Although most people found routine to be dull and monotonous, I loved it. I knew what was coming and it kept me in check with day-to-day activities and work. The weekdays would consist of going to school, attending the host club, going home to help my mother with the housework, completing homework, then going to bed. Weekends changed slightly after me and Kyoya started dating. I would spend more time with him but also make time for my friends and mum. Kyoya's family as well would want me round for dinner and other activities they had planned, although I don't think I'll ever get used to playing polo and eating caviar on a Saturday afternoon.
That Friday was supposed to be just another normal day, I woke up at 6 am to get ready to start my day. I took a brisk shower, got dressed, had breakfast and then proceeded to help my mum with any housework she needed me to do before I went to school. I sat my mum down in her usual chair and presented her with a tray of breakfast: Orange juice with 2 slices of buttered toast and some fruit.
"Maria, why don't you go to school now? I'm not in too much pain today I can take the tray to the kitchen when I've finished."
I shook my head, "It's only 7:15 mum, if I leave now, I'll be way too early. It's alright I'll go once you're done."
It was supposed to be a peaceful morning until there was a bang on the door. It startled both me and mum. We looked at each other confused, Haruhi usually made her own way to school, and she wouldn't bang on the door like that.
Who in the world?
BANG BANG BANG.
"Alright, hold your horses I'm coming."
I got up from my chair and opened the door, and I honestly wish I hadn't. A disheveled man with dirty black hair leaned against the doorframe, his eyes glossed over from alcohol consumption and his body reeked of beer.
He smirked at me, "Hello Maria. Long time no see."
I glared at the man, "Hello father."
3rd person POV
The bells to Ouran Academy chimed, it was now 8am and school had officially begun. Haruhi sat in her seat and stared at the vacant desk next to her. Maria never missed a day of school, she was one of the most punctual people she knew and even if she was going to miss school, Maria would've told Haruhi otherwise.
The twins looked at Haruhi expectedly, "So where's Maria today?"
Haruhi shrugged, "Beats me, I have no idea and I'm kinda worried. It's not like her to miss school."
"Maybe she's not feeling well?" Karou stated, trying to reassure his friend.
But Haruhi shook her head, "When have you ever known her to be ill? She's basically immune to everything. My gut is telling me something is wrong."
Before anything else could be said the homeroom teacher, walked in, "Okay guys let's get the register done…Oh no Maria today? That's very unusual."
Haruhi and the twins looked at each other, they knew something was wrong.
First-person POV
Mum and I sat silently in our seats, staring at the man before us. He had barged his way into our house, even though I had made it very clear that he wasn't welcome. However, father warned us to behave otherwise things would get dangerous, he showed off his large knife and that made me, and mum sit quietly for now. It wasn't even like I could text or call for help, my phone was in the bathroom as I had left it there by accident earlier. The banging of cupboards was the only noise in the house,
"God damn, do you have no booze in this house? What are you, nuns?"
I rolled my eyes, "Funny enough, I'm not old enough to drink dumbass."
"Maria shush, please." Mum begged; she didn't want the situation to get any worse than it was, so I was to behave.
Luckily, he didn't hear me and slumped himself onto the kitchen chair he had dragged into the room. "Look at you two. It's been so long. A little family reunion. And Maria, in Ouran Academy, that prissy rich kids' school. You must have a lot of rich friends by now."
He looked at mum and sneered, "Still the useless woman I see. Can't even walk properly. Tut tut what kind of mother would be so selfish?"
Mum blinked away her tears and I growled, "Hey! Don't talk to her like that! She can't help it! And she is not selfish at all she has done more for me than you have ever done in your life."
Father glared at me, but shrugged, "You always did love mum the best. No matter. I'm hungry, go make some food."
I looked at the clock, it was now lunchtime, how is it already 12:30?
I was about to protest but mum grabbed my arm, her eyes practically begging to do as I was told. With a loud huff, I stormed into the kitchen to prepare lunch for all of us. Maybe I'll spit in Dads, now that would be funny…no no I can't take that chance, let's just make something and get it over with. A simple bacon and egg sandwich were easy to make, I gave them to my mum and dad then sat down with mine, eating silently whilst dad scoffed his food in record speed, clearly, he hadn't eaten in a while.
"Only 2 sandwiches? I need more than that."
I shoved my plate to him, "Here. Somehow I've lost my appetite."
He then hoovered my sandwich and patted his stomach. "You have become quite the perfect housewife already haven't you, my daughter."
I didn't answer, he didn't deserve an answer. He continued, "Now as much as I've enjoyed myself, there is the matter as to why I'm here. Now I heard about you now attending that rich school of yours, so that must mean that you have money. So, do your dad a favour and fork over some cash hm? I need it for my medicine."
