By Monday, I felt reluctant to go to work. I didn't mind 
transport, since papa lent his car to me. I just felt reluctant to 
meet Mamo-chan. I felt soeone pulling me off the bed.
      "Usagi, WAKE UP!" mama screamed as she pulled the blankets. I 
just whined, "Mama, I just don't want to go to school!"
      "School? You're 20, not 14!" mama screamed even more. Well, get 
up and face Mamoru, I thought. I was taking such a long time to get to 
work until even Shingo got up from his sleep, and he wakes up at 7.30 
a.m!
      So what if I was a few minutes late, I thought. It was not going 
to be the end of the world or anything. The minute I pushed through 
the door of the center, I bumped into someone. I just muttered a 
'sorry' and went off.
      "Usagi-chan?" The voice behind me called out. I gazed in 
bewilderment. "Ami?" I asked. Finally the two of us gave a short hug 
and laughed.
      "I didn't know you work here, Usagi-chan," Ami said happily.
      "What are you doing here?" I asked Ami-chan.
      "I'm using the library for reference. I'll be finishing my 
internship and graduating in a month's time," Ami said. The she waved 
and went off. I just looked at Ami. She was so lucky, no one to fight 
over her.
      I went to get my lab coat and Mamoru came in. "How was your 
date, Usagi?" his voice seemed unlike the real voice of Mamoru that I 
have known. Now, he was so cold and distant.
      "Er, fine, Mamoru," I replied. I just felt bored talking about
Seiya-kun. He just had to show up to Mamoru. He KNEW I studied in 
Seoul, a good country where the Science studies are good. Not like 
Seiya, who went to a low grade university just to get an education. 
Frankly, Seiya and Yaten never bothered about their education.
      Only Taiki-ahh, Taiki-kun. Now he's not so bad. I think Taiki 
and Ami should be together. I wonder what happened to Taiki since the 
breakup of the Three Lights. I can't believe I was so remorseful over 
their breakup.
	"Usagi-chan, can we talk during lunch?" he asked. I was racing 
for something to say when Okinu-san opened the door.
      "Usagi-san, you have a meeting with some scientists about your 
theory in half an hour. Don't forget," I apologised to Mamoru.
      "How about dinner?"
      "Fine. Where?"
      "Your choice,"
      "Meet me at Ariyoshi at 8," My mouth watered. Ariyoshi's sashimi 
was the best. I closed the door and hugged Okinu.
      "Thanks for helping me, Okinu-san,"
      "What for? I'm for real here,"
      "You mean it's the 20th already?"
      "You never keep track of your dates, do you Usagi? Perhaps 
that's why your paperwork is always dated a week back," Okinu said. I 
looked at my watch. If I run, get my portfolio and run to the meeting 
room, I would be a minute late probably. But this time I don't have to 
stand outside as punishment!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      I was lucky my meeting ended early. That gave me time to run 
back, go home, change then go for dinner. Papa thought as usual, my 
date was Seiya. He has become obsessed with Seiya.
      I met Mamoru earlier than I thought. We ate sashimi, which 
Mamoru had ordered. I just ate. I only ate sashimi in a blue moon 
only.
      As it was early, we went walking at the park. Despite it's 
coldness, we were wrapped up. I was gazing at the clear frozen lake 
when Mamoru put his hand on my shoulder.
      "Has Seiya been nice to you?"
      "Uh..... yes,"
      "You can tell me, Usagi."
      "Actually, no. He's so obnoxious, arrogant and outspoken. But 
he's good company when I'm lonely," I thought that was what Mamoru 
wanted to hear, until-
      "So why don't you break up with him if he's so stupid?"
      "He's not stupid, he's just plain snobbish!"
      "I don't know why are you defending him if he's so-"
      "I am NOT defending him! Did you know how lonely I felt when 
you were gone? Did you know how anxious I was to get you letters until 
I got up earlier than the postman? Only Seiya comforted me when I shed 
tears. Not Ami, Mako, Rei, Mina-P, anybody! They were all too busy 
with their lives!"
      "I disappeared on a plane. Would you believe me if I said I was 
trapped in another dimension? Never knowing I would ever come back and 
see you again? WOULD YOU?" His voice was getting louder and angrier 
at every word he said.
      I wasn't going to lose in this argument. "I never thought about 
that! I just thought you were on another plane! I tried to convince 
myself it wasn't your name on the 'Dead' list! I was too busy 
fighting Galaxia I never thought of you when I fought!  How I wanted 
you during times of trouble!"
      I took a deep breath and continued, "Everytime I heard a voice, 
I thought it was you! But I was disappointed! I kept on fighting until 
I was better and kept on being better until I no longer needed 
ANYONE'S help!" My voice started to tremble. I felt hot tears rolling 
down my cheeks. I mumbled,"I never wantd to be better," 
      "If you're too good, that means that you're too good for me. I 
don't deserve you anymore," Mamoru said softly, bringing me up from 
my knees. He hugged me tightly, then whispered, "Goodbye, Usako," He 
let go of me and walked away, turning into a junction at the park.
      I ran after him, shouting, "Mamo-chan!" as I turned at the 
junction, hoping to see him. He wasn't there. All there was was the 
falling of snow and the cold wind against my face, cooling down 
those fiery hot tears of mine. Mamo-chan was gone.