Kari's POV Alone again tonight. In this empty time. "Matt stop it! You're scaring me!" I shrieked, as Matt yanked at my arm. "Let me go!" "No!" he spat, as he swung me around. "Don't you see what you're doing to me? You're making me do this you deceitful bitch!" "Matt please!" I cried. My heart was breaking at his cruel words. "I didn't do anything. I was just... I was just..." I started, but in his rage, he cut me off. "You were just what Kari? What!?" he bellowed, as he threw me against the wall of our apartment. I contacted, with a dull thud, and I slowly began to slip. I head was swimming, with most bizarre pain in the world. I had trouble focusing on everything, through me tears. My whole body started to shake, as he hovered over me, reaching down, and grabbing my hair. I screamed out in pain, as he physically lifted me off the ground, suspending me in mid air, by my ponytail. "You lied to me! And then you cheated on me! Then, you have the nerve to tell me that you love me! You make me sick Kari Kamiya! I hate you!" I wanted him to kill me at that moment. But fate twisted my life around its cruel fingers, and he just dropped me to the ground. "I hate you." he muttered, as tears began to stream down his cheek. His clear azure eyes, were completely engulfed with agony and loathing. "Matt you don't mean that..." I managed to gasp. My soul had just been ripped out of me, at those three little words. I felt a bitter sense of irony, succumb my body. Three little words. I love you. I hate you. They both start and end the same, but that damn middle word could either change your life, or destroy it. In my case, I wasn't so lucky. And just when I thought my luck was changing. I finally meet the man of my dreams. Passionate. Loving. Caring. But then something happens, and a whole new side of him is shown. The once romantic Matt, turned violent, and jagged like a rock. And I had always tried to see the best in people. I would always dismiss the small errors of their past, and tell myself, that they could change for the better. But sometimes you just can't win. I tried, and I tried, but I couldn't get over the fact that he had hurt me beyond repair. He permanently scarred me, and there was no looking past that. The sound in my head. The sight leaves me blind. I slowly slunk my way over to my room, and slid into my bed. Everything in my house, was strategically placed, to best suit my needs. I guess it was just the way I was. I needed everything to have a place, and serve its purpose. Unlike how I felt almost every day of my life. Useless. The pure white sheets lay messy and crumpled, as I just lifted them slowly over my aching body. Even though it had been a whole year since the night Matt and I broke up, I could still feel the emotional anguish, of what had happened. That night, was still permanently etched in my brain. Now, and until the day I die. Something to look forward to I guess. But the emotional pain, wasn't all I felt. His actions, caused me a great amount of physical pain as well. My head. My body. My face. He had just taken all his past aggression out on me. His punching bag if you would. Rex, my Golden Retriever somehow sensed my sadness, and walked its way over to me. He jumped on my bed, knowing perfectly well he wasn't supposed to. He nuzzled his big, tangled head under my arm, and cuddled up close. His heavy panting made me smile, as his warm breath hit my neck. "Rex." I smiled, as I began to laugh silently. "How many times have I told you, not to get on my bed?" he whimpered at me, making my heart melt. "You're such a cheater." I whispered. "You know you can get anything from me, when you give me that face!" "Woof!" he barked enthusiastically, as he licked the side of my cheek. I hugged him close to me, and sighed deeply. "You wanna know what's sad Rex?" I asked him, not expecting a response. "You're the closest thing to a man in my life now." I'll write a million words. I'll sing until it hurts. The next morning, I jumped up quickly. I had a busy day ahead of me. I scrambled to the bathroom, and tried to fix my hair, in a new style. But after a few million failed attempts, I gave up, and just let it fall over my shoulders. Rex was waiting with his collar in mouth, and he scratched at the door, barking as the mailman approached. "Rex! Be nice now! Mr. Ootagi has been a great sport about you running after him last week. Don't go and mess it up you hear?!" I joked, as I grabbed my jacket. I wondered if what I had on matched exactly. Hell, I never was one for fashion. I liked the colors pink and yellow way too much as a kid, and that style followed through, until a few years ago. "Come on boy." I cooed, as he ran over to me, and lifted