Chapter 12: Stings Like A Paper Cut

"Your senpai will soon heal again Tsubomi, and so will you, it'll just take time," Oji-san smiled.

"Of course, she will one day and while I, on the other hand, will never forget," I said.

Oji-san took another sip of his whiskey, "You're strong Tsubomi, I know one day you will move on. You must not dwell on the past, for it will prevent you from enjoying the present, and looking forward to the future."

"You're right," I smiled. "But oji-san, how does one forget... a first love?"

"Did you really love her?" Oji-san placed his now empty glass of whiskey on the table, and pulled out a small cigarette box from the front pocket of his long sleeve polo. "Let's head out to the patio, shall we?"

I nodded, and silently followed him outside. I leaned against the metal railing with my arms crossed on top, slouching my shoulders comfortably. Staring out into the bright lights of the city, I replied to my oji-san's question, "I do love her, still."

Oji-san lighted up his cigarette, and leaned against the railing beside me. "Is that so? Honestly, I thought it was a simple school girl crush you had developed. Nothing too serious, considering your age."

"At first it was, but then I got to know her..." I lowered my gaze to the passing vehicles below. "I... I became used to her."

"You could change your mind," Oji-san said.

I shook my head, "I've decided, and it will remain that way. I can only hope she forgives me for it."

"Things would have been different if I was the one chosen to take care of you instead of your obaa-san, right?" Oji-san released a light puff of smoke.

"Very different," I sighed.

"You know," Oji-san began. "When I asked you why you didn't want to stay with your obaa-san, I expected you to come out with it."

"Huh?" I looked at him confusedly.

"Tsubomi, I know you like the back of my hand, and I know you are hiding something from me, "Oji-san flicked his cigarette downward, dropping the ash down to the busy street. "What you said to me that day failed to convince me. I know well enough you always do as you are told, regardless if you want to or not, so to say your obaa-san will have you doing this and that is hardly a reason. Additionally, you are already preconditioned to fit what is expected of you, some of what you have mentioned to me sounded more like excuses. Your obaa-san is not a difficult person for you to deal with at all since you seem to handle her quite well. Now, tell me, what is the real reason why you don't want to stay with her?"

"She is tough," I looked away, staring down at the passing vehicles again.

"Please be more specific Tsubomi," Oji-san said.

I sighed, and turned to face him, "Tough, but not quite like tough love... it's the opposite."

"Tsubomi," Oji-san began with a serious tone of voice. "What are you implying?"

I lowered my head, my eyes covered underneath my bangs. Angrily, I clenched my fists, but calmly responded, "She is known as an iron lady, why do you think that is?"

"Tsubomi?" Oji-san looked at me confusedly, noticing the change in my facial expression.

"She is not just an iron lady, oji-san," I continued. "She also holds an iron fist."

I pulled up my sweater, and pointed at the bruises on the left side of my stomach, "This, is what she gave me when I disobeyed her the last time I saw her. During the winter break, I failed to stay quiet, and I spoke my mind; therefore, I was punished. My ryoushin know nothing about this because even if they did, the iron lady rules."

"So much for being the favorite when you get treated like shit," Oji-san growled. "How long has this been going on?"

"Since I was four," I replied.

"All this time, and you said nothing!" Oji-san snapped, throwing away his half-finished cigarette. "Why would you stay silent! Did you forget you have mouth to speak!"

"I do have a mouth, and it is that same mouth that shared my wanting to leave this damn place," I frowned. "To start over, and enjoy my life like I said I wanted to."

"You do realize you won't stay in Canada forever Tsubomi, you will return soon, and all this shit will start again," Oji-san angrily raised his voice.

"You don't think I already know that?" I snickered. "But, don't be too angry oji-san, my itoko-sans have it worse."

"Do I look like I give a damn about non-relatives? You are my main concern, and you're not helping yourself by moving away I hope you realize that; but enough, you are with me now where I know you will be kept safe until the day comes when you aboard the plane. Come, lets go inside, it is getting a bit cold standing out here." Oji-san said, opening the door. "Tomorrow, I will see to it that your bruises on your side heals before you leave. I will not allow you to leave here with such memories on you."

