Chapter 9 Melinda Matthew

It had been a week since Hikaru said those things to Melinda. Now, Kaoru was holding her hand as they rode in the Hitachiin car to Hikaru and Kaoru's house. Melinda adjusted the laces on her tan, wedge-heeled, ankle boots. She tugged at the hem of her denim shorts and teal, long-sleeved shirt.

The car stopped in front of an elegant mansion. Melinda was suddenly glad her father worked so hard. At least her house compared to the Hitachiin's!

Melinda sighed.

Kaoru got out of the car first, turned around, and offered his hand to Melinda. She stuck out a long, charcoal-grey stocking-covered leg out and slid out of the car. He slipped an arm around her waist, pulled her into his chest, and guided her up to the large, grand front door.

When Kaoru opened the door and Melinda saw what was inside, only four words came to her mind. It was elegant, grand, beautiful, and…expensive. She walked in with her mouth open. This was far better than her house.

Kaoru took her hand and led her farther into the foyer. Melinda nearly fainted when a stunning woman descended from the sweeping staircase. Melinda knew right away that was Mrs. Hitachiin. Her spiky, ginger hair was an amazing pixie-cut. She wore a tight-fitted, champagne dress that had a black lace overlay. She easily stood taller than Melinda in her red heels.

"Hikaru! This must be your lovely girl!" The woman's golden eyes looked Melinda over and her red lips curled up into a beautiful smile.

"Mom! I'm Kaoru!" He gave her an exasperated look.

"I was kidding! You know I can tell you two apart!" Mrs. Hitachiin turned back to Melinda. "Anyway, I'm Kaoru and Hikaru's mother, Yuzuha Hitachiin. And you are Melinda, right?" The two women shook hands.

"Yes, I am," Melinda replied shyly. "You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Hitachiin."

She held up her index finger. "Call me Yuzuha."

Melinda held onto Kaoru for dear life.

"Now, spin around. Let me have a look at you." When Melinda was facing her again, Mrs. Yuzuha was smiling. "You are just beautiful! And you have a great sense in fashion!"

The trio was smiling and laughing as they made their way into the dining room for lunch.

Mrs. Yuzuha was very sociable with Melinda and Kaoru seemed slightly relieved to know that his mother and girlfriend got along very well. He even helped the maid take the dishes from lunch into the kitchen to give Mrs. Yuzuha and Melinda some private time to talk.

Mrs. Yuzuha got up and went to the bathroom soon after that; leaving Melinda alone in the dining room. She was thrilled about it. She could see right into the kitchen and the back of Kaoru. Melinda felt so lucky to have him.

She admired the way his golden scarf complimented his hair. She stared at how the arch of his shoulders looked under his autumn orange sweater. She also gawked at how great his legs and butt looked in his fitted jeans.

Kaoru came back, helped her up from her chair, and said, "Do you want to go for a walk?"

Melinda nodded eagerly and let him lead her to the arched back door.

When they stepped out, a cool breeze greeted them with orange, yellow, and red leaves. Melinda was amazed by the garden with its autumn colored leaves, exquisite fountains, and bright and beautiful flowers. She could see Kaoru out of the corner of her eye. He was smiling at her amazement.

He led her further into the garden, found an ornate bench, and sat down. He patted the spot next to him and for Melinda to sit down. She did and placed her head in his lap.

He chuckled and began stroking her hair. She grabbed his other hand and laid their entwined hands on her stomach. They just sat like that and enjoyed the feel and comfort of having each other.

The beautiful moments were ended when Mrs. Yuzuha came out into the gardens looking for Kaoru.

She stopped in front of Melinda and Kaoru and said, "Hikaru would like a word." They knew she meant he wanted to see Kaoru because she never turned her look of concern away from him.

After Kaoru went inside and Melinda had repositioned herself, Mrs. Yuzuha sat down where Kaoru had just been moments ago. She settled herself and finally gave Melinda that look of concern.

"You've caused quite a ruckus between Hikaru and Kaoru." Her voice was sweet, honest, and stern all at once.

Melinda sighed. "I know."

Mrs. Yuzuha stared up at the mansion. "Oh look, Kaoru has already made his way up there."

Melinda looked up. They could see right into a window on what looked like a landing on the second floor. Hikaru and Kaoru were facing each other on the landing. They were yelling.

"Those boys," Mrs. Yuzuha sighed and shook her head. "I know why Hikaru is acting that way." She looked at Melinda. "Do you?"

Melinda sat there for second. Actually, she didn't know why. She just figured the fight went deep into their brotherly relationship. She shook her head.

"Hikaru is upset and hurt that Kaoru has found someone to love." Melinda shrank back at the word love. "He wishes to have someone too. Hikaru is also upset that while he sits and feels bad for himself, Kaoru isn't comforting him. He's upset that his brother isn't helping him through it, and that he is choosing you over him."

Melinda sat and thought. Then, she stood up and began running to the house.

She knew how to fix this.