Chapter Eleven: Piece Of Cake
"So, I finally meet the groom," Caramel sing songs, extending a hand for Kyo to shake. "Please sit, sit, sit. We have much to discuss."
Kyo narrows his eyes, suspicious about it all. The woman smelled like money and crazy. And he had enough experience with both to know it stunk.
As if sensing Kyo's blooming irritation, Tohru rubs his back, choosing to steer the conversation back her way. "Hana is overseeing some of the wedding details across town right now. She's picking out the table settings and booking the hotel we'll need for the honeymoon."
Caramel nods like a war general, complete with a gruff 'mm-hmm.'
"Excellent. And with Hatsuharu appointed as the best man - and brainstorming the bachelor party - we can now move into the best part of wedding planning. Cake tasting!"
Kyo sighs but he can't say he's mad at the thought of trying a bunch of sweets all day. "You're really perky, ya know that?"
Caramel flashes him a mega watt smile that was bright enough to blind an Eagle from a distance. "Sure am!" She taps a French manicured finger against her forehead. "And the Botox keeps the wrinkles at bay considering how much of a day I spend smiling. Now..."
She motions a man dressed in a cook outfit waiting in the wings forward. He pushes in a massive cart with three shelves of various cakes in varying layers.
Everything from German Chocolate to Red Velvet; Bavarian Creme to Butter Creme; Angel to Matcha.
The cook bows before taking his leave with a quick 'enjoy' tossed over his strong shoulders. Though his uniform had long sleeves, Caramel knew that a tattoo of koi fish in green ink stained the skin of those muscular shoulders.
"Thank you, darling! I'll get the round the next time we go out," Caramel calls after him, before pivoting her attention back to her clients. "So before we get started I want to know just how many tiers you want this cake to have. I recommend a minimum of three and no more than five, but my goal is simply a happy bride and groom. So its up to you to ignore my input."
Well that wasn't passive aggressive at all.
"Hmm..." Tohru moves a hand to Kyo's forearm. He softens immediately. "What do you think, Kyo? I'm happy with anything."
He smiles fondly. "I know you are." He jerks his chin up at Caramel. "Three is good. And I'll try all the cakes except coconut. I'd rather choke."
Caramel scratches something out in her overstuffed notebook of information on every wedding she planned this year. "Gotcha. Well...dig in! As we say over in Europe, Bon Appetit!"
"Sorry I'm late," Haru says, powerwalking until he reaches their table at the back of the restaurant. The swish of his pants louder than the din of the bistro. "I got held up at the garage and had to drop Kaiko off at soccer before getting here. And it was our first time trying out the side car."
Caramel's brown eyes blink at the speed of a jet, her brain smoking as she tries to process it all. "Kaiko? Hatsuharu? Wait a minute..." She turns now to fully face him, her long ruffled sleeve flopping against her wrist as she slaps her head. "You're Someina's Haru?"
He nods slowly, still trying to catch his breath. "Yes...who are you to Som?"
"Ohmigosh you call her Som?" She squeals. "That is so cute I could explode! I'm her little sis Caramel, by the way. But do call me Cara."
Recognition lights up his steely gaze, on guard in the presence of the infamous Caramel. She didn't exactly receive a glowing report from Someina when they talked on the beach.
But she was right about her being beautiful. Her brunette blowout complimented her soft brown eyes. She had the body type that men wrote about in songs of heartbreak and warning to the next guy that would come her way.
Dangerous. Lethal. Tricky.
Her looks didn't carry any weight with him because it was all Someina all the time. It was only recently that he started to wonder if his heart was wandering when Rin showed back up.
"We were just about to try some cakes. So you picked a good day to help out. I hope you brought your appetite because we've got a lot to tuck into!"
Haru tosses his bag at his feet as he reluctantly occupies the only seat left at the table. Right beside Someina's sister. "Are you guys planning to provide any alternatives?" He throws this to Kyo. "Som's a diabetic, remember?"
Caramel jumps in cooing, "Awww... what a catch you are! You're so thoughtful for bringing that up." She shakes her head and expels a long and dreamy sigh. "I wish there was a guy like you out there that I could snatch up for myself."
Haru plays with a plastic sampling fork and tries to ignore that she even spoke. "So?" He prompts Kyo, a little on edge lately and grumpy because of how stressful life had become. Only made worse by Caramel's not-so subtle flirting.
"Yes, actually," Tohru answers for him with a kind smile. "My bakery can provide sweets that are more savory like coffee cake with lower grams of sugar. Someina told me in advance what she could and couldn't have."
He smiles back at her, content with her answer. He forgot the ever considerate Tohru would look out for her friend's interests and health just as much as he would.
"Yadda, yadda..." Kyo grumbles, shoving his fork into a plateful of Oreo Cheesecake. "I'm hungry."
