CHAPTER 10

With the phone still ringing, Yuzu stumbled for the device and eventually answered it in an irritated tone.

"Hello?"

To Yuzu's surprise it was her mum asking where she was.

"Sorry Mama, I lost track of time..."

Still holding her head with her left hand as she held the phone with her right, Yuzu glanced at Mei and spoke hurriedly.

"I'll be home soon."

Yuzu hung up the line and slowly got up off the floor. She stretched out her hand to help Mei to her feet as well. Both women couldn't help but feel awkward, especially with their brief skin to skin contact.

The two looked at each other for a moment until Yuzu broke the silence.

"Let's go Mei. Papa is worried about you."

Yuzu went to head for the door when Mei's voice stopped her.

"How did you know I was here Yuzu?"

Yuzu took a moment to think about the question, turning her head to the side she gave a sad smile as she answered, "I just had a feeling, that's all."

Yuzu then continued out the door with Mei following close behind.

After locking up the school the two hopped into Yuzu's car and drove towards the Aihara Mansion.

"Yuzu…"

Yuzu kept her eyes on the road but gave a soft hmmmm to let Mei know that she was listening and waiting for her to continue.

"I don't wish to go to the mansion just yet. Could you please take me to the Star Hotel in the city instead?"

Mei spoke softly, and yet Yuzu also noticed subtle sadness in her voice.

Taking a few more turns, Mei realised that Yuzu was no longer heading in the direction of the mansion. But Yuzu was not driving towards the hotel. Confused, Mei asked, " Where are we going Yuzu?"

Taking in a slow deep breath Yuzu replied, "I know it's none of my business and Papa only told me a little about what actually happened…"

Quickly turning to Mei and giving her a smile Yuzu continued.

"But there is no way I could let family stay in a hotel when there is space at my place. Plus, Mama would kill me if she found out that I just dropped you off at a hotel by yourself."

Mei understood but she didn't want the blonde to just be kind to her out of a sense of obligation.

"Thank you Yuzu, but it's fine, really. I know things between us are not the best and I don't want to jeopardize that."

Shaking her head Yuzu spoke again.

"Sorry Mei, I'm not taking no for an answer. Believe me, it really is ok."

The rest of the ride the star-crossed, would be lovers, sat in silence. Both women were lost in their own thoughts. Yuzu felt like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. She knew that it wasn't her place to ask Mei about what was going on but she also couldn't sit back and watch the hurt expression all over Mei's face.

"We're home." Yuzu called out as she closed the door behind her.

Mei entered next to Yuzu. They were greeted by the sound of small feet thundering down the hallway.

"Welcome back Mama…." Haruka stood stunned in the doorway as she looked between Mei and Yuzu.

"AUNTY MEI!" The small girl ran and gave Mei a huge hug which Mei awkwardly returned.

"Hey what about your Mama over here!?" Yuzu playfully chided as she waited for a hug from Haruka.

"Sorry Mama, but I wasn't expecting Aunty Mei."

"Mei?" Ume was now the stunned one, as she stepped out of the kitchen, to pull her stepdaughter into a hug while simultaneously exclaiming, "What a pleasant surprise!"

"Sorry for the intrusion, but Yuzu said it would be alright." Mei bowed as she spoke.

Ume quickly pulled the raven haired woman further inside as she spoke.

"Don't be silly, this is your home too, always."

"Thank you mother, thank you Yuzu." Mei couldn't help but feel close to Yuzu but so distant at the same time.

"Matsuri is in the spare room so you can have Haruka's room and Haruka will sleep with me." Yuzu tried to maintain a brave face but everything slowly started to hit her hard. The results from the DNA test were weighing heavily on her mind. Honestly, the vexed blonde thought to herself, 'A stiff drink sounds pretty good right now, especially with Mei sleeping here tonight. I need something to take the edge off.'

"Mama, may I sleep with Aunty Mei please! I have a double bed so there's heaps of space." Haruka pleaded her case but her mama quickly shot the request down.

"You're too hot to sleep with sweetie. I'm sure it would be uncomfortable for Mei." Yuzu looked up to Mei, but to her surprise Mei disagreed.

"I wouldn't mind."

"YAY!" Haruka cheered as she quickly grabbed Mei's hand and dragged her down the hallway to her bedroom.

-sigh-

Yuzu relaxed into the sofa as she let out a sigh. Ume knew her daughter very well, and the expression on her face right now was one she hadn't seen on her daughter's face since she found out she was pregnant.

Ume went to speak but Yuzu managed to beat her to it.

"It's ok Mama, I just have a few things I need to sort out." Turning to her mum Yuzu finished with..

"I promise."

