Korra
After slipping into a casual black v neck, my phone gets a text message.
I have to pause for a second, because I can't remember exactly where I placed it.
Hopefully it's Asami, because she usually double texts. And the fact she wasn't here when I came out of the shower, is another hint.
Not even a moment passes, when I hear another ding, where I'm able to locate my device on the couch.
Sami: I just couldn't bear to lounge around in breakfast stained clothing, so I went back to my place to get all cleaned up. I'll see you soon. Love, Asami.
I stare at the message suspiciously, because I never seen her close a text like this before. Let alone, leave without telling me vocally.
Just when I'm about to send a reply, Naga starts barking, which means someone's at the door.
Most days I would be skeptical about hearing the door ring this early in the morning. Then again, It could be anyone wishing me a happy birthday with flowers or something.
Despite my quiet lifestyle, I do have a lot of friends.
Friends, I should probably make more of an effort in hanging out with.
Maybe staying committed to my new goal could be my birthday wish?
As a fighter, I have a bad habit of opening the door without checking who it is first. This action freaks Asami out. I keep telling her I'm not a person with a target on my back However, being cautious will have to be something to work on for another date, because I'm already turning my door knob.
"Korra! My future daughter in law, happy birthday!"
I awkwardly/ happily return the hug of Asami's father and question why he's not just in New York City, but at my apartment.
"Thank you, Sir."
" Sir? That's what the people at Future Industries used to call me when I actually worked inside my office . Call me, Hiroshi or Pops! It doesn't matter to me. My gosh, you're beautiful. My daughter certainly struck gold with you. Tell me. Did she dip into my trust funds, in order to keep you for this long?"
I nervously laugh because Asami's dad has always been a…'special' , I've never met a business man with such a fun personality. With his record of achievments, you would expect someone hard as a rock.
"Thank you. And no. Your daughter isn't paying for me. However, she was just here earlier, but she ran off. She should be back at her apartment if you're looking for her. How do you even know where I live?" I ask.
The gentlemen ignores my question and steps inside.
"It smells like breakfast in here, do you have any leftovers?" He asks, already opening my fridge.
Most people would be offended by the lack of boundaries he's displaying, but I love him.
My home is his home.
"Sorry, Sir. I mean. Hiroshi. We're all out of breakfast, your daughter did a wonderful job too!
The gentleman chuckles to himself as he shuts the fridge.
"Out of all my years of being a father, I have never seen or heard of my daughter making breakfast for anyone but herself. Either she's been abducted by aliens and rewired, or she really loves you."
I smile to myself, because the only logical explanation has to be the latter.
"I'm one lucky girl, I will say that." I reply.
"Trust me. I think Asami would disagree and say she is. But anywho! Let me take you out to coffee since you already ate breakfast. I could really use a scone and a hot cup of joe. Being in the city has always reminds me of my Wall Street days. I want to feel the rush again!"
"I would love that, but shouldn't we wait for Asami? She just ran home to take a shower, and I think she'll enjoy seeing you." I suggest.
The father rolls his eyes.
"Its not Asami's birthday, it's yours. And besides…"
Hiroshi walks over to me and places a hand onto my shoulder.
"Sami told me about your folks. And it breaks my heart every time I hear a story about a parent not being as accepting like I am for my daughter. You only get one kid in this world, why ruin all of that? I just want you to know, I'm here for you. Despite the time frame of your position, I see you as a daughter. I could never replace anyone in your life, but I can certainly can give you the best coffee experience you ever had."
After his words, I pull him into a hug.
"Thank you, Hiroshi."
"Welcome, Korra."
As we walk the streets of Manhattan , Hiroshi presses almost every crosswalk button despite us not having to use it.
He's like a kid in a grown man's body!
"What's this new coffee place called?" I ask, as we continue our quest.
"It's called Zombie." He replies, skipping beside me with his hands inside his pockets.
"Zombie? How did you hear about this place if you live upstate?" I ask.
"I took a business trip down here two weeks ago."
"Really? And you didn't tell us? We could've had dinner!" I stress, which gets another eye roll.
"No offense, but Asami tends to cramp my style. I have a reputation to uphold down here, I can't just be seen with my daughter every five minute! Tabloids and people are going to think I'm sick or something."
