I know I'm late, but since it my childhood home, I should be able to enter anytime I want. Upstate New York has always been too quiet for me. That's why I decided to move into the heart of New York City. I enjoy how fast pace it is, and when you live in the city that never sleeps, you get what you paid for.
My car approaches the gate and I see a familiar guard. One that never ratted on me, when I sneaked out, as a rebellious teen.
"Hello Clifford." I say to the loyal guard.
"Welcome back Asami. I certainly missed that smile of yours."
"Aww, I missed yours as well. Tell me I'm not the last one here."
Clifford smiles.
"Sadly, you're. But if it makes you feel better. Your guest arrived here earlier than expected, so you would have been late either way."
We say our goodbyes and I enter the gate.
This place brings back so many old memories. I start to feel guilty for not vising as much as I should.
I could say my job was the reason why, for not coming home, but that would be a lie
It only takes 1 hour and 40 min to drive back home, from NYC. I could easily stay with my Father some weekends. Hiroshi Sato works from home, but occasionally goes to visit his several Future Industries factories, scattered across the U.S.
With the 20 sum people that stay and keep our home in tip top shape, I know my Father still gets lonely. Hopefully, this visit will motivate me to do better by him.
I get out my car and I can already hear the classical music playing. Which makes me cringe, remembering my piano lessons at the age of seven.
I'm just about to grab the handle of the door, when I'm beaten to it.
"Aww Asami, you gotten so big."Miss Rosie says, pulling me into a hug, which I gladly return.
Miss Rosie was the closest motherly figure I had, growing up. When my Mother died from a car accident. Miss Roise was the only one I would talk to, for awhile. Her and I were the best of friends and my Father knew it as well. I used to constantly ask him why he couldn't marry her, even In her presence.
My Father, a gentlemen, would always reply 'She's out of my league'. Now thinking about it, that was the best response to a five year old naive child. Miss Rosie was out his league, because she was everything.
"I missed you, Miss Rosie."
She wipes away my tears.
"Don't you cry one bit, Missy! This is a celebration and we will keep our heads up and_."
"Smile like it's holding up the sky." I finish.
"That's my girl. Everyone is in the living room."
Miss Rosie, takes my leather jacket and I make my way to the living room, to accept my fate.
"Aye, there goes the superstar." My Father says, getting up from the couch.
"Hello, Father."
"Hello, Sweetheart. We were waiting for you."
"I know. I'm sorry. Traffic was bad."
"It's alright, you're here now and that's all that matters. Let me introduce you to the Waters family."
My Father walks me over to a huge man wearing a black collar shirt tucked inside his Levi jeans and a gold cross necklace .
"Please Meet Pastor Tonraq."
I shake Tonraq's hand and he has a contagious smile, as well. Now I know where Korra gets it from.
"Nice to finally meet the girl my daughter constantly talks about."
I laugh nervously.
"Nice to meet the guy who made the daughter, who constantly talks about me." I reply.
Really Asami? That was your best response?
"Only with the help of the Lord and this beautiful woman." He replies, motioning to the woman beside him.
Korra's Mother pulls me into a hug.
"It's a blessing to finally meet my daughter's best friend. My name is Senna."
I return the hug.
"Likewise."
"Wow! If only you all treated me with love, when you first met me,like you did her."
"Do you need some more love, Brother?" Pastor Tonraq replies, hugging my boss, as he tries to get out of his hold.
"Not from you." He defends, making everyone, but me laugh.
It's not that I don't enjoy Mako getting beat up, It's the fact Korra's not here!
"Where is Korra?" I ask, interrupting the fun.
"She's upstairs in your room. She got tired of her parents embarrassing her." My Father tease.
"Hey! We call it bragging." Korra's Father defends.
Before anyone could stop me, I run up the curved staircase, at full speed. I can't tell you how many times storming up the stairs frustrated, killed me as a teen. By the time I got to the top of the stairs, my calves were hurting, more than my feelings were. #richkidprobelms
I approach the 'Keep Out' sign and push open my door. To my surprise, I didn't find her reading my diary or going through my closet. Instead, I found her lying face down on my carpet. Aww, she looks so adorable and peaceful, asleep.
She even managed to make a pillow out of my fuzzy rug. This is totally a Kodak moment. I take out my phone and quickly slide up my camera app. To my success, I get a picture without her waking up. I don't know why I was in such a hurry. It's not like she would have gotten out of her pose. She doesn't even look like she's breathin…
"Korra!"
I rush to her side and quickly check her pulse. When I feel life in her body, I start to relax. Unlike Sleeping Beauty here, who is now starring up at me with irritation.
"What's your deal?"
"I thought you were dead!"
She rubs her eyes and smiles.
"I was taking a nap."
"Why didn't you just lay on my bed?"
"I didn't want to invade your privacy."
Yet, being in my room wasn't ?
"I'm sorry, if I woke you up." I reply, now feeling foolish.
"No, it's fine. I was asleep for a good hour. You were late and my parents were embarrassing me, with old childhood stories. Your room was my safe haven. You have a comfy carpet by the way."
