Irvine had tried for a year to win her over and now that he had, he had his work cut out for him. Quistis glanced at him thoughtfully. He was a good man, a braggart and a flirt at times, but a good man nonetheless.
He'd treat her right and Quistis had no doubt the two would be happy for some time to come. It came as little surprise when the two lovebirds quickly excused themselves for the evening.
Meanwhile Zell finished his karaoke and bowed for the crowd. Nicole greeted him as he stepped from the stage. Entwining her arms around his neck she kissed him warmly. Quistis shook her head as they too wished everyone a goodnight.
Walked hand in hand the two made their way out of the hall. Headmaster Cid made his way to the stage and got everyone's attention. Taking the microphone in hand he addressed the crowd.
"Well everyone, it's been a great year. I know there've been many changes, but be assured that we'll get through them. Now then I'd like to take the time to thank your operations leader. A good man, whose come far in the last two years." Cid turned and smiled proudly at Squall.
"He and his team helped save us all and for that we owe him a hearty round of applause. Squall, you're doing a great job. We're all so proud of you."
Cid motioned for him to stand and everyone clapped in agreement. Rinoa smiled warmly at him and prodded him gently. Squall stood and waved awkwardly to everyone before slinking back down into his seat.
He cut Rinoa an icy look and she beamed back brightly at him in response. Quistis watched them, her crystal blue gaze quivering slightly.
She wished them well, she really did. Rinoa was like a sister and Squall like it or not was like a brother.
She'd tried to be more but he flat out spurned her advances. She resented him for that at times but deep down she still harbored feelings for him. She sighed deeply as everyone rose and began to depart.
"Parties over I guess." She thought glumly.
The interior lights grew bright and she winced at their intrusion. Blinking back tears she looked around and noticed Rinoa approaching.
"Quisty? I thought you left and hour ago. Why are you sulking around back here for?"
Quistis smiled thinly and rubbed her temple.
"Sorry I just have a killer headache, the lights" She lied, not wanting her friend to worry over her. Rinoa regarded her through thin eyes not believing any of it but not wanting to press her.
"If you say so. I'm here if you want to talk." She offered sincerely.
Quistis faked another smile and nodded.
"Thank you hon its nothing a good nights sleep can't fix."
"Okay then." Rinoa said sounding unsure. "You do that, get some sleep you look so tired." She hugged her friend lightly then walked back over to Squall.
He was talking with Cid and Edea about the new batch of students that had recently arrived.
Quistis took the opportunity to leave and walked toward the balcony. She opened the door and a gust of cold air greeted her as she stepped outside. Sighing heavily she looked up at the stars.
The chill was biting and she rubbed her shoulders for warmth. Her black evening gown offered little protection from the cold and she shivered slightly. She laughed bitterly to herself.
"Perhaps I should just stay and freeze to death" She thought grimly.
"Stop thinking like that you ninny. You're stronger than this, besides, that would solve nothing."
"Wouldn't it? My life has no meaning anymore. I go day by day living my boring little life all the while trying to convince myself that my students need me.
The truth is, I need them. They make me feel wanted. It's selfish I know but it's all I have anymore."
"What's wrong with me." Whimpering softly she sunk to her knees onto the cold balcony floor. The tears came frighteningly easy and unhindered and she held herself as if to keep from shattering.
She was lost and she knew it, there was nothing for her, anymore. She felt so alone recently, everyone was going on with there life even Squall, hell even Zell.
She buried her head in her hands feebly and loathed herself for loosing control. It wasn't like her to succumb to self-pity; it made her feel like a lost child.
"Perhaps, that's all I am. Not that anyone cares."
"Rinoa tried to help."
"Out of obligation, she resents you fawning after Squall."
"That's not fair." She chided herself and weakened further for doubting her friends.
"They love me I know they do but no one understands. I just want more from life. I am tired of waking up in the middle of the night frightened and alone, always alone."
I see the woman break down before me. It's as much unexpected as awkward. I've always held a grudging respect for Quistis, and to see her reduced to this quivering wreck was unnerving.
I decide it'd be best to remain silent. Odd though, in another time I'd laugh, but now her sorrow hits to close to home. I have a clue as to what the problem is.
Even I noticed how she looked at him in the past and how she changed when that silly girl came. How her heart sank as another woman won his heart. Spurned now, Quistis, who could have anyone she wanted at a whim.
Instead she chooses to cry for him, to self-destruct, all for him. Now she's spent and ruined and none but I bear witness. We've a lot in common I realize. So much alike in many ways and suddenly that scares me.
"Could I end up like her?"
What if I already am, and just to stupid to realize it. I get angry, how can she give up like this it's not like her and he's not worth it.
"STOP IT!" I shout unexpectedly and immediately regret it. Damn it I let myself be known.