Haru rolls his eyes but he can't lose his smile. Finally relaxing in his seat as he samples a slice of rich Chocolate Ganache that melts in his mouth like butter.
Or like Otter's Paw, he remembers mischievously.
'Oh that's pathetic,' Dark Haru berates him. 'Your thoughts bore me. Even though I cause trouble, at least I make it entertaining.'
He scoffs, not the least bit ruffled.
'You're locked away in my head right where you belong.'
"Hellooo?" Caramel rips him out of this thoughts as she waves her hand in front of his face. "I was asking what you think of the Ganache?"
He blinks dumbly. "Its...pretty good. But I don't get the final say so—"
"We can always use an objective sounding board." She giggles and he startles at how similar it sounds to Someina's. Bright and twinkly like wind chimes. "You've got some cake all over. Here, let me get it."
She reaches a thumb out and begins swiping at the corner of his lips. At first he freezes up in shock that she was touching him, and so close to his mouth. But as his brain comes back online he manages to swat her hand away and gets to his feet.
"I actually need to go back home and work on a project. So if you guys are good today—"
"Yeah, get out of here," Kyo says with a mouthful of the lemon and vanilla cake. "I'll text you if I need anything else."
Haru wastes no time excusing himself from Tohru before snatching his bag back up and hightailing it out of there like someone pulled a fire alarm. It was technically true that he needed to get back home to his project, but he really just wanted to get away from Caramel. She seemed like the touchy feely type with people she took a special interest in. And he wanted nothing to do with any pass she might have just made at him.
Caramel looks down at the dark brown crumbs on her thumb before she licks it clean. He was definitely her type, but completely off limits. If only that didn't make him even sexier...
...
Someina was freshly showered and spritzed in her perfume that she only used for special days like this one—her first day at her new internship.
Thankfully, there were laws in place that now protected expecting mothers from being fired and discriminated against for their condition. Because even though this could end at being just an internship, it could also turn into her being hired full time. And she didn't want to have to worry when she started to show.
Besides...she was taking the place of a new mother as it was.
You'd think they wouldn't mind at all.
She inspects her new indigo satiny blouse, her black pinstripe slacks, and medium strappy heels. Giving herself one final once-over in her freshly washed car window. Her gaze climbs back up to her bob (not a hair out of place) and her new helix piercing. Thankfully it was tasteful. She would put her foot down if the girls suggested a lip piercing.
Her heels clack against the gravel of the parking lot, sparing one last longing look at her used and abused sedan. She never wanted to give it up, but...maybe it was time.
You're supposed to dress for where you want to go in life. So why would a car be any different? It was antiquated and didn't really belong with her new looks and her new lifestyle.
She laughs to herself as she thinks, 'Maybe I should trade it in for a motorcycle. Haru would get a kick out of that.'
"Fujioka Someina, is it?" Asks a woman with old Hollywood ginger locks at the front desk. "You're more than welcome to help yourself to some coffee and snacks in the break room. Anastasia will call you back once she finishes up with her client, hon."
"Ok, thank you." Someina moves past the children's waiting room and pulls open a heavy opaque glass door. And she gasps at the strong smell of vanilla coffee and freshly toasted bagels as it drifts out of the room. As her stomach rumbled she realized how perfectly it whet her appetite.
Was she already having cravings?
Eh. At least they were normal.
She pours herself a paper cup of the smooth coffee blend before plucking two coffee stirrers to mix in raw sugar and Coldstone creamer.
The break room was cozy and inviting with its warm lighting and brown toned walls. She sinks into a plush leather chair that conforms to her weight in a way that feels so comfortable she's not sure if she can get up.
As she takes a small, brave sip of her steaming coffee, a man sweeps into the room. His gait is graceful and quiet, smooth and careful as he grabs a couple of Boston Cream donuts for himself.
"Have you tried this coffee?" He startles, looking at her with a puzzled expression. As if expecting no one to say a word to him ever. "Its phenomenal."
His auburn eyes bore into her with vague recognition, before they fall to his uneaten donuts tucked between several napkins. "Not yet. Its my first day working here so I thought drinking coffee would just make my jitters worse."
She breathes a sigh of relief in finding someone else just as wet behind the ears as she was. Especially someone she already met through Uo. "Same here." She wraps both her hands tightly around her cup to warm them, finding the air conditioner a tad too cold even in the midst of May. "You're welcome to sit with me."
A smile spreads over his lips, his lanky and tall form falling into the seat across from her. He crosses one leg over the other and suddenly all her brain can tabulate about him is the fact he displays extreme model behavior. The way he carries himself, his soft red hair, his height and long legs.
"Thank you. I'm going to be taking over the next shift for the woman at the desk."
