Hey everyone, I know I said this was going to be a one-shot but after some awesome feedback I've decided I'm going to continue this story. I would like to give a special thanks to everyone who reviewed the first chapter because you guys were my inspiration to continue this!
Chapter 2: Another Week
Matt's POV
Light began to hit my eyes and started to rouse me. The first two things I noticed were that it was very warm especially around my shoulder. The second was that it smelled like coconuts. The sweet aroma combined with the warmth around me, was enough to make me content sitting where I was. I didn't even bother opening my eyes or see where I was. I was at complete peace.
After a few minutes, I began to realize how uncomfortably I was sitting. My shoulder was also beginning to feel sore. There was a weight on it. Actually, now that I was beginning to think about it there was something leaning against me. Reluctantly, I pried my eyes open. Resting against me with her head on my shoulder was Mimi Tachikawa. I blinked a few times. I was trying to register the fact that one of female friends was sleeping next to me in my apartment.
I closed my eyes trying to figure out why Mimi was sleeping next to me on my couch. Then it hit me. I was coming back from band practice to find Mimi walking alone in the storm. She had seemed very distressed. However, that wasn't the worst of it. I soon saw that her arm was all sliced up. It was her way of punishing herself for things that were going wrong in her life. Her boyfriend had been cheating on her and then broke up with her. If only that was it. Mimi then told me that her parents were getting divorced.
When I heard that my insides turned to ice. I suddenly had flashbacks of when my parents would constantly argue and end up in shouting matches. I would always take T.K. and cover his ears or try and distract him with some game or story. The days that my parents argued were honestly the worst of my life. The first time it happened both my mom and dad were quick to tell me that it was only a one-time thing. They were both wrong.
Over time they continued to fight. Each new fight happening faster and becoming more intense than the last. Eventually it got to the point where my parents stopped talking to each other. I had no idea what I could to fix the situation. I felt so useless. I couldn't do anything to stop them. The only other time in my life I felt like that was when Davis and the new Digidestined began to fight Ken. Gabumon couldn't armor digivolve so, I felt like I wasn't able to do anything. That sense of being useless was one feeling I could not stand at all. It was so frustrating! Just thinking about it now made me shake with anger.
That was how Mimi felt in the past few days. I was sure of it. It was almost impossible for me to take when my parents were going through that. I can't even imagine what it was like for Mimi. Her sincerity would normally overcome differences between people and actually bring them together. I can imagine how hard it must be for Mimi to realize she can't help the two people closest to her.
Suddenly I feel Mimi begin to move. I turn to look at her. I examine her features. Her lush lips stood out to me immediately. Then the memory of our kiss came back to me. My stomach does a flip. She was definitely all right with it last night. Will she still be? Or will she think I was just trying to take advantage of the situation? Just as soon as I begin to fret about how she will react, I suddenly calm down. I caught another waft of coconuts. Who knew it could have such a calming effect? But, where was it coming from? Of course! Mimi must use a coconut shampoo. I have to admit, that aroma is intoxicating. I look at her hair and then her eyes. The divorce must have been really affecting her. She had huge bags under her eyes. She must have lost a lot of sleep fretting over it. Then, I take one look at her whole face and notice that she had a very content smile. This must have been her best night of sleep in weeks.
I suddenly couldn't resist the urge to smile. I gently, remove myself from under her head and carefully lay it down on one of the couch pillows. I also give her my blanket. As much as I would love to laze around in her presence, I force myself to go to the bathroom. I needed a shower.
Ever since I was young, showers were my escape from the world. Everyone thinks that the reason I take hour-long showers is to work on my hair. That couldn't be farther from the truth. It takes me all of 10 minutes to do my hair. All I need is a little hair gel because, I normally condition it at night before I sleep. The real reason I take such long showers is because, it gives me a place and time to think. My habit started when my parents would fight. Eventually, I realized I couldn't protect T.K. from finding out. At that point I would try to distance myself from everyone and everything. I would go and take a shower. The sound of the water running drowned out their shouts. In retrospect that was when Matt the loner was born.
