FB Book 1 Ch 1 Part B

Hey everybody, this is Fruit again. Here's the second part of Furuba Book 1 Chapter 1! Please, enjoy. But here's the first part, just in case you get confused.

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At the end of the school day, Julie spotted Anthony. "Uh, hey. Sorry about this morning, Anthony. Didn't mean to interrupt your little fight."

"Don't worry about it. It was a pointless fight anyway; I just get pissed off really easily. Especially when people repeatedly do things that annoy me and they know it. But anyway, why were you coming by our house this morning? I've never seen you walking past before."

"Mm? Oh, that. Mom used to drive me to school, but since she died, I've decided to start walking. My sister goes to elementary school, so I have to be in school a lot earlier than her, being in middle school; and it's a pain for Dad because he has to drop both of us off with a half-hour's interval between each drop-off period. And after that, he has to go to work. It's a lot easier for us all when I walk--Jenna and Dad don't have to wake up as early, y'know? So..." Julie came to with a jolt. "Ah, crud!" She checked her watch. "Sorry, Anthony, I gotta go to my violin lesson!"

"Julie...are you sure you're OK? I noticed this morning you looked sort of sick. You really shouldn't overexert yourself in any way," Anthony said. "See ya tomorrow."

Julie waved goodbye then sighed, noticing Zoe jealously watching. "Just quit it, alright, 'Burger? I'm tired of you stalking me just 'cause you think I'm in love with Anthony."

* * * * *

After her violin lesson, Julie walked back to her tent. While passing by Anthony's neighborhood again, she thought about their conversation after school. Ugh...I can't believe Dad would actually do such things! I mean, it's understandable that he would miss Mom, but that doesn't mean he can take it out on me! She clenched her fists in anger. I mean, I'm also sad and angry that God took Mom away from us, but it's not my fault! And that idiot knows it!

Meanwhile, Anthony watched from his bedroom window. He decided to follow her, because something in their conversation hadn't added up. There was something wrong with her tone of voice, he thought.

By this time, Julie had made it back to her tent. Anthony caught up to her. Julie turned and, seeing Anthony, narrowed her eyes. "You saw me, huh?"

Anthony nodded. "Julie...what happened? Are you OK? Why..."

Julie gently set down her violin case. But when she turned back to Anthony, her eyes were blazing. "Is it really any of your business? I thank you for worrying about me, but I don't need it! Because unlike you, I can take care of myself!"

Anthony was speechless for a moment. Then his face closed and he grabbed Julie's wrist, saying, "Come with me."

As Anthony pulled Julie with him back home, Julie saw a shadow fidgeting back and forth on one of the neighboring elm trees, which was rather unusual. She tried to point it out to Anthony, but he either ignored her or didn't hear. Serves me right for losing my temper, she thought.

* * * * *

In the Zhus' living room, Julie explained to Anthony about her mother's death. "Since then, Dad's been treating me like dirt," she sighed. Anthony nodded, then abruptly stood up and kicked down the door leading to the kitchen. Julie saw Joe uncomfortably standing where the door had once stood. He'd obviously heard everything.

As Julie turned to the window in disgust, she suddenly noticed a shadowy figure darting this way and that, weaving in and out amongst the trees. Anthony was stomping back over to the couch, shaking his head in anger, when the shadowy figure came into close view. Julie jumped up, realizing what was going to happen.

Although it all happened so fast, she felt like she was is slow-motion. "Anthony, watch out!" Too late.

The window shattered as the same mysterious person from before kicked through it. Then they kicked Anthony square in the face. After Anthony flew across the room, hitting the wall with a thunk, the stranger, a teenage boy, straightened up. "I hope you have been well, you idiotic lion."

Julie was thinking, Whoa, these two really don't like each other! The newcomer then turned to her. "Sorry, miss, didn't mean to frighten you or anything like that. I'm Austin Zhu, cousin of that pathetic boy over there." He nodded towards Anthony, then continued, "Pleased to meet you! May I ask what your name is?"

"Uh, Julie. Julie Alvarez," she replied, shaking hands with the handsome blond.

Meanwhile, Anthony had been rubbing his head, trying to lessen the throbbing pain in his head. A few minutes had passed when he saw Austin shaking hands with Julie; he suddenly jumped to his feet from a sitting position and sprinted across the room towards Austin. Julie suddenly realized what Anthony wanted to do, and accordingly stood in front of Austin (although he was totally prepared for such an attack), arms spread out, with a determined expression on her face. But she didn't block Anthony soon enough; he tripped as he was trying to stop, then flew into Julie, who in turn fell into Austin's arms. Poof!

Julie sat up, having fallen onto the hardwood floor. "Sorry, Austin, didn't mean to fall on you, but this idiot--"

She turned around to see a graceful gazelle standing behind her!__________________________________________________________________________________________

So, how'd you like it? Huh? Huh? And I came up with this draft really fast, so please excuse any minor typos/grammar mistakes/etc. I really want to know what you guys think of it, especially if you're a fan of Fruits Basket like me! Later.