotaru asked me.

"Moral support," I answered, as Ruka now came closer and gave Hotaru a hug. They stayed like that for a little while, so I went over to where Natsume was.

"You okay?" I asked.

He looked at me. God, those glasses looked really good on him. "Fine. But some are already staring."

I looked around. Sure enough there were a number of people looking our way. But I was sure they couldn't recognize Natsume that easily. "Oh come on," I said pointing to Ruka and Hotaru, who were now kissing in the middle of the airport. "Give the lovebirds a break. They haven't seen each other in a month."

"That's the point," he said. "If I get attention, then..."

"Natsume it's fine," I interrupted. "No one here should recognize you. I mean, you haven't shown your face on tv for months now. Who knew if you changed you look or something? Besides, your disguise is full-proof, trust me." I winked at him, and he laughed.

"I'm going to miss you, you know," he told me. "Are you really staying here?"

I didn't want to tell him yet. He would know soon. So I pretended to be disappointed. "Yeah. My mom needs me. And my family is here. I know yours is too, but you just can't leave your career."

I hoped I sounded convincing. Apparently I did, since Natsume looked defeated too. "What did I tell you? It's all going to work out." Then he embraced me, and kissed my forehead.

God, I should became an actress, instead of taking journalism. Not only that, but I was also going to take some creative writing classes at the university too. I couldn't believe the answer was in my laptop this whole time. After I told my mother about it, she nearly cried about her baby growing up and all, but I knew she was happy for me. I called my sister too, and she shrieked over the phone telling me that yes, it was what she had in mind this whole time. Which leaves Hotaru for me to tell.

"Are you lovebirds done?" Ruka asked playfully to Natsume and I.

"I should be asking you the same thing," Natsume replied in a more teasing manner.

Hotaru cleared her throat and spoke to Natsume. "Nice to see you again, Hyuuga."

"You too," he answered, flatly. I could tell he was really making an effort to be nice.

Hotaru rolled her eyes. "Don't kill yourself. We have mutual feelings towards each other."

Natsume looked relieved. "Good to know, I guess."

"Okay!" I said, a little too cheerfully trying to break the awkwardness. "Why don't we go out and eat lunch?"

Ruka and Natsume went ahead, so that meant I had the chance to talk to my best friend. We both followed at a slow pace. "Hotaru," I whispered. "I figured it out."

Sure enough she knew what I was talking about. Her eyes softened and she smiled genuinely—the rarest of smiles. "Took you long enough," she said. "But I'm proud of you, Mikan."

"And I have you and my sister to thank for it."

"Not me. It was all your sister. I just suggested she think of something that made your dad happy, and she told me about that essay you wrote to your dad in seventh grade."

I stopped in my tracks. "But she didn't tell me about that. All she told me was about my graduation speech, and that I should read it. Then after a while, I couldn't figure it out, so I looked through my laptop and found that essay I wrote my dad in my hardrive. Then I found a letter there that my dad wrote to me, and that's how I figured it out."

"Huh," she said, thoughtfully. "I guess you sister was right. She told me 'Trust me, I know Mikan better than she knows herself'."

"Hey you guys okay?" Ruka asked looking at us.

"Fine," I replied. We started walking again, then I whispered to Hotaru, "Natsume still doesn't know though."

"Why?"

"He's going back to LA at the end summer. And so am I. I want to surprise him."

Hotaru sighed. "Well good luck with that. Your acting skills are as bad as your lying skills."

"Hey," I said, taken aback. "My acting skills have improved. Natsume totally fell for my disappointed act a while ago. So there."

Hotaru just shook her head at me. "Whatever you say. Oh and by the way, I missed you."

"Aww!" I hugged her. "I missed you too!"

August came to an end fast, and before I knew it, September came. I was finally leaving for college. But I had to admit a part of me was excited, but still there's that thought of leaving my family behind that overshadows it. But I knew they would be fine. Everything would be fine now. After all my whole family was proud of me.

"All packed?" my mother asked.

