CHAPTER 5 – SHATTERED REUNION
"YUUUUU!" Miki let out a blood curtling scream as she sat up in bed, tears pouring down her cheeks. She put her face in her hands and cried, then realized suddenly that she wasn't in her own bed. She looked up slowly, and around at the whitewashed walls, the table covered with assorted flowers next to her, and the open window with a light breeze blowing through the pale pink curtains.
"Wh-where?" She held her breath and wiped away her tears, no sooner did a nurse come bursting in through the door. Miki looked up at her in shock.
"A miracle!" Cried the nurse, she ran out of the door and down the hallway calling for a doctor.
Miki blinked a few times, then looked in front of her and froze in shock.
"Is, that me?" She thought as she stared into the mirror straight in front of her. She was even thinner than before, her skin pale from not seeing the sun. But the thing that shocked her was that her shiny reddish-brown hair had grown all the way down past her chest, her bangs down to her chin.
"What happened to me?" She put her hand up to touch her hair gingerly. "My hair?"
A doctor in a white coat walked in the door hurriedly speaking with the nurse who'd just burst in the door a moment ago.
"Miss Koshikawa," the doctor said with a wide grin spread across his face. "Welcome back!"
Miki sat puzzled, who were these people? Where was Yuu? Where were her parents? WHERE WAS SHE?"
The doctor quickly took her pulse and temperature, her heart rate was normal.
"Do you have any feelings of dizziness? How many fingers am I holding up?" he asked her.
"Not really, you're holding up 4 fingers." Said Miki.
"What are the names of your family members?"
"Jin, Rumi, Youji-papa, Chiyako-mama, and Yuu." Said Miki. She bit her lip, she wanted to see Yuu.
"Very good! Where do you go to school?"
"Toryo University." Said Miki.
The doctor looked at the nurse and nodded approvingly, the nurse jotted down a few notes and left the room.
He leaned down and smiled a Miki. "The nurse is just going to go and call your family, they should be here very soon."
"Umm... I don't want to be rude, but where am I? What happened to me?" Miki asked him. She twiddled her fingers, looking about her uneasily.
"This is Tokyo Central Hospital. You've been in a coma young lady," the doctor stated flatly. "We've been monitoring you, and watching over you for these past 3 and a half years.
Miki's breath caught in her throat. "Th-Three and a half years?" She managed to choak out. "What do you mean? How can that be? Three and a half years?" She felt very tired again suddenly, and her heart began to beat faster. Her whole body tensed with anxiety. "How did I get into a coma?"
The doctor smiled at her, "I'm sure you'll remember everything that happened in time. What is the last thing that you remember?"
Miki forced back the tears and concentrated, closing her eyes. She saw a picture of Yuu's face, and the beachside of New York.
"T-thank you." She said shakily.
"I should have known that a clumsy person like you couldn't do something as easy as this!" he said annoyed.
"Ohhh- YUU! If you'd known then why'd you give them to me?" replied Miki peevishly.
Yuu laughed, " I'm just kidding! I'll have to instruct you so that you don't get out of control."
Miki blushed and looked behind them to see the other four friends laughing their heads off. " Y-Yuu, you can put me down now!"
"Of course Hime-sama," he said as he set her in front of him, with his arms still around her waist. " But, I'm not letting you get away from me this time!"
She opened her eyes, the doctor nodded, "Yes, you went out of control, fell down a flight of stairs with your boyfriend, and hit your head badly on the steps. Causing a concussion, and slipped into a coma."
Miki couldn't believe what she was hearing, it had to all be a trick, someone was trying to fool her. Was it April Fools day? Had she REALLY been asleep for three and a half years? She fingered her long hair, which fell around her pale face, at least that was real.
"Are you hungry? You've been fed through an IV ever since the accident. I can imagine you'll be starving!" The doctor asked politely.
"Oh- yeah... thank you. " Miki nodded her head and the doctor left the room. She sat back in her bed and looked over at all the flowers on the bed stand. Every single color and type. She picked up one of the cards and read it.
Best of luck on a quick recovery. We're all here for you Miki..."
Love, Ginta.
Miki smiled and read the next card in another large vase of flowers.
" I'm thinking and praying for you every night Miki, please come back to us! We all miss you very much."
Love, Meiko.
