Chapter 11 (Sunday, Interlude, Week 2)
Usagi
"Hey, Auntie!" Usagi greeted as the door swung open.
"Hello, darling. Minako is already studying in the kitchen."
"Thanks," Usagi replied, heading towards the kitchen. "Hey, Mi-chan. Momma sent cookies."
"Yeah, Mom included some 'nutritious' snacks on her shopping list especially for today, so we have some veggies and dip, pretzels, and fruit."
"Like we need all this food," Usagi scoffed. "At least, we have plenty of options. Are Makotot and Ami going to join us?" she quizzed, pulling out her own books.
"Ami is a definite no; says she doesn't need our distracting antics. Makoto is a possible yes. She's supposed to text when and if she's coming. I think she'll probably skip out as well. I'm not sure either of them is very happy at the moment. They probably feel at least a little hurt by our decision."
"You don't think they realize why we agreed with our parents to do this?" Usagi returned.
"Maybe."
"Whether they acknowledge it or not, I bet they know. They've always known all the issues even if we never talk about it," Usagi pointed out.
"Either way – this is probably the perfect example what next year will be like," Minako reasoned.
The girls shared a smile before focusing in on studying.
Mamoru
Mamoru quietly approached the familiar spot, shifting the bouquet of white lilies from one hand to the other. At last, he stopped and separated the bouquet into two parts. "Hey, Mom; Dad," he greeted, placing each half in front of a grave stone. "God, I miss you both, so much. I wish you were still here so you could meet this girl. You would love her – I just know it. She is pretty much amazing. Of course, brilliant me, I scared the crap out of her yesterday – at least, I think I did."
With a deep sigh, he paused and then continued. "We're getting to know each other through this series of questions. She veiled her answer to the most recent question even though it felt like she was talking about us, or me. So, I flat out told her I was talking about her. Talk about bad move. What if I ruined everything?" Mamoru lapsed into silence just staring at the stones.
Shaking off his reverie, Mamoru said, "School's went well this semester. About another year and a half and then med school – I still refuse to give up on that particular dream. Things are looking promising. But, I better go. Motoki's parents are having me over for supper. They have been so great about including me in their family. I love you," he finished as he stood.
Thoughts?