Wow.
Was there a requirement that the clerks and secretaries have red hair or what?
"We don't really talk but should I be calling you Sohma?" She tilts her head. "Or do you prefer Kureno?"
"Kureno is fine," he replies cheekily. "Your outfit is a lovely color for you, by the way. Uo always talks up your fashion sense."
This takes her aback. "Arisa Uotani? She likes my outfits?"
The door suddenly opens, and the sweet lady at the front desk sticks her head in. "Alright, you can come on back Miss Fujioka. And I'll be clocking out in ten, Sohma."
He nods and she stands, slinging her purse over her shoulder while being careful not to spill her drink.
"Hey, um...Fujioka—"
"Someina," she corrects.
"Would you like to have lunch here if our schedules cross again, Someina? I could use a friend. Especially on the first day at a new job."
All tension completely melted from her shoulders, she beams. Hopeful that today wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Its a date! As friends, of course."
...
Someina comes to a stop at a large door at the end of the hallway, right next to the bubbling fish tank as Ginger (the front desk woman's name is actually Ginger, what are the odds?) said it would be.
Her insides pinch with her sharp inhale, forcing out a calming breath as she stands heel to toe with her future.
She's not going to be like Jin Liada.
She's nothing like Jin Liada.
This will be amazing.
She will do amazing.
She will—
The door flies open and she stumbles back, almost tripping over her heel and falling flat on her butt.
"Oh my goodness!" The middle aged woman's eyes look like Bambi's from behind her large glasses. "Are you okay?"
Someina nods hurriedly, desperate to shake off the embarrassment and pretend this moment never happened. "I'm fine, its just nerves..."
She bites her lip, regretting that immediately. Because it was the exact opposite of professional.
But to her surprise the woman returns with a hearty laugh. "That's a hoot! I've been a wreck all morning. You're not my first intern but I do get nervous when mentoring and working with new pupils."
This was her second helping of reassurance today and she couldn't be more thankful.
"Take a look around, make yourself comfortable." She steps aside so Someina can walk in, her eyes sweeping her large office. "Today, we're just gonna get to know each other. I want to hear about you and tell you a bit about myself."
Her office was the size of a studio apartment in Tokyo, filled with paints, an easel, and a stereo. It looked more like an art studio than a CBT's workplace. Especially with a wall covered in paint splatter and deflated balloons like it was ripped straight out of the first Princess Diaries.
"Ah, the good old paint station." The woman brings a tray over to two arm chairs poised in front of a floor to ceiling window that overlooks Tokyo's proudest skylines. And she pours tea into a cup that had light blue design of a mother and daughter in winter garments. "That's for my clients that need a healthier release than the bottom of a wine bottle. Or a less painful alternative than putting their fist through a wall."
Someina's eyes widen at this, seating herself in the chair opposite the woman. "Do most of them have a violent streak?"
She leans back with her tea, crossing one ankle over the other. "Da. I work with many different people from all walks of life. But the anger and unchecked aggression is all too commonplace."
Someina gulps down half of her coffee, starting to buzz with energy. "You said 'da.' Do you speak Russian?"
Anastasia puffs out her chest, a smirk pulling back her smile lines. "Do I speak Russian? Its my first language, devushka. I was born and half raised in the coldest, smallest crawl space of Uglich . My mother would be rolling in her grave if she knew I lost my accent since coming over here."
"When did you put down roots in Tokyo? If you don't mind me asking..."
She waves that off. "Bah. That's what today is all about. As for when...it was forty or some odd years ago. My father wanted me to get away from the dangerous neighborhood and the bad politics of the time. And he had family out here in Tokyo that had a free room available." She chuckles, reflecting on the memories of her childhood. "It was cramped and wasn't enough to house a family of seven. But we made it work... there were a lot of arguments, in Russian and in Japanese. But there was also so much laughter, Fujioka. I miss those times." She twirls her finger around the rim of her cup. "Now one of my sisters has long since passed with my parents. But my brother and older sister are always around my home."
She stares into the brown liquid, her lips downturned in a hard expression. "The sister that passed...she was the baby of the family. She got the most attention and the most love."
Someina nods along, practically writing the book on that story.
"Unfortunately...it made me green with envy. I developed a hate for her so strong we didn't talk for five years. And next thing I know, she gets rear ended when someone falls asleep at the wheel. And then those five years of not speaking...they become eternity."
Someina's heart shatters, drowning in pain and sympathy for this older, mirrored version of herself.
What if something happens to Caramel? Or herself? What if they both die hating and misunderstanding each other? The thought was enough to send her into a near panic attack.
"This..." The salt and pepper haired woman closes her eyes, aged by deep seated regrets. "This is why I become CBT. To break this cycle of bitterness in other people. To help them get delivered of the illness and pains in their bodies that come from unforgiveness." She reopens her grey eyes, a seriousness to them that was chilling.
