I exited the station, looking around. "Misaki!" I could not turn as Hidori hugged me from behind. "It is so good to see you."
"It has been a week."
"How was your trip?"
"...Okay..."
"Uh oh. Tell Hidori all about it." She linked arms and dragged me down the street. We were meeting Shinobu and Hiromi at the cafe and then we would go to the mall. Her sister was already six month and they found out she was having a girl. Their parents had planned a baby shower in two weeks so Shinobu wanted us to help pick out some gifts for the shower. She was complaining about her boyfriend did not want to go because "an old man and a young girl going shopping for baby clothes is calling for disaster."
Just reminded me that I wonder if Usagi and I were going to go shopping together. Would it seem strange with the two of us together?
"I would listen to sensei on this one. It is not your father so you should not have to stress about what he says."
"I know...but...that is still going to be my child's grandfather."
"Oh Misaki, your loving nature is adorable."
"Shut up Hidori I'm being serious."
"So am I." She stopped us right before we crossed the street. She grabbed my arms. "Misaki, you can't make everyone happy. You will fail more than you succeed. I know how you feel about family but right now sensei and this child is your family. You got to put them first."
Huh, I never thought of it like that. This child, and Usagi, were my family. But I still did not want to bring this child in with a divided family. I want them to know everyone. You never know when you will lose them. "I know...just…"
Hidori rolled her eyes. "Between your willingness to please and sensei's willingness to give, this kid is going to be one spoiled brat."
"No they won't!"
She laughed, "yes they will." I had no argument. If the child was a girl then I could see Usagi giving her the world.
"Good afternoon." Another voice joined us. USAGI-CHICHI?! "It is great to see you again Takahashi."
"Um, y-yes, how are you?" Why the fuck am I seeing him?
"It's Mr. I-can't-ride-a-subway-on-my-own." Not the time for jokes Hidori!
Usagi-chichi laughed. "Yes, I am still in your debt, Shiima." I don't remember him getting her name. The look on her face she was probably thinking the same thing.
"What are you doing around here?"
"I wanted to know how you were, it has been a few days since we last saw each other. I tried my son's place but no one answered. So I thought to check near this cafe. You work there right Shiima?"
"Um yeah, kind of creepy you know that."
"Hidori!"
"It is!" I know it is but I have learned not to question what rich people do. "I do not mean to be strange. I just want to get to know the girl carrying the next generation for the Usami clan."
We both went silent. My hand went to my stomach and Hidori took a step in front of me. I had a feeling he knew but it was reality when he said it. "Um...Usami-sama…"
"I wish to speak with you Takahashi, if you have the time." A black car drove up next to us.
"You are not kidnapping her! Not like your psycho son in the glasses!"
"Hidori!"
Usagi-chichi's eyes went wide with shock. I guess he did not know about that. "Just what are you doing to my sons?" I had no answer. "I hope not to look at this as a kidnapping, but if you won't come with me..."
"Hey!" Hidori yelped when a large man grabbed her arms and pushed her in the car. She tried to get out but he had closed the door. She started banging on the window.
"Hidori!" I looked at Usagi-chichi, standing there with a smile. This was crazy! Doesn't he know there are witnesses? "Shall we?" He opened the passenger door.
"MISAKI RUN!" Hidori cried. I wanted to run but I did not like the smile on his face. It was wrong to drag Hidori in this situation. "You idiot!" She yelled as I got into the passenger seat and put on my seat belt.
"Shut up! You were going to be kidnapped!"
"And now we are kidnapped together!"
"Seat belts on." Usagi-chichi got into the back, not expecting that, while the man you grabbed Hidori got into the driver's seat. We started driving off. This is too much.
"Old man, you done fucked up now! I hope you get arrested! I hope Misaki and sensei cut you out of their life! Going back to your stupid mansion now? Your other psychotic son took Misaki there last time!"
I sighed, Hidori ad no filter when she is nervous. Just how do I get myself into these situations? I did not speak as I looked out the window as we turned down the road towards the Usami mansion.
THIRD PERSON POV
"Where the hell are they?" Shinobu growled as she checked her phone. It was 11:55. They were supposed to meet at 12. "Stupid girls, always late."
"Calm down Shinobu." Hiromi was checking on her make-up again. "You act so surprised every time those two are late. I thought you would be used to it."
