Of Kith and Kin: Chapter 7
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Hi, it's Thalia here again. For my devoted readers, sorry about the mix-up with
Chapter 5 and 6, please forgive me! Anyways, the different chapters are now
cleared up, and here's Chapter 7 for your reading enjoyment (I hope!)...
Speaking of which, I want to hear your feedback!! Please e-mail me with your
comments at smart_sweetlady@yahoo.com! I wanna know what you think!! Ok I think
that's it...all disclaimers apply as usual. Enjoy!!
-Thalia
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Weeks have passed. Gradually, Ami started getting used to the empty
feeling she had inside. Gradually, she was able to go to sleep at night without
crying. Gradually, she was able to produce a shaky smile for her patients. The
healing process had begun, and then, unexpectedly, her world was shattered
again.
One uneventful day at the clinic, a woman in labor was brought in.
About three hours afterwards, Ami, who had just emerged from a patient's room
and was about to take her leave, met the obstetrician Dr. Holly Tomoe, coming
out of the birthing room. Outside of Darien and Serena, Dr. Tomoe was, perhaps,
Ami's best friend in the clinic. A slight, delicate but ambitious woman of 28,
with chin-length dark hair and violet eyes that made a stark contrast to her
pale, pretty face, Dr. Tomoe greeted Ami and asked her to go to the waiting room
and, "Kindly inform Mr. Lee that his wife had given birth to a healthy baby
girl, whom she has named Aurora Rose."
Ami nodded and walked out to the waiting room. She looked around, and
saw a very familiar face. He looked a little worse for wear, his face a bit wan
and worried due to the stress that he had undergone, but still the handsome,
kindly gentleman that she had remembered. She gasped. He looked up, his bright
eyes full of shock, then incredulously said, "Miss Mizuno? Is it really you?"
Ami's mind belatedly began to catch up. Mrs. Leigh was none other than
Mina, and the happy father was Kunzite Leigh, Sard Greenleaf's old solicitor!!
Her thoughts flew immediately to Zoisite, but she tamped those thoughts down
with iron discipline. Faintly, she said, "Congratulations, Mr. Leigh, your wife
had just given birth to a healthy baby girl whom she has named Aurora Rose."
"Capital!" Kunzite gave one of his rare smiles. "Would you care to come
with me to see Mina?"
Ami assented and followed the tall man down the corridor to Mina's room.
Mina lay on her hospital bed, pale and tired, but jubilant as well, proudly
looking at an infant child in a crib next to her bed, whose head was covered
with downy pale gold hair and whose eyes were, amazingly, open, of luminous
blue-gray, and inquisitive. Kunzite headed over to his wife, tenderly kissing
her as Ami shyly hung back by the door. Mina greeted her husband with love,
but soon noticed someone standing at the door. She looked at Ami, then she
exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, is that you, Ami?"
Ami came in and sat down by Mina's bed. The older woman's face was
alight with smiles. "Ami! It is so good to see you again!! Where have you been?
Well, it does not matter now, what a coincidence! Kunz and I were at my mum's
house when I went into labor, and this was the closest facility around!"
Ami smiled, "It is good to see you, too, Mina. How have you been?"
"Marvelous, thank you. But unfortunately not every one has been as
happy as I. Zoisite has become rather desolate after your departure."
Ami's face paled, and she stared at the floor. Mina looked at her
kindly and appraisingly, her face had the same look of heartbreak that Zoisite's
had had. And...Mina suddenly took hold of Ami's hands. She looked at them
carefully, then dropped them back onto the bedsheet. "Ami, you are not engaged?"
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"No, of course not. Wherever in the world did you get that idea?" Ami
asked curiously.
"No, nothing, dear." Mina smiled brilliantly. "Isn't there anyone
engaged in this clinic?"
"Oh, my friend Dr. Darien Chiba is engaged, to the receptionist Serena
Tsukino out in the lobby. But I am certainly not engaged." Ami replied, a bit
confused as to how Mina could have come up with such an extraneous idea.
Kunzite cleared his throat and said. "I hate to interrupt this little
tete-a-tete, but I must speak to Ami on business." Turning to the lady in
question, he said, "I have put off the reading of Sard Greenleaf's will until
you could be found. You are one of the beneficiaries, and I did not want Rubeus
and Carnelian Greenleaf to go and take your inheritance. Now that you are here,
you must go to the reading of the will. It shall be two weeks from now, at
Aquamyste, on Sunday, at noon. Will you please try to be there?"
Ami hesitated. She knew that if she went, she would see HIM again,
but...from Kunzite's tone, it seemed like important business. But then again,
there would certainly be others there as well. She could just leave right
afterwards. "All right, I will be there." She promised.
Kunzite nodded and said kindly, "Do not worry, Miss Ami. I will make
sure that he will not make any scenes there."
Ami nodded. At that moment, Dr. Tomoe came in. "Ami, it seems you know
these people."
