Chapter 7 - Fairytale Options

I heard a scuff of shoes and lowered my magazine - Combat King's recent issue - to see a totally and completely unexpected visitor. My stomach jumped as my grip tightened on the magazine. Seifer stepped further into the room with crossed arms, a slight scowl, and an intense expression same as always. I swallowed hard and sent a quick glance over his right shoulder to the clock on the far wall. 8:15. Uh oh. I had totally and completely forgotten.

Seifer uncrossed his arms and twirled Zell's normal chair around to straddle it, resting his arms along the back. "Excuse."

I cleared my throat. "Doctor's orders," I whispered.

"Reason."

I swallowed hard again. "Concussion," I whispered, and my voice was close to a squeak.

"Explanation."

"Bad fall on the way to Balamb." You know, he sounds like Fujin. And if I hadn't been so terrified, I probably would have smiled or laughed.

Seifer pressed his lips together into a very thin line, making me almost flinch. "Time."

"A day or two. Dr. Kadowaki wants to keep an eye on me. And I've had dizzy spells. She might not let me--"

"But you are joining my team?" he pressed.

I blinked. "Oh. You mean it was only an option?" I asked hesitantly.

Seifer actually laughed, which took me totally by surprise. "An option? Yeah. I guess you could say that."

"You would have just persuaded me to say 'yes'--"

He pointed at me so quickly I leaned back. "Exactly."

I cleared my throat again as he lowered his hand. "I-I'm sorry for not telling you, sir," I hesitantly began. "I've been forgetting little things like that. Dr. Kadowaki says it's only temporary."

"It is."

Not only was I surprised at his response, I was shocked he hadn't left yet. "Y-You've had a concussion before?"

Seifer smirked. "You don't become a SeeD without them."

I flushed and lowered my eyes to the magazine. "Yeah. I guess you don't." Geez, Sally. Duh!

Seifer stood and put the chair back the way it was. "I'll expect you in my office in a couple days, so don't do anything stupid at the beach with your folks."

My eyes widened as I carefully shook my head, which resulted in a wince and a hand to my head to keep it from spinning. "I won't."

Seifer scoffed and then pointed at me. "Ice it." Then he turned and left the infirmary.

I relaxed back into the pillows with a deep breath.

*

"Ready?"

I looked over my right shoulder at Zell as I nodded. "Let's go."

Zell pushed the wheelchair forward - the one stipulation Dr. Kadowaki had in letting me go hang out with my parents on the beach.

"She's going to let you go to the inauguration ball, right?"

"I don't know. She says it depends on if I'm still having dizzy spells."

Zell released a quick breath. "It's gonna totally suck if you can't go."

I smiled. "It won't be that bad."

"Nah. I guess not. I mean, I could always grab a boombox and go hang out at the infirmary. It's just... Well, I've been kinda takin' dance lessons. I wanted to show off."

I twisted carefully in the chair as Zell pushed it along the main corridor to the front gate. "Dance lessons? Really?"

Zell grinned. "Yeah. I kinda made a fool of myself at my ball. I didn't want to do the same thing with you."

My heart melted as I gave him a mushy expression and an, "Awww. That's so sweet."

His ears pinked - I thought it looked so cute - and he chuckled. "Hey. Anything for my girl."

I reached up and touched his cheek - I had mushy moments and touchy-feely escapades all the time... almost - as I whispered, "Thanks, Zell. You didn't have to, but thanks."

Zell's ears actually darkened to red as he winked. "Sure. Now hold on. I wanna see how fast this thing can go."

I giggled and turned around, gripping the arms of the chair. "Ready."

So Zell and I squealed and "vroom"ed down the halls - not necessarily in that order - gathering shouts and hollers and laughs as we went. I have no idea how Zell got the chair to go that fast, nor how he propped himself up behind so that he didn't have to run along with it, but I didn't care. We were having a blast, I was going to do my best to go to the inauguration ball the next week, Zell wanted to dance with me, and we were on our way to play with my parents. Any fantasies and fairytales I had ever previously had in all my three years of watching him had been completely and utterly blown away. My venture had not only gained me a best friend, it had gained me a new life. A new perspective. A 'new smile'. Which of course is totally the poetic/romantic way of looking at it.

Zell "screeeeeech"ed the chair to a halt by the front gate and then lifted the entire thing up and over, accompanied of course by my squeals of "Zell! What are you doing?" To which he replied, "Showing off" with the most adorable grin I had ever seen. Then we were off again, wheeling carefully down the stairs before letting the gravity of the hill outside Garden do its work and pull us the rest of the way toward the beach.

Zell was a great driver.

Mom and Dad had the picnic blanket and chairs all set up. They greeted us with waves and shouts of "You made it!"

Zell parked the wheelchair on the edge of the sand and then came around to gather me up in his arms with an "Up ya go."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled before placing a kiss on his cheek. "Just because," I told him when he gave me a questioning look.

He grinned. "Dude. That rocks."