"Just because I'm used to it doesn't mean I like it." In truth, Shinobu was nervous. The baby shower was tomorrow, leave it to her to wait until the last minute. Miyagi was invited but he politely declined. So now she has to go alone. Her sister, during her pregnancy, has a short fuse. She blurts out random facts about whoever she sees when her fuse is lit. A maid recently got fired because she let it out that she caught her drinking in the garden. Two coworkers of hers that were dating broke up when the girl pissed Risako off and she blurted that they were having an affair. Riku had to sleep on the couch when he told Risako she was being mean.
Shinobu has been avoiding her; Shinobu easily tripped her fuse a few times she visited the two. She almost started a fight when Risako blurted out that Shinobu was a husband-stealer. It almost started a fight if Miyagi did not break them up and Riku was called to go get his fiancee. She did that when it was just the three of them. Who knows what she would say in a room full of people.
"Don't worry, we can make Hidori buy us lunch. She got her paycheck today." She should know, Hidori was singing and dancing about it this morning.
"Oh, Shiima-chan?" The two looked at the tall waiter. "Your sister doesn't work today."
"I don't come here just to see my sister, maybe I wanted to see you."
The man laughed. "I feel honored." Shinobu had seen him before many times but never got his name.
Hiromi turned to her. "This is Shinosuke Todo but sis calls him Shino." Oh, Shinobu had heard that name before. Hidori is always yelling and complaining about him. "Shino, this is Takatsuki Shinobu, Hidori's adoptive sister."
"I am not her sister!" The two laughed.
"Shiima talks about you all the time. She talks more than she works. You should encourage her to work once in a while so I don't have to pick up her slack." He was complaining with a smile on his face.
"Like that idiot will listen to me. Doesn't sound like much of a problem though."
It was good that he worked. There was something Hiromi wanted to know. She grabbed his arm. "Shino, when are you going to ask my sister out?"
A small blush spread across his cheeks. "Ha, you girls are funny."
"I'm serious. I know you like her. You should just ask her out to the movies or the park."
"How could anyone like that crazy-ass girl?"
"Same way someone would like your fire-cracking ass."
"Fuck you Hiromi!"
"No fighting in the cafe girls." Shino patted both of their heads. Hiromi blushed, Shinobu growled at the hand.
"So? You going to ask her?"
Shino pulled his hands away to sigh. "I do not know Shiima. All I ever do is piss her off. I do not know if she likes me."
"My sister is such a late bloomer. She has had no boyfriend and been tailing behind her best friend Misaki for as long as I could remember. She needs a man in her life." She did have a point. "We can help. No one knows Hidori as much as us."
"I don't know…" "Just be a man. If you want help than just take it. That idiot is not good at taking a hint."
Shinosuke looked at them for a moment before sighing again, "you think I have a chance?"
Hiromi jumped up. "Of course! Oooo finally! Sis is getting a boyfriend!" This is what she waited for. So many times Hidori had pushed off boy's affections. It would come as a shock but Hidori was secretly popular in high school. All the guys in Hiromi's class thought she was cute. Her outbursts just scared them. Hidori hid behind Misaki but now that she has someone it is time for Hidori to get a life. And Hiromi likes Shino. He is kind, funny, and one of the only people who could put Hidori in her place.
"KEEP IT DOWN!" They turned to the back as the manager's voice echoed the cafe. "GO HOME HIDORI!"
"But I'm not Hidori!" All three started to laugh. Shinobu looked out the window. "Speaking of Hidori, about time those two idiots show up!" Outside they could see Hidori and Misaki across the street.
"Calm down Shinobu. Maybe we can implement a plan now." She winked at Shino. He shook his head with a laugh. Shinobu waited, growing more annoyed as they kept talking. She was going to yell again when she saw a man join them. He looked familiar.
"Who are they talking to?"
"Good question." A car pulled up next to them. "What's going on?"
"I'm calling her." Hiromi pulled out her phone; she panics easily and did not like the look on her sister's face. She gasped when a man grabbed Hidori and put her in the car. "HIDORI!"
Hiromi and Shinobu ran out as Misaki also got in the car. "MISAKI!" The light has turned and the car drove away. "WHAT THE HELL!"
"Who was that?!" Shino had ran out too in fear.
A sudden flashback popped in Shinobu's head. "Shit! That was the old man on the train! He is Misaki's boyfriend's dad."