"Thanks, oji-san," I said as I walked back into the living room with downcast eyes.

"For being someone's favorite, one would think you would be treated accordingly," Oji-san said in annoyance, walking towards the dark oak cabinet alongside the book shelves, pulling out a small white cream bottle. "Here, take this, put this on before you go to sleep, and again when you wake up. Follow the routine in the instructions until it's finished, and or until it is time for you to leave."

"I will," I nodded, reading the cream bottle's name, which read 'Arnica'. "I suppose it is hard to believe that I would be considered her favorite, knowing what you know now."

"It is," Oji-san frowned. "Being your okaa-san's ojou-san is not a blessing, but compared to your itoko-sans, as you said before, you're a bit better off. Honestly, it's more like a curse, and I assume this happens whenever you see her, correct?"

"Sometimes, if I stay near my okaa-san, and or if I behave myself properly as my obaa-san sees fit, then it's prevented," I replied.

Oji-san scoffed as he took a seat, "As she sees fit, ha! I wonder what the old hag considers to be fit."

The maid walked in, and smiled, "Okuwaka-sama, Tsubomi-san's room is ready."

"Thank you, Natsuka-san," Oji-san said. "You may go now Tsubomi, and get some sleep. We will continue this tomorrow."

"Will do oji-san, goodnight," I nodded as I stood up, and walked out of the room, dropping my gaze to the floor.

(2) Missed Calls Yaya-senpai

I'll have to respond sooner or later, might as well start today. A text will be better, in case she is still sleeping.

Tsubomi: What.

Now, I play the waiting game...

Yaya-senpai: We need to talk.

Well, that was fast, either she went to bed early, which I highly doubt, or she never went to bed at all. The latter is more believable.

Tsubomi: Fine.

My phone rings.

"What, Yaya-senpai."

"Please don't go."

"I'm sorry, but that's not going to happen, so I highly suggest you drop it."

"No, I'm not going drop it, and as a matter of fact, I'm not going to just stand aside while you aboard that plane!"

"You are only going to be wasting your time baka, it's been decided."

"My time will only be gone to waste if I do nothing, so I will do as I please."

"Why, you thickheaded stubborn,"

Yaya-senpai cut me off, "Baka, I know! Listen, I'm about to lose you. I don't know how in the hell you expect me remain calm when the idea you leaving me is just..."

"Is what?"

"Is this what you really want?"

"To be with my ryoushin? Yes."

"Then, I won't be cruel, and have you pick, so..."

"What are you talking about?"

"Tell me... tell me you want nothing to do with me."

"Wait, what?"

"You're leaving to a different country Tsubomi-chan, and you seem so willing to leave everything behind so easily and just go... Tell me you want nothing to do with me, so I'll know to back away and let you go."

Has it really come down to this? ...

"I... I can't say it."

"Then hang up, some things are better left unsaid, right?"

"Right, but...I can't... I..."

Just say it!

"I love you, baka!"

Silence.

Say something, please...

"...I wish you the best wherever you go."

The call ended.

What if I had stayed quiet? What if I had lied, and hanged up? What if I had never responded? ...Too many what if's.

There's no point in crying now. I hope you remember Yaya-senpai, I was not the one who hanged up. I never told you I wanted nothing to do with you, I still want you in my life. I never gave you my answer, but I guess in a way I did, and so did you.

I wish you the best too...

"Good morning Tsubomi," Oji-san greeted as I entered the dining room, folding his daily newspaper in half, placing it on the table next to his cup of coffee. "Did you put the cream on like I told you yesterday?"

"Good morning oji-san, and I did," I nodded, taking a seat across of him.

"Good," Oji-san said. "Oh, and I have just received word from Shigeru-chan, his ojou-san has arrived from Hiroshima earlier this morning."

"Sumiko-chan!" I excitedly jumped, almost dropping my spoon on the floor.

"Heh, I knew you would get excited," Oji-san chuckled. "However, it doesn't end there, we are also invited to attend dinner with them later on this evening."

"I can't wait," I smiled, sitting back down, and calming my excitement.

