Chapter 74: Our first love
"Fight the urge. Fight it … for him. For yourself. Before it's too late."
Yuri: "Am I doing it correctly?" She checks herself in the mirror. "Is it too much?" (Mother said I should look my best, but I never used make up before. I hope I don't look too weird when he sees me.) February 20, Saturday. The day had finally arrived as she gets ready for her date with Michael.
Yuri's Mother: "Is everything ok sweety?" She says form the other side of the bathroom.
Yuri: "I'm not so sure about this." She opens the door to let her mother see. "I don't think make up is my cup of tea?"
Yuri's Mother: "Ah sweety." She lift up her daughters face to examine her.
Yuri: "Is it too much? Do I look like a clown?"
Yuri's Mother: "Ah sweety you look fine. Though you could use a bit more here?" She looks at her lips. "Here let me help you."
Yuri: "Ah?"
Yuri's Mother: "There you go. Now you're ready for your date."
Yuri: "Thank you for your help, but don't you think it's a bit much?"
Yuri's Mother: "Not at all. You were already a beauty, so we didn't need to add much. You're fine."
Yuri: "Ah I see."
Yuri's Mother: "Are you excited for your big date?"
Yuri: "I am. Though I am a bit nervous."
Yuri's Mother: "You'll be fine. Your father was the same way when we had our first date."
Yuri: "Really?"
Yuri's Mother: "Aw, he was so cute as he kept messing up. Whether it was walking, he tripped or when he tried to give me a drink only to spill it. I couldn't help, but find him charming. He tried his best to make sure I had a good time."
Yuri: "I see."
Yuri's Mother: "So don't worry about it. If he loves you, he would accept you for your flaws."
Yuri: "I see. Thank you, that really helped put my mind on ease." (Accepting my flaws. Is this what love is about?)
Yuri's Mother: "Any time sweety."
Yuri: "Where's father by the way?"
Yuri's Mother: "He had a call from work. I'm sure he'll be back by the time you get home."
Yuri: "Okay"
While the two chat. Making his way to her place. Michael has his own conversation with Sayori over the phone.
Sayori: "Bet you're excited?"
Michael: "More nervous than excited."
Sayori: "Why is that? You're going out with Yuri. I say you should be more excited than nervous."
Michael: "I am excited don't get me wrong. I'm just nervous that I might screw up."
Sayori: "Don't worry about it. I'm sure things will go well for you two."
Michael: "You think?"
Sayori: "Of course I do. Just be yourself and you'll do great."
Michael: "Right"
Sayori: "Well I'll let you go now. As much as I like to be there myself to give you tips I got things to do on my side."
Michael: "Like what?"
Sayori: "Monika asked if we could work together today along with Sky and Sakura at a nearby café, so I'm about to head out myself."
Michael: "I see. I hope things go well for you four."
Sayori: "And I wish you the best of luck with Yuri. I'm so glad that the two of you are dating now rather than just drag it on."
Michael: "Yeah, I thought it would be best to say it now. Though I wished I could have done it better."
Sayori: "Well either way it's still better than not saying it. I don't want you two doing the whole will we won't we thing that a lot of shows and stories do. That always annoys me and makes me want to skip to get to the good stuff. You know the ones?" She looks at You.
Michael: "I can't tell from my end, but I get the feeling that you're giving me a weird look right about now?"
Sayori: "Well best being leaving now. Later MC." She hangs up.
Michael: "Uh?" (This girl. Oh I'm here already? Oh lord, so help me God that I don't screw up.) He rings the door bell and waited for a response.
Yuri's Mother: "Hello? Oh my and who do we have here?"
Michael: "Hello, my names Michael. I'm here to pick up Yuri?" (This must be her mom? I recall seeing her in their family photo.)
Yuri's Mother: "Ah, so you're the one who Yuri is so infatuated with. My names Violet, I'm her mother. It's nice to meet you." They both shook hands. (He's got a strong grip. Wonder if he works out?) "My daughter spoke a lot about you, Michael."
Michael: "Did she? Were they good or embarrassing?"
Yuri's Mother: "Good things about you, but embarrassing for her."
Michael: "I see?" (Sounds about right.)
Yuri's Mother: "Yuri's upstairs getting ready. You're more than welcome to come in and wait for her."
Michael: "Thank you." He enters into their house.
Yuri's Mother: "So out of curiosity. What made you fall in love with my daughter?"
Michael: "W-well she's …" He blushes.