His cocky, but honest reply makes me smile.
"Fair. But that still doesn't answer how you came across a coffee joint called Zombie. Where is this place even located? I checked my phone, and it says there isn't a building called it here." I state, still searching Google.
"Luckily for you, your search is finally over, because we're here!" He shouts, getting me to turn around, where I see a mermaid.
"This is a Starbucks." I correct.
"Well. Yes, If you want to get into the politics of it. I call it 'Zombie', because there was this man pacing up and down street in front of here once. He was originally inside, but then he decided to take his pac-man self outside."
"Why?" I ask, concerned.
"At first, I thought he had to go to the bathroom,because we all know Starbucks isn't too fond of giving out restroom access. So, my second guess was he had to be on drugs."
"Was he?" I ask, even more curious.
"Not sure. I just know I had the best scone ever that day, and hopefully, I'll have one even better today. Get whatever you want, my treat." He offers, while holding the door for me.
After telling him my order, I grab the last table near the window.
As I wait, I decide to scroll through the many happy birthday messages on my Facebook timeline. As much as I would like to personally comment on all of them, I know it'll take ages. Channeling my inner Oprah, to the point everyone gets a like, is my best bet.
I received a text message from my father wishing me a happy birthday earlier. He also told me he would call later this evening, but I'm not getting my hopes up if my mother will make a cameo.
"The order is up, and I have my scone. Do you want a piece?" Hiroshi asks, scooting his chair into the table.
"No thank you. Enjoy."
He happily does so, and I motion to the crumbs blended into his grey beard.
I enjoy this new natural look of his.
Sure, black is a nice color on him. But something about allowing your age to take over is fascinating to me. It's almost like a new identity, that you somehow get to own.
"How's coaching suiting you? I don't really follow MMA, but you certainly made a name for yourself."
"Thank you! It has definitely been a roller coaster. If you would've told me five years ago, I would've retired undefeated, I would've laughed into your face. Now add coaching to the mix, I might've called the police. I enjoy coaching more than I thought I would though. It's like I see this whole different side of fighting. Before, I would focus just on myself. Now, I focus on the opponents, even though I'm not the one fighting them. I know my student's capabilities, I just want to make sure we train on the things she might encounter. "
"Funny how life is. The things we don't see ourselves doing, could be the exact thing we're great at. I didn't see myself as a business man, I just wanted to design cars. But sometimes you have to take a risk in order to enhance your greatness."
" You're right. I think that's why I enjoy fighting so much. The risks you take on a move, excites me. If you mind me asking, what triggered your risk with Future Industries in the first place?"
The shine in his eyes after my question , tells me his answer is going to be good.
"My daughter. I wanted to make something for her to be proud of. I wanted her to see chances can be a good thing too. I also wanted my success to motivate her to create something she felt passionate about, and able to make sacrifices for. As you know, Asami is very talented with her art. But I knew she would have a hard time finding peace within herself working for someone else. I never told her this because I wanted her to learn for herself, just like I did. We're both creative people, and you lose some of your personal visions making something for others. But I'm glad she finally found something she seems to enjoy."
I nod agreeing.
"Yes. She loves having an art studio. I think you two have something in common other than genetics too."
"And what's that, Korra?" He asks, with a smile.
"You two both enjoy giving a platform for others to make a start. Asami with giving a location for artists to work, and you with your program to help new designers make cars under your company. I find people like you beneficial in this world."
He reaches across the table and squeezes my hand.
"I'm glad you appreciate it, because we're both appreciative of you. That's why I have a gift."
"No. No. The coffee is enough for me. Really?" He snorts.
"Korra. I could buy you this place and it still would't feel like enough. If
I turned it into another kickboxing studio. Maybe?"
An employee stops washing a table and looks at us.
"Could you please not? I have a tuition to pay off." He pleads.
"If you bring me another scone, I might reconsider."
The college student quickly leaves his rag and dashes back behind the counter.
"Back to what I was saying. I'm not really into MMA, but I have noticed you don't have any sponsors. Is there a reason for that?" Hiroshi asks.
