CHAPTER 25

Yuzu looked at her phone for the tenth time '4pm I wander if Mei's home' Yuzu was quickly brought out of her thoughts as she heard a voice.

"Yuzuko am I boring you?" The older woman gave a slight glare to the blonde, Ume shook her head as she signalled for Yuzu to put her phone away.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude" Yuzu quickly glanced at her phone one last time before she put it in her pocket.

Yuzu had spent the entire day in the mansion as she listened to her Great Grandmothers story.

She had learnt a lot, the Nara family are all very musical, her Grandmother was cut off from the family because she wanted to be with a man from a lower class family.

She also learnt that Ume had kept her from learning about the Nara family until she turned 18 and was able to make decisions on her own, she didn't want Yuzu to be persuaded into doing something that she didn't want to.

But because of recent events, Ume had to bring Yuzu up to speed sooner then she would have liked.

"My dear Mina, by the time I tried to make a mends with her we had already lost so much time" The older woman looked at Ume as she spoke again.

"Your father was a great man Ume, I just wish I had seen it sooner"

Tears were running down Ume's cheeks as she listened to her Grandmother, it was the first time in her life that she had heard her say something nice about her father.

"You never used any of the money I sent you" She fixed her eyes on Ume as she waited for a reply.

"Sorry Grandmother, but I never wanted to rely on your money a-"

Ume was quickly cut off as Mrs Nara spoke.

"Our money, its not mine. You and Yuzuko are the Heirs to this family, it is just as much your money as it is mine"

Ume bowed respectfully as she thanked her Grandmother.

"Now as much as I am enjoying this visit, is there something you need my assistance with Ume?"

Ume shamefully lowered her head as she spoke.

"Yes, i'm sorry to ask this of you but….."

Ume explained the situation with Hioshi and the reporters at the school.

Mrs Nara took in a long breath before she spoke.

"That Aihara boy has always been like that since Mina turned him down, dont worry I will have the reporters dealt with by the morning. But I think that a formal meeting should be held with the press to inform everyone of the families current status"

Ume looked at her daughter before she locked eyes with her Grandmother and spoke.

"What exactly does that mean?"

The woman held Ume in her eyes as she spoke.

"As I said before, you and Yuzuko are the only Heirs to this family and as you can see I am not going to be around forever, it is only natural that you will be taking over the family"

"I dont want Yuzu doing anything that she doesn't want to, I have always let her make decisions and be free"

Ume was starting to feel anxious. 'Maybe coming here was a bad idea' She thought to herself.

"Then shouldn't we let Yuzuko decide what she wants then?" The older woman turned her attention to the young blonde fidgeting in her seat.

Yuzu nearly jumped when she felt her mothers and Great Grandmothers eyes on her.

After a few seconds Yuzu gave a kind smile as she spoke.

"I wouldn't mind getting to learn about the Nara family, they are apart of who I am after all"

Ume's expression softened, she knew her daughter had a pure heart and always had the best intentions.

"Your right Yuzu" Ume then turned her attention back to her Grandmother as she spoke again.

"I think we should let Yuzu get to know about the Nara family, but I also think that nothing should be said to the press until she is sure about what she wants to do going forward, can we agree on that Grandmother?"

The older woman couldn't stop a smile forming on her lips as she answered her Granddaughter.

"That seems fair Ume, you most definitely are a Nara, the way that you handled this situation"

Ume stood up as she spoke "I have nothing but the best interests for my daughter"

"So do I Ume, now how about some tea? I would love to hear more about the 2 of you"

Ume apologised as she explained that she had to leave for an important meeting at her work.

"I dont know why you work, there is no need for you to" She questioned Ume as she watched the 2 getting ready to leave.

"Ummmm actually…." Mrs Nara stood still as she waited for Ume and Yuzu to turn and face her.

There was a awkward silence as the 3 just stood there looking at each other.

"I wouldn't mind if Yuzuko stayed here for a little bit, I can get a driver to take her home after if thats ok?"

Ume looked at Yuzu "What do you want to do sweetie?"

Yuzu looked at her Great Grandmother then to her mother as she was in deep thought. She really wanted to see Mei and patch things up with the raven haired girl ASAP, but she just found out that she has this whole family and heritage that she wanted to learn about.

Ume could always ready her daughter like a book, she leaned in closer to Yuzu as she spoke.

"If you want, as soon as i hear from Mei ill txt you"

Yuzu instantly beamed a smile as she gave her mum a tight hug and spoke.

"Thank you Mama that would be great. I would love to stay and learn more about our family"

Ume said her goodbye to Yuzu and her Grandmother, as soon as the door closed Yuzu turned to Mrs Nara as she waited for what to do next.

"What would you like to do Yuzuko?"

Yuzu looked around the large mansion before speaking.

"Actually I would love to hear how Granny was when she was younger and calling me just Yuzu is fine Great Grandmother"

The older woman let out a laugh as she led them back into the main room.

"Alright Yuzu, how about just Grandmother is fine, Great Grandmother is a bit long"

Yuzu gave a nod as she took a seat and waited to hear what her Grandmother had to say.

TO MIMI AND MEI….

