Chapter 2: A New Beginning-Awkward Much?
The sounds of shuffling feet and the discussion of whether or not to stick a feeding tube down Ai's throat brought her to consciousness. As her eyes opened slightly, she could hear a nurse say "She's awake," and another say "I'll go get her father".
Father?
Ai's eyes opened wider, and she tried to sit up.
A firm grip rested on her shoulder. "No," the nurse said. "Stay."
With frantic eyes, Ai barely rested under her grip. If she had more strength, she would have sat up regardless of the old woman's grip. Unfortunately, her hand kept her pinned to the pillow. A few seconds later, she saw her father quickly approach her with worry.
"Ai, I am so sorry. I left the oven on. I forgot I was brewing tea. Are you alright?"
Ai blinked in confusion. "I was talking to mom.." she mumbled.
"You will have to pardon her," the older nurse said, "she hasn't been completely with it. For some strange reason, she hasn't been able to move very well.
"She will be able to walk again, right?" her father immediately turned his attention to the nurse.
"Of course she will. We expect this is the cause of shock. The moment she recovers from that emotion, she should be just fine. However, she will have some scarring on a few locations of her body with one second degree burn and several first degree. She will need to stay for about a week to ensure safe recovery, and to administer pain medication. After that, however, she is home free. She may attend classes shortly after.
All Ai could do was look from her father to the nurse as the spoke of the particulars of her hospitalization, and what she would be capable of upon her return to school. She was still in a daze, because she hadn't even known what had happened. It was all just too bizarre. Why was she able to speak to mom so clearly right before, and how did Naoki know that there was a fire at her house? Why had he saved her if he hated her? It was all just too confusing. Home sounded nice to return to.
When the conversation between the nurse and her father came to a stop, the nurse stated that she was going to get her food. As she left, she ushered the younger nurse out with her.
It became very quiet as her father stood above her. He quietly walked around the bed to the chair on the other side, and sat down with a sigh. He reached out for Ai's hand, and gripped it gently.
"Are you in pain, Ai?" he asked quietly.
Ai shook her head. "I don't feel anything."
He nodded his head. "the pain killers," he stated, obviously.
"Well, we don't have a house anymore."
"What?" Ai stuttered. "What?"
"It all burned down, not a trace of it left. We have to move."
"You-you're serious?" Ai thought of all her things-her acceptance letter to her high school, her pictures with her friends, her diary, and everything that held sentimental value-her picture of mom-it was all gone. Tears welled up in her eyes as she took all of it in.
"I have a friend who is allowing us to stay at his place for now. It's a very nice place. We're lucky to have this chance. You will even be able to attend the same high school."
Oh yay. I still get to see that jerk Naoki, she thought bitterly.
"That's good," she replied reluctantly. "Hey dad, I'm still really tired. I think I'm going to go back to sleep."
"Alright." Her father got up awkwardly and left the room. He was never sure how to act around his daughter. He didn't know how to handle women, except for his past wife, Haruma. As he left, Ai drifted off into a restless sleep.
The whole week went by very slowly. Ai was slowly able to move again, and soon walked quite normally, aside from the fact that she still wasn't very fast.(going to gym one day, decides she's ready to try-winds up having her body give up control) Akiko came to visit her often, and gave her the assignments that she missed in class. She seemed to be reluctant to speak of how school was. She often avoided the topic.
"Just concentrate on getting better," she said many times.
Finally, the day came when she could leave. She still had to take many painkillers, because the burns she had were most definitely painful. She often didn't feel it though, since she was always taking it. Her father led her carefully out of the hospital toward a cab.
"My friend insisted on having the chauffeur pick us up, but I denied him. We are not charity, after all."
Ai began to wonder just how well off this guy was if he had a chauffeur.
They drove for a little while until they began driving through a well-off looking neighborhood. They turned off to a road with a huge gate. Her father got out and pushed the intercom button.
"Ichigawa! We're here!"
"Yamada! Come right in! I'll get everyone assembled to meet you!"
Ai looked shocked. Naoki's last name was Ichigawa…but that was a coincidence, right?
The doors swung open, and the taxi driver proceeded through the gates. They drove for five minutes down the very long driveway. Finally they approached a huge mansion-bigger than Ai had ever seen before.
"Dad-we're not-"
"Just for a little while, Ai. Don't get used to it. Ichigawa is a good friend of mine from grade school. He's also the one I asked a favor from to allow you to go to the high school you attend today.
"No way.." Ai murmured.
They pulled up to the roundabout in front of the mansion, and her father handed the taxi driver the money.
"Have a great day," the taxi driver said, and then drove off, leaving her and her father to stand in front. Suddenly the front doors swung open, and a chubby, happy man came rushing out.
"Yamada! I thought I'd never see you in person again! What a pleasant surprise-though not fortunate circumstances. I'm sure my wife and I can provide for you.