Yuri: "Mother!" Both look upstairs as she comes down. "Don't ask him embarrassing questions."
Yuri's Mother: "Oh dear. Sorry about that. I was just curious to know more about your boyfriend."
Yuri: "Then can you at least tone it down a bit?"
Yuri's Mother: "My, is my little sweety showing signs of jealous?"
Yuri: "Eh? Mother!"
Yuri's Mother: "I'm joking, I'm joking. Don't mind her Michael."
Michael: "It's fine." The two couple stand next to each other. "Are you wearing make up?"
Yuri: "I-I am. Does it not suit me?"
Michael: "No, you look great."
Yuri: "I see. Thank goodness. I was worried that I might look strange wearing something I've never used before."
Michael: "No it looks good on you, even though you were already beautiful without it."
Yuri: "M-Michael."
Yuri's Mother: "My, he knows how to talk to a woman."
Yuri: "Mother!" She gets redder.
Yuri's Mother: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. So where do you plan on going if I may ask?"
Michael: "I hear there's a carnival being held at the pier, so we thought of checking it out."
Yuri's Mother: "Ah I have heard about it. Sounds like fun. I hope you show my daughter a good time and to bring her back safe and sound around eleven."
Michael: "I will."
Yuri's Mother: "Good. You two should get going now. There's lots to do at a carnival. Especially if they're going all out. Make sure to experience it all and to have a great time."
Yuri & Michael: "We will." They leave through the front door.
Yuri's Mother: "Take care you two." They all wave goodbye as the two head downtown.
Yuri: "I'm sorry about my mother."
Michael: "Don't worry about it. She was just worried about you."
Yuri: "I know and I do love my parents, but they can be very embarrassing."
Michael: "All parents are like that. I'm sure when you meet my mom, she'll most likely do the same."
Yuri: "Perhaps you're right." (Even though I have met her before. She seems like a good person. Like mother like son.) The crowd starts to form as they get closer to the beach.
Michael: "Looks like we're not the only ones who had the same idea."
Yuri: "It seems that way?" She holds onto his arm tightly.
Michael: "Are you ok being here? We can go somewhere else if you like?"
Yuri: "No, I'll be fine. As long as I'm with you I'll be fine." (I need to fight this. I need to overcome my shyness. If I can't then I have no right to stand beside him.)
Michael: "Looks like there's a lot going on?" He stares out to the open area as the crowd goes from one event to the next. "What do you want to do first?"
Yuri: "I'm not sure? I've never been to an actual carnival before."
Michael: "Really? Not even with your parents?"
Yuri: "No, the only time we ever went out was to an amusement park, but that's pretty much it. After a while we never go there anymore."
Michael: "Ah" (Wonder if it was due to her shyness and out of respect they just stopped taking her?)
Yuri: "What about you?"
Michael: "Huh?"
Yuri: "Have you ever went to a carnival before?"
Michael: "Yeah I have, but it's been a long time since I've been to one."
Yuri: "That so? Then if you can? Maybe take the lead?"
Michael: "Sure. After all your mom did tell me to show a good time." He grabs her hand. "So let's get going. It seems the freakshow is about to perform."
Yuri: "Okay."
[Carpel Tunnel of Love by Fall Out Boy]
The two head to the first attraction as the freakshow begins to perform on the streets. The two would watch as The Sword Swallower would eat an entire three swords while the handles were on fire. Soon after the Bearded Lady would come out of hiding along with her partner the Skelton Man a man so skinny, so pale that it made sense why he was called that. However despite his appearance, he was strong enough to lift up his partner above his head before setting her back down to play the xylophone with his ribs. Soon after a large man with rough skin appeared with a smaller man on top of his shoulder.
The small man had reptilian like skin and eyes. Long thin snake like tongue with large thin fangs as The Snake Man does a fire dance before preparing himself for the real show as the larger man flexes his muscles. The large man was by far the tallest of the freaks, well built with rough looking skin, so rough it look like if could be jagged. That is until it was announced that The Rock Man was ready to show off his tough body as The Snake Man would throw numerous object such as glass, knives, and any other object he could find at him and he wouldn't even feel a thing, but just laugh it off.
Soon enough more and more would show up as they perform their own tricks. After the show was over Michael and Yuri would clap before leaving. Before they knew it they were now eating some snacks they got from a nearby booth before heading out to see that the beach was holding a bodybuilder competition. They saw the crowd cheer as each competitor flexes their body in the most extraordinary of ways. After seeing them in action a winner was picked as he showed off for the last time while the crowd roars.
