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The light of her flashlight illuminated the school as she walked around, checking for anything that might be out of place or unusual. She already signed her name in both of the school buildings and the gym, all that was left was the pool. She liked it, because she was the swimming club's leader. To her, swimming was extremely freeing and also very important for your health. The walk to the pool was very long.. why couldn't they place it closer to the school instead? Nonetheless, after some minutes of walking she arrived. The small gate was closed and she opened it with her keys, pointing her flashlight at the place. Oh how she loved this.
"It's still so pretty, even at night."
She said to herself silently as she got closer to the edge of the pool. What she didn't expect, was someone actually replying to her. Her face went pale for a second. Who was it? No students other than her were allowed to be in school property during the night. It couldn't be a faculty member either or she would've known. She turned around to face the person who spoke to her. It sounded like a girl, huh. She pointed her flashlight directly at the person's shadow. She immediately noticed that it was a student with vibrant sky blue hair, lighter empty eyes and a white mask on her face. The girl faced her and she got a bad feeling in her gut. Why was she in the water at nine P.M. all alone? And why.. was that a crib with a teddy bear wearing a pacifier? What the hell?
"It is, isn't it? Even my baby girl agrees."
The blue haired girl said, referring to the floating small crib. The longer she stared at her, the longer she felt uneasy. She had a feeling this girl wasn't mentally stable at all and she did not like that fact. What was she supposed to do? Get in the water and detain her or try to talk to her? She didn't want to somehow anger her since she didn't know what she could do. Wait. What baby girl? The girl's words lingered in her mind. Was she referring to the teddy bear? Was she delusional or something? She didn't even recognize this girl and she's sure that if she did she'd remember since she always asks to see everyone's ID first thing in the morning.
"Your baby girl? You mean that teddy bear?"
The other girl's eyes narrowed, her eyebrows scrunching. She seemed annoyed from what she understood since her expression was hard to read because of the mask she was wearing. She shook her head.
"No, she's not a teddy bear."
It literally was, but alright. She thought she'd seen all type of crazy shit but this was genuinely insane. The water was probably freezing at this hour! Not even she would go for a swim right now. And why did she even have her school uniform on in the pool? That must be uncomfortable.. she didn't even want to imagine the sticky feeling of her clothes sticking to her skin because of the water full of chlorine- ew. She cringed internally, shaking the thought away.
"If you say so. I need you to get out and give me your ID. Why are you here? Students can't be in school at night or at the pool. I'll have to detain you if you do not collaborate."
The girl took a loud deep breath, before dunking her head under the water for a few seconds. She got back up again and swam to the bluenette as if nothing was happening. Like this was totally normal. She grabbed her leg and Akane couldn't resist the urge to smack her hand harshly. Alright, that was it. What the fuck?! How dare she just touch her like that?
"Give me your ID, NOW. And for heaven's sake, get out of that water! Get that teddy bear out too."
Okay, maybe she had worded her phrase wrong, but could you blame her?! This was absurd! The girl surprisingly agreed and got out, holding the teddy bear to her chest as she did so. Her wet hair fell over her shoulders and before you think that Akane was blushing, she wasn't. She didn't blush at every pretty girl.. of course not. She cleared her throat and pointed her flashlight at the girl curiously. She seemed somewhat older than her.
"What is your name?"
"Aimi. Aimi Nagane."
That name was familiar to her, but she couldn't exactly point her finger at why it was. Where did she hear it? Hm. Her mind raced through her memories but found nothing. Maybe this was just some coincidence. Still, it was a bit disturbing. Aimi. Aimi Nagane.. She heard that somewhere, but where? Her train of thoughts was interrupted by the other girl speaking, her eyes lightening up for a second.
"Are you placeholder for her mother's name for some time's daughter?"
Her eyes widened. How did she know her mother's name? Have they met before? What the hell was going on?
"Uh. Yes. Yes I am. How do you know my mother's name?"
"My mother is placeholder for her mother's name! Her sister! Don't you remember me? I saw you when you were just a baby!"
WHAT? She was related to this girl? So this meant she was her cousin?! No way. That would explain why her name sounded so familiar to her but it was still a pretty big shock. In all honesty she didn't remember her at all, how could she if the last time they'd seen each other was when she was a baby? But she knew better than to anger people who suffered from a poor mental health and she didn't like to offend people, especially if they were family. So, she lied.
"Wait. Aimi? Of course I remember you! Yeah it was uh-.. when I was a year old, I remember, definitely. It is so nice to see you again!"
Aimi chuckled even if it was muffled from the mask she was wearing. Did she not realize she was lying? Huh. Better for her, anyway. They spent the hours talking about Akane's childhood and Aimi seemed to remember things she didn't even remember doing. She was a pretty weird kid, now that she thought about it. It was soon morning and she had to go, so she got up.
"It was nice seeing you again, Ami- uh, AIMI. But I have to go."
"So soon? But I haven't even introduced you to my baby girl!"
Did she seriously thing that teddy bear was her baby? She felt a ping of pity in her heart. That was somewhat depressing. She sighed and walked up to her, before patting the teddy bear's head.
"Sorry. I really have to go. You'll introduce me the next time, hm?"
"Ah. Alright.. Goodbye, then."
As soon as she was about to walk out of the pool, Aimi quickly said something:
"Don't forget to tell auntie I said hi!"
Akane stopped walking, her heart aching. Did she not know? Her mom had left some years ago and died. She bit her lip, trying to figure out what to say. Tell her that her mother was dead or no? The only thing that she could get out was a silent response.
"I will."