Chapter 19
Ujio carried a basket of towel like blankets and bathing supplies along the winding path through the woods, I followed behind retracing his steps carefully, not wanting to slip. It was much more ominous now coming to the hot springs to bathe, the trees were bare, the ground hard and barren. When we arrived to the spring Ujio set down the basket and helped me over to the edge of the pool. Steeping behind me his hands wrapped around my waist untying the sash that kept my brown kimono secure. He threw it effortlessly over the large low hanging branch nearby. I could feel his warm breath on the back of my neck, he unwrapped my kimono and slipped it down my arms gently, the cold bit at my naked flesh harshly and so I did not hesitate to step into the steaming waters. I submerged my body entirely under the water, crouching low in the pool, with just my head bobbing above. I dipped my head back, letting the warm water wash over my tangled locks.
I turned around nervously as Ujio began to undress, I do not know why it but it made my cheeks burn red. I made a cheeky peek over my shoulder as Ujio stepped down into the waters, his whole body completely bare.
"We have laid together, yet you still blush?" Ujio commented, cocking his brow.
"You are a handsome man," my flushed cheeks darkened under his gaze. I spotted a small smile play on his lips as he turned to rummage through the basket, the top of his derriere just peaking above the water line as he stretched to reach. He pulled out a wooden comb and a bottle of oil.
"Come," He beckoned me over to him. He settled himself onto a rock by the edge of the hot spring, the top half of his chest glistened above the water. He motioned for me to sit between his legs and so I obeyed, with my back to him I pulled myself up onto the edge of the rock, my long hair stuck flat against my skin and trailed into the waters. With my arms I covered my chest, I felt exposed, the cold air had made my nipples harden which just caused my blush to return. Ujio poured some oil into his hands and set the bottle down just outside of the pool, he rubbed his palms together roughly and then ran them down my hair. The oil soaped up a little on my scalp as he rubbed it in, my shoulders began to relax as he worked. He massaged it through the ends of my hair, his fingers tickling my back. I tensed up as they traced my scars lightly.
"I will never let anyone lay a hand on you," He said roughly as he reached for the comb and began to work it through my hair, untangling the knots gently. "If anyone does, they will meet the edge of my sword," I knew he spoke with truth, Ujio was not one to make empty threats, I did not reply, not wanting to fuel the fire that was within him. He scooped up water with his hands and rinsed out the oils from my locks, when he finished, I turned to him with a coy smile.
"Your turn," We swapped places, Ujio was not thrilled but humored me anyway, he dipped under the water, wetting his head and then sat still between my legs as I reached up to his top knot. I unraveled the hair down his back, the long dark ends almost touching the water.
"I think your hair is nearly as long as mine," I commented as I reached for the bottle of oil.
"Samurai has long hair to put into a knot, it's a symbol," he explained.
"To show you must be respected," I added, he nodded in agreement. I rubbed my palms together and ran the oils down his hair, massaging it in just as he had.
"What would happen if you cut it?" I asked curiously, rubbing the oils into scalp.
"Disgrace," His rough voice came across like a warning. I grabbed the comb and began running it through his thick mane.
"You had your hair long and down when I first saw you" I remembered back to that life changing day. "You were like a wild man," I half smiled.
"You found me scary," Ujio smirked.
"Terrifying,"
We didn't spend much longer at the hot springs, Ujio worried the cold would make me sick, he got out first and dressed quickly, upon me leaving the hot spring he wrapped me up back into my brown Kimono. Ujio covered my hair with a rag, tying it tightly up off my neck and then swathed me in blankets. We didn't dawdle on the way back to the house, he ushered me inside quickly and rekindled the fire. I stood as close as I could to the flame and let the heat wash over me, the walk from the hot spring to the house felt one hundred times colder than the outbound journey. Ujio moved to the tiny table where the pile of Kimono boxes still sat, he pulled the lid off the top box and removed the kimono carefully from its package, it's coordinating obi still lay in the box.