"Sort of. Tenzin, my coach and the owner of the studio doesn't believe in corporations interfering with the sport. He's all about humble beginnings and I agree with him to the most part."
Hiroshi rubs his beard.
"Huh. Aren't the expenses of traveling, camps, and food, hefty for a local studio?"
"Yes. But when we win the fights, they don't really become a problem." I tease.
"Fair enough. But you shouldn't have to worry about having to win in order to live comfortably. You should have more security. Not just that. Think of the extra resources that could be invested into your fighters with sponsors."
That does sound promising, we certainly could use some extra cash.
"Let me cut to the chase, I want to sponsor your studio."
Woah! That's a huge deal and offer.
" That's very generous of you, but we're financially stable. Even If we weren't, I doubt we could take such an offer."
"You should! You want sponsors in a sport like yours. It will be good for both our businesses. All you'll have to do is let us brand your look. Maybe a couple of commercials here or there. Then bam! You're sponsored. Think of the extra money you'll be saving by doing so."
"I don't know, Hiroshi. Tenzin doesn't like stuff like that."
" I can talk to him personally. I just wanted to let you know first."
"Does Asami know about this?" I ask.
I doubt she does, because she would've mentioned this to me. Unless, this was supposed to be a surprise?
"No, this has nothing to do with her. Why do you ask or care? You're a champion for damn sake. You call all the shots! Are you afraid of her or something?" He teases.
" No! I mean. I don't know? Maybe she'll see all of this as you trying to buy me into the family. I don't see it that way, but you know how she can be."
The older man thinks about it.
"You're right. That does sound like something my daughter would think. Tell you what. Let's just keep it under wraps then. It's just an idea, right?" He states.
"Right!" I answer confidently.
Asami
After a quick shower and a 17 minute drive, I question my life in front of the hotel building.
I'm so grateful that my father got into the city this morning. Without him, I wouldn't have anyone to distract Korra.
When his caller I.D popped up on my phone, it was a true gift.
He didn't even ask why I needed him, he just told me to send the address and he would do his thing..
As I rest my head onto the steering wheel, my phone rings.
"Hello?" I answer, drowsy.
"Hey! It's your father."
After such greeting, I shoot my head up.
"Is everything going well? How's Korra?" I ask anxiously.
"Everything is well! Korra went inside CVS for some gum. She's really calm, you know that?"
I roll my eyes.
"Dad. Everyone is calm compared to you. "
"Well. She's extra calm, how about that?"
"Thank you so much. I'm really sorry about bothering you, I know you probably wanted to rest inside your hotel."
"Nonsense. I love missions, especially when it comes to helping you. Korra's a lovely woman and I'm kicking myself for not hanging out with her sooner. I think she's the one for you."
I smile to myself, despite the internal panic attack I'm having.
"Thanks, Dad. I think so too. Therefore, don't scare her away and ruin my chances!" I stress.
" Relax. I won't. Did you get everything you needed taken care of?"
I stare up at the building.
"Almost." I answer.
" Korra mentioned something about needing to stop by the studio to see one of her fighters. Do you need me to stall some more?"
I remember Suki telling me she wanted to give Korra her gift before the party, so that actually works out perfectly.
"No, let her go. Thank you for your help. I love you Dad, you're a lifesaver. "
"No problem, Sami. I love you too. See you tonight."
With the phone call being the prep talk I needed, I exit out of my car enter the automatic doors of the hotel.
After smiling at the woman at the front desk, I make my way onto the elevator.
I press the 5th floor and lean my head against the wall.
What if she calls the police? What will she say when she sees me? What will I say when I see her? Why am I even here? Is she even alone? What if her husband is there? Why is this elevator music so depressing?
Once the door opens, I step out onto the vintage SpaghettiOs print carpet.
All these doors look the same on the outside, but on the inside, things are different. One of these doors might hold a soon to be celebrity, and the other holds a woman who hates my guts. The possibilities are endless.
Accidentally walking pass the room, I step backward and stare at the room number.
Room 535.
Sounds like a room Satan would stay in. No. There's actually a better number. Sadly, there is no sixth floor in this hotel. Wait. What am I talking about? I need to get my head on straight. Well. if I did that, we wouldn't be here in the first place.
