"Misakiiiiiiiii." I sighed yet again at the man-child holding on to my waist. Third time he whined out my name.
"Usagi, I am trying to clean."
"I told you not to worry about it. You should be resting."
"I'm pregnant, not immobile."
"Then take a break."
"You could destroy this place in five minutes."
"Misaki." "DAMMIT USAGI! GO FINISH YOUR MANUSCRIPT! AIKAWA ALREADY CALLED AND YOU ARE TWO WEEKS BEHIND!"
He rolled his eyes, standing up properly. I was able to stretch my arms up. I turned to face him as his hands moved to touch my stomach. The little girl was starting to make an appearance. I had a more pronounced baby bump, definitely noticeably even with the baggy shirts and stretchy jeans I stocked up on.
"I still think you should take classes online."
"We talked about this." Tomorrow the new semester began. Most of my cleaning now was to take my mind off of it. Usagi was doing as much panicking for both of us. I know online schooling would be the easiest solution, but it felt like I was hiding. And we already looked, most of my classes were not available online so I would have to go in person anyway.
I was nervous too, since I had no real friends at college, but I have been keeping up with Yui even if I had not told her yet. She seemed like someone who would not judge. Haruki would be difficult but then I just have to avoid her.
Go to class, go home. I have been telling myself the last week.
Usagi did not think that, nor did anyone else. Sensei gave me a duplicate key to her office and told me to go there if I needed a place to run. Not sure if that was even allowed. Hidori changed her schedule for weekdays so our classes were on opposite days. This way she could come to my school whenever I needed. I kept telling her no but she would not listen.
I do appreciate it but I don't want them changing their lives for me.
"I don't want anything to happen to you?"
"What could happen?" He gave me a look, probably a million scenarios running through his head. "People will talk about me ya, people may even bad-mouth me to my face, but I don't go to school to focus on their thoughts. I just want to go to class and come home. I already lessened how many classes I will take so I won't be at school as long as last semester. I doubt much will happen if Hidori really plans to visit like she says."
He sighed, kissing my forehead. "I will try to believe in you but there are no other chances. I hear of even one incident that affects you, we are changing your schedule. Understand?"
"You make it sound as if you are going to imprison me here."
"Not a bad idea." Yes it was. "I know you are strong but I do not want you overly stressed. There are two people that will be affected by it." He tapped my stomach.
Cannot argue there. "I know. I am sorry for making you worry."
He kissed me, "I will always worry about the ones I love." He pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me. I made a squeaking noise when he squeezed my butt. "Usagi, it's still sunny outside."
"And soon I am going to have to cut off getting my fill of Misaki. How will I survive? Did you think about me?"
Leave it to him to ask the doctor that. She recommended it be best to limit or cut off all sexual activities closer to the due date, though she did not say no. But Usagi, the secret worry-wart he is, decided that we would not do anything a month before the due date. The doctor did warn I might not be so into it as it gets closer. Does not mean I want to suffer now! He started to drag me to the stairs.
"USAMI-SENSEI!" We turned as the front door slammed open and shut. Aikawa came into view, breathing as if she ran to Osaka and back. Behind her was Isaka-sama, not as disheveled but he did not look happy.
"What are you guys doing here?" Usagi asked, not letting me go.
"Big problems!" Problems? Aikawa handed us the papers in her hand, a gossip magazine. My body grew cold at the front page.
"USAMI'S AKIHIKO SECRET CHILD WITH COLLEGE STUDENT"
Underneath the headline was a picture of Usagi and I walking into the hospital from our last appointment. The people were blurry but I recognized nii-san on the corner of the picture. The angle was so close, like someone walking right next to us. "I just found it this morning. There were a few reporters downstairs but we were able to get the cops to move them before coming up."
"Damn bastards."
"Um, Usagi…" It was out, the secret was out.
"Misaki."
He should have never came to the hospital that day. He should have stayed home.
"Misaki."
What will his family say? What will happen to his career? What will happen to the baby?
"MISAKI." I was shaken back to reality, literally, with Usagi hovering over me. "Misaki, please don't panic."
"What are we going to do?" That was easier said than done.