"Yes." Ami said quietly, "Mr. Leigh was the solicitor of the late Sard
Greenleaf."
"Ah." Dr. Tomoe nodded. "Well, Mr. Leigh, Mrs. Leigh, your daughter was
born at exactly 6:18, she is 22 inches long, 7 pounds 9 ounces in weight, with
ash blonde hair and blue-gray eyes, blood type B negative, likely to grow to 5
feet 5 inches tall, with no genetic defects or diseases. She is a little beauty
and I offer my sincere congratulations. However, it is time for the new mother
and baby to sleep."
"Of course." Ami gave Mina's hand a slight squeeze, and Kunzite kissed
his wife and baby daughter again, before the two of them, followed by Dr.
Tomoe, walked out of the room, turning out the lights behind her and wheeling
the crib to the nursery.
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The next morning, Ami went to visit Mina, who was still staying in the
infirmary. She entered the room to find it piled with presents: A teddy bear
with a dozen red mylar balloons from Rei and Jadeite, a thermos of hot chicken
soup and cans of baby formula from Lita and Nephrite, a huge bouquet of yellow
roses from Kunzite, a CD of Baby Mozart from someone named Michelle Kaiou, a few
baby clothes from someone named Susan Meiou, and...a garish, hideous silk robe,
bronze and purple striped with a sickly green paisley all over it, from...
Carnelian S. Eval-Greenleaf, written in elaborate, mincing script on a gilt gift
tag. Mina smiled ruefully as Ami looked at the ugly item and grimaced. "I think
she is trying at the last minute to...well, have me convince Kunz to...find
additional mentions of her name in Mr. Greenleaf's will. What shall I do with
such a...well, garment? Do you think I should use it as a cover for the changing
table, perhaps?"
Ami shook her head decidedly. "It would clash with your furnishings. I
think that, cut up and sewn, they would make wonderful bibs." She quipped. Mina
snickered, and Ami smiled back at her. Then, Ami got a book and pale blue
package from behind her back. "Here, this is a book on childcare, it is very
reliable and current. Also, I have diapers, bottles, rattles, pacifiers and bath
supplies in this tote."
Mina thanked her graciously. The two chatted amiably for a little while
before Ami went back to her duties.
During lunch, Mina had yet another visitor. Wearing sunglasses, a long
trench coat and a hat with the brim concealing his eyes. That is, until he was
safely in the room. Then the hat was removed, and the sunglasses, to reveal a
man with dark blond hair and green eyes full of sadness. He held out a package
for Mina as well.
"A mobile that plays lullabies! How charming!" Mina cooed when she
opened the package. "Thank you, Zoisite!"
"You are welcome." Zoisite looked around the room at the other gifts. A
bear and balloons from Jade and Rei...nice touch. Mina was contentedly and
happily having chicken soup from a thermos, the aromatic steam filling the room
with a delightful, homey odor. It was definitely Lita's handiwork, that and
those cans of baby formula. A huge bouquet of golden roses from Kunzite...
it figured...when a man loves a woman that much...his wayward thoughts flew
immediately to Ami, but, with a resolution equal to Ami's own, he tamped down
that mutinous thought. A CD of Mozart from someone named Michelle Kaiou...
very nice. Very tasteful baby clothes from another person named Susan Meiou...
and...a horrid-looking silk robe of clashing colors and patterns from none
other than Carnelian Greenleaf. His stomach tightened, but he gave a crooked
smile and quipped, "This, cut up and sewn, would make nice bibs, I think."
Mina laughed, "Why, Ami said the same thing when she came here!"
Zoisite jumped up from his chair. "Ami? She was here? How is she?"
Mina peered at him carefully. "Tolerable, seems heartbroken, though."
She said carefully.
"HEARTBROKEN?!" Zoisite felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him,
still there though Ami was no longer his. "What, did that doctor hurt her in
some way? If he did I will..."
Mina, despite the fact that she was lying in bed, wearing a shapeless
flannel hospital gown, glared at Zoisite so dauntingly that he cowed under her
eyes. "Of course not! The doctor is not engaged to Ami, nor has he ever been! I
suspected your story from the start. The doctor is engaged to that receptionist
out in the lobby, whom you had been bothering incessantly. Ami has nothing to
do with it at all! She loves you and only you!!"
Zoisite's jaw dropped, then his mouth snapped shut again. "She--she
does?" He said, confused.
"Of course she does, you stupid lad." Mina said wearily, "I have not
been a psychologist for several years for nothing, you know. Trust that, and a
woman's intuition."
"WHERE IS SHE NOW?" Zoisite demanded.
Kunzite, who had come in to hear the tail end of the conversation, put a
large, restraining hand on Zoisite's shoulder. "Now then, you must calm down.