As I arrive at the shower, I turn the water all the way up to hot. That was a prerequisite of my showers. I needed steaming hot water. I was no longer Matt the loner so; it probably didn't make sense for me to take such long showers. But, as I grew up the shower's function evolved for me. I began to think of lyrics for my band in the shower. More importantly though, it became the place where I thought of how to help my friends. I had definitely changed since our first adventure in the Digital World.
Ever since I received the crest of friendship, I tried to actively live it out. Now, as the hot water hit my head and went down my body I tried to think of how to help Mimi. The first thing was to decide where she would stay. Living with one of her parents was not an option, as far as I was concerned. I had been mature enough to live without my mom and act like this kind of life was normal. Mimi on the other hand wouldn't be able to handle it. Also whichever parent she picked she would pester to make up with the other. It was unrealistic. Mimi though, wouldn't give up. That could actually make her estranged from each of her parents too. The best thing would be to create some distance between the tree Tachikawas. I quickly began to plan out whom she could live with. I was obviously on the top of the list because; I was the only one who knew the situation. The next question is to decide whom to tell next.
It would probably be best to let one or two people know at a time. If everyone found out at the same time then, people would jump to help but also ask Mimi about what happened. She probably wouldn't be ready to deal with all of them. It would be for the best to go slowly. She could handle it more easily that way.
Now, I had to move on to whom to tell first. The first person to come to mind was obviously Sora. They were best friends. Also, Sora would be able to support Mimi in ways I couldn't, as a guy. That was settled then. I could ask Mimi who else to tell later on.
I quickly finished up my shower and got ready. After dressing I went to wake up Mimi. It killed me to interrupt her slumber especially; because she looked she was having a pleasant dream. But, she did have to go to court today. Actually, I had no idea what time we had to go. I put my hand on her shoulder and began to shake her.
"Mimi, wake up. It is already 11:25." I said.
"Mmmm just five more minutes." She replied sleepily.
I sighed and relented. She had the cutest face and I just didn't have the heart to say no to her. I decided to make myself busy and went to the kitchen and began making breakfast. I looked in the fridge for some eggs. The one thing I could make for breakfast other than toast was an omelet. Actually, my omelets were so good that my neighbors paid me to make some for them.
Soon the apartment was filled with scent of my gourmet omelet. Not to brag but, that was one of the best looking and smelling omelets I've ever made. The scent was so delicious that I could hear Mimi jump up and run into the bathroom to wash up so she could eat. 10 minutes later she came to me.
"Good morning, Matt. That smells really good. Ummm not to bother you but do you have a new toothbrush I could use? A towel would be nice too. Also, you wouldn't happen to have any clothes I could wear right?" She questioned.
"Good morning to you too, Mimi. Yeah, I do have toothbrush I could give you. Check in the medicine cabinet. For a towel, there's a linen closet next to the bathroom. And my cousin Aria left some of her clothes behind the last time she visited. They should be in the closet in the guest room. She's about your height so her stuff should fit you pretty well. I think she might have a pink shirt you can wear." I tease.
"Matt, you know I don't wear pink THAT much anymore. And I'll have you know that there is nothing wrong with wearing pink OK? It is a fabulous color!" She replied.
"I never said there was anything wrong with the color. I just find it odd when a person exclusively wears that one color." I teased.
It was fun to push her buttons because she would get so defensive.
"Anyways, you should probably get ready soon. We do have to go to the courtroom today." I reminded her.
Immediately, her expression changed from being happy to a dark one. It was an odd sight. I had never seen Mimi like this. She was showing a steely resolve I had never seen from her before. It was actually chilling. To see someone like Mimi have that look was surreal. I couldn't grasp the fact that this was the same Mimi Tachikawa who always had a positive outlook on everything.
"Yeah, I remember. I should go wash up. Thanks for the stuff Matt." She whispered in response.
After about an hour Mimi came out of the shower looking very pretty. She was wearing a pair of blue jeans with a green shirt. We ate a quick breakfast with some light talking. Then, we made our way to my car.
Once we hit the main road I decided to say something. I still had to ask her about telling Sora. Then I also had to ask her when we should go to her house to grab her stuff. And lastly I wanted to talk to her about how she was going to handle herself at the courtroom.
"Hey Meems, I was wondering if you think it is a good idea to tell any of the others?"
