Mysterious Mark

Okay, I don't know how or when I was able to get this "Mysterious Mark" on my neck. But I often joke around saying that I was bitten by a Vampire cause from the look of it, its as if I WAS really bitten by a vampire... I just hope the Vampire was like the looks of Alice Cullen or of the Denali Clan in Alaska. Hehehehe! Anyway, here's a pic of the "Mysterious Mark".

Top Ten People for the Months of January - April 2012

Okay, I have nothing to do here at the office, so I decided to make my top list of people who made a grate impact in my life. These people made me laugh, cry, smile, pout, and put me in a roller coaster of emotion. So, do you think you're in my Top 10 List?

By the way, I intentionally exclude Family Members (including Liit, being my brother and all. :D) and Mommy Bebot from the list to give way to other people to be included. :D

Number 10

TITAN

Mark Christian Encinares

Well, he's a buddy to me. He's the only Peer Facilitator who have the guts to call me by name without "KUYA" and can throw punches and jokes on me without me getting offended. Childish some may say, but he's a true friend, though I often invite him for a drink, he will surely refuse. He'd rather drink his glass of MILK rather than a glass of BEER! Oh, did I mention he gave me a Rosary last Christmas and he's my supplier of Tea and Chocolate Drinks! :D

Titan with his Sister.

Number Nine

SHEE

Atty. Sheena Ester P. Arteta

Atty. Sheena Ester P. Arteta, Sheena or Shee for me. She's been a friend since 1st Year College and since then I saw her potential of being who she is right now. Even during our Law School days, you'll know that she have this IT Factor. So, wonder why I included her in my list? Well, If I won't, surely she will kick me in the ass! HARD! Ha ha ha! Kidding! Anyway, I included her cause among the group, she's the one of those who always find time to say "Hello" and to check up on me. That simple way, she made it to the top list! :D

Shee, Charming Lawyer of Calabanga. 

Number Eight

ATE LHEI

Atty. Lheila Mozenda C. Mendoza

Ate Lhei, the ever supportive friend of mine. She's always there when you need her. She give life to the saying, "I'm just a phonecall away." The L'il Lhei that the group learned to love and admire. IDOL!

Ate Lhei during her Macau Trip last April

Number Seven

Trudis

Jo Ann A. Breis

Hon. Jo Ann A. Breis, City Youth Councilor, Champion Orator, Best PFO President (so far) and our little Trudis, who, like a larvae inside a cocoon, bloomed into a beautiful Butterfly. Soaring high for her dreams. I included her in my top list because I am proud to be her Kuya and one of her trainor in the Peer Facilitators Organization. Live your dreams, Jo. Am here to support you. :D

Sexy and Inspired

Numbers Six and Five

Mui and Bhords

Muriel Louigie S. Vega and Nikko A. Verdadero

My baby girl and baby boy! He he he he. . . Both are my little sis and bro. I still included the two of the cause they've been the friend you can always depend on. No words fit describe what I feel for this two, but I guess all that I can say is THANK YOU. ^_________^

Lovers <3

Number Four

Donna

Donna Ann L. Penales

Madame, that's what the other Peers often call her. But for me, she's simply DONNA. The ever charming and sweet little sister of mine. Among the peers, she's the one that I treasure the most. She's not just a co-member of the Organization, but she's, for me, a true sister. The three of us, along with Mommy Bebot, had been through a lot and it was always us three that you can consider to be the local version of Charmed, THE POWER OF THREE. :D 

Ever Charming

Number Three

Cherie

Cherie F. Abarientos

My cousin, and probably, my closest cousin. I can share everything to her. Maybe because we're of the same age and wavelength that we easily agree in almost everything. Sharing my time with her is no dull moment. Now that we often see each other, there are a lot of things that we need to catch up. That's why whenever the two of us finds time to meet up, surely, HELL WILL BREAK LOSE! :D

Me and Cherie during our Malinao Escapade

Number Two

Dutchess

Dutchess Grace V. Abarientos

The newest addition to our family, Dutchess Grace is a three months old Miniature Pincher given by Nikko. This little cutie helps me relax during my tiring day at work. She never fails to make me smile, specially My Aunt and Nephew whom I left her with. We are looking forward for a longer relationship with her. :D

Watcha Lookin' At?

Number One

Lyka

Lyka M. Abarientos

Lyka, is my Baby. She's a one year and six months old Pomeranian Spits dog and is currently on her final two weeks of pregnancy. I included her in this list cause by next month, she will be giving us new little angels to take care of and make us smile. Wooo! Can't wait for that special day to happen!

Lyka, giving me her looks (which means she wants me to carry her)

So, there you go, my Top Ten People(and Dogs) who made an impact in my life for the months of January to April. 

Lets see if you'll be included in my top list next quarter. Untill then!

Ciao! :D

My Heaven

MY HEAVEN

It’s a cold and rainy day
The blue sky has turned gray
And everything was swept away
But my love for you will stay

Though the world is breaking us apart
It will never break my heart

It hurts when there are tears in your eyes
It cuts me inside when you cry
So I promise I wouldn’t bring you pain
Cause your love is my heaven

As the wind blows I hear your voice
As the star shines I see your eyes
And maybe you don’t believe me
But my love for you will last for eternity

Untitled

I stay alone in a room of melancholy
I can’t accept my unhappy destiny 
I want to bring back our love in harmony 
And listen to the sweet melody

I miss the days when we’re together 
I miss the days when we love each other 
I thought our love will be forever 
But now, everything is over
How can I forget someone like you? 
You painted my world with different hue 
You captivated my heart 
And now, I don’t know where to start 

Where did I go wrong?
I thought the chain that binds our love is strong
I can’t continue my journey not because it’s long
But because the only music I hear is a sad song

Malana Clan's HAIRY addition

Yesterday, 22 April 2012, Malana Clan from my Mothers side had their annual Reunion. It was a day of fun-filled games and foods! Though there was a little mishaps, it still was a success.