"You understand?"
Someina opens her mouth to say 'yes' but when the words don't come, she settles for agreeing non-verbally.
She understood...too well.
"Enough about me for now." She switches her tone, like changing the gear shift from reverse to drive. "I want to hear about the impressive Fujioka Someina. I saw on your resume that you worked with Jin."
Someina blows out a telling breath that raises Anastasia's eyebrows. "That doesn't sound good."
"I mean... didn't you see the news about what happened? I want to distance myself from that situation as much as possible."
She turns her hand from side to side. "I'm well aware of my former peer's foolish conduct. But I wasn't asking because he wowed me. You're really what surprised me."
Someina jabs her thumb at her chest. "Me? If anything, I'd think you'd be questioning my judgement in choosing to work with him."
The Russian doll of a woman snorts as she grasps the kettle to help herself to more. "Actually, you have guts. Many people were too scared to work with him because of his prestige. But you shot for the moon and I like that." She holds up the lonely cup she hadn't drank out of. "Tea?"
Someina shakes her head, pointing at her almost empty paper cup.
"What was I saying? Oh...da. Even though it ended in a meltdown, I'm glad to know you're willing to challenge yourself and leap bounds. That's exactly what I'm looking for in an intern. Your responsibilities are quite extensive, but the pay is decent and I think I might want to keep you around if you excel."
Someina does a little dance in her seat, bouncing with excitement and released nerves. "Really? Um...what would you have me do, exactly? Dr Liada had me proving myself to him so I didn't really get a chance to learn the ropes."
Anastasia shakes her head with ferocious disappointment. "Jin squandered your potential. You seem far too brilliant for what he had you doing. With me you will have some of the run of the mill counselor tasks; group and individual counseling supervision, intakes, referrals. And then there's the really fun stuff—crisis intervention and psych assessments. If you stick around long enough, outreach will be on your radar as well."
That sounded like a lot.
The ex-ballerina sits up in her seat, switching back to focused and determined. "Understood. Is there anything in particular you want to start me with today?"
She smacks her lips and considers this. "I'd like us to hit the ground running, but I think we should ease you in for today." She polishes off the rest of her lemon and ginger before setting the cup back in its rightful place. "Tell you what...I'll take you on a tour of the offices while you tell me a bit about your background. And then we can focus on referrals and intakes for today. Tomorrow, once I have the authorization of my clients, I will work it out so that you can sit in on sessions with me and learn your way. Sound good?"
She smiles, taking in the grandmotherly way Anastasia talks to her. How she's draped her long sweater over herself like a woman waiting at the bus stop for her children to get on in the early morning.
It was a complete 360 from the cold, callous, stern Jin Liada who demanded the world and expected it on his desk in under five minutes.
She felt great about this.
"Sounds great."
...
Haru squats to clean the face of the oven with glass cleaner, freeing it of its streaks and sending a lemony aroma wafting through the apartment.
"Is this some kind of belated spring cleaning?" Someina asks, shocking him to the point he's forced to stop scrubbing as the sponge drops to the floor. "I would help you out if I didn't have some take home referrals to work on."
"I'm trying to get the place ready before my mom drops by. She's the first to comment on something if its dusty or out of place."
Someina can almost hear a record scratch inside her brain at his announcement.
"Your mom? Here...? Were you ever planning to tell me beforehand?"
He sighs and gets to his feet, stretching achy and tired muscle. "I thought I did but I must have forgotten. I've been sacked with things left and right and losing sleep..." He moves around the bar where he took his pills in front of her the first time. And he curls his arms around her waist, giving her a long kiss on the cheek...her ear...the back of her neck.
"I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted," she says, her hand moving to cradle the back of his head. "I just wish I wasn't terrified of what she might think about me. Or Kaiko."
He begrudgingly breaks the embrace. Tossing the used paper towel into the trash. "I would say you have nothing to be concerned about, but I wouldn't lie to you. My mother can be cold blooded and judgmental."
Someina throws her hands up, wanting to laugh in a not so funny way. "Cool, cool. Sounds just like my mom. I know just how to act around people like her."
Yeah, she could be old Someina for a night. If it would help her survive long enough to have the woman out of her hair...then she would do what it took.
But then again...she's come too far and made too much progress to regress now. What kind of example would she be setting for Kaiko? Being a social chameleon that adapted to suit whoever she was with, even if it meant toning down who she was.
"Actually," Someina declares, shoulders rolled back, "She can take me or leave me. I'm done bending over backwards to please people. Its time they learned acceptance for a change."
Haru smirks, wanting to kiss that daring and determined look right off her face. "That's my girl."
