Chapter 10: Dreams and Memories
Disclaimer: Don't own
I had my blood transfusion the next day but since I stressed myself out because of that stupid incident I was forced to have a complete bed rest in my apartment the day after. I wouldn't really complain because I have no energy to do that. Today, I just want to sleep but it seems this was my bad day.
"Kaoru you have a visitor today." Megumi distractedly said. I buried myself under the covers and groaned. She's my doctor yet she's accepting visitors?
"Send that person away…I want to…sleep." I grumpily said. I turned to my other side and started to doze off.
"It is amazing that you still have your temper even when you're sick." Oh please anybody but him. I groaned and took a peek at my inconsiderate visitor.
"I would have to leave for a while so please take charge." Megumi instructed the newcomer. Megumi if you will leave me alone with him I will kill you! "Kaoru has a slight fever so I want you to call me if there is any slight change." Megumi said in her professional tone. I hate you Megumi.
"Megumi…" I said sweetly. "Why are you leaving so suddenly?"
"I still have work at the hospital. You're not my only patient, you idiot." Megumi said as if she was reprimanding a small child. I looked at Kenshin who wanted to laugh at the scene.
"You, what are doing…here…?" This time I turned my attention to Kenshin. Megumi has to be lying because I am perfectly fine and if I'm fine Kenshin has to leave.
"Don't you remember? This is our second month." Kenshin said as if it was just nothing. He was standing at my doorway wearing a worried look. Second month of what…oh no! I was cut of from my tirade of thoughts when Megumi's cell phone rang.
"Oh, I got to go…" Without any farewell, she ran off outside. Kenshin pulled a chair beside my bed and touched my forehead.
"You really are sick." He softly said. He sat on the chair while looking at me. "Well, that ruins everything."
"What?" It really takes a lot of my strength just to speak to him. I suddenly felt so heavy and drained.
"I am planning to take you out today but it seems I would be playing nurse for a baby princess." I didn't react to that name because I just can't…or maybe just a little.
"If I got well…you're dead…" I threatened playfully. However, it seems that my energy got really drained because my eyes are getting droopy. "I'm sorry…if I can't talk right now…got to sleep…but you'll be here when I wake up?" I don't know what had gotten into me to say my thoughts out loud. Maybe it's the fever talking.
"Sure." When he agreed, I fell asleep immediately.
The sweet aroma from the kitchen had wakened me up. Who in the world would dare to use my untouchable kitchen? Yet, that person sure does know how to cook. Even though I still felt so dizzy, I walked barefoot towards the kitchen. Imagine to my surprise when I saw Kenshin hunched over in the stove busily stirring something. My eyebrow rose in curiosity and I silently sat down on the chair to watch him.
"You should still be in bed." He reprimanded without looking at me.
"But daddy it's only…" I looked at the clock and saw that it was just 3:30pm. "I slept for four hours!" Whoa, I must been really sick. I felt dizzy again so I laid my head on the table. "You would make a great housewife." He visibly flinched when he heard that. I laughed at his reaction. "But I wonder why aren't you still hooked with someone?" Great, not only do I feel bad but my brain is also messed up.
"No comment."
"Ok fine…but what is it that you are looking for a girl?" He took a bowl and poured some soup in it. "Oh, great soup…what I am a sick…oh yeah I am!" I drawled lazily. He frowned at me then he placed the bowl at the table. I just stared at the soup and I suddenly felt queasy. I heard him sigh then he picked up the spoon and my eyes widen at what he was about to do. "Don't you…" I didn't get to finish my sentence because he suddenly shoved the spoon in my mouth.
"This is the first time I saw you blush like that." He was grinning as he said that, he looks nice when he does that. Where did that thought come from? I glared at him and snatched the spoon. I started to eat by myself while he just stared at me. It is really unnerving. "I'm looking for a girl who is full of life, a girl who amuses me to no end. She must be strong inside and out. She must have a long hair and beautiful eyes. She must also know me inside and out and she mustn't be a flirt." He suddenly said. What in the world is he talking about? Oh yeah, he's just answering my question earlier. "I have this weird dream that the girl I'm looking for would stay with me forever until we both get old and gray…of course there would be lots of grandchildren." He said all of those things while looking at me. Is there a drool in my face or is it my sickly face? I tried to keep awake but I feel so tired and I'm having difficulty in breathing.