She smiled again, and sorted through the other cards, one from Kei-kun, one from Arimi, Suzu, there were several from Miki's parents, one from Miwa, Ryoko-Sensei and Akira... But she couldn't find one from Yuu. Miki bit her lip puzzled, why didn't he send her anything? She recalled the scary dream she'd been living in for the past three and a half years. She bit her lip uneasilty, It couldn't be true… could it be true? Did Yuu really leave her? Miki felt a sudden emptiness in her heart as she threw the sheets from her bed and stood up. Only to collapse on the ground from a sudden dizzy spell.
"Yuu.." Miki mumbled as she put her hand to her head. "Ohh- Why am I so weak?" She grabbed onto the bedpost for support and lifted herself back onto the bed, looking out of the window in earnest. "I hope that Yuu comes with my family!" she thought, "He should, shouldn't he? Where is he right now? Still in America? What did my dream mean? Why was Anju there with him?" She hugged herself and pulled her legs up against her chest in a ball. "I want to be held by Yuu, I want to snuggle up in his arms. Now it really feels like I haven't been near him for three and a half years."
"MIKI!" her mother burst in the door and wrapped her up in her arms. The other parents piled in all crying for joy, hugging and kissing her, and shouting words of thanks to God.
"Mama! Papa! Chiyako-mama! Youji-papa!" Miki hugged them all tightly. She smiled nervously, tears brimming in her eyes.
After everyone had a chance to hug and kiss her, they all sat around the room with her mother sitting beside her on her bed, holding her tightly and crying.
"My baby is finally awake!" Rumi squeezed Miki tightly.
"Eek! Mama! Leave me room to breathe!" laughed Miki nervously. She looked around the room at the smiling faces, disappointed that Yuu wasn't among them. "Umm… where is Yuu?"
Everyone's face suddenly turned glum. They glanced at each other nervously. Miki felt her heart jump in her chest.
"Is he ok?" she asked. It was suddenly hard to breathe.
"Oh, yes sweetheart, I'm sure Yuu is just fine." Her mother looked at her concerned, taking Miki's hand in hers. "But, it might be better if we waited until you are all recovered before we discuss Yuu.
"What do you mean?" Miki's voice broke, she couldn't control the tears from forming any longer, "Where is Yuu? I want to see him!"
They all looked at each other again, then Youji stood up. "Yuu is still in America, it's a long story Miki, but I'm going to call him right now, so you can talk to him on the phone." He smiled at her warmly. Miki suddenly felt a rush of relief.
"Oh, thank you Youji-papa!" she clasped her hands together tightly.
St. Andrews University
The phone rang once, twice, a third time.
" I'll get it!" Jinny ran out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her hair in a turban. She quickly picked up the receiver. " Hello?"
" Ahh—Ummm.. is Yuu there? This is his father." Youji spoke haltingly in English.
Jinny caught her breath for a moment, but quickly recovered. " Ohhh.. No, he's not here…" She glanced nervously at the refrigerator. "Yuu's living in Hiroshima now."
"Hiroshima?" Youji couldn't contain the outburst. "When?"
Jinny nervously twisted the phone cord around her finger. "Uhhh—he left a few months ago. What's happened?"
"Miki's awake."
"REALLY?" Her heart skipped a beat. "Well, you've got to call Yuu in Hiroshima! I'll give you his number… just a second…" She bolted over to the refrigerator and grabbed the notepaper.
Miki looked up at Youji nervously after he hung up the phone, fingering the piece of notepaper that he'd scribbled the number on. "Well, what about Hiroshima Youji-papa?"
He smiled reassuringly, set the paper next to the phone and patted her on the shoulder. "Yuu has really made a life for himself. He's living in Hiroshima right now. Jinny told me he got a job at an architectural firm there and finishing college."
Miki's eyes grew wide, then saddened. "But, why were you so surprised? He didn't tell you?"
Before Youji could answer, Rumi interrupted with a nervous laugh. "OH! Well, Yuu has been so busy recently! He never takes the time to write or phone home. Anyways, I think we should let you get some sleep! You need to rest up if you're going to go home any time soon!
"But—what about calling Yuu?"
"Oh! Yes—" She looked at Youji nervously. Youji nodded in understanding and picked up the phone just as the doctor entered.