Ai's worst fears were confirmed when a blonde-haired woman with blue eyes stepped out the door. "Welcome, Yamada family. We are very excited to have you." She spoke in perfect Japanese. It was to be expected from the well established Ichigawa family, afterall.
Then, to Ai's horror, Naoki stepped out, bowing. "Welcome to our home, Yamada-san. I hope you find it to your liking." He smiled at Ai's father, but then sent a smirk to Ai. She shuddered. It was just her luck to be living with the guy that hated her with a passion. Oh great.
"Please, won't you come in?" Ichigawa-san reached for Ai's father, and began to lead him inside. Ichigawa's beautiful wife reached for Ai, and gently touched her elbow. May I bring you in? I have a wonderful room prepared for you. I am sure you are very tired, as well.
Ai reluctantly allowed herself to be steered inside. Naoki held the door with that huge smirk of his still planted on his face. Ai made sure to keep her head down so as not to make eye contact with him.
"You can call me Alice," Ichigawa's wife said friendly. "I'm sorry that this house is so huge. I hope you don't get lost in here. I tried to make sure that you were close to the front door so that you don't have to walk as far."
Regardless of Alice's efforts, it was still a long walk to the bedroom that she had prepared for her. Nonetheless, they finally approached it.
"Go ahead," Alice smiled. "Open it."
Ai lifted a cautious hand and turned the knob of the door. When she opened it, she was shocked by the amount of pink and frills she found. She had a canopy over a huge king-sized bed, and a room the size of any huge living room in a well-off house. Walking in, she discovered that she had a dresser, and a make up table.
"Don't forget you have a closet here, as well." Alice opened a door to reveal another "room". It was packed with so many clothes that Ai had no idea what to do about it. Everything was just so gorgeous, and there was so much.
"It's all yours, Ai."
Ai gasped. "No-I couldn't!"
"Oh, but you can. I want you to."
Ai nervously nodded, but didn't intend to take advantage of all these belongings like Alice asked her to. After all, they wouldn't be here for very long.
"Well, I know you are very tired. I have a tray set up for you over there." She pointed in the direction of a couch with a coffee table in front of it. On it were some cookies, cheese and crackers. There was also green tea.
"I'll leave you alone, then," Alice headed for the door, "and if you need anything, you can push that button there, and a maid will answer you."
"Thank you very much, Ichigawa-san," Ai bowed slightly.
"Please, call me Alice." She smiled once again, and left.
Ai sighed as she sat down on the bed. A twinge of discomfort let her know it was time to take another dose of her painkillers. I wonder why they are so nice? She wondered as she reached for the green tea and pulled the medicine out of her pocket. How did they wind up with such a rude son? After taking the medicine, she lay quietly on her new bed, and closed her eyes. It was not hard to fall asleep on such a comfortable bed. It was such a luxury that she was afraid that she'd get too used to it.
She didn't know how long she had slept except that it was now dinner time, and a maid had knocked on her door.
"Excuse me, miss, but I have been asked to conduct you to the dining room, if you are feeling well enough.
"I-of course!" Ai stuttered as she got up. "Can I have five minutes to prepare?"
"Of course, miss."
As quickly as she could, she splashed water on her face to wake herself up. She reached for a brush provided for her, and brushed through her long flowing black hair. It would have to do.
Ai opened the door to the maid.
"This way, miss" the maid led Ai through a maze of hallways until they reached a grand room with a long dining table. Everyone was already seated, including a small girl that Ai had not met yet. She smiled at her, but it didn't seem to be in a friendly way.
"Please sit here," the maid pulled out a chair.
Oh no-no! The seat the maid had pulled out was right next to Naoki. That would be just her luck.
Despite her contempt for the situation, she smiled courteously and took her seat.
"I believe you haven't met my daughter Whinnie," Alice gestured toward the small figure.
"Nice to meet you," the little girl smiled as sweetly as she could. Somehow Ai knew she was up to no good. Nevertheless, she was absolutely gorgeous. She looked much like her mother. She had the slim Asian structure, but she had the blonde hair and blue eyes like Alice. She seemed to be about nine years old.
"Shall we eat?" Ichigawa-san asked. "I'm starving."
"Oh yes, let's," Alice hurriedly placed her napkin in her lap.
"Itakakimasu," Naoki murmured as he reached for his fork and knife.
Dinner was western style, Ai noticed. There were rolls and butter, and pulled chicken with soup and salad.
"Would you like some butter, Ai?" Naoki asked her.
To hear him speak so kindly and nonchalantly caught Ai off guard. It made her kind of like him again. No. He's a jerk. Get a hold of yourself, Ai, she thought to herself.
"Yes, thank you," she replied as kindly as she could. She eyed him with caution, trying to figure him out. When he caught her staring, he winked at her.
What was that all about? Ai blushed and angrily stared at her food. She began violently cutting at her chicken, and shoved it in her mouth.
"Oh my, you must be hungry!" Alice exclaimed.