Su-chan, it has been a while since that last time we saw each other...

Six years ago, my oji-san invited Shigeru-san, one of his close childhood friends, for a celebrative dinner. Shigeru-san, who after battling with family complications in court, won full custody over Sumiko-chan, and it was on the day of the celebration I met her for the first time. She was eight years old then, and I was six.

Amiable, reliable, and sincere are the three words best to describe Sumiko-chan's personality. Her appearance, in my opinion, is just as good: she's tall, lean, well developed, glistening light skin, smooth raven hair held perfectly in a ponytail with bangs swept to the left, sea colored eyes, and a smile quite stunning it is honestly no surprise if one takes a second look.

Lastly, Sumiko-chan has always been there for me, like an onee-san; and to be honest, if she were to have applied to one of the schools in Astraea Hill, she would have been my favorite senpai. Unfortunately, I probably would have ended up not knowing the friends I know now, considering how close I am to Sumiko-chan, so I guess in a way I am lucky. Somewhat.

Hmm, now that I know Su-chan is here, I wonder if it was her who called after I angrily tossed my cell on the bed, and walked out for breakfast without checking... I should probably go check!

"May I be excused, oji-san?" I removed the napkin from my lap, placing it on the table beside my now empty plate.

"That was fast," Oji-san looked at my plate, surprised I finished in record time. "Alright then, you may go."

"Thank you," I stood up, quickly walking out of the dining room. Opening my bedroom door, I closed it behind me, and hurried towards the side of the bed. I picked up my cell and there it was on the screen.

(1) Missed Call Sumiko-chan.

I returned Sumiko-chan's call.

"Hello?"

"Su-chan!"

"Tsubomi! I hope I didn't distrubed you earlier. I didn't know whether or not you would be awake."

"I was awake, but I was with my oji-san eating breakfast, and I left my cell behind in the bedroom. Anyway, I missed you Su-chan, how was the train ride?"

"Long and boring as always, and I missed you too Tsubomi, my little rose, I can't wait to see you. I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise! What is it?"

"Hehe, you'll have to wait and see. When I first saw it, I knew it would make a great gift for you."

"Su-chan, you always spoil me, it's no fair."

"Ah, but I do it because I want to. Is that wrong of me?"

"No, but one day I will surprise you too! I don't know when, and I don't know how, but I will!"

"I see, hehe. Well, I'll be looking forward to it, Tsubomi."

"Good."

"Say, will you be busy tomorrow? I was wondering if you would like to go see the cherry blossom festival with me."

"I would love to, Su-chan! Um, what time?"

"Hmm, how about at 11am?"

"Okay, sounds good."

"Great, at 11am it is. I have to go now, I still need to unpack a few things. I'll see you later, Tsubomi."

"I'll see you later, Su-chan."

Now, I need to start looking for her surprise gift! But, where? ... Oh! The gift shop in the next building! I always pass by it, but never checked it out. Well, today is the day!

I hurried out of the bedroom, and back into the dining room. Unfortunately, he was no longer there.

Hmm... oh! He must be in the living room!

And there he was, flipping through the pages of a gardening catalog.

"Finally, I found it!" Oji-san circled a picture with his gel pen.

"What did you find oji-san?" I asked as I walked towards him.

"A cedar pyramid planter," Oji-san happily replied. "I have been looking for one of these for awhile now. I want to put one on the patio."

"That's great," I said. "Um, oji-san, may I go visit the gift shop in the next building? Sumiko-chan has a surprise gift for me, and she always surprises me with something. I would like to return the act as well, if I may."

"Sure, but you will not go alone Tsubomi, Natsuka-san will accompany you," Oji-san said.

"Thank you, oji-san," I beamed.

"Tsubomi-san, are you looking for anything in particular?" Natsuka-san asked as she held out the door of the gift shop open for me.

"Thank you, and to be honest, I don't have a clue," I replied, stepping inside the store. "I'm sort of just going on a whim."

"I see," Natsuka-san stood beside me, observing our surroundings. "There's quite a bit of interesting things here."

"You mean weird and unusual? I agree," I chuckled, walking past a tub of miniature dragon heads, heading towards the jewelry on the far left-hand side of the store.

