Chapter 33- September 12, 2011
Midori reached over and took Mai's hand before she could dash across the street. "Calm down little one, just wait a-." She was interrupted by Wataru running past her.
"Pool party!" The youngest Asahina yelled.
"W-wataru." Ema sighed. "How does he have so much energy?"
"The young always have energy" Hoshimi laughed as she walked up, holding Shin's hand. "I'm sure you had just as much energy when you were a kid."
"I don't think anyone has as much energy as Wataru." Yusuke chuckled. "At least not that I've met."
"Would you please go make sure he's safe instead of just talking?" Ukyo said, as he took the last bag from the car.
"Fine." Yusuke sighed. He checked the street and then rushed across.
Ukyo just shook his head.
"Oh do try to lighten up." Hikaru slapped his brother's back. "Just imagine how fun it's going to be in the cool water." Hikaru practuactly spun around his brother and headed towards the pool entrance.
"It's gonna be so much fun!" Mai grinned. "I haven't been to the pool in forever!"
"I think the last time was four years ago." Shin said. "Right mom?"
"Sounds about right."
"Really?" Tsubaki gasped. "That long?"
Midori shot him a glare and was about to say something but Ema interrupted.
"Well they probably had more important things to do."
"Alright you two that's enough." Masaomi shook his head. "Let's just have some fun."
"Agreed." Hoshimi nodded. They walked into the building to find Yusuke and Wataru arguing about something. Yusuke's face looked a little red.
"Are we ready?" Ukyo asked.
"Y-yeah." Yusuke jumped. "Luckily this indoor pool can take reservations."
"Can't we go in now?" Wataru complained
"We should probably get changed first." Hoshimi said. "Ukyo, please keep an eye on Shin till I'm done changin, please."
"Of course darling." Hikaru winked sliding in front of Ukyo. "You ladies go get changed, we'll keep an eye on the young man."
"Thanks." Hoshimi nodded and led the way towards the girl's changing rooms.
Midori chuckled and followed Hoshimi, keeping Mai right next to her. While Wataru has lots of energy Mai wasn't far behind.
It didn't take long for the four girls to finish changing. Midori herself wasn't quite happy with her green and purple two piece suit. The best part was the bottom was a pair of swim shorts. She felt so much more comfortable with that.
Ema wore a cute white frilly two piece swimsuit with a pink swim coat. Mai was wearing her new yellow and red heart one piece swimsuit. And then there was Hoshimi. She wore a purple swimsuit with her own pair of shorts that went to her knees. Then of course she had a swim tank top. Of course that was the only way to get her to come to the pool.
"Ready to go?" Midori opened the door.
"Sounds like lots of fun." Ema said as she followed Mai out into the sunlight. The boys were already waiting there and talking. All wearing swim trunks. Though Ukyo and Azusa both wore shorts as well. Hikaru was surprisingly wearing only swim trunks. His hair was tied up and for once he looked like a man.
"Wow you look like a boy for once." Mai said.
"Mai!" Hoshimi flushed. "That-."
"It's fine." Hikaru giggled. "Though I have to say you ladies all look lovely. Shall we head to the actual pool now?" He reaches out grabbing Ema's hand and pulling her along after him. "Come along!"
"I knew inviting him was a bad idea." Midori grumbled. She glanced over and noticed Yusuke staring at her blankly. "What?"
"I-uh-I-um-"
Midori flushed and looked away from him. "Well I'm heading to the pool." She walked away.
"Wait for me!" Tsubaki called after her, running up and resting hands on her shoulders. "Why don't you and I spend some time together?"
"Oh Tsubaki!" Hikaru called. He was already splashing around in the water with the three youngest. "Come on over! We want a game of water volleyball! Azusa, Yusuke you too as well."
"Come join us Midori!" Tsubaki grabbed her hand.
"Maybe in a little." Midori smiled and pulled away. "But I want to relax for a little first." She walked over to where Ema and Hoshimi were wadding in the shallow end. "Hey girls!"