"If you like my carpet, wait till you feel my mattress."
her giggle makes me feel less regretful.
"Help me off the ground, Madam."
I take Korra's hand and she hops up.
"You look very sexy today."
I turn around and see my Mickey Mouse poster, hanging on the wall behind me, because there is no way she's talking about me.
"Me?" I ask,looking down at my light coffee brown turtleneck, light blue skinny jean, and ankle boots.
"Yeah, you, silly."
"You look cute too." I reply.
"Oh I look cute, but you look sexy. Thanks, Asami for the compliment." she tease.
Why does she have to be like that? I compliment her all the time in my head. Sexy is number 4 on the list of things I call her.
"Ugh, you were Team Jacob?" she asks in disgusts, pointing at my old poster.
"Um tell me you weren't Team Edward. Jacob didn't put Bella's life at risk countless of times."
"But... Edward was endgame though. It was love at first sight." she replies, making me laugh.
"You believe in love at first sight?" I ask.
"Do you?"
I shrug.
"Sometimes. It depends."
"It was a yes or no question, Asami."
Before I could give my answer, she speaks again.
"I'm so sorry."
What is she talking about?
"I should have put an end to this, as soon as it happened."
"Korra, what are you talking about?"
"Us being here. Mako had no right to volunteer me or my parents. When he told me what he did, I protested us coming."
"Korra, it's fine."
It really is. My Father loves meeting new people. Heck, he would have invited everyone in Sal's Pizzeria, if they asked. It's not a big deal, I don't understand why she's stressing over it.
"No, it's not! I know Mako sometimes makes you feel and act differently. You shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable in your own home. Also my parents, they're how do I put this? Not as cool as your Dad and I don't them to be..."
"Be what?"
"I don't know? Like themselves, I guess? Please forgive me."
"Don't be sorry, I'm glad you're here and your parents."
"You're just saying that."
"I'm not. Why would I be mad at meeting the parents of such a wonderful girl?"
"Because….." Korra grabs my hand and pulls me to her.
"You're a rich girl, and you've gone too far." She sings while twirling me, with one with hand.
"You're such a dork."
" Trust me, I know. But seriously, you're super rich,! You have a pool, tennis/basketball court, and a mini farm!" she yells, looking out the window to my backyard.
Her excitement makes me giggle.
"Everything was my Father's idea. The race track is my only addition."
This statement makes the ex girl turn around, dumbfounded.
"You have a race track?"
"Well it's go-karts. I haven't raced inside them in years."
"Let's go then!"
"Right now?"
As much as I miss racing, I don't think it's the appropriate time to do so.
"We're about to eat dinner." I reply.
"Can we do it, after?" she begs.
How am I supposed to say no to that face?
"Okay, I guess we can!"
"Asami you're the best!"
We're sitting at the dinner table and Mako is making Korra laugh. The jokes is on them, because I have someone who will be making me laugh too, and his name is Kendall Jackson. I pour a glass of my wine and indulge.
My Father helps Miss Rosie place the food on to the table.
"Let me help you." Pastor Tonraq offers.
"No, you're our guest. We have everything under control."
"Nonsense, extra man power won't hurt. Mako help Mr. Sato and I !"
The disappointment on Mako's face, makes Korra and I laugh.
"Very well. Don't miss me too much darling." Mako states, leaving Korra.
I'm sitting next to Senna, while the couple sits at the very end. I'm not upset about the seating arrangement. I mean… I could have tripped Mako during our battle to sit next to Korra, but I like to play fair.
Mako carries the last dish to the table and everyone is now seated.
"Now, that's food is prepared let's pray."
I look up at Korra's Father with a spoonful of mashed potatoes, ready to land on my plate.
"Of course." My Father says.
Senna offers her hand and I slowly take it.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind praying. I get it, it's totally understandable. I'm just not as religious, as the Waters family.
"Lord and Father, thank you for this wonderful meal Hiroshi's cook, has prepared for us."
I'm just about to let go of Senna's hand but Tonraq continues.
"Thank You, for watching over us on our hour and 40 minute drive here.
Thank you, for blessing us with the opportunity to meet such an amazing family."
My hand start to loosen.
"I want to thank you, for this building, where we're living in, as we prepare to eat this wonderful feast."
I open one of my eyes and See Mako looking down at his phone. He's such a jerk, why isn't his eyes close? Doesn't he know that we're praying?
Then it occurs to me... Mines are open as well.
"Amen."
"Amen."
Everyone opens their eyes, that haven't already done so and I start adding more potatoes onto my plate.
"So Korra, you're a MMA fighter?" My Father asks.
"Yes Sir."
"Fascinating. Are you good?"
Korra smirks and rolls up her sleeves, to flex her muscles.
"Korra, stop showing skin. I already hate how you're parading around in nothing but undergarments." Pastor Tonraq states, making Mako chuckles. Which receives a glare from his girlfriend.
