COME HOME

"Uwaah~... Tired..."

My body was exhausted from the strenuous activities I have put it through, and my stomach was filled with the chocolate I ate with Kris. I plopped on my bed and drank from a new bottle of water. I rubbed my damp hair with a towel and reached into my desk's drawer. Picking up my phone, I checked to see if I had any missed messages: two missed calls and two texts. My eyes widened as I read the names of who called and messaged. "...Why is he messaging me now?" I mumbled to myself. Then I stared at the other name "Chii..." I thought for a second. 'Did I miss a holiday, or someone's birthday?' Opening them up, I scanned to see what my family wanted.

I almost spat my drink out.

"A wedding? Who is he... It's at the end of the week?! I can't go, I'm busy with the show!" I groaned, thinking about my options. "In two weeks I'll be on break so why couldn't he have it then?!"

'But more importantly, why couldn't he tell me sooner? This is just too last minute.' I hit my face with my palm and sighed heavily. 'Father...' I crossed my legs and slouched over, putting my elbows on my thighs.

'Will Mr. Epps even understand? But I just can't leave everyone. I know I don't have too much of a big role... But that bitch Sarah will give me one heck of a hard time...' I thought long and hard, but I didn't know what to do. After ruffling my hair, I laid down on my bed and gazed at the ceiling.

"It's been two years... Two years since I left... I hope Chii isn't angry." I lost myself in thought. When I left Japan for the stage, my sister was sixteen. I knew she could take care of herself, but I abandoned her... What kind of big sister leaves her younger sibling alone?

I covered my eyes with my arm and bit my lower lip.

Yet...

"Onee-san, are you leaving?" Young Ema had a crumpled up paper in her hand.

"Chii..." I stared at the paper, but I didn't look at her. I couldn't face her, even if I haven't made up my mind. I wanted to bring her with me, but the company could offer only one ticket.

"You should do it."

"Huh?" I looked at her surprised. She placed the contract paper in front of me.

"You've been practicing so hard, and I know it's your dream to go up on stage." She had a smile on her face.

"But... I can't just leave you and father." It really was true that I don't, however I wanted to prove to my father...

"Oh, I'll be alright. I can handle myself, and I don't want to be the one to hold you back from your goals in life."

"Chii..." My eyes began to blur with tears.

"I want to see my older sister soar high and shine bright," she said, her eyes twinkling.

I walked over to her and embraced her. "Thank you, lil' sis. You've matured so much." I felt the hot tears roll down my cheeks. "I won't let you down, I promise. I want you and father to see me perform one day." I felt her arms wrap around me. "I can do it, you'll see."

Or so I said. None of them have seen me on stage yet. Heck, I don't even think Ema has a passport. When I told my dad I was leaving, he was so upset. I could feel his anger stabbing me as we talked. Nonetheless, I had hoped to see him once on his travels. Either in California, Florida, or New York. But he hasn't spoken to me in a while. Only to greet me on my birthday and the holidays.

I rubbed my eyes and rolled to my side. I opened up Ema's message and read it.

"To: Erin Hinata
From: Ema Hinata
Title: I've missed you!

Hey onee-chan, how have you been? Have you reached your dream? I really wish I could see you on stage...

Anyway, papa's getting married, if you haven't heard. He's marrying this apparel maker named Miwa Asahina. Did you know that Miwa-san has thirteen sons?"

"Th-thirteen?! Why so many!"

"I've started to live with them..."

"What?!"

"...and they are all great! Don't worry, they are treating me well. Our family has grown so much, don't you think?"

I frowned.

We may call them brothers, but they aren't related to us by blood, Ema. I hope nothing bad has happened. Thinking about living with thirteen men made me feel uneasy.

"We miss you, you know. Papa, Juli, and I. Do you think... You can stay for a while? The Asahina residence is big, and there is an extra room for you. Just for a while, okay? I want to be able to spend time with you; I don't want you to leave right away."

"I really hope to hear from you soon. I love you!"

Guilt struck my heart. I wanted to see them, I truly do. It's been so long. But will Mr. Epps be okay with my leave of absence?

I groaned and got up. After turning off the lights, I placed my phone on the night stand and slipped into bed.

That night, I slept with unease thinking about the situation that presented itself in front of me.

"Absolutely not. I cannot have you missing out a week of performance, and who knows how long after." The man sternly said from behind his desk.

"But sir, it's an important event, plus I haven't seen them in two years."

"I don't care. You can't abandon your duty just because your family wants you home."

"But...!"