Anyway, funny thing was it turned out how much our family love dogs! And not just a simple dongs but CUTE DOGS!

Lyka (My little Sister), Thirdy and Tofee (Nestor Sevilla's Babies)

Lyka (Mix Breed of Japanese Spitz and Pomeranian)

Lyka and Chuchu (Marichu Malana's baby, Japanese Spitz dog)

Toffe, Thirdy and Lyka

Febe, Japanese Shih Tzu (Lee Ann Cabrega [Leo Malana's GF])

Princess, Mix breed of Japanese Shih Tzu and Pug (Lee Ann Cabrega [Leo Malana's GF])

Tofee, Lyka and Thirdy

Thirdy (Japanese Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz) with Eugene and Jin

Dutchess Grace (Miniature Pinscher) with Darel Murcia

Dutchess Grace with Jeene Ellemere Ferrer-Requinta

Missing someone while having a good time

I am currently here at Masosu Spring Resort in San Isidro, Iriga City. Its been two years since the last time I've been here and during my last visit here. I really had a great time with my Peer Family and Mommy B... She was with us back then. But now, being here, makes me miss her so much and wish that she's still with us and we can still visit Masosu just like the old time...

God knows how much I miss her, and looking at the Resort we used to swim at, turns the happy memories into a sad one. Hays...

The hill that we used to climb was now turned into a Reception area of the resort that we are in right now. The pond was converted into the current pool. A lot has changed for the past two years.

It was those years that we planned to visit Masosu sometime last year of this year, but now, if ever the group decided to come back here, we are less one member, one important member of the group.

MUSIC DOLL BOX: Chapter 10

Chapter Ten: Trouble at the Club

The car headlights lit up the world before them, as they drove slowly down a side road. Having looked all through the main streets without success, they were beginning to despair of never finding what they were looking for.

"Where the hell is this bloody place?" Zell shouted from the backseat.

He was the most restless of the three SeeDs, having settled himself in for bed when Squall had abruptly interrupted him and forced him to get dressed again. Quistis was equally as tired, and tried to stifle a yawn behind her hand. She looked sideways at Squall, they were all running on paracetemol tablets and caffeine now, and it wouldn't be long before one of them burnt out.

"Maybe we should stop and ask for directions? We could pull into that petrol station there," she suggested pointing at the brightly lit petrol forecourt.

Squall didn't reply, just guided the car slowly to the suggested stop and cut the engine.

"I'll go," Zell offered grateful for a breath of fresh air and a chance to stretch his legs.

"Squall, you need to calm down," Quistis advised seeing his hands holding the steering wheel a little too tightly.

"I am calm," he said slowly, his voice full of annoyance, desperately trying to keep his self-control.

He couldn't believe the nerve of the girl. Her father hadn't been exaggerating when had said she needed watching. Squall had been prepared to give her the benefit of the doubt, but that was about to change.

Zell rejoined them, slamming the car door; he offered Qusitis a choice of chocolate bars as he spoke to Squall.

"It's on the outskirts, on an industrial estate. You need to head North-West out of town."

Squall nodded and started the engine. Chocolate and junk food was frowned upon in Garden, it didn't provide the correct energy for training, and Squall generally ate what was advised, but in the circumstances, chocolate was very welcome.

Feeling better for the sugar, all three enjoyed a momentary rush of energy with carried them all the way to the industrial estate, where hidden amongst it was Legends.

There was still a queue of people waiting to go in, showing it to be a very popular place. Ignoring the people waiting, Squall led his team to the front, not paying any attention to the outraged cries of people waiting in the cold.

"Back of the queue kid," the bouncer said, his suited frame twice the size of Squall.

"I don't think so mate," Zell said pushing in front.

A second equally large man joined his colleague to form a formidable team, ready for something to kick off.

"We're not here to cause trouble," Squall said reaching into his shirt pocket for his wallet.

He held it up for the bouncer to read, Zell and Quistis copied his lead and held up their ID also.

"We're looking for a girl," Squall continued. Knowing that he'd caused these two men trouble, if a fight was started in the club, it was up to them to break it up. But what chance did they have against SeeD?

"This place is full of girls," one said folding his arms, but stepping back in an act of respect.

"This one's under-aged, so it would be better for all if we find her…before the police raid this place."

The two men looked at one another, then stood aside from the door, pulling the red rope away from the entrance so that the SeeDs could go inside.

They walked into the cloakroom, where they were met with a man who introduced himself as the manager. One of the bouncers must have called him, Squall thought. He shook Squall's hand with an oily smile on his face, eager for a quiet night. He advised them to check in their coats due to the temperature of the club and followed them inside.

The SeeDs soon realised their night was no where near finished, the mass of people swarming before them magnified how difficult it would be to find Rinoa amongst them, if indeed she was still here.

"Go with the manager to the bar, and wait there," Squall instructed. "I'm going to make a sweep of the place, see if can find Rinoa. Zell, watch the left side of the room, Quistis take the right."

They nodded, not wanting to salute in such a crowed place where anybody could be holding a grudge against SeeD. Squall left them, walking away in the opposite direction.