"You're already looking for a wife…sheesh. You're going to be a bachelor forever because that girl doesn't exist." At first I thought I was that girl he was looking for but when he said that the girl MUST BE strong inside and out and could stay with him until retirement age…I suddenly lost all hope.
I yawned and my dizziness came back full force.
"But she does…" I could hear blah blah after that.
"Guess…we will…have a hard time…looking…that girl…for you" Then I remember nothing.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Kenshin was surprised when he suddenly saw Kaoru nearly hitting her head on the soup he just made. He just thanked his fast reflexes for catching her just in time. He touched her forehead and felt that her temperature has risen. He carried her gently to her room and immediately called Megumi. Megumi advised Kenshin to take care of Kaoru for awhile until she arrives. Kenshin never felt scared the moment he saw how pale Kaoru is with sweat dripping on her forehead and her shallow breathing. She looked like a wreck but for Kenshin, a beautiful wreck. He immediately snapped out of his daze and set to work. Once he had put the towel in her forehead, Kaoru's eyes opened and smiled at him.
"Mama, you're here…" Then she closed her eyes.
"You're sick but you're still crazy." Kenshin softly said. He caressed her soft cheek and his lips curled when she leaned onto his touch. He was completely taken by surprise when Kaoru suddenly held his hand and gripped it weakly. Her face calmed when she touched his hand. For Kenshin, he didn't mind if they just stayed like this. If he could make her feel slightly better, he won't let her hand go. The moment has to end when Megumi arrived. Megumi immediately set to work after she ushered Kenshin out. Kenshin paced back and forth in her living room.
Kaoru's place was quite nice and fairly large for a single person. Her living room is complete in appliances and furniture. He knows that Kaoru doesn't know any household chores, except for cleaning dishes, that's why he was surprised to see her place immaculately clean…maybe the work of the hired maid. Even though she might not say it, or rather constantly deny it, she is a pampered rich lady.
After quite some time, Megumi came out and joined him in the living room. She wore a jaded look on her face. She sat in the sofa and looked at Kenshin.
"Do you want some tea?" She asked. Kenshin declined and sat adjacent to her. "For now Kaoru is okay but we mustn't relax until her fever broke down." She softly said. When she saw how quiet Kenshin had been she sighed. "Did you know that Kaoru worked hard these past few days because of you?" Kenshin looked at her with surprise in his eyes. "You didn't know?" Megumi leaned back. "I must have made a wrong decision…I thought you would take care of her. You should have known that she wasn't feeling any better at the beginning but what did you do? Where were you?" Megumi calmed herself up because her voice had started to rise.
"I didn't know because, I left her. I am such a worse friend." He hung his head in dismay.
"You're right about that one." Megumi suddenly said. "But I would let you off the hook this time. Prove to me that I made a right decision for letting you take care of her. Besides, your punishment isn't through yet, Kaoru would give you a harsh one."
Kenshin didn't answer her. Instead he just stared at his warm hands that Kaoru once touched.
- - - -
I must have been dreaming because I just saw Barney dancing with Spongebob and Shino…okay this is not a dream this is a nightmare! I blinked my eyes and saw that I'm back in my room but I think I am still dreaming because Kenshin was sleeping on a chair. That position must be uncomfortable. I took the cool cloth away from my forehead and placed it in the bedside table. I guess I was noisy because Kenshin suddenly woke up and checked my temperature. Wow, dream Kenshin seems so real or maybe this is reality? I saw Kenshin slowly sat at the empty chair beside me and stared at me with those purple eyes of his.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why didn't you tell me the reason you're sick was because of me?" One of the disadvantages of being sick was that I can't lie that well.
"Don't be such a vain person. I did that because I was a class representative." He scowled at me because he knew I was lying. "Ok fine, how could I tell you when you stayed away at the beginning?" he bowed his head in shame. I really hate telling the truth.
