Chi-Chi cried into the phone.
"Yeah, Kate...why would I lie about this?! They tried to wish him back but he said he didn't want to…but why would he…" She choked on her tears. "Sorry. Do you mind if I call you back another time? I just need to go lie down for a while." She hung up the phone and sobbed on her pillow. She'd been in bed since the morning before.
She couldn't help but feel bad for hanging up, but she was in no condition to talk. Kate was her younger half sister by 10 years. Though they looked similar, she always thought Kate was more beautiful; both inside and out. She sighed. She never thought she'd be a single parent…
Nothing, and no one could understand, let alone heal the pain she was feeling.
She closed her eyes, playing back memories of her and Goku, and fell asleep.
-
"Dad!" Kate ran through the hallways of their house to the living room, where the Ox King was seated in a recliner reading a book.
"What is it Kate?"
She smiled and slung her backpack straps over her shoulders. She sported a black jacket, black yoga pants, and sneakers. Her hair unlike Chi-Chi's was always parted to the left side. Having gone to school/work in the city, their styles were quite different, despite how similar they looked.
He smiled back at her.
"You know, she said she didn't want any visitors."
Kate flicked her hand.
"Don't worry. I've always known how to cheer her up."
Ox King nodded his head. "Just be safe, and make sure you guys look after each other, okay?"
Kate nodded and walked out the door.
Gohan paced outside his mother's room door nervously.
Do I wake her up? Should I?
"Gohan?"
Chi-Chi called from inside the room.
The young boy opened the door slowly.
"Yes, mom?"
She was standing at her mirror, frantically trying to fix herself up.
"Who's at the door, honey?"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm not too sure, and I didn't want to open the door just in case."
Chi-Chi placed a hand on his head, and smiled down at her son.
"Good, Gohan. You did the right thing."
The widow fixed her hair up once more before opening the door.
"Kate?!"
-
Kate stood there with a basket full of fruits. She looked similar to Chi-Chi, except she had long black hair parted to the left side, and wore clothes that were more modern. She sported black leggings, brown boots, and a white chiffon button up blouse. She truly was beautiful.
"Hi Chi-Chi! I know you didn't want guests and stuff….but I was in the neighbourhood and thought I'd bring you your favourites!" She pulled out a mango from the basket. "Mangos from our tree!"
Chi-Chi looked at her younger sister for a moment before pulling her into an embrace.
"You're crazy. Don't change."
The two sisters stayed up late that night catching up, and most of all—laughing.
Kate had gone to the city to study since she was young. Ox King had decided that it would be the better route for his younger daughter. This being the case, her and Chi-Chi would usually only get to spend the summer together. However, as they grew older—the summer visits became less and less frequent. They hadn't seen each other in over 5 years
"Are you serious? You actually got away with that?! "
Kate laughed.
"Yeah, my business law teacher really liked me I guess?"
They both burst out laughing.
Gohan sat there listening, just happy to see his mother smiling again.
Kate turned to her nephew.
"You know-Bulma tells me you're quite the martial artist."
Gohan beamed with pride.
"Really? She said that to you?"
Kate nodded her head, and caught Chi-Chi looking somewhat disappointed from the corner of her eye.
"She also told me you're going to be quite the scholar when you grow up." She peeked over at Chi-chi and was relieved to see her smiling.
Gohan smiled and nodded.
Chi-Chi patted him on the head. "That's right."
He spoke up shyly.
"Yeah, I'm trying my hardest I guess." He laughed shyly. "Um….auntie Kate? So, how long will you be planning to stay with us?"
Chi-Chi pulled her sister's hands close to her.
"Oh please tell me you'll stay for a while? Maybe even the whole summer?!"
Kate laughed.
"Well I don't know…..I only brought 3 months' worth of clothes with me."
Chi-Chi squealed from excitement.
"Gohan, will you be alright sleeping with mommy for a while, so Auntie can use your room?"
The young half Saiyan nodded with a smile.
"Of course!"
Chi-Chi got up from her seat.
"This is so great! I'll go get your room ready!"
She hugged her younger sister once more.
"Thank you so much, Kate."
By the time it all ended, it was just past midnight.
Kate was exhausted-having driven for 6 hours just to get to the Son residence.
She climbed into bed, but was startled by a gentle rapping on the door.
Gohan came in holding a blanket.
"Sorry to bother you auntie, but I thought you might need this." He placed it on the bed.
"It gets really cold in my room at night."
Kate smiled. "Thanks, Gohan." He was so endearing. "You'll need to show me your martial arts skills sometime, okay?"
He nodded his head and smiled before leaving the room, closing the door quietly.
Kate pulled the blankets over her and drifted off into sleep.