While they walk to the next event. The two of them would stop and rest as Michael got something for the two of them to drink. Before they knew it the motocross freestyle show was starting up again at the stadium. The both of them decided to go check it out and had a lot of fun seeing the performers daredevil stunts. Flips, one hand, hand on seat, and so on as they were doing insane acrobatics even through rings of fire.
After seeing them the two would leave for the pier and saw how large the Ferris Wheel was. Asking if she wanted to go see it, she agreed. However on their way she suddenly stopped. When Michael noticed her sudden stop, he checked on her.
Michael: "You ok?"
Yuri: "I am. I'm sorry for stopping so suddenly." She looks towards a booth.
Michael: "Something caught you eye?"
Yuri: "Ah no. It's nothing." She looks at it again.
Michael: "Did you want it?"
Yuri: "I … I do, but …"
Michael: "Alright, give me a minute."
Yuri: "Eh?"
Michael: "You wanted it right?"
Yuri: "I-I do, but …"
Michael: "It's fine. I'll get it for you no problem."
[Song Ends]
Yuri: "Please don't. I don't want you to waste your money and time."
Michael: "How much for the plush?"
Yuri: "!"
Michael: "That much? Alright then. Let me play."
Yuri: "Michael, please don't do it."
Michael: "Relax. I got this."
Yuri: "Ah?" Soon after the two are walking down the pier again. "Y-you didn't have to do that for me."
Michael: "I told you it's fine. Not the first time I did this for someone."
Yuri: "You've done this before?"
Michael: "Yeah, back when me and Sayori were kids. I won her that cow plush she has in her room."
Yuri: "Ah I see." She hugs the white dragon plush tightly with a slight smile on her face. After finally arriving to the Ferris Wheel, the two would have to wait as a line was formed.
Employee: "Okay next in line." After waiting for a while an available booth came down as Yuri and Michael take their seats across from each other. "Have fun." He turns it on and the booth lifts up. By the time they reached the top, the two stare out as it stops.
[Open Eyes by Saliva]
Yuri: "It's beautiful." She stares out as the sun finally settles and the lights of the carnival shines brightly, almost like stars while the people look like ants.
Michael: "It is isn't it?" (Brings back memories when me and Sayori came here when we were kids and the time I came here with … Maybe we should come back here for old times' sake. Just me and Jason. The last time we came together was back when I was with Sara and … Evan was around.)
Yuri: "Are you okay?"
Michael: "Huh?"
Yuri: "You seem lost in thought? Is everything okay?"
Michael: "I am. Sorry, I was just day dreaming."
Yuri: "About what? If I may ask?"
Michael: "Just thinking about how my two characters are going to act when they come to a carnival for their date."
Yuri: "Oh right. I had forgotten that you were having trouble with your story." She stares out again. "I'm sure it will turn out romantic."
Michael: "You think so?"
Yuri: "I do." She looks back to him with a smile.
Michael: (This girl? That natural smile. It's beautiful.)
Yuri: "Is there something on my face?"
Michael: "No. Not at all." The Ferris Wheel starts moving again. The two would leave and have a walk on the beach. The sound of sand crunching with every footstep they took. After a short walk the two would find a bench to sit with Yuri offering to buy cotton candy for themselves.
Yuri: "Here you go. I got cherry flavor like you asked for."
Michael: "Thanks" She takes her seat next to him as they enjoy their treat. After finishing their sweet treat the two would have a conversation about what stories they read with him opening her eyes to Manga. After a deep conversation the two stayed silent for a couple of minutes as they watch the dark waves. "Did you have fun?" He breaks the silence.
Yuri: "I have. Thank you for taking me here. It felt like I was brought to a whole new world."
Michael: "Good. I'm glad you had fun." The two sit close as they grab each other's hand. "I was worried that I would make you feel uncomfortable."
Yuri: "I was at first, but being with you. Made all my worries go away."
Michael: "How sweet."
Yuri: "My mother always did call me sweety."
Michael: "Seems fitting."
Yuri: "You jest."
Michael: "Yuri"
Yuri: "Yes?" The two lock eyes with each other.
Michael: "Do you really think I'm that special?"
Yuri: "I do."
Michael: "I see." He breaks the lock only for her to force him to look back at her.
Yuri: "Don't look away. Not yet. I want to stare at you some more."
[Song Ends]
Michael: "You must really like to look?"