"I didn't say that," Natsuka-san quickly followed after me, her eyes looking all around as if uncomfortable, holding herself tightly.

"Of course, but you were thinking it," I stopped in front of the bracelets, eying a red engraved rose bracelet. "Unless, it secretly suits your fancy Natsuka-san. May I recommend the cow metal head that is for sale over there, hanging next to the painting of old sailor. Imagine, having your own cow metal head hanging on your wall, watching your every move."

"You're not funny, Tsubomi-san," Natsuka-san shivered.

"Hehe, anyway, I think I will buy a piece of jewelry, it is the only thing in this store that seems nice," I giggled.

"Agreed," Natsuka-san quickly nodded.

"And, I believe we are in luck," I smiled. "I will take this bracelet, the engraved rose on this bracelet stands out from the rest. Yes, this will do perfectly."

"For going on a whim, you're very lucky, especially in this store," Natsuka-san said. "Now, let's go pay and leave, I wouldn't want to spend another minute in this place."

"Scared of the cow metal head watching you?" I asked, gigglingly.

"No," Natsuka-san replied.

"If you say so," I continued giggling.

I hope Su-chan likes this!

"Reiji-chan, Tsubomi-chan, early as always," Shigeru-san smiled as he flipped the meat on the grill, adding a pinch of garlic salt and black pepper. "I might as well give the both of you a time that is twenty minutes late, perhaps then the two of you will arrive on time."

"To arrive early is to be on time Shigeru-chan," Oji-san stood next to him. "Do you still remember what we learned in the secondary?"

"Oh yes," Shigeru-chan laughed. "To arrive early is to be on time, and to be on time is to be late. Unfortunately, being early wastes time doing nothing while you wait to do something, the time wasted could have been spent on other more important things."

"Do you mean sleep?" Oji-san laughed as well. "You always did enjoy sleeping too much, of course sleep would be your reason. It is your only reason."

"And proud of it," Shigeru-san nodded. "Oh, Tsubomi-chan, Sumiko is in her room if you would like to see her."

"Okay, thank you," I smiled, walking inside the house. Standing outside of her door, I knocked, "Su-chan, it's me."

"Come in," Came the responce.

I opened the door, "Su-chan, I have something for you."

"Really, what is it?" Sumiko-chan happily asked, hiding what I think is my surprise behind her back.

"Something," I playfully replied, taking a seat beside her on the bed. "What's behind your back?"

"Something," Sumiko-chan giggled. "Let's switch."

We switched gift boxes, and, as if reading each other's minds, counted to three, "One... Two... Three!"

"This is so pretty!" I happily beamed, pulling out the silver necklace with a silver openable heart, with vines wrapped around it, as if protecting it. "I love it, thank you."

"It's something to remember me by," Sumiko-chan smiled, then looked away. "I was told you will be moving soon by my otou-san, so before I left Hiroshima, I looked for something you would be able to remember me by."

"I don't think I would be able to forget you Su-chan, you are like an onee-san to me, you always are there for me, so how could I forget?" I said.

"Good, now open the heart, and look inside it," Sumiko-chan instructed.

I opened the heart, and inside was a small picture of Sumiko-chan in her marching uniform, holding her trumpet in playing position, facing the right. Studying the picture, I smiled, "You look great, was this taken during one of your competitions?"

"Yeah, and I didn't even know my picture was taken until afterwards," Sumiko-chan chuckled.

"Hehe, well, at least the person who took the picture managed to get a good shot of you," I giggled. "Can you help me put this on?"

"Sure," Sumiko-chan nodded, and hooked the necklace around my neck. "It looks good on you, Tsubomi."

"Thank you, now, open mine!" I excitedly said, noticing my gift box was still unopened. "You counted with me, but didn't open it."

"I wanted to see your reaction first," Sumiko-chan removed the lid of the box. "Oh my!"

"Do you like it?" I asked.

"I love it," Sumiko-chan smiled as she took the bracelet out of the box. "Will you do me the honor of putting it around my wrist?"

I happily complied, and Sumiko-chan continued, "I will wear it always."

