CHAPTER 4
Mei woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the waves rolling in from the sea. She looked to her left as a smile automatically came across her face, Yuzu was snuggled closely to her as she was in a heavy sleep. She gently tucked a few strands of hair behind Yuzu's ears 'I wish I could wake up to you everyday' it was barely a whisper. Mei then covered her eyes with her forearm as the events from last night hit her. After taking in a long and deep breath, Mei quietly got out of bed as she made her way to reception.
An hour later Yuzu woke up, after taking a few minutes to remove the sleep from her eyes she looked around the room to see that Mei was no where in sight "Mei?" Yuzu made her way into the hallway, then the sound of her mother laughing hit her ears. Yuzu opened the door as she saw her mum and Mei sitting on the balcony drinking tea and laughing together. "Ahhhh Yuzu good morning darling" Yuzu went over and gave Ume a hug "Morning Mama" Mei went to speak as well "good mor-" Mei was cut off as Yuzu gave her a hug as well "Good morning Mei" Mei returned the hug, Yuzu quickly whispered into Meis ear before pulling away "Thank you for last night" Ume smiled as she watched the 2 step sisters starting to actually act like sisters "hmmm did something happen between you 2? You seem more close for some reason." Mei instantly tried to hide her blush as Yuzu spoke. "Just some sisterly bonding Mama" There is was, that word that constantly stabbed Mei in the heart. Ume was the next to speak "Isn't the sun raise beautiful?" Mei watched as the mother and daughter stared so intensely out to the Ocean. Mei could feel that the atmosphere was starting to change, she quickly spoke "So I…ummmm…made some plans today for all of us" Ume and Yuzu both looked at Mei with confused expressions. Mei never planned for any outside activities let alone FUN ones. Yuzu spoke up first "Really, Mei? Like what?" Mei stood up as she went to leave, "well you will have to just wait and see" She quickly turned around as she continued to speak "But I will need you both ready in 30 minutes, ill see you in the lobby down stairs" Mei then left the room to go get ready.
30 Minutes later Mei was waiting patiently downstairs, once the pair met up with her she pulled out a piece of paper that had times and a list written on it. Yuzu tried to sneak a peek by Mei easily fended her off. "O.k first off we will have breakfast then we have to catch the 9.30am bus" Ume and Yuzu looked at each other and shrugged. After a delicious breakfast the trio made their way to the bus. After 45 minutes they had arrived "o.k this is our stop" Yuzu let out an excited scream as she saw the entry gate "No way, FUN land?!" Yuzu gave Mei a huge hug, she nearly fell over. After 10 minutes, Mei realised that her step mother was just as much of a big kid as Yuzu, they went on every ride. "O.k its time to head back" Once they were off the bus both Yuzu and Ume knew that they wern't back at the hotel. "Mei-chan where are we?" Mei smiled to the 2 as she spoke "It's not much further mother." Yuzu's eyes sparkled which made Mei's heart beat faster "Karaoke?!" The three had dinner and sung for hours, Mei wasn't one for places with loud music and alcohol but if it would bring a smile onto Yuzu and Ume's faces then it was worth it. Mei was looking over her list and nodding as she ticked another item off "hmmm whats next Mei?" Mei quickly put the paper away "Yuzu! you promised you wouldn't look" Ume was enjoying her beer as she watched the 2 bickering a little. Mei then stood up "o.k 2 more stops"
Ume looked at her watch "Mei-chan its 5pm what else could we be doing at this time? everything will be closing soon" Mei continued to walk in front as she spoke "Dont worry mother, they know we are coming" After a small walk and a taxi ride they were at their destination. "We are here" Yuzu and Ume both looked at each other as they wandered where exactly 'here' was. "Ahhh you must be Miss Aihara" a tall man approached them, Mei bowed as she spoke back to the man "Yes we spoke on the phone this morning" They followed the man, Yuzu and Ume's eyes widened as they realised where they were "Hot air Balloons!" Mei tried to keep her composure as she spoke "Yes well i…ahh know you said how important Sun sets were. So i thought you would like this" Ume and Yuzu pulled Mei into a hug, no words were needed.
After the safety briefing the trio went up with the Balloon pilot. "Wow…..this is amazing" Yuzu looked out at the scenery before her.
Ume hugged Mei as she whispered into her ear "Thank you Mei-chan, you didn't have to do this for us" Mei returned the hug as she looked at Yuzu over Ume's shoulder "I wanted you 2 to remember the happy memories instead of the bad and….I didn't want today to just be a day where you feel sad" Yuzu joined in on the hug as they floated over the ocean.