Holding her daughter's gaze for a moment Ume recognized that Yuzu needed some time to herself. So she gave her daughter a loving hug and kiss on the head before retiring to bed.

Yuzu closed her eyes as she listened to the voices in her home. Haruka's high pitched voice echoed down the hallway as she told Mei about every toy and book in her room. Then, she listened as Ume said goodnight to her stepdaughter and granddaughter.

The sound of footsteps approaching and a smile found its way onto Yuzu's lips before…

"Mama!" Haruka jumped on to her mama with a wide smile.

Yuzu couldn't stop the smile on her lips before she announced, "It's time for your bedtime too missy." Yuzu picked her daughter up and headed to the room. But Haruka quickly made another request.

"Can you and Aunty Mei tuck me in Mama?"

Yuzu looked to Mei who seemed to have a shocked expression on her face but simply nodded at the request.

Mei watched from the doorway as Yuzu tucked Haruka into bed and kissed her on the forehead. Turning to Mei, Yuzu gestured for her to come closer.

Standing next to the little girl Mei found herself leaning down and kissing the purple eyed girl on the head as well before saying in a soft and loving tone."Goodnight, Haruka-chan."

Once the two had left Haruka's room, Yuzu disappeared into her room for a moment before returning with a set of pajamas.

"Here Mei, I'm sure you have no clothes, you can use mine."

Mei thanked Yuzu and decided to have a refreshing bath.

Soaking in the bath felt so soothing. It gave Mei a chance to reflect upon everything that had happened over the last few days. She felt like she had been on one of the craziest roller coaster rides and hoped that the worst of it was over.

After her relaxing bath, Mei joined Yuzu in the dining room. She watched as Yuzu placed some food on a plate on the table before she spoke.

"Here Mei, you really should eat something." Mei made her way to the table and sat across from her ex.

The food smelled delicious. Looking down at her plate you would think that they were in a restaurant. The presentation on the plate was beautiful.

Yuzu was already a few mouthfuls into her food when she noticed that Mei hadn't even touched her meal.

"Do you not like it Mei? I can make something else?" Yuzu asked as she waited for Mei to respond.

Quickly realising that she had just been staring at the delectable arrangement on her plate, Mei looked Yuzu in the eye and apologized. "Sorry Yuzu, I guess I just spaced out for a moment, it looks and smells delicious."

The next few minutes were spent in silence as the two stepsisters ate quietly. Both were lost in their own thoughts.

'What am I going to do? How do I tell Haruka?' Yuzu thought to herself. Life was really testing her at the moment.

Glancing up from her plate she found Mei staring at her food again. She was reminded why the raven haired woman was there.

"Mei?" Yuzu said as she looked directly at the raven haired woman.

Mei simply looked back at Yuzu as she waited for her to continue.

"Do you wanna talk about it? I already messaged Papa to let him know you were ok."

Even though Yuzu had her own stuff to sort out, she couldn't help but worry about the younger woman. Mei always had a bad habit of overworking herself and shutting people out. Nevertheless, Yuzu thought that she should at least let Mei know that she could talk to her.

Lowering her gaze down to Mei's finger, the beautiful wedding ring was like a huge reality check for Yuzu and a slap in the face.

'Mei has a husband she confides in, not me.' Yuzu thought as she looked back up to Mei's vibrant violet eyes.

Mei could see the conflict in Yuzu's eyes and she didn't want the blonde to feel that she had to be there for her. Mei wanted Yuzu there because she wanted to be, not because she felt that she had to be. Thus, in typical Mei nature she read the situation wrong and spoke in her monotone voice.

"I'm fine Yuzu." Getting up from her seat and taking her plate to the sink Mei bowed as she spoke again.

"Thank you for the thoughtful meal Yuzu. I'll be going to bed now….goodnight." Mei took her leave as she headed down the hall to Haruka's room.

"Goodnight." Yuzu whispered softly as she watched Mei's figure disappear into the dark hallway.

As soon as she heard the door click shut she let out a long breath that she didn't realise she was holding. Moving to the couch Yuzu slumped into the soft material. Leaning her head back Yuzu looked at the ceiling as she spoke softly to herself, "Why would she want to talk to me anyway?"

Minutes passed and Yuzu still lay awake in bed. Minutes turned into hours and before she knew it, it was already 3:30am.

-sigh-

Letting out a long sigh Yuzu got out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. Opening the fridge door Yuzu automatically went for a can of beer before stopping just before her fingertips touched the rim.

'No, I need to get my head straight, I promised Mama.' Yuzu thought before changing the direction of her hand and going for the orange juice instead.

After pouring herself a glass she went out to the balcony and pulled out her phone.