You shall see her soon enough, at the reading of the will. And mind," Kunzite's
voice became almost like that of a stern father remonstration his unruly son,
"you do not make any scenes being your usual overbearing, loud and rambunctious
self. All's well that ends well, just do not give the poor girl any more trouble.
She shall need all her wits and courage about her."
"Why, is something wrong?" Zoisite's eyes sharpened with concern.
"Let me just say that your late father has left a little surprise for
her...one that your...brother and sister-in-law shall not appreciate a great
deal." Kunzite replied in a deceptively bland voice.
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Ami got out of the taxicab and entered the estate with a slight sense
of trepidation. Why did Sard Greenleaf include HER, out of all people, in his
will? It seemed strange. But then, she saw a black Jaguar pull up behind her,
and a couple, Rubeus and Carnelian Greenleaf, get out. She gave herself a quick
once-over: she was wearing a simple but very respectable looking navy blue
Armani suit, with a white silk blouse and navy pumps. She wore the caduceus pin
that she had bought the day that Zoisite had come back to Aquamyste. Everything
about her was neat and decent...perhaps not as fine as Carnelian Greenleaf
but...that woman passed her and gave her a surprised, superior look, but Ami
threw back a glance so icy that Carnelian lowered her eyes.
Mr. Neveson welcomed Ami warmly into the house, though he glared at
Rubeus and Carnelian. They were soon followed by Lita and Nephrite. Then,
everyone was present, and they were all ushered into the sitting room, where
Kunzite, his briefcase on the table, and Zoisite, sitting idly on the couch,
awaited.
Zoisite was about to jump up when Ami came in, but he remembered
Kunzite's warning, and tamped down any such desires for a later time. He
noticed that she wore that pin, that same pin that she had worn the first day
that he had come home, the day that he knew he had fallen in love. But, seeing
the others, refrained from saying anything.
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen." Kunzite said politely. "Now that we
are all here, I shall skip the pleasantries and open up the will at once." He
slowly and ceremoniously removed an envelope from his briefcase, broke the
seal, and removed the document inside. "Be it known to all that this is the
last will and testament of the late Sard Fitzgerald Islington Greenleaf, and
that its terms are binding and arbitrary. Are there any objections?"
Everyone shook his or her head. "Good, then I shall continue. You,
ladies and gentlemen, are the beneficiaries and possible beneficiaries of the
late Mr. Greenleaf. Be it known that when he wrote his will, he was sane of
mind and of sound judgment, as certified by this public notary and health care
professional. Henceforth, what is stated in this will is valid and by law all
the property of the late Mr. Greenleaf shall be divided precisely as stated
in this will. Without any further ado, let me begin." Kunzite opened the will
to the first page and started to read.
"I, Sard Fitzgerald Islington Greenleaf, do hereby certify this as my
last will and testament, etc...It is approved by a public notary, drafted by
my solicitor Kunzite Leigh, esq., witnessed by Miss Rei Hino, signed by two
relations: my son Mr. Zoisite Greenleaf and my niece Miss Estrellita Ivy De
Remie Kino. My sanity has been confirmed by Dr. Darien Chiba, physician and
Miss Ami Mizuno, deputy head nurse at --- infirmary. All of the above's
signatures appear on this will, and I certify that they are genuine. Etc.
Etc. Etc.
I. To my firstborn son, Rubeus Baine Hayley Greenleaf and his wife
Carnelian Sinns Eval-Greenleaf, I hereby bequeath my scorn and ill-fate. This
boon is permanent and non-transferrable except to any of their descendants.
II. To my second son Zoisite Greenleaf, I hereby bequeath, from
my monetary funds, an amount of £25,000,000, from my bank account, stock
portfolio and other monetary capital. This boon is also permanent and
non-transferrable except to his future wife and descendants.
III. To my kinswoman Estrellita Ivy De Remie Kino and her fiancé
Nephrite Starr Ralston, I hereby bequeath an amount of £5,000,000 from the
aforementioned bank account, etc. as well as a red Ferrari currently stationed
with my other autos, valued at £500,000. This boon is also permanent and
non-transferrable except to their future descendants.
IV. To Miss Ami Mizuno, I hereby bequeath my estate Aquamyste and
all it contains, valued at £10,000,000, as well as £5,000,000 from my
aforementioned bank account, etc. Also, the keys and contents of strongbox
IQT-0192468357 in --- bank, valued at £100,000. This boon is also permanent
and non-transferrable except to her future husband and descendants.
V. To the servants in my employ, I hereby bequeath a stipend of
£10,000 per annum for 50 years to each, to be withdrawn in equal portions per
month, from my bank account, transferable only to their future descendants.
They shall be allowed to stay at Aquamyste permanently, and serve the future
master and mistress of said estate.
Signed, Sard Greenleaf, etc."
Carnelian Greenleaft jumped up, squawking like a choked bird. "This
is an outrage! Aquamyste to THAT..."