I take a moment and laugh to myself. Not just because I'm funny, but because I'm a nervous wreck and I'm too drained to cry.
After a deep breath, and a promise strong drink tonight, I knock onto the door.
Before I could try out my poses on how to stand, the door swings open, exposing a small frail looking woman in a grey sweater and long black capris. I wonder if Korra would look like her when she's older. If so, she would be lucky, because she's beautiful.
"You're not Mako." Mrs. Waters says, confused.
Ha! That one statement sums up my entire story, don't you think?
"I know. He couldn't make it, so I came. I mean. I wanted to come instead of him. Can we talk?" I ask.
"About what?" She asks, on the fence.
Jeez. I don't know? Maybe your daughter! What kind of question is that?
"Just about how you been doing." I answer instead.
The woman looks hesitant, but I can tell by her eyes she just wants to talk to someone. And at this point, she seems so desperate, I might be that person.
"Honestly. I haven't been doing too well, but I think you know why." She replies with a little bite.
"Yes. Korra's hurt you're pushing her away." I answer back, not trying to give her the satisfaction that she's the victim in all of this.
"I'm the one pushing her away? She's pushing me away! She doesn't even reach out to me. My husband thinks we talk every day. Today is my baby's birthday and she hasn't even called me."
I'm trying to be considerate, but shouldn't that be the other way around?
The woman infront of me breaks down into tears, then races towards the bed.
With the door left wide open, I ponder if I should enter.
Just go inside!
I listen to my mind that never fails me, and enter before slowly shutting the door.
Senna's clearly worked up, but I don't think it's appropriate of me to comfort her physically. So, I'm just going to take a seat in this maroon chair and hopefully survive.
She's still crying. Therefore, that gives me enough time to collect myself. Just breathe, Asami. "You took my baby girl away!"
Okay! Who needs time? We're jumping right into this.
"Korra was the only thing I had, and you just took her! You could've brought her to me, but instead you want to hide her. How could you be so selfish?" She says through tears.
"I didn't take her away from you. How could you say that?" I ask, calmly.
I'm surprised by my tone, because I was expecting to call her out on her b.s of portraying as the victim. But now, I want to understand where she's coming from and hopefully find a solution that works for the both of them.
I will always be in Korra's corner, but I'm sort of rooting for her mother too. Is that strange?
"My Korra used to be my little angel. She was mommy's little girl. But she doesn't even look at me the same way anymore. It's as if, she lost the glow in her eyes. The shine thatI fell in love with the moment I held her in my arms. That glow disappeared years ago and I thought I would never see it again. I thought her career had something to do with the loss. But turns out, that glow wasn't occupation related at all, but someone related. I don't know what I did, because that someone used to be me, but now it's you."
I don't know whether to be flattered by all of this, or truly ashamed that I came between the mother/daughter duo.
I never planned or wanted this to happen.
As my mind gets lost into my own personal guilt, I quickly realize that this woman is using her authority and history to trap me, just like she's been doing with Korra for years. And honestly, I don't think she even realizes the significance her words can be. If she did, she would've never said those things to Korra.
This has to stop.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but that's not the case at all. Korra loves you and she never picked me over you. If it really comes down to it, I think she would've pick herself over us. She would've dealt with the pain and loss, so we wouldn't have to. I know this because, that's exactly what she's doing now. You think she's bad mouthing you and confining into me, but she's not. So this whole, 'I win and you lose' mentality needs to stop. I didn't come here to get you to leave her alone. I came here to hopefully come up with a solution to not just heal your bond, but make you two stronger than before. I'm not here to rub anything into your face or hurt you. I just want Korra happy. "
She wipes her eyes and sniffles.
"You just want to help us, so you look good in Korra's eyes."
What is up with this woman's mindset? Doesn't she know there are actually good people in this world?
"That's not the type of person I am. And I think that's the probelm, you don't know me. But guess what? We can solve all hat today, because I want you to trust me."
I move my chair a little bit closer to her, but not close enough to make her uncomfortable.
"Do you want me to tell you my whole backstory, or do you would prefer to ask me questions?"
The woman looks me up and down, and I pray she doesn't ask for my history, because it isn't all that great. And to form a trust, I would have to be honest.