"Champagne?" the manager asked trying desperately to appease his unwelcome visitors.

Quistis shook her head.

"Thank you, but…."

"Yeah, and keep it coming!" Zell said over her polite refusal, and rubbed his hands together eagerly.

Quistis politely sipped her drink, whereas Zell finished his third glass much too quickly. The manager had left them to their own devices now, watching them from a far, regretting offering them drinks.

They stared through the crowd, but the fast moving people all soon became a blur, and Zell was becoming less and less motivated to keep looking.

"This stuff tastes like crap," he declared finishing the bottle. "I'll have a beer," he yelled at the barman.

"We are working Zell," Qusitis reminded him. "And you are under-aged, and shouldn't be drinking."

"So? I'm clocking-off, dock it from my salary. There's only so much work a man can do per day before he needs a beer."

"Pathetic," Qusitis mumbled.

Spotting Squall, she quickly abandoned her drink and knocked Zell's away.

"Hey!" he complained retrieving it.

Squall, however, said nothing, he was too preoccupied to even notice that what Zell was drinking wasn't cola.

"Any luck?" Quistis asked.

Squall leant his back against the bar and shook his head. It was impossible to find anyone in this place. Walking around was even worse than standing still, as people were continually bumping into one another, and there was no chance to stop and search.

Rinoa was on the dancefloor, one hand was thrown in the air above her head, the other holding onto Selphie. She was laughing, not caring anymore what she looked like, just concerned with moving with the music. The DJ blew fake smoke into the crowd, which disguised everyone in a haze.
She was brought back to earth when some lad she had never seen before took hold of Selphie's other hand and turned her to face him. Enjoying the attention, Selphie began dancing with the stranger, allowing his hands to travel over her hips and Rinoa was quickly forgotten.

The fun of dancing lessened without Selphie, and Rinoa decided to escape to the bar for one more drink. Really she knew she'd had enough, but she'd managed to drink herself into a state where she believed one more wouldn't make a difference.

She reached the edge of the dancefloor, through much pushing and shoving only to step back in horror. Stood at the bar was Commander Leonhart.

"No way," Rinoa exclaimed.

She disappeared into the crowd before his eyes looked her way, and bumped into someone far more pleasant.

"Hey doll," Seifer said grinning. "I've been looking for you everywhere. Thought you might have gone off with someone else."

His expression told a different story however, it spoke of a confidence in Rinoa having waited all night for him to make good on his promise to dance with her.

"No, I'm still here," Rinoa said. She felt a little more confident in his presence than she would be normally, thanks to the alcohol.

"So, I see," he said grinning again, and pushing her back into the middle of the dancefloor.

Rinoa blushed, she had thought Seifer might have forgotten her but here he was. Maybe Selphie was wrong, he seemed to really want her company. The room was filled with girls, and he could take his pick if he really wanted to. But he'd chosen her, and Rinoa didn't understand why.

Seifer spun Rinoa around, and moved his hips in time with her's, whilst standing close behind her. Rinoa looked down at the ground shyly until she found a rhythm and little more confidence. She suddenly had tingling feeling over her skin, and her mind began racing.

The music begged them to dance closer, and the singer sang of sex and desires, sweeping them up into a world of flashing lights, smoke machines, and blushing behaviour. All of a sudden she was just like those girls she had watched from afar before, envying them on the dancefloor dancing seductively with boys, who wouldn't even look her way. She was just as desired as they were, and she smiled enjoying the way Seifer was looking at her, every time she looked behind.

Before she knew what was happening, they were facing one another, and it was the most natural thing in the world to be kissing. Rinoa knew her light-headedness wasn't being caused by the copious amount of alcopops anymore. She laughed as the music changed and Seifer spun her away to treat her to a display of intentionally stupid dance moves.

Laughing hysterically, Rinoa joined him, pretending to swing a lasso around in the air. She was about to move closer to him again, when someone took hold of her arm.

"Get off!" she demanded, before realising who was holding her.

"Outside now," Squall said in a voice that wasn't to be argued with. "Not here," he added to Seifer who was looking murderous.

Outside the cold air hit Rinoa hard; she doubled up on the street feeling sick. She knew Seifer wouldn't find this very attractive, but she couldn't help it, her head was spinning. She gratefully accepted Quistis' jacket and put it on without protest, it was only when the world came back to her that she realised Qusitis was wearing a coat, as was Zell, and the only one who wasn't was Squall.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Seifer shouted striding right up into Squall's face.

Zell reacted by taking battle stance, Squall however didn't back down.

"Instead of shouting at me, why not take your problems to General Caraway, or are you afraid?" Squall taunted him, he knew he really should walk away and get Rinoa home, but something about this man irritated him to a point he couldn't explain.

"I'm not afraid of that old man!" Seifer shouted.

Quistis knew both men were dangerously close to taking the argument to a fight, and Zell wasn't doing too much to stop it. But with Rinoa now leaning on her and crying, she wasn't in a position to step in.

"Don't call him that!" Rinoa screamed.

Rinoa appearing to side with Squall ended Seifer's control and he slammed his hands sharply into Squall's chest. Recoiling automatically, Squall's battle instinct kicked in and he punched Seifer square in the face instinctively. Blood splattered onto the ground and onto Squall's shirt.

At this the bouncers stepped in, unable to ignore the brawl any longer and restrained Seifer from retaliating. Blood streaming down his face, Seifer wasn't the handsome young man Rinoa had kissed in the club, but a snarling thug intent on doing damage.