"Mrs. Greenleaf, you have agreed to the terms and conditions of the
will. Its terms are final. If you wish to contest it in court so please
yourself, but may I remind you that there are some documents filed away that
would undoubtedly be rooted out, dating to several years back, involving one
unfortunate young woman by the name of Avery Blackmoon. If this does not
concern you, you may, of course, contest this will in court. It is your
decision." Kunzite said coldly.
Carnelian and Rubeus Greenleaf were silent for a moment, then Rubeus
piped up again, "You cannot prove anything! It's not...possible!" Turning to
Ami, he spat and said, "This bitch does not belong here amongst the higher
social circles anyway!"
Ami stood up to her full height. She was a small woman, and slender
too, but her eyes were flinty and her voice rang with authority when she
spoke. "Mr. Leigh, does this mean that I am the heiress of Aquamyste?"
"Yes it does, Miss Mizuno, as you have been since the day of the late
Mr. Greenleaf's demise." Kunzite replied civilly.
Ami nodded, and turned to Rubeus and Carnelian Greenleaf, both of
whom were looking at her with total hatred in their eyes. "This bitch has
some words for you two, and you'll have to hear them whether you want to or
not! As the son and daughter-in-law of the late Mr. Greenleaf, you two should
be ashamed of yourself, making such a ruckus over the distribution of his
material good while irreverently ignoring and forgetting his memory. Also, as
respected members of upper-class society, you have no excuse whatsoever to be
causing a commotion like a pair of hoodlums in a private home like you are right
now. The last time you where here, you were profane, irreverent and threatening.
You entered, uninvited and unwelcome. This time, however, I have no intention of
letting you ruin the harmony and peace of a private home with your sacrilegious
and unwanted presence! As the mistress of this estate, I must beg of you to
leave at once, before I shall ring for the constables to remove your forcibly
and ignominiously. Mr. and Mrs. Greenleaf, you two are respected, well-known
members of upper-class society, do you seriously wish to sully your reputations
by getting thrown out of a private home by the constables for disturbing the
peace? I think not! Therefore, leave this estate at once!" Saying so, she
reached into her purse for a cellular phone, ready to call in constables if
necessary. Rubeus and Carnelian, furious but helpless, stormed out of the room
and out the door, never to be seen there again.
Ami sat down after her vehement speech, dimly aware that all the others
in the room were applauding her. "You've got spunk! Why, you told that harridan
things that I have wished to say for years!" Lita said laughingly. Kunzite gave
her a rare smile, told her that she handled the situation very well, and gave
her a business card, asking her to call him if she ever needed his services. A
moment later, Lita, Nephrite and Kunzite all left the estate, leaving Ami and
Zoisite alone.
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Both were silent for a moment, and then, Zoisite spoke. The words, on
his tongue, had been bitter, acrid, accusatory, but, looking at her face, into
her eyes, seeing the sadness in them that mirrored his own, his words came out
softly, gently. "Ami, it's been awhile."
Ami nodded, unable to speak, her mind racing.
Then, gently, oh so gently, "Ami, why did you leave?"
Ami was silent for a moment, and then she spoke, "I left because, well,
you are Zoisite Greenleaf, you are Zanth Winters, you and I were wholly on a
different social class. I thought that, being with me, would ruin you..."
"And?" Zoisite gently prompted her to continue.
Ami gave him a soft, slightly wistful smile. "I was wrong. I realized,
when I saw you again today, that love has no 'class', no 'worth', no conditions
attached at all. It is nothing but love, pure and simple. We are different, and
that is that. But nevertheless, we need each other. I need you." She allowed
herself a tiny smirk. "I do not think that I have ever said that to anyone
before, but I've never been surer of anything in my life."
Zoisite inhaled sharply, and looked at her, her eyes were filled with
unshed tears, but she was smiling. For him! Always! And forever! And she had
said that she needed him! And that she was sure! She loved him! She loved him!
She loved him! He felt an urge to leap into the air and whoop with joy. But he,
having learnt restraint, merely smiled broadly and asked, "So, are you staying?"
Ami grinned, those tears sliding down her face free at last. "Yes."
No need for restraint any more. He had nearly forgotten what her lips
tasted like, the smell of her ocean-colored hair, the feel of her eyelashes
brushing against his face, how perfectly her sylphlike form fit into his arms.
But now he felt it once more. For once in his life, Zoisite Greenleaf truly felt
like he was on the top of the world.
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Okay! How was that? Longer chapter, and NO cliffhanger:D!! See? I can be nice
once in a while^_-!! Anyways, for my unusual and unprecedented niceness, I
deserve some reward, don't I? So e-mail me with your comments, positive,
negative, whatever! The addy is smart_sweetlady@yahoo.com, as usual. The story
is nearly done...one or two chapters left, and then the epilogue...it's been
fun:)...anyways, whenever I come up with a nice conclusion (I'm guessing two,
three weeks or so?), I'll send it in for your reading enjoyment:)!! Ja!