I'm all for the truth, but we're on a tight schedule.
"How did you and Korra meet? I want your version." She says, without looking at me.
I genuinely smile to myself, reliving such a pleasant memory.
"Korra was wearing a white halter top, and this long green cardigan. I don't know why she was trying to hide those muscles of hers? It wasn't like the outline of her body wasn't viewable. And when she pressed the down button on the elevator, her cardigan lifted alittle exposing her..."
The look her mother gives me, tells me I need to tone down my first visual of her daughter.
" Anyway! As Korra striked up a conversation, I kept thinking about how pretty her eyes were. Thank you for them by the way." I state, which gets a smile from one of the creators.
"After we got off the elevator, we went in our opposite directions. As I went on about my business, I realize I never got her name. This bothered me so much, I forgot about my errand and ran all over New York City to try and find her. It was so bad, I almost got hit by a taxi!"
"Wait. You almost got hit by a car, why?" She asks, concerned.
"I wanted your daughter's name." I reply, proudly.
"Did you get it? I mean. Did you ever catch up with her in time?" She asks, almost on the edge of her seat.
"I did! And from that day forth, I couldn't get her name out of my head."
I still can't. Talk about an addiction.
"Sounds like something out of a princess story. Sounds almost like…."
"True love?" I fill in, cautiously.
"Something like that. But I just don't understand. How can my daughter jump from a guy she loved for years to a woman? Was I not a good enough mother? I think what hurts the most is, I thought I knew my child. I been reading some articles, without my husband knowing of course. And I read that most parents can pick up on their child's sexuality early on. Was her lack of friends that were girls a sign? Because I thought she didn't want to play with them because they didn't enjoy martial arts like she did. Was she afraid of forming feelings for them?" She asks, desperate for an answer.
And honestly, I'm dumbfounded.
All because, she actually made an effort. I thought she was just bitter and set in her ways, but she was truly trying to understand.
Do parents really blame themselves? Is this why they take it so hard? Did my father do the same search for an explanation too?
It really is a different process when it comes to the roles we play in each other's lives.
"I mean. You could easily justify that as an example. But just like you stated, maybe not a lot of girls shared the same interest of your daughter had. Also, I think we both know Korra has always been a very introverted person. Why not view it as simply that? She told me she didn't really date a lot growing up, was that because you were strict?" I ask, since this seems to be a discussion of curiosity.
Her mother thinks about it.
"Her father was strict, but we never put limitations on who she dated. She was just so busy with training and school, she never really brought anyone home for us to meet. When she found Mako, it was new on all of us. That's why we see him as a son, he showed us a side of our daughter we never seen before. I even thought she might put fighting behind her, but she's very stubborn about that nasty sport. Why do you ask this? I would think you would be thrilled with her lack of interest in guys now."
I don't know what came over me, but I just laugh. And this unexpected action of mines, confuses her.
"I'm so sorry. I don't find what you said funny, but it's pretty humorous that we both are asking questions about Korra, as if we're afraid of asking her ourselves."
"I am!" Her mothers stresses.
"Haha. Me too!"
We both end up laughing, and I think this moment will forever be remembered.
"I guess we're more similar than I thought." Her mother says, wiping her eyes.
"I guess so."
"I just want to understand, but I don't think I ever will." She says, a little hurt.
"Well, if you really want to focus on the whole psychological side of things. The reason Korra might not have shown signs of liking girls, could be because she has always been so passionate and invested in what she loves. And the two things she loves the most are, people and fighting. Maybe there were no clear signs because nothing really changed. Once you stop thinking about the whole gender thing, it becomes easier to understand. She still loves you and that nasty sport, why should anything else matter?"
Without even debating it, I reach across the bed for her hand.
"She can change anything she wants about herself, but nothing changes the fact she's your daughter."
"Does she still love me?" She asks, finally looking into my eyes.
"More than you could ever imagine. She misses you, and I think seeing you, would be the greatest gift she ever received. "
Author's Note
I really hope Senna gets invited to this birthday party!
I wonder what Suki got for Korra's birthday?
Ugh. The suspense. I really hope this writer updates soon. But Hey! What do I know? I'm just as anxious to find out too!
Thoughts are appreciated.