I watch myself in the mirror and find my eyes to be red. Not red red though, it was bloodshot from lack of sleep. I had the nightmare again. This time though, Jayden stayed with me the entire night. He had fallen asleep beside me once he noticed that I have fallen asleep. Little did he know that I woke up again in matter of minutes from the exact same nightmare. That time, I didn't jerk myself awake. Good thing is, I have learned to get up from my nightmare without any ruckus. The bad thing is, I might have developed a case of insomnia.

Standing in front of the mirror, I pull my hair back into a bun. Jayden has accepted to start my training today. The training is everyday before school and after school. They gave me one of Lauren's uniforms but I refused since it looked a little old fashioned. They promised to get me a new uniform soon, but until then asked me to wear hers. I stood stubborn and convinced them that I could do just good in my PJs. Unable to argue with me, they reluctantly agreed.

So now, here I am, fixing my t-shirt and pants to make sure it is fastened enough for a fight. Once I felt ready enough, I headed out to find Jayden in his uniform. He hasn't talked properly to me ever since I asked him to train me. His face always had a stern look. I'm sure he disapproves my request, but I don't feel like backing down. I just have this strange feeling in me that this is necessary. Could be my paranoia, but still...

"Alright, we'll start with some basics," he said reluctantly. No matter how much he didn't like the idea, he was sincere in teaching me. I threw some punches, few kicks... I held a wooden sword for the first time- got a chance to wack at the dummy a few times. It wasn't so bad. It was more like a stress reliever for me.

"That's the end of the session," he finally announced and I looked like a wet poodle. 

The day at school went normal enough. After a little struggle with the topics, I finally started getting a hang of it. Math seemed easy for me. English was good enough. I was having a tough time with Spanish though. But to be honest, I was doing better than I hoped for.

Lia turned out to be a really good friend of mine. Jax clearly didn't like me, but Lia didn't pay heed to it and he didn't seem to mind her talking to me. Strange man, that guy.

"So I was thinking," Lia said during lunch. "Maybe we could hang out tomorrow after school. I heard there's a new milkshake parlor down the road and I always wanted to check it out. We should go together."

"Oh that sounds like a great idea...," I said, though my mind raced towards the training session after school. Will Jayden allow. OK... that's not the problem here... he will allow, I'm sure of it. But there is 99% chance that he would use it as an excuse to stop my training once and for all... ooh I can't let that happen..

"But?" Lia nudged me.

"But...," I started. "I might have a family obligation. I'll try talking it out, but I'm not very certain on whether or not I'll be able to make it."

"Oh," she said, clearly disappointed. "Well that's alright. There is still a whole day left. Ask your family and let me know their reply. If not positive, we'll just go on some other day. Maybe a weekend or something." Her lips stretched in smile, but something told me that I really hurt her. 

"I'll try my best," I said, placing my hands on hers. "I'm sure my family will understand."

She smiles a sad smile, nodding curtly. She really is a good friend. She has no reason to stay with me and yet, she does. I'm really grateful for her.

"You're a good friend, Bloom," she said, startling me from my thoughts. "A good person too. I'm just happy I found you."

My heart raced with anticipation. How could she say I'm a good friend? I don't help her in anyway possible, I don't hang out with her much and the only time I meet with her was lunch. We were not in same classes, didn't have neighboring lockers, so far we haven't had the time to discuss about our hobbies... how does she declare me as a good friend. If anything, it should be me who should thank her plenty for taking a chance to sit with me despite her boyfriend's problems. 

"I know what you're thinking. It's been only two days and we haven't talked much but, something about you just speaks right to me, you know. And besides, you're probably the longest standing friendship I've had in a while."

"Why?" I ask before I can stop myself. Stupid me and my mouth to prive personal information!

"Well... I always end up ending the friendship. Bad vibes, you know. Jealousy, ego, a little bit of negativity. Not my type," she said with a shrug of her shoulder. I nod thoughtfully. Thinking about it, guess I didn't have friendships that lasted long either.

I decided to walk back home today, deciding to get in my steps. The scenery was amazing and the woods just called to me. A lot of memories in this place.

Once, I reached the Shiba house, I saw Jayden already waiting at the meeting hall.

"Right on time! Not bad," he said as his eyebrows went up and back. "A samurai is never late, right?" I remarked and stuck out my tongue. Jayden's mouth went agape. 

The training resumed at the same pace. Ji remarked that I was a fast learner, but it wasn't that hard given my powers. I can literally remember every tiny detail. But to be honest, I don't use it much. At times my power gets overwhelming and activates on it's own accord but whenever I have to use it voluntarily, my energy drains, followed by a massive headache. 

"That's good! You're getting a hang of it!" Jay exclaimed as I swung my sword at the dummy.

Symbol power training was nice. It was just like art. The first time I got my fire symbol right, Jayden was really surprised. "You've got it right with acute precision," he remarked. That put a smile to my face.

The day ended with me being completely exhausted. We sat at the kitchen counter with a glass of orange juice in each of our hands. After a long time, I finally found Jayden laughing. 

"Thank you," I said, suddenly feeling obligated. "For agreeing to train me."

He took in a deep breath, his face returning to a calm state. "I'm still not happy with you wanting samurai training," he said in a low voice. "But, if it makes you happy, I'm more than willing to train you." His eyes met mine with a smile on his face that reached his eyes. Completely overwhelmed, I hugged him tight. He was surprised at first, but soon gave into the hug.

During dinner, I remembered Lia's request. "Jay," I called out. "Do you mind if I come in late for the training tomorrow?"

An eyebrow of his shot up to his forehead. "What happened to the samurai is never late?" He smirked.

"Well a samurai also fulfills their obligations. Lia asked if we could hang out tomorrow..." I said with folded arms, my head turned at the opposite direction in mock protest.

A minute of silence prevailed. "Alright. You can go hang out with her. Just make sure you come back in time."

I jumped up in my seat and hugged him tight, then running off to my room to call Lia to inform her about the happy news. She is going to be so happy!

And she was happy...

"That is amazing!" She squealed. "Tomorrow after school, meet me at the parking lot and we will leave from there!"

"Sounds like a plan!" I said giggling uncontrollably. 

Tomorrow's gonna be one terrific day!!!