"Hello?" The voice on the other side had clearly just been woken up by the blonde and Yuzu couldn't help feel bad for waking them at this hour.

"Ohhhhh shit sorry Haru, I call back later." Yuzu went to hang up but Harumin's voice stopped her before she could.

"Yuzu? What's wrong?"

Harumin was Yuzu's closest friend, I mean the two had pretty much been inseparable since high school and it was pretty safe to say that Harumin was the second person in the world who knew the blonde chef better than anyone. Obviously Ume was the first.

She knew by now that the only reason her friend would call at this hour was because there was something heavy weighing on her mind. And considering all the events that had happened the last few days Harumin had a fair idea what the call would be about as she asked, "He's the father isn't he?"

All Harumin could hear from the other side of the phone was heavy breathing. She took in a slow breath before she spoke again.

"Yuzucchi, are you ok?" She asked in a soft and caring tone.

"I…." Yuzu finally allowed herself to feel the full impact of her previously pent up emotions as they slammed into her completely. After all, she hadn't slept in over 24 hours now and fatigue kicked in, lowering Yuzu's will power.

"Do you want me to come over?" Harumin asked as it was clear that her friend wasn't able to form any sentences at the moment. Not expecting to get an answer Harumin rolled out of bed and got ready to grab her keys. To her surprise Yuzu finally responded.

"No, it's ok Haru, just talk with me for a bit?" Yuzu's voice was on the verge of breaking but she was trying with all her strength to harness an inner resilience, not for her sake but for Haruka.

Not too far from Yuzu, Mei lay awake as well. She thought that she would fall asleep easily but it seems as though her mind had other plans. She knew that her father was only doing what he thought was right for the family and most importantly for her, but she still couldn't just let the topic go like that.

Mei's train of thought was interrupted as she heard a voice. Slowly getting out of bed so that Haruka wouldn't wake, Mei made her way down the hall to see the entire house in darkness. 'I must be hearing things.' Mei thought as she went to turn back around when…..

"I don't know, what do you think?"

Yuzu's voice hit Mei's ears, she walked down to the end of the hall to see Yuzu standing outside on the balcony as she leaned on the side. The door was not fully closed so Mei couldn't hear what the person on the other line was saying but she could hear Yuzu clear as day.

'Why is Yuzu still up? And who could she be talking to at this hour?' Mei thought as she stood quietly by the door.

"Yeah, you're right Haru."

Mei let out a sigh of relief as she realised that Yuzu was talking to her best friend.

Mei knew that listening in on someone's conversation was not right so she started to head back to Haruka's room a second time. But the next sentence that left Yuzu's mouth made her freeze where she was.

"What should I do about Mei?"

Mei felt the air around her become thick as she stood still and waited for Yuzu to speak again. She felt scared for the words that could leave the blonde's mouth.

Yuzu let out her third frustrated sigh during her conversation with Harumin.

"Mei and I are barely on speaking terms right now. Yet, Haruka has really taken a liking to her…..who could blame her, she is amazing." The end of Yuzu's sentence was barely a whisper but Mei heard each word and she couldn't stop the smile that had made its way onto her lips, little did she know that smile would soon fade.

There was silence for a few minutes before Yuzu spoke again.

"What am I meant to do Harumin? Its not exactly a breakfast kind of conversation. What am I meant to say? Oh hey, Mei can you pass the milk and by the way, Itsuki is Haruka's father because we had a one night stand 6 years ago!?" Yuzu's voice started to rise.

Mei's eyes widened she couldn't believe what she had just heard. She felt her whole world close in and her heart break once again. The interaction between Itsuki and Yuzu made sense to her now. As her chest tightened Mei thought to herself, 'What is this feeling?'

Mei covered her mouth with her hand as she tried to calm herself down.

"I'll try and get some sleep, thanks for everything."

Mei quickly returned back to Haruka's room as she heard Yuzu end her call.

Dragging herself to her room, Yuzu felt her body relax as she laid back and stared at the ceiling. Talking to Harumin really did seem to lift a bit of the weight off her shoulders and it wasn't long before she fell asleep.

A FEW HOURS LATER….

Yuzu groaned sleepily as she tossed and turned in her bed. She could hear Haruka and Ume being noisy as usual in the morning. But her body quickly shot up as she heard Haruka happily declare, "Aunty Mei, Aunty Mei look at this!"

'That's right, Mei's here.' Yuzu thought before she heard her mother speak.

"I'm sure if you ask Yuzu she would be happy to drop you off Mei."

Yuzu's body jolted up at the sentence she just heard, before she knew it her entire body had moved on its own and she was already walking out to where everyone was having breakfast.