I removed the blanket from my shoulders, dropping its heavy weight to the floor with a slight thud. I pulled at the sash on my waist and let it drop to the floor, my kimono clung to my body, it's damp cold fabric sticking to my skin. I peeled off the brown garment as Ujio held out a powder pink Kimono embroidered with tiny pink and red flowers. I slipped into it quickly as goosebumps covered my naked flesh. From behind he wrapped the kimono across my body tightly, his arms enveloping me. But he stopped suddenly, his hand frozen around my stomach. After a brief hesitation he slipped his hand inside the kimono. A small gasp escaped my lips as I thought he was reaching for my private area, but he did not. His hand pressed firmly against the bare skin of my stomach. I realised what he was feeling for and too reached into the opening of the pink kimono and placed my hand over his.
"It is only small, barely a bump,"
"Small now, but he will grow to be big and strong," Ujio's rough voice spoke into my ear, sending chills down my spine.
"He?" I asked with a cocked brow, I hadn't even thought about what gender our child would be, it was still a shock to the system, the concept of something growing inside of me that would one day walk and run still boggled my mind.
"I think a boy," He spoke confidently. A little part of me hoped for a boy, a mini Ujio, but I always pictured myself with a daughter, a girl to teach to dance and sing, paint and play piano. We were taken a back from our moment when a knock sounded at the exterior of the home.
Ujio removed his hand from under mine quickly and moved towards the door. I wrapped my kimono across my body and quickly wrapped the obi around my waist, tying it as best I could in such little time. It was a red obi with gold fan shaped patterns. I wish I could have admired it more before I quickly threw it on.
"I hope I am not interrupting," Katsumoto spoke as Ujio slid open the door.
"Not at all Lord," Ujio addressed the bald man and stood aside for him to enter the abode.
"Miss Richards you are a picture of health," Katsumoto smiled, noticing the flush in my cheeks. "And such a beautiful kimono," He nodded to the powder pink garment that cocooned my body. "You are like cherry blossom flower, growing more beautiful by the day," He complimented, I bowed my head respectfully. The bald man turned to Ujio and spoke something in Japanese, the words far too complex and unknown to me for my decode.
"I must borrow Ujio for the remainder of the day," Katsumoto smiled. I nodded.
"You will be alright?" Ujio asked as he pulled on a thick long dark coat over the top of his damp kimono. I nodded yes.
"Good day Miss Richards," Katsumoto smiled, stepping out through the door.
"Stay warm, rest," Ujio ordered as he left with his Lord. I moved to the door, cracking it open slightly I watched the two men walk up the path towards the village, they exchanged words, Ujio looked back over his shoulder to the house, Katsumoto smiled.
I ignored Ujio's orders to stay warm and rest and decided to go find Taka, I slipped on some white socks, and found my grey cloak folded neatly by the door I pulled it on, tying it's bow tight around my neck and pulling its hood up over my rag wrapped hair. Slipping on some wooden sandals that separated my big toe uncomfortably I ventured out. The cold winter wind whipped up my cloak as I journeyed through the village to Taka's home. Despite the cold weather and light sprinkling of snow the villagers still went about their business as usual as children ran and played down the streets. As I came to a cross roads Nobutada strolled towards me with a welcome grin on his face, Algren strayed not too far behind.
"Arabella-san you look so well," Nobutada smiled. Algren soon joined us, Higen now at his side.
"Ujio allowed you out?" Algren asked with a cocked brow.
"I do not need permission to leave my home," I informed the American, slightly insulted by his attitude. Algren smiled and shook his head.
"Where do you go?" Nobutada asked curiously.
"To find your aunt, to thank her for her care," I smiled.
"We were just going back to Taka-sans, would you like to stay for dinner?" Nobutada offered. I nodded and graciously accepted, unsure when Ujio would be done with Katsumoto.
We walked through the village towards Taka's house, my pace was slow due to getting used to the traditional shoes, and I thought pointe shoes were uncomfortable I thought to myself. As we trudged through the slush and dirt a small group of women stared daggers at me as we approached them on the road. There was a smaller lady dressed in a maroon kimono, older than I, she looked me up and down with distaste.
"Why are they looking at me like that?" I stopped and asked Nobutada. He nervously shifted on his feet. Algren stopped and stared back at the women, returning their glare. Nobutada cleared his voice.