-Thalia
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Hi, it's Thalia here again. For my devoted readers, sorry about the mix-up with
Chapter 5 and 6, please forgive me! Anyways, the different chapters are now
cleared up, and here's Chapter 7 for your reading enjoyment (I hope!)...
Speaking of which, I want to hear your feedback!! Please e-mail me with your
comments at smart_sweetlady@yahoo.com! I wanna know what you think!! Ok I think
that's it...all disclaimers apply as usual. Enjoy!!
-Thalia
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Weeks have passed. Gradually, Ami started getting used to the empty
feeling she had inside. Gradually, she was able to go to sleep at night without
crying. Gradually, she was able to produce a shaky smile for her patients. The
healing process had begun, and then, unexpectedly, her world was shattered
again.
One uneventful day at the clinic, a woman in labor was brought in.
About three hours afterwards, Ami, who had just emerged from a patient's room
and was about to take her leave, met the obstetrician Dr. Holly Tomoe, coming
out of the birthing room. Outside of Darien and Serena, Dr. Tomoe was, perhaps,
Ami's best friend in the clinic. A slight, delicate but ambitious woman of 28,
with chin-length dark hair and violet eyes that made a stark contrast to her
pale, pretty face, Dr. Tomoe greeted Ami and asked her to go to the waiting room
and, "Kindly inform Mr. Lee that his wife had given birth to a healthy baby
girl, whom she has named Aurora Rose."
Ami nodded and walked out to the waiting room. She looked around, and
saw a very familiar face. He looked a little worse for wear, his face a bit wan
and worried due to the stress that he had undergone, but still the handsome,
kindly gentleman that she had remembered. She gasped. He looked up, his bright
eyes full of shock, then incredulously said, "Miss Mizuno? Is it really you?"
Ami's mind belatedly began to catch up. Mrs. Leigh was none other than
Mina, and the happy father was Kunzite Leigh, Sard Greenleaf's old solicitor!!
Her thoughts flew immediately to Zoisite, but she tamped those thoughts down
with iron discipline. Faintly, she said, "Congratulations, Mr. Leigh, your wife
had just given birth to a healthy baby girl whom she has named Aurora Rose."
"Capital!" Kunzite gave one of his rare smiles. "Would you care to come
with me to see Mina?"
Ami assented and followed the tall man down the corridor to Mina's room.
Mina lay on her hospital bed, pale and tired, but jubilant as well, proudly
looking at an infant child in a crib next to her bed, whose head was covered
with downy pale gold hair and whose eyes were, amazingly, open, of luminous
blue-gray, and inquisitive. Kunzite headed over to his wife, tenderly kissing
her as Ami shyly hung back by the door. Mina greeted her husband with love,
but soon noticed someone standing at the door. She looked at Ami, then she
exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, is that you, Ami?"
Ami came in and sat down by Mina's bed. The older woman's face was
alight with smiles. "Ami! It is so good to see you again!! Where have you been?
Well, it does not matter now, what a coincidence! Kunz and I were at my mum's
house when I went into labor, and this was the closest facility around!"
Ami smiled, "It is good to see you, too, Mina. How have you been?"
"Marvelous, thank you. But unfortunately not every one has been as
happy as I. Zoisite has become rather desolate after your departure."
Ami's face paled, and she stared at the floor. Mina looked at her
kindly and appraisingly, her face had the same look of heartbreak that Zoisite's
had had. And...Mina suddenly took hold of Ami's hands. She looked at them
carefully, then dropped them back onto the bedsheet. "Ami, you are not engaged?"
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"No, of course not. Wherever in the world did you get that idea?" Ami
asked curiously.
"No, nothing, dear." Mina smiled brilliantly. "Isn't there anyone
engaged in this clinic?"
"Oh, my friend Dr. Darien Chiba is engaged, to the receptionist Serena
Tsukino out in the lobby. But I am certainly not engaged." Ami replied, a bit
confused as to how Mina could have come up with such an extraneous idea.
Kunzite cleared his throat and said. "I hate to interrupt this little
tete-a-tete, but I must speak to Ami on business." Turning to the lady in
question, he said, "I have put off the reading of Sard Greenleaf's will until
you could be found. You are one of the beneficiaries, and I did not want Rubeus
and Carnelian Greenleaf to go and take your inheritance. Now that you are here,
you must go to the reading of the will. It shall be two weeks from now, at
Aquamyste, on Sunday, at noon. Will you please try to be there?"
Ami hesitated. She knew that if she went, she would see HIM again,
but...from Kunzite's tone, it seemed like important business. But then again,
there would certainly be others there as well. She could just leave right
afterwards. "All right, I will be there." She promised.
Kunzite nodded and said kindly, "Do not worry, Miss Ami. I will make
sure that he will not make any scenes there."
Ami nodded. At that moment, Dr. Tomoe came in. "Ami, it seems you know
these people."
