Chapter 53: Miss Walker

"Go to Daddy," Misaki said, setting Hikari on the ground.

Hikari laughed and ran into Takumi's arms.

"Hungry?" Takumi asked.

Hikari nodded. Misaki set Hikari into her high chair.

"I made eggs and mini sausages," Takumi said, setting plates on the table. "You and Hikari's favorite."

Hikari clapped her hands at the sight of the omlette. "Mommy?"

"Alright," Misaki said. "I'll get it for you."

Misaki picked up the plate. The smell was off though. The plate clattered back onto the table as Misaki covered her mouth.

"Misaki!" Takumi said, rushing over.

Misaki heaved again and ran to the sick.

"Misaki," Takumi said, rubbing her back.

"Hm?" Hikari asked, trying to see what was going on.

"Hold on, Princess," Takumi called.

Misaki rinsed out her mouth. "Those eggs are bad," she said. "Don't give it to Hikari."

"Bad?" Takumi asked, walking over to the table. He smelled the omlette. "It smells fine, honey," he said, taking a bite. "Yeah, the eggs are fine."

Misaki shook her head. "No, it smells rotten."

"No," Takumi said, holding it out. "It's fine. See? Smell it."

Misaki bolted to the bathroom with her mouth covered. Takumi smelled the eggs again. What the heck? They smelled fine to him…

"Here," he said, handing Hikari a plate of sausage. "Don't get into trouble," he said, kissing Hikari on the top of the head. Hikari gave him a puzzled look as Takumi jogged toward the bathroom.

"Sweetheart," Takumi said, knocking on the door. "Can I come in?"

"No…" came the muffled voice. "Go away."

"Misaki," Takumi said, knocking on the door. "Can you open the door?"

"No,"

"Misaki,"

No sound.

Takumi picked open the bathroom door. "Are you sick?" he asked, placing a hand on her forehead. Misaki was sitting on the bathroom floor.

"I don't feel so good," Misaki muttered, closing her eyes. "Don't worry about me. Go take care of Hikari…"

"Can you stand?" Takumi asked, helping her off the cold floor.

Misaki nodded. She staggered a little but Takumi steadied her.

"You need to see a doctor," Takumi said. "Has work been too stressful?"

Misaki shook her head. "I've been feeling really tired lately," she said.

"I can tell…" Takumi said. "Go lie down on the couch. I'll get you some water and dry toast."

"Okay…"

Takumi walked back to the kitchen. Hikari was quietly sipping her milk.

"Thanks Princess," he said. "You're so well behaved."

He unbuckled her and set her on the ground. Misaki laid on the couch with a glass of water. Takumi got her a thermometer and crouched by the couch.

"Why the worried face?" Takumi asked. "It's probably just the stomach bug."

Misaki bit her lip. "Takumi," she said.

"Yes darling?"

"Can I tell you something?"

"Always,"

Misaki blushed.

"What?" Takumi asked.

"My uh…"

"Your what?"

"Never mind,"

"What?" Takumi exclaimed. "You can't leave me hanging!"

"Okay," Misaki said. "I'm not sure but I think maybe...you know."

"No," Takumi said. "I really don't know."

"My period is late," Misaki said.

Takumi blinked a few times. "Misaki...are you?"

"I don't know yet," Misaki said as Takumi started grinning. "But I feel like I might be…"

Just then, Hikari toddled over. Misaki pulled Hikari on her lap. "I don't know…" she said, resting her chin on top of Hikari's head. "I think we should take a test before we decide anything…"

"Oh right," Takumi said, patting himself over for his keys. "Test…" he said, walking to the kitchen. "Test...baby…"

Takumi was gone and back under ten minutes. He again came back with an entire bag of them though Misaki only needed one...maybe two.

"Oh?" Hikari asked, patting Takumi's cheek.

"You might have a sister," Takumi said, kissing her. "You want a baby sister or brother?"

"Hmm?" Hikari asked.