his head, so I could put on his leash. I swung the door open, and locked it quickly. As I was rushing for the elevator, Mr. Ootagi stopped me. "Oh, Kari. This came for you today." he said handing me a letter. "And by the looks of it. It must be important!" My stomach lurched. Could this be it?! Could this be the letter, I had waited my whole life to get? I didn't bother savoring the moment, and I ripped at the envelope almost animal like, and skimmed over the neatly typed words. My eyes widened, as I dropped the note, and cried out for joy. "I did it!" I yelled, as I lunged myself at the poor, un-expecting mailman. "I got into the university!" How far could this be. Until it's seen. "I knew you could do it." he smirked, as he hugged me back. "You're a talented girl Kari. You've already accomplish so many things in your life. So many obstacles. But you still keep a smile on that pretty little face of yours." "Thank you." I said gratefully. "You're way too kind." "But truthful. Now. Get going! You're going to be late!" he jested. "What?" I asked, but realized what he meant. "Work!" I exclaimed, as the elevator opened, and Rex pulled me in. Matt's POV God. How long had it been, since I was in Japan? It felt like forever. Not only had I left the place I lived in, but I had also left behind memories. Some of which, I want to forget, more than anything. I had made some horrible decisions in my life, but some stood out more than others. Like the night I gave up the one person I cared about. To this day, I still can't remember why I did what I did. And every time I try to remember why I got angry at her, nothing comes up. It was almost as if I got mad at her, for loving me as much as she did. The bus slowed to a halt, and I got out. I had a job interview today. I reluctantly put Kari out of my mind, and focused on the interview. I wanted that job at the university, more than anything. I had graduated from there, and I always wanted to come back. Besides. The school was the most beautiful place in all of Japan. The campus, was simply exquisite. The gardener, always filled the area with blossoming flowers. The smell would linger in the air, way after they were dead. I sighed determinedly, and I brushed a piece of my golden hair away from my eyes. I adjusted my small glasses, and stepped up the stairs. "Out of the way!" a girl cried, as she and her dog tore past me, running into the building. "Slow down boy!" she called out after her disobedient animal. I could hear her laughter lingering through the halls, as I walked to the principals office. It was a pleasant sound. Cheerful, yet realistic. I silently laughed at myself. I really wanted to be the English teacher here. It was the only thing on my mind. I pulled out my resume, and began to make sure everything was in order. Everything had to be absolutely perfect. "Heal!" the girl screamed, as the dog stopped dead in its tracks. My head spun around to see her. She was pretty. Long red hair, with bright purple eyes. Her face was littered with freckles, and she was tall. "Rex, one day you're going to kill me. Kari so owes me big this time!" she chuckled, as she hopped on the elevator. I dropped all the papers in my hand. My heart stopped, and jumped into my throat. It couldn't be the same one. Not my Kari. My pulse was racing. What if it is the same girl? "Yamato Ishida." a voice said crisply from the speaker next to me. I realized my whole application was littering the hallway, so I hastily scooped them up, and shoved them in some sort of order. "Welcome!" a burley man smiled, as he offered me a seat. He extended his hand, wanting to see the messed up pile of papers in my hand. "Um, they're kind out of order. I had this run in with a girl and a dog." I said truthfully, but omitting a few details. "Don't think anything of it. Kari Kamiya and that dog of hers. She never goes anywhere without it!" I know he was talking. His lips were moving. He was jabbering on about something, and I just nodded. How was he expecting me to concentrate, when he unwittingly told me that she was here? The woman I was still desperately in love with. How long will I let this go. I can't stand to spend another night alone. "Well, I think the job hunt begins and ends with you Matt." he grinned. "Welcome to our happy teaching staff!" "Thank you sir!" I said thankfully, as I shook his hand. If it were any other time, I would have been happy beyond comprehension. But I wasn't happy. I was the exact opposite. My heart was filled with loneliness, and torment, just knowing that Kari was here. "Shut up Kyle!" a familiar voice laughed. It was the redhead that was walking Kari's dog. "But I'm serious! We all made it into this place! I