"I stayed away because I was afraid. I guess I should tell you the reason why I suddenly transferred in our school." What? I weakly tried to sit up, good thing Kenshin was there to help me. "I used to study at a school exclusive for boys. It was a rowdy place but it was fine because everyone left me alone." I frowned at that. How could everyone do that to him? "Don't look at me like that." Kenshin should take a work as a mind reader. "There was this new guy who thought he could dominate the school. At first, I ignored him thinking he was just a stupid air bag but one day he cornered me with few of his friends at the bridge. They tried to attack me but…" He looked away clearly embarrassed by what had happened.
"You fought back and threw them over the bridge. The school administration found what had happened so they decided to expel you. They changed your records so you could be accepted at a decent school." I finished for him. His eyes widen at what I just said. "What?" I innocently asked.
"How did you know that?"
"I'm a psychic." I laughed softly. "No, the truth is I just made that up." The look that Kenshin gave me was really priceless. I really just made that scenario up and I too was amazed at its accuracy. Kenshin didn't know whether to throttle me or laugh but he just settled with his usual scowl. "I'm glad you told me that but honestly I don't really care. I don't care if you're a terrorist, but it would be nice if you really are a terrorist. All I that I care was that I befriended a nice and handsome man." I leaned back and smirked. "I think this is the right moment where I would give you a hug…although it is an out of character for me to do…but I would let this pass because I'm sick." Okay that doesn't make any sense.
Kenshin's eyebrow rose up. I was just glad that it was already night time because Kenshin couldn't see me blush.
"You're sick and you're crazy." He simply said. He never moved an inch he just grinned at me. I refuse to lose this round so I pouted and gave him my puppy eyes.
"This invitation would expire in 10…9…8…7…" I frowned when still remained in his seat. "3, 2, 1. Get lost!" Kenshin stood up and ruffled my hair.
"Well baby princess, you're still not well so you better rest up." Kenshin might not give me a hug but…he kissed my forehead. "Good night." He left the room and me looking like a fish out of water.
I didn't go to school for three days but Kenshin always kept me company after classes. He even brought the whole band one day and Kenshin kept on reprimanding Sano about being too loud or whatever floats their boat. On the day that I was finally going to school, Kenshin surprised me by waiting at my door step with lunch in his hand, both his and mine. My health got better with each passing day and we both fell on our usual routine. However, one fine Sunday I decided to execute my evil plan.
"Hey, I haven't got back at you for that horrible remark about being a brat." Kenshin scowled at that. I stood up and breathed in deeply. "Can you smell it? It's the smell of the oncoming winter and Christmas! It's the smell of a wonderful gift that a certain stupid someone would give me."
"Why does this scene seems familiar?" Kenshin asked as his eyes narrowed into slits.
"Forget about it, let's go out and have fun! I don't want to waste my Sunday morning at the park doing nothing." I happily said. I stood up and looked at him with an evil glint in my eye. "Since you're a gentleman, you're going to pay!"
After a lot of arguments, which I won in the end, Kenshin finally agreed to go out with me. At first he wanted to cringed when I pulled him in a mall and scare him by pretending I wanted to shop. Then I dragged him in a cinema because the poor guy is starting to look awful the moment I said I wanted to go at every shop. Besides there is this cool movie I wanted to watch, I just don't want to spend my money. There were three choices of movies that we had, including the show I want. The first movie was a romantic teen movie flick. I would rather kill myself than watch that trash. The second movie was cartoon. The movie is about these crazy bears that sang songs about love and friendship and all that stuff that would make me cringe. The last movie was the one I've been waiting for, it was about a funny pirate and a dashing English man.
"I think we should watch the romantic movie because it is so cool! I heard it is the best movie ever! Since this is our first date, we should watch this romantic flick or do you want the cartoons?" Kenshin paled…or maybe that was green… when I said that. I think he wanted to hurl when I chose the first movie. I laughed while pointing a finger at him. "You're so stupid! I thought you already knew me better than that! You should have seen your face!"
In the end we watched the pirate movie. We were both engrossed in the movie that we never had time to chat inside. Once we got out, we were talking about how great the special effects and the plot but Kenshin frowned when I said how cute the English man was. After that, I pulled the annoying man inside the photo studio.
"Why don't we just go to that sticker picture booth?"
