A/N: I gotta say it, the stress is killing me. All my teachers are starting to give us papers and projects to work on, especially my marketing class where I'm starting on 3 freakin' projects! And one is due in four days and I haven't started on it yet!
Okay, enough said. haha. I'm just happy that I'm able to post the next chapter.
A big thanks to Amir Jan for giving time to betaread even though I know that you're pretty busy with work. I really appreciate the effort. :) Oh, and a Happy 23rd month anniversary. Luv yah!
And, of course, a big thanks to my readers and to those who reviewed. I wouldn't have persevered on this story without your support. Really.
And to those who PM-ed me, I really enjoyed our conversations. :)
Kisses to all of you! Haha. Oh boy. I'm getting way too girly for my own good.
Cheers,
Jiru-senpai
P.S. The next chapter will be posted within the week. I'll try to find time to have it betaread and edited. I really want to make the pace faster but my schoolwork is piling up. Please bear with me.
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CHAPTER 9
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A loud applause followed after Len finished the last long note. He took a stiff bow and headed towards the stage exit. Tiredly, he went to his dressing room where Hiro was patiently waiting for him outside the door.
Len heaved a heavy sigh as he tried to massage his temples, feeling a migraine coming.
"Tsukimori-sama, I think it is best that you take a rest before we leave the auditorium." Hiro said.
"I'm fine." He went inside and walked towards his violin case on top of the dresser. He placed his violin inside and closed the case. "Let's go."
Hiro's eyebrows furrowed in worry but sighed in defeat as he realized that Len would be too stubborn to listen to his advice.
It's been a week since the time he gave Len that well-deserved day off from work. What made him worry all week was that he has been in quite a grim mood ever since and his performances have not been the usual. His music has changed its mood as well. It was heavier and, somehow, gloomy. Though spectators might not have noticed the difference he, on the other hand, was aware of the change. Being a loyal servant of the Tsukimoris for over three decades, he knows how the Tsukimoris play their music like the back of his hand, especially Len's.
Sure his music has changed ever since Kahoko walked in and out of his life but this time it was different and it was bothering the old man more.
Could it be because of his son?
"Hiro-san, I said 'let's go'." Len said in a tired voice and exited the room as Hiro bowed in acknowledgement before following his lead.
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The ringing of the phone reverberated around the study room of the Tsukimori Mansion. Hamai Misa took another sip of her tea before setting the cup down and picking up the phone that was persistently ringing beside her.
"This is the Tsukimori residence, how may I help you?"
Madame.
"Ah! Hiro-san, how are you? And how is Len?"
Not too well, Madame. Still the same as yesterday.
"Oh dear. Do you think his fatherhood is taking a toll on him?"
A light chuckle was heard from the old man.
Forgive me madame but may I pry?
"Go ahead, Hiro-san."
I daresay that the young master is just worried about his current relationship with his son. Now that he knows that he has a son, he might be anxious that Kahoko would not allow him to bond with the child.
"I see. Well, based on the phone conversation we had a week ago, I guess you may be right." Hamai Misa gave a short and light laugh as she thought of her son. "I am pretty sure he loves the boy as much as the boy's mother."
Indeed, madame. Hiro said in an amused tone.
"Well, if it is bonding with the child the problem that has been plaguing his thoughts, then I see no reason why I should not help my son with this issue. After all, it is about time that Kaho-san introduces me to my only grandchild. I wouldn't want to die old without seeing my grandson, would I?"
Yes, madame. I am sure the child would be delighted to meet you.
"I do hope you're right."
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"Mom! I'm home!" Keiichi announced as he entered the threshold of the Hino residence with Kazuki trailing casually behind him.
"Kei-chan!" Kahoko kneeled with open arms as she enveloped her son in a big hug.
"Mom! You wouldn't believe where Uncle Kazuki and I went!" Keiichi said excitedly.
"Where did you go?" Kahoko sported a look of amusement.
"We went to the arcade!"
"What did you guys play?"
"We played different kinds of games! But I liked Guitar Hero the most!"
"Really?" Kahoko smiled gratefully at Kazuki who was quietly watching the mother and son talk. He noticed Kahoko's look and responded with a shy yet broad smile.
"Kazuki-san, thanks for taking Keiichi out with you."
"It was no problem, really." He blushed in reply. His fingers were playing with the hem of the back of his shirt which went unnoticed by the naive woman.
I wonder if this is the right time to ask her, Kazuki thought nervously.