"What? They were kidnapped by Usami's family?"
"Would not be the first time?"
"WHAT?" What the hell has Hidori been keeping from her? "Do you have his number?"
"No! Call them!" Hiromi tried Hidori and then Misaki. No answer. "Shinobu! What do we do?!"
"It's ok Shiima." Shino patted her head.
"My sister was just kidnapped!"
"If you know someone related then talk to them. You said that was your friend's boyfriend's family. Talk to him."
"Do you have Usami's number?"
"Why would I have his number?"
"Do you remember where he lives?"
"I think so."
"Let's go!" Hiromi turned to Shino. "Thank you, we will be going."
"Um, Shiima, before you go, here." He reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. Hiromi looked down, looking at phone number. "I meant to give this to your sister, but, can you text me and tell me she's okay." Such a good guy. Hidori is lucky someone like him likes her.
"I will."
"Hurry up Hiromi!"
"COMING!"
Just what did Hidori get herself into?
MISAKI POV
I do have to say the Usami mansion was beautiful. It almost made me forget the situation seeing the wonderful trees lining the driveway. Hidori brought me back to reality. "What the hell? This sucks. I am calling the cops and suing! I need my school paid for this emotional damage! And now Shinobu probably thinks I forgot and not talk to me! Misaki! Why aren't you anymore mad?"
I shrugged, I was relatively calm considering the situation. "Used to it?"
"That's Stockholm syndrome. You need help."
"Welcome back Takahashi-sama." I looked back to see the Usami butler.
What's his name? "Um...Se..Seba" "It is Tanaka" he interrupted with a smile. He turned to Usagi-chichi. "I have prepared the parlor as planned."
"Thank you Tanaka. Would you girls like some tea and cake?"
"I will not fall for this." Hidori said, as she ate another slice of lemon cake. I should be more worried about her developing Stockholm syndrome.
"Thank you." I looked back as Tanaka handed Usagi-chichi a cup of tea. He sipped it for a moment before looking back at me. "I do not want to seem like the bad guy."
"Could have fooled me."
"What did you want to talk about?"
"I truly do want to know more of you. Akihiko is not the type to make this type of mistake. Was the child planned?" I shook my head. "Not a wise decision."
"So what?"
"Hush Hidori."
"No, if he is going to put you down for this then we don't need to listen. What's done is done, no point in shaming you for it. Sensei was the one always jumping you so his dumb ass must have forgot the condom few times."
"Hidori!" I did not need to let out details of our sex life to his father!
He seemed unfazed. "I do agree with you that my son should take responsibility but there is still the issue of what a child will mean."
"What do you mean?"
"I already told you before, your worlds are different. The Usami family holds a high position in Japan. Even if he claims to throw away his family, Akihiko still has the Usami name. What he does will reflect back to the family. If word gets out that he had knocked up a nineteen year old girl out of wedlock, it might damage our reputation. As the head of this household, I will not let anything happen that will hurt this family."
"You think...our baby...would do this?" It seemed unfair, blaming a child for such possible destruction. The child is always the innocent one.
"I don't think, I know."
"That's your opinion. If sensei and Misaki want to have this child then it is none of your business."
"You girls are young, you do not understand these problems."
"I understand that you look down on us because we don't swim in money."
I wanted to say something but it was intimidating. This was Usagi's father. I was a little grateful for Hidori. She knows how to say everything on both of our minds. I was jealous of that. But I did not want things to get worse. I grabbed her arm to calm her down. I could not let her do all the talking while I coward behind her back. "Usami-sama. I am sorry for the situation. I should have had enough sense to prevent this. I understand that I am young and not prepared for what others will say. But this is still my responsibility. I chose to have this child and do the best I can to protect it. And Usagi also told me he would do the same. I just hope that this child can have enough support from both sides of your family."
"What about your family? You have no parents, your brother is your only living family. What does he say?"
"Creepy." Hidori muttered.
"We haven't told him yet."
"You think he would be happy? My son is his best friend. And he knocked up his teenage sister."
"I know it will be tough, but, I always feel stronger with Usagi by my side."
He sighed, taking another sip of his tea. Hidori and I looked at each other. I did not know if we should talk right now. Hidori pulled out her phone showing me thirty missed calls from Hiromi, ten from Shinobu, and 20 from Usagi. Another load of texts from them asking where we were. I checked my phone and found it dead. Another reason it is good Hidori is here. She started texting. "Sensei is on his way."
