Chapter 35
Mai made it through another grueling week of school.
It seemed like the weeks were only getting more and more difficult, but Mai was determined to keep moving forward. After her heart-to-heart chat with Naru, they went back to the office for a couple minutes so that her boss could bring the remainder of his work home to make up for lost time.
Consequently, both Monk and Ayako were in the office upon their arrival and got an eye full of Mai's swollen face. Needless to say, the priestess was absolutely furious as Mai detailed just how she'd gotten the bruise. Monk called her school and set up an appointment with Gigi's parents, much to Mai's embarrassment, which had actually gone pretty well.
Gigi's parents were actually very kind people and apologized for their daughter's behavior, but she was suspended anyway. Today was Friday and it would be a breath of fresh air to have the weekend so close.
'I never thought that this week would end. Between awkwardness at school with everyone gossiping about me again over this whole thing with Gigi, and the weirdness at work with everyone acting like their keeping something from me the entire week I've about had it. I just want to relax in my bed and do nothing.' Mai silently wished exiting the school alone.
The car screeched to a halt in front of the school building causing all the students to turn and look at the bright red BMW that pulled in front of the sidewalk. Out came none other than the flame-haired doctor who sauntered out of her car and right over to Mai.
"Hey honey! I came to pick you up from school today since Naru is busy with another matter. How was your day?" She asked kissing her on her forehead and giving her a big hug.
"The best thing about school today is that it's over. Let's go. I don't need people making up any more rumors about me." Mai said rubbing her forehead, knowing that the miko's red lips stick must have left a mark. Ayako followed Mai back toward her car, but not before questioning what exactly the rumors were.
"Apparently, Naru's my sugar daddy, I slept with Hojo from the baseball team and am now pregnant, and I'm pretty sure people think that I'm a host girl at some bar. There are even some new more outlandish rumors I don't dare repeat, but I'm more than positive its Gigi's friends spreading all these stupid lies." Mai replied throwing her bag into the back seat and buckling her seat belt.
Ayako turned the car on and left the curb quickly causing Mai to hold onto her seat for dear life.
"That tramp and her little sidekicks are going to get what's coming to them trust me! Either karma will right itself or I'll march right into your school and get that place shut down if the situation doesn't improve. Just say the word Mai and I'll give that little two cent broad a piece of my mind. She's lucky that I don't get her father fired from my families' hospital because-"Ayako began ranting and suddenly stopped herself and took a deep breath.
"Are you calm now?" Mai asked observing the woman's sudden breathing pattern changing.
"Yes. I am calm. Monk and his stupid breathing exercises he makes me do when I get like this. Don't tell him I said this, but they really do work." Ayako said with a hint of annoyance still in her voice. Mai pretended to zip her lips and that action seemed to satisfy her driver.
"I don't mean to get so upset Mai, but I just really care about you. You always seem to be getting the shit end of life, and I don't understand how. You are such a kind and sweet girl and it pisses me off to know that people don't treat you like you deserve to be treated." Ayako explained with a deep sigh and Mai felt her insides warmed as she remembered how much Ayako always did look out for her.
'How can she still say that when I've been so terrible to her?' Mai thought as a rush of melancholy changed her mood.
"Umm… Ayako, I've been meaning to talk to you, but with the crazy schedule that I've been on lately; the only people I've been seeing much of were Yasu, Lin, and Naru." Mai said rubbing her arm nervously.
"What about?" Ayako said her voice turning curious.
"I just never got to chance to apologize to you about the entire fiasco on the last case. I know that…I've been a handful …an-and even an awful friend to all of you. Especially when you all do so much to make sure that I have a comfortable life and opportunities to be happy. I'm really sorry Ayako for being such an idiot." Mai said earnestly to her companion and Ayako smiled.
Even with the positive reaction Mai's hands gripped tightly on the hem of her school skirt.
"Why, thank you Mai. That means a lot to me that you'd apologize, but I also understand the pressures you've been under too. Besides we all do these things for you because we care about you and want you to be happy. You're our little Mai and we've seen you grow up so much in only two years. You've become a young lady and we have to also allow you the room to grow into whoever you want to be." Ayako responded as she pulled in front the SPR building.