Yuri: "Only at you."
Michael: "You seem flirty today?"
Yuri: "Whenever I'm with you. I feel like a completely different person." He remains silent. "There has been one thing that's been bothering me."
Michael: "And that is?"
Yuri: "You seem taller than when we first met?"
Michael: "I used to hunch."
Yuri: "Don't do that."
Michael: "And why is that? Is it bad for my back?" She rest her head on his shoulder.
Yuri: "It makes me feel better knowing your taller than me."
Michael: "Does being tall make you feel subconscious?"
Yuri: "It does. I remember back in Grade School all my classmates were intimidated by my height. It also doesn't help with my shyness that people often mistaken me as being upset."
Michael: "And now?"
Yuri: "I still feel that way since I'm the tallest of all the girls."
Michael: "But us guys are tall, well except for Ronald."
Yuri: "I know, but when it comes to my gender I can't help but feel like I'm the odd one."
Michael: "I'm sure there are other girls your height that don't feel that way."
Yuri: "True, but I never really have much confidence in myself."
Michael: "You have a cute smile."
Yuri: "!" She doesn't move, but spoke. "You jest. My smile isn't that cute."
Michael: "Well it's true. Matter of fact." He faces her and lift her chin up to his face. "I kinda want to keep that all to myself."
Yuri: "You don't mean that, do you?" She places her hand onto his cheek.
Michael: "I do." He moved forward to kiss her again. After making out again the two finally broke from their kiss.
Yuri: "Ha, y-you must really like kissing?"
Michael: "I'm a hopeless romantic."
Yuri: "Has my novels influenced you too much?"
Michael: "Maybe, sorry if it sounds cheesy."
Yuri: "Cliché's are what brings me joy."
Michael: "Good" The two chuckle before touching each other's forehead. "Yuri"
Yuri: "I know. I want to as well."
Michael: "I'm happy to hear that." The two close their eyes and kissed one more time.
Yuri: "I don't want this night to end."
Michael: "I know, but your mom told me to bring you back home."
Yuri: "I know, but … there's so much I want to ask you. I want to know more about you. Regardless of how terrible it is."
Michael: "Like what?"
Yuri: "How could someone like you used to be with her?"
Michael: "Are you referring to Sara?"
Yuri: "Forgive me for asking you a personal question like that, but it's been on my mind for far too long. I know it might bring up bad memories, but I …"
[Never Gonna Change by Saliva]
Michael: "We met when we both attended the Dance Team." She looks to him concerned. Regretting her decision. "At first we were only just teammates. Sure we sometimes partner up whenever we had to do those partner dances, but we never really talked to each other aside from our routine. I had no interest getting close to anyone at the time, but Evan was the one who talked me into doing the lessons and I trusted him enough to give it a shot.
At the time I kept to myself and practiced. I followed what our instructor said and during my alone time I would practice my routines. One day while practicing for the up and coming dance performance and wanting to make sure I was up to snuff. I remained behind. Found a place where I could be alone and focus on my skills. That was until she showed up. Sara heard the music I was playing and decided to watch me practice. I tried giving her the cold shoulder, but she wouldn't budge. Instead suggested we practice our partner routine. Before I know it she started fliting with me. I didn't buy into her attempts at first, but after a while I fell for her spell.
Next thing I know we were going out. We spent time with each other, whether it was with friends or just us. Before long she wanted to know more about me. She wanted to know everything about me and I told her. I wasn't ready to tell her my past, but she didn't push for it. Only telling when I was ready. Because of that I was drawn to her even more, so in the end I told her my past. I told her about my dad and how I felt deep down. The reason I keep my distance from others and so on.
She showed me compassion and love, but in the end. That love turned toxic. It became a drug. My addiction. Despite us no longer being together a part of me still misses her. The drug she provided. She was my everything, she was my first love, she was mine, and I was hers. I often wonder if I deserve to be with anyone else beside her? Does any woman deserve to be with a man who still lusts for another. A terrible woman with venomous fangs, but seductive lips. Do I … do I deserve love when I lust? Is there a place I belong? A place where I can be? A place to call home?"
Yuri: "… Michael I …"
Michael: "Sorry I didn't mean to sound so ugly about my lust."
Yuri: "Don't be. I was the one who asked. Besides, you always listen to me when I ramble about my interests. It's only fair I listen to you. I don't blame you for having some remaining feelings for your first love."
Tell him.