She looked out the window. She was in deep thought and was seriously thinking about her answer. Then she asked:
"Did you tell anyone yet?"
"No I didn't I wanted to know what you thought about it first."
"It will come out eventually I guess. Especially because now, I need a place to stay. I don't know, I guess I just wanted to take some time before facing everyone."
"Well we don't have to tell everyone at the same time. We can let one or two people know every few weeks. They can keep a secret for a little while you know."
"OK but, if the others find out I'm blaming you Matt." She said seriously.
"Yeah fine it'll be my fault. By the way, I was thinking we tell Sora first. What do you think?"
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. She is my best friend and I don't think she'd mind if I spent some time at her house."
I suddenly felt a pang. I had been expecting her to stay at my house. I didn't want her at Sora's house. She should stay at mine. I decided to gather my courage in an effort to keep her with me.
"Oh you're planning on staying with Sora?" I question.
"Yeah, her mom won't mind Sora and I have spent weeks at each other's houses before. I should be able to find an apartment in a week or two." She replied.
"Why don't you just stay with me?" I ask trying to stay casual.
I turn and smile at her trying to look like I'm doing it to be nice. She looks at me and her eyes move to my lips. Then, she turns very red and looks away. It was obvious she remembered our kiss. I was surprised she didn't remember it earlier.
"Matt, that's very sweet of you. But, I want you to know that you aren't ummm under any… any obligation." She finished rather lamely. "What I mean to say i-is that I d-don't want to be a b-burden or anything." She stuttered.
Obligation? Did that mean that last night was a one-time thing? Now, I was really confused. Last night, she responded to me. Now though, she was giving me the impression that she thought she made a mistake.
"Come on, you would never be a burden for me. Mimi we are friends. Friends are always there for each other. Also, your parents would expect you to be at her house. Wouldn't it be better to get some distance from them for now?"
When I mentioned that we were friends, she seemed to look down for a second. Then she put on a serious face, and began to consider what I said about getting away from what her parents would expect. After a minute she replied:
"You know Matt, I think you're right. I'll stay with you. You know more about how to deal with parents when; they're going through something like this. I trust you on this one." She said with conviction.
"All right it's settled then. After the paperwork goes through we can go to your house and pick all your stuff up. And we can go out to dinner tonight. We can invite Sora too. That way we can explain to her what's going on. Cool?"
"Sounds like a plan!" Mimi responded enthusiastically. "Just as long as it is Italian!" She added.
"All right, I actually like Italian food too." I reply with a chuckle.
It was actually very easy to talk to Mimi when, she was in this kind of a mood. I didn't think it was possible for someone to not like her. She was so sweet, caring, and most importantly she was sincere. When I first got involved with my band, I began to drift away from all the Digidestined. Everyone knew how important it was to me. So, they didn't say anything to me. I wish they had. I kept making my band the number one priority in my life. Everything else would get pushed after it. Even my friends. Then, I missed the big reunion party we had on the anniversary of our adventure to the Digital World. Of course everyone was mad. None of them showed it though. Mimi on the other hand, slapped me the next time she saw me.
I never received a lecture like the one she gave me that day. She told me that I had the crest of friendship but I ignored my friends. She didn't hold anything back. She fired off every thing I bailed on. She told me that if I didn't change then I would die alone and friendless.
Needless to say her openness was the wake-up call I needed. After that, I decided to change up my priorities. Not only because she was right. But, also because the side of my face was red for 3 days after she slapped me.
Suddenly, Mimi broke me out of my reverie with a question.
"Hey Matt, do you remember the day you parents went to court?" She asked.
I thought back to the day my parent finally divorced. T.K. and I had been left with our neighbors. Mom and dad had been gone for a few hours and when they came back, they both looked disappointed. Then, we went home and our parents broke the news. My mom took T.K. into her room while my dad brought me to my room. My dad and I had a conversation about how he and mom weren't getting along very well so they decided to separate. The judge decided that I would stay with my dad and T.K. with my mom.
I remember my dad telling me to say goodbye to them. They moved out that night. I guess when I was kid; I resented my mother for taking away T.K. from me. That's why it was so hard for me to talk to her. Even these days if I ever run into her, it becomes awkward at times. I didn't actually go to court myself so, I couldn't help Mimi out with what was going to happen.