I blushed, "If you want, Su-chan."

"I do," Sumiko-chan nodded. Clearing her throat, she asked, "So, how are things in Astraea Hill? Did you tell your friends about you moving?"

"Only a few, but the word will get around soon, I didn't want to make things too overly emotional," I looked down at my hands, staring at the empty gift box.

"Did you tell her?" Sumiko-chan asked. "Your Yaya-senpai." Sumiko-chan grumbled.

"She's not mine Su-chan," I looked at her, annoyingly. "She never was, and now, will never be. And, yes, I did tell her. It didn't go so well, but that is to be expected."

"Hmm, how did she respond?" Sumiko-chan inquired.

"Not too happy," I sighed. "I wanted to tell her when the time was right, but I accidently blurted it out. It saddened me to see her open her heart out to me, knowing what I know... At first, she thought I was only playing games with her, and started to walk away, but I stopped her to explain myself. I was upset, just as she was, but for a different reason. I don't take kindly to a 'fuck you' in the face before explaining myself properly, so I told her have a nice day."

"She said that to you?" Sumiko-chan frowned. "If I ever see your senpai, I will tell her off myself."

"There's no need for that Su-chan," I lowered my gaze to the floor. "This morning, I responded to Yaya-senpai. I rejected both of her calls when the chauffeur started driving away yesterday. It made no sense to me why she would bother calling me after we both went our separate ways. So, I figured I might as well hear her out."

"Okay, and what did she say?" Sumiko-chan asked.

"She told me, 'please don't go'," I replied. "She also told me wasn't going to stand aside, and watch me get on the plane. I told her she was just going to end up wasting her time, I mean, it's already been decided. I guess Yaya-senpai didn't like the sound of that, because then she told me to tell her I want nothing to do with her, so that she'll know to back away and let me go."

"Your senpai is stupid," Sumiko-chan interrupted. "It is obvious she cares deeply for you, but listening to you makes me want to slap her for various reasons. One, for not stopping you back in Astraea Hill from walking away, I'm surprised she decided to call you afterwards. Two, for the phone call, if she planned on trying to stop you, then she should have sticked to it instead of slamming herself into the wall like an idiot. Three, for not realizing who she is losing, but hey, one's loss is another's gain. Your senpai really is one stupid girl."

"I guess so," I sighed. "But, also, before the phone call ended, I told her I couldn't say it, I couldn't say what she wanted me to say... She then suggested I hang up if I couldn't, but I didn't do that either, I... I told her I loved her. After a few seconds of silence, she told me she wished me the best wherever I go, and hanged up."

Sumiko-chan pulled me close to her, and wrapped her arms around me, gently holding me. Softly, she said, "She's going to regret those words Tsubomi, I know I would, if I were her... The clock is ticking, and now would be the best time to enjoy what time there is left."

"You're right," I rested my cheek on her shoulder. "Like my oji-san said to me, you must not dwell on the past, for it will prevent you from enjoying the present, and looking forward to the future."

"He is right," Sumiko-chan nodded. "I also don't want to see you dwell so much on the past, so I will make sure from here on until you leave, that you enjoy your time now."

"Thanks, Su-chan," I said.

"It's nothing Tsubomi, I just want to see my little rose happy," Sumiko-chan said.

I pulled away from her, and smiled, "I think the food is ready, don't you?"

"Perhaps, let's go see," Sumiko-chan chuckled, walking out of the room together, hand in hand.

Hikari-senpai: Yaya-chan seems better today.

Tsubomi: That's good, slowly, but surely, she'll be back on her feet before we know it.

Hikari-senpai: Or not.

Tsubomi: Hmm, what are you saying Hikari-senpai?

Hikari-senpai: Yaya-chan seemed a little too happy going from one day to the next. It's all too sudden...

Tsubomi: Do you doubt her sudden happiness? What if she really is?

Hikari-senpai: I don't think so Tsubomi-chan, I don't believe Yaya-chan's happiness is real. I have seen Yaya-chan when she is happy, and this kind of happiness seems forced.

Tsubomi: Maybe it's her own way of trying to deal with things, who knows?