I scoffed, "I think the word you mean is alcohol. And no, we don't have money, I'm only in that school because I got offered a scholarship, you would know that if you actually cared. Besides even if I did have money, I wouldn't give a penny of it to you."
Dad smirked, "Tut tut, is that how you treat your old man after all this time? Clearly your mum hasn't been raising you well."
The obvious dig to my mum made my blood boil, "At least she was there to raise me, where were you? Oh yeah, I remember. You abandoned us to go fuck some whores and drink away your sorrows."
I knew it was bold of me to speak like that to him, but I was too angry to care. He merely laughed, "Such foul language. No matter. I'm not leaving until I get money so you better cough it up, I know you're the only one who has access to the bank."
"Fuck you. You're not getting a penny. Why should I give you anything?" I spat at him.
He merely looked at my mother, who was beside herself with fear, then looked back at me, "Because you know exactly what I am capable of."
I stood there shaking with pure rage, I knew exactly what he would do to my mum, she would be too weak to fight back, and he knew it. He was blackmailing me. I refused to give him anything, but I couldn't put mum in danger, and I couldn't phone the police, or it could end up with someone needing a trip to the hospital. Just then, Haruhi's voice came into my head, a memory from years ago,
"Remember, if either one of us is in danger, our keyword is blueberry."
I laughed, "Why blueberry? That's so random?"
"Exactly! No one will know! It will be our secret okay?"
The memory made me smile and I quickly realised that I needed my phone badly. I turned to my dad, "Fine. You'll get your money, but I need to get my phone from the bathroom. I have to go through security first."
If there was one thing I knew about my dad, he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. He nodded, "Fine. But be quick about it."
I walked to the bathroom quickly and grabbed my phone, school finished at 2 pm on a Friday so Haruhi would be able to check her phone soon. I had received messages from all of the Host club, asking if I was okay and if I was unwell. Kyoya especially messaged the most, telling me to rest up and get well soon. I felt awful not replying to them, but I didn't have time. I just needed to stall my dad until help arrived. I opened my messages to Haruhi and typed in the word 'blueberry' and pressed send. Please, remember our keyword.
3rd Person POV
The bell chimed again at 2 pm. Signaling the end of the day. Haruhi was bombarded with questions from everyone, especially the host club, asking where Maria was. Maria didn't want to scare her classmates and told them that Maria was unwell. Though she was honest with the Host club and told them that she wasn't sure what was wrong but assumed that Maria was ill.
Haruhi went to the Host club when the school had finished and waved to everyone already there. "Hey guys! Sorry I'm a bit late I was cleaning the classroom. Did I miss much?"
Tamaki smiled eagerly, "Don't you worry my beautiful princess! We were just about to start discussing the events for next week!"
Haruhi tilted her head, "There's no Host club today?"
Karou nodded, "Yeah, it's on our website you know."
"You'd know if you actually went on it." Hikaru teased.
Screw that I'm not going on that website ever…. Lord knows what I'll find.
Haruhi sat next to Kyoya who nodded at her before talking, "So thanks to Tamaki's imagination, we have many themes to use over the next few weeks so there is no shortage of that. In addition, our new supply of tea and sweets will arrive on Monday, Maria is in charge of keeping them stored effectively so they do not go bad."
Hunny jumped around excitedly, "Will there be more cake? We can never have too much cake!"
Kyoya sighed, "Yes Hunny, I've made sure to order extra servings of cakes for you. But do try to control yourself…"
Hunny didn't pay attention to the last part and simply giggled in glee at the thought of more cake to eat. Haruhi smiled at his child-like demeanour when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She picked it up and looked at the screen, it was from Maria, and was sent to Haruhi almost 2 hours ago? Haruhi opened her phone, curious as to the reason why her friend was texting her when she saw the message.
'Blueberry.'
For a moment Haruhi had to stop and think, what did she mean blueberry? Then it all came flooding back to her, that promise made all those years ago, it was made after Maria's dad had abandoned her and Claire. Haruhi's blood ran cold and she instantly knew what was wrong. The Host club had stopped talking and stared at Haruhi, whose face was best described as one with pure fear.
Tamaki got up and knelt down to meet Haruhi's eyes, "Haruhi? What's wrong?"
She gripped her fists and they stared in shock. Haruhi very rarely got angry, it was one of the rarest sights one would ever see if their lifetime. The mood turned serious as Haruhi sighed and stared at them all,
"It's Maria's dad…he's back and he's at her house as we speak."