"Good morning Mama, did you have a good sleep?"

Yuzu looked down at her cheerful daughter and gave her a kiss on the head before she answered, "Yeah, although your Mama could do with a bit more sleep to be honest."

Looking to the sofa Yuzu saw Mei sitting with her perfect posture as she seemed to be waiting for something.

"Morning Mei, I hope Haruka wasn't too hard to sleep with, I know how much she can move around in her sleep."

Yuzu spoke as she tried to wipe some sleep from her eyes.

Mei stood up and bowed to the blonde beauty before she answered.

"Morning Yuzu, thank you for your hospitality. I must head out now…" Standing back up and giving Haruka a small smile Mei continued.

"And Haruka-chan was fine to sleep with. If I recall, you would move around a lot more than her when we shared a bed."

Yuzu instantly blushed at Mei's statement. She suddenly remembered the words spoken moments earlier and she quickly stated, "I can take you where you need to go if you just give me a-"

Yuzu was cut off as Mei spoke in her normal monotone voice.

"It's fine Yuzu, I have already contacted Himeko to pick me up."

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it." Ume walked over to answer the door.

The two stepsisters stood in silence. Yuzu could feel that something was off with Mei but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Mei took a moment to look around the warm family home. There were pictures everywhere. There were pictures of everyone that Mei knew from Harumin, Matsuri even Sho and Himeko were in a few. Mei couldn't help but feel like a complete stranger, no wonder Haruka had no idea who she was.

"Yuzu, there is a handsome young man at the door asking for you." Ume came back with Itsuki.

"Sorry for coming unannounced but I really need to talk with you." Itsuki bowed as he spoke to Yuzu.

There was a small silence before another voice spoke.

"Sorry for the intrusion, but is Mei-Mei here?" Himeko bowed as she entered the main living area.

"Aunty Himeko!" Haruka gave Himeko a hug. Himeko's whole body stiffened as she felt Mei's glare, she knew that she was going to get in trouble soon from the ex student council president.

Looking to Mei, then back to Himeko, Haruka spoke again.

"Mei-Mei? Do you mean Aunty Mei?"

Nodding and smiling proudly Himeko confessed.

"Mei-Mei and I have been friends since childhood. That's the nickname I have always called her."

Haruko jumped happily as she went over to Mei and grabbed her hand before speaking.

"May I call you Aunty Mei-Mei?"

Mei could never say no to the smiling face looking at her before she smiled and answered, "Of course Haruka-chan."

Himeko stood stunned as she watched the interaction between her friend and niece. It had been years since she saw Mei smile like that or even use such a tender tone in her voice.

"Yuzu, are you going to introduce us to your dashing young friend here? Or are we meant to guess?" Ume spoke up as Yuzu hadn't even introduced him. Although, Ume had to admit that he could pass for Mei's brother or close relative.

Mei felt her heart seize as she looked over to her cousin and ex-girlfriend. Thoughts of Yuzu and Itsuki together flashed in her mind and it made her stomach twist in knots and feel like vomiting.

"Sorry for being so rude Ma'am, I'm Itsuki Aihara." Itsuki bowed to Ume as he spoke.

"Oh, you must be Mei's cousin, Sho said that you were coming by." Ume gave a warm smile as she spoke.

"Is he my uncle?" Haruka questioned as she looked up to Yuzu.

All the adults felt the air thicken with an odd tension. Yuzu definitely was not ready for such questions. She was barely functioning due to her lack of sleep. In addition, Mei was acting weirder than usual towards her.

She knew that she couldn't back her way out of this one as she looked from Haruka to the rest of the group. The stressed out blonde felt like time was frozen as she watched Itsuki get down on one knee and answer Haruka's question.

"I'm your father Haruka."

A FEW HOURS LATER…..

"Damn, are you ok Yuzucchi?" Harumin took a sip from her tea as she took in the sight of her best friend.

Yuzu really was having the worst day. She had barely any sleep, then Itsuki just walked up and dropped the Dad bomb, so nonchalantly, on she and Haruka in front of everyone. Then, Ume started asking a million questions. To top it all off, now Mei wasn't talking to her at all. As soon as Itsuki announced he was Haruka's father Mei simply excused herself and dragged Himeko along with her.

Yuzu was going to message Mei, but what was she meant to say? And why did she feel that she had to explain herself to the raven haired woman anyway? Finally looking back at her friend she asked, "I guess I have no other option but to be ok, right?"

"Wrong." Harumin spoke back causing Yuzu to give her a confused expression as she waited for the auburn haired woman to continue to speak.