A sharp knock falls against the door followed by a mature woman's voice, "Its your mother, Hatsuharu. You know how I feel about having to wait."
He exchanges a look with Someina, expelling a steadying breath. "Ready, Princess?"
She smiles, turning to march to the front door. Completely unaware of Haru's surprised gaze as it burned into her.
"Som?"
"I'll do one better and get the door myself. I'm facing her head on."
He shifts behind her for support anyway. Not sure if either of them were equipped enough to hold their own against his mother.
She pulls open the door and as her eyes scroll over the woman in her brown mink coat, pearls, and luxurious black dress. She blurts the first thing that comes to mind.
"You're sensational, Miss Sohma. Like...actually gorgeous."
To both their surprise, his mom takes it in stride with a plum lipstick smile. "You're simply saying that because its true. I must say that you look lovely yourself, dear."
She takes Someina's hands and spins into the foyer, examining her from head to toe. "Your lovely black and white floral skirt that looks like it was dreamed by Ted Baker himself...the cut looks like a beautiful downturned tulip. And your hair! It looks as immaculately styled and classy as Chanel. You're a welcomed sight."
Haru just stands there, gaping after them as they chatter on their way into the living room. Wondering who she was and what she did with his mother. Because this breezy, go with the flow person was not the same giving him grief about his hard breakup.
"Haru! I brought a photo album!" She calls, lighting up when he joins them. "But more importantly, I'm ready to see my grandbaby. Where is she?"
Someina rises up from the couch with a bow, prepared to excuse herself. "She's doing her homework in her room, but I'll go get here for you." She scurries off to do just that and Haru looks just to make sure she's really down the hall before he launches into his mother.
"Mom, are you feeling alright? You're never this nice to new people I introduce you to."
She tuts and clasps her hands together. "I beg your pardon? I scope out people that will be doing business with my son because I want to know their intentions. This girl is different. Not only is she already permanently in the family because of your daughter, I'm very close to her mother."
Haru's eyebrows fly up to his forehead. "What?"
She removes her Breakfast at Tiffany's black, Kentucky derby hat and sets it on the coffee table, fluffing her curls. "Fujiokas are as wealthy as our family, son. You know this."
Actually, it wasn't something he thought about at all. Neither of them were keen on their families or the money that was attached to their name. But the last thing he expected was to hear about Som's intimidating family.
"How long have you known them?"
She pauses in fixing her hair and lowers her gaze at him. "Ten years strong. Have you not paid attention at the family functions and sponsor dinners?"
"No...I always stayed back, remember?"
"Of course you did." She wrinkles her nose in distaste. "You always bucked at tradition and schmoozing. Its no wonder you're stuck in a dead end blue collar job and still in school."
Ah, there she is. The mother he recognized. Grueling on a good day and downright cruel if she felt someone was threatening her way of life as she knew it.
Before he can show her the door, Someina strides back over. Nothing obvious to indicate whether or not she heard any of their conversation.
"Kaiko, there's somebody I'd like you to meet." She points at Haru's mom, smiling. "That's your grandmother. Your dad's mom."
Kaiko's mouth forms an O as the woman beckons her to come close.
"Come here and give grandma some sugar," she says, causing Kaiko to grin and run into her arms. And she gets squeezed tight.
"Grandma! You smell like peppermint!"
She laughs, leaning back so that she holds Kaiko at arm's length. "That's because I always carry some in my purse. Would you like one?"
Kaiko spins around to check with her mother. "Mom, can I? I haven't had dinner."
Haru's mother looks appalled. "No dinner? That's no good for a growing girl."
Someina laughs nervously, shrinking down a little. "I just got home from my second day at work, so I haven't had a moment to prepare it. She can have a peppermint in the meantime while I get it ready. Its a kind gesture, Miss Sohma."
"Is this an invitation to have me for dinner?" The regal woman asks as she rummages through her Mark Cross Grace Plexi Box Bag. "Because I always pair my meals with my favorite wine. A Cheval Blanc."
"Oh, you prefer white? Actually...its interesting you mention that one. I remember my mother loving her vintage wines. And that one sounds familiar."
Haru's mom nods with a half chuckle, finally dropping a wrapped candy into Kaiko's waiting palm. "It should. Your mother and I would walk our family's vineyard and have wine in our maze of a garden. We would let it breathe while we felt the sun on our faces."
Someina's blood runs cold. "Wait a second... you're friends with my mother?"
"Of course! We're very close." She tosses a thumb in Haru's general direction. "My son was just as surprised when I told him."
Someina looks to Haru for confirmation and he gives a short, infinitesimal nod. And its like all the fun evaporates right out of the atmosphere.
