CRAM Chapter 04-The Two Mysterious Neighbors

{Natsu}

Today is our second day of senior school. I wouldn't want to see Lucy today. Not even her shadow. She annoyed me. She was my hell. I guess we have mutual feelings, considering the way we interact with each other each day.

Also, I have a strange feeling about this day. It feels like something bad is going to happen. And I don't like it. Well, who wants it, right? If something bad happens to me the whole day, I hope that Lucy will be included in it.

Anyway, there was something that happened awhile ago. A bad one.

When I woke up awhile ago, I fell from my bed. Now my back hurts. Imagine yourself waking up and smiling at the bright sunshine in front of you. Then, when you sit up, you suddenly fall. Would you have a bad morning?

Then at breakfast, I drank milk. Don't laugh at me—there's nothing funny with a senior boy drinking milk. Anyway, I accidentally spilled it onto mom which made her mad and grounded me from using gadgets. I swear, she had mood swings. Or maybe it was her time of the month?

At school, I saw Lisanna and Bickslow having a sweet moment together. Now my heart was so devastated.

What more of this unluckiness would I experience?

But I still have this feeling that something worse wa going to happen. It gives me goosebumps. I had to prepare for it.

Just then, I remembered. Today is January 13. And today is Friday. In short, Friday the 13th. Is the saying true? I hope not.

"Yo, Natsu." Gray greeted me coolly. I nodded at him and we walked towards our classroom in silence.

When I reached the classroom, all the girls were there. But I didn't find the blondie. Good. No one will pester me around. At least, I know that this wasn’t going to be my most unlucky day. I could believe that Friday the 13th isn’t unlucky.

My morning classes went well, and now was our lunch time. Levy was nowhere to be found as well. Well, I heard that they were neighbors. Maybe they got both sick? It rained yesterday. Wait, maybe they skipped classes. I made a mental note to myself that I’ll accuse her tomorrow.

"Hey, dudes. Got a very important news." Gray said coolly.

"What is it?" Laxus asked grumpily. As always.

"Rumors said that Lisanna would be engaged to Bickslow after our graduation." I stopped eating. I already lost my appetite.

"It's true?!" Romeo chimed in, eyes wide.

"It was just a rumor I heard. I still don't know if it's true. I'll have to confirm it first."

"Hi guys! It's me. What are you talking about?" Bickslow smiled at us. Lisanna wasn't with her.

"Bro, is it true that you're getting engaged to Lisanna?" We all stared at Bickslow expectantly. I was desperate, too. I needed to know.

Bickslow chortled at us. "For a moment, we were the most quiet table. What's the deal? Why are you all so serious? Anyway, yes. That's true."

I stood up, feeling weak. "I need to go to the CR, guys." I jabbed my thumb to the direction of the CR.

"Sure."

◇◆◇◆

Now at the garden, my mind was blank. Okay, this was the worst day of my life. I couldn't count how many times I've encountered misfortune anymore.

I couldn't ponder straight today, too. Why, you ask? All of the task of Ms. Lucy Heartfilia a.k.a. Ms. Sadist was given to me. So now, I'm really tired. She was supposed to do some tasks at the library and science laboratory. But since she was absent, it was given to me. Being the kind person I am, I agreed. I even have my own tasks with the teachers and I have meetings to attend to. My friends won't help me. They were tired as well. But... not as tired as me!

"Relaxing?" I had goosebumps when I heard that voice. My body froze. I turned to her and saw her dazzling smile that caught me off guard.

"Sorry to interrupt you. I think I disturbed you. I should go." Her smile faded.

"N-No... it's okay, Lisanna." I smiled at her crookedly. She took me breathless for a moment.

Lisanna nodded and took a seat beside me. I almost blushed. Good thing I had self-control, or else I’d be more embarrassed. I wouldn’t want to look at her if that happened. "Can I... ask you a favor?" The favor she was about to ask me made me have a bad feeling. Please, I don’t want her favor to be something that’ll made me sleepless.