"Well there are two options." Usagi forced me to sit down as everyone else joined us. Isaka held up his fingers. "Option 1:We can schedule a meeting where Akihiko denies everything."
"Absolutely not!" Usagi responded before Isaka could take a breath.
"I did say it was an option."
"A stupid one."
Isaka shrugged, unfazed. "Option 2: We set up a meeting where Akihiko confirms everything and the world knows you two are having a child."
"Why do we have to do a press conference? It is none of people's business that we are having a child."
"Yes but sensei, this will get worse. We scared off a few of them but more will come. What will happen if they bombard Misaki while she is at school?"
Usagi growled, pulling me into his side. "None of them will touch her."
"It will happen if you let this go. I can already imagine just how much information they have dug up on little Miss, ready to write their own opinions. Which is worse: sugar daddy or gold digger?"
Ew, both words were vile, but he was right. If you think about it, we could look like that with our difference in age and status. I could not stop my shiver at the thought of walking around people with those thoughts about us. Usagi tightened his hold and sighed. "Fine, do it as soon as possible."
"We can schedule it for tomorrow afternoon. They have already contacted me with a free opening."
So quick. "Fine."
"For now, you two stay here until this is sorted out. I am sure there are still vultures lurking around outside."
They stood up to leave. "Wait, I have school tomorrow."
"You are not going."
"But Usagi, it's the first day. I can't miss classes."
"It is too dangerous."
"But…"
"Misaki, for once I agree with sensei. Maybe you can talk to someone about getting the information you will miss."
"But…" That sucks. It was my first day! I did not want to hide out here forever. I already did that most of the summer. A thought popped in my head. "Hidori said she was coming with me tomorrow. It's her day off so she was going to stay at school and wait for me. You know Hidori would help if anything goes wrong."
"Misaki…"
"I know you are scared but wouldn't we let them win if we stay hiding. I am not ashamed of this...and...if I have to hide, it makes it feel what we are doing is wrong. I don't want to think our child is wrong. I don't want her to ever feel that way."
"Misaki…" He rubbed his forehead, no doubt trying to stop the headache I was giving him. I did feel bad, I didn't want to hurt him. I know he was stressed because of me. "Fine."
"Really?"
"With rules."
"...What rules?"
He grabbed my chin. Such a serious look was in his eyes. "Shiima is to be with you at all times. If you have to be alone besides sitting in class, you are to go straight to Hiroki's office. I'm not kidding Misaki. One incident, one slip-up, and I will not hesitate to pull you out of school. Understood?"
"I understand." He kissed my forehead, his lips shaking.
"If that's the case then let's try to push the meeting earlier. Sooner the better."
"Thank you Isaka."
He smiled. "I should thank you little Miss. Just imagine all the money this will bring." Of course he thinks about profiting off of this.
"Are you serious?"
He nodded his head quite fast. "I can see it now, the acclaimed Usami Akihiko, now a family man. Imagine the publicity, the new projects. We can paint a perfect family, maybe even get little Miss to make appearances, spin this off as a fairy tale, love at first sight, rags to riches, age don't matter, yada-yada. And having a girl! I can already start your schedule for the following year and…"
"Get out" Usami pointed to the front door. His eyes twitched in annoyance.
Isaka laughed, unfazed. "This is going to be fun!"
"And more work for me." Aikawa sighed.
"Sorry Aikawa."
"Misaki, this will always be sensei's fault."
"Come along Aikawa, they are going to need all the rest they can get. Who knows when the next time they can."
Aikawa gave me a hug as the two left. I could not help but sigh with relief when I heard the door shut.
"We are moving." Usagi declared.
"No we are not."
"I will quit and we will move to Okinawa, do you want a house on the beach?"
"Stop it Usagi. You are only saying this because Isaka wants you to work."
"No, I want to leave because he talked about you working."
"What's wrong with that?" I looked down at my hands. I know I could not be much help but even a little was fine. I was happy Isaka accepted this and was talking about doing stuff together with the child.
I heard Usagi sighed and he kissed me. "I do not want to put my family on display just to make money. The last thing I want is for this child to always have to walk around with a target on her back."
I smiled, Usagi is sounding like such a father. "Me too. But she should be proud, having you as a father."