"Yes." Ami said quietly, "Mr. Leigh was the solicitor of the late Sard
Greenleaf."
"Ah." Dr. Tomoe nodded. "Well, Mr. Leigh, Mrs. Leigh, your daughter was
born at exactly 6:18, she is 22 inches long, 7 pounds 9 ounces in weight, with
ash blonde hair and blue-gray eyes, blood type B negative, likely to grow to 5
feet 5 inches tall, with no genetic defects or diseases. She is a little beauty
and I offer my sincere congratulations. However, it is time for the new mother
and baby to sleep."
"Of course." Ami gave Mina's hand a slight squeeze, and Kunzite kissed
his wife and baby daughter again, before the two of them, followed by Dr.
Tomoe, walked out of the room, turning out the lights behind her and wheeling
the crib to the nursery.
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The next morning, Ami went to visit Mina, who was still staying in the
infirmary. She entered the room to find it piled with presents: A teddy bear
with a dozen red mylar balloons from Rei and Jadeite, a thermos of hot chicken
soup and cans of baby formula from Lita and Nephrite, a huge bouquet of yellow
roses from Kunzite, a CD of Baby Mozart from someone named Michelle Kaiou, a few
baby clothes from someone named Susan Meiou, and...a garish, hideous silk robe,
bronze and purple striped with a sickly green paisley all over it, from...
Carnelian S. Eval-Greenleaf, written in elaborate, mincing script on a gilt gift
tag. Mina smiled ruefully as Ami looked at the ugly item and grimaced. "I think
she is trying at the last minute to...well, have me convince Kunz to...find
additional mentions of her name in Mr. Greenleaf's will. What shall I do with
such a...well, garment? Do you think I should use it as a cover for the changing
table, perhaps?"
Ami shook her head decidedly. "It would clash with your furnishings. I
think that, cut up and sewn, they would make wonderful bibs." She quipped. Mina
snickered, and Ami smiled back at her. Then, Ami got a book and pale blue
package from behind her back. "Here, this is a book on childcare, it is very
reliable and current. Also, I have diapers, bottles, rattles, pacifiers and bath
supplies in this tote."
Mina thanked her graciously. The two chatted amiably for a little while
before Ami went back to her duties.
During lunch, Mina had yet another visitor. Wearing sunglasses, a long
trench coat and a hat with the brim concealing his eyes. That is, until he was
safely in the room. Then the hat was removed, and the sunglasses, to reveal a
man with dark blond hair and green eyes full of sadness. He held out a package
for Mina as well.
"A mobile that plays lullabies! How charming!" Mina cooed when she
opened the package. "Thank you, Zoisite!"
"You are welcome." Zoisite looked around the room at the other gifts. A
bear and balloons from Jade and Rei...nice touch. Mina was contentedly and
happily having chicken soup from a thermos, the aromatic steam filling the room
with a delightful, homey odor. It was definitely Lita's handiwork, that and
those cans of baby formula. A huge bouquet of golden roses from Kunzite...
it figured...when a man loves a woman that much...his wayward thoughts flew
immediately to Ami, but, with a resolution equal to Ami's own, he tamped down
that mutinous thought. A CD of Mozart from someone named Michelle Kaiou...
very nice. Very tasteful baby clothes from another person named Susan Meiou...
and...a horrid-looking silk robe of clashing colors and patterns from none
other than Carnelian Greenleaf. His stomach tightened, but he gave a crooked
smile and quipped, "This, cut up and sewn, would make nice bibs, I think."
Mina laughed, "Why, Ami said the same thing when she came here!"
Zoisite jumped up from his chair. "Ami? She was here? How is she?"
Mina peered at him carefully. "Tolerable, seems heartbroken, though."
She said carefully.
"HEARTBROKEN?!" Zoisite felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him,
still there though Ami was no longer his. "What, did that doctor hurt her in
some way? If he did I will..."
Mina, despite the fact that she was lying in bed, wearing a shapeless
flannel hospital gown, glared at Zoisite so dauntingly that he cowed under her
eyes. "Of course not! The doctor is not engaged to Ami, nor has he ever been! I
suspected your story from the start. The doctor is engaged to that receptionist
out in the lobby, whom you had been bothering incessantly. Ami has nothing to
do with it at all! She loves you and only you!!"
Zoisite's jaw dropped, then his mouth snapped shut again. "She--she
does?" He said, confused.
"Of course she does, you stupid lad." Mina said wearily, "I have not
been a psychologist for several years for nothing, you know. Trust that, and a
woman's intuition."
"WHERE IS SHE NOW?" Zoisite demanded.
Kunzite, who had come in to hear the tail end of the conversation, put a
large, restraining hand on Zoisite's shoulder. "Now then, you must calm down.
You shall see her soon enough, at the reading of the will. And mind," Kunzite's
voice became almost like that of a stern father remonstration his unruly son,
"you do not make any scenes being your usual overbearing, loud and rambunctious
self. All's well that ends well, just do not give the poor girl any more trouble.