Oops. "Oh, eheh, yes, maybe.." no. Not at all. Just angry.
"Oh yes, mother," Naoki began, "I used to watch her in middle school-she ate like a cow!"
Oh that was it. Never would she ever crush on this jerk again.
"Naoki, that's rude! Don't speak of our guests in that manner please." Ichigawa-san spoke sternly towards his son. "Please apologize."
Naoki got up and bowed toward Ai. "I'm sorry," he stated. "That was wrong of me."
Everyone settled, obviously ok with the apology that Naoki had just given, but Ai was completely disturbed. That JERK. It was all she could do to not punch him. How could he?
"So how long do you plan to intrude in brother's room?" Whinnie asked Ai. "I like brother close to me!"
Ai suddenly perked up, looking nervously at Alice, and then passed a quick glance at Naoki.
"Is this true?" she stuttered.
"Ah, yes. It is just a bit inconvenient of you to take up my space, but mother insisted that you have it. I don't know why-there are so many other rooms to choose from."
"Naoki!" Alice reached over and slapped his hand.
Abruptly he stood up and placed his napkin on his plate. "I'm going to my replacement room for the night. Good night."
When Naoki had turned out of the room and was out of earshot, Alice apologized for her son's rudeness.
"He's not always like this, I promise. He's just been acting odd lately. Maybe you can figure out what it is." Her eyes looked pleading as she looked intently at Ai.
"Don't ask unnecessary things, Alice," her husband told her. "Ai is a guest in our household."
"Yes, but-"
"Don't argue."
Alice bit her lip. Ai could tell that culture was biting culture. She had always heard that American women were headstrong, and therefore usually didn't last in a relationship with a Japanese man. Despite this fact, however, Ai could tell they were quite happy together. Alice was just not quite used to Japanese customs.
Suddenly, Ai realized how tired she was. She also noticed that it was time to take her medicine, yet again.
"If you'll excuse me, I am going to rest a little more. I want to try to go to school tomorrow." Ai pushed herself out of her chair gently, and then pushed the chair back in. "Thank you for the food." She walked out of the room to find the same maid that walked her to the dining room waiting for her.
"Since you still don't know the house very well, I will lead you to your room," she said courteously.
"Thank you," Ai said gratefully. She had forgotten about the winding passageways, and quite frankly, she wasn't in the mood for such a challenge. All she wanted to do was rest.
By the time they reached her bedroom, Ai was in quite a lot of pain. She had missed her dose by an hour, and was suffering from neglecting her medicine. The maid kindly opened the door for her, and politely asked if there was anything she could do for her.
"I'm ok, thank you," Ai replied, "I just need to take my medicine and go to sleep."
"It will be as you say," the maid bowed and then left her alone, closing the door after her.
Groaning, Ai searched through her bag for her next dose. It burned. It hurt. A lot. In the midst of her searching, she heard the door open and then close. She didn't pay attention, because she was beginning to black out a bit from the pain.
"Aren't you going to thank me?" a voice out of thin air scared her to pieces.
"Wha? Oh. For what?" she asked, more mumbling through the pain.
"For saving you from your death in a fire? I even burned my hand. See?" Naoki towered over her, and looking up at him hurt her head-the light was above him, allowing only his silhouette to be seen.
"I'm sorry your hand burned-thank you for saving me. Is that all?" Ai didn't mean to be short with him, but she really couldn't bare it any longer. He was in the way of her taking her medicine.
He laughed. "Thanks for the apology, stupid." He knocked her on the side of her head.
"Ita-" Tears began to form in her eyes as she only halfway shouted that it hurt. All she wanted to do was lay on the floor and cry herself to sleep. Maybe if she did that, Naoki would leave her alone.
"You looking for this?" Naoki asked her, looking at her sideways as she was already on the floor.
"Yes-I need it-please!" Ai hated to beg, but she was running out of options.
"Only if you promise me one thing-you stay away from me."
"Wait-that's it?" Ai stuttered, in surprised.
"Duh. What part of that was too hard to understand? Oh wait. I forgot that you were part of the dumb class. It's only thanks to my dad that you even attend my school."
Oooh that guy. It was getting easier and easier to hate him. It would be easy to keep this promise. She didn't want to even see him again. She would happily leave the continent.
"I've had enough of this." Naoki tossed the medicine at her. "Just don't forget the promise."
He walked out briskly and shut the door.
When he left, Ai let out a whimper as she opened the medicine cap and shoved a pill in her mouth. It hurt too much to go get water, so swallowing it with her saliva would have to work.
If he hates me so much, why did he even save me in the first place? He could have let me die, and all of his problems would have been solved.
Ai was bitter with frustration. She eventually found strength enough to drag herself up on her bed, and then quickly after that, fell asleep. It was a nice escape. She dreamed of hanging out with Akiko and all of their old friends from middle school. Those days had been so simple, but now they were complicated. Little did she know that things were about to become a lot more than complicated.
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