"That was quick. And I did not see neither of you on the phone here."
"My sister saw you kidnap us. You weren't exactly being so secret about it. I should call the cops."
"Shut up Hidori." She passed her phone to me. It was a voicemail from Usagi. "Misaki, charge your damn phone! I am on my way, do not listen to what that man has to say. This is the last time we will deal with him I will make sure of it. "He sounds mad."
"I can imagine. He has always had a temper. Now that he is coming I guess I should wrap this meeting up now."
"You mean finish this hostage situation?"
"Hidori."
Usagi-chichi pulled out a long, black, rectangular book. I recognized it; Usagi likes to parade around with one of those when we go out. "I want to make you an offer."
"Oh hell no!"
"You talk about being ready to take on anything but do you understand what that means? There are medical bills, everyday needs, legal inheritance, as well as the legal rights this child has to the Usami empire. I have no doubt Akihiko will cover as much as you need but then you will hear that you had this child to trap the famous novelist. Life could be easier for everyone, if you go through with one of the following options."
"And they are?"
He pulled out a pen. "I am willing to give you as much as you need to get your own place, put you through school, even set up a trust fund for your child's college, if you renounce any claims to the Usami name and leave Akihiko."
"You want to pay her to raise this child on her own?"
"I must protect our family."
"Misaki is your family whether you like it or not."
I started to feel lightheaded. The tea was not helping with my dry mouth. "What is the second option?"
"I do like you Takahashi. You are a sweet girl, I do not want to see you hurt. There is another way to avoid all of this."
He did not need to say the second option. "Abortion."
"Correct."
"NO!"
"Now think about it. I have a well-trusted doctor who can do the procedure and make it as painless as possible. I will pay for the procedure and I am still willing to pay you extra for this inconvenience."
"Oh I hope sensei comes soon."
I do too. "Usami-sama, I cannot give you an answer. This is Usagi's child as well. I won't make any decisions without him."
He sighed, putting the checkbook away. "That is your choice; there is only so much I can do. But do think about it, I would hate for something bad to you."
"Was that a threat?"
We heard a loud thud from the next room. "Akihiko?" Tanaka's voice sounded surprised.
"WHERE ARE THEY!?" Yes, he was mad.
Usagi stomped into the den, hands in fist. He made no eye contact with his father as he came over to us. He even ignored Usagi-chichi when he said 'hello.' He grabbed my wrist and gently pulled me up. "Usagi?" He grabbed my face and turned it side to side, looking for something.
"Are you okay?" I nodded. My mouth was too dry to speak. He turned to his father. "What the fuck do you think you are doing?"
"Is it a crime to talk?" Usagi-chichi asked. Usagi's arm came around my waist. I could feel him shaking.
"You are lucky I do not call the police." Call the police?! That is a bit too much.
"That is quite hurtful. You would call the police on your child's grandfather?"
Usagi made a noise in the back of his throat. "In a heartbeat. Let's go, we are leaving."
"Finally." Hidori hopped up.
"I am not finished."
"They are."
"AKIHIKO." I froze as Usagi-chichi raised his voice. It made my ears ring. His smile long gone. "You are still part of the Usami family. What you do will affect us as well."
"I don't give a damn about this family." He touched my stomach. "This is my family. Misaki is having my child. I do not care what actions you take against me but you will not do anything to her. I am not afraid to sign over any inheritance."
"That is a bold statement."
"Enough. We are leaving. Don't you ever come near her again or I will take drastic measures." I almost tripped when he pushed me towards the door. I briefly saw Tanaka bowing to us but Usagi already had us out the door.
"How did you find us?" I asked when we drove off.
"Your friends are back at home. They were screaming into the intercom and almost had the police called by the doorman for kicking the doors." They were going to kill us when we get back. "What did he say?"
I did not want to tell him what he had said. "Nothing."
"SHUT UP MISAKI! QUIT LYING! Your stupid father tried to bribe Misaki into either leaving you with the kid or get an abortion." Damn Hidori.
"Is that true?"
No use lying now. "Yes, but I told him I would not make him choose."
"What else did he say?"
Hidori hit my seat before I could open my mouth. "FINE! He just kept saying how much the baby will cause trouble for your family."