"What?" I had no idea on what he was talking about? "Forget about that! We are already here!" I happily said then I dragged him inside. The photographer was too happy and too perky when he saw us. When he was about to take our picture, he suddenly frowned and fixed our pose. The pose was very….um…I just can't find the right word for it. Both of Kenshin's hands were on my waist while my hands were on his chest. I tried very hard not laugh because Kenshin is touching my ticklish part.
"Why won't you hug him back?" I blushed at what he said. "You two look so good together!" He smiled cheekily. If I manage to get out of Kenshin's hold I would kill this guy!
"What? Are you crazy?" I faced the grinning Kenshin and scowled. "Tell him we're…"
"Honey, I thought you wanted a picture of us together?" WHAT? WHAT DID HE CALL ME? I blushed even harder when Kenshin pulled me tighter…oh my! We looked like we were in a lover's embrace! The position I'm in was very embarrassing yet comfortable. The photographer smiled at our pose and took our picture. I'm not going to show this picture to anyone.
After that…um…scene…I immediately went ahead of him and went inside the bookstore. Books could make me calm…books would calm me down…books are…DRAT!
"That photographer is sure…crazy." I said in a high pitch voice. I blushed and looked at an array of books; hey that's my favorite book. I pulled the book and started to scan it…wait why does Kenshin…I looked at him and saw that he was wearing his astonished look.
"What? I'm not an illiterate person, you stupid guy!"
"Amazing, the baby princess is reading…ah…Sherlock Holmes! Do you really understand that or are you just pretending?" I wanted to punch his face for saying that…wait maybe I could.
"Ha! You just don't know classic literature that's why you're a sour grape!"
"Whatever, hey after this where do you want to eat?" I looked uneasily at him and I immediately pretended to read the book when I felt his glare. "Don't you dare use that pouting look again! You haven't been eating properly since you recovered and I'm getting worried! You're going to eat whatever I'm going to buy you and that's final!"
"Hey daddy, bug off?" I sarcastically said.
We went to get our picture after I dragged Kenshin at the Children's mini zoo at the rooftop and wow I got to give that photographer a credit. I didn't know if Kenshin really did it on purpose but in this picture I finally get to see Kenshin's smile. His face looked so handsome and peaceful…wow I'm falling in-love all over again!
I was still busy looking at our picture when Kenshin dragged me to a fast food restaurant. Kenshin went into the line and ordered our food. The lady cashier was smiling too sweetly at Kenshin. I wonder if it's legal to hurt the cashier? I looked at the tray of food that Kenshin had bought and I frowned at what I saw. I think Kenshin went overboard in ordering because he ordered two complete rice meals, two large fries and a salad. He calls this healthy? He carried the tray towards the empty seats and sat down. He didn't start eating until I started. Honestly, I kind of lost my appetite ever since I got sick. Megumi did a complete check when Kenshin rattled on her, but she found nothing wrong. Still, both of them kept an eye over me. It took us an hour to finish everything up and we left the mall after. We both wandered aimlessly and we soon found ourselves back at the park. The sun had just set and this was the best day ever. I sat on a park bench and stared up the sky.
"Hey Kenshin, remember when you told me that you didn't have any friends? Well, I don't believe you." I said the moment Kenshin sat beside me.
"What made you say that?" He asked in an amused tone.
"I'm a psychic." I grinned but I didn't look at him. "I just used the powers of logic and reasoning, Einstein." I plainly said. "Besides it's hard to believe that you didn't have any friends even back then when you're just a kid."
"Well there are some people who tried to befriend me but in the end they all left." He sadly said. "Before I met you, I didn't quite treat Sano and the others as friends but now I do. Yo0u change me you brat and I hate you for that." I know he really didn't mean that hate part.
"You shouldn't be bitter about it because leaving is part of our lives. People come and go but they always left memories and lessons in us."
"That is the most serious thought I had heard from you." He chided gently. Great, this is the reason why I don't like to voice out my thoughts. I didn't know if he agreed on me or not but I was glad that he listened.
I usually didn't like the quiet atmosphere but the comfortable silence that we shared that moment was something I wouldn't exchange. "Hey, would you still stay after ten years?" He suddenly asked.