"Father, I'm sorry, I can't wear a robe when I fight." The fighter replies, annoyed.
"Hey! At least she doesn't have to be completely topless when she's fighting, like the guys are." I tease.
The whole table stares at me, not finding the humor in my comment, so I start stuffing my face.
"I love it when Korra fights. I help her train sometimes too." Mako adds.
"Yeah, because that's the only action, you get." I mumble.
"What?" Mako asks.
"I said ' I think it's sweet how you give her all your attention." I reply.
"Yes, She's my world. Tell them, Honey about how we met ."
Korra laughs nervously.
"It's an embarrassing story."
"Aww, not it's not. I find it cute. Tell them."
She sighs
"Fine. Mako and I met on a subway. I was covered in cookie dough and flour from our church bake sale. And this fool right here, told me I looked sweet. I didn't respond because I wasn't sure if his comment was meant sexually or not."
"Korra!" Senna screams.
"WHAT? I'm being honest!"
"Let's keep the story G rated?" Pastor Tonraq orders.
"Anyway. I was in a hurry to get to Element and I needed a spare shirt and Mako here, was wearing one in my size. So I walked over to him and asked how much he wanted for his shirt."
I can't believe how confident she is?
"Then I told her. 'The only number I had in mine, was my phone number'." Mako adds.
"And before I could shoot a price. This crazy guy takes off his shirt, along with his tank. Which was unnecessary by the way." Korra tease, looking at her boyfriend.
"Hey, you took the shirt."
"Yes, and your number as well."
The couple stares at each other and I begin to refill my glass.
"So Asami, are you dating anyone?" Senna asks me.
*Record scratch*
Out of all the questions she could have asked me. She choose the most reckless one.
"No." I reply quickly, taking a sip of my glass again.
The Waters family gasps.
"Are you serious? You're beautiful, well respected, brilliant, and independent. Why haven't you settled down yet?" Senna asks.
Because your daughter is playing games and dating this fool here, that can't cut up his own steak!
"Geez, I don't know." I reply, pouring another glass of wine.
"What about that girl Korra was telling me about, Suki? Didn't you two hit it off?" Mako asks, making Korra nearly spit out her drink.
"Um, what do you mean?" I ask curious, on the topic.
"He doesn't know what he's talking about." Korra interrupts.
"Nooooo, I want to hear about Asami's mystery girl. It's been years since I heard about a fling of hers. For example Iroh. I really liked Iroh." My Father adds, like his opinions matter!
"Iroh, is happy with his band. Okay?" I reply, not wanting to get into details about my ex.
"So you like the musician type." Korra asks.
Why are we talking about this? I want to hear what she told Mako. I thought we had a deal about not talking about one another, to him. Does that not apply to her? Because if so, that's unfair.
"So Suki?" I ask Mako, bringing attention back on the subject.
"Yes, Suki. My girlfriend told me you two were... quite friendly, sparring the other day." Mako finishes.
I can tell by the look on the tattle tail's face, she's uncomfortable.
"We were just trash talking and messing around." I reply.
"So flirting?" Mako tease.
"Oooh, Asami, how is she?" My Father asks.
"It's not a big deal!"
"It must be, If this one comes home talking about it." Mako tease, nudging his girlfriend's shoulder.
"She's French, really down to earth, funny, and pretty. That's all I know!"
"So you admit you like her?" My Father asks, with excitement.
As much as I enjoy having a great relationship with my Father. His excitement is not helping my case!
"Can we talk about something else?"
"I'm sure Korra could give you her number." Mako suggests, completely forgetting my request.
"It's fine. If I really wanted to, I could get it myself." I reply.
"No, Mako's right. I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner." Korra replies, hardly looking at me.
I was so caught up in this discussion and now Korra's weird behavior, that I totally forgot about the Waters family, who're now starring at each other in disbelief.
"So Asami, what made you stop dating guys?"Senna asks.
"I never said I stopped."
"But you have a crush on this Suki girl." Pastor Tonraq adds.
"I never said I had a crush."
"You never said you didn't." Mako adds, taking a bite out of his bread.
"So you don't like girls?" Mrs. Waters repeats.
"No she does. There were girls in her life before Iroh. Some Asami made official and some she just sneaked in here."
"DAD!" my annoyance, makes him chuckle.
"I have security cameras all around here, you weren't fooling anyone. Not like that got you caught, anyway. I should have invested in sound proofing your room, especially after that Ashley girl."
"FATHER. STOP!"
" I wanted you two to STOP! I could hardly sleep, that night. Also I can't lie. We have a Pastor at our table." He tease.
My soul has officially left my body.
I don't think, I could be more embarrassed. The shock on the Waters face, Mako's amusement, and Korra's blank face, makes me want to disappear.
We didn't even have dessert yet and I'm already humiliated. Pastor Tonraq should have prayed for me!
Someone please pray for me!
So... I'm not going to be a jerk and end here, So I'm making a part 2.
Hiroshi is the coolest dad ever!
Thoughts are appreciated!