"I'm surprised you're not over there playing." Hoshimi pointed to where Shin and Mai were now jumping onto Tsubaki and practically shoving him under the water. "I'm glad those two are getting along with the boys."
"It's hard not to love this family." Ema smiled.
"Speaking of love," Midori slid over next to Ema. "How's Subaru doing? Is he going to make it later?'
"No." Ema looked down. "He's busy… He's… he's been really busy recently."
"Oh no." Midori slid closer. "Tells us what's happening."
"Ema?" Hoshimi placed a hand on her shoulder. "Please talk to us if you wish."
Ema ran a hand over the water and sighed. "It's just…. He's been so busy… We haven't seen each other in weeks. Every time we try to schedule a date something comes up and he has to reschedule."
"That surprises me." Midori frowned. "He's always been a dedicated guy…. Though I guess maybe he's trying to focus his dedication on two things and that's not working."
"I really do like Subaru but I feel like it's not going anywhere and he doesn't love me any more."
"I know he loves you, but sometimes love does fade and change." Hoshimi took Ema's hand. "But if you're not feeling loved maybe it's time you rethink your relationship."
"But I…" Ema closed her eyes. "I don't want to hurt Subaru."
"He's hurting you." Midori growled. "And this is why boys are supid!"
"Do you have someone you love?" Ema looked up. "I haven't heard you mention anyone." Ema glanced over towards where her brothers were. Yusuke was spiking a volleyball towards Tsubaki. Hikaru ended up getting it and spiking it over to Mai who then spiked it straight into Yusuke's face. "Thanks for making sure the boys aren't here. I don't think I can talk to them about this."
"No problem." Midori nodded.
"So about boys…" Ema glanced at Midori.
"N-No I don't have any one." Midori glanced over at the boys again. Ukyo was helping Yusuke and trying to stop the bleeding. Is that guy okay?
"What about you Hoshimi?" Ema asked.
"I'm focusing on being a mom. Romance is not on my plate right now." Hoshimi chuckled. "Listen Ema, only you can decide what is best for you and your relationship. But I think you need to talk to Subaru. That's the first step. YOu need to let him know how you feel."
"Thank you Hoshimi." Ema smiled.
"Um…. Mom we need help!" Mai yelled. "Yusuke's kind of bleeding."
"I'll be back." Hoshimi stood up. She grabbed her bag and then walked back over to where Yusuke was sitting with his head tilted backwards.
"Always a helper." Midori smiled. "Except when it comes to relationships…."
"What?" Ema asked.
"Hoshimi has had a total of three past relationships…. And only one was really serious. But one thing Hoshimi does know is that you have to be happy." Midori turned to look at her cousin. "So think about that Ema. Does being with Subaru make you happy?"
Ema glanced down at her hands and Midori stood up. "Hey I'll take Yusuke's place." She plopped down next to Tsubaki. "Okay what's the score?"
"Yay Midori's here!" Tsubaki raised his hands up.
"Let's play." Midori took the ball and grinned. Who cared about romance, especially with all of the Asahina boys. She served the ball and let the game officially begin.
Ema watched as her cousins confidently did what they wanted. Midori was so confident and relaxed. She didn't seem to let anything bring her down. Hoshimi was so kind and gentle. Ema wished she could be like those two a little more.
She got up and walked over to her own bag and picked up her phone. The screensaver was a picture of Julie. She knew a lot of people who had pets as their screensavers, but all of her friends who had a boyfriend… they always used that as their screen saver. Was that the first sign that their relationship wasn't going to succeed? She clicked on the last message to Subaru. It had been this morning. He still hadn't responded.
Ema looked back at Hoshimi and Midori. Both were laughing as they talked to the boys. So natural… Ema turned back to her phone and typed in a few words. We need to talk. Before she could regret it or change her mind Ema clicked send and put her phone back in her bag. "I'm going to be happy too." Ema walked over towards her family. "Can I play?"