After they got to the ground Yuzu and Ume were starting to feel exhausted. Another Taxi ride and they found themselves back at the Hotel, Yuzu was the first to speak "Hey Mei didn't you say there were 2 more stops?" Yuzu looked confused, Mei smiled lightly as she gestured them to follow her. They reached the main dinning area where a Piano was position right at the front for entertainment. Mei gave Yuzu a smile, Yuzu's face immediately went pale "ahh no, no, no, no i c….cant" Mei grabbed Yuzu's hands and squeezed them, "i know you said no one has heard it before, but trust me Yuzu you will do great. Plus I'm sure Mother would want to hear as well" Ume was still confused as to what was going on. After some more encouragement Yuzu made her way to the stage. All eyes were on her as she went to play.
Tears started to fall from Ume's eyes as she watched her daughter singing the heart felt song. The entire room was silent, no one dared to take their eyes off the blonde. Yuzu finally played the last key. Everyone stood up and applaud, Ume ran up and hugged her daughter "ohhh Yuzu, Mama would be so, so proud, you take right after her" As they were getting ready to head up to their rooms the crowd started yelling "encore!…..encore!" They were going crazy for her "Yeah please sing another one" One man yelled "Yes any song will do" One lady screamed. Both Ume and Mei looked to the blonde "What do you want to do honey?" Yuzu looked at Mei, "I have another song I wrote but I don't know if they will like it" Mei looked surprised "Ohh really? i'm sure they will love it Yuzu" Ume gave her daughter another hug as she left the stage. Yuzu grabbed the mic as she spoke "o.k i have one more song" the crowd cheered happily. "Its actually a song I wrote just recently about my first love" Yuzu started to blush uncontrollably.
Mei's ears perked up, was Yuzu talking about her? Ume grabbed Mei's hand as she waited nervously for Yuzu to start. "Yuzu" Mei spoke softly as she turned her attention to Yuzu. She saw Yuzu talking to someone from the Hotel, after a few minutes the hotel worker returned with a Guitar. "A guitar?" Mei looked to Ume. Ume had the biggest smile on her face as she turned to face Mei "Yuzu can play any instrument, my mother was extremely musical and taught Yuzu from a very young age" Mei couldn't believe how much of the blonde she was still yet to learn. Did Izumi see these sides of Yuzu when they spent time together? Does she know all of Yuzu's strengths and weaknesses? Mei was quickly brought out of her thoughts as the sound of Yuzu strumming the guitar hit her ears.
(YUZU SINGING)
Uh-Uh Yeah
Mei wanted to look away, she tried to close her eyes.
listen to my heartbeat going crazy
I feel it if and every time I get close to you
Yeah you baby
Mei opened her eyes only for a milli second and she was caught in Yuzu's trance, their eyes locked on each other.
So shy but I gotta get my mind right
Mind right
Nerves taking over me but I know what to do
I do
From the front i'll lead the way
I'll take you anywhere you like
Cause baby this time I know its right
Mei felt like Yuzu was seeing straight through to her soul, she was frozen in place, her mind lost in those endless emerald eyes.
From the front i'll lead the way
I'll take you anywhere you like
Cause baby this time I know its right
(Its right)
Oh I dont want to let this feeling go
Uh-oh uh-oh
So I will let all of my feelings show
Oh-oh
We just met but its scary that I can see
The possibility in life with you by my side
On my side yeah-yeah
But for now its all about this one day
It could go either way but i'm still gonna try
I'll try
Mei felt as if Yuzu was trying to say something to her, but she didn't know what.
I'll make it special on the first
There can be a second time
And we can do whatever you like
I'll make it special on the first
There can be a second time
And we can do whatever you like
You like
It felt like it was only the 2 of them, Yuzu didn't take her eyes off Mei once as she played the Guitar effortlessly.
Oh I dont want to let this feeling go
Uh-oh uh-oh
So I will let me feelings show
Oh-oh
Oh I dont want to let this feeling go
Uh-oh uh-oh
So I will let my feelings show
Oh-oh
Mei saw a stray tear fall down Yuzu's cheek as she finished the last line.