"To be honest Mimi, I didn't actually go to court that day. My parents just came back home and broke the news to T.K. and me." I answered. "Sorry, but I have no idea what you should expect." I continued anticipating what she was going to ask.
"Oh, its all right. I'm just kind of nervous. I thought it might help if I knew what to expect."
"Hey don't stress, everything will be fine. You're 18 so, your parents can't stop you from living where you want." I tried to assure her.
"Thanks, but that isn't what I'm worried about. I just can't grasp that my parents are going through this. I know it's happening but when I'm not around them I always feel like everything is all right. When I think about it though, I become so sad. I wish there was something I could do. Seeing them actually make it official is just such a horrible picture in my mind." She confided in me.
I took a few moments to go over what she told me before I replied. I knew exactly what she meant. I was the same way with my mom. The first few months after the divorce, I would come home ready to give her a hug and ask what was for dinner. Then, I would realize she was gone and would get upset. That was probably another reason I wasn't able to get along very well with her. I still harbored some resentment.
"You know, it's going to be like that for a while. It will take some adjusting. But, you are going to have to get used to it I guess. More importantly, don't you dare blame yourself. Your parents are doing this because THEY want to. It has nothing to do with you. Its just reality. You can't escape it, Meems." I tried reasoning with her.
After that, she was quiet for the rest of the drive. Once we got to the courthouse we entered through the doors into the main lobby. There was a pretty receptionist sitting behind a desk on the right side so, I made my way over.
"Hi, do you know what room the Tachikawa suit is in?" I asked politely.
"Yes, it is in courtroom 3. It is the second room on the right past security. By the way, it is a closed room. So, only invited individuals may enter." She replied.
"Thank you." I replied and then made my way over to Mimi.
The first thing I noticed was that she was pale white. And as I got closer, I saw that she was trembling. Great, I thought. She is already scared and nervous out of her mind and now, I can't even go inside with her.
"Hey, its in courtroom 3. That's the one on the right just past courtroom 1. Good luck!" I told her hoping, she would get the gist that I couldn't come in with her.
"You aren't coming?" She asked. I shake my head. "Why not?" She demanded with a look of anger in her eyes.
"The lady told me only people who were invited can go in." I replied looking away from her eyes.
"Oh please, Matt can you come with me? I can't go in there alone. I need you with me!" She said almost pleading with me.
"I'd love to Mimi but I'm really not allowed to. Believe me you will be just fine. Just take a deep breath. Everything will be OK." I try to assure her.
"Fine be that way." She replies with a pouting face. But, then right before she walks through security she turned back. She smiled and waved at me before walking through. I give her a thumbs up before I looked for a place to sit.
I needed to keep myself busy while Mimi was settling things were with her family. So, I decided to call Sora. Since, Mimi and I had already decided to invite her to dinner, I might as well do it now. I had some time to kill. I pull out my phone and find her in contacts. I hit call. After a few rings she answers.
"Hey Matt, what's up?" She asks.
"Hey Sora, I wanted to ask if you were busy tonight?" I reply.
"Matt we broke up over a year ago. Did you forget?" She giggles.
"Yeah, I remember. Its just that Mimi and I are going to get dinner tonight so we were wondering if you wanted to come along?" I answer.
"Ooooh Mimi? Matt, I always knew you had a thing for her. But, you know she's like me and has a boyfriend." She teases.
"Shut up Sora." I say playfully. "Seriously though, do you want to come with us?"
"Yeah why not. Tai hasn't asked me to do anything yet. But, if you try and pull any moves on Mimi and me, I can't stop Tai and Kyo." She joked.
"Hahaha all right, I'll try my best. We will come pick you up at around 8:00 OK?" I respond with a chuckle.
"Sure that sounds fine. See you then!" She said before hanging out.
"Later, Sor." I reply.
Well now that dinner was settled I guess I had to just sit and wait. After a few minutes I see Mimi coming out with an odd smile on her face. It almost looked bittersweet. As she drew near I asked:
"Hey, how'd it go?"
"Believe it or not, my dad didn't complete all the forms he needed to. So, they delayed the official divorce until next week. But, I already told the judge that I found a place to live. So, I am officially allowed to move whenever I want to." She said with a sad smile.