see a cause for celebration! My place, tonight. Just you and me."he said, draping his arm around a shorter girl with long brown hair. "Get real." she mocked, brushing him off. that voice. I quickly spun around. And there she was. Looking more beautiful than ever. She had grown so much over the time we spent apart. But nonetheless, she was still the same Kari. The same girl that captured my heart. "Come on Kari! Ditch the dog, and let's get going! We can go clubbing!" he said wrapping his arms around her slender waist. "Ditch Rex? Never! I need him!" she laughed as she playfully hit him on the shoulder. "But I want to spend some time alone with you! How long has it been? Too long in my books." he pouted. I know how he felt. Once you get sucked into Kari's world, there's no coming back. "Kyle. Please." she sighed, as turned around, and looked him in the eyes. "You are so wonderful, and I have no clue how I ended up with you. There must be a million girls in this world, that are more deserving..." "But you deserve everything this world has to offer. You were dealt a crappy hand. Now I'm the dealer, and I see nothing but good times ahead of you. With me." he whispered, as he stroked her soft cheek. "Kyle." she muttered, as her bottom lip began to quiver. "Sh." he mouthed comfortingly, as he pressed his lips on hers. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. She replied back, by hugging him fiercely. She didn't pull away, or anything. I couldn't bear to stare at them any longer, so I just ran away. I bolted out of that place, so fast, that it almost made me dizzy. There was a stabbing sensation in my chest, that was hurting me more than anything I could ever imagine. I never knew that there was such a pain in this world. My stopped, and caught my breath, letting my lungs fill with the cool night air. I didn't even realize how long the interview had been. All day. My hand was shaking, and I had to grab at it, to make it stop. The bus came shortly after, and I boarded, eager to get home, and forget about the events of my day. I headed straight for my shower. The water always soothed me somehow. The steady stream of hot water hit my body, filling the room with a warm mist of steam. No matter how hard I tried, the image of Kari I had in my head, wouldn't go away. She just looked so beautiful. So perfect. She was like a China doll. That was the best way to describe her. Something so pure, and innocent. I finally turned off the water, and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around my waist. Small water droplets streamed down my body, flowing through the muscular indentations in my chest and arms. I remembered how Kari would always laugh at me, for taking so long in the shower. She looked so beautiful laughing. God how I wanted to hear her laugh again. Her voice could bring me out of anything. Soft and compassionate. Wistful and creamy. Truthful and affectionate. I felt like such an idiot for letting her go. I can't believe that I would make such a foolish move, because there is noting I regret more in life. Kari was everything I could ever hope for in a companion. But she was so much more than that. She was my light. My love. My life. I sighed, as I made my way to my room. My house tidy, but not completely clean. Kari was always the one that made sure everything was in its place. The little neat freak that stole my heart. I ached to have her back in my arms. I wanted her back. I wanted to kiss her lips again. I wanted to be drawn into her soul again. I just wanted to have her perfect body, pressed up against mine, once again. I would give my life to feel that way again. You know, the feeling that accompanies true love. But sadly, I knew that wouldn't happen. I guess I would be spending another night alone. I stare at the empty walls. I speak, no one hears. Kari's POV I woke up the next morning, feeling totally dizzy. Kyle was lying beside me, hugging me close. It was such a shame. He cared about me so much, but there was no way I could return the feeling. For I was in love with another person. And I would always love him. No matter what he did to me, I would always love him. There would be no chance of us ever getting back together, but god help me, I love him. I slowly slid out of his protective grasp, and slipped out of the bed. I pretty much knew where everything in his house was, but there was the occasional chair I would bump into in the dark. But I didn't need lights. Just a cup of tea. Rebecca and I had stayed out late last night with Kyle and Jason. Way later than I had wanted. Not to sound boring, but we still had our part-time jobs at the University's library, and we should be taking it seriously, because we were going