Misaki opened the bathroom door. She smiled at her feet. "Takumi," she said. "I'm pregnant."


"I feel so sick," Misaki groaned. "I didn't even feel like this with Hikari."

It was early in the morning. The sun was out but Misaki felt like a storm cloud was over her head. If she felt nauseous with Hikari…she felt dead with this pregnancy.

Takumi tucked the blanket around her. "Get some more sleep then."

"I hate to ask you this but...can I drop Hikari off to you later?" Misaki asked.

"That's fine," Takumi said, rubbing her stomach. "I'd love Hikari to visit my office."

Misaki nodded, her eyes already closed.

"Drop her off later," Takumi encouraged. "It's no problem for me."

Misaki squeezed Takumi's hand. "Thanks, Takumi."

"Anything for you and our second baby," Takumi said, kissing her on the forehead. "I'll have breakfast on the table."

Takumi left around 7 and Hikari usually woke up around 8:30. Misaki slept for another hour and a half before her little screen started replaying Hikari's voice.

Misaki laid on her side and watched her daughter play with all her stuffed animals in the crib.

After finally dragging herself out of bed, Misaki quickly washed up and opened Hikari's bedroom door. "Good morning," she said, smiling.

Hikari's face lit up as she stood up against the rails with her arms out.

"Sleep well?" Misaki asked, lifting Hikari out of the crib.

After a diaper change, Misaki helped Hikari slowly get down the stairs. Hikari would sit on one stair and then carefully slide down onto the next one.

"Good girl," Misaki complimented when they reached the bottom.

Hikari laughed and toddled ahead into the kitchen.

"What did Daddy make for breakfast?" Misaki asked, picking her up and setting her in the high chair.

"Oatmeal and sausage!" Misaki cheered, setting the food on the table.

Hikari was learning how to use a spoon. She took a bite of the oatmeal.

"Good?"

Hikari laughed. Her little teeth flashed as she smiled.

"Blueberries," Misaki said, setting a handful in front of her.

"Yummy!" Hikari agreed.

"Yes!" Misaki agreed. "Where's your mouth, Hikari?"

Hikari put the blueberries in her mouth.

"Can you say mouth?"

"Nose!"

"No," Misaki laughed. "Mouth!"

"Nose!" Hikari laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world.

Misaki was really impressed with how fast Hikari started speaking, however, she guessed Takumi's genes were playing in now.

Hikari dropped her spoon. "Uh oh!"

"Yes uh oh," Misaki said, getting her a new one.

Hikari used her fingers to pick up the little cut up pieces of sausage.

"Yummy?" Misaki asked.

Hikari nodded. Misaki scraped Hikari's bowl clean and fed her the last few bites.

"All done!"

Hikari clapped her messy hands together and sipped her water from her sippy cup. After washing up Hikari, Misaki dressed her in a white shirt with a soft denim dress over it.

"Hold still," Misaki said, clipping a flower barrette in her hair. "There," she said. "Pretty. Can you say pretty?"

"Pretty," Hikari mumbled, flipping through her picture book.

Misaki packed a big bag for Hikari. Since they were out, she was just going to keep Hikari in diapers. For the day, Hikari had entertainment, lunch and other necessities like water, treats and a blanket.

"Come on, baby," Misaki said. "We're going to go see Daddy!"

"Da?"

"Yes," Misaki nodded. "Daddy."

"Bear?"

Misaki reached into Hikari's crib and pulled out her favorite teddy bear. Hikari had several and each one had their own pajamas and clothes. Her favorite teddy bear wore a soft purple dress.

Hikari hugged Bear and followed Misaki back downstairs. Misaki buckled Hikari into her carseat and headed toward Walker Corps.

"Go right on up," the lobby lady said. "Hello Miss Walker," she added, waving to Hikari.

Hikari hugged onto Misaki's leg and gave a small smile.

"Come on," Misaki said, holding Hikari's hand.

They took the elevator up. Hikari stared at her reflection in the mirror.