I giggled and then gave a slight cringe at a throb of my head. I grimaced while muttering "Oh go away."

Zell chuckled. "Damn straight."

Dad stood and headed toward us. He had dressed in his favorite pair of dark green and yellow shorts and wore a T-shirt with the name of our pet shop. "How are you doing today, hon?"

"Wonderful," I said with a genuine smile, and I finally noticed that one of my hands was absently stroking the back of Zell's neck while playing with his hair. I flushed lava and forced it to stop, never once looking away from my dad. "Did you and Mom have fun last night?"

"As luck would have it, the hotel had a night of dancing. We must have been out until 3 am."

Zell whistled. "Way to go, pop."

Dad laughed as he fell into step beside us. "When you're up and around on your own power, hon, I recommend it. It was great fun, and the food was wonderful."

I smiled and nodded before looking at Zell. "You think we could?"

"A night of food and dancing with the best looking girl in Garden?" Zell twisted up his face in thought. "Gee. Let me think."

I giggled and looked back over at my dad. "It would be totally awesome if you and mom could come. We'll let you know when we’re planning on going so that you can get away."

Dad nodded and rubbed my back. "Sounds wonderful, hon, but why don't you and Zell take an evening for yourself first. Especially since your first date didn't quite work out the way you'd hoped."

My mouth dropped open. "He told you about that?" I whispered.

Dad laughed. "Of course, hon. I asked."

"Oh."

Dad noticed my sidelong glance to Zell before I lowered my gaze to the toes of my shoes. "Sally, you didn't do anything wrong. Why would you be nervous about Zell telling me what happened?"

"I-I don't know. Because we fell asleep... Maybe?" I sent him a glance.

Dad smiled. "And you figured I'd think what?"

I shrugged. "It sounds kind of... I don't know."

Dad chuckled and tousled my hair. "Sally, I know you well enough to know you wouldn't do what you think I would think."

Zell caught my gaze and whispered, "I told you so."

I pushed at the side of his head with a gentle touch and a smile. "Oh be quiet you."

We arrived at the collection of beach loungers. "Come on, Zell," Dad said as he motioned to the lounger saved for me. "Leave her to the girl talk while we go toss the ball around."

Zell slowly crouched and placed me within the chair - I still can't believe how graceful he is! - straightening after giving me a quick kiss on the cheek and a gentle tug on my ponytail. Then he jogged after my dad, cute as a button in his aqua shorts and white T-shirt. I hunkered down into my chair with a deep sigh as I watched him.

Mom reached over to squeeze my hand. "Dad told me," she said softly. "When did he ask?"

I looked over at my mom with a full smile. "He didn't. I did. Almost a week ago."

She cupped my chin with her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Good girl."

I flushed and looked back over at Zell and Dad once she lowered her hand. I sighed again. "He's so sweet, Mom. I mean, I always knew he was, but..."

"Now that you've had a chance to get to know him, you see him as a lot more three dimensional?"

I nodded, giving a slight giggle when Zell kept motioning for my dad to "Go long" while adjusting his hold on the football. "But it's more than that, mom. A lot more." I released a slow breath. "Even though we've only been 'dating' for a week, I feel like I've known him for ages."

"Sally, in a way you have," Mom reminded. "You know his favorite food, his favorite music, his teaching schedule, his enemies, his habits... Honey, you know him better than anyone, except for his mother."

"I guess," I said softly.

Mom chuckled and reached an arm around my shoulders. "Zell's a doll, honey."

I sent her a sheepish smile. "I know."

"Yo, Meg! Check it out!" Zell called.

Mom and I looked over at the pair of boys in time to watch Zell throw a beautiful pass, which my dad caught.

"Ohhh yeaaahhh!" Zell exulted. "And the crowd goes wild!"

Mom and I laughed as we vigorously clapped. Zell and Dad both took a bow and then exchanged an ‘air-five’ before resuming their game.

I crossed my arms with yet another slow sigh. Then my smile slowly wavered to a serious expression. I looked over at Mom. "Mom, I don’t want to do this again. Remember when I was 16 and we talked about ‘dating’? I told you I didn’t want to because I didn’t think I could handle the break-up." I shook my head and moved my gaze back to Zell. "I haven’t changed my mind about that, and I wouldn’t have told Zell how I felt about him unless I thought I felt more than just a crush."

"Honey..." She caressed my cheek. "Honey, I still believe the decision to not actively ‘date’ is a good one, especially for you. You’re so sensitive that it would have done more damage than good." Mom encircled my shoulders with an arm. "Keep enjoying your friendship and your feelings. Talk to him. Let him find out who you are while you find out more about who he is. If you’re meant to be together, it’ll happen when you’re ready." Mom smiled. "Although I don’t think you need to worry about anything. From what Zell has told me, this is his first serious relationship."

I blinked. "Really?"