to it this semester after all. But what was the use trying to convince my friends that. They just said that I was being too serious, and that I should just loosen up. They were right, some of the time, but they would be completely lost without me. And they knew it. After five minutes of searching for a tea pot, I gave up. I made my way over to the bed, and cuddled in close to Kyle. Even though I was wit someone, I never felt more alone in my entire life. "Oh Matt." I silently cried. A tear slipped down cheek, and hit my shoulder. "I only learnt what sadness was when I met you Matt." I make every excuse. And blame my fears. Matt's POV I woke up the next morning suddenly. It was Monday, and the first day of school, for the teachers. Within the next few days, I would be teaching my first class. I would be instructing students. I was thrilled. I quickly pulled on the outfit that was hanging on the clothes hanger, and pulled a brush through my tangled hair. Luckily enough for me, years of styling it with chemicals, have permanently rendered it in the 'spike' position I love. I just had to push it in the direction I wanted after that, and it would hold. I couldn't even count the number of girls that had commented on my hair. Just flash them a smile, and they would be putty in my hand. I wish Kari was like that. But she wasn't. All the time we spent together, I learnt a whole new side of life. But I had to focus today. It was the do or die day for me. You only get to make one first impression, and I wanted mine to be a good one. I was at the university, quicker than I had expected, and I entered quickly. Punctuality is never a bad thing. Before I entered, I gave myself a once over. Make sure I looked presentable. When I was sure I looked okay, I opened the door, and was greeted by smiling faces. I have to add, that I am not in university yet, and I have a long way to go, so I'm just doing this out of my mind. Don't pick it apart please To my surprise, most of the teaching staff were women, who were eyeing, in the most uncomfortable way. "Ah! Matt!" the dean chirped as he walked over to me, and shook my hand cheerfully. "Mr. Xioa." I grinned. "Attention! This is our new English professor. Matt Ishida. He will be doing the younger and elder levels. Please make him feel welcome." Mr. Xioa said sharply. One of the male professors, the most likely taught French, due to his thick accent grunted. "I seveously dout dat he vill 'ave any problems heere." "Quiet Pierre." a pretty young woman smiled, as she stood up, and extended her hand. "My name is Elizabeth Armand, and I teach the other English classes. That," she said pointing to the man "is Pierre Lacroix. The French professor for all levels." "And I am Daisy Miller and I do math." an elder looking woman smiled goofily. She had a long black skirt on, with a beige sweater. A wedding ring sparkled on her hand, which made me feel a little better. After the introductions, I quickly became friends with Daisy Miller, Mina Colini, the Economics professor, and Andre Pouf, the leading Biologist. "Now that our new friend and fellow professor is welcomed, I want to get to the teaching schedule..." Mr. Xioa started. I smiled as I focused on what he was saying. To most people, this would be the most boring thing in the world. But to me, it was my future. And it never looked brighter. All these shadows come to rest. In my head. Kari's POV "Did you see the new English professor?" Rebecca asked me at lunch. "No. I didn't. I have English next semester. Why?" I inquired. "He is so gorgeous! I mean total hottie alert! I swear, if he wasn't my teacher..." "Since when has that stopped you?" I joked. "Kari!" she exploded. "I'm joking!" I giggled. "So. What's he look like?" "Okay Kari, brace yourself." she said seriously. I could detect the hint of excitement in her voice. "He has the dreamiest eyes. They're the most amazing shade of blue. They're like, almost clear, and almost deep. I swear, I could just see into his soul!" "Oh! He already sounds good!" I smiled, as I squirmed in my seat. "Do continue!" "And his hair! Oh my god! It's like gold! No, it is gold! God Kari! He's so incredibly gorgeous! It spikes up, in all different direction, and it shines in the light..." "God Rebecca!"I exclaimed shocked. "This guy! You're exaggerating right?" I said, as a took my glass bottle of Snapple in my hand. "No! I am so telling you the truth!" she cried out. "Well, does he have a name?" I asked, as I took a long sip. "Even his name is dreamy! Matt Ishida!" she said airily. My world seemed to just halt. In pure shock, I dropped my bottle, and it smashed to the ground. And just when I thought, my life was beginning to rebuilt itself. With