Michael: "Thanks for understanding. I really appreciate you. I just hope I don't break your trust."
Yuri: "You could never do that, even if you want to." She holds his hand with both of hers. "Sorry for making you remember the past again, but I hope you find that inner peace. I'm grateful to know more about you."
[Song Ends]
Tell him your secrets.
Michael: "Thanks for being there for me."
Yuri: "I'm glad to be of assistance." The two sit closer to each other and watch as the lights of the carnival reflect onto the dark sea. Soon after seeing the time, they had to end their date. By the time they reached Yuri's house. "Are you sure you don't want us to drop you off at home?"
Michael: "I'll be fine. Sayori's dad is picking me up at the nearest convenient store. I'll be home in no time."
Yuri: "Okay if you say so."
Michael: "Don't give me that sad look. We're see each other Monday. Until then take care."
Yuri: "Okay." The two smile before giving each other a goodbye kiss.
Michael: "Later" He begins walking down the street.
Yuri: "Take care." She watches until he was out of sight.
Yuri's Mother: "Ah welcome back sweety." She says as her daughter closes the door. "Did you have fun today?"
Yuri: "I have. It was like a whole new world to me. Especially the lights of the carnival as we went on a Ferris Wheel."
Yuri's Mother: "That sounds great. I'm glad you had fun."
Yuri: "Father" Her dad appears from the kitchen. "Did work go well?"
Yuri's Father: "It has." He scratches his five o'clock shadow. "I hear your date went well?"
Yuri: "It has. Thank you for asking."
Yuri's Father: "I'm glad you aren't hurt."
Yuri: "No why would I?"
Yuri's Mother: "Sweety why don't you take a shower and head to bed. You must be tired after having a long fun day."
Yuri: "Okay. Good night mother and father." She heads upstairs.
Yuri's Mother: "Good night sweety." Their daughter leaves. "What?" She looks to her husband. "Oh don't give me that look. She's a woman who longs for love from a man. We both knew she wasn't going to be our little girl forever."
Yuri's Father: "I know that, but that doesn't mean I'm going to like it. I'm just worried for our only daughter."
Yuri's Mother: "I know it's hard to let her go, but she needs to learn on her own. We're not always going to be around."
Yuri's Father: "I know, but that doesn't excuse the fact that I don't trust that boy. For all I know he's taking advantage of her or something terrible."
Yuri's Mother: "Alvis"
Yuri's Father: "She may have your looks, but she has my personality. A fact that I hate about myself. What do you see in me? What do I have that other's don't? What?"
Yuri's Mother: "Are you still upset after that man assaulted you and harassed me?"
Yuri's Father: "I am. If I was strong then I could have …"
Yuri's Mother: "You're not a fighter. You use your head to solve problems. Don't be what you aren't. The illegal underground fight club that's been plaguing our city is done and everyone involved in them are arrested. Don't beat yourself up."
Yuri's Father: "I know, but even after that was settled. I still don't feel satisfied. I just wish I could have made that man pay for it with my own hands. Maybe then I could've been more confident?"
Yuri's Mother: "Is that what you really believe?"
Yuri's Father: "Huh?"
Yuri's Mother: "If that's how you feel then you aren't the man I fell in love with."
Yuri's Father: "Violet?"
Yuri's Mother: "Sorry … I'm going to take a bath myself. I'll see you in bed later." She walks upstairs.
Yuri's Father: "… Violet I … I didn't mean it."
Later after taking a shower and her parents are asleep. Alone in the dark deep in thought as voices are being heard.
"You're disgusting. He hates you. He'll leave you. He'll leave you when he finds out. Just let him go."
Yuri: "Get out of my head. He's not like that."
"The truth hurts."
(I … had so much fun today with Michael. Mother seemed happy that we're dating, but father seemed against it. I hope he grows to like Michael and approve of us. I want them both to get along with each other, but it seems that it may take some time until they do. Hopefully it all works out. He is my everything. He is my first love and I don't want him to feel unwelcome and yet?)
"He'll leave you when he knows the truth."
(What is happening to me? These voices in my head.)
"He'll leave you once he meets someone better."
(I … I need to fight it. I need to fight this urge. This addiction. I don't want to burden him. I don't want to drag him down. I want him to be happy.)
"Let him go."
(I … I don't need it. I don't need this, but I … I need it. I need it so badly. I need to fight it. I need to fight this drug. For him. For me.)
"Just one more time. Just this once. So we can finally be together."
End of Chapter 74
