The Gray Garden: School Edition (DISCONTINUED)

Chapter 3

Konnichiwa, minna-san! I'm sorry for not posting for so long , I promised that I will post the new chapter at the 2nd or 3rd of November but I didn't do it it's because my exam has been delayed due to the haze problem. It's very heavy and the school has been forced to close for three days. I was having my exam that time, so I apologize if I have given you some inconvenience. This is the third chapter of the story, I hope you guys enjoy.  Prepare to be ASTONISHED! (Just kidding, please proceed. :P)

OP-Egoselfish (Miku-tan)

Several years have gone by, the four girls too have slowly grown mature and pretty. At the end of the school year, Ciel and Rigatona promised to celebrate Christmas together. They agreed to buy a mystery gift to the other two before they depart.

The weather is cold and breezy but it's still nice because the view is still worth to sightsee. It is snowing, a few passengers pass by with massive shopping bags to prepare Christmas. Winter is Ciel's favorite season, she always thinks that the winter soothes her heart whenever she goes out of the house.

She wears a dark violet cape with a matching long dark blue dress, a pair of Timberland boots and a pair of black gloves. Her neck is curled around with a Tiffany blue scarf, if anyone has to describe her, it will be the word glamorous. She looks her surroundings happily, her heart is filled with calmness and tenderness when she enjoys the snow falling from the sky.

Ciel holds out her hand, a snowflake lands in her palm. Look closely, the snowflake's shape is crystal-like and very unique. She lets out a smile and breathes out cold air. After enjoying the snow falling for a while, she starts walking to the place where she and Rigatona agreed to meeat at---the playground where they used to play when they're young.

Upon reaching the destination, Ciel receives a phone call from her childhood friend, Rigatona. She says: "Hi Rigatona. Have you arrived?"

"Not yet. I still have to go a long way from the subway station to there," Rigatona's voice appeared from the other side of the phone. Ciel seems surprised when she receives her best friend's answer, "What? You're in the subway station? Why do you go there? Didn't we agree to gather at the playground?"

"Yeah, but first I need to go there and get my family, they are going to celebrate Christmas with me this year. Sorry that I didn't inform you earlier."

"That's okay, I understand that. It's nice to hear that you and your family have reunited. I was a bit worried when you said that your parents need to work at Osaka and they had to take away your sister with them 5 years ago. You seemed a bit emotionless after they had left," Ciel's voice saddened when she remembered that she and Rigatona sends off her best friend's family together. It was bitter to say goodbye to the people she have known who cared for her for so long, Rigatona is in her usual self but Ciel can feel that there is a hint of sadness in her eyes. From that day on, Ciel always stay by her side everyday and everytime.

Rigatona on the other part of the phone chuckles slightly and says: "I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me. I should be the one worrying about you, the weather is cold out there and I'm afraid that you might faint or suddenly have a heartache."

"Don't worry, I'm strong, I can support and take care of myself. Either way, thanks for your caring," Ciel's heart feels warm and lets out a faint smile. After a few moments of silence, Ciel begins to talk: "You know, you can always count on me Rigatona. I'll be there for you, no matter what. Etihw and Grora will help you too. Even though you're strong, I can sense that you are lonely at times. You need someone to talk to you. Please don't hide your feelings, it will worsen you and make us worry. You can always come over to my place anytime if you want to. So, I wish you can rely on me more."