My heart skipped a beat when Nobu grabbed my hand. "Nana, I need to ask you something," he paused and I turned to look at him. He never called me Nana. His face was filled with fear, but he continued on, looking me in the eye, "Are you happy?"
I froze , remembering the words Nana said to me all those years ago, "You better be happy, or else everything Nobu gave up was for nothing."
The truth was I knew this day would come. The day I'd have to confront him and speak aloud the words I've been holding back for years. His eyes were filled with pain, and I wanted to keep lying. I wanted to tell him everything was wonderful. But I couldn't. "Nobu," I wrapped my arms around him, letting myself feel something I haven't felt in what seemed like an eternity, "I'm always happy with you."
He returned my embrace. It was surreal to hold him again, like a dream. In a strike of courage, I placed my lips on his. It was like coming home from a long work trip.
When we parted Nobu took me in his arms again, squeezing me tighter. "I love you. I always have, and I don't want to be apart anymore." Tears swelled in my eyes. I felt the same way, but so much was at stake. My children, my home. It could all fall apart. But then he said the last words I expected, "I want to be with my son." I fell to the floor in sobbs. So he knew. I should've known better than to think otherwise.
"Nobu... I... I don't know. The kids, my home. What would happen? I'm not sure I should risk it..."
He put his hands on my shoulders, "We'll take our time, do it right. I love you, and the kids too. I won't let any of you suffer or make it harder on them than it alrighty is. But you deserve happiness, too"
I looked up at him in disbelief, and for a moment we just stared into eachothers eyes. Then I slightly jumped at the sound of knocking.
"Mommy! Hurry up! You're taking too long!"
I took a deep breath, and stood. Nobu have me one more kiss. "We'll talk about this later, Okay? I love you, and I will do everything I can to make sure you and the children are happy."
I nodded, smiling. We walked out, not hand in hand as to not make Satsuki worry, but with newfound that our dreams for happiness will finally come true.