He smiled, "not as proud as I am." He kissed me again, lifting me up in his arms. I opened my eyes when he started to go up the stairs. "Usag…" He stopped me from speaking.
NEXT DAY
"Misaki, look, you see this? Goosebumps. When the hell do I get goosebumps?" I chuckled as I pushed Hidori's arm out of my face.
"Put your seat belt on."
"I cannot believe you allowed this Usami-sensei."
"It was not my choice."
"And that stopped you when?"
"Calm down Hidori. You are going to start making me worry."
"As you should. What about me? My picture is going to go around when I beat up any of these paparazzi freaks or ugly, nosy students. I am trying to be a lawyer! I can't be a lawyer with a record? Did you think about that? Did you ever think about me?"
"Oh you're right! How could I forget! I will ruin your career forever!" We both laughed. Usagi pulled up to the school entrance.
"We're here." It seemed normal. Students were entering the gates, talking to each other. No paparazzi. I turned to Usagi. "I'll see you in three hours okay?"
I felt so bad. His knuckles were turning white from the steering wheel. "We will be okay."
He shook his head. "Please be safe." It was kind of cute, to see him worry. Before I thought about it, I leaned over and kissed his cheek. His eyes went wide. "Ok."
"MY EYES!" Hidori bolted out the car. I got out of the car myself and we waved as Usagi pulled away. "Since when did you become so daring?"
"None of your business."
"Is that her?" I tried not to turn as I heard the failed whisper from behind. Hidori narrowed her eyes and pulled me through the entrance.
"I can see the stomach."
"I hear she is only 19."
"I heard she tricked him."
"Do you think she got pregnant to trap him?"
"Misakkiiiiii."
"I'm sorry you have to spend your day like this." I had to think of some way to make it up to her. We made it inside the building.
"Me? I'm sorry you have to deal with this. People are so nosy and they don't even make it a point to hide it."
Walking down another corridor we passed a group of upperclassmen staring. I think Hidori had enough. "IS MY UNDERWEAR SHOWING?" They quickly scampered away.
"No shouting in the halls." We turned as Kamijou-sensei walked over.
"They started it."
"You don't even go to this school."
"I'm Misaki's bodyguard."
"Should have stayed home."
"That's what I said."
"Can I go to class now?"
Sensei pointed down the hall. "Get going before you're late."
"Thank you sensei." I know Usagi was troubling her too. We made it to my class, Hidori holding onto my arm. "Hidori, I can do this."
She did not look convinced as she eyed a couple of girls who glanced my way as they entered the room "I will be waiting out here. If any asshole tries to put you down or talk shit then you leave."
"I will, thank you for this."
"Be careful."
And like a child starting school for the first time, I waved to her as I entered alone. The room was smaller than my classes last year. Easier to see the students staring at me. I had no fancy car to hide in, no teacher on my side, no best friend to speak for me. Even wearing the maternity stretch pants, there was no use hiding my bump now. I walked down the stairs to an empty section in the middle. I immediately took out my notebook and a pen. I was a little early, another five more minutes before class began.
"Hey," I looked up to a girl sitting in front of me. Two other girls turned with her. "Are you Takahashi Misaki?"
Please don't let my voice crack. "Um, yes."
"So it's true that you are pregnant?"
"Sakura…"
"What? You can see the bump."
"Don't be so rude." Sakura shrugged and turned back to me. "So is it true?"
Two minutes to go. "Yeah no point in denying it."
"I knew it."
"Don't be mean."
"Yeah Sakura, my mom had me when she was young."
"Come on guys I had to know."
The one girl who spoke first shook her head. "Sorry, she doesn't know when to shut up."
"It's okay."
"Alright, class is beginning. Find your seats." I sighed with relief as the teacher came in. I was pleased nothing else happened throughout class. Everyone now focused on the lecture. When class was done I made it out before that Sakura girl could ask me any more questions. "You good?"
"Yes ma'am."
She sighed, "One down, one more to go."
"And we have 35 minutes before then. Can we go outside and eat now oh fearless bodyguard?"
"Shut up." We started moving towards sensei's office. I hope we were not going to bother them.
"Shiima?" A new voice joined us.