Her smile didn't fool me at all. Something was bothering her.
"Hey that's great news. So, why do you have such a long face?" I question.
"Well I guess my parents are really fed up with each other. Apparently before we got here they had a shouting match in front of the judge and had to be restrained by security. Otherwise they were going to attack each other. I guess I just want this whole thing to end for their sake. They aren't going to make up. Forcing them to live in the same house for another week won't do either of them any good. At least one of them can take my room though." She answered.
"Oh yeah I called Sora and told her that we'd pick her up at 8:00. Its only 2:30 right now so do you want to go get your stuff?"
"You already called her!" Mimi exclaimed suddenly.
"Yeah we agreed on it didn't we?" I ask confused.
"That was only because my parents were separating today. Now that they aren't I say we should hold off."
"Well, I already called her. We can't just cancel." I tried reasoning with her.
"Gahhh, you should have at least waited for me to come back. Oh well, umm let's see…. why don't you call Tai as well. That way we can make it seem like it's the four of us enjoying dinner together OK?"
"When the others hear that we didn't invite them, they'll get mad won't they?"
"Well Joe has a big exam on Monday for his summer course so he won't be willing to go anywhere tonight. And its Friday so that means Izzy has his first date with that girl from his computer class tonight. As for the younger kids we can just say that we older kids wanted to meet up."
I had to admit; Mimi could find reasons and excuses very well. I guess it must've been all the complaining she used to do. She could talk her way out of anything if she needed to.
"Sounds good. Do you want to call Tai since, I asked Sora?" I asked.
"Yeah fine. By the way, let's not tell Tai and Sora that they're both going to go. That way it'll be a nice surprise for them."
I nod my head in agreement. Once we started towards her house she calls Tai.
"Hey Tai, Matt and I are going to dinner. Do you want to come? We asked Sora but she has to help her mom with something. The others are coming too. It'll be fun I promise. So, we'll pick you up at 8:00. OK good see you then!"
While Mimi was on the phone I began to think about what the next few days would be like. It was going to be very different. For one, Mimi would be staying with me for a while. I still had that big gig coming up too. School would be starting soon too. It was the 20th of August after all. Then, my dad was going to come home. How was I going to explain this whole Mimi situation to him? Suddenly, Mimi broke my chain of thoughts.
"Hey Matt, my parents don't know I'm staying with you. I told them I would be with Sora. So, if they ask you anything when we get home just say you're helping me move all right?"
"Sure no problem." I answer.
"Matt, I just wanted to say thank you again."
"Don't mention it Meems."
Soon we got to her house. After about 3 hours we finally got everything into 5 suitcases and headed back towards my apartment.
"Mimi, I'm kind of surprised that we could fit all your stuff into 5 suitcases." I teased.
"Well for your information I don't have thaaat many clothes. They are expensive after all." She replied.
"Yeah, I know. But, you know there's a big sale at the mall tomorrow right? You could get some nice deals." I inform her.
"Really?" Her eyes grew wide. "Do you want to go with me Matt? It'll be lots of fun! We can even find some nice clothes for you!" She said excitedly.
"Well I guess we could go after my band practice tomorrow." I reply.
"Perfect!"
We then reached my apartment complex. I had to carry her bags all the way up but I actually didn't mind too much.
It was 6:30 by the time things began to settle down after the unpacking.
"You know Mimi, we should probably start getting ready." I say after looking at the time.
"Yeah I'm going to hit the shower first if that's cool?"
"Yeah just don't take too long Mimi and leave some hot water for me OK?"
"I'll try." She said mischievously.
At around 7:30 we were both ready and we met in the living room. Mimi was looking beautiful. She was wearing a navy blue dress. Her hair was down and she had the prettiest smile I had ever seen.
"Wow Matt, you look really good. I really like the white shirt and black pants. It looks very classy." She complimented.
"Well it is a very classy restaurant." I reply coolly. "You are looking stunning too Mimi."
She turned red and muttered a quick thank you. I grab my jacket and open the door.
"Shall we?" I ask gentlemanly.
She giggles and nods her head in response. With that we both leave to pick up Tai and Sora.