Chapter 24
I look out the window and a teardrop comes rolling down my cheek.
knockknock
'Wiping my tears I say, 'come in.' Yuki comes in with a stack of files. She puts them in front of me and explains what they are and who is due to meet me in the next hour. I nod in a trance. I scan the first page of the file… the second, third, tenth… and I sign at the dotted line.
I scan the rows of anxious faces around me…
'So how?' asked the crowd.
'Doesn't seem right….' I make a face and turn to change.
'Don't worry we'll find one darling…' said my fiancée putting his arms round my waist.
I trust him explicitly and nod in contentment.
/Flashback/
'This is why you ask me to rush here?' said Tsukasa throwing his hands in the air.
'I really need your help… can't figure out which one. I've tried on so many. There is so much to prepare there's still the press conference…' I trailed on and on.
Sighing and shaking his head…'only women can do this kind of stupid thing…'
/End of flashback/
'Has Tsukasa gone back to Japan?' I asked Michael.
'No… he did most of the preparations already but he is going back tomorrow evening.'
'Hey both of you finish making out in there yet? asked Tsukasa loudly and both of us snickered at each other and started on cue to make panting noises.
Equally on cue we heard the 'EWwww…'
Snickering I step out…to see him holding a large box.
'What is… it can't be… you didn't' I said covering my mouth.
'Open it,' said my irritating little brother.
Inside I find the most gorgeous dress and after I finished oohing and ahing I look up to see him smiling and I jump into his arms and whisper thank you when he said…. Anytime… anytime…
I waved goodbye to Tsubaki at the gate and was struck by a wave of memories.
/Flashback/
'Bye… I'll miss you, call me when you land alright.' Said Karen
'I'll miss you more…I love you.' I said scooping her into my arms.
#flash#
'How was the flight?' she asks me eyes full of concern.
'Bad… urgh… make it better will you?' I said raising one eyebrow and plastering on a cheeky grin.
She complies willingly as she tiptoes and places a genteel kiss on my lips. I pull her closer...
/End of Flashback/
I hand my passport to the customs officer and turn to bid my sister one final goodbye.
I move to the gold lounge and wait for the plane to board….
A little bit later I feel a tapping on my shoulder. I look up and I see a smiling stewardess.
'We're about to land sir, would you mind putting on your seatbelt?' I shake my head and she walks to the back of the plane.
I buckle up and look at the spectrum of light emitted by the runway.
The plane comes to a complete halt, I pick up my carry on bag and head to the exit. I walk up the lane and clear the customs. I look at all the people who are being greeted by their family members and realise how alone I am… I walk down the lane and people whiz past me into the arms of their loved ones. I sigh and look up… I see an angel smiling serenely amidst the chaos around her. I hasten my steps and put my arms around her.
'how did you know?' I asked her.
'you shouldn't write things on your blog if you don't want the whole world to know.' She replied simply.
'why did you come?' I asked hoping for an answer that was never coming.
'because of that look on your face. I know you too well…' she said caressing my cheek with her soft fingers.
'you do… a little too well. So how about some dinner?' I asked her.
She smiled as a response and we both walked arm in arm to her car.
'mmmm…. Nice, how's your's?' she asks me peering over.
'nice.' I said savouring my sweet ramen. I picked a spoon for her and poffered it in front of her mouth which she opened and I fed her.
'mmm.. very light flavour. Here try some of mine.'
'woah… hot.' I said downing my sake.
She started snickering which ended up in peals of laughter when I took a look in the mirror I understood why. Ever seen a tomato… my cousin…
We sit in her car in my porch.
'Thank you,' she said looking up to the roof.
'For what? I should be the one thanking you for fetching me from the airport.'
I see a teardrop roll down her cheek. I gulped not knowing what to do…
'don't cry… what's wrong? I gushed to comfort her.
Tears fell silently on her lap and all I could do is hold her hands in mine.