Mai unbuckled her seat belt and hugged Ayako with all her might, surprising her with the sudden movement. Ayako laughed lightly and hugged her back.
"Come on Mai. Let's go in. I don't think Naru is back yet." Ayako said taking her turn to intrigue Mai's curiosity. Mai only nodded slowly as she looked up to the steps to the office with the priestess leading the way.
"Hey guys we're back." Ayako announced. Mai walked into the office and noticed that everyone was present, but paused when she saw some familiar silky black hair. She sat between John and Yasuhara and across from Monk. She was happy she decided to cover up her bruise with a bit of makeup so the others wouldn't ask her about it.
"MASAKO!" Mai yelled and ran over to hug the girl. Masako placed her tea down gently and accepted Mai's affection.
"Hello Mai. How are you?" She asked smiling softly.
The question caused Mai to pause briefly since they hadn't seen one another since the case where her dreams had been invaded. She looked around quickly to try and assess if anyone had told her about the past couple weeks, and they all seemed to be waiting on her response to Masako since she was taking so long creating an awkward pause.
'I'd better just play it safe and keep the conversation light.' Mai thought and sighed.
"I've been fine, but I'm so happy to see you here? Did you finish your filming?" Mai asked excitedly taking a seat on the couch opposite her with Monk and Ayako.
"No, the filming isn't finished, but a large bulk of it is completed, therefore I'm allowed a bit of time off. Are you free this weekend?" Masako asked curiously.
"Umm… It depends on how the rest of today goes. Naru is supposedly going to the airport to pick up a guest of some sort, which at first, I thought was you, but his car isn't here. Do you think it's a client?" Mai questioned noticing his office door was slightly ajar meaning that he wasn't inside.
It was Masako's turn to ponder her response since she was told exactly who would be visiting the office today, but the aggressive head shake that she was receiving from Monk currently was very off-putting.
'So she isn't supposed to know about our guest. Interesting. Why are all these people so focused on keeping secrets from one another? How irritating.' Masako thought briefly before shrugging her shoulder in Mai's direction.
"Well is there anything you had I mind if I can get the rest of the day off?" Mai asked remembering how much fun they had at the amusement park.
"There's this spa a client gave me tickets to, but there isn't an expiration date on them so it doesn't matter when we go." Masako replied smiling as Mai's expression changed into an excited one.
"Wow! Are you serious?! I've never been to one of those before!" Mai said jumping up and hugging the medium. Ayako huffed and filled her nails, clearly a bit jealous that the invitation wasn't extended her way.
"Mai, you're growing into a woman, and therefore you need to participate in more feminine activities. You have to start taking care of your looks at a young age or you'll lose them." Masako said allowing her eyes to trail mischievously in the priestess' direction.
'That little floosy! I will break that porcelain mug of hers!" Ayako thought and blushed, but pretended not to notice and drank her tea.
"Hey. I can't help it if I'm poor Masako, and besides, we're the same age! How can you tell me about being a woman?!" Mai said sarcastically and Masako waggled her finger haughtily.
"Oh, sweet little Mai. I'll tell you another time. Anyway, how has school been? Yasuhara informed me you're becoming quite the student in the past couple months. Perfect timing for entrance exams." Masako replied changing the subject completely, but Mai decided not to push the topic.
"Yes, but I'm not even sure if I'm cut out for college. Everyone just keeps telling me that it's what's best for me. Other than that, I supposed school is going pretty well." Mai admitted wrinkling her skirt with tense hands again.
"I see. Everyone else's opinions aside, do you want to go to college?" Masako queried inquisitively. Mai let her eyes rise to meet her other team members briefly before falling back into her lap.
"Well, my mother never went to college because she couldn't afford it so it was always a dream for her… and she wanted me to go too…." Mai let her thoughts trail as she tried to form some strong reasoning but everything alluded her.
"I repeat. Everyone else's opinions aside, what do you want to do? "Masako said her stare becoming more direct and intense.