I frowned for a second the moment he asked that question. What he's asking me was very impossible. I smiled even though I know how broken it might seem. "In ten years…I might not see you anymore because…you're already married by then…with lots of kids and a nice job while I'll go back to my planet." Kenshin suddenly frowned and worriedly looked at me.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah." I said but his frown deepened when I said that. "Maybe I'm just tired."
"Why you didn't tell me earlier?" He stood up and reached for my hand. "Come on let's go home." The moment I held his hand he gripped it tighter and smiled at me. "Kaoru, ten or a hundred years from now I still want you to be there at my side. Remember the crazy dream I once told you? Well, I want you to fulfill it for me." I smiled sadly at that.
It is a wonder for me to fix that smile when all I wanted to do was to breakdown. How could he ask me such an impossible thing? How could he say those things if in the end I would just break his heart?
I put on a happy mask the next day for Kenshin. I don't know how he noticed it but I was glad he didn't ask anything. Kenshin kept on telling me funny stories about Sano, Aoshi, and Sojirou the whole time. I know that he wanted to see me really laugh and I am thankful for that.
Megumi dropped by my apartment that night to check up on me. It seemed that Kenshin called her up today because he has a gig. While doing my assignment, I decided to ask Megumi something.
"Hey, do you think there is a possibility that I might live until 80?"
"Well if you continue your medication…"
"Don't give me that kind of answer?" I interrupted her from her professional mode. "You only act that way when you're hiding something. I want you to be really honest and tell me the truth."
"Do you really want the truth?" She asked. She was starting to get uncomfortable with our topic…because I'm her close friend and she's telling me something big. I nodded and waited. "Have I told you anything about the vaso-occlusive crises or any of the symptoms you might feel?" I shook my head and sighed knowing that she was in her doctor mode once more. "These are periodic of intensely painful episodes and they are life-threatening. Due to your weak body, the chances that you would survive…is…very low."
"How soon is that?"
"We still don't know."
"Oh well, that's life right? Thank you." I finally said as if nothing had happened. I knew from the beginning what her answer would be but I just want to hope. Megumi stood up and suddenly hugged me from behind.
"I know that chances are low but I would do my best to help you, I promise you that." I hung my head and touched her arm. "When would you tell him?" My eyes widen at what she had asked. She sat beside me and looked at me seriously.
"Someday." I vaguely said while twirling the pen in my fingers.
"He'll know sooner or later and he will hate you for not telling it." She reprimanded.
"I know." I softly said. I know how much he would hate me but I just don't know how to say it. How could I when he wanted me to be a part of his dream?
"So, when will you tell that you love him?"
"I already had shown him…WHAT?" I accidentally told her…OH MY GOSH! Megumi now wore a triumphant smirk on her face. "I mean, I don't know what you're talking about?" Suddenly the wall became interesting to look at
"I get it. You don't have to explain." Megumi said wearing a sly smile. Oh please no! "I mean you are the kind of person who would rather show what you feel than say it out loud." This is getting embarrassing…I would rather talk about my health than this! "So did Kenshin realize your sad attempt in showing how you feel?" I looked away because I REFUSE TO ANSWER! "Oh my God he does! So did he already tell you that he loves you?" Somehow, the memory when he told me he loves me and then he kissed me on the cheeks came back, full force! "This is so sweet!"
"Don't you have any on-call duty or something right now? Your starting to annoy me!" I folded my arms and growled angrily.
"You look like Kenshin when you frown like that. Did you know that married couple looks…?"
"SHUT UP!"
The next morning, it was very cold and Kenshin was waiting at my doorstep, again. I smiled brightly at him and together we walked to the school.
"Hey, what are going to do at our Christmas break?" He asked casually. My bright smile suddenly turned into a dark scowl. "What's with the scowl?"
"I'm going home for Christmas." Regretfully, I might add. "We're having a small get together." Small get together my ass. "What about you? What are you going to do this Christmas break?" I said quickly changing the topic.
"Same." He replied simply. I doubt we are thinking the same thing. "So are you going to go somewhere after class?"
Hell yeah! I am going to buy you a Christmas gift and for my family too. Hmmm…I have to tell a wonderful lie.
"Actually yes, I'm going to…an orphanage to donate…Shino." Kenshin looked skeptic at that.