Mom nodded. "He’s eager enough to make friends with everyone, as you know, but the kind of friendship he has with you..." Her smile softened. "Zell said it’s the first time he’s even wanted to move further." She touched my nose. "And look at you. You’re nineteen and you’ve never been seriously interested in anyone but Zell. You’re taking the proper steps, honey. Just relax in that. Okay?"

"Meg! Catch!"

I looked up and over just as Zell passed the football. It was a beautiful pass, as usual, and luckily I caught it just as gracefully. I grinned, lifting the ball high in the air as Zell sounded several shrill whistles. Then he began chanting "Pass! Pass! Pass!" I giggled and then hurled the ball to the best of my limited capacity. Zell caught it and immediately passed it to Dad.

I looked over at Mom. "Okay, Mom. I’ll take Zell’s advice, and yours, and take it as it goes."

I watched in content silence from my wheelchair as Zell bid my parents "See ya later" accompanied by a hug. Dad received a more robust one than Mom, of course. Then Mom and Dad headed off toward Balamb at an easy pace and Zell pushed me - and my chair - toward Garden. "How you doin’?" he asked with a nudge to my back. "You okay?"

I nodded, tilting my head back to smile up at him. "Great. My head hurts a little, but it’s loads better than earlier." I lifted my head up again. "No more dizzy spells, either."

"Doctor, I think she’s cured."

I smiled and snuggled down into the blanket Zell had wrapped me in. "I’m glad."

"Me too. We can go dancing out at the hotel tomorrow now."

"And you can show off."

Zell grinned. "I could show off even if we just danced in the infirmary."

"I know." I flushed and said, "but I want to dance with you in front of everyone. Talk about romantic, with the stars and the orchestra and the girls in dresses and the guys in awesome tuxes."

"Then I’m glad you’re feeling better. I don’t think everyone woulda wanted to move the dancing to the Infirmary; though I woulda tried."

I giggled and tilted my head back again. "You silly."

He wiggled his eyebrows at me. "That’s me."

I smiled up at him. "This was fun, Zell. I’m glad you did it." I lifted my head and rested my chin in my hand, the elbow propped against the arm of the wheelchair. "It was really great to see you and Dad hit it off."

"Your dad’s awesome, Meg. He’s gonna try and get tickets for the game next month for me and your brother and him. I guess the Timber Wolves are playing the Deling City Cannibals for a spot in the Play-Offs."

My smile became a bit dreamy as I envisioned future games and picnics and family outings as Mrs. Sally Dincht. It sounded pretty wonderful.

"Dad and Zack will make a day of it," I said in a wistful tone. "They’ll pick you up early, go out for breakfast, chum around a little bit, and then Zack will get you back into the players’ locker room so that you can meet the guys and get autographs. Then you’ll get lunch with the team manager and the best seats in the house. After that, you’ll go to dinner with the team."

The chair slowed and stopped. Then Zell turned it around to face him. His expression showed wonder and disbelief. "You’re kidding."

I lifted my chin from my hand as I shook my head. "Nope. Zack gets all the cool stuff because of being manager at the T.V. station. They broadcast the games now."

Zell placed a hand on each arm of the wheelchair and leaned in. "Players’ locker room?" I nodded. "Lunch with the manager?" I nodded again, my smile widening. "Dinner with the team?"

I nodded and giggled. "Uh-huh." Zell’s jaw worked. My giggle blossomed to a laugh. "Get used to special treatment, sweetie," I told him, my eyes twinkling. "My brother has a V.I.P. pass to every game in Timber."

"Hot damn!" he finally exclaimed. His grin nearly burst from his face. "This totally rocks!"

I nodded. "I knew you’d love it."

Zell’s face went completely serious as he pushed away from the chair and rested a hand over his heart. "Dude, Sally, I am your slave for your entire life."

I giggled as I shook my head. "Don’t be silly. I love doing things like this for you. And I know Dad is always looking for guys to add to his list of buddies to take to the games. Gives him and Zack an excuse to get rowdy."

"But this? I mean... Sally, we’re talking the Timber Wolves locker room! Time with the team!"

I nodded. "Yup."

Zell smiled and leaned in close, forearms crossed and resting on my lap. "You are way too good to me, Meg."

I shook my head slightly. "Nuh-uh," I whispered, and I couldn’t – and didn’t want to – look away from his blue eyes.

Zell stayed quiet and close for another awesome moment. Then he said, "Do you have any idea how much I wanna kiss you right now?"

I gave a very slight and slow nod.

One side of Zell’s lips twitched upward moments before he pressed his lips gently against mine, which of course gave birth to a universe of possibilities and fantasies and fairytales of wedded bliss.

Then he pulled back, almost reluctantly it seemed to me, and gave me a wink. "Come on, shy girl. Let’s get back to Garden. I can’t wait to tell Squall where I’m going next month."

My lips lifted in a silly smile as I nodded, and then he straightened and turned the chair back toward Garden. I sighed and closed my eyes, surrendering again to my daydreams that didn’t seem so impossible anymore.

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