The entire room erupted with claps and cheers, Yuzu bowed respectfully as she made her way over to Ume and Mei. "Ohhh Yuzu that was so amazing" Ume hugged Yuzu as she spoke. Ume then turned to Mei as she spoke again "Wasn't she amazing Mei?" Mei felt a lump stuck in her throat as she tried to speak, but it seems that her body reacted before she could say anything. "Mei are you o.k?" Yuzu quickly wiped a tear that fell down her cheek. Mei snapped back to the present as she spoke "ahh…yes it was beautiful Yuzu" Ume put one arm around each daughter as she spoke "soooooo are you gonna tell me who the lucky person is that got my girl singing her heart out?" Yuzu nearly fell over which caused all 3 to nearly fall to the ground "w….well i…" Mei tried to cover her ears as the blush was spreading uncontrollably. "you se-" Yuzu was quickly cut off "Excuse me Miss, but you have exceptional talent, I would love to sign you up to my record company" I very tall man with light brown hair spoke as he stood in a grey and purple business suit. Yuzu bowed apologetically "Im sorry Sir but im not interested in singing professionally" He instantly gave a disappointed look as he handed a business card to Yuzu "Well if you ever change your mind, please give me a call"
After all the commotion the 3 made their way up to their rooms.
Mei sat quietly on the balcony as she sipped on a cup of green tea, she was happy with the days outcome. Mei closed her eyes as she thought back to the song's Yuzu had wrote 'she really is amazing' Mei spoke softly to herself.
It was a beautiful clear night, the stars were shinning and the moon was in full. "Mei can I join you?" Mei nodded as Yuzu took a seat and looked out to the Ocean "It's really beautiful isn't it? the way the sea reflects the moon like that" Mei looked back at the blonde as she replied "Yes it truly is" Yuzu took her eyes off the sea as she turned to look at Mei. As soon as their eyes locked on each each other Mei could feel her heart rate increase, the way that Yuzu was looking at her made her melt. Could being 'just' sisters be enough for her? Is this what Yuzu truly wanted from the bottom of her heart? Yuzu was the first to break the silence "Hey M…Mei" Mei smiled softly, she loved how Yuzu always seemed to stumble over her words. "Yes Yuzu?" She slowly took a sip of her tea as she waited for the blonde to say whatever she wanted to.
"What did you really think of my song?" Mei opened her eyes to see Yuzu looking down, she went to speak but Yuzu spoke again before she could "I mean you didn't really like it did you?" Mei was shocked, why would Yuzu think that? She thought that the song was perfect, Yuzu was perfect. Mei gently grabbed Yuzu's chin with her hand as she guided the blonde to look at her. Her eyes widened as she looked into Yuzu's deep emerald eyes, she saw so much passion and love in her eyes, it is those very same eyes that could see straight into her soul and pierce her heart. Softly Mei spoke "Why would you think that Yuzu? I thought it was a beautiful song, just like you" they both leant a little closer, Mei held her gaze as she could feel them getting closer. Yuzu's voice made her heart melt even more "I was so worried you wouldn't like it" Yuzu tried to look away bur the sound of Mei's voice made her look straight back at the raven haired girl "Yuzu, please look at me" Yuzu spoke softly "Y…..You think I'm beautiful?" Mei leant even more closer as she spoke soft and sweet to the blonde "Yes Yuzu, you take my breath away" Mei saw Yuzu lean closer, that was enough to send her over the edge. Within seconds she closed the gap placing her soft lips on Yuzus. Mei went to pull away as she thought that this wasn't what Yuzu wanted but a second after their lips had touched Yuzu circled her arms around Meis neck. Mei pulled Yuzu even closer by grabbing her waist, tears started to flow down her cheeks as Yuzu deepened the kiss and…
"Mei!…..Mei!"
"Mei…wake up" Mei's eyes shot open. "Yuzu?" Mei was still trying to figure out what had happened. "Ahhh Mei your finally awake, Mama said we gotta leave early, she has an emergency at work. Mei stirred a bit before answering Yuzu. "What happened?" She slowy sat up as she watch Yuzu brushing her hair as she spoke "You must have been really tired Mei, because as soon as we got back to the room last night after I sang my songs you pretty much went to sleep within 1 minute" Yuzu let out a small giggle "Wait Yuzu, didn't I have some tea before bed and we…..we" Yuzu quickly cut Mei off "Tea? No way, you didn't even change into your Pyjamas….see" Mei looked down to see she was still in her clothes from yesterday. "I'll be back in a minute Mei, I just have to quickly see Mama" Mei placed her fingers on her lips as she spoke softly to herself "so it was just a dream?" She then took a deep breath as she stood up and recomposed herself and wiping a few stray tears from her eyes.
TO BE CONTINUED….
Awwww poor Mei, next chapter will be more Izumi.
Hope you enjoy this one, let me know your thoughts :)
Happy reading