"Okay." He scratched his head and smirked. "I'm not going to join you later on because we have a gig today so you better be careful on going home…or do you want me to call Megumi for you?" I declined and went on my way. This is great!
After class, I dashed immediately to the exit and waited at the bus stop. I already have an idea on what to give Kenshin and it took me a week just to think about it. I was strolling along the town and look at different shops. Another 30 minutes, after buying everyone their gifts I still haven't found Kenshin's gift. This is getting frustrating and I had no choice but to do it myself. I bought all the things I needed and stuff them in my bag. I was happy and nervous when I got out of the store and went to the bus stop. The sun was about to set but I didn't care because I was so happy. I'm so happy that I didn't notice someone was following me. While walking to the bus stop, someone put his arm at my shoulder. I froze and glared at the stranger who dared to touch me.
"Hey I can't help but notice your beauty. Would you want to hang out with us?" I saw that this man had a friend beside him. Both of them wore a grin on their face that may seem innocent for a normal girl…but I'm not a normal girl.
"Don't touch me you low scumbag." I said in my dangerous tone. How come there are no people around here? Where is everyone when you needed them? I could feel my heart racing but I have to be calm in this kind of situations.
"You're scary, but I like that. Why don't you come with us and we'll have some fun?" He pulled away and suddenly they smirked. I have heard those words before but where? I saw one of them started to approached me and I suddenly reacted by hitting my bag in his head followed by a high kick in a gut. "YOU BRAT!" The man bellowed in anger but I was too late to react when the other guy held me in my arms and that is where my mind blanked out while it started to play a forgotten memory.
- - - - - -
Kenshin was just walking towards the bus station when he saw a lady in trouble. The lady looked limp and he knew that she was in deep trouble. He went over to help but he was surprised…no rather furious when he saw that the lady was Kaoru.
"Let her go." Kenshin growled dangerously. Both men who held Kaoru immediately froze in fear and looked at Kenshin.
"Hey man, we…were just trying to help our retarded cousin…"
"She's not your cousin." Kenshin moved closer like a predator ready for a kill. He immediately pushed the other man to ground and moved in closer to the man who held Kaoru. He tore the man away easily as if he was nothing but a mere insect. He knew that the first man he pushed was charging at him so he landed a hard punch on his face before that man could hit Kenshin. When the other guy saw what Kenshin did, he foolishly charged at him but Kenshin punched him in the gut. The man doubled over in pain and Kenshin immediately went over to Kaoru. He looked at her and saw that her face was blank. He called her name softly and when he saw that she didn't respond he shouted. The men ran in fear but not without vowing revenge, as usual. Kenshin ignored them and shook Kaoru harder this time. Fear gripped his heart when Kaoru didn't even respond so he gave her a sounding slap. That woke Kaoru up but because Kaoru has a terrible reflex, she punched Kenshin in the face.
"Kenshin?" Kaoru suddenly asked the moment she woke up from her daze. Kenshin was nursing his aching face but when he heard his name being called he immediately lost his temper.
"YOU BRAT! WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING HERE? WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU? WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL ME UP? YOU STUPID GIRL, DIDN'T YOU KNOW HOW SCARED I WAS WHEN I SAW YOU…IN TROUBLE? WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I DIDN'T CAME? YOU ARE SUCH A STUPID INCONSIDERATE WOMAN!" Kaoru flinched at every word he said. She clenched her hand as she looked away from him.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WOULD HAPPENED IF I DIDN'T CAME?" Kenshin continued on his tirade. It seemed that anger and fear dominates his heart at that time and Kaoru wanted to cry.
- - - - - - -
I know it was my fault for going alone in here in the first place but I didn't know it would turn out this way? I really have no idea that the town was a dangerous place at night time. I really didn't have any idea.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WOULD HAPPENED IF I DIDN'T CAME?"
"I would be kidnapped and they would call my parents for some ransom." I said. First, that horrible memory returned and then this…I am such a messed up person.
"YOU STUPID WOMAN!" I flinched once more as he started to grip my shoulders harder and shook me hard. "THIS IS WHAT WOULD HAPPEN!" I wasn't prepared for this but it just happened.