"Hey, Som?" Haru grabs her elbow gently, pulling her along. "Why don't we get started on dinner while Kaiko spends time with her grandmother? That'll give them some time to talk."
Once they're finally sequestered to the kitchen, Haru opens his arms to her. Seeing the sadness and hurt welling up in her eyes. "Come here."
She throws herself into his embrace and presses her nose into his chest. Just trying to breathe and compose herself. She wanted to be the calm, cool, collected person that didn't freak out at things like this. But she was rattled. And it was hard to shake.
He places a loving kiss into her hair before pulling back to study her expression. Seeing that she still looked distraught but a little less shaken, he crosses the room to root around in the cabinets for dishes. "Let's get your mind off it. What are you thinking for dinner? Western cuisine? Traditional? Extravagant or simple?"
She sniffs, wiping at her nose with her arm. And she hates the way pity weighed down his handsome face. Knowing she's what put it there.
"Ramen with boiled egg and miso for the three of us," she says, softly. "Maybe we should order fancy takeout for your mother. Expensive wine doesn't pair well with cheap ramen."
He shoves a gigantic pot under the faucet and flicks it to its hottest setting. "Nah. She can slum it like the rest of us. Even though she's my mother, she has no right to make demands or turn her nose up in our home."
Someina gulps a large breath of air.
'Our home.'
"Consider me your sous chef," he adds with a wink.
She wraps her arms around his torso from behind, nuzzling into him. "Thank you."
He shuts off the water and angles his head towards her. "Huh? What for?"
She shrugs, even though she knows the answer. "For everything."
...
Once dinner is hot and ready, they all find seats around the table. Someina straps Kaiko into her booster seat while Haru helps his mom into her chair at the head of the table. Once he pushes her in, she kicks off her pumps and lays her napkin over her lap.
"How's that foot of yours? Its not still hurting is it?"
"You know it was already rehabilitated four months ago. Though there are still painful flare-ups every now and again." She grimaces at the mere inconvenience. "It doesn't keep me back from my duties as your father's wife, though."
His father's wife.
That's how she always referred to herself when it came to their marriage. Like it was all she was and all that people would pay attention to. It was sad, really.
And he refused to make anyone suffer the label 'Hatsuharu's wife,' as their only form of address, rather than their own name. Like it was an obligation or a job.
A burden.
"I am kind of curious now." Haru tucks into his meal, slurping a spicy noodle with his chopsticks. "You told me that you found out about Kaiko through Rin. But if you're that good of a friend to Miss Fujioka, wouldn't she have told you?"
Someina forces her gaze down into her lap.
Not at all prepared for either of those conversations.
They hadn't talked Rin which was scary enough.
They hadn't discussed her pregnancy which felt like a daunting nightmare.
But her parents not mentioning her?
It was just another knife being driven into an already bleeding wound.
His mother gives him a withering look that would have ended a lesser man. Not one to be embarrassed in front of company. "Her parents have chosen to disown her, son. They deemed their granddaughter as a shame brought upon their family name. And while I'm not satisfied with a child being born out of wedlock...I do not agree with their method."
She reaches her hand across the table, placing it over Someina's. She jumps in her seat and stares at her with wide and unexpecting eyes.
"They were absolutely in the wrong for that, Someina. And I know that it probably doesn't mean anything to you...but I would like to tell you that I'm sorry. On behalf of my friend who cared more for her reputation than she did for you."
Ouch.
It was true, but still...
Ouch.
She takes Haru's other hand in hers, giving it a loving squeeze. "As disappointed as I am in your choices, you're still my son at the end of the day. And one thing I will say that I love...is the granddaughter you brought into my life. Thank you."
He wasn't sure if this was a sudden change of heart or something he'd overlooked underneath all the anger. Her statements had bite to them when discussing his future, his career, his love life. She was hard on him in a way no one else was. And she did have a way of bulldozing boundaries and dipping into business that was solely his.
But one thing he never doubted was the fact that she loved him.
She might have expressed it in all the wrong ways.
But she did.
"Now...if you'll excuse me." She stands, dabbing at the mascara staining her under eyes as her tears made it run. "I would like to use your ladies room. Where is it?"
Haru points behind him. "Just across the hall."
Someina falls back against her chair, blowing her bangs out of her eyes with a huff.
"Are you tired, mama?" Kaiko asks, kicking her legs from beneath the table as she picked at the boiled egg in her bowl.
She scrunches up her nose, shakes her head. "Yes, but I'm okay Kaiko-cake." She looks at Haru then. "Really...I feel more refreshed now."
He taps his thumb ring against the table, unable to hold back how pleased he is to hear that. This dinner was almost as brutal as the one he had with Hatori when he was still her boyfriend. The only thing that could outdo that dinner was some bad news or for his mom to say something really out of pocket.