The room turned cold. They all knew about Maria's father. They may not have known as much as Haruhi did, but they knew all too well the kind of man he was. Kyoya shook in anger, Hunny even lost his boyish look and looked ready to kill, along with Mori. The twins frowned deeply and clenched their fists.
Tamaki shot up and shouted to the others, "Well why are we just standing here! We have got to go to her house! Kyoya! Call your private police force! They may be able to get there before we do! Hikaru and Kaoru, run downstairs and get one of the cars ready, we need to leave immediately."
They all ran out of the club room and Kyoya was already on the phone to the head of his security team. The twins sped on ahead to the car park downstairs. Mori and Hunny knew exactly that if they got there before the police did, they would need to fight and restrain Maria's father quickly. Haruhi looked at Tamaki whilst they were running, she almost couldn't recognise him. This was why he was the official leader of the Host club when times called for it, he could effectively plan and prepare for situations similar to this one and he was damn good at it.
Kyoya spoke on the phone, "How long till you get there?"
"ETA 10 minutes Master Kyoya, we will make sure Maria is safe sir! Should we bring paramedics just in case?"
Kyoya didn't want to even think of the possibility that Maria would get hurt, it crushed his core, but his logical side knew that Maria wasn't the only vulnerable person there. Her mum was already poorly and most likely has already suffered.
"Yes. Bring the best of the team. I want no mistakes."
"Yes, sir! I will keep you posted sir!"
Kyoya hung up the phone and growled to himself,
if that asshole lays one finger on Maria, it will be the last thing he will ever do…
First Person POV
Dad tapped his foot impatiently, "When is your bank gonna sort their fucking problem? I don't have all day!"
I shrugged, "How do I know? They just said it would be fixed today."
I stared at my phone, hoping and praying Haruhi got my message, there was only so long I could delay my dad for. My phone vibrated in my hand and I stared at the screen, almost sighing in relief as I saw the message from Haruhi,
'We're on our way, we'll be 5 minutes. Kyoya's private police force are nearly there too.'
She told the others, I don't blame her, Kyoya is gonna be pissed. Thank God she got my message. And thank God I left the door unlocked.
Dad threw the chair on the other side of the room and yelled, "Enough of this! I want my money now!"
I stood up and snorted, "Did you really think I would give you money? I lied! My only purpose is to protect my mother from you! I said it to you already. You're not getting a penny from us."
He grabbed the scruff of my shirt and glared, "I will not let you talk to me in such a manner! I am your father…"
"I don't have a father! He's dead to me!"
A slap struck my face and forced me to the ground, blood began to pile into my mouth, and I heard my mum cry, "Please! Don't hurt her! Do whatever you want to me but please spare her! She's your daughter!"
He scoffed, "According to her I'm not her father remember? So, it doesn't matter what I do to her. So much for you being the hero Maria. Heh, nothing's changed from when you were little."
I spat the blood out of my mouth and pushed my way up, standing as tall as I could and scowled at him, "I am not that little girl that you abused anymore. I am not afraid of you. You are nothing more than a pathetic, drunken, sad, narcissistic, vile excuse of a man and no matter what you do to me, I will never give in to you. So, you can go rot in Hell!"
My father's rage built even further with every word I spoke. He reached into his back pocket and grabbed his knife, switching the blade out and pointing it at me. "You disrespectful bitch! You need to be disciplined. I will make sure that I carve every word you said to me into your skin to teach you a lesson!"
My mum screamed and thrashed widely in her chair as I was pinned to the floor and he raised the knife to me. I refused to close my eyes; I would glare at him until my last breath. Before he could bring the knife down, he was suddenly picked up and thrown against the wall with a loud thud. Mori had a look of anger on his face and Hunny stood next to him in a fighting stance, ready to do what he must to protect me. The twins ran over to my mum and helped her up, who had fallen to the floor to try and save me. Tamaki and Haruhi stood with Hunny and Mori whilst Kyoya ran to my side and held my face in his hands,
"What did he do to you? Are you hurt?"
He saw the blood oozing from my mouth and his face shifted immediately, Kyoya was not there anymore. A demon had taken ever his body, that look on his face told me that he was ready to kill, and he did not care about the consequences.
I grabbed his arm and shook it, "Kyoya, whatever you're thinking don't do it. Help me up please."
Kyoya obeyed silently and helped me stand, I turned to the twins and brashly ordered "Get my mother out of here now. She needs medical help."
"Maria Smith! Please come outside with me! I am not leaving you here! Please, Maria!"
