Exactly a week after the terrible event, everything seemed to drift back off into normality once more. Grades by then have been returned, and all the students were either rejoicing that they had high marks, or at least have passed, whilst a majority of others were sighing in exasperation at the sight of their report cards. "At least we tried our best," they all seemed to say, as if it was their new mantra.
Louis, on the other hand, was perhaps the most disappointed of all the people. Even though he had done all that he could to at least have a decent, if not a barely passing, grade, most his report card was marked F in big, bold, red ink. He sighed, stuffing the card carelessly in his bag. He had to deal with that-- and his parents-- later at home.
His eyes began to scan the room aimlessly, drifting from one corner to another. All the rest of the students were placing their cards in ther bags, too. Most of them looked as terrible as he had. 'At least I'm not alone...' he mumbled to himself.
Without him ever even thinking about it, his eyes wandered off to that empty seat near the end of the room. Shizuka's seat, he thought. Yet the owner of the seat was nowhere to be found.
She had been gone that entire week, he noticed only then. He wondered why. Did it have anything to do with the previous events last week? Was she so terribly mortified by that collision, that she was unable to 'save the man'...? Or was she simply afraid that showing up would arise a few questions from him...? She had broke down that afternoon, crying and showing emotions that she would've otherwise hidden.
'I wasn't even going to ask her anything...' he reasoned with himself. Then again, whether consciously or unconsciously, he would've let loose an inquiry or so.
The bell had rung, and the footsteps that echoed in the classroom and the halls all seemed to be tired, as if they were all just dragging themselves to everywhere.
Louis sighed again. (How many times had he sighed that day alone, he wondered?) He grabbed his bag, letting it sling lazily across his shoulder, and proceeded to shuffle out of the classroom, joining the pile of students who half-dreaded what awaits them at home.
He was nearly well out of the school building when he had found himself bumping into a familiar person.
"Clarisse," he managed to say, grinning with excitement at the sight of his old friend.
"...Louis," the brunette replied, her soft brown curls gently falling on the side of her face. She smiled back, and nodded her head once. "It's nice to see you again, after such a long time..." she added softly, her voice nearly a faint whisper.
Louis couldn't help but smile more at the sound of her voice. Ah, her voice flowed as sweet as honey, felt as soft as silk. ...as cliché as it probably sounded.
"Ditto," he finally replied with a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "It has been a long time, hasn't it..."
Clarisse seemed to look past him once, glancing at the hallway behind him.
"So... aren't you heading off yet...?" she asked.
Louis shook his head. "No... not really," he replied. After a brief pause, he added, "How about we go grab some ice cream...?"
Clarisse couldn't help but smile and laugh. "You really love that ice cream parlour so much, don't you..." she giggled, putting a few strands of her hair behind her ear. "I guess you couldn't really help it-- after all, I have to admit, their homemade ice cream is the best..."
Louis grinned once again. "So is that a yes...?"
Clarisse could only nod her head.
Together, they walked out of the school premises, talking and laughing and giggling as they both exchanged stories of the (mis)adventures they've had during the first two months of class. It felt so good to be talking freely to an old friend again, Louis concluded. He had never felt happier that day than since classes had begun. Even his poor marks on his card were soon forgotten.
As they both entered the parlour, the all-too familiar scents of a hundred flavours surrounded the air. "It really has been a long time, hasn't it..." Clarisse commented, taking in all the sights and smells. "It's been a long time since we've hung out together..."
"Now, don't be too nostalgic," Louis replied back, laughing as they both made their way to the counter. "Or sentimental, or anything."
In the end, they had ordered their usual, old favourites-- Clarisse with her strawberry parfait, drenched in sweet, strawberry syrup, with almonds and a cherry on top. Louis had ordered a chocolate one, the thick fudge dripping down the sides of the ice cream and the small brownie the owner has added.
They sat down just outside the parlour, preferring fresh air than the artificial one made by the air conditioner inside the small shop.
It never really was a silent moment when these two were together. They had picked up their conversation again, time flying by without them ever even giving a care.
After they had both finished their parfaits, they both chuckled and leaned back on their chairs. "Ahh..." Louis said, letting out a sigh-- of relief, this time. Clarisse only laughed at him.
"Say..." the brunette began, twirling her hair with a hand and tapping the teaspoon on the glass with the other. "You've never told me about your new... erm, 'friend'."
Louis, who by then was still grinning like an idiot, soon sat up straight, his eyes avoiding the other. "Friend...?" he repeated, chuckling at the word. He seemed to take the conversation lightly. "I never really gained any new friends these past few months. If ever, I've even lost a friend..."
Clarisse cleared her throat, her expression more serious than it had been just a few moments ago. "You know what I mean, Louis..." she seemed to sigh exasperatedly, leaning back on her chair.
This time, Louis stared at her, an eyebrow raised. There was confusion written all over his face. He could only shake his head.
"I don't... what do you mean...?"
Clarisse rolled her eyes and sighed.
"You know. ...the Japanese girl."