Hikari-senpai: I don't know... Um, Tsubomi-chan, did you talk with Yaya-chan at all today? You said you would.

Tsubomi: I did.

Hikari-senpai: ...

Tsubomi: My phone call with Yaya-senpai is the reason why she is forcing her happiness. Yaya-senpai gave up, and wished me farewell, while I, on the other hand, am still holding on and hoping she heals soon. Like any kouhai would like to happen for its senpai.

Hikari-senpai: I see, now, this is going to be more difficult for me to try and work things... hmm, but it can't be helped. I guess it'll just have to be pushed aside.

Tsubomi: What are you talking about?

Hikari-senpai: I know Tsubomi-chan leaving and all, but I was thinking, if possible, she could come spend a day or two back in Kyoto. Just to have some fun, or at least try to, once more before she leaves... I will miss my kouhai, and I am one of her senpais. Would Tsubomi-chan be willing to spend sometime with her senpai once more before she leaves?

Tsubomi: Considering the uneasiness and the problems likely to occur, it would be wise to say no to you. But, you are my senpai, and I will miss you once I'm gone... Ugh, so be it, I'll talk with my oji-san about it tomorrow.

Hikari-senpai: Thank you, Tsubomi-chan.

Tsubomi: Um, Hikari-senpai, would it be okay if I bring a close friend with me? She's currently with me at the moment, and I don't think she'll like me leaving her.

Hikari-senpai: Oh, of course you can!

Tsubomi: Thanks, I'll let her know as well.

I know Su-chan dislikes Yaya-senpai, even if she denies it, but I want to spend my time with Su-chan... Anyway, if she knew Yaya-senpai is going to be there, Su-chan will probably make sure Yaya-senpai keeps her distance, and I think that would be for the best.

"Tsubomi," Sumiko-chan called out, sitting in the sofa with a blanket spread out, covering only her lap. "The movie is about to start."

"Coming," I responded as I walked towards the sofa, covering myself underneath the blanket, snuggling next to Sumiko-chan. "What are we watching?"

"A movie about animals going on an adventure," Sumiko-chan wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "I'll have to admit, it'll be interesting to see how a carnivorous lion manages not to eat the others."

"It is," I giggled. "Oh! Look at those penguins, they are so adorable!"

"Yeah, but not as adorable as you," Sumiko-chan said softly.

"What did you say?" I asked. "Not as adorable as what?"

"Oh, I said the penguins are not as adorable as the hippo," Sumiko-chan replied.

I could have sworn you said me.

"Um, if you say so," I chuckled.

"You don't think the hippo looks good or what?" Sumiko-chan laughed.

"The hippo looks good, but not as adorable as the penguins," I playfully sticked my tongue out.

"To each his own, Tsubomi," Sumiko-chan sticked her tongue out.

"Su-chan," I began. "If it were possible for you, would you go wherever I go?"

"I would," Sumiko-chan replied.

"Then, would you come with me to Kyoto?" I asked. "Hikari-senpai invited me to come visit her, and she agreed for you to come with me as well."

"I will go with you to Kyoto," Sumiko-chan smiled. "It'll give me more time to spend with you."

"Yeah... and I also have to add Yaya-senpai will be there too," I said hesitantly.

"What?" Sumiko-chan frowned.

"Hikari-senpai and Yaya-senpai are best friends, so it's unavoidable," I explained.

"I'll go, not only to spend more time with you, but also to keep Yaya-san away from you," Sumiko-chan growled. "I don't want her ruining your happiness."

"Thank you, Su-chan," I said. "But, I'm sure Yaya-senpai wouldn't talk to me anyway."

"Okay, enough about Yaya-san, let's return our attention to this movie," Sumiko-chan said.

"Agreed," I said, resting my head on her shoulder.

I really hope Yaya-senpai stays away, she will probably end up crashing with Su-chan. Wait, why am I worried about Yaya-senpai?

She wants nothing to do with me, right? ...

A/N: I am going to be completely honest... I wouldn't mind having a cow metal head right now. I am currently struggling with christmas gift ideas, and a cow metal head would help make the list short. Ha... Have a wonderful day!