two words, everything I had built over that year, just crumbled down. "What did you say?" I gasped, barely able to speak. "Matt Ishida. Ooh! What I wouldn't give to be his..." "Matt Ishida." I panicked. "Please tell me you're joking. Please tell me, that it's just a joke!" "Kari, what's wrong? I've never seen you like this! Oh my God... this has something to do with Matt doesn't it? You wouldn't be panicking this much if it weren't him!" "It's noting." I lied, as I quickly got up, almost slipping on my spilt apple juice. "Kari, sit down!" Rebecca commanded, as she pulled me into my seat. "Now. I'm your best friend. Tell me!" "You won't let me go will you." I sighed. "You know I won't." she said truthfully, as she violently pulled me onto the cafeteria bench. "A long time ago, right before..." "I know." Rebecca smiled, as she squeezed my hand lightly. "He caused it." "Kari... you can't be serious! How? When? God, how?" she stuttered. "Matt and I used to go out. We knew each other, when we were just little kids, and later as we grew up, we fell in love. We dating for almost two years, and then, it happened." "Shit Kari, you dated the English professor..." by the guilty look on my face, she could tell it was more than that. People could just read my face. "It was more than that wasn't it?" I looked away from her. The shame I was feeling, was probably transparent on my face."I have to go now." I said jumping up, before she could catch me. I carefully ran through the halls, bumping into students left and right, but I didn't care. I made my way to the elevator, and pushed the button with all might. If I got to the library, then I could hide out in my personal space. The three story elevation seemed like forever, but soon enough it stopped, and I got off. "Top of tha day to ya lassie!" Mr. O'Grady cheered chipperly, as I walked past him. "Morning." I said quickly, as I bolted past him, to the small office I had spent my entire summer. Rex's head popped up from his basket, and he trotted over to me, placing his head on my lap. "Hey boy." I muttered as I clumsily patted his head. I knew he could sense that I was feeling bad. "Kari." Mr. O'Grady called out. "Could ya help me a wee bit?" "You know I will." I confessed, as I shuffled over to him, trying hard not to hit one of the book shelves. "Ah, yer just one of tha greatest don't ya know?" he exclaimed, as he took my hand, and guided it to the computer keyboard. "Ya know I ain't that good with any sortta electronics. I was wonderin' if ya could help me type up these reports. That is, if ya can spear a few moments fer little old me..." "Oh!" I shouted, as threw my arms around his neck, and hugged him. "You are so sweet! Of course I'll help you out!" "Great lass!" he said squeezing me slightly. "Pretty as a picture, and has a heart of gold!" "So!" I proclaimed. "What do you want me to write?" "Just a little something. It shouldn't take ya that long. Maybe a few minutes." "Okay. Could you read it to me?" I asked. "Sure." he cleared his throat. "There is a sever problem with the storage facilities, in the library. We cannot take on any more books, without extra assistance." I quickly typed the report, as he spoke, and smiled as the elder man continued. He was trying too hard to make the report sound official, so as I typed, I added in a few details, to spruce it up a little. "Wait a second." I said after a few seconds. "What was that last sentence?" "He said that the load of work, is becoming unbearable for just two people." a hauntingly familiar voice spoke. "Aye! That I did!" Mr. O'Grady chuckled. "Good day ter yer Mr. Ishida. What brings ya to my little hideaway?" "The lack of the book we're reading in my class." he said, as he walked over to the counter, and dropped down an obviously thick book. Before I could finish typing, I jumped up, revealing my face. Matt gasped, and I ran out. It really was him. "Kari wait!" he cried, as he chased after me. But I had the upper hand, because I knew all the short cuts in the school. They had completely remodeled the entire building, so Matt must have still been getting used to the place, cause he was lagging a little behind me. The bell for class rang loudly, echoing in the large hallways, and eager students started to walk to their next class. "Kari please wait! I have to talk to you!" he screamed. I have no clue how many students were staring, and I had no time to stop and count. I just wanted to get as far away from him as possible. I wasn't ready to talk to him again. And for some reason, I knew that if he were to talk to me again, I would somehow fall for him all over again. And I wasn't about to let that happen. I pushed pen the entrance doors, and