She shall need all her wits and courage about her."
"Why, is something wrong?" Zoisite's eyes sharpened with concern.
"Let me just say that your late father has left a little surprise for
her...one that your...brother and sister-in-law shall not appreciate a great
deal." Kunzite replied in a deceptively bland voice.
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Ami got out of the taxicab and entered the estate with a slight sense
of trepidation. Why did Sard Greenleaf include HER, out of all people, in his
will? It seemed strange. But then, she saw a black Jaguar pull up behind her,
and a couple, Rubeus and Carnelian Greenleaf, get out. She gave herself a quick
once-over: she was wearing a simple but very respectable looking navy blue
Armani suit, with a white silk blouse and navy pumps. She wore the caduceus pin
that she had bought the day that Zoisite had come back to Aquamyste. Everything
about her was neat and decent...perhaps not as fine as Carnelian Greenleaf
but...that woman passed her and gave her a surprised, superior look, but Ami
threw back a glance so icy that Carnelian lowered her eyes.
Mr. Neveson welcomed Ami warmly into the house, though he glared at
Rubeus and Carnelian. They were soon followed by Lita and Nephrite. Then,
everyone was present, and they were all ushered into the sitting room, where
Kunzite, his briefcase on the table, and Zoisite, sitting idly on the couch,
awaited.
Zoisite was about to jump up when Ami came in, but he remembered
Kunzite's warning, and tamped down any such desires for a later time. He
noticed that she wore that pin, that same pin that she had worn the first day
that he had come home, the day that he knew he had fallen in love. But, seeing
the others, refrained from saying anything.
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen." Kunzite said politely. "Now that we
are all here, I shall skip the pleasantries and open up the will at once." He
slowly and ceremoniously removed an envelope from his briefcase, broke the
seal, and removed the document inside. "Be it known to all that this is the
last will and testament of the late Sard Fitzgerald Islington Greenleaf, and
that its terms are binding and arbitrary. Are there any objections?"
Everyone shook his or her head. "Good, then I shall continue. You,
ladies and gentlemen, are the beneficiaries and possible beneficiaries of the
late Mr. Greenleaf. Be it known that when he wrote his will, he was sane of
mind and of sound judgment, as certified by this public notary and health care
professional. Henceforth, what is stated in this will is valid and by law all
the property of the late Mr. Greenleaf shall be divided precisely as stated
in this will. Without any further ado, let me begin." Kunzite opened the will
to the first page and started to read.
"I, Sard Fitzgerald Islington Greenleaf, do hereby certify this as my
last will and testament, etc...It is approved by a public notary, drafted by
my solicitor Kunzite Leigh, esq., witnessed by Miss Rei Hino, signed by two
relations: my son Mr. Zoisite Greenleaf and my niece Miss Estrellita Ivy De
Remie Kino. My sanity has been confirmed by Dr. Darien Chiba, physician and
Miss Ami Mizuno, deputy head nurse at --- infirmary. All of the above's
signatures appear on this will, and I certify that they are genuine. Etc.
Etc. Etc.
I. To my firstborn son, Rubeus Baine Hayley Greenleaf and his wife
Carnelian Sinns Eval-Greenleaf, I hereby bequeath my scorn and ill-fate. This
boon is permanent and non-transferrable except to any of their descendants.
II. To my second son Zoisite Greenleaf, I hereby bequeath, from
my monetary funds, an amount of £25,000,000, from my bank account, stock
portfolio and other monetary capital. This boon is also permanent and
non-transferrable except to his future wife and descendants.
III. To my kinswoman Estrellita Ivy De Remie Kino and her fiancé
Nephrite Starr Ralston, I hereby bequeath an amount of £5,000,000 from the
aforementioned bank account, etc. as well as a red Ferrari currently stationed
with my other autos, valued at £500,000. This boon is also permanent and
non-transferrable except to their future descendants.
IV. To Miss Ami Mizuno, I hereby bequeath my estate Aquamyste and
all it contains, valued at £10,000,000, as well as £5,000,000 from my
aforementioned bank account, etc. Also, the keys and contents of strongbox
IQT-0192468357 in --- bank, valued at £100,000. This boon is also permanent
and non-transferrable except to her future husband and descendants.
V. To the servants in my employ, I hereby bequeath a stipend of
£10,000 per annum for 50 years to each, to be withdrawn in equal portions per
month, from my bank account, transferable only to their future descendants.
They shall be allowed to stay at Aquamyste permanently, and serve the future
master and mistress of said estate.
Signed, Sard Greenleaf, etc."
Carnelian Greenleaft jumped up, squawking like a choked bird. "This
is an outrage! Aquamyste to THAT..."