"Village gossip spreads fast," he spoke nervously, I nodded my head, I understood how fast gossip spreads. "The woman in the dark red," Nobutada said, looking at me and avoiding the woman's gaze, trying to be conspicuous as to what he was discussing. "She and Ujio…" Nobutada trailed off.
"They what?" I asked, a lump forming in my throat, my eyes flashed sideways to the group of women.
"They had… relations," Nobutada tried to put it politely, soften the blow, but it still felt like I had been knocked sideways.
"Oh," I said simply, awkwardly exchanging looks with the woman.
"Ujio turned her away when she pushed him for commitment," Nobutada whispered. Algren brought his fist to his mouth and faked a cough as the women began to approach.
"Good afternoon Nobutada," The woman spoke to the younger man, bowing her head politely.
"Good afternoon Kyoko," Nobutada replied, returning the bow.
"So, this is the round eye tramp that has bewitched Ujio?" She spoke, I had a feeling she was speaking about me from the way she glanced my way.
"She is a guest of my fathers and of my village and will be shown respect," Nobutada spoke firmly, straightening his back. Algren rested a hand on my shoulder, pulling me back towards him slightly. I felt like he knew what was being said.
"Why should I show respect to a whore?" her tone was getting quite worked up, I felt sick to my stomach, I knew she wasn't simply exchanging pleasantries. "She lives in his house, wears his kimono, she is not us, she is not our people, Ujio spits on our ways by fooling with this round-eyed whore," The woman spat.
"What is she saying?" I whispered under my breath to Algren as Nobutada and the woman faced off.
"Nothing nice," Algren sighed.
"Tell me,"
"She called you a whore, says you are not one of them and then something I did not understand," Algren whispered.
"She is one of us now Kyoko, you cannot change that, she will be respected like any other member of our village," Nobutada raised his voice slightly. The sick feeling built in my stomach and throat as I watched the exchange. I instinctively laid a hand on my stomach, cupping my small bump.
"She is dirt on my shoe, how your father allowed her here I will never understand," Kyoto seethed. She glanced my way once more, her eyes narrowing on gaze fell to where my hand firmly cupped my stomach. She turned to Nobutada instantly, her face a mixture of shocked and furious.
"Is she with child?!" She yelled, her friends pulled gently on her elbow and shoulder, attempting to usher her away "Is she?!" Nobutada glanced at me before he spoke.
"It is not my place to say Kyoko," He said firmly, "If you care so much go ask Ujio," The small woman huffed at his words, tears formed in her eyes and dropped to her cheeks as her friends escorted her away.
"She was really upset," I swallowed. "Did I steal Ujio from her?" I asked Nobutada, Algren held my elbow lightly as I swayed slightly from the feeling of nausea.
"No, it finished long before your arrival," Nobutada spoke as he watched the group of women retreat away, "She is filled with jealousy," I couldn't help but feel bad for the woman, I almost felt sorry for her, she was clearly hurting and it was my presence causing her pain.
We made it Taka's home in the end, she welcomed me with a warm smile. I embraced her tightly, still unsure of the western greeting she eventually wrapped her arms around my back and returned the embrace. We had tea and rice by the fire, followed by Nobutada and Nathan playing goofy games with the children outdoors. I helped Taka tidy up, she resisted at first insisting I sit, but she gave in when I carried the bowls through to the kitchen area.
I dried the bowls as she washed them, in my own world I stared down at the rag in my hands as it brushed up against the porcelain bowls. Taka held out another wet bowl to me but I was completely oblivious.
"Arabella-san?" She asked, she looked at me with concerned eyes. I set down the dried bowl and took the dripping bowl from her hands.
"Gomen'nasai," I breathed. "I met Kyoko today," I whispered mostly to myself.
"Oh, Kyoko," Taka nodded, Nobutada may have mentioned something to her before. When the washing and drying was done, she lay a soft hand on the shoulder of my blush pink kimono.
"You no listen to Kyoko," Taka spoke in broken English. "She not good for Ujio, not good for village," Algren had obviously been working on her English whilst she worked on his Japanese.
"Am I good for Ujio? Good for village?" I asked sadly, I couldn't help but feel completely deflated. Taka smiled, taking me by the hand to the fire.