"Yeah," I said, as I sealed the last box with tape. I took a good look of my now dull room before I turned to face my mother. My room had been my sanctuary for like, eighteen years. And now I was leaving it all behind. Classes didn't start until next week, but my mother said that I should go there a week earlier so I could settled in in my dorm. As for Natsume, he was leaving the same day as I was, so I told him to come visit me before he left (or we left, but you get the point).

My mother pulled me in for a hug. "I'm going to miss you so much, Mikan."

"Me too, Mom," I murmured back.

She sniffed. "God I'm getting emotional am I?"

I cracked a smile. "Don't worry. You're not the only one."

Just then the doorbell rang. My mom let go of me and composed herself. "That must be your sister." The doorbell rang again, and we both shared a knowing smile. "I'll go get that. Do you need some help with those boxes?"

"I'l be fine."

"Okay, but I'll send Tsubasa up here all right?"

"Okay."

I plopped down on my bed. And looked at my now empty walls which used to have posters and pictures from family vacations. Now I was moving into somewhere new with new experiences and memories. I opened my purse and took out my dad's letter. I decided to have a printed copy of it, as to remind me that Dad was always there.

After all my boxes and suitcases were in the front lawn, we all said our goodbyes. I told them that Natsume and I were going to the airport together, so they were in on the "plan" too. Natsume hasn't arrived yet, which gave me more time to with my family. Not that I wasn't thrilled about him coming with me, because I totally am, I swear. I just wanted to spend more time with the people who I wouldn't be seeing in a long time Then I saw Hotaru walking up on our street, and I ran towards her and hugged her.

"What?" Hotaru said. "You didn't think that I wouldn't be here on my best friend's departure, right?"

I didn't say anything as tears now formed in my eyes. Hotaru and I had gone through so much together, and it pained me to think that she wasn't going to be there with me in college. Even though, she might be hostile and mean sometimes, I knew that she was only looking out for me.

"Don't give me waterworks, dummy," she told me. "I might get emotional."

I let go so I could face her. I knew she already having hard time keeping her stoic expression at this moment. "I'm going to miss you, Hotaru."

"Of course you would. I mean, who wouldn't?" I laughed in spite of myself and pulled her in another hug.

"Just don't do anything stupid there, okay?" she told me. I heard tears in her voice.

"I won't." Then I turned to face my family.

Misaki brought Michiko along too, and that was good. She wasn't sleeping right now, instead just staring at everybody with those huge brown eyes of hers.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Bubbles," Tsubasa told me, giving me big bear hug. That was now his nickname for me.

"Aw, me too," I said, patting him on the back.

Next I took my niece into my arms and spoke to her softly. I knew she wouldn't understand me, but who cares. "You'll be a good girl, all right? You won't give mommy and daddy headaches. And when I come back, you should already know your first word, okay?" I kissed her forehead softly and handed him to Tsubasa. Now, I was already in my sister's arms.

"I'm going to miss you so much, kid," she said. I could already hear the tears in her voice.

"I'll miss you too, sis. And thank you. You don't even know how thankful I am for all that you've done for me."

Now she was really sobbing. "What are sisters for?"

And finally, I found myself in my mother's comforting embrace where I felt the safest. She didn't say anything, because everything that needed to be said had already been conveyed during the past weeks. Then she said, "I love you, honey. Always remember that."

"I will," I said, choking back tears. "I love you too, Mom."

And as if on cue, I saw Natsume's car stop in front of our driveway. He was still wearing those glasses, but he removed his contacts. I first saw confusion in his eyes when he saw our little family gathering and the number of boxes on our front lawn.

"Hey," he said to all of us. But mostly to me. "What's going on? Are you guys moving?"

Before Hotaru could say anything witty, my mother took this as her signal to go back inside the house, with my sister, Tsubasa and Michiko. "Well I guess I'll give you guys time to talk." Then she practically gave my sister a shove into the house. She gave me an encouraging smile before they all headed inside.

"We're not moving," I said, in answer to Natsume's question. "Well at least not them."

He arched an eyebrow. "Wait, where are you going?"

"To college."

Now he seemed even more confused, which I actually found adorable. "You're going to stay in a dorm? But University of Tokyo is just—"

"No," I interrupted, taking a step closer. "I'm going to college in UCLA."