'My God. No wonder she fell in love with Naru. Their exactly like one another.' Mai thought briefly before returning to her train of thought.
"I do want to go to college. I want a future for myself of my own choosing and that is the best way I know how." Mai finally said and her friend seems satisfied with the answer.
"Good." Was all Masako said and sipped her tea.
"John, how are you? It seems I only get to see you on cases these days. Your arm seems to have healed nicely after the museum case?" Mai greeted the priest who gave her a quaint smile.
"I'm fine mate, but I must admit the church has been a handful as of late. A nearby orphanage closed due to underfunding so we have recently taken on a few more children. Adjusting has been difficult, but I'm sure things will work out." John replied with a smile.
"John, you really are a saint. Do you even have a bad bone in you? "Monk asked amazed at the young man.
"I know and you're so good looking to boot. If you weren't a priest, you'd give my Monky-poo a run for his money." Yasu said blowing him a kiss and Mai laughed at the blonde's blushing face. Ayako rolled her eyes at the antics and reached for her compact mirror within her purse.
"Hey Mai, I think Naru is back. You should go boil some water before he gets all grumpy." Monk said peeping out the window of the office happy to change the subject.
"Crap." Mai mumbled as she rushed into the kitchen.
'With so many people here, this much water might take some time to boil.' Mai thought as she prepared nine cups for everyone including the mystery guest. She heard the office door open with the sound of their bell. Mai could hear everyone greeting the client that seemed to be a woman, and before too long the kettle was singing. Mai carefully shared out all of the tea onto the serving tray, but heard footsteps enter the kitchen before she finished.
"I'm almost done relax." Mai said aloud to the anonymous guest.
"I was just making sure you made enough. I know you have trouble counting with that thick skull of yours. "Naru said reaching around her to grab a cup from the tray.
"HEY! If everyone else has to wait so do you!" Mai replied attempting to slap his hand, but he was too quick.
"Hurry up Mai." He said as he left the kitchen and Mai huffed loudly in frustration and mumbled under her breath. She quickly changed her expression, not wanting to give a bad first impression to her guest.
When Mai exited the kitchen, she noticed that John had given up his seat and pulled around her office chair to make room for their guest. It was an older woman with a single streak of grey in her jet-black hair. It was worn down and cascaded around her and her eyes were a warm brown. Upon realization, Mai nearly dropped the tray from her hands which she ungracefully rested onto the coffee table.
"Hello Mai." The familiar figure said with a warm smile and stood up to greet her.
"S-Sensei! Ho-" Mai called out and bowed her head immediately in respect and allowed her hair to fall around her.
"Come come now Mai. You are a young woman. Now greet me properly." She waved inwardly and Mai rose up with her eyes tearing up. She ran into her arms with great haste and held onto her tightly. Her teacher kissed her on the top of her head and hugged her back just as tightly. She tried to separate from the hug, but Mai wouldn't let her in hopes of hiding her tears.
'Teacher still smells like fresh picked flowers.' Was a passing thought from Mai.
"Alright, now Mai. Pull yourself together and introduce me to your friends properly." Sensei said as she gently rubbed her back and Mai released the woman and wiped her eyes.
"Yes Ma'am. I just was so surprised. H-How did you get here? Did Naru pick you up?" Mai asked rubbed her eyes, trying to stop the steady flow of tears.
"Stop crying Mai. Introductions now. Explanation later." Her teacher repeated and Mai nodded.
"Sensei this Masako Hara, John Brown, Ayako Matsuzaki, Houshou Takigawa, Yasuhara Osamu, and the guy who drove you here was…Kazuya Shibuya, but I'm sure you two spoke. There is also Lin Koujo, but he is most likely in his office working right now. Everyone this is my Sensei Sango Kazaana my teacher. She took me in after my mother passed away." Mai introduced unable to shake off her dumbfounded expression.
She noticed Naru was leaning up against his office door observing the entire scene.
"You look so much like your mother. You've grown so much and become so beautiful. I hope you've been behaving because you're never too old for me to spank you!" Sango said and smacked her on the butt. Monk and Yasu let out hearty laughter and Mai blushed and cover her butt cheeks with her hands.
