Open My Heart Again

PAST

I uploaded this chapter again...

CHAPTER 4 PAST

For past few days I have been sailing with the straw hat crew. After the last accident, I didn't know where to start from again. I decided to continue my journey, from the next island. So wait for me, until then..

But right now, I absolutely do not have time to spare for these thoughts. Why? Because right now I am in a middle of a breakfast battle. Spending few days with these people I have come to understand the the real meaning behind the phrase, "Time and Tide waits for no one." Really, once the meal is set on the table, start eating. Give it a second thought, and the food is gone and you are left with nothing, not even crumbs.

Luffy finished his share in splits of a second. Suddenly, his arms stretched and grabbed the last piece of meat on the table, which was supposed to be for Chopper. The blue nosed reindeer was desperately trying to pull the meat out of his captains mouth..

"That meat was mine... give it back... back... Luffy, I said back", The doctor demanded in verge of tears. But Chopper only managed to pull out the bones.

"Saaaanji meat, meat we want more meat." Luffy shouted banging on the table.

"Yes MEAT, meat, meat"', Ussop added.

I couldn't help but laugh at their antics. I guess Nami was right, I really am getting used to them. Just then Nami got up from her place and punched each of them on the head. Bumps appeared and they all got quiet.. Chopper was still crying..

Nami pulled a chair and sat besides me. "Don't let these idiots ruin your morning." I just laughed. "Actually, Ayouma", Nami continued, "I don't know if I should, but I wanted to ask you something." She paused, waiting for me to reply.

"Okay, go on.."

"Why were you sailing out on the sea all alone?", Nami asked a little hesitant.

That question caught me by surprise. But I managed to hide it under my smile. "Let me see, I got tired of waiting. May be?!"

"Tired of waiting? What do you mean?" Nami asked again confused with my vague reply.

~Flash back~

There is a ship anchored ashore of a small island. I can never forget any on these painful memories of the time I spent here, is what I had thought. That is of course if I manage to free myself from this hell.

This island is a victim of a pirate attack.. The cruel Rock pirates.. (A/N I made it up.. And I know it sounds stupid.. ^^ but please bear with it). They made people work all the time.. The villager were treated like animals.

I wanted to run away. But I could not leave behind these innocent citizens, who brought up an orphan like me. Nor did I have enough courage to rebel again, after seeing them kill my best friend mercilessly, right in front of my eyes.

I have hated these heartless pirates, who do not regard other people as humans. I wanted to slaughter each one of them with my very own hands. But I am not a fool as to think that I could actually win against them all with your little swords skill. After all, Reality is a cruel truth.

But one day, fate took a turn and changed all my dark days into bright. A guy defeated the whole crew of the Rock pirates single-handedly.

He was strong and yet kind and considerate. I fell in love with him, during the short time we spent together. I did not know much about him but he was as warm and bright as the sun.

One day he suddenly decided to leave. He promised he'd tell me every thing after his return and assured he'd be back in a month.

I couldn't bring myself to say anything. I just didn't want him to leave. I wasn't prepared. I always thought rather hoped, that he would be by my side, forever. But a side of me was aware that it wasn't possible and the only thing I could do was wait for him there. I was curious to know what he wanted to say, but I couldn't bring myself to ask about it. A sudden feeling of doubt and insecurity rose inside of me. But I knew, all I could do was wait patiently. It's just a month after all.

My eyes were wet. I bit my lips and just nodded. I didn't want him to see me cry. Definitely not at a moment like this. But I think he saw through me. He pulled me into a hug. He was warm even on the cold night. "I will always love you. Trust me." He whispered in my ears. And I couldn't help but cry.

Next day, he set sail. As he got farther, I heard him say, "Ayoma, please wait for me. I will be back and tell you everything." as he waved both this hands.

~End of flashback~

I told them about my past, leaving behind the details about my romantic life. But then I realised every one was quiet. This made me feel awkward.

"Then?" Sanji questioned, his gaze fixed on to me asking me to continue.

"uhmm then..." I continue trying to find what to say next, "I waited, days passed, weeks and months, and I waited for him for about a year, yet he wasn't back. I wanted to move on and forget him but I just couldn't get my self to do so. I wanted to know what he wanted to say. So to chased after him I set sail. But in few weeks my boat crashed and I met you guys.. and the rest of it you are well aware of.." I smiled again.

I looked around and saw them looking at me with an awkward silence. Except for Luffy of course, he was fast asleep already and Zoro didn't seem to care much and I could not tell what Robin was thinking. And as for Franky he had already started crying and wailing.. "sa..uchh.. a..sad... stoo.. ry .. Ayoma-chan... but I am not crying... not crying at all.." but he was crying and every one could see it. And Nami expression was filled with regret.

Then my eyes met Sanji's... It felt like he was seeing right through my mask of smiles filled with lies. I hoped I didn't blurt out too much.. The silence was uncomfortable . And to break the attention and the uncomfortable silence, I just started laughing and said "hey hey why did everyone get so serious all of sudden? The past is looong gone. And I am over it already."

But it was not the end. My past wasn't long gone, because I still can't forget it, especially after this.

Chapter 4 completed!

I have tried my best.. It would be nice of you if you guys send me suggestions so that I can improve..

Thank you..

Love,

Mystique Panache ^^