"You good for everybody," Her kind words uplifted my spirit and I released a soft smile. Taka hand stitched some new clothes for her youngest son, he was growing out of his rapidly, he was so much bigger than the last time I saw him. Eventually the boys joined us by the fire, Magojiro sat on Nobutada's knee as him and Algren joked by the fire. Higen watched Algren with fascinated eyes, almost admiring the American man.
The afternoon went by quickly, we had more tea, we spoke, I learnt new vocabulary and phrases kindly taught by Higen and Algren. The sun set early in the winter months eclipsing us in darkness with just the amber glow of the fire lighting the room. Algren had taken Higen outside to view the stars and show him the constellations. At some point I grew drowsy, the days events taking its toll on me, and the being inside me feeding off my energy I nodded off next to the fire, slumped over into Taka's lap. She did not complain or push me aside. She removed the rag from my hair and stroked down my curls.
"I worry for her," Taka spoke to her nephew.
"Why so?" Nobutada asked, Magojiro had also fallen asleep by the fire side, his weight gave Nobutada pins and needles in his legs but he daren't move and wake the boy.
"Childbirth is dangerous, you know this, I worry what will happen," Taka whispered, she spoke of Nobutada's mother who died giving birth to him, he was lucky to survive the birth himself.
"She has us, my father, Ujio, to keep her strong," Nobutada spoke optimistically.
"And if you go to war, what then?" Taka asked her nephew. "I already lost my husband, I cannot lose you, my brother, and Arabella,"
"You think too much, my father is handling it, do not worry Aunt please. As for Arabella she is strong, and she has you and your strength too," Nobutada spoke, his face illuminated by the dancing flames. "This is joyous time, a child on the way, and I heard my father speaking with Ujio," Nobutada spoke the last part with a hushed whisper, he was not usually one for gossip and 's ears perked up.
"Ujio asked if he could marry Arabella-san, my father said yes," Nobutada smiled.
"That is joyous news, Arabella-san deserves every happiness," Taka smiled down at my sleeping form.
"I wonder how Kyoko will react, you should have seen her today, she saw Arabella cradle her stomach, she was enraged," Nobutada sighed.
"Kyoko likes trouble, I stay away from her for that reason," Taka muttered. A knock at the door caught both Taka and Nobutada's attention, Taka called out for the person to enter, she knew it was not Algren, he did not request permission to enter the house.
Ujio entered through the sliding door, out of breath.
"Is she here?" He asked, he sounded almost panicked.
"Hai," Taka said, motioning to her lap, he peered down and spotted my sleeping form, gold curls glowed in the flames from the fire.
"She was not at the house, I told her to stay and rest," Ujio's rough voice exclaimed.
"You cannot keep her cooped up Ujio, she needs friends" Taka spoke up, she would never usually address the samurai in such a way, "she needs air and exercise for the baby,"
"She is well Ujio, no need to worry," Nobutada half smiled at the older man.
"I hope she has been no bother, I am sorry she keeps burdening you with her time," Ujio spoke, he circled around the back of Taka and lifted me into his arms, Taka supported my head gently as Ujio raised me up, he wrapped one arm around my back, and one under my knees. Taka got up politely and fetched my cloak.
"Arabella-san is never a bother, never a burden, she can come round whenever she likes Ujio, I am here for her and for you in this time," Taka spoke softly as she draped the cloak over my sleeping frame. Ujio almost smiled for a second and bowed his head.
"Arigato Taka," He spoke bowing his head to the young woman. Taka opened the screen door quietly, allowing Ujio to pass through whilst carrying my snoozing body. My head fell against his chest gently, my chest rose and fell slowly.
"Ujio," Nobutada called after the samurai as he made his way down the porch steps. Ujio turned to the younger man. "Today, Kyoko approached Arabella-san and I in the village, she said… hurtful things," Nobutada informed the samurai, his face was stony and cold at the mention of the woman's name.
"What did she say?" Ujio asked through gritted teeth.
Writer - thank you for reading, please let me know your thoughts, you may have to bare with me as this one was a little slow, but all will speed up again soon I promise!