darted down the stairs. The cool outdoor breeze whipped at my face as I rushed out, onto the campus grounds. "Kari stop!" he cried, but I didn't listen. I could feel tears forming in my eyes, as I ran further, and further away from him. I guess I was too emotionally charge to realize where I was going. But I heard the loud screeching and honking from a car, as I stepped out onto the street. I was like a deer caught in the headlights, as my whole body tensed up. As much as I wanted to run, my legs just wouldn't move. Thankfully, a large pair of arms wrapped around my waist, and pulled me to safety. I just stared out into space, completely dazed, as whoever was holding me, hugged me, and placed his hand on the side of my head. "Oh my God." I muttered breathlessly, as the person who saved me, turned me over. A powerfully seductive sent wafered into my nostrils. I would be able to distinguish that smell anywhere. "Matt." "Kari. God, Kari." he whispered. "You almost... oh God, you almost...wh... what would I have done without you? I would have died." he said, answering his own question, as he pulled me closer, almost cutting off all circulation in my body. "Thank you..." I managed to mumble. I bit down hard on my lip, so I didn't cry. But, the tears just flowed down my cheeks, and I rubbed them away violently. "Kari..." he gasped. "I was so scared. The only thing going through my mind, was save you. I would never forgive myself, if something happened to you... but why? Why didn't you see the car? How come you didn't see the car?" he almost shouted. He was half concerned, half angry, and I knew that it was time I told him. "Look at me." I whispered softly, as I looked up at him. His strong hand dried the small puddles on my face, and he brushed away the small strands of hair, that had become plastered to my head. "I don't understand..." he murmured. But he soon did. Matt's POV I gazed into her eyes. I mean, I got my first look at them, in over a year. Ever since I had known of her presence at the school, a had only seen her from afar. But now that she was this close to me, I got my first true look at her. She was still the most beautiful creature in the world, but she was different. Something I would have never guessed. Something I wouldn't have believed, if I hadn't seen it for myself. But I wouldn't believe it. "Please tell me, that I'm wrong." I blurted out numbly. "I have to go." she said standing up. She picked up her book bag, but it broke, and all its contents spilled out. One of her books tumbled over to me, and opened. Instead of finding typewritten paper, I was faced with poked plastic. "Kari..." I gasped, as I quickly scooped it up, and bolted over to her. Subconsciously, I grabbed her shoulder, pinning her to her spot. I stared down at her again. My hand was quivering, as I passed it in front of her eyes. She didn't react whatsoever. "Why didn't you didn't tell me..." I barely muttered. "Why?" "Because!" she snapped. "You did this to me!" My heart almost stopped beating. "What?" I managed to say. "Don't you remember Matt? Don't you remember that day you beat the living shit out of me? Come on! Don't tell me you don't remember! Cause I never will! As long as I live!" she shouted angrily. "Kari..." "Shut up!" she hissed. "I'm blind because of you! Your last blow to my head! When you smashed your fist into my face! It broke my nose, and the cartilage punctured my eyes!" (A/N it is possible...) I can't see you. I can't hear the things you said. Everything seemed to go black. I stopped breathing. I did this to her... I was the one that hurt her like this... My hands fell limply to my sides. I couldn't believe what was happening. And for some reason, I could clearly remember this time, when I promised her, that I would never let anything hurt to her. Then I go out, and hurt her. I felt so disgusted with myself, that it was almost unbearable. I finally got the nerve to look at her. I placed my trembling hand on her cheek, and with my other, I pulled her close tome. "I am so sorry Kari. You know that I would never hurt you intentionally..." I spoke rapidly, trying to find a better way to say the things I was trying to say. "Kari, I love you. I love you so much, and not even time could change that. You mean everything to me, and breaking up with you, was the biggest mistake of my life! I miss you every single day, and I have been so emotionally, and physically empty since you left me. But God, just believe me when I say I still love you." "Matt..." she gasped, backing away from me slightly. "How could you?" she demanded, slapping me hard across the face. "How could you do this to me?!" she exploded. "How could you let me think, you hate me, for a