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

Chapter 4: A new day

Dedicated to bookperson217

________________________________________________________

Lee/ Mai's P.O.V

At seven-fifteen, on a Monday morning, I ran down the staircase that led straight to the kitchen. I found Megumi making dumplings, while Ichigo was reading a newspaper.

"Ohayoo," I greeted, in Japanese. The two greeted me back, giving a respectful bow.

I took my new school bag and examined it. It was a navy blue sling bag. Satisfied, I set it down and placed an apple and grape juice box.

From the moment we left the realm -Moonrea- I've had a lot of pressure weighing down my shoulders. I had to make sure that I was ready and strong for the day Shane would challenge me for Head leader. And I'm flipping scared of when that day comes. Will I make it? Will I be that strong? Will I fail?

Megumi must have noticed that I was deep in thought. She broke my train of thoughts.

"Are you alright, Mai-sama?"

"I'll be fine. I guess all the hiding and escaping and training are getting to me. At least we'll be able to stay here for a while. Any news from Moonrea?" I asked.

"No, my lady. I'm guessing the connection is still not good"

"Alright; let me just check that I have everything"

While repeating the task, my thoughts turned to the previous afternoon, to when I had finished unpacking the boxes. I had walked over to the large window of my room and observed the neighborhood below. I saw Ichigo and Megumi in a deep conversation with two men across the street, children riding bicycles...

A movement in the corner of my left eye caught my attention. I watched an African-American teenager leaning on a tree, and by the looks of things, I could tell he was in deep thought. At first, he seemed normal to me; just another teenager hanging out. That was until I caught him mumbling to himself. I concluded that he was either mentally unwell, or he just had a rough day. I continued observing him until he opened his eyes and faced the sky. Wow, I thought, he has beautiful hazel brown eyes. With that thought, I snapped back to my senses and retreated from the window.

My thoughts shifted to later today morning, while I was training. At the time, I had changed to my original self (Mai); however, I kept having this feeling that someone was watching me. As soon as I heard a door open, I dove for the nearest bush I could find. Laying low and trying to stay out of sight, I tried to get a peek of the person who was out. But all I could see was feet walking about. Once I heard a door open and close, I quickly snuck back into the house, and breathed out once I was safe in my room. If Megumi or Ichigo found out about my extra training, I'm pretty sure i wouldn't hear the end of it.

And with that, I stepped down from my train of thoughts and returned to the real world.

Megumi P.O.V

"So," Ichigo began, turning to Mai, "how do you feel about going to school?"

Shrugging, Mai replied, "I don't know. I mean, I don't understand why I have to when I could do home schooling and training"

Speaking in English, I said, "Mai-sama, aside from learning the American lifestyle and its education, you have to learn to live a normal life. You know, to live a life of a girl your age"

"As if anything is normal. I'm not normal, I've far more important things to do than any teenager on this street," huffed Mai. I could see the worry seeping into Mai's face. I understood how Mai wanted to be by her father's side, and not locked up in the surface. But when the Clan Leader makes a decision, it's best not to disobey. Especially if in the best interests of the clan.

Brushing away the thought, I quickly finished my cooking, and dished the dumplings into a container. I handed the pink plastic container to Mai, who packed it into her bag pack. I also made sure that Mai had some disguised weapons in her pack. Just in case, I thought.

"Your car will be available as soon as we're sure you're safe to go out on your own," I said.

"Do you remember your cover story, Lee?" asked Ichigo. Mai nodded, running her fingers through her hair.

"My name is Lee Kim. I just moved to America because of my father's job. I'm unfriendly; a rule breaker at times and have been home schooled my entire life. Due to an eye problem, I have to wear glasses. Okay?" breathed Mai.

She slipped on a pair of black leather combat boots, her bag on her shoulder and pair of glasses on her face just below the fringe so her eyes wouldn't be seen. Ichigo and I examined the new character, looked each other and nodded in approval.

"Now our mischievous daughter," I exclaimed, "it's time to see your school. Wood-crest International here we come!"