My mother was hysteric, the stress was causing her to panic and I knew she was going to faint, and right on cue she did, almost dragging the twins to the floor with her. They both maintained their balance and I turned to Haruhi,
"Go outside with them Haruhi. You know my mother best please help her."
Haruhi was hesitant, I knew she was, but she didn't argue and helped the twins take my mum outside.
My dad groaned and slowly stood up. "Who the fuck are all of you? This is none of your business! Get the fuck out!"
Tamaki glared at my father, "You hurt someone we care about deeply. Who we are doesn't matter. But you messed with the wrong people."
Hunny continued, "We will do anything to protect Maria and her mum. Even if it means stopping you."
My father laughed mockingly, "Ha! You're all a bunch of snot-nosed rich kids! Your uniforms give it away! If you wanna help my daughter, then give me money then I'll be on my way."
Kyoya evilly chuckled, "You are in no position to bargain with us. You put up a front of carelessness but you're terrified, Mitsukuni Haninozuka and Takashi Morinozuka could kill you and make it look like an accident."
My father immediately recognised their names and turned pale, even he knew he would be no match for those two.
Kyoya continued, "We all may be spoiled rich kids, but we could order you dead and no one would bat an eyelid. You will never get anything from us or Maria. All you will be getting is prison time."
Armed men marched into the room and pointed their guns at my father, "Get on the ground now! Hands where we can see them! And drop your weapon!"
My father complied but attempted peace, "This is a misunderstanding! I'm her father! Sweetie! Tell the nice men that I didn't mean any harm!"
Vomit came into my mouth, it made me feel sick to have him call me that. I glared at him in disgust. "I am not your sweetie. And you are not my father."
The officers shouted again, "Get down on the ground and hands on your head! If you do not comply, we will open fire!"
My dad reluctantly complied and was immediately handcuffed and shoved outside to the police car where an audience of onlookers had gathered to watch the spectacle. My knees gave out as soon as my dad was shoved into the car and I began to sob. My brave front crumbled down, and I couldn't control my sobs. I don't remember much after that.
I woke up and looked at my surroundings, I clearly wasn't at home, but this wasn't a hospital either. I sat up and my body responded with soreness. I grimaced through the pain and took in the surroundings properly. This was Kyoya's bedroom. I looked at the clock next to the bed: 2:00 am it read. Footsteps caught my attention and I saw Kyoya come up the steps with a glass of water. As soon as he saw me awake, he put down the glass and sat down next to me.
"Easy there. You're still hurt."
I looked at him puzzled, "What happened? Why am I here? Where's my mum?! Is she okay?"
He shushed me gently and held my hands, "You had a panic attack after your dad was taken away. An ambulance wanted to take both you and Claire to the hospital, but you refused to leave your mum's side and wouldn't let the paramedics touch you. I suggested to take you home while your mum went to the hospital. Haruhi and her father went with your mum. Tamaki and the rest of the Host club were being questioned by police and I took you here. You passed out in the car and have been asleep ever since."
It was a lot of information to process. Tears welled up in my eyes and I hugged Kyoya, "Thank you. You saved our lives. You and the others are angels. I am forever in your debt. Thank you."
Kyoya hugged me back tightly, "There is no debt to repay. But why did you not message me for help?"
I knew Kyoya's pride would be bruised a little; I squeezed his hands reassuringly, "It was nothing against you, love, Haruhi and I have had a keyword since we were kids and I didn't have time to explain what was wrong. I knew she would know. I'm sorry I didn't tell you Kyoya."
He nodded in understanding as we sat there, cuddling in silence until Kyoya spoke.
"I love you Maria and I will do anything for you."
I pulled back from him and raised an eyebrow, "D-did you just say you love me?"
Kyoya nodded, "You know my feelings for you. I was terrified I was going to lose you today. The thought of never seeing you again…"
For the first time in my life, Kyoya cried in front of me. The anxiety of the day finally caught up to him and although he wasn't sobbing, tears fell down his cheeks and into my hands.
I wiped his face and cried with him, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't mean to scare you or anyone. I was just thinking of my mum and panic took over. I'm so sorry Kyoya, I love you so much and I always will."
Passionate and desperate kisses took over and we refused to stop, almost too frightened to let the other go. We stroked and touched each other whilst kissing to make sure the other was okay, it was heated yet the most comforting experience in my life.
Kyoya lay next to me after our intense session and stroked my hair, "I want to make a promise to you Maria."
I looked at him, "And what promise is that?"
He stroked my hair, "I'll never leave your side. And from now on, our keyword is strawberries. Don't forget it."
A/N: Sorry about the last upload, no idea what happened there but it should be fixed now. Please stay safe guys during this unprecedented time and I hope you like the chapter.