Because she'd kicked off her shoes, they don't hear her approaching footsteps. So when she reappears with a look like she just hit the jackpot at the casino with all 7's, they don't know how to react.
"I guess congratulations are in order!" She trots around to Someina, grabbing ahold of her shoulders in excitement. "I was just talking about the fact you made me a grandmother. But twice?" She leans over and pecks her on the cheek.
Haru swallows hard.
He looks from Someina to Kaiko to his mother.
"What are you talking about?"
He expects Someina to look just as lost as he feels. But she's sunken down into herself. Like she was culpable of something. And in a way she was guilty of omission.
Miss Sohma plants her hands on her hips with a smile like she was in on the joke that no one had made. "Don't act like you don't know, Hatsuharu. I saw the pregnancy test in the trash! Its positive, dear."
His eyes swing towards his girlfriend, shock blending with betrayal. He stands as if in slow motion and his vision tunnels as he watches it flash all over her face.
"I was scared, Haru. And overwhelmed." Her voice breaks as she shoves her face into her hands. "I know I was being stupid and selfish. But I meant to tell you when we could both sit down and talk. Not catching you between work and carpool."
"Maybe I should head home," his mother says, slipping back into her shoes and snagging her purse. "I didn't mean to...I wasn't trying to meddle. I assumed you knew."
Haru grips the back of the chairs, hanging his head between his shoulders. "I need to speak to Someina. Alone."
She wants to sob at the way her full name sounded so cold and detached. Her stomach was waving like a boat on a stormy ocean.
"A-Alright," Miss Sohma says, looking sympathetic at Someina as she held herself. "But don't be hard on the girl. I know it takes two to make a baby...but its also extremely personal for the mother. And she has her reasons." She takes her leave and the front door closes with a deafening silence. Leaving just the three of them.
"Hey, Kaiko..." Someina wipes at her damp cheeks, taking in a shuddery breath. "Why don't you go finish your homework? I'll be there soon."
Kaiko's lip quivers. Hating to see her mother cry, especially not understanding why. "But mama—"
She brushes her thumb over her lip. "Go on, sweetie."
Kaiko kisses her mom on the cheek before glancing at her father. Receiving a serious nod before she hurries off to her room.
Haru runs his hands through his hair, sighing.
"Someina, I just don't get it. Why wouldn't you tell me? Did you think I would be mad?"
She remembers his dusty fireplace mantle.
His reaction when she told him she might not want anymore children.
"No...but Haru this is terrifying to me." Her breaths grow short as thoughts whir around in her head. "I don't ever want to get depressed like I did then. My thoughts were dark, Haru. And I hated being a mother during that time even though I wish I didn't."
Maybe she just wasn't ready to accept that this was happening again.
He kneels down beside her, taking her hands in his as her body shakes with her quiet cries. He brings their joined hands up to his lips, feeling nothing but pain and sadness at how heartbroken she looked.
"Som, I know you're scared. And I understand why. But there's differences between that version of you and the current one. And you know something?"
"...what?"
"I will be there every step of the way. You're not handling this alone this time." He smiles, kissing her hand once more. "At any appointment, during every happy moment, every potential sad one...Just like you promised to support me no matter how ugly it gets."
"I know," her voice squeaks out, her eyes still lowered. Too ashamed to face him.
He bumps her lightly on the chin with his thumb wearing an encouraging smile of his own. And the tension drains from her body when she sees how passionate he is. "You have me, Kaiko, your friends, your therapist. Maybe you won't deal with depression episodes this time. But if you do...you've got so many people backing you that you'll never be alone again."
She sags against him, enjoying the feeling of being held. Toying with the ideal and the hope that this new experience would be her favorite one.
...
Haru and Som got...a bit ahead of themselves. And their checking account. They had to notify the bank that the sudden surge of activity wasn't fraudulent or the result of a lapse in sanity so their card wouldn't be declined at the baby emporium.
Someina balked at the long receipt before jamming it into the recesses of her purse.
Had babies gotten more expensive? Or did stores start price gouging because they knew something she didn't about popular times people were conceiving? Honestly, it wouldn't be a surprise if they did track trends like those.
"Haru, do you think we're jumping on this too soon?" Someina asks as they start unloading the bags and bags of stuff. "My ultrasound isn't even for a few more days and I'm already shopping for maternity clothes and diapers..."
He pauses midway, his teeth leaving bite marks as he tore off the tag on a stack of bibs. "I guess we did get carried away."
She purses her lips, clears her throat. "We?"
He scratches the back of his head in the most adorably sheepish way. "Ok, I did. I'm just...excited. This is my first time being apart of this process. And—" he slides his hand down to rub the back of his neck, looking shy for the first time in his life. "I don't want to miss out on anything."
She can't help it.