She turned, "Shino!?"
Hey, it's her new boyfriend. I did not know he went to this school too. He walked over to join us, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. I always noticed him from a distance or sitting down but he is really tall. "You don't go here."
"Why did I have to run into you?"
"Hidori." She could be nice to her boyfriend.
He brushed her off, "hello Takahashi. I am Shinnosuke Todo but Shiima likes to call me Shino. I see you a lot at the cafe."
"Your name is too long."
"Nice to finally meet you."
"Same to you."
"Go to class."
"I'm on lunch. Were you guys also heading to the lunchroom?"
"N-," "Yes."
"Misaki, that's against the rules. And you brought our lunch."
How could she pass this up? She cannot stop her life just because of me. "So? He can get his food and come eat with us."
"Are you worried about the baby?" Hidori growled. "Not like I care that much! I am not one to listen to gossip. I can get my lunch and meet you outside."
"Ok, we eat at the lunch benches by the cafeteria."
As we headed that way it was fun to watch the two interact. I can see why Hiromi says these two were good for each other. Any hurtful comments Hidori sends his way he ignores. He even returns it at times. It is rare for someone to make Hidori speechless. We split up outside the cafeteria, Hidori and I sitting down. He joined us a few minutes later with a tray.
I ate lunch in silence, watching the two. "Stop staring."
"Make me."
"You think Usami-sensei is doing the press conference now?"
I shrugged, "Isaka said it would start around this time."
"Better hurry if he wants to pick you up on time." Even if it started late I am sure Usagi would still leave.
Time passed as we finished eating. "I have to go soon but Shiima, can I talk to you real quick." He motioned away from the table.
"Why can't we talk here?"
"Go." I kicked her. She really cannot read any moods. "You can still see me." She made a motion with her fingers, pointing to her eyes and then at me. The two got up and moved a few feet away. Hidori looked my way before the two started talking. Probably wanted to ask her out on another date. My best friend was growing up.
I felt the bench shake and turned to see Yui. "Hi Takahashi, I wondered when I was going to see you." Next to her sat Haruki and another girl I remembered from their club. I think her name was Ada or Taeko.
"Yeah, how was your summer?"
"Pretty uneventful, stayed with some family in Nagasaki. Not as interesting as yours I heard."
My hands slid down to my stomach. "Um, yeah?"
"You seem too innocent." Sakura said.
"It's always the innocent ones you have to look out for." Haruki sneered.
Yui rolled her eyes, "enough you two. I didn't bring you guys along to mess with her. She probably has a lot on her plate already."
"Oh yeah. With this baby she is sure to have everything now." I did not want to hear from her, not after hearing her past. "Why are you even in college if you were just going to get pregnant? Once the baby is born you are going to have to take care of it anyway."
"Um, I know I want to work."
"And leave your child with someone else to raise it? Already sounds like a terrible mother."
A hand slammed down from behind. "That is none of your business." Hidori returned, Shino still next to her. I could smell her perfume from her arm. "If you have nothing smart to say then move along."
"Excuse me? Do you even go to this school?"
"Thank god I don't, otherwise I would have some idiots for classmates."
"Hidori."
I grew fearful as Haruki stood up. She talks tough but Hidori was no good when it came to physical fighting. Not that I wanted anything to happen. I went to stand up when a hand was placed on Haruki's shoulder. "Should you seriously be fighting in the middle of the day? We are in college, not high school." Sumi-senpai said.
Haruki puffed out some hair. "She started it."
"What I saw was you antagonizing them. Leave Takahashi alone. Not all people around money end up like your dad." Ouch. He might as well as had hit her with the look on her face.
"Let's go Haruki." Yui stood up and grabbed her arm. "Sorry Takahashi." Haruki opened her mouth but Yui was dragging her and the other girl away. Sumi sighed, "sorry, some girls have nothing better to do with their lives."
"...Thank you." This was a little awkward. I have not spoken to senpai after that day.
He smiled. "The least I could do. I have not been the greatest friend myself."
"Ya think?"
"Hidori."
Senpai laughed, "I know and I am truly sorry. I heard about the news and wanted to say congratulations. Planned or not, a child is not something people should use to put people down."