"Mrs. Greenleaf, you have agreed to the terms and conditions of the
will. Its terms are final. If you wish to contest it in court so please
yourself, but may I remind you that there are some documents filed away that
would undoubtedly be rooted out, dating to several years back, involving one
unfortunate young woman by the name of Avery Blackmoon. If this does not
concern you, you may, of course, contest this will in court. It is your
decision." Kunzite said coldly.
Carnelian and Rubeus Greenleaf were silent for a moment, then Rubeus
piped up again, "You cannot prove anything! It's not...possible!" Turning to
Ami, he spat and said, "This bitch does not belong here amongst the higher
social circles anyway!"
Ami stood up to her full height. She was a small woman, and slender
too, but her eyes were flinty and her voice rang with authority when she
spoke. "Mr. Leigh, does this mean that I am the heiress of Aquamyste?"
"Yes it does, Miss Mizuno, as you have been since the day of the late
Mr. Greenleaf's demise." Kunzite replied civilly.
Ami nodded, and turned to Rubeus and Carnelian Greenleaf, both of
whom were looking at her with total hatred in their eyes. "This bitch has
some words for you two, and you'll have to hear them whether you want to or
not! As the son and daughter-in-law of the late Mr. Greenleaf, you two should
be ashamed of yourself, making such a ruckus over the distribution of his
material good while irreverently ignoring and forgetting his memory. Also, as
respected members of upper-class society, you have no excuse whatsoever to be
causing a commotion like a pair of hoodlums in a private home like you are right
now. The last time you where here, you were profane, irreverent and threatening.
You entered, uninvited and unwelcome. This time, however, I have no intention of
letting you ruin the harmony and peace of a private home with your sacrilegious
and unwanted presence! As the mistress of this estate, I must beg of you to
leave at once, before I shall ring for the constables to remove your forcibly
and ignominiously. Mr. and Mrs. Greenleaf, you two are respected, well-known
members of upper-class society, do you seriously wish to sully your reputations
by getting thrown out of a private home by the constables for disturbing the
peace? I think not! Therefore, leave this estate at once!" Saying so, she
reached into her purse for a cellular phone, ready to call in constables if
necessary. Rubeus and Carnelian, furious but helpless, stormed out of the room
and out the door, never to be seen there again.
Ami sat down after her vehement speech, dimly aware that all the others
in the room were applauding her. "You've got spunk! Why, you told that harridan
things that I have wished to say for years!" Lita said laughingly. Kunzite gave
her a rare smile, told her that she handled the situation very well, and gave
her a business card, asking her to call him if she ever needed his services. A
moment later, Lita, Nephrite and Kunzite all left the estate, leaving Ami and
Zoisite alone.
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Both were silent for a moment, and then, Zoisite spoke. The words, on
his tongue, had been bitter, acrid, accusatory, but, looking at her face, into
her eyes, seeing the sadness in them that mirrored his own, his words came out
softly, gently. "Ami, it's been awhile."
Ami nodded, unable to speak, her mind racing.
Then, gently, oh so gently, "Ami, why did you leave?"
Ami was silent for a moment, and then she spoke, "I left because, well,
you are Zoisite Greenleaf, you are Zanth Winters, you and I were wholly on a
different social class. I thought that, being with me, would ruin you..."
"And?" Zoisite gently prompted her to continue.
Ami gave him a soft, slightly wistful smile. "I was wrong. I realized,
when I saw you again today, that love has no 'class', no 'worth', no conditions
attached at all. It is nothing but love, pure and simple. We are different, and
that is that. But nevertheless, we need each other. I need you." She allowed
herself a tiny smirk. "I do not think that I have ever said that to anyone
before, but I've never been surer of anything in my life."
Zoisite inhaled sharply, and looked at her, her eyes were filled with
unshed tears, but she was smiling. For him! Always! And forever! And she had
said that she needed him! And that she was sure! She loved him! She loved him!
She loved him! He felt an urge to leap into the air and whoop with joy. But he,
having learnt restraint, merely smiled broadly and asked, "So, are you staying?"
Ami grinned, those tears sliding down her face free at last. "Yes."
No need for restraint any more. He had nearly forgotten what her lips
tasted like, the smell of her ocean-colored hair, the feel of her eyelashes
brushing against his face, how perfectly her sylphlike form fit into his arms.
But now he felt it once more. For once in his life, Zoisite Greenleaf truly felt
like he was on the top of the world.
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Okay! How was that? Longer chapter, and NO cliffhanger:D!! See? I can be nice
once in a while^_-!! Anyways, for my unusual and unprecedented niceness, I
deserve some reward, don't I? So e-mail me with your comments, positive,
negative, whatever! The addy is smart_sweetlady@yahoo.com, as usual. The story
is nearly done...one or two chapters left, and then the epilogue...it's been
fun:)...anyways, whenever I come up with a nice conclusion (I'm guessing two,
three weeks or so?), I'll send it in for your reading enjoyment:)!! Ja!
-Thalia