His arm, loose for a moment swung at Squall, how dodged enough for Seifer's fist to miss it's intended target and connect with the side of his cheek. Squall felt no pain at first, then it flooded in unmercifully, yet he knew it was nothing to what Seifer would be feeling. It had been unfair to hit Seifer as he had, but he hadn't been thinking.

The SeeDs kept their emotions hidden, too well trained and used to violence. Rinoa lost track of events from then on, her mind simply couldn't take anymore. She briefly remembered seeing Selphie, then Seifer covered in blood again, then somehow she was in a car.

"Squall, we need to pull over," Quistis was saying from somewhere above where Rinoa was slumped.

Vaguely aware of being dragged out of the car, Rinoa fell face down into the grass where she threw up the majority of her drinks, a testament to too much sweet flavoured vodka.

MUSIC DOLL BOX: Chapter 9

Chapter Nine: Seifer Likes You

Waiting in line to get into the club was what Rinoa hated about going out. It was made all the worse by the fact that she had left her coat behind. Selphie was determined to have a good time, and was in an irritatingly enthusiastic mood. Her incessant chatting was beginning to get on Rinoa's nerves, who was checking over her shoulder every few seconds.

"Who you looking for?" Seifer asked, unable to ignore Rinoa staring through the crowds any longer.

"Squall," she simply said in reply.

"He doesn't look the type to come clubbing," Selphie said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Aw, hurry up! I'm freezing," she shouted down the line, turning a few heads with annoyed glances.

"He knows this is where I'll be," Rinoa confessed.

Seifer folded his arms, he was wary of the SeeD Commander, there was something about him that he didn't like, not to mention that he was currently spoiling all his moments with Rinoa.

"Why did you tell him that you'd be here?" he asked. "Don't you want to come out with us?"

"Of course I do!" Rinoa insisted. "It's just, I thought he'd let me go…"

Seifer wouldn't speak to her anymore as they stood in the line, and once they were inside he abandoned them. Rinoa knew he was offended, but she couldn't understand what she'd done wrong. The SeeDs were a part of her life now, for better or worse, and there was nothing she could do about it. Maybe she should have kept her plans to herself, but she had tried to do the right thing.

OK, so the SeeDs were here to watch her, but surely that meant she was still allowed to have a life? Following Selphie to the bar, she felt someone take hold of her hand, and turned to look into the face of a grinning youth.

"Alright?" he asked forwardly.

Rinoa pulled her hand away, she didn't know this boy, and felt annoyed at being accosted so. What was he hoping for, that she'd stay and chat? Although it didn't look as if chatting was on his mind. Before she could say anything, Selphie had doubled back to her rescue.

"I don't think so mate," she said pulling Rinoa away. "Hey, what did I say about tonight?" Selphie asked as they finally made it to the bar.

"Strictly no boys," Rinoa said dutifully.

"Exactly, we're here for the dancing only," Selphie said, before shouting her order at the bartender.

Alcopop in hand, Selphie and Rinoa walked around the edge of the dance floor, looking for people they knew. They passed the usual crowds, people that were always out, but they didn't know the names of. Choosing to stand near to the DJ, they sipped their drinks through a straw and rated other people's outfits.

"Seriously, what is that?" Selphie asked watching a girl in a tight pink skirt cross the dance floor. "In what universe is that OK?"

Rinoa couldn't help but laugh, even though she knew she shouldn't. She even laughed at outfits that she thought were nice, just so it would seem that she had something in common with Selphie. She wished sometimes that she could assert herself more, but the fear of being laughed at herself kept her quiet.

"Oh no," Selphie said suddenly. "It's Irvine."

Selphie turned sideways so that she wouldn't have to look at him. Rinoa scanned the room, and sure enough, there was Irvine. He was standing with a group of people Rinoa didn't recognise. As soon as he spotted her, he waved in greeting. Rinoa reluctantly raised her hand, waving back. He'd never lowered himself by greeting her before, so she supposed he was just trying to score points with Selphie.

"Is he looking?" she asked.

"Yeah," Rinoa confirmed. "But he's with another girl."

Selphie turned to look at him outraged.

"That total slag!" she exclaimed.

Rinoa didn't know whether he was with that girl with the long brown hair and the endless legs, but she didn't care. The worse Selphie thought about him, then the better. Irvine tried a wave at Selphie, but she blanked him and dragged Rinoa along in her wake.

Not noticing where they were going, Rinoa was surprised when they bumped into Seifer. He looked in the middle of chatting up some girl with outrageously short hotpants, but Selphie barged through their conversation uncaring.

"Who does he think he is?" she demanded.

The girl speaking to Seifer excused herself, and didn't look all too sorry to have to leave. She was getting a lot male attention, and obviously didn't value Seifer's too highly. Rinoa watched her walk away with a mixed emotion, something between envy and disgust.

Rinoa sipped her drink a little too enthusiastically; too nervous to look at Seifer in case he was still angry. But he had a pint in his hand, and with most of it gone; his mood seemed to have mellowed.

"That's it, I'm going to pull tonight," Selphie decided, finishing her drink by tipping the bottle back and ignoring the straw. "Another?" she asked Rinoa.

With Selphie gone, Rinoa felt her heart quicken it's pace once more. She knew it was because of Seifer. He did look particularly roguish tonight, he had that naughty smirk on his face that had once frightened her, but now found alluring. She blushed when he turned that look on her, and she stared bashfully down at the ground.

"Gonna dance with me later?" he asked. His tone of voice made it sound as if she'd be crazy to turn him down. It made her blush even harder and she wasn't sure how to reply. "I'd dance with you now, but no drinks allowed on the dance floor."