"Thank you senpai."
"Misaki, you're next class is going to start soon." Oh crap, I was not even checking the time.
"Thank you again senpai." We turned to leave.
"Oh Shiima, you never replied to my text."
I stopped walking, looking to Hidori. Her face was turning red as she turned back. "Because I don't want to talk to you!"
"You two are talking?" She didn't tell me this.
"No I swear. I sent him one text and he kept bothering me since!"
"We had a pleasant conversation last week. How else did I know you were here."
"No we didn't! I was warning you to stay away!"
"So you tell someone you want to stay away from the location of where you will be eating?"
"Not like that!" Well nice to know my best friend is keeping secrets yet again. And Shino did not seem very happy about the information either. She looked at him with the same fear. Serves her right. She had a lot of explaining to do later. "Come on Misaki, class time." She pushed me away from the table.
Class went by quickly and soon it was over. No one mentioned anything about my pregnancy. Lunch was just a bad memory. "All done?" Hidori asked as I exited.
I nodded. Usagi already texted me he was outside. "How was school?"
Can I get in the car first? "How was your conference?"
"My question first."
"It was fine."
"Did anything happen?"
"Nope." I glanced at Hidori. We already discussed that we would not tell him about lunch. She better keep that promise.
"Really? Shiima?"
She sighed, "A bunch of nosy people, but no, nothing big."
"Hm." If he did not believe us he still did not push it. "So? Conference?"
"Awful." Oh no, did they criticize him? Is this going to affect his work? Were people upset with him? "The woman kept asking me details about the baby and if my next project were children's books. Leave it to Isaka to say that it was in the process so now he wants me to think of a fucking children's story idea to try. I don't know what to write for brats."
I sighed, so that's all. "Was that all?"
At a red light he turned to me, grabbing my hand to kiss it. "I told you everything would be fine. People commented on our age but I held firm that our relationship had nothing to do with age or status. I love you for you."
Usagi. "I'm going to barf."
"Good thing we are at your place. Get out."
"Rude! I will see you later Misaki."
"Thank you Hidori." She is such a great friend.
She smiled, "Of course." I watched her get out and walk to her front door before Usagi sped away.
"We should do something nice for her."
"I can think of something nice you can do for me."
"Pervert." He laughed but said nothing else for the rest of the drive. I heard the phone going off when we entered the home. "Don't answer." Probably Aikawa. Which means my phone should be going off soon.
"AKIHIKO! ANSWER YOUR PHONE!" The door pushed open as Aikawa and Isaka ran in. Deja vu?
"Give me my key back."
"How was school Misaki?" Aikawa grabbed my arm and dragged me to the couch. "No one mess with you?"
"No. Few people were talking but Hidori was quick to yell at them."
"I am glad. The press conference was a success, even though Sensei left before we were finished."
"I did my interview and took pictures, there was no reason for me to stay."
"You could have stayed to talk about your new work."
"I was there for one reason only. No reason for anything else."
"Do your work Usagi."
"I do." He sat next to me. "Why are you two here?"
"Work, why else? You would not believe the requests I got about your next projects. So many people are wondering if your stories are going to feature more children in them now."
"My work is going to stay the same. I am not changing anything to appeal to others."
"But sensei, think how much more of an audience you can reach out if you write a children's book."
"You barely write a children's book! Most of those stories are drawings. Like those stupid cartoons Misaki reads."
"They are mangas Usagi! And I like them!"
"I still say it's pointless."
"SENSEI!"
They finally left after more arguing. It ended with Isaka telling Usagi to be prepared. He did not seem very happy. "A children's book would be nice." I thought out loud during dinner.
"How so?"
I shrugged, "I was just imagining you reading a story you wrote dedicated to our daughter. It's a nice image."
He smiled "Hm, where are you in this fantasy?"
"Watching from afar."
"And I thought you would say falling in love with me more."
"You're so full of yourself."
Sorry for the hiatus, I'm still working on this.
I will be speeding this along though
So next chapter:
Let's meet the little girl.