"I'm sorry, I'm going to have to ask everyone to leave now. Miss Koishikawa needs her rest. But you can all come back in the morning!"
Youji put the phone on the hook and nodded with understanding.
"Yes Doctor." It was Jin that spoke up. "When do you think we can take her home?"
"If all goes well, you'll be able to take her home by tomorrow afternoon. I want to run a few tests to make sure everything is ok. Just a double check for brain damage."
"I feel fine." Miki protested. She bit her lip, not wanting to reveal the fact that she'd collapsed the moment she tried to walk. The doctor smiled and tucked his clipboard under his arm.
"Yes, I'm sure you're ready to leave just as soon as you can. But sit tight Miss Koishikawa, you'll be out in no time."
After the parents and doctors left, Miki was finally left alone to her thoughts on Yuu. Why were her parents acting so strange when she mentioned talking to him? Why hadn't he told them he had moved to Hiroshima, and about the new job? He hadn't sent her any flowers or get well notes or anything. It was as if he didn't care about the family anymore.
"He, he wouldn't just abandon the family… he cares about them so much! He wouldn't tell them the secret of his birth for fear their relationship would break down… What's happened?"
"Ooohh!" She finally sat up in bed and turned on the lamp. "I WANT to know!" Her eyes flashed over to the phone and the piece of paper that Youji had left sitting on the table at the far side of the room. Yuu's phone number in Hiroshima! Miki grinned in triumph, she was determined to call him! She threw off the covers and gingerly stepped onto the cold floor. Carefully testing her weight on her unsteady feet as she lifted herself from the bed with her arms. She was able to stand successfully, but it was taking every ounce of strength she could muster. She took one tiny step, then another, then another.
"Step by step." She whispered to herself, summoning up her energy, her determination to talk to Yuu fueling her desire to walk. Halfway through her legs gave out, and she crawled on hands and knees the rest of the way. She used her arms to hoist herself onto the chair and grabbed the phone and the note.
Hiroshima
Anju had just set the kettle to boil and was setting up some mugs to make tea when the phone rung.
"Hello?" She answered after the second ring.
"Ohhh—H—hello?" Miki was a little startled to find a girls voice answering. "Umm—is this Yuu Matsuura's home?"
"Yes, what can I do for you?"
"Ummm—can I please speak to him?"
"Yuu is out right now. Can I take a message? I'll have him call you back." Anju held the phone between her ear and shoulder as she opened the refrigerator, taking out some left over Chinese food.
"Oh, well—do you know when he'll be back?"
"He should be home in about twenty minutes actually. May I ask who's calling?"
"It's… ummm... it's Miki Koishikawa."
Anju suddenly felt faint, she dropped the box of Chinese food and it spilled onto the floor, she grabbed the side of the counter for support. "MIKI! YOU'RE AWAKE?"!
"Huh? Yes. I'm awake." She laughed nervously. The person's voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't pinpoint it. "Who am I talking to?"
"It's Anju!"
"Anju-san?" Miki's heart began to beat faster, and it was suddenly difficult to breath. She remembered the horrible dream and felt dizzy. She had exerted herself too much by walking to the phone. "Anju? You're in Hiroshima too?"
"Yes…" Anju had sat down, her excitement turned quickly to worry, but not for Miki. "So, you've called for Yuu?"
"I can call back in twenty minutes. I'd like to talk to him."
Anju ran her hand through her hair nervously. "Well, I'm sure he'll be surprised to hear you're awake." She bit back the tears which where burning her eyes. "He'll want to see you, I'm sure of it."
Miki smiled. "Well, ok. I'll call back later. Bye!"
"Goodbye, Miki-san!"
Anju hung up the phone and sat with her hands folded in her lap, staring at the ground. Miki was awake… Yuu would want to see her. He might even leave her for Miki. The tears would no longer be contained as they streaked down her cheeks. What could she do?
She heard the key rattling in the lock; the familiar sound of Yuu's footsteps as he walked in the door.
"An? What's wrong?" Yuu glanced saw her sitting at the counter sobbing uncontrollably. Then his eyes turned to the now whistling kettle and spilled chow mein. He set the grocery bag down and took the kettle off the burner.