It wasn't particularly funny, but Rinoa found herself laughing nervously. She hoped he'd leave it there, but it was clear that he wanted an answer.

"So? Going to dance with me?"

"Um, sure… OK," Rinoa mumbled.

He laughed at her shyness then drained the last of his drink. Rinoa watched as what should be three mouthfuls disappeared in one. Selphie returned with three bottles, one red, one blue and a beer for Seifer. Without warning, Seifer's hand disappeared behind Rinoa's back and sneaked up onto her hip.

Nothing much ever passed Selphie's inquisitive eye, and she wasn't about to be fooled by Seifer's terrible attempt subtlety. She gave Rinoa a questioning look to which Rinoa shrugged. Seifer finally wandered away, to speak to the girl that Irvine had arrived with, the girl with the endless legs.

"OK, so what was that?" Selphie demanded, the straw from her drink in the side of her mouth. Rinoa saw the blue liquid going up the straw continuously. Clearly they were going to have a heavy night.

"I don't know, he asked me to dance later, then he did that arm-around-me thing."

"He must really like you… but I still think you should be careful. He's been out with a lot of girls."

Rinoa nodded. But rather than be checked by Selphie's advice, Rinoa foolishly wondered whether she might be the one to keep him. Succeed where all those other girls had failed. Somewhere in her heart she knew what she was hoping for was stupid, that she was going to get hurt, but her romantic fantasy wouldn't allow her to listen.

"Hey, why don't we go dance after these?" Selphie suggested holding up her drink.

Rinoa nodded, but her attention was mainly on Seifer.

MUSIC DOLL BOX: Chapter 8

Chapter Eight: To Legends

Rinoa was drying her hair, a steely determined look on her face. Zell was sat at the end of her bed, completely oblivious about what she was doing, his eyes glued to her TV, his hands pressing buttons on the games controller.

She supposed that she had fallen out with Squall, at least that's if people who were never friends in the first place, can fall out.? She had explained that her friends wanted to go out, and how Selphie still needed cheering up, and how she really wanted to go. But Squall had asked where, and she hadn't been able to lie.

"To Legends," Rinoa said in a mumble.

"And what is Legends?" Squall asked.

Maybe she should have picked a better time, or maybe she should have asked Zell. But there hadn't really been any other opportunity, and Zell and Quistis really did look tired.

"It's a night club," Rinoa mumbled again. "It's it's a very small one, and I've been there before. Loads of times."

"If you've been there before, then you don't need to go again," Squall said.

Rinoa could see he was trying to watch the news, and she knew she'd probably have a better shot at convincing him if she waited until it finished. She knew how irritating it was when someone interrupted your program.

"Yeah, but…."

"Rinoa, I am not taking you to a night club. You are too young to go."

"I wont be drinking!" Rinoa promised clutching at straws now. "And I am not too young."

"You are telling me that you'll go and not drink, and you expect me to believe that? I know that you drink, and that your friends do too, your father has told me everything."

Rinoa walked to the TV, her hands clenched into fists, and turned the TV off. She spun round to face him. Squall hadn't moved, he was just watching her. His infuriatingly casual approach to her losing her temper made Rinoa even angrier.

"My father doesn't know anything, and neither do you!" she shouted.

She tried to run out of the room, but Squall was too fast for her. She knew she'd never win a fight against him, and it had been childish to start shouting. He took hold of her arms, and stepped in front of her.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

Rinoa tried to pull her arms away, but he was holding them too tightly.

"Do you even have any friends?" she asked spitefully. "Can't you understand that Selphie and Seifer are the only people who ever wanted anything to do with me? Why won't you let me be normal?"

"Normal is being brought home by the police is it? It's your friends fault I'm here, they're the ones giving you alcohol and making you act like an idiot."

"Shut up!" Rinoa demanded.

"Shut up?" Squall challenged. They were so close now that Rinoa could swear he'd be able to hear her heart fighting in her chest. She saw no anger in his eyes, and yet she was still afraid of him. Everything about him was worlds away from what she was. He was calm, and the balance of power was all him, she was stumbling, not knowing what to say, not knowing what to do.

Without warning he threw her backwards into the sofa, where her head hit the cushions and she lay stunned for a moment.

"You would be better off without your friends Rinoa," he said sitting down as if nothing had happened.

After the initial shock, the past few events began replaying in her head. Her heart was still hammering, yet it was different. It felt almost like when she had first realised Seifer might like her, but a million times more powerful. She stared at him until she realised what she was doing and looked away. She couldn't say anymore to him, she just needed to leave.

She couldn't start thinking about Squall in any other way than what he was, an employee of her father. He wasn't here because he wanted to be, he wasn't her friend, and he would never be anything else.

She pushed herself forward on the seat but stopped moving when Squall stood. Unexpectedly he offered her his hand to help her up. His offer of reconciliation annoyed Rinoa more than his words, and she slapped his hand away. She made her own way out of the room, fighting back confused tears.

Zell had met her in the hall, and after his shower and something to eat, he looked a lot more alive. But it was too late to ask him to come out with her, if Squall said no, then she had no doubt that they'd all say the same.

"Can I play your video games again?" he asked.

Rinoa had just nodded, if Zell was in her room with her, then she wouldn't be able to give in to crying.

Zell still sat there now, beating every boss, and completing every level. Rinoa's mind had been made up as soon she'd reached her room. She would go out in spite of what Squall said, she'd just sneak out again. After telling Zell that she wanted to go to sleep now, she shooed him from her room in order to do her make-up.