Mimi's lips were nearly touching Meis, she closed her eyes as she felt soft lips touch her own, flashes of her time with Yuzu played in her head.

Mei quickly placed her hand on Mimi's shoulder as she pushed her back and spoke.

"Sorry Mimi but I don't feel that way about you, my heart belongs to Yuzu"

Mimi screwed her face in frustration as she spoke.

"You just said that she is in love with someone else, Mei I will never make you feel unwanted or insecure, I truly love you, I need you"

The last words really hit Mei, she looked at the other girl who had just laid her heart on the line.

"You need me?"

Mimi moved closer to Mei as she spoke.

"Yes Mei, I need you, I will always need you"

Mei quickly stood up as she spoke.

"I'm sorry Mimi but I really must be going"

She opened the door, Mimi grabbed her hand as she spoke once more.

"I know your emotions are all over the place at the moment, take your time to get through them, i'll be here, waiting"

Mimi loosened her grip and Mei left.

Mei knew that she couldn't face Yuzu or her friends right now, so she went to the one place she could.

"Mei" The authoritative voice made her stand straight.

Mei bowed to her Grandfather as she spoke.

"Hello Grandfather, sorry for the intrusion, could I stay the night?"

Hioshi already started to walk to his study as she spoke with his back to her.

"This will always be your home Mei, you can come and go as much as you want"

Mei thanked her Grandfather as she made her way to her room.

She lay on her back as she stared at the ceiling. The scene of Yuzu and Lee was playing on repeat in her head. 'Maybe I should have let Yuzu explain' Mei thought to herself.

'NO! I gave her a chance and she just stood there not saying anything' Mei spent the entire night talking herself in and out of going to see Yuzu and making things right.

The next morning Mei was up early, she was sure that her Grandfather would still be sleeping, she went to make her way out the front door when….

"Mei make sure you eat breakfast before you go"

Mei's back straightened as she made her way into the kitchen and took her place across from Hioshi as he sat reading the paper.

Mei ate quietly as she wandered what she would do when she saw Yuzu at school.

Hioshi peered down from his paper, he could see just from one look at Mei had got no sleep at all, his eyes traveled down to her hand with her engagement ring on it, he cleared his throat before he spoke.

"Mei, even though I have acknowledge the relationship that you have with Yuzu I would still like it if you followed school rules"

Hioshi still had his eyes on the beautiful ring.

Mei looked down at her hand, she quickly slid the ring off as she apologised and continued to eat her breakfast.

The entire morning Mei felt like she was in a daze, she still felt so conflicted about what had happened the day before and she didn't know what she should do.

"Mei!"

Mei's eyes widened as she heard a familiar voice, she turned to see Mimi running towards her in the Aihara academy uniform.

"Wow what time did you leave? I went to your Grandfathers to see if you wanted to walk together and he said you had already left"

Mei was lost for words, Mimi was the last person she was expecting to run into at school. "I'm sorry Mimi fo-"

Mimi quickly cut Mei off as she spoke.

"Dont worry about yesterday Mei, in fact just forget about it ok? I hope we can be really good friends" Mimi gave a smile.

Not long after everyone else was arriving at school.

Mei scanned the crowd for a certain blonde but to her surprise Yuzu was nowhere in sight.

There was more reporters outside then the other day and Mei was starting to get worried that maybe something had happened to her.

She let out a sigh of relief as she saw the Shiza twins and Harumin making their way to the entrance.

"Mei, good morning" Both Izumi and Harumin greeted as Soma simply waved as he parted to the boys academy.

"Good morning" Mei scanned the area before she spoke again.

"Wheres Yuzu?"

"Yuzu and her Mum have gone somewhere for the day-"

Izumi was cut off as Mimi started to talk.

"Izumi, Harumin I hope that we are in the same class"

Mei was quickly pulled away by Himeko for some Student council work which left the three girls alone.

"I guess we can talk later Mei" Izumi yelled out as she watched Mei walk up the stairs.

The entire day went pretty slow for Mei, she sat in the Student council room as she looked at her phone that Yuzu had brought her.

'Maybe I should message her' Mei thought as she opened up messenger and was ready to type a message when….

-RING-

Mei jumped as she saw her step mothers name come up on the I.D

"Mother?"

"Mei, where have you been, we have been worried"

A smile grew on Mei's face as she heard the word we 'She misses me'

Mei took a breath before she spoke.

"Sorry Mother, yes I'm fine, I stayed the night at Grandfathers"

Mei heard her mother give a loud sigh before she spoke.

"Mei, I dont know exactly what happened between you and Yuzu but you 2 definitely need to talk about whatever happened, thats part of being in a relationship"

Mei sat quietly as she let Ume's words sink in, but she knew her step mother was right.

Mei went to speak but Ume spoke first.

"Sorry Mei I have another call coming through, i'll se you when I get home, Yuzu is at my Grandmothers at the moment, I dont know what time she will be home. Bye, love you sweetie!"

Before Mei could reply the line was dead.

The next few hours went painfully slow, as soon as the clock hit 3pm Mei was one of the first students out the front gate.

YUZU AT THE NARA MANSION….