"Come on, Hikari," Misaki said once the doors opened.

Hikari was mesmerized by her reflection.

"Hikari," Misaki called.

"Princess!" another voice called.

Hikari turned and saw Takumi. He kneeled on the ground with his arms wide open.

"Daddy!"

"Yes, go to Daddy," Misaki urged.

Hikari ran into Takumi's arms. "Hello Princess!" Takumi said, picking up and kissing her everywhere. Hikari laughed and squirmed.

"Uh oh," Takumi said, pretending to drop her. "Uh oh!"

Hikari loved it. Misaki worried that Takumi might actually drop her.

"Here's her bag," Misaki said.

"Feeling better?" Takumi asked, placing a hand on her stomach.

"A little. I'm going to an appointment after lunch. Will you be okay?"

"With this Princess? Always."

Misaki smiled.

"Mr. Walker," a voice called. "Mrs. Walker!" Himeji greeted. "How are you doing?"

"Little worn out," Misaki admitted. "Sorry to bring a kid here. She should be behaved though."

"This is Walker Corps. Any Walker is welcome here," Himeji said, lightly. She kneeled down beside Hikari who clung onto Misaki's leg. "Hi sweetheart," Himeji said, smiling. "What's your name?"

Hikari ducked behind Misaki. Misaki laughed and kneeled down too. "She's shy around strangers. It takes a little bit to warm up. Tell the Oneesan your name, baby."

Hikari just smiled and shook her head. Takumi patted her head and kneeled down beside her. "Tell them your name," he coaxed.

Hikari looked over at Himeji. "Princess..." she said in a soft voice.

The adults all laughed.

"It's Hikari," Misaki corrected. "Not Princess," she said, shooting Takumi a look. "Takumi hardly ever calls her by her first name."

"She's just nervous," Takumi said, picking her up. "Say Hikari, baby."

"Hikari," Hikari repeated, burying her face into Takumi's neck.

"You're going to have fun," Misaki observed. "She's so talkative at home but she's really shy around strangers."

"She'll warm up," Takumi said, rubbing Hikari's back. "You go home and rest."

"Okay," Misaki said.

Takumi gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and Misaki gave Hikari a kiss. Hikari made a noise and held her arms out for Misaki.

"You're going to stay here with Daddy," Misaki explained to her little girl. "Mommy will be back later."

"Say bye bye," Takumi said. Hikari started fussing so Takumi swung her around which was something she liked. "Let's go play," Takumi said, carrying her into his office.

Himeji set up the coffee table with Hikari's coloring book and crayons.

"Sorry to make you babysit," Takumi said to Himeji. "I'll add a bonus to your pay check."

Himeji shook her head. "Your daughter is adorable. I don't mind at all."

"I'll still give you a bonus. Thank you."

"Anytime, Mr. Walker," Himeji said, sitting on the ground next to Hikari. Takumi sat on the other side and touched the tuft of black hair that was clipped with a barrette. "Did Mommy do your hair with a barrette?"

Hikari nodded.

"She understands?" Himeji asked. "How old is she?"

"One,"

"As expected of Miss Walker," Himeji said, handing Hikari a purple crayon.

"What color is that?" Takumi asked.

Hikari gave him a shy smile.

"Purple," Takumi said. "Purple."

Hikari nodded and held a blue crayon up to Takumi.

"Blue," Takumi explained. "Bl-ue."

Hikari smiled and went back to her scribbling.

"Hikari, what color is this?" Himeji asked.

Hikari looked over at Takumi.

"You know it," Takumi coaxed. "Tell the Oneesan."

Hikari fell over onto Takumi's lap.

"Come on, Princess," Takumi laughed as he lifted her back up. "Say the color."

Hikari shook her head.

"How about you whisper it to me?" Takumi said, leaning his head down. Hikari leaned over and whispered "red." "My Princess is so smart," Takumi said, kissing her.

Hikari picked up a little book and began flipping through it with Himeji. Takumi saw his chance to possibly leave but before he was even to the door, she started crying.

