Stitching the Gaps

34. Been Awhile

Usually on the weekends, I do laundry or lay around the living room watching t.v or read a book. Sticking my nose in the books and scribbling nonstop notes around two o'clock on Saturday morning I've finished my homework that were due Monday and others that are due further in the week. I knocked out right after and curse the sun to wake me up at seven am.

Now I am reading a book about Japanese in World War II. I grew tired of romance and fiction stories. I don't know why but my interest changed since the summer.

About my summer. I've spent the beginning of my summer vacation with my cousin, Neji and sister, Hanabi. Neji is one year older than I. He can be stubborn and a nerve puller but I love him like a sister would love her older brother. My sweet Hanabi is now a freshman in high school. I'm so proud of her and can't keep my eyes away from her once I see her in the halls. I became the Neji and she's somehow me. But the difference is that she can handle herself better than I could in social groups. I didn't socialize as a freshman.

During the summer, Neji took us to see the elder Hyugas and distance family members. Cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws were found with us. We had fun talking, eating, playing, and chilling with the family. No one can't replace them in my heart. Even though we, Hyugas, are serious about eating dinner and showing positive impressions to each other.

Grandma and grandpa never stress too much about us. I love them.

Junior year is one heck of a year honestly. But I made it through sophomore year with unexpected tests and paperwork that has been given to me. Neji warned me about the junior year on the ride home from visiting family. I prepared myself before school started.

After coming back home, the next few days, Kiba asked me to hang out with him. It was alright. I was fine with it. Usually, he asks me to tag along with him along with Shino, Naruto, Ino, Sai, and him.

But this time, it was different. It was just us. The two of us. Well, three. Kiba, Akamaru, and I. Together roaming the park with his huge dog Akamaru. Akamaru so big and hairy. I fear huge animals but this mutt is acceptable. He loves to jump on me and give me kisses. Most of the time Kiba hold him down before the beast attacks me down to the ground.

Anyway, he let me hold the leash that tagged along Akamaru's collar. The big dog wasn't hard to handle. He just paddled his way through the park as me and Kiba talked about what we did so far in the summer.

His family went out camping for a few days and he loved it. Shino's family joined them and this brought the two closer with each other. Shino and Kiba went around searching for bugs, caught fishes, took pictures together with weird looking things in the woods. He pulled out his phone and showed me the pictures he captured.

Lately, we been seeing each other since that day. More often we meet up at the park to walk Akamaru or go out to some group hangouts. For instance, we went to a party together at Naruto's. Everyone was not themselves. I saw the host of the party, Naruto with Ino. The two were cuddling in a corner to themselves. When I went up to talk to them they were talking in slurs. I avoided them.

Kiba gave me a drink and left me around a flock of people and loud music. I smelled the drink before tasting it. It smelled like alcohol. I set it down, decided to be sober for this night.

As I walked around, I saw him. That...That... I couldn't stand his stupid face and his stupid hair and his stupid, stupid...

He walked up to me. Eyes dark and focused. No air came through my lips. My hands trembled and my eyes dare not move an inch away from his. As he stood tall in front of me, I've noticed he grew, even more, taller and a bit tan from his own vacation this summer. His bangs swept back as he wore a beanie that setback his head showing a glimpse of his hairline. He smelled sweaty and a little hint of good fragrance. His cologne wasn't strong.