Gathering enough courage, Kazuki walked a couple of steps towards Kahoko and cleared his throat.
"Ka-Kaho-chan." He clumsily said in his loud voice.
Kahoko looked at him with amusement dancing in her eyes.
He never changed, she mused.
"Um, I-I was wondering," Kazuki shifted his gaze from Kaho to the floor then to the couch then back to the woman before him. "About what I asked last time?"
Kahoko gazed at him innocently then blinked a few times before answering.
"Oh! You mean our next outing? Well, I suggest that we invite the others instead of just us going out of town--"
"No! I meant," He scratched his head in frustration before continuing. "I meant about--you know..."
"What?"
"About you dating again."
"Ah--oh, that."
Kahoko blushed as she shifted her gaze elsewhere.
"Kei-chan. Please go to your room. Uncle Kazuki and I need to talk for a while. I'll follow you afterwards." Kahoko said to her son. Keiichi could only nod as he sprinted up the stairs unaware of the awkward situation happening between the other two.
Once they heard the click of the door, Kazuki faced Kahoko again.
"I-it's not that I'm rushing you or anything," This is it, Kazuki thought. "But I want you to know that I... really like you."
Kahoko's eyes widened and her face was almost as red as her hair.
"Kaz--"
"I understand that you've been through a lot and that Keiichi is too young that you need to concentrate on taking care of him but--"
"Kazuki-kun."
"I really, truly, would like to know if you're willing to go out with me. Well, sure, I could help you raise Keiichi. He's such a nice kid and--"
"Kazuki-san." Kahoko said in a clearer voice; with more conviction while stressing on the 'san' to catch his attention.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry. But I need time to think this over. I can't decide right away about an issue as serious as this." She gave Kazuki an apologetic look. "I haven't dated since I separated with Len. For me to go back into having a relationship with some guy may be more difficult than you think it is."
"But--"
"Kazuki-san. Please, try to understand."
Kazuki opened his mouth to counter but pulled back when he saw her pleading look.
"Okay. I'll wait for your reply. I'm sorry for causing any trouble, Kaho-chan." He bowed to her before heading for the door. He stopped right before turning the knob and looked back at Kahoko with a sad smile visibly shown on his face. "I guess I'll see you around."
Kahoko gave him a thankful smile in response.
"Yeah. I'll see you around. Thank you, Kazuki-kun."
Kazuki nodded then headed out of the door.
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It was night time. Kahoko, with her violin cradled on her lap, stared into space as she thought about what Kazuki said to her earlier in the day.
"I-it's not that I'm rushing or anything but I want you to know that I... really like you."
If I get into a relationship, what will Keiichi say? Will he not question my decisions?
"I really, truly, would like to know if you're willing to go out with me. Well, sure, I could help you raise Keiichi. .."
Help me raise Keiichi...?
Do I need help in raising my child? I've raised him for the past 5 years and I never thought of seeking any help.
But...
She thought about the time when she talked to her two best friends about Len and her past decisions.
"What Mio meant was that Tsukimori-kun deserves to be part of your life's choices especially when it comes to deciding the fate of his own son. He could've taken care of you if you told him about your condition." Nao said.
"For a man to be a part of my life's choices; a man who can take care of me and my son?"
Does Keiichi need a father figure?
Better yet, a real father?
But...
Kahoko imagined Kazuki's smiling face and reminisced the good memories the three of them spent together in various outings.
It felt so much like we were one perfect and happy family... and yet...
Len's face came into picture making the woman's eyes widen and shake her head to clear her thoughts of him.
Kahoko looked at the picture frame on her desk which had a photo of her and Keiichi, smiling at the camera. It was a photo taken not more than a year ago when they were at the beach.
Beside the frame was a sheet of sticker paper and in it were miniature photos of them with Kazuki. It was taken right after their lunch at the cafИ. The three of them headed straight to the mall, much after Keiichi's insistent persuasion, and went to this small photo booth and had their picture taken to serve as a memorabilia of their Saturday outing.
Her gaze rested on the photo of them three then shifted her gaze back to the picture frame. A different image showed as a man with blue hair smiled at the camera with his arms draped over her and Keiichi.
Kahoko's eyes watered.
"And yet he's not Len."
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Feeling signs of drowsiness, Kahoko gave a long stretch and fixed her students' schoolwork. She thought of hitting the sack earlier as tomorrow will be Monday and there will be a lot to do in preparation for the quarterly examinations for the kids.