whole year!? How could you make me believe, that you didn't love me any more!? Do you know what it's like, loving someone with all your heart and soul, and not knowing if they feel the same way? I had that feeling, embedded in my brain, for a whole year Matt! A whole, bloody year!" She paused, to catch her breath, and pushed some lose brown hair off her face. "Now, you finally come back, and you tell me what I've been dying to hear. Well mister, I have only one thing to say to you!" she bellowed. I braced myself, for the painful blow to my heart, she was about to deliver. I had the sinking feeling, that she was going to tell me, she didn't want anything to do with me. That she never wanted to see me again. But instead, something wonderful happened. Kari jumped into my arms, and kissed me. Our lips melted on one another, just like they used to, and the whole world dissolved. I was kissing her. Finally, I was once again kissing her. This tingling sensation passed through my body, revitalizing my spirit. "I love you Kari Kamiya. Now and forever." I breathed, as I passed my fingers through her silky hair. "I love you Matt." she replied. I wanted to stay with her like that, for the rest of my life. It was simple. Without her in my life, I wouldn't be living at all. I was dead for the whole time she was away from me, and now that I had her back, not even Satan himself could keep us apart. Kari's POV I can't even count the number of times I told myself, that no matter what happened, I would never get with Matt again. But when it came time to hold true to that promise, I couldn't deliver. I stopped listening to my brain, and focused on what my heart was saying. Well, more like yelling. I threw caution to the wind, and dove in. And the results couldn't have been more desirable. We were back together. We were finally back together, and everything was perfect. We decided to skip the last portion of school, and go out for some coffee. First, I stopped off to get Rex, and finished up the last little bit of Mr. O'Grady's report. Later, we went for a walk in the park. We had a lot of catching up to do. But I kept asking myself, why I was letting him off so easily. My future was completely ruined. Shattered into pieces. All he said, was I love you, and everything was forgiven. And in that one afternoon we spent together, everything had been repaired, and it seemed like all the time we spent apart, had only been seconds. Sadly, the night had to come to an end. It was after Midnight when we finally walked over to my apartment complex. "I'll walk you up." he volunteered, as he opened the small, white picked fence the landlord has put up. "You're such a gentleman." I giggled foolishly, as the door automatically opened and we walked in. The elevator ride up was a relatively short one, and when we finally arrived at my place, I couldn't keep the smile off my face. Every kiss Matt gave me, pulled me deeper, and deeper in love with him. I had the absolutely hardest time opening my door, cause he kept hugging me. "Get off you caveman!" I laughed, as we stumbled into my place. There is a secret place. You'll find a bloodstained fence. "Kari," Matt muttered, as he kissed me deeply. "I've loved you for eternity, and way before that. Just remember that I'll always love you. Now and forever." "I love you to Matt. And nothing could possibly get in the way of that." I replied, turning on the light, and kissing him back. "You seem to be forgetting about me." a voice spat, as I felt Matt being ripped from my arms. The whack that soon followed, indicated that he had fallen. "Kyle!" I gasped. He stormed over to me, and grabbed my hand, twisting it viciously. "Ow!" I cried, as I fell to the ground in pain. "Kari!" Matt screamed, as he obviously knocked down Kyle. He force of him tearing Kyle off of me, was enough to throw me backward. "Matt! Where are you?!" I cried, as Rex growled and barked loudly. He made his way over to me, and stood directly in front of my face, protecting me. "What kind of teacher are you? Taking advantage of a student like that!" Kyle shouted, as I heard his fist connect with Matt. "It's none of your damn business what kind of teacher I am, but I am not taking advantage of Kari!" he spat. I knew Matt didn't want to fight, because Kyle was one of his students. "Like I'm supposed to believe that Don Juan!" Kyle hissed, as he punched Matt again. "You just wanted to sink your teeth into a defenseless student!" "Get away from me!" Matt yelled, as he pushed him off. Kyle stumbled back, stepping on my leg, and falling over. He smashed into my small desk, covered with junk and mail. "Kari! Get away from him!" Matt shouted. But I was too slow, and Kyle grabbed