"It is decided!" He said in a booming voice. I hung my head in shame and sadness.

"Yes sir..." I spun on my heel and began to leave.

"I'm not through with you yet." 'Oh no, what is it this time?' "You better give me an excellent performance the entire way through." 'Of course...' "If you do," he continued, "then I'll arrange a flight to Japan for you." I looked at him with wide eyes. 'Is he really?' "And! I'll let you have one more week to stay with them. That's two weeks! No more, no less. Realize that you will not be paid during your absence." I felt my heart swell up and beat in joy. "Do you understand?"

"Of course! I won't let you down, I'll give you the best performance a supporting cast member can!" I refrained myself from hugging him; I'm so happy!

"Good, now go and get ready. We have a show at noon."

"Yes sir! Thank you so much Mr. Epps!" I saw him smile at me as I left.

'Finally! I get to see my family. I get to be with Chii again, and see Juli. I get to talk to my father again...'

"Ehh?! You're leaving?!" Kris looked at me surprised as we rested in the changing room. The adrenaline the performance gave made us numb.

"Yeah, the boss allowed me to have one extra week off. I'm still missing the wedding though." I took off my gloves.

"B-But you promised to go to the city with me!" Next week, we were to head over to New York to perform at one of the branches of the company. During the week break, Kris and I were supposed to venture into the Big Apple, for it was our tradition to go to the big city of any of the three states we go to. "It's just unacceptable!" She began to peel off her costume. We helped each other out and put on our normal clothes.

"I'm sorry Kris, but I have to! Please understand." I tied on my sneakers and looked at her. She can be a drama-Queen from time to time.

"Fine, but on one condition." She firmly placed her hands on my shoulders. "Bring back a souvenir. Better yet, bring me back a Japanese boyfriend!" She begged. I sweat dropped. A drama queen indeed.

"No way! You're going back to Japan?" Timothy asked as the three of us ate pudding in Kris's dorm room.

"Yeah, I'm going to stay with my siblings for a short while," I said with a smile.

"Yeah, thirteen brothers and one sister in one roof. That must be fun!" She snickered. I lightly blushed at Kris's comment. We looked at the young man as he coughed up his pudding.

"Th-th-th-thirteen brothers?! Just you and your sister with th-th-thirteen older men?!" Timothy was, to say the least, flabbergasted. His face turned into a bright shade of red as his mind wandered.

"Hey!" I threw my empty pudding cup at him, getting an idea of what he's fantasizing. "Nothing like that will happen! Anyway, five of them are younger than me, and two don't even live in the same house."

"Are your brothers hot? Can you bring one back?" Kris looked at me with hopeful eyes.

I heaved a big sigh and shook my head. "I don't know what they look like."

"Send me pictures, please!" She was on her knees, begging.

"Yes yes..." I gave her head a gentle pat. I probably won't. 'They are probably ugly if Miwa-san kept trying until she got thirteen boys.' I giggled at my small joke. "But they sound great. At least my younger sister seems to be doing fine."

-Knock knock.-

"Lights off everyone. Time to head back into your rooms."

"Ehh?! You're no fun supervisor!" Kris whined.

"Don't be like that missy! If you don't listen, I'll knock you all out myself!"

Kris and I smiled, while Timothy looked a bit frightened. "What? You would really do that to two beautiful ladies? And Erin?"

With a pout, I lightly smacked Kris on the head. "And what is that suppose to mean?"

"Wait, what?" Timothy was utterly confused.

"Oww!~ Supervisor! Erin is harassing me!" Kris whined.

The woman on the other side of the door sighed in annoyance. "I mean it you three."

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow!" I stood up and gathered the garbage, putting them in the trash.

Kris heavily placed her hand on his head. "Bright and early Timmy!"

The young man flinched. "R-Right," Timothy said with a small, uneasy smile.

As I walked to my room, I wondered what my brothers were like. I hoped that they were really treating lil' sis well. At least I can count on Juli to protect her.

"Don't worry Chuu-chan! I'll be Chii-chan's knight in shining armor. I won't let anything harm her little head!"

I smiled at the memory of the squirrel's declaration before I left.

When I entered my room, I washed up my face and took my contact out. It was nearing midnight, and I still haven't told my family the plan. I grabbed my phone from the drawer.

"Huh? And hour ago?" There was a recent call from my younger sister. I debated whether to call back at this time or not.

I don't know why, but my heart was pounding. Was I afraid to talk to her? No, that can't be it...

I dialed back her number and placed the phone on my ear.

-Riiiing. Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing.-