He suddenly pressed his lips into mine without warning. I couldn't escape because his hand was holding my head in place. There wasn't any sweetness at that kiss. It was rough and I felt like he was punishing me. This wasn't the first kiss I was dreaming of. He pulled away and for the first time in my life I cried.
"I'm sorry." I said through my tears. I hung my head and cried silently. He frowned and pulled my head back to look at me in the eye.
"No…no…stop it. I was the one who should say that. I shouldn't have kissed you and I don't have any excuse for losing it." He kept on brushing my tears with his hand as he said those words.
"I'm sorry." I said once more then I cried into his chest. I don't know why I couldn't stop crying and apologizing to him. Maybe I am insane because if I am still thinking normally I would have run away but no…I stayed and cried into his shirt.
We never talked about that kiss after that. He accompanied me to my apartment until I have calmed myself down.
"What were you doing at the town the first place?"
"I just bought some things." I vaguely answered.
"I won't ask anymore because I don't want us to fight again."
"I just remembered something." I suddenly said while we lounged around in my living room. Kenshin looked at me curiously but I didn't look back at him. "Two years ago…I was still living at our house. I was a foolish naïve girl back then who believed that everyone was my friend…maybe I still am. It was afternoon when I got a call from those so-called girlfriends of mine. They said they were in trouble and they need my help. I immediately rushed at that place, without thinking, but imagine to my surprise when I saw them drunk. I found out that they only need a scapegoat so that they wouldn't get into trouble for drinking. I stayed at the living room because I was worried about them and they wouldn't let me come near them." I snorted at that. "Those girls forgot to tell me that our guy classmate, who was also drunk, was at the living room. I thought he was harmless so I just ignored him but he suddenly…pushed me down and tried to…" I shook my head as if trying to erase that horrible scene. "Anyway, I think I went on a rampage or whatever you call it because the moment he tried to do something bad…I hit his…um…" I blushed and Kenshin winced when he finally got what I mean. "Then, I punched his face and gut. After that, I ran to Megumi and fainted." I looked at Kenshin and I could see a swirl of emotions on his face. There is disbelief, fear, anger, and rage…wait anger and rage are just the same. Hey, I feel better after getting it all out and now I am back to normal. I don't want Kenshin to bother so I pretended to be nonchalant about it. "Hey, you should go home." I suddenly grinned at him. "It is not appropriate for a guy to stay at a lady's apartment this time of hour."
"You are a crazy woman." He ruffled my hair and smirked. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Kenshin, you don't have to be sorry about that…kiss. It wasn't your fault." He smiled softly and then he nodded.
"Well, my princess is making me go home so, see you tomorrow." He kissed me on my cheek and then he left. If kisses were like that, warm and sweet, I would have asked for more.
We both never got the chance to hang out days after, except for our gigs at the club. I don't really mind because I have to wrestle with this demon blasted sticks and yarns.
"You are doing great, that is if you're making a very long bandage." Megumi suddenly asked. Oh yeah, I'm hanging out at the hospital. I glared at Megumi and ignored her. Now let's see if I want to change colors…okay…drat I don't know how. "What are you making?"
"I'm making a jacket…but since I only know how to do it in a straight line I'll just create a muffler."
"Good luck with that." Megumi shrugged and went to her next patient.
Ha! I'm Kaoru Kamiya and making a muffler is just a piece of cake…even though I just made it for the first time.
A week had passed and Kenshin's present is…under construction and I only had two days left before I leave. Ha! I'm Kaoru Kamiya and a single muffler is just a piece of cake!
I finished the muffler the next day but I'm so tired. I'm just glad I still have time to scan my books for the exams tomorrow. Kenshin never suspected a thing because I kept telling him how expensive his gift was. I made him believe that I just bought him a gift. Tomorrow after class, my father would pick me up. I just hope he brought a decent car with him.
I won't tell what had happened at the exams because it so boring. However, while waiting for my father at our classroom, I gave Kenshin my gift.
"If you open it before Christmas I will haunt you down and kill you." I threatened before I give him my gift. "Oh yeah, could you please give the rest of the gift inside the bag to everyone?"
"Sure whatever." He shook the gift I gave him and sighed. "Oh good it's not a bomb…thank you." He then gave me the tube canister that he was holding for awhile. "Merry Christmas." He looked away with a blush staining his cheek.