"S—sorry!" Anju got up weakly and helped him clean up. Yuu set his hand on hers and shook his head. "No, you go and sit down. Don't worry about it! It's only a little accident. I'll finish cleaning up."
Anju rose to her feet and stiffly walked back to her seat. Yuu finished cleaning up and sat next to her, taking her hands in his.
"Now, tell me what's wrong."
"Y—you're…" she caught her breath in between sobs… "Miki's-"
Yuu's eyes grew wide. "What?"
"Miki's… awake."
Yuu jumped to his feet, his heart suddenly leaping in his chest. "WHAT? How did you know?"
"She called…only a few minutes ago." Anju whipped her tears away with her sleeve.
Yuu turned towards the phone, Anju's voice stopped him.
"She's in the hospital still, I don't have the phone number to her room."
He stood still, staring at the phone, then finally spoke after a long pause. "I have to catch the next train. I have to go and see her."
A fresh flow of tears poured down Anju's cheeks.
"Why?" She sobbed out.
Yuu turned to her startled. "Why are you crying like that? Aren't you happy for her?"
"Huh? Well, I am—but—but…" She bit her lip and clenched her fists tightly. Yuu suddenly understood and he sat next to her with a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry." He put his hand on her shoulder. "You don't need to be scared because I care for you now. Miki is still part of my family, but I've decided to be with you."
Anju shook her head. "No, I know what it's like with the both of you. The minute you see her, you'll want to hold her in your arms again. It's always been like that with you two. It never fails."
"It's not going to happen this time An. I've finally gotten over her."
"Have you? Or am I just a substitute?" she looked up at him accusingly. "The thought has been in the back of my mind. We've been together for a year now… and you've never kissed me. Or told me you loved me. Just that one kiss I gave you that night when we were attacked by those men."
Yuu looked at her uncomfortably, he opened his mouth to respond, but the phone suddenly rang, he got up and answered it.
"Hello?" He said hoarsely.
"Y—Yuu?"
He hadn't heard it for over 3 and a half years, but it was no different. It sounded like an angels from heaven. Yuu smiled and closed his eyes. "Yes, Yuu here."
"Yuu-" Miki's voice trailed off happily. "I've wanted to talk to you, I'm awake."
"Anju just told me. I'm so happy for you Miki. That's wonderful."
Miki forgot about all the questions she had wanted to ask him. The only thing that mattered now was his voice, his very presence that she'd been longing for.
"I know, I'm still in the hospital. They tell me I've been in a comma for 3 and a half years. That was a surprise. I didn't want to believe it."
Yuu nodded, "Yes, but you're awake now, that's what's important. I'm going to catch the next train I can home, and I'll be there tomorrow to see you."
"You will?" Miki's voice grew with excitement, She'd been worrying for nothing. Anju was probably just visiting his apartment in Hiroshima. After a short pause she smiled and said softly "Yuu, I love you."
Yuu looked at Anju uncomfortably then turned his face away from her and said gently. "Yes, I'd better let you get some rest now. I'll see you tomorrow if all goes well."
"Ok, bye Yuu!"
"Good bye."
Yuu hung up the phone and then picked it up again; he began dialing.
"Who are you calling now?" Asked Anju.
"I have a lot of calls to make. I'm calling my parents first."
Anju nodded and stood up. "Ok, I think I'm going to go for a walk… and get some fresh air.
"Ok, take a sweater though, it's getting chilly outside." He waited until Anju shut the door and then set the phone on the hook and gave a loud sigh.
"A substitute huh?" He looked out the window at Anju trudging along the street. "It's true, I've never kissed her, to tell the truth, I just don't feel romantically attached. I can't see her as more than a friend." He sighed and then smiled slightly. "I really am not normal…But—" he buried his face in one hand "What—what am I going to do? I'd break Anju's heart! We have the apartment, and she moved here because of ME! It's really too late for me to change my mind… I'm—I'm sorry Miki…"
The next morning Miki woke up to a pleasant surprise. Meiko was sitting at her bedside with tears in the corners of her eyes.
"Meiko," Miki sat up amazed. Meiko had changed so much since she remembered seeing her last. She was more mature looking, wearing makeup and a business suit, a little girl was sitting next to her playing with a stuffed bear.
"Miki! I came from Hiroshima as soon as I heard you'd woken up." Meiko gently embraced Miki.