Seifer was going to pick her up, and it had been his idea to go to the club. One of his friends worked on the door, who would overlook the fact that Selphie and Rinoa were underage. Not that Rinoa had much respect for Seifer's friends, not after the incident with the police, but she wasn't in a position to get high and mighty.

So she was ready, make up done, hair styled, clothes perfect. She'd decided to wear her black dress, and silver shoes. She felt like making a impact with her look tonight, the aim to make some heads turn, Seifer's especially.

Carrying her shoes, Rinoa crept down the stairs and past the living room, where the TV was still on. She quickly slipped into the toilet and opened the window. Throwing her shoes, bag and coat out of the window, Rinoa teetered on the edge of the window, her upper body through, one foot of the toilet, one in midair.

She was about to push herself through when felt someone take hold of her hips. As she screamed, and her movement of shock ended up tipping her out of the window. Landing heavily, she turned her head to see Squall disappearing from the window. Scrabbling for her bag and shoes, Rinoa abandoned her coat as she ran for the path. The light from indoors illuminated her back as she run, and knew Squall had got to the front door.

"Rinoa!" he shouted.

She heard a car engine not far away, and she ran towards it as fast as she could manage. She flung herself into the back seat.

"Drive!" she yelled.

They sped down the road, and when she turned to looked out of the back window, Squall was all but a dot on the side of the road.

MUSIC DOLL BOX: Chapter 7

Chapter Seven: SeeD Cadets Arrived

The small girl smiled at Rinoa, she had light blonde hair hanging loose around her face. Rinoa smiled back at her, and had great desire to look after the tiny girl, she didn't look like a SeeD cadet. Squall had split the cadets into two teams, the small girl was in the group with the large man. When Squall had finished speaking to Zell and Quistis he came to stand next to her.

Rinoa smiled at him, but she was nervous. So far Squall was the one she knew the littlest about, and there was a degree of awkwardness between them.

"Squad A will be assisting the Galbadia army, there has been some rebel uprising against the president. Squad B will also be assisting, but they will be back up for Squad A," Squall explained.

Rinoa nodded, but she didn't really understand. She wanted to appear interested, but she knew she wouldn't be able to ask him anything intelligent.

"Will that girl be alright?" Rinoa asked. "She looks very young."

Squall looked at the blonde girl, she gave him a childish excited smile.

"Clari? She's fourteen. She'll be the youngest SeeD in history if she passes the exam, even beating Quistis' record. Quistis was fifteen," he added.

Rinoa nodded, she remembered Quistis telling her herself back at home. Rinoa suddenly realised just how special that must have been, she hadn't put it into context before.

"If her instructor didn't think she was ready, then she wouldn't be here," Squall said.

Rinoa nodded again, but it didn't make her worry any less. Her instructor might have got it wrong. But Clari didn't look nervous at all, she was furiously reading the file that Zell had given her.

"Quistis and Zell will be leaving us now," Squall said in his usual business-like tone.

"So…" Rinoa said dragging out the word. "It's just you and me?"

She tried a flirtatious smile, but Squall didn't seem to notice. He nodded once to the affirmative. Feeling knocked back by her efforts, Rinoa decided to be nonchalant. She shrugged her shoulders to show him she didn't really care.

"What are we going to do?" she asked. She didn't really see Squall as the spontaneous type, it was probably better to make a plan of action.

"What would you normally be doing on a Sunday afternoon?" Squall asked, leading the way to the car as he spoke.

Rinoa shrugged again.

"Hanging out with Selphie and…" she was about to say Seifer, but thought better of it. If she mentioned a boy, he might decide it would be easier watching her if she stayed at home.

"And?" he questioned.

"No and, just Selphie," Rinoa said smiling. She got into the car before he could ask anymore.

They pulled up in front of Selphie's house, and Rinoa jumped out ready to knock on the door. To her surprise the door opened and she came face to face with Seifer. Taken aback, Rinoa stepped off of the front step and back onto the path.

Seifer looked equally as surprised to see her there, he smiled genuinely for a second before it became a smirk.

"So, couldn't keep away from me huh?" he asked grinning.

Rinoa felt herself colour. He laughed, but his laughter was caught short when he looked over her shoulder. Rinoa looked around also, to see Squall watching her closely, his back leaning against the car, his arms folded.

"Who's that?" Seifer asked, his voice with a hint of accusation.

"Yeah, who is that?"

Rinoa looked back to see that Selphie had now joined Seifer.

"One of the SeeDs I was telling you about Selph," Rinoa replied. She was careful not to look at Seifer, who she could see was standing a little straighter than usual.

She looked back at Squall, he was still unashamedly staring at her. She tried another smile, but he replied by crossing his arms a little tighter.

"Oh," Selphie said, vaguely recalling Rinoa mention something about SeeD in a phone conversation. "Me and Seifer were going to go get some shakes, you want to come?"

"Sure," Rinoa said. "But Squall will have to come with me."

She wondered what the conversation would have been if she had been allowed to ride in Seifer's car, but Squall insisted she stay with him. She'd been forced to leave Seifer to wonder what was going on, and she couldn't trust Selphie to give him the correct answers. Squall followed Seifer's car through the traffic and onto the main-street where he turned left into a car park.

Rinoa wanted to run ahead and walk with Seifer, but Squall was in no hurry, and she was forced out of politeness to walk at a more subdued pace.

"I won't sit with you," Squall said once everyone else had chosen a table.

"Oh," Rinoa said surprised. "You're welcome to though."