"Oh my, you gave me something." I wonder what's inside? "The evil Kenshin gave me something!" Kenshin suddenly frowned. I grinned and shook the canister…there is a weird sound inside. "I love you dude!" I said without thinking then we heard a commotion outside the school grounds. Oh no…please no! I looked at the window and saw a Mercedes entering the school ground. I immediately called my dad on my phone.
"Dad if you park in here I would go home by myself!" I was annoyed that my father brought that car and even parks it inside. Everyone would know my secret!
"But Kaoru…"
"Dad I mean it!" I interjected him.
"Okay, meet me at the second corner of the street." My father sighed.
"That's okay, bye."
When I closed my cell phone, I saw Kenshin wearing his amused look. Tche troublesome, this is the reason why I don't want to be picked up by my parents.
"Don't ask just come with me. I want you to meet my dad." I plainly said. I walked ahead of him…okay maybe stomped was a better word for it. When I got into the school grounds, I could hear everyone talking about the car that just passed by and how rich that person must be. I continued on my way clearly ignoring everyone. Once I got at the said place, which I was glad that nobody was in sight, I immediately pulled Kenshin inside the car and closed it.
"Hey Kaoru, how are you?" My dad greeted me. My dad has the same black hair and blue eyes as I do. At the age of 35 something, he is still considered as a hunk by many, yeah right. He wore a white shirt and khaki pants, yet he still has this reeking aura of filthy rich.
"Dad, why did you bring this car? Have you forgotten that I don't want anyone to know that we're…you know?"
"I'm sorry but Yahiko took the car that you wanted." THAT BOY! IF I GOT HOME I WOULD TORTURE THAT KID! "By the way, are you by any chance Kenshin Himura?" He asked the silent Kenshin who sat beside me.
"Yes sir." Kenshin politely said. My dad laughed and turned on the ignition. Kenshin wore a panicked look once my dad started the car.
"Don't call me sir...just Mr. Kamiya or Katsushiro-san would be fine." Before Kenshin was about to get off my dad immediately drove off. "I want to apologize if my daughter had caused you a lot of troubles."
"DAD!" I can't believe it my own dad!
"Don't worry Mr. Kamiya, you're daughter might be a brat but she's okay." My father laughed at Kenshin's reply. HELLO, I'M STILL HERE YOU FREAKS! I folded my arms in annoyance and looked at the passing scenery. Kenshin and dad kept on talking about me, what an embarrassing moment, as if I was not here. I would just wait until Kenshin had got off to know dad's real impression of him.
"So here we are!" Dad announced happily and looked at Kenshin. "Well Kenshin, I wanted to thank you for taking care of my daughter." With his hand on the door, Kenshin smiled politely at dad.
"You're welcome Mr. Kamiya. Goodbye."
I transferred at the passenger seat and said my farewell to Kenshin. Once we were at a far distance, dad faced me with a big smile on his face. "I like that kid. He's polite, responsible, funny, and handsome." This is weird…usually my father didn't like any men that came close to me. Oh no, don't tell me dad has fallen for Kenshin! "Kaoru listen to me, please be nice to him." I choked when I heard that. Is this scene right?
"What?" I was completely shocked at dad's attitude. My father just grinned at me. This must be a sign that my Christmas break would be a twilight zone.
Author's note:
Well, that's it folks! If you had your tissues right now, please keep it for future chapters! What else…um…if you had any questions and suggestions you are free to send me a message. Oh yeah, I was supposed to pass this yesterday but I got some minor problems.
Akira – thanks
Angela – Kaoru won't say what she feels, she would rather show it because she doesn't believe in saying I love you would work that well. Kenshin also knows this that is why he is acting that way.
Crazy girl18 – I hope you would help me in making Kenshin's life a complete misery…in real life.
Gogopenguin – Okay, I've decided to include the good ending, since you asked nicely.
Skyphoenix – Yeah I know. Sorry bout that.
Animebdoll – Hope you'll also like this chapter.
Alwyzme – So I hope this chapter answers your question about Shino. Shino is still a good man compared to that new char. You will soon meet that person, because she's going home.