Giving out another yawn, she reached for her lamp light at the side of her desk but stopped short when her phone rang.
"Now who would call me at this hour?"
She picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
Kaho-san? It's so nice to hear from you after so long.
Hairs behind her neck stood on end as she dreaded the day she'll talk to this woman again. She'd rather wallow in shame than confront her and explain why she left years ago.
"Tsukimori-san? I'm s-sorry. I guess I was surprised to hear from you."
Kaho-san, you don't need to be too formal. Please, call me Misa, Hamai Misa gave a small giggle which did nothing to calm Kahoko's nerves.
"Misa-san," Kahoko's heart pounded rapidly. "I-I'M SO SORRY FOR ALL THE THINGS I'VE DONE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! FOR NOT GIVING YOU MY REASONS FOR LEAVING; FOR--"
Kaho-san?
"Yes!" Kahoko answered immediately.
You need not explain to me at the moment. I called you right now to tell you that I want us to meet sometime next week and discuss things over tea.
"But..."
And please bring my handsome grandson with you. I'm very excited to meet him!
"Of course, I--wait. I apologize for my rudeness but how did you know about Keiichi?"
Oh, Hiro-san told me a lot about him and how Len and the child met at the park. Hino-san and I also talked not too long ago about Keiichi after receiving the news from Hiro-san. And, of course, how could I not forget about the news televised regarding Len's performance at the concert in Seiso?
Gee, how could she not notice? Kahoko thought sarcastically. Great, I'm sure she hates me for hiding her only grandchild from her... Unless Len impregnated someone else after I left. Yeah, right.
"I see. Well, Misa-san, I'm not sure if Len would allow us to meet--"
Do not worry, dear. Len does not know of our meeting. Anyway, he hardly visits me these past few years.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Misa-san. I'm sure it has a lot to do with me."
Don't be silly. One's actions come from his decisions. Remember that.
Kahoko pondered silently about what the older woman said but was disrupted when Misa called out her name.
I think we should end this conversation. I'm sure you need your rest as you have work tomorrow. Do send my love to Keiichi-san. Meet me tomorrow after your work. Just head straight to the mansion. Well, that is if you're fine with tomorrow...
"It's fine, Misa-san. I'll see you then. Good night."
Good night, Kaho-san. I'm glad you're back.
The dial tone was heard and Kahoko placed the cordless phone back to its holder.
That was a close one. I thought she'd lose her self-control and call me a hag for leaving his son! I guess I was wrong.
Kahoko smiled gratefully before heading back to her bed.
Tomorrow's going to be a looong day...
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"Mommy, where are we going?" Keiichi asked innocently as both he and his mother crossed from one street to another in quick steps. The kid noticed that Kahoko has been checking her surroundings every now and then, not knowing the reason why, yet he kept quiet about it the whole time.
Maybe mommy's just worried that someone's going to kidnap me, Keiichi thought.
"We're going to meet up with someone." Kahoko gave him a nervous smile.
"Who?"
"Your grandmother."
"But I already know my gramma! You're funny mommy." Keiichi gave out a hearty giggle. Kahoko joined in but stopped when they reached a familiar massive gate.
"Well, Kei-chan. You see, you not only have grandparents from my side of the family. You also have your other pair of grandparents from your dad's family."
Keiichi looked questioningly at his mother, unable to comprehend.
"I meant that you're meeting your other grandma. Your daddy's mother."
At a distance, a woman in elegant clothing strolled towards the front gates with a smile plastered on her face. Her gaze was constantly on the little boy as she opened the gate cutting both mother and son from their conversation.
"Kaho-san, I'm very glad you came." Misa gave them a motherly and welcoming smile.
"Misa-san. Thank you for inviting me and Keiichi." Kahoko bowed and gave Keiichi a look that told him to do the same. The child bowed making the older woman smile in delight as she gazed at her grandson with much pride.
"Please, do come in. I've prepared tea in the music room." Both mother and son entered the gates and followed Misa inside the mansion. Once they entered, Kahoko looked around the place she knew so well from highschool until before she left town. It held so many bitter and sweet memories which she tried to forget when she was in Osaka. However, the last memory which has been long gone in the recesses of her mind came back. Memories of the engagement party seem to haunt her once again; her waiting by the entrance for hours; her talking to Hamai Misa by the fireplace and telling her about her decision to break up with Len; her fainting and waking up the next day at the hospital. Such bitter memories she tried to suppress but failed.