Maybe she hadn't been very including, she supposed when she said Squall had to come with her, it might of sounded like he was a burden or an annoyance.

"Yeah, you can sit with us," Selphie repeated slapping the seat beside her.

Seifer said nothing.

"Thank you, but I have to make some calls," Squall said, he walked a few tables away, so as not to appear to be listening to their conversation, then sat down. He proceeded to pull out a mobile phone and begin dialling.

Rinoa frowned, but her attention was torn away from Squall when Seifer tapped her arm.

"What you having?" he asked.

Rinoa looked at the menu, and pointed at something randomly. Her mind still wasn't really with them. She was still wondering why Squall had had to borrow the home phone last night, when he had his own. She only barely registered Seifer leaving their table to go order, and shortly after realised that she hadn't given him any money.

She pulled her bag closer and began searching for her purse.

"My treat," Seifer said as he re-joined them. "I said I'd cheer Selphie up, and nothing makes Selphie happier than people buying her things."

Selphie grinned, she wasn't about to argue.

"What's with the guard?" he asked looking at Squall.

Squall was now studying the menu, whilst still talking on the phone.

"You know I said my dad went mental? Well he hired SeeD to watch over me. That's Squall, he's the commander of Balamb Garden, and there's…"

"Hang on, he's the Commander? What?" Selphie interrupted too loudly.

Rinoa had the sense that Squall's eyes had just flickered over her, but she was too shy to check.

"Yeah, he's the Commander. There's two other's as well, a teacher, Quistis, and some guy called Zell, with really awesome hair. But they're busy today," Rinoa finished. "I think they have to follow me everywhere… or I have to stay with them."

"Your dad hired the Commander of Balamb Garden to watch out for you?" Seifer asked, looking sceptical. "Just because you were hanging out with me and Selphie?"

Rinoa nodded.

"Pretty much."

Seifer shook his head.

"That's bloody insane," he declared.

Seifer managed to sum up Rinoa's feelings in one sentence, and before they knew it they were in hysterics.

"Hey, since we're such bad influences, how about a shot of vodka and a cigarette to go with that milkshake?" Seifer offered.

Trying to drink through a straw and laugh at the same time, resulted in Rinoa slopping part of her drink onto the table.

"Oh great Heartilly, now look what you've done," Seifer said throwing her a serviette. "Can't take her anywhere."

"Shut up!" Rinoa demanded hitting him playfully on the arm.

"No seriously, can't take her anywhere. Not anymore anyway," Seifer said, his tone ended the laughter and brought an uncomfortable silence.

Squall drove her home, stopping to pick up Quistis and Zell at the train station. Rinoa could see they were tired, as Zell didn't speak, and Quistis' hair was no longer tied back. Quistis spoke quietly to Squall as they drove, but said nothing that interested Rinoa.
Just before they reached the house, her phone bleeped.

Sneak out tomorrow. Seifer xx

MUSIC DOLL BOX: Chapter 6

Chapter Six: Quistis and Zell

Rinoa was sitting on the sofa, for someone who had got to sleep quite late, she was up surprisingly early. Quistis was awake also, but was sitting in the kitchen with the cook, waiting for bacon. Rinoa lazily flicked through the channels, it was Sunday morning and there wasn't a lot of choice. She skipped past the news to the cartoons.

Selphie hadn't seemed very interested in her news, she was still upset over Irvine, and he filled most of the conversation. Rinoa was willing to bet that Selphie had remembered nothing about the SeeDs. As she was staring at the cartoons, she was joined by Zell. He looked miserable until he spotted the TV.

"Flipping heck, look at the size of that!" he said in awe. He walked forward and started examining the TV.

Rinoa had never thought about it before, but she supposed the TV was rather huge, unnecessarily so. But instead of feeling pleased, she just felt ashamed. However Zell didn't seem to care, he was still marvelling over the picture quality and the surround sound. Quistis joined them, with a bacon sandwich for Zell.

"Awesome," he said taking the sandwich. "Look at that TV instructor, it's flipping ace. I love it here, I even get fed in the mornings!"

"It's a very nice television," Qusitis said sitting down beside Rinoa.

Rinoa felt uneasy sat next to Quistis, she felt like she was sat next to the most popular girl in school. Although Quistis had said and done nothing to make Rinoa feel inferior, she couldn't help but feel inadequate in her presence.

"Why does Zell call you instructor?" Rinoa asked. She thought the best way of overcoming her nervousness of Quistis was to make an effort.

"Becaushe Quistish ish an inshtructor," Zell mumbled, his mouth full.

"Thank you Zell, that clears things up," Quistis said, her voice with a hint of sarcasm. "I'm a teacher at Balamb Garden. I used to be Zell's teacher, but he seems unable to stop calling me Instructor. Even though I have told him, my name is Quistis."

Rinoa smiled, maybe Quistis wasn't so scary after all.

"But you're really young to be a teacher," Rinoa said. Then she thought about her words. "Sorry, I didn't mean…"

But Quistis stopped her.

"I became a SeeD at fifteen, it seemed only natural to keep climbing up the grades."

Rinoa looked back at the TV, but something on her face must have spoke her feelings.

"Don't compare your life to SeeDs, it's a different world," Quistis said.

Rinoa bit her lip, but she couldn't take Quistis' advice. She couldn't help it, she was seventeen and struggling at school, and didn't have a job, compared to these people, she seemed pretty pathetic. She stared ahead at the TV until they were interrupted by Squall.