"Hahahahahahahahah" Yuzu was in fits of laughter as she listened about stories of her Granny.

"I get the impression that you are very similar to Mina" Yuzu watched as her Grandmothers face changed from happy to sad in seconds.

She tried to give a reassuring smile as she spoke.

"Granny and Poppy were the best, they always made me laugh" Yuzu looked over at the large black piano by the window in the large room, Mrs Nara caught onto what Yuzu was looking at.

"Do you know how to play Yuzu?" She made her way over to the piano and pulled the stool out.

Yuzu made her way next to her, the older woman patted the spot next to her as she waited for the blonde to sit.

She could see the pain in Yuzu's eyes straight as soon as she opened the lid.

"G…Granny taught m…me" Yuzu choked the words out.

Mrs Nara couldn't help but give a sad smile as she spoke.

"Piano was always Mina's favourite"

Yuzu's eye's widened as she watched her Great Grandmother masterfully.

No words we spoken as the entire mansion was filled with the beautiful sound coming from the instrument.

Yuzu closed her eyes as she listened carefully to each note being played.

After a few minutes she finally stopped and looked at Yuzu.

"Would you like a turn?"

Yuzu gently ran her fingers across the top of the keys, Mrs Nara watched as Yuzu took in a large breath and closed her eyes.

She was speechless as Yuzu played the exact same piece that she just played a few moments ago.

Yuzu slowly opened her eyes as she finished.

"You are a natural, that piece takes even a master pianist at least 6 months to master."

Yuzu's phone went off she politely excused herself as she answered.

It was her mum, Ume explained how she had spoken to Mei and that she would be coming home tonight. Yuzu looked at the time.

"3:30pm shit I better get going'

After the phone call ended Yuzu explained that she had to leave.

"Dont worry, i'll come back and visit real soon" Yuzu gave a hug which surprised the older woman.

"I would like that Yuzu, maybe we can talk about your future in the family as well"

Yuzu jumped in the car as she gave the driver directions to go home.

On the way Yuzu saw the crepe shop that Mei loves.

She asked to quickly pull over as she ran in to get the sweets.

'I hope Mei will like these' Yuzu thought to herself as she was nearly at the car when….

"Hey Yuzu"

Yuzu turned her head to see Mimi standing there, she noticed the uniform straight away.

"Mimi, Hi, sorry but I'm in a hurry"

Yuzu carried on walking but stopped when she heard the next sentence that left Mimi's mouth.

"She came running to me you know"

Yuzu had her back to Mimi as she just stood still and waited to see if Mimi was going to speak again.

"Her lips are still as soft as ever too"

"What!?" Yuzu spun around to see Mimi with the biggest smile on her face.

"You have lost her and you will never get her back" Mimi smirked as she spoke.

Yuzu didn't want to believe anything that Mimi was saying as she spoke back.

"Your lying, Mei and I are-"

Yuzu was cut off as Mimi spoke.

"Over?" Mimi pulled Mei's engagement ring out from her pocket as she spoke.

"No, it cant be, how did you get that?" Yuzu quickly grabbed the ring from Mimi and held it tight.

"She gave it to me, said that she didn't want it anymore because you 2 are over"

Yuzu couldn't believe what she was hearing, she didn't want to, Mimi was still talking but it was all a blur to her as she jumped back in the car tears running down her cheeks as she held the ring to her heart.

"Shall I continue on the route home miss?" Yuzu was brought back as she heard the driver speak to her.

She looked at the ring before she spoke in a low voice that was barely audible.

"No, take me back to the Mansion please"

Mei waited patiently for Yuzu, but as the night went on she became more worried. After Ume got home she had called Yuzu, Mei felt her heart sink as Ume told her that yuzu would be staying at her Great Grandmothers for a few days.

Both girls spent that night crying themselves to sleep.

But it was the next few days that Mei really knew that something was wrong, Yuzu hadn't come to school and all that Ume was saying is that she should be home in a few days.

Yuzu wasn't answering her calls or txt messages, Mei was at her end with frustration.

It was the 3rd day that Yuzu had skipped school and not been home, Mei was nearly at the entrance when she heard someone call her name.

"Mei"

Mei turned around to see Lee standing there looking her straight in the eyes as he spoke again.

"We need to talk"

TO BE CONTINUED….

HEY EVERYONE HOPE YOU ARE ALL DOING GREAT.

'I THINK I ONLY HAVE A FEW CHAPTERS LEFT FOR THIS STORY THE ITS DONE.

BUT I DO HAVE AN IDEA FOR ANOTHER STORY AND I HOPE THAT YOU WILL ALL CONTINUE TO READ WHAT I WRITE :)

ANYWAY THANK YOU ALL AGAIN, LEAVE A COMMENT IF YOU HAVE TIME AND HAPPY READING.

ALSO I ONLY PROOF READ HALF OF IT HAHA SORRY GOT A BI LAZY NEAR THE END.

WELL ITS 11:53PM HERE AND I HAVE TO GET UP AT 4AM FOR TRAINING SO IM OFF TO BED, JUST THOUGHT I WOULD PUT THIS HERE FOR YOU ALL FIRST :)