"Who gives a damn about them. It is not their child, it is ours."
"But from what I see and hear, your family is pretty powerful."
"Misaki. Do not listen to him. Do not worry about what they think." Easier said than done.
"HIDORI!" Hiromi cried before we got through the door and swung her arms around Hidori. She almost fell down if I did not grab her back.
"Calm down Hiromi."
"But you were kidnapped! Did he do anything to you? You didn't eat anything weird?" Shinobu walked up behind them.
"Calm down, I wasn't in any harm. I should be a pro by now."
"That is not funny!"
"Can you girls leave?" All four of us turned to Usagi. "I will pay for a cab to take you home."
"Thanks but we still have to get a present for Shin-chan's sister. The mall should still be open." I looked at the time, 4:12, four hours of chaos.
"Will you be alright?"
"I'm not the one you should worry about." They both did not look at me but it was obvious who they were talking about. "Come on guys. I could use some ice cream to cheer me up."
"Thank goodness you are okay." They each gave me a hug, Usagi passed some money to Hidori. He did it too fast so I could not see how much. When they were gone Usagi pulled me into the living room. I sat down on the couch as he grabbed a cigarette. It was quiet. "What do we do now?"
I watched him puff out some smoke. "Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"Exactly." He put the cigarette on the ashtray and turned to me. "You are pregnant, the stress can cause complications. I need you as relaxed as possible."
"But…" I knew this was not going to be easy but I never imagined all of this. I never considered how powerful Usagi's family is. I have seen enough shows and manga to know that powerful families treat their off-springs differently. How would they treat this child?
I have to protect this family. What did Usagi-chichi mean? Would he do something to this child? "Misaki." I turned into a sudden kiss. He pushed me down on the couch and got on top. "Usagi."
"I will make you forget."
He kept his promise. This pregnancy did one thing right; my entire body was an erogenous zone. I came just from him fondling my breasts. "Usagi."
"I love you Misaki." His movements were slow, too slow for my liking. "Faster."
"I don't want to hurt you." We went on longer than usual due to the slow movement. We stayed in missionary. He grabbed my hand to place on his chest; I could feel his heart beating fast. It reminded me of our first time. Back then I never thought we would be in this situation a year later.
Usagi may tell me not to worry but I couldn't help it. I did not want to cause Usagi problems. And more importantly, I did not want my child to deal with something bad. What kind of mother would I be allowing this child to be exposed to this.
Would it be better if this child was not born?
Poor Misaki
Coming up next on COH:
Akihiko's POV
AKIHIKO'S POV
"Did you receive the manuscript?"
"Yes just got the email. Already two days past deadline!"
I usually would say something back but I was in no mood. "Is that all you need?"
"For now. We are still waiting for approval on a sequel to your last book. I should be hearing back from them today. I will message you then."
"Can you message me tomorrow. I have business to take care of."
"Business? Does it involve Misaki? Is she okay?"
I opened the door slightly to our room. Misaki was still curled up with Suzuki. It was not that late, the clock barely turned eight, but Misaki might make a fuss for sleeping in. At least she did not have any work today. "She will be."
"Well, good luck with whatever is going on. I will talk to you tomorrow."
"Bye." I put my phone in my pocket and walked into the room. Misaki looked peaceful as she slept, finally. I could see the stress slowly getting to her. It hurt me. I was aware of the possible situations that would come with my pregnancy, it was why I was nervous about keeping this child.
"Usagi." Misaki mumbled in her sleep, how cute.
I left a note, saying I was going out for a meeting. I did not need her worrying about where I was going. She always finds a way to stress over the littlest of things. I kissed her cheek and headed out. I did not want to be late.
I pulled up to the valet at the hotel I took Hiroki to meet her boyfriend. I still have yet to bring Misaki here. Maybe next week. I walked in where a hostess stood. "Good morning sir."
"I have a reservation for Usami."
"Ah yes, your party has already arrived." She gestured her hand to follow her. I walked over to one of their private rooms. It was blocked off by a black wall and you could see the view of the city. I am definitely bringing Misaki here. "Your server will be with you in a minute. I hope you enjoy your time." She bowed and left.
"There you are, I was afraid you were not going to show."
I did not hide the annoyance on my face. "As if."
My father smiled, smirked. I sat down in the chair across from him. "So, shall we begin our meeting?"