"Sensei please, not in front of my coworkers. I'll never hear the end of it." Mai begged inching away.
"Well, that's too bad because I've brought photo albums and sake to share with everyone to break the ice." She said with a devilish grin and put the young girl into a headlock to ruffle her hair.
"UGHHHHH! Sensei, you've only been here for five minutes and you're already embarrassing me! Besides, there's no way my boss will close the office or let us drink here." Mai said looking at Naru pleadingly who smirked at her.
"Yasuhara, please change the sign on the door. We are closed for the rest of the day." Naru said before slipping into his office. Mai's mouth was left agape as she was dragged to her seat on the couch with the rest of the team.
"Photo albums? You're not going anywhere Mai!" Ayako said excitedly as they all crowded around.
"At least let me bring Lin his tea." Mai said, but Yasu grabbed it and pranced over to their coworker's office. Everyone grabbed their teacups from the tray and Masako returned it to the kitchen to make room for the pictures.
"This is from the day Mai was born and this is her mother holding her. You were such a quiet baby." Sango said pointing to the picture of the red-cheeked infant.
"And this is after Mai got in a fight with a boy two years older than her at school. My oldest son had to go give the boy a piece of his mind, and that never happened again." This time Sango pointed out a picture with young Mai sporting a black eye and smiling missing a tooth.
"Aww look at this one! Little Mai is in a kimono!" Ayako pointed at Mai next to three boys also dressed in traditional garb, and she was holding up a lantern.
"Yes, those boys are my three sons. At my dojo was have opening days where we give historical tours to guests to get more funding. I'm nearly positive you ripped that kimono after you fell out of the tree in the back." Sango nudged Mai's arm and laughed.
"This one is of me and your mom when we were in high school. My goodness, we were so young and stupid back then." Sango said and laugh at the two young girls grinning in the photo.
"Mai, look at this one. You've got traditional makeup on!" Masako pointed out and with a preteen Mai wearing another kimono.
"Yeah, I tried to put Mai in some dance classes, but the other girls weren't that nice to her and she begged me to pull her from the class." Sango said and sighed.
"The other girls didn't like me because I was too clumsy and I made everyone else look bad. They were right to dislike me, I sucked." Mai said laughing and admiring the photo.
"You were new and you were trying! I was so devastated too because you looked so cute in your kimono." Sango said admiring the picture for a moment before turning the page.
"I'm surprised that you never took up anything at the dojo instead of dance Mai." Yasu asked perceptively.
"I wanted you to teach me in the dojo, but you never wanted too." Mai said crossing her arms with a pointed glance at her sensei.
"You know my rules young lady. I don't teach people who want to fight; I teach those who want to learn. And I'm sure your friends are realizing all you wanted to do was fight all the time. Imagine if I did teach you I can only imagine what a terror you'd have been." Sango pointed out and Mai sighed. Sango reached over and pinched her cheek and Mai yelped.
"Your mom always wanted you to be a dancer too. She was always so artistic. She could dance, sing, act, draw, write music, and everything else like that. Your father always wanted her to be more practical instead, and that's how she started working at that grocery store. She…. You know what… this is a story for another time. How are you, Mai?" Sango asked running her hands through Mai's hair.
"I'm doing…alright, I guess. Just a lot of pressure at school and things like that. You still haven't told me about how this whole visit came to be?" Mai said look suspiciously around the room noticing how Ayako starting filling her nails, Masako covered her face with her kimono, John opened his pocket bible, and Monk and Yasu just outright started whistling.
"Wow, none of this is suspicious at all." Mai thought as she rolled her eyes at her teammates and looked back at her teacher. Sango placed her hand on her knee and squeezed.
"Why don't we take a walk?" Sango said and stood up stretching and Mai furrowed her brows and squinted at her "friends". Suddenly it all made perfect sense, but Mai was unsure about the tone of the visit still.
"Oh. I see now." As all Mai said before she rose sparing them all one last glance.