"Meiko, It's amazing to see how you've changed!" Miki returned the hug and then leaned back to take a look at her. "Tell me! How's Na-chan! And who's this?" Miki gestured to the girl.
Meiko took the child up in her lap. "This is our daughter. She's two now, and just beginning to walk. I named her Miki after you."
"You're a mother?" Miki's eyes widened in astonishment. "Wow, it's amazing! I can't believe it!"
Meiko laughed and nodded. "Yes, it's true! Miki has brought my family some understanding finally. They decided to finally accept the marriage, my parents are thrilled to have a grandchild, they spoil her rotten." She laughed. "I'm truly happy now."
There was a knock at the door and five seconds later Chiyako stuck her head through. "Miki! We have a surprise for you!"
Miki sat amazed as two little children toddled into the room. The first was a boy with light brown hair and brown eyes. Following close behind was a little girl with black hair, the color of Rumi's tied into two pigtails with pink ribbons. The two children ran up to the side of the bed and climbed up to look at Miki.
"Are you our sister?" asked the boy with a puzzled look.
"My name is Hikaru." Said the little girl
"Nice to meet you." Said Miki a little nervously. "I'm Miki." She looked at her four parents who entered the room after the two children. "AM I their sister?"
"You're their half sister." Nodded Chiyako. "They've been waiting three and a half years to talk to you."
"You sleep too much!" said the boy.
"Let's play now! I wanna play house!" laughed the girl.
"We'll play together soon." Miki assured them with a smile. "What's your name?" she asked the boy.
"I'm Hayama." Grinned the boy.
"Miki-oneechan! Let's play!" Hikaru pulled at her arm.
"Oneechan is still a little weak from sleeping so much." Miki said with a laugh. "But if you be patient, than I'll be able to play with you in no time!"
Hikaru looked a little disappointed, and appealed to her mother. Rumi shook her head and the little girl crawled off of the bed and sat on the floor next to Meiko's baby, and started to play with her.
Miki watched the two children, her heart felt all fluttery, as light as a feather. "I have a sister, and a brother!" She thought.
A sudden knock came at the door and Miki's eyes shot open out of their daydream.
"Oh, I'll get it," Chiyako opened the door and everyone in the room froze at the sight of Yuu in the doorway.
"Y—Yuu…" Chiyako gasped, then her exasperation turned to joy as she threw her arms around him. Yuu gasped at how tightly she hugged him
"M-mom! I can't breath!" He laughed.
"Yuu!" Rumi, Youji, and Jin all joined in, throwing their arms around him in a giant group hug. "You look so much more grown up! Look at you!"
Meiko walked up to him with her girl in her arms. She smiled at him sadly. "Welcome back, Matsuura-kun."
"Th-Thanks." Yuu smiled warmly at them, and then turned his gaze to the girl in the bed, who was staring at him wide eyed. He blinked a few times. Was it really Miki? She looked SO different. Her hair was long and fell over her back in silky waves, she had no bangs, they'd grown past her chin. She looked incredibly thin and pale. He had the sudden impulse to put his arms around her, protect her… or she might break.
All four parents glanced at Miki then Yuu in turn, who were staring intently at eachother. They hadn't spoken or even seen each other for over three years. The tension in the room was growing rapidly. The parents nodded in silent agreement at one another.
"Well, we'll just let you two be alone." Rumi said cheerfully as she grabbed up Hikaru in her arms. Chiyako did the same with Hayama, and they all strode out and closed the door behind them.
After the parents and children were all gone, Miki smoothed out the bed sheets around her and then looked up at Yuu shyly.
"What should I say? We, I feel like we're on totally different levels now—he's lived three and a half years of his life… and I've missed them." She bit her lip and looked up at him, his eyes were so sad. "He looks older… so mature…and somehow sad…"
"Miki, you—" He took a step forward, "You… grew, even asleep—you look older." He smiled at her warmly. "Welcome back to us."
Miki smiled back at him nervously, she wanted more than just a "welcome back," she wanted him to come and hold her, she wanted to be safe in his arms. She wanted him to kiss her. "Thank you. Everyone here has been saying that to me." She bit her lip hard. Why wasn't he coming over to her? What's he been doing these past three years? Did he fall in love with someone else? Anju!
