The Fallen Women

Chapter 53

Renegotiation.

Kyoko walked into the entrance of the ryokan that she had sent so much time in and was slightly surprised by how much smaller it seems, it was still beautiful and the very image of a traditional ryokan. The entrance was open and airy with two long couches set along the walls and next to them were shoe racks. Kyoko quickly removed her shoes and then headed up the two steps and walked up to the front desk where a young woman sat waiting.

"hello how may I help you" she asked politely

Kyoko smiled as she had a flashback to when that had been her job and wandered briefly if the girl enjoyed it any better than she had.

"good afternoon, would it be possible to see Sukura Fuwa"

The girl looks up slightly surprised and having her boss asked for by name. "I'll check if she is available, may I ask who you are and why you are here"

"Please let her know that Mogami Kyoko is here to see her, hopeful that should be enough"

The girl nodded and then glided from behind the desk and pointed towards a couple of seats that were sat just before the smaller hallway entrance.

"Please take a seat and I will see if she is available" she then turned and walked down the hall.

Kyoko sat on the chair and looking around her taking in all the details of everything around her , it looked like they had updated some of the artwork but otherwise it was exactly the same as when she had left.

The girl returned promptly and directed Kyoko to follow her down the hallway and into a room that had a single table surrounded by four red cushion on the floor set in the middle of the tatami floor, on one side there was a closed door that Kyoko knew contained a sleeping area and on the other side there was a set of sliding doors that were opened and led onto a wooden balcony which ran beside a tiny garden and led to the onsen.

"She will be with you shortly; can I get you something to drink or eat while you wait"

"some water would be lovely" Kyoko replied as she walked over to the balcony. The girl left and came back with a beautiful bottle of water which she placed in the middle of the table along with two glasses.

"Thank you" Kyoko said as the girl once again left the room.

Kyoko sighed and returned inside, taking her seat and pouring herself some water. She sipped at the water and was about to pull out her phone when she heard the door slid open. She stood up and bowed as Sukura Fuwa walked into the room.

"Fuwa-san thank you for taking the time to speak to me" said Kyoko as she straightens up.

"hello Kyoko, it has been a long time. Shall we sit" Sukura asked in a gentle tone.

Kyoko nodded "Yes please join me" and they both sat on the cushions under the table across from each other.

Kyoko felt her nerves start to overwhelm her and she could not think of anything to say, the silent filled the room until Sukura rang the bell to summon the young girl who had shown her to this room.

"I hope you don't mind but I will be eating, we have had a rather busy day, would you care to join me"

Kyoko felt her stomach rumble at the thought of food and smiled.

"That would be lovely"

The girl entered the room and bowed at them

"Ai please bring us two Kaiseki's and the equipment for tea".

she left and once again the two ladies were left alone.

"it has been lovely weather recently" observed Kyoko

"Yes, it seems to have been a rather mild couple of weeks here, the leaves are starting to turn now"

"They are, I had almost forgotten how beautiful Kyoto looks in autumn"

"Tokyo also must have some interesting colours at this time of year" replied Sukura

"Yes, but there is less chances to see them, I do enjoy the parks and I am very happy in Tokyo"

"Well, that's good." Sukura poured herself a glass of water and took a deep breath. "You seem to be doing well."

"Yes, I have landed on my feet" Kyoko said as she looked at the woman across from her. "I'm sorry if any of the development in my life recently have caused you any problems"

"No, we haven't had any problems ,so far no one has connected you with us" Sukura paused "it is me who should say sorry ,it is hard to watch my son these days , I had been very proud of him ,yes I was disappointed he didn't want to continue the ryokan but he was making a name for himself doing what he always loved so I was glad but now when I hear what he said about you I'm sad to think I raised him to be so spoiled."

Kyoko reached across the table and grabbed the Sukura hand. " it isn't how you raised him and I would know because you basically raised me too, honestly Shoutaro isn't as bad as he appears at the moment" Kyoko paused and tried to believe her own words " He and Ren just seem to bring out the worst in each other"

"that is kind of you to say but I know I treated you both very differently and that me and my husband bear some responsibility for Shoutaro belief that you belong to him ,we often encouraged him to think like that when you were younger"

Kyoko nodded in acknowledgement and removed her hand from Sukura " well I supposed I do belong to him , you agreed to take me in and train me in exchange for me marrying him and when I finish school that will come into effect"

Sukura look at her in shock "so you know about that, how did you find out?"

"Saena sent a lawyer to remove me completely from her life in every way and it came up."

"that doesn't surprise me" said Sukura honestly "she was never interested in you"

"yes I think I have finally really accepted that, I used to think if I tried really hard she would one day change her mind and love me but now I know that's impossible and I'm okay with that ,I have people who do love me and I don't need to try and make them do it they just do." She smiled "I still do and I'm also so scared that I'll lose their love."

Sukura sighed "Yes that man of yours is clearly very much in love with you and he is very handsome"

Kyoko giggled "Yes he is very handsome, sometimes I think he is too handsome for his own good"

There was a small tap on the door before it slid open and Ai walked in quickly placing the food on the table and then leaving again.

They both started eating as they remain silent as they made their way throw the multi courses the food was light, delicate and just generally lovely and they consumed it easily.

Kyoko placed her last bowl down and decided it was now or never "Fuwa-san I have a request of you and I know it may be unfair, you have after all housed and trained me but I wished to be released from my engagement contract with your son, I am willing to negotiate repayment for everything you have done for me but I cannot marry Shoutaro Fuwa"

"I believe we can come to some arrangement Kyoko but first I must discuss it with my husband, are you going to be in Kyoko for a while?"

"I don't know, I came down on a whim." Kyoko said "I don't have anything scheduled for this week and then the filming for my newest film is going to be here in Kyoto so I can probably be here for about two weeks"

Sukura nodded "that should be plenty of time, do you have a place to stay?"

"no, not yet"

Sukura looked at Kyoko thoughtfully "do you still remember how to do the tea ceremony?"

"yes, I can still do it, but I may be a bit rusty"

"that's okay, one of my girls is down sick, so if you could do some of the tea ceremonies for us, I can give you this room for a week."

"I can do that" Kyoko agreed

"well then I will leave you for now "Sukura stands and makes her way to the door and pauses "it is good to see you again Kyoko."