"Are they tired of me? Or are they worried? They probably don't want to deal with my moody behavior anymore." Mai thought a bit hurt but followed her none the less.
"Feel free to enjoy the pictures and boos while we're out." Sango called back as they left the building.
They walked for a bit until Mai noticed the tea shop where they always got their orders from and pointed it out to Sango. She agreed that it would suit their purposes and they entered the door with a ring.
Today it seemed that Nigel was in the front and waved to her and Mai nodded back. She made a mental note to pick up their latest order before she left. They chose a booth in the back, and Mai couldn't help the déjà vu from her heart to heart with Naru just yesterday.
"So you've already heard about Keiko, huh?" Mai said getting right to the point and sighing. Her teacher wasn't one to be caught off guard so easily though.
"Yes. You may not have known this, but when you moved out, I gave your friend Michiru my number just in case you weren't mourning well after your mother passed or if something bad ever happened to you. She must have handed it over to that gloomy young man that picked me up from the airport. I believe I spoke with both him and the so-called Monk with the long hair." She informed and Mai began to put the pieces together in her head.
"When did they call you?" Mai asked.
"About two weeks ago. Honestly, I would have been here sooner, but I can't just up and leave the dojo without leaving lesson plans and informing my students and my boys ahead of time." Sango said her eyes trained on Mai's.
"I see. They must not trust me anymore. Do they want me to go back with you?" Mai said her face wearing a hollow smirk.
"Mai, of course not. Now listen up. You've been through more than most people will have to face in their lifetime. You've got to allow yourself to feel or the despair will eat you up. I know it hurts to open up after losing people close to you, but it's the only way you can heal. I'm sure that your friends know that and want to do what they can to help, but unless you are willing to move forward nothing can change. I'm sure if they did not trust you, they would have given up on you and I would not be here to cheer you up." Sango stated smiling warmly.
'I want to move forward, but Kasai… how can I when I still don't have answers…?" Mai thought instantly and was suddenly tempted to let some of her burden off of her chest.
"There is something I must resolve before I can move on. All I'm asking for is time. I hear you, sensei, I just… I just need to be sure and then I can move on. Please know I'm trying, but…" Mai grabbed a napkin off the table and began to fold it as a distraction.
"The nature of your friend's demise is most likely the cause of your apprehension. When I was informed about it, I also found it quite odd, to say the least." Sango said and Mai's faced brightened up a bit.
'So she agrees then.' Mai thought and received some peace of mind.
"Yes. They circumstances were. I just need to make sure she can rest in peace. I don't want her spirit to linger or hurt because I've turned a blind eye. I just need to know the facts." Mai said sighing heavily and let her head fall back with a thump on the back cushion of the booth. She allowed deep sigh to pass through her to ease the rising tension within her body.
"I understand then. I will only be here for the next four days then I'll have to return to the dojo, but until then I will help you find the answers that you seek." Sango shared and crossing her arms and leaning back, relaxing a bit more herself.
"No I couldn-" Mai began before her teacher slammed her fist down making her jump.
"You will! Once we've gotten to the bottom of this and I have left you must vow to let this go and move forward. I cannot allow you to run yourself into despair and depression again while I still have breath left in me. I vowed this to your mother and I will continue to watch over you. Have I made myself clear?" Sango said in a stern voice that reminded Mai just how she made it out of her depression in middle school.
'It's hard to reason with her when she's all fired up like this.' Mai thought and straightened up within her seat.
"Yes. I understand." Mai said and settled the matter with a firm nod.
Once they returned to the office the others had nearly finished the two bottles that were left behind.
Mai walked back into the kitchen to rest their latest tea delivery into the cabinets, and make a fresh round of tea to sober everyone up. Naru and Lin were still locked up in their respective offices and Mai didn't have the heart to bother them even though it was getting a bit late on a Friday night. Once Mai arrived back, she noticed that everyone was still greedily eyeing the photo albums.
"You guys are still looking through those?" Mai asked jokingly replacing everyone's cups with fresh ones.