His crimson eyes widened in surprise. "Are you serious?"

I nodded, smiling. "And I'm taking Journalism."

"Really?" he said, with a huge amount of enthusiasm. "Then why didn't you tell me? God, do you know how miserable I've been over the past few weeks? After all this time, I thought you were going to the University of Tokyo."

"I didn't tell you because I wanted you to be proud of me." I shrugged. "You know, kinda have been my goal over the past few years."

"Well guess what?" he said, finally closing the distance between us.

"What?"

"I'm proud of you." Then he leaned down and kissed me.

Epilogue

I woke up to sound of my alarm clock on my bedside drawer. As I moved to turn it off, I caught a glimpse of the framed picture beside my clock. It was the day that I left for college and everyone I loved was there. Even though it had been six months now, and I still remembered that day perfectly. The way I hugged my family and friends goodbye (Ruka, Anna, Nonoko, Tobita and Sumire all came a little later after Natsume did and it was a tearful event too, as I said goodbye to them), the look in Natsume's eyes as I told him the good news and the look on their faces as I (well, Natsume) drove away from them.

So far, UCLA had been great. I loved the course that I was taking, and I realized that writing is truly my passion. It might be kind of ironic that I was taking journalism, while dating a celebrity. But Natsume already told me that he didn't mind. He was already back on doing his work, and right now, he was shooting a new movie. We tried to keep our relationship a low profile, but you really couldn't avoid the paparazzi lurking every street. The bright side was, we weren't causing any controversy, which was relieving. I mean, I was just a college student anyway.

"You up?" my roommate, Nobara Ibaragi asked me. She was also a freshman like me, and one of the nicest girls I have ever met. She had metallic blue hair, and bright blue eyes. I found out that she was also from Japan like me, but instead of Tokyo, she lives in Sapporo, a very quaint countryside.

I sat up groggily from my bed. I could see that Nobara had just stepped out from the shower. "Yeah, I guess."

"Spring break starts tomorrow," she said. "I bet you're excited to see your family and friends again."

"I am. You?"

"About that." She had a guilty look on her face. "Remember how I told you that we could go home together for spring break? Well, it turns out my flight was rescheduled this afternoon, since my mom wanted me home earlier. I'm sorry, Mikan."

I gave her a reassuring smile. This was one of the reasons why I was lucky to have a roommate like her. She was so incredibly nice that sometimes I wondered if Hotaru and her would get along. "Nobara, it's okay," I told her. "I have to submit a thesis paper today, and I haven't even started packing."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "I'll be fine. Besides, Natsume's just finished his shooting so he's also going home tomorrow, so I could go with him then."

"Oh." She looked relieved. "That's good then. Oh, I almost forgot. My family's visiting my grandma in Tokyo. Maybe we could meet up?"

I grinned. "I would love to."

The following day, I met Natsume at the airport. He was still wearing those glasses, which was weird, because there really wasn't a need for a disguise anymore now that everyone knew we were dating.

"Hey," I said. "What's with the glasses?"

"Oh this?" he said, smirking. "I always had the feeling that you liked them on me."

I rolled my eyes playfully. But he was right, though. "Jerk."

He kissed me. "Am I still a jerk?"

I smiled, then kissed him back. "Nope."

At that moment, our flight was announced to be leaving in ten minutes. Natsume grabbed and my hand and gave it a squeeze. "Are you ready to go home?"

"Definitely."

Aaaaaaaaaaaand, THE END. Again I would just like to take a moment and thank those who reviewed my story and gave me constructive criticism. Also, a massive thank you for those not so kind reviews, because believe me, they made me write better. ;) I really don't know if I could promise a new story right now, since I am also writing another fanfic. And it's all about One Direction! :) i'm posting it on another website, so if you want to check it out, just PM me!

Again, thank you, thank you so much for bearing with my late updates. Haha. Oh and as for my other story which I haven't updated in over a year (so sorry about that) I promise I will finish that. All I need is inspiration and right now, nothing's really coming down on me. But I'll get to it!

Anyway, I really should stop talking right now before I get emotional *le sobs* so a massive thank you to everyone! I love you guys xx