"Woah..." Keiichi gasped in awe, loud enough for Misa to hear. The old woman giggled while she continued to lead them to the music room.
Once they arrived at the entrance, she opened the double doors, revealing her grand piano that has been passed down by her father. She let the other two in and saw Keiichi's eyes widened in awe yet again as he tugged excitedly at Kahoko and pointed at the various display of instruments in the vast room, from wind to percussion to string; either plastered on walls or held on stands custom-made for each instrument.
"Mom! Look! Oh, can I go look?!" Keiichi whispered excitedly. Kahoko laughed lightly at Keiichi's thrilled expression.
"I don't know..."
"Of course you may, Keiichi-san. But before that..." Hamai Misa walked towards Keiichi who looked at her innocently. The old woman bent down and took him in her arms in a warm embrace. Kahoko looked at them in surprise.
"I can't believe that you're real... that I have a grandson! Oh, Keiichi-san, I'm so glad I've seen you at last. You don't know how much I wanted to see you and spend time with you." Misa whispered loud enough for both Kahoko and Keiichi to hear.
"Gramma...?" Keiichi asked hesitatingly. Losing all gracefulness and poise, Misa let out a tear and hugged the boy tighter. Her heart ached for not being able to be with him since his birth and felt pity on both Len's and Kahoko's part. How much have they suffered these years? But the past is the past and all she can work with is what is present and hope for a better future for this child and his parents.
"Gramma?" the boy asked again, this time with more certainty and recognition. Misa broke away from her thoughts and pulled back from Keiichi.
"Yes, Keiichi-san?"
"Can I look at the instruments? They look so shiny!" Keiichi gave her the most heart-warming grin that it was hard for her not to allow him; in the first place, she chose to have tea in this room knowing that her grandson has a passion for music.
Misa laughed in delight and nodded in reply. The kid cheered and ran towards the collection of string instruments hanging on one side of the wall.
"Misa-san." Kahoko asked with her eyes directed towards the floor. "I'm sorry for hiding Keiichi from you, Tsukimori-san and Len. It was so selfish of me to decide on keeping this information from you."
Hamai Misa walked towards the younger woman and gently placed her hand on Kahoko's shoulder.
"Kaho-san." She said making the girl look at her in the eye. "It is not your fault. It was your decision as a mother. If you see this as a mistake, then don't do it again. As simple as that." She shifted her gaze towards the boy who was now playing with the piano.
"Kaho-san, you do know that you have the chance to change everything, right? To make yours and Keiichi's life better by not repeating the same mistake?"
"But I don't need to change--"
"Think about it, Kaho-san. Think about what's best for your son." Misa implored.
"What's best for my son?" Kahoko's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But I gave everything I had for my son. And I see that he's happy with the way things are."
"Is he?" Misa took a seat on the couch, poured tea into the porcelain cups and offered one to Kahoko. The younger woman accepted the cup and took a seat at the other end of the couch.
"Yes. Of course he is." She told herself.
Yet, somehow, Kahoko had a hard time convincing herself. Questions started to pop in her mind as she pondered on what Misa said.
Is Keiichi really happy with how things are now? I've seen him grow to be such a happy boy with a very happy childhood. Though we may not be living in luxury, he seems to be quite content with life as it is. But...
Kahoko peered at her son who was still playing on the keys of the piano.
Would life have been better if he had a father who would teach him, guide him, and watch over him as he grows?
"Sometimes," Misa started making Kahoko break away from her thoughts, "the best way to understand someone's thoughts and views is to talk to the person concerned rather than to try and think over things by oneself." The older woman glanced at the young mother, eyes hiding her real thoughts about the matter. Kahoko, being the innocent woman she is, did not understand what Misa said and remained silent.
"Anyway, I'm having another charity concert within the week." Misa stood up and went towards a shelf and took out an envelope. She returned to the couch and gave the item to Kahoko. "I would like to invite you and Keiichi-san to watch. It would really make me happy if both of you could come."
Kahoko peered at the envelope curiously.
"Why are you doing this, Misa-san?" Kahoko said as she took a glance at Misa's calm facial expression. She doesn't seem bothered by Kahoko's question. "I've deprived you of Keiichi and have created a mess with your son, and still you treat me kindly. Why?"
"Because, my dear, I know that things will turn out for the better. Whatever decision a person makes will always be for the better. Don't you think so, Kaho-san?"
Kahoko, after much thought, smiled in understanding and nodded.
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A/N: I know you want to... ;P
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