My name is Lee. (No, its Mai..)

Chapter 21: A Jealous party and unexpected events

3rd P.O.V

For the next week and few days, life at the Freeman household had been somewhat unexpectedly normal. Normal being the usual daily routines of the Freemans plus the presence of a female. Lee had helped Granddad cook a few meals and became quick friends with Riley. As far as Huey was concerned, the silent truce was still solid and they managed a few 'civilized' conversations.

However, Jasmine was not pleased with the developments at the Freeman household. She felt threatened every time Lee was around. Moreover, Lee accomplished a somewhat stable friendship with Huey in a few days what she worked accomplish in the few years she had known Huey. Her friends tried to comfort her, assuring Jasmine that Huey had a grudge against Asians and there wasn't anything to worry about. But Jasmine wasn't convinced.

Jasmine had the last straw, when Lee was seated in the shotgun seat of Huey's car, and Riley was relaxed about sitting next to her at the back. It was time to settle things and draw the lines.

It was a Friday afternoon when Jasmine found Lee stretching in front of the garage. For Jasmine, the time had come to release her inner 'funk'.

"Hello, Lee," Jasmine greeted.

"Jasmine," Lee replied, "If you're looking for Huey, he went out to see Mr. Wuncler, but should be back soon if you wait"

"I'm actually here to see you, Lee"

Lee stopped stretching and stood straight to face Jasmine.

"I'm surprised you want to see me. Is something wrong?" Lee asked.

"Actually yes. I was hoping you could stay away from Huey. I don't like you hanging around him. You're nice but he's mine and you should know by now that he's off limits!"

"What makes you think I desire him in such a fashion? In fact, since when was he yours?"

"Look, don't act all high and mighty. I've tolerated you long enough. It would be appreciated if you do as I say or things will get ugly for you," Jasmine threatened.

"Jasmine, I have no romantic interests in Huey. So you can't accuse me of something that doesn't even exist. The relationship I have with Huey is on an acquaintance level and I'm pretty sure he has no interest in pursuing me either. So, don't come saying things that could get you in trouble. And just so you know, you aren't exactly a threat to me in any way or situation. Good day"

As Lee turned away, Jasmine cried out in frustration and lunged at Lee. Having anticipated this, Lee swiftly moved to the left to avoid Jasmine's hands that were out to grab Lee from behind. Jasmine aimed her punches and kicks at Lee, only for them to meet air. Lee had expertly dodged each attempt while trying to reason with Jasmine.

"I see you are a beginner at karate. You have great potential, just you need to channel your energy elsewhere," Lee complemented, while blocking Jasmine's upper cut with her arm.

"Just shut up! It's all your fault! I couldn't have Huey because of Ming, then that mystery girl he mentioned, and now you!" Jasmine screamed, swinging her foot.

"Jasmine, you don't have to do this"

"Why won't you stand still?" Jasmine lashed.

"Why won't you stop?!" Lee retorted, lowering her body to a defensive stance. Just as Jasmine was going for one more move, a hand held her fist in place. She looked up to see Huey with a disappointed look on his face.

"Huey," a stunned Jasmine stuttered. Lee stood up straight and casually dusted her training pants as if nothing happened. Huey dropped Jasmine's hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, on the other hand, Jasmine stood embarrassed to be caught in such a state.

"Obviously this was not a friendly spar. Will someone care to explain what's going on?" Huey asked, already in interrogation mode.

"We were having a, what's it... girl talk nothing more," Lee lied. Jasmine and Lee were surprised by Lee's response.

"Jasmine," Lee began, "perhaps we can spar again sometime. Of course, you'll probably need to learn more if you ever want to beat me. See you in the house Huey"

Lee strolled into the house leaving the two alone. She had no time for little girl drama and the typical teenage crushes girls of her age went through. As for Jasmine, she was wondering how to escape the current fix she was in. Technically, she's the one who initiated the fight, but she was the victim if things were seen her way. I'll just tell him how I feel, Jasmine thought, I can't let him slip through my grasp anymore.

"Look Huey, I don't know why Lee lied but I'm going to tell you the truth. Huey, I love you and I have been for a long time now. I've been by your side all these years and I hate that you won't even look at me. Why, won't you?"

"Jasmine," Huey replied, "I can never look at you the way you want me too. I see you as a friend. Nothing more. I don't think I could ever return what you feel for me"

Huey turned to walk away, but Jasmine hugged him from behind. He could hear the choked sobs and sighed.

"It's not fair," she sobbed, "I've done a lot for you and changed myself to be more appealing to you. It's just not fair!"

"Jasmine, I'm sorry, but what you're hoping for, what you're asking for, I can't give it to you. What you're calling love is just an impossible fantasy. In fact, I really am disappointed of the lengths you would take for the love you claim to have for me, despite it being admirable. Its better we remain friends"

Huey removed Jasmine's hands from his body and gave Jasmine a hug, mumbling a soft sorry before walking her to her house and leaving her on her porch. Never had Jasmine felt so defeated and empty. Huey, she thought before entering her house. It wasn't over. Huey would come back to her. One way or the other.

SPECIAL

This is a week and three days after Megumi and Ichigo leave Lee. They had been securing clan members from a few places in Asia, before leaving for Moonrea from Japan.

Megumi and Ichigo gave a short bow after greeting Lord Kenshin. After the usual pleasantries, Megumi and Ichigo went ahead to report of their missions. The first being the safe return of the clan members to the Mizushima clan's island from the surface. And the important current mission, the safety of the heiress. As soon as the briefing was over, Lord Kenshin excused Ichigo, wanting to speak to Megumi alone. It was after the door slid closed that Lord Kenshin asked, "How is she?"

"Mai-sama is doing her best to adapt to the best of her ability. But she misses you, the clan and is quite adamant about returning to Moonrea," Megumi responded.

"Has she adapted to the lifestyle befitting her age?"

"In some ways. But she tends to withdraw. She just acts as her alias, Lee, but only when necessary. But I'm concerned for her. Mai-sama's goal driven and thinks of becoming stronger and making sure she's prepared for the battle between herself and Shane. I honestly hope it doesn't come to that"

"I see," Lord Kenshin murmured. Lord Kenshin thought for a while and said,

"Make sure she's prepared for anything. And she should enjoy the life there while it lasts. My daughter deserves better than the life fate has granted her. Prepare to leave for the surface. And bring my daughter home after her birthday. Understood?"

Megumi nodded and left the room. Lord Kenshin rubbed his temples. Why did he feel as though the peace he hoped for was far from his reach?

The following day, Megumi and Ichigo left Moonrea and began their journey to the surface. On their arrival, they continued to the States, unknown to them of the pursuers following them. It was only while driving towards Wood-crest that they were ambushed before they could even get the chance to change to their disguises.