"It's okay," Himeji comforted. "Daddy will come back."

Hikari watched Takumi walk farther away and began sobbing. Real tears began trickling down her face.

"Oh Princess," Takumi said, walking over and scooping her up. He walked around, patting her back as Hikari cried and hiccuped. Her tiny hands clung onto his suit jacket.

"Daddy's right here," Takumi soothed. "Don't cry, Princess." Takumi got a tissue to wipe her face. "Himeji," he said. "There's a water bottle in the side pocket of the bag."

"Right here," Himeji said, handing over the sippy cup.

Takumi held it out to Hikari. She sniffled a little but took the cup to drink. "She's bad with strangers," Takumi explained. "She remembers people very well though. We have friends come over and she'll recognize them."

"She's very bright," Himeji said, nodding.

"Princess!" Takumi said, lifting her onto his shoulders. "Baby don't cry. Baby don't sigh," he sang.

Hikari returned to her smiling self so Takumi set her down. Himeji read a book to Hikari while Takumi handed her Cheerios to eat.

"I'm going to slip away," Takumi said, slowly getting up.

Hikari was smart. She knew getting up meant leaving and promptly howled to show her opposition to the idea.

"Daddy can't leave?" Takumi asked as Hikari clung to him, afraid of being abandoned.

"It's the new setting," Himeji explained. "My little sister was like this. She warmed up faster to babysitters in our own house. Drop her off at a friends house and she'd be sobbing for hours."

"Interesting," Takumi said, rubbing Hikari's head. "Too many unfamiliar places?" he asked.

Hikari sat in his lap and pulled the book to her.

"Wow," Himeji said, impressed. "Now you can't leave."

"Sadly," Takumi said, feeding her a Cheerio. "Daddy has to work, Princess."

"No,"

"No?" Himeji laughed. "Wow..."

"No! No! No!" Hikari said, flipping the page.

"Okay," Takumi said. "I'm just going to bring her to the meeting. It's a small one."

"I'll come along," Himeji said, trailing behind him.

"Sorry, I'm late," Takumi said, opening the door. "I have a visitor today."

Several of the women gasped and rushed over to get a better look. "Is this your daughter?"

"Yes, Hikari Walker."

"Hello!" they all cooed.

Hikari looked embarrassed and buried her face into Takumi's neck.

"Oh, she's shy," a woman said, holding her hand to her heart. "That is so precious."

Takumi cleared his throat and set Hikari on the ground. "I'd like to start this meeting."

Hikari sprawled out on the floor with her teddy bear. There were so many new things to look at in the meeting room. She pressed her face to the glass that showed the city.

"Our profit has increased," the finance manager said, showing it on the power point. "We can expand even further if we wish."

Takumi thought about it. "We already have a huge string of chains," he said. "We don't need more. We need to continue to elevate our quality..." his voice trailed off as Hikari threw herself against his leg. Takumi sighed and set her on his lap. He pointed at the graph on the paper before him. "We need to be more efficient."

Hikari hit the table with her hand. "Wrong!"

Everyone laughed.

"Mr. Walker," a man said, chuckling. "The future heiress would like to put her opinion out there."

"Why is it wrong?" another woman asked Hikari.

"Let's hear it, Princess," Takumi said, holding her up so she could see all the papers.

Hikari mumbled some gibberish baby talk. "Oh, I see," Takumi said. "A valid point."

"Paper," Hikari said, pointing to the papers.

"Yes,"

"Blue," Hikari added pointing to the graph.

"Yes indeed," Takumi agreed. "Anything else?"

"No…"

"Okay, good," Takumi said, setting her on the ground. "Himeji?" he said.

"Hikari," Himeji called. "Do you want to go have some fun?"

Hikari looked at Takumi.

"Go ahead," Takumi said, nodding.

"Bye…" Hikari said, walking to the other side of the room.

"Bye Princess," Takumi said, chuckling.