She melted at his genuine desire to be there and his excitement only made her excited. The prospect of giving Kaiko a little brother or sister had crossed her mind once or twice in her past relationships. But it came up much more often since she and Haru became exclusive.
Now...she didn't know what to think or feel outside of hopeful because he was hopeful.
"Som," he begins, his eyes dancing with appreciation. "I deeply admire you for not only being a loving mother, but a wonderful woman. And I'm thankful you gave me such a precious piece of you...of your soul. And that its bringing us another baby." He crosses the room and loops his arms around her, biceps flexing as he held her tight. "Thank you for letting me back in."
She places her hands on his forearms and smiles up at him. "Thank you for—" Her stomach interrupts with an alarming gurgling sound. At the decibels of a jet engine with the sharp pain of a one-two punch.
"I feel like I'm gonna throw up." She breaks out of his arms and races to the bathroom, Haru quick to follow in case it was serious. He hated the thought of her feeling miserable alone.
When she finishes she collapses back against the bathroom cabinets. Her eyes on Haru as he crouches in front of her and swipes her hair out of her eyes.
"Are you feeling better?"
She nods and he pulls her against him, allowing her a moment to close her eyes.
"There are some things I actually enjoyed about being pregnant. But this?"
"Yeah?"
She laughs, tired. "This isn't one of them."
...
A few days after their shopping spree, Haru and Someina were at their first appointment. As he held her hand in the waiting room while they watched a fixer upper show it felt right. Like this was how her first pregnancy might have gone had he been able to be involved. And as she watched a woman waddle out of the exam room with a belly bump, she ran her fingers over her own flat stomach. Imagining what it would be like to have that again.
She wanted to focus on the good aspects.
The beautiful sides to motherhood.
And as she went through the motions of the examinations, that's exactly what she repeated to herself.
Motherhood is beautiful.
Motherhood is beautiful.
Motherhood is beautiful.
"You aren't pregnant, Miss Fujioka."
That statement washes the room in sobering silence. Because of all things you expect to hear at your first ultrasound after a positive pregnancy test, that isn't one of them.
Someina sputters as her mind tries desperately to formulate an explanation.
Unable to find anything but denial.
"But...I don't understand. I threw up."
"That was most likely due to stress, not morning sickness." The woman sweeps her curtain of black, shampoo commercial hair off her shoulder. Far too beautiful to be delivering such awful news. "Based on your ultrasound, pelvic exam, and lab readings...it seems that its a case of pseudocyesis. The Greek derivatives translate to false and pregnancy."
Someina's hand drops at her side at the same time that her heart drops to her stomach. Though now she knows her heart was falling into an empty cavern with no baby inside.
Haru blows out a breath, rubbing his palms over his jean covered thighs. "So what does that mean exactly? You said she's not actually pregnant?"
"To abbreviate, yes. Its what we call a false positive in laymen terms. It can actually mimic a real pregnancy which could have also caused your symptoms. Like the nausea, the missed periods, and fatigue." Dr Yamamoto pumps hand sanitizer into her hands, rubs them together. "Its extremely rare but it does happen."
Someina turns to face the wall beside her, blinking back tears.
She wasn't sure about anything before she thought she was pregnant.
But now she felt more confused than ever.
She felt crushed.
All she knew was that this was a loss...even though it was something she never even had.
"What is your...?" Haru's voice cracks. He clears his throat before trying again. "What is your treatment plan? Why did this happen? What do we do?"
Dr Yamamoto's heart breaks for the couple.
But all she could do was supply them with facts and science.
There were no words comforting enough that either of them would be willing to hear right now.
"We can offer up hormone treatments if she has been experiencing any imbalances. If the mind believes a baby is on the way, it starts to produce different chemicals and prepare the body even though it is a phantom pregnancy.
"As for the cause, it can be hard to pin down. It could be a strong enough subconscious desire to be pregnant that affected your endocrine system and imitated those symptoms. Depressive disorders are also linked to pseudocyesis." She flips the pages on her clipboard, her eyes bouncing from line to line. "Your medical history is indicative of postnatal depression, so its possible that was the contributing factor."
So it was her fault?
Someina swallows back a sob, wilting under the anger and sadness swirling inside of her.
She wished Haru's mom hadn't forced her hand.
She wished she had never gotten his hopes up.
She wished he never got her on board with it, because then maybe she would have been celebrating instead of mourning.
"Som, are you okay?" Haru reaches for her shoulder, but she shifts away from his touch.
Borderline inconsolable as a gap of distance opened between them.
This is probably the fastest I've updated this story...ever!
I hope you guys likeee~
And Happy December 1st! A.K.A Christmas 1st lol
Thank you for your continued support, and I shall see ya'll for the next one!
Byeeeeee :3