me, holding something to my neck. because of the texture, I could tell he had my letter-opener in hand. "Why are you doing this?" I cried. "You're making me do this you deceitful bitch!" he screamed. A wave of deja vu passed through the room, and I was reminded of that night all over again. But this time, I was reliving it. "Kyle!" I gasped, as he threw the object to the floor, and began to strangle me. Without wasting anytime, Rex jumped on him, and bit into him hard. Kyle let go, and hit him, sending him squealing, and spinning into a wall. "No!" I screamed, as someone picked me up. It was Matt, and he was pulling me out of the apartment. We quickly made it to the elevator, and jumped in. "We have to get some help! That guy has gone totally postal!" "God I hate it when he gets like this!" I panicked. "He gets so jealous of any guy I talk to!" "My God." Matt bit. "But don't worry. I won't let him hurt you. I promise you!" he said, rushing over to me, and hugging me tightly. Before I had time to reply, the doors clicked open, and Matt dragged me outside. To our surprise, Kyle was already there, and waiting for us. Matt stepped in front of me, and held out his arm. "Get away from her, and I won't hurt you." "You'll get to her, over my dead body." Matt replied cooly. A hint of his rebellious childhood shone through in the darkness. "Famous last words." Kyle smirked, as he lunged for Matt. I was thrown far away from him, as Matt's body collided with mine. Then, one of the most horrific sounds, I've ever heard, echoed in the small entryway. Matt moaned, as I heard the piercing of his flesh. And Kyle gasping, as his feet pounded on the pavement, as he rushed off. "Matt!" I screamed, as I crawled over to him. My hand slipped in a small pool of liquid. "No!" I muttered, as I moved my way closer to him. He was moaning, as he clutched at his chest. "Shit!" he cursed, as he backed up and leaning on the fence. "Matt! What's wrong?" I begged, as I moved in closer to him. I finally found him, and applied pressure to his wound. I had no clue what Kyle did to him, or how he managed to stab him, but he did. And Matt was bleeding rapidly. "Somebody help us!" I screeched at the top of my lungs. "Please help!" "Kari." Matt chocked, as he coughed. "Don't bother. I'm not going to make it." "Don't say that!" I wailed, as tears poured out of my eyes. It's there the future speaks. And she spoke to me. Matt's POV She was looking directly at me. Her face soiled with tears of grief. I wanted to take away the pain she was feeling, but I knew it was impossible. "Kari. Just don't cry. Don't waist your tears on me." "Matt please hold on. Please! You can't leave me now!" she sobbed. "I don't want to, but... but..." I could barely finish my sentence. I was so weak, and I just wanted to sleep. "Matt no..." Kari cried, as she pushed her hands deeper into my stomach. "Kari, just remember that I'll always love you. You were my future, and I'm glad that the last thing I'm going to see, is you." "Matt you are not going to die! I won't let you die!" she wept. "Sh." I gagged, as I placed my bloodied finger over her lips. "I love you." "I love you too." she whispered, as she leaned down, and kissed me. With the last of my strength, I leaned my head up, and kissed her back. The world was becoming darker and darker with every passing second, until everything fazed out, and my head hit the pavement. I took a breath, and knew that it was my last one. Kari's POV I was back at my place. Right where the nightmare had started, and ended. I threw down my black sunhat, and curled into a small ball on my bed. He was gone. After everything that happened, I lost him. We went through hell to get together, and only after one day, he left. Rex limped over to me. Kyle ended up breaking his front left leg. He lifted my arm, and propped his head under. He whimpered softly, almost as if he was saying I'm sorry for your loss. I hugged his head tightly, and cried. I cried, and I cried. But no amount of tears would bring him back. The pain, was like hot flashes, that was bouncing around my body, stabbing me in the heart every time. "I love you Matt... and I'll love you till the day I join you." but I knew I couldn't feel like this forever. Matt was in heaven, looking down on me. Smiling at me. But the grief was still there. And it would always exist. All I could do, was hope that it ended soon. Because there is no greater sorrow in this world, that the loss of someone that you love. And I pray that I don't have to feel this way again, for a long time. "I'll wait for you Kari." I could almost hear Matt's voice tell me. "Until that day then." I managed to smile, as I blew a kiss u to the sky. "I love you Matt."