"You're allowed to have bad days Yuzucchi, everyone does. I mean just the other day I forgot about Mirai's volleyball practise and she hated me for it for like 2 days. Did I let that make me think I was a failure?...No, I apologised and carried on. Being a mum is the toughest job in the world and there is no instruction manual for it, we just gotta make it up as we go."

Yuzu looked at Harumin. Mirai was Harumin's daughter. She was only 6 months younger than Haruka. Haruka and Mirai had been best friends since birth and one could guarantee that they would be having a sleep over at one another's houses each weekend.

"Thanks Haru, you always know how to make me feel better." Yuzu gave a smile to her friend.

"So are you gonna go?" Harumin asked as she waited for a response.

"It feels too soon, I don't know." Yuzu nervously tapped her finger on the table as she tried to think about what Harumin was saying.

"To soon since when? You're single right?" Harumin waited for Yuzu to nod before she continued.

"And he is single too, right?" Another nod from the blonde and Harumin added, "Then, there is no harm in 2 single people going out and eating together and having a great time. You like him don't you?"

Yuzu locked eyes with Harumin. No words had to be spoken between such close friends. Harumin knew exactly what was eating Yuzu up inside as she made her point.

"She's married now Yuzucchi, you deserve to be happy. Stop waiting for something that isn't going to happen….." Getting up from her seat Harumin gave Yuzu a wide smile as she concluded by offering to pick up Haruka.

"I'll pick Haruka up from school and she can stay at mine tonight. Go home, get some rest, and have some fun tonight. Besides, you two have a lot to talk about any way."

Yuzu watched as Harumin left the cafe. After a few minutes of thinking Yuzu finally pulled her phone out and looked for a certain number.

On another side of town two different best friends were having a similar conversation.

"Mei-Mei I think you should tell her." Himeko looked to her best friend as she poured her a cup of tea. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath Mei replied, "I can't Himeko, not yet anyway. I have to wait until things are settled."

"But Mei-"

Himeko was cut off as Mei spoke over her.

"No, this is the last time I want to talk about this for now…." Softening her gaze Mei finished her sentence.

"Please, Himeko."

Mei was the most important person in Himeko's life and it hurt her seeing her friend like this and she couldn't help but feel helpless in this situation.

Himeko was brought out of her thoughts as she heard Mei speak in a colder tone,

"We talk nearly everyday, why didn't you tell me about her?"

Himeko knew this question was coming and she knew who 'she' was. Giving Mei a sad smile she answered, "Sorry Mei-Mei, but you said that you didn't want to hear anything about Yuzu and I respected those wishes. I did want to tell you about Haruka-chan though, I really did."

All Mei could say at the moment given the circumstances, was "I see." After all, Himeko spoke the truth. She was the one who told the shorter girl to never mention anything about Yuzu when they talked.

"I guess,...just so much has changed." Mei spoke quietly as she looked down at her tea cup.

"Don't give up Mei-Mei. I know I have never been a fan of Aihara Yuzu but I just have this feeling that you two are meant to be together." Himeko declared as she stood up and placed her hands on her hips.

"Thank you Hime, please stay in my life." Mei smiled as she looked to her friend.

After spending most of her day with her friend Mei decided it was time to go home and face her father, she couldn't run away from the conflict forever.

"I'm home." Mei spoke as she took her shoes off, she could hear her father laughing as he spoke to someone. Walking into the living room Mei was met with Sho helping Itsuki do some finishing touches on what looked like a brand new suit.

"Ahh Mei, you're finally home. Sorry about the other day I-"

Mei cut Sho off as she spoke.

"It's fine father, we can discuss it later if you wish…" Looking to Itsuki then back to her father Mei continued to speak.

"Is there something going on tonight? Or some function we are attending?"

Sho gave his daughter the proudest smile before he spoke.

"Nope, Itsuki here is all nervous for his date with Yuzu-chan tonight, aren't you boy?" Sho teasingly elbowed Itsuki in the side as he checked himself in the mirror.

Mei stood silently as she let the words sink into her head. She watched as Itsuki turned around to face her with a charming smile he looked at his cousin as he asked, "So, how do I look, cuz? Do you think Yuzu will like it?"

TO BE CONTINUED….

OMG AND CHAPTER 10 IS HERE:)

I HOPE YOU ARE ALL ENJOYING, ALSO I WILL BE TAKING A BREAK FROM THIS STORY FOR A BIT SO THAT I CAN UPDATE MY OTHER STORIES.

THIS CHAPTER IS A BIT LONGER THAN I HAD PLANNED BUT I HOPE YOU LIKE IT.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND HAPPY READING :)

AS USUAL PLEASE LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS IF YOU HAVE TIME