Rinoa had thought that he was still asleep, since she hadn't seen him all morning. But when he walked into the room he was wearing a coat, and there were still flecks of rain on his shoulders.

"We need to brief our cadets," he said.

For a moment Rinoa thought he meant her also, just the way he spoke made her sit upright and want to behave professionally. Her heart raced a little at the task, then she slumped back in her chair, it was nothing to do with her after all, she'd most likely have to stay behind. Plus, being her father's day off, and him being at home to watch her, none of the SeeDs would be likely to stay with her. Especially not Squall.

"What about Rinoa?" Quistis asked.

Rinoa settled herself back in the cushions, Squall was about to say she was staying behind, she knew it. He looked at her, but Rinoa missed catching his eye by turning to look at the TV.

"She's coming with us," Squall said.

Quistis and Zell said nothing, just stood and waited for Rinoa to stand also. She got to her feet slowly then followed them out into the hallway.

Having heard the movement of four people in the hallway, the general appeared in his study doorway. Rinoa reached for her coat, hoping that by putting it on he would think it too much hassle to make her take it off again and stay behind.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

Rinoa cringed at his tone, it implied that they might be up to no good. Towards herself she could understand, but he had no right to speak to the SeeDs like that.

"SeeD cadets are arriving this morning, and we are required to debrief them," Quistis explained.

Rinoa understood now why she had found Quistis intimidating, as a teacher, she spoke with authority and confidence. Her tone soon settled the general, he saw a teenager before him, but heard a strong woman in her voice.

"Your daughter will be very safe with us," she added.

"You are taking Rinoa?" he asked, only just noticing her there amongst them.

"Of course," Quistis said, then she smiled warmly. "She will have a much more productive day learning about SeeD, than she will sitting in front of the TV."

The general couldn't argue with that, and was forced to allow his daughter out of the house.

"Ah, freedom!" Rinoa said as she stepped outside, even though it was raining, it was good to be in the fresh air. "Hey you really won one over on my dad," she added to Quistis as she followed her down the path.

She saw Quistis' shoulders shrug.

"Years of diplomatic training," she said as they all followed Squall. "You'll never get anywhere if you lose your cool."

Rinoa nodded, eager to learn more about winning arguments, but knowing that this really wasn't the time, the SeeDs looked to be in a hurry.

"I'll drive," Quistis offered as they neared the hired car.

Squall stepped away and moved to sit in the back with Rinoa. This is stupid, she thought as they drove in silence, it was plainly clear that Squall wouldn't be interested in a silly girl like her. He wasn't even looking at her.

They pulled up outside the train station, where two small vans, with blacked out windows were waiting. They parked alongside one of the vans. Rinoa waited for something to happen, and looked out of the window expectantly, but she could see nothing of interest. Apart from the vans, everything seemed normal.

"We're waiting for the cadets to arrive," Quistis explained.

Rinoa nodded and looked back out of the window. Without saying anything, Squall opened his car door, and a gust of cold air mixed with rain pelted Rinoa. She was about to tell him to shut the door, but before she could speak he was outside the car, and closing the door on her. A few seconds later Zell followed him.

"There," Quistis said pointing. "See that group of people standing by the ticket barrier? That's our cadets."

Rinoa stared at them, they looked a motley crew of people. One man towered over the rest, extremely wide with muscles, and taking up a lot of space. There was a girl with similar hair as herself with a rucksack on her back, and another girl, very small, who looked a lot younger. The rest were too far away or hidden behind the large man.

Squall was talking to them, and Zell was writing something down, but before she could ask Quistis any questions, the group headed towards the vans. Rinoa rearranged her coat, so that when Squall got back into the car he wouldn't sit on it, but he climbed into one of the vans instead.

They remained sandwiched between the vans, one in front, one behind, as they drove down the main street. They were headed for the army barracks on the edge of town, Rinoa knew because she had accompanied her father there on several occasions.

She was going to ask what the cadets missions would be, but was prevented by the bleep of her phone. Fishing it out of her bag, Rinoa saw she had a message.

Hey babe, hope ur ok. Sel told me the cops let u go. It was one of my friends cops were lookin 4. Sorry. TB seifer xx.

TB? Text back? Text back what? She supposed she should tell him that she was fine. Really she wanted to speak her mind about his friend, leading trouble to them, but she found she didn't want to risk making him angry. It wasn't his fault after all. Instead she ended up hiding her annoyance and sending a message to make him feel less guilty.

Hi, I'm fine. Don't worry, wasn't ur fault. I don't think I can come out 4 a while tho, dad went mental. Rinoa xx

Once the message was sent, she wondered whether putting the kisses on the end was such a good idea. But when her phone bleeped again, she knew she'd been right to.

Aww, no way. Was lookin 4ward 2 seeing u! Seifer xx

Something about Rinoa's smile spoke volumes to Quistis, as she looked at the girl in the back via the rear view mirror.

"One of your friends?" she asked.

Rinoa blushed.

"Yeah…something like that."

Special Friends

SPECIAL FRIENDS 

Special friends are special people... 

Special friends are happy being who they are 

and happy to share their lives with you... 

Special friends help the people in their lives 

with all the changes that come their way... 

Special friends are honest in word 

and deed and always sincere... 

Special friends allow themselves to be close to other people 

and care about their happiness... 

Special friends understand that it's the little things in life 

that add up and make a difference... 

Special friends being a little sunshine when it rains 

and have a smile or a kind word to brighten any day... 

Special friends are the ones who do 

all they can to truly make life special. 

Author Unknown

Procession el Cristo Resucitado en Virgen de la Aurora