"FUCK OFF!" I screamed loud enough to wake up our neighbors, waddling down the stairs as fast as I could. I hate being pregnant. I was already at 39 weeks. My stomach looked the size of a beach ball. My legs were a lot larger. I had already gone three times today and could feel a fourth time coming. I had stretch marks along the sides of my stomach. My back hurt, walking was tiring, and my short fuse was cut down by half.
Again. I hate being pregnant.
And I hate Usagi.
Well no, that's a lie, I could never hate him, but I hate that he doesn't have to go through this. Instead, he feels my wrath. That whole trying to get sex out of the way, never happened. The doctor was right that I would no be into it and I am sure Usagi lost all interest as well. He learned to stay away from me most of the day, staying in his study. Aikawa mentioned this was the first time he has met so many deadlines. Glad my anguish is giving him a career boost.
I don't like the separation but it seems anything he does annoys the crap out of me, more than usual. We got into an argument for a good fifteen minutes because he said my shirt looked too tight. I made my way to the kitchen to start cleaning the counters. He tried to tell me not to clean but I reminded him the last time I listened to him and did nothing for a day. That led to another fight.
And the doctor's appointment! I started going about once a week for the last month. They were annoying. Usagi did most of the talking because I was ready to snap each time the doctor spoke.
When is this baby supposed to come? She gave me a false alarm two weeks ago. The cramps were so painful but when we got to the hospital they said I was not ready. Fucking tease.
When I was done cleaning I sat on the couch and checked my phone. There was a text from Hidori and my brother, telling me that I am on their mind. I have not been talking to them much these past few weeks, bad enough Usagi has to deal with me. I did snap at Hidori when she asked if I should be eating a lot of sweets as I was trying to eat a slice of cake. Another argument.
I hated arguing, especially with the ones I love. I hated what this little girl was doing to me.
I did not realize I fell asleep until I woke up with my head in Usagi's lap. He was reading something. "Usagi?"
"Yes?" He looked down at me.
"What time is it?"
"Barely 5, you can sleep more."
"I hate sleeping." I hate everything.
He chuckled, kissing my forehead. At least that was one thing I did not get angry about. I always welcomed a kiss from Usagi. "I'm tired."
"I told you to go to sleep."
"No, I'm tired of feeling like this."
He nodded, "Just a few more weeks. The doctor said you should be good to go any day."
"I want it to be now!"
"It seems she has her own agenda."
"Of course she does, with you as the father." He laughed again. "I am sorry for my genes then."
"No, don't be sorry." I sat up, only to lean my head on his chest. He put down whatever those papers were to wrap his arms around me. "I don't like feeling like this. I don't like being mean."
"You are not mean, you are experiencing new emotions. I read it is normal for mood swings around this time."
"Still does not excuse my behavior."
"I think it does." He kissed my forehead again.
"I just don't want you to hate me."
This time he kissed my lips. "I could never hate you Misaki. In a way this is my punishment, since I put you through this."
"You did huh? I guess I can blame you for everything then. It is always your fault."
"Always." We kissed again when his phone went off.
"Hello?"
"Usagi! How is Misaki?" I heard nii-chan's voice. I turned when I tensed as a cramp hit me. These are worse than my periods.
"She is doing fine. She is right here if you want to talk to her?"
"If you don't mind."
He passed the phone to me. "Hi nii-chan." Another cramp.
"Misaki! Are you alright? You did not answer my text."
"I'm as fine as I'll ever be." Usagi rubbed my arm. I guess I was being mean again. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be! I remember our mom giving dad a hard time when she was pregnant with you." I heard him laugh. "Manami and I have a day off tomorrow and wanted to see if we could come over for dinner. Manami wanted to cook something for you."
"Yeah, that sounds great." I gasped as another hit, this worse than the others.
"Misaki?"
"Great! Does six o'clock sound good?"
"Ye…" Another cramp.
"Misaki!" Usagi turned me over. I tried to catch my breath. "Misaki?"
"What's going on?" Usagi took the phone from me. "Hold on Takahiro. Misaki, what's wrong."
I gasped out again. "Cramps." Another hit when I felt my bottom wet. Both Usagi and I looked down at the puddle of water dripping on the sofa and onto the floor. We looked back up at each other.
"Was that my water?"
"MISAKI!"
"She's coming."