"So—" Miki said softly, " Tell me, are you an architect now?"
"Yeah…" Yuu said breathlessly, "I'm working for a firm, and finishing my last year of college. It's been tough, but nothing I can't handle."
"Ah—I see…" Miki bit her lip, "Last year of college… of course… so much has happened…Yuu was in America with Anju…" She frowned as images from her dark dream filled her mind, of Yuu leaving her with Anju on his arm...
"NO!" She thought stubbornly, she was NOT going to think the worst. Yuu loved her, he wouldn't do anything to hurt her. "This is like a terrible dream! I wish I'd just wake up from it."
Miki took a deep breath, gathered her courage and smiled at him. "Yuu, come over here!"
Yuu walked over to her and sat in the chair near her bed. Miki grinned at him and gave him a playful poke in the chest. "I bet all the girls are just falling over you now hmm? You look older yourself!"
Yuu's words caught in his throat. He had to tell her, maybe now wasn't such a good time, while she was recovering, but he had to tell her about Anju.
"Miki—I need to tell you something." He clenched his fists tightly, he didn't notice that his hands were shaking. "You—I know you won't like this, but, the past three and a half years, were…very hard on me."
Miki's smile turned into a frown, "No… don't say it…"
"I, TRIED to wait for you—It turned painful to think about you though… the memories of us being together, and suddenly we were torn apart by something I had no control over—it was killing me inside… I think I understand how you felt when you got tired and broke up with me so long ago…"
"Tried?" Miki's heart began to pound, she felt dizzy again. A lump formed in her throat. Don't cry…
Yuu hung his head, Miki could see tears forming in his eyes. "I'm together with Anju now- we live together. And, I can't be with you anymore."
Silence filled the room. Miki clutched the bed sheet tightly, her eyes transfixed at her reflextion in the mirror. She hated it—the proof of her long sleep. That damned coma now was costing her happiness with Yuu. She opened her mouth, but her voice was stuck in her throat. She took a deep breath, clenching the fabric of the sheets in tight fists. Finally, she managed to form the words.
"Do you…love…Anju?"
Yuu nodded, he saw the terror reflecting in her eyes.
"So, the dream was true…But—" She looked back at him, reached out and grabbed onto his sleeve. Even her strong grip was fragile and weak, Yuu could have broken free of it easily, but he stayed still, watching her with hooded eyes.
"But—" She grimaced, the tears overflowed and spilled down her cheeks. "I love you! Even asleep, I dreamt of you! And I woke up because in my dream, you left me! I was terrified!" her words were choked with sobs. "You walked away with her, and I was left alone in the dark, I couldn't stand it! I DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE! I NEED you! I can't live without you!" She gave into her tears and buried her face in her hands.
Yuu sat like a statue, amazed at what he'd just done. Was it too late to undo it? Could he possibly take it back? No… better to leave it… He'd made a commitment to Anju. He watched Miki sobbing quietly with her head in her hands. She was TOO dependent on him for her own happiness. He'd never noticed before, but she'd never reliably been able to stand on her own two feet without him. He had never given her the chance. Even when she said she was fine while he was away in New York, he knew it wasn't true. She'd perfected her mask so that others would not worry. He'd always indulged her needy behavior the entire time they'd been together.
"She's never had the opportunity to be truly happy on her own." The thought hardened his resolve.
" I'm—sorry, Miki." He whispered. " Please—" He put his hand on her back but she tossed it away violently.
"GET OUT OF HERE!" She screamed. "Get OUT!"
Yuu stood up, a painful expression of regret on his face, But he headed for the door swiftly to make sure he didn't cause her anymore harm. He reached for the handle just as their parents and Meiko burst in uninvited.
"What's wrong? Miki I heard you scream!" Chiyako said, and then shut up as Yuu pushed past them and walked down the hallway swiftly.
"YUU! COME BACK!" Jin yelled after him, but Yuu turned into the elevator and was gone.
Back in the room. Miki continued crying her eyes out. Meiko put her arms around her.
"Miki… what happened?"
"Geez…" Chiyako put her hands on her hips and shook her head. " What's wrong with that boy? He's so different now, inside and out!"
"He doesn't love me anymore—" was all Miki could whisper through her sobs, over and over again in her Meiko's arms. "He doesn't love me!"