I looked at her and shrugged. "Oh. I'm glad you came to me for help. Sure, as long as I can do it.” I chuckled. “What is it anyway?"

"Well... it's about Bickslow and I. He got mad at me awhile ago because I didn't eat my lunch. Can you please help me so we could get back together? I really, really love him. I don't wanna lose him." Well, that hurt. It felt like someone just stepped on my heart a thousand times. I should've never asked. I should've declined. I should've shut up.

"Well...? If you won't say something, then... I think you decline. It’s okay, really—"

"No. I'll do it. I'll help you." Yes, I'm willing to sacrifice my feelings. Just for the happiness of the one I love. It's painful to see her like this.

I’d have to seek help. The question is, from whom? I mean, I’m not that close to Bickslow so I have go find someone he’s close with.

"Yay! Thanks!" And she hugged me tight. That time, I thought...

Lisanna... if ever Bickslow is still mad at you... can you just.. be mine?

◇◆◇◆

It was already dismissal time and I was returning home when mom texted me.

xx

From: Mom

At: 4:23 PM

Sweetie, we have new neighbors! There's two girls with the same age and school like you. :) Be friends with them, all right? You’ll love them, I swear. They’re pretty and smart! Just don’t have a crush on ‘em, sweetie.

xx

Ugh. Why can't it be just boys, not girls?

"Yo, brother-san." It's Wendy, my step sister. She was the best step sister I’ve ever had, though we differ in some ways. Still, we treat each other nicely.

"Oh, hi, Wendy." I smiled and wrapped my arms around her. “How’s school, li’l sis?”

"It’s fun, as always. You’re my classmate so why are you asking me that?” We burst out laughing from her question. “Anyway, have you received mom's message? Let's meet our neighbor later!" She was so excited. Of course, those were girls.

"Can you do it by yourself, please? I'm really tired today. Lucy is absent, so her responsibilities were passed onto me."

Wendy shrugged and let out a sigh. "Too bad. But okay."

◇◆◇◆

I immediately went to bed when I got home.

I really needed a nap. I'm weary...

◇◆◇◆

"Natsu."

I turned around and saw a shadow. I narrowed my eyes. Sighing, I turned away and ignored the sound I heard.

"Natsu. Natsu. Natsu. Natsu."

Annoyed, I looked around. This time, I saw a figure of a girl up ahead. I couldn't really see her features. She waved at me sheepishly and called me out again. "Natsu."

She walked towards me with her hair flying through the wind. The nearer she came, the more I thought she was beautiful. Really. She was like a goddess before me. Still though, I couldn't see her face. I don't know if I know her or not.

"I..." She started as I saw her blond hair. "... love..." She continued as I saw her brown orbs. They looked so familiar. Her warm eyes made me stare st her. "... you." That's when I recognized her voice and her face was already vivid.

"Lucy." I sat up. What was that dream all about? What was that I love you? Ew. Okay, I know I was being annoying, but that dream was just... plain weird.

I looked at my bedside clock and saw that it was just 8 PM. I still have to eat dinner. Thinking of food, my stomach grumbled.

I decided to take a look at my window. It was a full blue moon. I liked how it illuminated my dark room.

I opened the window and saw the house that was unoccupied back then. I wonder. Where will our new neighbors stay?

I was startled when I saw a light from the neighborhood's window open. So the new neighbors are just next to ours?

I saw a.. blond reflection in the window. Also a blue one. Could it be...?!

Before I could react, the neighborhood's lights were turned off. Again.

I rubbed my eyes. No. It's maybe just a hallucination caused by my weariness. I hated Lucy so much that it affected my mind.

Oh, mysterious neighbors.

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DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN FAIRY TAIL. MASHIMA-SENSEI DOES. :)

Who are the mysterious neighors? Find out on the next chapter.

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~sheimaenalu