"Well, Sango said that if it was okay with you, we'd be able to keep some of the photos of you. We were just choosing." Yasu said as he held up a picture of her naked in the bathtub around 5. Mai was quick to snatch it away from him and wag her fingers.
Thankfully the bubbles covered her up, but the photo still embarrassed her.
"I don't mind, but not that one you pervert," Mai said rolling her eyes before placing it into her skirt pocket and picking up the trays to deliver the rest of the tea. She opted for Lin first since she wanted to speak with Naru.
Knock knock knock
"Come in." Lin said and Mai entered cautiously not to disturb him.
"Good evening Lin. Would you like some tea?" Mai asked and he nodded. Mai went to place it on his desk when Yasu burst into the door.
"Lin, Mai's teacher is allowing us to keep some pictures of Mai from her photo album. I'll give you a choice between little Mai in the school play as a raccoon dog or the picture of her naked in a bubble bath." Yasu said with a serious expression and Mai elbowed him with her free hand.
'Crap it must have fallen out of my pocket.' Noting the reoccurring bubble bath photo. She glared at it hoping it would burst into flames and disappear.
"Leave him alone Yasu. He's trying to work. " Mai shooed but was surprised when Lin reached forward and examined them both.
"I'll take them both." Was all he said as he returned to typing meaning the duo was dismissed.
"Lin, you naughty boy." Yasu said and Mai blushed and pushed him out.
"Sit your butt down Yasu!" Mai said shooing him away before knocking on Naru's door, but there was no reply meaning that it was okay to come in. Yasu tried to enter once again, but Mai pushed him out and locked the door behind her.
Huffing she turned to address her boss who rose an eyebrow at her questionable entrance.
"Would you like some tea Naru?" Mai asked as she straightened her appearance.
He nodded and Mai placed it down taking his other cup. Then she took a seat across from him. Mai let her eyes wander around the office that she'd been in many times, but never took the time to see. She looked at the multitude of book titles that he possessed, and she wasn't too surprised to even see his own titles among them. He also had a window, but the shade was always down giving the office a dim look. Of course, there was the lamp on his desk which shone in a warm yellow light over his documents.
There was little decoration to be seen, but the place did have a feeling too it. Finally, her eyes fell on her boss. He truly was handsome she had to admit, but he could be so of putting. She noted the lightest hints of stubble on his chin and how sharp his jawline was.
After a few moments of silence, he rose to meet Mai's uninterrupted gaze but said nothing.
"You called my teacher." Mai stared leveling her gaze at him and only lowering it to sigh and look away.
"And." Was all he said.
"And you did so in hopes I would rise from the downward spiral caused by consecutive misfortunes in my life." Mai said again.
"Mai. You are stating facts that we both know. If you're hoping I can make sense of this perhaps you should just get to the point." He said putting the article he was reading down and giving her his full attention.
"I was actually going to thank you for bringing her here to surprise me, but you've been so pissy these last few moments I don't even want to say it. How's that for a point?" Mai relayed stormily and Naru seemed a bit surprised for a moment but smirked, all the same, making her face heat up.
"But you will anyway." He said causing Mai to scoff.
"You really are such a narcissistic ass. I'd love to know what bitter recipe created you." Mai sighed and rose up from her seat and approached him.
"Come on. You can fabricate a better notion of appreciation than that." Naru challenged and raised an eyebrow toward the brunette standing over him.
"I was going to say that even though you pretend to have a scaly scrooge like exterior you're actually a sweet gentleman who took me in and gave me a great job, great friends, and great family. I wanted to say that I am forever in debt to all the help you've given me and all the things you've taught me. And if you weren't such a prick, I was going to tell you how glad I was that I met you and how happy I was when you came back from England. But I would never tell you that you jerk!" Mai said and pointed her finger in his chest which he promptly grabbed and rose to meet her.
"Then don't tell me." Naru said and closed the distance between them and kissed her.
Hey readers. Here's the latest. I will hopefully be graduating with my degree in the next three weeks so they can explain this summer pretty well. Rate and review and I'll get the next one too you as soon as I can. There are only a few chapter left now so tune in!